Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri) Tempranillo Izarbe Reserva Selección 2014

89
Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri)
Fanciful Name: Izarbe Reserva Selección
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Spain
Retail Price: $28.00

Tasting Notes: All tempranillo from the highest elevation of the three subzone of Rioja- Rioja Alta. Aging in oak gives this wine its hallmark dill, coconut and sawdust aromas on a sleek and immediately accessible wine.
Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri) Tempranillo Izarbe Reserva Selección 2014

Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

96
Sea Smoke
Fanciful Name: Sea Spray Blanc de Noirs
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: 100% pinot noir, which was hand-harvested early from select lots of the biodynamically farmed estate vineyards. Vinified in the traditional methode champenoise method, with a regimented sur lie and bottle aging program. Light touches of color, beautiful minerality and subtle yeast notes reflect an elegant wine with balanced acidity. A wonderful excuse to treat yourself to the best for any occasion!
Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

Keermont Estate Reserve Red Blend 2014

96
Keermont Estate
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: South Africa
Appellation: Stellenbosch
Retail Price: $34.99

Tasting Notes: A serious blend of Bordeaux varietals are showcased in this stunning offering. Ripe, fresh-squeezed red berries and black berries are seductively exposed from entry to finish. The long, dusty finish makes one think of California mountain fruit, but at a fraction of the price. 24 months in barrel and 36 months in cellar has this ready for immediate consumption — or it can be held for many years.
Keermont Estate Reserve Red Blend 2014

Herdade do Rocim Brut Nature Sparkling 2014

95
Herdade do Rocim
Fanciful Name: Brut Nature
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Alentejano
Retail Price: $29.00

Tasting Notes: From one of central Portugal's top producers, this enchanting sparkling wine ticks all of the boxes. Produced from the iconic Touriga Nacional grape — better known for its dark fruit characteristics — this wine is pale salmon in the glass. On the nose and palate it is refined, with focused ethereal fruit notes. The effervescence is long lasting, delivering the fruit and subtle spices to the nose and palate.
Herdade do Rocim Brut Nature Sparkling 2014

Armani Amarone Cuslanus Blend 2014

94
Armani Amarone
Fanciful Name: Cuslanus
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: An elegant, ink-black Veneto amarone that packs a punch from the nose to the finish. The beautiful perfumed and herbal nose complements the extracted black cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate, to make something really special here.
Armani Amarone Cuslanus Blend 2014

Concha y Toro Cabernet Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

95
Concha y Toro Cabernet
Fanciful Name: Don Melchor
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Chile
Appellation: Puente Alto
Retail Price: $125

Tasting Notes: Stunning selection to enjoy now, or cellar for a few years. Concentrated and aromatic blend of cabernet, cabernet franc, merlot and petite verdot. Silky and balanced black fruits and tannins. Don Melchor gives Bordeaux a run for its money.
Concha y Toro Cabernet Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Kanonkop Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

97
Kanonkop Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: South Africa
Retail Price: $47.49

Tasting Notes: Beautifully structured, this cabernet exudes quality and intensity. The nose is dominated by black fruit, with hints of oak influence and other spices. The long finish showcases the balance of the wine. A keeper, aging it will reward those who are patient.
Kanonkop Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Cyrus Blend 2014

92
Cyrus
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $84.99

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Kevin Hall continues the Sonoma winery’s Bordeaux homage with this vintage’s 20th release. Nine different vineyard lots, the five classic varietals and 24-month oak aging all help to create the ultimate offering from AVV. Deep rich color, subtle oak, balanced tannins and rich dark chocolate and licorice notes. Very elegant wine — share with your best friends!
Cyrus Blend 2014

Dominio de Punctum Lobetia Tempranillo 2014

92
Dominio de Punctum
Fanciful Name: Lobetia
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Castilla VT
Retail Price: $12

Tasting Notes: Made with organic grapes, it is sourced from a single vineyard in Cuenca and estate-bottled. A touch of coffee and spice, plus six months in oak, gives you velvety tannins and a smooth, long finish. Try it with a lamb slider.
Dominio de Punctum Lobetia Tempranillo 2014

Tesoro della Regina Cls Rs Sangiovese 2014

92
Tesoro della Regina
Fanciful Name: Cls Rs
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Intense cherry is harmoniously complemented by notes of spice, with flavors of oak rounding out this beautifully balanced and well-integrated Chianti. A must with grilled and roasted meats as well as heartier dishes.
Tesoro della Regina Cls Rs Sangiovese 2014

Truth & Valor Zinfandel 2014

92
Truth & Valor
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $19.00

Tasting Notes: Expressive and balanced, this Paso Robles zinfandel jumps out of the glass with plum and dark cherry and layered spicy oak notes with vanilla. There is power here but the balance and texture are the real treat.
Truth & Valor Zinfandel 2014

Bodegas Condado de Haza Crianza 2014

93
Bodegas Condado de Haza Crianza 
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Ribera del Duero
Retail Price: $24.00

Tasting Notes: The aroma of dark cherries and dried raspberries is beautiful on the first approach to this wine. The tea and savory herb notes come in toward the end At first sip, the structure comes through and the palate confirms the aromas Floral notes of violets and light touch of spice from the slight oak influence, which add dimension and balance to this wine. Very pleasing long finish, with a silky tannin core.
Bodegas Condado de Haza Crianza 2014