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FIVE STARS
( 98 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards “ Cyrus ” 2020 ( CA ). This family-owned winery continues to pay tribute to the valley with this best of the best Meritage blend , their 26th release . Eleven of the best lots were fermented and aged separately before entering a 24-month , further-aging program in French and American oak . Deep extracted color , with black fruit notes , dark chocolate aromas and oak and vanilla notes . Balanced tannins highlight the Bordeaux-style blending . This is the wine for holiday dinners . ($ 79.99 )
( 98 ) Enaxi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ( CA ). Founded in 2012 , this was a nine-year project for winemaker Kirk Venge : planting to inaugural release . Sourced from their best estate fruit , hand-picked and sorted from Block C , clone 169 . Twenty-one days of maceration for maximum extraction . Aged 28 months in new French oak sourced from three distinct
RATING SYSTEM
Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .
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cooperages , then bottle-aged an additional 20 months . This was their first release , and dedicated to the owner ’ s parents . Where to begin — beautiful deep color , rich mouthfeel , red and black fruit notes with a hint of minerality and balanced acidity . All this leads to a long lingering finish . The best red I tasted this year ! ($ 249.99 )
( 98 ) Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage NV ( France ). The pinot noir component , which comprises about half of the blend , dominates the profile of this superb rosé Champagne . Deeper in color than many other rosé wines , the nose and palate are equally intense and expressive . Notes of spice and a wide range of fruits add to its outstanding profile . ($ 75 )
( 97 ) Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016 ( Portugal ). Exceptionally dense bright purple in the glass , the nose is dominated by dark berry fruit , with a subtle floral hint . Lush and weighty on the palate , with rich fruit
Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .
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and tannins , the finish lingers and lingers . Delicious now , it ’ s also a great candidate for aging . ($ 79 )
( 96 ) M . Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Esteban Sparkling 2021 ( France ). A sparkling wine with a touch of a difference . 100 % Viognier from the northern portion of the Rhône Valley , it is a brilliant pale gold in the glass , with straw notes . The nose is dominated by clean , bright citrus and white peach notes , and the palate reflects those characteristics , with fine and persistent bubbles . A great wine to pair with delicate and spicy dishes . ($ 41 )
( 96 ) Duhart Milon Pauillac 2009 ( France ). Classic Bordeaux with that signature lead pencil graphite and forest floor aromas / entrancing . Sappy and silky with a long finish , a wine that should be savored and experienced by anyone who loves Bordeaux . ($ 170 )
( 96 ) Herdade do Rocim 2021 ( Portugal ). A very modern
Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .
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( 96 ) Piper Sonoma Brut Reserve NV ( CA ). From one of the country ’ s premier sparkling wine producers , the quality and complexity of the wine demonstrates the experience and dedication to quality that Piper Sonoma consistently brings to the bottle . Bright gold , with a fine mousse , the nose exhibits notes of citrus , tropical and tree fruit , along with hints of spice . The palate is clean , and the long finish echoes the nose and complex flavors . ($ 27 )
( 96 ) Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca 2021 ( Portugal ). A wonderful example of a wine produced from a variety that certainly deserves much more attention and respect . Deep and brilliant ruby / garnet in the glass , the entrancing nose of elegant black fruit and spice is attractive and alluring . In the mouth , the wine is supple with an underlying power , showcasing its great potential for aging . At this price point , it ’ s an excellent value . ($ 25 )
( 96 ) Magdalean Toso 26 Barrels ( Argentina ). Established in 1890 , this family winery sources from their famed Barrancas vineyard in the Maipu district of Mendoza . The original “ Flying winemaker ” Paul Hobbs
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Winter 2024 • StateWays 23 |