Category: Four Stars (86-91)

Fire Road Pinot Noir

91
Fire Road
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Marlborough
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Dark and bright ruby red, across the glass. The nose and palate share a common thread of cherry and bright berry fruit. The finish is balanced, with elements of spice, texture and balancing acidity. Excellent for the price!
Fire Road Pinot Noir

Print Label

Verada Tri-County Pinot Noir

91
Verada
Fanciful Name: Tri-County
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: Rich, deep and complex, with notes of cherry, blackberry and a range of spices on a lush texture. Excellent integration of oak with notes of vanilla lingering on the finish.
Verada Tri-County Pinot Noir

Print Label

Bend Merlot 2015

88
Bend
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $9

Tasting Notes: This wine launches with big flavors of plum and black cherry. The lush fruits are balanced with a long and smooth finish. This is the perfect wine for buyers looking for outstanding value without a hefty price.
Bend Merlot 2015

Print Label

Samuel Robert Pinot Noir Willamette 2015

89
Samuel Robert
Fanciful Name: Willamette
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Oregon
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Red cherry, cranberry, smoky undertones engage the senses. Fresh flavors of cherry and raspberry excited the palate. Elegantly finished with delicate acidity. The quality of 2015 vintage is present in this wine.
Samuel Robert Pinot Noir Willamette 2015

Print Label

Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno 2015

89
Saladini Pilastri
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $14

Tasting Notes: Vibrant red cherry and blueberry gently paired with hints of savory herbs. The varietal pairing provides both acidity and polish.
Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno 2015

Print Label

Double Black Zinfandel Paso 2015

89
Double Black
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: This classic expression of Paso Robles zinfandel reveals bright blackberry and black cherry with a backbone of black pepper spice. The elegant finish lingers with rich flavors of plum and baking spice.
Double Black Zinfandel Paso 2015

Print Label

Domaine de Bellevue Signargues CDR 2016

89
Domaine de Bellevue
Fanciful Name: CDR
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $14

Tasting Notes: A vibrant and fresh example of Cotes du Rhone leading with bright brambly flavors of raspberry and red cherry. The structure of the wine consists of baking spice and black pepper. A great value Cotes du Rhone.
Domaine de Bellevue Signargues CDR 2016

Print Label

Big Six Bourbon Barrel Cabernet 2016

89
Big Six
Fanciful Name: Bourbon Barrel
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: A perfect pairing expressing the flavors of cabernet and oak influence of bourbon. The flavors of black currant and blackberry are wrapped by vanilla and caramel.
Big Six Bourbon Barrel Cabernet 2016

Print Label

Beyer Ranch Merlot Central Coast 2013

89
Beyer Ranch
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: Perfectly balanced merlot. This wine features classic varietal character. Flavors of black cherry, plum, blackberry, leading to a soft finish with subtle tannins.
Beyer Ranch Merlot Central Coast 2013

Print Label

Crossfork Creek Cabernet Yakima Valley 2015

90
Crossfork Creek
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Yakima Valley
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: This classic Washington cabernet sauvignon begins with flavors of black fruits and violets, leading into plum and spice, and finishing with supple tannin. An outstanding value.
Crossfork Creek Cabernet Yakima Valley 2015

Print Label

Chateau La Tonnelle Haut Medoc 2015

90
Ch La Tonnelle
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Experience the grandeur of the 2015 vintage. A cabernet sauvignon-based red exuding flavors of black cherry and cassis with a touch of spice. The smooth finish is provided length by soft tannins.
Chateau La Tonnelle Haut Medoc 2015

Print Label

Beyond Ordinary Cabernet Blend 2016

90
Beyond Ordinary
Varietal: Cabernet Blend
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: South Africa
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: A cabernet sauvignon-based blend highlighting flavors of black currant, blackberry and oak spice. Elegant flavors are the centerpiece, balanced by soft tannins and a lengthy finish. A South African classic.
Beyond Ordinary Cabernet Blend 2016

Print Label