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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725097
www.cheersonline.com 36 • September 2016 ripe plumb, dark cherry, cranberry, dark chocolate and coffee notes. This wine delivers great texture and balance with a long fi nish. ($25) (92) Yorkville Semillon 2013 (California). Adding a pinch of sauvignon blanc to this organic semillon makes for a perfectly balanced wine, brimming with pear, quince, apricot and lime. The light, creamy fi nish is a perfect companion to any shellfi sh. ($21) (92) Kicker Cane Cabernet 2014 (California). A powerful cabernet with notes of ripe plum, red currant, clove and other spices. This Alexander Valley wine shows that you do not have to drink Napa to get complex cabernet. ($20) (92) Verada Pinot Noir 2014 (California). This luscious, smooth pinot noir has an opulent nose, and rich body showing fruit forward ripe characteristics. The smooth texture and structure combined with the raspberry, strawberry, spice and vanilla notes form a complex, plush wine. ($17) (92) Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 (Oregon). The aromas of sweet, ripe nectarine, Anjou pears, wild fl owers and honeysuckle lead you to believe this will be a sweet wine. But as the wine dances across the palate, the complex fl avors and the focused acidity takes over. Completing the experience is the long, lingering fi nish. ($15) (91) Le Fervent Syrah 2013 (Washington). The beautiful energy of Washington state fruit and the romance of French wine- making from the Rhone make this wine an unbelievable value. Wonderful hints of blueberries are surrounded by a gentle structure of tannin and acidity. ($17.99) (91) Iter Pinot Noir 2014 (California). A pinot noir with fruit-forward raspberry and black currant notes comes together with spice features for a touch of oak treatment. The ripe fruit notes and defi nite acidity create a savory, smooth, classic California pinot noir. ($15) (91) Crossfork Creek Merlot 2014 (Washington). A deep, bold merlot from Sheridan, shows blackberry, blueberry, tobacco and subtle oak notes for structure. The bold texture is complemented by a bright acidity, making it a forward, yet complex, easy-drinking wine. ($20) (91) Crossfork Creek Cabernet 2014 (Washington). Elegant cabernet from Sheridan with a layered dark fruit and smoky notes that are striking. The tannic grip and noticeable acidity carry the fruit and secondary charred notes to a vibrant fi nish. ($20) (91) Brennan Vineyards "Super Nero" Nero d Avala 2012 (Texas). Vineyards were fi rst planted in 2002, and refl ect Dr. Brennan's goal to produce "sophisticated wines with Texas roots." Almost Old World in style, with muted fruit. Aged 12 months in oak. Perfect wine for pasta. ($23.99) (91) Cadaretta Sauvigon Blanc/Semillon 2013 (Washington). Fresh citrus and a hint of grassiness leap from the glass and onto your palate. The perfect amount of acidity keeps the fi nish crisp and clean enough to make you yearn for more. ($23.99) (91) Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012 (New York). To say it's impossible to fi nd the balance, mouthfeel and heartiness for this price anywhere else in America would be an understatement. Fresh pineap- ple, honeysuckle and vanilla burst from the nose and echo in the palate. ($16.99) (91) River Road Chardonnay 2015 (California). Rich and pure fl avors of green apple, mango and Bartlett pear are balanced out with moderate oak use. There is a great mouthfeel with rounded-out ripeness from the Sonoma weather. ($15) (91) Bonny Doon Vin Gris Rosé 2014 (California). A fi eld blend of eight different varieties and one of the more elegant rosés you will have this year, it is highlighted by hints of wild strawberry and watermelon and just enough of a fi nish to make you wonder what is left. The acidity is so refreshing that the bottle could disappear before you know what happened! ($19.99) (91) Qupe Marsanne 2012 (California). One of the surprises of California's white wine world. On the lighter side of medi- um-bodied, and more refreshing than you would expect from marsanne. ($20.99) (91) Long Shadows Poet's Leap Riesling 2013 (Washington). This is a classic riesling in the sense that it exudes apricot, candied lemon peel, white fl owers and a touch of petrol. The off-dry entry is quickly tempered by bracing acidity that carries a long, clean fi nish. ($24.49) (91) Line Shack Cabernet 2015 (California). Dense and bold fl avors of red currant, blackberry and rich cherry are complemented by toasty oak. There is a luscious mouthfeel with intense, deep red fruits and a full body and long fi nish. ($18) (91) Courtney Benham Cabernet 2014 (California). Pronounced black currant, red cherry and cranberry fruits, and a touch of well-integrated oak emerge from this smooth cabernet. It fi nishes with elegant bright fruit, and spice providing nuance. ($20) (90) Four Vines The Maverick Zinfandel 2012 (California). Big and brooding. Full bodied and oozing with rich, ripe raspberry and strawberry. Smooth fi nish. Great with a cheese plate. ($15) (90) Beaux Freres 'Les Cousins' Pinot Noir 2014 (Oregon). Beaux Freres entry-level pinot noir delivers strawberry compote, caramelized cherries, damp earth, and black tea components that are both rich and elegant. ($31.99) (90) Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Gris (Oregon). Bright and beautiful are the best descriptors for this pinot gris. Subtle tropical fruits and a refreshing fi nish make this wine perfect for appetizers, a salad course or light seasoned shellfi sh. (90) Oak Ridge Cabernet 2015 (California). A rich, ripe cabernet, with big red currant notes, and a savory vegetal structure that adds depth to the fruit-for- ward wine. This wine is textbook Lodi with a texture that is bold and rustic. ($15) (90) Crimson Ranch Cabernet 2014 (California). Raspberry, cherry pie and