star rating: Five Stars (92-100)

Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

92
Domaine des Terres Gentilles
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: An exemplary food-pairing wine. Its mouthfeel is buttery, a little creamy but with bursts of apple and crisp melon. This Burgundy wine lingers for a while, leaving a vibrant vein of minerality on the finish.
Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

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Cambos-Féret

92
Cambos-Féret
Fanciful Name: Symphonie
Varietal: Bordeaux White
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bordeaux
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: This is a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux. Notes of lychee, candied fruits like peaches, and apricot jump out of the glass. A mild sweetness makes this the perfect companion to any cheese plate, curry or a stellar finish to any meal.
Cambos-Féret

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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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Raywood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

92
Raywood Vineyards
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: Plush, velvety and ripe. You will be hard pressed to find a better value California cabernet! Rich red fruit notes are underpinned by gentle oak and a touch of pepper, all leading into a silky finish.
Raywood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

93
Raywood Vineyards
Fanciful Name: USA
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: Rich with creamy notes of vanilla bean, almond and tropical fruit. Balanced acidity and savory toasted notes lead to a long, smooth finish, remembered for its touch of sweet vanilla. Best value of the year!
Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

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De Loach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2021

93
De Loach
Fanciful Name: Heritage Reserve
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Retired San Francisco fireman Cecil Deloach helped put Sonoma on the map in the mid 70’s. The Heritage Reserve series offers great value with exceptional wines. Sourced from key cool climate sights in northern and central California, including the famed Russian River AVA. Beautiful berry flavors, rich color extraction, a kiss of spice and great body. Perfect first pinot for the holiday ham dinner.
De Loach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2021

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Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

93
Elizabeth Spencer
Fanciful Name: Special Cuvee
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: North Coast
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Husband and wife team of Elizabeth Pressler and Spenser Graham established the winning template for their style of wine. Utilizing the best regions of the North Coast AVA, each lot is vinified separately to maintain its unique characteristics. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit. Exceptionally smooth, light acidity and good minerality highlight the lychee, citrus and apricot notes. Very versatile food wine which would work with appetizers or an easy alternative to chardonnays. Exceptional value for the money.
Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

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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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Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Four Bears 2021

94
Sean Minor
Fanciful Name: Four Bears
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Ruby in color and displays aromas of cassis, black cherry, mocha and violets. Ripe flavors of blackberries and raspberries hit the mid-palate of this Paso Robles wine with a medium-long finish.
Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Four Bears 2021

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Violet Hill Pinot Noir 2021

94
Violet Hill
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied, with aromas of dark cherry, mocha and floral, that are echoed on the silky palate, with a bright finish.
Violet Hill Pinot Noir 2021

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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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