star rating: Five Stars (92-100)

NW Wine Company Pinot Noir Kudos Winemaker’s Reserve 2020

92
NW Wine Company
Fanciful Name: Kudos Winemaker's Reserve
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Yamhill-Carlton
Retail Price: $27.99

Tasting Notes: Rich ruby color in the glass, this is quintessential Willamette pinot noir. Complementary notes of tart cherries, red currant and dried herbs fill the nose and carry into the palate. A burst of acidity in the mid-palate keeps this complex wine fresh and light on its feet.
NW Wine Company Pinot Noir Kudos Winemaker’s Reserve 2020

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Paso Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

92
Paso Highlands
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: This wine is a step away from the super fruit-forward cabernets from Paso Robles. This is an elevated, subtler example of the region. Refined earth notes on the nose with blackberry and currants on the palate.
Paso Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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Caymus-Suisun Zinfandel Blend The Walking Fool 2021

93
Caymus-Suisun
Fanciful Name: The Walking Fool
Varietal: Zinfandel Blend
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Suisun Valley
Retail Price: $37.99

Tasting Notes: This wine is dark, brooding and downright decadent. Candied cherries, spice and stewed berry notes make this a hardy wine to stand up against grilled meats, steak and lamb.
Caymus-Suisun Zinfandel Blend The Walking Fool 2021

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House of Brown Chardonnay 2022

93
House of Brown
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Great depth and concentration with plenty of Golden Delicious apples, pear, lemon and candied orange notes to please the palate. A gentle kiss of buttered brioche on the lengthy finish is the perfect touch. Nothing seems forced or manipulated on this well-balanced beauty.
House of Brown Chardonnay 2022

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Newsom Vineyards Albariño 2021

93
Newsom Vineyards
Varietal: Albariño
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Texas High Plains
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Nolan Newsom works his winemaking magic with this classic varietal. Utilizing malolactic fermentation, he tames the acidity and creates a rich buttery white, perfect for hot Texas summers. Great minerality with hints of melon, butterscotch and vanilla. Time for a bottle with mussels in a lemon wine sauce.
Newsom Vineyards Albariño 2021

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Smith Bench Chardonnay 2021

93
Smith Bench
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: From the Wente Family, this chardonnay has a medium-yellow color. Tropical and apple notes elegantly balanced with oak and a kiss of spice. Think lobster and butter sauce.
Smith Bench Chardonnay 2021

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Daou Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2022

93
Daou Vineyards
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Stunning melon and floral notes leap from the glass with zippy flavors of green apple, melon and just the right amount of grapefruit to let you know you are drinking sauvignon blanc. A fully loaded package with a bright, juicy, refreshing finish.
Daou Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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McPherson Cellars Piquepoul Blanc 2022

93
McPherson Cellars
Fanciful Name: Piquepoul Blanc
Varietal: Picpoul Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Texas High Plains
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Continuing his mission to highlight Mediterranean varietals, Kim McPherson works his magic with picpoul blanc. The 100-degree Texas heat shifts this from lip stinger to lip-smacking good. Lower alcohol and stainless-steel fermentation accent the great acidity and clean finish. Fresh Gulf shrimp in a lemon wine sauce is the perfect pairing.
McPherson Cellars Piquepoul Blanc 2022

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Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs

93
Gloria Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Blanc de Blancs
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $35.00

Tasting Notes: This lovely, 100% chardonnay sparkling wine reveals lots of bright apple citrus fruit, with subtle floral hints. In the mouth, the wine's energy is apparent, with lovely effervescence and plenty of fruit. The finish is quite lengthy, with excellent balance.
Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs

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Bench Pinot Noir 2021

93
Bench
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $30.00

Tasting Notes: This full-bodied pinot noir is a saturated deep red in the glass, with lots of red fruit on the nose, with a hint of spice to add to its complexity. The lengthy, well-balanced finish showcases its quality.
Bench Pinot Noir 2021

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Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

94
Oberon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa County
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: Oberon has been producing outstanding wines from Napa Valley for decades. Their first release from Paso Robles demonstrates that given good fruit, they can create a great wine from other regions. The nose and palate share a spicy dark fruit character, with subtle hints of baking spices and cocoa. A lovely example of classic cabernet.
Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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Luke Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2022

94
Luke Wines
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Wahluke Slope
Retail Price: $20.00

Tasting Notes: 100% sauvignon blanc. The nose is dominated by tropical fruit, with hints of grass. In the mouth, it showcases the typical aspects of bright citrus and stone fruits, with amazing focus and balance. Its great acidity makes it a wonderful paring with a wide variety of foods.
Luke Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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