Recent Online Exclusives

Recent Online Exclusives are the latest wine, spirit and beer reviews that did not appear in print.

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Les Vignobles Gueissard 2010 Cuvée G Mourvèdre (Bandol)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Big, bold, tannic wine, very spicy and leathery in character. Dark plums and a solid, chunky character are given a further boost by the dense and concentrated texture, and spice and acidity. The wine needs aging for 5–6 years more. — R.V. (7/1/2013)

points

Daou 2010 Reserve Seventeen Forty Cabernet Franc-Merlot (Paso Robles)

Online Exclusive

Price $56

This is a Bordeaux-style blend based on Cabernet Franc and Merlot, marked by luscious softness and ripe, forward fruit. The flavors of cherries, red currants, anise and sandalwood are delicious and savory. It’s perfect for drinking now with a great steak. — S.H. (7/1/2013)

points

Dusted Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $35

A bright, tart, spicy wine with plenty of grip and detail, this threads flavors of herb, stem and earth into the substantial blackberry and cassis fruit. It’s nicely woven together, penetrating and punchy. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

points

Dusted Valley 2010 Wallywood Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $42

Wallywood is a Rhône-style red, with two thirds Syrah, while Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah fill in the rest. It surprises with its elegance, despite hefty alcohol and tannic components. It’s a very well-done blend, melding together flavors of plum, berry, herb, stem, earth and iron. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

points

Dusted Valley 2010 Rachis Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $53

Rachis refers to a particular part of the grape stem, and indicates that roughly one quarter of this wine is whole cluster fermented. Very pretty cherry fruit is gently mixed with accents of Italian herbs, and the stems tighten up the tannins and add a light hint of bitterness. The finish has a tart, grapefruity kick. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

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McCrea Cellars 2008 Amerique Syrah (Yakima Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $28

This is an elegant Syrah, blended with 18% Mourvèdre and topped with a splash of Grenache. Good phenolic ripeness along with substantial sugars lead into flavors that have melded nicely. Berry, truffle, chocolate, leather, pepper and coffee are all in the mix, and the mid-palate is delicious. Only a fairly quick fade keeps the score from climbing even higher. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

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Nodland Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $38

This rich, dark and earthy wine is pure Cabernet Sauvignon, done well and designed to appeal to those who favor dark barrel flavors along with their ripe fruit. Here, the flavors begins at licorice and runs through espresso, cacao and a finish of lightly charred tannins. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

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Reininger 2009 Merlot (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $39

Spicy and still showing some youthful sharpness, this pure Merlot is loaded with penetrating raspberry fruit, juicy and tart. The mouth-cleaning acidity both sharpens the palate and intensifies the flavors, and leads into a finish dotted with super dark chocolate. — P.G. (7/1/2013)

2009 W.H. Smith Purple Label Piedra Hill Vineyard

This is a gigantic Cabernet, deeply concentrated and enormously tannic…

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