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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

NV

Mazza Wines

The Perfect Bubbly

Sourced from several vineyards within the Lake Erie AVA, this blend of hybrid varieties saw cool stainless steel fermentation to help preserve vibrant aromatics and acidity. Expressive notes of apple and pear lead the way, joined by white flowers and honeysuckle. A rich, creamy, and frothy mousse lifts the palate, resolving with a subtly sweet finish.

NV

Piper Sonoma

Brut

Vivacious, with lively and lovely green apple aromas and flavors, and impressive length for the asking price. With Méthode Traditionnelle production and 7% aged reserve added, this sparkler is an easy and affordable way to upscale your weekday sipping. – J.R.

NV

Sparkling Pointe

Brut Nature

Disgorged on 10.16.24 after more than three years aging sur lie, this is a multi-vintage Brut Nature made from 51% 2020 and 49% 2019 fruit. And let me say—it’s absolutely my kind of wine. Gorgeously rich, with spectacular nutty complexity and an ultra-fine, creamy mousse. Winemaker Andrew Rockwell explains that the oak aging adds just a bit of grip, which helps frame the wine’s generous mid-palate and lingering, toasty finish. It’s stunning—elegant yet powerful, and just plain gorgeous.

NV

Usonia

West! West!! West!!!

50% Chancellor (Plane’s Block, west side Cayuga Lake), 30% Verdelet (Arrowhead Vineyard, west side Seneca Lake), and 20% Cayuga White (Plane’s Block), all hand-harvested in 2023 and vinified separately. In 2024, fermenting non-vinifera Diamond—a native variety—was added to the still wine before it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Hand-disgorged over the winter, this sparkling wine is wild, rustic, and utterly compelling. It channels tar and roses with deep loamy earth—like a red from Chinon—before unfurling with intensely tarry minerality, frizzante energy, and a creamy, assertive mousse. Red berry fruit mingles with savory notes of star anise, black olive, and crushed walnuts drizzled with paprika-laced honey.

NV

Whitecliff

Awosting White

A blend of Seyval Blanc and Vignoles, this semi-dry white is named after Lake Awosting in the Shawangunk Mountains. Medium-bodied, with floral lift and ripe orchard fruit, it shows a touch of sweetness balanced by incredibly bright, saline-laced acidity. The finish is marked by a wet stone minerality.

NV

Whitecliff

North River Methode Champenoise Rose

Traditional method rosé. This is a vividly red-fruited sparkling wine with a bright, frothy mousse and crunchy red berry, plum, and white cherry notes. A subtle salinity and touch of baking spice carry through the lengthy finish. Composed mostly of free-run juice, the wine spends up to two years en tirage, with a dosage of approximately 4.5 g/L.

N/A

Whitecliff

North River Petillant (Traminette)

From Whitecliff Vineyard’s home estate-grown Traminette, this is pressed into stainless steel and fermented with native yeasts, then is allowed to ferment slowly until it hits the numbers winemaker Brad Martz is targeting—leaving enough residual sugar to complete fermentation in bottle. Disgorged to remove heavy lees, then recapped. It opens with bright apple and lifted baking spice, followed by a super frothy, assertive mousse that resolves through layers of white rose, orange oil, lychee, and a touch of grapefruit zest. Clean, zippy, and zingy.

N/A

Whitecliff

North River Petillant (Vidal Blanc)

Sourced from estate-grown Vidal Blanc from the Whitecliff Vineyard home estate. Pressed into stainless steel and fermented with native yeasts, the wine is allowed to ferment as long as needed to reach the numbers winemaker Brad Martz targets—leaving enough residual sugar to complete fermentation in bottle. It’s then disgorged to remove the heavy lees and recapped. The result is a clean, bright pét-nat with notes of chamomile, yellow apple, and white flowers. The mousse is rich, creamy, and finely textured, leading to a bone-dry, acid-driven finish. Easy-drinking and elegant—really lovely.

N/A

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Non-Vintage (NV) Stella Solitaria

“Stella Solitaria,” meaning “Lone Star” in Italian, is a blend of 45% Montepulciano and 45% Aglianico (both sourced from Wildseed Farms Vineyard in the Hill Country AVA near Fredericksburg), and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (from Family Vineyard near Brownfield in Terry County). Fermented in open-top small-lot bins, the wine is pressed to tank, cold-settled, and then aged for up to 48 months in mostly neutral oak. The result is an elegant, vibrant red wine with crunchy red fruit flavors, powerful tannins, and notes of mocha. Blood orange acidity and a rich vein of chalky minerality on the finish add balance and complexity to this bright, spicy, and zippy red blend.

2023

Uplift Vineyard

Estate Red III

(Barrel Sample) Incredibly polished with power, energy, and tension, this blend of 70% Monteuplicano, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Sangiovese offers gorgeously pure red fruits laced with vanilla and tobacco spice notes. Medium-bodied with polished tannins that are already poised for foundational success, it shows great promise. This is going to be a killer wine when it’s finally released, and I can’t wait to re-taste it. There’s been a dynamic shift—a watershed moment—in the production of these wines since Napa-based consultant Jean Hoefliger began consulting with Uplift Vineyard in 2022. The transformation is evident, and this wine is a testament to that evolution, promising an exciting future for these wines.

2024

Wines by Alisa Jacobson

Bait + Switch by AJ, Non Alcoholic Wine, Made with Organic Grapes, Sauvignon Blanc

Organically farmed Sauvignon Blanc, harvested early to retain acidity, then cool-fermented in barrel with an aromatic yeast strain. Lees stirring contributes added texture, while a small portion aged in new oak lends a subtle toasty edge. Alcohol is gently removed via vacuum distillation before the wine sees a short élevage in neutral oak. Golden in hue with flecks of emerald flashing at the rim. Opens with vivid aromas of lime blossom, gooseberry, and fresh-cut citrus, followed by hints of guava and green melon. The palate is mouthwatering and bright, layered with lemon-lime and white grapefruit — reminiscent of childhood sodas like Sprite or 7UP, but without the sweetness or carbonation. There’s a subtle textural roundness at the core and a whisper of toast and wet stone on the finish. Surprisingly complex for a non-alcoholic wine, with a nostalgic wink and an adult sense of restraint.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2022

Producer

Name

This 2022 Rosé from the Texas Wine Collective is an aromatic blend of 78% Muscat, 10% Viognier, 5% Riesling, 5% Trebbiano, and 2% Mourvèdre. It opens with honeysuckle and jasmine florals that carry through to the medium-bodied palate. Vibrant red-toned fruits also emerge, interwoven with a bright, cool, and wet granitic minerality.

2022

Producer

Name

Crafted by Kim McPherson, this aromatic blend consists of 80% Muscat, 10% Viognier, 5% Riesling, and 5% Trebbiano. The wine bursts with bright wildflower and honey aromas, complemented by delicate chamomile tea notes.Medium-bodied on the palate, it delivers deep and lasting flavors of lemon oil and chamomile, with just a hint of sweetness on the finish. Elegant and refreshing, this wine is both delightful and incredibly crushable.

2022

Producer

Name

The Blackbuck Reserve Merlot is a nice expression from the Texas High Plains, showcasing the grape’s potential in the region. It features a solid spine of crunchy acidity that enhances its freshness. The wine is framed by crunchy red apple skin notes, plums, and cherry fruit, all contributing to a Merlot that displays real power, intensity, and elegance.

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 Estate Red from Uplift Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country is a bright, ripe, red-fruited wine with a hint of sage, cool wet slate, and rose petal. Medium-bodied, it features a firm spine of grippy acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. The wine finishes with bright, crunchy pomegranate seed notes, revealing a juicy and fresh character. Aged in 10% new French oak, it shows great balance and vibrancy. The winery is situated on a stunning 72-acre site, with 55 acres planted as of 2024, in Hoover’s Valley within the Llano Uplift, surrounded by three mountain ranges and the Colorado River. It’s a gorgeous site, imbued with soil that is literally pure beach sand. Winemaker Claire Richardson, along with her full-time vineyard crew, is doing a phenomenal job of crafting bright, fresh, and energetic wines that truly capture the essence of this unique Texan countryside. The consulting winemaker is Jean Hoefliger.

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 Malbec from Uplift Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country is 100% Malbec, aged for 16 months in 10-15% new French oak. It is beautifully fresh and inviting, with captivating red berry fruit notes and crystalline acid tension, making this Malbec quite impressive. Lovely blue fruit and violet notes complement the wine, while velvet, fine-grained tannins provide a smooth, medium-bodied structure. The wine is framed by elegant cedarwood spices, adding depth and complexity. The winery is situated on a stunning 72-acre site, with 55 acres planted as of 2024, in Hoover’s Valley within the Llano Uplift, surrounded by three mountain ranges and the Colorado River. It’s a gorgeous site, imbued with soil that is literally pure beach sand. Winemaker Claire Richardson, along with her full-time vineyard crew, is doing a phenomenal job crafting bright, fresh, and energetic wines that truly capture the essence of this slice of Texan countryside. The consulting winemaker is Jean Hoefliger.

2022

Producer

Name

Uplift Vineyard’s Texas Hill Country 2022 Sangiovese,sourced from vines planted on ancient granitic soils amidst surrounding mountain ranges, is a red-toned wine marked by vibrant currant fruit and brown baking spice notes. It features intense, fine-grained tannins that are beautifully balanced by a foundation of blood orange acidity. The finish is complex, with nuances of dried wild herbs, pomegranate seeds, and cherry pit, adding depth to its long, satisfying conclusion.

2022

Producer

Name

100% Cabernet Franc from the winery’s home vineyard on the west side of Cayuga Lake, currently in conversion to biodynamics. Hand-harvested, fully de-stemmed, with a spontaneous fermentation and three-week maceration. Aged in neutral barrels for 10 months and bottled in August 2023, unfined and unfiltered. This wine delivers terrific dark berry fruit concentration—think mulberry and cherry compote—layered with fine cedarwood, star anise, and violet aromatics. Earthy undertones emerge as the wine builds, anchored by soaring tannins and bracing acid tension that lead to a firmly grippy finish.

2022

Producer

Name

From the organically farmed Two Wolves Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers expressive aromas of cassis, tobacco, and cedarwood. On the medium-bodied palate, savory notes of black olive and liquorice emerge, framed by crisp, finely structured tannins. Juicy blackberry and cherry fruit underscore the finish, adding lift and freshness.

2022

Producer

Name

This Chardonnay opens with bold aromas of Meyer lemon and sweet, toasty oak that mellow beautifully on the palate. Layers of lemon oil, apricot, ripe yellow apple, and pear create a rich fruit salad character, all framed by zesty acid tension. The finish evokes the indulgent pleasure of a decaadent, powdered sugar-dusted lemon bar.

2022

Producer

Name

This is a silky, easy-drinking Pinot Noir brimming with bright red fruit and lifted spice. Velvety in texture, it glides across the palate with notes of espresso bean, clove, and a subtle hint of coriander cream lingering through the finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from certified sustainable estate vineyards, this wine was aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels. This is a delicate and finessed expression of the variety, showing real prettiness with air. Juicy red cherry fruit mingles with clove, espresso bean, grapefruit zest, and a touch of coriander cream. Firm, mineral-laced tannins provide structure to this precise and focused red.

2022

Producer

Name

The winery’s first single-vineyard bottling of Cabernet Franc, this wine is sourced from an estate plot just north of the winery along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, it shows real polish and elegance, with layered notes of cassis, black currant, and black cherry accented by cedarwood. Medium-bodied with dusty, firm tannins that possess a velvety appeal, the wine finishes long and clean, marked by wet slate minerality, white pepper, and subtle hints of coriander and cumin.

2022

Producer

Name

The winery’s Melody Vineyard was the first commercial planting of this cultivar in 1984, and they’ve produced a varietal Melody bottling ever since. Harvested in late September, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Kiwi fruit rises from the glass and settles into a light- to medium-bodied white with soft, silky texture and a bright acid backbone. Subtle notes of orchard fruit and wet river stone round out this elegant and easy-drinking wine—perfect for enjoying with a good book or while prepping ingredients for a slow-cooked meal.

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from 100% certified sustainable estate vines, these grapes were harvested in late October, then frozen and pressed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. Gorgeous layers of luscious apricot and ripe pear unfold with honeysuckle and white flower aromatics, all lifted by a zing of kumquat-like crunchy acidity. The wine finishes long and pure with notes of wildflower honey. Balanced and zesty, with just the right amount of sweetness offset by vibrant acid tension.

2022

Producer

Name

One of the best wines I tasted from Wanderlust, this Viognier shows impressive mid-palate depth and fragrant, flinty minerality. Notes of quince and honeysuckle blossoms unfold gracefully, carrying through to a medium-length finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Sourced from the Diamonte Dos Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this Petite Sirah opens with aromas of rose petal, violets, and crunchy red fruit. It is framed by burly tannins that provide a unique granularity, giving the wine an interesting texture that builds with intensity. With good concentration, it finishes with cool graphite and dried herb character. Pair this structured and flavorful wine with herb-encrusted pork loin.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2022

2022 Texas Wine Collective Rose

Still

$

2022

2022 Texas Wine Collective Texas Wine Collective White Wine

Still

$

2022

2022 Triple R Ranch Blackbuck Merlot

Still

N/A

2022

2022 Uplift Vineyards Estate Red

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Uplift Vineyards Malbec

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Uplift Vineyards Sangiovese

Still

$$

2022

2022 Usonia New Suns Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Verdad Wines Two Wolves Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Vignerons Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Vignerons Pinot Noir

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Lone Oak Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Melody

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Vidal Ice

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Wanderlust Viognier

Still Wine

N/A

2022

2022 Wedding Oak Petite Sirah

Still

N/A

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