WINE COUNTRY CONNECTION WINE CLUB LEVEL TWO RED TASTING NOTES
APRIL 2022 SHIPMENT
LEVEL (2) ALL RED
2018 MACAULEY VINEYARD OLD VINE NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL
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“Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries, raspberry tart with dark chocolate ganache, black plum, underbrush, and hints of tobacco with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and an effortless, appealing, medium-long finish with moderate oak flavor. A big and chocolatey Zinfandel that delights.”
91 Points, Gold Medal “Exceptional”
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2019 DOMAINE ARMELLE ET BERNARD RION LA CROIX BLANCHE BOURGOGNE ROUGE
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“The 2019 Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion Bourgogne La Croix Blanche Vieilles Vignes 2019 begins with a gorgeous nose of bright red cherries, fresh red currants, dried wild mushrooms, white pepper, and light florals. The palate has concentrated, penetrating red fruits combined with a slightly savory earthy complexity, made in a focused, linear style that is perfectly balanced. My first thought when I tasted it was what an incredible find this is, and I can’t remember tasting a red burgundy this great at this low price.”
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2017 FATTORIA SELVAPIANA VIGNETO BUCERCHIALE RISERVA CHIANTI RUFINA
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“Fattoria Selvapiana is one of Rùfina’s modest superstars, defined by its very low-key profile and red wines that combine generously free-flowing fruit and faultless terroir expression. The lovely light tang in every sip stems from a mix of clay-limestone that provides fatness and juiciness, while schist or galestro engenders underlying depth. Organic.”
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2019 HOURGLASS “HG III” NAPA VALLEY PROPRIETARY RED
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“Continuing along the path of producing a wine that is both powerful and supple at release, Hourglass’s HG III Proprietary Red 2019 is another gorgeous interpretation of the Estate, masterfully assembled into a beautiful blend. This luscious, sultry offering begins with a brooding nose of briary blackberries, cocoa nibs, Marionberries, iron, cold smoked meat, bouquet garni, white pepper, vanilla, and delicate flowers. The rich, opulent palate is focused and intense with ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, clove spice, and Burgundy plums. The finish is deep, balanced, long, and amazingly integrated, combining slightly chalky tannins that, while noticeable, in no way hinders early enjoyment. This stunner will drink beautifully over the next decade or more.”
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“The larger production 2019 HG3 has lots of ripe blue and black fruits as well as hints of mint and eucalyptus. Medium to full-bodied, soft, forward, and undeniably delicious, it’s ideal for drinking over the coming decade.”
92 Points
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“Blended with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and an alluring fragrance of cassis, violet, aniseed, bitter chocolate and coffee beans. It’s notable this vintage for Goldilocks ripeness and seamless lift, offering a chocolate-like texture and very long finish.”
96 Points
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“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is more elegant and focused, with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, redcurrants, green tobacco, and cedary spice. I love its texture, it has ripe, polished tannins, plenty of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish, all while staying in a relatively compact, and again, elegant package. As I’ve written in the past, it would cost three to four times the price from Napa. It’s worth noting the change in appellation from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo County, which probably allows for a wider range of fruit.”
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2018 BLACK KITE KITE’S REST ANDERSON VALLEY PINOT NOIR
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“Refined and precise, with hints of red licorice to the sleek assembly of cherry, dried berry and currant flavors. Loamy midpalate, with a long, crisp finish of slate and spice. Drink now through 2026.“
93 Points
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“Lavish ripe fruit flavors meet delicious baking-spice accents in this broad, smooth and mouthfilling wine. It’s easy to love for the strawberry, and red- and black-cherry notes and the cinnamon, vanilla and cedar shadings from oak aging.”
93 Points
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