retail cost: $26 – $50

Domaine Etienne Daulny Sauvignon Blanc 2022

93
Domaine Etienne Daulny
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Sancerre
Retail Price: $29.00

Tasting Notes: This sancerre has an amazing balance of acidity and minerality with subtle notes of melon and pineapple. The elegant layers of flavor do not disappoint from the beginning to the end.
Domaine Etienne Daulny Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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I Veroni Sangiovese Riserva 2020

94
I Veroni
Fanciful Name: Riserva
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Chianti Rùfina
Retail Price: $44.00

Tasting Notes: This elegant chianti is thoughtfully balanced. The velvety mouthfeel of fruit and structure conducts a symphony of flavors across your palate. Every note is controlled and perfect positioned for flavor and experience.
I Veroni Sangiovese Riserva 2020

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Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d’à Côté 2020

90
Domaine Yves Cuilleron
Fanciful Name: Les Vignes d'à Côté
Varietal: Viognier
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes
Retail Price: $29.00

Tasting Notes: Made from grapes at the edge of Condrieu, the depth and concentration is amazing for a wine at this price. Juicy and fresh and full of peach, apricot, citrus and honeysuckle, it does not overpower the palate. A delicious, mouthwatering example from Cuilleron, perfect for sipping or to accompany any manner of shellfish.
Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d’à Côté 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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Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Petites Secondes 2019

93
Domaine Drouhin Oregon
Fanciful Name: Petites Secondes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $32.99

Tasting Notes: Produced by the Drouhin family. The oak aging is evident from the first sip on this Willamette Valley Chardonnay. Aside from the warm oak and cedar notes, there are hints of juicy pear and crisp green apple that give the finish of this wine a zesty feeling that enlivens the palate.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Petites Secondes 2019

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Lloyd Chardonnay 2022

94
Lloyd
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: Rich, succulent fruits burst from this Carneros chardonnay. Hints of lemon curd and stone fruit play off the subtle honeysuckle, clove and vanilla. Refreshing acidity due to the cooler climate in the region gives this wine the backbone to stand up to any meal or party. 
Lloyd Chardonnay 2022

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Herman Story Red Blend Casual Encounters 2017

93
Herman Story
Fanciful Name: Casual Encounters
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2017
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Casual Encounters
Retail Price: $45.99

Tasting Notes: Beautiful blend from the America's top Rhone varietal region — Paso Robles. This rich, powerful meritage of syrah, mourvedre, grenache, carignan and tannat fills your mouth with dark currant, dry blackberry, chewy tannins and a touch of aromatic pepper. Fully mature with great balance. The equal of many northern Rhone's (Cote Rotie, Croze-Hermitage) for less than half the price.
Herman Story Red Blend Casual Encounters 2017

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J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Hilltop 2021

94
J. Lohr
Fanciful Name: Hilltop
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $34.99

Tasting Notes: One of the early pioneers of this AVA, and winemaker Brenden Wood utilizes primarily the estate fruit from Lohr’s own Shotwell and Beck vineyards as the foundation for this offering. Estate-grown petite verdot, malbec and cab. Franc is added for rich complexity. 16 months in French oak, sourced from five select coopers. Deep color, concentrated black fruit notes, balanced tannins, with a smooth lingering finish. Perfect for a roast beef holiday meal.
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Hilltop 2021

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Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Buena Vista 2019

95
Buena Vista
Fanciful Name: Chateau Buena Vista
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: With a rich history that dates back to before the American Civil War, this offering reinforces that cab is king in the Napa Valley. Sourced from select valley sites with additional fruit from the Atlas Peak and Oak Knoll AVA’s. The addition of merlot, cab franc and petite verdot adds bright red fruit notes to the blend. Aged 24 months in French oak, with semisweet notes of cherry and maple syrup, black fruit hints, all which lead into a smooth slily finish. Classic Napa cabernet! Wonderful addition to the holiday dinner table.
Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Buena Vista 2019

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Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2021

96
Cuvaison
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $41.99

Tasting Notes: More than 50 years farming the famed Carneros region decidedly gives you a leg up in producing world-class wines. Estate-only fruit, longer fermentation and minimal barrel time yield this concentrated and aromatic pinot. Red and black fruit notes, earth tones and a hint of spice dominate California’s classic interpretation of Burgundian style. Deserves a spot on the holiday dinner table.
Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2021

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Parr Vineyards Viognier 2022

91
Parr Vineyards
Varietal: Viognier
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Texas Hill Country
Retail Price: $35.99

Tasting Notes: Texas doesn’t need to grow chardonnay when they grow viognier this great. Robert and Dilek have supplied great fruit to top Texas wineries (William & Chris and Lewis, to name just a few) and have made the transition to producing their own estate-sourced wines. Floral and fresh, with a smooth clean finish. Hints of banana and kiwi. Their 20-acre vineyard is in the heart of the newest Texas AVA: Hickory Sands (pending TTB final approval).
Parr Vineyards Viognier 2022

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