Triangle Chapter, AWS

 

Triangle Chapter, American Wine Society Serving Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC, and Vicinity www.awstriangle.org

Selected Tasting Results from Triangle AWS Chapter Tastings

The highest ranking wine in each tasting is highlighted.
Average Score Interpretation:  12-14 Good, 15-17 Excellent, 18+ Extraordinary.
A "+" sign after Cost means add about 50 cents.

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Tasting Results 2020 - Present

See Also 2010-2019 Results

November 18, 2024:  Rombauer Vineyards Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc, 14.2% ABV; 100%                6  $28  15.3
2023 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, 14.6% ABV; 100%            3  $42  16.3
2021 Rombauer Napa Valley Merlot, 14.8% ABV;
     81% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 7% Cab Sauv, 14.8%         5  $60  15.8
2021 Rombauer Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, 14.5% ABV;
     100%                                                     7  $65  15.2
2021 Rombauer California Zinfandel, 15.9% ABV;
     92% Zinfandel, 8% Petit Sirah                            1  $38  16.5
2021 Rombauer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.8% ABV; 88%
     Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc   2  $80  16.3
2023 Daou Vineyards Chardonnay (Optional Rating/Welcome Wine) 4  $20  15.9 (half the attendees rated)

October 20, 2024:  Cabernet Franc

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2023 Rainbow's End Blanc de Noir -- 13.5% (greeting wine)     6  $20  16.1
2023 Guiberteau Saumur Rose -- 12.5%                          7  $24  15.2
2022 Emiliano Falsini CF "Il Debbio" -- 13.5%                 5  $49  16.4
2020 Lapis Luna CF Reserve -- 14.5%                           2  $22  17.6
2019 Barboursville Reserve (US-Va) 13.5%                      4  $33  16.9
2019 Covington (US-VA) 14.8%                                  3  $28  17.4
2019 El Enemigo "Gran Enemigo" (AR) 13.5%                     1  $90  17.8

September 15, 2024:  Austrian Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Stift Klosterneuburg Sparkling Gruner Veltiner
     Klosterneuberg, Austria                                  7  $18  14.6
2023 Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz  Gemischter Satz Vienna      6  $25  15.0
2023 Landhaus Mayer Gruner Veltliner Niederosterreich         3  $18  15.4
2023 Esterhazy Klimt Gruner Veltliner                         4  $17  15.2
2023 Landhaus Mayer Rose Niederosterreich                     2  $18  15.6
2021 Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz Pinot Noir Vienna            5  $25  15.2
2017 Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz Pinot Noir Vienna            1  $25  16.8

August 18, 2024:  Old World vs. New World

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 Balan Prosecco Mappale 1106 -11%                         9  $25  12.8
2023 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc - 12%                        3  $17  14.7
2023 Sacy Sancere - 12.5%                                     6  $30  14.6
2021 Vina Robles Ltd Sel. Cab – 14.5%                         4  $25  14.7
2016 Chateau Bel Air Gloria Cab – 13.5%                       7  $25  14.4
2021 Mollydooker Boxer Shiraz – 16%                           2  $28  15.7
2022 Bonnefond Sensation du Nord Syrah – 13%                  5  $25  14.6
2020 Eden Dale Pinot Noir – 14.5%                             1  $40  16.0
2022 Charleux Maranges Vielles Vignes – 13%                   8  $40  14.2

July 21, 2024:  Hungarian Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
nv   Evolucio Frizzante                                       6  $20  13.5
2019 Krisztina Csetvei ‘Ollo” Olaszrizling, Mor, Hungary;
     12% ABV                                                  7  $32  12.0
2018 Arvay Dry Furmint, Tokaji, Hungary; 13% ABV              5  $20  14.1
2019 Turay Pince Pinot Noir, Baj, Hungary; 13% ABV            4  $40  15.4
2022 Teliani Saperavi; 13% ABV                                3  $20  15.5
2020 Arvay Tokaji Edesem (Sweet Muscat Lunel), Hungary;
     11% ABV                                                  2  $30  15.6
2017 Öröm Metamorfózis Aszú 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj Hungary;
     10% ABV                                                  1  $60  15.7

May 19, 2024:  Cellar Favorites

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Arnot Roberts Falanghini Dry Creek, Healdsburg, CA       8  $30  13.7
2022 Two Wolves Rose Santa Barbara County                     7  $45  14.2
2022 Three Wine Company Rose Sonoma County                    6  $20  14.5
2021 Raffaldini Estate Sangiovese Swan CreekAVA  Ronda, NC    5  $32  15.3
2013 Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah Santa Barbara County         3  $49  16.7
2010 Three Wine Company Red Blend                             1  $44  17.8
2013 Concannon Reserve Petite Syrah                           2  $75  17.1
2014 Concannon Reserve Petite Verdot                          4  $75  16.6 

April 21, 2024:  Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Mersoleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey County             5  $25  13.8
2020 Pegase Chardonnay Mitsuko's Vineyard  Carneros Region    6  $28  13.0
2021 Stephan Ross Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo
     Santa Barbara Region                                     7  $28  12.2
2019 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast                      2  $45  14.3
2021 Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir                        4  $45  13.8
2021 Obsidian Wine Co Pinot Noir Carneros, Napa Valley        3  $45  14.3
2021 Boen Pinot Noir Sonoma County / Monterey County /
     Santa Barbara County                                     1  $32  15.1

March 17, 2024:  Wines Down Under

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Delinquente Tuff Nutt Pét-Nat                            6  $22  13.0
2022 Shaw And Smith Sauvignon Blanc                           5  $26  14.1
2018 Glaetzer Wallace, Shiraz-Grenache                        4  $28  15.6
2021 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28                                   3  $32  16.2
2021 Mollydooker Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon                 1  $55  16.9
2021 Penfold’s BIN 389 Cabernet Shiraz                        2  $64  16.8

February 11, 2024:  The Wines of Argentina

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Pielihueso Sav Blanc/Chardonnay                          6  $30  13.3
2021 Bodegas Rutini Chardonnay                                5  $27  15.6
2017 Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir                                4  $71  15.8
2006 Bodegas Weinert, Malbec                                  3  $65  16.5
2017 AMERI Organic Red Blend                                  2  $38  17.1
2019 Siesta Ernesto Catena Zapata Cab Franc                   1  $49  17.9

January 21, 2024:  Explore the Great Wines of Germany

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
nv   Weinhaus Schloss Koblenz, Weisslack Trocken Sekt         1  $16  14.9
2021 Karl Erbes, Mosel Riesling Urzinger Wurzgarten Trocken   2  $24  14.4
2021 Koster Wolf, Mueller Thurgau                             4  $24  13.6
2022 Seebrich, Viognier                                       5  $35  13.4
2021 Weingut Max Muller Franken Red MaxTroken                 6  $35  13.1
2020 Salwey, Pinot Noir Estate                                3  $39  14.4

Results 2023  #1 Rated Wines from Each Tasting

Year Wine                                          Rank Cost Score      Bordeaux 2019 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Margaux 13.5%           1  $68  17.3      Malbec 2015 Salentein Single Vyd. Valle de Uco              1  $62  16.7      Wines of Abruzzo 2018 Sinello Montepulciano Reserva                   1  $30  16.7      Aromatized Wines      Cocchi Barolo Chinato                           1  $56  16.4      How to Judge Wines 2019 Daou Bodyguard Red 65% Petite Verdot 35%      Petite Sirah 14.8% ABV                          1  $39  17.4      French Wines Taste-Off 2020 Domaine Giuliani Tradition Chateauneuf Du Pape  1  $40  16.4 2020 Chateau Les Barraillots Margaux Cru Artisan     1  $35  16.4      Southern Rhone 2019 E. Guigal Gigondas                              1  $43  15.5 NV   Domaine de Durban Muscat Beaume De Venise       1  $22  15.5      Red Blends 2019 Mollydooker Two Left Feet      (Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot) - AU                 1  $28  17.9      Taste of the Town 2016 Three Wine Company CMZ California               1  $49  17.8      Arizona Wines 2018 Naga Caduceus Cellars                           1  $58  16.5      Bordeaux Wines 2018 Grand Periples                                  1  $44  16.7

November  19, 2023:  Bordeaux

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Pierre Angulaire Bordeaux Blanc  12%                     6  $15  15.0
nv   Tentation Cremant de Bordeaux NV 12%                     5  $21  15.3
2019 Chateau Potensac Medoc  14%                              4  $42  15.3
2016 Chateau de Come Saint-Estephe 14%                        3  $40  15.4
2018 Chateau La Fleur Garderose Saint-Emilion Grand Cru  14%  2  $47  16.2
2019 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Margaux 13.5%                    1  $68  17.3

October 15, 2023:  Malbec

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
nv   Gougenheim NV Extra Dry "malbec-bubbles"                 7  $14  14.8
2018 Polkura                                                  4  $35  15.5
2020 Post House Reserve "Holy Grail"                          5  $26  15.2
2019 Milbrandt Vineyards "The Estates" Wahluke Slope          3  $30  15.6
2018 Troteligotte "K2"                                        6  $35  15.1
2017 Hearst Ranch Winery "Babicora"                           2  $35  16.5
2015 Salentein Single Vyd. Valle de Uco                       1  $62  16.7

September 17, 2023:  The Wines of Abruzzo

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2021 La Gioiosa Brut Rose Millesimato                         5  $10  14.5
2021 Baldovina Trebbiano                                      7  $22  14.2
2019 ColleCorviano Pecorino                                   4  $23  14.7
2021 Torre Dei Beati Montepulciano Rose                       6  $21  14.3
2021 Barba Collemorino Montepulciano                          3  $11  15.0
2018 Barba I Vasari Old Vines Montepulciano                   2  $20  16.0
2018 Sinello Montepulciano Reserva                            1  $30  16.7

August 13, 2023:  Aromatized Wine

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
     Lillet Blanc (Welcome Wine) BRUT CATIN                   3  $19  15.6
     Oka Kura Japanese Bermutto Sake
       Grand Vin De Bourgogne Chablis                         6  $33  14.1
     Le Quintinye Vermouth Royal Vin De Bourgogne LE CLOS     2  $32  15.7
     Alma de Trabanco Quinquina En Rama ICI Lirac             7  $30  13.1
     Cocchi Americano Rosa Tradition Chateauneuf Du Pape      5  $17  14.6
     Byrrh Grand Quinquina Margaux Cru Artisan                3  $17  15.6
     Cocchi Barolo Chinato                                    1  $56  16.4

July 23, 2023:  How to Judge Wine

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2022 Cantine Povero Arnesi 100% Arneis | 13% ABV DOCG         3  $9   14.9
2022 Tavernello Pinot Grigio 100% Pinot Grigio| 12% ABV DOCG  5  $9   13.3
2020 Grgich Hills Estate Sauvignon Blanc 100% Sauvignon Blanc
     13.5% ABV                                                6  $34  13.0
2019 Villa Cerna Primoclle Chianti Classico 95% Sangiovese
     5% Colorino | 14.5% ABV Not Decanted                     4  $26  13.6
2019 Villa Cerna Primoclle Chianti Classico 95% Sangiovese
     5% Colorino | 14.5% ABV Decanted                         2  $26  15.3
2019 Daou Bodyguard Red 65% Petite Verdot 35% Petite Sirah
     14.8% ABV                                                1  $39  17.4
 

June 11, 2023:  French Wines Taste-Off

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Cremant D’Alscace BRUT CATIN                             4  $17  15.6
2022 Laurent & Celine NOTTON Grand Vin De Bourgogne Chablis   5  $25  15.4
2021 Macon La Roche-Vineuse Vin De Bourgogne LE CLOS          6  $20  15.3
2017 Domaine du joncier ICI Lirac                             7  $20  15.1
2020 Domaine Giuliani Tradition Chateauneuf Du Pape           1  $40  16.4
2020 Chateau Les Barraillots Margaux Cru Artisan              1  $35  16.4
2016 L Excellence Clos Des Menuts Saint-Emilion Grand Cru     3  $50  15.8

May 7, 2023:  National Tasting, Southern Rhone Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2021 Buti Nages Chateau de Nages Rose' ALC 13%               6  $13  14.3
2021 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 60% Viognier 15%
     Roussanne 10% Marsanne 8% Clairette 5% Bourboulenc
     2% Grenache blanc ALC 14%                               7  $19  14.0
2020 Chateau La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Cotes Du Rhone Villages
     50% Grenache 40% Syrah 8% Mourve’dre 2% other
     indigenous varieties ALC 15%                            5  $24  14.8
2019 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf Du Pape 50% Grenache
     35% Syrah 15% Mourve’dre ALC 16%                        3  $55  15.2
2019 E. Guigal Gigondas 70% Grenache 20% Syrah
     10% Mourve'dre ALC 15%                                  1  $43  15.5
2018 Chateau de Trignon Rasteau 65% Grenache 35% Mourve'dre
     ALC 14.5%                                               4  $30  15.0
NV   Domaine de Durban Muscat Beaume De Venise 100% Muscat
     a Petits Grains Balance ALC 15%                         1  $22  15.5

Apr 16, 2023:  Red Blends

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 Conundrum Red (Monteray)                                6  $20  16.0
2020 Daou Vineyards "Pessimist" (Paso Robles)                5  $20  16.1
2017 Smith & Hook Properietary Red Blend (Central Coast)     3  $17  16.7
2021 Orin Swift Abstract Red (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino)       4  $32  16.5
2019 Shafer Vineyards TD9 Proprietary Red (Napa)             2  $55  17.1
2019 Mollydooker Two Left Feet (Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot)-AU 1  $28  17.9

Mar 19, 2023:  Taste of the Town

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2021 Curran Grenache Blanc California                        6  $20  15.3
2021 Lagler Grüner Veltliner Austria                         4  $35  16.0
2016 Coste Rouge Negrette France                             5  $25  15.6
2019 Luca Malbec Argentina                                   2  $34  17.0
2020 Kanonkop Pinotage South Africa                          2  $49  17.0
2016 Three Wine Company CMZ California                       1  $49  17.8

Feb 19, 2023:  Arizona Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 The Descendants Chateau Tumbleweed                      3  $32  15.2
2020 Pretty Girls Viognier Four tails                        6  $35  14.2
2019 The Boss Graciano Vino Stache                           5  $38  14.8
2020 Willy Chateau Tumbleweed                                4  $33  14.9
2020 Gallia Saeculum Cellars                                 2  $50  16.0
2018 Naga Caduceus Cellars                                   1  $58  16.5
 

Jan 14, 2023:  Antolini Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2019 Blanc Recto Verso                                       6  $20  13.4
2016 Chateau Carbon d'Artigues                               4  $25  13.8
2020 Tellus Vinea                                            5  $25  13.5
2020 Chateau Petit Faurie Quet                               3  $26  15.1
2018 Chateau Larose Trintaudon                               2  $33  16.4
2018 Grand Periples                                          1  $44  16.7

Nov 20, 2022:  Antolini Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Gianni Tessari Lesini Durello Brut                      5  $44  15.3
2018 Antolini Corvina                                        4  $24  15.5
2019 Antolini Valpolicella Classico Superiore Persega' DOC   6  $30  15.2
2018 Antolini Amarone della Valpolocella Moropio DOCG        1  $75  17.7
2017 Antolini Amarone della Valpolicella Ca' Coato DOCG      2  $75  17.4
2019 Antolini Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG                3  $40  15.6

Oct 16, 2022:  Exploring the Wine of Bolgheri

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2018 Piccolo Fiore Bianco Terre Siciliane Catarratto and
     Chardonnay 13.0% ABV                                    7  $7   14.1
2021 Poggio al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino 100% Vermentino
     13.0% ABV                                               5  $20  15.5
2020 Guado al Melo Rosso "Antillo" 50% Sangiovese,
     30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot 13.5% ABV      5  $25  15.5
2021 Tenuta Argentiera Poggio ai Ginepri 40% Cabernet
     Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc,
     10% Petit Verdot 14.5% ABV                              4  $30  17.0
2018 Aia Vecchia Sor Ugo (Superiore) 57% Cabernet Sauvignon,
     22% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
     15.0% ABV                                               2  $41  17.5
2019 Tenuta Argentiera Villa Donoratico 50% Cabernet
     Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc,
     5% Petit Verdot 14.5% ABV                               3  $50  17.4
2019 Gaja Ca'Marcanda "Magari" 60% Cabernet Franc,
     30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot 14.5% ABV      1  $72  17.6

Sep 18, 2022:  Unusual Wine Varieties

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2021 Ameztoi Rubentis Spain DO Getariako Txkolina
     50% Hondarribi Zuri, 50% Hondarribi Beltza 11.0% ABV    6  $23  13.8
2020 Schenk S.A. Glou Glou Switzerland AOC Geneva
     100% Chasselas 12.0% ABV                                7  $25  13.6
2020 Weingut Ecker-Eckhof Roter Veltliner Austria AOC
     Wagram 12.5% ABV                                        2  $20  15.0
2019 Visintini Schioppettino IT DOC Friuli Colli Orientali   1  $15  16.1
2021 Doamine La Grangette Cocoriko France
     IGP Cotes de Thau Picpoul Noir 13.0% ABV                3  $15  14.9
2021 J. Bouchon Pais Viejo Chile DO Maule Valley 12.5% ABV   5  $16  14.1
2020 Vina Zorzal Graciano Spain DO Navarra 13.5% ABV         4  $12  14.6

Aug  21, 2022:  Burgundy

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Patrick Piuze - Val De Mer, Non Dose' Brut 12% ABV      6  $24  15.1
2019 Jean Collett - Chablis, Vielles Vignes 12.5% ABV        4  $34  15.5
2019 Domaine de Mntille - Meursault, Saint Christophe        4  $95  15.5
2018 Domaine Larue - Saint-Aubin 1er Cru,
     'Murgers des Dents de Chien' 13.5% ABV                  3  $82  16.0
2018 Domaine Montanet-Thoden - Bourgogne Rouge - "Garance"
     13.5% ABV                                               7  $40  14.6
2020 Didier Fornerol - Cote de Nuits Villages 13.5% ABV      2  $41  17.1
2018 Domaine Follin-Arbelet - Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru
     "Clos du Chapitre" 13.5% ABV                            1 $102  17.5

Jul 17, 2022:  Italian Wines by Sunrise Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   '84 Prosecco '84 Winery 100% Glera 11.5% ABV            2  $17  16.4
NV   San Biaggio Vecchio Cacciabruco Cantina
     85% Trebbiano, 15% Malvasia Aromatica 13% ABV           5       15.5
NV   Sauvignon Venchiarezza 100% Sauvignon Blanc 12.5% ABV   6       15.1
2020 "Sirio" Montepulicano d'Abruzzo San Lorenzo
     100% Montepulciano 13% ABV                              3       16.0
2021 Frappato Poggio di Bortolone 100% Frappato 13% ABV      4       15.9
NV   Il Covo Teatro Latino
     33% Nero d'Avola, 33% Merlot, 33% Syrah 14% ABV         1       17.9

May 15, 2022:  National Tasting Project - Wines of Sicily

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 Donnafugata Sur Sur 100% Grillo 13.0% ABV               6  $20  14.8
2018 Tenuta di Fessina Erse 90% Carricane 10% Catarratto &
     Minnella 13.5% ABV                                      8  $24  13.8
2020 Donnafugata Lighea 100% Zibibbo 12.5% ABV               4  $20  15.3
2018 Tenuta di Fessina Erse 90% Nerello Mascalese,
     8% Nerello Cappuccio, 2% Minella & Carricane 13.5% ABV  7  $24  14.6
2017 Valle Dell'Acate Nero d'Avola 100% Nero d'Avola
     13.5% ABV                                               2  $18  16.0
2019 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria 60% Nero d'Avola,
     40% Frappato 12.5-13.0% ABV                             5  $16  15.1
2018 Regaleali 100% Nero d'Avola 13.0% ABV                   3  $13  15.6
2018 Donnafugata Ben Rye' 100% Zibibbo 14.0% ABV half bottle 1  $36  16.5

March 20, 2022:  Brothers from a Different Mother

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 Sombras De Sol Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Santa Rosa CA
     14.5%ABV                                                4  $16  15.0
2020 Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc Chile 13.5%ABV              8  $13  13.7
2020 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma Coast CA 14.5%ABV          6  $20  13.8
2018 Calathus Chardonnay Mendoza 14.0%ABV                    6  $22  13.8
2019 Head High Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, CA 14.5%ABV          5  $27  14.8
2017 Yamhill Valley Pinot Noir Willamette Valley OR 13.9%ABV 3  $22  15.8
2018 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon WA 13.9%ABV          1  $16  16.5
2019 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast CA 14.5%ABV    2  $20  16.2

February 20, 2022:  Rose All Day

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV Le Grand Courtage Rose Brut Burgundy France 11.5% ABV     5  $18  15.6
2020 Cline Mourvedre Rose California 13.0% ABV               7  $17  15.0
2020 Frescobaldi Alie Rose Tuscany Italy 12.0% ABV           2  $24  16.7
2020 Goats Do Roam Rose South Africa 12.5% ABV               5  $13  15.6
2020 Les Lauzeraies Tavel Rose Rhone Region France 14.5% ABV 1  $17  16.8
2020 The Pale by Sacha Lichine Rose Provence France 12.5% ABV4  $18  16.1
2020 Villa Wolf Pfalz Pinot Noir Rose Pfalz Germany 12.0% ABV3  $16  16.3

December 12, 2021: Zinfandel Blends

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
Lillet Blanc (Maison Lillet, Lillet Freres, Podensac, France)
     85% Semillon, 15% macerated fruit liqueurs 17% ABV      8  $19  15.5
NV 1858 Red Blend (Caymus) Zindandel, Petite Sirah and
     Cabernet Sauvignon, a sparkling wine (Pinot Gris,
     Viognier, Muscat Canelli and Chenin Blanc) 14.2% ABV    7  $25  15.7
2020 Torial Red Blend (Michael Wagner) Zinfandel, Grenache
     and Carignane 14.7% ABV                                 4  $35  16.0
2019 The Fugitive (Truett-Hurst) Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
     Shiraz/Syrah 15.0% ABV                                  5  $30  15.9
2019 Scouts Honor (Venge Wineyards) 63% Zinfandel,
     16% Charbono, 12% Petite Sirah, 9% Syrah 15.3% ABV      5  $35  15.9
2019 Saldo Red Blend (The Prisoner) Petite Sirah, Syrah,
     Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel 15.0% ABV              3  $35  16.4
2019 The Prisoner (The Prisoner) Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
     Syrah, Charbono 15.5% ABV                               1  $45  17.0
2019 8 Years in the Desert (Orin Swift) Zinfandel, Syrah,
     Petite Sirah 16.1% ABV                                  2  $40  16.7

November 21, 2021: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2019 Gruner Veltiner 12.5% ABV                               1  $12  16.0
2020 Rkatsiteli 12.5% ABV                                    2  $14  15.8
2020 Gewurztraminer 13.0% ABV                                3  $14  15.7
2019 Old Vines Pinot Noir 13.0% ABV                          7  $20  13.6
2019 Blaufranksich 13.0% ABV                                 6  $18  15.0
2019 Saperavi 13.0% ABV                                      4  $24  15.5
2018 Amur 12.5% ABV                                          4  $24  15.5

October 24, 2021: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Cremant de Savoie Brut 40% Chardonnay 40% Jacquere
     20% Altesse 12.5% ABV                                   7  $20  14.9
2017 Clos Sain Michele Blanc 30% Grenache Blanc
     30% Clairette 20% Bourboulenc 20% Roussanne 13.5% ABV   6  $45  15.2
2017 Pierre Usseglio Blanc 60% Clairette 35% Grenache Blanc
     5% Bourboulenc 14.0% ABV                                4  $40  16.1
2016 Brotte Les Hauts de Barville 70% Grenache 15% Syrah
     15% Mourvedre 14.5% ABV                                 5  $23  16.0
2016 Domaine Tour Saint-Michel Cuvee des deux Soeurs
     85% Grenache 15% Syrah 14.5% ABV                        3  $25  16.9
2017 Halos de Jupiter 88% Grenache 12% Syrah 15.0% ABV       2  $45  17.0
2017 Chateau de Beaucastel 30% Grenache 30% Mourvedre
     15% Syrah 10% Counoise 5% Cinsault 10% Others 14.5% ABV 1  $56  17.7

September 19, 2021: Wines of Lebanon

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2017 Altitudes Rose-iXiR 40% Syrah, 20% Caladoc,
     40% Cinsault 13% ABV                                    4  $16  15.8
2017 Merwah White-Chateau Ksara 100% Merwah 12.5% ABV        5  $16  15.3
2010 Musar Blanc Chateau Musar 60% Obaideh, 40% Merwah
     12.5% ABV                                               6  $57  15.0
2018 Musar Jeune Chateau Musar 50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah,
     20% Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% ABV                        1  $23  16.8
2017 Resrve Du Couvent Chateau Ksara 40% Syrah,
     30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc 13.5% ABV    3  $17  16.3
2011 Le Chateau Chateau Belle-Vue 40% Syrah, 40% Cabernet
     Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot 15% ABV       1  $50  16.8

August 15, 2021: Unusual Varietals

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2016 Krasno Ribolla Gialla Slovinia 13.5% ABV                7  $17  14.3
2019 Versus Furmint Slovinia 12.5% ABV                       5  $20  15.2
2019 Natte Valley Cinsault South Africa 13.0% ABV            6  $22  14.6
2017 En Calma Bobal Spain 14.0% ABV                          4  $17  16.1
2017 Dominum QP Tourica Nacional Portugal 15.0% ABV          3  $24  16.7
2014 Tofanelli Bonardo (Charbono) Napa 14.1% ABV             1  $40  17.6
2015 Raina Sagrantino Unbria, Italy 16.0% ABV                2  $35  16.9

July 18, 2021: Rickety Bridge Winery

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV   Blanc de Blanc 12% ABV                                  7  $24  14.7
2019 Chenin Blanc 12.5% ABV                                  6  $19  14.8
2018 Chardonnay 12.5% ABV                                    4  $26  15.8
2019 Rose' of Pinotage 13% ABV                               1  $18  16.5
2019 Pinotage 14% ABV                                        3  $23  16.1
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 15% ABV                      5  $42  15.1
2017 Noble Lake Harvest Chenin Blanc 17.5% ABV               2  $23  16.4

June 13, 2021: Wines to Die For!!! Killer Wines For a Great Price

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2017 Mont Marcal, Cava Brut Penedes Xarel-Lo,
     Macabeo and Chardonnay                                  4  $16  15.7
2020 Domaine Colombe, Rose Provence
     Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon                  6  $19  14.5
2018 Cochon "Pape Rocks" Blanc 100% Viognier                 7  $23  14.4
2019 Hunky Dory, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
     100% Sauvignon Blanc                                    3  $18  15.8
2018 Bodegas Sierra Norte, "Pasion" Alicante
     100% Monastrell Raspay, Spain                           5  $14  15.0
2018 Foppiano Estate, "1896" Red California Blend
     66% Petit Syrahh, 14% Carignane, 8% Barbera,
     7% Mourvedre, 4% Zinfandel                              2  $16  16.9
2018 Eagle Glen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley             1  $27  17.7

May 16, 2021: The Wines of Illyria (National Tasting Project)

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2018 Terra Madre Posip Kormana, Croatia
     85% Posip 15% Chardonnay 13.0% ABV                      6  $15  14.9
2019 Galerija Vukoje Tamjanika Mostar, Bosnia
     100% Tamjanika 12.7% ABV                                7  $22  14.4
2019 Blatina Rose, Premium (Vrhunsko) Mostar, Bosnia
     100% Blatina 13.0 % ABV                                 8  $19  14.0
2016 Teuta (Warrior Queen of the Illyrians)
     Blatina Reserve Mostar, Bosnia 100% Blatina 13.0% ABV   5  $40  15.9
2015 Trnjak Premium (Vegan) Mostar, Bosnia
     100% Trnjak 13.5% ABV                                   3  $30  16.1
2017 Rizman Winery Tribidrag Komarna, Croatia
     100% Tribidrag 13.5% ABV                                4  $45  16.0
2016 Komarna 7 Komarna, Croatia 100% Plavac Mali 14.5% ABV   2  $19  16.2
2016 Carski Vinogradi Deep Red Cuvee Mostar, Bosnia Cabernet
     Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Trnjak, Vranac 13.7% ABV      1  $45  17.0

April 18, 2021: France vs. Italy

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2020 Elicio, Rose' Cote Du Ventoux 80% Grenache,
     20% Syrah France                                        2  $17  15.9
2019 Stefano Masone, Cortese Gavi 100% Cortese Italy         4  $14  15.6
2018 Giles Lesimple, Sancerre 100% Sauvignon Blanc France    6  $30  15.2
2019 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis "Saint Claire"
     100% Chardonnay France                                  3  $31  15.8
2019 Emilio Bufon, Piculit Neri Venezie Forgiarin,
     Piculit Neri, Sciaglin, Ucelut Italy                    4  $24  15.6
2017 Bula Haut, "Occultum Lapidem" Rousillon Syrah,
     Grenache, Carignan France                               7  $34  14.8
2016 Dei, Vino Nobilo De Montelpuciano 90% Prugnolo
     Gentile (Sangiovese), 10% Canaiolo Nero Italy           1  $34  16.3

March 21, 2021: Special Occasion Wines

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2018 Arnot Roberts Falanghina 13.2% ABV Santa Rosa CA        8  $36  14.1
2017 Diving Into Hampton Water Rose' Jon Bon Jovi Wines
     60% Grenache 15% Cinsault 15% Mourvedre 10% Syrah
     13.0% ABV Languedoc Region France                       7  $25  14.3
2015 Cremaschi Furlotti Carmenere 13.0% ABV Loncomilla
     & Maule Valley Chile                                    4  $23  15.9
2012 Tenuta II Palagio Sting Wine Message in a Bottle
     Rosso Toscano IGT 70% Sangiovese 15% Syrah 15% Merlot
     13.0% ABV Italy                                         1  $22  16.2
2012 Beaufort Estate Winery Ca Beautage James Cameron Wines
     Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, Cabernet Foch 13.7% ABV
     Comox Valley, Vancouver, BC Canada                      3  $23  16.1
2016 Wilson Creek Teroldego Cellar Select 14.1% ABV
     Temecula CA                                             1  $35  16.2
2017 D.V. Catena Tinto Historico 72% Malbec 21% Bonarda
     7% Petit Verdot 13.5% ABV Mendoza Argentina             6  $19  15.6
2016 Wilson Creek Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel 17.4% ABV
     Temecula CA                                             4  $65  15.9

October 18, 2020: Washington State Wines (National Tasting Project)

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling Wine 11.5% ABV       4  $13  16.3
NV   Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling Wine 11.5% ABV     4  $13  16.3
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling 12% ABV           5  $20  15.5
2018 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay 13.5% ABV  7  $15  14.5
2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 14.5% ABV     8  $17  14.2
2016 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 15% ABV        5  $14  15.5
2016 Intrinsic Wine - Red Blend 14.5% ABV                    3  $20  16.6
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Born of Fire 13.5% ABV            1  $22  17.5
2012 Hedges Estate (Red Mountain) Anne Marie Liegeois Cuvee
     Marcel Dupont 14% ABV                                   2  $26  17.1

February 16, 2020: Priorat

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2017 Conreria d"Scala Dei Les Brugueres 13.5% ABV            6  $37  14.7
2018 Scala Dei Pla Dels Angels 14.5% ABV                     5  $26  15.3
2016 Celler Cal Pla Black Slate Porrera 15% ABV              4  $20  16.1
2015 Bodegas Mas Alta Artigas Priorat 15% ABV                3  $37  16.7
2017 Clos I Terrasses Laurel 15% ABV                         2  $40  17.3
2016 Clos Mogador 15% ABV                                    1  $80  17.5

January 19, 2020: Ancient Wines of Sicily

Year Wine                                                  Rank Cost Score
2018 Gorghi Palmares Sparkling Grillo 11% ABV                7  $16  14.0
2017 Gorghi Tondi Rajah Zibibbo Reserve 13% ABV              5  $23  14.8
2018 Donnafugata Anthilia 12% ABV                            3  $19  15.1
2016 Fazio Nerello Mascalese 13% ABV                         2  $12  15.4
2010 Tenuta Monte Ilice Etna Rosso 13% ABV                   6  $29  14.5
2018 Colosi Nero d'Avola 14% ABV                             1  $20  16.2
2017 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria 13% ABV                   3  $24  15.1