vintage: 2016

Fattoria le Pupille Sangiovese 2016

94
Fattoria le Pupille
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Morellino di Scansano
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Finding Morellino can often be tough in some markets, but I sure am glad I found this one. The blend is 90% sangiovese rounded out with 10% cabernet. I’m not sure what cabernet is bringing to the party here, other than to prop the wine up a bit, but the sangio is doing all the lovely work. Exotic aromas of red flowers and rustic red fruits abound from this lovely wine. Subtle mushroom and sweet damp earth also give way to an even-more-enticing taste. The depth of the palate on this wine is broad and silky, with tart-yet-sweet cherry and plum. What a winner on many fronts.
Fattoria le Pupille Sangiovese 2016

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Aux Pied du Mont Chauve Premier Cru Chardonnay 2016

93
Aux Pied du Mont Chauve
Fanciful Name: Premier Cru
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Montagny
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: This Burgundy chardonnay is layered with white flower, pear and mango notes on the nose that are beautiful and elegant. The lovely fruit drives onto the palate and is paired with a zippy acidity and mineral aspect that keeps the finish going.
Aux Pied du Mont Chauve Premier Cru Chardonnay 2016

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Foppiano Vineyards Petite Sirah 2016

96
Foppiano Vineyards
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: The wine is dark in the glass, with a touch of purple hints. On the nose, and in the mouth, lots of dark fruit are accented by spice, and hints of dark chocolate. The balanced tannins supply a velvety texture, adding to the wine’s allure.
Foppiano Vineyards Petite Sirah 2016

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Le Cerf Cabernet 2016

94
Le Cerf
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: A bold and most-welcome attack on the nose and palate of strong blackberry, blueberry and chocolate flavors. This powerhouse doesn’t let off the gas with a rich finish that will bring you back.
Le Cerf Cabernet 2016

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The Federalist Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel 2016

91
The Federalist Bourbon Barrel Aged
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: A bourbon barrel-aged wine with self control. This extremely well balanced zinfandel has a delicious layer of rich and savory flavor. Six months in bourbon barrels compliment the soft spice and berry fruit. Amazing to pair with grilled or slow cooked beef. 
The Federalist Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel 2016

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Leuwin Estate Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 60/40 Siblings Blend 2016

92
Leuwin Estate Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 60/40
Fanciful Name: Siblings
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Australia
Appellation: Margaret River
Retail Price: $21.95

Tasting Notes: This white Bordeaux lookalike, from Margaret River, is rich, minerally and fantastic. Dry, crisp and begging for some fried seafood.
Leuwin Estate Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 60/40 Siblings Blend 2016

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Chopo Monastrell Cabernet Blend 2016

92
Chopo Monastrell Cabernet
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Jumilla
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: A striking, intense blend that has powerful blackberry and cherry notes mixed with some leathery and meaty savory notes. This wine makes for a complex powerhouse that stands out as a fantastic offering from the underrated Jumilla region.
Chopo Monastrell Cabernet Blend 2016

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Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza Blend 2016

92
Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: A beautiful crianza that is nice and rounded out by the ageing process, and that translates to powerful fruit notes that are integrated and ready to drink. Black cherry and spicy peppery notes are followed up by a hint of oak to balance out the fruit-forward nature. Grippy texture, and a long finish.
Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza Blend 2016

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Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2016

93
Patz & Hall
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $39.95

Tasting Notes: Since 1988, this winery has been producing world-class Burgundian wines. This outstanding dinner wine, made from grapes sourced from the renowned Dutton Ranch and Durrel properties, has a bright nose of lemon zest and tropical fruit followed by mouth-filling dry mango and a finish of fragrant sweet oak and subtle toffee. Multiple-medal winner.
Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2016

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Abbona Nebbiolo 2016

93
Abbona
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous, complex nebbiolo that delivers a floral and fruity, slightly herbal nose, combined with an impressive complex red fruit-driven, somewhat-tannic profile on the palate. From the famed Machesi di Barolo, the high quality is not surprising.
Abbona Nebbiolo 2016

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Maison Roy & Fils Petite Incline Pinot Noir 2016

94
Maison Roy & Fils
Fanciful Name: Petite Incline
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Retail Price: $43.99

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Incline Pinot Noir, from Willamette Valley, is pale-to-medium ruby-purple in color, with delicate aromas of dried cranberries and red cherries with touches of crushed rock, violets and black tea leaves. Light to medium-bodied, it has lovely layers of red fruits, mineral notes and violets in the mouth, a good frame of soft, fine-grained tannins and great juicy acidity, finishing long and pretty. 
Maison Roy & Fils Petite Incline Pinot Noir 2016

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Masut Vineyard & Winery Estate Pinot Noir 2016

96
Masut Vineyard & Winery Estate
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Eagle Peak Mendocino County
Retail Price: $40

Tasting Notes: You may not be familiar with the Masut label, but you should. Ben and Jake Fetzer (Yes, THAT Fetzer) are producing some stunning pinot noirs from the cool climate of Mendocino County. Their Estate Pinot Noir is a deep ruby in color. The nose is an enticing blend of black fruit and subtle spice. On the palate, the concentrated fruit is supported by a lush and lovely texture.
Masut Vineyard & Winery Estate Pinot Noir 2016

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