StateWays Fall 2024 | Page 35

currant notes on the palate . Fruit-forward , rich and well integrated . ($ 39.99 )
( 93 ) Chehalem Pinot Gris 2023 ( OR ). Fermented and aged in steel , the bright citrus and stone fruit aspects of the wine shine through the nose and palate . Enough weight to satisfy a wide range of wine lovers , the focus of the fruit is foremost in the wine ' s strength , as it is eminently flexible in the large number of dishes that pair well with it . ($ 20 )
( 93 ) Lloyd Chardonnay 2023 ( CA ). Oak , vanilla and butter flavors balance in perfect harmony in this full-bodied , single-vineyard chardonnay . Winemaker Rob Lloyd ’ s technique with the grape gives the true chardonnay drinker exactly what they are looking for ; powerful , ripe fruit and lasting flavor . ($ 34.99 )
( 93 ) Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022 ( OR ). From one of Oregon ' s authentic pioneer wine producers , this pinot noir exemplifies what Oregon brings to the pinot noir world . Dark bright ruby in the glass , the nose and palate lean towards ripe dark fruit , with lovely accents of spice , and floral hints . An excellent expression of Oregon fruit and winemaking . ($ 28 )
( 93 ) Savage Grace Skin-Contact Gewurztraminer ( OR ). A brilliant orange wine that spent 15 days on the skins . Enticing aromatics of orange skin , ginger , clove and honey . A dry gewurztraminer that begs to be paired with tikka masala . ($ 36 )
( 93 ) Barra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). The 2021
Barra Cabernet Sauvignon presents a rich and robust character . On the nose , it reveals enticing aromas of blackcurrant , blackberry and plum , mingled with hints of tobacco , cedar and dark chocolate . The palate is full bodied and opulent , with velvety tannins providing a solid structure . Flavors of ripe black fruits are prominent , accented by notes of espresso , black pepper and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak . ($ 23.99 )
( 93 ) Bold Wine Co . Cabernet 2021 ( CA ). On the palate , it presents a full-bodied texture , dominated by deep flavors of blackberry and cassis . These dark fruit notes are complemented by underlying layers of mocha and a touch of vanilla . ($ 29.99 )
( 93 ) 1858 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2022 ( CA ). Coming from the iconic Wagner family , makers of Caymus , this is an extremely versatile pairing wine with notes of blackberry , vanilla , dried brush , baking spices and bell pepper rind . It is a rich , lush wine that ’ s sure to impress . ($ 39.99 )
( 92 ) Hall Ranch Red Blend 2022 ( CA ). A fun and approachable Rhone-style blend from Paso Robles . This medium-bodied wine exudes notes of bright cherry and spice . The graphite notes taper the fruit into a structured finish . This could be easily paired with a variety of food from barbeque to a delicate cheese plate . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Sean Minor Signature Series Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). There is a flavorful elegance to this chardonnay
. Gentle notes of butter and apple are intertwined with balanced acidity , leaving a delightful , lingering finish . ($ 25 )
( 92 ) Stolpman ‘ Love you Bunches ’ Rose 2023 ( CA ). On the nose , it offers fragrant aromas of strawberry , watermelon and a hint of rose petals , complemented by subtle notes of citrus zest . Upon tasting , the palate is greeted with a refreshing burst of red berries , including ripe raspberries and juicy cherries , balanced with a crisp acidity that provides a clean and invigorating finish . The mouthfeel is light and refreshing , making it an ideal choice for warm weather or as a versatile pairing with a variety of dishes . ($ 17.99 )
( 92 ) Smith Bench Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). From the Wente family , this is a fresh and lively pinot noir from Monterey with a balanced acidity that enables it to be easily paired with any meal or occasion . A symphony of tart cherries , baking spice and gentle tannins . ($ 22.99 )
( 92 ) Vennstone Reserve 2023 ( CA ). A powerful pinot noir offering intense aromas of plum and caramel . Firm bodied , leathery with dried fig , more black fruits and a slight herbaceous quality of sage . The finish is light compared to the powerhouse entrance . ($ 36.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Caliveda Reserve Pinot Noir 2022 ( CA ). Fans of jammy , juicy pinots and red blends will adore this plush and sumptuously fruit forward style of pinot noir . Blueberry , vanilla , brown sugar and blackberry jam run rampant across
the palate , but are balanced by the soft and sweet cedar on the finish . ($ 24.99 )
( 91 ) Muirwood Chardonnay Arroyo Seco ( CA ). Soft aromas for hazelnut , baked apple and pineapple followed by pear and citrus notes on the palate , balanced by oak which gives added complexity . Full bodied and rounded creamy texture leaves you with a lingering finish . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) Invicta Red Blend 2023 ( CA ). A plush example of a Sonoma County red blend that lovers of full-bodied wines will appreciate . Rich and structured , with notes of ripe — almost overly ripe — red fruits , baked cherry pie and tobacco . ($ 19.99 )
( 91 ) Medina Gap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Just as strong as previous vintages . Fruit-forward and approachable with blackberry , plum and black currant notes . A people pleaser with elevated but soft tannin structure on the finish . ($ 18.99 )
( 91 ) Analemma Oak Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 ( OR ). From an organically farmed vineyard at 1,300 ft . elevation at the base of Mount Adams . Hand harvested , half whole-cluster fermented and aged in neutral oak . A gorgeous , translucent strawberry color with aromas and flavors of cranberry , rose and cinnamon . ($ 44 )
( 91 ) Mina Mesa Rosé 2023 ( CA ). Very light salmon pink color with soft notes of straw-
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