retail cost: $51 +

Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

95
Jean Michel Fichet
Fanciful Name: Blanc de Meunier
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $52.99

Tasting Notes: Overlooking the Taittinger estate, Olivier Michel and his wife produce stellar Champagne, none more unique than this 100% pinot meunier expression. More fruity aromas than you ever expect from Champagne and equally complex on the palate, the grip, length and character of this Champagne will shock you for the price.
Jean Michel Fichet Blanc de Meunier Brut 2008

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Terrazas de los Andes Cheval des Andes Malbec

95
Terrazas de los Andes
Fanciful Name: Cheval des Andes
Varietal: Malbec
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: Powerful, firm and polished blend of Malbec, Cabernet and Petit Verdot. More Bordeaux in style: thick and rich with dark chocolate and blackberry. This is a keeper but still can enjoy now.
Terrazas de los Andes Cheval des Andes Malbec

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Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard Merlot 2011

94
Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $77.99

Tasting Notes: A complex and fascinating wine that walks the line between new and old world. It has a cool, finessed character wherein red currant, bing cherries, graphite, espresso bean and cacao nibs are on display. Incredibly pure. For my taste, this is best Cali Merlot I can recall.
Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard Merlot 2011

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Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2013

96
Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa
Retail Price: $98.99

Tasting Notes: It is probably fitting that one of the original pioneers of Merlot continues to produce this classic version sourced from one of the valley’s original single-vineyard sites. Winemaker Renee Ary takes a classical approach, adding
balanced amounts of Cabernet, Malbec, and Petite Verdot, and then aging for 18 months in rich French oak. A classic new-world Merlot, rich, complex, bursting with lean silky fruit.
Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2013

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Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay 2015

90
Long Meadow Ranch
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $42.99

Tasting Notes: Definitely cool climate fruit sourced from Mendocino. LMR has made it their mission to employ practices that are good for the planet, employing an integrated organic approach that uses a sustainable methodology. French oak aging (25% new/75% neutral) adds a lighter touch to this rich concentrated wine. Stephane Vivier has crafted a winner for this summer season. Bon Appétit.
Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay 2015

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Kimsey White 2014

95
Kimsey
Varietal: White
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Ballard Canyon
Retail Price: $60

Tasting Notes: This delightful blend of roussanne and viognier has gorgeous texture and richness. Classic white peach and citrus blossom notes are balanced by a surprisingly zesty acidity, making it perfect for those warm summer days and nights.
Kimsey White 2014

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Terrazas de los Andes Cheval des Andes

95
Terrazas de los Andes
Fanciful Name: Cheval des Andes
Varietal: Malbec
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: Powerful, firm and polished blend of Malbec, Cabernet and Petit Verdot. More Bordeaux in style: thick and rich with dark chocolate and blackberry. This is a keeper but still can enjoy now.
Terrazas de los Andes Cheval des Andes

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Magana Merlot 2011

90
Magana
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Navarra
Retail Price: $66.49

Tasting Notes: A wine made only in the best vintages and only nine times since 1979. This exemplifies the darker, denser expression of Merlot with caramelized cherries, smoke, rich loam and bay leaf. Somewhat gritty tannins should integrate with time.
Magana Merlot 2011

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Duckhorn Merlot 2013

91
Duckhorn
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $57.99

Tasting Notes: Founded in 1976, and one of the original cult Merlot-producers. Winemaker Renee Ary utilizes estate fruit in conjunction with other top sites in the valley to produce this state-of-the-art offering. Classic valley fruit enhanced with Cabernet and Cab Franc is aged for 15 months in French Oak. Warm, rich, full-bodied. Pure velvet for beginning to end.
Duckhorn Merlot 2013

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J.Lohr Cuvee Pom Merlot 2012

94
J.Lohr Cuvee Pom
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: The ultimate expression of Merlot from J.Lohr. This is their homage to the great Pomerol blends from Bordeaux. Winemaker Steve Peck starts with a classic blending of Merlot and Malbec, then subtly blends in trace amounts of Cabernet and Cabernet Franc. Paso Robles sourcing offers a truly viable alternative to Napa for exceptional fruit. Aged 18 months in French oak.
J.Lohr Cuvee Pom Merlot 2012

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Rock View Chardonnay 2012

91
Rock View
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino
Retail Price: $70

Tasting Notes: Complex nose with hints of chocolate. Flavors of cassis, blackberry and pepper. Long, pleasing finish.
Rock View Chardonnay 2012

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Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

91
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $75

Tasting Notes: Possesses a medium-full bouquet of ripe red fruits, with currant and cherry leading the way and blackberry lingering in the wings. Medium-full on the palate too, which shows off some firm tannins but it stays well balanced as the ripe red fruits still show through quite nicely. A touch of cocoa pops up in the finish.
Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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