For this round of wine reviews , we asked our national panel of experts to recommend some of their best American wines . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price , which can vary from store to store and market to market . Unless noted otherwise , the price reflects a 750-ml . bottle .

FIVE STARS

( 98 ) Bending Branch Tannat 2019 ( TX ). Dr . Robert Young brings a decidedly scientific approach to the art of Texas winemaking using cyro maceration , whole-berry fermentation and flash détente to highlight his signature varietal : tannat . Rich and bone dry , almost chalky with strong minerality . Black fruit notes add to the deep-inky coloring . Smooth lingering finish makes a perfect pairing for a thick rib-eye right off the grill . ($ 59.99 )

( 98 ) Newsom Inception 2019 ( TX ). Nolan Newsom is the 8th-generation Texan , 3rd-generation grower who took the seed of growing grapes , not cotton , in the High Plains ( 3,700 ft . elevation ) from the first two acres of cab ever grown in 1986 to the 160 acres today , with more than 19 varietals . This is their flagship and the only blend in his portfolio , Nolan ’ s version of the classic Bordeaux style . This vintage highlights syrah ( 48 %) and sangiovese / tannat ( 40 %) with small amounts of seven other varietals for complexity . Rich and full bodied , it starts out lush and finishes bone-dry . Thirty months of oak aging helps smooth things out with a fruit-forward style . An end cut of prime rib , double baked potato , and a bottle of Inception — perfection ! ($ 49.99 )

( 97 ) Foley Estate Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). A wonderful example of Central Coast pinot noir , balancing rich fruit with acidity and elegance . Brilliant dark ruby , the nose and palate share a common thread of bright and slightly

PHOTO CREDIT : © RIDO - STOCK . ADOBE . COM spicy red fruit . The finish lingers for quite some time , with notes of warm spice . ($ 61 )

( 96 ) Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ( WA ). Mostly cabernet , with some merlot , a bit of cabernet franc and petit verdot added in , this wine is a dense , brilliant red . The nose is dominated by dark red fruit , with an intriguing baked spice aspect . With plenty of weight on the palate , the finish is quite lengthy and well balanced . ($ 64.99 )

( 96 ) Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Using a combination of fruit from some of the region ’ s top vineyards , in addition to estate fruit , the quality of the wine is apparent from the start . In the glass , the bright-red color is nearly opaque . The nose and palate exhibit lots of appealing dark fruit , with spice notes . The wine is very full bodied , with a long finish . ($ 55 )

( 96 ) Slate Theory Montepulciano 2019 ( TX ). A new releases from this up-and-coming winery . This is a big wine that showcases their varietal approach using old world varietals from Italy for this effort . New and neutral French oak adds subtle smoothness to complement rich black fruit and vanilla notes . ($ 59.99 )

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