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StateWays | www.stateways.com | September/October 2016 40 RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS — ALL−AMERICAN WINES surprisingly approachable, but we suggest cel- laring a bottle or two for 3-5 years. ($100.00) (95) Chehalem Three Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 (Willamette Valley, OR). Reminiscent of a good Bourgogne Rouge, this wine has a bright ruby color. A bouquet of sweet cherry, wild flower and lightly charred oak leads to flavors of red cur- rant, raspberry and clove, with a light, pleasant toasty nuance. The finish is lengthy with hints of chalk and flint. The acidity is racy and crisp. Pair this gem with poached salmon, roast duck with a fruit glaze, Cornish Hen, or roasted pork loin. ($33.99) (94) Ken Wright Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 (Oregon). Top-shelf, elegant Pinot Noir, medium-bodied with complex berry and spice notes, followed by a long, lush finish. ($64.99) (94) Alexana Riesling 2011 (Oregon). Riesling is becoming more and more of a hot-button grape in the state of Oregon. Alexana is producing the style that has people talking. Made in an Alsatian style, and closer to dry than off-dry, this Riesling can convert any white wine fan to a Riesling fan. Heck, any wine drinker in general. You won't find a richer, more expansive palate on a Riesling from this area of the country. Team it with your next Thai dish or a hot summer day. ($28.99) (94) Brennan Vineyards Rousanne 2015 (Texas High Plains AVA, TX). One of the newer varietals gaining popularity in Texas. Rich, el- egant, and full-bodied. Great acidity without overwhelming the palate. This is their first re- lease sourced from the famed Reddy vineyard. ($32.99) (94) McPherson Cellars Albariño 2015 (Texas). Kim and his Dad "Doc" McPherson were early pioneers in producing wines that didn't fit the traditional categories but thrived in the hot, dry Texas climate. His Albariño is a classic example. Perfect balance of fruit and acid. Viscous mouth feel 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 High Plains AVA, TX). This is Bending Branch's signature red. All high plains 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 vari- etals and delivers big with their varietal bottling of Counoise. Medium bodied and reminiscent of Pinot Noir, this wine is something that all red wine lovers should give a chance. Red and black fruits are bountiful, along with a touch of ear thy qualities. Broc Cellars Counoise is small in production but big in flavor and is a must the next time you see it. (93) Gruet Brut Rosé NV (New Mexico). If I told you one of the top sparkling wines made in America was made in New Mexico, would you believe me? I didn't at first either, but once I tried the wines from Gruet I was a believer immediately. 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 they are at and even a couple above it. If you want Methode Champeniose sparkling wines, Gruet should be 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, underlining cherry and a hint of plum, balanced with a little cocoa, give this wine a silky and savory finish. (93) Brennan Vineyards Tempranillo 2014 (Texas). This is winemaker Todd Webster's fifth release from a roller coastal vintage. Aged 18 months in oak. A young wine, medium bodied with rich black fruit. Excellent with BBQ. Rapidly becoming one of the dominant Texas red vari- etals. ($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 predomi- nately Viognier, with a touch of Semillon. ($22.99) (93) Seven Rings Cabernet Oak Knoll 2015 (Oak Knoll, OR). A Cabernet that, like the 2015 vintage, is firm, concentrated and powerful. Judicious use of oak provides balance for the commanding tannins, and Oak Knoll's smooth texture and ripeness come through in this bal- anced, harmonious effor t. ($30) (93) Barboursville Cabernet Franc 2012 (Vir- ginia). A red wine from the state of…Virginia? You bet, and you bet it's as good as any Amer- ican Cabernet Franc as well. Brilliant clarity hits your eye the same time ripe red fruits hit your nose. Laced with velvety tannins and a firm, lin- gering finish, 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. Bal- anced fruit and acidity, with floral aromas, tof- fee and apple on the palate — all deliver a rich, long finish that is a treat. ($30) (92) Dr. Konstantin Frank Pinot Gris 2012 (New York). We have to go to New York to find one of the most impressive Pinot Gris made in Amer- ica. 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 finish. ($15.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Tempranillo 2012 (Texas High Plains AVA, TX). Sourced from the legendary Newsom vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this is one the best interpretations of Tempranillo in the U.S. Full bodied, bursting with bright fruit flavors. Aged 24 months in American oak. Black fruit, dark chocolate and cigar box notes lead to a long lingering finish. ($34.99) (92) Bending Branch Winery Comfor tage 2015 (Texas Hill Country, TX). Named after their hometown of Comfort, Texas, this 100% Rou- sanne 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) •