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Wines of the Week: Holiday Party Sips

If youíre having a crowd over for the holidays, of course, youíll want to serve good wine, but thereís no need to spend a small fortune to do so.† Our tasting panel has some recommendations that† promise to make your guests and your wallet happy. Cheers!

Click on labels to enlarge

Cashmere 2016 Red Wine
Winery: Cashmere
Grape(s):
61% Mouredre, 22% Grenache, & 17% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
An inviting nose of cherries, raspberries, dark chocolate, and smoky accents draws one into a glass. Itís a lush, yet still lively palate, with red berry and plum flavors leading to traces of chocolate, smoke, and spice. Offering supple taninins and a welcoming acidity, it calls for a beef stew.
Rating: 90

Freschello Max CuvÈe RosÈ
Winery: Freschello Max
Grape(s):
Merlot & Raboso
Region: Italy

Year: n/a

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
5-10

Review:
Lots of strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries come forth on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of lively red berry with a zesty mineral backbone. Quite crisp, with a fresh acidity, itís an ideal Rose for opening with food and a great bargain.
Rating: 90

Whitehall Lane 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Whitehall Lane
Grape(s):
Sauvignon Blanc
Region:Wapa Valley, Ca

Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
One is hit with aromas of citrus fruits, apples, and minerals on the nose. The palate unfurls with flavors of limes, peaches, and apples playing among nuances of minerals. Thereís a friendly roundness thatís balanced by a crisp acidity, making this a wine to pair with your favorite shrimp dish.
Rating: 90

Carmel Road 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery: Carmel Road
Grape(s):
Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California

Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
Plums,strawberries, and cherries weave together among traces of cola, floral earth, and black tea on the nose. Supple tannins carry flavors of cherry, plum, and strawberry into undertones of rose petal, cola, and tea. A welcoming acidity and nice balance make this a solid Pinot for the price.
Rating: 89

Sterling 2015 Meritage Blend
Winery: Sterling
Grape(s):
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot
Region: California

Year: 2015

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
5-10

Review:
Lovely aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and raspberries mingle among suggestions of dark chocolate, clove, and caramel on the nose. Round and supple, flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry flow into notes of cocoa and barrel spice. Fairly dry but still offering nice fruit, itís a bargain at $10.
Rating: 89

By Jason Barlow

Other Related Links:

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

*Wines rated with a "+" need a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will do so over the coming years

 

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