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BEST BUYS
BEST BUYS
85
Uptick Vineyards 2012 Estate Pinot Noir
(Russian River Valley). This is an abundantly
ripe wine, big in oak and tannin, with a
streak of earthy compost. A tinge of spearmint
brightens the palate, while persistent acidity graces
the close. —V.B.
abv: 15.5% Price: $49
BEST BUYS
90
J. Lohr 2014 Estates Los Osos Merlot (Paso
Robles). This Merlot is dark in the glass,
with lots of oak, vanilla and caramel aromas against
a black-cherry and chocolate-cake backdrop on the
nose. Soft and chalky tannins frame the sip, where
blueberry, vanilla and chocolate-cream flavors
prove lush and inviting. Best Buy. —M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $15
88
Belle Ambiance 2015 Chardonnay (California).
This is not an attention-getter, but
a mild-mannered, reasonably balanced wine that
will happily pair with dishes ranging from seafood
to roast chicken. It has faint apple and vanilla aromas,
mild apple and lemon flavors, and a lingering,
lightly spicy finish. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $10
91
J. Lohr 2014 Estates South Ridge Syrah (Paso
Robles). This bottling offers gingerbread
cake, baked blueberry and smoked pork on the nose.
It’s soft on the palate, with finely polished tannins
imparting a plush texture. Black plum, strawberry
and a touch of mint mark the palate. The structure
shows itself just enough on the finish. Best Buy.
—M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $15
90
Murphy-Goode 2015 The Fumé Sauvignon
Blanc (North Coast). Fresh aromas, vivid
citrus flavors, elegance and poise make this an
attractive wine. It has a balance that is easy to enjoy
and keeps calling for more sips, with pleasant notes
of citrus and green fruit throughout. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $14
88
Belle Ambiance 2014 Pinot Noir (California).
A lively, oak-spice aroma leads into bright
red fruits and cinnamon tones on the palate. A
smooth but lively texture completes the picture for
this medium-bodied wine. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $10
90
Bianchi 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey
County). Wet cement, pear flesh, lemon
pith and white flowers make for a classic base to the
nose of this bottling, but the intriguing chive-like
herbs take it to another level. There is a nice textural
grip to the palate, with brisk flavors of grass,
stonefruit flesh, lime peels and chopped herbs. The
sizzle of acidity grows into the finish. Best Buy.
—M.K.
abv: 14.6% Price: $12
90
Whiplash 2015 Red Wine (California). Concentrated
flavors and a richly tannic texture
make this dry wine more sophisticated and
interesting than many other red blends. It combines
cranberry, black cherry and cinnamon notes for a
mouthfilling and harmonious impression. Best Buy.
—J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $15
88
Happy Camper 2015 Chardonnay (California).
This medium-bodied wine blends
lively citrus and crisp apple aromas with just-richenough
pear, apple and butter flavors for good balance.
Satisfying and refreshing, it will be great with
many different dishes. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13% Price: $9
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