Category: Five Stars (92-100)

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir

95
Gary Farrell
Fanciful Name: Russian River Selection
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: Deep and bright ruby in the glass. The nose is complex, with notes of bright red fruit, and a touch of herbs. In the mouth, this exceptional wine possesses lots of complexity, with more bright fruit, herbs and a touch of floral notes. The balancing acidity adds to the complexity and quality. Outstanding.
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir

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Miro Pinot Noir 2014

95
Miro
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: In Anderson Valley, the cool-climate Conzelman Vineyard yields great pinot noir from three different clones. Winemaker Miro Tcholakov selected this vineyard to produce a big, rich style. Whole clusters are fermented with whole individual berries and inoculated for malolactic richness. The wine is then aged in 20% new French barriques for 14 months. The color is a deep red/blue — gorgeous! Aromas of ripe red fruit, lilac, toasty oak and spices abound. On the palate, you’ll taste ripe cherry, raspberry, allspice, and a hint of Mandarin along with a hint of vanilla. The finish is long with a perfect balance of supple tannins and sweet/tart acidity. This is simply great Pinot Noir!
Miro Pinot Noir 2014

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Calista The Coast Range Pinot Noir

95
Calista
Fanciful Name: The Coast Range
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: The grapes are sourced from Sonoma, Mendocino and Monterey Counties, three great AVAs for pinot noir. The wine is fermented in small open-top fermenters and the cap is punched down twice daily. The wine is then aged in French barriques, 30% new, for 14 months. Stylistically, it’s quite “Burgundian,” with a pretty ruby color. Floral and red fruit aromas harmonize with hints of yeast and lightly toasted oak. Lovely flavors of cherry, strawberry and sweet spice gently coat the palate and finish with nuances of coffee and terroir that balance and linger with soft tannins and bright acidity. This is a very classy, complex wine that is approachable now and which will pair with many cuisines.
Calista The Coast Range Pinot Noir

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Soter Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir

96
Soter
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Yamhill Carlton District
Retail Price: $80

Tasting Notes: Serious, intensely structured pinot that needs some time in the bottle. Full bodied — balanced acidity. Layers and layers of spice, herbs, cedar and blueberries. Decant first or cellar for a year or two.
Soter Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir

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Fable Pinot Meunier 2016

96
Fable
Varietal: Pinot Meunier
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: There’s not much of this grape produced as a varietal and this one is quite a treat! In Russian River Valley, the grapes are grown on the Dommen Vineyard, which is composed of deep, dusty red earth; the terroir shows nicely. The wine is vinified in a “Burgundian” fashion, with partial whole-cluster fermentation and indigenous yeasts. It is then left on its lees in neutral French oak barrels for 11 months. The color is a lovely bluish purple. There are intriguing aromas of dark fruit, sweet spice, mocha and a hint of orange zest. Flavors of baked cherry, cinnamon/ginger, coffee and mocha harmonize beautifully with supple tannins and bright acidity. This is very interesting and delightful wine that will complement lamb, game, duck, or mild curries. It’s also nicely priced.
Fable Pinot Meunier 2016

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Aegerter Les Enfants Pinot Noir 2016

92
Aegerter
Fanciful Name: Les Enfants
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: Aergerter is a well-known Burgundy producer that travels outside of Burgundy to make an amazingly affordable pinot noir from.... the Languedoc? With the same care and skill they use in Burgundy, they are able to craft the most well balanced, pure pinot noir you will ever find for under $15.
Aegerter Les Enfants Pinot Noir 2016

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Round Pound Kith & Kin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

92
Round Pound Kith & Kin
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: This cabernet sauvignon offers amazing control; the fruit is robust yet doesn’t overwhelm. As it coats your palate, the profile changes from structure and dark fruit to a bright pop of cherry. Amazing wine for that special dinner.
Round Pound Kith & Kin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

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Domaine Pichot Vouvray 2015

92
Domaine Pichot
Varietal: Vouvray
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: A dazzling expression of vouvray. There is balance of acidity and vibrant, slightly sweet fruit combined with a creamy texture like you would experience with a golden chardonnay. A must-have with lobster or crab legs.
Domaine Pichot Vouvray 2015

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La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

92
La Rioja Alta Vina
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Rioja
Vintage: 2009
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Rich, powerful and full bodied. Loaded with inviting black truffle and blueberry. Well balanced. Drinking great right now but will continue to develop for a few years.
La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Rioja Reserva 2009

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Antica Corte Valpoicella Ripasso 2015

92
Antica Corte
Varietal: Corvina
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: This wine expresses power and concentration of the Ripasso method. The wine showcases flavors of black cherry, blueberry and oak tones. It’s framed with a fresh acidity providing a long length and excellent food compatibility.
Antica Corte Valpoicella Ripasso 2015

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Gran Appasso 2015

92
Gran Appasso
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $17

Tasting Notes: A remarkable blend of negroamaro and primitivo grapes from Puglia. Deep rich color with dense cherry notes. A slight raisiny character with soft vanilla oak tones. Overall medium balanced fruit and oak body with a lasting dried fruit finish. Great when paired with lasagna and tenderloin roast.
Gran Appasso 2015

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Henry Fessy Les Vergers Macon-Villages 2014

92
Henry Fessy
Fanciful Name: Les Vergers
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Macon-Villages
Retail Price: $16

Tasting Notes: The bright apple and citrus aromas that fill the glass are quite welcoming. The presence of all-stainless-steel ageing are evident in this extremely bright, clean and elegant wine. Beautifully balanced acidity and minerality make this wine truly a pleasure to drink. A wonderfully fresh-but-slightly sweet finish is perfect for any occasion.
Henry Fessy Les Vergers Macon-Villages 2014

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