2015 Saint Cosme Gigondas, France, Rhone - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Very nice wine.  Deep ruby in color, bright.  The nose has black cherries, dusty, with leather.  On the palate, this is a rich,lush wine.  Firm tannins.  Plenty of dark cherry fruit with a mineral undertone.  Nice finish.  These are no longer great value plays but for around $50, this is competitive with Chateauneuf du Papes in terms of quality.  

2013 Palazzo Cuvee Blanc, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Really excellent white wine.  Way exceeded my expectations.  Light gold in color.  The nose has lemon oil and a slgiht waxy quality.  Someone said white peaches, but I did not get that.  On the palate, a slightly oily texture.  Good acidity.  Lemons and honey but dry.  The finish adds some grapefruit pith.  This is complex and interesting and seems like it should age a bit.  Really very nice.  It is $60 but if that is in your wheel house, this is worth it.  

2015 Palazzo Red Cuvee, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Franc from fruit that was "declassified" from the top barrels.  It is meant to be more of a value offering.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has sandalwood, cedar, clay and cherries.  Also a bit of tarragon.  Medium bodied.  Firm tannins turning drying at the end.  On the palate, sour cherries.  Some depth.  Good finish.  There is some upside and this is young and should improve a bit.  

2012 Château de Ségriès Lirac Cuvée Réservée, France, Rhone - Wine Review

Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Not as good as other vintages of this wine often are.  This is usually a stellar value.  That said, this is a solid wine and probably drinking at peak right now.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is nice with dark cherries, slight violets and spice.  On the palate, this is one dimenstional.  But that has nice red fruits.  Good finish.  A solid wine to be sure.  

NV Joios Cava Brut, Spain - Wine Review

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

$12 gets you this delightful sparkler.  Perfect for mixing or drinking on its own at parties.  Light gold in color.  Lots of medium to large bubbles.  The nose is lemony which carries thru to the palate.  Apparently there is no Xarelo in this but it is 100% Chardonnay.  It certainly punches above its weight class.  Outstanding value.  

2014 Ronca Corvina, Italy, Veneto - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Even just a hair better than the Bardolino, this Corvino is excellent.  It retails for $17.  Ruby in color.  The nose shows cherries and leather.  On the palate, this has ripe cherries.  Great acidity.  A bit of anise on the finish is very nice.  Light tannins.  Like most Italian wines, these are made for the dinner table and the acidity will work with the food.  Outstanding value.  

2015 Ronca Bardolino, Italy, Veneto - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Outstanding value.  This wine retails for $15 and is outstanding.  Light ruby in color.  The nose has cherries with slight minerals and slight tea.  On the palate, it shows more sour cherries with great acidity.  Would certainly work better with food.  Ligh tannins.  Good finish.  I don't think this will age a long time but it should last a few years.  Very nice.  

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