BUYINGGUIDE
138 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | OCTOBER 201990
Sosie 2016 Vivio Vineyard Syrah (Bennett
Valley). Cofermented with 7% Roussanne,
this big, bold red opens with aromas of lavender and
sage. These tones extend to the palate where a black
currant core is propped up by burly tannins. —V.B.
abv: 14.4% Price: $3890
Valentín Bianchi 2016 Particular Family
Estate Grown Cabernet Franc (Uco Valley).
Aromas of black coffee and graphite veil the fruit
on the nose of this massive Cab Franc. The palate
shows a dark fruit expression alongside toasty oak
and espresso accents that transition to chocolate
on the finish. Drink through 2035. Quintessential
Wines. Cellar Selection. —M.S.
abv: 14% Price: $4090
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2018 Whole
Cluster Rosé of Pinot Noir (Willamette Val-
ley). Production has more than doubled on this ter-
rific wine, which is aromatic, fruity and juicy in a
lovely mix of watermelon, strawberry and rhubarb
pie. The acidity is moderate and adds a touch of tan-
gerine. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
abv: 14% Price: $1890
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2016 Méthode
Champenoise Brut (Willamette Valley).
Quite tart, yet full-bodied and fleshy, this excellent,
young bubbly is a mix of Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir. Apple and grapefruit hold the core flavors,
with fine bubbles lending refreshing appeal. Drink
now–2024. —P.G.
abv: 11.9% Price: $5589
Broadside 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso
Robles). Aromas of dark strawberry and red
plum meet with mint and turned loam on the nose.
Savory herbs provide a counterpoint to the rich fla-
vors of pomegranate syrup and mulberry on the pal-
ate, with chalky tannins framing it all. —M.K.
abv: 14% Price: $1589
Parducci 2017 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvi-
gnon (Mendocino County). Equally massive
fruit and oak-barrel flavors compete for supremacy
in this bold and firmly tannic wine. It shows ripe
black-cherry and blackberry flavors that mingle
with smoke, toast, cedar and vanilla notes. —J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $1588
Cameron Hughes 2017 Lot 672 Chardonnay
(Rogue Valley). This no-frills Chardonnay
brings tart, clean flavors of lemon curd and green
apple, with a finishing hint of pie crust. —P.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $14BEST BUYS
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Hahn 2017 G-S-M (Central Coast). Freshly
crushed blackberry, leafy herbs, charred
meat and a hint of oak show on the nose of this
value blend of 65% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 2%
Mourvèdre. It’s fresh on the palate in a black cur-
rant flavor yet savory in smoked meat, all framed by
bright acidity and layered tannins. Best Buy. —M.K.
abv: 14.5% Price: $1591
Three Thieves 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Cali-
fornia). This exuberant wine is packed with
expressive fruit aromas and irresistible flavors that
range from cherry to black plum and blackberry. No
noticeable oak gets in the way of the wine’s fruit
flavors. Medium body, good balance and gentle tan-
nins make it easy to sip. Best Buy. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $11