star rating: Four Stars (86-91)

The Paring Chardonnay 2022

90
The Paring
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: The 2022 Paring Chardonnay reveals a bright and inviting straw-yellow hue. On the nose, it opens with a bouquet of ripe tropical fruits — notably pineapple and mango — interwoven with fragrant notes of citrus blossom and hints of vanilla from subtle oak aging. Flavors of juicy apple, lemon zest and a hint of toasted almond unfold, complemented by a delicate undertone of butterscotch.
The Paring Chardonnay 2022

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L’Ecole No. 41 Sémillon 2022

90
L'Ecole No. 41
Varietal: Sémillon
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Retail Price: $22.00

Tasting Notes: Vibrant and refreshing with layers of stone fruit, honeysuckle, lemon and pear. Sustainably managed, beautiful, complex and perfect for a summer picnic with fresh tuna salad sandwiches and pom frites.
L’Ecole No. 41 Sémillon 2022

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Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabernet Franc 2021

91
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Cayuga Lake
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: With supple tannins and lovely dark fruit, this Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc demonstrates the quality and food-friendly nature of this often-overlooked variety. This example possesses lots of clean dark fruit, with the subtlest of spice and a touch of cocoa powder. The tannins are nicely balanced, and contribute to the lengthy, balanced finish.
Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabernet Franc 2021

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Camp Wines Merlot 2022

90
Camp Wines
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: North Coast
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: The 2022 Camp Merlot pours a deep, rich ruby color with purple hues around the edges, exhibiting good clarity and a medium to full body. The nose presents a bouquet of ripe dark fruits like black cherries, plums and blackberries, with subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla and freshly turned earth. On the palate, it offers a smooth texture with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, cedar and licorice, balanced by refreshing acidity. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering dark fruit, a hint of spice and well-integrated, silky tannins.
Camp Wines Merlot 2022

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Sean Minor Pinot Noir 2022

90
Sean Minor
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $27.99

Tasting Notes: On the palate, it is medium bodied with a smooth, silky texture, revealing a medley of juicy red fruits like cherry and cranberry, layered with pomegranate and a touch of mushroom. The wine's bright acidity and well-integrated tannins create a harmonious balance, leading to a refreshing, long finish accented by lingering notes of red fruit, a hint of vanilla and a delicate minerality.
Sean Minor Pinot Noir 2022

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Mina Mesa Rosé Blend 2023

91
Varietal: Mina Mesa
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: Very light salmon pink color with soft notes of strawberry and watermelon. This is a bone-dry, easy-drinking rosé that has a brightness that enlivens the palate. Would be a great summer porch drink or pairable with most foods!
Mina Mesa Rosé Blend 2023

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Savage Grace Wines Malbec

90
Savage Grace Wines
Varietal: Côt
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Rattlesnake Hills
Retail Price: $36.00

Tasting Notes: A rare light-bodied Malbec with lifted aromatics of plum and black tea. 
Savage Grace Wines Malbec

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Courtney Benham Sauvignon Blanc California Terroir Selection 2023

90
Courtney Benham
Fanciful Name: California Terroir Selection
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: This is a super crisp and clean sauvignon blanc with notes of almond skin and citrus on the nose. It is a light-bodied and uncomplicated variation of the varietal with classic citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit and lime zest.
Courtney Benham Sauvignon Blanc California Terroir Selection 2023

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Smith Bench Pinot Noir 2021

92
Smith Bench
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Monterey County
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: From the Wente Family, this is a fresh and lively pinot noir from Monterey with a balanced acidity that enables it to be easily paired with any meal or occasion. A symphony of tart cherries, baking spice and gentle tannins.
Smith Bench Pinot Noir 2021

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Analemma Wines Pinot Noir 2019

91
Analemma Wines
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Columbia Gorge
Retail Price: $44.00

Tasting Notes: From an organically farmed vineyard at 1,300 ft. elevation at the base of Mount Adams. Hand harvested, half whole-cluster fermented and aged in neutral oak. A gorgeous, translucent strawberry color with aromas and flavors of cranberry, rose and cinnamon. 
Analemma Wines Pinot Noir 2019

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Smith Bench Chardonnay 2022

90
Smith Bench
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: From the Wente Family, this feels like a light California chardonnay but still has delectable notes of oak, brown sugar and caramel apples. There’s a hint of banana on the palate, with butterscotch tones that flow through the finish.
Smith Bench Chardonnay 2022

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Medina Gap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

91
Medina Gap
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: Just as strong as previous vintages. Fruit forward and approachable with blackberry, plum and black currant notes. A people pleaser with elevated but soft tannin structure on the finish.
Medina Gap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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