Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1148446
Sobon Estate 2017 Barbera (Amador County); $17 This medium-bodied wine is fresh and lively in red cherry and raspberry aromas. The palate brings tart fruit flavors and good balance. It is a vibrant and appetizing expression of the grape. Toad Hollow 2018 Eye of the Toad Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir (Sonoma County); $14 This perennial favorite of a light, dry style at an unbelievably fair price overdelivers once again, showing a dry, acid-driven body of tart grapefruit, strawberry and candied cherry. Made entirely from the variety, it's one to enjoy all day long. Bouvet-Ladubay NV Brut Excellence Sparkling (Crémant de Loire); $13 This is a ripe, nutty wine offers tastes of apple and green plum. Its perfumed flavors are given a great lift by the attractive bubbly mousse and soft texture. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley); $11 Aromas of pink grapefruit, tropical fruit and herb lead to broad feeling, ever so slight spritzy fruit flavors. A tart, lingering finish caps it off. Firesteed 2017 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley); $16 Round and fruity, this spot-on style pushes fresh fruit flavors of golden apple and Bosc pear into the center ring. It's fresh and juicy, unpretentious and ready for immediate enjoyment. Fire Road 2016 Pinot Noir (Marlborough); $15 This is a solidly medium-bodied wine that offers up plush rhubarb and strawberry aromas with red licorice, dried herb and a touch of wood spice. There's plenty of fruit weight on the palate but also a good lick of acidity that keeps things lifted, accompanied by soft, dusty tannins and a tangy red berry finish.