We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate SPRING / SUM- MER . 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 �����

( 97 ) J . Lohr Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel continues to refine her stellar varietal . More complexity is reflected in her use of now 10 different clones . Barrel-fermented for seven to nine months in oak , with 62 % malolactic fermentation . Rich texture and balanced acidity . Wonderful notes of orange and lemon add to hazelnut and baking spice aromas . Perfect with creamy shrimp and mushroom pasta ! ($ 10.99 )

( 97 ) Herdade do Rocim Fresh from Amphora 2023 ( Portugal ). Clean , bright and focused , the wine has a slight green tint , with lots of focused tree fruit on the nose and palate . Produced in amphorae , the wine is lovely , elegant and an excellent value . ($ 23.99 per 1-L bottle .)

( 96 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Russian River sourcing in the Alexander Valley establishes the starting point for this classic chardonnay . Night harvesting , 70 % stainless-steel initial fermentation followed by 30 % oak fermentation and a touch of viognier help to create a rich , full-bodied wine with bright acidity . Classic apple , vanilla and pear notes dominate . An elegant addition to a classic picnic lunch . ($ 21.99 )

( 96 ) DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc 2021 ( WA ). With 67 % sauvignon blanc and 33 % semillon , this Bordeaux blend is packed with lush fruit . White peach , apricot , fig and melon blossom in the mouth , showing great length . Six months of French oak give a light , creamy mouthfeel . A pristine wine that is sure to please . ($ 35 )

( 95 ) Trouchard Roussane 2021 ( CA ). An inviting wine with expressive floral , ripe honeydew and peach aromas . Rich and full in the mouth , with layers of apricot , pineapple and mango , while showing a dazzling hint of fig on the long , luxurious finish . ($ 30 )

RANKING SYSTEM

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

★★★★ 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 .

( 95 ) Fratelli Barbera 2021 ( Italy ). Fresh aromas of sun-warmed earth , with soft plums . Light in body with notes of leather , ripe cherries and soft plums , just a touch of almost-integrated tannin , with an easy finish . There is a good amount of fruit , but just enough acid to remind you that this is an affordable Old World wine . ($ 13 )

( 95 ) Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Rosé NV ( CA ). From one of the region ’ s pioneers in fine sparkling wine production , the delicate berry

StateWays | www . stateways . com | Summer 2023 49