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( 94) Bodega Colomé Torrontés 2024( Argentina). The torrontés grape variety has brought Argentinean white winemaking to the world ' s attention. This example, produced from grapes grown at altitude, is bright, clean and elegant. The nose is complex, with fruit and floral notes. On the palate, the wine is supple, with lovely brighter fruit notes, and a long and balanced finish.($ 14)
( 94) Aveleda Solos de Granito 2022( Portugal). A top-end alvarinho from a top-end producer, Aveleda produces two soil specific wines. The Xisto, wines produced from grapes grown on schist soil, is outstanding on its own. The Granito, vines planted in granite-dominated soils, displays superb class and pedigree. Brilliant pale yellow in the glass, the nose is rich with tree fruit, hints of citrus and a touch of minerality. That minerality takes the forefront on the palate, with stone fruit and an echo of citrus, followed by a lengthy, balanced finish.($ 17.99)
( 94) St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2022( CA). Produced from vines with a minimum age of 50 years, from various vineyard sites across Sonoma County, this zinfandel with petite sirah blend is a great example of the worldclass wines the region consistently produces. Dense ruby with purple hints in the glass, the nose and palate are very expressive, with plenty of black berry and cherry fruit, with touches of spice. A balanced mouthfeel and finish confirms the wine ' s quality.($ 25)
( 94) Dolum Cabernet Sauvignon 2022( CA). Well-fruited,
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with notes of blueberry, plum puree and blackberry. Richly textured with a velvety mouthfeel, leading to a finish showing hints of cedar and cocoa. A wonderful wine that overdelivers for its price.($ 19.99)
( 94) Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay 2023( CA). This elegant cuvee is blended from six estate vineyards and a small group of trusted growers. Rich in style and very fruit forward. 100 % malolactic fermentation, and aged nine months in a regimented blend of French oak barrels. Cool-climate fruit yields rich apple and pear notes with delicate hints of oak. Very balanced acidity makes for a perfect aperitif, and an excellent food wine. Overdelivers for the price.($ 29.99)
( 94) Markham Chardonnay 2022( CA). 45 years ago, the Markham family resurrected the original winery that dated back to 1874, and started producing world-class wines. This is classic Napa chardonnay, with most of the sourcing from the Little Canyon vineyard in the cool Oak Knoll AVA. 100 % barrel fermented, but only 25 % malolactic fermented. Aged almost nine months in French oak. Classic notes of citrus and apple with rich vanilla overtones. Light touches of minerality from the valley floor add a level of complexity. An excellent value for the money.($ 27.99)
( 94) Stangeland Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2022( OR). Silky and smooth with flavors of raspberry, cherry and black tea enticing the palate. Bold yet delicate, with notes of cinnamon and dusty spices emerging on the long, sexy finish.($ 24.99)
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( 94) McPherson Cellars La Herencia 2019( TX). Kim McPherson continues the legacy that his father“ Doc” started in the late 1960s with his Texas interpretation of Old World varietals. Tempranillo-based, with additions of mouved, syrah and carignan for complexity. Earthy, rich, with dark fruit flavors. Aged 11 months in French oak. Old World in style with a Texas twist. Perfect for a huge chunk of smoked brisket.($ 24.99)
( 94) Decoy Limited Pinot Noir, 2023( CA). Always innovating and evolving, the Decoy Limited series parses the portfolio to upgrade to this level. Sourcing from prime sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, in addition to their estate properties, moves this tier to the top level. Rich, deep coloring, with fig and plum notes, showcases an earthy full-bodied wine. Aging 11 months in French oak adds vanilla and spice to the long, lingering finish.($ 29.99)
( 94) Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2023( OR). French pinot meets Oregon pinot in this rich interpretation of pinot noir. Whole cluster bunches are put in sealed stainless-steel tanks to achieve carbonic maceration before fermentation. Very balanced, with beautiful color and strong red fruit notes. Medium bodied with lighter alcohol. This was perfect with cedar-planked salmon. Great value for the money.($ 29.99)( 93) Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022( CA). Sourcing from prime vineyard sites in Alexander Valley, Mendocino and the Central Coast. Very concentrated flavors in a classic
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fruit-forward style that’ s very accessible. 6 % merlot adds smoothness to the 18-month French-oak aging regimen. Black fruits dominate the nose with inky squid colors and hints of white pepper and dark chocolate. Time for that prime rib dinner celebration.($ 24.99)
( 93) L’ Etincelle Sancerre 2023( France). Made by Cave des Vins de Sancerre, the only cooperative with the Sancerre appellation, this sauvignon blanc is lively and energetic. Citrus notes abound with a touch of minerality, making this a great accompaniment to any charcuterie board.($ 29.99)
( 93) Textbook Merlot 2022( CA). Winemaker Abigail Horstman lets the grapes speak as she sources from prime sites in the Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville and Calistoga AVAs. Fermented 100 % in stainless steel, with 9 % cabernet added to the cuvee, and then aged for 14 months in French oak. Inky, and lush, with soft raisin and caramel notes. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak on the smooth lingering finish. Time to throw some thick rib-eyes on the grill.($ 29.99)
( 93) Bodega Renacer, " Milamore " 2021( Argentina). Both delicious and interesting. Interesting, in that the wine is produced by partially drying the grapes before fermentation. This concentrates the fruit, which intensifies each component of the wine. Nearly opaque ruby in the glass, the nose is filled with dark fruit, and abundant spices. Weighty on the palate, the rich fruit shines through, with an elegant and persistent finish.($ 27.99)
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Summer 2025 • StateWays 51 |