origin: United States

Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Limited 2021

93
Decoy
Fanciful Name: Limited
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: This inaugural release is a grand slam! Sourcing from prime vineyard sites in Alexander Valley — in addition to their own estate fruit — yields exceptional fruit. Very concentrated flavors in a classic fruit-forward style that’s very accessible. A kiss of merlot adds smoothness to the 14-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
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Limited 2021

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Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Harvester 2022

93
Austin Hope
Fanciful Name: Harvester
Vintage: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles Estrella District
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: This cabernet hails from one of Paso Robles’ eleven districts, Estrella. The nose is full of ripe tomato and herbaceous notes. While still a full-bodied wine, this is a more delicate style of Paso Robles cabernet, with balanced tannins and notes of bright red fruit, red currants and crisp cranberries.
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Harvester 2022

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Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

93
Ironstone Vineyards
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: It would be unfair to describe this as their entry-level wine, as it overdelivers for the price. Sourced from the families Thorton Ranch property, it benefits from the Lodi AVA maritime influence: perfect for pinot noir with cool nights and warm days. Addition of 10% syrah really adds to the complexity, and adds deep-cherry coloring. Classic earthy notes add to a meaty texture. This was perfect with our cedar plank salmon.
Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

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Rickshaw Chardonnay 2021

90
Rickshaw
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: Sandalwood, lemon peel and crisp cider-apple aromas converge on the nose of this bottling. The palate taste of baked lemon and roasted apple flavors, forming the core
Rickshaw Chardonnay 2021

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Caliveda Cellars Chardonnay 2021

90
Caliveda Cellars
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Buttery chardonnay lovers rejoice! Its golden color perfectly represents the warmth and creaminess of this wine. Dense and heavy mouthfeel with subtle tropical notes of melon and pineapple — but the buttery goodness is the star of this show.
Caliveda Cellars Chardonnay 2021

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Rise + Fall Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

91
Rise + Fall
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: Paso Robles fans: Don’t miss this wine. The classic combination of earth, tobacco, dark and sumptuous black fruits, and herbs that Paso has become known for is evident here. The notes of black fruits are juicy but not overbearing with a perceptible tannic quality on the finish that’ll leave you wanting more.
Rise + Fall Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

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Caymus Vineyards Pinot Noir 1858 2020

92
Caymus Vineyards
Fanciful Name: 1858
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Monterey
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Monterey County's mix of warm sun and cool fog produce grapes that are incredibly high quality for the price point, and this wine is no exception. This wine delivers an elegant combination of juicy plum mixed with cinnamon and spices. It compliments everything from a dinner party cheese plate to the cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving turkey.
Caymus Vineyards Pinot Noir 1858 2020

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Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2022

92
Cuvaison
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $27.99

Tasting Notes: Cool climate grapes thrive in the Carneros region, and this example is a real sleeper. 100% estate fruit, 100% Napa and 100% Carneros fruit yields intense notes of lemongrass and citrus, while the addition of a kiss of semillon adds a softness. Brie and honey notes add complexity to the aromatics. Beautiful aperitif wine to start the holiday proceedings.
Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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Raywood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

92
Raywood Vineyards
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: Plush, velvety and ripe. You will be hard pressed to find a better value California cabernet! Rich red fruit notes are underpinned by gentle oak and a touch of pepper, all leading into a silky finish.
Raywood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

93
Raywood Vineyards
Fanciful Name: USA
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: Rich with creamy notes of vanilla bean, almond and tropical fruit. Balanced acidity and savory toasted notes lead to a long, smooth finish, remembered for its touch of sweet vanilla. Best value of the year!
Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

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De Loach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2021

93
De Loach
Fanciful Name: Heritage Reserve
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Retired San Francisco fireman Cecil Deloach helped put Sonoma on the map in the mid 70’s. The Heritage Reserve series offers great value with exceptional wines. Sourced from key cool climate sights in northern and central California, including the famed Russian River AVA. Beautiful berry flavors, rich color extraction, a kiss of spice and great body. Perfect first pinot for the holiday ham dinner.
De Loach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2021

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Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

93
Elizabeth Spencer
Fanciful Name: Special Cuvee
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: North Coast
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Husband and wife team of Elizabeth Pressler and Spenser Graham established the winning template for their style of wine. Utilizing the best regions of the North Coast AVA, each lot is vinified separately to maintain its unique characteristics. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit. Exceptionally smooth, light acidity and good minerality highlight the lychee, citrus and apricot notes. Very versatile food wine which would work with appetizers or an easy alternative to chardonnays. Exceptional value for the money.
Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

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