Wine Enthusiast – October 2019

WINEMAG.COM | 135

90

Clos LaChance 2017 Estate Vineyards Caber-

net Sauvignon (Santa Clara Valley). Dense

and concentrated aromas of blackberry, purple flow-

ers and cola spice show on the nose of this bottling.

Roasted black plum, rose petals, wild thyme and dark

chocolate combine on the complex palate. —M.K.

abv: 14.5% Price: $25

90

Conduit 2017 Syrah (Dry Creek Valley). This

wine is aged entirely in neutral French oak,

with a majority of the grapes fermented whole-

cluster. It shows a quirky liveliness and an earthy

undertone alongside flavors of strawberry pie, pep-

per, lavender and orange peel. —V.B.

abv: 13.1% Price: $30

90

Cuvaison 2017 Estate Grown Pinot Noir (Los

Carneros). This wine is earthy in rock and

forest elements, with lifted tones of velvety red

fruit and rose petal. The tannin and oak are expan-

sive and sturdy on the palate, providing structure

around richer aspects of cola and tea. —V.B.

abv: 14% Price: $42

90

DRNK 2017 Mill Station Vineyard Chardon-

nay (Green Valley). Dry, textured and full

bodied, this white is weighty and structured. It offers

rich tones of hazelnut, caramel apple and honey

brightened by green apple and tangerine. —V.B.

abv: 14.3% Price: $38

90

E16 2016 Baby Rattlesnake Vineyard Barbera

(El Dorado). This full-bodied wine offers

bright, concentrated black-cherry and raspberry

flavors. It is built by crisp acidity and mild tannins

that don’t get in the way of the bold, fruity charac-

ter. —J.G.

abv: 14.1% Price: $38

90

Eberle 2018 Eberle Estate Vineyard

Chardonnay (Paso Robles). Asian and Anjou

pear aromas meet with Key lime, citrus and garde-

nia on the vibrant nose of this bottling. The palate

is both tart and lush, with flavors of green guava and

white flowers driving it along. —M.K.

abv: 14.1% Price: $26

90

Eberle 2017 Côtes-du-Rôbles (Paso Robles).

This blend of 64% Grenache, 24% Syrah,

8% Mourvèdre and 4% Durif offers aromas of

gravel, baked soil, red plum and hibiscus. The palate

is fun-loving and light bodied, with cranberry, hibis-

cus and orange-rind flavors, finishing with a hint of

roasted meat. —M.K.

abv: 14.1% Price: $30

90

Fontanafredda 2015 Barolo. Subtle aromas

of camphor, forest floor, wild herbs and blue

flower lift out of the glass. On the smooth, juicy pal-

ate, notes of clove, white pepper and nutmeg accent

a core of ripe black cherry. It’s already approach-

able, but will offer several years of pleasure. Enjoy

through 2023. Taub Family Selections. —K.O.

abv: 14% Price: $40

90

Grosgrain 2018 Philips Vineyard Albariño

(Walla Walla Valley). Fermented and aged

in concrete eggs and neutral barrels, this inaugu-

ral release from the winery brings appealing notes

of freshly rubbed herbs, lemon pith and flower.

The medium-plus palate walks a fine balance

between flavor expression and elegance. Editors’

Choice. —S.S.

abv: 14% Price: $24