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Wine Picks April 19, 2016

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Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

United States

Schug Careros Pinot Noir 2014, Carneros, California, United States: A splendid Californian Pinot Noir with fleshy dark cherry and spice. Satin-smooth and medium-bodied. Pair with more of the same. Drink: 2016 - 2022 14.5% D 750 mL $30.45 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Line 39 Petit Sirah 2013, California, United States: A savoury, full-bodied Californian Petite Sirah with black fruit, dried herbs and toasty oak. Some tannin grip on the palate. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2019 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Irony Small Lot Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa, North Coast, California, United States: A solid Californian Cabernet that's full-bodied with classic blackberry and cassis aromas, and just enough toasty oak. Polished tannins, good balance. Finishes with attractive woodsmoke and black fruit. Pair it with a pepper steak. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hearty meat dishes, hard cheese. Drink: 2015 - 2018 25106 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: A solid, well-structured Californian Cabernet from a top producer. Aromas of cassis and black currant and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, Asian chicken salad, pork tenderloin, barbecued steak. Drink: 2015 - 2022 382325 14.9% D 750 mL $69.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Dreaming Tree Crush Red 2013, North Coast, California, United States: Fleshy ripe purple and black plums and blackberry preserves on the finish. Luscious, full-bodied, smooth and juicy. Very Zinfandel-like this this is a blend of red grapes. Pair with barbecued meats. Drink: 2014 - 2017 310391 13.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Meiomi Wines Pinot Noir 2014, California, United States: Produced by Joseph Wagner, this medium-bodied, silky smooth Californian red wine offers plus aromas of fleshy cherry, sweet berry, and cinnamon spice. Pair with grilled chicken or pork chops. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal medallions, lamb in a red wine sauce, roasted pork loin, Tourtière, prime rib roasted. Drink: 2014 - 2019 130138 14% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Phantom 2012, California, United States: A superb Californian red wine blend with deep richness and complexity. Aromas of dark red fruit, smoke and dried herbs. Juicy and mouth-watering. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 14% D 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ca' Momi Rosso 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: A blend of of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah grapes. Lots of black fruit flavours and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 449744 13.5% XD 750 mL $20.00 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fleur de California Pinot Noir 2013, Carneros, California, United States: A satin-smooth Californian Pinot Noir with seductive aromas of fleshy cherry and spice. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Pair with grilled seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2018 214775 13.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mark West Pinot Noir 2014, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: Lovely, supple Californian Pinot Noir with sweet chocolate, mocha and coffee aromas on the nose and palate from oak aging. Pair with Mexican mole. Drink: 2014 - 2018 450189 13.8% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mandolin/Halstead Pinot Noir 2013, Monterey, California, United States: Smooth Californian Pinot Noir with attractive tart cherry aromas. The cool climate shows through here in the balance. Medium-bodied. Pair with planked salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2020 13.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: A solid, well-structure Californian Cabernet with classic aromas of cassis and black currant. Cellar this wine then decant it for 2 hours to smooth its firm tannic grip. Pair with rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2021 13.5% D 750 mL $40.00 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California, United States: Savoury, dark and juicy with dried herbs and black fruit. Very aromatic for Cabernet -- love this style! Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2016 - 2020 13.5% D 750 mL $24.00 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah 2013, California, United States: Savoury and smooth Californian Petite Sirah. Cedar smoke and dark fruit aromas. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2015 - 2019 982504 13.5% D 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Mahoney Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2012, Carneros, California, United States: A lovely Californian Pinot Noir redolent of wild violets with some mocha for oak aging. Ripe cherry. Smooth and medium-bodied. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2020 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fleur De California Petite Sirah 2012, North Coast, California, United States: Full-bodied and mocha-rich Californian Petite Sirah. Chalky dry with notes of black fruit. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2014 - 2018 13.5% D 750 mL $23.00 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Ravenswood Icon 2013, Sonoma, California, United States: A brilliant expression of Sonoma Zinfandel from one of its master producers. Plush and round, yet balanced and structured. Aromas of fleshy black fruit. Pair with grilled meats. 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Eos Zinfandel 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: Juicy and smooth with lip-smacking flavours of black and purple plums and spice. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 964460 13.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Etesian Pinot Noir 2012, Carneros, California, United States: A plush, voluptuous Californian Pinot Noir with fleshy ripe cherry and field berry aromas. Smooth and supple on the palate with a long finish. Pair with pork chops. Drink: 2014 - 2019 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

The Hess Collection 2012, Mt. Veeder, California, United States: A juicy, savoury, full-bodied Californian Cabernet that has 20% Malbec grapes in the blend. Fleshy black fruit and toasty oak. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2015 - 2023 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sequoia Grove Cabernet 2012, Napa Valley, California, United States: Rich, dark and brooding Californian Cabernet with classic aromas of cassis and black currant and smoke. Pair with prime rib. Drink: 2016 - 2022 13.5% D 750 mL $57.00 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2013, Sonoma County, California, United States: A supple, juicy, plush Californian Zinfandel with layers of purple and black plum flavour. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 13.5% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Austerity Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Paso Robles, California, United States: A beautifully structured Californian Cabernet from the Paso Robles region. Aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2016 - 2020 13.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Austerity Pinot Noir 2013, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States: A lovely, silky smooth Californian Pinot Noir from a cool climate. Aromas of racy red cherry and spice. Pair with planked salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2019 13.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Cloud Break Pinot Noir 2014, California, United States: Juicy and smooth Californian Pinot Noir with aromas of dark cherry and spice. Almost full-bodied. Packed with flavour. Pair with planked salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2018 13.5% D 750 mL $16.00 Score: 89/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, California, United States: A smooth, full-bodied Californian Cabernet with aromas of dark fruit and toasty oak. Woodsy with savoury cedar notes. Pair with grilled pork chops. Drink: 2016 - 2020 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Line 39 Pinot Noir 2014, California, United States: Supple and smooth Californian Pinot Noir with black cherry and mouth-watering juiciness. Some grip on the palate. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2016 - 2019 13.5% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars SLV Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: The 1973 vintage of the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was the wine to win the 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting against top-notch Bordeaux wines. The 2013 carries on the august tradition with superb balance, complexity, richness and depth. It still has quite a tannic grip on the palate and will benefit from cellar aging. Decant 2 hours when you open it. The Cabernet vines are planted in volcanic soil. Pair with rare filet mignon. Drink: 2015 - 2025 14027 13.5% D 750 mL $575.00 Score: 95/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Fleur De California Pinot Noir Rose 2015, North Coast, California, United States: A lovely light Californian rose with notes of wild field berries on a sunny summer afternoon. Pair with cold cuts and chicken sandwiches. Drink: 2015 - 2017 229674 13.5% D 750 mL $22.00 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Etesian Rose 2014, Sonoma, California, United States: A stunning Californian Rose with aromas of fresh strawberry. Alive, crisp and mouth-watering. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2014 - 2017 13.5% D 750 mL $20.00 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Rosé Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Flowers Pinot Noir 2014, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: A spectacular Californian Pinot Noir with vibrant aromas of cherry-berry and spice. Smooth and medium-bodied. Perfect for grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, veal chops, grilled duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote. Drink: 2015 - 2022 215202 13.8% XD 750 mL $69.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Stunning richness and complexity on this ethereal, elegant Californian Pinot Noir. Notes of fleshy cherry and spice. Cool climate Pinot at its best. Pair with grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: mushroom and truffle dishes, coq au vin, veal scaloppini, grilled pork chops.. Drink: 2015 - 2023 368316 14.2% D 750 mL $54.95 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marimar Estate La Masía Pinot Noir 2013, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, United States: Simply gorgeous! Liquid silk and satin with fleshy back cherries and racy spice and acidity for food such as seafood, pork chops and game meats or duck. Wow. Owned by Torres Family of Spain. Drink: 2015 - 2022 303974 14.1% XD 750 mL $83.00 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Marimar Estate La Masia Chardonnay 2014, Russian Rover, Sonoma, California, United States: Gorgeous Californian Chardonnay with the sunshine state's definitive signature in the concentration of rich orchard fruit flavours, but also the elegance of Old World Burgundian Chardonnay -- think Mersault. Pair with quail or pheasant. Drink: 2015 - 2021 331918 14.2% XD 750 mL $49.00 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: A full-bodied, complex Californian Cabernet with classic aromas of cassis and black currant and smoke. Pair with rare cuts of meat. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steaks, smoky ribs, hard cheese, braised pork shanks.. Drink: 2016 - 2022 708982 14.5% XD 750 mL $99.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Conundrum White 2009, Rutherford, California, United States: An exotic, alluring white with stunning aromas of white flowers, orange blossom, lychee and honeysuckle. Full-bodied. The composition comes in part from the range of grape varieties including: sauvignon blanc, muscat canelli, viognier and chardonnay.It has been fermented and aged mostly in oak barrels, some new and some seasoned, for up to 10 months. White food pairings: Asian dishes, seafood, vegetarian. Drink: 2011 - 2014 694653 13.5% M 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Bogle Vineyards Essential Red 2013, California, United States: A rich Californian red wine blend with aromas of mocha and coffee from oak aging plus dark fleshy ripe fruit. Drink: 2015 - 2019 394452 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 88/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Davis Bynum Pinot Noir 2014, Russian River Valley, California, United States: A luxurious Californian Pinot Noir with layers of satin-rich cherry and smoke aromas. Lovely depth and yet elegant with a long finish. Drink: 2016 - 2022 105486 14.9% D 750 mL $34.99 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Peju Zinfandel 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States: Stunning Californian Zinfandel with richness and depth unlike others I've tried. Dark plum aromas and smoke. Perfect for barbecued meats. Drink: 2014 - 2019 361451 15.7% XD 750 mL $40.00 Score: 94/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Single Vineyard Cabernet 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States: Decant this massive Californian Cabernet for at least 2 hours. Better yet, give it more cellar time. Wild yeast was used for fermentation. This wine offers aromas of black fruit and smoke. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Drink: 2016 - 2023 329961 13.9% D 750 mL $100.00 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: A plush, luscious and juicy Californian Pinot Noir with aromas of dark cherry and spice. Pair with planked salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2022 577221 13% D 750 mL $36.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Twomey Cellars Merlot 2011, Napa Valley, California, United States: Terrific structure, balance and length on this Californian Merlot. There's also 10% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Aromas of black wild berries. Pair with a pepper steak. Drink: 2013 - 2020 14043 14% D 750 mL $61.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Twomey Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, Bien Nacido, California, United States: Sexy, smooth and supple with aromas of black cherry, spice and earth. Bien Nacido is a famous vineyard throughout California. Pair with planked salmon. Drink: 2015 - 2020 14% D 750 mL $65.00 Score: 93/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Twomey Cellars Pinot Noir 2013, Russian River, California, United States: Spicy mocha notes on the nose and palate of this smooth, medium-bodied Californian Pinot Noir. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2015 - 2021 308916 14% D 750 mL $65.00 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Silverado Merlot 2012, Coomsville, California, United States: Full-bodied, rich and complex with savoury, mocha aromas and dark fruit. Pair with a rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2021 13.8% D 750 mL $60.00 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: Fresh, clean and Crisp Californian Sauvignon Blanc with lemon zest a hint of smoke. Juicy and mouth-watering. Perfect for fresh seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: shellfish, chicken and sage skewers, fresh tomato and basil salad, pan-fried freshwater fish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 472365 13.5% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Waterstone Pinot Noir 2012, Carneros, California, United States: A beautiful expression of cool-climate Californian Pinot Noir. Exquisitely textured and nuanced with aromas of fleshy and tart cherry with a hint of smoke. Smooth and supple. Pair with grilled chicken. Drink: 2013 - 2021 14.5% D 750 mL $25.00 Score: 91/100. April 2016. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

SeaGlass Pinot Noir 2013, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: A joyously vibrant and energetic Californian Pinot Noir from the heartland of where the movie Sideways was filmed in Santa Barbara. Lip-smacking delicious cherry aromas and flavours. Medium-bodied and silky smooth. Pair with grilled chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: spaghetti and meatballs, vegetarian lasagne, roast turkey. Drink: 2015 - 2020 539163 13.8% D 750 mL $20.75 Score: 92/100. April 2016. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2015, Monterey, California, United States: Superb Californian Chardonnay from a cool climate that results in a racy energy running through this robust white wine! Buttery Chardonnay with layers of full-bodied goodness. My mouth is watering. Chardonnay food pairings: pan-seared scallops, blackened chicken, lobster, corn-on-the-cob. Drink: 2015 - 2020 979344 13.5% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart


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