Glenelly The Glass Collection Syrah, Stellenbosch
Restrained red fruit is kept in balance with liquid mineral, smoked game, and wildflowers. On the palate, a hint of white pepper melds with lavender and fennel. Plum, anise, and milk chocolate dominate the finish. A beautiful Syrah that bridges the gap between Cornas and Cape Town. A most delicious example of wine knowledge.
91 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace
Ego Bodegas “Marionette” Jumilla
It’s a massive blueberry bomb with a wallop of fig newtons, drowned in a vat of creamy vanilla, and smacked around with an implosion of chocolate toast. Oh, and the finish gets a bit snappy with a cranberry sassiness. An exuberant wine that is as slurpable as it is sophisticated.
90 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace
Gordon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
Menthol, briar, chocolate, and blackberry dominate this well-priced Cabernet with a long chocolate finish. Eventually, people will figure out how remarkable Cabernet from Washington State really is. For selfish reasons, I hope it’s not too quickly. Once they do, we can all kiss these awesome deals goodbye.
90 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace
Valentin Bianchi “Famiglia Bianchi” Malbec, Mendoza
This is a Malbec for Cabernet lovers. It’s more muscular, wiry, and tannic; it’s a perfect companion for a grilled ribeye steak. The oak is powerful in this one: cinnamon, allspice, clove, nutmeg, toasted cedar rise out of the glass. Dark fruit, licorice, and burnt leather fold into a wildflower and hashish finish. It drinks way beyond its price point.
91 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace
d’Arenberg “The Hermit Crab” McLaren Vale
There is a wonderful depth to this wine and a lushness that makes it all the more entertaining. Mango, pear, pineapple, and fennel with a finish that veers towards pine nuts. Medium to full-bodied. Serve this with grilled chicken with a peach salsa or maybe a fennel salad.
90 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace
Atalon Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
This wine is worth picking up if you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. Varietally correct to a fault, this is grassier than most lawns. The grapefruit, a touch of sea salt, and a splash of fresh guava and your home free. Sadly, this winery is no more: it’s been absorbed into the Kendall-Jackson empire.
89 Points | Wine Report by Keith Wallace