retail cost: $51 +

Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

96
Caterwaul
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: Bursting with notes of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate and crushed blackberries, laying down a silky mouthfeel before surrendering to a finish kissed with hints of cocoa powder and toasted oak. Made by deliciously talented Thomas Rivers Brown, this wine is a winner from a challenging vintage.
Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

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Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2017

95
Rex Hill
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2017
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $85.00

Tasting Notes: Silky blue and black fruit, baking spices, mushroom and cedar lead to dusty tannins and a long luxurious finish. Sip it with grilled salmon.
Rex Hill Pinot Noir 2017

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Altesino Sangiovese 2013

95
Altesino
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino
Retail Price: $65.00

Tasting Notes: A wine that can exceed your expectations. The 2013 took a few minutes to open up, but when it did, it was singing. The aromatics of earth, tobacco and leather were met on the palate with rustic notes of fruit and tannin. I was actually sad when I realized the bottle was empty. 
Altesino Sangiovese 2013

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Frederick & Jacob Cabernet Sauvignon

94
Frederick & Jacob
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Knights Valley
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: Created by renowned and historic Napa Valley producer, Beringer Vineyards, this wine has a mouthfeel like velvet. Black currants, white pepper and huckleberry dominate this wine, and a lingering finish leaves you wanting more.
Frederick & Jacob Cabernet Sauvignon

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Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir 2017

93
Joseph Phelps
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2017
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $55.00

Tasting Notes: Not being familiar with the Phelps pinot, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was California fruit and acid with a touch of a burgundy accent. The ripe fruit was prevalent, but elegantly subdued. The tannins have had time to relax in the bottle on this 2017, so it was ready to drink. The wine was balanced with fruit, tannin and acid, with a long lingering finish. 
Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir 2017

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Red Bordeaux Blend Cyrus 2017

98
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Cyrus
Varietal: Red Bordeaux Blend
Vintage: 2017
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $75.00

Tasting Notes: 5 classic varietals for a Bordeaux blend are selected form 9 of their best estate lots. Each lot was fermented and aged separately for 12 months, then aged an additional 12 months after the blending process in French oak. The result is a beguiling puzzle that pulls you in all the right directions…unctuous, complex, rich and balanced…all perfectly done and in complete harmony. Flavors of dark chocolate, black fruits compliment the rich oak and vanilla notes. Saved this for a petite filet dinner, with garlic machers and cream spinach…who needs dessert!
Alexander Valley Vineyards Red Bordeaux Blend Cyrus 2017

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Gusbourne Brut Rosé

97
Gusbourne
Fanciful Name: Brut Rosé
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Appellation: Kent
Retail Price: $79.99

Tasting Notes: Yes, you read that correctly, England. Southern England shares much of the same characteristics as the Champagne region of France. This combination of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier creates a wine with a profile similar to some Champagne houses’ top offering, at a much more attractive price. Elegant berry, cherry and tree fruit notes abound on the nose and palate. Lovely mouthfeel and the long finish add to the wine's appeal.
Gusbourne Brut Rosé

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Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

96
Sea Smoke
Fanciful Name: Sea Spray Blanc de Noirs
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: 100% pinot noir, which was hand-harvested early from select lots of the biodynamically farmed estate vineyards. Vinified in the traditional methode champenoise method, with a regimented sur lie and bottle aging program. Light touches of color, beautiful minerality and subtle yeast notes reflect an elegant wine with balanced acidity. A wonderful excuse to treat yourself to the best for any occasion!
Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

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Georges Cartier Champagne Tradition Brut

96
Georges Cartier
Fanciful Name: Tradition Brut
Varietal: Champagne
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne
Retail Price: $61.50

Tasting Notes: Using a large percentage of red grape varieties, this Champagne offers plenty of richness and weight on the palate. The chardonnay contributes energy, and hints of white fruit. An outstanding example of Champagne, from a house you may not know so well. Here's the chance to know them better.
Georges Cartier Champagne Tradition Brut

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Roger Coulon “Henri Hodie” Premier Cru Champagne

96
Roger Coulon
Fanciful Name: Heri-Hodie
Varietal: Champagne
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Retail Price: $52.99

Tasting Notes: Crafted from mostly meunier (formerly referred to as pinot meunier), this wine is sourced from over 100 plots and is aged for three years. The final wine bursts with aromas and flavors of Brioche toast, hazelnuts and green apples on a full-bodied palate.
Roger Coulon “Henri Hodie” Premier Cru Champagne

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Seconde Collard La Cuvee Perpetuelle Grand Cru

95
Champagne Secondé-Collard
Fanciful Name: La Cuvée Perpétuelle
Varietal: Champagne
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: This is a phenomenal value for a Grand Cru. 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. This cuvee accounts for both its roundness and fresh palate. Notes of black fruits, black currants and cherry are balanced out by roasted almonds.
Seconde Collard La Cuvee Perpetuelle Grand Cru

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Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2018

94
Gusbourne
Fanciful Name: Brut Réserve
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Appellation: Kent
Retail Price: $63.99

Tasting Notes: Elegant, with superb fruit and weight on the palate that showcase the wine's pedigree. About two-thirds red grape varieties, there is a richness, tempered by the acidic backbone. Another world-class sparkling wine from England, which can go toe to toe with top-end Champagnes.
Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2018

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