vintage: 2021

Sean Minor Chardonnay Signature Series 2021

92
Sean Minor
Fanciful Name: Signature Series
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: There is a flavorful elegance to this chardonnay. Gentle notes of butter and apple are intertwined with balanced acidity, leaving a delightful, lingering finish.
Sean Minor Chardonnay Signature Series 2021

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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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BOLD Wine Co. (Seabold) Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

93
BOLD Wine Co. (Seabold)
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: On the palate, it presents a full-bodied texture, dominated by deep flavors of blackberry and cassis. These dark fruit notes are complemented by underlying layers of mocha and a touch of vanilla.
BOLD Wine Co. (Seabold) Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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Barra of Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

92
Barra of Mendocino
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $23.99

Tasting Notes: The 2021 Barra Cabernet Sauvignon presents a rich and robust character. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, mingled with hints of tobacco, cedar and dark chocolate. The palate is full bodied and opulent, with velvety tannins providing a solid structure. Flavors of ripe black fruits are prominent, accented by notes of espresso, black pepper and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak. 
Barra of Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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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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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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Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone 2021

94
Pedroncelli
Fanciful Name: Mother Clone
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Retail Price: $24.00

Tasting Notes: A powerful wine delivering loads of black currant, plum, raspberry and smoked meat. The lengthy finish shows hints of toasted oak and chocolate. A rich wine that pairs perfectly with barbeque.
Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone 2021

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Hesperian Cabernet Sauvignon Anatomy No. 1, 2021

94
Hesperian
Fanciful Name: Anatomy No. 1
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: A wonderful cabernet sauvignon featuring inviting aromas of leather and dark fruit. On the palate, deep flavors of black cherry and espresso fill the mouth. The long finish shows hints of cocoa powder. A bargain for Napa Valley cabernet.
Hesperian Cabernet Sauvignon Anatomy No. 1, 2021

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Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

95
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $70.00

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a single vineyard just south of Salem, this scrumptious pinot noir rings all the bells! A nose of plum, herbs and graphite leads to a complex palate of red and black fruit, cedar, chocolate and a touch of cinnamon. The structured tannins and well-balanced acidity complete this wine that belongs next to a plate of grilled lamb chops and mushroom risotto.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

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Domaine André Brunel Grenache 2021

87
Domaine André Brunel
Varietal: Grenache
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Southern Rhône
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: The Brunel family has been making wine in the Rhone region of France for five generations, and this value offering combines this expertise with the grapes from the Vin de Pays region in the southern Rhone. Old vine grenache is blended with 10% mouvedre. Natural winemaking (concrete tank fermentation) is combined with a new-age eco approach (no chemicals). Fresh and vibrant with very balanced tannins and acidity. A great way to explore red wines beyond ABC (anything but cabernet). Great pairing with shepherd’s pie.
Domaine André Brunel Grenache 2021

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Altocedro Malbec 2021

88
Altocedro
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: La Consulta
Retail Price: $16.00

Tasting Notes: When looking for value, Argentina has the market cornered. A ripe and dark-fruited, powerful Malbec with dusty tannins. Named after the large cedar trees on the property.
Altocedro Malbec 2021

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J. Lohr Red Blend Pure Paso 2021

91
J. Lohr
Fanciful Name: Pure Paso
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Brenden Wood refines his red blend that highlights the real potential of the Paso Robles AVA. Primarily cabernet sourced from their Shotwell vineyard, with the addition of petite sirah (31%) and three other varietals. Stainless steel fermentation is then followed with oak aging for 18 months. Intense inky coloring, silky smooth with notes of anise, pepper and caramel. Time to fire up the grill for some thick rib eyes.
J. Lohr Red Blend Pure Paso 2021

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