retail cost: $15 – $25

Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

92
Domaine des Terres Gentilles
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: An exemplary food-pairing wine. Its mouthfeel is buttery, a little creamy but with bursts of apple and crisp melon. This Burgundy wine lingers for a while, leaving a vibrant vein of minerality on the finish.
Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

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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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Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Four Bears 2021

94
Sean Minor
Fanciful Name: Four Bears
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Ruby in color and displays aromas of cassis, black cherry, mocha and violets. Ripe flavors of blackberries and raspberries hit the mid-palate of this Paso Robles wine with a medium-long finish.
Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Four Bears 2021

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Violet Hill Pinot Noir 2021

94
Violet Hill
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied, with aromas of dark cherry, mocha and floral, that are echoed on the silky palate, with a bright finish.
Violet Hill Pinot Noir 2021

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Cuvaison Chardonnay 2021

93
Cuvaison
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: USA
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: With all the new kids on the block, it’s easy to overlook the pioneer families that put Napa on the map. Cuvaison is a perfect example. Established in 1969, it now encompasses more than 200 acres in the premier Carneros AVA in Napa. All estate fruit was utilized with a subtle approach to winemaking. Very aromatic on the nose with an atypical style of light butter notes and peach, apricot and plantain notes. Only 11 months in oak adds balance to the finish. A very elegant and full-bodied wine for the holiday season dinners.
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2021

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Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection 2021

94
Raymond
Fanciful Name: Reserve Selection
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Founded in 1970, Raymond has produced wines for decades. This is classic California chardonnay. Sourcing from four select sites in southern Napa, including Carneros. 100% barrel-fermented in French oak, but no malolactic fermentation, and then aged on the lees for10 months. Traditional apple and stone fruit, with a hint of lemon. Lighter style highlights the balanced acidity and kiss of vanilla. An easy go-to wine for everyday drinking . . . solid value.
Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection 2021

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J. Lohr Chardonnay 2021

96
J. Lohr
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Kristen Barnhisel works her magic with chardonnay . . . again. The gloves are off on this premium offering, starting with early-morning hand harvesting, and whole-cluster pressing to start. Different clones give overlapping layers of flavor. Malolactic fermentation, aging on the lees for 14 months and five different French coopers add barrel complexity. Lemon, tangerine and peach flavors add to the sweet oak finish. Think of this as Riverstone Chardonnay on steroids! This wine was made for turkey pairing during the holidays.
J. Lohr Chardonnay 2021

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Live Your Best Life Cabernet Sauvignon

90
Live Your Best Life
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Those searching for a “better for you” alternative to cabernet sauvignon need look no further. Low alcohol, low sugar, gluten free and vegan friendly. Dark fruit compote with tart blackberry notes at the finish.
Live Your Best Life Cabernet Sauvignon

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Oak Ridge Winery Zinfandel Ancient Vine 2021

90
Oak Ridge Winery
Fanciful Name: Ancient Vine
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Made from a blend of old vines from different Lodi vineyards, this zin is toned down with red fruits complemented by nice floral notes. Fresh and vibrant, this is easy to drink.
Oak Ridge Winery Zinfandel Ancient Vine 2021

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Conscious Pinot Noir 2021

89
Conscious
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: This is smooth and medium-bodied with notes of dark cherry and raspberry compote. Tertiary notes of earth and mushroom fill out the palate as it finishes with silky and light tannins.
Conscious Pinot Noir 2021

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Live Your Best Life Sauvignon Blanc 2021

90
Live Your Best Life
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Sustainably farmed, gluten free and vegan friendly. This sauvignon blanc is also low alcohol at 9%, and has less than one gram of sugar. Aromas of melon and grapefruit hit your nose immediately and follow through on the palate with additions of tart green apple and pineapple.
Live Your Best Life Sauvignon Blanc 2021

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Matchbook Red Blend The Arsonist 2020

90
Matchbook
Fanciful Name: The Arsonist
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Dunnigan Hills
Retail Price: $18.00

Tasting Notes: Full bodied, velvety and lush, this wine sees 24 months in oak. Blackberry and cherry with dark plum, chocolate, tobacco and sage. If you’re in the mood for grilled ribs, grab a bottle; your friends will thank you.
Matchbook Red Blend The Arsonist 2020

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