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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/598044
www.cheersonline.com 46 • November/December 2015 (95) Guilhem Moulin De Gassac Rosé 2014 (France). A blend of 50% grenache and 50% carignan from 25- to 50-year-old vines grown on stony soils. The color is pretty—a pale carnation pink. Nuances of peach, strawberry, wildfl ower and fl int all harmonize on the nose. Flavors of not-quite- ripe raspberry, apricot and peach delight the palate and fi nish with crisp sweet/tart acidity balanced with a hint of minerality. A terrifi c thirst quencher. ($12) (95) Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (California). Whole-cluster pressing and a three-week cold fermentation in stainless steel results in a refreshing, fruit-forward style with no oak aging. A lush bouquet of peach and pear with a whiff of lemongrass gets your attention. On the palate, you'll taste melon, apricot, and citrus with a hint of sweet anise. The fi nish is long and not- quite dry. A simply lovely style. ($15) (95) J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard 2013 (California). Named for Mr. Lohr's wife Carol, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer research. Classic Napa fruit, with a creamy texture and a perfume nose that offers up robust citrus hints. Rich and powerful with a ingering fi nish. ($28) (95) J. McClelland Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District 2012 (California). A blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 4% petit verdot, barrel-aged for 20 to 24 months. This is an elegant wine, reminiscent of a good Saint-Julien. Distinctive cabernet sauvignon aromas and fl avors predominate. The merlot adds a velvety texture, the petit verdot adds a pleasant herbal nuance. Tannins are fi rm. While nice now, fi ve to six more years will allow some lovely development. ($50) (95) La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon 2013 (France). Lush aromas and fl avors of honeydew, pineapple and grapefruit abound with lively, refreshing acidity on the lengthy fi nish. On the very end, a note of fl int shows up in a most delightful way. This wine has many characteristics of good sancerre, and is more affordable. ($20) (95) Lionel Osmin La Reserve Malbec 2011 (France). An excellent example of malbec (100%) from Southwest France, home of the grape's origins. Aged 10 months, 80% stainless, 20% oak. The wine has a beautiful deep-blue color. Aromas and fl avors of berry, black cherry, coffee, and some sweet spice fi nish with soft tannins and a hint of terroir. This is a great introduction to "old-world" malbec and a terrifi c value! ($15) (95) Luigi Bosca Malbec 2011 (Argentina). Intense with sweet tannins, ripe red fruits, cassis and black pepper tones. A pure and full-bodied malbec. This bold gem pairs nicely with braised short ribs, stews and game. ($17) (95) Rocca Family Vineyards, Collinetta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). From a vineyard located in the Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa, this lovely example of a Napa Valley cabernet is sure to please the most discerning of palates. Intensely dark in the glass, the nose is fi lled with black fruit, and hints of toast. Exceptionally well balanced, with a long fi nish. ($95) (95) Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon, 2% petit verdot, estate grown. Native yeast fermentation and 22 months in three types of French oak, 70% new, add to the complexities of this fabulous wine. The bouquet is lush with hints of lilac, blueberry and black cherry. The mouthfeel is rich with ripe, black fruit fl avors mingling with nuances of mocha, coffee and sweet spices and a hint of "cigar box" on the end. Tannins are fi rm, in balance, and assure several years of development. ($75) (95) Shafer Merlot 2011 (California). This wine is a dense purple color, with spice, black cherries and black fruits on the nose. This merlot shines with amazing juicy and chewy fl avors of cherry pie and strawberry. With an elegant mouthfeel that presents a lengthy, most enjoyable fi nish that begs to have another glass. ($60) (95) Yvon Mau Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (France). A 100% varietal wine with aromas and fl avors of tropical fruits and citrus. Racy, crisp, and dry on the fi nish with a hint of minerality. Also an excellent value. ($12) (94) Achavel Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2010. Move over Bordeaux: This is a keeper! Brooding, dark and powerful, with ripe tannins, elegant minerality and dark chocolate. A fi ne example of a collectible cellar wine. ($100) (94) Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstanding nose, with lots of black fruit, spice and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long fi nish maintains its balance throughout. ($60) (94) Markham Vineyards Merlot 2012 (California). Dark fruit aroma. Cherry, plum and blackberry fl avors. Substantial tannins. Long fi nish ($23) (94) Markham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013 (California). Crisp, bright acidity balances the surpris- ingly lush and welcoming full mid-palate in this straw-pale gem. Melon and apricot offset the citrus notes, making this a fi ne accompaniment to steamed bivalves or delicate seafood dishes. ($13) (94) Miner Stagecoach Vineyard Merlot 2012 (California). Dark ruby in the glass, the nose is dominated by spicy dark fruit, with just a touch of smoke. The palate is an echo of the nose, with good weight and length. A great combination of power and elegance. ($40) (94) Neyers Merlot 2011 (California). A deep garnet-red hue, alluring aromas of black cherry, mocha and caramel, lifted by a fl oral hint. Silky and lush in the mouth, with lovely aromatic perfume to the fl avors of cherry, raspberry, fl owers, cocoa and dusty spices. A nicely balanced, lovely merlot that fi nishes with a fi ne dusting of suave tannins and subtle persistence. This is what merlot should be! ($40) (94) Robert Mondavi Reserve Fumé Blanc 2012 (California). This barrel-fer- mented, single-vineyard wine is a brilliant,