242 Wine Reviews Found

  • Tasting Note: Black Fruit
98 Points

Goldeneye Pinot Noir Ten Degrees 2019

Soaring out of the glass with perfumed, fresh fruit aromatics, this showstopper captures the depth and complexity found exclusively in the most luxurious Pinots in America (a short list!). The palate features an array of intense dark fruit flavors including cranberry, chocolate-covered cherry, toasty oak, and truffle. The deftly balanced finish offers hints of smoky...

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97 Points

Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir L’Ensemble 2019

This outrageously delicious & silky smooth new release is a bottling of the winery’s ‘best of the best’ {as described by the world-famous wine team} selections that showcases an array of bright fruit flavors and complexity including cherry cola, pomegranate, cranberry, subtle spice and notes of herbal tea. Burgundian in profile with red plum and...

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98 Points

Domaine Santa Duc CdP La Crau Ouest 2019

A truly brilliant new Châteauneuf du Pape from the highly-anticipated 2019 vintage. Bright and ultra-fresh notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, and cherry lead to hints of candied red apple. We adored the symphony of lavish flavors on the mid-palate (including kirsch, framboise, black cherry, blueberry) and the monumentally delicious finish that dazzled with notes of...

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98 Points

Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger 2019

This intensely delicious new release is velvety smooth in texture whilst featuring an array of spicy fruit flavors including plums and raspberry underscored by hints of graham cracker from the enchanting French oak. Classic Oakville tannins support the full, round palate, and spice lift the long, seductive finish.

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98 Points

Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn. 2018

Hailing entirely from the rocky, elevated slopes of Howell Mountain, this 2018 Castiel Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of fresh blackberry, baking spices, and fragrant black tea. On the palate, the immense structure of this wine is immediately apparent. A delightful core of fresh blueberries and cream lead to prodigious tannins that show density and strength....

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98 Points

Plinth Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

This brand new 2018 is 100% jammy, juicy, and gorgeous! The word “plinth” is defined as a “strong base of support” and certainly applies here since the winery’s precious Estate Cabernet grapes ‘support’ the velvety smooth, deeply satisfying dark fruit from a world-famous vineyard in Napa’s prized Oakville district. Deliciously ripe (but not overripe) with...

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99 Points

Levy & McClellan Cabernet Sauvignon Ampersand 2018

Showcasing Napa’s celebrated 2018 Napa vintage, this virtually flawless Cabernet blend dazzles from the start with a velvety-rich texture and scents of freshly baked tollhouse cookies. Monumental in its grandeur, the palate of this new Cabernet boasts notes of dark chocolate truffles intermingled with deeply concentrated black fruit (currants, plums, dates) deftly balanced across a...

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96 Points

Blue Farm Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2020

Bright, lively aromas of fresh berries and spices lead to a rich palate boasting intensely delicious raspberry, savory strawberry, cherry, black tea and baking spices climaxing with creamy vanilla on the finish. The supremely silky texture makes this winner a delight to drink anytime now through 2027+…and candidate for Sonoma’s top Pinot Bargain once again.

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99 Points

Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2018

The new 2018 vintage is another masterpiece and the most impressive new release we’ve ever judged from this acclaimed Estate. Bravo! Dark purple-colored, this nectar offers a hypnotic perfume of lilacs and red roses plus Darjeeling tea. The texture is weighty – – think heavy corduroy – – and delivers an array of captivating dark...

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100 Points

Kenzo Bordeaux Blend Napa Murasaki 2018

This tour-de-force captivates from the beginning with oh-so velvety smooth texture and a cornucopia of exquisite flavors. A modern-day version of the most classic Bordeaux blends, this Napa masterpiece offers up a charming bouquet of red currant, black plum, allspice, and lavender. The majestic palate delivers dark fruit richness, hints of baking cocoa, boysenberry and...

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