star rating: Five Stars (92-100)

Broc Cellars Counoise 2014

94
Broc Cellars
Varietal: Counoise
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County

Tasting Notes: Broc Cellars specializes in Rhone Valley varietals and delivers big with their varietal bottling of Counoise. Medium bodied and reminiscent of Pinot Noir, this wine is something that all red wine lovers should give a chance. Red and black fruits are bountiful, along with a touch of earthy qualities. Broc Cellars Counoise is small in production but big in flavor and is a must the next time you see it.
Broc Cellars Counoise 2014

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Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Brandlin
Fanciful Name: Mount Veeder
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with floral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit flavors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy finish.
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Beran Zinfandel 2013

93
Beran
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $36

Tasting Notes: Classic Zinfandel flavors with a nose of chocolate, baking spice, plums and blueberry make this wine a real crowd-pleaser. The palate has a touch of heat with notes of blackberries, acai berries, plums, cloves and blueberry jam. Soft tannins make this a very food-friendly wine. This Zinfandel doesn’t need huge proteins to stand up next to big tannins; pair with BBQ, hard cheeses or even a great dark chocolate dessert!
Beran Zinfandel 2013

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Benovia Pinot Noir

92
Benovia
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $36.95

Tasting Notes: Low yield and small production help create this textbook Russian River pinot. Deep ruby color with a juicy berry nose and palate. Add some mineral notes and a bit of plum and enjoy this complex wine with roasted squab and wild rice.
Benovia Pinot Noir

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Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92
Beniziger
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: The Benziger family has been one of Sonoma’s sustainability pioneers, with their well-thought-out vineyard and winery practices. This care and attention to detail are demonstrated by the quality of this wine. Showing lots of dark fruit, berry, plum and cherry on the nose, the palate confirms the freshness and energy. The finish is long and balanced, with plenty of finesse and class.
Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Beaucanon Estate Chardonnay 2012

95
Beaucanon Estate
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: This lovely Chardonnay definitely has a French flair. The grapes are 100% organic. Understated tropical fruit aromas and flavors with slightly toasted oak undertones. A rich, honey-like texture. The balance of fruit, oak and acidity is perfect. A lovely hint of minerality lingers on the finish. All components harmonize and gently coat the palate and stay. It is reminiscent of a good Meursault in style. The 2012 vintage is now peaking beautifully. Ideal for seafood.
Beaucanon Estate Chardonnay 2012

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Yalumba Chardonnay 2014

92
Yalumba
Fanciful Name: Unwooded
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Australia
Appellation: South Australia
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: A good wine at a good price. The non-toasty flavor profile is refreshingly crisp, speckled with peach and pineapple notes throughout. A zippy finish with sleek texture.
Yalumba Chardonnay 2014

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Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2011

92
Altos Las Hormigas
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Concentrated cassis, peppercorn and blueberry with a touch of mocha on the finish. This malbec’s medium-bodied structure can handle a good steak.
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2011

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Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

94
Achaval Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Finca Bella Vista
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Perdriel
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: Move over Bordeaux: This is a keeper! Brooding, dark and powerful, with ripe tannins, elegant minerality and dark chocolate. A fine example of a collectible cellar wine.
Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

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Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé

92
Villa Sandi Il Fresco
Fanciful Name: Il Fresco
Varietal: Rosé
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Veneto
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: A lovely and bright blend of Glera and Pinot Nero. A small amount of the red wine is added to the white, contributing to the pale salmon color. Fresh berries on the nose are followed by the bright fruit, with some added weight and complexity. A longer finish adds to the appeal.
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé

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Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Nero 2013

92
Tiefenbrunner Turmhof
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: Famous for sauvignon blanc, Tiefenbrunner demonstrates its ability to produce world-class red wines with this pinot noir. Bright and spicy red fruit, good acidity, and structure showcase the wine’s quality and class.
Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Nero 2013

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Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

94
Gottardi
Fanciful Name: Blauburgunder
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $62

Tasting Notes: A lovely pinot noir from a region known for its cool climate. Supple, with good acid and tannins, the wine showcases the variety, while demonstrating what northern Italy can bring to the pinot noir table.
Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

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