star rating: Five Stars (92-100)

Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

94
Frescobaldi
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Pomino
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: From the renowned Frescobaldi family of Tuscany comes a pinot noir, from a region better known for Sangiovese. Elegant, structured and oh-so-very delicious. More than a mere curiosity, it’s a wonderful example of what intelligent vineyard practices and careful winemaking can achieve.
Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

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Domaine Saint Antoine Rosé 2014

95
Domaine Saint Antoine
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Costieres de Nimes
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: This is 100% Syrah and it shows! The color is cherry-red. There’s a floral bouquet with notes of rosé petal followed by cherry and red currant. Those fruit flavors continue on the palate with hints of spice and minerality. The finish is long, lively and lip-smacking, with just a bit of sweet fruit. Pair this with grilled Salmon.
Domaine Saint Antoine Rosé 2014

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Domaine Le Pive Gris Vin Rosé 2014

93
Domaine Le Pive Gris Vin
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Sable de Camargue
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Don’t be fooled by the tropical fruit in the nose. This pale pink wine, featuring four grapes (Merlot, Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Cabernet Franc), is actually a dry light blend. Perfect for enjoying outdoors on a summer’s eve.
Domaine Le Pive Gris Vin Rosé 2014

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Domaine Gachot Monot Cote de Nuit-Villages 2013

92
Domaine Gachot Monot
Fanciful Name: Cotes de Nuit-Villages
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cote de Nuit-Villages
Retail Price: $30.99

Tasting Notes: This wine is a fabulous value in Burgundy. Ripe cherry, forest floor and black tea jump from this pinot, flaunting an uncommon balance between depth of flavor and elegant nuance.
Domaine Gachot Monot Cote de Nuit-Villages 2013

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Domaine du Tariquet Rosé 2014

95
Domaine du Tariquet
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cotes de Gascogne
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: A really neat blend of 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Tannat and 25% Syrah. Hints of pomegranate, cherry and raspberry tantalize the nose and show up on the palate with a bit of ginger and pear. The mouthfeel is rather delicate, but intriguing. The finish is clean, refreshing and very satisfying. An elegant, delicious wine.
Domaine du Tariquet Rosé 2014

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Chateau La Tour St Anne Rosé 2014

92
Chateau La Tour St Anne
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: This delicate wine delivers cherry and strawberry notes. It pairs well with lighter dishes or on its own and should be served well chilled.
Chateau La Tour St Anne Rosé 2014

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Chateau Grande Cassagne Rosé 2014

95
Chateau Grande Cassagne
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. A gorgeous, brilliant ruby color with fresh, ripe aromas of lilac and raspberry. Flavors of sweet/tangy berry and cherry dazzle the palate and finish with racy, crisp acidity. A perfect warm-weather aperitif.
Chateau Grande Cassagne Rosé 2014

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Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

95
Wren Hop Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Mortal Coil
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $72

Tasting Notes: Complex black and red fruit aromas jump out of the glass. Medium-bodied with beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. Great varietal character and a long rich finish.
Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

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Wild Ridge Pinot Noir 2012

93
Wild Ridge
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: This pinot noir starts out showing plenty of fruit, but as you give it some time, the layers of spice, earth notes and beautifully balanced acidity unfold on the palate. This classic Sonoma Coast pinot continues to evolve through the mid-palate as the acidity builds and the spice and fresh fruit notes fade perfectly.
Wild Ridge Pinot Noir 2012

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Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir 2012

92
Wente Riva Ranch
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: From one of California’s pioneering winemaking families, this elegant, cool-climate pinot noir exhibits refinement, with the appropriate nose and palate. Spicy red and black fruit, good tannins and acidity. The wine has a long and well-balanced finish.
Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir 2012

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Tuli Pinot Noir 2014

93
Tuli
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $31

Tasting Notes: Intoxicating aromas and flavors of dark fruit, black cherry, floral notes and plum. This pinot noir delivers an exuberantly plush mouthfeel, while displaying serious nuance and harmony. The graceful, lengthy finish continues to deposit perfumed black cherry and baking spice notes.
Tuli Pinot Noir 2014

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Truth and Valor Cabernet 2014

92
Truth and Valor
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2014
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: This is an energetic Cabernet that expresses aromas and flavors of ripe plumb, dark cherry, cranberry, dark chocolate, and coffee notes. This wine delivers great texture and balance with a long finish.
Truth and Valor Cabernet 2014

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