retail cost: $26 – $50

Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2013

93
Fulcrum
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: The nose displays a little of that wild, smoky, earthy pinot noir funkiness that pinot-philes adore. This is a medium- to full-bodied red, featuring dark, spicy berry flavors folded into a bed of stony minerals. The substantial finish reveals understated notes of earth and mocha.
Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2013

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Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92
Eaglewood Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Rutherford
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: The bouquet is a bit subdued, but hints at a lovely array of ripe red berry, black cherry and currant aromas lightly framed with mild oak. It is smooth and supple on the palate, displaying excellent balance, and builds in depth across the palate, with black currant, cherry, blackberry and plum flavors, and subtle spice notes in the background. A steely edge indicates firm tannins, but they are very well integrated.
Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013

93
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The 31st vintage continues to pay homage to the classic white Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc/semillion blend and oak aging. Rich and full-bodied, strong citrus notes with an underlying thread of minerality. A classic Napa Valley sauvignon with a perfect marriage of subtle grapefruit and lingering melon flavors. The balance of acidity and fruit make for a beautiful experience.
Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Dierberg Drum Canyon Pinot Noir 2012

93
Dierberg Drum Canyon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $41.99

Tasting Notes: This is a beautifully balanced wine, having been aged 18 months in oak. On the nose, you will find black fruit and raspberry with notes of roasted coffee. On the palate, you will taste sweet smoke with blackberry, leading to a long, elegant finish with a delightful burst of fruit.
Dierberg Drum Canyon Pinot Noir 2012

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Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

93
Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Fanciful Name: Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard pinot noir, from the one of the coolest regions in Napa Valley, shows great color, with a spicy combination of red and black fruit. Plenty of structure and a balanced finish display its pedigree.
Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

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Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Chappellet Signature
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: Complex and satisfying, with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses.
Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

93
Cakebread Cellars
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Elegant and noteworthy. This wine shines with hints of nectarine and stone. Well balanced, pleasing long finish. A must with food.
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
B.R. Cohn
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $42

Tasting Notes: A blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County. Rich, lush, generous cabernet showing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Classic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for a full-bodied, smooth finish.
B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Mapema Malbec 2011

91
Mapema
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The “Ma” comes from Mariano di Paola, the “pe” comes from the people at the winery, and the “ma” is the magic they create as a team. A 100% high-altitude malbec, aged 12 months in oak. Cherry notes balanced with a hint of peppery spice. Perfect for grilled meats.
Mapema Malbec 2011

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Lunta Malbec 2011

89
Lunta
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Vines with an average age of 80-plus years lend great complexity to this wine. Very youthful on the nose, with intense aromas of currants, plums, raisins, and a hint of licorice. An elevation of 3,300 feet helps produce wines perfect for beef or lamb dishes.
Lunta Malbec 2011

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Lariviere Yturbe Malbec 2010

87
Lariviere Yturbe
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $29

Tasting Notes: This Franco-Argentinean collaboration is a family affair. Miguel Lariviere and his daughter Leticia run the project. Beautiful spice and fruit notes dominate the nose. Good mouthfeel, supple tannins, with hints of coffee and vanilla on the finish.
Lariviere Yturbe Malbec 2010

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Fabre Montmayou Malbec 2012

91
Fabre Montmayou
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: All estate-grown fruit from 50-year-old vines in the Cuyo regions produces complex, full-bodied flavors. Light oak aging lets the rich, chewy, fruit shine through.
Fabre Montmayou Malbec 2012

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