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LUIS CAÑAS

Reserva Rioja 2015

(Rioja, Spain) $32

Loads of sweet vanilla flavors atop a core of delicious cherry fruit. Texturally plush, a bit like the Rioja version of California’s Silver Oak Cabernet. From 40-year-old vines.

92 points KM

Available at B-21

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BODEGA SEPTIMA

“Obra” Malbec Reserva 2020

(Mendoza, Argentina) $27

Black figs, dark raisins, black licorice. A big, somewhat syrupy red, perfect for Bribs or chicken slathered with a syrupy BBQ sauce.

90 points KM

Available at Pinnacle

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QUPÉ

Grenache 2018

(Santa Barbara County, CA) $30

Spiced cherries, vanilla bean, and wonderful energy and freshness in this Grenache from Santa Barbara, home to many of the top Grenaches in the US.

90 points KM

Available at Blackwell's Wine & Spirits

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ACUMEN

“Mountainside” Sauvignon Blanc 2021

(Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, CA) $35

Sauvignon lovers, this is for you. Exquisitely poised yet rich Sauvignon evocative of pink grapefruit, sage, lime zest, and kiwi. (No “bad” vegetative greens here.) Very layered, complex, and refreshing. A can’t-stop-drinking Sauvignon.

94 points KM

Available at Acumen

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J LOHR

“Hilltop” Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

(Paso Robles, CA) $35

Pour the wine into a decanter, hide the bottle, and watch people admire this big “Napa Cabernet.” Lots of blackberry pie, sage, and spice flavors.

90 points KM

Available at Vivino.com

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HAMILTON RUSSELL

Chardonnay 2020

(Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa) $34

A delicious rich, nutty, and minerally Chardonnay from one of the top producers in South Africa. Creamy and refreshing with loads of vivacity. Hemel-en-Aarde means “Heaven and Earth.”

93 points KM

Available at Gary's Wine & Marketplace

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DÖNNHOFF

Weissburgunder Trocken 2019

(Nahe, Germany) $28

Salty freshness, very light, and dry. Crisp and pure like a cool mountain stream.

89 points KM

Available at Winkler and Samuels

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QUINTA DA PELLADA

“Primus” 2015

(Dao, Portugal) $32

Over-the-top snappiness gives this wine a super refreshing quality. Very zesty, citrusy, and mouthwatering. A field blend of 19 indigenous white Portuguese varieties. Fun and distinctive.

92 points KM

Available at Gary’s Marketplace

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BRENDEL

“Chorus” Cuvée Blanc 2019

(Napa Valley, California) $28

Tarragon and kumquat citrus with a sagey finish. This wine is intriguing and unique—great to pair with warm lentil salad or goat cheese.

90 points KM

Available at Brendel Wines

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LEEUWIN ESTATE

“Prelude Vineyard” Chardonnay 2020

(Margaret River, Australia) $30

A rich, toasty Chardonnay loaded with apple and apricot notes, counterbalanced by absolutely pulsating crisp freshness. A great all-around Chardonnay for all sorts of dishes.

92 points KM

Available at Mr. D Wine Merchant

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JORDAN

Chardonnay 2019

(Russian River Valley, California) $35

Jordan is well known for perfectly proportioned wines that are elegant, classic, and never overwrought. This Chardonnay is evocative of golden apples with hints of minerals vanilla bean, and fresh pineapple.

92 points KM

Available at Jordan Winery

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MARKHAM

“The Altruist” 2017

(Napa Valley, California) $31

Markham has been quietly at work making some of Napa Valley’s most deliciously plush Merlots for many decades. The Altruist has a spicy, rich core and great structure.

92 points KM

Available at Wine.com