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( 96 ) Bending Branch Petite Sirah 2019 ( TX ). Grape sourcing is critical in Texas winemaking , and it doesn ’ t get any better than Newsom fruit . Dr . Young takes full advantage , using his next-level scientific approach coupled with a specific aging program of 32 months in French and American oak . Rich and full-bodied with beautiful color extraction . Dark fruit notes , and touches of black pepper , anise and Texas cedar . Try this with grilled pork tenderloin with a red wine reduction ! ($ 39.99 )
( 95 ) McPherson Cellars La Herencia 2019 ( TX ). One of the original proponents of the classic tempranillo grape , Kim McPherson adds complexity by blending small amounts of graciano ( 16 %) and carignan ( 3 %). Fermenting in stainless steel preserves the purity of the fruit while aging in French oak for 11 months . Very integrated fruit with hints of dark fruit , plum and white pepper . Beautifully pairs with Texas beef off the grill ! ($ 19.99 )
( 95 ) Hendry HRW Pinot Noir 2020 ( CA ). Dazzling aromas of sagebrush , black currants and espresso blossom out of the glass . Bold yet delicate flavors of blackberries , coffee bean and raspberries lay down a river of enticing flavors leading to a finish showing hints of toast and chocolate flakes . A beautifully crafted wine from this prestigious winery . ($ 24.99 )
( 95 ) Rex Hill Jacob Hart Pinot Noir 2017 ( OR ). Elegant , with dusty tannins , this wine is worth every dime . Blue and black fruit over cedar , baking spices , cherries and mushrooms
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make this complex pinot a perfect partner for grilled salmon . ($ 75 )
( 95 ) Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée 2015 ( CA ). The Royal Cuvée with a blend of tho-thirds pinot noir , and one-third chardonnay enjoys an extended time in bottle for its secondary fermentation , resulting in wonderful complexity and a delicate mousse . The nose and palate reveal lots of apple and citrus notes , as well as bight , clean fruit in the mouth . The finish is very long and quite expressive . ($ 65 )
( 94 ) Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif 2020 ( CA ). This is a super-dark , almost-inky wine in color with a very sumptuous plum and cherry cola palate . The finish has soft tannic notes that are mature and not overwhelming . This wine would be really food-friendly but also easily drinkable on its own ($ 59.99 )
( 94 ) Ramey Russian River Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Another great vintage for the Ramey folks . A cuvee of juice , some from 1978 , produces toasty nuances with a creamy finish . A palate of lemon , green apple , oak , spice and blood orange make this wine perfect for baked chicken with lemon cream sauce . ($ 48 )
( 94 ) Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Inviting aromas of red cherries and caramel with tons of red fruit to seduce the palate . A gentle kiss of dark , powdery chocolate wrapped in silky tannins shows wonderfully on the long , generous finish . Another Nick Goldschmidt creation , this one surely
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overdelivers for its modest price . ($ 29.99 )
( 94 ) NV Piper Sonoma Reserve Brut ( CA ). Nearly all chardonnay , with a balancing dollop of pinot noir added , the wine is brilliant gold in the glass , with a touch of green . The nose is dominated by bright tropical and citrus fruit , with hints of spice . In the mouth , the elegant sparkling wine is refreshing and delicious . A versatile , lovely wine . ($ 27 )
( 94 ) Luke Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( WA ). 100 % sauvignon blanc . The nose is dominated by tropical fruit , with hints of grass . In the mouth , it showcases the typical aspects of bright citrus and stone fruits , with amazing focus and balance . Its great acidity makes it a wonderful paring with a wide variety of foods . ($ 20 )
( 94 ) Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Oberon ’ s first release from Paso Robles demonstrates that given good fruit , they can create a great wine from other regions . The nose and palate share a spicy dark fruit character , with subtle hints of baking spices and cocoa . A lovely example of classic cabernet . ($ 25 )
( 93 ) Sonoma Bench Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). This full-bodied pinot noir is a saturated deep red in the glass , with lots of red fruit on the nose , with a hint of spice to add to its complexity . The lengthy , well-balanced finish showcases its quality . ($ 30 )
( 93 ) Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs NV ( CA ). This lovely , 100 % chardonnay sparkling wine reveals lots of bright
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apple citrus fruit , with subtle floral hints . In the mouth , the wine ’ s energy is apparent , with lovely effervescence and plenty of fruit . The finish is quite lengthy , with excellent balance . ($ 35 )
( 93 ) McPherson Cellars Picpoul Blanc 2022 ( TX ). Continuing his mission to highlight Mediterranean varietals , Kim McPherson works his magic with picpoul blanc . The 100-degree Texas heat shifts this from lip stinger to lip-smacking good . Lower alcohol and stainless-steel fermentation accent the great acidity and clean finish . Fresh Gulf shrimp in a lemon wine sauce is the perfect pairing . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Daou Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). Stunning melon and floral notes leap from the glass with zippy flavors of green apple , melon and just the right amount of grapefruit to let you know you are drinking sauvignon blanc . A fully loaded package with a bright , juicy , refreshing finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Smith Bench Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). From the Wente family , this chardonnay has a medium-yellow color . Tropical and apple notes elegantly balanced with oak and a kiss of spice . Think lobster and butter sauce . ($ 24.99 )
( 93 ) Newsom Albariño 2021 ( TX ). Nolan Newsom uses malolactic fermentation to tame the acidity of this classic varietal . He creates a rich , buttery white , perfect for hot Texas summers . Great minerality with hints of melon , butterscotch and vanilla . Time for a bottle with mussels in a lemon wine sauce . ($ 24.99 )
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