wine color: White

Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d’à Côté 2020

90
Domaine Yves Cuilleron
Fanciful Name: Les Vignes d'à Côté
Varietal: Viognier
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes
Retail Price: $29.00

Tasting Notes: Made from grapes at the edge of Condrieu, the depth and concentration is amazing for a wine at this price. Juicy and fresh and full of peach, apricot, citrus and honeysuckle, it does not overpower the palate. A delicious, mouthwatering example from Cuilleron, perfect for sipping or to accompany any manner of shellfish.
Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d’à Côté 2020

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La Belle Angèle Chardonnay 2022

90
La Belle Angèle
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Vin de France
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: This unoaked chardonnay is a lighter and easier drinking style but doesn’t skimp on the aromatics. Notes of crisp, juicy apple, pear, and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi erupt on the palate.
La Belle Angèle Chardonnay 2022

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Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

92
Domaine des Terres Gentilles
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: An exemplary food-pairing wine. Its mouthfeel is buttery, a little creamy but with bursts of apple and crisp melon. This Burgundy wine lingers for a while, leaving a vibrant vein of minerality on the finish.
Domaine des Terres Gentilles Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2022

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Cambos-Féret

92
Cambos-Féret
Fanciful Name: Symphonie
Varietal: Bordeaux White
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bordeaux
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: This is a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux. Notes of lychee, candied fruits like peaches, and apricot jump out of the glass. A mild sweetness makes this the perfect companion to any cheese plate, curry or a stellar finish to any meal.
Cambos-Féret

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Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2022

92
Cuvaison
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $27.99

Tasting Notes: Cool climate grapes thrive in the Carneros region, and this example is a real sleeper. 100% estate fruit, 100% Napa and 100% Carneros fruit yields intense notes of lemongrass and citrus, while the addition of a kiss of semillon adds a softness. Brie and honey notes add complexity to the aromatics. Beautiful aperitif wine to start the holiday proceedings.
Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

93
Raywood Vineyards
Fanciful Name: USA
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Appellation: Central Coast
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: Rich with creamy notes of vanilla bean, almond and tropical fruit. Balanced acidity and savory toasted notes lead to a long, smooth finish, remembered for its touch of sweet vanilla. Best value of the year!
Raywood Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

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Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

93
Elizabeth Spencer
Fanciful Name: Special Cuvee
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: North Coast
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Husband and wife team of Elizabeth Pressler and Spenser Graham established the winning template for their style of wine. Utilizing the best regions of the North Coast AVA, each lot is vinified separately to maintain its unique characteristics. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit. Exceptionally smooth, light acidity and good minerality highlight the lychee, citrus and apricot notes. Very versatile food wine which would work with appetizers or an easy alternative to chardonnays. Exceptional value for the money.
Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021

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Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Petites Secondes 2019

93
Domaine Drouhin Oregon
Fanciful Name: Petites Secondes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $32.99

Tasting Notes: Produced by the Drouhin family. The oak aging is evident from the first sip on this Willamette Valley Chardonnay. Aside from the warm oak and cedar notes, there are hints of juicy pear and crisp green apple that give the finish of this wine a zesty feeling that enlivens the palate.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Petites Secondes 2019

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Lloyd Chardonnay 2022

94
Lloyd
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: Rich, succulent fruits burst from this Carneros chardonnay. Hints of lemon curd and stone fruit play off the subtle honeysuckle, clove and vanilla. Refreshing acidity due to the cooler climate in the region gives this wine the backbone to stand up to any meal or party. 
Lloyd Chardonnay 2022

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Cuvaison Chardonnay 2021

93
Cuvaison
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: USA
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: With all the new kids on the block, it’s easy to overlook the pioneer families that put Napa on the map. Cuvaison is a perfect example. Established in 1969, it now encompasses more than 200 acres in the premier Carneros AVA in Napa. All estate fruit was utilized with a subtle approach to winemaking. Very aromatic on the nose with an atypical style of light butter notes and peach, apricot and plantain notes. Only 11 months in oak adds balance to the finish. A very elegant and full-bodied wine for the holiday season dinners.
Cuvaison Chardonnay 2021

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Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection 2021

94
Raymond
Fanciful Name: Reserve Selection
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Founded in 1970, Raymond has produced wines for decades. This is classic California chardonnay. Sourcing from four select sites in southern Napa, including Carneros. 100% barrel-fermented in French oak, but no malolactic fermentation, and then aged on the lees for10 months. Traditional apple and stone fruit, with a hint of lemon. Lighter style highlights the balanced acidity and kiss of vanilla. An easy go-to wine for everyday drinking . . . solid value.
Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection 2021

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J. Lohr Chardonnay 2021

96
J. Lohr
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: Kristen Barnhisel works her magic with chardonnay . . . again. The gloves are off on this premium offering, starting with early-morning hand harvesting, and whole-cluster pressing to start. Different clones give overlapping layers of flavor. Malolactic fermentation, aging on the lees for 14 months and five different French coopers add barrel complexity. Lemon, tangerine and peach flavors add to the sweet oak finish. Think of this as Riverstone Chardonnay on steroids! This wine was made for turkey pairing during the holidays.
J. Lohr Chardonnay 2021

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