vintage: 2018

Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

88
Château de Ribebon
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
Retail Price: $15.00

Tasting Notes: Almost entirely merlot from older vines, accented by cabernets producing a user-friendly red and black-fruited beauty with earthy tones. A great value.
Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

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Zulal Areni 2018

91
Zulal
Varietal: Areni
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Armenia
Appellation: Vayots Dzor
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: There are many layers of flavor that you experience with every sip. Stone fruit, such as slightly underripe cherry, are layered with hints of plum. The dense flavors are all very controlled, releasing gently from the initial sip to the finish. A wonderful alternative if you do not want a jammy fruit bomb of flavors.
Zulal Areni 2018

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Bodegas Muriel Tempranillo Reserva 2018

96
Bodegas Muriel
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Tempranillo is developing a huge following around the world, but the easiest way is to go to the source in the famed Rioja region. Sourcing from the famed Alavesa region, this family-owned vineyard hand-harvests their fruit, and follows the strict guidelines for the Riserva designation (24 months in oak/12 months in bottle). Robust red coloring leads to notes of coffee, vanilla and rich red fruits. Over-delivers for the money!
Bodegas Muriel Tempranillo Reserva 2018

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Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

96
Abeja
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Retail Price: $64.99

Tasting Notes: Mostly cabernet, with some merlot, a bit of cabernet franc and petit verdot added in, this wine is a dense, brilliant red. The nose is dominated by dark red fruit, with an intriguing baked spice aspect. With plenty of weight on the palate, the finish is quite lengthy and well balanced.
Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2018

94
El Enemigo
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: Argentina
Retail Price: $24.00

Tasting Notes: When Adrianna Catena began her own wine, making a venture, she named it El Enemigo, or “the enemy.” But the venture was not designed to be a competition with her auspicious father’s business. So perhaps “frenemies” would be more appropriate. This luscious, deep garnet cabernet franc epitomizes what this varietal can be on its own. Black currant and plum, sweet, spices and oak notes. All combine, spend 16 months in French oak barrels and give a long finish with great balance that pairs with any hardy meat focused menu.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2018

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Gérard Bertrand Oriane Syrah/Carignan 2018

91
Gérard Bertrand
Fanciful Name: Oriane Syrah/Carignan
Varietal: Red Rhone Blend
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Languedoc
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: From Gerard Bertrand, this is a blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Carignan hand-harvested grapes. Baked black fruits with a spicy note on the finish almost like cayenne pepper. Juicy with a lovely structure and finish, this wine longs to be paired with a good cheese board.
Gérard Bertrand Oriane Syrah/Carignan 2018

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Jean-Michel Guillon Pinot Noir 2018

97
Jean-Michel Guillon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Gevrey-Chambertin
Retail Price: $69.99

Tasting Notes: A seductive wine that opens with aromas of wildflowers and red fruits. The palate is overwhelmed with gorgeous flavors of sage dusted raspberry, ripe plum and the gentlest caress of dark chocolate. A hint of earthiness on the generous finish completes the mission.
Jean-Michel Guillon Pinot Noir 2018

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Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

96
Canvasback
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Red Mountain
Retail Price: $45.99

Tasting Notes: Canvasback reflects the Washington State portion of the Duckhorn portfolio. Sourcing from the famed Red Mountain appellation virtually guarantees exceptional fruit. Bordeaux-style blending (primarily cabernet, with merlot, petit verdot, syrah and malbec), mountain-fruit sourcing and a 20-month French-oak aging program yield spectacular results. Beautiful color and soft berry aromas yield to a smooth lingering finish, with plum and dark chocolate notes. An excellent example of Washington State cabernet, perfect for that rib-eye coming off the grill.
Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend 2018

91
Matchbook
Fanciful Name: The Arsonist
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Dunnigan Hills
Retail Price: $32.00

Tasting Notes: An opulent blend, complex and exotic. Licorice, fennel and plum blend with savory herbs, leading to a long, seamless finish. A perfect wine for any grilled meat.
Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend 2018

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Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2018

94
Gusbourne
Fanciful Name: Brut Réserve
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Appellation: Kent
Retail Price: $63.99

Tasting Notes: Elegant, with superb fruit and weight on the palate that showcase the wine's pedigree. About two-thirds red grape varieties, there is a richness, tempered by the acidic backbone. Another world-class sparkling wine from England, which can go toe to toe with top-end Champagnes.
Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2018

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Francois Chidaine Méthode Traditionelle Brut 2018

94
François Chidaine
Fanciful Name: Méthode Traditionelle Brut
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2018 
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Loire Valley
Retail Price: $23.00

Tasting Notes: The aromatics are fresh, filled with citrus zest and green apple. On the palate, the mousse is dry, pleasant, creamy, not aggressive. Flavors of ripe stone fruits, and Golden Delicious apples.
Francois Chidaine Méthode Traditionelle Brut 2018

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Chateau Camus Red Bordeaux Blend 2018

94
Chateau Camus
Varietal: Red Bordeaux Blend
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $25.99

Tasting Notes: Inviting earthy aromas fill the air with vanilla notes hiding in the corners. Plush black cherry, juicy plum and a kiss of black licorice keep expanding in the mouth before surrendering to a focused finish surrounded by silky tannins. Any self-respecting piece of red meat would be proud to share the table with this delightful bottle.
Chateau Camus Red Bordeaux Blend 2018

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