Wine Reviews

Hope Estate 2015 “The Ripper” Shiraz

Hailing from Western Australia will give you the drunken power of seven wombats. Eh. Actually, this is a white-pepper-driven beauty with clear notes of cedar and dried fruit. Think currants and sun-dried blueberries and a bit of milk chocolate on the finish. This is a super fun wine. 

Wine Rating: 90 points (WSoP)

Hecht and Bannier 2018 Rosé

From Cotes de Provence, a light footed rosé of Grenache and Cinsault. Fresh lavender and bright cherry on the nose. Lean on the palate, but with a saline-richness in the finish—flavors of melon and fresh strawberry with crushed mineral and zippy acidity. 

Wine Rating: 89  Points (WSoP)

Celene Améthyste Brut Blanc de Noirs

This Crémant de Bordeaux is a lovely bubbly. This is a unique bottle being sourced from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. Crystal clear, with pretty strawberry and peach flavors underpinned by delicate bubbles and a surprisingly toasty creaminess. 

Wine Rating: 88 points (WSoP)

Hugel et Fils Pinot Noir

This is the winery’s “Classic” bottling from Alsace. This wine is often included in our Core Sommelier programs because it’s a true-blue pinot noir. Its barnyard-and-roses aroma is pure and exhilarating. Light-bodied, high-toned acidity, and a bare whisper of tannin. Have a mushroom tartlet for maximum Frenchiness. 

Wine Rating: 89  Points (WSoP)

Pricing in PA: $17.99 (but often $15 in other states)

Vite Colte Barbera D’asti Superiore

This is the winery’s “La Luna e I Falo” bottling. An exceptional example of this varietal. Red fruit-driven with a floral bouquet in for the ride. Nearly full-bodied with plenty of lush-n-laser tension, that makes this my top pick for summer grilling this year. I could forget about 2020 when pairing this with short ribs. 

Wine Rating: 90 points (WSoP)

Catena 2017 Malbec Paraje Altamira

Hailing from Uco Valley, one of the premier wine regions in Argentina, this is not your aunt’s Malbec. Complex and elegant, this is less of a fruit bomb and more of a world-class juggernaut of deliciousness. The black fruit is interwoven with complex earth: burnt chocolate, lushly tannic, and a finish of incredible length. 

Wine Rating: 92  Points (WSoP)