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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725097
www.cheersonline.com 35 September 2016 • a hint of terroir and a perfect balance of tannin and sweet/tart acidity. The 2010 is surprisingly approachable, but we suggest cellaring a bottle or two for three to fi ve years. ($100) (95) Chehalem Three Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 (Oregon). A bouquet of sweet cherry, wild fl ower and lightly charred oak leads to fl avors of red currant, raspberry and clove, with a light, pleasant toasty nuance. The fi nish is lengthy with hints of chalk and fl int. The acidity is racy and crisp. Pair with poached salmon, roast duck, Cornish hen, or pork loin. ($33.99) (94) Ken Wright Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 (Oregon). A top-shelf, elegant pinot noir, medium-bodied with complex berry and spice notes, followed by a long, lush fi nish. ($64.99) (94) Alexana Riesling 2011 (Oregon). Made in an Alsatian style, and closer to dry than off-dry, this riesling can convert any white wine fan—or wine drinker in general—to a riesling fan. You won't fi nd a richer, more expansive palate on a riesling from this area of the country. Team it with your next Thai dish. ($28.99) (94) Brennan Vineyards Rousanne 2015 (Texas). One of the newer varietals gaining popularity in Texas. Rich, elegant, and full-bodied. Great acidity without overwhelming the palate. This is their fi rst release sourced from the famed Reddy vineyard in the High Plains AVA. ($32.99) (94) McPherson Cellars Albariño 2015 (Texas). Kim and his Dad "Doc" McPherson were early pioneers in producing wines that didn't fi t the traditional categories but thrived in the hot, dry Texas climate. His albariño is a classic example: a perfect balance of fruit and acid. Viscous mouthfeel that begs for another sip. Excellent with gulf coast seafood. ($21.99) (94) McPherson Cellars "La Herencia" Red Blend 2014 (Texas). Texas version of "The Heritage," this is a unique blend of tempranillo, grenache, mourvedre, carignan and syrah. Seamlessly integrated and probably the best red blend in the state. Medium-bodied. Great wine for sipping on the porch or patio. ($21.99) (94) Bending Branch Winery Tannat 2012 (Texas). All High Plains AVA fruit—this is a "big gun." Robust, full-bodied, chewy. Black fruit dominates with a hint of vanilla and smoke. Perfect with beef fresh off the grill. Will only get better with cellaring if you can be that patient. ($34.99) (94) Broc Cellars Counoise 2014 (California). Broc Cellars specializes in Rhone Valley varietals and delivers big with ita varietal bottling of Counoise. Medium bodied and reminiscent of pinot noir. Red and black fruits are bountiful, along with a touch of earthy qualities. ($27) (93) Gruet Brut Rosé NV (New Mexico). Booming with pink and red fruits, this rosé brings you to Champagne if you close your eyes. One of the top wineries in America blows away the competition at the price point and even a few above it. If you want Methode Champeniose sparkling wines, Gruet is your next stop. ($19.99) (93) Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (California). One of the most amazing cabernet values out of California. Gentle berry fruit, underlin- ing cherry and a hint of plum, balanced with a little cocoa, give this wine a silky and savory fi nish. ($21) (93) Brennan Vineyards Tempranillo 2014 (Texas). This is winemaker Todd Webster's 5th release from a roller coastal vintage. Aged 18 months in oak. A young wine, me- dium bodied with rich black fruit. Excellent with barbeque. Rapidly becoming one of the dominant Texas red varietals. ($32.99) (93) Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015 (Texas). This is the style that put viognier on the radar as the most popular white varietal in Texas. Sourced for three distinct vineyard sites, this is predominately viognier, with a touch of semillon. ($22.99) (93) Seven Rings Cabernet Oak Knoll 2015 (Oregon). A cabernet that, like the 2015 vintage, is fi rm, concentrated and powerful. Judicious use of oak provides balance for the commanding tannins. The smooth texture and ripeness come through in this balanced, harmonious effort. ($30) (93) Barboursville Cabernet Franc 2012 (Virginia). Brilliant clarity hits your eye the same time ripe red fruits hit your nose. Laced with velvety tannins and a fi rm, lingering fi nish, Barboursville cabernet franc will make you forget it isn't from one of the "big time" wine states. ($25.99) (93) Soter North Valley Chardonnay Reserve 2012 (Oregon). This is not an oak bomb. Balanced fruit and acidity, with fl oral aromas, toffee and apple on the palate—all deliver a rich, long fi nish that's a treat. ($30) (92) Dr. Konstantin Frank Pinot Gris 2012 (New York). Dr. Konstantin Frank epitomizes the style and gives the Finger Lakes region something to brag about. A wine highlighted by notes of pear and peach on both the nose and the palate, delivering enough acidity for a crisp, clean fi nish. ($15.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Tempranillo 2012 (Texas). Sourced from the legendary Newsom vineyards in the Texas High Plains, one the best interpretations of Tempranillo in the U.S. Full bodied, bursting with bright fruit fl avors. Aged 24 months in American oak. Black fruit, dark chocolate and cigar box notes lead to a long, lingering fi nish. ($34.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Comfortage 2015 (Texas). Named after their hometown of Comfort, TX, this 100% rousanne excels. Clean crisp, with very balanced acids. Hints of peach, spice and apple. Aging is 50/50 in oak and stainless steel. Great food wine for grilled seafood or chicken. ($32.99) (92) Millbrook Tocai Friulano Proprietor's Special Reserve 2015 (New York). Nicely balanced—not too dry, not too sweet. It's like a pinot grigio on steroids. Very food-friendly; fi lled with refreshing aromas of pear, apricot and citrus. ($15) (92) Truth and Valor Cabernet 2014 (California). This is an energetic cabernet that expresses aromas and fl avors of