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RANKING SYSTEM

★★★★★ FIVE STARS ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .

RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS

We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate AMERICAN WINE . 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 ). If you ’ re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact Off-Premise Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

Five Stars �����

( 98 ) Bending Branch Tannat 2019 ( TX ). Dr . Robert Young brings a decidedly scientific approach to the art of Texas winemaking utilizing 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 . . . no , not that Newsom fella in California . This is the 8th-generation Texan , 3rd-generation grower who took the seed of growing grapes , not cotton , in the High Plains ( 3700 ft . elevation ) from the first two acres of cab ever grown in 1986 to the 160 acres today , with over 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 . 30 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 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 )

★★★★ FOUR STARS ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

★★★ THREE STARS ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

( 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 ). One of the new releases from this up-and-coming winery . This is a really 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 compliment rich black fruit and vanilla notes ($ 59.99 )

( 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 , utilizing 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

28 StateWays | www . stateways . com | Fall 2023