Extra dry in style, this sparkling blend of 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay succeeds dramatically in its ability to be salty as a cracker and crisp as a bite of green apple, followed by a lemon chaser. Tart and lengthy, it has persistent acidity and purity that's hard to resist.
Named after the Fonseca estate in Alentejo, this wine is impressively rich and structured. It has firm tannins that are balanced by dense black fruits and crisp acidity. A blend of Grand Noir (the local name for Baga), Trincadeira and Aragonês, it's a very complete wine, fermented in clay amphora and stone lagars. It's still maturing, so drink from 2019.
This is a remarkable, lovely wine, made from a site in the extremes of Annapolis. It is delightfully complex and layered, with a richly concentrated palate of dark cherry, blueberry and Asian five spice, with spikes of sea breeze and tea.
Showing Bardolino's more serious side, this delicious red opens on aromas of wild berry, pressed blue flower, spice and a balsamic note. With a blend of Corvina and Rondinella, the elegant, well-structured palate delivers morello cherry, black pepper and clove. Refined tannins provide the polished framework. Drink through 2019.
On the western edge of the appellation, in what locals call the Sebastopol Hills, this wine shows its provenance well, imparting wild, exotic aromas and flavors of crunchy red fruit and Asian spice. Silky, savory and inviting, it's also pretty, with impressive depth, persistent acidity and chunks of turned earth and pine.
This single-vineyard wine is richly structured and seriously impressive, coming from a parcel planted with Syrah and Touriga Franca. Wood aging for 20 months has given the wine both spice and concentration. With the acidity and the firm tannins at the end, the wine will be ready to drink from 2019.
Broad, welcoming aromas of strawberry and baked red currant are lifted by mint leaf, star anise and white pepper on the nose. Pure raspberry flavors kick-start the palate, followed by waves of anise, bay leaf and juniper, proving this to be a dynamic and minty sip.
The nose on this bottling is very elegant and layered, offering well-integrated aromas of rose petals, clove, sharp hibiscus and rainbow peppercorns. Clove and allspice show strongly on the sip as do cinnamon and boysenberry, all framed by firm tannins and a bright powerful acidity.
This lovely, memorable wine from a fantastically farmed site is grippy in cherry and pomegranate with a backbone of integrated oak. Crunchy in texture, it shines in floral aromatics and a balanced body weight that's fruity and complex.
From architect José Perdgão's small quinta—only 17 acres on typically high-altitude merciless soil—this classic Dão blend including Alfrocheiro and Jaen is ripe, still firmly tannic and mineral. It has weight and density, extra rich from the wood aging, and packed with solid tannins and balanced black fruits and acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from 2020.
Menthol, new leather, white pepper, fig and forest floor are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fantastic wine. Smooth and structured, the full-bodied palate evokes dried cherry, licorice, baking spice, raspberry compote and a salty mineral note. Firm polished tannins provide smooth seamless support. Drink through 2031.
This rare Walla Walla Roussanne comes on crisply with a mix of melon, pineapple and lime. It's tart and fresh and lightly minty, with persistent and clean fruit flavors.
This is an estate-grown, stainless-steel fermented, perfectly varietal expression of Sauvignon Blanc. It's not trying to be Chardonnay, happily; rather it shows the pleasantly grassy side of the grape, with light melon and green apple fruit flavors.
The French often use the name Benjamin to indicate a youngest son, and this second wine from Château Beauregard exhibits all the youthful exuberance of a young wine. It doesn't have weight, but it does have balance and fresh acidity, given depth by wood.
A big, ripe powerful wine, rich with black berry and sweet plum flavors. The wine shows density and tight, dark tannins that promise some good aging. The balance is finished with sweet and sour acidity and a concentrated finish.
Tangy red fruits are the hallmark of this Cabernet/Merlot blend (there's also a tiny bit of Syrah in it). Juicy strawberry and cherry candy flavors meld with a touch of earth and darker streaks of coffee.
Very soft and creamy, with the open drinking style of many 2000 vintage wines. It has a good solid base of white fruits, apple skins and green almond, with the acidity light and fresh. Drink now.
Driven by bold pineapple and passion fruit aromas, this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc boasts a smooth mouthfeel and silky texture. It's a nice drop, with the only quibble being that the herb and citrus flavors peter out a bit quickly on the finish.
Honey, flowers and citrus aromas are pronounced and pretty in this Chardonnay. Rounded honey, citrus and toasted flavors are balanced and buoyed by acidity, freshness and spice. A very nice everyday white that's both elegant and easygoing.
This dark-fruited, full-bodied Shiraz isn't for the faint of heart. Espresso, dark chocolate, roast meat and plum notes come together in a creamy-textured wine that finishes with a tart, hard edge of acidity and a dusting of cocoa powder-like tannins.
Yes, the same Jacob's Creek that turns out vast quantities of drink-me-now wines at sub-$10 price points also makes this age-worthy Cabernet from Coonawarra fruit. The 2008 is a harmonious wine, blending notes of cassis, cigar box and vanilla into a richly textured, fairly tannic whole. Give it 4–5 years in the cellar.
The Lodge Hill Dry is a solid performer year-in and year-out. This vintage shows a hint of fuel oil alongside green apple, bergamot and clover notes. It's a fine, medium-bodied dry Riesling that broadens out just a little on the long finish.
Lean and tightly focused, this looks like one for the cellar—try it around 2018 if you can wait. Right now, it shows modest, restrained citrus fruit, hints of wet stone and a wickedly long, sinewy finish.
This small-production Sauvignon Blanc (700 cases) overdelivers on its price by a factor of two or three times. It gets going with crisp, crystalline aromas of passion fruit and briny grapefruit. A pure, juicy, ripped palate offers lime, grapefruit, tangerine and herb flavors, while the finish is minerally and clean.
This is floral on the nose, offering up hints of talcum powder and restrained fruit. Yet the apple, cinnamon and lime flavors bust out on the palate before ending in a long, potent, citrusy finish. Drink now or hold up to 10 years.
Yalumba's western outpost has been steadily improving the quality of its wines, and the 2010 21 Barriques represents its top wine to date. The dark fruit flavors are accented by ample amounts of charred oak, but the fruit ultimately wins out. The result is a very drinkable, silky textured wine with a long, toasty finish. Drink now–2020.
From vineyards overlooking the city of Vienna, this is a field blend of old varieties. It is crisp and spicy with an exotic ginger note along with its fruitiness, and fresh acidity. It's not for aging but will improve over the next year. Screwcap.
Vintage after vintage, this wine impresses for its complexity and balance, and the 2009 won't disappoint on those counts. It may not be the biggest, baddest Dry Red No. 2, but it features blueberry fruit and espresso and black olive shadings, a lovely supple texture and a softly lingering finish. Drink it over the next few years.
This new vineyard-designate blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in roughly equal proportions, from a site adjacent to Red Mountain. Generous, deeply colored, and even more deeply flavored, this supple and aromatic wine—currently a wine club selection—deserves to be more widely distributed.
This single-vineyard Barolo shows balsamic aromas of sage, eucalyptus and leather with raspberry notes. The palate delivers succulent black cherries layered with spice, mint and Alpine herbs. Reflecting the forward nature of the vintage, this is already drinking well. Enjoy now and over the next few years.
Cullen's 2010 Mangan captures the great potential of the vintage. It's a youthful, juicy mouthful of berry fruit accented with cedar and vanilla oak, but where the wine really shines is its texture, which is richly silky, with a fine dusty quality reminiscent of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon. Drink it now and over the next several years.
Aromatically subtle with scents of delicate stone fruit marked by flint and slate, this Riesling builds in intensity on the palate with loads of luscious white-peach flavor. It's delicate and crisp on the palate with a long, white-tea finish.
This hard-edged wine has bitter chocolate as well as black-currant flavors. Quite young at this stage, this is a dark, powerful, concentrated wine that has both great fruit and a dense structure. Give it four years to mature.
This balanced, ripe and full-bodied wine has good concentration and fine tannins that come from the wood aging and the juicy black fruit. It's an impressive wine, for aging 4–6 years.
This rich and integrated wine is full of ripe berry fruit and firm tannins. It is a full, concentrated wine, densely textured and structured. There is a good sense of juiciness behind the youthful, firm surface. Give this fine, great-value wine at least four years.
Firm and concentrated, this wine has ample weight and aging potential. Dry tannins are balanced by ripe berry fruit, juicy acidity and solid structure. Give this dense wine at least five years.
This is more Cabernet Franc than anything else, but includes some Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. One of the region's signature reds, the 2009 offers cherry and cranberry fruit alongside hints of cigar box. It's soft enough to be approachable now, yet remains stuffed with tannin. Try after 2015.
The plumpest of Frankland Estate's three single-vineyard bottlings in 2012, Netley Road offers subdued lime and tobacco aromas, then flavors of tangerine and pineapple. It's softer than the others, but displays an attractively chalky element to the textured finish. Drink now–2020.
This is a serious, organically grown wine, that's big, ripe and spicy with a great creamy texture. Very full in the mouth, it boasts rich yellow fruits laced with a chalky, mineral character. Acidity plays a pivotal role in keeping all this freshness in balance. Drink after 2–3 years. Screwcap.
There's a closed-off and slightly bitter edge to this wine, a blend of 35% Petit Verdot, 25% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. A weedy, herbal streak is most prominent throughout.
This wine offers red berry fruits, the softest tannins and texture and an earthy, rustic aftertaste. Drink now.
Floral aromas of wisteria and lychee are tropical and musky. In the mouth, this unoaked Chardonnay feels oily but also citrusy. Flavors of lychee and lime finish similarly, conveying tropical overtones.
Harsh berry aromas carry a note of horseradish. The palate is blocky in feel. Short, somewhat bitter black-fruit flavors finish stewy and suggest overripe raw materials.
An 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, it reveals a plethora of oak nestled around dried cranberry, bittersweet chocolate and cigar. Medium bodied, it benefits from additional time in the glass.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot, this wine combines them all to herbaceous, slightly green and puckering effect, the oak overwhelmingly audacious.
This smells strange, with a mix of herbal blueberry, leather and green tobacco aromas. An awkward, fiercely tannic palate leads to herbal, minty flavors of boysenberry and blackberry that finish with dry, abrasive tannins.
Black cherry aromas are dwarfed by notes of wilted flowers and turned earth. Red and black fruit flavors are shy on the palate, with grippy tannins following through to the finish.
While the nose has a persistent apple cider quality, the palate brings a bit more nuance, with unripe peach and sweet-and-sour lemon flavors.
The nose is slightly unfocused, with mealy peach and unripe tropical fruit pervading. Medium bodied, the palate brings slightly stemmy, unripe flavors, with citrus and pineapple rind leading to an astringent finish.
Inky at first, this smells leathery, stewy and herbal. A clamping, hard palate causes mouthfeel issues, while saucy, minty plum flavors finish oaky and tannic, with scratchy acidity.
A Claret (Merlot, Cabernet, Malbec) blend topping out at more than 16% alcohol and being released seven years after the vintage is unusual, to say the least. It's oaky, tannic, blocky and generic, but the bottle age has tempered the tannins a bit and somewhat taken the edge off the alcohol.
Rustic redcurrant aromas are dominated by underripe notes of stems and menthol. The palate follows suit, showing tart and tight currant hiding under tones of green peppercorn.
Pickle barrel scents and a strong impression of green wood, along with a whiff of cedar, characterize this rough, rustic, tannic wine. The 2007 is the current release and is drying out quickly. Drink up.
This seriously overripe wine offers baked, stewy aromas. Scratchy tannins, reduction and overripeness characterize this baked, raisiny, chocolaty wine from front to finish.
Aromas of horse stall and barnyard precede a funky palate that displays bitter, charred sensations but no fruit richness.
It smells smoky and peppery, tastes smoky and meaty with a bit of tart cherry, and has a lean texture and medium body. The blend includes 55% Barbera.
This wine gives all kind of reductive funkiness on the nose, with overpowering rubber and tar aromas. It's sour once sipped and too tannic to drink right now, but time may forgive a little bit.
Funky, unfresh aromas suggest clove and compost. A flat, wide palate is low on definition, while pithy citrus and apricot flavors finish bitter and bland, with a shot of acidity.
This is a bit foul on the nose, with a mealy peach aroma. The palate is bland in feel, with leesy, slightly bitter melon flavors that finish dull and pithy.
Tangerine and orange zest aromas are overcome by a peppery and stemmy quality. The palate feels underripe, offering tart citrus flavors and soapy floral tones.
Fleshy pear and applesauce aromas are dusty but not substantive. The palate feels grabby and cidery, with lemony acidity. Odd flavors of stale passion fruit and grapefruit finish yeasty and broken.
Stalky, funky aromas suggest spent fruit and sauerkraut. Plump on the palate, but bitter, briny and stalky tasting, this conveys salty, peppery white-fruit flavors and a poor mouthfeel.
Funky, fishy and metallic smelling, this is tannic as nails. Herbal berry and buttery oak flavors finish green and hard.
Berry aromas turn more jammy and unfocused with airing. An offputting, buttery, creamy palate tastes of stewy, earthy plum and compost, while the finish brings an artificial oak flavor. The blend is 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec.
Jammy, scratchy, oddly spiced aromas set up a drawing, cloying palate feel. Gummy strawberry and raspberry flavors finish short and briny, with a sweet, chocolaty note.
This wine features soft apple and pear fruit with light tannins and grapefruit freshness. It is clean, well-made and ready to drink.
Juicy sweet on the nose and palate, this semidry Gewürztraminer is likeable for its unabashed fruit forwardness. Sweet peach and melon candy flavors finish a bit on the confected side with a swirl of perfumy florals.
Slightly dusty, but piquant aromas of freshly pressed apple cider are pleasant in this fairly dry Michigan Riesling. Bright, appley flavors make for easy drinking, but finish with just the right hint of bitter lemon and lime pith.
Savory scents of smoke and roasted nuts lend an uncharacteristic earthiness to sweet lemon and orange blossom notes on Standing Stone's Gewürztraminer. Quite lush on the palate with a slightly viscous slick; lemony acidity adds a nice, steely bite to the finish.
All red cherry and banana fruit, this is a soft, juicy and bright wine. Attractive and fresh, just edged with a slightly dry texture.
There's a high-toned streak to the red fruit core of this wine, with secondary accents of chocolate-milk mix and vanilla extract to keep things from being too sharp. Drink now.
Easy-drinking and straightforward, this approachable Pinot offers bright notes of red cherry, blueberry and strawberry framed by dusty tannins and a softly herbal finish.
While floral notes waver a bit chemically on the nose, the palate on this Michigan Riesling is nicely concentrated, with abundant fresh apple and citrus flavors. Just slightly off-dry in style, it finishes sprightly with cut and focus.
There is a layer of tannins here that impart a dry edge to what is otherwise sweetly fruity wine. It is full and juicy, with strawberry fruit flavors.
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat, this is spicy, smoky and herbal. It is dense, with a green, stalky edge that comes from the acidity and black tannins. Age for two years.
Concentrated blackberry and black currant aromas are ripe and come with a balsamic note. It feels juicy, full, lively and fresh, with oaky dark-plum flavors accented by rooty, herbal notes. Dry tannins mark the finish.
A full and creamy style of Sauvignon Blanc, this has a lot of dense almond and vanilla notes set against high tones of bright peach and flint. With its great, fresh acidity, it will hold up against an appetizer like goat cheese on crackers.
This Sauvignon Blanc opens with beautiful flowery aromas. It's crisp and complex, bearing intense notes of grapefruit and mineral, with a kick of lime on the finish. This would go very well with seafood or spicy Thai.
Cassis, sugar beet, leather and mild herbal aromas make this Cabernet appealing on the nose. It feels slightly syrupy and resiny, but with its core acidity the palate remains in good shape. Flavors of plum and cassis have a strong vanilla and oak resin accent, while the finish is tannic, roasted and robust.
Roasted plum, baked berry and jammy aromas can't be missed, but it's structured and not at all soft in the mouth, with wild berry, cherry and boysenberry flavors. It really pours on the fruit, ending fresh with no nonsense.
Starts with raspberry and cherry aromas and a dusty, earthy note that adds complexity and character. You can sense the warmth of the vintage in the glass, with slightly raisined notes that come through on the palate alongside the supple tannins. Drink it over the next few years.
This leans a little green and soda-like on the nose, but it picks up clarity and speed on the palate, which carries a tangy, citric snap. It tastes of citrus and lees, and the finish is medium in length and healthy.
As pale in color as is possible for a rosé, this is bright, crisp and fruity.It has delicious acidity and red apple and citrus flavors, with a burst of red currant on the finish.
Rusty in color, this has a baked fruit aromas suggestive of raisin, cherry and plum. It's thick, but it maintains freshness due to the solid acidity. This feels heavy, with robust flavors of roasted plum and blackberry, but the finish isn't cloying.
Despite some tough tannins on the finish, this is an intriguingly complex wine that may prove even better than this rating suggests. It starts with a garrigue note and a hint of tapenade, then adds bright cherry fruit and plenty of dusty tannins. Drink 2014–2020.
Full bodied and rich, this has a well-balanced structure, with a dry, tannic core. It's powerful and packed with a juicy black-fruit flavor. This can be aged for at least two years.
This is light on the nose, with almost airy aromas of raspberry and cherry. Fuller and more grabby in the mouth, it has firm tannins and sweet flavors of berry and cherry darkened by a toasty accent. A little fiery on the finish, it has mild heat that food will tame.
Spicy cinnamon comes to the fore in this Merlot that's also complete in plum and currant. Soft and round, the wine is approachable and not overdone, aged in 30% new American oak.
This blend holds Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, with no variety making up more than 29%. The aromas tussle with notes of blackberry, green herbs, coffee and woodspice. It's medium bodied with cherry flavors and chalky tannins.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this conveys aromas of pressed blue flower, mature plum and toast. The palate offers blackberry extract, espresso, clove and a confectionary note alongside dusty tannins. It finishes on a bitter note.
Graphite, tobacco, plum, fig and clove aromas come together in the glass. The dense, one-dimensional palate offers mature blackberry, blueberry extract, vanilla and a confectionary note, with the burn of evident alcohol.
Brick red in color, this is a clear, clean expression of tar and ripe red cherry and raspberry fruit that's medium bodied and layered, popping at the finish with a spectacularly intense imprint of oak.
This wine is dominated by darkness, giving aromas of upturned black earth and coffee grinds. The palate trends a tad redder, with lava rocks, but the blackness returns in the form of blueberries, espresso and soil.
Aromas of toast, underbrush and mature plum lead the nose on this medium-bodied red. The palate delivers black cherry, roasted coffee bean, black pepper and grilled herb alongside bracing tannins. The fruit is already dried up so drink this soon.
Earthy, leafy red-fruit aromas are a bit rustic and burnt-smelling. This solid, chunky Pinot has spicy oak leading slightly cooked but good berry flavors. A woody, somewhat hot finish is somewhat generic.
Aromas of fresh-cut grass, citrus peel and yeasty dust are typical of the Casablanca region. A round mouthfeel offers proper acidic cut, while flavors of grapefruit, lime and bell pepper finish green but fresh.
Green apple and lime aromas are well presented and clean. This has a citrusy feel to go with lime, passion fruit and grapefruit flavors. A mildly pithy and citric finish delivers plenty of youthful kick.
Fresh and inviting aromas of fynbos, gooseberry and lime leaf leap from the glass of this value-priced Savvy. The palate is light and crisp, with a lemon-lime note that finishes brisk and refreshing. Easy to drink and immensely accessible; drink now.
Gritty aromas of asphalt, green peppercorn, saucy berry and hard spices precede a tight palate with grating tannins. This is oak-heavy, with sweet-and-saucy red-berry flavors. An oaky, tomatoey finish is rubbery in feel.
For affordable, everyday Pinot Noir, this fresh, tasty number does the job. Tomato and herbal aromas complement lighter red-fruit scents, while the palate feels airy and easy. The flavor profile is snappy, with notes of red plum and raspberry backed by oak-based caramel and milk chocolate.
Well along the aging curve, this feels a bit pushed, with divergent and strong flavors of cherry, plum, licorice, smoke and sweet toast. There's a lot going on, though little sense of the elegance that often typifies Pinot Noir, and the tannins have a rough, rustic quality.
This Merlot holds estate fruit as well as sourced grapes from several sites, creating a well-blended wine with tiny percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aged in both French and American oak, the wine is balanced in cranberry and blackberry, with an herbaceous underbelly.
This budget-minded white veers toward overripe fruit and a layering of vanilla sugar yet retains enough minerality on the back end to remain vibrant and juicy.
Straightforward and easy-drinking, this delivers ripe sour cherry and black raspberry alongside fresh acidity and dusty tannins. It's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
Whiffs of dusty minerals lend a savory, earthy character to dried fig and pressed apple notes on this sweet Riesling. With flavors of fresh fruit fading into the background, it's showing signs of an approaching maturity. Drink soon.
This pale salmon rosé starts off with scents of crushed stone and underripe stone fruit, then shows riper flavors of plum and peach on the palate before ending on notes of watermelon rind and citrus. Drink up.
This smells a bit smoky, tastes ripe and almost sweet and feels smooth, juicy and not too full bodied. It has a tempting cherry syrup flavor, light tannins and welcome acidity to buoy up all the fruit flavors.
Earthy aromas of leather, game, meat juices and mature black-skinned fruit lead the nose on this hefty wine. The palate offers sawdust, licorice, prune and espresso but not enough fruit richness to support the oak. Fleeting but astringent tannins leave a bitter finish.
While the nose is a delicate bouquet of cherry blossoms and raspberries, the palate of this pomegranate-toned wine is kicky and bright. Despite its extended bottle age, it's surprisingly primary still, bristling with tart sour-cherry flavor.
It's a no-apologies, heavily oaked wine. Even the guy on the label is wearing wooden kegs for pants. The smoked bacon and juicy, grapy aromas lead to very oaky, smoky and jammy flavors on a smooth texture with a touch of sweetness that rounds the edges.
This white blend of Gros Manseng and Petit Courbu, both local grapes for Saint-Mont, produces a ripe, floral wine with touches of honey. It is refreshing as well, with lime juice acidity that sails right through to the end.
Gascony was the birthplace of the Alexandre Dumas hero, D'Artagnan. This blended wine comes from vineyards around his childhood home. It has a wave of apples, oranges and zest fruitiness, with a crisp, fresh aftertaste.
Moderately aromatic, this has notes of woodspice, dill, fruit leather and cherry. It's medium bodied with firm tannins and tart cherry and chocolate flavors that carry through the finish.
Pretty aromas of white spring flower, sage and apple lead the nose on this blend of 90% Fiano and 10% Chardonnay. The palate offers green apple, nectarine and lime alongside fresh acidity.
This contains only 10% skinless Carmenère, so in essence it's Sauvignon Blanc. Peach and melon aromas are straightforward and mildly grassy. A fresh mouthfeel and simple flavors of tangerine, lime and grapefruit finish slightly pithy but steady.
This packs a punch, delivering wide swathes of vanilla, clove and chocolate-covered cherry around soft, round tannins and a slightly bitter, savory herbal finish.
Subdued florals and apple scents have a slightly dusty, chemical edge on the nose of Mazza's Reserve Pinot Grigio. Slight in body but it finishes briskly on the palate. Drink now.
Muted on the nose and palate, with dusty notes of mealy apples, this full-bodied, dry blend of Cab Franc and Malbec finishes with just a whisper of dried cherry and strawberry flavors. Drink now.
Powdery and oaky smelling, with not much fruit to get excited about. Feels soft and mushy, with banana, pear and resiny vanilla flavors. Feels resiny on the finish, too.
Gritty cherry and plum aromas lead into a sheer, high-acid palate with citric burn and tart flavors of raspberry and plum skins. Finishes with limited flavor and leftover acid.
Stalky smelling, with a minerally streak. Feels tangy and lean, with lemon, sour apple and white currant flavors. Short on the finish.
Hits heavy with the olive and burnt rubber aromas, then turns ultrazesty and citric in the mouth. Tastes tangy and herbal, with tomato and sour plum flavors. A raw, tart wine.
Unusual aromas of creamed corn and exotic notes are too unfamiliar to register properly. It's thick but not entirely cloying, with powdered sugar and dried mango flavors. Weird stuff that probably won't find too many takers.
Even in a flight of top BAs and TBAs, this one stood out. It's hugely sweet and viscous, yet also has amazingly fresh acids that really prolong the finish and promise decades—if not centuries—of cellaring. Golden raisin and dried apricot notes are true to type, and the wine's balance is impeccable.
Hugely sweet yet reasonably balanced given its enormous concentration, this is a tremendous example of the quality heights sweet Riesling can achieve. Golden raisin, dried apricots and candied pineapple all swirl together in a delicious haze of sugar-coma-inducing syrup that nevertheless goes down easily. Will age easily for decades.
A superb wine, the product of a great vineyard site and old vines. The wine is concentrated, very rich, beautifully balanced between considerable acidity and sweet white fruits and mandarin oranges. With its tense, edgy texture, it is a wine that will age for many years.
A wonderfully drinkable beerenauslese, which makes it a serious accomplishment—sometimes these wines can just be too much. This one balances its intense dried apricot and golden raisin notes with tropical and citrus fruit and lively acidity.
Wow, this is a glorious bottle of Pinot Noir. It was designed to celebrate the winery's 10th vintage (hence the name, Dix) and is a barrel selection of Maresh Vineyard grapes. Textural, lush, smooth, supple and utterly delicious, its red and black fruits are dappled with dusty spices, dusted with coffee grounds, and glide into a silky finish. Yummy beyond words.
This lesser-known vineyard is the source of at least two stupendous eisweins in 2009. This one features demerara syrup and ripe peaches imbued with an incredibly lush texture, yet balanced by bright acids and a slightly briny quality on the finish.
Von Schubert bottled two eisweins from the Herrenberg in 2009. This one is pale in color, with intense pineapple and honey flavors. The wine is sweet, luscious and viscous yet never cloying, with a long finish that features unfolding layers of fruit flavor.
This stellar wine has a huge yum factor. Deliciously ripe and spicy, it's loaded with cranberry and raspberry fruit. There's an underlying tang of pink grapefruit acidity, along with aromatic highlights of violets and rose petals. Drink now through 2022.
This blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 23% Mourvèdre is quite sultry on the nose, with crushed boysenberry, dried violets, wet clay and the slightest touch of soy. Pepper and moist earth arise on the palate, alongside blackberry and blueberry fruit, a touch of cocoa and concentrated lavender and other purple-flower flavors.
Fresh blueberry and blackberry juice aromas meet with pepper and pressed lavender on the nose of this sleek bottling by Michael Larner, one of the Ballard Canyon appellation's loudest proponents. Black plum and dried black raspberry flavors show on the palate, which is layered with cracked pepper, cigar box and a minty lift on the lengthy sip.
Gorgeous sprays of blossom cascade upon layers of ripe blackberry and plum in this ripe yet elegantly structured red. The palate is intensely concentrated in black-fruit flavor, brightened by cranberry acidity and extending through a long vanilla-kissed finish. A neatly balanced, irresistible wine to enjoy now through 2025.
Brisk lemon and lime peel aromas are followed by delicate flavors of grapefruit, white peach and sea salt in this sophisticated white. Elegant and exotic, it has an ageable character and a versatile, food-friendly style. Beautifully rendered and a testament to Santorini terroir.
A nontraditional blend of 44% Zinfandel, 31% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 10% Petite Sirah, this bottling shows tight blueberry, milk chocolate, river rocks and rose petals on the dynamic nose. The palate is juicy with more blueberry and vanilla, but bound by a plum-skin tartness and a decently strong tannic grip.
A standout among the winery's single-vineyard selections, this big-boned effort brings flavors of chewy cherry alongside a citrus highlight and a definite underpinning of wet stone and clay. Texturally compelling, it should age gracefully through 2024.
This fragrant red offers alluring scents of rose, red berry and cake spice. The radiant, structured palate is endowed with finesse, offering ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice and flinty mineral. Firm, refined tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. Drink 2020 through 2025.
This is a field blend from a great vineyard site in the heart of Sonoma Valley, aged in neutral oak and 40% whole cluster, unfined and unfiltered. Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Mondeuse, Alicante Bouschet and other grapes make up the mix, providing an extracted, whole-cluster richness of flavor and body without reaching too far. Crisp black cherry, subtle white pepper and smoky tannin star.
With aromas like boysenberry and blackberry jam and flavors that fill the mouth and linger on the finish, this wine is pure, dark and delicious. Not that it's soft and sweet, but instead is dry, very firm in texture while very friendly and concentrated in flavor. Best to drink from 2018 to 2023.
This high-end Cava opens with an attractive bouquet of bready, yeasty white-fruit aromas. It's about as complex as Cava gets, with impeccable balance and a blend of creamy weight and fresh acidity supporting dry orange, papaya and white pepper flavors. A dry, peppery finish is cut like a marble statue. Drink through 2020.
Golden straw yellow in the glass, this twist-top bottling offers striking Meyer lemon pith and brie cheese rind aromas, settling into white peach, honeysuckle and a bit of buttered almonds. A sizzling acidity leads the sip, with flavors of lemon wedge, quinine, Asian pear and a bit of browned marshmallow on the finish, where the pithy grip extends.
Delicate scents of red berry, blue flower and crushed stone lift out of the glass. The vibrant, elegantly structured palate offers succulent wild cherry, fleshy black raspberry, cinnamon and light baking spice alongside fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins. A mineral vein gives it precision and intensity.
Massive in structure and very generous in flavor, this wine has light vanilla and nutmeg aromas, but dark and potent blackberry and espresso flavors smothered in a thick layer of fine tannins. There is no denying the wine's richness but it holds everything in a dry, firm texture to achieve great balance. Best to drink from 2018 to 2028.
This is sophisticated stuff that lives up to Oakville's reputation. It tastes rich and alluring from the first whiff of black currant and espresso to the ultrasmooth mouthfeel and elegant finish. Think extra-fine tannins, opulent currant, dark chocolate and black cherry flavors. Enjoy it now or save through 2023 to encourage even more bouquet.
Aromas of black currant, tilled soil, anise and saline lead the way on this polished Cabernet Sauvignon. The elegantly structured palate offers layers of cassis, black cherry, licorice and sweet baking spice. It's well balanced, with firm yet refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2025.
A blend of northern Barossa and Eden Valley fruit, this is a firm, full-bodied wine. American oak-derived notes of vanilla and cedar frame crisp plum and blackberry fruit, then add dusty notes on the long finish. Drink 2018–2030.
A blend of 55% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Nerello Cappuccio, 10% Nocera and 10% Nero d'Avola, this intriguing wine boasts earthy aromas of tilled soil, pressed blue flower, black-skinned fruit, black olive, nut and a touch of game. The velvety palate offers ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, cake spice and mineral while a saline note energizes the finish. Bright acidity and firm, refined tannins provide seamless support.
Black licorice, blackberry and a luxurious current of dark chocolate play off the palate in this full-bodied, well-crafted and ultimately delicious wine. Plush and lush, it ends memorably in a spark of spicy clove and nutmeg.
Roasted beef, black cherry, rainbow peppercorn, dried lavender and a touch of rosemary arise on the nose of this blend of 51% Grenache, 39% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. There is lots of pizzaz to the palate, where rose petals, ripe plums, rosewater and aromatic spices show on the sip.
This is a lovely white made by Chris Dearden. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in once-used French oak, the grapes are sourced from a 12-acre parcel planted to Old Wente clone Chardonnay. Dark golden in hue, it has graceful acidity and a burst of lemon blossom on the nose that evolves into a sublime lightness and crispness on the palate.
This is a structured wine, almost tannic in character. It has a rich, textured character that will allow the wine well. Apple and pear flavors are dominant along with the spice from wood aging. Drink from 2020.
The components of this blend change every year, and this vintage of 93% Syrah, 4% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot shows black cherry paste, crushed purple flowers and vanilla. Juicy blueberry and blackberry decorate the lavish palate, which is lifted by thyme and mint herbs.
Roasted, leathery berry aromas are dense, complex and include a tarry note of fresh asphalt. This Carmenère-led blend is both chewy and deep, complete with fine-grain tannins. Rooty cherry and cassis flavors are spicy, while a full-feeling finish tastes of cola, pepper, herbs and spice. Drink through 2024.
Lovely scents of red berry, wild flower and baking spice lead on this elegant red. The radiant palate has tantalizing depth, offering layers of cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice. Silky tannins and fresh acidity give it an almost weightless texture.
Baked red cherry, cinnamon, star anise, dried dill and oregano and a touch of Kalamata olive decorate the fresh, fruity but spicy nose on this bottling. Black pepper and more olive characteristics pop on the palate, with crushed herbs, orange peel, tart cranberry, black peppercorns and North African spice properly representing this cool-climate vineyard.
This wine is the top of the line for Black Kite, and it certainly does not disappoint. Tea leaves, raspberry and cherry make a great blend of aromas, while the fruit flavors are bright like red cherries, the texture lively and fresh, and the overall impression very elegant. Best now through 2020.
This is a light, clear and beguiling wine, not for everyone, somewhat reduced and yet lurking in brooding fruit and interwoven spice. It drinks almost like a white wine in its shocking minerality, before delving into a dark and noble forest floor's worth of pine, wild mushroom and rose. Let this wine open awhile and enjoy how it changes in the glass.
Rich and lavish aromas of caramelized black cherry, cola, root beer and ginger cake make for broad and inviting entry to this wine. It's lighter in body and more tense than the nose suggests, but still ripe with strawberries and red cherries, framed by a grippy tannic structure ladened with pencil lead.
From one of the top Beaune premier-cru vineyards, this wine is dark and dense with hints of wood as well as chocolate. To balance this, the ripe berry fruit is right there, deliciously fresh and with a tight line of acidity. A wine with a future, it is not ready to drink before 2020.
The winery's grand statement of the year, this blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Cabernet Franc is sourced from several vineyards, including the Tonella site in Rutherford, Stagecoach atop Atlas Peak and Frediani Vineyard in Calistoga. Thick, rich and dusty, it exudes Rutherford's magical dust, followed by chocolate and black licorice, just a trace of fennel on the lengthy finish.
From an estate vineyard located in the heart of Rutherford that was purchased by the producer in 2006, this vineyard-designate is the star of the show, a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Cabernet Franc. Thick, dense and robust in tannin and oak, it offers structured red and black fruit, dried herb, pencil lead, cedar and cigar, combining ripeness with cooler-climate characteristics. It should cellar well through 2021.
Supple and stark aromas of black raspberry pressed into a thin juice along with sanguine iron elements greet the nose on this bottling. The palate shows bloody meats with anise seed, smoked raspberries and purple sage, yet the iron-driven minerality is most dominant.
Aromas of pork au jus with mashed cranberry and pomegranate mesh expertly with sage spice, woody forest-floor notes, porcini mushrooms and a touch of juniper on the nose. The palate offers lots of juniper and anise spice atop a boysenberry core, with black slate and graphite minerality.
Silky in texture, with a tannic bite, this lovely wine is spicy in cinnamon and clove, buoyed by ripe plum and wild strawberry. Medium in weight, it's complex and measured, balanced by a leathery, smooth finish and lively acidity.
This is a new wine playing at Chile's high-priced, icon level. Fresh yet oaky on the nose, with aromas of herbs and char, this is layered, pure and smooth on the palate. Spice, oak and chocolate mix with berry and plum flavors, while the dry, long, oaky finish is on the money. Drink this well-crafted Cabernet blend through 2022.
Iron, black slate. raspberries and snapped sagebrush show on this wine from the Dierberg family's property along Highway 246. There are ample layers of fruit and spice to the palate, with raspberry, pomegranate and hibiscus evolving into dried rose petals and a bright florality, proving both quite flavorful and yet refreshingly light.
Designed by Delicato winemaker James Ewart as a Pinot with power that can handle a steak, this wine features a dense, dark nose, with blackberry, olallieberry and red currant cut by allspice, clove and licorice-vanilla cookies. The palate is rich and luxurious, with ripe cranberry and red-cherry elements spiced up with mocha, cappuccino and long-lingering vanilla bean. It's boisterous and fresh, so drink now with a juicy rib-eye.
A flinty nose of citrus purity hints that this still requires bottle age, but all the elements of a great wine are present. It offers a bundled concentration of flavor and fruit, and a straight backbone of acidity pervades everything with a sense of purity. Right now, fresh citrus notes of lemon pith, peel and flesh dominate aromatically, but this will blossom. There are already inklings of honey and orange in the background but only time will reveal what cabinet of wonders is hidden here. Drink 2017–2025.
Buttery-crusted cranberry pie aromas meet with smoked meats, pencil lead and beef jerky on the nose of this private-label wine by longtime producer Stephen Felten, who has more than 40 years of winemaking experience. The palate shows brown flavors, from dried oregano and marjoram to coffee beans and mocha, with a bit of smoked red-cherry fruit.
The fruit from this marquee site is elusive at first, offering light wisps of rose petal and bay, earthy and spicy in equal waves. Around its richness of tart cherry are elements of pomegranate, orange zest and tea. It's a wine of great complexity and counterbalance, with a lengthy, leathery finish.
This wine at the top of the Goldeneye hierarchy conveys a feeling of elegance and full body at the same time. It has spicy, toasted oak aromas, ripe and tasty fruit flavors, a rounded texture and full body. Nuances like ripe blackberry and black cherry are nicely layered with nutmeg and toast for delicious complexity.
A unique nose of chives, dill and more fresh-cut herbs mixes with wet river stones and tangerine peel on this wine from a Napa-based producer. The energetic palate starts with pencil lead before diving into washes of lemon-lime citrus and settling on a cashew-nut frame, presented with tremendous length and depth.
Aromas like grilled and buttered baguette slices and cedar wood and rich flavors like spiced cherry and red currant add up to a very tasty, dramatic and full-bodied wine. An enticing complexity, good structure from moderate tannins and supportive acidity all contribute to its considerable appeal.
Dense purple flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, lilacs and teriyaki-pepper beef make for luscious concentration on the nose of this wine from Stephen Russell's Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard. The palate shows black pepper, dried oregano, camphor, rustic elderberry and a strong raspberry-cranberry fruit character.
Rose petals, hibiscus and shaved cinnamon show on the nose of this wine by a father and son team. The palate is sleek and tight with pomegranate, cranberry and sour cherry on the fruit end, as well as sage, lingering eucalyptus and a flash of cola on the spice side.
Sleek by Amarone standards, this opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, ground pepper, raisin and a whiff of blue flower. On the palate, finely woven tannins support raspberry jam, black pepper, cocoa and a cinnamon note.
A heady mixture of lemon custard and baked pear marks the entry to this full-bodied, deliciously decadent wine, from a high-elevation site above the Petaluma Gap. Honeyed aromas maintain themselves in the glass, accented in floral honeysuckle and ginger. Lovely and generous, it softens as it goes.
Smoked plums, incense, potpourri and layers of spiced earth greet the nose on this wine from pioneer Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire. It's rich on the palate, with boysenberry, sagebrush, sandalwood and aromatic wood elements.
A brooding, savory and smoothly textured wine, velvety more than silky, this offers black tea, truffle and high-toned cherry. The wine is named for sandstone, “mother rock” of the Goldridge soils that are so prominent where these vines dig down. Soft, it's also lengthy, a substantial and substantive bottling.
Bold and rich, this opens with aromas of baked plum, pressed blue flower, nutmeg and a confectionary note. The ample palate doles out high-toned black-skinned fruit, cocoa, cinnamon and sweet pipe tobacco supported by velvety tannins and uplifted by fresh acidity. It's opulent, but also balanced and poised.
Aromas of baked plum, exotic spice and vanilla almost jump out of the glass. The aromas follow through to the full-bodied, savory palate along with ripe black cherry, blackberry and mocha while velvety tannins give it a smooth, polished texture. It closes on a confectionary note.
The winery's larger offering from several vineyard sites, this wine is designed entirely to please, offering a seductively juicy abundance in black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Approachable and full bodied, the tannins are soft and the oak well integrated, allowing the earthy aromas and spicy brown-sugar elements to roam free.
This wine's excellently layered yet light nose mixes pomelo skin with tangelo and lime-spritzed pink-apple notes. The palate is extremely nervy, with grippy lemon-skin texture and squeezed-citrus flavors, all balanced by riper apple. It's like biting into a cold, crisp, just-ripe pear or nectarine.
Black-skinned fruit, pressed violet and a whiff of chopped herbs lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The bold palate offers high-toned flavors of ripe black cherry, black raspberry, mint and a hint of fig uplifted by fresh acidity. Firm, velvety tannins give it a smooth texture.
Plump mulberries and ripe black cherries meet with black sage and dark, clove-y herbs on the nose of this wine from Bentrock Vineyard. The rich, concentrated palate surrounds a dense raspberry core, proving quite lively thanks to the camphor and sage-like spice that carries deep into the finish.
Extreme black-pepper spice meets with cola, violet, wet asphalt, forest floor and very tight elderberry fruit on the nose of this wine by Rome-raised somm-turned-winemaker Paolo Barbieri. The pepper drives the palate along with dried oregano, thyme, dill and marjoram against a boysenberry fruit frame.
Made with 70% Carricante and 30% Catarratto, this elegantly structured wine has enticing aromas of Mediterranean herb, fragrant yellow flower, citrus and a whiff of acacia. The fresh, savory palate shows juicy lime, ripe pear, chopped herb and mineral alongside tangy acidity. The lingering finish closes crisp and clean.
The excellence of the 2010 vintage is draped all over this studly Rioja. Earthy aromas of mixed berry fruits and forest floor feed into a saturated but well-balanced palate with firm tannins. Baked black cherry and cassis flavors meander towards a lightly toasted finish with mocha, chocolate and cassis notes. This is outright delicious more than stately or complex. Drink through 2024.
This is a structured wine, almost tannic in character. It has a rich, textured character that will allow the wine well. Apple and pear flavors are dominant along with the spice from wood aging. Drink from 2020.
The components of this blend change every year, and this vintage of 93% Syrah, 4% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot shows black cherry paste, crushed purple flowers and vanilla. Juicy blueberry and blackberry decorate the lavish palate, which is lifted by thyme and mint herbs.
Roasted, leathery berry aromas are dense, complex and include a tarry note of fresh asphalt. This Carmenère-led blend is both chewy and deep, complete with fine-grain tannins. Rooty cherry and cassis flavors are spicy, while a full-feeling finish tastes of cola, pepper, herbs and spice. Drink through 2024.
Lovely scents of red berry, wild flower and baking spice lead on this elegant red. The radiant palate has tantalizing depth, offering layers of cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice. Silky tannins and fresh acidity give it an almost weightless texture.
Baked red cherry, cinnamon, star anise, dried dill and oregano and a touch of Kalamata olive decorate the fresh, fruity but spicy nose on this bottling. Black pepper and more olive characteristics pop on the palate, with crushed herbs, orange peel, tart cranberry, black peppercorns and North African spice properly representing this cool-climate vineyard.
This wine is the top of the line for Black Kite, and it certainly does not disappoint. Tea leaves, raspberry and cherry make a great blend of aromas, while the fruit flavors are bright like red cherries, the texture lively and fresh, and the overall impression very elegant. Best now through 2020.
Roasted beef, black cherry, rainbow peppercorn, dried lavender and a touch of rosemary arise on the nose of this blend of 51% Grenache, 39% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. There is lots of pizzaz to the palate, where rose petals, ripe plums, rosewater and aromatic spices show on the sip.
This is a lovely white made by Chris Dearden. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in once-used French oak, the grapes are sourced from a 12-acre parcel planted to Old Wente clone Chardonnay. Dark golden in hue, it has graceful acidity and a burst of lemon blossom on the nose that evolves into a sublime lightness and crispness on the palate.
This is a premier cru with a single owner, described as a Monopole in French. It has ripe tannins backed with hints of smokiness. The fruit lies behind the structure, with its powerful, dense character. Hints of the juicy, black-fruit future of this wine come through the texture. Drink from 2022.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry is lifted by lavender, white pepper, roasted pork and milk chocolate on the rich, lavish nose of this stylish bottling. There are many layers of complexity to the palate, where blueberry pie, fudge, smoked beef and espresso cream drip off of a firm but welcoming tannic structure.
Smoked oregano, black plum, dark berries and loamy soil notes come through on this bottling by one of this appellation's original families. Dark plum, blackberry, crushed black rocks, iron and touches of dried mint and white sage come through on the savory palate. This bottling aims more for power than finesse in this variable grape.
Lightly buttered popcorn aromas are cut by lime blossoms, sea salt and jasmine on this delicate while extremely fragrant nose. A laser-like acidity slices through the palate, where pan-seared apple flavors are lifted by lemon pith, mandarin orange skins and orange blossoms.
This family-owned estate winery tosses three top clones into the mix to produce a plush wine full of red cherry, red currant, sweet sage and black tea on the nose. The red cherries lead into black cherries on the palate, where a woody herbal component of sage, thyme and pine needle keeps the sip interesting.
This is a firm wine, full of tannins as well as plenty of ripe berries. It is concentrated, juicy and perfumed, an attractive wine already. The dry core gives structure to this panoply of fruitiness. The name comes from French king Louis XI who acquired the vineyard in the 15th century.
This is a rich and rounded wine, full of yellow fruits that shine through the tense texture. It is ripe, showing minerality as well as tropical fruits and red apples. The wine is going to age relatively quickly, so drink from 2019.
Rich in character, this is a dense wine, with smoky tannins and juicy red fruits that are deliciously ripe. The tannins and the fruit concentration result in a weighty yet brightly acidic wine. It will develop quickly, and then remain at a peak for many years. Drink from 2018.
Firm and structured, this wine offers dark tannins and concentration. It has the acidity of the year but with a solid texture. There are hints of the perfume and the delicious fruit to come, but they will take time to show. Don't drink this wine with its potential before 2022.
Great white fruits, hints of peach and tight citrus-zest texture all give this wine its great freshness. At the same time the texture suggests minerality and a nervy edge. Hints of the wood are just right for this intensely fruity wine.
Good old Navarro is outdoing itself with the 2013 and 2014 Pinot Noirs. In this one, vivid black-cherry aromas, tangy but deep cherry and cranberry flavors, and a nice, firm and appropriately tannic texture add up to a concentrated and nicely proportioned wine. It has the flavor oomph to pair with something as big as a roast, and the tangy texture to dissolve the richest salmon.
Two fistfuls of Merlot help soften this wine, along with 5% Petit Verdot. These grapes contribute to the full-bodied spirit and youthful tannin make-up that becomes plush and lush as it goes, revealing sizable elements of mocha, black currant and vanilla-tinged oak. Drink now through 2020.
While the attack of this dry wine is akin to biting into a perfectly ripened white peach, notes of salt and slate accumulate on the palate, lending a profound impression of minerality. The mouthfeel is rich and full bodied, yet high-toned acidity adds structure and a prolonged finish. It's drinking well now, but still quite taut and should open gorgeously through 2025.
From a vineyard planted in 1981 above Cupertino comes this cellar-ready bottling that shows tobacco, cigar box, loamy earth, dried plums, leather deep black cherry and blueberry on the nose. Zesty acidity and chalky tannins frame the complete and powerful palate, where flavors of cedar, tobacco and woody berries converge. Drink 2020 through 2033.
This extremely flavorful wine smells like fig, almond and custard, and tastes like butterscotch, lemon meringue and toasted almond. It is quite full bodied, almost thick in texture and about to burst at the seams with richness.
This selection from a 40-year-old vineyard manages to convey both power and complexity in a transparent, nearly ephemeral style. Like gazing into a clear pool of deep water, you plunge through a surface patina of ripe, crushed raspberries into a textural, evanescent palate framed in dark chocolate. Drink now through 2030 and beyond.
Sea spray and salty mineral complexities accent luscious, peachy fruit from nose to finish in this delightfully complex Riesling. It's weightier and more expansive on the palate than a typical Kabinett, but spine-tingling tangerine and lemon acidity lend a fresh, persistent finish. Ready to drink now but should improve through at least 2021.
Mint and dill aromas turn to very concentrated and dense fruit and black-pepper flavors that unfold with extremely firm fine tannins to add a grand mouthfeel to this full-bodied wine. Time in the cellar will only improve the complexity of flavors while softening the stiff texture. Best after 2020.
This wine has a gorgeous golden color, and follows through with a beautifully honeyed nose of vibrancy and richness. Lemongrass and ginger provide an exotic landscape on which to build integrated oak and lingering acidity.
This wine by winemaker and owner Dan Kessler offers a zesty nose of crushed boysenberry, black raspberry, scarlet rose petal, wild sage and a touch of violet. There is lots of fresh zip to the sip, where woody elderberries and black plum are lifted by mint and more lively violet character. The finish is laced with juniper.
The aromatics are faint on this wine, and the taste puckeringly tannic and raisiny with a strong taste of toffee on the finish.
Gold in color, then soft and smelling of butterscotch, this comes across as having a low pulse. In the mouth, that's confirmed; it's a flat-liner with sweet, creamy, buttery flavors of baked apple and spiced pumpkin. On the finish, it's mostly expired.
With a touch of red currant and cedar, this straightforward, inexpensive Zin otherwise offers smoke, especially on the finish.
An odd, one-dimensional white that's simple in execution, style and taste.
A curious combination of smoky and herbaceous, Predator is from old vines but tastes slightly thin and nondescript.
The wine offers candied, medicinal aromas and a bland, fruit-juice-like palate. Grape and red-fruit flavors are tart and scouring.
Decayed fruit aromas are less than fresh. This is uncomfortable on the palate, with flavors of weedy berry and mint. Short and medicinal on the finish.
There's little going on aromatically or texturally in this thin, fairly nondescript wine.
Sweet with a burnt aftertaste, this wine cannot be highly recommended.
There's a strong scent of petroleum and burnt rubber in this wine, making it challenging to enjoy.
This Sierra Foothills producer offers an estate-bottled and produced Zin with 15% Petite Sirah that's wanting in fruit and texture. A bit thin, there's not much in the way of aromatics or texture to hold on to.
This sweet Moscato is barely acceptable and it smells strange. Creamy notes of vanilla and lychee finish bitter.
Containing all red Bordeaux varieties except Malbec, this wine has a sweet vanilla-caramel character that devolves into baked prunes.
Aromas of geraniums, celery and grassy fruits lead the nose, while flavors of green, soupy red berries finish stemmy.
Sourced from Red Willow, Olsen and Les Collines, this is the finest effort yet from Gramercy Cellars and one of the greatest Syrahs ever produced in Washington state. Think Hermitage with brighter fruit. It's intensely aromatic, dense and seamless, stacked with rich flavors of mixed berries, layers of smoke, earth and herb, and punctuated by citrusy acidity. Highlights of oranges and tangerines sneak into the finish, which lingers for an astonishingly long time. Exceptional in every way.
This wine headlines the Charles Smith lineup, and has established a breathtakingly complex and rich style, that varies in saturation with each vintage but remains consistent in its flavors. Clove, baking spices and maple syrup flavors trump the ripe fruits that remain more in the background. Delicious now, or cellar for a few more years.
Delicate aromas of lemon chiffon, underripe nectarine and a touch of green apple on the nose. The palate is citrus-dominant with a round but prickly mouth and a crisp finish. Very refreshing and approachable; drink now.
A little earthy and leafy on the nose and palate, but we like the wine's balance and saturation as well as its flavors of herbal cherry and berry. Finishes more roasted and warm, with kick carrying it toward conclusion. Grabby and leafy but good for $9.
A bit narrow and medicinal, but overall this Cab delivers reasonably good cherry and herbal berry aromas and flavors along with some oak, coconut, citric acid and earth. It's a touch muddled and all over the map, but for $10 it's a pretty good wine.
A bit too pungent and sweaty to score higher, with pronounced and aggressive nettley aromas and flavors. It's round in the mouth, finishing herbal and green. Some will no doubt praise it for these same qualities.
Some feline essence aromas appear on the nose with supporting notes of tart gooseberry and wet, dewey grass. Citrus dominates the creamy mouth with accents of cantaloupe leading through to the long finish. Try with hearty chicken salads or whole grilled fish.
Grassy and herbal, rounded out by sweet pea notes and touches of honey and citrus on the finish, this is a medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with quaffing appeal. Chill it well to make up for its lack of cut on the finish.
Crisp and fruit-forward with notes of wood-grilled peaches, mango and tropical acidity. The aggressive acidity and tangy finish liven up the round and somewhat heavy mouthfeel. Drink now.
A relatively soft entry, tart plum fruit, simple berry flavors and a hint of burnt toast. There is a slight burn also in the finish, that reflects the near-15% alcohol. A little chocolaty film wraps the tannins.
Already developed, with hints of toast and marmalade on the nose and showing baked apple and citrus flavors on the palate. This plump, medium-bodied Riesling finishes with a touch of honeyed softness, suggesting it should be consumed over the next year.
Plump, sweet and tropical on the nose, but also not that focused or powerful. The palate is flat in feel and a bit sticky, with vague, candied flavors of papaya and melon. There's even an Animal Cracker quality to the finish. Good but not great.
Understated grapefruit and herbal aromas lead the way, framing peach and melon flavors. Round and soft on the palate, then turning a bit chalky on the finish. Drink now.
Forceful on the nose, with herbal, saucy, rubbery aromas. It's weighty in the mouth, with blackberry, herbal tomato and dry spice flavors. Feels pretty good on the finish, which comes with a lasting herbal accent. A little grating but solid enough.
Opens with heavy aromas of earth, compost and baked fruit. The palate has a corresponding heaviness and sweet, roasted, buttery black-fruit flavors. Sticky and oaky on the finish, with lasting sweetness and some bitterness. Chunky and clunky, but not a bad wine.
Rich and smooth, this wine shows delicious red fruits as well as good acidity. It is stylish, ripe with fruit and with a tight texture that hints at minerality. The wine is ready to drink.
This wine shows a lot of spice and pepper as well as the more usual herbal fruitiness. The ripeness of the grapes gives a wine that is plush, full in the mouth and ready to drink.
This big simple red opens with aromas of black currant, cedar and a whiff of blue flower. The robust, one-dimensional palate shows raisin, prune and coffee alongside round, velvety tannins.
Light and lean on the nose, this 100% Pinot Noir bottling offers a steely minerality and chipped slate along with an underlying strawberry softness on the nose. Light raspberry fruit and a touch of watermelon show on the palate, which is all about brightness and textural tension.
The aromas are generous, with notes of peach, pear and barrel spice. The palate brings a sense of restraint, pulling up on the finish.
The small appellation of Quincy lies southwest of Sancerre in the Cher Valley (a tributary of the Loire). From light sand and gravel soil, the wine is attractively herbal, crisp with lemon juice and perfumed acidity. It is young, although refreshingly ready to drink.
This hearty red opens with aromas of scorched earth, menthol, Asian spice, game and a whiff of stalky underbrush. The solid, earthy palate offers dried cherry marinated in spirits, raisin, ground pepper and cured meat accompanied by bracing tannins. It's a bit rustic but still appealing.
La Carte is a small vineyard in Lugny, producing this delicious crisp fruit-driven wine. It is lively with acidity and ripe with peach and baked pear fruits. The texture is just enough to allow it to age, so drink from mid-2017.
This is a medium-sweet wine, although that is not indicated on the label. Balanced with good acidity and candied fruit, it has a tangy orange-zest aftertaste. Drink this attractive wine now.
Perfumed aromas of lime leaf, white peach and flowers are followed by an off-dry palate, chock full of stone-fruit flavors. Pair it with spicy Thai food.
This is a ripe creamy wine. It is all fruit: ripe apples and sweet pears. There is a fine touch of spice as well as attractive acidity. It may be young but it is certainly ready to enjoy for its rich fruit. The producer's vineyards lie under the dramatic cliff of Solutré.
This is a light and crisp Petit Chablis that is soft and totally ready to drink. Apricot and citrus flavors combine in a wine that is lightly mineral and very fruity. Drink now.
There is an obvious vanilla, toasty character to this wine from the wood fermentation. That balances with the lemon and pear fruits and the tight texture. The wine is still young with great fruit potential, so drink from 2018.
This small vineyard is right on the edge of the village of Givry. From vines aged on average 30 years, the wine is ripe, full in the mouth and with fine balancing acidity. It has light tannins and spicy flavors that give the wine extra structure. Drink from 2018.
Fruity while also lightly peppery, this is Fournier's entry-level Sancerre. It is juicy and crisp, delicious with lemon and gooseberry fruit. Still young, the wine will be better from 2017 as its budding fruitiness softens.
Chippy aromas are spicy, with oak and berry support lying low. This multigrape blend is tough, bumpy and chewy in feel, while herbal minty green-leaning berry flavors end with density, chewy tannins and an echo of oak.
The black cherry, plum and cola notes of this wine are carried across the palate by ample weight and supple tannins. It lacks a bit of complexity, but offers plenty of easy charm for drinking over the next few years.
This Horse Heaven Hills grown wine shows aromas of tobacco, dried flowers, herbs and red and blue fruit. The palate is full bodied, with tart acidity brightening the flavors.
Deep aromas of pressed blackberries, blackcurrants and black cherries meet with leather, dried mint and crushed graphite on the nose of this bottling. Purple flowers show on the palate, where a tannic grip binds flavors of blackcurrant, elderberry and roasted meat.
Aromas of vanilla, spice box, toast and jammy red fruit are followed by quite elegant fruit flavors. The tannins seem a bit bunched up.
This lusciously ripened Bordeaux-style red is plush and plump in flavor yet exceedingly light on its feet. Approachable and yielding, its ruddy red cherry and berry flavors seem coated in milk chocolate. Fresh acidity and bold tannins lend structure to the finish.
Deep, dense raisin, prune and blackberry aromas set up a chunky palate that follows the nose. Blackened, slightly bitter flavors of baked berry fruits and licorice finish with some chop and heat along with a continuation of the wine's licorice flavor.
Mineral aromas of sea brine, citrus and cactus are clear and fresh. This is medium in body, with good acidity and clarity across a palate that's dealing snappy citrus and white-pepper flavors. The mild-tasting finish is tangy and lively.
Aromas of white flowers, jasmine, and lemon pith give way to pleasant acidity in the mouth. There are flavors of green apple, lemon curd and pear in the medium length finish.
Light, earthy scents of brambly berry, cherry, animal and sweet smoke open up the bouquet of this silky, accessible Pinotage. The tannins are soft and approachable, lending a subtle structure to the red fruit core. Notes of black pepper and game grace the finish. Drink now–2019.
Chocolate, mocha and espresso mark this big, bold and full-bodied wine that includes a touch of Petit Verdot in the mix. Smoky and smooth, it's ready for cigars or hearty winter platters.
This ripe, sweet wine is rich and full of dried and fresh fruit flavors. It is spicy, with a touch of spirit on the palate as well as bold black-plum fruit, dense tannins and a sweet aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
A gorgeous wine, lush and refined from the first sniff to the last swallow. Rose petals, cotton candy, chocolate-covered cherries—it's a date in a bottle. As the wine rolls across the palate it seems to gain depth and detail, while keeping the exceptionally pretty fruit flavors front and center. Silky and lightly spicy, with cinnamon, toast, mocha and tobacco highlights.
Hugely sweet and decadent, this is a tour de force of botrytized winemaking. Honeyed citrus aromas are buoyed by hints of perfume and spice, with dried apricot flavors accented by spiced honey. Mouthcoating, rich and impossibly long, this wine should easily age for 40 or more years.
A dry wine, companion to the winery's off-dry estate bottling. This does not give up its fruit as some dry Rieslings do; there is a pleasing mix of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and apricot, full in the mid-palate, then turning more astringent and cheerily tart in the finish. This is very young, compact, and still tight as a drum; it could be cellared for up to a decade.
The third and most impressive wine in a series of single-vineyard wines, from the 900-foot plateau above the Lot River. This is a wine to age, very mineral in character and very structured, with tight tannins. Keep for six years and more.
A ripe, modern success with everything a fan of New World reds might want. The nose is floral and beautiful, with fine oak scents supporting brilliant raspberry, plum and spice aromas. It's deep, smooth and pressing in the mouth, with a delicious set of blackberry, coconut, vanilla and creamy flavors. A beauty to drink now through 2017.
There's a strong mineral backbone to this wine, which alongside notes of garrigue (think lavender and bay leaves) and purple violet florals highlight this fantastic terroir. Black cherry, plum, licorice stick and black peppercorns flood the palate, while hints of used coffee grinds, cocoa powder and graham cracker crust appear on the seriously long finish. Creamy and decadent but balanced; easy to drink now but will age gracefully.
A beautifully balanced and nuanced wine. The aromas are heady and thick but still vibrant, displaying juicy notes of black cherry, black raspberry sauce and semidried fig laced with accents of bittersweet chocolate, tobacco and white pepper. The texture is like crushed satin, with well-integrated tannins and a creamy mouthfeel. Touches of licorice root and smoky cedar spice augment the dark fruit on the lengthy finish. Drink now–2014.
With its firm, black fruits, this is a very chunky wine, mineral in character. It has tension, with tannins layered with intense flavors, very structured. It needs aging. One of a series of single-vineyard wines created by Jean-Luc Baldès.
Made using an adaptation of a Cahors tradition of warming the must before fermentation to increase stability as well as color. Immensely powerful tannins, chocolate density, with a youthful bitter edge at this stage.
Realistically priced for genuine German eiswein, this is also rather alcoholic for most, weighing in at 10% abv. So it may not be as sweet as expected, but it still shows razor-like focus, with the residual sweetness balanced by bright pink grapefruit and pineapple notes.
This gorgeous new release, from a young winery with a Riesling focus, is resplendent with an enticing mix of flowers, fruits and stone. The scents well up from the glass and the flavors fill the mouth with a lively zest, pulling together streaks of lemon, lime, nectarine and apricot, accented with citrus rind and wet rock, honey and lemon tea.
Plump aromas of melon and almond candy announce a chunky palate with citric acidity. Pithy orange and melon flavors are straightforward, with some sweetness. Consider this a decent, generic white wine.
Hard aromas of tire rubber and black fruits lead to a clampy palate with raw tannins. Blackberry and rubber flavors finish on the bitter side.
Leathery, feral aromas including stemmy notes define the nose on this just-good-enough Malbec. There's not much give to the acidic palate, while flavors of mint and red fruits finish scratchy.
A bright magenta color and aromas of blueberry juice and wet dog suggest a basic wine that's all about fruit and not much about style or complexity. The palate is lively and juicy, the flavors are vivacious but immature, and the finish falls off fast.
This is basically Sauvignon Blanc (with 3% Viognier and Chardonnay). And it's a narrow version, with pungent, sweaty aromas and bitter-leaning flavors that suggest early harvesting in a hot year. A green, peppery finish lacks roundness and full ripeness.
A flat, dull, tightly tannic Syrah that's meaty and ripe.
Chemical aromas are barely lifted by bland berry fruit scents, and overall this smells like wet cement. Tannic but weak in the middle, this tastes herbal and green, with a raw, herbaceous finish.
This highly unusual expression of Verdicchio clocks in at a whopping 15% alcohol and it shows. Despite a subtle hint of lemon drop flavor, the palate lacks fruit richness to support the alcohol and it shows signs of oxidation.
Mint, tea and light plum aromas are mild at best. Hard tannins make the palate grabby, then murky, stewy flavors take over. A grinding finish is not the best send-off.
Compost and strong herbal aromas lead to a rubbery palate with stewed tomato and leathery flavors. A salty, rubbery tasting finish fails to bring this around.
Stewy aromas of tomato and plum are matched by brambly spice notes. This feels wiry and acidic, with a narrow mouthfeel and sharp flavors of currant, cranberry and raspberry. The finish is tart and raw.
Light in color, this larger production Pinot Noir is priced right and is a fairly meaty red that'll go down easily, it's just not terribly varietal. A good value for large gatherings.
Odd aromas of bath soap and cherry feed into a creamy, rubbery feeling palate.
Very thin and yet tannic at the same time, this Tempranillo shares some classic traits of the grape, from earthy cherry to tobacco, even a suggestion of rose water, but it's all fairly understated and quick to end.
For all intents and purposes, this is a red wine. It's 90% red in color, and the nose and palate are chunky and wide. Flavors of red licorice and candied berry lack snap, and the finish tastes bitter and feels flat.
Char, clove and rubber aromas dominate what's otherwise leafy and herbal. A tight, hard-tannin palate features peppery, bitter flavors of black fruits in front of a pinched, narrow-feeling finish.
Plump plum, blackberry and a bit of Christmas spice show on the fairly reserved and simple nose of this twist-top table wine. Tangy acidity enlivens the palate's dark red fruit, with a touch of oregano to add some nuance.
Made with 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, underbrush and bell pepper. The straightforward palate shows black plum, tobacco and baking spice alongside round tannins. Drink soon.
Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) takes the lead on this wine, with the balance Merlot (19%), Cabernet Franc (19%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of plum, vanilla and herb, along with a touch of cocoa powder lead to lightly styled fruit and barrel flavors.
Aromas of roasted savory berry fruits and baked beans are solid. This Merlot exhibits good grip on a medium-bodied palate. Salty earthy flavors of berry fruits and dry oak finish leafy and spicy.
One of a pair of wines from the estate vineyard, this is medium bodied and modest in all proportions. Light citrus and cherry flavors combine in a pleasant, everyday style of Pinot Noir.
This opens with pretty aromas of blackberry, blue flower and a whiff of moist earth. The soft easygoing palate offers plum, black cherry and licorice alongside smooth, round tannins. Drink now.
Aromas suggesting red berry and scorched soil lead the nose while the straightforward palate offers wild cherry, blackberry and a hint of clove. Lithe tannins provide the framework. Drink soon.
Delicate aromas of Spanish broom, ripe stone fruit and aromatic herb float out of the glass. On the direct enjoyable palate, a note of bitter almond underscores ripe peach and yellow apple.
Subdued aromas of French oak, toast, tropical fruit and a whiff of dried herb carry follow over to the palate along with nuances of mature apple and citrus zest. A note of bitter almond closes the rather lean finish.
A bit lighter in 2014 than in past vintages, this puts an accent on light raspberry fruit, with a strong flavor of caraway seeds running down the spine. There's ample acidity, and a hint of fresh-baked bread.
Heady aromas of white spring flower, vineyard dust and white stone fruit lead the way on this delightful white. The juicy palate doles out ripe apple, pear and a hint of honeyed almond alongside fresh acidity.
This blend of Castelão has benefited from its touch of Cabernet Sauvignon to give some tannins and structure. It is a ripe wine, full of red berries, plenty of spice and a crisp aftertaste of acidity. Drink the wine from 2018.
Boldly oaked, this moderately rounded and rich wine offers a ripeness of apple, fig and butter.
Hints of dusty mineral and hazelnut lend a slightly earthy tone to this otherwise bright, lemony Gewürztraminer. Delicately sweet, it offers easygoing citrus refreshment with a brisk finish. Drink now.
Subtle aromas of blackberry, tilled earth and dark spice lead the way. On the straightforward palate, clove and a touch of white pepper add interest to black cherry while smooth tannins provide an accessible framework. Enjoy soon.
Still with its firm tannins intact, the wine needs to age. It is dense and dry while showing the juiciness of Alicante Bouschet. As it develops, it will become rich, full and packed with mature fruit. Drink from 2019.
This is a big, brawny wine that offers moderate structure, opting for richer, denser notes of leathery tannin and bittersweet tobacco leaf, its accents part cedar, part clove.
A light touch of cedar meets with black raspberry on this somewhat simple table wine. It's light and easy to quaff on the palate, with tangy dark red fruit but not much complexity, making it a great pizza wine.
Black cherry juice, anise, thyme and pepper show on the nose of this bottling from the Riboli family. The palate is easygoing and lighter in body, with dried blueberry, more pepper and a touch of soy.
Aromas of black olive and road tar include mixed-berry scents. A tight, staunchly acidic palate is rather shrill, while salty, acid-driven flavors of plum and wild berry finish long but sharp.
Smoke, char and dark fruit aromas are followed by full-bodied blackberry flavors. The tannins bring some grittiness that holds it back.
Fermented in a mix of stainless and neutral oak, this modestly-ripened wine offers clean apple fruit with a touch of white peaches. A bit more bottle age might help pull it together further.
Cherry, berry and smoke ride atop a sultry texture in this estate wine, 100% varietal. Leathery accents provide texture and additional weight as a buildup to a seamless, easygoing finish rides out.
The nose is funky and sweaty, with a hint of citrus and red-berry aromas. The palate is heavy and cloying, while generic flavors taste sticky, reedy and suggest no particular fruits. A light bitterness marks the finish.
A wine that is fruity, with just a light texture from green herbs and cherry skins. Good acidity cuts through the fruitiness and banana flavor at the end. Drink now.
Stewy, murky aromas suggest muddy fruit and spent coffee. This feels clumsy and grabby, while the flavor profile is baked and herbal, with not much vitality. Prune notes and residual murk show on the finish.
Candied cherry and plum aromas are light and not that convincing. This is a wiry, choppy, light-bodied red with tart, juicy plum and raspberry flavors. A short yet fresh finish hollows out quickly.
Grassy, green aromas are dull and fruitless. The palate is citric at first but then it collapses. Flavors of citrus and tarragon finish bland and with vegetal leanings.
Funky, leathery and briny, the offers no clear fruit expression. The palate is heavy, hard and lacks finesse. Flavors of red fruits and citrus are tart and generic, while the finish is bitter and salty.
Raisiny, baked aromas announce a stewy, overripe wine that's not balanced. Baked, flat flavors of raisin and prune finish with excess weight, heavy tannins and flavors of carob and herbs.
Clove aromas are dominant. This oaky Garnacha feels sticky and syrupy, while the flavor profile is all candied black fruit and clove. The finish brings more of the same in this one-dimensional wine.
Oxidized and flat on the nose, this has a palate with mealy, bland strawberry flavors. Nothing changes on a fading, less-than-fresh finish.
Tropical fruit and citrus aromas aren't bad, but the palate is heavy. The flavor profile only offers soap and grassy white-fruit flavors, while a light, flowery finish falls flat.
Foxy, candied red-fruit aromas settle on raspberry. The palate is pushy and fiery, with medicinal berry flavors that taste sweet. Bright acidity makes the finish choppy.
Stalky, leathery, roasted aromas are muddled. This is acidic on the palate, with a gritty mouthfeel. Flavors of stalky, herbal berry fruits lack purity, while the finish is hollow and bitter tasting.
This buxom Pinot Noir from a historic vineyard in the heart of Russian River suffers from its ripeness, providing a lot of oak and stewed fruit flavors over a smothered earthiness just trying to get out.
Chunky, oxidized aromas announce a wine that's past its prime. A globular, round mouthfeel lacks definition, while flavors of caramel and oxidized stone fruits finish woody, toasty and bitter.
Rubbery, berry aromas are feral in nature. This is bumpy in feel, with young, herbal, untamed flavors of plastic and briary berry fruits. It's herbal and rubbery on the finish.
Aromas of diner-style hash brown potatoes figure into the mix here, a touch unsettling, as is the menthol and smoke.
Aromas of paint and vanilla come with stalky fragrances that are low on freshness and fruit. The palate is weighty, while the flavor profile is muddled and briny.
Sweaty, pinched aromas of feline essence and nettle are unusual for Godello. This is fizzy, with flavors of candied green fruits that finish mealy.
Lean, dusty red-fruit aromas are redolent of nail polish. A grabby palate is chunky and home to syrupy, cloying flavors of medicinal red fruits. Burnt, rubbery notes characterize the finish.
Toasty, bready and oxidized, this lacks freshness. The palate is low on structure and carbonic foundation, while flavors of papaya and scrambled eggs are sulfuric. A yeasty, bready finish seems spent.
From Spain's broiling Extremadura region, this Merlot-based rosé has a funky nose and mushy, leafy flavors. The finish lacks zest.
Decent in initial mouthfeel, things quickly turn hot and fiery, while the finish simmers with weedy, peppery flavors.
This gorgeous Brunello seamlessly weaves together sensations of tilled soil, blue flower, ripe black cherry, leather, truffle, clove, white pepper and Mediterranean herbs. It's balanced and smooth, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Even though it's already delicious, it will continue to develop complexity for years.
This stunning wine seamlessly weaves together sensations of creamy red cherry, crushed raspberry, tilled soil, leather and aromatic herbs. Notes of white pepper, cinnamon, licorice and clove add depth to the succulent fruit flavors. It's already delicious but hold for more complexity. Drink 2019–2029.
Block One is the original (1972) planting at Champoux, and it has anchored many of Washington's finest wines over the past 20 years. Few if any better are than this, a huge wine with massive flavors of dense black fruits, from berries to cherries to cassis. It's seen plenty of new oak, giving it a cedar-soaked scent, but the sheer power of the wine promises a long and expressive development over the coming decades.
A minty, tomato-leafy Cabernet with 12% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, this is an accessible, round-tannin wine, elegant and tempting in cardamom spice. The flavors ping pong between dark chocolate and dark cherries, with enough density to pair well with filet mignon and enough high-toned acidity to drink before that steak is done.
This is a bright selection, showing wild cherry, leather and balsamic notes alongside hints of well-integrated oak, pepper and espresso. It's not complex but it has a silky texture and is enjoyable now. Michael Skurnik Wines, Estate Wines.
Meyer lemon and a hint of fresh herbs—lemon verbena, tarragon and cilantro—elevate this polished and textural effort. There's a nice long finish; a fine bottle, especially at this price.
Already accessible, this rich wine has fine tannins, ripe blackberry fruit and a dry core. Acidity and juicy fruitiness play well together, giving a solid, firm wine that could age well. Drink until 2018.
Fleshy aromas of melon and passion fruit introduce a rock solid palate that's pithy and round. Flavors of citrus pith lend bitterness to core grapefruit and passion fruit flavors, while the finish is briny and tastes of citrus and green fruits. Drink this Verdejo right away.
Aromas of prune and plum come with earthy accents and rubbery notes. The palate on this Monastrell is drawing, with rubbery tannins. Flavors lean toward blackberry, dark plum and cassis, while the finish is solid but short and clipped. For a full-bodied, value-priced wine to drink with grilled meats, this is it.
A very soft Riesling, missing the steeliness while gaining ripe white fruits and a fragrant, gentle character. It is attractively structured, though needs a year to age.
This young Syrah is loaded with an aromatic mix of vanilla, espresso, dark chocolate and black pepper. The fruit is light and the tannins supple.
In keeping with the winery's commitment to exploring some less-traveled wine roads, this is a coferment of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Soft, delicate and aromatic, with a pale rose color, it is definitely not in the mainstream of Oregon Pinots. Nonetheless, it's very well crafted, aromatic and delivers plenty of flavor and depth.
This shows ripe cherry, plum and spice aromas, with hints of oak and mint. The palate is still a bit shy but reveals restrained notes of wild cherry, pepper and toasty, well-integrated oak. Drink 2015–2020.
This wine has an intriguing fragrance of dill, violet, black fruit, white pepper and new oak. The palate is still rather closed, but reveals ripe black cherry notes alongside hints of well-integrated oak and mint. It has elegant tannins and ample length to the finish.
This wine takes a new-world view of Cabernet Sauvignon—juicy, fruity and with a mouthful of black fruit and chocolate-flavored tannins. At the same time, there's a Portuguese twist in the spice, and the is structured with bold acidity and a firm, dry core. Drink from 2014.
Winemaker/owner Chuck Mansfield is devoted to California Grenache, offering this gem from the Sierra Foothills' subregion of El Dorado County. Light in color and fresh in taste, its layers of slightly savory rhubarb and strawberry are boosted by firm acidity and an enticing finish of spice. At under $20 this is an exceptional deal for the quality.
A fine effort, this has juicy flavors of apple and pear, lightly dusted with cinnamon spice. An astonishing 46,000 cases are made, which must be second only to King Estate for Oregon Pinot Gris production.
Made with organic grapes, this shows violet and toasted aromas of coffee and carob. The palate delivers dense, dark fruit with hints of orange peel, herbs and well-integrated oak. It's tightly knit, with lithe tannins.
Stainless-steel fermented and aged, this Sauvignon Blanc is juicy with kiwi and melon flavors, and pleasant in its crispness and bright acidity. A fantastic sipping wine to enjoy with all manner of seafood.
A wood-aged wine, this shows Chardonnay's richness along with spicy wood and opulent fruit. Bold acidity and a citrus edge cuts the smoothness. It's for short-term aging over 2–4 years.
This single-vineyard Pinot Blanc crisply reflects both vintage and site, with tart apple and citrus flavors that are slightly grassy, herbaceous, and peppery. There is a smooth, somewhat oily or glossy finish to it, as if some of the rough edges had been sanded away; yet the acidity that remains is more than adequate to keep it fresh and the fruit flavors vivid.
Quite yellow in the glass, this twist-top bottling shows a slight hint of reduction, with aromas of beeswax, lemon peel and yellow grapefruit pith. There's a good sizzle of acidity to the palate and a steely texture, but it's a tad ripe with lemon candy and spun-sugar flavors.
No kidding that this was aged in oak (Criado en Roble). It smells charred and toasty, with resiny aromas thrown in. A full, seemingly healthy palate can handle the high level of wood this has, but, in the end, oak is mostly what this tastes like. A dry spicy tannic finish doesn't break the chain.
The nose is rather shy but eventually reveals suggestions of berry, aromatic herb and oak-driven spice. The assertive palate offers licorice, coffee and raw cherry alongside grainy tannins that clench the lean finish. You'll also notice a green note of powdered sage.
Spicy plum, berry and herbal aromas cover the bases. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend is drawing and pulling on the palate. Raw, spicy flavors of toasty plum and herbs finish with a dominant note of wood spice.
This generous, fruity and lightly sweet wine should please a crowd with its butter and vanilla aromas, rich apple, pear and baking-spice flavors and rounded mouth-filling texture.
Made with organic grapes and without added sulfites, this has subtle, earthy aromas of ripe black plum and tilled soil. The straightforward palate doles out orange zest, red currant jam and clove alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
Heavily charred and roasted plum and berry aromas become greener upon full inspection. This blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc along with Syrah feels tight, with chewy tannins. Herbal plum flavors are peppery and spicy, with a green note popping up prior to a somewhat hot finish.
This wine is nutty on the nose, with faint hints of lemon, vanilla and ghee. More fruit comes through on the palate, boasting lemon, apple and pineapple, with nuts and chamomile adding depth. This straight-forward and balanced wine has a long and harmonious finish.
This has subtle aromas evoking cocoa, black plum and leather while the evolved palate shows prune, vanilla and a hint of orange zest. Smooth tannins provide loose support. Drink soon.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (32%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (24%) and Malbec. Aromas of green pepper, herb, cherry and spice are followed by full-feeling cherry flavors. It comes off as quite green but there's interest to be had.
Airfield's owners have been grape growers for almost 40 years—a remarkable track record in Washington state. These vines date back to the late 1970s. Crisp and light with the alcohol just over 12%, it's the sort of low-impact white wine that we rarely see made in the U.S. A perfect little café wine, that should be drunk chilled, from tumblers.
Shows good concentration of tropical and citrus fruit, but also a heavy veneer of vanillin oak, ending on notes of tangerine and slightly bitter roasted coffee. It's still a good wine, and if your preferences run toward dark, oaky flavors on the finish, you may like it more than this.
A mature, toasty wine, perhaps too toasty. There are still hints of ripe strawberries as well as the more mature flavors. The wine shows a full-bodied character and an attractive onion skin color.
This light rosé is scented with rosewater, melon and strawberry. Finished dry and nicely structured.
Waterbrook offers up a clean, palate-refreshing style of Sauvignon Blanc, with fruit flavors of melon and mixed fruits.
Here again the Grand Estates bottling shows a softer, gentler side of the fruit; the acids seem to have been smoothed over. The fruit is ripe and clean, suggesting white peaches and green apples, but there isn't much depth to it.
Though simple, this is a fresh, crisp, lightly herbal wine, with fruit flavors emphasizing melon and citrus.
This collectible botrytis Riesling grown on the banks of the Danube in Romania is very concentrated, with heady flavors of honey, caramel and apricot and a nutty overall character. The finish is crisp and there's some acidity to keep the wine light on the palate. An unusual dessert wine and perhaps not for every wine lover, but definitely worthy of tasting and discussion. Imported by Vidalco International, LLC.
Spicy, floral and with a touch of minerality, this is poised and layered. It's dense and honeyed on the palate but overall, has a balanced, attractive character. Imported by Bayfield Importing, Ltd.
This Chardonnay, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend is a good, all-purpose white wine but lacks focus.
Of all the large-format White Pearl varietals, this Torrontes tastes and feels the best. It has the grape's pungent aromas of acacia and talc, and the flavors are solid and persistent as the palate yields green melon and honey. Finishes tangy and fresh, meaning it hasn't yet started to fade.
A big and mauling version of Malbec. The nose is minty and dark, while the palate runs syrupy and full, with heavy black-fruit flavors darkened even more by a persistent peppery streak. Much less restrained and elegant than the Kaiken Ultra.
Spice, rose hips and raspberry make for an open and welcoming nose. The palate delivers generic berry flavors, size, tannins and spice. It finishes a little harsh, with pepper and burnt notes. But mostly it's a solid everyday Malbec.
Big and fruity, and for the most part holds together and exhibits more good qualities than its faults. The flavor profile drives full-bodied black fruit and a finish that cuts out quietly. Not over the top in any way.
Quite leafy smelling, with tobacco and a ton of barrel influence. Big, woody and resiny feeling, with rugged tannins pushing sweet, ripe berry and spice flavors. Toasty, chocolaty and herbal as it finishes, but always there's a strong oak presence.
This wine opens with a full Zin-like nose, all pepper and plum with traces of blackberry and though it's a touch oaky the wine's easy to drink with soft, ripe tannins. A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot.
A well-balanced off-dry Vouvray. It has almond as well as ripe pear and apple flavors, laced with the acidity of 2010, although never losing its delicate sweetness. This should age for 3–4 years. Screwcap.
Meaty, herbal and foresty on the nose, all of which are typical aromas for this Salta-bred Malbec. Linear in the mouth and acidic as it tastes exotic due to herbal notes and eucalyptus. On the other hand it's full of blackberry and chocolaty richness. Crisp and nicely built on the finish.
Big and boisterous on the nose, with ripe plum, berry, smoke and meaty aromas. Mouthfilling and edgy feeling, with bold berry and plum flavors that feature an herbal, peppery aftertaste. Earthy and herbal leaning on the lengthy finish.
Notes of sweet oak spice infuse the chunky dark fruit notes of black berry, plum and cherry. The smooth mouth shows clean and lifting acidity partnered with approachable tannins, transitioning into a finish loaded with spicy flavors of black pepper and whole nutmeg.
Charred wood is undeniably abundant, yet surprisingly integrated on the nose and palate of this Monticello Cab Franc amidst layers of spicy mocha chocolate and ripe black fruit. Richly extracted, yet elegant and clean in profile.
An earthy, racy wine, ripe with strawberries and also laced with acidity. It has some weight, softness, with a yeast character creeping in.
There's something deep and soulful in the way that ripe, red fruit melds with charred wood and coconut macaroons on this supple yet robust Cab Franc. Blended with a dose of Tannat and Merlot, the finish is fairly long, ending on an earthy, fall foliage note.
An intriguing nose combines dried and baked apple with a far more floral notes. The dry palate accentuates the apple at one moment and sprays of honeysuckle and jasmine on the next. This is fragrant, dry and summery, concentrated and totally refreshing. A wine for special moments of joy.
Charred oak, licorice, herbal blackberry and gamy notes make for a full array of aromas. This is big and tannic, but with a sense of fresh fruit. Plum and cassis are the core flavor components, while the finish is fleshy and not overly demanding. Drink through 2021.
This intensely fruity, primary wine opens with lavish aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle. It's intensely ripe, almost ruddy and tropical on the palate, boasting a cornucopia of sweet mango and pineapple flavors. Searing acidity lends balance and persistence to the finish. Drink now through 2020.
A blend of Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot and Shiraz, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry and black pepper with a touch of green bell pepper. It is well balanced and has good mouthfeel, with flavors of black cherry, chocolate, thyme and oregano. Smooth tannins coat the palate into the slightly minty finish.
Fragrant ripe red apples mingle with the more mellow notes of baked apples. Above it all, faint floral notes play beautifully. The palate brings out fresher apple flavors of ripe Braeburn and Reinette. Clean and wonderfully invigorating freshness pervades everything and makes for that wonderful Riesling rollercoaster of ripeness and tartness. Lovely and ready now but will be drinking well until 2020, with a lovely baked apple finish.
Soft notes of rose petal and sandalwood on the nose frame a rounded and medium-sweet but balanced palate of a soft, smooth and scented richness. The palate adds aromatic peachiness and some tropical notes of lychee with edges of more sandalwood spice. This wine is like a scented cloud of peach with a clean finish.
Lifted notes of chamomile and marzipan, of pear, beeswax and dried lemon zests are already present. The palate subsumes all these flavors into a harmonious, fluid whole. This is textured and complex, with the merest hint of sweetness but finishing absolutely dry.
Baked stone-fruits like yellow plum and apricot mix with fresh apple on the nose. The palate holds the same, stone-fruited but dry generosity. This is concentrated and linear, brightened by lovely, ripe lemon freshness. Very inviting and appetizing. Ready now.
Sourced for many years from the Nichelini family from a vineyard 600 to 800 higher than the valley floor, this Zin is blended with 15% Petite Sirah, the whole more than a sum of its parts in thick, soft layers of fig and blackberry. Nutmeg and black pepper dance on the finish, shadowed by traces of leather.
Pretty aromas of strawberry and raspberry fruit push those flavors forward, with supporting acidity. A light vein of pine needle and herb underscores the tart fruit. It's all in sync with lovely definition.
A bouquet of strawberry, pomegranate, green pepper and a whiff of petrol sets the stage for flavors of black cherry, caramel, flint and herbes du Provence. Soft tannins offer a backdrop for an amiable give-and-take between fruit flavors and spice notes that linger on the palate into the bright pomegranate finish.
This blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah shows ripe red berries, strawberries, vanilla bean and a touch of clove on the nose. There is a strong woody character to the dynamic, evolving palate, with pencil shavings giving way to hibiscus and raspberry notes.
Complex, integrated and soft, this wine from fellow winemaker Mike Officer's historic site is lightly spiced in cinnamon and pepper. Dollops of vanilla and blackberry make themselves felt on the palate amid the zest.
Mellow perfumes of peach and apple combine for a seductive intro. The palate adds a soft but spicy zestiness that makes the fruit flavors sing even more. This shows huge charm and balance, backed by structure and firmness. Drink this while its irresistible, fruity, zesty charm prevails. The finish is dry and full of apple notes.
Dark red violet in color, this wine offers a nose of black cherry, brambles and violet. Teamwork between fruit and cool herb flavors is evident amid notes of red cherry, toffee, fennel bulb and mint. Mouth-coating tannins give way to a zest-laden finish.
Honeyed, ripe pear meets far earthier notes of cep mushrooms on the nose. The palate majors on bright, softly sweet pear notes but ends in a harmonious, citrus-fresh dryness. A balanced wine of great subtlety with an absolutely clean-cut finish.
This elegantly structured blend of Pinot Bianco, Friulano, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla delivers aromas that suggest white flower, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of tomato leaf. The fresh, balanced palate shows grapefruit, apricot, lemon drop and mineral alongside bright acidity.
Winemaker Adam Lee presents aromas of pressed elderberries and ripe black cherries on this single-vineyard bottling, boosted by hints of licorice and a touch of wet tobacco. Dark but not particularly ripe berries power the earthy palate, which also benefits from eucalyptus, sagebrush, mace and a hint of juniper.
This extreme coastal vineyard behind Cambria delivers extremely pungent herbal aromas of bay leaves, incense, eucalyptus oil and pine, proving intensely intriguing and pleasing, like a walk through the wet pine forest. Similar elements show on the palate, with rosemary, wild mint, juniper and pine-needle tea spicing up the condensed plum flavors.
Enticing varietal scents of apple, lemon zest and chopped Alpine herb mix together on in this radiant white. The elegant, structured palate delivers pear, white peach and energizing mineral alongside crisp acidity. A lemon drop note backs up the lingering finish.
Reedy red-fruit aromas feature a note of green. This is tannic in feel, with a mix of red-leaning raspberry, currant and strawberry flavors. Tea, herb and other grassy notes make for a dry finish. Overall this is excellent, although it does have an herbal character. Drink through 2028.
Cedary aromas of wood shavings, sawmill and spiced berry evolve in the glass but hold onto a woody essence. A deep, structured palate deals flavors of wild berry, clove and chocolate, while an additional layer of chocolaty oak rises up on the finish. Drink from 2018–2030.
Lifted, fresh notes of peach on nose and palate somehow manage to pull off a wine of utter freshness that is soft, mellow and rounded at the same time. The peachy fruit pervades the entire palate which has just a smidgeon of residual sweetness and a helpful, balancing edge of pleasant bitterness.
Beautifully ripe and aromatic notions of juicy pear and red apples play on the nose. The palate is more advanced and full of lanolin and chalk notes with a rich texture but absolutely dry. This has a rich but taut, almost balm-like body with concentration. The backbone of lemony freshness pull a tight focus. Ready now, but will develop and drink well until 2020.
A bouquet of black cherry, toffee and violet sets the stage for flavors of black cherry, coffee, caramel and soft notes of mint. Acidity and tannins are well balanced, and the appealing finish features bright notes of lightly caramelized fruit and soft touches of mint.
Warm, loamy, oaky aromas of pastry and blackberry set up a tannic, jammy, cheek-pounding mouthfeel. This is 75% Malbec and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's dark and chocolaty, with blackberry, prune and coffee flavors. A heaping of chocolate and fig makes the finish quite friendly; drink through 2019.
Chakalaka is always a bold and powerful selection, and the 2012 follows suit, with dense notes of black berry, plum and cherry that are framed by hints of lavender, licorice, laurel and celery seed. The medium-bodied palate offers spicy notes of pepper and bittersweet cocoa, with a lingering espresso tinge on the finish. A blend of 29% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre, 13% Grenache, 13% Carignan, 8% Tannat and 8% Petite Sirah.
For an aromatic variety the nose is rather subdued—pleasantly so—but hints at ample ripe peachiness. The palate brings this to the fore in an off-dry but balanced manner: silky and glistening with the ripeness of plump, sun-ripened peach. The finish is warm and soft, with wonderful understatement.
Purple plums and tangy pie cherries are the fruit focus, in a well-balanced wine that pushes through with precise, acid-backed cut and drive. This leans to the elegant side in terms of style, with excellent balance and proportion.
Unfined, unfiltered and fermented with native yeasts, this is a solid effort with medium concentration that expands with ample aeration. Blackberry and black-cherry fruit is matched to notes of cola and chocolate, with fresh acidity and a pleasing, textural mouthfeel.
This is an earthy spice-driven wine, full bodied and richly layered in texture and flavor. Dark cherry cola is met by cinnamon and cardamon, with underlying hints of orange zest and dried herb.
This wine's plum, vanilla, milk chocolate and blue fruit aromas are followed by a palate saturated with supersmooth fruit and barrel flavors. The variety isn't immediately apparent, but it's delicious all the same.
Always made to shine at the table, this crisp refined white is a celebration of lemon zest, green apple and wet stone, integrated in oak and bright acidity. Further flavors of pear and white peach complement the memorable proceedings.
Made from fruit grown both on Howell and Diamond mountains, this wine is powerful and concentrated, bursting in mountain tannins. Waxy plum, dried herb, graphite and pencil shavings provide a savory tangy underbelly of woody accents, met and complemented by robust black cherry and cassis, the palate rounded at the finish.
This wine from cooler climate plantings of both grapes will appeal to many palates, with aromas of baked boysenberry pie and hints of vanilla, nutmeg and star anise. The hot pie flavors extend to the sip, where they are enhanced by hints of spearmint, pepper and fresh herbs. It's quite tasty and fulfilling.
This is a very big and jammy wine, but it's made with expert structure and elegance as well as affordability. Concentrated blackberry, black-currant, smoked beef and lavender aromas arise from the dark juice in the glass. The crème de cassis richness at the tip of the sip dries up into tight tannins and touches of fennel and thyme.
A smoky stony mineral element gives this Rhône-style blend an unorthodox, austere but fascinating personality. Those earthy qualities meet crisp reserved grapefruit and white peach on the palate where a tangy and at first slightly astringent texture warms up to reveal a richer lingering finish.
This is one of the better wines emerging from Southern California, specifically San Diego County, where vintners should bet on Italian varieties. Pretty and fresh aromas of rose petals, crushed pomegranate, allspice, hibiscus, sandalwood and light licorice lead into a palate full of cedar-laced raspberry flavors, rounded by hints of molasses and chai.
Grapy aromas of cassis and blackberry are fairly foxy, with a whiff of wet animal fur. An intense palate is held together by firm, rubbery tannins. Black cherry and dark-plum flavors are lasting on a finish that's ripped with intensity. Best from 2019–2024.
Layered tannin wraps around smoky oak and big flavors of marshmallow in this full-bodied densely concentrated wine from the well-known site. Black cherry, earthy forest floor and classic cola combine to form a juicy core of succulence beneath the power.
This blend of 70% Roussanne and 30% Viognier makes a great option for those seeking an strong white wine alternative to rich Chardonnay. The nose is touched by honey, honeysuckle, crème fraîche and ripe cherimoya fruit. The palate is very creamy and full bodied, with flavors of sea salt, lemon and dried apricot.
This bottling offers cassis, blackberry syrup, crushed slate and lots of purple flowers on the nose. It's a big and boisterous expression of the grape at first sip, which bursts with boysenberry, but then grows very mineral in the midpalate, with gravel and lava rock flavors. The tight tannic structure goes deep into the finish.
This wine's woodland berry, rose petal, dark spice, chopped herb and espresso aromas fill the glass. Elegantly structured, the palate offers Marasca cherry, clove and star anise flavors framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity.
This wine is quietly powerful, packed with tightly wound fruit flavors that are wrapped in a firm coating of velvety tannin. It has plenty of grip on the palate, but also plenty of underlying blackberry, boysenberry and black-pepper flavors. It's sure to improve with time, so best to drink after 2022.
Piquant aromas of cinnamon meet with strawberry, plum, gravel and bay leaf on the nose of this appellation blend by Steve Dooley. That bay leaf joins eucalyptus on the very clean and fresh sip, which surrounds tart raspberry, vanilla and clove flavors.
This wine's raspberry, garrigue, black pepper and citrus aromas lead to intense flavors that linger on the finish. The round mouthfeel heightens the appeal.
This blend of Tintilla and Listán Negro opens with savory aromas of latex, plum and cherry dusted with minerals. The palate is full but racy. Flavors of plum and cranberry show spice and mineral notes before a long, peppery finish. Overall, this is bright, floral and interesting. Drink now.
Joey Tensley departs from his usual dark fruit intensity to weave together a more chaparral spice-driven Rhône-style blend in this bottling, which shows marjoram, bay leaf and sweet sage on the nose. The palate packs those dried herbs onto a beef roast, throwing in dusty earth and dried berries to round out the sip.
Fat aromas of black cherry, cassis, caramel, oak and vanilla quickly pull the nose into this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 7% Petite Sirah. The exuberance is dialed back on the sip, where tart black-plum skin, roast beef and pepper spice flavors abound.
This wine's bright, fruit-forward raspberry, herb, cocoa and barrel spice aromas are followed by exquisitely pure, elegant red plum flavors that coat the palate from end to end. A delicious rendition of this seldom seen variety.
High toned aromas mark the nose of this wine, including dried herb, fresh plum, huckleberry and spice. Its purple fruit flavors are rich and lush, with a pleasing purity that carries through the finish. It's uncharacteristic of Sangiovese but brings undeniable appeal.
From the Preston Vineyard in Templeton Gap comes this blend of 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 21% Petit Verdot, 13% Merlot and 12% Malbec, which is full of violet, deeply red cherries and cranberries and charred meat on the nose. The palate starts with a somewhat sweet touch of red currant but then tightens on elegant graphite, potpourri, cigar box and white-pepper flavors, all framed by chalky tannins.
Cedar, graphite and dried herb form a crucible of flavor and complexity in this well-made wine, priced fairly for the quality. Seamless interwoven tannins support a hefty weight of powerful ripeness defined by sultry layers of dark cherry and dark chocolate.
Woodsy, spicy aromas of herbal plum and berry come with a light coating of chocolate. A round, rubbery palate is tight in the long run. Saturated plum and blackberry flavors are oaky in front of an extracted finish that runs long and doesn't hold back. Drink through 2022.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over half of this wine (52%); Merlot (46%) and a pinch of Malbec make up the rest. Plum, herb, barrel spice and currant aromas are followed by smooth fruit and barrel flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support while coffee flavors linger on the finish.
Baked red cherry, vanilla, cola and sarsaparilla show on the nose of this very approachable bottling by Adam Lee. There is a light touch of licorice to the sip, with strawberry and red-plum flavors as well as more complex touches of tea leaf and candied raspberry.
Right next door to Mouton Rothschild, this small property is producing wines that are dominated by the rich, firm Cabernet Sauvignon of Pauillac. The weight and density are very present, a solid dry core surrounded by delicious black currant fruits. A wine that will mature relatively fast because of the vintage.
Ripe and fruity, this is a concentrated rosé that shows its origins in the rich terroir of Aix-en-Provence. That said, all the right acidity and citrus flavors are there balancing the generous red plum fruits. This is a wine for food rather than an aperitif.
It must be unique to find any Bordeaux in a Burgundy style bottle. Certainly this ultra-rich wine owes much to Burgundian Chardonnay. But under the sweet fruit, there is no mistaking the Muscadelle perfume and spice that give a bite, a dry, peppery finish and a very different character
Structured, concentrated wine, showing the firm texture of the vintage with firm tannins balancing intense acidity. The wine has power—witness the alcohol—but this is contained in a more elegant texture. Best to age this wine for 4–5 years.
As fresh as it comes, this is crisp and clean rosé, ready for summer aperitifs. Bright red berries cut through a warmer texture and bring acidity with them. There's an attractive lively finish.
A vibrant, fruity wine that offers great ripe red fruits as well as refreshing acidity. It has an edge of vanilla that smoothes the wine out. Classic dry summer rosé.
Rich and complex, this is a densely flavored rosé. It has spice and tangerine orange zest as well as a more complex red pepper and red currant character. It is a wine for fish or ratatouille.
Fragrant with peach aromas and wet-stone minerality, this dry Riesling is well integrated, smooth and refreshing. It is delicious on its own as an apéritif or will make a mellow partner to all manner of appetizers, especially those with seafood and a twist of heat or chili spice.
Smoke and crushed stone notes add a savory, earthy element to sweet, honeyed tangerine and apricot flavors on this bright, brisk, remarkably complex Riesling. It's delicately structured but penetrating in style with a long, focused finish.
A pure Petite Sirah from 36-year-old vines grown in decomposed granite soil, this Cedarville bottling is appropriately purple-black in color, and rich with milk chocolate and licorice flavor. It's soft with juicy tannins, and boasts a long, luxurious finish. It'll sit quietly in the cellar for 10–15 years, if not longer, a commanding study in the evolved beauty of Petite Sirah.
Belcier is on the slope that continues east from Saint-Émilion. With this provenance, this single vineyard wine offers rich Merlot to go with the more structured Cabernet fruit. It has weight, the wood well judged and supporting the ripe fruit flavors. Age this wine for at least five years.
This has a lot of good things going in its favor, for example depth, power and richness. It's also raisiny and oaky, with stewy core flavors of baked berry, cassis, roasted meat and vanilla. The finish is chewy and thick, with vanilla and pastry flavors along with grating tannins. By no means is this wine perfect, but it offers a lot of what's good about Toro; drink now.
There's an earthy savoriness that adds shades of mystery to this otherwise sunny, sweet, delicate Riesling. It's concentrated with ripe yellow peach and honey flavors, but balanced with penetrating acidity and a murmur of crushed stones on the finish.
Well-aged and drinking at a peak, this 100% Sangiovese is round and toasty, filled with plush cherry fruit, and just a smidgen of green olive. The barrel aging brings in accents of toasted walnuts through a full, inviting finish.
Like many Griñon wines, this is dense and earthy on the nose, with ripe berry and marzipan aromas. A round, layered, full-bodied palate shows hard, unresolved tannins and ripe, earthy flavors of blackberry, spice, herbs and chocolate. A firm, textured finish with integrated flavors is bullish but classy. Drink through 2018.
Given the difficulties of this cool vintage, this is an excellent wine with dark berry, herb, spice and vanilla aromas. It's firm on the palate like most 2008s, with flavors of blackberry, chocolate and oak spice leading to an earthy tasting finish. Drink now–2016.
Mellow on the nose, with red fruit aromas, freshness, hints of tobacco and marzipan. Feels flush in the mouth and lifted by fine acids, while it tastes of dried berry and plum, with dark spice accents. Shows a touch of espresso bitterness on a long finish. A keeper to drink now through 2017.
A rounded wine, although still young. It has ripe fruit, creamed apples and fresh acidity. The wood flavors give an extra smoothness as well as a more complex long-lasting finish.
Lifted and vibrant, this expressive Syrah shows great life and freshness. The red berry and blueberry fruit backbone balances the creamy vanilla and sweet smoke frame. Raspberry, cocoa-dusted cherry, coffee and anise flavors fill the round mouth with a lush, velvety texture; black pepper and baking spice notes remain through the long finish.
Buoyantly aromatic with notes of fresh wildflowers, preserved apricots and honey, this dry Riesling made from a tiny single-vineyard crop balances elegant crushed stone and stonefruit flavors with a focused acidity and stark orange peel astringency. Balanced and elegantly structured, it finishes on a long, meandering orange inflected note.
Very true to the variety, this is a soft, barnyardy, raspberry flavored wine. With its ripe fruit and well integrated tannins, it has a smooth mouthfeel that is freshened with acidity on the finish.
This late harvest selection boasts ripe apricot, lychee, golden raisin, honeydew and baked apple fruit characters alongside glimmers of sweet spice, candied orange rind and raw honeycomb. It's full and deliciously weighty in the mouth, with a stunning ginger-infused lift to the long close.
A beautifully floral Viognier, its aromas tenderly inviting, with uplifting hints of apricot, pear and white fig. It's a deftly made white with lovely minerality and a fleshy mouthfeel all wrapped up in the end with a light touch of lemon.
This exceptional effort is packed with sweet and tart fruits, beginning with lemon-lime, then moving through peaches and apricots and on into hints of papaya. Good length and splendid acidity.
Rooty, leathery and spicy aromas accent dry baked-berry notes. The feel is smooth and natural, with texture and acidity supporting toasty, leathery, spicy berry and plum flavors. Mildly baked tasting on the finish, with cinnamon and pepper accents. Drink now through 2014.
A concentrated and seductive Merlot that's perfect for folks who like 'em big, ripe and oaky. Mulled boysenberries and blueberry compote flood the nose and mouth, with lush notes of milk chocolate, blackcurrant liqueur and dark coffee spicing up the finish. Round and velvet-textured, with medium tannins.
Wet stone and lemon-lime. If those sound good to you, this ageworthy Riesling is a fit for you. It's medium in body yet very crisp and linear in structure, with a hint of citrus pith on the finish. Drink 2015–2020.
Though technically off-dry, this tastes tart and racy, following its lively aromatics with crisp citrus-fruit flavors of Key lime, Satsuma orange, and ripe apricots. The fruit sources—Evergreen and Wahluke Slope vineyards—are among the best in Washington for Riesling.
Rooty licorice, leather and olive aromas are solid, with pleasing berry scents. This feels plump, with a touch of tartaric acid popping up. Peppery plum and olive flavors are textbook for the variety, while the finish is forward and robust.
Clear and light in color, this is an earthy, stemmy wine that discloses rhubarb, cranberry and black tea, on the more extreme side of tart. Light bodied, it stays fresh on the palate, with some tension and grip, finishing with an additional note of tartness.
This big blend of Syrah, Viognier and Petite Sirah is compellingly perfumed, sanguine in gamy characteristics. Smooth, unrefined and full of potential, it's a bold mix of black licorice and blackberry that is enjoyable to drink.
Licorice and anise give this coastal wine a sense of intrigue and complexity around fresh, vibrant layers of red cherry and cranberry. Soft and medium in weight, the finish shows its oak, with a bit of concentration and power.
This single-vineyard wine from Lonesome Spring Ranch was entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel. Aromas of plum, tobacco, flowers and orange peel lead to fresh, tart, rounded fruit flavors, with bitters on the finish. Pair it with pasta with a red sauce.
A blend of Mauzac and Loin de l'Oeil, commonly found in Gaillac, this bright, fruity and herbaceous wine is crisp and citrus-driven. A strong mineral edge to the texture adds bite to the aftertaste. Drink from 2015.
Dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, this wine has a still young, crisp, tight character. As it ages, the yellow fruits and ripe plum flavors will come through, balancing the acidity and giving a ripe, full and generous wine. Drink from 2016.
Aromas of underbrush, baked earth, oak, coffee, mature dark-skinned berry and a whiff of eucalyptus lead the nose. The firm, straightforward palate offers tart cherry, espresso, toast and menthol alongside fine-grained tannins.
This soft, jammy wine from a good vintage is medium bodied and not overly oaken, offering black cherry and vanilla in equal measure. On the finish is a note of pomegranate puree.
A great swathe of red fruits gives this wine a full while fresh character. It has totally refreshing acidity, a burst of life and crispness. The wine is ready to drink.
This wine is produced from the best parcels of the estate, located an hour east of the Atlantic Ocean. The result gives an intense, concentrated character with crisp, tight lemon and pink grapefruit flavors. Still developing, the texture is mineral and nervy. The wine will benefit from a bit more time in the bottle so drink from 2016.
With dusty white flower aromas, this is a perfumed wine with a tight texture and fruit. Still too young to drink, it does have a lively, fresh character that comes from the bright green fruits. As it softens, it will be better balanced, so drink from 2016.
Raspberry, cherry and spice aromas suggest earth and cinnamon. This is full, smooth and layered in feel, with earthy, meaty, slightly stewed blueberry flavors. Menthol notes rise up on a chunky, beefy finish.
A unique blend of Pinot Gris, Muscat, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, it is—as its name suggests—quite floral, along with notes of lychee and white grapefruit. It drinks off dry, with a medium-bodied feel. Citrus and spice flavors carry through the finish.
Smooth and oaky, this value-minded wine offers varietal notes of cassis and cranberry, with traces of dried herb, cedar and pencil lead. A heftier midpalate strengthens in the glass before a long, clove-infused finish.
Aromas of coffee bean, mocha, plum and damp soil lead the nose. The palate offers toast, espresso, licorice, dried black cherry and tart red currant alongside a backbone of zesty acidity and dusty tannins.
Subtle hints of vanilla, lavender and spice lend depth to pristine peach and pear flavors in this judiciously balanced Chardonnay. It's fleshy and plump in mouthfeel but zesty lime notes keep the finish vibrant. Drink now through 2020.
This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah brings aromas of Mounds Bar, spice and cherry. The flavors are tightly wound, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel with a persistent finish. The oak rides heavy but there are good things going on.
Aromas of dates, leather and spice are followed by cherry, licorice and medicine-cabinet flavors backed by lightly dry tannins. Drink now.
This robust wine opens with aromas of sawdust, oak, berry, mint and licorice. On the palate, it offers raw red cherry, toast and chopped herbs alongside dusty tannins and the heat of evident alcohol.
Oak-driven aromas of vanilla, coconut and spice lead to jammy dark fruit flavors. It's polished in feel, with tart acids on the finish.
A lightly volatile tilt to this wine provides some distraction from its aromas and flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, leather and dates. The juicy dark fruit, abundant vanilla flavors and tart acidity provide a counterpoint.
This hearty red opens with aromas of menthol, spirit-soaked cherry, dried rose and a balsamic note. The robust, one-dimensional palate delivers dried red cherry, stewed fruit, powdered sage and anisette alongside bracing tannins. It's savory and muscular but the heat of evident alcohol throws it off balance.
The oak (40% new Hungarian and American) brings a sense of spiciness to the aromas, which also display notes of dill and plum. Flavors show weight and intensity, with citric acidity drawing out the finish.
Touched with spicy wood, this is a classic smoky wine from Cabernet Franc, ripe while still held in tension by the acidity and dry tannins. It's dry with red plum and black currant freshness. Drink from 2016.
Aromas of coffee, herb and matchstick lead to full-feeling coffee and cherry flavors backed by lightly chewy tannins. There are good things going on but they don't quite come together. More time in the bottle might unite them.
Peppermint tea and eucalyptus combine on the bouquet, providing distinctiveness. High-strung rhubarb and orange follow suit, the overall experience in the glass light and bristling. Unique, this wine may not be for everyone, but is appealing nonetheless.
Aromas of cedar, plum, red currant, clove and menthol unfold in the glass. An easy-drinking blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese, the juicy palate delivers black cherry, blackberry, ground pepper and licorice alongside soft, polished tannins. Drink through 2018.
Marlargo appears to be a reasonably successful attempt at fashioning a pan-Australian brand, sourcing fruit from different parts of the country. This Clare Riesling starts with scents of talcum powder and lime sherbet, then follows those up with similar flavors. It's muscular and taut, even a bit austere, clocking in at only 11.4% alcohol. May develop through 2015.
Daryl Groom has turned out a reasonably bold, intense Sauvignon Blanc that weighs in under 13% alcohol yet manages to avoid tasting malnourished or underripe. Fig, melon and citrus aromas and flavors hit the right buttons, then finish on a lingering note. Drink now.
This is a Chardonnay that showcases the best of what South Africa can offer: fresh fruit, elegant minerality, good value. The nose of citrus and flowers is both flirty and sophisticated, and the palate is friendly but complex, with mingling fruit and spice. Everything about the wine makes an impression  from start to finish.
Very dry, crisp, grapefruit and green apple flavors pile through this wine. There is some spice, hints of kiwi and a layer of apple skin tannins. All these intense flavors explode from the glass.
The nose on this is an eye-opener, with its opulent berries, mocha spice and smoked meat. The flavors are delicious and subtle, offering crisp minerality, soft fruit and pepper in a successful blend.
A nose of spicy, jammy, balanced fruit leads on this exemplary Pinotage from Neil Ellis. The wine offers a very appealing blend of red fruit and spice, and while the acidity is pronounced, the mouthfeel is full and elegant. All the hallmarks of Pinotage with a classy edge.
Although there is some structure, this wine is dominated by very fresh, crisp red fruits. Any depth of flavor comes from plum-skin tannins and some hints of spice.
It's dark and inky in color and concentration, filled with superripe blackberry and plum fruit edged in chocolate and mint, but it seems to lack a bit of richness and texture on the midpalate despite its 15.2% alcohol. Ends with vanilla and tangy fruit and a touch of warmth. Drink now–2015.
Lively and elegant, this fruit-filled wine from Kevin Arnold is perfect for a gourmet meal in the summer. Fresh tropical fruit flavors like lychee mingle with a balanced acidity and impressive mouthfeel. Long finish.
The producer has been working with this vineyard since 1990 and this vintage, like so many others, is just a stunner, lovely and inviting, crisp and well-crafted with a zip of minerality. Floral honeysuckle and beeswax rise on the nose, opening the way for tastes of mandarin orange, ginger and toffee. Drink now, or if you can possibly contain yourself, through 2023.
Plum cake, underbrush, dark berry, menthol and a touch of mocha unfold in the glass. The taut, full-bodied palate offers chewy black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and sage framed in youthfully assertive, fine-grained tannins. A tobacco note closes the finish. Drink 2022–2032.
This slowly opens in the glass to reveal aromas of espresso, dark spice, menthol and ripe black-skinned fruit. On the firmly structured palate, integrated, close-grained tannins frame mature black cherry, licorice, clove and grilled herb. Give it time to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2022–2035.
Made in tiny amounts, this wine blends 72% Mourvèdre with field-blended Petite Sirah, Syrah, Peloursin, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet. It comes from two acres in the heart of the appellation, representing historic varieties still hanging on for dear life. Raisiny leather, gunpowder and an intensity of blueberry give it life, atop an undeniable funkiness that's hard to resist.
This Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend from the south-of-Madrid area represents no designated region other than Spain. It's an intense blend with aromas of blackberry, pepper, toasted oak and smokiness. A deep, pure palate pumps out cherry, plum and especially cassis flavors, while baking-spice notes come prior to clove, toast and char on the finish. Drink through 2024.
Combining muscle and finesse, this opens with scents that recall perfumed berry, iris, wet earth, leather and an earthy note of underbrush. The firmly structured, balanced palate offers juicy wild cherry, licorice, clove, grilled herb and a hint of toast framed in firm, mature tannins. Drink 2018–2033.
A vineyard in view of neighbors Hirsch and Martinelli, this prime coastal site is put to spectacular use here. High-toned in crisp cranberry and raspberry, this wine offers wave upon wave of nuanced orange peel and dried herb, with bursts of black cherry along the way.
Brooding dark fruit and stemmy herb and olive aromas lead to rich, extracted black fruit flavors with a warm, coffee filled finish. It delivers a powerful punch.
Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. It's already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.
This is a gorgeous rendering of grape and place. Steely at first, it shows off the coolness of the site, yet it's thick and inviting in apple skin, lemon bar and fresh-picked papaya. Minerality-driven, it never taxes the palate, instead releasing quiet waves of flavor and acidity.
One of the producer's more delicate offerings, this wine from a coastal site is crisp and crunchy in wet stone, black tea and light-bodied renderings of red cherry and pomegranate. Along the way it tells a tale of citrus tanginess and sculptured minerality, finishing with the slightest backbone of textured tannin.
This wine is closed and tight at this stage of its development, which is not a bad thing because it will age well. For now, it offers crisply fresh fruit layered with wood aging and with a tight, tangy texture. Spice and toast flavors complement the fruit. Drink this wine from 2018.
Aromas suggesting underbrush, scorched earth, mature black-skinned fruit and a whiff of dried mint jump out of the glass. The big, chewy palate doles out mature Marasca cherry, graphite, chopped herb and dark cooking spice alongside firm, refined tannins. It's delicious. Drink 2019–2026.
Pressed blue flower, ripe dark-skinned berry, forest floor and baking spice aromas emerge on this big, bold red. The full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherry, ground pepper, anise and mocha alongside ripe, velvety tannins. It's warm but has enough fruit to support the hefty alcohol. Drink 2018–2025.
This offers aromas suggesting ripe plum, menthol, scorched earth, leather and grilled herb. On the big, polished palate, notes of cinnamon and star anise accent a core of black cherry while velvety tannins provide structure and smooth texture. Delicious and already accessible, it also boasts some staying power. Drink 2018–2025.
Full-bodied and opulent, this wine boasts a smoky-toasty layer of oak over all the standard Condrieu goodness—honeysuckle, apricot and tropical fruit. Toasted coconut lingers on the long, plush finish.
Structured and tight, this mineral-driven wine is still in its initial stages of development. It has crisp acidity, layers of spicy wood and a rich palate. Apples and white peach emerge from the firm, young structure. Drink this wine from 2018. The vineyard is next door to the Grand Cru Montrachet vines.
Here's an earthy wine that opens with aromas of scorched earth, leather, truffle, raspberry compote and a note of cured meat. The chewy palate offers mature Morello cherry, grilled herb, coffee, clove and anise while firm, ripe tannins provide the framework. A tobacco note closes the finish. Drink 2018–2028.
Aromas of rose, fragrant blue flower, pressed powder, perfumed berry and a whiff of leather emerge on this delicious red. The smooth, succulent palate delivers a great depth of flavor, including juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, star anise and chopped herb. Silky tannins provide the framework.
Scents of leather, truffle, ripe berry and a note of crushed blue flower slowly take shape on this full-bodied red. The firmly structured palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, clove, tobacco and a note of grilled herb. Youthfully austere tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2029.
Rose, iris, perfumed berry, tilled soil and a whiff of menthol are just some of the aromas you'll find on this elegantly structured red. The full-bodied palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anise and dried herb alongside youthfully austere but refined tannins. Hold for more complexity. Drink 2025–2035.
Blue flower, exotic spice, mature black-skinned fruit and chopped herb are some of the aromas you'll discover on this full-bodied wine. The chewy palate offers a core of fleshy black cherry while notes of cinnamon, licorice and tobacco provide backup. Tightly packed, youthfully austere tannins offset the juicy fruit flavors. Drink 2020–2030.
The small production of this wine just fitted into four barrels, two of which were new. It's a ripe wine, complex, concentrated and showing the quality of this famous vineyard. High-density planting and 40-year-old vines all contribute to the wine's structure. Drink from 2018.
Baked plum, fragrant blue flower, dried herb, eucalyptus and cake spice aromas unfold on this full-bodied red. The elegant, structured palate offers mature black cherry, licorice, mocha and grilled herb while firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. This shows more aging potential than many of the 2011s. Drink 2019–2031.
Smoky aromas of black plum, wild berry and clove precede a rich, layered, saturated palate that's creamy in the long run. Woody, spicy flavors of clove, pepper, chocolate and plum finish similarly, meaning this superb blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is still in a youthful phase. Drink from 2018–2030.
Red berry, fragrant blue flower, dark spice and a whiff of eucalyptus come together on this one. The taut, structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, clove and a hint of grilled sage. Firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and support. Drink 2020–2032.
Compared with the generally more delicate offerings from this producer, Bucher is always a standout. It's a raunchy, earthy barnyard expression of rustic cheese rind and dark cherry that symbolizes its origins in outstanding ways. Lively acidity keeps it fresh in the glass, while cardamon, rosemary and Asian spice provide the intrigue.
Tropical, floral aromas are modest but enchanting. Plump and balanced on the palate, this blend tastes a bit yeasty and creamy, with green banana and herbal infusions. A floral finish shows a touch of bitterness.
Fresh tangerine, apple and pear notes extend from nose to finish on this unoaked Chardonnay. Medium bodied and crisp with acidity, it's refreshing and balanced, but there's a touch of ramp and earth that lingers mysteriously.
A whiff of hay and bramble lends an earthy tone to this otherwise bright, easy-drinking wine. On the palate, fresh tangerine, white peach and lemon flavors are refreshing and pristine. Medium bodied and a bit racy, the finish is quite brisk.
Cherry, rubber and leather aromas are tight and announce a punchy, bright, raw palate with raspberry and plum flavors. Snappy and rubbery feeling on the finish, this is a fresh Monastrell with red-fruit tendencies.
A red blend from the eastern end of the Entre deux Mers region, this is a smooth and already accessible wine. Attractive black fruits and soft tannins accompany touches of vanilla. It's ready to drink.
Ripe blackberry meets with rustic leather and a bit of rubbery funk on this nose of this wine made by the Riboli family of Los Angeles' San Antonio Winery. It's rich and jammy with tannins adding balance, but not much acidity.
Aged in white oak barrels from Minnesota, the winemaker's home state, this wine offers exotic honeysuckle and baked pineapple at its core, beautiful aromas that gain weight on the texture. Toasted caramel and coconut define the finish.
This wine is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, 19% Malbec and 14% Carmenère. It shows an unusual mix of cayenne, carob, pencil lead and dried herb aromas. The palate has sweet fruit flavors backed by dry, blocky tannins, falling a bit flat on the finish.
This offers soft, ripe fruit with acidity, delicious forward tannins and cherry flavors. Bright and fruity, the wine is ready to drink.
This wine offers notes of peach, honeysuckle and lime leaf. It's sweet and lightly spritzy in feel, with lavender flavors on the finish.
Pressed apple and pear notes are accented with penetrating layers of smoke, nuts and clove on this full-bodied Chardonnay. Tart lemon acidity lends freshness to the midpalate and into a spry finish.
A tribute to the year—1935—of the founding of the Monségur cooperative, this wine has structure, dry tannins and ripe, plummy fruits. It's firm, showing fresher black currant flavors and acidity at the end.
Aromas of spiced plum and exotic spice lead the nose on this robust wine. On the palate, scorching alcohol overwhelms dried black cherry and licorice, throwing the wine completely off balance. Astringent tannins and a green note of powdered sage create an extremely bitter finish.
Concentrated but one-dimensional, this features aromas of stewed fruit, fig, almond, nail polish and coconut, all of which follow through to the warm, monolithic palate. It's already extremely evolved, and lacks vibrancy and complexity.
This stalky wine shows wood aging as much as fruit. Toast and some bitter extraction are contrasted with tight black currant fruits. It will soften and turn into an approachable fruity wine.
This is a simple, fruity wine without great tannic structure. It has attractive berry fruits and a dry core. With its fresh acidity, it will be ready to drink soon.
Attractive and balanced, this has light tannins and fresh black currant fruitiness. Everything is in the right place, correct if not more. The aftertaste has a good, food-friendly acidity.
The wine is all about fruit with only a passing reference to tannins. Red berry flavors come with just a dash of minerality and a firmer, wood-aged core. Drink from 2016.
Mint and graphite aromas make for a cool nose on this 50/50 Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon. Rubbery tannins mixed with extracted berry flavors create more noise than poise on the palate. A spicy, herbal, chocolaty finish is punchy and borderline punishing.
This opens with scratchy, slightly dirty aromas of blueberry and blackberry. The palate is heavy and jammy, but also somewhat raw and abrasive. Cherry and plum flavors are basic, while an inoffensive finish falls off quickly.
Yeasty, bready aromas lack the citric kick and minerality that top Rueda whites deliver in spades. The palate is dilute but slightly creamy, while yeasty flavors are low on fruit and finish with a note of gardenia flower.
The wood aging is still showing in this young wine that needs time. Dry, firm and toasty, it also has the light, fruity character of the 2013 vintage with raspberry, blueberry and acidity that's still too intense. Drink from 2016.
There's a hint of menthol and an overall medicinal streak to the black cherry and berry fruit on the nose, but the palate lacks that characteristic. Rather, mature notes of pepper, leather and smoke dominate. Medium weight with fine but firm tannins.
This integrated red from Greece's premium red wine country offers all of the hallmarks of the variety but is still pleasing to the international palate. Aromas of tobacco, anise, cherry and smoke lead, followed by spicy but balanced flavors of coffee, smoke, dark berries and pepper. Can age but good to drink now. Pair with heartier dishes.
There is a wonderful tang of orange zest in this fresh and fruit wine. With its attractive perfumes and flavors of currants it is ready to drink now but could age for a few years. Screwcap.
A memorable array of black cherry, cocoa, raspberry and currant starts this Cabernet from Greece. On the palate, lots of hickory smoke, pepper and coffee are rounded by blackberry. Rich, savory and lingering, the wine has a serious edge that will pair well with serious dishes: think steak, lamb.
This round and fruity blend mixes fruit from three vineyards: Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Yamhill Vineyard. Ripe black fruits matched to firm, dusty tannins are highlighted with streaks of sassafras and underscored with vivid acidity.
A lightweight Chardonnay, with crisp acidity and citrus flavors. It is soft, full of white fruits, with a burst of orange zest. Not for aging, ready to drink.
Another nice effort from McGrail, a Cab from their estate vineyards that shows dark plum, vanilla and tobacco and a soft roundness, all around its tannins crying out for red meat.
Green gooseberry, underripe mango and pineapple core notes abound on the nose and continue on into the palate of this easy-drinking white. The mouth is a bit rounder than expected, but brilliant acidity keeps things balanced and lifts the close. Drink now.
Nicely done in an Alsatian style, this Pinot Gris has subtle aromatics that blossom in due time into lemon, pear and tart apple, the whole richly layered and ideal for pairing with rich wintertime foods.
Fully oaked, and you can tell via the aromas of coconut, resin, vanilla and latex that sit on top of tobacco and floral berry scents. Feels tight and high in acid, with herbal-leaning red berry flavors. Fresh and basic on the finish, with lasting acidity.
Golden honey in color, the Ramspeck Sassolini is lush with lemon flavor and high acidity that lingers on the palate, crisp and tart. Sourced from Lake County fruit, a fine place for crisp whites, this wine is balanced in alcohol and richness too.
Here's a concentrated blend of 62% Cab Sauv, 10% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot and 8% Cab Franc with assertive notes of cassis, black plum, sweet smoke and spice on the nose and mouth. Firmly structured and a bit chewy with a long finish.
Spicy forest and used coffee grind aromas mingle with notes of small red berries and red plum flesh. Lively and juicy but elegant in the mouth with medium tannins and a white pepper-dusted finish.
Ripe and attractive with notes of sous bois and savory herbs adding complexity to the forest berry and ripe stewed rhubarb fruit flavors. Silky in the mouth with dusty tannins and a long, coffee-infused finish.
Vibrant tropical fruit and citrus on the nose start this poised white from Greece. Pineapple, lemon and banana flavors are balanced by refreshing acidity and minerality. Overall, the wine is a delicious blend of fresh and fruity. A great find.
This crisp, easy-drinking entry-level Riesling from the Peter Nicolay estate represents a good buy. It's plump, with a nice balance of sweet and tart ripe apples and zesty limes that provide great refreshment value.
A little oaky and leathery at first, but as a whole this wine sings a nice song. The palate is firm and structured, with a lot of forward oak as well as juicy wild blackberry flavors. Lightly roasted and salinic on the finish, with length.
Fresh but full with ripe flavors of kiwi and Key lime citrus accented by savory herbs on the palate. Balanced, with bracing acidity and a lingering finish accented by notes of white peach. A nice choice for poached halibut. 300 cases imported.
A serious, fairly rich wine with grippy tannins and typical Maipo aromas of herbs, tobacco and olive that meet at eucalyptus. Hails from low-production old vines in Macul and Buin; the wine is round and full in the mouth, with lightly roasted berry flavors and touches of sweet caramel and chocolate on the finish.
This is a variety Gerovassiliou does very well, with its aromas of pear, peach and lemon and its creamy but crisp flavors of pear, citrus and peach. The wine has weight without losing its delicate touch, and balanced acidity gives it a food-friendly edge. A great summer white wine.
A fine, clean and intense sparkling wine, with excellent acidity and bright lemon and apple notes.
Big, herbal and rich on the nose, with minerality and a lot of olive and black-fruit aromas. The palate is round, full-bodied and chewy, with ample oak, herbal flavors and blackberry. Tasty, robust and not short on oak and herbal notes. In a word, it's Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.
Smoke, cinnamon, cherry and strawberry aromas start this impressive blend with style. On the palate, cinnamon, tobacco and black cherry flavors are balanced with a clean acidity and a touch of sweet spice. Overall, an integrated red with focus.
Soft and ripe, the normal herbaceous character rounded out with pear and peach fruits. Sure, there is a tang, a kick to the wine, with acidity. But it is the ripeness that dominates.
Densely tannic, this is a wine that shows some initial austerity, although the black currant fruit and toasty wood then comes through. With its structure and chewy texture, it is always likely to be a firm wine.
With the structured influence of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a wine that brings out the freshness of 2008, along with its firm tannins. It is still a young wine with acidity and tannins dominating the fruit.
Pushing forward the acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a structured and freshly fruity wine, full of black currant flavors as well as red berry fruits. There is a dry core here from wood aging. The fruit gives a delicious buoyancy to the aftertaste.
Concentrated on the nose, with wild berry and cassis aromas. Feels fresh and grippy due to firm tannins, with snappy red berry, plum and mild oak flavors. Not all that complex and showing little more than bright, pleasant fruit flavors and firmness.
Whiffs of juicy melon and yellow peach brighten darker notes of potpourri and aged honey on this very pleasant late-harvest Riesling. Quite hefty on the palate with hints of dusty minerals and a sharp, clean acidity.
Strawberry and watermelon come together in this tart, medium-bodied dry rosé. The juicy red fruit doesn't offer much complexity, but is refreshing and easy to drink.
Oceanic and crisp smelling, with green apple, citrus and light oak on the nose. Has roundness and weight, but juiciness as well. Tastes a touch sweet and syrupy, with tropical fruit flavors. Chunky and a little sticky on the finish despite boasting a solid acid level.
Starts out with scratchy, edgy aromas of dried fruits, orange peel and tobacco. It's fairly light in concentration and weight, with woodsy, spicy flavors of vanilla, oak and foresty fruit. Above average but resides in that upper-middle tier.
Mature smelling, with citrus peel, tobacco and molasses on the nose. The palate is a bit lean and acidic 10 years after harvest, with little expansiveness and driving, citrusy flavors of raspberry and red plum. Juicy but clampy on the finish.
Concentrated cherry and strawberry flavors gain layers of complexity from lavish floral and brambly forest notes on this lovely Cab Franc. The palate is soft and a bit fleshy, but bright acidity adds balance and structure.
Grown primarily in Chile these days, Carmenère can be akin to Merlot, though this version has the herbal qualities of a Cab Franc and is otherwise quite oaky.
There's a lingering vein of sweet Indian spice amidst pretty layers of sweet pea and lime pith on this intense Riesling. Dry in style yet densely concentrated with juicy, sweet yellow peaches, it finishes long with sharp, racy acidity.
This wine's flamboyant aromas of passion fruit and cut grass are unfortunately not quite matched on the palate, where the flavors are more restrained. It's medium in body and rather lean, with a crisp, fully dry finish. The blend is 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 31% Semillon.
The blend is 50-50 Viognier and Roussanne, sourced from Gamache Vineyards. Scents and flavors suggest orange candy, with a slightly grainy, baby aspirin quality. Lemony and forward; a good quaffer.
From a certified biodynamic vineyard, this Syrah is big red wine, tannic with black fruit and game in taste and smell.
Dry Vinho Verde that is packed with citrus, crisp apple fruits and a light sparkle. A great apéritif wine, but also try it with any shellfish.
Spicy acidity and a refreshing lift of lemon verbena highlight this unoaked wine, framing its medium body and lemon verbena, mandarin orange and grapefruit peel flavors.
From the head-trained, dry-farmed Martinelli Vineyard, this wine is like a lens into history. It's mighty flavorful, too, with jubilant cinnamon, rose water and wisteria aromas and a rounded and juicy palate of plum and boysenberry fruit. Asssertive baking spice notes and chalky tannins complete the picture.
Fresh blueberry and plum play on nose and palate. Lively freshness permeates the glass, accentuating the wine's tart, precise fruitiness. It's medium bodied with moderate grip, lots of verve and a nervy, fresh and totally appetizing finish.
Soft, billowy tannins buoy this wine's dense red fruit, accented with dried herb, cedar and pencil shaving flavors. Ripe and full bodied, its oak is integrated and quiet.
Rich and mouth-filling, this full-bodied wine has plenty of fruit flavor and is structured with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It blends ripe berry and plum notes with more vibrant red cherry for complexity and has a lingering, layered finish.
Fleshy red cherry notes dominate this wine's nose and palate. An edge of smoke adds aroamtic complexity to the fluid and fresh flavors. It's juicy and generous with a welcome counterpoint of supple tannins that lend structure to all the cherry fruit.
Bruce McGuire makes a strong case for the potential of Petit Verdot—a variety not often bottled on its own—in the Santa Ynez Valley. Baked blackberry, licorice and cocoa scents show on the playful nose, while black cherry, cocoa dust, cardamom and anise flavors light up the palate.
Unabashedly buttery and oaky in aroma and flavor, this first-class, full-bodied wine has a mouth-filling, creamy texture that lingers long into the finish. It starts with buttered toast and almond aromas and opens into a rich pear-and-hazelnut palate, its flavors unfolding in nuanced layers.
Brawny, toasty aromas prop up a sturdy oaky nose with a familiar dark-berry core. This Malbec is tightly wound, with wiry acidity. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, spiced plum, chocolate and cardamom finish earthy and mellow, with a lingering note of exotic spice. Drink through 2022.
Yellow stone fruit, crushed herb and tomato vine aromas leap from the glass. The creamy palate boasts lively elegance, offering ripe peach, juicy grapefruit, chopped mint and stony mineral flavors before finishing on a tangy note.
Blackberry, cherry and plum notes form this estate wine's fruity core, complemented by an earthy thread of cedar, pencil and tobacco. Dry, firm tannins give it a structure that takes time to unwind, the finish marked by powerful grace and spicy clove.
This rounded Chardonnay from winemaker Duncan Williams (also of Falkner in Temecula) shows creamy cherimoya and nectarine fruit, accented with cinnamon, clove and butter on the nose. The palate is delicate and supple, its salted almond and nectarine flavors riding a wave of vibrant acidity into the finish.
Plump Meyer lemon aromas meet rounded coconut, pineapple cream and honeysuckle on the nose of this bottling from the pioneering Franscioni family. On the palate, it's tightly wound, needing a second to breathe before revealing a sharp lemon peel freshness that cuts through the peachy fruit flavors.
Green apple, Bartlett pear and citrus aromas follow through to the bright, creamy palate, along with a stony mineral note. An elegant, balanced wine with a fresh, lingering finish.
Bright, compressed fruit stars in this approachable and affordable Pinot Noir that's rounded with tannin and focused acidity. Cranberry, orange, cherry and cola flavors highlight its medium-bodied power and concentration.
Big flavors and structure come together perfectly in this full-bodied, dry wine that's meant for the dinner table. Its unique fruit character combines raspberry, blackberry and rhubarb, while firm tannins and vibrant acidity create an appetizing, mouth-cleansing texture.
Blended with 9% Grenache, this is velvety-thick on the palate, with black licorice, black raspberry and a savory tone of grilled meat. Medium-bodied, it relatively restrained in the glass, not giving in to its denser, darker side.
From the vineyard owned by winemaker Bill Brosseau's family, this bottling shows black raspberry, strawberry, wet slate and rose petal scents on the nose. The palate is loaded with earthy black plum and other dark fruits, lifted by a star anise spiciness.
Nutty and slightly reduced on the nose, this wine shines in tart acidity and fleshy texture. Lemon peel, pineapple and mango notes give it a wealth of fresh fruit flavor, a lilt of lemongrass providing a touch of spice.
This exceptional release is firm and focused, with lip-smacking acidity. Tart apple and tangy limeade pack the core flavors, underscored with wet-stone minerality.
This has firm tannins, and it demonstrates the potential of its juicy fruit flavors. With its powerful structure, this is a slowly developing selection that needs at least five years in a cellar.
A blend of wines from a number of Chambolle's premier cru vineyards, this is a rich and generous wine, with spice and red berry flavors, plus sweet tannins and a firm feel on the finish.
There is a fine mineral-driven backbone to this ripe, concentrated and fruity wine, which gives its dense apricot and pineapple flavors great structure. It needs to age for at least four years.
With only 6,000 bottles produced, this limited-production selection might be tricky to find, but it's well worth the effort. Layered and nuanced, ripe fruit provides a perfect backdrop for accents of game, spice and oak. The silky texture is complemented by black cherry and plum-skin flavors, and the finish ends on a black tea note that lingers. Drink now–2017.
Meditazione bursts out of the glass with a musky, vanilla-spice character that permeates the nose and palate. Fermented in oak with extended skin contact, this is an amber-hued wine that has bold, tea-leaf-like tannins and a gorgeous acidic edge. It's a fascinating effort to be enjoyed over the course of a long, meditative evening.
Full bodied, rich and ripe, this wine has a minerally texture and is loaded with tropical fruit, citrus and apricot flavors. It's a serious selection that needs some aging. This is one of a series of single-vineyard wines from the Comte de Ternay estate.
Thick and foresty, this Pinot Noir embodies the extremes of the Perli Vineyard. It bursts with dark blue and earthy red fruits that are tempered by a savory undertone. This wine takes time to reveal itself, so age it for 5–7 years, and pair it with stews, risottos or seasoned braised lamb.
Perfumed, rich yet soft, this is opulent Beaune at its best. It has acidity and a touch of tannin, but it's the broad, ripe red-fruit flavors that dominate, which gives juiciness and vitality to this wine that will age for several years.
Notes of mint and thyme add savory tones to bright, pristine flavors of cassis and black cherry in this blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Structured and full bodied, this has warm oak tones and striking acidity. It's delicious now, but it should continue to develop over the next five years.
Production of this Merlot was further dampened in 2009 by an early freeze. But the quality is as good as ever, which is apparent in the pretty core of strawberry, raspberry and red plum flavors. Aging in 55% new French oak gives the fruit a Bourbon-soaked appeal as it rolls onto the rich finish streaked with dark chocolate.
Initially smooth and rounded, this wine opens to reveal a structured character. A note of tangy lemon zest cuts through the pear and quince flavors, which creates a balance between richness and tautness. Ready to drink in 1–2 years.
This wine is perfumed, with delicious notes of plum and spice that are balanced by light tannins and fine, elegant acids. A touch of mineral marks the finish.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine's simple cherry fragrance does not do justice to its black cherry, blueberry, vanilla and clove flavors. It's bright from the first sip, with silky tannins and black pepper and sage notes that continue into a finish punctuated by a burst of bright cherry.
Originally planted by monks in the 12th century, this vineyard has produced an intensely herbaceous wine. Steely and crisp with grapefruit and gooseberry flavors, the wine's texture brings out the chalky soil. Still young, it will be better from 2018.
Some of the region's oldest Dijon clone plantings are in this wine, done in a firm, classy style with little new wood apparent. With its crisp apple and citrus fruit and steely edge, it delivers plenty of flavor, a long, penetrating finish and the sense that it will age nicely for a decade at least.
This is still a young wine. It has a serious tight mineral texture and intense acidity. There is a strong spicy element and a richness that comes straight from the deep soil of the vineyard. This important wine needs to age, so drink from 2019.
Expanding on their fathers' legacies, the cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have a deserving reputation for their almost-Burgundian Sancerre. This latest vintage, packed with both fruit and structure, shows why. It is ripe with red cherries and dark plums laced with acidity. The wine is full of great ripe fruit and generous tannins. Drink from 2018.
Potent but integrated oak and blackberry aromas come with a note of licorice. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc is blocky and almost collapses under its own weight. Herbal, spicy flavors of fresh mushroom, roasted plum and tomato are typical of Salta. It finishes full, saturated and a bit chunky. Drink through 2020.
This big, ripe wine is dominated by Alicante Bouschet. Between the tannins and the dense black fruit, the wine is concentrated and generous. Perfumed, full of fruit and a good line of acidity, this rich wine is ready to drink.
From the Vieira family's Lisboa vineyard, this blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Syrah is well balanced, offering elegant black fruits and delicious acidity. The structure is restrained and finely wrought. Drink the wine now.
This is a reserve level Tempranillo—the third ever bottling produced by the winery. Packed with cassis and black cherry fruit, it also delivers intense smoke, charred wood and espresso scents and flavors. It's a powerful wine, with further notes of spice and graphite, finishing tongue-scrapingly dry and ready for a juicy steak.
This delivers berry flavors, with a touch of white pepper and citrus. There's a hint of balsa wood on the nose and an intriguing tart mineral note on the palate. It spent 10 months in 27% new French oak barrels.
Fermented in a 500-liter French oak puncheon and put through full malo, this stands in stark contrast to the winery's Her Silhouette Chardonnay. Both are exceptional, yet this is rounder, fuller and more elegant, with crisp apple and pear fruit accented with cinnamon spice.
This impressive and ripe wine comes from a warm vintage. It has mango as well as apricot fruits, giving a rich generous character. The acidity provides just the right tang at the end to bring out the minerality that lies at the back of this fine wine. Drink now.
This bottling from John Sebastiano Vineyard is a great example of how a light Grenache can entertain needy palates. Sagebrush-laced aromas of wild thyme and tree bark mesh with tart pomegranate, red currant and a touch of red-cherry pie on the nose. The tea-leaf-laced sip shows raspberry, red plum and red apple, which just enough tannic structure.
This blend of 70% Nerello Mascalese and 30% Nocera offers ripe red-skinned berry, violet and Mediterranean scrub aromas. The juicy, vibrant palate doles out crushed raspberry, red cherry, almond and citrus zest notes with bright acidity and refined tannins. Enjoy through 2025.
Named for a beloved Springer Spaniel, this is pretty and bright, with an edgy line of acidity that supports a gravelly texture. Integrated oak contrasts against baked apple, honey and cinnamon flavors that are homey and comforting, finishing in a coconut flake tone.
Plummy fruit aromas meet with nutmeg and vanilla on the pleasing if somewhat simple nose of this bottling. The palate grows much more interesting, lively and delicious, as rounded, juicy red fruits are cut by star anise and cinnamon flavors. A spicy acidity cuts through the elegant tannic structure.
This longtime winery recently released new labels, and this bottling is one of the first releases to wear the slicker style. Lavish aromas of blueberry, black currant and caramel lead into a palate full of soft chalky tannins that carry flavors of tangy plum skin, bacon fat and crème de cassis. This will age very well, but is tasty now.
From one of the top vineyard sectors of Pouilly-Fumé, the wine is rich, full and complex. Spice and vanilla are contrasted with the intense acidity and steely white-fruit and citrus flavors. It is still young with its fruitiness bursting out of the glass. Wait until 2018.
From vines planted in 1984 and 1990, this offers subtle, strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors, accented with refreshing minerality. Its acidity a faint lime flavor, and as is true of all this winery's offerings, the overall balance is impeccable.
This opens with textbook Nebbiolo aromas of new leather, forest floor, red berry, culinary spice and a whiff of blue flower. On the savory palate, taut, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity support Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and white pepper flavors that should integrate after a few more years in bottle. Drink after 2022.
Ripe and luscious, Alicante Bouschet gives this wine its color and intensely smoky, spicy tannic structure. The texture is dusty, with black chocolate as well as black plums adding concentration and aging potential. Drink this wine from 2019.
This wine is lengthy and earthy, with wraparound tannins that coat the mouth. Smoky char, black licorice and a depth of baked plum provide decadence and ripe rich flavor within complex structure of acidity.
Like all wines from this producer, the fruit from this five-acre vineyard has been grown biodynamically. That explains both the clean lines of the wine and its beautiful ripe fruitiness. The yellow fruits and generous texture are deliciously full in the mouth. Drink this fine wine from 2018.
This is a textured wine with strong minerality as well as ripe white stone fruits. It is still young, full of life as well as intense fruitiness. The herbal hint at the end will integrate as this fine wine ages further. Drink from 2018.
This wood-aged wine is rich and full. Its intense fruits are balanced by subtle wood flavors and a tight texture. Named after the Romans who were the first to plant vines in Sancerre, this is a concentrated wine that will repay some aging. Drink from 2019.
In this pale rosé, freshly cut orange and papaya mousse aromas are cut with a bit of flintiness. The wine plays to the citrus side of the pink scale, with lemon rind and pink grapefruit flavors. It's a bit more watery than other rosés of the vintage.
Sampled in a half bottle, this unusual version of a Muscat (most are off-dry) was quite tart, with potent flavors of citrus flesh and rind. Not as much orange flavor as one might expect, it's more in the lemon/grapefruit camp.
Pungent and acidic to the brink of sour, this tastes like unsweetened grapefruit juice. Though not especially typical for Riesling, it might be a pleasant match for fresh oysters.
This 20-acre estate has produced a firm but already attractively ripe wine. It is still young and juicy, with black currant flavors dominating. The tannins are solid and need a while to soften. Drink from 2016.
Typical for basic Rioja, this is violet in color, with fresh plum and red berry aromas. The palate comes across kind of hard, tight and candied, with sweet berry fruit flavors that turn bitter on the finish.
This is a young, fresh wine that's laced both with black currants and some dry tannins. It's so young and fruity that is all up front freshness. In fact it could do with a few months in bottle to give it more weight and round it out.
It opens with aromas of oak extract and burned tire rubber. The lean palate delivers toasted oak, vanilla and espresso alongside astringent oak tannins. It lacks fruit richness.
Fruity and fresh, this is Sauvignon Blanc at its most attractive. It shows a touch of minerality, but the citrus and crisp apple flavors dominate. With its light touch, it will make a fine apéritif wine.
Pale in color, this is a fruity rosé. It's packed with acidity that gives a tight, crisp feel as well as red cherry and red currant fruits. The acidity could benefit from a few months of calming, so wait until 2015.
Noticeably impacted with scents of leather and chicken-yard soils, this also shows some muted, brambly berry fruit. It's tart and juicy, with a flavor of pomegranate or acai berry, and best to be drunk sooner rather than later.
This smooth wine has plenty of varietal character, from the grassy, citrus-like aromas to the lemon and green-apple flavors. Balanced and flavorful, it should pair well with seafood, goat cheese and other food choices.
This muted, tannic Cabernet spent 20 months in new French oak. The dark black cherry and berry fruit are overwhelmed somewhat by the toast and oak.
Herbal black-fruit aromas come with a lot of oak. This is full, chunky and meaty in feel, with green hints and blackberry flavors appearing before a blast of hickory smoke takes over. A high-toast, slightly bitter finish confirms the strong oaky character.
Aromas of cherry cough drops and huckleberry syrup are heady and perplexing. The palate is like cough medicine, while syrupy cherry and berry flavors transition to medicinal and chocolaty. A rich, flabby finish is just more fuel for a unique but challenged fire.
Aromas of dust and stewed plums give a pleasing entry, but once sipped the wine tastes like it needs more time to mature. The flavors approach strawberry and other red fruits, but remain quite tart and tannic.
This aged Riesling is medium gold colored, with pleasant aromas of lemon peel and petrol. It is round and generous on the palate, with flavors of lemon custard and green olive tapenade. The finish is long, with lingering flavors of lemon pith.
As fresh as can be, this is a bright, lively and lightly perfumed wine. It has grapefruit, apricot fruit and a touch of minerality. Drink through 2015.
Soft and ripe, it has attractive peach and pear fruits and a lively shot of lemon acidity. It's rounded, rich and ready to drink.
Raspberry fruits and juicy acidity are allied to a softly tannic structure to give a ripe while fresh wine. It's fruity but with a firm, dry core that gives the potential to age 2016–2017.
A blend of Touriga Nacional with a more local grape, Jaen, gives a juicy, light and fragrant wine. There's a tannic structure, but the wine is more to do with red fruits and acidity. Drink in 2015.
This garnet colored wine has aromas of red plums and black pepper. There are jammy flavors of ripe cherry and red raspberry on the palate. There's a nice acidic bite and a pleasant touch of astringency on the finish.
Spice frames the bone-dry red fruit, which carries a sharp, astringent flavor profile into a rather short, tight finish. More cellar time might help to open this up further.
This wine shows apparent barrel aging on the nose, with vanilla bean and coconut oil alongside caramelized apricot aromas. There is a very ripe papaya and guava tropicality on the palate, with a slight finish of iodine.
This begins with aromas of overripe plum, nail polish remover, fig, raisin, nutmeg, vanilla, resin and sweet oak. The dense, warm palate delivers chocolate, coffee, vanilla, plum and sweet oak alongside searing alcohol. It's already tired and evolved, and almost past its prime.
Dark aromas suggest shoe polish and roasted black fruits. This feels rubbery and chunky, while the flavor profile includes quick pokes of cherry, plum and rubbery berry before a salty-tasting finish.
A strike of tangerine acidity serves as a palate jolting introduction to this vibrant sun-kissed Riesling. Dusty mineral, pollen and honey tones converge into a luscious slick that lingers persistently and persuasively.
Ripe blackberry, crushed plum, black raspberry, sweet baking spices, orange zest and dark chocolate are some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this creamy, full-bodied blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Velvety tannins provide the smooth texture and framework. Enjoy through 2020.
In this collaboration between Ken Forrester and Jesse Katz, Katz sources from the same site he favors for his Devil Proof Malbec, crafting here a creamy, decadent Cabernet stuffed in coconut macaroon, blueberry and black cherry fruit. Soft, rounded and yet entirely structured and lush, it is delicious right now and yet should be even more seductive in time, through 2020.
Made with Cabernet and Merlot, this offers scents of cedar, black currant, graphite and aromatic herb. Notes of licorice, ground pepper and tobacco accent the core of crushed blackberry and black cherry while polished tannins provide the framework. The lingering finish ends on a tobacco note.
One of Italy's most acclaimed Merlots, this concentrated wine opens with scents of black currants, cedar, sage and espresso. The firmly structured but polished palate delivers dried black cherry, black pepper, coffee and licorice alongside a backbone of velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
This wine hails from six Napa Valley vineyards, including the producer's Calistoga-based estate Bone Ash, as well as Beck stoffer Georges III in Rutherford. It opens in mouthfilling black licorice and blackberry, juicy and soft with the backbone to age. Dried herb provides a savory component, while a fresh vibrancy offsets the wine's denseness. Cellar this concentrated wine through 2022.
Gorgeous aromas of toasted bread and caramel give way to a rich, buttery texture and flavors that layer ripe apple, honey, toasted almond and walnut notes on a smooth, softly bubbling background. It's showing the benefits of extra aging through the slightly nutty character, fine bubbles and seemingly sweet feel even though it's elegant and dry.
This compelling and delicious bottling has a grand bearing, sophisticated flavors and elegant texture, like something the staff at Downton Abbey would serve. The aromas are lightly smoky and spicy, like white pepper and walnuts. Flavors are subtle, dry but somehow rich, as hints of white peach, almond and dried cherry develop.
Meticulously farmed by Ulises Valdez, Silver Eagle is intensely spicy and pamperingly lush, offering a distinct, perfumed character on the nose. Structured and almost gamy and sanguine, it's a complex expression of the grape that will benefit from further time in the bottle, through 2020, or from an hour or so in the decanter.
Bouscassé is the home estate of Alain Brumont, who also owns Château Montus. The wine may be six years old, but it is still dark and very firm. Dense tannins still show strongly over the tarry black fruits. Just wait and this wine will reveal its richness and smoothness while never losing concentration. Drink from 2018.
This is a serious, dark and brooding wine. Powerful tannins and dense structure along with layers of concentrated black fruits all point to a wine for long-term aging. The mineral texture and pronounced acidity add to the longevity of this impressive wine. Drink from 2019.
With fruit sourced from the excellent Hyland Vineyard, this blends a pair of Dijon clones and was aged in half new French oak for 15 months. Black cherry and cola syrup flavors combine in a sappy, concentrated midpalate. Highlights of underbrush and balsamic add flavor interest, and the dry, polished tannins frame the flavors perfectly. There's every reason to believe this can age well, but why wait?
Refined, sleek and supple, this wine mixes trim fruit flavors of apple and papaya, firmly supported by medium-strength acids. There's a streak of baking spices, and a finish laden with buttered nuts, all in proportion, with nothing dominant. In short, this is a super-long, exceptional wine.
This splendid effort is sourced from the Durant Vineyard, and aged in neutral French oak for seven months prior to bottling. Spicy and dense, it's a lively blend of lime, apple, apricot and pear fruits. A trickle of juicy acidity pulls the flavors through into a finish with streaks of vanilla and clove. The 20-year-old vines provide the complexity and detail that will reward another decade of aging. Drink now through 2025.
A rich, ripe expression of one of Italy's iconic wines, this displays the heat of the 2011 vintage. It opens with aromas of red currants, tobacco, oak and exotic spice while the full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherries, blueberry extract, licorice and black pepper. Densely concentrated and tightly packed with assertive but fine-grained tannins, you'll need to give this time to unwind. Drink 2017–2026.
At first this profoundly compelling wine seems rather light, but as it pirouettes on a base of cherry and sassafras, it constantly shifts and sends up shafts of previously undetected flavors. Popcorn, saffron and just the faintest hint of barnyard emerge—suddenly it becomes a full-throttle cherry bomb that can best be described as yummy.
The 2010s are magical right now, and Norm Yost's latest reveals why. Intoxicating and sultry aromas of plums, figs and other savory fruits get a mace-powered, brown spice kick. A cherry reduction sauce flavor shows once sipped, laced with mocha, strawberries and a sagebrush element that pulls through the experience, all wrapped around still stunningly bright acidity.
Dark and dense upon opening, this compact, concentrated cuvée matches its muscular fruit to polished tannins. Black cherry dives deep, almost to the level of black currant fruit, and brings a streak of black olive. This impressive effort will drink well now through 2025.
A thrilling wine, this impresses instantly with its detail and definition. Vividly fruity with a mix of melon, apple and stone fruits, this tangy, toasty effort has nuanced notes of herb and mineral as well. Drink now through 2030.
This shows what extended aging can do for a vintage sparkling wine, as it gives off delicate, ripe, mellow aromas like toasted baguette, honey, toasted almonds, white tea and apple cider. The mouthfeel is elegant and smooth, while the bubbles are soft and slow. Enjoy this before or after dinner now; it's at its aging peak.
The totally delicious fruit offers immense flavors of black cherries and cassis, along with streaks of cola, coffee and chocolate syrup. It's a luscious, beautifully balanced wine with a long and thoroughly delicious finish.
Graphite, black currants, mocha and spice aromas emerge from the glass. Made with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the rich, smooth palate doles out ripe red cherry, crushed black raspberry, dark chocolate, espresso and licorice wrapped in soft, silky tannins. Drink through 2019.
A very intriguing nose from winemaker Brian Loring is reminiscent of ripe red cherries stewed in a béchamel sauce laced with cinnamon sticks. The palate dives deep into blackberries, black tea, beet juice and all sorts of cherries (red, black and sour), lifted by freshly crushed anise seeds.
The exotic, earthy aspects of Pinot come out in this rich and enticing example. Aromas captivate with elements of rich fruit, toasted oak, wood smoke, forest floor and cola. The mouthfeel is broad and supple, the favors ripe, spicy and intricate, weaving together savory notes, dark fruits and exotic spices. All the layers linger on the long finish.
A brilliant red color and enticing spicy oak aromas first beg for attention, and then great spice and fruit flavors and a vivid texture take over. Nutmeg, clove, black cherry and a hint of black tea fill out the flavor spectrum. This wine has firm tannins, lively acidity and a sense of elegance with depth that is compelling.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of mature blackberries, blueberries, cedar, aromatic dried herbs and black pepper. On the smooth palate, notes of exotic spice, licorice, menthol and espresso accent the core of dried black cherry. It's well balanced, with velvety tannins and surprising freshness for what was a torrid vintage.
From one of the top estates in Cahors, this complex, dense wine is both structured and packed with great fruit. At the moment, the tannins are in charge, big, bold and dense. Over the next few years the opulent black fruits will come out strongly, bringing richness along with impressive concentration. Drink from 2019.
Highly enticing, handsome aromas of graphite, blueberry, boysenberry and oaky grit are firm and minerally. This lush, modern, stately Tempranillo is pure, plump and deep on the palate. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and fine oak come together like paint on Dalí's canvas, while the finish is loamy and complex, with flavors of tobacco folded into silky smooth depth. Drink through 2024
This includes grapes from the winery's Jerusalem Hill vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, in addition to the Dundee Hills sites, hence the more general Willamette Valley designation. It was aged in 65% new French oak for 16 months. It's open and generous, offering bright berry, cherry and red currant fruit matched to defining acids, all set in a fine-tuned frame of new oak. Re-tasted 24 hours after being opened, it remained fresh, dense and satisfying.
Opens with crusty, rock-solid aromas of mineral, shoe polish, herb and dense black fruit. This is a thick but smooth-bodied Cabernet with richness and sweet flavors of blackberry, cassis, fine herbes and brown sugar. Mild tannins, excellent structure and length define the finish. Drink now through 2016.
This is classic Oregon Pinot Noir at its most svelte and stylish. Fresh and clean upon entry, it showcases its raspberry and cherry fruit in a delicate wrap of leaf and bark. The tannins are in perfect proportion; the finish is complex and intriguing.
A bold statement of dark Malbec, it's very rich and very concentrated. The wine has considerable tannins to go with the weight of its fruit. With excellent potential, this wine, made from old-vine grapes, should age for at least seven years
As part of its top varietal range, Esporão has produced this rare Petit Verdot. Almost black in color, its darkness follows through onto the palate that's powerful, tarry and spicy, with plenty of concentration and richness.
Winemaker Laurent Montalieu has outdone himself with the fruit from this heritage vineyard. Silky and deep, with a luscious mix of berries, it's a supple, seductive Pinot, wrapped in sleek layers of spicy, toasty oak.
A single-vineyard wine made from selected grapes. The wine is impressively structured and darkly tannic. While it's built for aging, it is drinkable now for its red plum and black currant flavors, as well as its juicy aftertaste.
A powerful, impressive wine. It combines dark, brooding tannins and firm fruits with such an elegant structure and texture. Solid and full of juicy black-plum flavors, it finishes with dry yet voluptuous tannins.
A beautiful wood-aged wine, its power and concentration feel smooth and stylish, with elegant tannins, and toast and ripe black-currant flavors. It's a wine with the potential to age for 3–4 years.
A big and dense wine, with tannins that are well integrated into its core of solid black plum and cherry flavors, and a bitter chocolate note that comes from wood aging. With all of its concentration, this wine should age for five years.
Almost black in color, this medicinal, bitter chocolate flavored wine is completely dominated by wood at this stage. But it has such weight that, even though it will always be dark and dry, it is going to be powerful and impressive. Age 6–8 years.
Lovely, lemony jasmine-tea scents and flavors abound in this delicate yet penetrating wine. Clean and fresh, it adds highlights of citrus rind without a trace of bitterness. Pure elegance.
This barrel-fermented estate wine is luscious and creamy, coating the palate with generous flavors of apricot, peach and melon. The concentration is impressive, as are the barrel flavors on the finish. Vanilla, coconut, caramel and lightly buttered almonds all contribute to the nuanced detail.
Dried and sour red and purple fruit aromas lead the nose on this wine, with accents of plums and Hawaiian li hing mui powder. The palate is more sour than anything, with bitter coffee, plum skins and tart cherries most readily apparent.
This is a light and cheery wine, with cherry and raspberry fruit. It suggests hard candy with a hint of the barnyard; forward, round and fruity.
Syrah makes up more than half of this blend that also includes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Malbec. The combination is medium-bodied and mixed, with baked bread and tart cranberry competing for attention. Bay leaf and dried herb also play roles, before the whole finishes light.
This crisp Muscadet offers an attractive bite of apple skin and lemon juice. It also has a tight texture along with layers of very fresh acidity. The wine is ready to drink, bright and lively at the end.
The vivid orange-gold color signifies immediately that this is not an ordinary wine. Aromas are strong and distinct, like apricot skin and walnuts with a hint of honey, and the flavors are dry, reserved, tart and somewhat astringent like grapefruit peel. It's an unusual taste experience that may soften and become more pleasurable by 2017.
Bright and ripe, this deliciously fruity wine is lightly structured and has some weight. With its crisp acidity and dry core of tannins, it's a wine to pair with many foods.
This wine is ripe, with attractive red cherry fruit flavors. It bursts with fruitiness, fresh acidity and just the lightest structure.
Glimpses of maturity are evident throughout this wine. Slightly briny, savory aromas on the nose open to layers of ripe black cherries and autumn leaves on the palate. It's rich and supple, fringed just faintly with tannins. Drink now.
Despite being labeled Vin de France, this is a Gascon-style of herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. It is crisp with gooseberries and fragrant acidity. Bright, just dry and fruity, it is a great wine to drink now.
This wine's personality is all peach fuzz and tropical thunder, wrapped in grassy herbs. With bristling acidity, it's refreshing and bright, with a flattened finish.
Lime, chewing gum and dusty aromas are simple. This is juicy but shows no real point of reference on the palate. Hollow flavors of pear and briny citrus finish with a note of nectarine and scouring acidity.
Plum and wild berry aromas are slightly briny and volatile. Pinched acidity and related sharpness result in a rough mouthfeel, while plum, raspberry and currant flavors feel wiry, with an earthy, lightly oaked finish.
Aromas that recall grapefruit, medicinal herb, thyme and adhesive bandages carry over to the lean palate, along with a note of bitter almond.
Heady aromas of maple and coffee grinds blend with herbal berry scents in front of a reasonably fresh and balanced palate. In terms of flavor, it's the barrel that leads and gives off dominating clove and spice flavors that outweigh this wine's modest raspberry and red-plum characteristics.
This light, fresh and crisp wine presents cut-grass aromas and citrus flavors. It's a fragrant, bright wine ready for immediate drinking.
Stalky berry and leather aromas settle on rustic and rubbery. This has a staunch, acidic feel and stalky, bushy flavors of plum and berry. Chocolate flavors rise up on a rubbery, slightly harsh finish. The blend holds 70% Garnacha and 30% Carignan.
Floral blueberry and inky aromas make for a concentrated, demanding bouquet. This four-grape blend is grabby and raw in feel, with pinching tannins. Briny, medicinal plum and berry flavors finish with a note of latex as well as heat.
This blackberry-flavored wine has ripe tannins and a soft texture. It presents a warm feeling, tempered by its fresher acidity and stalky aftertaste. Drink from late 2015.
Almost tropical overtones on the nose announce ample pure fruit. Russet pear has both a touch of fresh Amalfi lemon and luscious honey. Yet the palate is slender, taut and dry. A lovely evocation of the varietal richness of Pinot Gris, framed on very light feet with elegance and poise. Totally appetizing, dry and moreish.
Faint notes of ripe pear rise from the glass. The palate comes in with fresh zestiness—it is dry and slender but has lip-smacking citrus freshness of grapefruit and tangerine. This is bundled, full of invigorating appetizing freshness. There is something bracingly clean but also harmonious about the finish.
Richly extracted yellow peach and tangerine flavors are slicked in honey in this silk-textured auslese. It's lavishly sweet, yet vibrantly citrusy too. Drink this sunny yet neatly balanced Riesling now or hold through 2027.
This is a robustly built, densely packed and velvety wine with smooth layers of integrated oak. Tannins provide the power and foundation behind its crisp blue fruit and dried herb flavors, seasoned with cola and black pepper spice.
Open-grained oak aromas lend molasses and vanilla to the nose of this well-built Rioja. It's lively and choppy on the palate, with roasted plum and berry flavors, finishing dark and toasty with oak and graphite notes. Drink through 2026.
A very shy nose just releases the most teasing hint of peach. The palate is utterly restrained: peach flavors are dry and brightened by lemon and have a wonderful lightness of touch. The finish is dry, clean and long. A very refreshing and clean-cut take on Gewurztraminer.
Ripe, baked black-fruit aromas go heavy on the raisin and prune, with a hint of spice cake thrown in. On the palate, this is saturated and a bit thick. Baked berry, cassis and creamy oak flavors finish lush and chewy, with flavors of oak grain and chocolate. Drink now through 2020.
This entry-level cuvée delivers as much pleasure in 2014 as the single vineyard examples. It's beautifully detailed, with well-orchestrated flavors of citrus rind, red berry, cherry, chocolate and coffee grounds. Tannins are pinpoint focused as well, and it's drinking beautifully right out of the gate.
This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot, aged nearly two years in 80% new French oak, is a ripe, extracted and mightily concentrated wine, offering big flavor in a complex package. Highlights include cedar, cherry and cocoa powder dusted in tobacco.
Charred wood and myrrh hints meld with hibiscus, rosehip, tea leaf and tangy plum skin scents on the nose of this delicate but layered bottling from Doug Margerum. The palate boasts vibrant energy, which cuts through soft raspberry and graphite flavors. That vibrancy will last a long time. Drink 2018–2035.
Outgoing and easy to like, this brings tart and juicy raspberry and pomegranate fruit front and center. Details pile on: hibiscus tea and rosewater in particular. It's stylish through and through, with a long clean finish.
Named after historic figures and philosophers, the wine is a serious take on Muscadet. With its ripe fruits, it is dense and textured. Spice and pepper show alongside the smooth fruit. This complex wine is now properly aged and ready to drink.
This wine is rich with smooth ripe fruit that give the impression that it is off dry. In fact, it is the intensity of the fruit that is the driving force behind the wine. With acidity strongly in the background, there is a crisp element to this fine lemon and apricot-flavored wine. Drink from 2019.
Beautifully evocative notes of apricot and peach compote appear first. They are joined by blossom honey and a floral touch that fully flourishes on the palate. They are joined by fresh, lively and spicy pink grapefruit and spice. This is full-on bursting with fruit flavors but still manages to balance its exuberance with lovely, illuminating freshness.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot from the trio of this blend, yielding rounded, red fruit-driven flavor. Dense tannins shoulder its body and weight, as savory anise, dried herb and pencil characteristics figure in.
The nose on this bottling invites with rounded butterscotch, lemon, mandarin orange and cinnamon aromas. It shows deft restraint on the palate due to a slice of vibrant acidity that carries poached pear and almond-topped apple pastry flavors deep into the finish.
Among Garage Wine's 2014 single-vineyard Carignans and blends, this might be the best one. Bagual is a Carignan-Garnacha-Mataro blend that's earthy and full of black-fruit aromas and foresty notes. A staunch tight palate shows some elasticity, while this tastes of earthy berry fruits and cola. A dense but not overly aggressive finish seals this away. Drink through 2025.
One of Italy's most celebrated whites, this elegant wine opens with alluring scents of white spring flower, white stone fruit and citrus. Radiant and loaded with finesse, the vibrant palate delivers yellow apple, Bartlett pear, nectarine and a hint of ginger alongside bright acidity.
A slightly heady, volatile touch plays on the nose. The palate is fresh with lemon and zest but also has rounded buttery notes on its concentrated yet light body. A very intriguing dry Riesling that still needs to come into its own. Its dry lightness is a boon. Drink 2020–2025.
Vanilla, oak spice, tea, berry, olive and herb aromas signal a classic Rioja. Its crisp palate and choppy tannins form the canvas for spicy berry and cassis flavors. More spice powers the finish, which has the fruit to absorb and support the high level of oak. Drink through 2025.
An exciting discovery from Placer County, this blend of 66% Syrah and 34% Petite Sirah has a deep color, opulent blackberry and black cherry aromas and equally ripe fruit flavors that pack a lot of concentration. It's full-bodied, firmly tannic and so rich the fruit seems to cling to the sides of the mouth.
Opening with an earthy touch of compost and wild mint, this wine develops rich flavor within its broad frame of refreshing acidity, including savory touches of cardamom, cranberry and cola. The tension between fruit and texture gives it complexity and nuanced power in the glass.
This wine's ripe berry, vanilla, toast, raisin and cedar aromas set the stage for an intense palate with choppy tannins. Its blackberry, caramel and vanilla flavors are rich and ripe, tasting pure on the finish, with a strong punch of chocolaty oak. Drink through 2024.
Toro is known for its massive wines, and this fits the bill. Oak, tobacco and mocha aromas share space on the nose with cassis and berry scents. Fully extracted tannins and resiny oak create a sizable palate of plum, cassis and vanilla flavors. Oak-derived spice notes inflect the intense black fruit flavors on the finish. Drink through 2026.
Fragrant yellow blossoms and orange peels perfume this sprightly Riesling. It's unabashedly fruity, full of sweet peach and tangerine flavors yet offset by a racy backbone of acidity. The finish is refreshingly tart.
One of two wines reflecting different soil types, this one comes from ground with a good amount of clay as well as chalk. That produces weight, richness and an open character. Created from nearly 50-year-old vines, there is concentration here, as well as great fruitiness. The wine is still young, still bursting with crisp fruit, so wait until 2018 to drink.
Lovely and pure notes of Conference pear hover above a concentrated taut body. This is dry and has a pleasantly bitter pithy edge that seems to draw out the precision of the fruit even more. The palate is streamlined, taut and energetic and the finish is long and impressive with a final flourish of pear and citrus.
With 80% Alicante Bouschet, the wine is concentrated and firm. Its powerful tannins and dense texture along with the solid plum and juicy black-fruit flavors make for a rich and intense wine. It is going to need time. Drink from 2019.
Dark and a touch murky, with earthy aromas of black cherry, leather and forest floor. The palate is well sized and feels healthy, while the flavors of plum and blackberry are slightly herbal. Shows pop, length and some bitterness on the finish. A regular wine for regular occasions.
This wine has a lush nose—vanilla, spice—but its flavor is refreshing and crisp. Waves of spice and citrus are well balanced and elegant. A simple but food-friendly sip.
L. A mostly clean wine that hints at earth and leather but settles on basic red fruit. The palate shows mild, manageable snap and sharpness, while the palate deals flavors of red fruits, rubber and leather. Lean and clean, but basic as they come.
From Southern Oregon, this new vintage of the winery's Pinot Blanc has been given the all-star treatment—100% barrel fermented sur lie. It's hot, big, sharp and bold, but perhaps stretched a bit too far for the delicate, elegant flavors of the Pinot Blanc grape. The fruit carries no weight and the barrels therefore take over, with bitter phenolics and too much oak.
Anise, blackberry and pepper on the nose and palate create an appealing Merlot that is nonetheless a touch acidic. Balance it with a rich meat stew or duck entrée.
A rich nose of pineapple, honey and orange peel starts well, and on the palate, a blast of orange, lemon and acid appeals. the big flavors are attractive with a good acid/fruit balance, but the wine has a touch of tart sweetness. Overall though, pretty and flavorful.
A beautiful dark plum color and elegant aromas of cherry, allspice and pepper lead this Virginia Merlot. Rich and savory notes and a bright fruit character are appealing but need time to age and integrate. Overall, a solid red for the cellar.
Clear as crystal up front, and then come flavors of lemon and green apple. There is almost no overt sweetness to it; it's quite acidic and sharp, which is common for the Hondarrabi Zuri grape from Northern Spain. As might be expected, green apple and lime control the austere finish. Good but very narrow in scope.
Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019. This is the last vintage under the Fournier-Casteja family. In December, Birot was sold to Miaolin Chen's New Century Tourism Group based in Hangzhou, China.
Tight tannins dominate this highly scented wood-aged wine. It has rich blackberry flavors, spice and perfumed acidity. The juicy fruits are bright and will soften into the rich texture over the next few years. Drink from 2019.
The wine from Denis Coudroy's 10 acres of vines is perfumed from new wood, with a polished character and bright fruit flavors. Underneath the wood, there is plenty of black-currant juiciness and fresh acidity. Drink this attractive wine from 2019.
There is plenty of ripe fruit here. With soft tannins and a generous structure, the wine is rich, full of berry and red-plum flavors and with just enough tannins. Give this fruity wine until 2018.
The Jonck family's wine is dense and still young with firm tannins. It has excellent potential because the ripe berry fruits are right there to give richness and flesh out the tannins. Spice and acidity fill the background. Drink this fine wine from 2019.
This is dry, crisp and nicely detailed, with a persistent, clean and fresh mouthfeel. Notes of cucumber, salad greens and citrus, notably lime and grapefruit, are underscored with appealing minerality. This remains one of the highlights of Chehalem's expansive portfolio.
Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.
Aromas of graham cracker, vanilla and berry fruits are inviting but lack depth. In the mouth, this is grabby, with abrasive but tolerable tannins. Flavors of oaky, toasty berry fruits are chocolaty and finish with hints of tobacco and vanilla along with more tannic bite. Drink 2018–2030.
The aromatic intensity takes you quickly to the signature heart of the grape. It's floral and spicy, leading to concentrated flavors of citrus and stone fruits. It's ripe, dry and penetrating.
A ripe and structured wine, this is full in the mouth and rich with blackberry fruit. The tannins are firm while also finely integrated into the generous fruitiness. The wine is mature and ready to drink with a juicy aftertaste.
It is unusual to find a 100% Tinta Cão because (in regional slang) this vine is a dog to manage due to its wild vigorous nature. The wine with its tight tannins and layers of mint from the wood aging is dense and concentrated if also peppery and very powerful. It works well in the warm Alentejo region, giving a dark firm wine that is ready to drink.
Made in a more reductive style, this bottling conveys a tremendously intriguing sense of yogurt and Brie cheese rind on the nose, with orange rind, guava skin, green pear, tuberose and graphite notes. The palate grips with a pear skin and lime-zest tang, and that dairy note holds strong.
Paul Dolan is a go-to brand for moderately priced Cabernet. Aromas like fresh mint and rose petals meets full fruit and spice flavors in this dry, firmly structured and nicely balanced wine.
This impressive value-driven wine, with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah added, offers a pleasant array of lavender, smoke and chocolate tastes atop a thick texture. Tangy cranberry, raspberry and blackberry give it a juicy, fruity edge that's decadent yet integrated.
Oaky, malty aromas blend well with dusty black-fruit and coffee scents. This crianza from a ripe, warm year is full and layered, with solid acidity. Black plum and wild-berry flavors are a touch raw and edgy. It finishes with toasty, blackened flavors of spice and wood. Drink through 2020.
While dusty mineral, smoke and lemon notes are demure on the nose, the palate of this Weissburgunder, or Pinot Blanc, turn surprisingly honeyed and rich. It's satisfyingly weighty despite moderate alcohol, with delicately creamy flavors evocative of lemon curd. Bright acidity refreshes through a long finish. It's ready to drink now, but could evolve nicely through 2024.
Warm, round and full-flavored, this is packed with in-your-face flavors of cooked strawberries, blackberries and cherry-pie filling. The explosion of rich ripe fruit is captivating, and though it may not be right for long term cellaring, it's ready right now and most enjoyable. Drink now through 2020.
This lush and aromatic wine has beautiful rose-petal aromas and vibrant grapefruit flavors that spread across the palate and linger nicely on the finish. Rather full bodied, it is rich enough to serve with strong cheeses and roasted birds.
This is a full-bodied, voluptuous and intense wine, with plenty of flair and complexity. A richness of berry pie is complemented by tangy acidity and layers of texture, finishing light and bright.
This wine comes from a vineyard farmed by Charlie Chenoweth and shows the backbone of meticulous farming in its good color extraction and juicy balance of fruit, spice and acidity. Minty oak and chocolate-covered cherry give it a brightness that finishes rich.
This 50-50 Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon is a rich wine that is full of lightly peppered ripe apple and pear flavors. It feels generous while being full in the mouth with good concentration and crisp acidity. Drink now.
The aromatics suggest rose petals, while the tart fruit flavors run to raspberries and citrus. The freshness and complexity hint at further improvement over the next three to five years.
Full bodied, muscular and intense, this brooding Shiraz is built for the cellar. Smoke and blackberries are crunchy with acid and primary fruit, finishing crisp. Drink 2018–2025.
A welcome presence of clean, spicy oak aromas and flavors lifts this full-bodied and fruity wine to a higher level of complexity. It's elegant in balance and smooth in texture, showing a lingering, light spicy finish.
Beautiful fruit flavors and a lively texture make a memorable impression in this medium-bodied, richly layered but also crisp and balanced wine. It tastes like sliced Pippin apples and Bosc pears, with pinches of vanilla and nutmeg.
Bounteous fruit flavors need a little air to wake up but soon you'll have a party in your glass of ripe yellow plums, freshly cut apples, pears and melons. This is easy and very fruit-driven, balanced, light and just the ticket for a party in the sunshine.
Grapy aromas seem simple at first, but with time tarry black plum and citrus peel notes emerge. This is very tannic, arguably a bit too much so. Plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors end with a reverb of hard tannins. For best results, give this as much air as possible.
Whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented, this is a deep gold, and opens powerfully with scents of buttered fruit and nuts. It's rich and creamy, showing toast and other barrel tones ahead of any specific fruit. Drink now through 2018.
Like a well-made café latte, this wine balances the dry and restrained elements against creamy, mocha nuances that round out the texture and bring an almost sweet, jammy taste to the finish. Just substitute rich blackberry for coffee flavors to make the analogy work.
Woody fruits of elderberries and wild blackberries meet with toasted sage and scents of wildfire on this blend of 76% Grenache, 14% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The palate blends baked cherries and other cooked dark fruit with oregano, thyme and an array of dried Mediterranean herbs.
Subdued aromas of spring wild flower, hay and orchard fruit float from the glass. The vibrant palate offers lemon zest, sage, dried herb and a hint of saline framed in lively acidity.
Although this Garnacha Blanca shows rustic, cidery aromas, it displays a balanced, layered, round palate with vital acidity. Salty, savory peach and apple flavors are true to white Garnacha, while a long, salty finish is full of energy.
This is a fruity wine with lively acidity and a brisk, zingy character. Freshness shoots through the wine, making it lively with hints of yellow fruits. The aftertaste is crisp and ripe.
Fresh and crisply fruity, this is a balanced, lively wine. A touch of caramel adds to the tannic edge, giving the wine a good structure along with ripe strawberry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.
This blend of 40% Ribolla Gialla, 30% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignonasse has aromas of freshly cut grass, lemon grass and white peach. It is clean and bright in the mouth with flavors of peach, apple, pear and apricot.
Punchy citrus and minerally aromas open this fresh SB. A juicy, citric palate points in the right direction, while this tastes like tangerine and orange peel mixed with lime and green herbs. A crisp, persistent finish closes it out.
Aromas of mango, pineapple and petrol are pure Riesling. Plump on the palate, with citrusy acidity, this tastes of green melon, lime and tarragon. On the finish, a simple, sweet melony flavor blends into a sharper grapefruit note.
You'll find aromas of dried orchard fruit, beeswax, Spanish broom, acacia and an earthy note on this spry nine-year-old. On the mature, waxy palate, fruit flavors have given way to tertiary sensations of honey, toasted nut, candied citrus zest and flinty mineral that carry through the to lingering finish. A saline note signals the close.
The nose is very quiet but the body emanates a generosity despite its lightness. There is red-cherry fruit and a certain ampleness on a slender, fresh body. Tannins are like barely-there linens. The finish is wonderfully clean.
Fresh and packed with red fruits, this wine comes from the Faiveley domaine. With raspberry flavors and plenty of acidity, the wine is forward and going to develop quickly. Drink from 2018.
La Casita is all clone 114 and 50% whole-cluster fermented. In a year with many wines showing minimal ripeness, this breaks the mold. The forward strawberry fruit hints at sugary sweetness. Flavors are fresh and appealing, front-loaded and best for near-term consumption.
This wine is tight and well-structured, emphasizing a good, gripping texture and firm tannins while tasty berry flavors lurk beneath. It's not something to sip at a party, but a gutsy dinner wine to pour with osso buco or mushroom risotto.
Grapefruit blossoms, lime zest, lemonade and chilled green apple slices show on the fresh and citrusy nose of this bottling. Tangy lime and richer pear flesh notes lead the palate, where a salty character cuts through the juiciness.
This offers aromas suggesting mature apple, citrus, hazelnut and a whiff of dried herb. The rich, full-bodied palate doles out candied nectarine zest and ripe pear while a mineral note lifts the finish.
Alluring aromas of citrus, white flower and a whiff of tropical fruit come together on this. The racy palate offers lemon zest, mango, sage, saline and an almond note alongside vibrant acidity.
Aromas of ripe orchard fruit, Mediterranean herb and toasted hazelnut lead the nose while the bright palate offers green pear, peach, unripe apricot and bitter almond. A mineral note signals the close.
Ripe red apple and peach notes perfume this zippy off-dry Riesling. Light bodied and lemony fresh, it's invigorating on the palate. Finishes moderately long, accented by whispers of saffron and spice. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas recalling hay, yellow flower, dried herb and a light vegetal note carry over to the bright, medium-bodied palate along with lime and green apple. A flinty mineral note underscores the vibrant flavors.
This wine is powerful enough to serve with wild boar carpaccio, if there is such a thing, or with blue cheese like a Port. The color is unusually dark and opaque, a stark black with a faintly purple rim. It smells spicy and tastes very concentrated, like blackberry jam, wood smoke and black pepper. The texture is almost thick and drenched with fine tannins while the body is quite full as well.
Full-fruited, expressive notes of ripe pear shine on nose and palate. This wine has lively, attractive fruit notes and bags of freshness and flavor. The palate is clean but has a soft, fresh richness at its core that makes it very moreish. Lemon notes linger beautifully.
This dessert wine offers rich aromas of spice, flowers and burnt orange/citrus, followed by opulent waves of honey, flowers and butterscotch. Pretty and a good pairing with cakes, fruit and cheeses.
It seems as if this pure Sangiovese was left to hang as long as possible, and it's got extra color and power. The fruit flavors are edging into a pruney character, with some noticeable heat in the finish.
Salinic and almost dilute on the nose, which belies the richer banana and vanilla flavors that control the flavor profile. In the mouth, the wine has good bounce and acidity, so it feels alright even when things turn creamy on the finish.
This Merlot-Cabernet-Vranec blend offers an appealing, easydrinking array of warming spice, dark berries and spice on the nose and palate. Full in the mouth with a fruity character backed by acid and spice, it will pair well with veal or pork.
White-fruit aromas suggest peach and melon, but there's also some sourness and green thrown in. Acidic but fresh in the mouth, with citrusy flavors of lime and grapefruit. Acutely citric on the finish, with a hint of asparagus.
Purple and extracted, with aromas of roasted meat and ripe black fruits. A vigorous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that's full-bodied and offers commendable balance and flavors of baked berries, molasses and hoisin sauce. Thick and creamy on the finish.
Nice melon, apple, talcum powder and mineral aromas set this off in a good direction. The palate is lively and balanced, with grapefruit as the prime flavor. Calm on the finish; a good quaffer if you get at it as fast as possible.
Dry, spicy and showing aromas of cherry and herbs that are true to the grape. Medium bodied, with light cherry, raspberry and peppery flavors, and the finish is toasty and oaky, with cocoa. A touch herbal and strained but for the most part it's true, likable Pinot Noir.
Red cherry and plum aromas are citric in style, while the palate is quite citrusy, too, with flavors of plum skin and pie cherry. This finishes tannic and grabby.
This is rough and gritty smelling, with burnt, stalky berry aromas. It feels straightforward, with rubbery-tasting berry flavors that lead to a sweet, warm finish.
Hay and green apple aromas are about all that you can extract from the nose. It feels top heavy and awkward, with mealy citrus and maderized apple flavors. The finish is full, fruity and baked. Drink now.
There's a lot of barrel influence in this acidic Viognier that finishes with a metallic taste.
Dark, oaky and fiery on the nose, but soft and globular in the mouth, with raisin and prune flavors. The finish is heavy and dark, but severely raisiny. This is a bit overripe.
Soupy aromas lead to a sharp palate, with citrusy, sour red-berry flavors. It's tangy and edgy on the finish.
This wine, made from organic grapes, opens with a nose of steely lemon but it devolves quickly into lemony cough drop territory, with a sourness in taste.
There's a strong peach-fuzz aroma enveloping this wine. It's unoaked, tasting overly rich and oily.
This smells shrill, like rhubarb and cranberry, but it's also a tad weedy. It tastes of grapefruit rather than berry fruit.
This wine has very little going on aromatically and tastes slightly burnt.
The nose is grassy and minty up front. Syrupy in feel, the palate bears a heavy green note and a tinge of raisin.
Clover, white pepper, and a whiff of animal make this blend of 75% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah and 5% Grenache compelling now, but it's certainly a wine to cellar. The aromas move through a spectrum of flower, spice, fruit and animal. It already displays tremendous length and superb aging potential.
A 100% varietal wine from the hillsides of the appellation, this dances in crisp, upfront acidity and soft texture, showcasing a wealth of juicy blackberry, cranberry and mocha dust flavor. It's robust yet balanced, with a seam of firm tannins tht lends both structure and grace.
Enticing scents of white wild flower, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of honeydew melon lead to a vibrant palate loaded with ripe apricot, cantaloupe and citrus. Baking spice and ginger notes add depth to the lingering finish while fresh acidity lends balance. This will continue to age well and evolve for several years or longer.
Mature black-skinned fruit, raisin, crushed purple flower and baking spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this bold wine. The chewy full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, black currant, ground pepper and pipe tobacco alongside firm velvety tannins. An espresso note closes the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2025.
The enthralling intensity of fruit and minerality in this sprightly wine make it well worth cellaring. On the nose, it's still quite closed, with smoky tones of struck flint and slate. An explosion of rich mango, pineapple and stone fruit flavors await on the palate, highlighted by a spine-tingling spray of acidity. It's deliciously wild now but should gain depth and elegance from 2021.
High-toned acidity lends raciness to this otherwise fleshy dry Riesling. Like many of the producer's 2015 dry wines, it's rich and densely structured, but the profile suggests crisper tones of lime, lemon and tangerine rather than stone fruit. The finish is a touch warm, but it's an undeniably attractive, powerful wine.
Yeasty and buttery like fresh-baked bread, this wine shows layers of high-toned cranberry flavor and soft, integrated tannin. Lightly dusted in black pepper and clove, it's bright and fresh, while allowing dense blueberry and raspberry to shine through its framework of structure.
This bottling is simply delicious and accessible to all sorts of wine lovers right out of the gate. Black cherry pie, brown sugar and purple flower aromas lead to a palate of cherry, vanilla, licorice and milk chocolate. A silky mouthfeel completes the experience.
The Casa de Santar estate, still inhabited by its aristocratic owners, is run by Global Wines. From one parcel, Vinha dos Amores, they have produced this impressively ripe wine with its dense tannins. Full of spice, black plum skin texture and balanced acidity, it's serious, concentrated and only just mature. Drink now or cellar until 2028.
Made with dried grapes—67% Malvasia and 33% Trebbiano—this meditation wine opens with intense aromas of maple syrup, carob and crushed raw almond. The concentrated palate doles out dried apricot, chestnut honey and toasted hazelnut while fresh acidity balances the sweet flavors.
Linear and mineral driven, this intriguing white opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia, citrus, stone fruit and a yeasty whiff of bread crust. On the expressive palate, a mineral note underscores juicy yellow peach, nectarine and apple. There's a lot going on and a lot to enjoy here.
The highly anticipated best barrel blend from this pioneering Syrah producer offers bright blueberry and black currant aromas, enlivened by white pepper, lavender, milk chocolate and caramel. Violet floral notes power the attack, followed by waves of ripe purple fruit and cola, sarsaparilla and cocoa flavors. It's a crowd-pleaser: sultry and lush yet intensely focused.
Enticing scents of white spring flower, orchard fruit, Alpine herb and an intriguing whiff of smoke lead the way on this stunning wine. The elegantly structured radiant palate delivers juicy nectarine, creamy pear and sage framed in tangy acidity. A racy mineral vein further lifts the lingering finish. Drink through 2020.
This is an instantly beautiful, floral, generously fruity and red cherry-inflected wine. Ripe and juicy, it has bright acidity, while its tannins are buried in succulent texture.From one of the smallest premier crus in Chambolle-Musigny, it will be ready to drink from 2021.
One in a series of field-blend wines from the producer, this comes from a 100-year old parcel within the Gaivosa estate. Packed with both tannins and rich, jammy fruit, it's a serious wine that deserves aging. Drink from 2020.
Aromas suggesting ripe plum, exotic spice, blue flower and a whiff of pipe tobacco take shape in the glass. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and a hint of star anise while velvety tannins give it a polished feel. An espresso note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026.
The spicy and earthy nose on this sprightly bottling from the iconic vineyard is superb: pressed mulberry, beet and rhubarb aromas lifted by thyme, star anise and bay leaf. The palate is slightly mellower, with rounded pomegranate and cherry notes cut by pine needle-like spice.
This Malibu winery's bottling from the historic Bien Nacido vineyard is lush with lemon curd, buttered croissant and brown spice aromas. The palate is both plush and vibrant, its apple cream and poached pear favors enlivened with sea salt, lemon rind and slate accents. It's complex and awesome.
This old vine wine is a grand expression of the Baga grape. It has dark color and rich tannins that will allow its bold berry fruit to age well. A serious, stylish wine, it's worth aging and drinking from 2019.
A strict selection of grapes, this wood aged, foot-trodden wine has a rich, generous character. While the tannins are firm and concentrated, the plummy fruit is equally so. Together, they yield a powerful, dark wine that will still age further. Drink from 2018.
This single quinta Vintage Port comes from a site in the hot, steep Rio Torto valley more often associated with the producer's 20-year-old tawnies. It's a smoothly ripe wine with dry tannins and black fruit, contrasted with a sweeter jammy character and well-integrated spirit. It will age for many years and will be best from 2025.
Rich and spicy, full-bodied but gentle, this wine oozes ripe pear, vanilla, fig and hazelnut from the nose to the palate to the lingering finish. It boasts concentration yet comes across as dry, thanks to the balance that its bracing acidity brings. Best from 2018.
A contrast to the producer's fresh and fruity unoaked Cab Franc, Shaw's late-release reserve bottling showcases the massive concentration and depth found within the same grape variety in NY. Blackberry and cherry flavors are lush and ripe, intensified by regal tones of wet soil, spice, vanilla and tobacco. It's a powerful richly textured wine that should continue to develop well through 2025.
This wine is a giant in terms of concentration and structure, need plenty of time in the cellar to reach its peak of enjoyment. Cedar wood, tobacco and charcoal aromas lead to dark chocolate, sage, wood smoke and ripe black cherry flavors. The tannins are fine-grained but pervasive, adding a wonderful velvety touch to the texture. Best after 2021.
This is an attention-grabbing example of how compelling cool climate Grenache can be. Rosewater, fennel, black plum and loamy soil aromas grow more rosy as the wine opens. The palate is superdry, with chalky tannins and zesty acidity, revealing more floral flavors. An extremely elegant wine.
Tomato vine, cut grass, crushed stone and grapefruit aromas almost leap out of the glass. The crisp savory palate delivers juicy citrus, ripe honeydew melon, Alpine herb and a mineral note framed in bright acidity. It has a bright, clean finish.
Les Origines contains 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, both matured in oak casks, so there's always some baking spices and a somewhat open texture. Cinnamon and clove join plum and licorice in this full-bodied, velvety wine. It's powerful and rich, with a long finish. Drink now–2025.
There are loads of fresh floral and red spice notes on the nose of this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah: hibiscus, cinnamon, dried cherry and baking spice. The palate leads with a touch of maple syrup, filling out with red berry, savory smoke and thyme flavors, underpinned by upright tannins and refreshing acidity.
Classic varietal aromas of crushed tomato vine, grapefruit and a whiff of aromatic herb take center stage. The grapefruit note carries over to the medium-bodied palate along with honeydew melon and a hint of mineral.
Bright aromas of toast, spice and pear are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors that persist on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (34%) make up the majority of this blend, with the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas are light and high-toned, with notes of savory herb, cherry and cedar. Elegant in style, the palate is backed by tart acids. The midpalate concentration at times seems a bit wanting, with cranberry flavors lingering on the finish.
Already five years old, this wine still doesn't hasn't opened up, seeming fairly muted aromatically. The flavors are medium bodied, round in the middle and tapering toward the finish.
Leathery cherry aromas lead to a fresh medium-bodied palate. Flavors of spiced plum, cherry and herbal tomato finish with tea notes along with dry spice. Overall, this is balanced and succeeds by keeping things simple.
Tart and tight, this puts a sharp focus on cranberry and raspberry fruit. There are ample acids and a hint of milk chocolate around light tannins.
Barrel aromas are up front on this wine, with notes of char, smoke and coffee bean ahead of herb and cherry. On the palate, the barrel influence also seems to overwhelm the fruit, which doesn't quite have the strength to stand up. Additional time in the bottle might bring it around.
This barrel-aged wine brings bright aromas of ginger, spice and lychee. It's rich and full bodied, showing some warmth on the finish.
Amber to the eye, this wine features an enticing bouquet of almond blossom and toffee. It is slightly chalky on the palate, with a sophisticated mélange of baked apple, peach, smoked meat and pencil-lead flavors. A touch of brightness marks the soft finish.
This hearty blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot is a great go-to wine for a crowd. Cabernet leads the way with cedar, cranberry and tobacco notes, clipped by sizable tannin. As it opens, layers of dense raspberry and vanilla flavors unfurl.
Small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add to the mighty mix of this powerful wine, thick with blackberry, wood and leather notes. Youthful, vigorous tannins fill the palate, as well as waves of toasted oak, vanilla and baking spice.
Shiraz (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Malbec (12%) combine in this medium-bodied silky-textured blend. Hints of eucalyptus linger around the margins, while the core of the wine features raspberry and cherry fruit. It's soft and easy to drink, and made for near-term consumption.
This Monastrell's scratchy, slightly soapy berry and cassis aromas are on the sweet and ripe side. Its baked plum and berry flavors are fleshy and lack focus, finishing with abrasive tannins.
Smoky, gritty aromas of road tar are accented by briar patch, cherry and cassis notes. This is a generous Cab that bumbles a bit on the palate. Flavors of cassis and baked plum benefit from integrated spice notes, while this offers tastes of chocolate and herbal spice on the finish.
While smoky and mineral on the nose, the palate of this semidry Rieslaner, a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner, is boldly fruity. Fresh tangerine and berry notes are a bit candied on the palate but balanced neatly by a racy streak of acidity. This light-bodied sip finishes with sweetness.
This fresh Mencía's bright red fruit aromas exude rocky mineral tones. Raw, popping red plum and cherry flavors finish herbal and tomato-like, with a bit of tannic bite. Drink now or any time through 2021.
This brings a pleasing mix of apple, melon and peach fruit, with a good grip and moderate length. It's a fine all-purpose Oregon Chardonnay, widely available at a wallet-friendly price.
This has aromas of toast and exotic fruit that carry over to the palate along with notes of citrus zest, vanilla and roasted coffee bean. A hint of grilled herb marks the close.
Cranberries and pie cherries give a crisp, almost citrusy, edge to this wine. The tannins are silky and there's some appealing clove-like spice as well, but the acids are elevated, making the wine come across as tart and ungenerous.
This spent 16 months in neutral oak, and it shows some muted scents that may be attributed to those barrels. Earthy unripe fruit, tasting mainly of apple skins, also sends up light whiffs of fish oil. Drink up.
This is a pretty lean, ungenerous version of Pinot Gris. Wet stone and citrus aromas are promising, while the medium-bodied palate delivers lime and underripe stone fruit.
Despite moderate alcohol, this is full-bodied and almost sweet-tasting. Hints of dairy products combine with orange and pineapple flavors on the thickly textured palate.
Generic plum and berry aromas are borderline volatile and include a forced note of chocolaty oak. This Tempranillo is abrupt and choppy on the palate, with flavors of candied plum and milk chocolate. A chocolaty oak character remains on a blocky finish.
Yeasty and dilute, this is a bit like drinking flat beer. There's little ripeness and no varietal impact.
Briny orange, grapefruit and grape-skin aromas announce an oily adequate palate. This has a gritty salty bitter-citrus flavor profile and a finish that's oddly nutty.
Charred chocolaty aromas are forceful but not convincing. This feels choppy and raw on one hand, but sticky and chocolaty on the other. Herbal stewy currant and raw-wood flavors are challenging, while this tastes herbal and woody on the finish.
This wine is somewhat flat and sweetly tropical, aged for six months in both neutral French oak and stainless steel. With 5% Viognier added to the blend, it lacks precision.
Slightly volatile plum and currant aromas are pointy and suggest vinegar. This feels acidic, raw and bumpy, while herbal plum and salty currant flavors finish with tartaric sizzle and residual saltiness.
Sharp, punchy aromas of citrus, green herbs and celery lead to a tight drawing palate. This tastes feline, bitter and a bit like passion fruit. Pyrazine-based green flavors of thyme and scallion drive the finish.
Intense aromas of peach and lemon-lime are softened by notes of concrete and flint. On the palate, there is a muskiness that is eventually overpowered by guava, peach and sour apple, finishing tart.
What a big difference a year can make on the Mornington Peninsula, which juts daringly out into the Southern Ocean near Melbourne. This is lightweight and tart, revealing hints of decaying leaves, fruit reminiscent of pie cherries and virtually no tannin.
This is appropriately light to medium in body, with a tart, crisp finish, but also shows some slightly Sherried aromas and tired fruit.
Bursting with fruity aromas of peaches, peach ring candies and orange blossom, this is a fresh wine. Juicy mango and more peach unfold on the palate. The feel is thin and isn't able to compete with the intense flavors and aromas, while the finish is tart and saccharine.
Among the components are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, with one-quarter of the blend listed simply as “more.” It's dark in hue and light in flavor, with thin citrus flavors dominating.
Tropical aromas of lychee are about all that stand out on the nose of this unusual Moscatel-Garnacha Blanca blend. Neither dry nor sweet, this seems caught in no man's land. A dilute mouthfeel and bitter pyrazine notes on the finish don't help this along.
This wine is jammy and synthetic on the nose, with cherry, concord grape jelly and red Jell-o notes. More grape jelly flavors unfold on the palate, along with cherry pie. It's full bodied, but the tannins are harsh and the long finish is a touch warm.
This looks dark and has the listed alcohol to suggest a wine with some muscle, but it's not in the glass. It's tannic, herbal, astringent and quick to the finish line.
Sometimes high-toned volatile wines can benefit from the added lift to the nose and the fruit, but here it's a bit out of hand. The volatility carries into the flavors, brightening the tart fruit but tasting too close to nail polish in the finish.
Despite a good track record producing California Pinot Noir, Tangley Oaks' foray north into the Willamette Valley does not impress. It tastes and smells of mushroom compost, with no hint of any definitive fruit, no suggestion of varietal character. Two bottles tasted, same results.
This earthy wine has overripe fruit aromas and sweet apple flavors. It's medium-bodied and soft in texture.
Extremely pale in color and dilute in flavor, this might be reminiscent of watermelon, and could go down easily on a warm day. But there's not much here in the way of actual flavor.
Let me confess upfront: creamed corn was one of my favorite side dishes when I was a child. That said, it's not something I like in my wine, and this medium-bodied Chardonnay shows an excess of those sweet corn and lactic aromas and flavors.
Foxy candied plum and raspberry aromas come with a strong whiff of wet dog. Choppy in feel on the palate, with weedy foxy berry flavors, this fails to show much of an upside.
The oak is rough and rustic and blows away all fruit and nuance. There's a whiff of leathery barnyard also.
Despite its relative youth and tongue-crushing alcohol, this is already dried out, and oaky to a fault. It's a rough go all around, especially for a Pinot Noir.
Brandied cherry and cassis aromas are candied and gritty, but get better with airing. The wine is full in body and endowed with just enough acidity. Flavors of baked berry are earthy at the core, with accents of chocolate and herbs. A mellow, not overpowering finish is dry and slightly complex. Drink through 2017.
Totally fresh and fruity, the wine also shows a light touch of vanilla. It is deliciously packed with ripe fruits, as well as acidity and some structure. Drink now.
With more weight than its partner Vie Vité, this is a rich wine, with red plum as well as berry fruits. Almonds, vanilla and a mineral texture all contribute to its natural ripeness. Wait until the end of 2014.
Light cranberry fruit is set against drying tannins. The mouthfeel is astringent, almost chalky, with a whiff of the barnyard evident. Not as substantial as previous editions of this single-vineyard wine, this is one to drink up while it's young.
Heady floral and spiced peach notes are enticingly aromatic on this well-priced wine. Off-dry in style, it's intensely concentrated on the palate with juicy, sweet stone fruit and lychee flavors. Sprightly lemon acidity drives a long, subtly spiced finish.
Aromas of cherry and white chocolate with a touch of shale open to flavors of strawberry, pomegranate and mocha with a splash of ouzo. A web of soft tannins and symmetry between fruit and sophisticated herbal notes lead to a pleasantly bright finish.
Pleasing aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and rose petal give way to invigorating sweet flavors of ripe peach, rose petal, orange blossom and honey. It's a light dessert wine with good acidity.
Black-fruit aromas come with notes of rubber and smoke. Full and rugged feeling, the wine has juicy acidity and inherent raciness. Flavors of blackberry lean toward jammy, while subtle oak notes enhance this full-bodied, fruity red.
Aromas of cured meat, earthy plum and dry berry fruits are composed and harmonious. This mature wine feels firm and a touch grating, while ripe flavors of blackberry and plum are borderline baked. On the finish, a chocolaty flavor and modest depth are solid but don't amplify the wine. Drink now.
Stony lime and apple aromas are a proper set up to a balanced, racy palate. Flavors of dried apple, tropical fruits and pithy bitterness finish with white pepper notes and purity. This isn't complex but it will get the job done with Asian foods, salads and as an apéritif.
Rebula is known in Slovenia as “The Queen Of Brda.” This orange wine has aromas of toasted hazelnuts, black Chinese tea and mulled citrus rind. It's fermented with its skins and barrel aged for two years. A pleasant nutty oxidative character characterizes the finish. It would make any wine geek proud to pair it with a juicy steak.
Sivi Pinot is the Slovenian name for Pinot Gris and this will delight oenophiles looking for a new orange wine. It's pinkish brown in color due to two years of barrel aging and has aromas of peach cobbler and freshly baked piecrust. Smooth in the mouth, it discloses pronounced flavors of custard and crème brûlée. Think about pairing it with some of your strongest and ripest cheeses.
Salmon pink in color, this rosé brings buttery and floral (orange blossom, night jasmine) aromas together for an all-encompassing bouquet, powered by the 19% Grenache inclusion. On the palate, tropical touches of papaya and mango dance with tart apple and nectarine flavors, which get midpalate lifting from the 6% boost of Riesling as well.
This garnet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry and boysenberry with secondary whiffs of tobacco leaf and saddle leather. Flavors of cherry cola, black raspberry and black cherry characterize the midpalate, followed by a soft tannic finish.
Full bodied and ripe, it has great fruitiness as well as a textured, steely character that provides both freshness and structure. A complex wine it has some aging potential, certainly until the end of 2014.
Whiffs of blossoms accent aromas of fresh apples and dusty minerals on this semi-sweet Riesling. It dances nervously on the palate with pretty white peach and floral notes accented with a streak of puckery lemon-lime acidity. Finishes with a hint of savory dried herbs.
A whiff of Graham cracker lends a warm, spicy tone to youthful black cherry and plum flavors in this bold blend that includes small proportions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lush and fruity on the palate, it maintains elegance with a vein of granite minerality and grippy, mouthfilling tannins.
Lime, tarragon and fresh green aromas are a bit minerally and stony in front of a linear, pure palate. Flavors of lemon-lime, peach and nectarine are just right, moderately minerally and fade away with clarity and style. Drink right away.
Admirable for its consistency from year to year, the B is always a safe choice. It adds a layer of creamy texture to bold passion fruit aromas and ripe citrusy flavors. Best consumed before the end of 2014.
This opens with an unusual but intriguing fragrance of candied citrus accented by balsamic notes, aromatic herbs and slate. The bright, linear palate delivers succulent pineapple, nectarine and pink grapefruit energized by mineral notes.
It's full of bright red fruits, a lively mineral texture and a pure line of acidity. Bone dry, it is as fresh and crisp as possible.
A shy, mineral-leaning nose offers pencil shavings and dark raspberry notes. The palate proves more dynamic, with sagebrush, red cherries and anise seed, showing lots of energy but nothing too complex.
This affordable wine has a juicy lushness that will please many palates. The unctuousness of peach and pineapple makes it vibrant and alive, without ever being fussy.
Aromas of wisteria, jasmine, orchard fruit and a whiff of mountain herbs lead the nose. The creamy palate offers yellow apple, white peach, sage and a note of candied lemon drop alongside a soft mousse and bright acidity.
The beautiful estate of the Capitans of Juliénas has produced a smooth and rich wine. A good tannic structure partners with aromatic red cherry and berry fruits. Acidity is well in check, giving just the right freshness. Age the wine a bit more and drink from 2016.
From the most northerly of the Beaujolais cru, this light wine has both fresh stone fruits and crisp acidity. Its red plum and cherry tastes make it instantly drinkable. The aftertaste is bright and fruity.
The highest of the Beaujolais crus at 1,400 feet, Chiroubles produces deliciously crisp and cool wines. This wine has that character with its bright red-cherry flavor and light acidity. It is perfumed, fruity and ready to drink.
Yeasty and soda-like on the nose, this smells grassy but pleasant, with a hint of pool-water chlorine. Citric acidity and proper body weight make for nice palate, while lime and tropical fruit flavors finish with a green note of lettuce and tarragon.
Extremely lifting and fluffy aromas of grape soda, very ripe olallieberries and nearly a bubblegum element arise on the nose of this accessible wine, which will appeal to lovers of many varietals. It's similarly poppy and easy to sip on the palate, with a strong acidic zing.
Aromas of ripe yellow pear, toasted bread crust and a whiff of candied lemon drop slowly emerge on the nose. The rich, deeply colored palate doles out pastry cream, nectarine zest and walnut. Tangy acidity brightens the creamy flavors.
Heavy, rubbery aromas of iodine and damp cellar are earthy but not fully convincing. Like many Michel Rolland wines, this is huge, spongy and tannic, with maximum extraction. Massive, grapy flavors of black fruits and bacon finish herbal, minty and tannic to an extreme. Drink through 2019.
From 40-plus-year-old vines in the heart of Carneros, this white was aged entirely in Hungarian oak by a producer based on Treasure Island in San Francisco. Fresh-squeezed lemon and tangerine illuminate the palate, along with a salty austerity.
An array of purple flowers—from lavender and violet to lilac—greet the nose alongside beef char and a black currant core on this wine from Brian Terrizi, who also makes the Italian-focused Giornata brand. Wild blackberries and dark chocolate wrap around a decent amount of grippy texture on the palate.
Fresh and lively, this works the green side of the fruit spectrum, from gooseberry to grapefruit, with a dollop of wet stone. It's a good, all-purpose Sauvignon Blanc, not especially tart, with a welcome bit of barrel-induced roundness.
Wisteria and hawthorn aromas lead the way alongside a note of chopped herbs. The herbs note follows through to the palate and accents crisp green apple, pear and citrus peel, while vibrant acidity and persistent bubbles provide a zesty backdrop.
Floral and slightly earthy aromas lead to flavors that are lightly fruity and tangy. While light bodied, this wine's texture is rich enough to add an extra dimension that seems to bring out more flavor with each sip, and the finish has a lingering vanilla note. It was made from half Albariño and half Verdelho grapes.
An abundance of leather and smoke mark this blend of Malbec, Merlot and Syrah. That makes for a big red that's chewy in tannins at first, but settles into a smooth, supple texture as it finishes, a taste of brick and blueberry at its core.
Ripe berry aromas are darkened by heavy notes of tarry asphalt and barrel char. This feels full and chewy, with peppery flavors of dusty spice, hickory smoke and black fruits. A short, bold finish is firm but low on fruit.
A full-figured cuvée from older vines, this wine is estate-grown, bottled and left unfiltered, a grand concoction of butter, baked pear and crème brûlée. Given almost two years in 50% new French oak, it's intended to offer richness and concentration, and does it well.
Soft and smooth around the edges, this Rhône-style red blend is made mostly from Grenache and is nevertheless assertive in its earthy, spicy aromas and baked fruit flavors. The texture feels polished while the fine tannins and acidity keep it firm enough to be appetizing.
There's a nice purity of fruit on the nose of this appellation blend, with strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate notes enhanced by turned earth and slate. The palate is crisp and driven by cranberry, with a touch of orange-rind tang and a pencil-shaving element on the finish.
Heady scents of fragrant jasmine, wisteria and white orchard fruit lead the nose, while the frothy, slightly sweet palate offers succulent yellow apple, pear and ripe white peach. Firm acidity and a creamy perlage provide the framework.
The blended Pinot Noir from Dalrymple equals (or even exceeds) the single-vineyard bottlings on occasion. The 2012 is sturdy yet elegant, with ample weight joined by a silky texture on the long finish. It smells earthy, yet delivers cola, dark cherry and plum flavors.
Be prepared for a murky visual in this unusual, concentrated and complex wine. The appearance is hazy and the color brassy, but the flavors are vivid, fresh and bracing. The mouthfeel has great acidity, an unusually thick texture and fine tannins. A sense of layering and intensity develops with more sips, and lingers on the finish.
Stout bold berry aromas come with a hint of bacon. This feels condensed, with rubbery, pinchy tannins. Flavors of plum and wild berry are tightly wound, while this is long and loud on the finish, with a recurrence of abrasive tannins. Drink through 2020.
Scents of woodland berry, rose petal, grilled herb, anisette and a balsamic note emerge on this firmly structured wine. On the robust palate, white pepper, licorice, sage and a hint of toast weave through the black cherry core. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink 2018–2028.
Juicy, sun-kissed grapefruits and apple blossoms explode from this buoyantly fresh, off-dry Kabinett. Invigorating acidity lends backbone and a steely focus that resonates long on the finish. It's beautiful now, but should hold nicely, and perhaps improve, through 2020.
Pomegranate aromas on the fairly tight nose of this wine combine with sandalwood, hibiscus tang and minerality. It's tight, bright and rocky on the palate, with chipped slate flavors providing an earthy backbone to the cranberry fruit.
Fairly tight in aromas with cranberry, tart cherries and gravel, this shows fresher squeezed bramble berries the longer it's opened. The palate is also tart with cranberries and anise, though streamlined with tones of gravel, slate and dark chocolate.
Succulent, juicy fruit flavors combine lemon drop and butterscotch hard candy, buttressed with vivid acidity. This irresistible wine is drinking beautifully already.
Massively fruity, this is an apple/pear bonanza, fleshy and almost lasciviously delicious. The huge fruit flavors convey an impression of sweetness, though this is not identified as off dry. It has tremendous density and length.
A little bit softer on the nose than the winery's appellation blend, this shows cola, candied purple fruit and cinnamon on the nose. The palate focuses on tight cherry and wild berries, made tart with black cherry and plum skins. It manages to show a great deal of balanced restraint for rather ripe fruit.
A bit chewy, this brings old-vine texture into play, with herbal highlights around fruit flavors of mountain berry and pie cherry. The snap and tang of tart, just-ripe fruit is much in evidence. Young and sassy, this should continue to improve with further bottle age.
Produced from old vines, this is a serious and concentrated wine. It has a strong mineral texture that adds to the dark tannins to make a forceful structure. Powered by the structure and the black fruits it will age well. Start drinking in 2018.
Tart aromas of sour cream, yogurt, candied lime and pressed quince show on the nose of this stylishly structured Chardonnay. The palate carries the theme forward, with pithy pink grapefruit notes, lime ade and brie rinds, showing firm tension on the tongue and bound-up energy that will keep this bottle alive for years.
Soft and layered, this wine has firmness and depth to its structure, and is dark in brooding baked plum and cinnamon stick. A pungency of tight oak wraps its way around the fruit and savory spice, suggesting additional time in cellar, through 2023.
This wine skirts the limits of low alcohol, given added weight and body through 75% whole-cluster fermentation and time in 25% new French oak. Light in color and weight, it's sauvage and floral in a crispness of rose petal, with accents of cranberry and cherry. Tightly wound, it could stand some time in the cellar, through 2021.
A new, reserve-level wine from the producer's estate Winside Vineyard, Laura is both floral and sauvage, spicy, dense and full-figured. Blackberry compote and black-cherry pie come to mind through its intensity, while it ends packed in tight-grained tannins. Drink now through 2023.
A classic northern Rhône valley blend of Syrah with a touch of Viognier, this massive wine is made from grapes grown on granite soil, which leaves its mark in dense minerality and great power. It is a wine for lovers of the big stuff, concentrated and needing to age. Drink from 2018.
The steely character of a young Chablis is very apparent in this wine. It is crisp, lemon flavored and with a mineral edge. The wine has a juicy freshness, still young at heart and needing to age. Drink from 2018.
Pretty aromas of blue flower, rose, wild berry and graphite lead the way. The firm palate delivers mature black cherry, raspberry, star anise, black pepper and chopped sage alongside bright acidity and tightly knit tannins that need to unwind. Drink 2018–2026.
Concentrated, ripe blackberry and cassis aromas come with peppery spice and cedary oak notes. This is big and generous on the palate, with roasted, well-oaked blackberry flavors. A touch of heat lends sizzle to the finish. Drink through 2020.
Crushed violet, woodland berry, eucalyptus and cake spice aromas meld in the glass. The structured palate doles out dried black cherry, licorice, espresso and white pepper alongside tight, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of chopped sage. Drink 2017–2022.
Smoky aromas of fresh-cut wood blend with berry and cassis form a welcoming, generous bouquet. This feels lively on the palate, albeit tartaric. Oaky plum, cassis and vanilla flavors finish full and agreeable. Drink through 2019.
Made with dried Nebbiolo grapes, this offers aromas of pressed rose, mature dark berry, leather, baking spice and a balsamic note. The concentrated, forward palate doles out mature black cherry, carob, date, clove and tobacco alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
Aromas of perfumed berry, mint, baking spice and a whiff of oak emerge on this structured wine. The firm palate offers wild red cherry, crushed raspberry, mint, grilled sage and a touch of oak-driven spice alongside bracing tannins and nervous acidity. Give it time to soften and fully develop. Drink 2019–2031.
Violet, boysenberry, sandalwood and pencil lead converge on this nose of this 72% Cabernet Sauvignon bottling, which is boosted by 25% Sangiovese and 3% Petite Sirah. The palate is loaded with interesting flavors, from dried raspberry to crushed wild chaparral and black rocks.
Taut and tense, this opens with aromas of red berry, crushed herb, clove and whiff of menthol. The firm, tightly wound palate offers bright cherry, licorice and ground black pepper alongside assertive tannins and nervous acidity. Give this time to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2019–2031.
This wine draws from a handful of tremendous vineyard sites, including the producer's estate, Platt and Clary Ranch, all cool-climate and windswept. It's a tight, light and minimally messed-with wine, bright in cherry, pomegranate and rose.
A fairly complex, rich and layered nose of stewed plum, root beer, mace and allspice is set against an oak-laden, vanilla-based structure on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers rich black plum, but with decent tang, as well as earthy chipped slate and iron elements, before settling into light licorice spice.
Slight smoke mixes in the nose of this wine, with lifted mandarin-peel notes. The dry palate is streamlined and has uncommon lightness. It's weightless but concentrated, with full and bright citrus lift and a lively core brimming with lemon, bergamot and lime. The finish is wonderfully clean. This will drink well through 2024, at least.
This 100% varietal wine is awash in chocolate and earthy truffle, richly layered and yet firm in structured tannin. With sizable, full-bodied weight, it begs for more time in bottle, a chance for the crisp red fruit lurking underneath the texture to focus further. Drink now through 2023.
Hearty aromas of blueberry, leather, uncrushed peppercorns, fresh violets and a touch of oak smoke greet the nose on this rich and delicious bottling. There is a deep density to the sip, where smoky flavors wrap around lavish black fruit, reminiscent of a pepper-crusted, teriyaki-soaked roast of beef.
Boysenberries and olallieberries explode on the nose of this bottling by the ever-adventurous Riboli family, bolstered by dried tarragon and turned earth. It is wondrously smooth and silky on the sip, with rising blueberry fruit and tons of depth, offering dried sage and other roasting herbs as well as dark chocolate and espresso flavors.
The estate wine of Romaneira is aged for 14 months in wood. This doesn't mask the fruit although it certainly gives it extra richness. Dark and structured, the black fruit is laced with licorice, spice and firm tannins. The wine will benefit from time, so drink from 2018.
Flavor complexity is the strong suit of this multi-layered and distinctive wine. Aromas range from floral to minty to toasty to rhubarb-like, and flavors reflect an equally wide range. The texture, too, is intricate and complex, showing good balance and enough richness to project a lingering, spicy finish.
Exotic wafts of almond and lemongrass make way for an intensity of lemon pith and grapefruit in this wholly satisfying, well-crafted and refreshingly complex white, a sure sign that this variety can thrive in the appellation.
A blend of several vineyard sites, including Riddle and Pratt, this is a knockout, a testament to fine winemaking in its soft, velvety texture and buoyant acidity and structure. Orange and strawberry provide a tangy ripeness complemented in earth and clove. This is one worth stocking up on.
One of the more engaging single-vineyard expressions this winery makes from the region, this bottling by winemaker Bill Brousseau hits the nose with ripe black cherries, crushed slate, dried violets, purple Thai basil and light black licorice. Desiccated pomegranate tones lead the lush yet lively palate that is layered with peppery spice and a touch of herbs.
From an amazing vineyard set at 1,200 feet with ocean views across the Carmel Valley, this bottling shows soft plum and strawberry fruit along with wild thyme, wet slate, a touch of smoke and purple-flower essence. A lively mouthfeel presents flavors of red plum, wild forest berries, chipped slate and sandalwood on a medium-light body.
Sourced from the O'Shaughnessy Vineyard across from the producer's winery on Oakville Cross Road, this is a youthfully shy wine, firm in integrated and expansive tannin. Tobacco, clove, cedar and cherry interweave themselves flavorfully on the palate, with plenty of length shining through on the finish.
Sometimes clonal studies miss components, but not so in this bottling. Pretty fruit tones of red cherry and stewed raspberry are layered across vanilla foam on the nose. The palate is framed by a cherry-pie richness, yet retains brightness and freshness thanks to rising anise, fresh oregano and crushed pencil lead. It finishes on vanilla bean.
Apricot and mango aromas give this wine an immediate opulence. It is ripe and honeyed although with the enormous, age-worthy acidity and flavors of pineapple and passion fruit. The wine is still so young and should not be drunk before 2019.
It's amazing how wineries across the country can take Central Coast fruit and make it sing, but this producer certainly does. Lavish vanilla, cola and ripe black cherries invite the nose with glee. Then the palate blends black cherry and black plum with caramel and mocha notes in this crowd-pleaser.
Dried apricot and dried pear vie for attention. The lifted quality of those dried fruit notes suggests richness but the palate remains firm and guided by zesty, citric freshness. Layered flavors convey candied angelica, vanilla and dried lemon zest, with glimpses of bitter fir honey before a clean, lasting finish.
A pure impression ripe Golden Delicious apples shows on the nose of this wine, while the palate majors in citrus. Dry and fresh, it offers tingling zestiness with a pleasantly bitter edge. The dry finish lasts, leaving you to savor apple, zest and something less tangible—perhaps earth or stone. Drink now until 2030.
Lovely, lifted lemon notes are reminiscent of the purity of citrus oil, with accents of stone and smoke too. The palate of this wine is taut and fresh with a whistle-clean, streamlined drive. it offers laser-sharp acidity clad in mellowing fruit with glints of pink grapefruit and a profound, stony core.
Juicy apple notes, both ripe and tart, make for a crunchy and mouthwatering opening to this wine. The palate is clean and streaked with the zesty, balanced freshness of Amalfi lemon peel. Fluid and concentrated, the body will become more rounded with age, and there's already a hint of the candied lemon-peel richness at its core.
Smoky glints of stone and ripe Mirabelle plum pervade the more usual notes of ripe pear. There is an earthy undertow but the palate sits serenely with its chiseled freshness and streamlined acidity. As you linger, every sip reveals different aspects of tart citrus, fresh-cut pear peel, ginger biscuits and chalky stone. The body is slender and dry.
A flinty hint of reduction leads to a poised, juicy palate of tart apple, like a totally ripe Cox Orange Pippin, but utterly refreshing. Aromatic Amalfi lemon freshness offers more brightness while smoky glints add interest. There is a light touch here, leaving a fleetingly beautiful and yet lastingly memorable wine.
Chalk and the merest touch of honey, a little lanolin and lots of lemon and lime peel: that describes the complex nose of this dry Riesling from the wondrous 2008 vintage. The palate is poised and dry, its lightness accentuated by the rich, stony flavors around its core. Lemon freshness runs throughout. The finish is gloriously long.
This blend offers beguiling, complex aromas of violets, scorched earth, cassis, black licorice and graphite. The flavors are tightly wound, showing poise and presence. It drinks well out of the gate but cellaring will be particularly rewarded. Best from 2022 through 2030.
Mortar and a taste of black-olive tapenade ride softly layered waves of leathery tannin and peppery clove in this richly balanced wine that features tension between notes of cedar and cured meat. Focused and full bodied, it'll do well in the cellar; drink now through 2023.
Both the golden color and the advanced nose signal a mature wine. The nose has a lifted quality that references white sultanas, dried pineapple, chalk and cooked champignons, with sumptuous, pleasantly bitter notes of dark fir honey. Contrary to expectation, the palate is merely off dry. It has an intriguing, almost salty quality with inflections of soy-sauce savoriness and immense depth of flavor. Still is sprightly and fresh, the wine has a streak of lemon freshness at its core. Lovely now and mature, it can be enjoyed until at least 2020.
A new addition to the lineup, this wine is a blend of fruit from Stoney Vine, Lawrence, Red Heaven and Art Den Hoed vineyards. It offers aromas of earthy funk, smoked meat, blueberry, cherry and high-toned spices. The palate is dense and layered, with a mixture of fruit and savory flavors that display poise, focus and length.
After skipping a vintage, this Rocks District wine is an aromatic tour de force, with notes of grilled asparagus, stems, black and green olives, crushed flowers and mineral, revealing more on each swirl. The palate brings abundant savory flavors that are simultaneously intense and reserved, with a sense of balance that is captivating and a finish that kicks it up a notch.
Stainless-steel fermented, this crisp, thirst-quenching wine is fruity, floral and highly inviting, focused in well-defined flavors of tangerine and lemon. High in acidity without ever pushing too far, it remains complex and textured on the palate, finishing with a memorable tang.
What's this? Single-vineyard Barbera coming from The Rocks District? It's a stunner, with notes of crushed rock and gravel, red and black currants and smoke that show outrageous minerality. The mouthfeel is flat out stunning, showing subtlety and suppleness, with fruit and savory flavors lingering on the finish.
This is a serious, impressive wine. Fermented in open stone tanks and wood aged, it has a rich texture that encompasses the ripe black fruits and the spicy tannins. The wine has real depth and concentration with a firm, dense structure that will allow it to age. Drink from 2018.
The golden color suggests evolution and the nose does not disappoint, presenting lifted notes of petrol, saffron, candied lemon and mandarin. Rich sweetness on the palate pairs with 2010's laser-sharp acidity, becoming more honeyed with each moment. This acidity still rings with greengage and lime freshness, providing lift. In the middle of its evolution, the wine is developed but still has potential. Drink now–2026.
Completing and complementing the winery's extensive portfolio of Pinot Gris, this is the only one that spends time in barrel. As a note to its uniqueness, the King Estate name is intentionally printed upside down on the label. Though there are no intrusive oak-dominated flavors, the technique definitely softens and smooths the wine, eliminating some of the aromatic details and much of the tang. It's ready to drink: lightly toasty, with pleasant apple and pear flavors.
Warm butter, apple and saffron-chamomile aromas show on the nose of this bottling from winemaker-to-watch Colin Murphy. It's classic Chardonnay on the palate, with pan-seared apple and sea salt touches.
This wine's delicate nose offers white spring flower, Mediterranean herb and wet stone aromas. They carry over to the fresh palate, along with fruity green apple and pineapple notes while a savory mineral note backs up the finish.
Subtle whiffs of vanilla cream, apples and pear are enticing on the nose of this full-bodied Chardonnay. The palate is fresh and citrusy in fruit expression but delightfully creamy in texture. A touch of creamed corn lingers on the finish.
All the Lemelson Pinots in 2014 are strikingly similar—rather light, tart, clean and simple. Cranberry and raspberry fruit, bright and tangy, tells the whole story here. Drink it over the next few years while that freshness remains.
Cedar, smoke and clove mark the nose of this medium- to full-bodied wine. It's oaky and muscular, but not to excess, showing ample cherry fruit and ripe tannins before an abbreviated finish.
Gritty aromas of tire, road tar and black fruits are common to Bonarda wines. This has a crisp firm angular palate braced by taught acidity. Raw flavors of tomato, red plum and hard spices are savory and finish with gusto.
Dry, well-balanced and not heavy-handed, this medium-bodied wine has a firm, lightly grippy texture and tasty fruit flavors. Cinnamon and nutmeg accents meld with just-ripe black cherry and black plum on the palate and echo into the finish.
High-toned aromas of black fruit, barrel spice and herb lead to a wound up palate backed by lightly grainy tannins. It's almost four years old, but still seems to need time to settle in. Best after 2020.
The best effort to date from Peregrine's second label, this is a chunky but velvety-textured wine. Ground spices and earth notes add nuance to the plummy fruit, which manages to finish bright and fresh. Drink now–2022.
Merlot makes up just over three-quarters of this blend, with the balance Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. Bright aromas of cherry pie, blueberry, herb, plum and earth are followed by smooth polished blue-fruit flavors. It's a complete delight, focusing on elegance.
Banana, honeydew melon and honeysuckle aromas lead the way while the generous palate doles out pineapple and white peach. A candied nectarine note backs up the fruity flavors, alongside tangy acidity.
Shy when first opened, this wine reveals grapefruit and pineapple scents with a little air. The medium-bodied palate has a tangy quality, offering juicy peach and citrus flavors, accompanied by fresh acidity.
This shimmering barrel-fermented blend of 75% Viura and 25% Tempranillo Blanco opens with stable aromas of apple, butter and fresh corn. An elegant fairly light palate delivers a mix of dry oak, nectarine, peach and apple flavors. This is lithe and comfortable on the finish, with modest but noticeable residual oak.
Deep in color and dramatically smoky in flavor, this full-bodied wine is not at all shy. It tastes fruity, saturated, nicely tannic and very oaky. Charred meat, black pepper and espresso impressions wind through the generous black cherry and blackberry notes.
Light aromas of toast, melon and butter lead to sleek stone and tropical fruit flavors that persist on the finish.
Aromas of berry fruits, barrel spice and desert herbs lead to a solid palate that's tight as a fist. This tastes dry, spicy and oaky, with peppery berry and plum notes. An oaky spicy finish offers just enough bold plum and berry fruit.
Citrus blossom and orchard fruit aromas lead the way. On the round, medium-bodied palate, tangy acidity supports ripe yellow apple and pear flavors. A hint of citrus zest marks the close.
Dry, earthy berry aromas are lusty and integrated. This has a crisp snappy punchy mouthfeel that's driven by lively acidity. Savory, salty flavors of berry fruits, hard spices and tomato finish with scrubbing acidity and good length.
Young and tight, this new release shows excellent aging potential. The fruit is compact and complex, a lush mix of pomegranate, raspberry and cherry, spiced gracefully with sweet baking spices. There is a delicate herbal note as well, and the overall balance is superb.
Heady aromas of honeysuckle, peach and herb hint to the complexity of this dry-style Riesling. The palate is ripe and rich with yellow peach and nectarine flavors plus a creamy, mouthfilling texture. Lemon-lime acidity strikes through the finish, leaving the tongue with just a murmur of honey and spice.
Blistered tomato dominates the aromatic profile on Roblar's top-end Pinot Noir bottling. The flavors are also quite pleasing, with the savory umami of stewed tomatoes again leading the way, with some violet and other purple flowers singing back-up. The palate is silky, the finish properly acidic, and the alcohol is nicely restrained. Serve with pasta alla puttanesca.
This is a Right Bank-style blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. It shows impressive structure and clear varietal components from both grapes. Tannins are fine-grained and lead into a lingering streak of smooth, coffee-coated flavors.
A luscious and elegant nose promises richness, and the flavors deliver even more than expected. The backbone of zingy acidity finds a perfect match with flavors of white peach, lime, and poached pear. Coming from a 35-year-old, 2,000-foot-high vineyard at the northeast of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this memorable wine that can tackle herb-crusted pork chops as easily as salmon, shellfish or soft cheeses.
This Torontel is elegant and stately, delivering apricot, peach, mango and spice aromas on the bouquet. A fruity, full-bodied palate is sticky but braced by proper acidity, while cinnamon, caramel, toffee and baked pear flavors finish long and yummy.
With a dusty, cola-like quality, this flirty Mourvèdre gets better and better over time in the glass, unveiling layers of floral, earthy and wild raspberry notes sprinkled with a suggestion of gamy meat. With firm, chewy tannins and a mouth-coating texture, it showcases El Dorado's decomposed granite soils and the prowess of the winemaker with these grapes.
Beginning to round out its youthful edges, the BlackCap (so named for the native Oregon mushroom, berry and bird) offers pretty pie-cherry fruit, savory herbs and silky tannins. There's still some phenolic bite to the finish, suggesting that it can continue to smooth out over the next few years.
Vanilla soda, pineapple and a touch of herbaceousness hit the nose first in this Chardonnay, which is grown high in the Santa Lucia range by a family that's ranched the land since the 1850s. On the palate, some creaminess emerges alongside flavors of tart green apple and toffee nuts. Serve with lemon-herb chicken or well-seasoned fish dishes.
Showing strong wood-aging flavors, this is a firm, impressive and toasty wine, made in homage to the grandfather of the present owner of Casa Cadaval. It offers a dark cocoa face to the world, giving a bitter element that will soften over time. Under this structure, this powerful wine has plenty of fruit. Drink from 2016.
This is a new project for Chris Figgins (Leonetti Cellar, FIGGINS, Doubleback), using grapes sourced from the Ribbon Ridge and Schindler vineyards. Dense with an exotic weave of aromatics, it has the irresistible appeal of the 2012 vintage. Mulberry, plum, cinnamon and a dash of truffle salt all combine in a plush, generous, well-integrated wine, with a rich, textural mouthfeel.
Sweet meets earthy, with aromas that recall grilled beets, cola and sassafras. The bottling comes from the father-son team of Tondré and Joe Alarid, who planted their vineyard in 1997 and combined have nearly a century's worth of farming experience in the Salinas Valley. Homemade cranberry sauce wins the palate, and the wine has more tannins than most Pinot Noirs of similar age. Enjoy now or cellar until 2016 for even more emerging flavors.
The name comes from the Josephine/Mariposa Complex soils, gravelly loam vineyard underlain with crumbly yellow slate. This is a finely tuned blend of 72% Grenache Noir and 28% Mourvèdre. The aromas are heady in rhubarb compote and wild raspberry with a candied, perfumed character. In taste, it's more bright red fruit with an underlayer of herb and stony minerality. Medium in body, the wine delivers substantial length and depth.
Still firmly tannic, this impressive wine is still developing. Made from old vines that give minerality and concentration, it is very dense allowing some juicy black plum flavors to show through. With its dry tannins, it's going to need more aging. Drink from 2017.
Taking off with a bright tangerine and lime nose, the citrus carries through to the palate, where grapefruit flavors take the varietal into curious yet compelling places. Acidity is at the forefront, thanks to the all-stainless-steel processing, but it feels strategically integrated.
A structured but polished Sauvignon made from organically farmed grapes. The delicious palate delivers white peach, grapefruit and honeydew melon accented with mineral and a ginger note. Fermentation in large casks gives complexity.
While the nose is subdued with delicate hints of minerals, wax, lemon and lime, this almost-dry Riesling is buoyantly fruity on the palate with concentrated flavors of peach and Meyer lemon. Lemon-lime acidity strikes provocatively on the midpalate for a bold, impactful finish.
Exotic spice notes accent aromas of blossom and lemon curd on this intensely seductive wine. Dry and voluminous in style with a round and slightly slick mouth feel, the palate is concentrated with rich melon, peach and apricot flavors. Steely minerality and bristling lime acidity lend power and structure to the finish.
A harmonious mix of dry spice, herbal berry and rubbery aromas sets up a full-bodied palate that's brimming with ample oak and firm tannins. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère is rugged but generous, with loads of raspberry, plum and herbal flavors resting before an earthy finish of acidic vitality, tomato notes and herbal impressions. Drink through 2018.
The combination of ripe, almost tropical fruit notes, bright, lifting acidity and a meltingly rounded mouthfeel makes for ultimate refreshment. Depth of flavor keeps you going back for more of that zesty length.
Herbal, briary berry aromas are minty and suggestive of olive. The mouthfeel is plump and juicy, while herbal blackberry and black currant flavors finish with a blast of toast and mint. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah is quintessentially Chilean in aromas, flavors and intensity. Drink through 2020.
One of a series of wines named after the ancient Roman city of Callabriga, this is solid, structured and wood-aged. Big black fruits stride across the palate giving both richness and a dense texture. It's a wine to age until mid-2015, although it is delicious enough to drink now.
Pure, poised citrus lift combines pink and yellow grapefruit peel on the nose, with more cushioning on the textured, concentrated palate. A stony, mineral background plays against the lively, bright acid that leaves you wanting more.
The heady and concentrated bouquet of this wine leads with forward scents of blackberry liquor, black plum, bramble, cocoa nib and crushed violet. Medium weight and creamy on the palate, the texture is like crushed velvet and the flavors recall black-fruit preserves, mulled blackberries, black tea and licorice root. Drink now–2018.
One of the top Vouvray sparkling wines, this 2012 is still young. That gives it almond, quince and pear flavors along with intense bright acidity. It is still missing the richer, toasty character that will come with age. Drink from 2016.
Dusty, spicy and a little scratchy on the nose, this has leather, vanilla and mild fruit aromas. It feels tangy, with a light herb flavor working in tandem with dry plum and berry notes. Briary, spicy and drying on the finish.
Rooty aromas of licorice blend with earth, leather and cheese scents. It feels thick and chewy, with condensed flavors of grilled meat, berry, chocolate and herb. It's big and creamy on the finish, but it shows no evolution or improvement from the palate.
Darkly toasted oak, dried herb and mushroom notes add warmth and earthiness to this delicately fruity Pinot Noir. The palate is ruddy and rustic with subtle sour-cherry sweetness, but bright acidity and a swathe of green herb drive the fresh, clean finish.
This medium-sweet wine is attractively perfumed, with a good balance between exotic spice and fragrant acidity. The wine is soft and immediately drinkable. Screwcap.
Zippy acidity balances soft sour-cherry and rustic earth tones on Millbrook's standard-label Pinot Noir. It's an elegantly subdued wine, with soft, gentle tannins and a hint of green herb that linger on the finish.
An easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc thats fermented in barrel and stainless steel, this has a depth of pear, tangerine and lime flavors. Creamy and rich, it will make a consistent companion to most fish dishes.
Fragrantly viscous and deeply golden in color, this has coatings of honey and apricot amid its full body and texture.
An uneasy mix of steel and butter, this may just need a bit more time to settle. At the moment, the twin elements of metal and popcorn clash and compete. For those who love the buttery style, this should prove pleasing.
The fruit for this wine is sourced from the former Sandhill Vineyard on Red Mountain. The nose is pretty and enticing, but the palate shows a sour note. There seems to be a separation between the first berry flavors and the tight, quick finish. Perhaps more time in bottle will meld it together.
Abundant flower notes meld with hints of toast and pear on this dry, easy-drinking Chardonnay. The palate is creamy in texture, with flavors of sweet cream and fresh apple that linger richly on the finish.
Delicate floral notes brighten the savory apple and herb flavors on this dry, minerally Riesling. Vibrant acidity carries the medium-long finish that's marked by a hint of white spice.
A blend of Malbec and Merlot, this is a rich, fruity wine. It has a tannic firmness and a stalky black currant juiciness, along with intense acidity. There is a rough, rustic aftertaste that spoils the general fruitiness.
elon and peach aromas create a bouquet that's nondescript. This feels solid in the mouth, with acidic cut. Flavors of nectarine run sweet, while the finish takes on a cloying feel as it delivers thick melon and peach flavors. Drink now or wait for the 2013 vintage.
This is spicy, dry and woody on the nose, with blackberry aromas. The body is medium in size, with adequate balance and herbal flavors mixed with saline and berry fruits. A warm, oaky, saucy tasting finish shows a hint of green.
Fresh raspberry and plum aromas are minty but get the job done. This feels raw but not scouring, with prodding acidity and herbal berry, vanilla and paste flavors. Minty, herbal finishing notes touch up against herbaceous.
You'll detect aromas reminiscent of wood shop on this wine. Both the nose and the palate reveal heavy-handed oak sensations along with espresso, vanilla and a hint of burned rubber.
Bland berry aromas precede a pasty feeling, cloying palate with lactic, creamy flavors of oak and generic berry fruits. This is drying on the finish.
Dominated by intensely herbaceous Colombard, this is a light, fresh and aromatic wine. Acidity combines with a fruit drop character that suggests some sweetness in the blend. Screwcap.
Grassy, compost-like aromas carry a peanut accent and not much vivid fruit. This pinches down on what amounts to a clampy palate, while crisp, mildly green berry flavors finish minty and peppery.
Burnt hay, grapefruit and waxy apple aromas lead to a palate with briny citrus flavors. Pithy grapefruit and orange flavors carry the finish, which is quick and light in weight.
From an estate vineyard only six miles from the ocean, this wine is steeped in coolness, from its sharply tuned pomegranate and tart cranberry to its mushroomy, damp earth tones and savory spice. Refined and light to medium bodied, it picks up a tight-grained, oaky, leathery intrigue on the finish.
This ripe and full wine is balanced and textured. A mineral background gives a crisp character to the ripe yellow and pear fruit flavors. With long aging on lees, the wine has weight and richness. It should be aged further and drunk from 2016.
Waxy, honeyed aromas of melon and white flowers lead to a plump, leesy, creamy but balanced palate full of bready notes, stone-fruit flavors and vanilla. Another wave of leesy vanilla, melon, tropical fruit and cream takes over the finish. This contains Viognier, Garnacha Blanca and Chenin Blanc, a small portion of which was barrel fermented.
Grenache-focused Bay Area winemaker Adam Comartin adds 34% Syrah and 14% Mourvèdre to this blend that delivers aromas of black pepper, blackberry and plum. There's viscosity on the palate, with blackberry fruits, violet florals, whiffs of vanilla and black rocks. The tight finish wipes the mouth clean.
This svelte wine is smooth and supple, its strawberry and cherry fruit laced with a vein of milk chocolate. Ready for near-term drinking, but balanced and fresh enough to cellar for a few years, it finishes with a lick of citrus.
This is a rich wine, intensely full of yellow fruits and soft, generous acidity. The wine has honey, apricots and ripe fruitiness. Delicious and approachable, it's ready to drink.
The partly volcanic nature of amphibolite soil gives this wine a natural ripe fruitiness. Apple skin and fresh Rocha pears convey a fruit-forward character, bright and crisp. It's a young wine, although it can be drunk now for its exuberant outward-looking character.
Still showing strongly spicy aromas from the nine months wood aging, this is a ripe and fruity blend of Touriga Nacional and Castelão. It is still structured with a dry, toasty character. As this softens, it will become richer and generous. Drink from 2016.
This is really lean and tightly focused, seemingly built for aging—or for drinking young with raw oysters. Complex aromas of damp moss and petrichor give way to simpler flavors of mixed citrus that finish long and tart. Drink now–2025.
Made from the estate's oldest vines, this silky blend of 95% Schiava and 5% Lagrein opens with a fragrance of wild berry and alpine herb. The vibrant palate doles out layers of sour red cherry, juicy raspberry, mandarin orange and a light almond note alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Enjoy soon to capture the delicious fresh fruit flavors.
Just a hint of spritz gives this wine lift and brings out the ripe apple and quince flavors. This single-vineyard wine is full of freshness, a ripe slice of minerality and a spicy, peppery aftertaste. Drink now.
This reasonably full-bodied Chardonnay manages to retain a sense of freshness and crispness throughout. Subtle oak and vanilla notes frame peach and pineapple fruit, while the finish is long and citrusy clean.
Crisp and linear, this delicious Soave delivers sensations of honeysuckle, tart green apple, creamy white peach and juicy nectarine. It's vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity.
Bold cherry, cassis and plum aromas are forward, lively and a touch aggressive. In the mouth, this shows lots of life and generous fruit supported by clamp-down tannins. Earthy, loamy flavors of plum and berry finish warm, earthy and long. Overall, this is more steady, balanced and solid than flashy. Drink through 2017.
This smooth, ripe wine has weight and richness. It's packed with dark fruits, wood-aging toast and just the right amount of dark, brooding tannins. It's full bodied, rich and ready to drink.
An interesting comparison to the previous vintage, this wine has a point and a half more alcohol, with a rich, substantial mouthfeel. Ripe citrus fruit, light tropical fruit and full, open flavors are found on the palate. Drink this while in its youth, and let the previous vintage age another couple of years.
Brambly earth and ripe raspberry invite one in on the nose before a taste of soft, lush spice on the palate. The earthiness continues through the midpalate and finish, with notes of mushroom and forest floor that linger through the close.
This has a noticeable but well-modulated streak of herb running down the fruit core. Tart cranberry and raspberry flavors seem at first stiff and a bit unyielding, but that's just youth. Give this one until 2017–2018 and it should blossom.
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mixed Blacks go into this sumptuous wine, velvety smooth in texture with dollops of blackberry, strawberry and chocolate combining for a decadent experience. The grapes are sourced from an estate vineyard and co-fermented together, giving the wine a seamless feel.
A vein of lime skin and granite lingers throughout this lithe, focused wine. White grapefruit flavors penetrate the palate, along with accents of saffron and sugar cookie that dart playfully along the finish.
Subtle but pretty aromas of pressed flower, mature pear and honey mingle in the glass. The round, full-bodied palate offers dried apricot, Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop and nuance of cake spice brightened by fresh acidity.
Some high-toned fruit comes up quickly from the glass, and gives the palate a welcome lift. Strawberries and chocolate are the first impression, with nuances of fresh herb and pepper, then more chocolate, as the wine plays out across the palate. Good length and structure make this an excellent value in its price range.
This is a sumptuous, well-crafted wine, nearly 100% varietal and dark purple in color. It offers leathery chocolate and red cherry flavors around still-dense tannins that seem to soften in the glass. Given more than a year in oak, only a small percentage of it new, it's lively and refined.
Forward, rich and set in a base of herb, coffee grounds and pencil lead, this wine immediately displays both power and complexity. The fruit is moving along a fast-track aging curve, but drinking beautifully right now, with acids and tannins in proportion. Black cherry cola and highlights of fresh thyme make for an interesting palate.
High-toned aromas include nail varnish, resin, spicy plum and nutmeg. The concentrated palate delivers ripe blackberry, blueberry extract, clove and a chocolate note alongside smooth tannins. A licorice note signals the close.
This lightly wood-aged wine is fruity and sophisticated. Great layers of green plums, apricots and pear-juice flavors are supported by delicate toast flavors. Fresh while still rich, it will be better from 2017.
This structured, copper-colored wine—the natural color of Pinot Grigio after skin contact—delivers dried red berry, nut, lightly toasted oak, butterscotch, vanilla and mineral sensations. It's an unusual but attractive interpretation of Pinot Grigio.
This structured wine is bold with its tannins and dry cherry-pit flavor. It is dense, its stalky acidity and red-plum flavors backed by a dry core. It's a concentrated wine that needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Smoky mineral, Mediterranean herb, stone fruit and flint aromas lead the nose on this polished, vibrant wine. The linear palate doles out white peach, mint, sage, lemon zest and energizing mineral alongside firm acidity.
Plenty of acid underscores rich flavors of pineapple, Meyer lemon and lemon curd. The wine dives deeply into the palate and lingers, with crisp highlights of citrus rind and a long, smooth finish.
Made from 30-year-old vines, this dense wine has considerable acidity that gives a fresh edge along with spice and a juicy black-currant character. It will age quickly, so drink from 2017.
Two-thirds of this wine comes from McKinley Springs Vineyard with the rest from Kiona and Les Collines. Coffee, pencil lead, barrel spice and high-toned herb aromas lead to full-bodied coffee and cherry flavors. The tannins show some grit and grip.
Reserved aromas of lemon zest, shaved butter and wet stone greet the nose on this ready-to-drink bottling from West Paso. The palate shows poached apple and cooked pear tones, with a slightly sour tang keeping it lively.
Nutty, honeyed apple and melon aromas come with plenty of raw wood grain. This is an oaky, resiny Chardonnay with just enough core acidity to maintain balance. Creamy apple and melon flavors finish on barrel-driven resin and cinnamon accents.
This opens with scents of orchard fruit, beeswax and a whiff of white flower. The light, linear palate shows Bartlett pear and citrus peel alongside zesty acidity that lends verve.
This wine is all about herbaceous fruitiness. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it offers gooseberry, grapefruit and other crisp citrus flavors along with a tight, tangy texture. Fresh, crisp and fruity, it is ready to drink.
Aromas of green apple and citrus are as classic as it gets for Chilean Sauv Blanc. This is straight forward but enjoyable, with modest minerality. Flavors of citrus and gooseberry carry over onto a refreshing finish.
This has value written all over it, offering fleshy, ripe tropical aromas and flavors. The personality is large and in charge, yet the wine itself remains reasonably balanced and firm in structure.
Vanilla, coconut and toast aromas are vibrant and out-front, followed by tropical fruit. This wine is full bodied with a viscous, almost oily feel that persists through the finish. It offers some good things, but the variety gets lost in the style.
Mature plum, aromatic herb and a whiff of cocoa lead the nose. The dense palate offers toasted oak, blackberry extract and espresso alongside fine-grained tannins that leave a firm, drying finish.
The aromas of flowers and freshly cut pear, melon and starfruit are bright and fresh. This wine is dry and thick in feel with abundant citrus-rind flavors. There's enjoyment to be had but it gets bogged down in the middle.
Under the same ownership as Château de Panigon, this property (which has a heart on its cork) has produced a wine offering layers of smoky wood as well as ripe fruit. That solid structure suggests the wine will need time to develop. The aftertaste boosts a more juicy fruitiness.
Still lean and structured, this is a cool-feeling, young wine. It has dry tannins and a chewy texture that needs to soften. At the back, juicy black currant fruits show promise for the future. Drink from 2018.
This is rich in spice, herbal characteristics and tangy acidity. It has a strongly mineral edge along with green fruits and tight lemon zest. Drink from 2017. André Lurton bought de Rochemorin in 1973; the estate has grown vines since the 16th century.
Just like this wine has lost its initial red color, so too has its flavor changed. Now maturing fast, it conveys flavors of leather and acidity along with a dry edge that may be a sign of age. It's delicious, but drink the wine now.
This is still a young wine, with its youthful structure of dark, stalky tannins still in place. It offers juicy black-currant flavors as well as fresh acidity and a dry aftertaste. The wine comes from a vineyard named after the 17th-century French philosopher Montesquieu. Drink from 2017.
Brightly colored, this wine is full both of fruit and smoky tannins. It is structured now, firm with its dry core. Around it, fresh blackberry and red-berry fruits are beginning to show well. Drink this attractive wine from 2018.
One of the properties owned by the Fontana family, this estate has produced a firm, tannic wine with flavors of ripe black fruits, spice and dark chocolate. It is still young and showing its stalky, fruity side. Drink from late 2016.
Well made and balanced, this wine is full of red-currant and berry fruits plus layers of tannins. Structured and with a smoky character, it is fresh, fruity and will develop quickly. Drink from 2017.
This wine is ripe with dense blackberry fruits and some firm, dry smoky tannins. It has the fruitiness and acidity typical of the vintage, along with some depth of flavor and a smooth aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
This fruity, black-currant-flavored wine comes from a blend of Merlot and Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. A strong, smoky tannin character lies under the fruit and makes the wine both structured and fresh, with blackberry acidity at the end. This promises some aging; drink from 2017. An Alliance Bourg member.
This ripe, rich and Merlot-dominated wine comes from the western section of Lalande de Pomerol. Juicy black-fruit flavors are lifted by acidity and given structure by the firm wood-aging texture. The wood needs to integrate with the fruit, so drink from 2018.
While this wine has plenty of tannins, the generous blackberry fruits dominate. It is balanced with a fresh character that brings out just the right amount of acidity. The dry core will allow the wine to develop. Drink from 2018.
It's a shame so much high-toast wood was used in aging this wine. Under those flavors of smoky wood, some black fruit wants to come out. The wine does have the weight, and it will be worth waiting until 2018 before drinking.
Named after the patron saint of wine producers, this wine is properly balanced, structured and dense. It is not a wine for long aging with its soft tannins and juicy black-fruit acidity. Drink from 2017.
This medium-bodied wine is marked by dry, stony notes rather than a profusion of fruit. Subtle leafiness and hints of underripe melon give this a restrained aspect and suggest it's more of a food partner than a wine that will shine on its own.
Elegant aromas suggest tar, prune, cherry preserves and mint. It's soft on the mouth with unfolding tannins, featuring flavors of Italian herbs and cedar. It's a very austere and extremely dry wine, with very little overt fruit.
Ruby-violet in color, this wine has aromas of cherry, cola and almond blossom. Smooth and bright on the palate, with soft tannins, shades of cherry, menthol and smoked meat bring nuance to the finish.
Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt is behind this wine, an aromatic study in campfire and toasty smoke amid a palate of back-of-the-mouth tannins. Dense and soft, the wine needs more time in the bottle to settle. It aged in French oak, 70% of it new, for 20 months.
Aromas include ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla, coffee and a hint of toasted oak. On the palate, notes of mocha and chocolate back up candied cherry and black raspberry. Firm tannins support the juicy flavors. Drink through 2021.
Fruity, fresh and bone dry, this offers aromas of bright red berries and a hint of violets. The refreshing palate delivers intense strawberry and wild cherry accented with a hint of white pepper. Serve chilled and sip on the deck in summertime or pair with cold cuts.
Subtle aromas of marzipan and cola yield to overriding prune and raisin scents on this extremely ripe, almost overripe blend. Soft and spongy on the palate, with berry and prune flavors, this shows smoke and toast notes on a low-pulse finish. Drink now.
This is a wood-laden wine with a cool blackcurrant interior. The tannins and juicy fruit complement each other, giving fine acidity and a ripe character to this structured wine. Give it another year for the wood to integrate further and drink after 2015.
Aromas of graphite, rich berry fruit and leather dominate the nose. This Syrah has a jammy, yet layered mouthfeel, along with flavors of berry, toast, graphite and mint. Overall this is a deep, full-bodied wine that's quite toasty and oaky.
This opens with aromas of oak, espresso, mocha and plum. The firm palate offers oak extract, chocolate, licorice and black cherry alongside drying wood tannins.
Ripe, pristine pineapple, mango and honeydew burst from this luscious semi-dry Riesling. It's juicy and lush, boasting a tropical fruit flavor, but also structured and sprightly, with a surprising mineral finish.
On the rich side, this is a ripe and fruity wine. Its mineral texture is comfortably cushioned within an aromatic white fruit character that adds juicy acidity to the mix. It's a delicious wine that could age a few months more.
Young, tight and sharp-toned upon first sniff, this broadens out and opens up with an hour or two of airing. The pinpoint focus brings black raspberry, black cherry and light hints of tobacco into play. The 30% new oak seems just right, although there is some burn in the finish from the high alcohol.
All estate grown, this blend is roughly half and half Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a splash of Sangiovese. Dark and fruity, it opens generously with flavors of black cherry, cassis and a hint of cola, finishing with lick of dark chocolate. A mix of French, Hungarian and American oak—24% new—was used.
A zesty, citric crispness balances with a soothing element of soft apple character. Fermented in stainless steel, it has a smooth texture and ripe fruit flavors. Balanced and approachable; drink now.
Pull's well-priced portfolio delivers consistent quality, and this 54% Syrah, 27% Petite Sirah, 16% Grenache, and 3% Viognier blend is appealing, with black cherry aromas lingering amidst rose petals and mint. Blackberry juice wins the palate, with a touch of black licorice and ample yet easygoing tannins.
This opens with aromas of ripe berry, pipe tobacco, leather and espresso. The palate offers mature black cherry, coffee, vanilla and mocha alongside firm, drying tannins. It finishes on a licorice note.
This is a full-bodied, rich rosé from the walled Clos des Muraires, ripe with red berry fruits and the warm sunshine. Fruity and with a mineral texture, it can age until mid-2015, although it is delicious now.
Dense and delicious, this deeply colored wine opens with aromas of blue flower, plum, raspberry and graphite. The lively, savory palate delivers concentrated black cherry, cassis, white pepper and mineral before reaching a dry finish. Thanks to broad but fine tannins, it has a surprisingly solid structure for such an easy-drinking, enjoyable wine.
Passionfruit dominates the nose on winemaker Matt Ortman's tropically infused take on the grape, with a dash of kiwi to lighten things up. That tropicality rules the palate as well, but with a touch of flint as a grounding element.
This is an aromatically appealing wine with notes of cocoa, coffee, cherry and woodspice. It's full bodied with a lot of richness to the tart cherry flavors that need some time to settle in.
Power and polish come together in this full-bodied, firm-textured wine. A gutsy structure of acidity and tannin keeps the ample fruit flavors from becoming cloying. Hints of black pepper and clove add flavor complexity.
This bright and well-balanced sparkler leads with attractive aromas of fresh lemon and orange slices, lightly toasted brioche and subtle fynbos herbs. The palate is creamy and smooth, with crisp acidity and medium carbonation that lifts and refreshes the finish. Delicious now, or hold through 2017 for a more mature character and additional depth.
Firm and solidly structured, this is a dense wine. It has plenty of tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate, but they are supported by the ripe fruit and fresh black currant flavors. It's a wine for aging, drink from 2017.
From a Merlot-dominated, 24-acre vineyard this is a strongly mineral wine, with young, dark tannins and a powerful structure. A more juicy, fruity side brings out black currants and berries. Together the structure and the fruit promise good aging. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and full, it offers great spice, yellow fruits and hints of tropical fruits. It has acidity and is dry, but it's delicious because of its rounded texture and generous body. Drink from 2015.
Intense aromas recall forest floor, tobacco, dark berry and grilled herb. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, black pepper and balsamic notes alongside big, brooding tannins. The warmth of alcohol shows on the midpalate.
Raspberry and clove characterize the nose on this single-vineyard bottling. The palate kicks off with vibrant black cherry, slips toward black olive on the midpalate and ends with bright acidity on a decent finish.
Muscular, roasted aromas of earthy berry fruits and oak are stout. This hits with iron-clad tannins, while flavors of blue fruits, resiny oak and graphite end with a mildly raisin-like aftertaste.
While this wine certainly has a tannic background, it is already showing fruitiness and ripe berry and red plum flavors. That makes for a warm, rounded wine that will age relatively quickly. Drink from 2016.
A grippy Pinot Noir with a hint of menthol on the nose, this wine is otherwise delicately high in acidity with a burst of tart cherry that swirls between soft, round tannins and brambly blackberry on the finish.
The nose offers crushed cinnamon sticks sprinkled upon just-picked raspberries and squeezed plums. The palate brings heavier red fruits, approaching boysenberry and pomegranate juice, with a clove spice throughout.
Interesting notes of cumin and clove accent berry and leather aromas on this well-made red. Roasted, earthy, meaty, spicy berry flavors lead into a mildly burnt, toasty finish with modest oak.
Dark aromas of black cherry and plum are spicy and suggestive of crude oil. In the mouth, this everyday Cab shows juicy balance and clean lines. Standard black-fruit flavors come with spice notes and a harmonious, long finish.
Aromas of lemon blossom, pear and citrus lead the nose, with a whiff of bread dough. The dry palate delivers mature yellow apple, lemon zest and toasted almond alongside bright acidity and a lively perlage.
Made from the Turbiana grape, this conveys aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus with a whiff of walnut. The palate offers juicy nectarine, kiwi and lemon zest accented by a hint of almond.
Intense aromas of white peach, green apple and pear carry over to the palate along with lemon zest, almond paste and a note of candied ginger. Crisp acidity brightens up the creamy fruit palate.
Light and ephemeral, Winery Block comes from one vineyard planted to three clones (Swan, Dijon 114 and Mt. Eden). The Swan predominates, prompting pretty floral aromas of rose and violet before a bright line of cherry-rhubarb kicks in and earthiness rounds out the middle and end.
Firm aromas of black plum, black cherry and sugar beet give way to power and lots of body on the palate. This delivers the goods in the form of chocolate and herbal berry flavors, which are backed by minty, dry oak notes on the finish.
Aromatically intriguing, this features notes of crushed green grapes, green apple and botrytis. It's a hair off dry, with nicely balanced acidity and stone fruit flavors. Best as a dinner table companion.
Bright and savory, this offers sensations of bread crust, apple, juicy citrus and walnut alongside an earthy minerality. Vibrant acidity and persistent bubbles end on a clean, refreshing note.
Blackberry, plum, chocolate and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this structured wine. The palate offers roasted coffee bean, licorice, raisin and black pepper alongside tightly packed tannins that need time to unwind but for now leave an astringent, drying finish. You'll also detect the heat of alcohol on the finish.
Ready for immediate enjoyment, this offers a lifted nose of rose petals and cherry blossoms, carrying a slight whiff of milk chocolate. The fruit has a tart, cranberry character, moving up into Bing cherry flavors with plenty of crisp acidity.
The local Beira grape, Maria Gomes, makes a star turn in this apricot and peach flavored wine. The ripe fruit is cut by fresh, crisp lime juice, adding crispness. A final tang of orange completes the picture.
This structured wine also has already delicious red fruit flavors. The core of tannins is surrounded by this cushion of ripe fruits, layered with acidity and altogether enticing now. Drink now, although the wine will certainly age.
The crispness of Aligoté is well expressed in this fruity, citrus and sliced apple flavored wine. It is bright, with a mineral texture along with some weight from aging on the lees until bottling. It's very ready to drink although it will soften and round out from 2015.
Sourced from seven different vineyards across the appellation, this ripe Pinot is savory in flavor, seasoning the dark cherry fruit at its center with spicy cardamom and cinnamon. On the palate comes a taste of thick oak and bacon with sizable tannins.
A bit hot and crusty on the nose, with black fruit and herbal notes of olive and bramble. The palate is full but hard as nails, with a tannic bite that is wicked like a shark. Flavors are full and drying due to the tannins, with herbal accents. Finishing flavors of coffee and spice cement its dark, muscular status.
A restrained and somewhat backward reserve, this is hiding its fruit behind a dry, somewhat earthy, wall of tannin. There are interesting nuances of seed, leaf and stem, along with a base fruit flavor of raspberry/cranberry, and the wine persists into a slightly bitter finish, but it seems to be holding itself back. A second bottle was better, with a little more fruit.
A fine balance between green fruits and very fresh acidity and a ripe full, lightly oily texture. There is a fine citrus tang as well on this ripe full-bodied wine.
Lemon grass, lime and intensely crisp acidity identify the wine as definitely from the cool north of Portugal. A strong apple-skin texture dominates, leaving a wine that really needs shellfish type foods.
Calina usually makes a nice value Chardonnay, and this vintage is no different. The wine has a chunky dry-peach opening, which is backed by a round, smooth palate and flavors of sweet pear, baked apple and roasted corn. Honey and orange notes make cameo appearances. Good for the price.
Green, mildly vegetal and lightly tropical, with a tangy, acid-driven palate and citrusy, sharp flavors of grapefruit, tangerine and orange. Quick on the finish but sizzling, with an abundance of mouth-washing acidity. Very food friendly even toward the end of its prescribed lifespan.
The bouquet of cherry and raspberry is sprightly and mildly leafy, with hints of leather and dried cheese. The palate is whispy, with red-fruit flavors of raspberry and plum along with mild herbal notes, cocoa powder and dry spice. A basic, lighter-bodied Rioja with a traditional tilt.
Aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, juniper berry and dust are slightly sharp but do manage to fold together into a solid whole. The palate is correct, with green-leaning, semiherbal flavors of melon, papaya and mango. A good to above-average Albariño that should be drunk right away.
Spice and light berry aromas form a simple but welcoming bouquet. The palate is snappy, with reductive tannins and dry, earthy berry and herb flavors that suggest raspberry, plum and thyme. Easy and light on the finish.
Once you get past the herbal edge, there are nice red berry and fudgy chocolate brownie aromas and flavors that play together nicely. A touch of sweet spice appears after swallow to liven up the juicy fruit core. Drink now.
A simple Merlot that's priced fairly and is a little tannic at first, the fruit acting shy, but that opens into a fine Merlot that would go well with rich red meat. .
With its delicious petillance, this is an apple-fresh, dry Vinho Verde, with lively acidity as crisp as possible, ready to drink.
The white version of this popular Portuguese brand is soft, ripe and warmly fruity. Flavors are of fresh apples and green plums, with a lacing of lime juice.
On the dry side, this deliciously crisp Vinho Verde has all the right citrus acidity. It's bursting with lively fruits, just petillant in the mouth, with a crisp apple finish. Screwcap.
Light and basic Macabeo with melon and other sweet, mellow aromas. The palate is a bit flat in feel but otherwise there's nothing wrong. Tastes of light citrus, kiwi and white grapes. Chalky and slightly stony on the finish.
Attractive, softly fruity wine, with some citrus character as well as pear and apple juice. It is crisp, fresh, ready to drink. Winebow.
An unusual blend of Viura, Chardonnay and Moscatel with unusual aromas of mustard seed, gardenia and oily lemon extract. The palate is chunky and round, with soft, floral green fruit flavors. Mellow and smooth, with somewhat low acidity on the finish.
Soft, ripe-fruited wine, with strawberry flavors. It's soft, warm tasting, the fruit full-bodied.
Soft, fruity wine, with an earthy character. The wine has acidity and red fruits with a final fresh burst of ripeness. Not for aging, drink now.
One of the harder, more tannic wines from Argentina you'll come across. The nose has leafy, menthol aromas that are raisiny and rooty. The palate is like nails it's so tannic, while the flavors of cassis, prune and bitter chocolate are deep and good. Super tannic stuff.
Classic, crispy white berry- and lime-flavored wine. It is pierced with acidity, just touched by some softness. For great summer drinking.
Young, clean, fresh Vinho Verde, ready to drink, with refreshing acidity. It has crisp apples and citrus, with just some sweetness to round it out.
A soft, round Cabernet that's got leather, cedar and sage going on as well as heavy tannins and oak. Made from 100% organic grapes grown in Lake County, the wine reveals itself best after a bit of air.
Classic Nebbiolo aromas of red berry, underbrush, tilled soil, aromatic herb and spice lead the nose. The bracing palate offers dried black cherry, anisette, mocha, toast and grilled herb alongside extremely assertive tannins and brisk acidity. Drink 2019–2031.
Crushed rose, pressed violet, perfumed berry, sage and a balsamic note are just some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, black pepper and licorice alongside tightly knit tannins and the subtle warmth of alcohol. Give it a few more years to come together. Drink 2018–2016.
A field blend of 85% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante Bouschet and 4% Petite Sirah, this juicy, spicy wine is robust and full bodied. Blackberry syrup and black cherry combine around cinnamon and black pepper, finishing in a wave of power.
This opens with aromas of woodland berry, crushed herb and a whiff of well-integrated oak. The firm palate delivers dried Morello cherry, baking spice and mocha alongside firm, fine-grained tannin. It closes on a note of star anise. Drink 2016–2021 to capture the fruit richness.
Classic Albariño aromas of sea brine, tropical fruits, lees and dust precede a minerally lemony palate with tangy flavors of lemon, lime and gooseberry. This is a fresh clean example with a long stony citrusy finish.
Winemaker Rob Folin scores again, crafting a silky and sleek Pinot from the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Fig, plum and chocolate flavors are wrapped into a smooth and supple wine that is already heading towards maturity. It's delicious now, so there is no reason to wait on this one.
With its appealing toast and fruit aromas, this is a rich wine. It does keep plenty of steely texture while allowing the yellow fruits, ripe pear and toast to shine. In style it hovers halfway between the ripe, buttery Meursault of the past and the crisper style of today, a fine compromise and ready to drink now.
This appealing, youthful wine wraps bright raspberry fruit in a fragrant blanket of toasty oak. It's lively, detailed and impeccably fresh, with the balance to age gracefully through at least 2021.
Red berry, dried rose, truffle and a hint of scorched earth aromas come together on this solid, no-frills Barolo. The straightforward palate delivers wild cherry, ripe strawberry and a hint of cake spice alongside firm, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2016–2021.
This wine features a bouquet of cherry, pomegranate and freshly ground black pepper. It is well-balanced on the palate with flavors of pomegranate, strawberry, mace and anise. Smooth tannins are present into the bright yet lasting finish.
Cherry-berry and vanilla surround a soft, spicy core of high-toned red fruit. Mellowed with age, the tannins linger in perceived sweetness.
Aromas of baked plum are joined by earthy whiffs of truffle, leather, game and cured meat. The aromas carry over to the ripe, dense palate along with fleshy black cherry, anise, mocha and mint. Velvety tannins provide the framework while a confectionary note backs up the finish. Drink 2017–2022.
The nose is initially rather closed but eventually reveals dark berry, blue flower and brown baking spice. The ripe palate offers mature black cherry, coffee, cocoa, star anise and chopped sage alongside tightly packed tannins. Give this another two or three years to let the tannins unfurl, then enjoy.
Full bodied, buttery and spicy in aroma and oaky in flavor, this wine has a big, bold personality from the first whiff through the lingering finish. Complexity and body are its strong suits rather than fruitiness.
From vines planted in 1958 in an appellation that straddles both Sonoma and Mendocino counties, this is an intriguing, interesting wine, mostly varietal, with 8% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Floral, it veers into leather and game, with a juicy backbone of red cherry and berry and earthy, textured tannins.
A velvety, sinewy blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre from estate-grown and nearby vineyards, this wine offers a lot to like, from textured tannins to succulent blueberry and plum. Intense and floral, it finishes with an explosion of white pepper.
Fermented with roughly one-third whole clusters, this wine brings a juicy mix of blackberry and black-cherry fruit front and center, with the AVA's wet-stone minerality underneath. This young wine seems built for the wine cellar. If you plan to drink it sooner, give it an hour in the decanter. Drink 2020–2030.
This spent 18 months in 50% new French oak, which underscores its pretty berry/cherry fruit with a vein of dark chocolate. Dr Pepper and spicy herbs decorate a solid midpalate that flows into a lengthy finish with confectionary highlights.
Although this wine is listed as a white blend, the producer says the variety is Vernaccia, not found often in California. Light in alcohol and approach, it opens in a bouquet of waxy apple and Meyer lemon, followed by a medium-powered palate of pear. The finish is crisp and lean.
This offers aromas of toast, espresso, scorched earth, red berry, clove and a whiff of leather. The lean, tense palate offers dried cherry, grilled herb, anise, coffee and tobacco but not much fruit richness. Tightly wound, bracing tannins and nervous acidity provide the framework.
Dark plum and milk chocolate are the stars of this chalky, soft wine, almost entirely varietal, with a splash of Petit Verdot. Integrated oak helps make it approachable and fruit-forward, while the finish is subtle in fireplace smoke.
A twist of clove, fig and chocolate figure into this powerful, concentrated wine, with baked plum, tobacco and maple taking on secondary roles. It's full bodied and thick, so pair appropriately. It finishes in black pepper.
Plump blueberries, slate, gravel, turned earth and a light fennel character show on this wine, which comes in a custom bottle exclusive to the appellation's estate-grown Syrahs. The palate shows a lively acidity that briskly expresses the black pepper, black currant and espresso flavors.
Wild strawberry and a thicket of dense tannin belie a powerfully strong and elusive wine, still very much tightly wound, indicative of the vintage. A portion (35%) of the grapes were whole-cluster pressed, from tight-spaced, low-yielding vines. A little more oak was used than in most of the producer's other wines, helping to impart a spicy finish.
Raisin and white pepper aromas, ripe fruit, floral and spicy anise flavors and full body add up to a big wine in which the whole-cluster fermentation method can be tasted. The hearty flavors, complexity and firm tannins paint a unique picture, and this bottling makes a dramatic contrast in style from the “regular” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
All Pinot Noir, fermented in neutral oak and put through partial malolactic, this belongs in the rosé category. A pretty, pale-copper color, it offers a pleasing toasted-cracker frame around stone fruit and supple acids. Drink this chilled to white wine temperature.
An inky-black, syrupy-thick wine from 60-year-old head-trained vines, this fills the palate with a taste of blueberry cobbler aside a slab of bacon, a mix of both savory and sweet. Rich and ripe, it finishes awash in strong black coffee, ready to stow away in the cellar through 2020.
Honoring the 40th vintage for these vines, planted at Tualatin Estate in 1973, this elegant and subtle wine shows pinpoint varietal character. It charms immediately with scents of dusty baking spices and cherry pie. Flavors follow into a graceful and proportionate finish.
Big, powerful, dominated by dark tannins and dense fruit. The alcohol is apparent in the burnt rubber edge, although the richness of the fruit, with its bitter chocolate edge, does help to mask it. The acidity at the end gives freshness.
A firm, rather lean, stalky wine, dominated by black currant flavors. The tannins are dry, dense. This will show best with food, its firmness and tannic character cutting well with rich meat.
Flavors and aromas of tobacco, pepper and spice personify this organic wine from South Africa. Juicy, round fruit and a shot of elegant minerality keeps it all in check. A friendly, solid wine that's 88% Cabernet.
A soft, floral nose and round, fresh fruit flavors of pear and lemon recommend this affordable Chenin from Stellenbosch. A touch of minerality gives it lift while overall, the wine offers curvy character.
This Chard comes down on the citrusy side of things, with just enough nectarine flavors to round out the more angular lemon and lime notes. It's medium-bodied, but boasts plenty of acidity to give it zest on the finish.
Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines USA.
A good value, this Chardonnay delivers plenty of mouthfilling flavor for the price. Pineapple and melon fruit is tinged with a touch of mint, and while the flavors may be somewhat simple, at least they're assertive.
A little burnt and chemical up front, and soon after the nose turns to lemon and shoe polish as the oak takes over. Flavors of raspberry, cherry skins and plums have a true but hollow flavor, and for the most part this wine wears its personality on its sleeve. Which means it's good, for Valdepeñas but there aren't any hidden nuances.
Simple but solid, this Cab leads with a nose of smoked meat and pepper and follows it up with a balanced character of minerals, red fruit and wooded spice. Clean and well made, it will pair perfectly with smoked or grilled meats.
Unlike many of the kabinetts from 2006, this is a true kabinett-style wine, with modest levels of alcohol and sugar balanced by crisp acids. Mineral-diesel notes accent apple and mint flavors, and there's a hint of honey as well. Finishes fresh, if just a bit short.
This five-grape blend straddles the gamut of aromas and flavors. It starts with a flat, aged cheese and tobacco nose before opening to show cassis, raspberry and other solid fruit flavors. The finish is sturdy and lengthy, and overall it delivers a round feel and good expression.
Don't let a slight hint of burnt-match aroma bother you—just decant this wine to aerate it before serving. Crisp apple, pineapple and citrus flavors are fresh and straightforward, showing decent length and intensity.
Sweet and rich, verging on heavy, this is a rather soft kabinett, filled with ripe fruit flavors of pineapple, honey and melon. There's some slatey minerality hanging around the fringes to add complexity.
A fine, slightly mineral wine, packed with tight tannins, but also with the rich fruits of the vintage. It is well balanced, the acidity sitting easily with the sweet, jammy fruit flavors. Dryness and some austerity mark this wine as a fine partner for food.
Bright and simple, this has delicate aromas of white stone fruit. The easygoing palate offers white peach and fresh apricot alongside fresh acidity.
Grapes come from both the Knights Valley and Napa County for this wine, named by former model and Real Housewife Brandi Glanville. Bold as Brandi, it shows a hit of oak around thick waves of anise, vanilla and melon, ready for anything.
Soft notes of apple compote perfume the nose. The palate has the same soft but distinct freshness of ripe, juicy apple. The friendly aromas could do with more definition on the palate, but this is a simple, clean wine.
From a Lovall Valley location, this light white is intense in pear and peach, with a nuttiness to the strong, viscous foundation of oak. It finishes crisply like a twist of lime.
A hearty cradling of oak provides a tinge of vanilla sweetness here, before richer notions of apple pie and cinnamon tug at the wine's fuller-bodied core. It'll appeal to fans of this richer, riper style, while still finishing in a measure of acidity.
A steely mouthfeel and tight lemon and herb flavors make this full-bodied wine refreshing, dry and reserved. It will make a good accompaniment to shellfish or pasta.
A ripe, raspberry flavored wine that is crisp while also very fruity. It has attractive acidity and a refreshing, juicy aftertaste that is irresistible. Drink now.
A 50-50 blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas that recall Spanish broom and ripe orchard fruit. The bright, simple palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside fresh acidity.
This is a delicate wine, true to variety with musky scents and flavors of beetroot, cherry and cola. The only off-note is a hint of plastic in the aftertaste.
This unconventional, rather light-bodied wine has smoky, roasted herb aromas and broad cherry and black-pepper flavors that lighten up on the finish. The texture is pleasantly soft.
A dull nose leads to a slightly herbal, softly citrus-fresh palate. This wine is dry and fresh with a clean finish.
Fresh, bright aromas including raspberry and strawberry tag rich baking spices, and oak-induced maple syrup flavors for an appealing, jammy personality.
This is a 100% varietal wine, aged for 32 months, with one-quarter of the barrels being new oak. Grippy in red currant and cranberry, it has a thickness of tannin and slightly bittersweet, tobacco-like finish.
This opens with aromas suggesting pressed yellow flower, orchard fruit and an unusual whiff that recalls brimstone. The brisk palate offers yellow apple, citrus and a bitter medicinal note.
Not exactly worth 100 points as the label implies, but this wine is ripe and full flavored, smooth on the palate and almost soft in texture. It is medium bodied and very drinkable.
This is a crisply fruity wine, with tight acidity and a nervy texture. The citrus character dominates, leaving room for only hints of riper red fruits. The aftertaste continues the theme of crisp acidity.
This ruby-colored Romanian Pinot Noir has scents of black plum and red cherry and flavors of bright red cherry before a tart finish.
Lemon zest, citrus blossoms and peach aromas lead the way to tropical fruit flavors in this Romanian Pinot Grigio. It is light bodied with a crisp finish.
Aromas of banana, mango, and pineapple open to flavors of tropical fruit salad, mango and banana and a soft finish.
Pure red fruit seems to have a bruised apple edge. The palate is simple and easy-drinking and despite its pretty ruby color comes across as a rosé, with barely a touch of tannin. Chill this for a surprise at a party.
A distinctly aromatic nose tells of honeysuckle while the dry, light palate is sherbety and less defined. Drink this easygoing wine soon, while aromas are fresh.
A lovely, citrus-scented lightness governs nose and palate. The lemony streak counters the richer palate.
Earthy, leathery aromas and dense tobacco and cedar flavors make this wine a bit of a taste adventure. The mouthfeel is posh and finely tannic, and black cherry and dark chocolate notes kick in and last through the finish.
This is a good-time wine that's superrich and fruity. It's easy to drink and enjoy, uncomplicated and jammy in flavor and soft in texture.
The wine's very reserved nose requires patience to release the asphalt and blackberry jam aromas. Berry flavors show on the palate as does some asphalt and pepper. Everything feels balanced but it could use some more power and punch.
Aromas of orange zest, apple cider and yeast come in front of a plump, slightly wayward palate with citric acidity. Generic citrus flavors finish lemony but with acidic scour.
An attractive pale-salmon color, this 100% Cinsault rosé opens with soft scents of strawberry, pear, melon rind and earthy spice. The palate is lush, with fleshy fruit flavors that are balanced by ample acidity and a soft tannic astringency on the close.
This clean and relatively crisp wine has mild fruit-salad flavors and lively acidity. It's medium-bodied, not too assertive and should please a crowd.
Aromas of yellow flower, citrus and dried herb float out of the glass. The palate is a bit on the lean side, offering lime, grilled sage and bitter almond alongside zesty acidity.
This is a skin-contact wine, fermented on skins for a week, that displays the technique in its dark golden color. From there, it's ripe in a sweetness of baked pear, honey and dried apricot, while lean on the palate despite the fleshy nature of the fruit.
Subtle green notes highlight concentrated fruit in this wine. Drilling down, it's something akin to celery leaf alongside nectarine and ripe citrus. It's plump in the mouth, with a long, balanced aftertaste. Well done, from start to finish.
Equal parts Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine offers aromas of kiwi, spice and citrus that provide nuance and appeal. It's textured and full in feel, stretching out on the finish.
Overt oak, tobacco and earthy cherry and plum aromas create a nice bouquet on this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend. A loamy, plump palate is just firm enough, while herbal plum and cassis flavors finish with carob, coffee and vanilla notes. Drink through 2017.
This wine is lean on the nose and perfumed in honeysuckle and apple blossom. With its power in balance, the fruit can shine. Lemon and Gravenstein apple exude from the entry while a medium-toned structure buoys the subtle spicy notes of the oak, never letting them overtake the finish.
Woody fruit notes of elderberry and bramble meet with graphite and sagebrush on the nose of this block-designated bottling from the longtime growing family. Plums and cranberries get a serious juniper and pine-sap twist on the palate, laid across lots of loamy earth. The grippy character will soften and protect this wine, so drink 2018–2025.
The nose informs subtly about slight oak and freshly cut green and yellow apples. The palate is apple-fresh and rounded with a pleasant midpalate weight. Hints of smoke and hazelnut glint happily here and there, making for a very appetizing Pinot Gris—a world apart from the popular Italian style.
Earth mingles with freshly cut apple peel in an appetizing fashion, while both apple and earth remain a constant on the taut palate: It is lit up with fresh acidity and shows a pleasant apple-peel texture and a clean, lasting finish.
This wine is stunningly savory on the nose, with blackberry and blueberry fruit seasoned by melted chocolate mint, lush lilacs and a hint of caramel. The palate proves more tart than expected, but lively with licorice, dark coffee, boysenberry reduction and elderberry flavors.
Drenched with dark and rich fruit flavors as well as velvety and thick tannins, this is a bold and mouth-coating wine that still carries off a bit of polish. A hint of sweetness helps the immense structure soften around the edges and lets dark chocolate and cassis liqueur flavors come through. Drink now through 2020.
This is an inaugural release of this variety from the Mount George Vineyard in cool Coombsville, granted AVA status in 2011. Juicy and soft in blackberry and stone fruit, the wine is cradled by generous tannins and herbal tones. Full bodied, its sinewy structure suggests it would benefit from more time in bottle; cellar through 2022.
A faint but enticing notion of pink grapefruit plays on the nose, and there are floral nuances too. The palate is fruity and fresh and has an appealing, concentrated core of textured citrus zest, followed by a wonderfully clean finish.
On the western edge of the appellation, this vineyard provides a juicy, dusty core of full-bodied tannins and black cherry, a generous expression of ripe fruit with a complex edge. It finishes with touches of broth and tomato leaf.
From the winery that first popularized Petite Sirah in California, this vintage has vivid black-pepper aromas and a deep, inky color. Rich and concentrated flavors suggest pomegranate juice, blackberries and clove. Lavish and layered tannins give the texture an almost thick viscosity that coats the mouth for a lasting impression.
Blueberries and spice—think baking spices and cracked pepper—mingle easily in this medium-bodied, velvety-textured Syrah. Vanilla oak makes an appearance as well, but overall the wine is savory, with ample spice and structure. Drink now–2020.
Fleshy, ripe notes of yellow pear lead to a yeasty palate that fizzes with citric lift. Lively and fresh, light-footed, concentrated and energetic, this is a sip of Austrian life. The extra dollop of fresh acidity brightens the entire wine and makes for very appetizing, spicy drinking with a zesty finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine opens with reserved aromas of herbs and assorted barrel spices, with blackberry lurking in the background. The plimp black-fruit flavors have depth and immediate appeal.
This wine hails from two fine vineyard sources belonging to the Dutton family—Mill Station Vineyard and Shop Bloc—within the Green Valley AVA embedded within the boundaries of the Russian River. Dry and extracted, it exudes honeysuckle and jasmine around lush layers of lemon, ginger candy and melon.
Given plenty of time in bottle, this wine is drinking beautifully now, balanced and pillowy in texture. Vanilla-cherry and clove sit atop a note of graham cracker, lingering around smoky oak and a lengthy finish.
A waxy vein of petroleum cuts enticingly through juicy-sweet pink grapefruit and peach flavors in this dainty semisweet Riesling. It's vivaciously spry yet finishes long on a lingering lacy veil of sweetness. Drink now through 2022.
Loads of purple fruit and baked goods show on the nose of this 36% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache and 30% Syrah blend, reminiscent of blueberry pie and olallieberry-vanilla muffins. Flavors are plump and ripe, like blackberry cookie dipped in caramel-milk chocolate sauce. Fans of big Paso reds, rejoice.
Consultant Denis Dubourdieu has made the most of the difficult vintage, bringing out the fruit and ripe black-currant flavors. This balanced wine will develop attractively and quickly. Drink from 2019.
This is the second wine from Premier Grand Cru Classé estate La Gaffelière, made from a selection of vines and barrels. It is rich and very ripe with bold black-fruit flavors and a dark, firm structure. The wine is already in balance, showing that it will develop quickly and attractively. Drink from 2018.
Dark berry, baking spice, tilled soil and a hint of new leather aromas unfold on this polished, earthy red. The juicy palate tastes of black cherry, cinnamon, orange zest, and aromatic herb while its mineral vein is noticeable alongside smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2023.
Wild earth and forest floor surround elements of truffle, black tea and cardamom in this vineyard-designate, a savory and wholly compelling wine. Crisp orange blossom and orange peel buoy the minerality and sensation of crushed rocks and rose petals.
A gold color and flat nose are indicators that this doesn't have a lot of life to it. Creamy, baked, sweet aromas lead to a round, mellow palate with applesauce and creamy, lactic flavors. A sugary finish is low on acidic cut and is slightly cloying.
Air freshener and tropical aromas lead to a juice-like palate with green tannins. Lime, nettle and nopal flavors finish heavy.
No matter how you cut it, this blend of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenère is herbaceous and loaded with green notes and punches of eucalyptus. In the mouth, it's raw and grating, while flavors of eucalyptus and herbal black fruits lead to a hard, tannic finish.
This is light and fresh, with melony aromas. It's plump and waning on the palate, with a splash of citric acidity. Mealy nectarine flavors lead to a stalky finish that loses steam.
Mild aromas of apple cider bring no real aromatic gravitas. The feel is good but basic, with fresh acidity and wetness. Flavors of nectarine, peach pit and citrus finish dry, pithy and short.
This dark, extracted wine is firm in character. It has bitter coffee and licorice flavors, which rather elbow aside the fruit.
Aromas of tire rubber, eucalyptus and scratchy black fruits set up a shear, acidic palate with flavors of salty, herbal, somewhat sour berry and plum. A rough, scouring finish is par for the course.
This is a big, smoky Lodi Zinfandel, explosively jammy and thick with bacon flavor.
Aromas of orange blossom and pineapple juice are not substantial. In the mouth, this is chunky and plump, with oily peach and nectarine flavors mixed with some green bean. A heavy finish with little spine provides minimal cut and freshness.
Sugary and astringent, the unusual mix of flavors includes bark, brown sugar and grain. Nothing jells.
Despite the almost syrupy fruit and alcohol pushing 16%, the fruit scents are less than optimal, suggesting that perhaps the grapes were pushed too far. Along with notes of plant material, the alcoholic heat mars the finish.
This Primitivo gives off both ripe and green characteristics with a finish of vanilla, but it also comes off as slightly burnt.
Animal Cracker, Creamsicle and chemical aromas combine to create a difficult bouquet. This is a hollow wine with bland flavors of rubber band and apple. A strained, oddly oaky tasting finish does little to help.
This mild Sauvignon Blanc offers simple citrus and passion fruit aromas in front of an oily-feeling, pulpy palate. Flavors of vinaigrette, cactus and grapefruit finish with mealy lemon and orange notes.
This shows rustic aromas of barnyard and wet fur combined with espresso and toast. Despite a dense core of black fruit, this is bitter and astringent, with an abrupt finish.
Light vanilla and chunky tropical fruit aromas open this basic Chardonnay. The palate is weighty, while flavors of pineapple, mango and oak run sweet. On the finish, it falls off and doesn't hold up.
This Chardonnay opens with a strong blast of oak resin that frankly doesn't smell very natural or nice. The palate feel is heavy and mealy, while flavors of resiny oak and salt lack fruit. The finish is much the same: salty and oaky.
Soft aromas of sea shell, stone and mango appear in the bouquet. In the mouth, this is big and clumsy, with cidery flavors that continue onto the finish. Like many 2012 Chilean Chardonnays, this is overly ripe and not in the best balance.
Rich fruit, layered with acidity, stars in a wine that is dense, very much a product of the powerful 2005 vintage. With the concentrated tannins, this is showing that it needs to age, but already the sweet fruits are opulent and soft.
Firm and tense, this is a wine on the high wire. The tannins are stretched with acidity, the berry fruits and red cherry flavors vividly standing out against this structure. The aftertaste is fine, poised, mineral. This is developing into an important wine.
Dense, concentrated, solid, this wine shows the stern side of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The tannins are dry, very firm and rough at the edges. The fruit is just as edgy, with black, juicy plums surrounded by smoky wood and tobacco. The wine needs to age, although it will always have a solid, structured character.
In its early stages of evolution, this wine offers mainly stoniness, firm acidity and a hard- edged structure. Of course it will soften, but this will likely remain a tannic wine, the fruit always edged with acidity, for many years. It is potentially a great wine that just needs patience.
This is 100% Cab Franc, and Chandler Reach has a particular talent with this grape. This is almost jet black, saturated with color, and it goes deep with sweet, ripe black cherry and black olive flavors. The dark stuff is balanced by fresh acid, well-modulated tannins and a finish with pleasing texture and balance. It's muscular, herbal and smooth, with hints of coffee in the finish. Tastes even better after being open for 24 hours.
The blend includes 3% Cab Franc; which added some aromatics. Normally Chandler Reach wines are pure varietals; in this instance the Franc rounded out the midpalate and ramped up the scents. There's a firm streak of mineral, iron and anise. With cheese and smoked meats, sweetness emerges.
Bargain hunters need not apply, but if you're looking for a pricey but serious Argentine red, the '06 Magdalena Toso is a fine place to begin. At 70% Malbec and 30% Cab, it's stout, dark and rich. Aromas of coconut and mint announce new French oak, while the density and purity of the blackberry and plum fruit is commendable. Finishes long and ripe, with spice, prune and leather. Good acidity ensures that it will age well for three to five years.
With its pungent scents of cracked pepper and potent berry aromas, this is not a shy Shiraz. On the palate, it delivers an intriguing blend of vanilla and berries, marked by more sauvage elements of peppercorn and grilled beef, all wrapped in a sturdy, well built package of ample weight, adequate acidity and dusty tannins. Drink now–2020. Imported by Tom Eddy Wines.
This shows the proper attention to structure that is the inheritance of any Nuits-Saint-Georges. But around that structure, Gilles Jayer builds a velvet curtain of ripe black fruits, touched with spice and leavened with acidity. It's a wine that is delicious now, but certainly should be aged.
A lively, fresh wine that gives joy, with its delicious sweet red fruits. It fills the mouth with freshness, as well as showing some tense tannins. The aftertaste continues this vibrant theme, with sweet acidity and ripe fruit.
From its privileged position right next to the grand cru of La Tâche, Aux Malconsorts has produced a heady, perfumed wine, relatively delicate, relying on its succulent red fruits to give body. It is on the sweet side of Pinot Noir, jammy with red berry flavors, and already delicious.
This is a great find in this category. Gentle, floral notes of honey and apple mark nose and palate. The light body gives a charming, almost delicate character to this well-balanced and refreshing sweet wine.
A whiff of crushed chalk lends some complexity to this crisp refreshing Riesling full of fresh apple, tangerine and lemon flavors. Off-dry on the palate, it's a juicy widely appealing wine for youthful consumption.
Well integrated in terms of barrel use (listed as 60% used French oak and 40% new), this features a robust exuberance of fruit, from Asian pear to Meyer lemon. Spicy with a touch of nutmeg and ginger, it hones a fine line of minerality throughout.
Sourced from old-vine Wädenswil clones, this effort carries the new Elkton AVA designation. Pretty raspberry and strawberry fruit is set in lightly toasty tannins. This is a lovely everyday Pinot Noir with some density.
Tropical fruit aromas are suggestive of bath soap and body oil. This feels obtuse, with depth and an oily sensation to the palate. Chunky, ripe, oily flavors of melon and orange finish loud and ripe, with a deeper set of tropical fruit flavors than your average Argentine Torrontés.
Lush aromas of black cherry, vanilla, kola nut and blackberry fudge pack lots of action into this bottling. The palate confirms the complexity, with blueberry and black cherry backed by pipe tobacco, dried marjoram and a pencil lead-driven structure.
Sourced from 35-year-old Wente clone vines, this offers bright apple with hints of peach. It's medium bodied and streaked with flavors of caramel and butterfinger candy.
Floral scents float above a chunky, cherry-fruited, single-vineyard wine. It's quite refreshing, with appealing texture and underlying minerality that compensates for the overall impression of palate lightness. Drink now through 2018, while the freshness remains at its peak.
A dusty, cigar-smoke character on the nose of this blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon spices up aromas of strawberry fruit and rotting roses. The palate combines complex cranberry fruits with Kalamata olive, thyme and pencil lead.
Offering fine flavor for the price, this release emphasizes spice over fruit, with a sharp, slightly herbal edge. Crisp apple and pear show ginger highlights. Drink this lightly chilled with some spicy Thai food.
The winery's entry-level bottling, this offers turned earth, juniper, cola and ripe red cherries on the nose. The cherries carry to the palate, where they meet with tangy cranberries, oregano-thyme herbs and grippy plum skin tannins that last into a solid finish.
Crisp and fresh aromas of lime sorbet and iced apple flesh greet the nose on this Riboli family bottling. The palate is steely and bright, with Anjou pear flesh, a bit of smoke and some red-apple ripeness.
Fresh-pressed blackberry aromas leap out of the glass of this wine, along with asphalt and a touch of purple flowers. The palate is a study of density and thickness, with black plums, coffee and espresso showing most out of the deep, black flavors.
This is a rich wine dominated by ripe Alicante Bouschet that gives some firm tannins as well as juicy red berry fruits. It is ripe, well balanced and likely to age well over the next few years. Drink from 2017.
Broad aromas of seared lemons, white peach and nectarine are given nuance with a bit of quinine on this entry-level bottling. Stewed lemons and apple-custard flavors show on the plush and pillowy palate, cut with an acidic sizzle.
This easy-to-enjoy wine from the family of Silver Oak has lots of vanilla and fruit flavors and a broad but soft mouthfeel. Hints of cinnamon and red cherries come out on the palate and linger on the finish.
One of the more reliable, big-production brands in the market right now, this wine shows fresh white flowers, with just a dollop of vanilla butter and a touch of wet stone on the nose. There is decent verve to the evenly presented and light palate, with flavors of cooked apples and sea salt.
This blends almost-sweet fruit flavors of strawberry and red cherry with savory and spicy notes, making a nicely complex and multi-dimensional, medium-bodied wine. It's smooth and fruity, with no harsh tannins.
Gritty plum and currant aromas are basic but fresh. Ditto the palate, which shows acidic scratch but not too much. Prickly lightly oaked cherry and plum flavors end with scratchy freshness, lean tannins and lasting berry notes.
Spicy, oaky aromas grab attention, followed by black plum and cherry flavors and a firm structure of tannins and acidity. This is full bodied and rather powerful in both flavor and mouthfeel.
Tart tangerine and grapefruit notes seem to be glazed with honey in this simple yet fresh and easy-quaffing Riesling. It's off-dry in style with a brisk, thirst quenching gulpability. Enjoy now.
This off-dry Gewürztraminer opens with a powerful bouquet of bergamot, violet and rose perfume that seeps into the palate. The aromatics are a bit overwhelming, but bright tangerine flavors stand up well. It's a light-footed wine that finishes briskly.
Seductive trails of smoke, cinnamon and char on the nose lead to a palate that's ruddy and rich in black cherry and plum flavors. Supple and plush, it spreads languidly on the palate, finishing with nuanced touches of smoked meat and game.
Tangy and mineral, this is a crisp apple- and citrus-driven wine, full of fruitiness while also having a tight texture. Its acidity just adds to the generally ripe character of the wine. Drink now.
Plum, slate and cherry blossoms show on the nose of this wine, grown along the Foxen Canyon corridor. Red fruit and hibiscus highlight the top of the sip, followed by brick minerality, bright acidity and a spice that leans toward anise.
This wine shows smooth red fruit that is light and generic, with modest weight and an earthy flavor. The wine spent a bit of time in 25% new oak, though it doesn't show up in the flavors.
This is a solid Verdejo with stony aromas of citrus fruits, grapefruit in particular. A palate with citric acidity creates a fresh platform for orange and grapefruit flavors. A round plump finish with briny citrus flavors is a good ending.
Taut, young and laced with accents of bitter greens, the fruit is peppery and sharp, with plenty of backing acidity. Tannins are proportionate and well managed, while the finish is short, showing mostly acid and herbal components.
A delicate and more nuanced wine that needs a little bit more attention to unearth all its complexities. A soft chalky minerality and dried thyme herbality complement the soft white peach and plantain aromas. The tangy, medium-weight mouth shows more lemony cirtus notes, supporting flavors of white currant and flowers. The finish is clean and brisk, leaving you ready for more. Drink now.
Spicy and completely dry, this fresh and fruity rosé is a pretty strawberry and salmon shade, with persistent flavors of cherry candy, lemon oil and nougat. There's a nice citrus snap to the finish.
At its peak now, so you may actually want to wait for the release of the 2010. If not, this wine delivers crisp green-apple aromas, vanilla and soda cracker. The palate is crisp but not assaulting like a splash of battery acid, and the flavors of apple, saline and minerality are true to Txakoli. Finishes like zesty apple cider; drink immediately.
Rich and round, the wine boasts ripe toast and creamy pear and peach fruit. The lemon touches give point to this full wine, adding attractive freshness.
True to the vintage, this is a rather hard and chewy Cabernet, yet it captures both varietal and vintage character in a style that is ready for that sizzling steak off the grill. Lightly herbal, with black cherry, cassis, coffee and bitter chocolate streaks, it's a firm and well-balanced wine with the potential to age over the next decade or so.
The use of 75% new oak applies a thick coating of vanilla over the fruit, which nonetheless is in plentiful supply, sweet, sappy and delicious. Immense black cherry and cassis turns a bit liquorous in the mouth, with streaks of tobacco, lots of vanilla and some finishing heat.
A wine that seems designed for some aging, with youthful green fruits, a vibrant texture of apple juice and good depth of flavor.
Phinny Hill is in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington, a prestigious location near Champoux and other high end growers. This Carmenère has 5% Syrah added, but the varietal character dominates, with strong green leaf and herb flavors. The tannins are woody and the fruit fragrant with blackberry and cassis. Good varietal expression is the hallmark of this wine.
Delicious freshness here, with crisp fruits, citrus and apple and a touch of caramel. Very fresh, great acidity, hints of mineral and flint.
Closed and funky out of the bottle, but time allows the wine to round into form. As it does that, oak and coffee aromas emerge from the schisty bouquet, while the palate is mocha-infused and loaded with dark, masculine fruit. Arguably a little woody and resiny, but there's no challenging the wine's power, integrity and Priorat character.
There's three words you need to know to understand this wine: vanilla, vanilla and vanilla. Sure, there are some hints of coffee, and just enough plummy, blackberry fruit to support the heavy-handed oak, but this is Shiraz of a distinct style. If you like lavishly oaked wines, this one is for you.
This is a serious Kosher Cab. Medium garnet in color with intense aromas of blackberry, dark plum and cherry accented by notes of cigar box and licorice. The mouth offers a similar mélange of flavors, with a full and lush texture and gripping tannins. Long, lingering finish. Enjoy now through 2012.
Kason's Barrel Select brings a lot of muscle and weight for the price. The fruit is packed and powerful, a mélange of cherries, plums and spice. It's a bit sharp and high-toned, nicely balanced, and persistent, with a peppery finish.
In keeping with the rest of the range from Azamor, this is an elegant wine, where the tannins and the red and black berry fruits stay firmly in check behind a mineral edge and fresh acidity. The wine now has some good age, and shows fine integration.
Blended with 15% from the Mornington Peninsula, this is a medium-bodied, supple Shiraz with enough crisp acidity for balance. The aromas are dark and loamy, but the palate surprises with red raspberries and darker, earthier, meatier undercurrents. Drink 2010–2018.
Once again the Spofford Station fruit shines; this is muscular, fully ripe, textural and dense with a seamless mix of red, blue and black fruits that sails effortlessly into the ripe tannins. The underpinning of firm acid and the hints of dill-flavored spice (from a percentage of American oak) serve to expand the wine in the mouth, adding breadth and depth. It finishes a bit chalky and sour, but otherwise has a lot of positives.
This winery always seem to offer a more European style of Shiraz, combining slightly earthy, dusty notes with savory hints of spiced meat and fresh dark-berried fruit. The 2004 shows a fair amount of complexity allied to firm tannins and crisp acids, and will probably require another 4–5 years to show its best.
This blend of 60% Malvasia and 40% Trebbiano boasts caramel, candied ginger and pine nut aromas. The concentrated, polished palate doles out candied apricot, maple syrup and toasted almond flavors, with a touch of carob.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this elegant red boasts classic varietal aromas such as violet, red berry and new leather. On the bright, sleek palate, cinnamon and Mediterranean herb accent a juicy core of Morello cherry and crushed raspberry fruit. It's nicely balanced, with polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2025.
Lively cherry juice, hibiscus, wet clay and mint aromas show on the nose of this estate bottling. There is a bright acidity on the palate, presenting assertive raspberry and plum flavors along with freshly turned soil.
A breezy zingy nose of lemon makes for a very refreshing proposition. The palate does not disappoint and continues in the same tart-but-ripe citrus fashion. The sharp freshness on the dry palate makes the citrus notes shine even more. This is utterly refreshing and totally moreish.
This all- Cabernet Franc bottling opens with cassis, mocha, graphite and bell pepper aromas. The concentrated palate delivers black currant, raspberry jam, clove and oak-derived spice flavors, with assertive but polished tannins. Drink through 2023.
Lovely aromatics greet you from the moment the cork is pulled, showing a brambly blend of black cherry, cassis, cola and a whiff of dusty barnyard. The tannins are well structured with a black-tea finish. Drink now through 2025.
From a vineyard surrounded by the region's iconic estates, this study of Pommard and 667 clones used 60% whole cluster and 20% new oak to produce black raspberry, alpine strawberry, chipped slate, dewy bay leaf and vanilla aromas. Bright cranberry and pomegranate juice shows on the palate, which is lifted by a potpourri of eucalyptus and thyme, proving lively and refreshing.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are schisty and suggestive of burnt toast. An edgy fresh agile palate is a touch choppy, while flavors of peppery black fruits and desert herbs and brush finish crisp, focused and not too heavy. Drink through 2024.
Dense ripe black-fruit aromas are moderately spicy. In the mouth, this blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon is stout and rugged, much like Griñon's other 2011s. Flavors of ripe blackberry and cassis finish with chewy tannins and an overriding sense of ripeness. Drink through 2023.
Earthy plum and leather aromas fold in notes of prune, rubber and oak. This shows a firm grip, tomato-like acidity and a layer or two of complexity. Peppery, toasty plum, oak and spice flavors are integrated into a quality whole, while this Carignan-Garnacha blend finishes long, dry, peppery and elegant. Drink through 2020.
There almost is the slightest touch of lovely Poire William spirit on the nose. This is a lovely pear-scented, dry wine of immense fruitfulness. A homely earthiness counteracts this and makes for a concentrated, medium-dry but mellow palate. The finish is off dry, lasting and mouthfilling. There is something immensely satisfying about this.
The lift of heady aroma precedes the pear-fruited and herbal tisane-scented nose. The palate is gentle and has that same herbal softness. The fruit is rich with residual sweetness and characterized as ripe pear. This is balanced by zesty, pleasantly bitter citrus. The effect is of harmonious, gentle and generous balance. This mature Pinot Gris is now perfectly à point. Its flavors linger long and pleasantly.
From a site composed of sandy Goldridge soil, this white is tremendously floral, showing off the Gewürztraminer-like flamboyance of the musqué clone. It's equally exotic on the palate, its dense, gravelly texture offset by vibrant acidity, needing a swirl or two in the glass to resolve.
This excellent boutique brand is slowly expanding, doubling the production of the estate wine in 2014, and adding two new vineyards to the mix in 2016. Consistent from vintage to vintage is the elegance and depth of detail, beginning with subtle, entwined fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry. Hints of dried herb, cigar box, and a touch of chocolate come up through the finish. The tannins are proportionate, though still a bit astringent, suggesting a few more years of bottle age would be beneficial.
This fascinating, distinctive wine has a frame of grapefruity citrus around peppery pomegranates. It's well knit, textural, and finishes with more citrus rind phenolics. It's sleek and polished, though not a opulently fruity as the listed alcohol might suggest.
Ripe heady aromas of black cherry, licorice and fir tree are lightly herbal, foresty and on the money. This feels tight as a box of nails, with firm tannins. Black plum, black cherry, blackberry and peppery flavors finish toasty and dark. This has a lot of life left in it. Drink through 2024.
Made of 60% Trebbiano and 40% Malvasia, this opens with acacia honey, ripe Annurca apple and hazelnut aromas that carry over to the vanilla-inflected palate. Don't dip your cookies in this one; it's more of a vino da meditazione.
This big, bold blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot and smaller amounts of Malbec and Merlot is powerfully built, with firm, integrated tannins that feel chalky and dusty. Black currant and cherry flavors dominate, with waves of tobacco and dark chocolate leading to a soft, lingering finish. This will cellar well, to be enjoyed 2023–2028.
Medium-bodied, crisp and firmly tannic, this Cabernet still needs a few years to come into full bloom. Cassis, leather and vanilla notes merge together on the finish, joined by dusty tannins. Cellar until 2020.
Light in color yet meaty on the palate, this is a youthful, tightly-wound red, firm in tannin and oak. The fruit profile is subtle, allowing spicier characteristics of cardamom and clove to shine.
This blend of 48% Counoise, 38% Mourvèdre and 14% Grenache shows gravel, dried cherry, hibiscus and charred wood scents on the lively, fresh nose. Cooked cherry notes are dusted with vanilla and clove on the palate, where tart plum skin flavors the tannic backbone, and a smoky bacon fat finish makes it all the more delicious.
This appellation blend is a great introduction to the winery's style. It offers hibiscus, shiitake mushroom, cinnamon stick and sagebrush on the nose and is bright yet smoky on the palate, recalling roasted pork, cranberry sauce and earthy, meaty flavors.
This 100% Syrah wine opens with ripe black-skinned fruit, roasted coffee, leather and cedar aromas. The full-bodied, concentrated palate offers dried blackberry, espresso, white pepper and star anise flavors, bolstered by ample, polished tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
Made of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, this offers heady black currant, plum and clove aromas. The smooth, juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors, with smooth, silky tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Losada is known for its red Mencía, but this Godello debut is well done. A waxy floral nose with apple and stone-fruit aromas sets up a round full balanced palate with bold acidity. Salty notes accent peach and apple flavors, while this displays grip on a lingering finish. Sophisticated is a good way to describe this.
This polished 100% Pinot Nero wine opens with enticing red cherry, baking spice, blue flower and balsamic notes. The elegant palate delivers red raspberry and wild strawberry fruit laced with cinnamon. It's nicely balanced, with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2020.
Lovely notes of crisp apples make for a very friendly nose. The palate comes in with immense freshness that is nonetheless tempered by a balm-like rounded texture that couches Riesling's freshness in seamless fluidity. The palate remains dry and is colored with red and green apple, lemon and tangerine. The finish is dry and wonderfully lip smacking.
You'll find ripe plum, forest floor, exotic spice, menthol and espresso aromas in this structured red. The palate is bright and linear with youthful tension, delivering red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and anise notes set against compact, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2030.
This is a silky-smooth and integrated wine, with firm, structured tannins that provide support without distracting. A wealth of brawny baked berry, tar and chocolate flavors reveal themselves over time, while subtle, deep clove and dried herb scents lie beneath.
Here on display are all the elegance, finesse and ultimate power possible in wines from this exceptional AVA. Tart raspberry fruit, stiff tannins and supporting acids are nuanced with citrus, herb and a light touch of vanilla. Drink this from 2020 to 2030.
Traditional oak-based aromas of mint, dill, tobacco, vanilla and coconut sit on top of tarry black-fruit scents. In the mouth, this is a snappy, tight, structured wine with flavors of oak, coffee, licorice, spice and blackberry. It's stylish on the finish, with toasty, peppery flavors that linger for a good, long while.
Spicy and substantial, this authoritative Riesling snaps into tight focus around apple and melon flavors. Hints of clove and ginger add complexity.
Full bodied and fruity, the 2010 estate Syrah from Va Piano is rounder and less herbal than the 2009. Which style you enjoy is a matter of individual preference. Big and approachable, with lovely blueberry fruit, the 2010 seems to stop a bit short, but with more bottle age may reveal details that are currently in hiding.
Made from Lava Cap's estate grapes, with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc, this is a bright, earthy Barbera. Rustic and juicy with mouth filling plum and blackberry pie flavors, it's not shy, but entirely balanced, a treat for seekers of California Barbera.
Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable bouquet. The palate is juicy and fresh, with substance and structure in support of blackberry, spice cake and licorice flavors. The finish is long, with slightly rubbery flavors.
Charred oak, maple, tobacco and berry aromas are full and clean. The palate is solid but not so polished and smooth that there's no edge to things. Flavors of mocha and leather support core black-fruit notes, and then vanilla rushes in on the finish and takes over. Drink now through 2014.
Smoky mineral notes add a mysterious tone to elegant stone fruit on the nose and palate of this dry, steely Riesling made collaboratively by three leading Finger Lakes wineries: Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt. It's focused, but has a supple fleshiness that's both intense and enjoyable.
Exotic melon and pineapple flavors are accented by hints of chalk and powdered sugar on this brisk yet penetrating Riesling. Light on its feet with a textural, almost feathery, mouthfeel, it's an incredible steal at $12.
Almost everything about this wine is right on the money, from bouquet and flavors to feel and price. The nose is sweet and floral, with deep, alluring berry aromas. The palate offers a fine texture, with pure, layered blackberry, cola and spice flavors. Satisfying on the finish and complete.
This wine boasts a lovely nose redolent of dried apricots and bergamot, with fresh, mossy hints on the background. On the palate, it's medium bodied, not overly sweet or concentrated but with clean melon and citrus flavors that finish clean and fresh.
Forward and immediately delicious, this has a mix of peach, pear, apple and the more expected red fruits; it's a wild panoply of fruit flavor, with balancing acids and tannins. Round, forward, full bodied and textural, it is a uniquely flavorful wine with distinctive fruit-laden profile.
Tart and slender, this is deceptive; at first it seems a little thin, but as it opens in the glass into a succulent, well-defined, racy wine with citrus and peach, mineral and herb. It's not delicate, but its muscularity is concealed behind elegant styling.
Here's a Bordeaux-style blend to snap up if you're lucky enough to find it. It's a definite re-issue in that it was first released at $25 in 2006 but was put back on the market last year at $15. And what a bargain it is: Earth, tar and tobacco vie with dried cherry and raspberry on the nose and palate; the finish is long, elegant and dry. A mature, classy wine to drink now.
Fruit from this Willamette Valley sub-AVA usually shows an herbal side, and here it is nicely melded into a fruit mix of melon, berry and pear. It sounds oddly like a white wine, but it's not; and the color and scents are clearly varietal. Penetrating and sharp, with excellent definition.
A real success in a challenging vintage, this is a meaty, flavorful, well-built Pinot Noir. The fruit is a mix of berries, especially strawberry, with accents of peach, cola, earth, sassafras and cinnamon. The wine keeps on going; it doesn't wimp out or turn bitter. It's interesting now, but should develop even more flavor with some years of cellaring.
Slightly mulchy at first, with coffee grinds, leafy notes and mildly soupy red-fruit aromas. Airing helps it out, and it evolves into a sweet, herbal wine with baked berry fruit flavors and olive accents. Standard Chilean Cabernet that's a touch syrupy and herbal.
Tomato, savory spice and earthy, mildly stewed red-fruit aromas lead to a crisp palate with firm acids and flavors of tomato, raspberry, herbs, vanilla and dried cheese. Lasting but light on the finish. Contains 30% Gracianio, which helps explain the sheer, red-fruit character.
This is a relatively lightweight Costières de Nîmes, despite being 100% Syrah. Modest cherry and black pepper notes are pretty enough, just lack intensity and fade a bit quickly on the finish.
On the lighter side of the Côtes du Rhône spectrum, with a slightly briary note to the cherry fruit. Turns more olivaceous on the silky-textured finish. Drink now.
A tad cloying on the nose with pungent orange-flavored tea, bruised apple and billowing florals, this bright lemon yellow Viognier is broad and full bodied with lots of fresh orange and lemon peel notes and a hint of spice.
Bright red fruits achieve a decent amount of ripeness, but unfortunately, there's not a lot of concentration. The spice-laced finish is long, aided by soft tannins and notes of leather, tobacco and earth.
The mocha, toasted oak and sugared violet scents are lovely. There's a fairly good core of black fruit and creamy mocha on the palate as well, but green leaves and tomato peek through the midpalate, accompanied by some gripping grape tannins. The finish is marked by tart sour cherry and some floral notes.
On the nose, high-toned pineapple and tropical fruit dominate Casa Larga's Gewürz. The palate is refreshing but simple with lots of apple juice flavors laced with a hint of wax and jasmine blossoms.
Made solely from old-vine Carignan, this wine does stand out as being unique among a flight of Costières de Nîme wines. It's slightly pruny, marked by dried fruit, leather and clove, turning a touch metallic on the finish.
An okay wine that's light in color and aromatics, traceable in part to its cooler-climate heritage (95% of the grapes were grown in Mendocino, the rest in Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara), which does give it some subtly pleasing red fruit and spice notes. But 2008 was also for much of Mendocino a vintage from hell and this wine may in truth be reflecting that year's challenges.
On the nose, this full of spice, char, and black fruit with a hint of barnyard. There's a hint of green bramble, however, that persists on the soft black cherry palate as well, adding a sour, stalky note in the mid palate.
Less successful than some previous bottlings under this label, the 2008 seems earthier and less fruit-forward, with coffee and tree bark notes dominating this medium-bodied wine. The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre.
This négociant wine, made at a large custom crush facility in Mattawa, Washington, shows traces of the crisp fruit and lively flair of more substantial efforts. But it feels a little faded, and falls a little flat. Not bad, just vin ordinaire.
Smoky aromas on a wine that is curiously lacking in flavor. It is soft, light, missing acidity, just hinting at pear fruits. Boring could be a word.
Dry, minty and spicy, with cool, lightweight berry and cola aromas. The palate is fairly light and easy, with lean red-fruit flavors, dry spice and a creamy tasting accent. Spice more than fruit carries the finish. Pedestrian wine that's competent.
Light and fruity, with cherry notes and touches of clay-like earthiness. Simple and clean, and priced accordingly.
Lovingston's medium-bodied Bordeaux Blend is pleasantly grapy on the nose with an undertone of darkly toasted oak, nuts and savory spices. The palate holds a decent amount of black fruit, but with a green, underripe vein and fairly high level of acidity and tannins.
Like most bargain Chilean Cabs, the wine is a bit green and herbal, with scratchy red-fruit aromas helping it along. The palate has reasonably good depth and saturation, with flavors of roasted berry, stewed fruits, tobacco and green veggies. Good but challenged.
The low-level “good” rating is more a reflection of the wine's age than its core qualities. It's flat and wayward now, with no real direction to the nose or palate. It tastes bland and semisweet, with dying acids and simple flavors of apple and melon. Go with the '09, then look for the '10.
A rough and tumble blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It starts out with forceful, cheesy oak that gives way to dark plum, bramble and oak-resin flavors, while the finish shows tannin and tomato leaf flavors. It's full, tough and different from all the polished, international wines that dominate the marketplace.
This is the first wine made from Oregon grapes by this southern California winery. But one can't help but wonder if shipping fruit all the way down the coast might bang it up a bit. For whatever reason, this wine tastes fractured, metallic and chalky. There is a core of black cherry, but it seems surrounded by gun-metal flavors, which stick to the palate and abruptly shut down the finish.
An ordinary but competent Rioja. The fruit is light but young and fresh; the palate touches on raspberry and plum. A bit of mineral and natural bitterness work the finish, and overall this is a no-complaints kind of $10 wine.
A fresh, green apple-and-cream style of wine, made to be drunk young. It's crisp, lively and light with a touch of pepper and spice. Screwcap.
With its integrated nose of violet, spice and berry, and its balanced flavors of pepper, mocha and coffee, this wine has an ageable appeal. It's a touch dry, but the tannins are sturdy, the finish long and the overall package impressive. Pair with venison, veal or even cioppino for added value.
This is a fresh, approachable style of Viogner, offering a combination of apple, honey and toast on the nose and balanced flavors of curvy fruit and flowers on the palate. The viscous mouthfeel and lingering finish give the wine an opulent appeal. Not terribly complex, but good overall.
Orange peel, anise and honey aromas come before a honeyed, soft palate. Flavors of orange, honey and melon are wan, with little finish. This tastes manufactured more than natural.
There is a curious conflict between the creamy texture of this wine and the tight, tangy acidity. For a wine that is meant to be drunk young, it doesn't hold together, although the green fruits at the back are attractive. Drink now.
This is so ripe it smells like raisin extract and prune juice. A murky, stewy palate and overt raisiny flavors finish with a rubbery, tannic feel. Acceptable but with glaring weaknesses.
Soapy, floral aromas are more like those of a scented candle than most Malbecs. Next is an astringent, raw palate with sketchy plum flavors and bitterness to the finish. This doesn't taste convincingly natural.
Oily citrus, apple and mealy grapefruit are not particularly pleasant aromas. This is heavy and sticky, with overweight citrus and mango flavors. A melony, sulfuric finish brings the close.
This smells distinctly of rubber and little else. Unbalanced and flat in feel, with fleshy citrus and cranberry flavors, this gives off a skins-like sensation as it finishes.
Despite its lighter color, this wine explodes from the glass with a complex, near-endless list of aromas that include sea breeze, crushed flowers, peat, green olive, fire pit, smoked meat, pepper, orange peel and sea salt. Its ethereal, elegant style belies the outrageously rich, exquisitely flavorful savory notes that won't quit, offering a completely captivating walk on the variety's wild side.
It takes some time to open up but when it does, this wine reveals perfumed aromas of potpourri, green olive, savory spices, peat, pepper and mineral. The palate is equal parts light and dense with almost chewy, savory flavors that won't quit.
Aromas of dried herbs, green olive, grilled asparagus and smoke lead to intensely concentrated savory flavors with a flat-out dazzling mouthfeel. It's a knockout that overloads the senses.
Arresting and perfumed, this wine displays aromas of stargazer lilies, fire pit, tapenade and smoked meat, displaying exquisite nuance and detail. Flavors are intensely rich yet light in their styling, with a savory and floral finish that continues as long as you care to count. It displays a rare sense of delicacy and intensity that is breathtaking.
An aromatic tour de force, this perfumed wine offers hypnotic notes of flowers, green olive, asparagus, sea breeze, mineral, peat, smoke flowers and an earthy funk, showing layers of complexity. The palate's lithe frame belies the richness of the smoke, fire pit and grilled meat flavors that linger.
A fantastic combination of power and finesse, this opens with aromas of under brush, ripe plum, truffle, leather, smoke and a balsamic note. The firm, delicious palate delivers fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and mocha. Velvety tannins support the juicy flavors.
Aromatically this wine is not yet entirely ready to reveal its charms, with reserved notes of mineral, smoked meat, olive brine, fire pit, peat and crushed flowers. The generous earth and savory flavors feel rich and full, leading to a lengthy finish.
This is a tiny-production blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc, the latter sourced from Detert East Vineyard along the Oakville bench, the former from Hendry Ranch in western Napa. Made by Genevieve Janssens, it has an old-world soul with plenty of California complexity, balanced in woody notes of coconut flake and black cherry, the tannins are fine-grained and integrated. A simply gorgeous wine.
Locked up tightly on first pour, this wine shows brooding aromas of black pepper, smoked meat, brown stems, olive and herbs. It explodes across the palate with rich yet elegant, nuanced savory flavors that lead to a hyperextended finish. It will be best after 2020.
Sizzling lemon and Asian pear-tinged acidity give this wine an electricity on the palate that finds its companion in the richer overtones of racy cardamom and nutmeg. The 40% new French oak imparts structure and spice rather than an overt influence, letting the complex stone minerality and depth of fruit linger on the finish.
This arresting wine delivers aromas of fresh-ground coffee, sweet spices, licorice, dark fruit, pencil box, bay leaf, black currant and smoke, showing so much nuance you want to just keep on sniffing. The palate brings inky, dense, seamless dark fruit flavors and beautifully integrated tannins. It's completely irresistible now—a flat out stunner—but promises to have a long life in the cellar.
Aromas of leather, tilled soil, black-skinned fruit, spice and a balsamic note slowly take shape on this classically crafted, full-bodied red. The smooth, delicious palate doles out ripe wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and clove alongside firm but ripe tannins. Hold for complexity. Drink 2016–2025.
This gorgeous wine boasts alluring scents of fragrant blue flower, wild berry, sun-baked earth, leather and a balsamic note. The linear, structured palate shows depth and finesse, delivering juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, strawberry, clove, white pepper and tobacco. This is one of the best and freshest showings from the torrid 2011 vintage. Drink 2016–2026.
A wine glass can hardly contain this lightly colored wine's generous aromas of black olive, sea salt, crushed flowers, orange peel, black pepper, mineral and smoked meat. The smoke and savory flavors display a fascinating mixture of lightness and intensity, leading to a floral finish that seems near endless.
This wine displays a broader fruit profile than The Rocks is often known for, with aromas of plum leading to crushed rock, cracked pepper, olive, herbs and smoked meat. The texture is captivating, both elegant in its styling yet rich, commanding attention with floral notes on the finish.
Aromas of underbrush, pressed violet, blackberry, baked earth and new leather lead the nose of this classic wine. The structured, elegant palate offers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, clove and a hint of anise alongside tightly knit but polished tannins that need to unwind. It's already tempting but give this time to develop even more omplexity. Drink 2017–2030.
Aromatically dazzling, this wine shows complex notes of smoked meat, fire pit, black olive, peat, crushed flowers and sea breeze. The savory flavors are rich yet light and restrained, with a long, drawn-out finish. It's an impressive wine whose best years are far in front of it. Drink 2020 to 2026.
This small-production wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percents of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Pencil lead, cedar and tobacco leaf greet on entry before soft yet generous layers of tannin swirl on the palate, informed by a depth of blackberry. A mix of savory and fruity, the finish is subtle in white pepper. Cellar through 2022.
This wine is an unusual blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of tar, fresh dark plum, flowers and herbs lead to flavorful blue fruit and cherry notes. A sense of purity, texture and balance captures the attention. Give it plenty of time to open up.
Light in color, this über aromatic wine conveys flowers, black and green olive, mineral, peat and smoke. The palate is all about elegance of expression and texture, with smoked meat and coffee flavors that linger.
Aromas of dark raspberries, blackberry seed, iron and earth are at the fore on this fruit-focused wine. It offers a dazzling sense of purity and richness along with exceptional balance and an endless finish that kicks it up a notch. The freshness is arresting.
The flavors run as deep as the dark garnet color in this full-bodied but sophisticated wine. Aromas trigger black cherry, subtle spicy oak and a walk in the forest, while the fruit flavors are ripe and delicious. The texture is like velvet—smooth but not slick. The complexity and inherent richness of flavor seem to increase with each sip, and it has firm acidity and tannins to cleanse the palate.
Honeyed on the nose with bursts of ripe yellow peach and apricot, this dry, full-bodied Sauvignon is similarly soft and fruity on the palate. Fresh green floral and herb notes add vibrance to a moderately long finish.
A clean, crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a sweet, pineapple nose and flavors of mango and melon that finishes sweet. Made from vineyards overlooking Clear Lake in the High Valley AVA, 2,200 feet up in Lake County.
The label reads Washington, but it's a single-vineyard Yakima Valley Merlot, with small amounts of three other Bordeaux varieties blended in. Sharp, earthy and firm, with rather thin fruit flavors and a finish both tart and tannic.
Appley and fresh with hints of white peach and blossoms on the nose and palate, this is a straightforward yet well-made Pinot Grigio that's hard to resist for under $10. Snappy and clean with brisk acidity and a pretty green floral finish.
Soft and sweet on the nose with scents of cherry pie, vanilla and spice, this unusually light-bodied Plavac Mali is fresh and vibrant with a bright red fruit core and zippy acidity. There's a tinge of green on the midpalate, but soft, furry tannins and the sour cherry finish are pleasant.
A delightful, simple sipper with apricot, peach and pepper with a touch of honey that finishes a bit sweet.
Buttery spice and fresh citrus aromas lead this likeable white. Sea salt, graphite and ripe oranges on the palate offer crisp yet rounded flavors. A spicy finish seals the deal. Pair with fresh fish, fruit.
A super pungent style of SB that will knock you over with nettle, grapefruit, passion fruit and sweaty aromas. The palate is sheer and citric, with tight, angular flavors of lemon, lime, pineapple and green herbs. Zesty to the point of scouring, with jalapeño heat on the finish.
Forceful, meaty and a little herbal on the nose, but still pretty solid for $9 Merlot. The palate is full and sizable, with plum, berry and herbal flavors creating Chilean typicity. Falls off on the finish, turning more herbal, but overall it's a good value wine.
Despite its 15.4% alcohol, this Syrah seems light through the middle. It's got syrupy barrel flavors of bourbon and caramel that overshadow the pretty red fruit. The alcohol doesn't burn, but the wine does not have the mass to compensate. Drink up.
Smoky and rich with a swirl of petrol, dried apple and smoked nut skin flavors on the nose and palate, this is a dry, full-bodied white blend that's intentionally savory in style. Pleasantly pithy in the midpalate with hints of sun-dried hay and orange peel.
This is for acid lovers only. Tart almost to the point of sourness, it is saved by its sharply etched green apple crispness. Definitely a Sauvignon Blanc in the style of a piercing Quincy, with that sort of acidity, but not the minerality.
Lemon, apple and other standard aromas give it a familiar if unspectacular opening. The palate is full, mildly creamy and offers decent acidity in support of peach and nectarine flavors. Solid as a whole for $12 Chilean Chardonnay.
With its tannins, this is initially a firm wine, but then ripe berry fruits emerge, followed by great acidity and freshness.
This wine is quite clear in the glass and a touch tart on the palate, finding its way to a full-bodied, slightly flabby and gummy texture and sense of heaviness.
A blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier, this is attractive, fruity and perfumed. Touches of apricot balance with the green fruits and herbal edge. It's an easy wine to drink, best as an apéritif.
Apple cider, night jasmine, ripe pears and orange cream aromas show on this sweeter bottling. The palate is quite clean and crisp, with rich apple juice flavors and a tactile acidity that fades fairly quickly. It's quite sweet.
Soft and gently fruity, this has red-currant as well as red-plum flavors lightly cut with acidity. The aftertaste is soft, almost off dry. It is immediately attractive and drinkable.
Lightly scented, this opens with aromas suggesting white spring flower and orchard fruit. The rather lean, racy palate offers unripe apple, a hint of citrus and a medicinal note alongside brisk acidity.
Raisin-baked plum defines this hearty, full-bodied and ultraripe wine, rich in red berry and robust on the finish.
Aromas like dried herbs and flavors like green apple and pear nectar make a colorful combination in this medium-bodied wine.
This wine is soft, gently fruity with light raspberry and red-currant flavors. An attractive zesty lemon character adds to this pale-colored wine.
This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat, not often found although working well here. The perfumed Muscat nicely softens the herbal Sauvignon to give a wine that is almost honeyed, certainly attractive as an apéritif.
This is a soft wine from a major Rhône valley producer. Attractive acidity gives it a crisp, bright feel. Tangy citrus and clean, light fruitiness are all there, balanced and ready to drink. Drink now.
The nose is initially inexpressive but eventually reveals a hint of exotic spice. The palate also doesn't give away much, but orange peel and licorice notes eventually emerge alongside fleeting tannins. It finishes abruptly.
A big, soft red with lots of plush fruit flavors, this is soft in balance, definitely sweet rather than dry, smooth in texture and full of candied fruit accents.
This organically grown wine celebrates lavender, used for perfumes and other famous products from Provence. Soft and gently fruity with attractive strawberry flavors plus a touch of spice, the wine is immediately drinkable as an apéritif.
Innocuous red fruit and a density of baked plum provide a fruity plushness in this travel-size wine, 100% varietal with ample tannin.
This wine is light and perfumed, with crisp red currants and a tangy orange-zest texture. It dances from the glass, refreshing and poised to finish.
The nose is inexpressive while the lean, rather diluted palate offers dried herb, citrus zest and a note of bitter almond. Brisk acidity completes the picture.
This light-footed Viognier has a touch of the blossomy perfume and waxiness expected in the grape variety. Unusually zesty, however, it lacks the characteristic oiliness and denseness of palate. It's delicate in concentration but an easy, breezy sip. Drink now through 2018.
There is only the faintest of aromas on this soft, lightly juicy wine. It is a warm-climate wine, rounded, soft and gentle. The freshness comes at the end, bright and with a citrus touch.
This is a gentle and easy-going Chardonnay. It is soft, lightly buttery and conveys apricot and ripe pear flavors. The aftertaste just touches on acidity.
This full-bodied Chardonnay offers an abundance of fresh apple and blossom notes juxtaposed by darker, savory tones of dust and reed. Citrusy acidity lends lift, leading a surprisingly zesty finish.
Ripe peach and nectarine aromas and flavors are at the forefront of this friendly, approachable Moscato, with touches of melon, pear and sweet orange to round it out. The palate is bright and balanced, with solid stone-fruit and pear flavors that finish fresh and easy.
Capitalizing on the fashion for Malbec, this wine is closer to Argentina than Cahors. It has soft tannins and a ripe and juicy flavor of red-berry fruits. Acidity and a soft aftertaste reinforce this New World feel.
The nose gives little away, the clean palate falls in line with almost equal neutrality. It's only on the aftertaste that you get some of that savory yeastiness we so associate with fresh, young Grüner. Drink soon while there still is some freshness.
This refreshing wine has lively acidity followed by red fruits and a soft texture. It is a round wine, hinting at sweetness because of the ripeness.
This wine comes from the north of the Gascony region in Southwest France. It has some herbal character as well as a delicious cool feel. Riper fruit flavors such as peach and pineapple give a warmer, soft aftertaste.
Subdued aromas of pressed blossom, fennel and orchard fruit come together on this. The lean, rather diluted palate offers hints of green pear, citrus rind and a mineral note alongside tangy acidity.
There is a hearty amount of smoke on the nose of this bottling, with oak and wildfire notes giving warmth to the strawberry, graphite and sandalwood aromas. That smoke carries into the palate, where black plum fruit meets with mocha flavor.
This has subdued toast, coconut, incense aromas, while the palate shows grilled herb, licorice and dried cherry flavors. Assertive, close-grained tannins leave an astringent finish.
This is a yes/no sort of grape, as far as individual preferences go. If you are a yes, this is a good one. It captures and contains the varietal streak of herb and stem, with ample tart berry fruit to balance.
Lemon and apple aromas are inviting, with a note of sweet grass. A chiseled, acidic yet round palate delivers flavors of tangerine, lime, lees and mild bitterness. This is fresh throughout, but short on the finish.
This limited offering, based upon a portion of 35-year-old vines, shows a chewy mix of red fruits that are rather bright and spicy. It's a bit reductive (and screwcaps can bring that out), with hints of plastic, that will need aggressive decanting.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, French oak, espresso and coconut aromas emerge in the glass. Youthful and taut, the palate doles out Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle and vanilla flavors, set against a frame of tightly knit, refined tannins.
Subtle oak, underbrush and leather aromas come together in this tart, astringent red. The palate offers sour cherry, orange zest, toast and sage flavors, framed by raspy tannins.
This plush, full-bodied Cabernet comes across as slightly Shiraz-like, but still represents good value for $15. Smoky, toasty notes of charred oak frame black olive and cola notes, while some red fruit does peek through from time to time. Drink this ready-to-drink Cabernet through 2020.
Foresty berry aromas are warm and chunky. This feels plump and full in body, with grabby tannins and edgy acidity. Salty spicy plum and berry flavors come with loud oak notes, while this finishes full and stout, with toast and mint-like residuals.
From the producer's BCD Vineyard—where it also grows Pinot Noir—this bold, big-boned red is smooth, simple and soft, accented with raspberry, vanilla, lavender and mocha notes. Its acidity is subtle and supportive, providing underlying freshness from start to finish.
Hints of superripe, yellow pear and candied pear make for an enticing nose. The palate is more diffuse but light and fresh. Drink soon while aromas are at their peak.
The nose is shy at first, gradually revealing black-skinned fruit, scorched earth and nutmeg aromas. The juicy, straightforward palate delivers ripe black cherry, mocha and clove flavors through a frame of evolved tannins. Drink through 2020.
Underbrush, stewed plum and a vanilla aromas lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate offers dried Morello cherry, orange zest, sage and star anise flavors, framed by firm tannins.
Here's a luminous red that opens with red berry, sun-baked soil and Mediterranean herb aromas. It's medium-bodied and approachable, delivering wild cherry, star anise and clove flavors, supported by polished tannins.
The nose of this wine is evocative of vanilla, cranberry, black berries, cedar wood and Nag Champa incense. Jammy blackberry, cedar, persimmon and pie spice flavors unfold on the palate. The tannins are smooth and silky, and aid in the long, spicy and woody finish.
This big, chunky, chewy wine brings bold apple fruit front and center. Call it old school, in a good way, and drink it soon for its fresh fruit and lip-smacking highlights of butter, caramel and toasted nuts.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is already approachable. It's full bodied and supple, showing a little lightening at the rim. Cherry, earth and herbal notes take on hints of anise and chocolate on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Produced by the winemaking team of Château Giscours in Margaux, this is finely ripe blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. With rich tropical fruits and lime flavors, it is balanced and already delicious. Drink now.
Blue flower, plum and toast notes lead the nose. The firm, tightly wound palate offers espresso, clove and grilled herb flavors, while close-grained tannins leave a bracing finish.
Fresh cherry and plum aromas are basic and easy, with a medicinal side note. This Garnacha-Carignan-Cabernet blend is grabby and pulling. Plum, raspberry and tomato flavors finish with a reprise of rubbery tannins.
This wine offers impressive quality for the price, combining hints of toasted hazelnuts with white peaches and pineapple. It's medium-bodied and crisp, with refreshing, citrusy acids on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Grapy black-fruit aromas are adorned with more than enough oaky vanilla. This is grabby and acidic. Flavors of cherry, wild berry, tobacco and vanilla finish in similar fashion, with brightness fostered by ultra high acidity. This is good and rugged but short on ease and flow.
This opens with prune, mocha and baking spice aromas. The palate shows black plum, tobacco and raspberry jam flavors with an evolved tannic structure. Drink through 2021.
Earthy game, scorched earth and black-skinned fruit aromas come together in this Brunello. The palate is dense and ripe, delivering raspberry jam, mochaand vanilla flavors, with mature tannins. Enjoy 2018–2022.
This Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese blend opens with dark berry aromas and a whiff of new leather. The straightforward palate offers black currant and cedar flavors, sweetened by a touch of vanilla and round tannins. Enjoy soon.
This well-structured wine offers flavors of preserved lemon and grilled pineapple, while floral nuttiness and a cheese-like impression give it a hint of funk. It shows some barrel reduction, which blows off as it opens up.
An interesting but questionable value with Patagonian individuality. The nose features clove, wild flowers, leather and hot berry fruit aromas, while the feel is clacky and tannic, and the flavors a little baked and stewy. Raisin, heft and berry soup characteristics make this a ripe, full-bodied force to reckon with.
Dark in color, with a series of herbal aromas, this is dense and rich, with fine layers of berry fruits and solid tannins. It has a definite fresh character, with juicy fruit and acidity playing against the dry texture.
A heady wine with mocha, chocolate, balsamic notes and black fruit on the bouquet. At first it seems thick and dumbed down, but it opens up to display bold berry flavors, stewed fruit, chocolate and savory accents. It's just lively enough, but overall this ranks as a saturated, bulky, round wine that falls squarely into the category of New World and ripe.
All five Bordeaux grapes are included in this Merlot, a substantial and well crafted wine with bright berry and cassis flavors front and center. Good complexity for the price, with olive, dust, mocha and caramel in the mix. Tannins are balanced and slightly grainy, with good length through the finish.
With mineral and apple on the nose, this qualifies as a pure and pleasing SB for almost any occasion. The palate is elegant and lithe, while the flavors of green apple, gooseberry and grapefruit are what they should be. Pure, sound and solid wine to drink right now.
With the largest production in the entire Northwest, it is important that this wine express clean, varietal flavors with characteristic brightness and focus. And it does. Lightly herbal, fresh and clean, its fruit flavors suggest lemongrass, orange and ripe apple. Excellent balance and persistence
This is off dry, low alcohol (11.5%), spiced up with tart acidity and loaded with rich, ripe fruit flavors mixing pears and peaches. Sweet without being sugary, it should appeal to a wide spectrum of wine drinkers, and snap together the flavors of a Thai food. Columbia Crest makes 18,000 cases of this wine.
The lightest Grüner, crisp with fresh apple, it has just a touch of spice, focusing more on tightly clean fruit. A perfect apéritif style. Screw cap.
Attractive wine, hinting at the elegance of Chambolle, packed with strawberry-fruit flavors and sweet tannins. There is some final firmness, the acidity mingling with a solid structure.
Soft and ripe wine, with gentle tannins and fresh acidity. There is an edge of bitterness that comes between the fruit and the structure.
Firmly structured, this is a significant improvement on 2007, with the wood kept in play but not dominant. That's because the fruit is so bright, with juicy berries bubbling along, leaving refreshing acidity at the end.
Burgundian in every way, this deceptively light (in color, alcohol and impact) wine rewards your attention with its finesse and complexity. Rhubarb, pomegranate, peppermint, earth and savory herbs are all highlights, and the length is equally impressive. It's low in alcohol, but high in aging potential.
This rounded, full wine is densely packed with fruit, but also tannins that add balance. Blackberry flavors come through the dry structure to give both richness and freshness. The aftertaste is ripe, juicy and delicious. Drink now, but best from 2015.
A delicate floral perfume mingles with apple and lemon aromas that carry through to the palate. Lusciously ripe, with flavors of white peach and yellow cherry, it's brightened by soft pink-grapefruit acidity. Drink now.
Made exclusively from Sangiovese, this bold wine opens with intense aromas of underbrush, blue flower, oak and leather. The palate offers black cherry, vanilla, espresso and black pepper notes. Soft and ready to drink, with round tannins, it ends on a licorice note.
There is a strong initial wood flavor in this structured wine. Solid and dense in character, it needs time to soften its toastiness and reveal its ripe blackberry fruitiness. Give this wine several years, and drink from 2016.
From Jack's Vineyard (formerly Lefore), this was planted in 1997, with cuttings from Leonetti. It has some of the leafy, crunchy character of Brunello, along with high acidity and a pretty mix of strawberry and red plum flavors.
This is a beautiful, ripe wine, flavored with quince, pear and apricots. It is above all the zesty texture that gives this wine its character and attraction. Fruity, structured and likely to age well, the wine should be drunk from 2015.
This is a blend of Weissburgunder and Pinot Blanc that is aged in large barrels on the lees. It has a rich, creamy character with a delicate texture and generous acidity. The palate is apricot flavored but lightly peppery. Full in the mouth, it is ready to drink, but will improve over the next two years.
A hint of lemon balm lends a fresh, herbaceous character to concentrated pineapple, honey and preserved peach flavors. It's sweet with fruit, but balanced with bright citrus acidity and a sprightly mouthfeel.
Exuberantly floral, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom, yet not at all cloying or perfumy, this sparkler showcases all the delicacy and verve you expect from a Mosel Riesling. Softly effervescent, it's dry and spry on the palate, with an exceptionally long, peach-tinged finish.
This blend of Blaufränkisch, Syrah and Merlot is Höpler's signature wine. It makes for a fascinating combination of ripe black-plum flavors highlighted by juicy acidity and wood notes. The wine will age well, so drink from 2015. Screwcap.
This lemon-flavored, perfumed wine has tight layers of young, fresh acidity. White fruits dominate this crisp but densely textured wine. A mineral element gives steeliness, although the aftertaste is more creamy and rounded.
From a portion of Esporão's Douro vineyard, this is a smooth, ripe and very accessible wine. Rich, dark plum and berry flavors are given a structure by the wood aging and the firm, mineral tannins. Age this for a year and drink from 2016.
Stark and subdued, this off-dry Riesling is a showcase of undeviating linear style. It's brisk and mineral with laser-focused acidity and crisp touches of fresh apple and pear.
Delicate aromas suggest white spring flower and pear. On the linear palate, vibrant acidity balances tart apple and lemon-zest flavors. A light mineral note energizes the finish.
This golden-colored wine conveys intense aromas of white rose petals and exotic spice. The rich palate offers dried apricot, candied ginger, nectarine zest and sage. An energizing shot of graphite marks the finish.
Aromas of candied citrus and bell pepper lead the nose. The firm palate offers toasted oak, baked yellow apple, vanilla and lemon drop, with the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink sooner rather than later to enjoy the remaining fruit richness.
A Méthode Champenoise blend of 74% Pinot Noir and 26% Chardonnay, this is another in a line of small-production sparkling wines being made by still producers. A yeasty, almond-infused sparkler, it's restrained and medium in acidity. Peach and apricot come to the fore, fleshing out the midpalate before a subtle, orange-y finish.
Oak jumps out first, both on the nose and on the palate, before waves of grenadine liqueur and raspberry take over. Velvety in texture, the wine is earthy, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish.
Made with Turbiana grapes grown near the shores of Lake Garda, this pretty white features delicate aromas of white flower and orchard fruit. The bright palate offers juicy yellow peach, nectarine and apple alongside brisk acidity.
This 35-year-old winery's blend of 60% Grenache, 37% Syrah and 3% Mourvèdre shows deep raspberry and boysenberry juice on the nose, with tighter violet, graphite, iron and anise aromas. It's juicy and ripe on the palate, with licorice, roasted game and black pepper flavors.
A bite of spicy wild strawberry marks this wine in flavor and aroma, complementing the soft, lush layers that follow. A candied, marshmallow-like quality gives the wine a sense of ripeness that is probably more pronounced aromatically than otherwise. The sense of sweetness is offset by balanced acidity and a lengthy, spicy finish.
A rich, tawny gold color, this vintage-dated sparkling wine is fermented in the bottle and disgorged in small batches. Citrus flesh and rind flavors suggest grapefruit, lemon and lime, and the wine has a lively freshness.
There's a substantive strength and intensity of ripe black cherry to this wine that's well-intentioned in its seamless and soft texture. With just enough of a floral element adding flair to its fleshiness, the wine finishes rich in savory oak.
Lovely aromatics shine in this low-alcohol, dry Riesling. Tangerine, lemon, apple and a hint of honey are in play. It's light, fresh and quite tart, yet the flavors show good concentration and length. Orange flesh and peel are in the forefront, with streaks of Meyer lemon and pineapple.
Floral scents of peach blossom, broom and a whiff of pear mingle in the glass. On the bright palate, toasted almond and aromatic herb give interest to the core of Golden Delicious apple and citrus. It's refreshing and balanced with vibrant acidity.
Chunky, roasted, somewhat stalky aromas are big and generous but lack purity. This feels snappy and tannic, while flavors of tomato, herbs and oak end with loamy, baked flavors. This is good stuff but it leans toward tomato sauce in flavor and feel.
This is a perfect wine for fans of stem inclusion, but perhaps not for others. The aromas show green peppercorns, pasilla chile and a very tight boysenberry. The flavors are also green with jalapeño and other peppers, against a barely ripe, dark berry backdrop.
Savory spice, saffron and smoke tones permeate this spry, delicate Riesling. It's a bit frail on the palate, and clearly showing its maturity, but seductive. Overall, it's a well-priced example of older Riesling that should be enjoyed now.
Aromas of stone fruit and pineapple lead the nose. The vibrant palate doles out juicy yellow peach, nectarine zest and a hint of nutmeg. It's nicely balanced with tangy acidity.
Stone fruit and grapefruit flavors are plump and concentrated in this incredible value wine, but pierced by a streak of revitalizing lemon and lime. It's delightfully fruity and forward, but finishes long with just a murmur of white-tea tannins.
While this wine has both fine tannins and a steely, mineral structure, it also offers generous ripe berry fruits that give fresh acidity and a full-bodied feel. The wine is made to be drunk young and fruity, almost now, certainly by 2016.
Robust but informal, this opens with aromas of red berry, baking spice and a whiff of smoke. The savory palate doles out crushed black cherry, raspberry, cranberry, black pepper and a saline note alongside hearty tannins. Enjoy young to capture the juicy fruit flavors.
Blackberry, tobacco, dried purple flowers and bloody meats greet the nose on this solid wine from pioneering winegrower Louis Lucas and his retired judge partner, Royce Lewellen. The palate shows black cherries and plums, with complexity added by tobacco and pepper spice. The flavors come in and go out quickly, proving clean and fresh.
This wine offers a somewhat uncomfortable mix of herb, vanilla, caramel, green pepper and cherry notes. The mocha-filled flavors are tart, broad and supple, with good acidity and a dry lick of tannins backing it all up.
Dusty tones of mineral, saffron and pollen seem earthy and rustic at first, but the palate of this sun-kissed Riesling is buoyant with concentrated yellow peach and tangerine flavors. It's straightforward in its juicy, fruity style, but a satisfying sip with a gentle price tag.
This wine is rich, still young and with a great presence. It layers yellow fruits and orange peel with a soft structure that masks the full-bodied nature of the wine. It is warm, not yet ready. Keep until 2016.
Syrah is not new in Southern Oregon, but finding a consistent style has been a battle. Progress is being made. Tannins are tamed, alcohol is kept in hand, and the fruit is plenty ripe; maybe just a bit too ripe. Here the flavors are of strawberry preserves, leafy herbs, and lighter but still-astringent tannins. The wine fades fairly quickly, and should be consumed in its youth.
This lively, bouncing wine comes straight at you with its fruit and light, easy texture. Juicy red currant and pineapple flavors give it a clean, clear character. It's a fine apéritif style.
This classic, fresh wine has citrus flavors and a light herbal touch. It is fruity, with a light tannic edge that adds to the attractiveness of the wine.
Bright, fresh and inviting, with floral and herbal notes upfront, complemented by tart pomegranate and cranberry fruit on the palate. Drink this medium-bodied wine over the next few years.
Grassy aromas include notes of citrus, apple, wheat and pool water. This feels fruity and a touch pulpy. Tropical, briny white-fruit flavors are pithy and finish light in weight, citrusy in flavor and ultimately a touch bitter.
Spicy in cinnamon and sultry tropical coconut, this wine offers a freshness of red fruit, true and varietal, with soft, lean layers of body and weight.
Char and toast singe ruddy black cherries and plums in this dark, full-bodied Pinot Noir. It's plush and luscious in texture, with brambly notes on the midpalate and fine, slightly bitter tannins lend complexity.
Cherry and clove star in this vineyard-designate from a good vintage, in which the producer again aims low in terms of ripeness. It makes for a somewhat one-dimensional experience once the initial aromas and bite of flavor dissipate on the palate.
The aromas bring high-toned, somewhat unusual notes of herbs, vanilla, toffee and tire rubber. The berry flavors are ripe, with nutty accents and a squeeze of tannins.
Based in Burgundy, Tramier should know something about Chardonnay. This wine has some structure that tastes of cool vineyards. It is crisp, with refreshing white fruit and green-plum flavors, and is ready to drink.
Aromas of lime and pine give way to a tangy, angular palate. Dry apricot and citrus flavors are lively but very familiar for this variety. A modest, lightly pithy tasting finish feels juicy and fresh.
Soft, sunny acidity and luscious mouthfeel give this Chardonnay an overall plushness. The palate is marked by creamy peach and apple flavors accented by delicate wisps of vanilla and spice. While straightforward in style, it's supple and pleasing.
This is a direct but tasty and well-balanced Pinot, with vibrant aromas and flavors of juicy cherry, blueberry and wild strawberry, all graced by hints of purple flowers and sweet spice. The mouthfeel is soft yet structured, with delicate tannins and a slight lushness that lingers on the finish.
There's a rich character to this blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It offers heady aromas of black cherry, boysenberry and raspberry that are laced with hints of vanilla, pepper and pencil shavings. It's well balanced and approachable, with a pleasant licorice kick to the finish.
Pear, apricot and honeysuckle scents lead carry over to the soft, round palate along with a hint of pear. A white almond note fills in the finish.
Whiffs of violet, blackberry and mint set the tone while the no-frills palate offers blackberry, plum and a hint of dark spice. Mellow tannins provide the easygoing framework. Drink soon.
Big, slightly soupy berry aromas are touched up by oak as well as notes of plastic and latex. This feels drawing, tannic and rough. Flavors of tomato, plum, herbs and spice end with sandpaper tannins and heat.
The slightest hint of blueberry rises from the glass of this light and slender red. The palate is soft and has fresh red cherry fruit and would take well to chilling. This is an easy, cheerful picnic red.
This spicy rosato opens with aromas of small red berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The bright, juicy palate offers wild cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and a hint of white pepper alongside fresh acidity.
Cherries and mushrooms play the lead roles in this silky-textured wine. Hints of cinnamon, brown sugar and mocha speak to oak aging, but this is driven by fruit, not barrels. Drink now–2019.
Lightly scented, this medium-bodied white opens with whiffs of white spring flower and orchard fruit. The soft, round palate offers mature pear, citrus peel and a hint of toasted hazelnut.
The light herbal and citrus aromas of this medium-bodied wine lead to light grassy, herbal, grapefruity flavors. A good backing of acidity keeps it lively.
A touch of concentration helps this wine stand out from the pink pack. The color is a vibrant pink, the aromas recall watermelon and the flavors and body are hefty enough to pair well with everything from salads to salmon to fried chicken.
Aromas of fragrant broom, white wild flower and a whiff of damp earth lead the nose on this straightforward wine. The vibrant palate offers green apple and tangerine alongside zesty acidity. A slightly bitter almond closes the finish.
Pretty scents of fragrant white wild flower and white stone fruit lift out of the glass. On the round, straightforward palate, fresh acidity offsets ripe Bosc pear, lemon zest and a hint of hazelnut.
Pale in color, this blend of every possible Provençal grape variety (including some whites) is classic, easygoing Provence rosé. It has wild raspberry fruit and crisp acidity. A tangy, tight mineral texture adds to its refreshing nature.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine offers earthy cedar and meager fruit, providing instead a wealth of leathery, rustic texture and light body.
White spring flower and citrus aromas lead the nose on this easygoing, savory white. The juicy palate offers juicy tangerine and a note of sea salt alongside fresh acidity. It's simple but well made.
A deep pink color and substantial flavors make this wine a little bigger and more wine-like than many other rosés. The red cherry and raspberry flavors and medium body will pair well grilled salmon, paella, and even slow-cooked ribs.
Herb, red apple, copper penny and dark cherry aromas are followed by sweet, full dark cherry flavors. The tannins are firm, needing some time to soften.
Candied, medicinal berry aromas come with notes of wet cement, latex and cinnamon. Sweet, sugary plum and berry flavors taste jammy, and the wine feels soupy and tastes sweet on the finish.
This wine is soft, full in the mouth while not having much focus.
Aromas of lychee and apple juice start this unoaked Chardonnay that shows initial spritz on the palate before turning soft. Sweet, honeyed, melony flavors are a bit cloying, and this wine is lacking on the finish.
Chewing gum and generic citrus aromas are basic. This wine feels flat, with little spunk. Fruitless, dried-out flavors are bland on the finish.
The wine is smoky and toasty. It is extracted with bitter coffee flavors that dominate the fruit. Too much burnt wood will leave little room for fruitiness.
The wine smells of over-ripe fruit and this sensation continues through the palate. The fruit and the tannins don't coincide.
A flinty, earthy aroma and beefy, almost metallic flavors make this an unusual wine. It is full bodied and firm in texture.
Grassy raspberry and currant aromas are slightly volatile on this Monastrell that is choppy, raw and astringent on the palate. Flavors of cranberry are mildly green, weedy and sour in front of a choppy, tannic finish.
The scent of citrus peel gets this wine started. There's a light spritz to the palate, then bland, salty flavors take over. It offers a hint of citrus on the finish but mostly brine and salt.
The wine is dominated by extracted wood flavors. It is likely to soften, but not enough to allow the fruit to sing.
Aromas of raspberry and strawberry are grassy, and the wine feels hard, lean and grinding. The flavor profile mirrors the nose, and the wine finishes with jammy but green raspberry notes.
Yellow in color, with waxy apple and vegetal aromas, this varietal Xarel-lo feels heavy, oily and creamy. Vegetal-leaning flavors suggest canned peas and beans, while a green, oily character persists on the finish.
Melon, pear and a strange note of mustard make for a challenging nose. This varietal Xarel-lo is drawing and lacking in body and structure. Mustard-like flavors follow the nose, while strong, musky flavors of field greens and mustard seed carry the finish.
The wine suffers from over-ripe fruit that give it a red-jelly flavor. The tannins and acidity make an odd contrast.
The wine is dry, firm and initially tough. With its dry wood core, the fruit is not getting a chance.
The wine, with its dry tannins, is dense while unfocussed. It will remain tannin dominated.
Earthy and yeasty like baked bread, this wine is aged in both French and American oak with no toast, allowing light-bodied cherry and pomegranate to speak. A metallic tinge mars the finish.
This uncommon blend of Chardonnay, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir smells a lot like cider, with a hint of vinegar thrown in. A high-acid palate is not welcoming, while sour citrus flavors end with underripe tangerine and citrus peel.
This wine struggles in its overripe, nearly sweet confections of vanilla and marshmallow.
This is a tight woody wine that is hard and over-extracted. Some fruit may come through but it is hard to imagine.
Flat, lightly oxidized aromas don't impress. The palate on this Garnacha rosé is dull like the nose, with low acidity. Candied, generic flavors are slightly bitter and pithy.
Stewy and strained on the nose, this Tempranillo feels raw and tannic. Stewy flavors are derivative of the nose, and the wine is rough, hot and severely tannic on the finish.
Raw, herbaceous aromas of green-infused berry fruits are stripped back and less than appealing, making this wine feel rough. Flavors of plum and berry are highly herbal and flat out green on the finish.
Rough, weedy berry aromas are covered up by oak, plastic and vanilla notes. This is scratchy feeling and devoid of charm on the palate. Oak-driven flavors of marshmallow and vanilla clash with core green fruit, and the wine quickly falls off on the finish.
An aroma like white pepper and onion is strong in this medium-bodied wine that has decent olive and berry flavors underneath.
The aromas of guava and other tropical fruits are faint while the flavors seem washed out. There's enjoyment to be had but it all needs to be dialed up.
This is a spunky, jumpy Tempranillo with horsey aromas of cherry and plum. A light, fresh palate delivers lightly herbal flavors of plum and pie cherry, with an earthy twist. Mild and hollow on the finish.
Heavy and fat, this dark-colored rosé has a bitter character along with vanilla and spice flavors. The almost-sweet texture is round and soft at the end.
Soapy, floral aromas are wan, with no distinct fruit notes. This feels heavy as it stumbles around aimlessly. Plum and peach flavors are adequate, while the finish is mildly bitter, with sugary cherry notes.
With a light tan color and yeasty, briny aromas of vanilla and nectarine, this blend of Macabeo (Viura) and the obscure Merseguera grape delivers a wet, simple palate with citric and malic acid. Pithy citrus flavors of grapefruit and tangerine finish long for a basic, unoaked wine.
This medium-sweet offering has aromas of lime leaf and jasmine that lead to apricot and floral flavors. There's not a lot of complexity but it offers easy drinking enjoyment.
A distinct candied sweetness announces itself on the nose, a Jolly Rancher strawberry high-toned ripeness. Beyond that, expect fierce, as yet unresolved, tannins and a peppery finish.
This informal red opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, wet soil and dark plum. The simple palate offers up tart cherry, black raspberry and an earthy note of game alongside brisk acidity. Angular but fleeting tannins give it an abrupt finish. Drink now.
Aromas of tire rubber, graphite and wet cement are oak-driven and overshadow wine's berry components. A tannic, resiny palate is expected, given the nose. Heavy oak overshadows black-plum flavors, while the finish is oaky, minty and a touch green.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with funky aromas of leafy underbrush, scorched earth, toasted oak and a whiff of barnyard. The rustic palate displays game, leather, dried black cherry and bitter prune alongside astringent tannins.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with earthy aromas of wet soil, underbrush and a whiff of barnyard. The simple palate offers overripe black cherry and a funky note of game alongside soft tannins.
Light cherry colored, this wine displays aromas of herbs, cherry and melon. It drinks off dry (6.6g/L residual sugar) but lacks the acid to support the sugar.
This is good and grapy from the fresh berry aroma to the juicy, slightly sweet cherry flavor, to the soft texture with just a hint of crispness. An accent of smoky spiciness in the aromas and the aftertaste adds extra interest.
Dry and crisp, this is a fruity, red currant-flavored wine. Bright acidity and a light texture give a final bite of structure to an otherwise soft and ready to drink release.
Light in color, this gently fruity wine offers a touch of caramel as well as red currants. It's made to drink young and fresh now.
With its extra-dark rosé color, Clairet is an unusual style. This wine is juicy with some acidity alongside fresh raspberry fruits. At the end, the wine seems heavy.
Light and fruity, this is a crisp, fresh wine. Hints of red apples and yellow fruits are cut with lemon zest. The wine is perfumed and ready to drink.
Light colored and light flavored, this has just hints of fruitiness along with the acidity. It is a crisp wine, very dry in character, bright and tangy at the end.
An orange tang gives acidity as well as fruit. Contrasted with this, the wine has a smoother, yeast and caramel side that doesn't balance.
Lightly herbaceous, this is a fresh, obviously youthful wine. It is only lightly textured, the main character coming from yellow fruits and pear juice flavors. Drink now, although it will age and improve until 2016.
Dusty, jumbled aromas of fleshy melon and stone fruits are not terribly defined. This has a soft mouthfeel and flavors of papaya, peach and bitter citrus pith. Drink immediately; contains 10% Viura.
A slightly earthy aroma leads to lean citrus aromas, attractive kiwi and apple flavors and a somewhat tangy texture. Overall it is light-bodied and modest in flavor.
This moderately colored wine offers an unusual assortment of cherry, smoke, green wood and medicinal notes. The strawberry, cranberry and mesquite flavors are elegant, with a chalky feel.
Earthy, grassy, cherry aromas are lightly medicinal in front of a slightly narrow, almost citric palate that comes with a note of vinegar. Black-plum flavors are simple on the midpalate, while modest notes of plum and berry show on the finish.
Rich and powerful, this is a spicy wine flavored with caramel and apricot. There is a layer of high toast that is out of balance with the fruit, and needs time to calm down. Wait 6–9 months.
A light, crisp, fresh wine, with attractive lemon grass and orange zest flavors. It is juicy, the green fruits full of intensity. There is good minerality as well, underlined by toast from wood aging.
Quite floral and thus it smells different than the usual beefy, black-fruit-dominated Malbecs that Mendoza is known for. On the palate, it's zesty and yields cherry, raspberry and chocolate flavors. The mouthfeel is crisp and stylish, while the finish settles and doesn't seem too acidic or lean.
Like many of Denis Pommier's wines, this comes from old vines, and the concentration is testament to that. The texture is rich, touched by honeyed wood, with peaches in syrup ripeness. As a contrast, there is also a fresh, red apple acidity, which gives a lift to the aftertaste.
Light, fresh, perfumed with acacia blossom, this is a great warm weather aperitif wine, as well as one that goes well with any fish. Its crisp grapefruit and citrus flavors sit easily with the light texture of spice. Screwcap.
Initial woody aromas evolve in the glass to show perfume, raisiny ripeness and spice notes. In the mouth, this delivers a crunchy, tannic feel and vibrant acidity. Plum, raspberry, baking spice and earthy flavors end with oaky vanilla notes offset by baked berry, cassis and rooty flavors. Drink through 2020.
Mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine from the cool 2011 vintage is light in color, with notes of raspberries, green herbs and flowers. It's on the lighter side of medium bodied—fleshing out over time—with abundant savory flavors and a firm handshake of tannins. It will benefit from additional time in the cellar. Best after 2018.
A splendid nose with rose petals, lychee and melon starts this off well, and it continues with expressive fruit and tongue-coating oiliness. It's clean and rich, dry and robust, and would be ideal with a moderately spicy Thai curry.
Friendly and animating notes of ripe Amalfi lemon, ripe pear and fresh greenery come together in this immensely appetizing white. Focused citric softness makes this a serious pleasure to drink. The peppery aftertaste lingers dangerously long.
Rich and velvety on the palate, this Pinot is cohesive in soft, pretty layers of light spice and red raspberry and cherry. Nuanced, it develops complexity as it goes, finishing as it started, rich and velvety.
This appealing, very varietal wine offers notes of high-toned dried herbs, flowers, dry chocolate and cherry. It's full bodied in feel yet elegant in style with rich, textured cherry and chocolate flavors backed by a light grip of tannins, showing some warmth on the finish.
Merlot (43%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) take the lead on this supremely appealing blend that hails from a who's who selection of vineyards. Notes of black raspberries, currant and milk chocolate come with sweet, luscious fruit flavors.
Opening with gorgeous aromas of pear, fig and mineral-laden melon and vanilla, this substantial Viognier also manages to stay fresh, vibrant and fruity, a bite of preserved lemon lifting off the finish.
Hints of ripe yellow pears with just a suspicion of passionfruit dominate the nose. The palate is intense and balanced, the lushness of the fruit brightened by a tight streak of refreshing acidity. Racy and versatile.
Made with bush-trained vines that give very low yields, this delivers concentrated flavors of spiced plum, ripe blackberry, nutmeg, orange peel and black pepper. It's vibrant, smooth and balanced with firm, velvety tannins. The lingering finish closes on a licorice note.
This is part of the range of three wines from different soils. Marne, or clay and chalk soil, is relatively heavy and produces a rich style of Sauvignon Blanc. This brings out the more tropical fruits and ripe pineapple that dominate the youthful acidity that cuts through the texture. Drink from 2016.
This has a very deep color, even for this notoriously dark varietal. Complex aromas blend rich fruit with smoky, peppery notes, followed by mouthcoating flavors like dark-chocolate-covered blackberries. It doesn't mess around with overtly sweet oak, but stays dry, concentrated and focused. Best after 2020.
Peaches, red apples and a spray of fresh citrus come together on an earthy, textured and rounded palate that nonetheless is wonderfully light. These old vines give verve, concentration and lots of depth.
Savory herbs and peppery watercress dominate the crunchy green pear fruit on nose and palate. Citrus edges lend liveliness to the concentrated, spicy palate. Lots going on here, from the first whiff to the last, lingering echo.
A blend of Grenache (50%) and Cinsault (20%) along with equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah, this wine draws you into the glass with notes of smoked meat, bark, raspberry, blue fruit and peppery spices. It brings a rich, mouthful of generous fruit flavors that hit the delicious gong and then linger to hear it resonate.
Aromas of cooked red cherry, blackberry liqueur and smoke waft from the glass. Layers of flavor emerge once sipped—cassis, elderberry jam, cracked pepper, cardamom and espresso—proving more approachable than heavily tannic versions of the grape.
Tart berry and sour cherry fruit is set amidst a well-balanced, pure varietal expression of Cab Franc. A touch of stem, earth and coffee carry out the varietal flavors, with a firmness to the tannins.
This wine brings notes of plum, dried herbs, mocha and wood spice. It's rich and silky in feel with sharp-edged acids, showing some warmth on the finish.
Pure on the nose, with a delightful mix of graphite, wild berry, cedar and minerally aromas, this is a rich, plump, mildly tannic Cabernet that will show best in the near term. Flavors of cassis, subdued oak spice and vanilla finish with ripe dark-berry sweetness and proper overall weight. Drink through 2018.
A blend of 60% Syrah from Ambassador Vineyard and 40% estate-grown Petite Sirah, this brightly aromatic wine conveys raspberries, dark cherries and vanilla. It's fruit forward, richly flavored with red fruit that leads to a cranberry-filled finish.
Everything about this full-bodied and well-proportioned wine is rich: the spicy, chocolaty aromas from American oak barrels, the vivid boysenberry flavors, the fine but tannic texture and the lingering finish. Yet it all stays balanced, appetizing, palate-cleansing and fresh.
The seductive, woodsy aroma and complex flavors of tea and cherry are true to the variety. With a medium body that doesn't overwhelm, it offers a firmly tannic and lively texture plus a long finish. Very little oak comes through, yet the grapes themselves offer great complexity.
Enticing scents of crushed strawberry, blackberry and wild huckleberry give aromatic direction to this brightly fruited, lively and slender red. The streak of freshness highlights the purity of the fruit even more. This is an ambitious wine with depth, yet without any heaviness—an intriguing alternative for Pinot-lovers.
On the nose, this has a high-toned tang that distracts slightly from its other scents of vanilla and raspberry. On the full-bodied palate, a crunchy mix of red and black fruit comes to the fore, but deep, savory notes of espresso and black olive emerge on the finish.
Considered on their own, d'Arenberg's 2011 single-vineyard Shirazes are successful, although they lack some of the pizzazz of the 2010s. This was one of my favorites, teeming with pepper-tinged blueberries and accented by hints of roasted meat and espresso. It's full bodied and richly textured, with a long, velvety finish.
Somewhat restrained yet undeniably potent, this wine boasts a lovely blend of cassis, cinnamon and cedar. It's medium to full in body, with a long, dusty finish. Drink now–2025.
This six-grape blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of toasty, rooty berry fruits come with an essence of cola. The palate is layered and mellow, offering mild tannins. An oaky flavor profile includes coconut and vanilla, while the finish is spicy, mildly herbal and a touch chocolaty.
Still coming into its own, this blend of Syrah (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon from top sites Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval, Upchurch and Klipsun vineyards offers reticent notes of blackberries, herbs and roasted meat. It's loaded with rich, powerful dark fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
Ripe red and black cherry with a lick of elderberry spice creates a warm, fruity feel. The palate remains svelte but is beautifully rounded and shows soft but palpable tannins. This is very balanced and will show its true aromatic potential 2017–2018.
Richly satisfying this offers powerful tannins and equally powerful, juicy fruits. It has a great sense of structure, density and potential. Ripe berry and black plum fruits push through the impressive tannins to produce a wine that is developing well, although it will need several more years. Drink from 2018.
This native white (70% Roditis and 30% Batiki) blend offers a zippy but floral nose and flavors of lemon, oregano and flowers on the palate. Fresh acidity and rich fruit flavors add up to a delightful, approachable white with character. Pair with lighter seafood and poultry dishes.
A to Z has kept a lid on its pricing, and offers one of the best values in Oregon Pinot Noir. Though very young, this wine is soft and forward, and benefits from its early release. It could almost pass for a cru Beaujolais, from the slightly candied cherry fruit right down to the hints of banana that suggest a certain amount of whole cluster fermentation. In any event, it's fruity, lightly detailed with spice, and quite charming, though not as substantial as its 2006 predecessor.
An earthy, smoked meat and plum nose leads into luscious berry and pepper flavors in this affordable Shiraz. Balanced acidity and fruit offer freshness and zest with dimension. The mouthfeel is full and pleasing. Pair with smoked meat or grilled spicy chicken.
If the choice is between sleek packaging and good product, take the product every time. And with Garnacha de Fuego, the product is sound to the point of surprising. A bouquet of huge berry aromas is the opening act, followed by flavors of red apple, kirsch and plum. Offers lots of fruit in front of a short, simple finish. And then it's time to open another bottle.
Nothing outrageous but this Garnacha, which now has a little age on it, is more than satisfying. The nose delivers cherry, plum and even a little cookie, while the savory palate features molasses, plum and spice. Subtle, composed and sort of old-school. Drink now.
Lovely and fresh, this versatile wine is bursting with melon, white peach and green pineapple fruit flavors. As before, the bright acidity and perfect balance mean that it will accompany mild cheeses, roasted fowl and lighter seafood dishes. Think of Pinot Blanc as the more elegant cousin to Pinot Gris, and you've got it pegged.
The Bull continues to offer reasonably good value, featuring bold fruit aromas and plenty of flavor intensity for the price. Cassis and tobacco are the main elements, dressed up by hints of mint, coffee and chocolate and framed by some firm, slightly rough tannins. A solid steakhouse red.
This white blend starts with a nose of toasted spice and lemon peel, leading into a fresh, citric character heavy in minerality. Clean and lively, it's a great choice for spicy dishes or drinking on a hot day.
A spicy, stewy Barbera that's medium in weight, soft and earthy—like a weathered leather saddle. It finishes long and soft, swaddled in plum flavor.
This is ripe and jammy, with soft fruit and attractive acidity. It is warm, with a hint of wood aging. Ready to drink.
The Louis Max style seems to be of wines that open slowly and have a firm structure. That's the case here: It has plenty of acidity, with a red currant flavor and a dry, dense character.
A rounded wine that exudes a flavor of warm yellow fruit. With its weight, the fruitiness comes through strongly, leaving an attractive tang of acidity on the finish.
Citrus, lychee and mineral are the key aromas. It feels alive, with nice acidity and flavors of nectarine, peach and lychee. This is sweet, oily, pithy and true to the variety from start to finish.
Confected and spicy, this is a wine that shows the indulgent side of Gewürztraminer. It has a spice note, with a fresh fruit-salad flavor. Screwcap.
Berry and black plum aromas build the nose. It's bold but a little acidic, with medium intensity and weight supporting snappy flavors of wild blackberry and slightly tart plum. The finish is quick and juicy.
Balanced toward the bold side, it's full-bodied and shows aromas of ripe grapes and sage, accompanied by flavors of cherry and plum. Layers of fine tannin give it grip without bitterness. Tasty cherry and baking spice flavors linger on the finish.
This grape variety originated in Spain and is also popular in the southern Rhône Valley of France. In this bottling, smoky, chocolaty aromas lead to blackberry and dark cherry flavors, a broad, generous texture and moderate tannins. It's rather big in structure but not heavy.
Dusty black cherry and dark plum aromas are ripe and friendly. This is a plump, modern-style red with a clean mouthfeel and weight. Berry fruits, spice and oak flavors blend well, while the finish is, in general, full, smooth and adequately fresh. Tempranillo with 10% Petit Verdot.
Crisp, dry and fresh, this is a lively and fruity wine. It's lightly textured, tangy and clean as a whistle. Drink now.
An aromatic wine, it has a rounded texture, a spicy character and only light acidity. Very forward and fruity, it's going to be ready to drink by 2015.
A concentrated wine, it's packed with both dark fruits and tannins. A dense structure contrasts with the fresher black currant fruitiness. Ripe and full-bodied, the wine needs to age. Drink from 2016.
A collaboration between winemaker Nick Goldschmidt and his daughter Chelsea, this 100% Merlot delivers great value. Oaky in plummy black fruit and tobacco, it shows a touch of cedar and clove amidst mountainous tannins. An ideal wine for pepper steak off the grill.
Full-bodied and resplendent in ripe apple and brioche, this well-crafted wine is layered and smooth. It would pair well with grilled salmon or herb-roasted chicken.
This white combines 48% Roussanne with 35% Marsanne and 17% Viognier to creamy, tropical effect, its balance between ripe melon and pear fruitiness and spiced acidity well woven. From one of the few sources of some of these grapes in the Russian River Valley, this Rhône-inspired wine is ready to pair with lobster or a roast turkey dinner.
The cool-climate-loving Alvarinho translates well to the coastal Lisboa region. It's rich and creamy, acidity well in hand and supporting the melon and citrus flavors. It's a delicious wine now, but it will age, so keep it until 2015.
Cherry and plum aromas are earthy, gritty and not overly potent. The palate is saturated, with the right amount of body weight and volume. There's a blitz of berry and black cherry flavors, backed by a finish that's black in nature and shows mild bitter notes of chocolate and coffee.
A blend of 73% Petite Sirah with 17% Zinfandel, this is a black, inky wine, as to be expected, from Spring Mountain's longstanding York Creek Vineyard. Dusty, earthy and mouthfilling, it is out and out savory. Tastes of black pepper and gamy oak lead to a lingering finish marked by more peppery spice.
Fuller in style, it boasts layers of coconut cream pie, fig and honey, with a swirl of vanilla lurking in there too. Mineral-rich, the finish revisits the creamy, baked fruit theme, lush and generous.
Crisp with apples and citrus, it's also laced with a more mineral character. It's full in the mouth, very bright with acidity and grapefruit. Drink now.
Dry, savory and richly steeped in oak, this SB has the markings of whole-cluster pressing and 3% Sémillon blended in, along with an inviting floral hum on the nose. The taste leans toward peach and grapefruit, zesty and alive.
From old vines planted on the Mayacamas Mountains, this Gewurz is pungent in lychee and grapefruit, a trace of pepper, ginger and clove hiding beneath the surface. Medium-bodied and dry, it offers a rich interplay between herb and spice plus freshness on the finish.
Hints of lemon curd and struck flint emerge from they lass, while the palate reveals flavors of apple, pear and citrus. With its pared-back flavors and restrained nature, this medium-bodied Chardonnay should prove versatile at the table. Drink now–2016.
Potent and pungent, it holds juicy acids tasting of grapefruit. It plunges into a chocolaty midpalate with strawberry fruit that thins into light flavors of soda pop.
Finished (apparently) off-dry, this seems to show some residual sugar in a leesy, yeasty style. The fruit suggests pears and cotton candy, with juicy acidity supporting the sweetness. Don't look for your standard dry Pinot Gris, but what's here is generous and enjoyable.
There's a lot happening on nose of this wine from Sta. Rita Hills pioneer Richard Sanford's recently rejuvenated Alma Rosa label. Aromas suggest light butterscotch, baked pear, fresh pluot and jasmine. Once sipped, the flavors don't live up to the aromatic promise, but apple, pear and a sharper tangerine rind round out the flavors.
This Croatian white has delightful aromas of pineapple, tropical fruits and fresh cut honeycomb. It's round and generous in the mouth, with flavors of guava and lime rind that lead in to the clean, astringent finish.
This opens with aromas of crushed black fruit, mint, toasted oak and balsamic notes. The brooding palate offers up black cherry, licorice, black pepper and oak alongside raspy tannins that leave the mouth feeling dry. Drink after 2018.
This wine has an unusual combination of sweet and sour sensations that include ripe plum, sour cherry, vanilla, dark chocolate, hay, dill, sage and leather. It's still very young with nervous acidity and aggressive tannins that need time to tame.
Winemaker Jeff Fink is unleashing a cross-section of clones in 2012, and this take on Pommard offers delicious aromas of berry-laced crème brûlée with bay leaf. There is a bitterness at first on the tannic palate, and it washes out quickly with tart cranberries.
This enjoyable wine opens with aromas of red berry, blackberry, blueberry and hints of white pepper that carry on to the palate. It has an easy-drinking style thanks to fresh acidity and smooth, soft tannins.
This Bordeaux-style blend includes all five grapes. It's light and seamless, with a peppery, herbal streak running under compact, tannic dark fruit.
An aromatic wine, it has notes of tangerine and mineral. It drinks medium sweet (10 g/L residual sugar), with the sugar getting just a bit out in front of the acids.
This robust rosato, made from the native grape Nerello Mascalese on the slopes of Mount Etna, is loaded with dark cherry and crushed strawberry sensations. The bright, juicy palate is accented by notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Pair this with appetizers, quiche or summer salads.
There are positives and negatives to this tinta de toro. The nose is outright stalky and roasted, with a shortage of purity. The palate is huge and grossly tannic, a monster if you will. Flavors of sweet black fruits are stalky in nature, while prune, blackberry and herbal flavors drive the finish.
Very buttery aromas lead to a wine that is ripe, rounded and full in the mouth. The acidity is masked by the richness, leaving apricot rather than citrus as the dominant character.
This straightforward blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah and Merlot opens with aromas of mature black fruit, graphite and dark baking spice. The palate offers prune, black currant and intense black pepper supported by tight tannins. Pair this with pizza or hearty  pasta dishes.
This is a crisp, medium-bodied example of Saint-Joseph. Aromas of creosote, black olives and roasting meat receive an infusion of brighter, fruitier flavors on the palate, adding cherries to the savory mix. Drink this mouthwatering wine over the next few years.
A big, burly proprietary red blend, Voluptous combines Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel , creating a rich, darkly fruited wine with dusty tannins. Well-structured despite its girth, it delivers layers of licorice and leather on the finish. Drink now.
A zesty honeydew and tropical, nearly pineapple soda nose starts this wine. On the palate, there is apple pie and brisk, fleeting pineapple, but not much lasting acidity. A very easy-drinking deal, especially for the price, that will pair well with everything from seared scallops to roasted chicken.
With 18% Cabernet Franc in the blend, this has some stiff, muscular tannins under firm, compact cherry fruit. The cooler vintage brings herbal flavors and lemony acids, but the warmer site keeps the fruit up to par.
This Nero d'Avola has aromas of earth, black currants, game and a note of grilled bell peppers. The palate offers fleeting black cherry and black berry, accented by black pepper and a green note of dried sage. It finishes on a bitter note.
Grown in the upland vineyard of Pyrgos, this Assyrtiko offers citrus and spice aromas and a full-bodied flavor profile. Citrus, vanilla and minerals dominate the palate. Air with more robust vegetable or fish dishes.
Along with the Lonesome Spring Ranch Sangiovese, the blend includes 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's still pulling itself together and needs some airing out, but shows accents of rose water along with strawberry-flavored fruit. The tannins are astringent and the acids tart and citrusy.
The Stillwater Creek vineyard fruit spent time in once-used French oak. From a cool site in a cool vintage, the flavors are subdued, with wild purple berry, herb, pepper and earth.
Cedar, cinnamon and black cherry aromas offer friendly and generous appeal here. The wine is fruit-forward and friendly with blueberry, black cherry and pepper on the palate. An easy drinking but elegant choice.
Richly concentrated with ripe tropical melons and mangoes, this juicy, fruity, off-dry Riesling is a straightforward yet undeniably tasty pick. It's zesty and fresh, with tart tangerine acidity that wraps the finish up crisply.
This jammy wine doles out overripe plum and mature dark-berry fruit, layered with a melted chocolate sensation. Warm and evolved, it has an almost sugary-sweet palate that's shy on freshness.
This 100% Cabernet conveys aromas of raw lumber. Nonetheless, the fruit is ripe and round, with full flavors of dark berry and cassis. Tannins are a bit rough and rustic, but pair this with a smoky, grilled beef and you'll be quite pleased.
Splash this around while pouring to help dissipate some reductive notes and reveal pleasant raspberry and herbal aromas. It's medium in body, with a welcoming suppleness to the texture and a silky feel on the finish, which folds in hints of mocha.
The blend is 60% Grenache from the Stone Tree vineyard, the rest Syrah from Stillwater Creek and LVdM vineyards. It's forward, fragrant and fruity, with notes of tanned leather. Bright berry fruit shines through into a finish with moderate tannins.
Scratchy, edgy aromas of boysenberry and blackberry are a touch minty and herbal. This feels big, loud and choppy, with plenty of kick and hard tannins. Flavors of ripe dark fruits are toasty and earthy, while the finish is blocky, bullish and a touch hot, with power in reserve.
This is golden-tan in color. The nose is gaseous and smells of ham and yeast. The palate is distinctly foamy, while flavors of briny apple finish mild yet heavy.
Lightly pickled, briny aromas are distant. In the mouth, this feels pinched and high in citric acid, but also refined. Flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit are tart, while lime and tangerine flavors are prominent on a briny, tart finish.
Early aromas of wet cement and rubber transition to leafy, herbal and mildly green. This feels tight, drawing and unforgiving. Flavors of leafy, roasted plum and berry are slightly stalky, while the finish is juicy in feel and herbal in flavor.
A blend of 80% Primitivo and 20% Aglianico, this dense wine opens with aromas of toasted oak, spearmint and spice alongside ripe black fruit and prune. The one-dimensional palate serves up mature—almost overripe—blackberry layered with hints of vanilla extract, bitter prune and sugared coffee.
This is a medium-bodied, plummy-tasting wine with mild raspberry, smoke and black-pepper flavors. Lighter than some, it's easy to enjoy.
This hearty, firm-textured wine is very dark in color and saturated with ripe cherry, tart cranberry and boysenberry flavors. Dry and rather tannic, it needs a robust dish to pair with.
Pressed apples and pears are accented by hints of orange rind in this juicy concentrated Riesling. It's semi dry in style, honeyed and plush, but balanced neatly by a brisk streak of lemon-lime acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Coming from a warm site in a warm vintage, this wine offers aromas of butter and baked apple. The palate yields lightly creamy flavors. The concentration is pulled back but what's there is quite pretty.
This pale pink wine is 100% Sangiovese and offers aromas of herb and sour cherry. It drinks just a hair off dry, with mouthwatering fruit flavors.
Chignin is one of the cru villages of Savoie. This wine is crisp, mineral and tight, with delicate layers of lemon and grapefruit acidity. Lively and bursting with fruit, it's ready to drink.
Cherry cola, violets and aromas of Dr. Pepper soda lead the way to flavors of tart cherry pie and cherry juice. The tannins are slightly astringent and the finish is pleasantly tart.
Tasting mature and mellow, this deceptively full-bodied wine has sun-baked aromas, prune and dried-cherry flavors, and a smooth texture. It's lightly tart on the finish.
Earthy pollen and dusty mineral notes extend from nose to finish on this slightly rustic Gewürztraminer, casting a shadow to more classic tones of lychee, rose petal and grapefruit. Its delicate body and balanced alcohol lend a refreshing quaffability.
Made from 100% Pineau d'Aunis (a local grape that originated in Saumur in the 11th century) this is a soft wine. With attractive acidity, red-berry fruits and a gentle texture, the wine is ripe while keeping a backbone of mineral texture. Drink now.
Light tannins and attractive red-berry fruits give this wine its instant appeal. It is soft, fruity, with a juicy, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
This has aromas suggesting leafy underbrush, menthol and dark spice. The robust one-dimensional palate offers dried fig, raisin, clove and a green note of powdered sage. Raspy tannins and the heat of evident alcohol dominate the astringent finish.
This attractively pale-colored rosé has ripe red fruits and crisp acidity in just the right proportions. It is soft, fruity with a lightly crisp texture and a bright, lively aftertaste. Drink now.
Straightforward sour cherry and red-plum flavors are delicately concentrated in this light-footed Lemberger. Pretty floral notes and bright acidity lend to its fresh easy-drinking style. Very fine feathery tannins cushion a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2020.
An upfront note of chalky minerality leads the bouquet of this brightly hued rosé, supported by a core of strawberry, cherry and tropical fruit tones. Hints of carnation and sweet pea add depth to the nose, while the palate offers more herbal shadings of blackcurrant leaf and strawberry hull, which finish slightly bitter.
The nose delivers subtle aromas of vanilla and red plum while the palate shows sour cherry and toasted notes. Close-grained tannins leave an astringent, mouth-drying finish.
Scents of perfumed lilac talc, vanilla and smoked meats frame the red and black fruit core of this wine. The medium-length finish has lingering flavors of ripe black cherries.
This wine has a floral, almost sweet aroma, followed by tasty, tangy cherry and raspberry flavors and a lip-smacking finish.
This straightforward red opens with aromas of blue flower, forest floor and dark-skinned berry. The fresh simple palate offers tart cherry and dark spice alongside zesty acidity and mouth-puckering but fleeting tannins.
This opens with aromas of spirits, underbrush, menthol and dried tobacco leaf. The assertive palate displays dried sour cherry, raisin and licorice alongside astringent tannins. It lacks fruit richness while scorching alcohol dominates the finish.
This garnet-colored Merlot has aromas of black plum, cherry and saddle leather which pave the way for soft flavors of raspberry, red plum and a smooth tannic finish.
Boisterous and juicy with blackberry-pie aromas on the nose, touched by caramel, milk chocolate and some lilac, this is a porch-pounding, crowd-pleasing red wine. Cola and black-cherry juice pop on the palate, which is hedonistically pleasing although not too complex.
Earthy and gritty cherry, tomato and herbal aromas set up a grabby, sticky, caramelized palate. Flavors of brown sugar and generic berry fruits finish with a hint of sweet chocolate. This is good but short on traditional Pinot Noir character.
A pale rose-colored wine, this is attractive, crisp and fresh. Lime and raspberry fruits are cut by tight, lively acidity. Drink now.
This attractive blend of Grenache and Cinsault is fruity with lively acidity and a crisp, tangy texture. Raspberry and orange zest hang happily together. Drink now.
The difference between this and the brand new 2016 is obvious: this is maderized but still good. Aromas of orange blossom are floral, but overall this seems low on crispness. Plump on the palate, this tastes of peach and dried melon. A soft finish with a white-pepper character says drink right away.
Maple, black fruit and cocoa aromas lead to lighter styled dark-fruit flavors. The barrel influence at times seems a bit heavy, with the flavors not able to stand up to it.
This crisp, clean, lightly herbal wine has apple and grapefruit flavors that come through intense acidity. Bright with ripe fruit, the wine is ready to drink.
A ripe while herbal wine, this is crisp and full of grapefruit and gooseberry fruits. Tangy with lively acidity, it is aromatic with white flowers and has a fresh, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
Aromas of bell pepper and canned peas are offset by lime and grapefruit notes. This feels citrusy but diluted, while pyrazine-driven flavors of bell pepper and lettuce finish fresh but watery.
This wine is pale salmon in color with aromas of pear and lees. It drinks dry with savory flavors of smoke and spice that linger. It's a unique offering from the appellation.
A whiff of cinnamon lends spice to fresh apple and pear aromas on this dry, light-bodied Vidal Blanc. Crisp green apple and lime notes on the palate are puckery and tart but contribute to a brisk, refreshing finish.
Aromas of olive, green herbs, mixed spices and black plum set up a full, grabby palate. Flavors of generic black fruits, bitter herbs and eucalyptus finish minty and leafy, with weight and cushion.
Green fruits and an herbal character give this wine brightness and freshness, balanced by riper tropical fruits that come in with their softer edge. Still young, the wine is ready to drink now although is likely to be better from summer 2016.
Subdued aromas of mature black-skinned berry, spice and a whiff of leather lead the nose on this fresh, simple red. The soft, smooth palate shows juicy black cherry, blackberry and a hint of licorice. It's made to be enjoyed young so drink soon.
Dark berry and black cooking spice aromas lead the nose on this straightforward red. The dense, simple palate offers blackberry jam and a note of anise alongside compact, rounded tannins. Drink through 2016.
This easygoing red opens with fruity aromas of plum, wild berry and a whiff of violet. The informal palate offers red cherry, pomegranate and a hint of clove alongside round, rather fleeting tannins.
This easygoing red offers aromas of wild berry, violet and a whiff of clove. The juicy, simple palate doles out ripe blackberry, Morello cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside soft, fleeting tannins.
There's a touch of smoke and jerky on the nose of this wine, with dried cranberry and some tar aromas also present. The smoked-meat element also shows on the tip of the palate, then gives way to tart cranberry and graphite, offering decent complexity with lingering woodsmoke.
Although it tastes a bit on the sweet side, there is no denying the simple freshness and drinkability of this supple, medium-bodied wine. It has light maple-syrup aromas and fresh strawberry flavors.
Heavy extraction has given the wine a dark, bitter-chocolate character along with a serious amount of toast flavors. The result is a wine that is tough and only hinting at the fruit. It will probably soften as it develops although that firm wood character will likely remain. Drink from 2018.
This wine is fresh with acidity, rather than fruit. The dry core shows up in wood flavors that still need to integrate with fruit. Give this wine a few years and it will come together while always being on the lean side. Drink from 2018.
Almost ready to drink now, this is a rounded, smooth wine with only light tannins but plenty of fruitiness. It's not a big wine, balanced and juicy with attractive fruits. Drink from 2017.
Produced in one of the estates belonging to the Lapalu family, this wine is soft, rounded and ready to drink now. Gentle tannins give shape and structure to the black currant-fruits that finish on a fresh, crisp note.
From one of the estates belonging to the Lapalu family, this wine is structured with dusty tannins and a dry core. There is fruit, fresh with black-currant acidity and spice. It needs time to lose the edge of toasty wood-aging. Drink from 2018.
This wine is ripe with black-currant flavors and a stalky texture. The dominant Merlot gives it rich character, while Cabernet Franc adds a perfumed, smoky flavor. Still structured, it will be ready from late 2016.
This is a light-bodied, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe aromas and flavors of peach and nectarine marry with passion fruit and some slightly discordant herbal notes, then finish quickly.
From a cool vintage, this wine shows aromas of bell pepper, fresh and dried herbs, and raspberries. The fruit and savory flavors are light and tart, with cranberry-like acidity and a tight core of tannins that needs time to unwind.
Black cherry, blackberry, olive and gritty oak aromas feed into a scratchy palate with forceful acidity. Oaky, blackened flavors of medicinal berry fruits finish with notes of mint and carob. Overall, this is solid but typically herbal and saucy.
This is a stalky wine, full of black-currant fruits and with just enough weight to balance tannins and the dry structure. It has the potential to become an attractive, fruity wine, so drink from 2018.
This stalky and fruity wine has fresh red-currant flavors that are backed up by dry tannins. It is a light wine, as much fruit as texture, and is likely to age quickly. Drink from 2017.
From vineyards in the Entre-deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, this Fontana family wine has a dry core surrounded by ripe, fresh fruit. It is still young and should age, certainly until 2017.
Soft and fresh, this fruity wine comes from sandy soil that gives it lightness, especially in this vintage. Fresh fruits and soft tannins make this wine ready to drink now.
With 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this is an unusual blend for a Haut-Médoc wine. The result is a wine that's light and already soft. Fresh red-berry flavors are lightly underlined by tannins. It will develop fast, so drink from 2017.
The fig, licorice and spice aromas seem somewhat dried out and tired. The cherry and cranberry flavors are smooth, with the tannins showing some grit. Drink now.
Pithy aromas of melon and apple are low in oak and emphasize minerality. This feels full and chunky, but also acidic. Briny flavors of stone fruits lean toward sour, while an oily, briny tasting finish is short on elegance.
Built for immediate enjoyment, this brings a tasty mix of berries and cherries, rounded off with 15 months in one-year-old barrels. The delicious burst of mocha around the fruit is what propels this wine, and invites the second glass as soon as the first is finished.
Said to be the first traditional method sparkling wine produced in Turkey, this is made from Kalecik Karasi, an indigenous red grape. It delivers a bouquet of Granny Smith apple, ripe peach and white flowers. These are followed by a strong sense of effervescence and flavors of nectarine, lemon, green apple and rose petal, with the faintest sense of sweetness. It is zesty and alive, culminating in a lingering peach-pie finish.
Coming from one of the state's top Syrah vineyards, this wine offers aromas of herb, stem, flower, smoked meat and marionberry that are followed by a velvety palate redolent with fruit and savory flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment and sophistication.
A dense, dark color and ripe and raisinated black fruit aromas welcome one into this multi-vineyard Rioja. On the palate, it's loaded with berry and vanilla flavors, its textured finish showing a hint of toast. Drink through 2021.
Inviting notes of ripe juicy pear have an earthy pithy tint. The palate shows the same contrast of rich beguiling fruit and earthier pithier elements of bitterness. They work well together and create a harmonious textured picture. The palate is generous, concentrated and finishes off dry.
Wonderful, spicy oak aromas and ripe flavors give this eye-opening, full-bodied wine a lot to like. It has hints of new leather, cedar and tobacco along with opulent plum-like fruit and a lavish layer of fine tannins to support all the richness. This is the third 90-plus showing in the last four vintages.
Sun-kissed peaches and apricots burst from the nose and palate of this delightfully sweet-tart, off-dry wine. Despite its delicate footprint, it's lusciously concentrated, with a creamy, mouthfilling texture. The finish is long and vibrantly citrusy.
Bold but also harmonious, this full-bodied, dry wine blends dark fruit flavors with mild spice and chocolate notes for a mouth-filling, palate-pleasing and attractively complex personality. Extra bottle age helps it bring together several flavor threads that are fun to pick out.
Almost entirely varietal and given nearly two years in 60% new French oak, this wine is dusty, with generous fruit, stony texture and tension. Blackberry flavor leads the palate, offering succulence and length.
Cabernet from Discovery (43%) and Champoux (43%) vineyards make up the heart of this wine, with dollops of Klipsun Merlot and Champoux Cabernet Franc. Pungent aromas of blackberry, herb and earth lead to sweet black cherry and blackberry flavors that show sophistication. The sense of balance is compelling. It's very pretty, a thinking person's Cabernet.
Ripeness and generosity of pure pear flavors characterize nose and palate. There is concentration on the palate and both juicy ripeness and zesty freshness, creating a lively fruit-driven wine. The finish is long and appetizing.
Juicy blackberry notes are freshened by lively acidity in this big, bold, succulent wine built for meaty, peppery fare. The fruit is complemented by complex cedar and pine seasonings.
Honeysuckle richness and lemon freshness vie for attention on the nose. The palate comes in with lots of concentration and very pithy, almost bitter texture as well as residual sweetness. Together they create balance and a very intense tangy finish and leave a lasting impression.
The nose gives appetizing glimpses of pure ripe juicy pear. These flavors blossom fully on the palate and leave a most harmonious picture of ample, dry, but well-expressed pear fruit with lovely freshness. Everything here happens with ease. The finish is pure and fresh.
Earthy, smoky mineral tones extend from nose to finish here, accentuating flavors of fresh red apple, tangerine and lemon. The sharp, racy mouthfeel is softened by hints of honey and a long, salt and citrus finish.
This nontraditional blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Petite Sirah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon works well, with fresh pressed blackberry, crushed graphite and meaty, peppercorn-crusted beef aromas. The rich mouthfeel is soft and full, with baked berry, black plum and dried ginger flavors. The acidity is powerful, almost too much so.
Charred oak aromas and flavors are paramount in this assertive, bold and tannic wine. By themselves the smoky, peppery aspects would make for a one-dimensional wine, but this one adds substantive, rich, blackberry-like fruit flavors underneath. The firm tannins call for pairing with a rib-eye steak or barbecue.
This wine is rich, ripe, concentrated and almost sweet. It's wonderful to smell the raspberry syrup aromas, taste the blueberry and blackberry flavors and feel the creaminess of the texture coating the palate. Low in tannins but high in viscosity, it's a pleasure to sip.
Very ripe notes of yellow pear appear on the nose. A touch of earthiness adds texture and interest to the palate, as does the merest smidgen of residual sweetness, boosting the fruit flavors. A zesty freshness pulls all into focus. The finish is dry and lasting.
Dark gold in color, this estate-grown wine blends bright, crisp orange, melon and caramel apple flavors with richer toasted oak and vanilla notes.
This robust, richly layered wine shows lemon chiffon and vanilla characteristics balanced by golden apple and pear undertones.
Ruby red in the glass, this blend is composed of 80% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Aromas suggest cherry, blackberry, and a touch of new saddle leather. In the mouth, flavors of fresh black cherry and tart cherry prevail, with fine tannins in the persistent finish.
Aged 22 months in 35% new French oak, this semisweet wine is so rich and luscious it could be poured at the end of a meal to pair with chocolate or chunks of salty pecorino. It smells like strawberries and black cherries, tastes ripe and jammy and has a soft, mouth-filling texture and low acidity.
Wayward, funky aromas of wet dog and candied fruits don't provide much elegance to the bouquet. This also feels somewhat bland and dilute, which is unusual for Argentina. Herbal, minty flavors of cherry and plum finish peppery, green and raw in feel.
Earthy and stalky on the nose, this wine struggles to come up with the goods. It's sappy and citric in feel, with burnt, stalky flavors of herbal raspberry. A tart tasting, oaky finish does little to help this along.
Despite its name, Zwei also has Blaufränkisch in its blend. It's lean, rather austere and structured with a hard edge. There is black currant acidity, toasty wood and a green finish. Not for aging. Screwcap.
Candied cherry and raspberry aromas are dilute by Mendoza standards. The palate is regular at best, with juicy generic flavors of plum and raspberry. This finishes raw in feel, with little depth of flavor.
This wine is too toasty for its own good. It has dark tannins, high spice and bitter toastiness. There is a soapy aftertaste that only just hints at fruit.
Stalky aromas of compost-laden berry fruits lack clarity and freshness. This feels chunky on the palate, with herbal, salty flavors of earthy berry fruits.
Bitter extraction hinders this wine. It does have some attractive fruitiness in the background, but it's lost amidst all the toughness. The rigid edge will soften, although the wine's fruitiness may well never materialize.
Earthy compost aromas come with a whiff of coffee grinds. In the mouth, this is on the heavy side, while gritty flavors of roasted, stalky berry fruits and pepper finish juicy, with a syrupy feel.
Jumpy aromas suggest wet animal fur. In the mouth, there's not a lot of structure or body; flavors of buttery oak and candied berry lack continuity.
Walnut oil and grit on the nose are not exactly welcoming aromas. This feels oily, while the palate delivers little more than a quick hit of tropical fruit flavors followed by a nutty, bitter finish.
This wine opens with tertiary aromas of damp earth and mineral, along with notes of brown-banana peel and beeswax. The palate shows a loss of fruit richness and oxidation.
The quality at this winery seems to have slipped down a few gears in 2012. This earthy, funky effort has a whiff of the barnyard about it, and a touch of volatility also.
The darkening color and honeyed, butterscotch-like aromas suggest a wine that is entering decline. There's still enough peach and mango fruit to give it some interest, but drink up.
Candied, flat aromas of cherry and red licorice announce a chunky palate, with sweet plum, raspberry and brown sugar flavors. Drink now.
Stalky, earthy berry aromas are O.K. but lack freshness. This feels more flabby and heavy than vital, with stalky flavors of turned earth and stewed plum. A muddled finish is pretty much as expected given what's come before.
Coming from a single block on the winery's estate vineyard, this Malbec also includes a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The sweet cherry flavors and plump tannins are accented by notes of cola and brown licorice with oxidative notes providing distraction.
Intensely peppery as well as fruity, this is a tight, crisp wine. It has creamy acidity as well as a more nervy, mineral character that shows a tangy texture at the end.
Here's a simple but well made wine, with raspberry, cherry and red currant nuances punctuated by a hint of white pepper. It's soft and ready to drink young, with a nice freshness. This will go well with mushroom-stuffed ravioli.
Fruity wine, packed with red berries, lightweight tannins and a stalky black currant fruit character. It's not for aging, it is a wine that has friendly acidity and an open, generous nature. Drink now.
The warmth of the year brings out rich fruits as well as the cool structure of a wine from the Hautes Côtes in the hills behind Beaune. There is acidity, of course, coupled with red berries and an underlying ripeness.
A rounded wine, benefiting from the fruitiness of the year to give soft tannins, ripe strawberry fruits and an attractive acidity. The wine is ready to drink, although could age a few months.
Matured on its lees for eight months in barriques, this wine offers aromas of crushed tomato vine, evident oak and vanilla. The palate boasts cantaloupe and green melon flavors, along with vanilla and bitter wood sensations.
This 100% Pinot Gris is sourced from The Benches vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. It's fruity, offering notes of apple, mandarin orange and flowers. It drinks dry and is broad in feel, finishing a bit short.
Beautifully fruity wine, bright, citrus and yellow fruit dominated. Packed with crisp acidity, light floral flavors and a steely texture. It's for drinking now. Screwcap.
This earthy wine has almost overripe fruit sensations alongside rustic notes that eventually blow off in the glass. The palate shows very ripe plum, black cherry and spice notes. Drink soon.
This blended white from Friuli has pretty white flower and exotic fruit aromas. It has pineapple, pear and banana peel flavors, although it finishes a bit short.
Earth, rubber, leafy notes, spice and plum aromas carry the nose on this 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. The mouthfeel is full and tomatoey, with snappy acidity pushing minty, herbal flavors of red plum, currant and raspberry. A light, medicinal flavor defines the finish.
This selection opens with aromas of blackberry and black pepper, along with whiffs of oak and vanilla. It has a chewy palate, with well-integreated oak and a black-cherry core accented by a hint of chocolate. The finish is somewhat abrupt.
The faintest hint of pink in the glass, this bottling offers very steely and tight aromas of sourdough bread and tart pluot. There's a flour tortilla touch to the sip, along with warmer white peach, sharp pear rind and racy lime peel. It's very zesty and satisfying.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux and Weinbau vineyards make up the heart of this wine, with a balance of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Cocoa, vanilla, dark plum, spice and herb aromas are followed by generous dark fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end, with a lingering coffee note. At once hedonistic and balanced, it has a long life ahead of it. Best after 2022.
This is firm, in the Pommard style. But because this is a 2015 vintage, the wine is also generously rich and with great red berry fruits. The acidity is in the back of this wine with its bold flavors and concentrated texture. Drink from 2023.
This wine's crushed herb, mineral and blackberry aromas lead to intensely rich, full-bodied black fruit and smoked meat flavors. It's big and bold and ready for steak.
Jammy, slightly reduced aromas of blackberry and prune are concentrated, with mocha and vanilla side notes. Density and pounding tannins make for a full-force palate. Flavors of graphite and grapy berry fruits are enriched by pastry and chocolate-cake notes, while this wine is lasting on a black-fruit finish. Drink through 2024.
Dark aromas of graham cracker, blueberry, prune and creamy oak push the ripeness meter to high. This Mencía feels tight and a bit tannic, but also lush and a mile deep. Woody, smoky blackberry flavors finish with firm acidity, balance, depth and residual oak flavors that still need to be resolved; drink through 2024.
Rounded and warm, this wine shows ripe yellow fruits and spice from the wood aging. It's richly endowed, full of toast and with a generous texture. The minerality and acidity are a hint in this rounded wine. Drink from 2020.
While tinged with savory complexities of wet earth, spice and game, this densely structured Cabernet Franc is anchored by a core of ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors. Zesty acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins lend a tightness of structure that should hold up well through 2025.
This leads with blue flower, camphor, crushed herb and red berry aromas. Firmly structured and linear, the palate delivers succulent red cherry, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and star anise flavors supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and firm, refined tannins. Drink 2022–2032.
This deep, dark and concentrated wine made by Alexandre Remy is big in every way—from the almost-black color to amped up aromas of dark chocolate and blackberry jam. Ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors coat the palate while a thick layer of soft-edged tannins shape the texture. It's not at all shy, and is a blast to drink with something grilled over open flames.
Softened by the addition of 18% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, this wine is juicy and expressive in a twinge of dark bark, tobacco and leather. Luscious and richly satisfying in berry goodness, it's seamless in tannin and texture, with plenty of complexity, as well as lovely accents of black pepper.
Hay yellow in the glass, this rosé isn't pink at all, but offers inviting aromas of seltzer, crushed chalk, light lemon peels and yellow apples. The palate is quite mellow, which is pleasing, showing flavors of cider apple, dough and grapefruit peel.
Rich, fruity and with a full texture, this smooth, creamy wine has great fruit, deliciously cut with acidity. The wine is smooth, hinting at toast, with a tighter, more textured aftertaste. Drink from 2020.
This is a very concentrated, firm and tannic wine but also so ripe and almost sweet in flavor that it achieves good balance. Lush ripe berries and black cherries coat the palate, while a velvety texture adds great structure for an appetizing and gripping mouthfeel. Barbera, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes form the blend.
Ah, subtlety and richness come together in this delicious, layered and creamy-textured wine. It has light aromas of marzipan and pear, more fully developed vanilla, nutmeg and pear tart flavors and a luscious mouthfeel that helps extend the finish.
Dry and well balanced but also full flavored, this will be a great go-to bubbly to have ready in the fridge for any minor or major occasion. There are ripe fruits along with crisp citrus notes, lively acidity, a rich mousse of bubbles and lingering finish.
In this smooth wine, toasty flavors mingle easily with the ripe yellow fruits. It offers minerality as well as juicy citrus flavors, making for a rich wine that needs to age. Drink from 2021.
Fermented using 75% whole clusters, this hails from Block 2 of the up-and-coming vineyard. It's aromatically expressive, with black olive, grilled asparagus, garden herb and moist earth notes. The palate shows exquisite restraint and savory flavors, bringing more acidity than the region is known for.
This is a great example of Pinot Noir made in the slightly underripe style, showing underbrush, kalamata olive, black olive, black pepper and a touch of just-ripe mulberry on the nose. Those elements carry through the fresh sip, where intriguing notes of thyme, marjoram and bay leaf decorate the tart red-fruit and olive character.
A bit of aeration brings out depth to bright cherry, violet and rose petal notes in this perfumed Pinot. Scintillating acidity lends a brisk tone to fresh raspberry and sour cherry flavors on the palate. It's a crisp, exceptionally light-footed wine with a delicate, lingering tannic backbone.
This single-vineyard Tempranillo opens with smooth, straightforward dark-fruit aromas that are calm and collected. A deeply stacked palate is a touch fierce but well structured. Toasty blackberry and cherry flavors linger on a toast-etched finish. Drink through 2032.
This ripe, healthy wine offers aromas of baked black fruits, licorice and raisin. In the mouth, it's more vital than on the nose; racy acidity and firm but pure tannins make sure of that. For flavors, look for savory tomato, plum, berry fruits, licorice and schisty minerality. Finishing notes of mocha, plum and coffee are braced by hard-driving tannins. Drink through 2024.
This brand offers excellent value across the board, and this Zinfandel competes strongly with much more expensive bottlings. The balanced nose offers hearty blackberry, roasted meat, charcoal, violet and black pepper. The dark fruit and purple flowers of the palate are offset by gravelly minerality and dark chocolate flavors.
This 100% Cabernet Franc bottling hails from Weinbau and Firethorn vineyards, both located in the Columbia Valley. It leads with bay leaf, tobacco, hickory, bittersweet chocolate and anise aromas. A palate that holds nothing back follows: big, bold dark fruit flavors supported by chewy tannins. An absolute delight.
Deep aromas of boysenberry, dried purple flowers and crushed slate show on the vibrant and fresh nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 39% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah from the Gleason family and winemaker Ryan Deovlet. The sip is sharp with acidity but also lush and firmly structured, making for a dynamic palate full of dark fruit and peppery spice.
A beautifully deep shade of purple, this bottling shows tightly wound aromas of blueberry, black currant, violet and licorice on the nose. The palate's dark fruit flavors are lifted by touches of cocoa and espresso, framed by tannins that are very chalky but not obtrusive.
This is a classic Zinfandel, scented with wild sage and forest berries, and full of raspberry, strawberry and black-cherry flavors. It's full bodied and well balanced, but generous and soft in texture, while mild tannins help carry the flavors through a lingering finish.
Almond and mineral accents aid the nose on this fuller-bodied Godello that offers polished apple and peach flavors, a refined and complex mouthfeel and a long finish. Delivers quality for the price, so the value quotient is high.
A strong effort from Cimicky, the 2008 Trumps displays ample complexity in its hints of chocolate, coffee, cedar, blueberries and baking spices, then puts all of that in a soft, creamy, mouthfilling package tinged with licorice on the finish. Drink now.
Chunky and rubbery smelling at first, then out comes black fruit, oak and licorice in spades. This is a modern, dark wine from old Mencía vines that's very tasty and rolls across the palate with ease. It's a little syrupy and very ripe, with hints of herbs on the finish as well as cocoa and fig. Drink now through 2013.
A reliable offering over the past few vintages, this is a medium- to full-bodied Cabernet brimming with cedar, plum and mocha. It's muscular enough to pair with steak, or to cellar for a couple of years.
From the Solano County Green Valley appellation just off San Pablo Bay comes this crowd-pleasing Syrah, a juicy, masculinely beefy and big version of the varietal with well-honed hints of baked bread, mocha and espresso.
Another side of Steven Kent's Ghielmetti Vineyard designates, Clone 30 being a bit more viscous and woody than the Clone 337. This shows supple tannins, black cherry, chocolate and cranberry on the nose and in the wine, and a lengthy finish. Aging will benefit this wine.
One sniff receives immediate prickle and a hint of fresh bell pepper offset by citrus blossom and passion fruit. All the components of excellent Sauvignon Blanc appear in this carved, sizzling wine: tangerine, orange, grapefruit and lime flavors; freshness and physique; purity and sense of place.
Rich, evocative, lush with aromas of earth, coffee, chocolate, mocha—scents that suggest excellent evolution ahead. Right now the fruit is primary, tart, raspberry and cherry, and not yet smoothed into the greater whole. But all the potential and pieces are there.
Dense and roasted on the nose, with tobacco, leather, mild herbal notes and blackberry fruit. The palate is packed but a little bulky, with smacking flavors of plum, blackberry, pepper and herbs. Finishes with leather and heat. Drink now through 2014.
This is 100% Roussanne from Red Mountain, whose heat gives the grape plenty of ripening. Here it reaches into high-toned, tropical and candied citrus fruits, accented with pungent aromas of spun sugar, fruit candy and a whiff of diesel. Complex, forward, juicy and just a little hot in the finish.
Toasty and solid on the nose, with hints of mineral, dark spice, black olive and cassis. It's structured but a little rich and sticky, with sweet berry and cassis flavors along with brown sugar on the finish. A blend of six grapes that's easygoing and generous. Drink now through 2013.
Opens with funky aromas of sweaty leather and cheese that seem rustic for this bodega. Time and airing help the wine plenty, and sooner rather than later it shows typical Rioja dried red fruits, earth, tobacco and spice. Astringent and tight as a drum now, but it will evolve in the bottle and should last another two decades. Not the best Sierra Cantabria high-end wine I've tried but still shows excellence once it finds its stride. Drink from 2015–2025.
A full-bodied wine, layering delicious apricot and pear fruits with lemon zest and an apple skin texture. With a great bite of acidity, this is a ripe yet also mineral wine. Screwcap.
This is the second Syrah from Soos Creek, again sourced from three excellent vineyards: Boushey, Riverbend and Lewis. Other bottlings from any of these vineyards will sell for far more; this is a real value. The tang is all fruit, with good natural acidity, plenty of snap. Cranberry, pomegranate and some darker notes of smoke, licorice and coffee  threaded through. Excellent winemaking.
Gregory Graham's first Lake County Chardonnay, this wine has notes of vanilla custard, lemon and toasty oak.
Notes of ripe red berries are featured on the nose of this off-dry rosé, alongside hints of dusty mineral and tomato water. It's straightforward on the palate, with a cheery, slightly candied berry flavor, but it finishes clean with brisk acidity.
The first Reserve released by Parducci, this is dripping with bright cherry and strawberry flavors, and it has an earthy undertone. A trace of spice lingers on the palate.
Soft, light and fruity, this wine is already approachable. It is an apple- and apricot-flavored Chardonnay, with just a tang of lemon zest that lends the finish some bite.
Ripe yellow-fruit flavors and a soft texture are the hallmarks of this wine. Full in the mouth, this has a warm southern Burgundy feel. It offers touches of spice and green herbs, and it has orange-zest-like acidity on the finish.
Fresh mint and menthol notes lend a herbaceous tone to this dry, slightly grassy Riesling. Lemon and lime flavors are brisk and clean on the palate.
Made from fruit grown at a high elevation and in volcanic soil, this is a leathery, full-bodied tannic Syrah. A taste of roasted coffee marks the finish.
Soft and somewhat waxy in texture, this is a dry, muted Chardonnay. The flavors suggest sweet hay and light tree fruits, and the finish fades quickly.
Warm and round, this Mâcon has ripe melon and peach flavors that come with a citrusy edge. It has an attractive floral character that brings out the light minerality and acidity on the finish.
This is a light, bright white-flower-perfumed wine, and it offers fresh, apple-like acidity, a crisp texture and an edge of lemon zest. For drinking soon.
Aromas of apricot, tropical fruit and spice lead this refreshing and expressive white. On the palate, it tastes floral, with a thread of honeyed sweetness, but the acidity gives it bounce. Fun and friendly.
A simple, cherry-driven example of Marlborough Pinot Noir, this medium-bodied wine doesn't offer much richness, depth or texture, yet pleases for its purity of fruit. Drink it over the next year or so.
Despite this estate remaining among the top echelon of New Zealand Riesling producers, Framingham's Pinot Noir is solid but unexciting. It's plump and medium bodied, and it offers modest cherry fruit and a touch of bitterness on the finish.
Pale in color, this light-bodied Pinot Noir is appropriately supple in texture and offers modest berry and chocolate notes. The finish is surprisingly long, but a bit lemony. Drink now.
Subtle but ripe berry aromas are earthy, leathery and hint at animal. The palate is fresh and focused, with authentic raspberry and blackberry flavors. A toasty, warm finish with a note of chocolate makes for a good close. This is entirely commonplace for Ribera but that doesn't mean it's not a nice wine.
This is a delicious, fruity wine, full of black fruits and soft tannins. The wine is forward, and ripe, and demands to be drunk now. Have it with a barbecue.
This smells gritty, much like burnt leather. After that, stalky, herbal aromas rise up. In the mouth, it's grabby and tannic but not overly hard, with earthy, roasted flavors of leathery berry and salt. A savory tasting finish with modest fruit is lengthy and feels solid.
This older Albariño is hanging in there but it should transition to past its prime in the near future. For now, the nose offers aged citrus notes and pithiness. The palate is citrusy in feel but fading, while flavors of orange and peach pit finish bland. Drink immediately.
A distinctive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, with notes of black currant, olive, chocolate and herbs. The palate's soft cherry flavors and grainy tannins don't entirely hold together, but there is a lot of intrigue here.
Cecchetti Wine Company makes a lot of Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc, but does it well, offering an affordable wine that tastes great. Grassy and tropical, it's true to Lake County, with just a touch of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc character. Crisp and easy to drink.
As it ages in bottle, this Champagne is showing real class. It remains as delicate as when reviewed last year, but it is now showing much more mature toastiness and bread flavors, and less of the green fruits. Elegance is still the main character; a fine, pure wine.
Many Okanagan wineries turn out respectable Gewürz, but this one has more precision, focus and complexity than the rest, with a detailed mix of citrus and apple fruits, immaculately set against bracing acids. There is some sweetness, which serves to pump up the midpalate, but the acids rule.
This is certainly rich, packed with youthful green- and white-fruit flavors, but it still has that seductive elegance that is the hallmark of Deutz. Here is a wine that definitely needs aging. It has richness but there is still a raw edge.
Kettle Valley Winery, on the Naramata Bench, is a rising star. This gorgeous, seductive and silky wine is the perfect expression of Pinot Noir. This is what good Burgundy tastes like, with length, purity and a discreet voluptuousness.
In the blend of this intensely fragrant young wine is 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. I like the complexity, the way the primary fruits mix in unusual notes of pineapple along with the black cherry. It's resonant and tangy, with good, long flavors and lots of new oak. This was a year of winemaker transition, and may be the last of the real chocolaty wines from Northstar. Give this plenty of airing, or cellar it for another 3–4 years.
Crisp raspberries and red currants here, with a refreshing, lively acidity. If there is any intensity in this finely balanced wine, it is in the relationship between the fruit and the clean structure. But this is not for aging—drink now.
A pleasant stylistic change from Peregrine, whose wines have been somewhat chunky in the past, this vintage nicely captures Pinot's elusive silky texture and complex aromas. It's highly perfumed, with hints of herbs and roses wrapped around a soft core of lush black-cherry fruit. Finishes long, framed by soft tannins. Drink now–2015.
The vines, over 30 years old, deliver layered, racy, detailed flavors. German in style, the wine is loaded with citrus rind, honeysuckle, peach and lemon, finishing with minerals and a lick of honey. Intense and tightly structured for aging.
Dineen fruit, in a singular vintage, equals spectacular Syrah. This has it all going on—rich, luscious flavors of berries and cherries, wrapped (soaked!) in chocolate, elevated with zippy acidity and smooth and creamy as fresh-churned butter. Seductive doesn't begin to cover it. You could take a bath in this stuff. Yum!
Wild berry, iris, rose and a potpourri of culinary spice aromas emerge on the nose of this stunning red. Radiant and full bodied, the palate is young and primary at this stage but already evokes morello cherry, licorice, pipe tobacco and aromatic herbs. Bright acidity and taut tannins provide impeccable balance and an impressive, age-worthy structure. Drink 2025–2043.
Combining finesse and structure, this impressive wine opens with alluring aromas of mature berry, pressed rose, aromatic herb, star anise, new leather and a balsamic note. The palate shows depth and tension, offering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice, clove and pipe tobacco alongside taut refined tannins. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2019–2031.
Formerly known as Cannubi Boschis, this impressive wine boasts alluring aromas of crushed raspberry, baking spice, chopped mint, violet and woodland berry. The savory elegant palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, strawberry compote, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of coffee. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide polished support and great balance. Drink 2023–2038.
Rose, iris, wild berry and baking spice aromas merge with scents of new leather and a balsamic menthol note on this stunning and classically crafted Barolo. The structured, polished palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, pipe tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit noble tannins and bright acidity. It's going to just keep getting better and better over the next few decades. Drink from 2023 through 2053.
Aromas of new leather, ripe dark berry, vineyard dust and a whiff of smoky flint waft out of the glass along with floral and balsamic notes. The full-bodied palate shows great energy and intensity, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, ripe cranberry, white pepper and clove framed in youthfully assertive, refined tannins and bright acidity. A mineral note wraps up the lingering finish. With time, this will develop even greater complexity. Drink 2023–2053.
Delicately fragrant and incredibly refined, this stunning red boasts alluring scents of blue flower, rose, wild berry and a whiff of new leather. It's captivatingly ethereal and elegantly structured, offering crushed strawberry, red cherry, cinnamon and white pepper. It's also impeccably balanced thanks to firm polished tannins and bright acidity. While it's already extremely tempting, hold for even more complexity. Drink 2023–2043.
A balsamic note of menthol, dark culinary spice, crushed herb, new leather and wild berry aromas come together in the glass. Firmly structured but extraordinarily refined, the palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry, tobacco and cinnamon set against tightly woven refined tannins. Lively acidity lends balance and energy while a licorice note wraps around the lingering finish. Drink 2025–2043.
Underbrush, saddle leather, dark berry and culinary spice aromas slowly unfold in the glass. Succulent and full bodied, the firmly structured palate delivers raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, baking spice and pipe tobacco framed in youthfully assertive but noble tannins and bright acidity. A savory mineral note lingers on the finish. This is one for the long haul. Drink 2025–2053.
Fragrant and full bodied, this textbook Barolo opens with quintessential Nebbiolo aromas of red cherry, rose petal, new leather, dark spice and a balsamic note of menthol. It's still young and taut but already shows great breeding and class, offering Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and clove set against a backbone of assertive but refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2025–2043.
Lifted aromas of crushed mint, menthol, underbrush and crushed berry are front and center on this impressive wine. It's still young but already shows impeccable pedigree, delivering raspberry compote, juicy Marasca cherry, licorice and clove while assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an age-worthy structure. Drink 2025–2038.
Underbrush, wild berry, dark culinary spice, chopped herb and tilled earth are just some of the aromas you'll discover on this gorgeous wine. Impeccably balanced and loaded with finesse, the palate delivers wild raspberry, red cherry, clove, ground white pepper and licorice while radiant acidity and youthfully austere noble tannins provide structure. It already boasts impressive depth but it still needs to fully develop. A gorgeous wine. Drink 2025–2043.
Firmly structured and loaded with energy, this intense red opens with aromas of new leather, pipe tobacco, eucalyptus and a whiff of cake spice. The aromas carry over to the vibrant palate along with raspberry and cherry set against a firm backbone of assertive but refined tannins. Tightly wound and youthfully austere, it still needs time but seems destined to blossom into a beauty. Drink 2025–2043.
New leather, menthol, woodland berry, dark spice and a whiff of pressed rose petal are just some of the scents you'll find on this radiant red. Vibrant and loaded with finesse, the structured palate delivers juicy Maraca cherry, cranberry, white pepper, star anise and a hint of pipe tobacco while youthfully taut noble tannins and firm acidity provide an age-worthy framework. It's already stunning but needs time to develop to its full potential. Drink 2023–2043.
A cloud of otherworldly flavors enters the brain: candied pineapple, vanilla, candied peach, caramel, Mirabelle and a touch of honey. The palate presents viscous sweetness, pierced by fresh acidity that explodes completely. This is a pure, rich and aromatic Eiswein of Austria's flagship variety. Delicious now, it should cellar well through at least 2040.
Forest berry, new leather, camphor and crushed herb aromas lead into the radiant structured palate along with cherry, cranberry, clove and white pepper. This is still tightly knit with a youthfully tannic core but it's on track to bloom into a stunner. Drink 2028–2043.
Golden liquid, a piercing nose, utter musk: these are the first impressions of this fragrant, botrytised win. A topnote of candied lemon hovers above the core flavor of beeswax, while bright, juicily luscious acidity makes the mouth water. This is a concentrated high-wire act, dancing between bundled sweetness and the piercing, enlivening freshness of Riesling acidity. Nothing is cloying; everything bathes in the freshness of the balancing acidity that sharpens the flavors. It's gorgous now, but will last well through 2040.
Aromas of dark berry, iris, menthol and a whiff of oak emerge on this vibrant wine. Firmly structured but loaded with finesse, the palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed black raspberry, vanilla, savory mineral and thyme alongside fine-grained tannins. A licorice note wraps around the tight finish. This is still primary so be sure to give it time to fully develop. Drink 2025–2045.
On the nose, a blast of beeswax and honey provides heady lift. The palate is tooth-breakingly sweet but comes with that honeyed, candied-citrus thrill. Sufficient bright acidity counters all the richness. The mouthfeel is full, oily and viscous, always with that honeycomb and beeswax note, not quite tipping into the savoriness of maple syrup. Despite all the decadent sweetness, the finish is still lip-smacking, clean and endless.
Candied lemon, beeswax and honey are wrapped in the sumptuous embrace of vanilla. Topnotes of passion fruit and nettle appear too, while the palate is conquered by the all-encompassing concentration of this TBA. The precise flavors have a bright, etched citrus frame that shapes and balances the sweetness. Apricot, bergamot, apple and passion fruit all make an appearance. Aromatically, the length goes on and on. It's delicious now, but should hold well through 2040, at least.
Leather, pipe tobacco, woodland berry, dark spice and crushed herb follow through to the taut linear palate along with notes of sour cherry, ground pepper and clove. It's extremely elegant but still tightly wound, with youthfully assertive tannins that need to unfold. Give this time to come together and develop complexity. Drink 2022–2032.
Power and grace come together in this deceptively concentrated, full-bodied, complex, sophisticated and age-worthy wine. A light hand on the new-oak nuances allows the pure, focused fruit flavors to course through on the palate and linger on the finish. It will be best after 2020.
Dark red and black-cherry fruit is clothed in the sumptuous perfume of almost-floral new oak. Toasty oak notes also appear on the fluid and compact body. Juicy black cherry fruit at the core is edged with bright freshness. A touch of white pepper can be glimpsed through the fruit. The structure shows fine tannins, still crunching like starched velvet but beginning to yield. If you like the crunch, drink this wine now, if you like evolution, it will reward patience. The core of brilliant cherry and bluebery fruit promises to continue shining. Drink now–2030.
A musky note of botrytis makes for a heady, lifted nose, followed by aromas of dark fir honey and candied pineapple. The palate adds an almost grassy, herbal tinge to the proceedings, creating an intriguing edge amid the killer sweetness. The mouthfeel is dense and sticky, but bright. On the finish an array of fruit breaks loose: tart apple, apple jelly, candied grapefruit peel and candied lemon. The sweet finish lingers.
Enticing scents of crushed mint, new leather, rose petal and red berry take center stage. The mint note carries over to the precise vibrant palate along with red cherry, wild raspberry and star anise. Taut refined tannins provide structure while fresh acidity lends balance. Drink 2023–2043.
Aromas of red berry, rose petal, blue flower, crushed herb and a whiff of espresso lift out of the glass along with a menthol note. The taut vibrant palate offers crushed strawberry, tart cherry, white pepper and star anise alongside tightly knit fine-grained tannins. It's extremely elegant but still youthfully austere at this stage so give it several more years to unwind. Drink 2023–2038.
This stunning wine opens with classic Nebbiolo aromas of underbrush, new leather, blue flower and dark berry along with a whiff of menthol. The radiant savory palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and star anise framed in noble tannins and bright acidity. It's tempting now but will continue to unwind and develop complexity for years to come. Drink 2023–2043.
New leather, rose, violet, menthol and dark spice aromas set the tone on this luminous red. It's more about finesse than muscle, delivering tight layers of cherry, raspberry, mint and white pepper while tightly-knit refined tannins provide the taut framework. Bright acidity gives it intensity while a mineral note further lifts the finish. Give it time to soften and fully develop. Drink 2023–2043.
Leather, pipe smoke, roasted coffee, vanilla bean, pencil lead and sea-salt caramel aromas show on the rich, silky nose of this bottling, laid across black currant and black-plum fruit. The dark fruit extends to the palate, boosted by hoisin, cappuccino, violet and chocolate flavors, all wrapped in a firm but not imposing tannic veil.
Another of the producer's 100% varietal wines, this comes from two head-turning sites: Broken Rock Ranch at the foot of Atlas Peak, and Beckstoffer Las Piedras. The two marry well, offering sizable tannin and power atop complex layers of leather, cedar, pencil lead and coffee. Soft, integrated oak makes the wine enjoyable now, while its structure suggests further time in bottle, too. Drink now through 2021.
Cola, root beer, smashed blackberries and blueberries, cut purple flowers and snapped dark chocolate play on the nose of this rich and delicious wine. The creamy palate shows dark chocolate, Vietnamese coffee, vanilla and black-cherry flavors, which are cut by pencil lead and cedar, and finish on a minty lift.
This variety is a standout at this estate, and the latest vintage is the best yet. Classic pear-fruit flavors carry interesting notes of mint, cinnamon and even a touch of honey. It's rich and incredibly long through the finish.
Salty, slatey minerality and electric acidity take center stage in this lean, intensely focused Riesling. It's dry in style but brightened by zesty lime, grapefruit and green apple flavors that meander deliciously on the finish.
Intense, direct aromas of blackberry, cassis and graphite are bold but not overly complex. This is so large and extracted on the palate that the tannins grind. Ripe blackberry, cassis and a hint of salt fill the flavor profile, while this finishes fat, tannic and with flavors of licorice and blackberry. Drink through 2026.
Three-quarters of this wine was whole-cluster fermented, and spent 18 months in one-third new oak. Blending the winery's three best barrels of the vintage, it's a spicy, edgy wine which marries bitter herbs to black cherry and chocolate components. Firm and muscular, young and powerful, it should be cellared for a few years. Drink 2020–2025.
This is a rich wine from a great Douro Port vintage. It has the structure and density that came with the year, showcasing rich black fruits and dark tannins. The 12 months of wood-aging has tamed its wild fruitiness and resulted in a stylish wine that wears its high alcohol well. Drink from 2018.
Vibrant white grapefruit and crisp-tart peach and pear notes penetrate throughout this subtly off-dry Riesling. While light on its feet and irresistibly refreshing, it reverberates with a long, cool steeliness on the finish. Drink now through 2021.
Produced from a field blend of old vines in a gravity-fed winery at Quinta da Faísca, this is a concentrated and structured wine from grapes grown in the Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the Douro. Still young and still masking the black fruits with the tannins, it is slow to develop. It is rich, though, full in the mouth and likely to be a fine wine as it slowly matures. Drink from 2019.
This extreme-coastal vineyard bottling shows fresh, expressive yet diligently restrained aromas of Key-lime pith, scratched tangerine, wet chalk, Meyer lemons and a touch of dairy. Tongue-tingling acidity starts the sip, followed by sea salt, warm Marcona almonds, toasted sunflower seeds, a flinty minerality and citrus oil toward the finish.
This is a mineral-driven wine from a well-farmed vineyard, drawn from specific blocks to highlight freshness and acidity. Smooth, integrated oak cradles the notes of fig and pear that veer into decadence before finding a supple balance and lengthy finish.
This culty project of Rob Dafoe and Jeff Tanner shows that big is not necessarily better when it comes to Bordeaux varietals. In this case, the blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc offers smoked jerky, soy, dill and baked boysenberries on the nose. The palate delivers cedar, slate, blackberry, blueberry and tart elderberry fruit.
This outstanding vineyard has a certain signature of Asian spices that comes through in its own wines as well as those made by other producers. Sappy red fruits and some high-toned bourbon-barrel highlights are at the core. There are additional notes of sassafras and sandalwood, along with those lovely Asian spices. It's a thick, full throttle, mouth-coating wine.
Made from old vines growing in the cooler northern mountains of the Alentejo, this wine is structured and rich both with black plum fruits and from long wood aging. It is a stylish wine that bears its high alcohol well. The freshness of the wine is right there giving everything a lift at the end. Drink this still-young wine from 2018.
A rich style from winemaker Bill Brousseau, this shows smoked pork, plum, boysenberry and dashes of dried ginger on the nose. Rounded black-plum flavors arise on the palate then tighten toward elderberry, brisk cranberry, bay leaf and green peppercorn, altogether savory and tart.
This delicious wine makes you wish that a lot more Sauv Blanc was coming out of the Willamette Valley. It's sharp, spicy and bright. The grapefruit and pineapple flavors carry well-defined accents of herb and pine needle. The pinpoint acidity adds further focus.
Bottled with a trippy-looking label that promotes the brand's spiritual bent, this wine has a nose that conveys elegant eucalyptus, purple flowers, fresh pomegranate, wild mint, sage and pencil shavings. Savory roasting herbs and spice show on the palate, from black pepper to oregano and thyme, then warm up toward cherry pie with black cardamom. It finishes crisp.
Voluptuously honeyed with swirls of caramel, this single-vineyard estate wine is expansive on the palate. Toast, Good & Plenty candy and lemon meringue intertwine on the nose and palate atop a chalky texture and lingering acidity.
The dominant 65% Grenache component makes for a pretty nose of black raspberry, candied berries and elegant violet petals. Thanks to the 35% Syrah, boysenberry, bright strawberry and light raspberry notes meet with darker hibiscus and stronger lavender and savory herbs de provence on the palate.
This small producer holds some wines back for late release, and in this instance it's a wonderful gift to consumers. Drinking splendidly, the 2009 has rounded, well-integrated, generous flavors of plum and cherry, dusty gravel, and firm, polished tannins. There's a light hint of bark, and overall a marvelous balance. It's maturing, but not anywhere near done.
An intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet has produced a super-densely textured wine. The ripe, smoky character of the wine is layered with ripe black fruits that fill the solid, tannic structure. There is nothing modest about this bold, big wine that is ready to drink.
The old vines from this estate that has been run by the same family for 10 generations have produced a firm wine, with structure and tannins that still need to soften. It is rich and juicy with black fruits and wood aging toastiness. The wine, named after the 1780 Royal Edict that established this small appellation on the banks of the Garonne river between Bordeaux and Toulouse is worth aging longer, so wait to drink until 2018.
This is a riper, heavier than usual Don Melchor, as evidenced by aromas of raisin along with black plum, coffee and creamy oak. A full, round, plush palate offers more than adequate depth, while black cherry, plum and vanilla flavors come with hints of licorice and chocolate. Hailing from a hot vintage, this avoids almost all herbal characteristics but feels a bit soft and simple. Drink through 2023.
John Duval (ex Penfolds) has finally released a varietal Grenache, a wine that's quite different from the blends and Shirazes he's done up until this point. This is supple, full in body and round, without the firm structural elements his wines typically possess. Dare I say it's hedonistic? Black cherry and cinnamon notes are juicy and mouthwatering on the long finish. Drink now–2020.
Juicy and polished, this opens with aromas that recall ripe plum, dark berry, mocha, Asian spice and a hint of menthol. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, chopped mint, anise and a hint of tobacco alongside velvety tannins that lend finesse and structure. Drink through 2021.
From a vineyard perched above the coastal town of Carpinteria comes this rich and spicy wine, with aromas of red currant, elderberry, crushed thyme, ginger and rose petals. The spicy character carries to the distinctive palate, where rosemary, thyme and lamb-meat savoriness meets with enough red cherry fruit to stay rich.
Quite dark for the grape, this wine from the Carpinteria estate of Rick and Penny Morales shows red plums, pepper, dried oregano, cooked beef, hoisin and mint chocolate on the lush nose. Though the wine is five years old, the tannins remain quite present on the palate, where bay leaf, black cardamom, espresso, cedar and exotic spices give depth to the black plum and dark strawberry fruit.
100% Sangiovese, this pale pink wine has notes of bubblegum, wild strawberry and spice. It drinks dry with medium-bodied flavors that linger on the finish.
Fermented in stainless steel, then aged in a mix of neutral oak and stainless steel barrels, this offers a crisp, varietally true style with an emphasis on fruit rather than grassy herbs. Honeydew melon, tangerine and peach roll across the tongue, propelled with fresh, juicy, natural acidity. The wine did not go through (nor did it need) malolactic fermentation. Lively and light-hearted.
Ripe cassis and black cherry notes are accented by savory tomato leaf, bramble and savory herb in this light-footed Cabernet Franc. It's elegantly balanced with crisp sour-cherry acidity, fresh  red-fruit flavors and lingering velvet tannins.
The softest apple notes are brought to the surface by the frothy foam. There is a lightness and a welcoming, fruity core of apple and lemon, with a gentle dollop of roundness. The finish is dry but fruit rules in this versatile, light-hearted apéritif.
Here's a structured Rosso that offers aromas of underbrush, black plum, berry and orange zest. Bright red cherry takes center stage on the palate, while notes of mint, Mediterranean herbs and sweet spices add interest. It's tannic but shy on fresh acidity so enjoy now.
Ripe and round, this soft, juicy wine shows just a hint of a more serious tannic structure. It has plenty of acidity to go with its warm, red cherry flavors. Drink now, or better from 2015.
A Chardonnay that did not go through malolactic fermentation and was aged in 20% new French oak, this is bristling in acidity and crispness, with a suggestion of lemon and vanilla wafer on the palate. The finish remains crisp though abbreviated.
The Lake Chelan appellation shows promise for white wines and this is just another example. It brings notes of rose water, spice and mandarin orange, drinking off dry, with a zip of acidity. Pair it with a spicy Thai dish.
Fresh and savory, this delivers crushed strawberry, red cherry, graphite and cinnamon flavors alongside brisk acidity and supple tannins. Bright and delicate, it offers easy-drinking enjoyment now through 2016.
CSM's mainstream Cabernet Sauvignon now carries a “100% vinifera rootstock” designation—surely a first for any American winery. It displays more structure than some of the other, similarly priced offerings from the Northwest's largest winery group. With good focus and length, its mix of plum and berry fruit, nicely set in a frame of toast, coffee and charred wood, makes it a surefire, all-purpose, medium-bodied red.
Intensely oaky, buttery and creamy, this lush style also shows ample acidity, keeping the richness in check. It's big and borderline blowsy, but packed with flavor.
Ripe and fruity, this is a delicious and juicy wine. With plenty of red fruits, bright cherries and a soft texture, it is rounded and approachable now.
Sumptuous on the nose with aromas of lychee, rose petals and honeycomb, this is a powerful, classically styled Gewürztraminer. On the palate, it's dry yet juicy with melon and stone fruit flavor. Enjoy now for its voluptuous exuberance.
A blend of 70% Sauvignon and 30% Chardonnay that's fermented and aged in barriques, this opens with wood-driven aromas of toast, oak and butterscotch. Oak also takes center stage on the palate, with apricot and lemon zest in the background.
The vines behind this wine were planted in the 1960s and 1970s, qualifying them as old in the Napa Valley. Winemaker Lisa Warner uses native yeast as well as one from Montrachet to craft this muted, nutty Chardonnay. Richly textured it is otherwise awash in high-toned citrus, both lemon and pineapple.
Here's a structured Rosso that opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, game, leather and forest floor. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, plum and spice notes alongside big, velvety tannins. It's ripe and ready with a succulent finish.
This Petite Sirah-led blend, which also features 24% Syrah, 9% Grenache and 1% Viognier, offers deep violet aromas alongside pine, tarragon and sea salt caramel. There's a strong molasses and pancakes-with-fruity-syrup character on the palate and very soft mouthfeel. Definitely a dessert sipper.
This wine reflects both the challenge and some of the enjoyment of the cool 2011 vintage in Washington. Aromas of green herbs intermingle with barrel spices. It's elegantly styled with abundant vanilla, coffee and cherry flavors.
The oak—50% new French and American—gets far out front with its notes of coffee, toffee and vanilla. But there's still much to enjoy, with abundant red fruit and a soft, sultry feel.
Ripe aromas of briary blackberry, licorice and baking spices set up a full, chunky mouthfeel. Big black-fruit flavors are slightly minty and herbal, while the finish is earthy and minty, with bright acidity maintaining freshness.
Hearty and pleasantly astringent, this conveys a vivid splash of Tuscan character. It has a deep color, cranberry and leather aromas, and firm, chewy tannins along with crisp acidity, making it a great match for steak Florentine.
Smoky in oak, this substantial wine also offers black cherry, anise and the Russian River Valley's classic character of cola spice. It'll benefit from a lie down; aim for 2017–2019.
Crisp and high in acidity, this is bright and lean. A taste of apple is complemented by an herbal component that almost suggests cured meat, with which it would pair nicely.
Made with organic grapes, this savory wine delivers flavors that include crushed strawberry, sweet black cherry, clove and white pepper. It's straightforward and balanced with a vibrant mouthfeel and firm tannins.
Cedar, graphite, plum and berry aromas make for a good bouquet. This feels fresh, albeit choppy, while flavors of cassis, berry fruits, oak and herbs come together well. A quick finish lacks complexity, so drink this blend of Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Shiraz now.
Wild berry, mature black plum and orange zest aromas lead the nose on this brawny wine. The palate delivers black cherry, mushroom, black pepper, tobacco and licorice alongside big but rounded tannins. It's not an ager so enjoy soon.
The aromas on this wine from former NBA star Sasha Vujacic's family winery surround a cherry core that's gets weight from tar and cedar, and lift from peppermint on the fringes. Deep black fruit flavors get overwhelmed by hard, grippy, cigar-box tannins that could use a few more years to mellow out, but this is a serious wine.
Richness, ripeness and alcoholic strength all come together in this surprisingly smooth and Port-like wine. The very deep color stays black almost to the rim. Full-bodied but not harsh, it smells like prunes and boysenberries and tastes like dark-chocolate-coated cherries. Pair with cheese or a cigar.
Soleil (sun) is a trial blend on the way to becoming a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée. Mixed black fruits carry a whiff of fresh herb and peat moss. The wine is nicely balanced and of modest dimension and length.
Some richness and smoky flavors, although the acidity is also very present. Flavors of red cherry and pepper are balanced by a core of tannins.
A bit resiny and hard at first, with apple and a lot of oak on a compact, somewhat neutral nose. It's a heavy wine in the mouth, with oak on top of lemon, apple and green banana flavors. Finishes resiny, with odd spice notes. Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca is the mix.
Always a consistent rosé from Rioja. The nose is candied but fresh and nice, while the palate is full but standard, with plump melon, citrus and raspberry flavors. Finishes short but sturdy, with balance and good acidity.
In Beaujolais, 2010 was a firm and structured year, and this is very evident in this darkly tannic wine. It is packed with juicy acidity and red berry fruits, while it is also in need of several months' aging.
Warm, rounded and open style of wine with attractive fruits, hints of raisins and a smoky character. Not for aging.
A wine with considerable structure, balanced by a good dollop of sweet fruits. The wine has weight, a tight final acidity and a finish that hints at some aging potential.
Boasting weight and some richness, the wine shows that the northern Beaujolais crus are the most successful in 2010. The cherry and sweet plum flavors are laced with ripe acidity as well as a mineral edge.
This is an easy-drinking Petite Sirah from an always solid producer of the variety. The wine is a little less in your face than many of its competitors with noticeable acidity and flavors of dark plum, mocha and spicy blackberry, though its finish could have been a little bit longer.
). Light and lemony on the nose. The palate has some baby fat and flab, but it's acidic enough to have kick. Flavors of sweet, tropical fruits are candied and a touch chunky, referencing pineapple and mango. Drink right away.
Rich and lusty smelling, with a tight, saturated, grabby palate full of big berry, bacon and oaky flavors. The tannins are big and grabby, while the finish of espresso and toast ends with bitterness. Forceful and oaky RDD. Imported by USA Wine West.
This rich wine shows sweet, luscious cherry, green herbs, medicine cabinet and leather aromas and flavors. It doesn't bring a lot of complexity but yields plenty of enjoyment. Drink now.
All five Bordeaux varieties are represented in this wine that leads with light aromas of raspberry, cola and medicine cabinet. The blue fruit flavors are quite sweet, with chalky tannins providing support.
This full-bodied red opens with aromas of sun-baked soil, iris, baking spice and plum. The warm palate offers black berry, dried black cherry, espresso and tobacco alongside raspy tannins that leave a drying finish.
This full-bodied red opens with aromas of ripe plum, vanilla, coconut and a whiff of exotic spice. The palate delivers oak extract, anise, dried blackberry and oak-driven spice alongside rather raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Swathes of savory dried sage lend earthiness to deep, rippling cherry and raspberry flavors in this dry, Cabernet Franc rosé. It's zesty and bright, with a dancing, delicate mouthfeel.
From a variety of coastal vineyard locations, this wine, an inaugural offering from the producer, opens in zesty lemon and tangerine, before developing into a fuller-bodied, unctuous experience on the palate. It offers tamped-down acidity and briny back note on the finish.
Drawn-down aromas of berry fruit and hard spices are narrow. This is hard on the palate, with pounding tannins and dark, almost burnt black-fruit flavors that finish peppery to the point of bitterness. This is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
It's difficult to find the aromas of stone fruit and herbs in the glass. The flavors show a lot of lightness and elegance but also a sense of balance.
This has particularly ripe and concentrated fruit flavors and a feeling of alcoholic strength in the body and on the finish. Aromas and flavors resemble very ripe plums, dried cherries and blackberries. It's styled for fans of power and ripeness.
Lightly sweet blue fruit aromas and flavors mix with coffee, mocha, toast and herbs. It doesn't seem entirely like Cabernet but it's hard to ignore its appeal.
Aromas of tire rubber mix with herbs, red fruit, plum and allspice. Candied red fruit flavors are plump in feel, trailing on the finish.
Aromas of exotic spices, licorice gumdrop, leather and raspberry announce a full-bodied palate. Saucy plum, oak and mustard-like flavors finish with a dash of cumin and a solid, grabby texture.
Black cherry notes persist throughout this bluish-pink dry rosé. Ripe white peach, watermelon and plum flavors are punchy and fresh, marked by a razor-edged line of acidity.
Assorted dried herbs, pink peppercorn and bell pepper aromas mix with dark cherries. The cherry and black currant flavors are sweet with dry, chalky tannins backing them up.
Intensely fruity, this has great acidity, fresh red fruits and delicious orange-zest tang. Pale in color, it is poised and elegant, leaving a crisp, refreshing aftertaste.
A tasty blend of almost-sweet fruit flavors and a supple texture makes this very user-friendly. It smells like raspberry syrup, tastes like some chocolate has been added to the syrup and it glides over the tongue like warm butter on pancakes. Some might like more tannin or acidity but others will love it.
Earthy, musky notes lend a savory complexity to this bold, richly bodied Pinot Gris. Dry in style, it juxtaposes crisp white grapefruit and lime flavors against hints of smoked nuts. The finish is brisk and mineral.
A beautifully fragrant but not overpowering oak aroma wafts up from the glass. The same sort of sophisticated spicy element joins in the flavors along with vivid black cherry notes supported by firm acidity, moderate tannins and medium body. It's built like a classic, but it costs much less.
Jammy aromas of ripe but flat berry fruits and tree bark settle on medicinal and rooty. This feels solid but a touch soupy, with leafy, herbal plum and raspberry flavors. An herbal, saucy tasting finish is easygoing, with drying tannins.
This is interesting from the opening. Floral aromas include violet, bath soap and lavender along with blueberry. This is tight on the palate, with exotic flavors of blackberry and licorice that turn darker and grittier with airing. Cassis and exotic spice notes push the finish.
Aromas of violet, ripe plum and a whiff of espresso lead the nose of this straightforward red. The easygoing palate offers dried cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of ground pepper alongside fresh acidity and dusty, rather fleeting tannins.
Dried cherry, dark berry, tobacco and grilled herb sensations all come together in this fresh, straightforward red. Smooth but rather fleeting tannins support the bright, juicy flavors. Drink through 2016.
Subdued aromas of underbrush, toast, truffle and ripe black-skinned fruit emerge in the glass. The forward palate offers raisin, dried black cherry, espresso and oak-driven spice alongside dusty tannins that leave a drying, astringent finish. Drink sooner rather than later before the remaining fruit dries up.
This wine offers aromas of leather, maraschino cherries, rose petal and medicine cabinet. It shows a bit of its age but still has time, with grainy tannins and soy flavors propping it up.
This perfumed wine discloses hints of apricots and white peaches as well as ripe lime juice. It is balanced, fruity with a good touch of minerality to give texture. The aftertaste is all about fresh fruits that will soften over the next few months. Produced by the Ducourt family, first in Bordeaux in 1858 and now one of the largest independent producers in the region. Philippe Ducourt handles the vineyards and Jérémy Ducourt makes this wine.
This opens with an attractive fragrance of ripe plum, violet, aromatic herb and baking spice. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, crushed raspberry, ground pepper and leather alongside polished tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit freshness.
Lightly volatile, balsamic aromas blend with cedary notes and berry scents. This feels round and fresh, which is typical of the Uco Valley. Blueberry, spiced plum and cassis flavors finish with chocolaty oak and mocha flavors as well as juicy acidity.
Depth and complexity are key parts of this ripe Malbec that opens with hints of mushroom and stewed berry fruits along with cedary oak and tobacco. Mature and dense on the palate, this mixes blackberry fruit with raisin and prune, then follows with tea, spice and chocolate flavors on the back palate and finish. Drink now.
This deep red-violet wine has a nose of blackberry, cassis and roast meat. With strong tannins buffered by equally strong acidity, it has flavors of cassis, black cherry, flame broiled meat, leather and violet. Rigid tannins are subdued by a bright burst of cranberry on the finish.
Underbrush, cured meat, new leather, camphor and a whiff of cellar floor are some of the aromas you'll find on this. On the firm palate, notes of grilled sage, anise and espresso accent a red-cherry core alongside austere tannins that grip the finish. Drink 2020–2028.
This is a lovely pale copper in hue, and aromatically complex, offering scents of melon, berry and apple. The depth and length are impressive, as is the concentration. There is a pleasing dustiness to the long, dry, extended finish.
Aromas of berry, mocha, menthol and a whiff of baking spice lead the nose. The firm palate offers red cherry, white pepper, orange peel and grilled herb alongside a backbone of assertive tannins.
Roasted herb, red berry and underbrush aromas come together on this. The tart palate offers sour cherry, strawberry, white pepper and dried sage alongside youthfully austere tannins. Star anise caps the finish.
Nuances of white flowers lead you in to aromas of pear and pineapple and flavors of grapefruit, green apple and pear. The finish is mineral driven and delightful.
Straw colored in the glass, this Bulgarian Chardonnay has aromas of custard apple, mango and lemon flowers. In the mouth, it has flavors of green apple, white peach and tropical fruit flavors, especially guava and mango. It is well rounded in the mouth with a soft finish.
Aged for 18 months in large barrels, this wine is rich and impressively concentrated. Dark tannins and juicy blackberry and plum fruits are balanced with spice, wood and dark coffee. The wine is still aging and will be better from 2018.
This is a single vineyard wine, a blend of the local red Baga grape with a small percentage of white grapes. The white grapes are there to smooth the natural tannins in the Baga and they succeed, so the wine is structured but rounded and with delicious red fruits and acidity as well as dry core. It is ready to drink.
Rose, leather, mature berry and truffle aromas lift from the glass while the accessible palate offers dried red cherry, star anise, pipe tobacco and a hint of clove. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink through 2020.
A blend of 65% Furmint and 35% Hárslevelu, this Hungarian white has aromas of apricot, peach and pear. In the mouth, there are flavors of canned peaches, fresh white peach and pear with a crisp finish.
This smoky wine is showing its wood, with spice and toasty flavors over the red fruits. The wine will balance out to become open and fruity. Drink from 2019.
Earthy blackberry aromas are spicy and moderately complex. Structured and sound on the palate, with a strong tannic framework, this tastes of well-defined cherry and cassis. Spice and chocolaty notes on the finish are barrel driven.
Deep, lush black-fruit aromas are warm and horsey. Tight and well built, this ripe Malbec tastes of toasty blackberry blended with chocolate. A smooth, balanced finish with lift and nothing overly heavy or oaky is fitting.
This amber-colored wine has a perfumed nose of apricot marmalade and marzipan. It is bright on entry, followed by a sophisticated sense of chalkiness with intense flavors of peach, nectarine, brioche, guava and honeysuckle. Flashes of brightness on the finish dissipate the firm tannins on the palate.
This dry Furmint has aromas of caramelized pineapple, citrus blossom and peach with flavors of apricot, grapefruit and lemon lime. There is pleasant brightness in the crisp finish.
A consistent bottling from an iconic Virginia producer, this vintage is refined in fruit character yet powerful in its focus. Aromas of citrus, sea spray and white button mushroom seem to have been shot through a diffuser—penetrating, broad and refreshing. The medium weight of the palate carries from start to finish along a river of driving acidity, with Meyer lemon, tangy almond cream and lightly toasted praline filling in the midpalate. A resounding note of sea salt lingers on the finish.
This opens with aromas of cranberry, white pepper and a whiff of pipe tobacco. The firm palate offers wild cherry, clove and star anise framed in tightly knit but refined tannins.
A bouquet of grassy peach greets the nose happily in this fruity, refreshing white, followed by thirst-quenching layers of lime. A pretty wine, it hits all marks in terms of balance and deliciousness.
This is definitely sweet, with 30 g/L residual sugar, but that is counterbalanced with enough natural acidity to keep it lively and just outside the dessert wine category. The aromatics show plenty of Muscat's lush orange blossom and fruit character, with a concentrated palate and penetrating finish.
Aromas of mocha, violet, espresso and leather lead the nose. The jammy palate offers juicy black cherry, licorice and grilled herb while a blast of orange zest lifts the finish. Fresh acidity and polished tannins provide balance.
Earthy compost and minty herb mark this wine's entry and midpalate. Like most of the producer's other wines, this is made using native fermentation and left unfined and unfiltered. Ripe, sinewy tannins cradle deeper, richer tastes of licorice and blackberry.
Floral red-berry aromas come with a note of wet clay and also a dusting of dried herbs. Wide on the palate, this rubs up against your cheeks. Herbal plum, blueberry and peppery flavors finish with ripeness and freshness. Drink through 2019.
Understated plum, earth and spice aromas give an indication that this is not a casual, fruity Grenache. It is warm and supple, yet features enough dried-spice complexity to merit slow sipping and even savoring the lingering finish.
With balanced fruitiness, this is a taut, mineral wine with juicy pear and apple flavors as well as a touch of spice. Perfumed, fruity and ready to drink, it is a fine, terroir-driven wine.
This classic, versatile, dry table wine has everything in good proportions, from a cherry-like aroma to ripe but not cloying fruit flavors. The moderately tannic texture has an appetizing bite. It's something that can be enjoyed with almost any meal.
Aromas of raw oak, vanilla and cherry settle with airing, but this Rioja feels a bit wiry and choppy. Plum, berry and oak flavors finish well, with bright acidity paving the way.
Cherry, plum and balsam-wood aromas make for a good opening. This wine feels full, with cheek-grabbing tannins. Flavors of woodspice, cherry and plum hold appeal, but this feels a bit hot on the finish, with residual oak.
Aromas of prune, pressed purple flower and powdered sage lift out of the glass along with a suggestion of rubber. The palate is ripe and full bodied, offering raisin, dried black cherry and a hint of exotic spice. Close-grained tannins give it a grippy finish.
This very underripe expression of Pinot Noir will win hardcore fans of that style. Tart raspberry meets with green peppercorns, underbrush and Kalamata olives on the nose. The palate is also full of olives, from Kalamata to green, with damp sagebrush, forest floor and more green-peppercorn flavors.
Wild cherry and sagebrush show on the nose of this fairly restrained bottling that doesn't rely on any new oak. Thyme and pepper spice show on the sip against a well-woven black-cherry frame. The acidity is balanced and the texture is soft, but the complexity is low.
Exotic aromas of spice and herbs are followed by a fresh fruit palate and a peppery finish in this appealing and playful white.
The aromas on this bottling are still a bit wound up, with black currant, cocoa and wet gravel making for a dark, dense and restrained expression. The palate is somewhat mellow, with dark spice, espresso, mocha, and mere shreds of purple fruit. It needs more time to blossom.
Seriously structured, this wine is almost too rich. It is concentrated, with dense tannins, dark chocolate and cocoa flavors. The juicy, jammy black fruits come with the acidity to give the wine some welcome crispness and fruitiness. Drink from 2020.
Dried cherry, crushed herbs and a spin of cocoa is the first whiff of this poised and meaty wine. Fresh cherries, olives and cinnamon on the palate are integrated and unfold into a lingering finish. This wine begs for a juicy steak or lamb stew.
This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), topped off with Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot. Intense aromas of roasted coffee bean, char, wood spice, green herb and black fruit lead to soft supple cherry flavors, considerably more restrained than the aromas might suggest. The aromas and flavors seem a bit disconnected at present. Perhaps some time will bring them together.
Sauvignon Blanc makes up 89% of this wine, with the balance Sémillon. A light-green color, it brings appealing aromas of green apple, lime verbena and herb. The palate is medium bodied but still sleek, with the fruit leaning into the tropical. A crisp finish caps it off.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this salmon-colored sparkler has delicate aromas of McIntosh apple, citrus zest and a whiff of honey. The bright palate offers strawberry, bread crust and a note of toasted hazelnut alongside an elegant mousse.
This blend of top Zin lots from across the region isn't made every vintage. This wine shows slightly sour black plum, dark leather, wet soil and a touch of tar on the nose. Dried red fruit is spiced up by dried herbs on the energetic. Acidity and soft tannins emerge toward the caramel-laced finish.
The wine has plenty of ripe fruit and generous tannins. The blackberry fruitiness and acidity are backed by a dry core that will allow this full-bodied wine to age. Drink from 2018.
With the potential of a good structure and fruit, this is a warm ripe wine that has concentration and dense black fruits. The acidity at the end gives it a lift. Wait until 2019 to drink this Hervé Lhuillier wine.
The wine is young with tight tannins over the potential of juicy black-currant fruit. It has a firm edge, with dark chocolate and spice as well as the fruitiness. Drink this wine from 2019.
Perfumed wood and fruit are already combining well in this attractive Dulon wine. It has plenty of blackberry and black-currant fruitiness and acidity. Give this potentially delicious wine until 2018 to mature.
The wine is rich and packed with ripe black fruits. The firm tannins are comfortably cushioned by the ripe texture. This is young, although developing well. Drink this wine, with its fine potential, from 2019.
Ripe and full of fruit, this is developing into a black-currant-flavored wine with a good balance of tannins. It has a smoky background from wood aging, giving the wine extra complexity. Drink from 2019.
Fragrant, smoky and juicy, this is a structured wine that also allows plenty of room for the fruit. With firm tannins as a background, its fruitiness is already shining out. The blackberry juiciness and acidity are balanced. Drink from 2018.
The wine is smoky with plenty of toastiness. At the same time, the bright red fruits are right up-front to give the wine its crispness and acidity. Drink this wine from 2018.
Both tannins and ripe berry fruits are in juicy balance in this wine. It gives it density as well as a crisp character that is enhanced by the smoky flavor that comes through. Drink this wine from 2018.
Fermented in French oak and concrete, aromas of charry toast, pear, herb, lees and spice are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors. It comes up a bit flat on the finish.
This cool-vintage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc brings light aromas of woodspice, and dried and fresh herbs, with dark cherries lurking in the background. The acids are bright and tart, while the tannins bring some grit, with coffee flavors lingering on the finish. It needs time to come together.
Aromas of toast, oak, coconut, vanilla, mocha and mature plum lead the nose. Oak-driven sensations drive the robust palate along with ripe berry and a confectionary note. Scorching alcohol dominates the finish and throws this off-balance while bracing tannins leave an astringent close.
Bright and fruity, this wine has a warm, ripe streak that gives it richness. It also has all the freshness and crispness of the vintage while showing a more creamy character that's typical of Saint-Aubin. It is developing quickly and could well be ready to drink in 2016, certainly by 2017.
Aromas of high-toned cocoa, vanilla, coconut, pencil lead and baking spices lead to plentiful black fruit flavors, with a lick of grainy tannins backing them up. The barrel notes get out front at times but it still provides a lot of quality and value.
Warm and hearty, this opens with aromas that recall mature dark-skinned fruit, leather, truffle, scorched soil and a menthol note. The big, chewy palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, ground pepper and anise alongside a tannic backbone. The heat of evident alcohol dominates the finish and gives it a monolithic quality.
From a popular vineyard on the eastern edge of the appellation, this wine offers aromas of cherry, cola, slate, orange rind and cinnamon stick. The palate is light but bursting with herbal character and sizzling acidity. It shows fresh oregano and thyme alongside tart pomegranate fruit in the midpalate. A eucalyptus quality extends into the finish.
Plum, vanilla, sunbaked earth and espresso aromas take shape in the glass. The structured palate offers dried red cherry, roasted coffee bean and vanilla alongside fine-grained tannins that clutch the finish.
This wine smells smoky, minty and almost meaty. It tastes rich and complex, brightened and spiced by lavish use of new oak, yet built on enough ripe blackberry flavors to achieve a robust balance. It's well made in a deliberately oaky style.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make up the majority of this blend. High-toned aromas of dried herbs, tobacco, bell pepper, dark fruit and spice lead to pleasingly plump, well-balanced fruit flavors. It leans a touch into the green but still delivers a lot of enjoyment.
One of this new appellation's strongest showings, this Sémillon offers dried apple, dried mango, smoke and strawberry blossoms aromas on the nose. The palate is very intriguing, with flavors of roasted apples and pears, squeezed lime, lemon rinds and a sprinkle of vanilla on the finish.
This is a particularly savory style of Tavel, not terribly fruit, yet still sowing ample weight and breadth on the palate. The aromas and flavors are reminiscent of honey, wet stone and white chocolate, finishing with a dry, extra stony finish.
Mature dark-skinned berry, forest floor, truffle and chopped herb aromas unfold in the glass. The chewy palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, licorice and an earthy hint of game alongside firm tannins.
Spiced cherry and berry aromas are common but good. A bright, acidic palate feels perfectly healthy and lively, while flavors of plum and berry fruits get a dusting of dry spice. A slow-driving finish offers a steady ending.
Rich and warm, this is a big, ripe wine. Toasted marshmallow notes frame honeyed pineapple, while hints of singed fruit and mocha linger on the finish. Drink now.
Chocolate, cherries and baking spices make up the flavors of this layered and tasty wine. The color is dark, the texture is nicely astringent due to assertive tannins, and it conveys a sense of something held in reserve.
Plum, violet, leather and menthol aromas float from the glass. The soft, smooth palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, vanilla, espresso and anise alongside round, polished tannins. It's easygoing and made to enjoyed young so drink soon.
Crisp, flinty minerality shows on the nose of this wine, before a more concentrated experience of baked apple and crème brûlée enriches the palate. Both aspects find harmony in the glass, especially on the long, textured finish.
Cherry and plum, chocolate and peppery herbs combine here in a well-structured wine with some years of life ahead. Aged in one-third new French oak for 11 months, it will reward decanting or aeration if you are drinking it in the next year or two.
This wine has a bouquet of raspberry, tart cherry and menthol. A medley of fruit and cooling herb flavors—in particular black cherry, cassis, mint and menthol with a hint of juniper berry—fills the mouth. Tannins are smooth and soft and the bright finish is marked with a touch of menthol.
Seductively tart in lemon pith, cranberry and pomegranate, this refreshing, light-bodied quaff is infinitely enjoyable, both on its own or at the table. It continues to expand on the palate into an increasing array of fresh flavors, finishing in cherry and orange.
Underbrush, dried mushroom, ripe dark-skinned fruit and cake spice aromas lead the nose on this accessible, robust red. The warm, hearty palate offers dried black cherry steeped in spirits, licorice and the heat of evident alcohol. Velvety tannins provide the setting.
The flint soil behind this wine gives it a stony, smoky character that is allied to the mineral texture. It's a ripe wine, still young with pure fruit and an intense acidity. The wine needs to age, so drink from 2018.
This Bordeaux-style blend offers reserved aromas of cedar, dried herbs and cranberries, vanilla and woodspice. The dark-fruit and spice flavors are retrained and elegant, possessing a sense of balance.
Blueberries and black cherries meet with rose petals, dark chocolate, brown spice and black tea on the nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. The mouthfeel is soft with creamy tannins that grow grippier across the sip, showing cedar, black-cherry mousse, baking spice and a tinge of acidity.
This blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec shows umami-driven notes of beef char and campfire on the fairly tight nose, along with condensed violets and black cherry. Grippy tannins contain the palate, where layers of herbs, black fruits, asphalt, roast-beef char and blueberry pie show strongly.
Made with 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Sangiovese and 5% Petit Verdot, this offers aromas of black cherry, leather and green bell pepper. The firm palate shows mature plum, vanilla and cedar alongside tightly wound tannins.
This wine is muted and still youthful, a blend of mostly Cabernet with 13% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Franc. Pencil lead and dust fight for attention around big, bittersweet tannin and tobacco, not sure whether or not to let the black currant and cassis shine through.
Aromas of candied citrus, toasted oak, acacia flower and vanilla lead the nose. The palate offers butterscotch, lemon zest, yellow apple and vanilla brightened by crisp acidity.
Whiffs of sage and brush lend an herbaceous quality to this vivacious wine. Apple cider and honey tones are bright and sweet, accentuated by puckery lemon-lime acidity.
Made by longtime Napa winemakers Bernard Portet and Bob Pepi, this Cab is a complex study of bittersweet chocolate, cedar and herb. Juicy, it features a well-managed use of oak and medium body and weight, finishing with a sense of elegance.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec offers classic peppercorn and big juicy cassis and blackberry notes. It's enjoyable now in its vibrant fruit forwardness but also structured enough to let sit 2018–2020. On the finish are touches of bittersweet chocolate and dried herb.
These old vines are from the original 1971 estate planting. The wine is quite dry, surprisingly soft in the mouth, with lemon zest, peach and grapefruit flavors. The floral nature of the grape is kept in check, as are both the alcohol and acidity.
The unusual but inviting medley of aromas include Mediterranean herb, sea salt, oregano, citrus and dried yellow flower. On the round palate, a saline note backs mature pear, creamy yellow apple and nectarine zest. It closes on a buttery note.
Inviting aromas of dark cherry, spicy bramble fruit and warm vanilla show brightly on the nose. The palate brings ripe flavors of blackcurrant and dark cherry, with mildly grippy tannins providing a solid structure. A lightly peppered note mildly lingers on the finish.
This is a lively and structured blend that integrates Tannat with Merlot and Petit Verdot. With 11 months in French oak, toasted coffee and tobacco notes ride over ripe cherry, plum and currant aromas. The tannins are sandy on the palate, giving ample structure to a dark fruit-driven wine. Freshly crushed black pepper lingers on the finish.
This sparkling wine is fresh and crisp. With a creamy texture and a touch of toast, it is very complete and perfumed, with bright acidity to finish. Drink this fragrant wine now.
A fruit fragrance of raspberry jam and black cherry follows through to the dense, juicy palate along with blackberry, cranberry and a hint of carob. Round tannins hold up the succulent fruit. Enjoy soon.
Coming from the popular vineyard owned by the Chumash tribe, this delivers aromas of ripe raspberries and sanguine, earthy elements of iron-rich dirts. It's fairly mellow on the palate, with flavors of wild berry, lifting anise and a dank sense of tree roots.
The winery is in eastern Oregon, near the Idaho border, but the grapes were sourced from an unnamed Willamette Valley vineyard. It's a toasty wine, pleasing and easy-drinking, with pretty red cherry fruit. A dash of iron and some roasted coffee flavors add interest.
A blend of 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% international varieties, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, mocha, vanilla and grilled bell pepper. The aromas carry through to the palate, along with cassis, cedar and graphite.
This medium-dry spätlese balances savory with sweet. Initially earthy, mineral tones build to plumper peach and pear through the midpalate. It's gossamer in texture, but finishes strong with a polished strike of steel and acid.
Bold and ripe, this tastes almost sweet due to the aroma and flavor of cherries and vanilla. It is full-bodied, fat in texture and carries heat on the finish. It matured in 40% new oak barrels.
A nice tarry funk along with dried mint and menthol cigarette scents characterize the nose of this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah and 4% Petite Verdot. The creosote sense carries to the palate, meeting with black cherry, dried bouquet garni and quite grippy tannins.
Aromas of ripe dark berry, blue flower and a hint of baking spice waft from the glass. On the palate, notes of graphite, licorice and touch of smoke add depth to the ripe black cherry flavors. Firm tannins provide support.
Citrus, yellow apple, orange blossom and saline aromas take center stage. On the palate, notes of savory herb accent creamy apple and pear flavors that are brightened by fresh acidity and a mineral note.
Made entirely with Insolia, this opens with subdued aromas of tropical fruit and white spring flower. The bright, linear palate offers passion fruit, peach, nectarine zest and a hint of ginger alongside crisp acidity.
This offers aromas of honeydew melon and vanilla. On the palate, gentle flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and eucalyptus predominate over a bright burst of citrus. Tannins are a tad bold for a relatively delicate white wine, but they are tempered by baking spice flavors that wash across the tongue and notes of tangerine on the back palate.
The Pfleck vineyard with its clay and limestone soil gives a rich style of Pinot Gris. This wine, with its intense spice and lychee flavors, is typical. It has a crisp edge but the ripe fruitiness and touch of pepper give weight and richness. Drink now.
This is a softer Sauvignon Blanc for those not sworn to the grassy side of the grape, as the Buellton-based winery does a lot of barrel-fermenting. Aromas include pressed kiwi and a sour pucker of lime, and the broiled pear flavors prove easy drinking, if not exceedingly complex.
Smooth-drinking, this offers soft, mellow flavors of melon and pear. Light but persistent, it's a clean, fresh and appealing selection, best enjoyed now.
Leathery cherry and cassis aromas are softened up by baking spice accents. In the mouth, this is hard-edged and pointed, with sharp, lemony acidity. Flavors of spiced plum and pie cherry finish with jagged acids and heat. This is a real enamel-peeler; more time in bottle can only help.
This is a soft, slightly sweet rendering of Pinot Gris, loaded with succulent pear, pineapple and melon fruit. Chill it well and sip it by the pool this summer.
Vibrant and easy-drinking, this delivers intense aromas and flavors of crushed strawberry, ground white pepper, clove and mineral backed up by a note of orange peel. Thanks to fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins, it's made to be drunk young.
This sweet, sumptuous LBV is full of rich black cherry, rainsins, dried apricots and soft tannins. A touch of acidity keeps the whole thing in check and suggests it could age for a few years, although it is very drinkable now.
This wine is still young, showing spice and not yet enough fruit. It has the right weight and potential richness as well as concentration from the old vines. Drink this ageworthy wine from 2016.
While scents of lemon and dried tarragon seem savory on the nose, this sweet, delicately textured Riesling drips with sweet pineapple and honey flavors. The palate shrieks with lemon-lime acidity, but balances squarely with a lingering kiss of blossom.
Dry, spicy red-fruit and sawdust aromas are elegant. This is fresh, crisp and refined on the palate, with oak, plum, raspberry and tomato flavors that dry out and narrow down on a tight, well-framed finish.
This is a heady, seriously generous Pinot Noir from a coolish site in the Sonoma Coast AVA that clearly had a banner ripening year in 2012. The fruit is smoky and concentrated in dark berry and cherry, an intriguing bit of spearmint playing around in the background. Rodgers Creek is an estate vineyard for the brand, planted to Pommard clones. A steal at this price.
A blend of 85% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero and 5% Pinot Bianco, this opens with pretty aromas of yellow flower, candied citrus and peach. The creamy palate doles out zesty lemon peel, mature yellow apple and ginger while vibrant acidity generates a clean finish.
Rose petals and honey perfume this gorgeously aromatic dry Riesling, accenting ripe, succulent flavors of caramelized sugar and peaches on the palate. It's big bodied and slightly viscous in mouthfeel, but a shock of grapefruit acidity lends elegance and balance.
Oaky aromas of hickory and woodspice accent minerally berry scents. This is concentrated on the palate, but still quite oaky in its current youthful state. On the flavor profile, barrel notes lead short berry and currant flavors, while the finish is dark, tannic and toasty, with mild choppiness.
Close to the Serra da Estrela, Portugal's highest mountain range, the Quinta da Garrida shows all the structure of Dão wines. This is a firmly mineral wine, very textured with a hint of the oak aging as well as more open yellow fruits. Drink from 2016.
This is plush and tasty, with lots of fresh, ripe fruit flavors verging on sweet, but it also has great acidity and appetizing tannins to rein in all that flavor and achieve balance. The flavors resemble raspberry, ripe red cherry and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's medium to full bodied, dry and finishes with a nice tartness.
Made by Ross Cobb and Katy Wilson, a rockstar winemaking team, this Pinot is earthy and spicy, a light, softly textured example of the complexity and nuance possible out of the cooler sites of the Sonoma Coast. Dark in color and savory it's made in small quantities, but do try and seek, then let it develop in the glass over time.
Red fruits abound in this lovely bottle, notably cherries galor. There's a streak of sweet orange, underscored with bracing acidity, a lick of cola, and balanced, supporting tannins. The wine thins out just a bit sooner than one might wish for.
From Aegerter's own vineyards, this firm wine is packed with tannins as well as concentrated fruits. It shows solid structure and dark fruits, with a juicy, ripe aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Ripe but nuanced aromas of tobacco, fig, berry and cassis come in front of a crisp, lively, fresh palate. Flavors of reedy berry, herbs, minerally plum and red currant finish with herbal tomato hints, dry tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2018.
Made with 100% Pinot Noir, this opens with fragrances of violet, rose and perfumed berry. Cinnamon-spice and a pastry note accent the juicy strawberry and wild cherry flavors while a soft mousse lends an elegant finish.
Crisp plum and floral aromas rest on rocky base and offer up balsamic notes. This Monastrell-driven blend is full in body, with spicy, herbal, wild-brush flavors accenting core dark plum and berry. A lasting finish is herbal, deep and potent. Drink through 2017.
Everything about this Tempranillo-led blend rings true. It's full and flush on the nose, with clean berry and snappy tomato and spice notes. The mouthfeel is wiry and bold, with darts of acidity. Flavors span the red-berry spectrum, while the finish condenses in juicy, classy fashion. Drink through 2019.
Vincent Leflaive was the uncle of Olivier Leflaive. The wine, from old vines, is made in homage to him. Impressively rich and full-bodied, it has some toastiness as well as fresh acidity and apple and citrus flavors. It's tight at the moment, showing a steely character that will soften. Drink from 2016.
Sourced from 35-year-old vines, this offers both elegance and structure in a fairly light, nicely composed wine with interesting details. Its berry fruit has a vein of iron ore, and continues with some deft barrel flavors of nougat and toast.
The Rusack family's entry-level Pinot Noir is a great taste of Santa Barbara County, with scents of red fruit, dark earth and cinnamon. The flavors are rich with spice and fruit, like a cherry compote spread on thin slices of warm toast.
The 300 designation is the altitude at which the two vineyard soils mingle. This cuvée sees no wood. Aromatic and spicy, it shows bright berry fruit, hints of bitter greens and a streak of cola syrup. Excellent density and concentration for an Oregon Pinot in this price range.
Willful is the successor to Daedalus. Still quite tight, the regular Dundee Hills bottling has medium concentration and well-ripened strawberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit. Some rose petal aromatics and a streak of cherry cola add complexity and depth.
A Pommard clone, single-block bottling, this is the most complete and satisfying of the winery's block series of Pinots. Cinnamon toast frames a full-bodied wine loaded with blackberry fruit.
Clean, green and not at all mean is how to best describe the aromas on this pure Verdejo. The mouthfeel is citric and crystalline. Flavors of citrus fruits, particularly lemon and lime, show a hint of matchstick sulfur, while the finish is the slightest bit nutty in flavor. Drink immediately.
A rich wine that is concentrated as well as fruity. It has much of the structure of the Côte de Py, mineral in character, bringing out the granite. Black plums, dark berries and plenty of acidity are all there, producing a wine to age. Drink from 2015.
Cool, earthy aromas of wild berry, herbs and graham cracker set up an angular feeling palate with plenty of acidic pop. The flavor profile features reedy raspberry and plum flavors accented by bacon flavors, while the finish is long, narrow, firm in feel and a touch hot. Drink through 2019.
This potent Petit Verdot will test your tolerance for tannins and raw power. After a bouquet of gritty berry aromas, tobacco, moss and graphite, you come to punishing tannins and huge flavors of blackberry and dark chocolate. Nothing really subsides on the finish, which is peppery and hard as rocks. This can age another 5–10 years, or drink now with something like steak or braised short ribs.
This new Artist Series red is three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and the rest a mix of Cab Franc and Malbec, mostly from the Cold Creek Vineyard. Blue and black fruits are enhanced with barrel flavors of smoke, tobacco and espresso. Some additional years in bottle should help this wine knit together seamlessly.
Hugely rich, this is an opulent, dense wine, packed with dark tannins, chocolate, bitter coffee and black plum flavors that are almost too much. There is an edge of harsh extraction detracting from the richness of the wine which needs time to round out. Drink from 2018.
Cola and berry aromas start out rocky but become earthier and richer with time. This is chubby and ripe, with a hardy level of extraction. Blackberry, mocha and coffee flavors finish with a note of chocolate, and with tons of fruit and proper balance, this is easy to like.
This is pure Syrah, ripened to a heady 15.3% abv, yet still balanced and offering classic aromas of black fruits, espresso and roasted meats. It's a barbeque in a glass, with a smoky, lightly charred base and ample, rich, ripe fruit flavors. Drink over the next 3–5 years.
From the Cerise and Ridley vineyards, this wine explores two sites within the Anderson Valley. In taste it offers intense sour cherry, a flavor that finds its balance mid-palate, blossoming into smooth, spicy, full-bodied, oak-kissed goodness.
A darn good value, this is a mouthfilling, richly textured wine with several years still ahead of it. It delivers the vintage's hallmark forward fruit, but underscores the raspberries with hints of fudge and a long, velvety finish. Drink now–2018.
A notable value in the increasingly high-rent district of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2011 La Crau des Papes features pronounced aromas and flavors of thyme and bay leaf, but also notes of peppered black cherries that ease into chocolaty richness. It's full bodied and supple in texture, finishing on a slightly dusty note that remains mouthwatering. Drink now–2020.
A rich wine that was kept on its lees for 30 months to bring out the rich texture of the wine, the ripe apple fruits and almond aromas. Ripe and smoothly textured, drink this elegant wine now.
With integrated aromas of balsam wood, cassis, cherry and mixed spices, this smells elegant and inviting. A concentrated palate is slightly narrow in feel, while flavors of baked plum, cassis, black cherry and hard spices finish with toasty oak and chocolate notes. Drink through 2017.
This blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Malbec, 18% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, brings barrel aromas of cocoa and chocolate that complement the cherry and plum notes. The flavors are soft and supple with some firmness to the tannins that still need some time to soften.
This is the Left Bank companion to the winery's La Soeur blend. Here the Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant, with Merlot and a splash of Petit Verdot making up the last third. Firm, dark and tight upon opening, it sends up scents of smoke and charcoal, forming a wreath around dense fruit flavors of blueberry and cassis. A young wine, with perhaps a decade or more of life ahead of it.
It is difficult to find a blend this good from the region in Walla Walla known as The Rocks District for less than $30. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah are combined resulting in a deeply-flavored wine with blue and black fruits, licorice and a streak of scrumptious caramel. A super value, and just plain delicious.
Concentrated aromas form the forceful greeting on this oaky wine from Patagonia. In addition, graphite and shoe polish scents are prominent. In the mouth, things feel grabby and dense, while mint, herbal berry, plum and a lot of oak drive the flavor profile. A finish with licorice and a hint of green are the final act. Drink from 2014-2019.
The Indian Wells Chardonnay by this producer continues to improve with each vintage. Here, the melding of luscious tropical fruit with buttery barrel flavors is just about perfect. Pineapple, Meyer lemon and candied oranges highlight the intense flavors, and the lushly-applied oak influences carry the full-bodied wine to hold a smooth, satisfying finish.
The winery calls this “a convergence of dark debauchery”. It's not a bad assessment. Ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit highlight the broad midpalate, with a modest hint of leather, clean earth and toast. Enjoy this immediately, or save for a few more years.
It's rare to see a varietal bottle of Petit Verdot come out of this appellation, let alone a single vineyard offering but this one clearly deserves it. The aromas of flowers, soil, green herbs and purple fruit are light and brooding and lead to full but in balance black-fruit flavors. A lengthy finish caps it off.
This matches deep purple fruits to aggressive herb and stem flavors. The impression is that some percentage of whole clusters were included in the ferment. This definitely needs extra bottle age—put it away till 2020.
Merlot makes up half of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) and Cabernet Franc. It announces itself with nuanced aromas of herb, dried leaves and flowers, along with black currant. The flavors are palate coating and textured, showing depth but also restraint.
Plummy cherry and vanilla meet cedar and black pepper wrapped in toasted oak in this bold, full-bodied, ripe wine from Moon Vineyards. Aged for two years in all French oak, it shows a classic structure and firmness, with succulence that builds on the finish.
A new offering from this winery, this wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (40%), Syrah (35%) and Grenache. Aromas of herbs, citrus, black fruit and light barrel accents are followed by rich, black-as-night fruit flavors that show a hedonistic styling.
This wine deftly combines 52% Napa County Merlot and 33% Sonoma County Syrah with 15% Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of the varieties is allowed its chance to shine, showing firm structure and leveled, supportive acidity around dark red cherry, meat, leather and coconut oak.
Fragrant and crisp, this has delicate aromas of yellow stone fruit, grapefruit, crushed stone and a whiff of aromatic herb. The vibrant palate doles out yellow peach, Meyer lemon, mineral and a hint of sage alongside racy acidity.
Made from a selection of grapes from old vines, this wood-aged wine is rich and concentrated. It has warmth from generous black-fruit flavors cut with a solid structure that gives power. Juicy acidity comes through at the end. Drink now.
This is full and richly textured without being overdone. Crushed stone and cracked pepper aromatics give it a nose that resembles some Northern Rhône examples, while the fruit is earthier and tinged with blackberries, then finishes with dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.
This blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Cab Sauvignon and Merlot shows the upside potential of Valencia, one of Spain's low-profile regions. A nice mix of vanilla, root beer, spice, plum and chocolate aromas reflect 18 months in oak. With full stout tannins and deep ripe flavors of plum, cassis, tobacco and chocolate, this barrel-influenced middleweight should age nicely through 2022.
Zesty lime pith and lemon notes abound in this lively off-dry Riesling. It's feather-light in body yet radiant, offering loads of pristine tangerine and apricot flavors. It's juicy and approachable yet effortlessly elegant. A widely appealing sip to enjoy from now to 2021.
This 50-50 blend is firm, focused and rich, offering attractive aromas of mint, vanilla, cedar and red-skinned plums. Flavors turn darker, suggesting espresso and chocolate, but enlivened by bright acids. A wine worth holding a few years, priced at $20? Buy now, drink after 2020.
Alluring scents of wild berry, Alpine herb, pine forest and wild flower lead the nose on this vibrant linear red. On the elegant luminous palate, a mineral vein underscores red cherry, strawberry, star anise and cedar. Firm acidity and taut refined tannins provide the framework. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2019–2025.
Black cherry, blackberry and marzipan aromas are full, lusty and inviting. This has a chewy, full-bodied and layered mouthfeel to go with the dark-fruit flavors that are aided by spice notes. A peppery chocolaty finish is solid, ripe and friendly. Drink through 2020.
Deep cool aromas of cola and toast blend with sweeter notes of maple and blackberry on this lush full-bodied Malbec. Flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, coffee, mocha and black pepper finish nicely on a well-cut, well-proportioned finish. Drink through 2020.
Full bodied, complex, oaky and concentrated, this wine has a broad palette of flavors from spicy cinnamon-like oak shadings to ripe blueberry and dark chocolate. The texture is appropriately and moderately tannic.
This wine opens with a confectionary nose, slowly unleashing its thick, concentrated richness of dark cherry and cassis on the palate. Between the layers are grippy tannins and shakes of meaty leather and black pepper. This could stand some time in a decanter or swirling in the glass before enjoying.
White blossom perfume accents notes of fresh lemon, lime and green melon in this aromatic Silvaner. While dry in style, it's refreshingly juicy on the palate, bursting with pristine citrus flavor tinged by edges of lime and lemon pith. Mouth filling and rich in texture, it clings lusciously through a long finish.
Very smooth, almost thick, this is a rich wine in flavor and mouthfeel. It practically oozes over the palate, dripping with ripe pineapple, vanilla and cream, and coats every corner of the mouth before lingering through a long finish. It's full bodied, soft and concentrated.
Without any new oak or lees stirring, this wine's sole focus is on the fruit. Pineapple, melon and peach notes are pure and striking, supported by just hints of vanilla and cream. This medium-bodied Chardonnay finishes in a flurry of tangerine and lime.
Mild raisin, black cherry, anise and burnt tire aromas lead to a plump, balanced palate that's full but not overloaded. Earthy baked black-fruit flavors show a hint of oaky coconut, while this Tempranillo finishes with depth and density.
This is a particularly expressive wine with lots of personality. It opens with aromas of cherry, tea and wood smoke, and tastes very dry and structured with vivid fruit acidity and tannins. Sour cherry and raspberry provide the fruit flavors.
Earthy, woodsy, spicy aromas of cherry and cassis set up a tannic palate with more than enough grip. Baked oaky berry flavors come with mint and spice notes, while this feels scratchy on a fiery finish. Drink through 2020.
Inky black color makes it evident this is a varietally distinct wine, rounded in tannin and plenty ripe, that shows flavors of plum tart, mocha and vanilla. Soft and velvety on the palate, it imparts big fruit and concentration in a well-made style.
Raspberry jam, leather, moist soil and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The medium-bodied structured palate offers dark cherry, anise and dried herb set against dusty tannins. Give this a few more years to unwind then enjoy.
Ripe earthy berry aromas are supported by more than enough oak and sawdust. Following the nose like a map, this Malbec from San Rafael feels resiny. A mix of toasty spicy oak-based flavors blends well with boysenberry and salty notes, while this finishes full and with a draping of toasty blackened oak.
Dark yellow-hay in color, this is a waxy, sumptuous and full-bodied white, not for everyone in its touch of barrel reduction and whiff of petrol that saves itself by releasing subtle waves of melon on the palate.
Loamy aromas of wet clay and blackberry transition to gamy and animal-like with airing. This blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon feels full and rough, with hard tannins. Flavors of savory oak and baked berry fruits are spicy, earthy and dry on the finish. Drink through 2021.
A showcase for the dusty, wild berry aromatics of this AVA, this wine delivers a firm, concentrated core of cranberry and raspberry fruit tones. Highlights of cannabis and tobacco come through also, not atypical for some Oregon vineyards, and the depth and length are impressive. Drink now through 2030.
This wine is structured and concentrated, showing a tight character that is closed and firm. It has enough fruit for the future to show its potential richness. Concentrated, very mineral, the wine should not be drunk until 2017.
This lovely wine sings in rich red and black berries, a celebration of juicy, ripe fruit that's balanced by a firmness of acidity. Inviting wafts of clove and vanilla play backup with finesse, atop soft, well-behaved tannins.
This unusual blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec comes from the folks who own Stagecoach Vineyard high atop Atlas Peak. A bombastically dense and concentrated wine, it's gamy, meaty and brawny all around. Black fruit, tar and tobacco combine to full-bodied effect. It would be best to wait on this one, cellaring through 2020.
From a parcel of the Fourchaume premier cru vineyard that is on the same slope as the Grand Crus, this is a ripe, full-bodied wine, packed with fruit while still firmly structured. Tropical and yellow fruits, hints of pineapple and apricots give richness, set against a mineral, textured aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Young and tight, this requires aggressive aeration before it begins to show much flavor. It's worth the effort, as it evolves into a dense, delicious wine that marries its juicy stone fruits to a rich mix of vanilla, coconut and caramel components from the barrel aging. Drink 2018 to 2030.
This is nearly equal parts Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache, full bodied and creamy in texture. Black cherries and peppery spice show up on the nose, while the palate adds brighter red raspberries, bass notes of ripe plums, sweet hints of brown sugar and savory, meaty complexity. Drink now–2020.
The top of the Vadio range, this wine is full of tough tannins as well as dense fruit. Black currant fruits are developing through the dry character that comes from the Baga grape when it's young. Give the potential of this solid wine several years to fully develop, so drink from 2018.
Earthy aromas of forest floor, mushroom and herbs share space with more typical blackberry, cassis and shoe polish scents. This is bold but mildly tartaric and scratchy in feel. Blackberry, coconut and vanilla flavors display the wine's core ripeness and oak content, while the finish is long and flavorful, with density and weight. Drink from winter 2016 through 2022.
This is a superrich, dense wine. It has firm tannins and a steely, mineral edge that permeates the texture. A ripe black-plum flavor is generous while still young and full of fresh acidity. The wine needs to age, so drink from 2017.
This Malbec-led blend opens with grapy black-fruit aromas. The palate is saturated through and through, while intensely ripe flavors of blackberry, cassis and black plum finish long but not aggressive. This comes across as being well polished and smooth; drink through 2022.
Vanilla, cedar and mint notes mark the nose, while this wine boasts just enough fruit on the plate to carry the lavish oak. It's full bodied, creamy and supple, amply concentrated but still very approachable. Drink now–2023.
Black sage, wispy black cherry, dried violets, star anise and a woody character combine for a wondrous nose on this wine by regional pioneer Dan Lee. It's rich on the palate, with clove and nutmeg adding complexity to the plum, dried cherry and fennel bulb flavors.
You'll find classic Nebbiolo scents of perfumed berry, rose, violet, tilled earth, leather and a hint of game in this striking wine. On the palate, notes of sage, white pepper and clove accent a core of red and black cherry. It's balanced with nervous acidity and gripping tannins.
The stately hillside line of cypress trees gives its name to this estate on the south bank of the Douro. This complex, rich and dark wine is densely textured. The tannins are still young, while the black berry fruits pack into the solid structure. This is a wine to age, so drink from 2018.
Ripe pomegranate seeds, red cherry juice, chai tea, a touch of iron and a stemmy crushed herb element powers the nose on this bottling from a special part of the estate vineyard. The flavors are sanguine at first, then open up onto red fruits, but are all held together by crushed marjoram and thyme.
Vanilla, saffron and other exotic yellow spices are laced amidst the dried apples, dried pineapples and just-cut lemons on the nose of this wine from a vineyard on the cool western fringe of the appellation. It's fairly broad in the mouth, with lots of lemon zest, cooked apples and more vanilla, cut by a pithy bitterness.
The third (and newest) of Trisaetum's estate vineyards, Wichman's grafted-on Riesling vines (originally Pinot Gris) have found their grip in 2014. Citrus, pink grapefruit and citrus peel components pile on more subtle details of orange rind, mineral and a whiff of vanilla wafer. The acids are juicy and the finish has a crisp, lemony tang.
This barrel selection is sourced from vines planted in 2002. It's young, fresh and delicate, showing a mix of rose water, cranberry and cherry fruit. The purity and depth are striking, and the balance is also just right. There's defining acidity and a finishing tang of orange peel.
A classic blend of Dão grapes, including Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional, this is a generous, full wine that balances a firm, mineral texture with ripe plum and damson fruits. Wood aging has given an extra dimension to its broad opulence. Drink from 2018.
This power-packed new Malbec from the son of legendary Mendoza winemaker Jorge Riccitelli shows lush blackberry and cassis aromas along with burnt toast and graphite notes. A huge, saturated palate is resiny and chewy, while flavors of baked black fruits are oaky and savory, with a saucy finish that's bulky. This is full, chunky and delicious; drink through 2024.
Scents of perfumed berry, eucalyptus, chopped herb and a whiff of leather unfold in the glass. The smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, freshly ground black pepper and anise alongside polished, velvety tannins.
This impressive wine combines power and style. It has a classic Bordeaux-like aroma that's subtly spicy, very clean, complex and precise. Then loads of red and black fruit flavors come out, seeming almost sweet for a moment until those firm tannins and lively acidity kick in to add a textural grip. The finish lingers, with light spicy oak notes that fade slowly. Best now through 2020.
Heady aromas of cola and root beer come with notes of lemon peel, coffee and baking spices. This blend of 73% Malbec and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon is healthy as can be in terms of feel, with nothing ponderous or out of whack. Barrel char, coffee, graphite, licorice and cassis flavors finish smooth and silky, with a touch of heat. Drink through 2021.
This powerful wine has benefited from time in bottle, offering an elegance of peppercorn, cedar and black licorice around a lushness of velvety black fruit. Full-figured, it also exhibits rocky minerality, a nod to its vineyard site, as well as spicy layers of clove on the finish.
Shy at first on the nose, this wine from just east of the Sta. Rita Hills boundary winds up offering a very pretty if delicate nose of lime, salt and a touch of popcorn hidden in the background. It's high-toned and bright on the palate, with limestone, gray slate and lime-peel flavors, quite refreshing with each sip.
Balanced nicely between the citrus pith and buttercream-vanilla side of the grape, the nose of this wine also shows a touch of honeysuckle, gray slate and freshly picked limes. The palate is energetic, albeit still wound-up tight, showing wet cement, lime juice, kiwi and pear flavors, plus a slight brush of butter on the finish.
Sourced from a cool site in this southern Oregon AVA, this compelling effort rewards both breathing time and extra attention. Classic funk/umami scents and flavors accompany tangy boysenberry fruit. Suggestions of roasted meat, allspice, licorice, espresso and iron filings fill in throughout a long and satisfying finish. This is a wine you may enjoy immediately and on through 2025.
Structured and with a strongly crisp and textured character, this wine also has a touch of toast from wood aging. Ripe green and yellow fruits are part of the concentration and dense flavors. It is still young, so wait until 2018.
A selection of the best lots of wine from the 2011 vintage, this is a blend of Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet. Wood aging has given this rich wine a smooth and creamy texture, offering an opulent companion to the dense black fruits and acidity. It is a powerful wine, although not showing its high alcohol because of the fresh aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
This is sourced from 1970s-era vines. It's an almost ethereal weave of berry, saffron, mint, cola and tea, all wreathed in light smoke. It shows lovely complexity for such a young wine, and it's got the balance and structure to age nicely. Drink now through 2025.
Pure, concentrated blackberry and cassis aromas are right on target, as is most of this impressive Malbec that hails from 88-year-old vines. An exuberant palate shows young, bouncy, rubbery tannins, while this tastes complex, with blackberry and plum flavors playing off savory, saucy notes. An everlasting finish says drink all the way through 2027.
With touches of smoke, char, herbs and rooty black-fruit notes, the nose on this blend of 75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is immensely inviting. Flavors of coffee, baking spices, blackberry, herbs and mocha finish toasty and impressive. Overall, this is a superb Mendoza wine; drink through 2024.
Structured and loaded with finesse, this stunning red opens with scents of perfumed berry, rose petal, baking spice and a balsamic note. The focused palate delivers juicy black cherry, ground pepper, anise and tobacco alongside firm but refined tannins. It has great length, closing on a mineral note. Drink 2018–2028.
Ripe cherries, concentrated strawberries, cherry blossoms and a bit of chipped black slate power an appealing nose on this wine by Debbie and Greg Hammill. The palate shows highly perfumed blackberries and cherries, proving quite ripe but expertly layered with clove-like spices and dried purple flowers.
Freshly picked roses, violets and woodland berry aromas come together on the nose. The tense palate delivers wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice, ground pepper and tobacco alongside a firm backbone of tightly woven, ultrafine tannins. It's a gorgeous combination of finesse and structure but at the moment it's still tightly tannic and needs time to unwind. Drink 2018–2027.
This classic Barossa Shiraz is full bodied and lush, with velvety tannins and a long, mocha-tinged finish. Cedar and vanilla notes frame mixed berry fruit—raspberries and blackberries. Drink now–2025.
This beautifully balanced wine shows toast that counterpoints the generous yellow fruits and acidity. It's a ripe wine, touched by honey, spice and peach flavors. The aftertaste, with its total freshness, is crisp, lively, mouthfilling and refreshing. Drink from 2018.
This single-vineyard wine, packed in its grossly heavy bottle, is big in every sense. It has great power and concentration, flavors of chocolate extraction that just escape overwhelming the fruit. Rich black-plum flavors are balanced by a series of tannic waves. This impressive wine is still all potential, so drink from 2018.
Made with Malvasia grapes that have been dried for 40 days, this intense, savory dessert wine opens with aromas of dates, dried apricot and a hint of thyme. The persistent aromas carry over to the velvety, concentrated palate, along with candied citrus and orange honey. The long, lingering finish closes on a toasted almond note.
Vaulorent is on the same slope as the Grand Crus, giving it an extra structure. Very ripe and forward, this wine shows both power and the approachability of the vintage. It has plenty of freshness while also showing off yellow fruits and pineapple richness. A more textured, steely, crisp aftertaste will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2018.
Voluptuously rich and concentrated, this full-bodied wine is spectacular in leather, tobacco and a whiff of grilled game. While dense, and age-worthy, now through 2022, it remains balanced and vibrant on the palate and would make a wonderful companion to hearty foods.
There is just the lightest touch of toast in this full-bodied wine. The fruit, structured and dense, is forward and ripe at the same time. Spice and crisply fresh acidity give a lift to the concentration of the wine which finished with ripe apricot and vanilla flavors. Drink from 2019.
There are plenty of toasty aromas to this rich, generous and structured wine. It is now almost mature although the fresh apples, spice and vanilla are still offset by the tightest, refreshing acidity. The wood flavors are well balanced by the fine fruit. Drink now.
Lemon and lime flavors cut through this wine that's crisp with a mineral character. It is packed with acidity, with a touch of wood that fits well into the fruit and texture. It's a beautiful wine, not fat although it will fill out. Drink from 2018.
A touch of spice and vanilla from wood aging is balanced by ripe yellow fruits and honey. This wine is freshened by lime-juice acidity that gives a crisp texture. Behind all this fruit is a dense structure, weight and concentration. It's a generous wine that will age further; drink from 2017.
Rich and rounded in character, this is already a beautiful wine, from 80-year-old vines. A line of acidity shoots through the wine, giving a long lift to the green fruits and orange zest flavors. It does have weight and a generous texture that reveals itself slowly. Ripe apricots mingle with acidity and toast at the end. Drink from 2019.
Combining power and finesse, this superb Barolo has subtle aromas of ripe berry, anise, leather and menthol. The taut, full-bodied palate is still young, showing rich black cherry, white pepper, clove, chopped herb and licorice alongside youthfully bracing tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2019–2936.
Rocking black-fruit aromas come with strong accents of wood grain, char and desert herbs. This is big and rich from front to tail, with poking but controlled tannins and ripe, heady flavors of blackberry, cassis, herbs and toasted wood. Plum, blackberry, salty notes and charred oak flavors define the finish; drink through 2022.
Bougros produces rich wines, and this wine comes from the extra-ripe vineyard at the base of the slope. It is generous, giving a weighty character with the flavors plumbing the depths of richness. On top, a beautiful, almost sweet acidity leaves a fresh feeling in the mouth. Drink from 2019.
Initially this is a touch jumpy and nervy smelling, but with airing it shows elegant blueberry, cassis and mineral notes that aren't just big and brawny. A flush, bold mouthfeel delivers on the promise of the bouquet, while ripe plum, blackberry, pepper, herb and saline flavors finish savory and dark, with chocolaty notes and ripped muscularity. Drink this staunch Malbec from 2017 through 2023.
A compelling blend of 85% Cannonau blended with equal parts Carignano, Bovale and Malvasia Nera, this opens with aromas of ripe dark berry, mocha, toast and vanilla. The gripping palate delivers crushed blackberry, Marasca cherry, licorice and tobacco framed by firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2026.
Violet, rose, cherry, baking spice, Alpine herb and mineral are some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this radiant Nebbiolo. Bright acidity and silky tannins balance the juicy palate. It's elegant and boasts great depth, but will continue to evolve for years. Drink through 2030.
Aromas of underbrush, scorched earth and ripe black-skinned fruit take center stage on this bold Barolo. The generous palate is already inviting, offering ripe black cherry, crushed black plum, licorice, ground pepper and sweet pipe tobacco. Velvety tannins provide the framework and lend a polished texture. Thanks to the fruit richness and freshness, you'd never guess it contains 15% avb.
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, this is a powerful red for the Gascony region. Ripe berry fruits and layers of firm tannins gain extra richness from the wood-aging flavors and juicy acidity. It could age another year, so drink from 2016.
This wine is ripe, full of fruitiness and already well balanced. Solid tannins are integrated into crisp cherry fruits that go with the fragrant acidity. All the elements are neatly there to give a wine that's ready to drink.
Black fruits dominate this rich wine. While it has tannins, they are soft and dusty, already well integrated into the fruitiness and generous texture. It's full in the mouth, delicious and ripe. Drink from 2015.
Dense, inky aromas of blackberry and blueberry are earthy before turning more oaky, smoky and toasted. This feels hard, racy and blocky on the palate. Flavors of baking spices, nutmeg, coconutty oak, clove and loamy berry finish jammy, spicy and long, with a briny aftertaste. Drink through 2018.
Principally sourced from the Cold Creek Vineyard, this reserve-level Merlot does not quite come up to past vintages. It's balanced and firm, with red and black fruits that currently seem overtaken by the time (22 months) spent in 78% new French oak.
This reserve spent time in 100% new French oak, and shows better-than-average ripeness for this cool vintage. Fruit flavors of berry, cherry and a streak of cassis are at the core, with pleasing aromatics as well. A generous chocolate flavor runs into the finish.
This opens with earthy, almost funky aromas of game, leather, blue flower and tilled soil. The palate offers red cherry, black raspberry and baking spices balanced by brisk acidity and firm tannins. Drink now through 2016.
Full and fruity, ripe and round, this value-priced Merlot is done in a surprisingly lush style. Perfectly ripe, clean flavors are backed by smooth tannins. Black cherry fruit carries a suggestion of spices, but it's the delicious fruit that wins you over.
This features notes of cranberry, raspberry, clove and jammy red fruit. It's medium-plus bodied—far from over the top as this grape often is—with tart acidity and a vanilla and toffee-filled finish.
The nose, fragrant with confit apricot, merely hints at the contrasting richness to come—manuka honey shot through with lively citrus sharpness that tempers the intense, concentrated sweetness. There is a topnote of honeydew melon, but the interest is much more on the palate than the nose.
Sanguine and leathery, this is a full-bodied Zin from a sought-after, historic vineyard high atop Sonoma Valley. Juicy in brambly blackberry and tar, it offers coffee and chocolate on the finish, both dark roasted.
It's easy for Grenache to get too heavy and rich, but this one doesn't. It's a sophisticated, medium-weight red wine that has the flavor complexity, good acidity and firm texture to make a good pairing with different dishes, from mushrooms to fowl to beef to game.
The bright, fresh pink color and a nose of summer blossom, redcurrant and Mara des Bois strawberry will make this an easy-drinking favorite. The generous dosage gives it a celebratory party note, but also means it's a pink fizz that could go with fruity berries and some fruit salads.
The wine is full of ripe yellow fruits that give a rounded, full character. Its texture is rounded, generous with a light touch of a more mineral, nervy character. The aftertaste keeps up the rich, full theme.
This rich, exuberant, deep-colored red offers the full range of Syrah flavors, from smoke and black pepper to blackberry jam, dried herbs and roast beef. It has an assertive toasty oak overlay and very firm tannins, yet it delivers complexity, full body and real personality.
An aromatic wine with sharp edges, it sports bright flavors of lemon pepper, sour cherry and spicy herb. It's definitely tending toward the greener side of Syrah, but offers some interesting complexity.
Dusty, earthy mineral tones blow off to reveal layers of fresh flowers and apples on this curious, subtly complex Riesling. Dry in style, it's brisk with acidity, but maintains a deep vein of peach and apricot flavor that penetrates through the finish.
Primarily Merlot, with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon (from the Bacchus vineyard) filling out the blend. Lovely aromatics open into a high acid red with raspberries and plums. It profits from extended breathing time, though ultimately fades away into a somewhat chalky finish.
This is a pretty, elegant rendering of Pinot Noir. Delicate strands of resinous herbs surround a medium-bodied core of cherry fruit, which lingers softly on the finish. Drink now–2017.
Mouth-watering scents of Old Bay and black cherries emerge from the glass, but the palate does't quite live up to the early promise. It's ample in weight and well balanced by acidity, yet the black cherry fruit seems a bit simple and turns drying on the finish. Give it until 2015 or so and see if it comes around.
Barley sugar and orange peel vie for attention, but both play to the tune set by the fine, distinct lemony acidity, which also provides linearity. Hints of lemon oil and honey complete the picture.
Bristles of lemon-lime acidity lend energy and vibe to this unusually refreshing Gewürztraminer. Perfumed with ripe tropical fruit and voluptuous on the palate, it maintains varietal typicity, but has an irresistible zest that's worth seeking out.
Dark, tart and showing plenty of tang and tenacity, this is a fresh-tasting mix of blueberries and tart acids. Half new and half used French oak is still integrating, but the overall structure and balance are excellent.
In this racy, full-bodied wine, olive, spice, chocolate and berry aromas come in front of a flush but acidic palate with a tartaric influence. Herbal red-berry and olive flavors finish long and lasting, with a tomato note.
Partially fermented on French oak staves, this does express itself with some toasty aromatics, but well-defined and nicely balanced. The fruit offers ripe, mixed flavors of lemon, lime and pineapple, with juicy acidity, no bitterness and impressive length.
This Pinot Gris has a lot of character. The color shows a slight suggestion of pink (it comes from a gris or semi-colored grape after all), the flavors are like white peach, the balance is fresh and crisp, and the aftertaste is tangy. It's a very versatile lunch or dinner wine.
Medium-bodied, this has that appetizing tartness and slight tannic bite for which Barbera is known—perfect to frame the juicy black cherry and black plum flavors. It gives off cocoa and coffee aromas, then gushes on the palate with big fruit flavors.
Juicy in red plum and layered in subtle suggestions of herb and cinnamon spice, this will please a wide range of palates and pocketbooks, the wine given a year in American oak. It's a good one for the dinner table or larger gathering.
In this delicious wine, soft tannins lie under the red currant and berry fruits and balanced acidity. With a perfumed character, it's ready to drink now.
The nose on this estate wine emerges slowly with enough sniffing, offering white peach, white flowers and honeydew. It's a fruit salad of flavors once sipped, suggesting melons and apples tossed in citrus vinaigrette.
Voluptuously smooth, this wine is dark and brambly in tangy blackberry and black currant, offering a length and breadth of texture and big flavor. Earthy, with accents of cedar, it has a toasted oak flavor that adds to the complexity and intrigue.
This wine is the essence of the five premier crus that belong to the Devillard family (they also vinify them separately). It brings out the essential Mercurey: rich, generous and with great ripe red fruits. Tannins are there allowing this impressive wine to age. Drink from 2022.
Properly opulent, this is a generous, subtly wood-aged wine. Ripe apricot and peach fruits are shot through with crisp apple. The wood and the rich fruits give this structured wine a warm character. It is still young, of course. Drink from 2023.
This is a smooth-texture wine with a great future. It has acidity, ripe tannins, generous fruit and balance. As the wine develops, the rich red-berry fruit will show strongly. The wine is concentrated, with a solid base. Drink from 2025.
This structured firm wine is full of tannins as well as ripe fruit. It is concentrated, showing smoky wood flavors as well as plenty of red berries. The wine will develop slowly, with the rich fruits coming through to give a generous wine. Drink from 2024.
Oaky toast and cherry jam meet tangy, juicy acidity in this grippy wine that's firm in velvety tannin. With a balance of power, it reveals chocolate mocha and black currant in equal measure, the minerality from the site's iron-rich red rocky soil on full display.
Perfumed in lavender, violet and mountain sage, this is a lovely wine, as always, softly layered in concentrated flavors of tobacco, cassis and black cherry. Integrated and balanced, though bold, it has a grip of tannin and smoky oak that persists on the lengthy finish.
From one of the grandest premiers crus, this wine is dense and rich. With great fruit tones and finely integrated wood, it is complex, beautifully balanced and shows great intensity. The juicy red fruits are shot through by firm tannins that will soften as it matures. Drink from 2025.
From the most famous sector in Morgon, this wine reveals the intense flavor from the steeply sloped, well-exposed vineyard. The wine, with concentration from old vines, has black-fruit-skin and blackberry flavors. Packed with tannins and acidity, it will age. Drink from 2020.
This beautiful wine has great potential. It already shows good balance between the acidity and ripe yellow fruits that are woven into the toasty texture and the spice. The wine will take time to develop but will become impressive. Drink from 2022.
A pretty nose shows violet notes alongside leather, blackberry and cassis aromas. The palate is full and edgy, with rubbery tannins that could use some years to resolve. A roasted, beefy flavor profile includes nuances of smoked meat that make this about more than just black fruit. Drink through 2028.
There's a soft stroke of rosewater to the nose of this single-vineyard bottling as well as raspberry jam, fennel pollen and iron. The palate benefits from strong fennel and white sage, which lifts the berry-fruit and raw-meat flavors. The texture is simultaneously light and penetrating.
This is an astounding wine for the price, a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Sinewy, it's taut in currant, clove and tobacco alongside generous structured tannin. The blackberry takes on a rich depth of chocolate mocha on the lengthy memorable finish.
Fresh green herbs and lime zest lend vibrance to this lighter-bodied bottling from Wiemer's 2015 vintage. White grapefruit and citrus are piercing and spry, finishing with a delightful edge of salt and crushed-stone. Drinks beautifully now but should develop well through 2028.
Despite a savory backbone of slate and tart, tangerine acidity, sun-kissed cantaloupe, pineapple and citrus take center stage in this full-bodied Riesling. It's fresh and dry yet lusciously mouthfilling, clinging on the palate through a long, meandering finish. It's gorgeous already but should develop well through 2028.
A structured wine that is also full of ripe fruit. Its red-berry fruits are encased in the tannins that still need to soften. The wine will be generous, full of berry flavors and with a dense texture. Drink this big wine from 2024.
The elegant and inviting nose of this single-vineyard expression shows plum, just-ripe cherry, pomegranate and red-rose petals on the alluring nose. Rose hips, mulberry and red plum show on the sip, which also carries an exotic spice profile with hints of both cardamom and coriander.
The wine is beautiful—ripe with generous red fruits and with balanced acidity. It has concentration, juicy acidity and a smoky background. This is going to be an opulent wine, rich in tannins and in fruit. Drink from 2022.
Extremely dark in the glass, lavish aromas of black currant, black pepper, lilac, violet and blooming chaparral show on this bottling from a remote vineyard north of the Santa Maria Valley. It's a smooth sip at first, with ripe elderberry and black fruit, but the tannins stiffen quickly to reveal a masculine wine, with peppery spice, rounded vanilla and a strong acidic slice cutting through the density.
Blended with small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this shows classic mountain characteristics of strength and power, with a smooth sublime foundation of textured tannin at its core. Dark cherry, vanilla and chocolate provide a richness of broad flavor, accented in cedar, tobacco and an underlying acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Powerful tannins and wood flavors dominate the wine at this young stage. It has plenty of the richness of the vintage to promise a generous future. Packed with ripe red-berry fruits and balanced acidity, it will be a very fine wine. Drink from 2024.
This is a rich opulent wine. Its red-berry fruits are just the starting point for a series of layers of fruit, tannins and intense perfumed ripeness. The wine is firm at this young stage with great potential to develop into a generous wine as it matures. It comes from vines at the northern end of the Beaune premier crus. Drink from 2024.
This magnum-size wine, named after the Tensleys' son, Oliver Gunnar, is still very young, especially for the large size, but the aromas of purple flower, tar, salt, pepper and black plum are very promising. Zesty pepper and thyme show on the sip along with black-plum paste and savory hoisin touches, held together by a very grippy texture. This heavy-duty wine needs time to blossom. Drink 2019–2030.
A testament to the potential of Priorat varietal Carignan, Arbossar deals gamy, savory aromas of baking spices, earthy plum and mincemeat pie. The palate is dry on the edges and jammy in the middle. Raspberry and spiced cherry flavors are straight and intense on a saturated finish. For full-flavored, old-vines Carignan, look no further than this. Drink 2018–2028.
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Penedès is on the money. A smooth, creamy nose of vanilla, oak and berry aromas leads to a ripe, saturated palate with a meaty texture. Flavors of black fruits, wild herbs, licorice and spice are long, savory and chocolaty on a finish that lasts three minutes. Drink from 2019–2030.
Concentrated aromas of pomegranate, cranberry and mulberry meet with broodingly spiced notes of cola, pencil shavings, dried mint and mossy earth on the nose of this bottling. Juniper, pine needle tea and redwood flavors show on the sip, giving depth to a clean line of dark-red fruit and woody, black-pepper-flecked spice.
This bottling of the 667 and Pommard clones starts with a stewed-cherry note before the sagebrush, forest floor and moss aromas start to dominate. There's an exotic sesame touch to the sip, where cherry and berry flavors are lifted by savory hints of salt, pepper and nori wrap. Really unique and delicious, it leaves the mouth watering and invigorated.
Massive blackberry, vanilla and marshmallow aromas are voluptuous. A just-right mix of lushness and tannins determines the palate, which hosts toasty flavors of chocolate and blackberry. A smooth finish with firm but manageable residual tannins is intense but not rough. Drink through 2028.
This is a perfectly solid, fresh Torrontés, with lime, pineapple and banana aromas and similar flavors. Add in some acid-based agility and lift, and this ranks as an everyday quaffer of the first order. Drink immediately.
A showcase of Lodi's ability to grow an array of grapes, particularly red varieties, Incognito is an amalgam of Syrah, Carignane, Mourvèdre, Souzão, Tannat, Cinsault, Petite Sirah and Merlot, with flavors ranging from cranberry to chocolate. It's smooth, with medium body and tannic structure.
According to its bottle, this has 15.5% alcohol, and yet the raspberry flavor lacks weight and depth. Instead, flavors of stem and earth seem to dominate.
Not really distinguishable from the winery's regular bottling of Sangiovese, this too has just a hint of sour cherry, with leafy, earthy, drying tannins.
Chalky and dry, this tastes of barely ripe cherry, with plenty of leafy flavors. The tannins take over quickly in a brief, drying finish.
Butter and coconut aromas announce the liberal use of oak, which the palate echoes with its round, resiny feel and flavors of vanilla, wood and baked pear. This is soft, flat and sugary tasting, with an oaky finish.
An attractive, caramel- and red-fruit-flavored wine, this has soft tannins and ripe berry notes that are lined with acidity. Not for long aging, it's ready to drink now.
Herbaceous in character, this also shows a creamy edge. Notes of ripe apples blend with touches of citrus fruits. A yeasty note spoils the purity of the fruit, but it's likely to disappear as the wine ages for a few months.
Concentrated chocolate and licorice flavors characterize this wine, which shows signs of extraction along with a burn from the alcohol. Its fruit is the high point, with a burst of ripe blackberry juice, plus a black-currant-like tautness. The superripe Merlot will need several years to soften.
Talcum powder and apple aromas accompany a big whiff of resinous oak. On the palate, it's tropical in both feel and flavors, with plenty of weight and aggressive tastes of pineapple and mango. Feels a bit sticky and not quite precise, with a chunky finish.
High density planting of a vineyard on the slopes of the Azeitão mountains has produced a rich and seriously dense wine. It has enormous amounts of spice, oak-aged flavors and bitter tannins. The red fruits are lost at this stage in the welter of other flavors. but with time its true, impressive colors with shine. Drink after 2016.
Opulento is done entirely with Portuguese varieties. Quite young, grapey, rich and supple, it's packed with primary, brambly blackberry fruit with a smooth, chocolatey finish. This should age well for at least a decade.
This is a young, firm and seriously tannic wine that will need several years to age. It has structure, a sense of the tough terrain of the upper Douro. Concentrated and dense, it's a wine that will develop; best after 2017.
From the eastern vineyards of the Douro, in Douro Superior, this estate wine is heavily structured while showing rich fruit and impressive tannins. The texture is strongly mineral, complex and hinting at the concentration from fruit grown in this hot, dry climate. Drink from 2016.
This is a fine wine, with great structure and ripe fruit. Dark tannins, a tense mineral texture and blackberry tones are all there, giving a wine that's rich and full bodied. Drink from 2017.
On the nose, this blend is leathery and earthy. Bold berry and cassis flavors on the palate are amplified by strong notes of baking spice and chocolate, while the finish is oaky and shows moderate complexity. Drink through 2019.
This is a juicy, dense wine from João Silva e Sousa and Francisco Baptista that is packed with dark, steely tannins. A field blend of 10 Douro red varieties, with 12 months of wood aging, it's ripe in sweet, rich red fruits that are balanced by intense acidity. Still young, the wine will be better from 2017.
A Cabernet-based blend, with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this offers pleasing aromatic complexity, with notes of coffee, dark fruit and vanilla, accented by floral overtones. The palate is full bodied, with abundant coffee and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins. The fruit and oak seem to tussle a bit at present; try after 2017.
All four of Dâo's indigenous red grapes—Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro—are in this blend. It is rich and fruity wine, showing a lightly perfumed character against ripe black fruit tones. Drink now.
This is a rich and ripe wine, densely textured with firm tannins that provide a solid structure. Made from selected fruit grown in the north of the Tejo region, the blend of 60% Aragonez, 25% Syrah, 15% Merlot is a textured wood-aged wine that has red and black berry fruits followed by balanced acidity. It is ready to drink, but will improve after 2015.
This is a Merlot-based blend, tightly wound, with tart berry fruit flavors. It gathers and concentrates into a dense, fruit-laden finish, streaked with espresso and dark chocolate. Though labeled simply Yakima Valley, it's all Red Mountain fruit, mostly from Klipsun.
Inebriating aromas of hearty tobacco, black earth, cassis and prune kick off another barrel-aged monster from Dave Corey. The cherry syrup and plum liqueur flavors remain bright with strong acidity as well as sturdy tannic structure, meaning this one will last until 2020 at least.
A wine club selection, this pure Malbec is fragrant and streaked with well-defined layers of blackberry, dark chocolate and earth. There's a pleasing whiff of sandalwood and baking spice that carries through to the finish.
Seara d'Ordens is a quinta at the western end of the Douro region. This rich and polished wine is full of black fruits, with herbal overtones and layers of wood aging that have left espresso flavors. With this concentration, the wine needs to age for several years; drink after 2017.
An elegant, poised wine that's bone dry, nervy and lightly fruity. The wine is balanced between its fresh acidity and ripe fruitiness. With its bright texture, it's a wine that needs food. Drink from 2016.
Medium sweet in character, this is a rich wine that's driven by its rich terroir. The chalk and gravel soil of the Goldert vineyard produces great spiciness that is balanced by delicate acidity and the possibility of aging further. Drink now, but it will be better from 2016.
Distinct and delicious aromas of crème brûlée with a strawberry glaze pick up some licorice and dark spice when digging deeper. The cranberry fruit's tartness, tannins, and acidity make for a mouth-rinsing wine. Serve with hearty pasta or rich meats.
High-toned acidity rules the day here, the wine a tempting mélange of fresh grapefruit, lemon and apple, the texture smooth and succulent. The flavors are long lasting and complex.
Soft, subdued, savory and subtle, Old Kraft dates back originally to the 1860s, much of its plantings traceable to the 1890s. Zinfandel and Petite Sirah populate the gorgeous pocket of a site, a stone's throw from Spottswoode. Blackberries and raspberries figure prominently, alongside intrigues of cinnamon and clove, a forested note not far behind.
This juicy, minerally blend is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The winery aims to source from cool vineyard sites and this bottling is true to that in style—elegant and balanced, subtle in tannins and aged in only 50% new oak. Bay leaf and mint come to the fore ahead of clove.
A sharp brine character gets warmer boosts from underlying pear, nectarine and buttered sourdough aromas. Flavors are light and bright at first, with sandy clay, vanilla cookie and custard strudel emerging on the midpalate and a line of acidity down through the finish.
Very appealing aromas of warm strawberry-cherry pie, red licorice and red rose promise ripe juiciness in this nearly equal blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The palate delivers with cherry cola, and the wine almost seems sweet, yet is bone dry, with nice grippy tannins as well.
Earthy, ripe and a touch mulchy smelling at first, this blend comes around to show full plum and berry scents. The palate is bulky—a reflection of a warm vintage. Ripe berry notes house chocolate and fig flavors, with a touch salt finishing it off. Drink through 2019.
A sensational value, the grapes come from top vineyards that generally command high prices. Tobacco and cherry scents roll smoothly into a rich, dense palate loaded with kirsch, crème de cassis and framboise flavors. The fruit is concentrated, sappy and deep.
A vibrantly aromatic wine, with notes of petrol, marmalade, citrus and flowers. It's rich and honeyed, with a lightly smoky, lingering finish.
This is fruity and juicy with good acidity and fresh berry fruits. The 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend has the right amount of tannic character, showing structure that brings out ripe red fruits and indicates good potential. Drink from 2017.
Sharp anise, violet and menthol scents swirl around a core of rich blackberry jam on this wine, hitting the palate with serious thickness. The Kamal, named after an 8th-century navigation device, also features the other four Bordeaux varietals. It delivers flavors of deep plum jelly, cherry syrup, pepper and cedar.
Deep and rich aromas of blackberry syrup and wet slate kick off this excellent, approachable representation of Santa Barbara County's new Ballard Canyon appellation. It's both juicy and tannic once sipped, tasty with blackberry and slight cherry juice. Balanced with medium-range force, it provides evidence of how the region evens out Syrah's rougher edges.
Shows some roughness and burnt leaves on the nose, but it settles on raspberry and cherry. In the mouth, it's a bit soft and flat due to low acidity, and the flavors lean toward sweet and candied, as if some residual sugar was left on the wine. Tastes good enough, but it's candied and simple. Drink now.
A crisp nose of lemon, grass and spice leads this Traminer from Bulgaria. On the palate, the wine is light and pretty, and while simple, offers a delightful pairing with cheeses, poultry.
Aromas of mint, cedar and spices are followed by medium-bodied vanilla and berry flavors in this approachable red from Greece. The dry-style red offers good acidity and balance and will pair well with dishes of the Mediterranean—think olives, grilled lamb, moussaka.
Sort of creamy and unconvincing on the nose, with carob and stemmy berry aromas. The palate runs toward red fruit, but it's also a bit green and herbal. Finishing notes of chocolate and green herbs are typical of Merlot, yet there isn't enough ripe fruit or excitement. Hence, it's a mid-level red wine with some green character. Contains 9% Cabernet and 5% Shiraz.
Relatively light in body, with pungent overtones of boxwood and asparagus. This is a bit on the green side of the spectrum, only partially balanced by citrusy fruit.
A bit heavy and granular on the nose, with oily aromas that raise question marks. Fortunately, the wine mostly tastes true, with apple-based lead flavors followed by some pithy bitterness. The finish registers as dull, yet there's still some grab to the wine. Seems to be fading.
Smoky, pungent and earthy, with cola and plum notes that fill the mouth, then turn crisp on the finish.
An extremely dense nose reveals espresso bean, blackberry paste, caramelized berries, black pepper and a hint of tobacco, reminiscent of a fruit-laced, heavily spiced crème brûlée. The blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 5% Syrah is silky on the palate with oregano, dill and fennel giving nuance to dried blueberry fruit, laid across a powerful structure. Drink 2016–2027.
Showing extreme elegance, this fragrant, radiant wine opens with aromas of jasmine, white peach and aromatic herb. The linear palate delivers crisp Granny Smith apple, white stone fruit, sage, lemon drop and flinty mineral alongside zesty acidity that provides balance and energy.
The subtlest notes of earth and honey suggest an evolving wine. The palate takes these further and wraps them up in fruit flavors that owe as much to lemon zest as they do to the peel of pear and russet apple. There is focus and poise on the palate and real tension between toned, muscular fruit and sprightly freshness. This is just coming out of its shell. Drink 2016–2026.
Big, dark and rich, the black-cherry fruit is veined with iron ore. That resonant minerality, along with zippy acids, makes this wine seem especially dry. Tannins are polished and flavors linger magnificently, with a mocha-java finish.
Slicks of candle wax and blossomy perfume meld with synergy in this zesty, dry Riesling. The palate is crisp and tart, accented by green melon and lime flavors, but augmented by a distinctly honeyed richness. Drink now through 2025.
Spine-tingling acidity cuts a fine edge through this buoyantly fruity but nuanced wine. The palate is lip-smackingly sweet-tart, bursting of ripe raspberry and yellow cherry flavors that stretch out a long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2020.
Bold, penetrating yellow-cherry and pink grapefruit flavors are calibrated by streaks of lime, lemon and slate in this invigorating kabinett. Kicks of saffron and spice accentuate its pert, racy style. Enjoy now through 2018 for fresh, fruity refreshment.
Dark, alluring aromas of licorice, blackberry and toast share space with earthy, mossy notes on the nose of this full-bodied winner that's showing wall-to-wall weight and tannins. Black plum, cassis and tobacco flavors are a common Rioja trifecta, as are dry, peppery, figgy flavors on the finish. Drink from 2018–2028.
Light in color and crisp in style, this wine nicely combines all the lovable features of the variety, from barnyard-like earth at its core, to streaks of cinnamon, cranberry and red cherry. It finishes with length and breadth, never getting bogged down in too much oak or tannin.
Earthy, foresty berry aromas are loaded with oaky accents of coconut, vanilla and tobacco. This is fiercely tannic, but there's enough fruit and structure to handle severe tannic bite. Ripe, raisiny flavors come with tobacco and herbal accents, while the finish is pounding and full of chocolate, fig, coffee and herbal flavors. Drink through 2025.
This delivers handmade, natural wine character. It's a limited release from King's “Vineyard Designate” series, and a bold, deep, supple and smooth one at that. Red plum, citrus peel, a thread of caramel and a whiff of chocolate combine in a wine that should drink well through 2026.
Rounded, ripe notes of fresh and stewed pear sweeten nose and palate against a fine backbone of bright lemony acidity. There is the slightest nutty touch adding texture to that fruity freshness which leaves the palate just off-dry.
Pas de Nom, meaning “no name” in French, is intended as a self-effacing moniker for the winery's top cuvée. A barrel-selection, it's front-loaded with big cherry-pie fruit flavors. The mouthfeel is light and buttery, with a pleasing lick of caramel, while the tannins have some muscle and a hint of stem. This young, powerful wine should drink best 2018–2025.
The Shea designate brings a complex mix of red fruits, along with threads of nougat, graham cracker, toast and caramel. It's so well integrated that it's completely seamless, with outstanding length and focus.
Prime grapes from this outstanding vineyard offer full-bodied plum and cherry fruit, highlights of iron filings and lighter hints of funk. This is a powerful effort, with the depth to age through 2024.
Made from a blend of grapes, this is a serious and structured red wine that will need some aging. The tannins are solid, firm and show nice concentration on the palate. At the moment, the ripe fruit that is there is buried under this tannic edifice. This fine wine needs time—enjoy from 2018.
A new, bold, high-end offering from the producer, equally known for its prowess with Rhône varieties, Black Boar includes 12% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignan in the blend. Rich, round and expressive in juicy red berry with a punch of tannin, it offers integrated oak and spicy pepper in a fulsome, full-bodied and memorable way.
This garagiste-sized project presents a complex take in this 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah project, with tight boysenberry, slight asphalt, pressed violets and black pepper on the nose. There is a pronounced density of black fruit on the palate, with blueberry dominant, as well as gingerbread warmth, roasted pork, hoisin sauce and a strong tannic grip.
Opaque and full bodied, this is a big Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine from a ripe year, with finely etched elements of smoky char, tar and graphite. The fruit is a combination of ripe blackberry jam and black-currant tartness, with sizable hits of black cherry.
The heritage clones referenced here are Pommard and Wädenswil, yielding fresh and forward fruit flavors of strawberry with a cherry-popsickle kick. There's a nice brambly texture to the fruit, along with a dash of cola. It's a harmonious and texturally resonant Pinot Noir ready for near-term enjoyment.
Six clones are blended into this wine, an elegant and aromatic style of Pinot Noir. With breathing time it adds volume, showing more heft and complexity. The pretty red fruits are set in a frame that shows more minerality than tannin.
The ??? Pinot from Ayoub is a true mystery wine, made with fruit sourced from unnameable but exceptionally high-end sources. Flavors are subtle and elegant, with lovely floral top notes over firm, well-balanced fruit and chewy tannins. Still quite young and compact, this wine needs another five years at a minimum to blossom. Drink 2020–2030.
Mostly Thistle fruit, with some Hyland also, this is a blend of lots aged in one stainless barrel, one Champagne barrel, and the rest neutral. The mix works well, crafting a well-defined wine with some chicken-stock flavors modulating strands of lime, citrus and apple. It finishes with light toast and impressive length.
Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, this wine opens with multifaceted aromas of ripe orchard fruit, candied citrus zest, pressed flower and mineral tones. The focused, elegant palate offers ripe apple, pear, tangy nectarine, lemon drop and flint. While enjoyable now, this will drink well through 2023.
This is a serious, structured wine with a great future. It has weight, tarry black tannins and dense berry fruits. Spice, toast and ripe fruitiness are all melding well together, although they need time. This complex, concentrated wine will be ready to drink from 2018.
This is textbook Rioja gran reserva from a ripe, generous year. Aromas of cassis and prune blend with toasty, creamy oak. Fresh acidity is a lifesaver, because the tannins and oak level are up there. Flavors of tobacco, currant, vanilla and red plum end with a reprise of crisp acids and oak. This will last another 20 years before any fading comes into play.
Dense, saturated aromas and flavors blend ripe fruit with ample oaky spices to form a mouthcoating layer of goodness. This wine is medium bodied, but almost swaggering in style, and delicious. It has lots of firm tannins but the tempting flavors soften the texture and make it fun to drink.
Baked apple freshness on the nose segues into a tart, spicy but dry palate. There are peppery edges around tart, crisp green and red-apple fruit. This has an immensely refreshing, lip-smacking core of untamed freshness and thus provides lots of excitement. Not for the faint-hearted, more like a few rounds on a racetrack at breakneck speed. Very invigorating and long.
Moderately complex but thoroughly inviting aromas of cherry, plum and oak lead to a pure, balanced palate with drying tannins. Flavors of cherry, kirsch, pepper and fresh herbs conclude on a still-kicking finish that's tight and elegant. Drink through 2020.
This winery is better known for its Marsanne, but this Viognier is an excellent value. It exudes hints of apricot, pineapple, ginger and honey, coming across rich and creamy on the palate. Despite the heft, it finishes long, framed by mouthwatering acidity.
This is definitely a light vintage for this vineyard-designate. It deftly mixes cranberry and raspberry fruit with hints of wet stone. Proportionate, drying tannins line the finish.
Produced from old vines, this crisp wine is floral and fresh. Concentrated with white and citrus fruit flavors over tight steeliness, it has a serious side of complex textures that will allow it to develop over the next few months. Drink now for the fresh fruit tones, although it will be better from late 2016.
Dark black cherry in color, this wine offers a bouquet of cherry preserves, matchstick and petrol. It is far livelier on the palate than on the nose, featuring flavors of cherry, pomegranate and bell pepper with a light touch of florality. Chewy tannins make their way across the gum and tongues and are all but erased by a final note of orange zest and cranberry.
Rose, red berry, baked earth, forest floor and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the firm palate offers dried black cherry, cake spice and anise. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2018–2026.
Fresh apple and pear flavors are swathed in fresh herbs and citrus peels in this bristling medium-sweet wine. It's lusciously honeyed but finishes long with honed steely precision.
One of three new wines for the producer in this vintage, this one is a blend from the Russian River Valley and Carneros estate ranches, Winside and Lawler. Pleasurable from start to finish, it's rich and brooding in black fruit and a touch of graphite, with a balance of lush earthiness.
This concentrated wine was wood aged for six months, giving the lightest touch of oak along with ripe yellow fruits and a crisp tangy aftertaste. It has a touch of spice along with bright acidity at the end. Drink now.
Luscious golden in color, this dessert wine shows aromas of honeyed and seared lemons, with hints of marigold and toasted sunflower seeds. The palate is rich and sweet, but balanced expertly with a great tartness.
A blend of three estate-farmed vineyards, this is a velvety-smooth expression of the variety. It conveys a touch more richness and concentration than some of the producer's other wines, at least at the beginning of the glass, when almond and hazelnut rule the day. But then it takes on a lightness toward the lengthy finish, ending in a mix of lemon zest and apple.
This nose is rather closed but the firm palate offers ripe sour cherry, dark cooking spice, pipe tobacco and chopped herb. Fresh acidity and youthfully austere but refined tannins provide the backbone. Drink after 2019.
Red rose, wild berry, toast, tobacco and a whiff of underbrush meld in the glass. On the firm palate, notes of clove, ground pepper, cinnamon, anise and mocha accent the red berry core. Firm, fine-grained tannins offer structure.
Dark berry, mocha, toast and cooking spice aromas emerge in the glass. The taut palate offers mature black cherry, coffee and dried herb alongside assertive, fine-grained tannins.
Aromas of mature berry, menthol, coffee bean, toast and dark cooking spice emerge on this bracing wine. The firmly structured palate delivers dried black cherry, espresso, French oak, licorice, chopped herb and tobacco set against bracing, close-grained tannins and the warmth of alcohol. The tannins will need years to unwind.
The top cuvée from Bélingard is a rich wine, full of young tannins as well as dense blackberry fruits. It is still very structured, showing its wood aging. The texture will smooth out into a rich, complex wine. Drink from 2017.
The 91-acre Grézels vineyard surrounds a 12th-century castle. This revived historic vineyard has produced a well-structured wine that is rich, despite its modest alcohol. It is dense with tannins and black fruits that are developing into a smoother texture. The wine needs to age further, so drink from 2017.
This bold wine has a very dark color and fresh, concentrated blackberry aromas. Generous berry and black pepper flavors seem to saturate the taste buds, leading to a lingering fruit and spice finish. The texture is almost viscous, as lots of fine tannins add grip. It's the rare wine with no added sulfites.
Sanguine in red plum, clove and dark chocolate, this bottle-aged, full-bodied wine is impressive and still quite ripe and robust. The tannins are prominent and supported by a girth of oak, with a dense, concentrated finish.
Rose, strawberry and forest floor aromas meld in the glass on this charming expression of Nebbiolo. The bright, savory palate doles out crushed strawberry, black raspberry, clove and star anise alongside silky tannins. Like a little black dress, this would be perfect for any occasion.
This bottling offers plum and plump blackberry on the nose along with milk chocolate, leather and cedar. It's quite tight and tannic on the palate at first, but all the expected and delicious components are in place: tart blueberry, tobacco, coffee and hints of licorice and chocolate that will emerge emerge more with time.
Big red fruit embraces chewy, integrated tannins in this vineyard-designate, a full-bodied explosion of ripeness and bold expression. While powerful, it holds on to nuance via streaks of high-toned citrus, allowing the wine room to breathe and remain lighthearted.
Scorched earth, game, forest floor and woodland berry aromas come together in the glass. The solid palate offers raw red berry, licorice, coffee and clove alongside assertive tannins and brisk acidity. Drink after 2019.
Raspberry, plum and cherry aromas are light, pure and fully inviting, with nothing off-putting. This tastes bright and balanced, with cherry and berry flavors that are impossible not to like. A dash of oaky cocoa blends with leftover red fruit flavors on a nice finish.
Based in Clare Valley, Wakefield sources this fruit from the cooler Adelaide Hills. Attractive rose-petal and dry earth aromas lead the way, followed by notes of black cherries and licorice on the palate. It's a bit full-bodied and muscular, a Pinot more for steak than salmon.
This inviting wine smells sweet and jammy. It tastes spicy, lightly oaky and like ripe raspberries. Full bodied and high in alcohol, it's also smooth in texture, mouthfilling and rich. Flavors like chocolate and blackberry mark the finish.
Aromas of oak extract, toast, red berry and espresso wrap around this structured wine. The firm palate offers up sour cherry, ground pepper and licorice alongside assertive, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2028.
This ripe Malbec offers jammy blueberry aromas that hint at raisin but pull back in the nick of time. A round pulpy palate is home to black cherry, berry and plum flavors supported by loamy earthy notes. A fleshy finish isn't exact but it's friendly. Drink through 2019.
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine has a nose of strawberry and tart cherry with a hint of resin. Flavors of cherry, pomegranate, eucalyptus, anise and a soft touch of leather are suspended in a web of well-moderated tannins. Expect a lasting sense of coolness with a burst of brightness on the finish.
Inky violet-red in the glass, this wine has a fruit-forward nose of black cherry and strawberry. There is a good balance of acidity and tannins amidst flavors of black cherry, raspberry, caramel and orange zest. The perception of light spice remains on the tongue after the gentle finish.
Waxy and aromatic in petrol, this stainless-steel-fermented white offers flavors of white flowers, green apple and lime around sizzling acidity. From the Main Ranch Vineyard, an estate property, it finishes high-pitched and lean, completely refreshing.
Slightly savory, subdued apple and nut tones on the nose belie the intensity of fruit, mineral and earth ntoes that collide on the palate in this Kabinett. Green apple and lime flavors pierce the midpalate, catapulted by struck slate mineral notes and acidity. There's so much development to look forward to in this wine. Hold until 2020.
Wild berry, Mediterranean brush, blue flower and aromatic herb aromas slowly take shape on this. The smooth juicy palate presents wild cherry, raspberry, licorice and nutmeg framed in polished refined tannins. Drink 2018–2027.
From 45-year-old vines, this is a deliciously ripe wine, its firm tannins cushioned by intense berry flavors and acidity. It has all the brilliant fruit of the vintage, needing a little time to calm down and integrate with its structure. Drink from 2020.
This is a great example of how Pinot Noir doesn't need deep color and overripe flavors to be fascinating and delicious. Light in appearance and tawny rather than bright red at the rim, it exudes nutmeg, cherry and pomegranate aromas. The flavors are fruity and nervy, all tart cherry, and raspberry with black tea accents, excellent acidity and firm, light tannins.
Tight, grippy tannin complements sharp acidity in this youthful wine from a rich vintage and mountainous appellation. Rich, red fruit yields to more savory currant aspects, dusted in clove spice and rooted in full-bodied weightiness.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of black cherry, pomegranate and paprika. A web of soft tannins shores up flavors of cherry, cranberry, roasted red pepper and marjoram. Constant bright fruit on the palate marked by touches of fresh and dried bell pepper culminates in a citrus-drenched finish.
This wine comes from an estate purchased by Vallado in 2008 in the upper reaches of the Douro Superior, where the owners have planted a 74-acre organic vineyard. This dense, firm wine is the first release. It's packed with intense black plum fruit and wood spice and will continue to improve with age. Drink from 2021.
Aromas of blackberry, aniseed and nutmeg make way for flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, espresso and cocoa powder with a touch of green bell pepper. It is bright and fruity on entry, with tannins that sneak up and then linger into the bright pomegranate-laced finish.
Intense with cherry and surprising tart citrus notes, this vineyard-designated wine is a perennial knockout. High in acidity, it offers a lively structure, soft texture and a muscularity of tobacco and dusty, brambly flavors.
There is nothing shy about this full-bodied wine. It has overt spicy oak aromas and equally posh oak flavors, layered with crisp apple, lemon and pear nuances. The flavors range from nutmeg and cardamom to cream and vanilla and are balanced by a lightly tannic texture and lemony acidity.
Winemakers Anthony Riboli and Arnaud Debons crafted this blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 21% Petit Verdot, 11% Petite Sirah and 4% Syrah to celebrate the winery's 100th year, with big and tasty results. Ripe blackberry, black currant, blueberry, caramel and dried herb aromas show on the nose, while dark elderberry, lavender and thyme flavors mark the palate. The package is rich and powerful, yet spicy and structured.
Inky violet-red to the eye, this wine has a nose of blueberry, white chocolate and violet. It is pleasant on the palate from start to finish, with velvety tannins supporting flavors of black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, star anise and lavender that slowly drift off into closing notes of floral spice.
Co-owner Rachel Stellareese Davies first began making her own wine alongside the late Greg Brown of T-Vine, also in Calistoga. This bottling is a tremendous effort at a stunning price, unveiling juicy strawberry, blackberry and plum flavors in soft layers of velvety smoothness, with both length and concentration. The finish is dusted in chocolate.
Chocolate and blackberry scents meet smoky cigar in this full-bodied and lush expression of the grape. Richly layered and complex with dried herb and pepper streaks, it shows equal parts grace and power.
Lightly toasted almond, melted butter, chalk and Meyer lemon scents are delicately woven together in this expressive yet restrained bottling. There is well dispersed acidic energy throughout the palate, where smoked lemon flavors lead into sea salt and white flower notes on the finish.
Fragrant and delicious, this elegant wine offers enticing scents of green apple, ripe pear and Mediterranean herb. The aromas carry over to the radiant palate along with creamy pear and a stony mineral note. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, racy finish.
A bright bouquet of floral extract and fine bath oil lays down the carpet for a well-balanced, highly expressive set of white-flower, lychee, lime and honeyed flavors. A full layered finish flows nicely. This is fine Spanish Moscatel.
Truffle, leather, Mediterranean brush, chopped herb and black-skinned fruit aromas meld together with a balsamic note. The juicy, concentrated palate shows dried cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice while fine-grained tannins lend support. Give it time for the tannins to fully integrate. Drink 2020–2030.
Rose, iris, dark-skinned berry, forest floor and a whiff of cake spice lead the way on this full-bodied red. The firmly structured palate shows crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and a hint of clove while fresh acidity and big chewy tannins provide support. Drink 2019–2027.
From a vineyard on the southern end of the Silverado Trail that's rich in iron and decomposed granite, this 100% varietal red is nicely crafted, displaying elegance and power in equal parts. Silky and inviting on the nose, it's exuberant and expansive on the palate, with cranberry and red currant fruit, the finish soft and intense.
Bright and loaded with an earthy finesse, this offers alluring scents of wild berry, pressed violet, new leather, aromatic herb and a balsamic note. The ultrarefined palate doles out juicy red cherry, cranberry and star anise set against fresh acidity and firm, polished tannins. Drink 2019–2030.
Black cherry to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of raspberry and Mediterranean herbs with a strong note of lavender. It is well-crafted, with flavors of cherry, blackberry, smoked meat, thyme and black pepper. Silky tannins line the palate, and the finish offers a burst of cranberry and pomegranate.
This Chardonnay hits all the right marks, as toasty oak influence is coupled seamlessly with ripe fruit tones and balancing acidity. Gorgeous scents of yellow apple, melon and honeysuckle transition through to the medium-weight palate, where they are met by attractive oak spice tones, a subtle tannic texture and refreshing acidic lift. The finish is long and evolving, and this should drink well through 2020.
This fine, ageworthy wine is rounded, smooth and full of ripe yellow fruit. There is a zesty tang on the back palate that will allow it to mature, its richness shining through a frame of crisp texture. Drink from 2020.
Bright cassis, strawberry and red currant flavors are on vivid display in this 100% varietal wine. Soft and easy to enjoy, it impresses with full-bodied accetnes of dusty cigar and mocha.
A yeasty baked bread note leads this wine's nose before smoky oak and lushly layered blue and black fruit take over. With spice- and leather-laced flavors, it offers a wealth of brawny structure and lip-smacking succulence, finishing soft.
This pure Touriga Nacional is perfumed, firmly tannic and packed with the tight, mineral character typical of the region. Richly fruity with juicy black currant flavor, it's still developing and will be best from 2019.
Concentrated black-fruit aromas are charred and savory, with notes of grilled beef and black olive. A plush plump layered palate offers earthy saucy savory plum fruit, while the finish is round, wholesome and smooth. Drink through 2023.
From the heart of this large estate, this wine is powerful, structured and firm, with dense black plum and damson fruit. With the perfume of Aragonez and the structure of Alicante Bouschet, this fine wine still needs time to develop. Drink from 2019.
Concentrated strawberry, black licorice and earthy loam scents waft in elegant waves of aroma in this bottling. There is a compelling density to the palate, where black and red plum peel flavors meet with rhubarb, beetand spicy root beer touches.
Smells a lot like compost and green herbs. The palate is bitter, hard and stalky, with grassy flavors and a weedy finish. Tastes burnt out, like old coffee grinds and marginal berry fruit.
A dense, beautifully structured wine. It shows intense, ripe fruit with balanced acidity. It's the fine tannins that give it such class, surrounding the fruit, promising long aging. This is a classic for Léoville-Barton.
Smooth, with dense tannins hidden behind the ripe, pure fruit, this important wine shows class and an impeccable balance of fruit and tannin. Rich as well as structured, this is a beautiful wine.
A wine that is soft, fragrant and very fruity. There's a touch of spice, pepper as well as tangy lemon zest. Sandgrube 13 is the address of the Krems cooperative. Screwcap.
This is single vineyard Riesling with notes of apple cider, spice and lees. It offsets 2.8% Residual Sugar with tart, electric acidity but doesn't quite have the depth of flavors to match.
Barrel fermentation and aging (20% new) puts the wood at the fore here with notes of vanilla and oak spice along with white peach. It's viscous and oily with the alcohol showing prominently.
Earthy baked cherry aromas come across candied and minty. The palate is full-force in terms of acidity, with punchy flavors of strawberry and plum. This finishes light, with strong acidity pushing snappy tartness to the fore.
Simple strawberry aromas come with stalky side notes. In the mouth, this is tannic while also coming across syrupy. Baked flavors of molasses, stewed plum and nutmeg end in a syrupy, cooked finish.
A bright, herbaceous wine that is full of citrus and grapefruit flavors. These go with a tangy character, crisp and hinting at black currants and more tropical fruit.
Mild, fleshy aromas of dusty white fruits lead to a clenched, acidic palate with citrus and nectarine flavors. The finish shows little deviation and nothing more than basic white-fruit flavors of citrus, peach and apple.
Hailing from chilly Casablanca, this Syrah shows a soupy, vegetal smelling nose that's mildly green and earthy. The palate feels pretty good and chunky, but the flavor profile runs green, with an herbal finish.
This North Coast Cab opens with fragrant cranberry aromas and has a decent level of texture and structure, but devolves into slightly green territory and a confusing finish of coffee.
Something seems off here, or perhaps it is just a young wine throwing off some bottling aromas. In any event, it's thin, simple and sugary, without the complexity of the excellent 2010.
Light and fruity, a wine with touches of typical Cabernet Franc perfume. The wine is dry, crisp with raspberry flavors and a spicy, fresh aftertaste. Screwcap.
Lightly fruity and fresh, a wine that has some crisp acidity although without much definition. The aftertaste is clean, bringing out attractive citrus and red currant fruits. Screwcap.
While wood aging is an integral part of fine Bordeaux, with this wine it is just too much. While it is young, the wood, raw and dominant, submerges the fruit to give a wine that is dense, very dry and hard at the edges. It's not likely to ever lose this quality.
Light, lean wine, its juicy fruit giving an attractive surface with a soft structure below. The wine is pleasant, fruity, not for aging.
Smoky, dark, bold and full of black fruit aromas along with barrel notes and a lemony accent. For Prieto Picudo, this is clean, decidedly not funky and lush, with blackberry, spice and barrel resin. Finishes bacony and rich, but not fat or heavy; drink this year and next.
It's a little presumptuous to call any Malbec in Washington “old vines” but we may compromise on “older” vines. It's supple and spicy, with a bright core of berry fruit. It tails off gently, with green tobacco, herb and stem in the finish, but lingers and entices all the way through.
A whiff of sulfur blows off with swirling; but the tightly packed fruit is less willing to expose itself. Locked down for now, but showing striated layers of raspberry, cherry, licorice, earth, coffee and char. Complex and dense, this young wine should be cellared for at least five years.
Dark fruits envelop this rich, fat, tannic Merlot. It's loaded with cassis and ripe black cherries, set against generous barrel flavors of cedar, smoke and coffee. The tannins have a black olive streak and a bacon fat finish. Yummy stuff.
Nice and fragrant, with citrus and passion fruit at the heart of the zesty bouquet. Still fresh courtesy of core acidity, with green melon, passion fruit, grapefruit and citrus flavors. Right now it's showing the right blend of maturity and liveliness; a fine Verdejo that may be benefitting from 5% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink this year.
A fine bottle, roughly half Pinot Gris, half Gewürztraminer, from the Celilo vineyard. The PG is 25 years old; it's a blend that works really well in vintages where the vineyard gets sufficient heat, and 2009 was just about perfect. Partially barrel fermented, it sends up scents and flavors of citrus—lime and orange—with a pleasing roundness from roughly one percent residual sugar.
Green and focused on the nose, with a hint of fresh bell pepper. The palate is light and chiseled, with crisp flavors of white grapefruit, lime and passion fruit. Finishes elegant and fresh. An ideal quaffer to go with salads and shellfish.
Opens with vanilla and minerality along with standard apple and peach aromas. It's a bit darker and more tan in color than what you'd expect, with fine acidity and integration throughout. Shows touches of white pepper, nutmeg and dried papaya on a classy finish. Dry and subtle at all points.
This is a delicious rendition of the annual Claret blend. It includes all five Bordeaux grapes, and displays a generous burst of berries and cherries, followed with a swish of chocolate. The wine delivers the goods, mixing in darker fruits, coffee and licorice streaks, winding into a lightly herbal, tannic finish.
As always, a stylish and well-proportioned effort from winemaker Joy Anderson. Blackberry and smoke wrap into a mid-palate with good focus and grip. Despite its modest price, this wine can go one-on-one with a thick, juicy steak. Tannins are just rough enough to give it some welcome muscle.
Lavender, thyme, rosemary and other green herb notes dot the nose, which leads to a solid, cushioned palate with sweet berry, leaf, spice and carob flavors. Finishes sweet, with melted chocolate and heft. Just short of excellent but still the best Carmenère yet from François Lurton's Colchagua property.
An immediately enticing wine, with great balance between acidity and honey. There are lemon flavors along with a dry edge. It's a concentrated wine that slides over the mouth. With the acidity, it could age several years.
A slight amount of eucalyptus on the nose gives this wine an herbal element to go with cassis and blackberry. The palate is tightly wound and brawny, with cassis, olive and herbal flavors. Meaty and savory late, with depth, texture and vitality.
Starts out a bit rough and horsey, but let it air out and escape from the bottle and this Tempranillo-Cabernet blend struts its stuff. There's impressive core blackberry and raspberry flavors along with minerality, crustiness and structure. Tight on the finish and still youthful, with rugged tannins and power to spare. Very nice for a 65,000-case product.
This rather chunky example of Tasmanian Pinot Noir isn't typical of the genre, but impresses for its bold black-cherry fruit. Some menthol-like notes give it a slightly medicinal quality, but the persistent finish and fine tannins more than compensate. Drink this idiosyncratic effort over the next 4–5 years.
Smooth and creamy on the palate with notes of pineapple, sweet citrus and waxy florals, this is a sunny Vidal Blanc icewine to conclude any elegant summer dinner. It's a sweet, honey-coated sip but bright acidity keeps it fresh and clean through a long, lingering finish.
This full-bodied, even slightly viscous, effort from Penfolds displays dark notes of blackberry and chocolate on the nose, then adds touches of coffee and black olive into the mix on the palate before finishing tangy and crisp. Drink now–2016.
Plenty of wood aromas, but the palate combines the wood notes with smoky acidity, textured green plum and vanilla flavors with a refreshing acidity. There's a tang here: a wine that has bursts of great fruit to go with the wood.
A great expression of the terroir, this rosé made from 50% Syrah, 40% Grenanche and 10% Cinsault is loaded with garrigue accents (lavender and thyme) among the fresh strawberry and cherry fruit core. Clean and zippy on the finish with a lingering soft spice accent.
Sweet and spicy on the nose with mouthwatering scents of honey, plum compote and anise, this Cab icewine is rich and syrupy on the tongue with a deep core of plummy flavors. Flashes of vibrant acidity add elegance and a clean, long finish.
A lovely balance of red fruit and soft texture that's quite enjoyable over the length of a meal from Napa-based Elyse, which sources the red Rhône varietals in this wine from a high-elevation vineyard in the Sierra Foothills.
Floral and lightly tropical on the nose, and totally pleasant. The palate is pure and lively, with elegance and some spritz. Flavors of nectarine, peach and melon are fresh, and the wine finishes easy and smooth. Very nice; just short of excellent but still it's 100% quaffable.
Crisp and dry, this is a medium-bodied, slightly austere wine. Hints of smoke or stuck flint join with grapefruit rind on the nose, while a slightly bitter note appears on the palate and persists through the finish.
This has intense aromas of spearmint and eucalyptus. The palate is lean, with licorice and mineral but not enough fruit.
This deep golden, almost amber-colored wine is showing signs of oxidation. It has an unusual and intensely balsamic nose while the palate offers muddled sensations of eucalyptus, lemon drop, mineral and a hint of candied ginger but no fruit richness.
Chewing gum, plum and raspberry aromas are raw and suggestive of grape skins. The wine is juicy but without much body or spine. Flavors of generic red fruits and watermelon finish rubbery and slightly bitter. Drink in 2014.
This simple wine holds somewhat oxidized aromas of caramelized orange slices and flint that carry over to the palate along with lemon-lime.
Heavy white-fruit aromas have an almost “canned” quality. This is more like citrus juice than defined white wine, with hugely ripe tropical and citrus flavors culminating in creamy weight. This is 80% Godello and 20% Doña Blanca.
A sweet-smelling wine with notes of overripe pear, pineapple and jasmine. It also drinks quite sweet (26g/L residual sugar) but doesn't have the acid or flavor concentration to match.
Light in color, this is a tight, cherry fruited wine with fruit that seems underripe. It's almost rosé in feel with just a leather and tannin underlay to give it structure. Drink now.
While this boxed wine smells a touch weedy and stalky, with airing you could call it “herbal” in a good way. Mildly green flavors of blackberry and plum finish solid enough. This is generic wine with both good and shaky qualities.
The aromas are quite faint here but the apricot flavors are in abundance on this off-dry, medium-bodied easy drinker.
There are some good things going on here but it feels like they are struggling to get to the surface with lees notes and alcoholic warmth overwhelming the palate's appealing, creamy texture.
A big-boy Syrah named for the producer's daughter, this is a jammy, juicy, brown sugar and maple syrup kind of Syrah, with a great peppery nose and a lot of bacon fat flavors intermingled among the soft tannins.
High-toned and citric on the nose, with foresty spice and a whiff of the ocean. Tight and nervy in the mouth, with herbal, spicy red plum flavors that are true to the variety. Honest but a touch lean and fiery on the finish.
Martha Clara's Riesling is dry in style yet soft on the palate with sweet tones of honeyed apples and white peach. Fresh and juicy with a mouthwatering acidity, it finishes on a puckery lemonade note.
Very red and slightly grassy on the nose, with aromas of strawberry, mint leaf and rhubarb. It's a juicy screamer in the mouth, with intensity, blazing acidity and wild raspberry and plum flavors. Dry, tight and long on the finish.
Epineuil is a small area close to Chablis. This red wine is as light and fresh as its northerly location would suggest. Red cherry juice dominates an attractively textured wine that could be served slightly chilled.
Full in the mouth, laced with texture and acidity, this red currant-flavored wine is crisp, with an herbal character, ready to drink but could last over the winter.
A fruity wine, full of grapefruit, lime and melon flavors, cut with passion fruit acidity. The wine has a light texture with a zesty edge, clean and totally ready to drink. Screwcap.
The name and packaging scream “concept wine,” but what's in the bottle will win you over. It's full and rubbery, with pleasant yet generic berry aromas. The palate is racy and fairly hefty and tannic, with black raspberry, plum and mild herbal flavors. Grabby, with good acidity on the finish.
Bright and refined, this conveys aromas of dark berry, tobacco, smoke and underbrush. The vibrant palate delivers juicy wild cherry, orange zest, cinnamon and a note of licorice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2015–2012.
The nose on this single-vineyard wine from a strong, often overlooked appellation is tight and minerally before showing a slightly tropical kiwi element. Brightly acidic on the lively palate, flavors range from Key lime and Meyer lemon to pear skins and apple flesh.
This is a meticulously crafted blend of 50% Sangiovese, 24% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot from four vineyards spread throughout the appellation. Soft and plush, the nose shows dried strawberries, pork fat and a touch of black truffle. The hedonistic palate offers dried cherries, warm fudge and chewy tannins.
Aromas of violet, chocolate, woodland berry, leather and a whiff of meat juices lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. On the palate, juicy black cherry and crushed raspberry take center stage while accents of espresso, cedar, white pepper and menthol play supporting roles. It's balanced with bright acidity and assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2022.
Native yeast was used in this block selection, a big-boned, almost chunky wine with flavors of dried plums and sesame candy. It has a pleasantly oily mouthfeel, and a finishing lick of hazelnuts.
Both smooth and beautifully fruity, this is a balanced, delicious wine. It is full of wild strawberry flavors, the freshest acidity and a crisp finish with great acidity. It's a good choice with food and as an apéritif.
This is a soft and ripe wine, full of rounded red berry fruits. The fruit is boosted by its acidity to give a fresh feel. The texture is soft, with a shot of pepper to add complexity at the end.
This vigorous blend of Grenache (60%), Cinsault (20%, Tibouren (10%) and Syrah (10%) has a good balance between rich fruits and the freshest acidity. While there is a crisp, tangy background, the foreground is ripe with strawberries and apricots. The whole thing is finished with a lively, bright aftertaste.
Peppery and crisp, this is a ripe and fruity wine. A bite of spice and tangy orange zest adds character to the peach and red berry fruits. It's a rich wine that could age, so drink from 2015.
Somewhat light in color, this wine offers pleasing notes of flowers, milk chocolate, vanilla extract, herbs and carob. It's light and silky in feel with abundant milk chocolate and cherry flavors that linger.
This is wonderfully supple and approachable, light on the palate yet not lacking for flavor. Hints of violets and toast flame silky cherry fruit which glides easily through the long finish. Drink now–2018.
This wine from Houchart's selective Sainte-Victoire appellation is distinct from the Quiot family's other Houchart rosés. This wine is rich and full on the palate, without losing any sense of acidity or freshness. It's ready to drink although it will be better from the end of 2015.
With its ripe red fruits and crisp acidity, this has a brightness that exudes charm and freshness. The aftertaste brings out a more textured character from a tangy orange zest flavor.
A short wood-aging has given this wine an extra dimension that's both ripe and ageworthy. Yellow fruits are spiced up by the toast and ginger flavors, whlle intense background acidity provides wonderful freshness. This wine deserves to age. Drink from 2017.
This is a beautiful, bright wine, still very young although already hinting at the warmth of Fourchaume. The steely texture is right up front, along with crisp apple and citrus fruits. Underneath, a vanilla, toasty character shows promise for aging. Drink from 2017.
While still closed on the nose, this has hints of green and yellow pear that shine through. A slender but very appetizing juiciness on the palate is light but full of freshness and flavor. Yeast, aloe vera and herbal spice add even more pleasure. It's a gorgeous, refreshing wine from a challenging vintage.
A remarkable shade of slightly purple bubblegum, Kathy Joseph's wine shows strawberries and buttery croissants on the nose. The flavors are boisterous and nearly effervescent, with berries, yeast and a long-lasting sense of strawberry mousse. This one goes down all too easy.
Ripe black fruit, red currant, cedar, mocha, savory herb and game sensations characterize this blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Balanced with velvety tannins, the soft palate closes on a licorice note. Drink through 2019.
Layers of wild strawberry on the nose and palate make for an inviting entry into this wine that is medium in body and weight. Velvety smooth in texture, it's balanced on the palate, with a shock of earthy intrigue on the finish.
Made with organically farmed fruit, this richly structured wine opens with aromas that recall spiced plum, underbrush, tobacco and a hint of espresso. The savory palate doles out ripe black cherry, nectarine zest, baking spice and mineral, while velvety tannins provide support.
After starting out somewhat reduced, this becomes aromatic with notes of char, coffee grounds, toast, herbs and dark cherries. It's seamless, silky and rich in feel, with layered fruit and barrel flavors and a beguiling sense of texture.
Rich and heady on the nose in petrol and sublime vanilla crème brûlée, the palate is intriguingly more restrained, offering honey and pear balanced by persistent minerality that finds its voice most forcefully on the lean, refreshing finish.
This bold, well-structured wine is packed with both rich fruit and tannins. Dense black fruits are layered with a dry, firm structure, with power and concentration for medium-term aging. Drink this wine from 2018.
Purists might be inclined to say this wine is too oaky, but this reviewer believes there's ample substance to support the flash. Cedar and vanilla are apparent, but the dominating characteristics of this wine are its ripe fruit and plush texture. Drink now–2020.
Cedar, graphite, marzipan, black plum and blackberry aromas ooze power and ripeness. This is concentrated and dark in style, with oaky blackberry and cassis flavors. Spice, vanilla, raisin, cassis and chocolate flavors reflect maximum ripeness, while the finish is dense, layered and potent. Drink this hefty, extracted Malbec through 2020.
With just over 75% of the fruit coming from Seven Hills and the rest from the winery's young Ferguson vineyard, this wine offers a lot of enjoyment. Aromas suggest herb, cocoa, mineral and an assortment of blue fruit. The flavors are simultaneously luscious yet restrained, backed by firm tannins that should benefit from additional time in the bottle.
Yeast, lovage and yellow pear unite in an ultrasavory Grüner that honors the variety's nickname of pfefferl—the peppery one. The flavor base rests on green pear and fresh lemon, but the spice ratchets everything up a notch, and the lovely pepper lingers. Incredibly appetizing, this wine calls for light, savory dishes.
Lovely aromas of rose, violet, perfumed berry, mint and a balsamic note waft from the glass. The elegant palate delivers crushed red cherry, wild strawberry, orange zest, savory herb and cinnamon. It's balanced with fine-grained tannins and loaded with finesse.
This wine is ripe in strawberry-raspberry notes. It's lush and velvety, with a richness that will appeal to those who like a hint of decadence in their Pinot. Round and soft, with a bite of earthiness throughout, it brightens with a trace of minerality on the finish.
Two fistfuls of Merlot help soften this wine, along with 5% Petit Verdot. These grapes contribute to the full-bodied spirit and youthful tannin make-up that becomes plush and lush as it goes, revealing sizable elements of mocha, black currant and vanilla-tinged oak. Drink now through 2020.
While the attack of this dry wine is akin to biting into a perfectly ripened white peach, notes of salt and slate accumulate on the palate, lending a profound impression of minerality. The mouthfeel is rich and full bodied, yet high-toned acidity adds structure and a prolonged finish. It's drinking well now, but still quite taut and should open gorgeously through 2025.
This wine by winemaker and owner Dan Kessler offers a zesty nose of crushed boysenberry, black raspberry, scarlet rose petal, wild sage and a touch of violet. There is lots of fresh zip to the sip, where woody elderberries and black plum are lifted by mint and more lively violet character. The finish is laced with juniper.
This producer is showing true skill with this variety, vibrant in red and black cherry and cassis. Bright and satisfyingly generous on the palate, it's succulent as well as being earthy, with lingering layers of black pepper and cinnamon. It never gets heavy or burdensome, maintaining a fleetness of freshness that's irresistible.
A fresh array of boysenberry, black raspberry, white pepper, crushed violet and dried lavender show on the nose of this bottling by Michael Larner. It's a very lively wine on the sip, with more boysenberry and black pepper as well as crushed lilac character.
Polished but concentrated, fruity but complex, this beautifully shaped wine is simply delicious. While fairly full-bodied, it has an elegant texture, focused black-cherry flavors, harmonious and moderate oak notes. This is so tempting to drink now, but will be best after 2019.
Immediately this Syrah-led blend registers as something special. Ripe berry and herb aromas are spicy, fresh and textbook for Chile. A full, dense, chewy palate is potent but under control. Flavors of olive, spice, coffee, toast and dark fruits finish with barrel spice, a final wave of black-fruit flavor and notes of juniper and eucalyptus. Drink through 2021.
Trollinger, also known as Schiava or Vernatsch outside of Germany, is a rarity in the U.S. market, but this delightfully crisp, raspberrry-scented bottling is worth seeking out. It releases sweet raspberry and cherry perfume, but also darker notes of smoke, granite and cedar. Cranberry and strawberry flavors are tingling and tart, framed by tight tannins and a deep granite finish. Drinks well now but should improve further from 2021.
From a vineyard planted in 1981 above Cupertino comes this cellar-ready bottling that shows tobacco, cigar box, loamy earth, dried plums, leather deep black cherry and blueberry on the nose. Zesty acidity and chalky tannins frame the complete and powerful palate, where flavors of cedar, tobacco and woody berries converge. Drink 2020 through 2033.
This extremely flavorful wine smells like fig, almond and custard, and tastes like butterscotch, lemon meringue and toasted almond. It is quite full bodied, almost thick in texture and about to burst at the seams with richness.
This selection from a 40-year-old vineyard manages to convey both power and complexity in a transparent, nearly ephemeral style. Like gazing into a clear pool of deep water, you plunge through a surface patina of ripe, crushed raspberries into a textural, evanescent palate framed in dark chocolate. Drink now through 2030 and beyond.
This famous site was planted in 1972 by Dick Erath, and the 44-year-old vines deliver an aromatic, elegant yet substantive bottle of Pinot. It's a complex mix of wild berries, cherries and chocolate, showing the generous flavors of the vintage. Delicious already, it's got the power and presence to age gracefully through 2023.
Enticing aromas of crushed stone, acacia flower, citrus and sea breeze lift out of the glass. The elegant, medium-bodied palate offers ripe yellow apple, mineral, dried herb and honey alongside well-integrated acidity. A note of candied citrus zest gives it a succulent but focused finish.
This is a lovely, light-hearted yet complex 100% varietal wine that shows the beauty of a lighter touch and cooler climate. Cedar, herb and compost provide a wildness next to aromas of feral mushroom. Intriguing all the way around, this wine finishes in a burst of white pepper.
This is a truly delicious wine, worthy of accolades no matter its gulpability, made in a pretty off-pink color from 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot and aged six months in stainless steel. Tangy and crisp, it sings on the palate, an undeniable reward of watermelon and mandarin orange that's got meat on its tender bones.
Quite light in the glass, this 50-50 blend from La Encanta and La Rinconada vineyards is done in a refreshingly crisp style, with lime pith and nectarine flesh aromas. It's fresh and vibrant on the palate, where tons of chalky grip frame a sizzling lime zest acidity and flavors of river stone and chalk. It's a laser-focused, very tense and nervy wine.
Rich, ripe and fruity, this wine wears its tannins easily. With layers of acidity, red-berry fruit and a dark, dry core, the wine is impressive and set to age. The aftertaste is both sweet with the generous fruit and dry with tannins, finishing firmly. Drink from 2020.
From a block of the mighty vineyard known to coax robust acidity and pretty aromatics from the grapes, this red completely delivers on both fronts, opening with an array of rose garden and cranberry-orange highlights. Full bodied and generously structured, it develops complexity in the glass, showing a depth of savory cardamom that's incredibly appealing.
This is the annual release of a small, isolated vineyard block that's dry-farmed and named for the winemaker. The unctuous bottling shows luxurious aromas of baked black cherries, cinnamon, clove, cream and a touch of iron. The rich dark red-fruit flavors show on the sip, where the surrounding chaparral herbs invade the palate, offering dried sagebrush, eucalyptus and a wild mint sensation that last deep into the finish.
Rich while firm, this wine is structured and dense. It has great fruit potential that is still developing through the tight texture and the concentrated structure. It will be a fine wine, but give it time. Drink from 2020.
This is a bold, ripe wine, full of both tannins and rich black fruits. Spice from the wood has given the wine an extra dimension while the ripe fruitiness gives it an almost jammy character. As it develops it will broaden into an impressive, concentrated wine. Drink from 2022.
Peppery lime fruit highlights this single-clone effort. The impressive minerality brings clean flavors of wet rock into play. It's terrifically refreshing, with the crisp acidity to age nicely over the next six to eight years.
This is lovely in color, scent and flavor. Elegant and complex, it's perfect for near-term drinking. The strawberry fruit carries some darker highlights, and flavors from aging in 100% French oak bring a lightly charred, toasty frame around the lingering finish.
This opens with aromas suggesting pear, yellow stone fruit, Mediterranean herb and a whiff of citrus while the vibrant palate delivers crisp green apple, juicy lime, saline and energizing mineral. Racy acidity provides the backbone. Give this time to fully develop. Drink 2017 through 2024.
Perfumed with enticing scents of yellow flower, beeswax, orchard fruit and crushed stone, this shows the serious nature of Greco di Tufo. The elegant, mineral-driven palate delivers yellow apple, lemon zest, dried Mediterranean herb and mineral framed in tangy acidity. It's an extremely impressive showing especially given the cool, wet vintage.
For a wine with such a dainty footprint, complexity and impact abound here. Ripe, almost tropical melon, mango and citrus flavors are grounded by a savory backdrop of earth, dried leaves and black tea. It's bright and brisk but deeply concentrated through a long finish.
This full-bodied and beautifully flavored wine goes deep in terms of ripe fruit and subtle spices, and has a calm, composed character and ultrasmooth, slightly restrained texture. Delicious black-cherry and currant notes come out in the bouquet, weave through the palate and linger on the finish.
Plump, fleshy black cherry and berry flavors command this ripe, lusciously textured wine. It's unabashedly forward in fruit, but is still an elegant, nuanced wine shaded by lingering tones of spice, crushed rock and smoke. Cranberry acidity extends through a long, persistent finish. Ready to drink now but should improve through 2021.
With fresh, pure fruit flavors, great balance and very full body, this wine will be great at the table. It has a dry but velvety feel, moderate tannins and good acidity, all of which lift up the great cherry and boysenberry nuances and give an overall impression of freshness.
White peach, hints of smoke, yellow pear and squeezed lemon show on the rounded nose of this wine. It's softer in style on the palate, with kumquat cream, poached apple and pear, white flowers but also a sharper herbal backbone of dill and fennel.
Yellow wildflower and peach aromas follow through to the fresh, linear palate along with a nectarine note. It's zesty and balanced, with crisp acidity.
The nose is rather shy but eventually reveals delicate scents of spring flower and lime. The vibrant, straightforward palate delivers grapefruit and a hint of tangerine accompanied by brisk acidity.
Rubbery, briny red-berry aromas come with a horsey accent. This is juicy and a bit raw in feel, with slightly tart red-plum and raspberry flavors. A light note of buttery oak on the finish is cut by lasting acidity.
A wine for the faithful, this is tasty and light bodied. It does a nice job of combining fresh, fruity aromas with appealing black-cherry flavors and a moderately tannic, appetizing texture.
The nose boasts ripe dark cherry and raspberry aromas, with a dash of spice for nuance. Light, smooth and juicy on the palate, cherry and blackberry flavors resound in this easygoing Pinot Noir.
Light in color and body, this wine takes its delicacy seriously, holding back on the fruit and spice to feature woody, herbal characteristics and a slim body.
Cherry and cassis aromas are bright and bring an animal note. An energetic palate hosts plum, berry and herbal flavors, while a forward-charging finish is fiery and leaves a palpable herbal aftertaste.
Rustic smelling at first, this is showing a fair amount of animal and leather on the nose. In the mouth, this is wiry and pointed, with crisp acidity. Angular currant and red plum flavors finish clean and juicy.
This is a fine blend of Malvasia and Bical giving fresh acidity that's rounded and filled out with spice, perfume and a creamy texture. It's already an attractive wine—bright and fruity. Drink now.
Delicate aromas of orchard fruit and whiff of spring blossom lead the nose on this light, refreshing white. Reflecting the cool, wet vintage, the palate is rather lean but still offers pear, apple and a hint of mineral alongside a backbone of bracing acidity.
The nose opens with aromas of white spring flower and green Anjou pear. The lively, straightforward palate offers crunchy green apple and lime zest alongside vibrant acidity.
Subtle aromas of tomato vine, chopped herb and gooseberry set the tone while the lean, direct palate offers white grapefruit, yellow bell pepper a saline note. Bracing acidity gives it a crisp finish.
Sweet-leaning aromas of pineapple, ripe red apples and white lilies show on the nose of this bottling. The palate starts with nice texture of Meyer-lemon pith, then settles toward ripe pears and apples, with hints of coconut and pineapple flavors.
A hard, chewy wine, this brings tight flavors of cassis and black olive, plus an herbal edge that veers into bitterness. Chalky acids come up through an attenuated finish.
This is a simple, rather generic white wine. The fruit is clean with an impression of light spice around flavors of apple and pear. It's a useful, all-purpose, fruity quaffer.
Scents of wildflower and apple float out of the glass. The delicate aromas carry over to the light-bodied, linear palate, along with a hint of pear and a mineral accent. Vibrant acidity gives it a clean, fresh finish.
White flower, orchard fruit and crushed stone aromas delicately guide the nose. The easygoing palate offers Bartlett pear, apple skin and a hint of mineral alongside bright acidity.
At first oaky and tannic, this needs breathing time to show more of its fruit. Red-berry flavors come up slowly, along with lighter notes of herb and stem.
This bright wine has aromas that suggest citrus blossom and tropical fruit. The lively, slender palate shows crunchy Granny Smith apple and pineapple accompanied by brisk acidity.
A crisp, lively texture makes this medium-bodied wine refreshing while light flavors of green apple and kiwi make it tasty. Vibrant acidity gives it freshness and will help it be versatile with food.
Cut grass, tomato vine and gooseberry aromas lift out of the glass. The thin, brisk palate offers grapefruit and pineapple alongside zesty acidity.
Almost overripe richness of fleshy peach pervades nose and medium-sweet palate. There is a heady overtone of vanilla into the bargain. For those who like it rich and decadent.
Lush and a bit ruddy, this velvety sweet-style Dornfelder bursts of sun-kissed black plums and cherries. It's soft in structure but its fruity, forward demeanor makes for a comforting sip.
Delicate aromas of pressed spring flower, yellow apple and citrus carry over to the brisk palate along with a mineral note. Vibrant acidity gives it a crisp, tangy finish.
An okay, light- to medium-weight Zinfandel that veers into stewy flavors and aromas before falling a tad flat on the finish.
A distinct green streak shines throughout this wine, with aromas of green bean and plantain and flavors of grass and pepper. Light weight but a bit round in the mouth, with a medium-length finish.
Earthy in aromas, with notes of leafy tomato and red plum. Feels narrow and compact, with herbal, slightly tart flavors of red berry mixed with peppery barrel spice and green herbal tinges. Light, then toasty and spicy on the finish.
This is not a particularly successful vintage for this estate vineyard bottling. Rough and tannic, it seems more like a Lemberger than a Pinot Noir, and the bitter, herbal finish may or may not smooth out with further bottle age.
Dilute and watery on the bouquet, with a touch of lime and air freshener. Feels oily and chunky on the palate, with citrus and not too much else to ponder. Lemony and tangy on the finish, with pithy bitterness.
Basic apple and vanilla bean aromas carry the nose to a plump, round palate with tropical flavors and banana. Feels peachy and tastes yeasty and sweet on the finish. Highly regular as a whole.
Seems like we're catching this wine late in its cycle. It's not very expressive on the nose, and even though there's still life to the palate, it's dealing only mild apple and citrus flavors followed by heat and acidic scour on the finish.
This is proof that vintage variation is alive and well in Argentina. Reflecting a hot year, this is stewy and heavy. It smells of licorice, mint and black fruit, while the palate is syrupy. Prune, raisin and stewed blackberry flavors are front and center.
Not much fruit shows up on the bouquet but there is a bland sense of vanilla and cookies. Feels heavy but with adequate citric acidity. Tastes monotone and lemony.
Typical orange, lychee and pineapple aromas set it off in the right direction. In the mouth, however, it's angular and lean, with hard, narrow flavors of tart citrus and lychee. Bites on the finish, which is oily in texture.
A hint of honeysuckle and orange blossom graces the red apple and juicy melon fruit flavors. Tangy and a touch astringent in the mouth with a finish of bitter citrus pith.
Ripe, smooth and toasty, this has the feel and texture of Chardonnay. It is full and rounded, yet its acidity and red fruit character lend elegance.
The second rosé from Vignelaure is a delicate, fruity wine, with attractive acidity to go with its orange and white fruit flavors. The finish is smooth, with just a tang of lemon zest.
Two-thirds of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, initially tannic with an emphasis on the greener flavors sometimes found in those grapes. It's well-balanced, elegant and tart, with highlights of cinnamon and chocolate from aging in one-third new French oak barrels.
There's a great freshness to this Chenin, with upfront, juicy notes of clementine, Granny Smith apples and green melon rinds. The light and refreshing palate transitions into a bright, mouthwatering finish, with accents of pineapple-flavored acidity.
Beautifully pristine on the nose and palate, with concentrated notes of fresh lemon and apple, with hints of waxy white flower and honeycomb. There's significant weight and body on the palate, amplified by notes of sweet cream, smoke and an umami-rich salinity that lingers on the finish. Fermented entirely with ambient yeasts. Drink now.
This has green apple and creamed pear flavors, with a lively, buoyant texture. It's worth aging for a few more months. Screwcap.
This is dry and spicy, with a full character. Perfumed and rich, it's concentrated and packed with wild strawberry fruit. It finishes with intense acidity.
Full in the mouth, this is a rich style of rosé, with delicious red-berry crispness. It is ready for food with its tangy, textured aftertaste. Screwcap.
A rounded style, with full-bodied red fruits and a rich, silky texture. The wine still does have attractive acidity and a crisp grapefruit edge to balance it out.
The Baker's Gully Syrah is the entry-level offering from Clarendon Hills, but it remains a very good wine. It's medium to full in weight, with some alcoholic warmth and hints of slightly raisined fruit, yet charms for its velvety-soft tannins and aromas of chocolate and baking spices. Drink now.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this is full bodied and richly textured, redolent of wild thyme and lavender, black cherries and a hint of cocoa. Drink this charmer over the next couple of years.
The cherry, leather and chocolate aromas are accompanied by a slightly citrusy aroma in this blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan and 5% Cinsault. It's creamy, warm and inviting on the palate, with black cherry and plum fruit, before turning chocolaty on the long finish. Drink now.
Medium bodied and firmly structured, this doesn't show the generosity of the 2009 vintage as much as some other Nothern Rhônes. Instead, it's a traditionally built wine with classic notes of smoke, herbs and black olives, and even some ash-like notes on the finish. Drink 2013–2018.
This is a good value in the plush superripe style of Cabernet that seems to be popular these days. The velvety mouthfeel easily carries bold vanilla and plum flavors over the palate, partly balanced by a savory-spicy element. Drink now.
This is a perfumed wine, with intense flavors of spring blossom, grapefruit and white peach. It has a tight line of acidity that cuts through to the finish. Screwcap.
Aromatic and refreshing, with scents of white blossoms, stonefruits and a hint of beeswax, this is fermented entirely in stainless steel and meant to be enjoyed fresh and young. Squeaky clean on the palate with hints of white peach, underripe pineapple, lime pith and a bright, lemony acidity that tickles the palate.
A smooth and rich wine, this has weight and concentration. At the same time, it has an attractive, light-hearted feel that's poised and elegant. The wine could age for a few years. Screwcap.
This is one full-bodied, hefty wine. The nose is toasty, minty and a touch herbal. In the mouth, solid tannins support what would otherwise be a syrupy, soft Cabernet. Flavors of baked blackberry and cassis finish with brown-sugar sweetness and length. This is a wine for folks who like their Cabs rich and plush.
So refreshing and fruity, this is so drinkable now. It's bright with crisp white fruits, floral perfume and lively acidity. There is also a more serious, structured side which suggests it could age so drink a few now, but save a few bottles to enjoy through 2019. Glass stopper
This is a ripe, smooth wine that has fine acidity and some intense peppery flavors. From the Wachtberg vineyard, it shows great mineral character as well as a dense texture that brings out rich fruits. Age this for another year.
When a producer renowned for its red wines can turn out an elegant, understated white of this quality, you know Australian Chardonnay has firmly arrived. Subtle accents of toasted nuts frame citrusy fruit, and while the wine is full-bodied and round in the mouth, it remains focused and long and on the finish. If you're fortunate enough to get some of the 600 bottles imported, drink the wine over the next couple of years.
Rich and structured, yet full and concentrated, this wine has both dark tannins and ripe plum and berry fruits. The acidity streaks through the wine, lending freshness and good aging potential. Drink from 2017.
A structured wine, rich in both tannins and fruit, this wine gives a solid performance. Its black and red berry fruits are already balanced with the tannins, while the acidity lends a delicious lift. Delicious now, but best to wait until 2015.
A mature, mossy (in a good way) Shiraz, this seamlessly blends cedar and vanilla shadings with dark berry notes. It's medium to full in body, with solidly savory and earthy underpinnings that make it especially easy to match with food. Drink now–2018.
A terrific value, the 2012 Mount Crawford offer sup a big hit of lime on the nose, but also intriguing brine and talc notes that add extra dimension and complexity. It's a medium-bodied wine with ample texture and a long, layered finish. It may not age as long as some other Eden Valley Rieslings, but it's delicious now, so why wait?
A terrific value, this blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro and 20% Shiraz features a forward bouquet of slightly jammy mixed berries. The palate showcases vibrant red fruit on a supple bed of tannins, capped off by a savory, tapanade-laden finish that makes it more than a simple fruit bomb. Very silky and drinkable, it's the ultimate wine-bar wine, as the name suggests.
Made in a supple, immediately approachable style, this is a nicely supple, slightly creamy, almost gulpable red. Raspberry and cherry fruit is buttressed by ample spice, then ends on a lingering note of star anise. Drink now–2018.
A terrific value, this 50-50 blend displays gentle oaking and a hint of warm asphalt, just enough to highlight the wine's plum and black cherry fruit. It's full bodied and features a long finish, outlined by wonderfully fine, dusty tannins. Drink now–2018.
This Mazuelo (Carignan) is strongly perfumed, with whiffs of juniper, funk and blueberry along the way. A full, lively, deep palate is home to black-fruit, chocolate and vanilla flavors, while the finish surfs on the edge of syrupy and fully ripe, ultimately falling on the right side of the fence.
Fragrant and delicately fruity, this is a lively, bright wine. It shows elegance, apple acidity and a stylish structure of zesty lemon and orange. It's delicious to drink now, but also keep a few bottles until 2019. Screwcap.
The 2011 Aurora Vineyard Chardonnay comes across as super rich, without being superripe—a neat trick. It's lush and toasty from the moment the cork is pulled, showing mixed tropical-fruit flavors buoyed with moderate acidity. The perfumed nose carries through in the mouth, almost like a Gewürztraminer.
Still young and tight, this terroir-driven Chardonnay needs further cellaring to show its best. Woody scents top off crisp, persistent tree fruits, with lemony acids propping up flavors. It's dense, compact and unyielding, but clearly the raw materials for ageworthiness are there.
This Riesling has just the right amount of minerality balanced against apple and peach flavors, and an underlying core of lime. Fermented in stainless steel, it is bright and joyful to drink, boasting a long finish. Pour alongside all the classic pairings from Asian takeout to a proper curry.
Oily aromas of orange peel, orange blossom and wild flowers set up a slightly viscous palate. Flavors of pear, lychee and bitter melon barely hold up on a plump finish. Drink this aging Moscatel right away.
This wine's raspberry, red apple, spice and red fruit aromas are bright. The flavors are ripe and full bodied, showing some heat.
Earthy, lightly grilled plum and berry aromas are a bit damp. Like a gate slamming shut, this is abrupt on a clipped palate. Choppy red-plum, tomato and herbal flavors lead to a gravelly and crisp finish, with astringent tannins.
It is not clear while a simple appellation Bourgogne should need a wax capsule and heavy bottle. It all makes it that much harder to get to the warm ripe wine inside. With its strawberry fruit that is laced with acidity, the wine is generous, reveling in the fine 2015 vintage. Drink from 2018.
With wood aging and the rich flavors from lees stirring, this is a ripe wine, gently oxidative as well as full of yellow fruits. It is a broad wine, typical of the vintage, although happily with a crisper citrus aftertaste. Drink now.
This is a very fresh medium-bodied wine that overflows with ripe raspberry and blackberry flavors. It's the opposite of a serious age-worthy wine, but wonderful to drink now for its effusive fruit flavors that come along with just enough tannin for support on the palate.
Ripe berry aromas are heady. In the mouth, this hard-edged Cabernet is gritty and smacking. Ripe plum and blackberry flavors are backed by hefty but pulling tannins, and overall the texture is quite rough.
This opens with rose petal, red-skinned berry and cake spice aromas. It's bright and easy drinking on the palate, with Morello cherry, raspberry jam and cinnamon flavors. Vibrant acidity and smooth tannins lend easygoing support. Enjoy through 2020.
This opens with black-skinned berry, dried violet and star anise aromas. The savory, easy-drinking palate delivers blackberry, black pepper and clove flavors set against bright acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Saint-Amour is the most northern of the Beaujolais cru villages, close to Pouilly-Fuissé. Its specialty is structured, rich wine like this. It is a ripe wine, full of black fruits and dense tannins. Still young, it is a style of Beaujolais that needs to age. Drink from 2019.
This warm, ripe wine is smoothly creamy and ready to drink. Touches of yellow fruits are balanced with just the right amount of acidity. The wine is rich and generous.
This structured wine benefits from the rich fruitiness of the vintage. Based in Morgon, the producer has vines on steep slopes, resulting in structured wines with firm tannins as well as generous fruits. Drink from 2018.
This wine has strong wood aromas that also dominate the palate. Happily, the yellow and citrus fruit behind the wood is ready to shine through. Give this rich wine time to balance out, from late 2018.
This clos within a clos has produced a crisp red-fruit and light-tannin-flavored wine. Its red-currant and raspberry fruits are balanced with acidity as well as tannins. The wine has a bright aftertaste. Drink from 2019.
Savory pepper and rustic gravel aromas meet with strawberry and dried cherry on the nose of this proprietary red blend that is widely available. Strawberry pie flavors dominate the sip, but there's also a lava rock minerality and a burst of acidity.
Intensely dark blackberry fruit meets with game and minty chocolate on the nose of this appellation blend by Adam Lee. The flavors are woody with forest undergrowth, and surround a core of mulberry.
Hailing from the volcanic soils of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, this blend of Pedro Ximénez and Listán Blanco opens with aromas of citrus peel and honey. A powerful palate is angular and smacking. Salty citrus flavors reflect an ocean influence, while the wine is strong on the finish.
This widely available bottling by the Niven family is a very safe and reliable expression of Cab, with black plums, crushed slate, a touch of oak, some purple flowers and a little soy on the nose. The palate is also down the middle, with earth, wood and dark fruit all present, framed by strong acidity and firm but not overwhelming tannins.
This blend of 57% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre brings grilled asparagus, stewed fruit and black olive aromas. It's plush and palate-coating, but the aromas and flavors are out of sync.
This Priorat-like blend of 50% Grenache, 28% Syrah, and 22% Mourvèdre is pungent and spicy, with a bit of menthol in the nose. Supple and luxurious fruit, a mix of raspberry and black fruits, baking spices, sweet barrel flavors. Powerful and rich, this is a big wine with tobacco and clove highlights and a little heat in the finish.
Bright and dense, totally packed with dark fruits and aromas, this young and brambly blend brings tart, wild berry, cassis and smoky espresso into play full force. There's black licorice also, coffee grounds, and powerful tannins, along with the acids to age.
A finely balanced wine, with acidity, a soft texture, new wood and flavors of cocoa and smoke. There is beautiful red cherry fruit, laced with spice and buried tannins for aging. Keep this impressive wine for 6-7 years.
With great richness, almost opulence, great ripe red fruits are folded into a powerful dark structure. The tannins are right up front, long-lasting and very structured. The final acidity offers freshness to a wine that will need aging.
Not a lot of wood scents are showing, though the aging took place in roughly 50% new oak barrels. This has forward, pretty black fruits, juicy acids, some still-unresolved astringency, and aromatically it incorporates a nice herbal note, reminiscent of green tea. Still too young to drink, and the rating could go higher with more bottle age.
If any wine can blow away the thought that Merlot is a thin, wimpy, nondescript red, this is the wine. From the iconic Champoux Vineyard, it has magic and muscle, a broad and deep display of black fruits, coffee, licorice, dark chocolate, baking spices and beautifully built tannins. Explore and enjoy.
Intensely ripe wine, with melon and pear flavors, spiced with just the right amount of wood and structured fruit skin tannins. So classy, this is a beautiful wine, boasting the richness of 2009 while still keeping a sense of nervy texture.
A powerful wine, very structured with wood, coffee notes and dark tannins. It feels extracted, although the weight of fruit is certainly enough to handle that. It's for the long haul, a concentrated wine that needs at least 10 years.
This monopole (single owner vineyard) has produced a wine of great depth and concentration, packed with black fruits, berries and a smoky wood character. It's an impressive wine, very rich and with sufficient layered acidity. Very ageworthy.
Robust, lightly toasty, almost creamy wine. It glides across the palate leaving a trail of whipped cream; it's that smooth and flavorful. In a year that produced a number of stunningly good Washington Chardonnays, this belongs with the best.
Brooding black raspberry, iron and crushed dried-herb aromas are followed by bright red fruit flavors in this wine. Its purity and texture provide great appeal.
On the nose, this wine is both woody and a touch oxidized, with clove and ginger notes. In the mouth, you can feel the resiny weight of French oak. Forceful spice, clove and woody flavors are dominant, but with such a long finish and good structure this old-vines Moscatel is singing. Drink through 2023.
This wine's cedar, espresso, herb, spice, vanilla, dark chocolate and black cherry aromas lead to a supple, well balanced palate full of cherry and bittersweet chocolate flavors that carry long into the finish. With its grippy tannins, it shows finesse and elegance, though oak plays a prominent role.
High toned notes of garden herb, spice, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead the nose of this wine. Chocolate and cherry flavors intertwine throughout the palate and linger on the finish. It brings plenty of appeal despite the obvious oak influence.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (31%) and Syrah (15%) boasts blue fruit aromas, from plum and huckleberry to bramble, along with vanilla and spice. The palate shows depth and density, with silky fruit and barrel flavors that heighten the interest. Its balance is spot on.
Dried herb, plum, black licorice, woodspice and cherry aromas are followed by palate-coating black fruit flavors, showing depth and density. It's tightly wound at present, so give it a short decant.
Ripe, fleshy, minerally blackberry and black-cherry aromas are pure, deep and suggest high quality that's confirmed later on. In the mouth, this Mencía from an excellent vintage is racy and pumped up, with acidic energy and tannic grab. Roasted black-fruit flavors come with notes of spice cake and salt. A long, full finish confirms how good this is; drink through 2022.
This wine has a zesty structure, with good minerality and ripe yellow fruits.Tightly structured with acidity, it comes from one of the cooler villages of the Côte de Beaune and shows a lively, bright aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
This wine is ripe with yellow fruits and apple acidity. The richness of the year is balanced by crispness, minerality and delicious fruitiness. It will age well, so drink from 2019.
Subdued in oak, this bright intriguing wine does a nice job showcasing tart tangy flavors of green olive and green apple, while still maintaining a freshness at its core. It is moderately structured and teased in a twist of lime.
Intriguing aromas of graphite, damp campfire, roasted meat and dried black cherries make for a savory nose to this bottling from a vineyard in the Corralitos area. Roasted cherries and plums show on the palate, where interesting notes of tar, charcoal and pencil shavings arise. Vanilla and sandalwood show at the finish.
Big-time woody aromas are charred to the max, something that's normal for TerraNoble. A tannic palate is firm and staunch. Woody blackberry flavors include a sweet dose of molasses, while coffee, spiced berry and lemony oak flavors are the conclusion on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.
Tangy and zesty, this crisp wine shows a strong sense of chalky terroir, with a mineral edge and tight acidity. These elements mean the wine will take time to age. Drink from 2021.
This is a dark-hued wine, full of tannins as well as rich black-currant fruits. It is densely textured with a strong herbal mineral character. Acidity and spiciness come with a firm edge that suggests this young wine will age further. Drink from 2019.
This wine starts a tad reductive, but that blows off quickly to reveal aromas of seared citrus, pear blossom, apple sorbet and lemon curd. There is zippy acidity on the sip, with intriguing flavors of dried apple, chamomile and lemon syrup, as well as an earthy quality of sandy soil and dried yellow flowers.
With vines forming part of the 22-acre Jessiaume estate, this vineyard—one of the better known of the Beaune premiers crus—has produced a fine, rich wine in this vintage. Although there is plenty of young wood, the fruit is so rich and generous, with such fine potential. Give this opulent wine until 2022.
Although the oak imprints strong flavors in this wine, it's still young, so all the spice and toastiness will integrate. The fruit is there, showing a rich medley of apples, pears and citrus. As it matures, the texture will flesh out to result in a generous wine with a promising future. Drink from 2020.
This smooth wine is rich with yellow fruits, an opulent texture and a sprinkling of spice. The acidity and the crisper citrus flavors in the background give the essential lift to this ripe wine. Drink now.
This wine's coffee, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, coconut, herb and cherry aromas are followed by a rich, full bodied palate loaded with black fruit flavors and generous barrel accents. Its oak influence seems prominent at times but doesn't stand in the way of its hedonistic appeal.
Aged 22 months in French and American oak, this wine hails from a rolling hillside in the appellation and is 100% varietal. Subdued aromas give way to an expansive and full-bodied array of red currant, cranberry and black pepper, with a vibrant underpinning of minerality as well as tobacco and baking chocolate.
Winemaker Billy Wathen makes so many single-vineyard wines that he's able to play around with styles, and uses this bottling to explore the lower alcohol side of Pinot Noir. Extremely floral aromas of rose petals, hibiscus and carnation meet with light raspberry on the elegant nose, while the lighter-bodied palate mixes slightly sour red fruit with cedar, thyme and oregano.
There's a lot of fresh fruit, caramel, cola and Dr. Pepper spice to the nose of this playful blend of 34% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre, complete with label art by Alex Gardner. Tangy purple flowers of lavender and potpourri show on the sip along with tart plum fruit and white-pepper dust.
Doughy marzipan and shortbread cookie greet the nose and palate initially in this nicely inviting wine, made from a majority of Pinot Noir. Sweet succulent strawberry and peach dot a palate that's both luxurious and velvety, offering length and breadth within a refreshing continuum.
This sparkler from a coveted property on the western edge of the appellation offers lots of yeasty and toasty aromas as well as raspberry, lemon peel and a touch of damp earth. Classic bready flavors show on the sip, which is cut but a sharp citrusy edge and tart raspberry.
An unusual opening of cookie dough and black-fruit aromas suggests a ripe wine, and this is definitely on the full side. While the palate is chunky and lacks a distinct focal point, flavors of tomato, herbs and baked plum are complex and meaty. A leathery feel along with herbal plum flavors defines the finish.
Balsamic notes of menthol and crushed mint mingle with dark culinary spice, coffee bean and stewed fruit aromas in this wine. The forward palate shows sweet and sour notes of mature, fleshy black cherry, prune, licorice and clove alongside seasoned tannins. A toasted hazelnut note closes the finish Drink soon to catch the remaining fruit and freshness.
Quite standard but that doesn't mean it isn't a good wine and doesn't fit a purpose. For regular, everyday Rioja this should not fail. It has nice cherry and plum aromas with a hint of rubber and tobacco. Licorice, plum, raspberry and brown sugar flavors work the balanced, controlled palate, while the finish is natural and unforced. 235,000 cases made.
This is a fresh and friendly white with a floral nose and crisp flavors of pear and lemon. Overall, the wine has body and a dry, elegant character. Pair with seafood or Asian cuisine.
Battle Creek has dropped its price significantly, but it still tastes like a fruity, everyday Pinot trying to compete in the big leagues. It's got light flavors of black cherry candy, very tart acids and a little zip to the finish; if there are any new barrels involved, they are currently in hiding.
This wine has a dancing, delicate nature. Aromas of apricot and honey are followed by floral, apricot and honey flavors. Elegant and friendly with balanced sugar and acid.
A perennial Best Buy, Sangre de Toro always delivers a quality red-wine experience that does not bowl you over. Here the aromas are light and jammy, with strawberry. The body is medium in weight and intensity, with pure but basic cherry, raspberry and plum flavors. Like all other parts of the wine, the finish is easy and clean, with carry-over flavors of berry fruit.
Very ripe, this wine has tropical fruits, a full, soft texture and a mouthfilling floral character. Its mango and peach flavors are deliciously balanced with light, sweet acidity.
Young, jumpy and slightly candied, but that's just fine given the price range it's playing in. To get old-vines Garnacha for a song is not uncommon, yet this wine's thick, fruity palate goes beyond the norm. And with a round mouthfeel built on light-framed tannins, it's easygoing as can be. Drink now, but don't put it under the microscope.
Ripe and fresh, this is a soft, raspberry- and red berry-flavored wine. It has richness, light tannins and a generous, full-bodied juiciness. There is slight astringency to the finish.
Dusty and plump up front, with a hint of melon. The palate is round and easygoing, with moderate acidity supporting baked apple and melon flavors. On the finish it's pithy and slightly bitter, but for the most part it holds onto its form and freshness.
More red than dark, with semisweet aromas of candy, strawberry and a bit of grassy green. The palate is easygoing and creamy, with milk chocolate and berry flavors along with overt wood-driven spice. Finishes with drying tannins, another wave of oak and just enough snap to keep it moving in the right direction. Good but not great by Priorat standards.
This ranks as a good no-frills white wine from central Spain. Viura is at its best when it's crisp, clean and tastes like apples and honeydew. And for the most part, that's exactly what this is. There's freshness and scour, but it's not acidic or sharp. Still, best to drink it as soon as possible.
Nobody should mistake this idiosyncratic Basque white wine for a bargain. At $25, you had better like steely, almost sour-style whites to justify going here. But if you can find the pleasure in Txakoli, then this one is good. It has peach and nectarine aromas, which are backed by tangy lemon and pineapple flavors. Naturally sharp and cleansing on the finish, and thus good for seafood tapas and the like.
Lush, spicy aromas of apricot, honey and vanilla are followed by unfolding layers of the same in this elegant dessert wine. Luscious and pretty, with a slightly spicy finish. Pair with fresh fruit or sip alone.
From a quinta close to Pinhão in the heart of the Douro, this Port, of course still young, is big and ripe. At this stage is packed with ripe and sweet black plums and dried raisins that are dominating the potential of the firm structure underneath. Drink anytime after 2025.
Full-bodied and firm, it's loaded with blue plum and black cherry fruit, along with streaks of root beer and vanilla cream soda. The barrel aging brings in coffee liqueur highlights.
The vineyard is located in the Dundee Hills AVA (not shown on the label). There's a metallic edge to the flavors, starting with the nose and continuing on through the palate. Peppery black fruits are at the core, showing a rather hard edge at the moment. This might need a bit of extra aeration or cellar time to show its best.
Here's a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with aromas of cedar, ripe black-skinned fruit, grilled herbs and a whiff of mocha. The savory palate doles out fleshy plums, blackberries, chocolate, ground black pepper and licorice. Polished, ripe tannins support the juicy fruit flavors.
A pure Sangiovese, this opens with varietal aromas including fragrant blue flowers, perfumed berries, tilled soil, forest floor and a whiff of cake spice. The structured, elegant palate delivers mature black cherry, clove, tobacco and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2017–2023.
Snappy aromas of briny citrus fruits, jalapeño and bell pepper leave no doubt that this is Leyda Sauv Blanc. The palate is minerally and crisp, with juicy acidity. Flavors of lime, pickle brine, gooseberry and wet stone finish elegant and pure, with cleansing acidity.
There's a rainbow of peppercorns represented on the nose of this varietally classic wine, with a tiny bit of pasilla chile greenness cutting across strawberry and cherry fruit. Those red fruits join with blueberry on the palate, which is complex with pipe tobacco, tomato leaf and herbal, peppery spices.
A true cuvée, this wine combines 55% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Pretty and floral on the nose, it offers red cherry and strawberry alongside high-toned cranberry, finishing piquantly racy in acidity and smooth.
From a producer that knows its way around the variety, this Reserve-tier wine shows off its burly pedigree in leather and tobacco, strapped around huge tannins. Crisper, high-toned red fruit makes itself felt midway through on the palate, finishing in handfuls of distinct black pepper.
Spicy white pepper and a floral, violet perfume punctuate the opening of this intriguing wine that offers a dense tannin presence that manages to brighten on the finish. In between, expect gamy black licorice and leather, giving a cool-climate experience of the variety.
Earthy, rooty aromas of tree bark, dried cheese, cedar and baked berry fruits are appropriate for a warm-vintage Rioja. This is round on the palate, with a mature and ready mouthfeel. Raspberry, plum, vanilla and buttery flavors finish with just enough acidity to maintain a sense of freshness. Drink now.
Full blackberry and black-plum aromas come with controlled but obvious oak. This feels tight and direct on the palate, with ripeness and weight. Blackberry, cassis and chocolaty oak flavors finish woody and peppery, with drying tannins. This is a powerful, oaky Garnacha made for the modern palate.
Coffee, mint and earthy blackberry aromas open this rich, ripe—almost unctuous—Carmenère. Spiced berry and lightly herbal black plum flavors finish full and balanced, while ending flavors of dark-roast coffee, chocolate and herbs are just right.
This full-bodied Assyrtico offers aromas of pineapple, citrus and spice on the nose, while the palate brings layers of fruit, minerals and lemon. Delicious with a good acidity, imagine this white with grilled chicken or fish.
There is a noticeable oak influence on the nose of this wine, but it's not over done. Aromas of seared lemons, browned butter, marzipan and salted pineapple are cut by Meyer lemon peel. The palate is very focused on a lime peel acidity and chalky minerality, also presenting lemon butter and sea salt.
Truth be told, both the regular and reserve Chardonnays from Blakeslee are very close in quality, cost and flavor. This selection is loaded with thick fruit flavors of peach and apple, along with barrel notes of buttered popcorn and coconut.
An appealingly rounded nose of blueberry, blackberry sponge cake and molasses opens this wine from a relatively new outfit in West Paso. Black cherries and blueberry fruit fill the palate, but are lifted by dill, sweet basil and minty herbs, with tannins that are strong but not intrusive.
Encased in what seems to be the world's biggest bottle, this wine made by Jeff Cohn telegraphs excess on several fronts, from its price to its suggestion to decant one to two hours prior to enjoying, to its ripe strawberry jam sensibilities. Voluptuously big-boned and spicy, given 100% new French oak and a fair amount of whole cluster fermentation, it'll appeal to fans of frothy exuberance and may well be best after time in cellar, through 2018.
This refined Malagouzia starts with a fleshy peach and melon nose, followed by pronounced flavors of peach, citrus and spice on the palate. Balanced and pretty, the fruit tones linger on the finish.
This relatively new partnership's wines have been up and down, but this one gets things just right. Black cherry and plum notes are ripe and pleasing, backed by some cedar and spice nuances. There's ample richness on the palate and a long, finely textured finish. Drink now–2017.
From an estate-grown vineyard and blended with 18% Malbec, in addition to smaller percentages of Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine is crisp and edgy in red cherry and berry, with a layering of earthy fennel. Layered in fine-grained tannins, it finishes dense and seasoned in clove and cinnamon.
This crisp and balanced wine offers lemon, guava and papaya, tropical without being cloying. With enough viscous creaminess to keep it medium in weight, it's soft and herbal, with measured acidity and a golden color. It finishes lean and savory.
You'll find aromas of scorched soil, roasted coffee bean, cedar and mature black-skinned fruit in this structured Syrah. The full-bodied palate delivers toasted oak, espresso, crushed Mediterranean herbs and dried black fruit alongside ample, polished tannins.
Slick, slightly glycerol streaks of white peach and grapefruit abound in this concentrated yet zesty Riesling. Semidry in style, it's buoyantly fruity and forward, with just a touch of pollen on the finish. Drink now.
This all-stainless Chardonnay does not sacrifice flavor complexity, with a mix of apple, pear and peach fruit flavors that is seamless and fresh. The wine finishes as clean and crisp as it begins. Drink up during the next couple of years.
Soft and juicy, this is a classically crafted wine, medium bodied with savory notes of cedar, dried herb and black olive. Structured and balanced, it finishes rich and refreshing, with a memory of red currant and cherry.
There are black plums, iron, iodine, fudge, espresso and a touch of squid ink aromas on the nose of this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. The palate is driven by fudge and chocolate, showing plum jam fruits and noticeable oak and cedar smoke elements.
With fresh green-apple aromas, and juicy apple and citrus flavors, this is a lively, crisp and well-balanced wine. Instead of going for overt oaky, buttery flavors and a fat mouthfeel, it stays nicely lean and refreshing, even with relatively full body.
Coming from a vineyard near Solvang, this wine by Mikael Sigouin shows orange sponge cake, honey and the slightest twist of petrol on the nose. The palate boasts orange blossoms and bright acidity, gaining complexity from chalky white rocks and the slight bitterness of Japanese pear peels.
Spicy and still tight, this shows a big-boned style. Penetrating pear fruit flavors are dotted with white pepper, and finished with a hint of water cracker.
A totally over-the-top Gewurztraminer, this is wonderful in its blowsy perfumes. It's rich, ripe, opulent and full of lychee and spiced pear flavors. Drink now.
Ripe berry and spice aromas take center stage in the 100% Montelpulciano from Marche. The ripe, round palate delivers juicy black cherry and black berry along with cinnamon-spice. There's no complexity here but it's ripe, round and delicious. Enjoy this soon.
Quite tart, this mouth-puckering Pinot Gris brings bright, fresh flavors of lemon, lime and grapefruit to the front. It's a high acid effort, shellfish-friendly, with a good bite to the finish.
A sweet wine that's soft and spicy, this is light, fragrant and surprisingly refreshing for a Gewurztraminer. Bright acidity gives everything a lift, adding crispness to rich lychee sweetness. Drink now.
Roughout is a fun wine, with a burst of sweet cherry fruit opening into a wild side that veers toward bramble and forest flavors. It's not a big red, but highly gulp-able and perfect for a burger night.
There is a warm, honeyed edge to this otherwise steely, very crisp wine. It gives richness, counterpointing the delicate citrus and fennel flavors. The wine can age, but is ready to drink now and until 2020.
Soft, fruity and rich, this is a classicly warm, ripe Pinot Blanc. With delicate flavors of apples, crushed pear and touches of citrus acidity, it's a deliciously refreshing wine to drink now.
Mocha and bitter chocolate are dominant on the nose, and while the body is rich, fresh acidity outlines the contours of a slender body. Blueberries follow later while soft tannins make this a versatile player on the table.
Chunky cherry, cough drop and dusty aromas make for a ripe but alluring nose. This feels big and full, as will most 2012 Chilean Pinot Noirs; flavors of baked black fruits and raspberry are about as rich and sweet as Pinot should ever get, while a smooth, chocolaty finish is modest in terms of acidity.
A robust Montelpulciano offering aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and cinnamon-spice the carry over to the palate. The juicy fruit flavors are accompanied by supple tannins and a slightly warm mid-palate. This is all about immediate and easy drinking, so enjoy now.
This fresh wine is all bright red fruits marked with citrus acidity and a raspberry jelly finish. The wine is finely balanced, bright and dancing in style, and needs to be drunk now.
Resiny oak, cinnamon and white-fruit aromas are solid. This is juicy and minerally in the mouth, with plenty of barrel weight for cushion. Flavors of apple, citrus and oak finish minerally but with some dilution of flavor. Drink during 2014.
This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is very young and ready to drink with its sweet fruit and forward, vanilla-laced flavors. It fades quickly, leaving a lingering impression of soda pop (root beer).
Plum, cherry and strawberry aromas are light, true and minerally. This is a juicy, fresh, medium-weight wine with plum and raspberry. Nothing about this is pushy; overall, it's a bright, lifted quaffer that's totally satisfying.
Enticing white pepper mingles with ripe, red plums creating a savory, light bodied red, soft in tannins that are very moreish. Its lightness enlivens while new fragrant facets of cherry fruit are revealed over time. Not an obvious wine, but clearly full of charm.
A hint of smoke mingles with fresh apple and pear aromas on this delicate, but silky and textured Pinot Gris. It's slightly off-dry in style, with concentrated apple and apricot flavors touched by a hint of honey. Tart lemon acidity adds balance and vibe.
There's a lot of fruit to this New World Syrah. Cherry, cassis and berry aromas are fresh and forward, while in the mouth, this is full but not overly demanding or exact. Flavors of cherry and plum come with creamy oak notes of vanilla, while the finish is crisp in feel but generic in flavor.
Floral and fresh from notes of crisp apple and lemon, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc is piercingly brisk with tight, nervy effervescence. A hint of roasted nuts lingers on the medium-long finish.
With savory aromas of soy sauce and beef broth, this is not only fruity smelling, it's meaty on the nose. The palate is full and voluminous, but not thick. Flavors of boysenberry and blackberry are slightly leafy and green, while the finish shows a good texture and grabby tannins.
Lemon zest, lime and melon aromas lead this elegant white blend. Zesty citrus and lush melon on the palate offers a refined character that is nonetheless fine for everyday enjoyment. The finish is expressive and slightly floral.
Scents of apple blossom, pear and honeycomb waft from this aromatic Pinot Blanc. Medium bodied in style, it's refreshingly tart with tangerine acidity balanced by fresh apple and pear flavors. Effortlessly quaffable.
Dry and firmly tannic, this is a powerful and complex wine that will age well. It has solid fruit, a good structure and some juicy acidity hinting at its potential. Drink from 2015.
Dusty apple aromas are nice for this level of wine. A round, solid mouthfeel is a plus, while flavors of melon, apple and nectarine come with light oak and vanilla offsets. A pithy, melony finish concludes this easygoing Chardonnay.
Yeasty melon and white-fruit aromas are a bit strained and gritty. This feels round but also a touch mealy. Oily flavors of nectarine and peach finish mild, with just enough juicy acidity to maintain shape.
This Elqui SB smells about as neutral as you'll come across, with a hint of burnt grass to the nose. Oily and dense in feel, this tastes of salt and bitter dried melon.
Gritty aromas of black olive and road tar rest heavily atop herbal berry scents. This mystery blend is tight and tannic as nails. Blackened flavors of gritty blackberry, clove and wood spice finish rough and scratchy.
This light and pleasing wine smells like apples and pistachios, and tastes mildly fruity and nicely crisp.
This wine is firmly in the herbal-vegetal camp. It smells like yellow tomatoes and tastes like tarragon and parsley, with a full body and soft acidity. It finishes slightly sweet.
The nose on this red is a bit shy but eventually reveals aromas suggesting moist underbrush, crushed berry and a whisper of violet. The simple light-bodied palate offers sour cherry, tart cranberry and a hint of orange peel. It's on the slender side, with firm acidity and loose-knit tannins.
Earthy gritty berry aromas come with a hint of animal. This is juicy and in good shape across the palate, while bright plum and berry flavors are dusted with spice and chocolate notes. A wiry finish with lightly medicinal berry flavors shows kick.
This opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, wet earth, cellar floor and a whiff of stewed fruit. The dense palate is already evolved, showing dried black cherry, game and walnut before a short bitter finish.
This straightforward expression of Amarone opens with aromas of ripe red berry and a whiff of dark spice. The simple palate offers dried wild cherry and a hint of cinnamon alongside drying, rather fleeting tannins.
Jammy and maple-syrup aromas and full, broad and ripe fruit flavors make this a mouthfilling wine. It has a touch of sweetness with moderate tannins for balance, and a lingering, spicy-sweet note on the finish.
Briny citrus aromas are hanging in there but may not hold steady for much longer. This feels about right, with lightly green, pickled citrus flavors suggesting bitter grapefruit pith on the finish.
This oak bomb of a wine smells like charred wood, wood smoke and black pepper. It tastes much the same, with a lingering charred finish. Medium to full bodied, it holds only a modest core of fruit.
Dusty minerals, smoke and pollen notes lend an earthy tone to ripe pineapple, tangerine and lemon flavors in this dry Riesling. It's a bit rustic in style, but fresh citrus acidity and a bristling of lime pith brightens the finish. Drink now through 2019.
The holy grail for many wine producers remains drinkable Pinot Noir for less than $20. This one lacks a bit of midpalate weight and richness, but does offer earthy notes of beet root and mushroom couched in an appropriately silky texture.
Cherry and plum aromas are generic. This feels fresh, with a tight grip and resiny oak. Cherry flavors come with grainy, slightly bitter oak notes, while this finishes dry, woody and raw in feel.
The color of this very sweet wine is deep amber. Aromas are savory and rich, while flavors are unctuous and nutty. It's fun to drink, and tastes like a mature wine.
A late release, this wine is herbaceous and weedy, with a tease of tumbleweed on the nose. Spiky acidity supports elements of pencil lead and currant before a simple finish.
Hot pink in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant rosé brings aromas of cherry and bubble gum. It drinks dry with fat-feeling fruit flavors that need a bit more acid to perk them up.
Red berry and blue flower aromas lead the way on this easy-drinking red. Light and simple, the slim palate has delicate nuances of strawberry and a hint of dark spice alongside relaxed tannins and bright acidity. Drink soon.
The Côtes d'Auxerre, west of Chablis, is the last outpost of Chardonnay in Burgundy. That results in this cool style of wine, light and fruity with apple and green-plum fruitiness. There is a zest to the wine, a lightly mineral texture and attractive final acidity. Drink now.
Light and smoky, this is a fruit-forward, soft wine. Berry flavors are balanced by the stalky texture. It's young, although very ready to drink.
This opens with aromas of cellar floor, moist underbrush, dried sage and a whiff of crushed violet. The robust but straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and a hint of dark cooking spice alongside close-grained rather fleeting tannins that leave a raspy finish.
Easygoing and not too complex this straightforward Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas and flavors of red cherry, plum and black currant. The finish is medium length with persistent soft tannins.
Jumpy berry aromas are simple and grapy. A plump but jagged and tannic palate tastes foxy and a touch herbal, while foresty, minty-green-berry flavors carry a scratchy finish.
Blue fruit, flower and light oxidative aromas lead to restrained fruit flavors that taper toward the finish.
The nose on this bottling is a tad fruit-punchy at first, with light red cherry and candied pomegranate aromas, but then picks up complexity with a leather note. The palate also offers that leather alongside tobacco and light elderberry fruit.
This small area in the Loir Valley (north of the Loire) produces fine cool-climate wines. This wine is named after a small parcel of vines on the north bank of the river. It is crisp with a touch of honey and spice as well as aromatic green and white fruits. Drink the wine now.
The Clos de la Croix de Pierre forms part of the En Caradeux premier cru, and it creates poised wines. This is the red partner to a white also produced by Louis Jadot, and it displays juicy red fruit, layered with firm tannins. Drinkable now, but also capable of aging for five years.
The vines from which the fruit for this wine were sourced are, on average, 15 years old. Aged primarily in French oak, this concentrated wine shows fine depth, with an emphasis on black cherry and cassis flavors. Full and ripe, this well-structured effort has the balance and polished tannins to be cellared for a decade, at least.
Made from fruit sourced from a small premier cru that's located next to the famous Clos des Mouches, this is juicy, round and ripe, with a great swathe of soft, fleshy tannins.
Rich and smooth, this wine's structured tannins are fully integrated into its juicy fruit. It's a ripe bottling, and it shows a hint of wood aging in the form of a smoky character. The acidity is intense, which perks up the berry fruit. This promises to age.
Concentrated and bright, this blend of 63% Grenache and 37% Syrah has deep flavors of strawberry and licorice. Ready to age for several years, it has a mountain's worth of tannins, and yet it is incredibly light on its feet.
A blend of Syrah and 7% Viognier, this has a tremendous perfume on the nose. Mouth-filling and savory, it is adorned with flavors of mushroom, earth and black raspberry. Cellar this for a while, or enjoy it now with roasted game served in a mushroom ragout.
Made from Pepper Bridge Vineyard fruit, this rich, deep Malbec is similar to pricey Argentine versions. It matches concentrated black fruits to generous new barrel-derived flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and Kahlua. The acidity keeps the palate propped up through the long finish.
The master of Savigny-lès-Beaune, Bize has produced a powerful, expressive wine from this small single vineyard. It has serious structure, although the sumptuous black-fruit flavors are already showing. Concentrated, rich and fruity, this will age for at least five years.
This bone-dry-tasting wine is made from grapes that were sourced from the Alayt Vineyard. It marries light hints of flowers to notes of citrus, apples and pears, which taste more like the fruits' textural skin than its sweet flesh. The impressive minerality, depth and length elevate this bottling to the A-list of Washington Rieslings.
Bendigo is a warm subregion of Central Otago, and this wine shows the plush, creamy texture of superripe fruit. The wine is smoky and briary, marrying black cherry and mocha notes in harmonious complexity, and ending lush and long. Drink it now and over the next few years.
More perfumed and floral than the other 2010 Pinot Noirs from Felton Road, the Cornish Point is a pretty, slightly delicate wine that nevertheless doesn't lack for intensity. It's medium in weight, with creamy tannins that finish like silk.
Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has produced a moderately full-bodied, lush Pinot Noir under his own label. Intense cherry-berry fruit is framed by smoky, spicy oak that ends on notes of clove and hickory. Drink it over the next several years.
This tight and concentrated Cab shows power and intensity, with a lush, mouthfilling texture and firm tannins. It's brimming with black fruit notes of plum, berry and cassis, laced with accents of leather, cigar box, pepper and sweet spice. The finish is long and complex; drink now–2018.
The extra concentration of low-yielding old vines is apparent in this dark, brooding wine. The minerally texture and firm tannins are all destined for long-term aging. Made from fruit that's sourced from the foothills of Portugal's highest mountains, this has a distinctly structured and dense finish.
Full and ripe, this wine's dark plum fruit is lined with toast from the nine months it spent in new wood. It has a smooth, polished texture, and the finish bears sweet tannins and a touch of eucalyptus. Age this for 2–3 years.
Part of a Limited Release series, this is an all-stainless Chardonnay. Ripe, tart and focused, it offers spicy bursts of yellow and green fruits, and it shows a sur lie-derived texture. The pinpoint details are gorgeous.
A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, this is supple and substantial, and it breathes lush notes of plum, cassis, black olive, raw wood and mineral, plus a dash of caramel.
Hints of sweet pastry and rising bread entice on this refreshing, dry, yet honeyed sparkling wine made from Tokaj grape varieties. It's brisk on the palate, with a clean cut, but it has all of the waxy, floral qualities of a sweet Tokaj wine. Fantastic now, but it could be even more glorious with five more years in the cellar.
Velvety, with a touch of grit, this wine is tart and tangy in acidity, with a firmness of structure and tannin. The boldly interwoven flavors are defined by wild strawberry, cranberry and black tea.
This wine is a blend of Merlot (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), and Cabernet Franc. Brooding aromas of scorched earth, barrel spice, wood and dark fruit lead to a bold dark-fruited palate backed by firm tannins. It displays plenty of breadth and brawn, with the oak primary now but likely to integrate over time.
Iris, dark-skinned berry, aromatic herb and new leather aromas take shape in the glass. Vibrant and focused, the bright palate doles out crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry, clove and white pepper framed in tightly knit but polished tannins. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2020–2028.
Smooth and salty, this wine is medium in weight and oak influence. Layered and complex, it's highlighted in honey and apple flavors, with a persistent finish that's speckled in nutmeg, giving it a nice balance between fruitiness and spice.
The Tavel cave cooperative also bottles wine from neighboring Lirac. This is an attractive, creamy-textured, supple wine that's ready to drink. Black cherries, dark chocolate and spice box notes finish soft and plush. Drink now–2019.
Still somewhat tight and tannic, this is a firmly built wine that will last through at least 2025. Plum, black olive and blueberry notes pick up hints of peppery spice and cocoa on the dusty finish. Drink 2018–2025+.
Cigar box, cedar and red fruit aromas start this age bale red from famed winemaker Yiannis Voyatzis. On the palate, a spicy profile leads, with good acidity and structure as the base of its luscious dark cherry flavors. A serious wine with a lively spin.
Tar, boysenberry and beef char show on this very dark expression of Syrah, which is still tightly wound. There is great intensity to the palate, where fire-roasted black plums and elderberries create a rustic quality.
Underbrush, dried herb, raisin, saddle leather and balsamic aromas follow over to the ripe palate along with dried cherry, crushed herb and ground clove. Taut tightly wound tannins provide a grippy framework. Give the tannins a few years to unwind then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
Mushroom, cedar and smoke on the nose leads this Mandilari from Crete. Often used as a blending grape, here it offers approachable aromas of jasmine, anise and cocoa with flavors of berry, plum and spice. The wine has good structure and balance, and can age for several years.
From a three-acre block planted to one clone of the grape—the highest-elevation parcel on the site—this wine is coolly coastal in its exploration of black fruit and smoky oak. Full bodied and concentrated, it offers complex notes of licorice, citrus and dark chocolate.
Black-fruit scents combined with cheesy oak aromas are common for Toro. This wine has a wide, pulpy, grabby palate and flavors of black plum, herbal blackberry and savory meat. There's plenty of weight and substance, but it's also a bit stretched and bumpy along the way.
Smooth and subtle, this luscious wine emphasizes a rich mouthfeel over modest fruit and spicy components. Mild and complex vanilla, coconut and pear-tart flavors are there, coming out with time as the gorgeous texture coats the palate and extends the finish for a long time.
Red wine doesn't get much smoother—and values in Pinot Noir don't get much better—than this. The wine has attractive red- and black-cherry aromas, a sense of richness on the palate and a silky mouthfeel that's hard to resist. Subtlety and restraint keep this wine from tiring the taste buds.
This full-bodied wine smells nicely oaky, like cedar and new leather, while the flavors bring on ripe plum and black cherry tones. Especially well-integrated tannins give support on the palate without being drying, resulting in a broad, lush mouthfeel.
Oaky and spicy, this wine traffics in lemon, lime and tart green apple, a medium-bodied effort of balanced richness and concentration that should do well at the table.
Fat blackberries meet with torn-up asphalt, dust and dark tobacco on the nose of this red blend that is stylishly labeled with the Grim Reaper, but also packs quite a decent wine into the bottle. There is solid acidity and a decent tannic structure to the sip, presenting flavors of black currant and black pepper.
Many vintners are now using stone and concrete vessels to craft part of their blends, but this Niven family project goes all the way by bottling their stone-aged wine solo. Light in the glass, the wine shows aromas of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon pith, Bosc pear skins and crushed limestone. The palate's grippy texture carries bright, acid-powered flavors of Granny Smith apple, nectarine and Mexican lime.
Intense aromas of chopped mint, new leather, prune and camphor take center stage. The palate is firmly structured, offering dried black cherry, clove and sage framed in grainy tannins that grip the finish. Drink after 2020.
This light take on the variety shares a focused fruitiness of strawberry and raspberry flavor amid a core of earthy cola, bark and black licorice. Thick on the palate, it finishes with a swirl of brightness and lasting acidity.
Gardenia, apple blossom, guava and marshmallow aromas are lifted by lime-like tension in this blend of 28% Viognier, 23% Roussanne, 17% Grenache Blanc, 17% Marsanne and 15% Picpoul Blanc. The palate is bright and crisp, with lemon, honeydew melon and guava flavors.
Toasted hazelnut, beeswax, chamomile, sea breeze and citrus zest aromas carry over to the bright, medium-bodied palate, along with flinty mineral and pear notes. A warm honey tone anchors the linear finish.
Plump red cherry and star anise aromas meet sagebrush and rust on the nose of this appellation blend. It's light bodied on the palate, where tangy acidity presents cranberry, mace and dried meat flavors.
Being 100% varietal, aromas of barrel spice are prominent at present, followed by black fruit. The fruit flavors are sweet but still lighter in style, with lightly grainy tannins backing them up. It's surprisingly restrained considering the warmth of the vintage and region.
A burst of juicy sweet-tart fruit belies the relatively low alcohol. It's plenty ripe, with a tasty mix of Meyer lemon, pear and peach. It was aged in neutral French oak, and carries the lightest suggestion of toast in the finish.
The Rolle grape (known as Vermentino in nearby Corsica) has the ability to produce rich wine, as it did here. The acidity is still there balanced with the ripe yellow fruits, generous texture and spicy southern warmth. This is a wine for food, ready to drink now.
Light aromas of ash, herb, berry, vanilla and cherry lead to sweet plush cranberry and cherry flavors that linger along with baking spice notes on the finish. It brings a lot of enjoyment for the price.
Foresty earthy aromas of raisin, tobacco and dried leaves are particular to this San Rafael wine. In the mouth, this shows gaps and holes. A flavor profile driven by oak and tobacco doesn't allow for much fruit. Spice, cocoa and earthy notes control the finish.
While subdued on the nose, crunchy Asian pear and green-apple flavors on the palate are persistent and vital. Racy acidity and delicate sweetness balance neatly. A refreshing, thirst quenching wine with wide appeal.
Fleshy, ripe red and black cherry fruit streams from the glass. This smooth, easy red shows all the ripeness of the 2015 vintage and just enough freshness to balance it. The finish is juicy and full-fruited.
White spring flower, ripe pear and grilled herb aromas take center stage in this medium-bodied white. The bright, linear palate offers green apple and citrus flavors, with a hint of clove.
Tangy blueberry fruit tones show on the nose of this bottling, with caramel and floral accents. There's snappy black fruit on the palate, where powerful acidity keeps the wine dancing across the tongue.
Cherry cola accents this bright pretty wine. Fruit flavors emphasize fresh raspberries, backed with tangy acidity and modest tannins. Drink now through 2022.
Hay, pressed yellow flower and hazelnut aromas lead the nose in this deeply hued wine. The nutty note carries over to the evolved palate, with fennel and candied citrus zest flavors. It still boasts fresh acidity despite its age, but drink now to enjoy the remaining fruit.
Monbazillac is the lighter cousin of Bordeaux's Sauternes. This wine with its apricot and marmalade flavors is given its richness by concentrated botrytis that adds a dry edge to this sweet unctuous wine. Drink now.
Underbrush, ripe plum, tilled earth and dark spice aromas come together in this. The soft, enveloping palate offers juicy black cherry, blackberry extract and licorice flavors, framed by round, pliant tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.
This is a fairly big, creamy-textured Chardonnay to consume over the next couple of years. Grilled sweet corn features, but it's backed by ample citrus and peach fruit, and the finish remains crisp and refreshing.
Chocolate aromas dominate this richly endowed wine. It offers black chocolate flavors as well, plus powerful tannins and juicy acidity. Dense and full bodied, its wood flavors still show through the rich fruit. Drink from 2017.
This fits the mold of Clare Valley Riesling perfectly. Struck flint notes give way to bright citrus on the nose, followed up by pineapple, cardamom and cinnamon flavors. It's dry to the point of austerity, framed by a slightly dusty texture, yet boasts mouthwatering acids on the long finish. Drink now–2025, possibly longer.
Cherry, leather, tobacco, licorice and chocolate-dipped strawberries combine into a heady nose on this single-vineyard bottling from the Grenache-focused winery. Tongue-tingling acidity runs through flavors of balsamic vinegar and strawberry extract, all held together by steady tannins. It's quite a full presentation of the grape.
Structured in tight red-fruit character, this wine—from a two-acre, dry-farmed vineyard—is floral and nicely adorned in acidity, making for an elegant take on the variety. It is also not overdone in oak, letting the vibrant black cherry and just-picked blackberry dominate.
Aromas of perfumed berry, violet, leather, pipe tobacco and baking spice take shape in the glass. The smooth, structured palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, juicy raspberry, clove, white pepper and mineral alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
This ripe, mature wine is rich, smooth and full in the mouth. Fruit grown in the Château d'Aulnaye vineyard gives the wine a rounded character, with hints of tropical fruits as well as peaches, and a complex aftertaste. Drink now.
Ian Brand's fun and wallet-friendly blend of 53% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre offers an interesting nose of charred beef, anise, beets, red rose petals, hints of purple fruit and a judicious touch of asphalt. The dark flavors of black licorice, black pepper, pencil lead and dried violets surround a boysenberry core, but remain light on the palate.
Dry, earthy and stony-smelling, this multigrape Catalonian blend also shows cherry and sandalwood scents. Fresh, tight and mildly acidic on the palate, this snappy, tasty red delivers peppery, oaky, slightly medicinal red-berry flavors in front of a composed, spicy finish with modest espresso bitterness. Drink through 2020.
Penfolds' Bin 51 is a perennial winner, although the price has been steadily creeping northward. The 2014 is dry and medium-bodied, but fragrant—think flower-shop greens, gingery spice and citrus—and with a welcome bit of texture on the long finish. It should drink well for 10–15 years.
The winery has kindly aged this bottling for you and is charging a relatively small premium for the service, so this is one to snap up if you can find it. Hints of grilled toast, marmalade and honey remain dry on the palate and extend through a long finish. Ready to drink.
This wine is stylish, with layers of wood, black currant notes and a structure that will allow the juicy fruitiness to develop relatively quickly. It's balanced, with fruit, texture and acidity all coming together. Drink from 2016.
One of a pair of single-varietal wines produced at Vallado, this displays all the perfumed, tannic character of Portugal's almost-national grape variety. It's packed with structure, dark berry fruits and a dry core that's firm. The acidity and the violet perfumes are enticing now, although it is going to age well. Drink ideally from 2018.
Old vines in this case means over 20 years old. The result is a wine that has richness and a delicious creamy texture as well as refreshing swathes of citrus acidity. It could even age, so drink now and until 2018.
Smooth berry and plum aromas are attractive. This feels tight and balanced, with good depth. Layered plum, raspberry, vanilla and cocoa flavors finish juicy and energetic, with length and a secure sense of quality. Drink through 2019.
Bright aromas of crushed strawberry, rose petal and alpine herb waft out of the glass. On the refined, savory palate, green tea, graphite and a mineral note add depth to the red-berry core. Balanced with fresh acidity and supple tannins, this wine is all about sheer elegance and enjoyment.
A very fine effort, this single-block sparkling wine captures a complex mix of grapefruit, lemon and lime. The fruit is balanced against precisely rendered bubbles, vivid acidity, with lightly toasty accents.
Quinta da Agueira was bought by the Guedes family of Aveleda in 1998. This pure Touriga Nacional is big, meaty and ripe, structured while also having firm, tarry tannins. The wine still has a way to go, with its black fruits and acidity still developing. Drink this powerful wine from 2017.
Though given ample time in bottle, this wine can still use more time to open, or be cellared, through 2020. Structured, it's meaty in oak and wild game, the deep, dark fruit conservatively remaining in the background. A peppery finish makes it memorable.
Notes of perfume, white peach and honeydew scent this vivacious off-dry Riesling. It's concentrated, with deep, penetrating flavors of lime and pink grapefruit that flood the palate and linger on the finish.
Made from 100% Syrah, this dry, succulent wine is copper-colored and bursting in watermelon, cranberry and bristling acidity. Seamless, it's medium bodied and has plenty of texture to offer around a crisp, meaty finish. The label is a second offering from David Ramey, who makes this wine.
Made in small quantities, this block-specific wine is lush and juicy in black cherry and raspberry, offering a classic expression of the appellation. Round and enticing, it suggests cola spice and black tea in undulating layers, finishing with a taste of creamy vanilla.
From a vineyard planted in 1982 at 1,200 feet above the Carmel Valley, this wine offers a nose that is nothing short of fascinating. Oak smoke, yellow cake and cinnamon stick are followed by sharper, dill-like herbs, then the scents of the shoreline. The palate sprinkles toasted wood atop lemon peels and apple skins, proving sour, bitter and elegantly restrained yet flavorful.
This is a nutty, toasty rendering of Chardonnay. Roasted cashew and cashew-butter notes frame subtle fruit elements reminiscent of white peach or pear. Despite a modest alcohol level, it's reasonably rich in feel and flavor, finishing with flavors of fresh pineapple.
Intense and spicy, this has a mix of cranberry, plum and cherry fruit, with perfectly ripened tannins and overall balance. There's a bit of heat in a dark chocolate finish, and in general this young wine should continue to improve with a little more time in the bottle.
The Reserva from Cortes de Cima seems to have migrated into a weight lifter's bottle. The wine inside remains as dense and structured as ever. It's rich, full of tannins as well as concentrated black plum and berry fruits. It needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Aged for 10 years on its lees, this impressively complex wine shows that Muscadet can age. It is ripe, toasty, spicy and with a rich concentrated texture. It's a special, unusual style of wine that is now fully mature and should be drunk.
The home vineyard of the Luneau family, this five-acre property dates back at least to the 18th century. The wine is ripe, fruity and fragrant. It has a rich background of yellow fruits as well as fresh acidity. With its tight texture, it should be aged, so drink from 2016.
This opens with aromas of pressed rose petal, underbrush, truffle, white pepper and leather. The already approachable palate delivers juicy black cherry, cooking spice and licorice. Drink through 2022.
Although it effectively disappeared from Bordeaux after phylloxera, Malbec hung on in Blaye on the north side of the Gironde Estuary. This wine, part of a single-parcel (lieu dit in French) single-varietal range, is richly structured and powerfully dense. It has great tannins and also bold ripe black fruits. Drink this concentrated wine from 2020.
Red plum, dark cranberry, composting rose petals, dried ginger and earthy mushrooms show on the slightly funky, slightly sweet nose of this bottling. The palate begins with a sour plum skin and tart raspberry kick, then leads into a core with hints of pine needle, juniper and turned loam.
Restrained mulberry aromas interweave with scents of turned soil, white pepper and clove on the earthy nose of this bottling. The sip starts with a pleasing softness but quickly grows deeper and more weighty with luxurious tannins, showing hearty red cherry and dried fennel flavors.
Rusty-red in color, this bottling by Jim Clendenen comes from the vineyard where his winery has sat for decades. Energetic and well balanced, it shows red-cherry juice, rose hips, garrigue and baked ginger spice on the complex nose. Refreshingly light in body, it's packed with flavors of bay leaf and thyme that decorate the light cranberry fruit. .
The aromas bring notes of flower, herb, cigar box, spice and cherry. The cherry flavors are sweet and luscious, showing a lovely sense of balance and texture, with an extended finish capping it off. Impressive stuff.
Wild berry, new leather, iris, dark spice and crushed herb aromas carry over to the elegant palate along with juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry, clove and white pepper. Firm fine-grained tannins and bright acidity lend balance and structure. Drink 2023–2035.
Aromas of raspberry compote, vanilla, clove and a balsamic note slowly emerge on this structured red. The firm yet elegant palate shows dark cherry, cranberry, licorice, chopped herb and mineral. Fresh acidity and polished fine-grained tannins lend balance and finesse. Drink 2018–2027.
Dark, tangy black-plum skin and tart boysenberry meet with purple flowers and rosemary on the nose of this bottling, which promises plenty of life in the cellar. The palate is lightly bodied but firmly structured, with tannic depth upholding the dark purple fruits and subtle black spice. These flavors will concentrate and intensify with time. Drink 2018–2025.
A touch of honeysuckle works its way through the peachy, lemony nose of this indigenous Austrian. The palate brings out peach and a perfumed, rose-scented phenolic edge. Although the texture is rounded, the palate is fresh and firm. Ripeness and exuberance are coralled into lively and very appetizing freshness.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 90% of this wine, with the rest smidgens of Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Brooding aromas of blackberry seed, smoke, tar, wood spice, dark flowers and cherry pit are followed by generous full-bodied black-fruit flavors that possess a very supple feel. It's a bold but far from over the top expression of power.
This wine is 100% varietal coming from one of the state's most esteemed vineyards. Bright smoke, blackberry liqueur and anise aromas lead full-bodied black-fruit flavors. It brings an unabashed sense of richness, with firm tannins providing support. Give it some time to open up.
Juicy in red fruit, orange and rhubarb, this wine offers sizable body against a backbone of impressively balanced oak. Dry, firm tannins add to the strength and resonance of the palate, while subtle floral aromas lend intrigue to the bouquet.
The aromatics on this bottling are stunning, with elegant and fresh layers of violet, boysenberry and black raspberry. The sip is tightly woven and graceful, with tart black-raspberry fruit and white pepper leading into a lengthy finish that's supported by slow-rising tannins. This will evolve well in the years to come.
A fragrant blend of 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Vespolina and Croatina, this stunning red offers enticing scents of dark-skinned berry, tilled soil, new leather, dark spice and a balsamic note. Elegant, structured and savory, it boasts juicy black-cherry, raspberry, white-pepper, cinnamon and tobacco flavors set against a backbone of firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2019–2030.
This is the first vintage of this designated wine, grown on a high-elevation vineyard called William Wesley, near Annapolis. Cherry, raspberry and a touch of smoke create synergy around a medium-bodied core of soft, velvety texture and a crisp seasoning of white pepper.
There is a very accessible aromatic entry to this bottling. An almost-sweet touch of crystallized honey and beeswax is cut by green plum, wet stone and chopped lemongrass. The sip delivers rounded and pleasant flavors of nectarine, red apple and chamomile.
Black cherry, currants and plums on the nose lead into a delicious balance of olive, plums and herbs on the palate. Dried currants, crushes stone and leather are also in the mix, with a chalky finish keeping the wine on track. Keep this one in the cellar or drink now with lamb or olive tapenade.
Dense, dark aromas of minty oak, blackberry, pencil lead and chocolate set up a broad, hard-bodied palate with firm, gripping tannins. Toasty blackberry and pronounced oak flavors culminate on a big, lush and grabby finish. This is excellent, though a bit bold and burly; drink through 2022.
Tropical and slightly reduced, this complex wine from the famous Westside Road site is peachy and dripping in caramel. Baked apple adds to the lush, plush and richly robust palate, which finishes with balanced acidity and a taste of salty pretzel.
The aromas are almost completely closed up at present, occasionally revealing notes of barrel spice, dried cherries, herb and dark fruit. The palate displays a sense of elegance and nuance, showing pleasing subtleties. Give it some time in the cellar to for the wood to integrate and the fruit to blossom. Best after 2023.
There is an impressive, laser-focused minerality on the nose of this bottling, as an aroma of just-carved limestone meets with slivers of strawberry, peach, citrus and apple. A tart red-melon character shows on the citrus-laced palate, where the bubbles are light as air.
This smells sweet and rubbery up front. The palate is tannic, with a blackberry flavor that starts sweet but turns bitter.
The nose is brushy and earthy at first, then herbal and rubbery. It feels like red berry jam on the palate, with raspberry flavors mixed with leafy, herbal notes. A sweet vanilla note appears on the finish.
Barrel-fermented and pungent, with a whiff of glue, this has a simple mix of mint and wax aromas.
Green aromas of oregano and basil blend with tomato and red plum. It feels grabby and thick, with heavy flavors of carob and herb-accented red berry.
Fiery red-fruit aromas precede a rough palate. It tastes like herbal red plums; the finish turns a bit sweet.
Though the alcohol level on this Pinot Noir is modest, the heavy handedness of the oak is high, with the wine taking on a burnt flavor—almost akin to barbecue-flavored CornNuts.
Red fruit aromas come with green notes of tomato leaf, oregano and sage. It tastes tangy, with flavors of tobacco and red berry. The finish is stalky and herbal tasting.
On the nose, the red berry aromas are rough and scratchy. The palate feels acidic and clipped, with tart flavors of red plum, cranberry and pie cherry. The finish is long and acidic.
Red cherry and plum aromas are citric in style, while the palate is quite citrusy, too, with flavors of plum skin and pie cherry. This finishes tannic and grabby.
This is rough and gritty smelling, with burnt, stalky berry aromas. It feels straightforward, with rubbery-tasting berry flavors that lead to a sweet, warm finish.
Clean-cut and zesty with the tang of grapefruit peel, a concentrated midpalate and a refreshing dryness, this Riesling shows elegance, power and lip-smacking lemon finish. Shy now, it will reveal more power with bottle age. Drink as of 2017.
Just-ripe green pears and scented spring flowers make this a charming proposition. Underneath, a firm and concentrated body unfolds into a refreshing and long finish.
Ripe yellow pears and blossom honey notes can be teased out of this subtle wine by lots of swirling.The palate tingles with citrus freshness and a phenolic richness that has an intriguing but very pleasant hint of bitterness and some glimpses of star-anise and a lasting finish.
Hayflowers, summer meadows and ripe pears are conjured up by this wine. The palate is toned with a harmonious interplay of textural power and streamlined freshness. Grapefruit zestiness and herbal savoriness complete the tableau.
Lifted and ultra-clean Conference pear signals a disciplined wine. The linear palate is equally pure, with zesty and fresh acidity against a background of these green pears and a mossy savoriness.
Lush in dark fruit, notably blueberry and blackberry, this is a soft, mellow, concentrated Syrah with a hint of forest floor and white pepper. With 4% Viognier blended in, it's long on the finish, with acidity able to support years of aging.
This Bordeaux-style blend is three fifths Cabernet Sauvignon, and one fifth each Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes goes for a big-boned, oaky, deeply fruited style. The structure (tannins, acids, barrel flavors) is in place to support the dark, cassis fruit flavors. Highlights of violets, licorice and clean earth add welcome details.
Flint, ripe peaches and golden apricots with the merest hint of vanilla suggest the finest Viennese pastries. This well-judged and super-mellow wine is just rich enough, also giving hints of almond paste and lime peel. There is no heaviness, just velvety mouthfeel and sumptuous length.
Three quarters of this wine was sourced from Taptiel, and 20% from neighboring Artz vineyard, both on Red Mountain. A 5% addition of Petit Verdot came from Dionysus. Heavy and tannic, this is a big-boned muscle wine, with the requisite tannins you'd expect from ripe Red Mountain fruit. Great structure and depth, with lush flavors of cherry tobacco, plum and fig.
It opens with an earthy fragrance of black plum, underbrush, meat juices, thyme and bay leaf. The dense palate delivers juicy black cherry accented with licorice, black pepper and balsamic herbs. Big and concentrated, it has ripe tannins balanced by decent acidity. Hold for more complexity. Drink 2016–2923.
Some ripe honeydew melon, the merest hint of rose petals—this intriguing nose leads on to a plump, apple-fruited purity of palate around which notes of hazelnut play. Very subtle use of oak preserves the core of intense apple fruit and never smothers the intrinsic freshness. The world needs more Chardonnays like this: ripe but fresh and precise.
This wine provides aromas of iron, red currant, cranberry and herb, along with a rubbing alcohol note that provides a bit of distraction. It's reserved but flavorful, with fruit and savory notes lingering on the tart, extended finish.
This firmly structured Sangiovese opens with aromas of underbrush, fragrant purple flowers, ripe berry and a whiff of ground pepper. On the savory palate, notes of licorice, clove and espresso add depth to the core of ripe cherry.
The combination of leafiness and pink grapefruit on the nose suggests red currants, while the flavors on the palate are more tropical in nature. Still, crisp citrus carries the day, giving vibrancy to this medium-bodied wine.
Licorice and black plum notes give this wine a sultry edge, layered around generous tannin and leathery tobacco. Soft toward the finish, it provides a polished note of red currant and raspberry midway through, lifting much of the weight off the tongue. Cellar through 2020.
A blend of fruit from Dineen, Meek and Sheridan vineyards, this wine delivers aromas of black cherry, orange peel, sweet spices and fresh herbs. The black cherry flavors convey polish and depth.
Here's a charming, savory blend of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino that opens with aromas of red berry, violet and a whiff of sweet cake spice. The bright, juicy palate offers crunchy red berry, cinnamon, anise and orange zest while lithe tannins and fresh acidity offer support. Easy drinking and delicious, it's made for sheer drinking pleasure. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Grenache, this very pretty salmon-colored wine offers aromas of strawberry, melon, soda water and spice. It drinks dry but the fruit flavors are sweet, with tart acids finishing it off.
This barely-blush Pinot Noir vinified like a white wine (with no skin contact) is rapidly becoming a new Long Island classic. It's gorgeously aromatic, wafting of cherries and citrus blossom. The palate is brisk and zesty, yet mouth-filling, concentrated in crisp peach and red cherry flavors.
The scent of ripe Cox Orange Pippin apples is joined on the palate by fizzing, savory spice and lashings of white pepper in this unusual but fitting blend of Austria's chief varieties: Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. One brings spice and savory flavors, the other lots of verve and apple fruit. It has the freshness of 2014 and lots of personality. It should become a party favorite!
Big and bold, this opens with aromas of baked plum, blue flowers and sweet baking spice. The robust, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, espresso, clove and licorice alongside the warmth of evident alcohol. Solid but velvety tannins support the ripe fruit flavors. Drink 2016–2021.
With an opaque purple color and gritty, reduced aromas of grapy black fruits and hot stones, this hard, tannic, impermeable Tinto Fino tastes of lemony oak, baked blackberry and herbs. A dark, charred finish with notes of shoe polish and licorice is intense. Overall, this is fully extracted, concentrated and on the cusp of overdone. Drink through 2020.
Decadent swirls of petrol and oak inform the entry of this young wine, golden in color and viscous on the palate. Coconut flakes season a core of ripe pear compote and cinnamon before a streak of sizzling acidity tempers the richness of the wine's initial impression, ultimately finding freshness on the finish.
Tobacco, rooty spice, black cherry and earthy aromas set up a high-acid palate that's racy and shearing. Flavors of toasty oak, plum, raspberry and carob finish long and wiry, with a note of citric acidity. Drink through 2023.
Aromas of sun-baked earth, pressed iris, wild berry, underbrush and a whiff of game lead the nose. The round, open palate delivers fleshy black cherry, ripe plum, ground pepper, leather and anise alongside velvety tannins. It's already accessible but will hold up well for the next few years. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this fragrant wine opens with aromas of purple flowers, ripe plum, sage and sweet baking spice. The juicy palate offers fleshy black cherry, blackberry, licorice and clove accompanied by velvety tannins. It's already open and generous but will age well for a few more years. Drink through 2018.
This opens with aromas of baked plum, toast, grilled herb and a whiff of espresso. The soft, round palate offers up fleshy black cherry, licorice, mocha and a hint of coconut alongside polished tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the juicy fruit flavors.
Aromas of underbrush, tilled soil, toast and espresso lead the nose. The firmly structured palate offers ripe black cherry, blackberry, coffee, anise and grilled herb alongside assertive tannins that need to unwind. Drink 1016–2020.
Underbrush, rose, dark spice and black-skinned fruit aromas lead the nose of this elegantly structured red. The savory palate delivers fleshy plum, juicy black cherry licorice and ground pepper alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018.
Named after the gravel (Cailloux) in the vineyard, this rich and concentrated wine has ripe blackberry fruits over the firm tannins. The quality of the vintage shines through, giving the wine a sense of power and longevity. Drink from 2018.
Oak-heavy aromas of vanilla, graphite, blackberry and cassis come in front of a tannic, firm palate. Toasty blackberry aromas show a note of wood resin, while flavors of licorice and blackened toast ride high on a brisk finish. Drink this off-vintage Rioja through 2022.
Seeing no new oak, the fruit is front and center. The flavors of pepper, dark fruit and herbs are pure, concentrated and soft in feel with a tart uptick on the finish.
A blend of Sangiovese with 10% Canaiolo, this opens with a fruity fragrance of fresh red berry, Mediterranean brush and a whiff of iris. The savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, black raspberry, clove and white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. An anise note signals the finish. Drink 2016–2020.
Brooding aromas of dried flowers, vanilla, cocoa, fresh herbs and potting soil lead to cherry flavors, tightly wound tannins and tart acids. It will stand up to the biggest steak.
Savory yeast notes and white pepper are far more apparent than fruit on this superslender, superpeppery offering. This has zip and liveliness and illustrates perfectly why locals refer to Grüner as Pfefferl, or the little peppery one. This certainly is and provides lots of refreshment and verve.
Sangiovese and 10% Merlot are behind this vibrant, medium-bodied red. Aromas of ripe plum and clove follow through to the firm palate alongside juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, ground pepper and grilled herb. It's interwoven with tightly knit but polished tannins while subtle notes of mint and espresso back up the finish.
A blend of Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 5% Mammolo, this has earthy aromas of truffle, tilled soil, iris and ripe dark-skinned fruit. The chewy palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, black pepper, clove and a hint of mocha alongside solid tannins.
Maderized and brownish-gold in color, this is oxidized on the nose, palate and finish. Heavy, chunky and dull in feel, it has sherried flavors and a clumsy, weak finish.
A strong earthy aroma leads to lean fruit and veggie flavors in this medium-bodied wine.
Up front, this wine is welcoming, with friendly cantaloupe and minerally aromas. However, it has a coarse, spritzy mouthfeel, with sour citrus flavors followed by a soda-like finish.
Bee's wax and bitter lettuce aromas mix with oak on the nose of this shearing, high-acid Chardonnay. Flavors of lemon and sour citrus carry a bitter, pyrazinic note, while ponderous oak takes over on the finish.
Vague black-pepper aromas and almost neutral flavors combine for a simple, muted wine. It is medium bodied and innocuous.
This winery makes one of the better, more consistent white Txakolis, but this rosé is fruitless and smells of grass and green beans. A spritzy palate similarly tastes of beans and bell pepper, and the finish maintains that vegetal character.
This is the most recent release of this amazing wine. Pure Tannat. Aged for 40 months in new wood, it took its time to become so beautifully drinkable. It is, of course, dense with typical dusty Tannat tannins and with mature secondary flavors of dried fruit, spices and intense acidity. It is ready to drink.
From a beautifully exposed southwest facing vineyard with views of the Pyrenees, this is a serious and impressive wine. There is no holding back on the powerful structure and rich fruit or the dense texture and the layers of spice from the 16 months of wood aging. Balanced and generous, it will age for many years, and will best be drunk from 2022.
It's amazing how veteran winemakers like Adam Tolmach are able to extract such deep flavors from a wine and yet keep it fresh and light. This awesome bottling shows boisterous pomegranate, hibiscus, fig, crushed graphite, black pepper and dried tarragon on the ripely layered nose. The lush and soft palate buttons it up a bit, offering light licorice, minty cola, black cherry and vanilla dust.
This vineyard-designate offers a wealth and breadth of cherry compote and orange peel, alluring on both the nose and palate, with a light sprinkling of Asian spice. Full bodied, it carries itself with determined grace and finesse, enjoyable now and yet teasing in complexity. Drink now through 2024.
Winemaker Rick Hill extracts tons of aroma and flavor from this vineyard, which in this bottling shows sagebrush, deep black plum, smoked thyme and light gingerbread notes. The flavors are hearty and rugged, with more sagebrush and smoke, strong mulberrry fruit, peppercorns and roasted meats. It's a rich and savory wine.
Lifted peach and chamomile just hint at the maturity of this wine that has barely begun its trajectory. The palate is still taut and firm, fresh with lemon zest and singing with an evolved, lifted purity. This does not need sweetness to propel its flavor: its slender poise and purity make it soar on its own. The more you taste, the more you find: drops of soy, glints of stone, shimmers of citrus and lanolin. It's gorgeous, concentrated, incisive and long.
One of the greatest Chardonnays made in California each vintage, this bottling blends riper elements of yellow peach and honey with the tension of tangerine rind and pink-grapefruit pith on the nose. The palate is very energetic and tangy, with orange peels, crushed sea shells and a touch of salt hanging from an extremely well-chiseled structure.
Produced from organically grown grapes, this powerful and impressive expression of pure Malbec is generous while also solid and firm. It has plenty of dark tannins to go with the solid fruits and tense acidity. Produced from selected parcels, it is a wine to age further. Drink from 2019.
This is the first ultraluxury release from this label by entrepreneur Roger Bower and winemaker Adam Henkel, and the blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Malbec, 30% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. Dark as night and extremely viscous in the glass, this shows deep blueberry, uncrushed peppercorns and touches of smoked meat on the nose. Thick and lush flavors of blueberry, smoked coffee bean and roasted meat jump onto the palate with glee. This attention-grabber will last for years, but it is very accessible out of the gates.
This wine hails from the terraced heart of the Romaneira vineyard. Dark tannins and a concentrated structure are just the tip of this ripe and complex wine. With its acidity, spice and ripe black fruits, this is a serious, impressive wine that begs to be aged. Drink from 2020.
This is a top bottling from one of the appellation's first superstar wineries. Aromas of baked red cherry and red plum are dusted with nutmeg, clove and a crushed-slate minerality. The palate is lively with dried fennel, white sage and an earthy mintiness, which all give spice to the underlying base of ripe raspberry fruit. It's extremely delicious and deeply layered.
Though an accidental opening in a blind tasting, this wine was stellar a decade old, easily rising above its current counterparts. Extremely complex and savory aromas of au jus sauce, porcini mushrooms, charred beef, black olive, mulberry and hearty black plum give way to a mushroom-laden palate. Black truffle, baked cranberry, underbrush and rugged but refined earthiness shine on the sip.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this stunning elegant wine is initially closed but then blooms in the glass to reveal red berry, iron, blue flower, underbrush and dark spice. The focused, radiant palate delivers bright cherry, star anise, white pepper and mineral alongside vibrant acidity and polished tannins. A hint of orange zest graces the lingering finish. Hold for more complexity. Drink 2018–2028.
This is a vineyard blend of many varieties, dominated by 24% Syrah, 20% Sangiovese and 12% Zinfandel, the balance a mishmash of Cinsaut, Dolcetto and other rare grapes. Floral in orange peel and violets, it's also meaty and buoyant in acidity, the remaining flavors sexy in red fruit like pomegranate and raspberry. This is a delightfully complex and unique wine.
This wine is a blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah. It opens with achingly pure red currant, cranberry, black pepper, blue fruit, orange peel and dried herb aromas that completely captivate the senses. The palate shows a hypnotic sense of purity along with a sense of elegance that is dazzling. Smoked meat flavors linger on the long finish.
This is lovely and light style of Pinot, especially for a reserve bottling. Aromas of wild strawberry and cranberry mesh with tart cherry, crushed sagebrush and dewy thyme on a zesty nose. Underripe cherries also show on the palate, with anise, marjoram and a powerful incense spice. It's both refreshing and intellectually stimulating.
Produced from organically grown grapes, this is the top of Troteligotte range. It is made from 25-year-old vines, and aged in amphorae. That gives a wine that is rich with soft rounded tannins and juicy blackberry fruits. It has a dense texture from aging on the lees in the amphorae. Rich and concentrated it will age and should not be drunk until 2020.
This is a lavish, layered and lovely wine from an extreme coastal vineyard above Cambria. It shows fresh-cut fennel, wild mint, dried lavender, Earl Grey tea and cran-raspberry aromas on the great nose. The palate's strong herbal character of crushed sagebrush, wild thyme and black pepper spices up the dark plum and strawberry flavors.
The mighty Martha's spends three-and-a-half years aging in French Limousin oak barrels. It has years to go, its structure so expertly captured in the bottle, yet still willing to impart a lightness of sage and sarsaparilla, the tannins firm and integrated, with slight hints of cigar, coconut and that ever-famous mint. Drink now through 2025.
Soft notes of honeysuckle hover over the waxy scent of fresh honeycomb. Meadow flowers gild those flavors with honest freshness. The palate holds a gentle softness, letting the honeyed, developed notes of this restrained Gewurztraminer convey both fir-honey bitterness and blossom-sweet ease. This shows supreme balance and seems young and fresh for an eight-year-old wine. It comes from a supreme, balanced and cool year that shows its mettle with age.
Lively and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows aromas of crushed cranberry, fennel, sagebrush and the lightest hint of Earl Grey tea, almost leaning into Kalamata olives. Pencil lead, tarragon, olive, black pepper, sage and pine sap hit on the palate, with an underlying base of rose buds, lavender and tart plums. Only 140 cases were made, so get it fast.
From a tiny spot near the town of Forestville, this vineyard-designate does justice to the special site, planted in Goldridge dirt to a variety of suitcase clones. Earth, sage and a persistence of exotic spice mark it first, inviting one in for further exploration of raspberry, cherry and a firmness of tannin. Concentrated, it's enjoyable now and yet should have years more to go in the bottle. Drink now through 2024.
Succulent and complex, this wine offers substantial body and lush plushness on the palate, alluring in its layering of cardamom spice and orange, cranberry and cherry. Satisfyingly ripe, with inimitable balance, it shows the elegance possible in spite of the appellation's power.
This zesty and fresh bottling offers thyme, bay leaf, cooked cranberries and piles of dried chapparal on the garrigue-focused nose. Light berries and cherry tomatoes decorate the palate, where dried basil, tomato leaf, pepper, bay leaf and crushed sage shine.
Spicy and fruity, this wine combines 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Franc and 16% Petit Verdot. Blueberry and cassis make appearances, as do rich, full-bodied tannins and punches of oak. The finish delves into chocolate, tobacco and coffee in equal measure.
Snappy berry and plum aromas are good but lack complexity. This is a standard, well-made blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. It's medium in body, with firm tannins and flavors of hard spices, pepper, cherry and plum. A toasty, peppery finish is lean and direct.
From a Freestone-based vineyard, Zephyr Farms is pungently earthy with a streak of mint, somewhat reduced in a cauldron of sour cherry and black tea. A swath of leather adds to the pungency of forest and concentrated spice.
Lemon sorbet, yellow melon and nectarine aromas are graced with a touch of vanilla on the nose of this Camp Four Vineyard bottling, one of veteran winemaker Lane Tanner's first tries at the grape. It's plump with apple flesh in the midpalate yet sizzling with crisp, nearly searing acidity on the edges, an intriguing textural balance.
A rustic swagger of leather and earth mark the entry of this wine, a densely packed, thickly tannic expression of tobacco and blackberry pie. It is darkly effected by the 15% addition of Petit Verdot, as well as smaller proportions of Malbec and Syrah.
Pale in color, this wine offers faint aromas of strawberry, flowers and spice. The cranberry flavors are light, fresh and focused. It's best suited to the dinner table.
Aromas of gunsmoke, tire rubber, ripe plum and garden herbs seem unsettled but still offer appeal. The palate is über-restrained in style, with the oak and alcohol pulled way back, putting the focus on its freshness and vibrancy. Give it a decant and put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.
This is fresh, bright and majoring on slightly stony, flinty lemon notes on a slender body. Drink soon, it will provide ample refreshment.
Made from 50% Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, in that order, this reserve-level wine is thick in herb, cedar and pencil lead, classical in some ways, thick in chewy tannins otherwise. It finishes in a swirl of chocolate and caramel.
Cocoa, toffee and dried-herb aromas are followed by soft-feeling cherry flavors with a tart finish, with fruit and barrel not seeming entirely meshed. The tannins have a slow attack but sneak up on the finish.
A unique blend of Tempranillo (54%), Malbec (33%) and Mourvèdre, this wine leads with aromas of vanilla, coconut and woodspice followed by blue and black fruit. The dark-fruit flavors are restrained in feel with barrel notes on the finish. It brings enjoyment but the wood seems very primary.
This wine is an unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) with the rest Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot and Mourvèdre. Aromas of fresh raspberries, cranberries and toast lead to fleshy red and black-fruit flavors that skirt the edges.
There's a thickness of oak and mouth-coating depth to this wine that displays its full-bodied soul. The richness of black cherry and caramelized vanilla was cradled in French barrels for 21 months. Concentrated on the finish, it offers a slightly reduced character at its end.
This wine comes from the Niven family, whose winemaker Christian Roguenant enjoys pushing varietal boundaries. Lively and vivacious, aromas suggest jasmine tea, lime, green pear and wet cement minerality. The palate blends the welcoming flavors of orange blossoms with cut-grass herbaciousness and chalky minerals.
A soft, easygoing red wine that's dry and classically made, this is more on the full-bodied style than slim. Chalky tannins provide substantial texture alongside chocolate and pinches of pencil shavings, finished in blackberry pie.
From a site farmed by organic vineyard guru Phil Coturri, this full-bodied, expansive red is robust and leathery, dotted in soft layers of black currant and black pepper.
Toffee, exotic spice, vanilla, raspberry and cranberry aromas are backed by full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. There's a lot of fruit in the bottle but the oak seems to get in the way.
Compelling scents of acacia flower, beeswax and yellow apple skin waft out of the glass. The vibrant palate offers white peach, pear and a hint of citrus zest alongside crisp acidity that gives this a clean finish.
This wine shows a lot of reduction that provides off-putting aromas. The strawberry and cranberry flavors are full and show pleasing purity and length. The disconnect between the aromas and flavors is substantial but some time in a decanter might sync them up.
This wine was aged almost a year in 45% new French oak. It shows its its powerful concentration of cherry-vanilla jam and tobacco, the tannins layered and thick. A smoky element of char permeates the finish.
Smoky pear and flinty citrus set the tone for this slender, fresh and very sprightly wine. The ultralight body delivers lemony refreshment and finishes with clean zip. Drink soon.
A hint of rose petal breathes exotic perfume into this granite-laced Cabernet Franc. Ripe black cherry and graham cracker notes soften the palate and round out a moderately long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2017.
An opulent nose of spicy cherry and cranberry invites one into the glass, before complementary flavors echo on the palate. Earthy forest floor and a piquant structure of acidity give it intrigue and complexity, before the wine finishes lean.
Hints of spice, smoke and cedar lend a savory tone to flavors of pressed apple and pear in this brisk semidry Riesling. It's an uncomplicated but tasty wine, brightened by streaks of tart, lemony acidity and a delicate swirl of honey on the finish. Drink now.
Delicate whiffs of pressed apple and buttercream intensify on the palate of this curious dessert wine made from Cabernet Franc. Rich and creamy with a lactic, silky mouthfeel, it tastes as if a caramel-dipped apple were spiked with rum. It's a mysterious, yet oddly appealing wine.
Earthy aromas of rubber and herbs meet black cherry on the nose. The palate is lively, with bold acidity and grabby tannins carrying flavors of black plum, cassis and loamy earth. Drink this functional, everyday red through 2017.
Aromas of citrus peel, rubber, spice, and iodine lead to a tight, drawing but full-feeling palate. This tastes herbal, spicy and oaky, with carob accenting black fruit and berry flavors. A minty, oaky, resiny finish closes this out.
Nuanced rose water, pink grapefruit, ginger and lychee aromas are followed by off-dry fruit flavors and a floral finish. The feel and flavors win you over but the wine wants a little more acid to pull itself together.
This wine is mostly Viognier (78%) blended with Roussanne. Pear, melon and almond aromas are followed by full-bodied flavors with abundant tangerine and floral accents.
Full and weighty, this vineyard-designate is salty and floral, offering whiffs of orange blossom around lime zest and brine. The minerality shines through despite the size, making for a food-friendly, yet hedonistic wine.
This wine is full bodied, complex and layered, offering a good example of a flavorful, intricate wine that wins fans by finesse, not force. Cedar, mint and tobacco animate the aromas, and lightly tart blackberry and black plum flavors fill the midpalate. With a moderate dose of fine tannins, it has the grip for juicy beef and pork pairings.
From cool, coastal sites, this wine impresses in full-bodied layers of lavender, smoke and forest floor, the fruit distinctly plum. Generous tannic structure gives it strength and power that's countered by bright, integrated acidity.
Aromas of fragrant blue flower, perfumed berry, rose, baking spice and eucalyptus emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers raspberry compote, cranberry and cinnamon alongside tightly knit close-grained tannins that clench the finish. Drink after 2023.
This wine is a blend of fruit from Boushey, Olsen and Sagemoor vineyards. Light in color, the aromas bring vibrant notes of stemmy herb, smoked meat and raspberry. It's light and elegant in style, with pillowy fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It shows a sense of delicacy.
Aromas of asphalt, herb, cracked pepper and dark fruit lead to full-bodied fruit flavors. It sails on the finish.
This is a strong, concentrated, full-bodied wine with ripe yet not extravagant fruit, good structure and a polished texture. Made from old-vine Zinfandel, Mataro and Carignan grapes, it has an extraordinary sense of solidity and depth.
Underbrush, dried rose, aromatic herb and a balsamic note of menthol slowly take shape. The full-bodied palate offers French oak, licorice, espresso, raspberry jam and mint alongside aggressive, somewhat grainy, tannins that leave a bracing finish. Drink 2019–2028.
Aromas of dried herb, citrus zest and a hint of toasted bread crust lead the nose on this bright sparkler. The lively elegant palate offers yellow apple, tangerine, toasted hazelnut and a hint of pastry cream alongside a refined perlage.
A clear shot of oak hits first on the nose, followed by melon and mild citrus notes. Despite its age, this is still fresh and in balance due to good core acidity. Yeasty, lightly resiny flavors come with notes of briny citrus, while an oaky-tasting finish is steady due to the aforementioned acidity. Drink now.
As part of a single-parcel single-varietal range, this 100% Merlot is rich while keeping a fine sense of proportion and balance. With red fruits (laden with young tannins), touches of wood and plenty of acidity, this is developing into a ripe wine. Juicy and fruity as well as structured, it will be ready to drink from 2019.
Dried-fruit aromas of cranberry, wild berry and plum meet with leather, brick and mushrooms on the nose of this Foley family bottling. The sip is lively and energetic with tart raspberry and plum skins, as well as touches of Earl Grey tea.
Light in color, this equally light-bodied red has spiky acidity and intense flavors of rose petal, lilac and black tea. Bittersweet on the finish, it leans more savory than fruity, providing intrigue and earth.
Part of an impressive flight of Crozes, this wine stood out for its balance. It's fruit driven and succulent, yet firm and savory at the same time, marrying notes of mocha, blueberry and black olive. Drink now–2020.
Grown at the winery's estate vineyard high up in Annapolis, where the ocean looms large, this is a tannic, smoky wine, densely layered in blue and black fruit. Cola, sage and black tea await in the background.
A pronounced herbal note adds a weedy edge to this otherwise full-bodied, plush Cabernet. Cassis fruit is potent without being overbearing, while the oak is prominent, lending structure and vanilla. Drink now.
Dusty blackberry and dark plum aromas come with spice, particulary pepper. Feels crisp, juicy and tight on the palate, with plum, cherry, red licorice candy and peppery flavors. Dry on the finish, and only slightly herbal overall.
Smooth and clean, with a soft, buttery style. This broadly fruity, immediately enjoyable Merlot is clearly intended for near-term enjoyment.
Simple cherry fruit, with a delicately earthy base, defines this everyday Merlot. It keeps its herbal component in check, balanced appropriately against rather light fruit.
This branded wine produced by the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages is ripe and rounded with dense tannins and sweet fruit. It has weight, spice from wood and a fine ready-to-drink balance.
Judicious use of oak makes Keuka Spring stand out in a line-up of Finger Lakes Chards. Subtle on the nose with whiffs of fresh apple and toasted hazelnuts, the wine's palate is quite full with luscious sweet melon, vanilla and cream. Hints of smoke and burnt sugar add a dimension of darkness to the finish.
This Bordeaux-style blend that is three-fifths Cabernet Sauvignon, has light berry flavors and a wash of new oak. Mocha and toast and chocolate smother the fruit, which fades quickly. If you love chocolaty reds, you will find this wine delightful.
Spunky and lightly herbal up front, with exotic, lightweight aromas. Feels snappy, tight and lean in the mouth, with bouncy red plum and pie cherry flavors. Shows good juiciness, reasonably complex flavors and a dry, spicy finish.
The Barrel Select is given 26 months in 100% new oak, and it shows in both the nose and the mouth. Smoke and char are not accents here; they are the main event. The fruit flavors are simple cherry/berry, and thin out rather quickly in the finish.
Opens with orange peel aromas. This wine from the Pansa Blanca grape is balanced and easygoing, with sweet but friendly flavors of citrus, melon and mango. Mild and controlled from front to back. Drink well chilled.
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Syrah that's perfectly serviceable and incredibly herbaceous with green pepper and olive tapenade against soft oak.
A soft, subdued Sierra Foothills Cab with the right amount of blackberry and chocolate throughout and what smells like a handful of coconut flakes for good measure.
Light and fruity, with young vine flavors of strawberries and cherries.
A mineral-textured wine although the alcohol does give considerable weight. That makes it richly fruity, smooth like Chardonnay with touches of apricot as well as ripe melon. Ready to drink.
Piercing on the nose, with hickory smoke, char and exotic boysenberry aromas. Feels high in acid and low in density, with a tight and biting mouthfeel along with heavily oaked flavors of berry fruit, vanilla, butter and coconut. Very fresh and colorful, but lacking in stuffing and complexity.
A dark and easy style of Syrah with a pitch-black tint and sweet, ripe aromas of pastry, pencil lead, chocolate and blackberry. Feels grippy and mildly tannic, with prune, blackberry and a note of mint on the flavor profile. Finishes minty, chocolaty and friendly.
Very young, this is a fine follow-up to the winery's outstanding 2009. Dark and rich, the estate-grown fruit offers far more flavor than almost any domestic Merlot in this price range. Blackberries, black cherry, smoke and espresso lead into a grainy, chocolaty, tannic finish.
Heavily dominated by wood at this stage, a wine that will always be firm, laying tannins over the red berry fruit stalkiness. The wine needs two years.
This is exceedingly ripe tasting, with a syrupy texture. Along the way, you'll encounter tar and rubber aromas in front of flavors such as carob, vanilla and stewed berry fruits. A minty, oaky finish is the final weighty act.
Earthy with hints of roasted nuts and dried herb, this is a uniquely savory Sauvignon that would pair well with herb-accented fowl and fish. The palate is round and rich, but balanced with brisk lime acidity and a characteristic grassiness on the finish.
This is a moderately aromatic wine with notes of tangerine, lime and herbs. It's off dry with tart fruit flavors, finishing a touch bitter.
Pale salmon colored, this medium-sweet blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Pinot Gris is lightly spritzy with notes of strawberry and mint but doesn't have the acid to hold the sugar up.
A soft, perfumed and curiously earthy wine. It has a ripe structure with quince and pear flavors, but with odd hints of geraniums at the end.
Crisp, lightly herbal raspberry aromas are a touch reedy and green. This feels chewy and saturated, while herbal, candied, slightly syrupy flavors of sweet berries finish minty and hot.
This densely colored wine is still very much on its oak, with toasted coffee bean and sawdust aromas. The palate shows evident wood, vegetal notes and red currant. Green, bitter tannins cut the finish short.
This is loaded with new oak, toasted wood, vanilla and espresso aromas, but light on fruit aromas and flavors. It needs a bit more fruity richness to maintain balance.
This rustic red has some high-toned berry and cherry fruit, cloaked in dusty tannins and brown spices. It falls apart quickly, as if heading over the hill. Drink up.
A fruity and aromatic wine that is a blend of Syrah and Castelão. It has bright red fruits and a soft, ripe character. Berries and acidity complement the round finish.
Pungent notes of saffron and orange rind waft from this unusually spicy ice wine. The aromatics then lift, and honeyed orange flavors take over on the palate.
Baked, raisiny aromas indicate a very ripe wine. This feels full and heavy on the tongue, with dark, toasty flavors that turn bitter, oaky and peppery on the finish.
The notes of orange peel, white pepper and seaweed come off as disjointed, though the flavors are light and tart.
A blast of rubber is the aromatic greeting, followed by herbal notes and leather. A sharp, tight, acidic palate proves difficult to penetrate, while crisp, herbal red-plum flavors finish green.
Pérez Cruz makes some nice wines, but this blend of Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Malbec is so full of herbaceous aromas and flavors of juniper, olive and coffee grinds that it's a struggle to get through. Yes, the mouthfeel and structure are that of a serious wine. But the aromas and flavors are so green and mean that it's impossible to rate this blend higher.
This is a light, soupy smelling, gritty feeling wine with a modest body and hard acidity. Thus it cries out for simple, food-friendly pairings like pizza. Along the way you'll encounter herbal red-fruit flavors, spice and juicy acids that cause roughness.
Pithy, citrusy aromas are about all the nose offers. This feels citrusy, with adequate weight. Flavors of citrus, apple, melon and bitterness end chalky and dry.
Lifted floral and stone fruit aromatics add intensity to peachy, grape flavors on the palate of this wine. It's rich and luscious, with a bright burst of tangerine on the finish.
Bigode, the mustache, is a soft and juicy wine, light in texture with strong acidity. Red berry fruits are prominent, fragrant and perfumed. Drink now.
Apple and peach aromas struggle to reach the rudimentary level. There's a slight vegetal note to the flavor profile along with sugary melon and pear. This feels flat but not tired, and things taste mildly green and candied on the finish.
Serviceable and soft, this Stromberg Cab could use a bit more heft to liven its fruit.
Aromas of bath soap, air freshener and vegetal fruits lead to a tangy, linear palate with green flavors mixed with citrus and melon. This basic Chard holds onto those green-ish characteristics on the finish.
Rich in thick cherry liqueur-flavored texture, this Sangiovese is dry and tannic with the best of its fruit and tobacco layers popping mid-palate before finishing flat as a straight line.
Generic white-fruit aromas come with a modicum of zest. The palate is simple in feel but holds steady, while flavors of citrus and pith finish sweet, with distant notes of orange and passion fruit.
Herbal and walled off by dry tannins, this Sangiovese doesn't give off the sort of food-friendly vibe others do. Instead, at 15.9% alcohol, it's a bit of a mouthful that could have benefited from a slight easing of the brake at either ripening or oaking.
This Viognier from Tuscany opens with enticing aromas of peach, apricot and mineral. However the palate is lean and linear and while fresh, it lacks fruit richness.
An off-dry wine, with crisp apple fruits and a light, bright texture. It's tangy, full of lemony acidity with a light prickle. It's for drinking immediately.
Bell pepper, green bean and asparagus aromas come with a touch of melon but nothing more fruity than that. A citrusy, round palate houses bitter, stretched flavors of green fruits and sulfur. Green herbs and citrus peel are the finishing notes on this grassy, green SB.
The freshness of 2004 is the hallmark of this deliciously ripe but elegant wine. It is packed with juicy red berry fruits, giving richness but vibrant acidity.
Winemaker Victoria Benavides has maxed out the ripeness but has avoided any raisin, prune or molasses characteristics, which we like. Her Gran sits heavier on the palate than the 2004 Crianza, with firm tannins. But it also lingers more solidly on the back of the palate. To admire its purity and power, it's probably best to drink over the next four years.
The second wine of Château Haut-Brion is firm, mirroring its grand vin. It is dark, brooding and dense, rounded by ripe fruits. There is also an edge of bitter chocolate that offers an intriguing counterpoint to the elegance of the fruit.
This is a luscious boldly extracted Cabernet Sauvignon full of fleshy ripe blackberry and plum flavors. It's also a nuanced wine, shaded by wisps of smoke and bramble, and calibrated with zesty mouthwatering acidity. The finish is marked by lingering spice and ripe rigid tannins.
Champoux, Charbonneau, Ciel du Cheval, Elephant Mountain, Klipsun, and Slide Mountain vineyards make up this wine. The aromas are lightly styled, with notes of baking spice, caramel, licorice, raspberry and dried herb. It comes off as full bodied, rich and liquorous, coating the palate from end to end with ripe red and black-fruit flavors. It's a hedonistic delight.
This wine is a blend of fruit from Oasis (84%) and Olsen vineyards. A pale golden color, the aromas are light, with notes of lees, stone fruit, cinnamon, cream and spice. The palate is creamy and full in feel, with pleasing spice accents on the extended finish. A touch of warmth is the only thing that holds it back.
Herbal in peppercorn and mountain sage, this light-bodied wine retains elegance, offering structure around vibrant flavors of raspberry and red currant.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (35%) and Cabernet Franc comes from Bacchus, Dionysus, Weinbau and Seven Hills vineyards—some of the top vineyards in the state. Dark roasted coffee bean, char, herb and cherry aromas lead to restrained fruit and barrel flavors that show a fine sense of elegance. It delivers a lot of quality and value.
This wine is a blend of grapes seldom found in the state: Souzão (34%) Tinta Roriz (33%), Touriga Nacional (31%) and Tinta Cão. The aromas jump out of the glass, with notes of violets, purple fruit, freshly peeled orange, barrel spice and earth. The soft plush fruit flavors are extremely fresh and piquant, with the oak influence seeming dialed back. It's a very intriguing wine.
There is a gamy streak in the red-cherry nose of this juicy wine. The light palate has that same animal touch on its lively, tart but ripe red-cherry center. Tannins are soft and finely, densely woven, brightened by ample freshness. This very appetizing red should be served very slightly chilled.
Lush and creamy on the palate, this white is abundant and happy in layers of green apple, melon and vanilla. Blended with 18% Sauvignon Blanc, it was entirely fermented in stainless steel and retains a freshness on the finish.
Thyme and crushed herbs on the nose of this red lead into flavors of sweet spice, smoked meat and boysenberry. The wine has an exotic spin and a balanced overall character. Elegant and distinctive.
Pretty and floral, juicy and substantial, this wine delivers in flavor and texture, conveying caramel, baked pear and pineapple. Notable oak wraps around the fruit, ending with hazelnut and nutmeg.
A touch of smoky petrol in the aroma and flavor adds intrigue to this full-bodied, creamy-textured wine. A lot of effort in the winery, including native fermentation, 33% new French barrels and lees stirring helped it have a good sense of depth and richness without being overripe, contributing a mouthflling sensation and lingering finish.
Tight and focused, this opens with aromas of wild berry, red rose, culinary spice and a whisper of menthol. Chiseled and austere, the palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and a hint of anise. Youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. Give it time to soften and fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.
Medium bodied and silky in texture, this is an unusually graceful and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Baked cherries and raspberries on the nose give way to a mix of red and black fruits on the palate, then finish fine, dry and savory. Drink now–2021.
Aromas of red berry, blue flower and tilled soil lead the way on this young elegant wine. The fresh tightly wound palate shows cherry, licorice, sage and an iron note set against close-knit tannins. It's still youthfully austere so give it time to come around. Drink 2020–2031.
Winemaker Ed Kurtzman manages to bring restraint to this often very ripe region. This bottling shows subtle white-flower buds and the slightest hints of coconut cream on the nose. Delicate flavors of honeysuckle and Key lime are subtle and will intensify with time.
Made in the traditional method for sparkling wine production, this dry, refreshing wine is easy to enjoy on its own, with light fare or on a picnic. A light expression of wild strawberry and lemon peel, it's balanced in acidity and approach.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this bright sparkler delivers wild raspberry, cherry and cake-spice sensations along with a hint of baked bread. Fresh acidity lifts the finish.
Coming from Lawrence Vineyards, this wine offers aromas of orange peel, smoke, olive, blueberry, blackberry and wood spice. The blue-fruit flavors are full bodied and perfumed, showing a pleasing sense of balance and a lingering finish.
Woodspice and composed black-fruit aromas are key components on a smoky dark nose. This blend of Malbec, Cab Franc and Merlot feels jumpy and alive, but also in balance. Lightly roasted plum and berry flavors are peppery and not overly oaky, while this resides squarely on the balance line across a long stable finish. Drink through 2022.
Asian pear, candied lemon rinds and the slightest hint of marshmallow show on the nose of this bottling from a northeast-facing vineyard 1,800 feet up in the appellation. Fresh flavors of nectarine and white peach are pleasurably subtle, backed by both warmed lemon-butter elements and salty, savory acidity.
This is an impressive take on the unoaked style, with pithy aromas of grapefruit and quinine leading into a tropical sense of guava skins, melon rinds and white-peach flesh. The acidity is mellow but persistent on the sip, where Key lime, pink grapefruit and sharp citrus flavors shine.
Gentle tannins and a streak of black pepper stand out in this well-crafted, powerful wine. It offers up pillowy texture and just enough grip to remain seamless and compelling on the palate. Moderate acidity adds structure and brightness to the concentrated black fruit.
Rich fruit flavors and aromatic complexity make this full-bodied wine tempting and satisfying. Aromas suggest ripe, seemingly sweet cherry plus whiffs of cedar, and the flavors are expressive and layered, carried on a velvety texture that melts in the mouth.
The blend of sweet-seeming oak and bold, ripe fruit flavors is irresistible in this big and satisfying wine. The aromas are like vanilla, chocolate and black pepper, while flavors bring on blackberry jam, espresso and dark chocolate for volume and complexity on the palate.
This wine opens in a depth of compostable earth and leathery smoke, unleashing a bold, big-boned body of tannin and oaky weight as it expands on the palate. Juicy, it releases aromas of violets within the more robust waves of flavor.
This new wine from the family that founded Navarro Vineyards takes a fascinating twist on Anderson Valley style, combining very concentrated, dark-fruit and black-pepper flavors on a relatively light body. It's easy to enjoy the black cherry, clove and wood-smoke notes, while feeling the lithe, moderately tannic texture lifting the mouthfeel.
This is a standout of the vintage from the producer, earthy and stemmy in complex cherry, strawberry, forest and plum. Within the context of fruit and pine, it supports lively acidity and a lushness that shows its full-bodied fervor.
This is reasonably firm and muscular for a Marlborough Pinot Noir, yet still retains a welcome sense of elegance. Savory mushroom and meat notes feature prominently, filled out by black cherry shadings and the long, dusty finish. Drink 2018–2025.
A full-bodied, bold and dense selection. Upfront aromas of all-fruit preserves and brambly berries are warmed by hints of licorice, curing spice and game. The smooth palate boasts a velvety texture and plush black-fruit flavors that transition into notes of leather and sweet smoke on the long, evolving finish. It's attractive now, but will shine with a bit more maturity; try after 2018.
Brooding aromas of herb, dark fruit and spice lead to full bodied cranberry and cherry flavors that bring a lot of oomph. It's a delicious example of the variety.
This premier cru is on the cooler left bank of the Serein river, making this vintage a crisply mineral wine that's tight with zesty lemon and fine crisp acidity. The hints of yellow fruits are still to develop. The wine is structured and needs to age, so drink from 2018.
A strong effort, this medium-bodied wine combines hints of nettle leaf with bold fruit flavors of nectarine, pineapple and grapefruit. There's creamy texture and ample concentration on the midpalate, followed by a long, silky finish.
The vineyard lies just below the great white Grand Cru vines. It has something of the same power although in a more immediately approachable style. The fruit is juicy, crisp, open with generous white stone fruits and a lively line of citrus acidity. Drink this beautifully balanced wine from 2019.
The wine is ripe and firm with great concentration. It comes from old vines in this southeast-facing vineyard. Rich and full of white stone fruits that are cut with citrus, it is a wine to age. The aftertaste has spice and strong minerality. Drink this wine from 2019.
Low-yielding old vines have produced this perfumed wine. Along with the fragrance, it has a tannic structure, layers of acidity and red fruits that are gently maturing. The wine is dense, with rare concentration for a red Sancerre, while the aftertaste balances acidity and fruitiness. Drink now.
This comes from one of the Premier Crus that line the lower slopes of the hill of Corton. It has weight, richness and a densely tannic character that promises aging. Its packed red fruits are cut with juicy acidity as well as a firmer structure and dark-berry flavors. This finely perfumed wine needs to age, so drink from 2018.
The aromas of dark coffee, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, and black cherry are still locked up but provide appeal. The flavors are textured and full, showing layers of dark fruit that undulate into the distance and display a fine sense of balance.
Grapy, jammy boysenberry and blueberry aromas are exotic, with integrated barrel and spice notes. This feels weighty but balanced; flavors of blueberry, currant and chocolate finish with plum-like juiciness and length. Drink through 2021.
This wine is a blend of fruit from Alder Ridge and Olsen Vineyards. Aged in older barrels, it displays mesmerizingly pure aromas of raspberry, mortared dried herbs and pot roast. The flavors are elegant, textured and detailed, displaying a fine sense of balance along with plenty of length. It takes some time to get going but once it does it sails.
The oak is quite apparent on this bottling, and that's the point. Red apple, ripe pear, pomelo pith and sweetgrass meet with a touch of honey on the nose. The palate shows the oak more prominently, with light honey butter, sweet almond and vanilla, yet fresh, grassy notes shine through on the finish.
This wine is named for the four Sullivan brothers, one of whom makes the Benovia wines and another who makes this wine, among others. A clear labor of love, this small-production Chardonnay is well tended to. A sweetness of honeysuckle opens on the nose, followed by a depth of vanilla oak and stony minerality, the acidity fresh and bright.
Reserved aromas of pencil lead, butterscotch and spice are followed by a full-bodied, creamy feeling palate, with a thread of lemony acidity that runs throughout. It's a compelling example of the variety, with a finish that won't quit.
With an opaque purple color and boysenberry aromas that include notes of raisin and prune, this obtuse, chunky Malbec shows hard tannins and deep, dark flavors of black olive, fig, prune and roasted meat. A toasty, slightly hot finish with licorice notes is bullish. Drink this concentrated, ripe Malbec through 2020.
Held back for extra bottle aging, this a big wine. It has abundant aromas of spicy, smoky oak, rich flavors like blackberry and black pepper, and an almost thick texture that coats the mouth, helping that flavor linger on the finish.
Café au lait, bittersweet chocolate and blackberry aromas are followed by abundant coffee and black-fruit flavors. It shows layers and density, with fruit and barrel walking hand in hand down the aisle.
The aroma of this uber-sophisticated white wine is almost like vintage Champagne, combining light smoky, toasted notes with a figgy, lees-stirred freshness. The plush and mature flavors resemble toasted walnuts, marzipan, white peach and honey, yet this is a dry dinner wine, not a dessert. It will make a great pairing with paté on toast or maybe a white truffle risotto.
Subtle scents of white spring blossom, white stone fruit, aromatic herb and a whiff of beeswax float out of the glass. The round, concentrated palate offers a wonderful depth of flavors that include juicy Anjou pear, lemon pastry, anise, honey and a hint of marzipan. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors. Hold for more complexity.
From a vineyard planted in 1927 and tended to by the producer, this is a bright, lushly crisp wine from a field blend—soft, luxurious and smooth on the palate. The highlights are many, from a seductive leap of raspberry coulis to perfumed lavender and surprisingly nuanced tannins despite the full-bodied ripeness, accentuated by the vintage, and the structured power behind the scenes. Drink now through 2023.
This impressive wine has a perfumed character, almost smelling and tasting of the wild garrigue and forest that makes up much of the La Bégude estate. It also holds a well-wrought tannic side, dark and solid, packed with black currant and berry fruits. It will age for many years and should not be drunk before 2019.
Splashes of high acidity and contoured minerality mark this estate-grown wine with a sinewy, fresh palate that's inviting and exotic. The defining characteristics are a pleasant mix of roses, soy and forest floor. Dark cherry and pomegranate lie beneath the more savory aspects, ultimately leaving one with an appreciation for how velvety a wine can be.
This is a great effort by winemaker Etienne Terlinden, offering dense and deep but bright and lively blackberry, black cherry, cola, graphite and a touch of wild herbs on the nose. Long-lasting flavors of sarsaparilla, shaved licorice, vanilla bean, bay leaf, fennel seed and dark earth meet with more black cherry fruit on the palate, carried by an expert acidity level.
Silencieux is the winemaker's showcase of five distinct vineyards, blended together into a seamless whole. The sites span from Calistoga through Rutherford to cooler Coombsville and Pope Valley, combining to offer chocolatey plum and red cherry, with the head-turning ability to be both bright and decadent simultaneously. Integrated tannin keeps the texture fresh on the palate, with a lingering waft of anise. Drink now through 2022.
Achaval-Ferrer's wines are unique across the board. This one from La Consulta in the Uco Valley shows boysenberry aromas with an herbal cut and a note of leather. The palate is at once juicy and smooth—flavors of desert brush, herbs, blueberry, savory plum and mixed spices finish with energy and subtlety. Drink through 2023.
This dazzling white is a lesson in finesse and balance. It opens with alluring, delicate scents of white wild flowers, chopped herbs, almonds and orchard fruits. The elegant palate offers layers of crisp apple and creamy pear, and radiant acidity brightens the intense flavors while a mineral note closes the lingering finish. Drink through 2023.
Delicately scented, this radiant wine opens with ultrarefined scents of white field flower, citrus blossom, aromatic herb and a whiff of orchard fruit. The creamy, elegantly structured palate boasts layers of juicy white peach, crisp green apple, tangerine and a hint of white almond. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while an energizing mineral note closes the lingering finish.
Heady aromas of blackberry, licorice, raisin and prune are at max ripeness but don't go overboard. That's the theme of this Catalan blend of known and local grapes including Carignan and Garnacha. Bold yet bright on the palate, this deals a full-throttle, toasty mix of root beer, mocha and blackberry flavors. Additional notes of chocolate, toast and spice drive the finish and complete the package. Drink through 2023.
Given neutral oak, native yeast, passive carbonation and left unfined and unfiltered, this sublime wine, made by Pax Mahle and sourced from a windswept vineyard impacted by the Petaluma Gap, doesn't hold back in flavor or complexity. Gamy manure and white pepper mingle on the nose before opening the way to sultry, brooding waves of spicy, tangy orange and plum. This wine is pretty and powerful at the same time, while riding a low-wave of alcohol.
From a historic site planted in 1903, Hayne is perfumed in cherry and raspberry, full-bodied no doubt, yet subtle and nuanced in its plushy complexity and soft structure. Strong on the palate, with a tiny sprinkling of black pepper, it offers length and breadth that suggests further aging. Drink now through 2023.
Deep, subtle, earthy aromas of blackberry, mint, coffee and forest mist are cool and collected. This voluminous, dense blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is chewy and deep, and not too fierce. Saturated flavors of blackberry and chocolate finish with rooty berry, chocolate and mocha flavors. Drink from 2017–2025.
It's no surprise that the Daou brothers blend of 45% Syrah, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot packs a rich blueberry, dark chocolate and espresso nose. Nor is the lush mouthfeel, the grippy, fine-grained tannins, or the the black cherry, stewed beef and black peppercorn flavor profile particularly shocking. It's just another massive, delicious and dark wine from their portfolio.
Wild berry, red rose, baking spice and a balsamic note meld together in the glass. The structured, savory palate doles out juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, anise, cinnamon and tobacco. Bracing but refined tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018 through 2026.
More brains than brawn, the focus on this understated Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend is on old vines, with fruit coming mostly from early '70s and '80s Dionysus, Bacchus and Red Willow vineyard plantings. The earth, black cherry, peppercorn, currant and dried herb aromas start out tightly coiled. The flavors have laser-focused purity and a compelling sense of balance, with plenty of subtleties. It's all about nuance.
This is a lightly style wine but extremely vivacious and sexy, with cut red apple, mandarin orange skin, ripe nectarine and lightly honeyed Gravenstein apple on the nose. It's clean, crisp and focused on the palate, where lime zest, limestone and a touch of buttered pear in the midpalate makes for a complete and balanced sip.
The top wine from this estate, this is also the most dense and tight. An ageworthy medley of red fruits and peach is sharpened by acidity and a peppery edge. It does have a lighter touch with its poised crisp texture and its juicy aftertaste. However, it will be even better from the end of 2016.
From a 29-acre property separate from the estate, this wine, made by the Saint-Maur team, benefits from the cool, 1,200-foot elevation that bestows a crisp, elegant character. It comes in an overweight statement bottle, four inches across at the base. Fortunately the wine is delicious, lightly perfumed and full of tantalizing white-peach flavors with a mineral structure that comes from schist soil. Age for a few more months and drink from late 2016.
This is a beautifully lush, plush and structured mountain wine, layered in tensely focused raspberry, clove and vanilla. Surprisingly velvety, with soft, integrated tannins, it bursts in black pepper that lasts on the palate, inviting steak au poivre to join in. Drink now through 2020.
The second vintage of this specific block, Home is spicy in notes of orange oil and peel, with a hint of rose water. Soft, integrated tannins and a touch of graham cracker play off of juicy blackberry and plum flavors, finishing with glimmers of black and red licorice.
Though younger than most current Petite Sirah releases, this bottling impresses wildly with fragrant boysenberries and crushed lavender on the nose, proving to be a floral-driven style that's not beaten down by richness or ripeness, despite the higher alcohol level that doesn't show at all. Insane amounts of cracked white and black pepper meet with toasted sesame seeds, tart boysenberries and more lavender on the palate.
This aggressive, spice-laden, clone-focused bottling from Norm Yost shows crushed kola nut, clove, black cherry, turned earth and touch of pine forest on the nose. Dried mint and eucalyptus flavors lead the sip, which settles into dark red fruits and heavier brown spice, with plenty of acidity and crushed rock minerality.
You can almost just smell this wine and be completely satisfied: its earth, black currant, flower, vanilla and sandalwood aromas are so intoxicating. A further venture, however, is rewarded. The dark fruit flavors are dense and full yet still fresh and lively with a finish that sails. It's a compelling example of Washington Cabernet that drinks beautifully now, but a few years (or more) in the cellar will be rewarded as well.
The aromas bring immediate appeal, with notes of brown stems, herbs, crushed flowers, smoked meat and black pepper. The flavors don't disappoint, showing purity, focus and generosity with a spot-on sense of balance and a lengthy finish that kicks it up a notch. Give it time to open up.
The herb, violet, red fruit and mineral aromas start out light, with earth, smoked meat and black pepper notes lurking in the background. The fruit and savory flavors coat the palate with a pillowy soft texture, displaying an exquisite sense of balance. It's hard to put the glass down but a grilled peppercorn steak pairing demands it.
This is a smoky, dusty 100% varietal wine from a tremendous vineyard site in the wilds of Howell Mountain. Sage and forest floor combine around a wall of structured, polished tannin. Dried herbs, leather and black currant accent the full body and wealth of concentration. Cellar through 2023.
This is the producer's highest and most westerly vineyard site. It holds back from the start, still tightly wound and somewhat reduced on the nose. As it opens, ethereal layers of wild strawberry, green tea and lacings of herb and white pepper unveil to tremendous effect.
This is a gorgeous wine, blended with 8% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, and aged entirely in new French oak. Juicy waves of cassis and red currant are accented by dark chocolate, ultimately showcasing a lush, plush yet structured palate. It's decadent now, but should age well through 2022.
This off-dry white blend offers primary stone-fruit and tangerine flavors in a brisk light-footed package. It's harmoniously sweet with a slightly earthy dusty finish. Drink now.
Ripe and spicy, this is an obviously wood-aged wine. Spice and toastiness still dominate, although in a few months the potential of the juicy black fruits should become apparent. Wait to drink this wine until 2018.
Ripe and juicy, this is a warm version of Touriga Nacional. Acidity and a smoky character balance the crushed blackberry fruitiness. Drink the wine now.
This Bordeaux-style blend has pretty aromas of cassis, fig, molasses and strawberry jam. The palate picks up some dried fruit and more molasses. This is an easy drinker, with a soft tannic structure and mild weight.
High toned cranberry and red cherry aromas mix with hot chili peppers on the nose. High acidity keeps the cranberry, pomegranate and cherry flavors bright on the palate, with spicy notes and taut tannins giving nuance. Black cherry, licorice and clove lead the spicy finish, which leans a bit hot.
The wine, from the area north of Pouilly-Fumé, is brightly lit with fine acidity and green fruits. It is also textured, bringing out the chalk and flint soil of the areas. Drink this fruity lightly structured wine now.
Cocoa powder, anise and cowhide aromas lead, with hints of fresh currants. Juicy cherry and ripe raspberry are appealing on the palate, paving the way for sweet baking spices and vanilla. The tannins are disjointed from this soft-structured, fruit-forward offering. The lack of acidity is most apparent on the finish, which shows overripe cherry and hints of clove.
Quite tannic, this hits hard with char, burnt rubber and espresso flavors, some black fruit just showing through. Best to drink up by 2018.
A tad shy on the nose, this offers dark fruit and earthy aromas. The flavors are woody with cedar and pencil shavings decorating the dark core of toast and charred fruit.
Subdued baking spice and black-skinned fruit aromas mark the nose of this wine. The simple palate delivers blackberry and white pepper flavors and round tannins. Drink soon.
This wine is firm, with extracted tannins that give a bitter, dark-chocolate edge. Underneath await black fruits, acidity and a crisper edge. Drink from 2018.
A yellow-fruit interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc, meaning it is ripe, full and smooth. Of course there is acidity but it is calm and soft. The fruit dominates this rich wine that is ready to drink.
Made from certified organic fruit, this impressively dark and tannic bottling is essentially the second wine of Huia. Dark cherries and vanilla finish firm. Drink it now with grilled meats, or hold it until 2018–2019 and see how it develops in the cellar.
Smooth and soft, this easygoing wine has spice, touches of wood from the barrel aging and a firm tannic core. It is balanced and ready to drink.
Floral aromas of blueberries blend with funky notes of coffee grounds on this unusual rendering of Cabernet Sauvignon. A hard palate hammers down with tannins, tasting of burnt coffee, green herbs, spiced plum and black currant. A minty flavors rises up on a finish that pulls up short.
Some aspects of this wine have changed since the 2014 vintage: the alcohol is lower, and the exposure to new French oak (50%) is higher. There's something amiss, however. While light strawberry fruit and hints of chicken stock show on the palate, there's a foreshortening and feeling of dilution on the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tinta Roriz, this wine has a good sense of structure, with  vibrant acidity and black-currant fruits. Touches of oak give a spicy edge to this juicy, fruity wine. Drink now.
This Bordeaux-style blend is fresh, showing aromas of red currant, tomato leaf, licorice and mint. These notes continue onto the palate along with shots of tart cranberry. This is zippy and enjoyable but needs a little more tannic structure to balance.
This blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon includes Pinot Noir. The nose is floral and redolent of blueberry, red plum and licorice root. On the palate, it's an acid bomb, with sour flavors of plum and red currant. A pinching, drawing finish is lively and fresh.
Gamy aromas lead to a sinewy, lean palate. This funky Cabernet tastes of creamy oak, plum and green herbs. It finishes a bit weedy, with savory offsets.
This is unusual in that it's heavily oaked, as evidenced by aromas of varnish, hard spice and resin. The mouthfeel is fresh on top of resiny, while flavors of dry oak, spice and mild apple and citrus operate in the background. While this wine has depth of body and acidic lift, it's dominated by the barrel.
There's an abundance of crisp black cherry and cassis flavors in this Cabernet Sauvignon, but hints of green leaves and wet soil lend a dark, elegant tone. Quite supple and full on the palate, it finishes long with staunch, grippy tannins.
A delicate feline note accents the fresh herb, green gooseberry and lemon-rind aromas of this wine. The mouthfeel starts off round, but is quickly lifted by medium acidity to produce a brisk palate with flavors of lemon and tart green berries. The finish is lifted and somewhat sharp, but clean and refreshing.
After rubbery, dark-fruit aromas set things up, the palate feels racy and forward, with dark berry, spice and peppery flavors. It feels solid on the finish, while the fruit character holds on for a good while. Readily available, with 300,000 cases made.
A food-friendly Franc with notes of herbs, flowers, cherries, and light oak accents. Its cranberry-like tartness is matched by firm tannins. Give this wine a spot at the dinner table to see it at its best.
Quite dark in color for an unblended Grenache, this wine is full of plum and ripe raspberries with the tartness of the 2010 vintage on display. The oak—half new French—plays a bit too prominently in the show on this otherwise enjoyable wine.
Aromas of baked earth blend with sassy, almost prickly cherry and leather notes in front of what amounts to a dense, slightly gummy feeling palate. Flavors of plum and berry are medicinal, while the ripe finish shows power, a chewy texture and mild heat.
You won't find many $7 wines better than this Garnacha. The bouquet of fresh berries is like a bowl of black fruit. The palate is lively and a touch creamy, with medicinal, candied flavors of plum and cherry. This wine, like most Borsao reds, delivers above its price point.
Much of the Malbec coming out of Washington starts at nearly twice this price, making this wine from Waterbrook a good opportunity to see what the fuss is about without breaking the bank. This bottle hits the grape's high notes with abundant aromas and flavors of white pepper, plum and herbs accented by soft tannins.
One of the betters Cabs from Temecula Valley, this one's invitingly rich and full, with pleasant layers of cola-like spice and dark plum, its tannins tamed and round.
Still young and tight, this roughly equal mix of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is showing beautiful complexity in the nose. The palate is smooth and nicely blended, expressing the cool-side flavors of Cabernet Franc and the expansiveness of Washington Merlot. Green tea, black olive, fresh herb, pepper, some light chocolate and tart fruits. Good length.
With plenty of weight, but weight that is concentrated around a tight, firm tannic core. The wine has great ripe plum and black cherry fruits, brimming from the glass. The acidity is a strong presence, and with the tannin promises several years' aging.
Unlike the heavily oaked Cuvée Crescendo produced from the same vineyard in 2005, this wine relies much more on ripe black fruits and open tannins. Certainly it has power, a broad and opulent character, the berry fruits jammy in their sweetness. Age 2–3 years.
Luscious aromas of black cherry, raspberry and coffee are followed by a balanced wave of mocha, plums, vanilla and tobacco on the palate. Spicy with ageable tannins, the wine would go well with roasted meat, beef or stews.
From the aroma, this seems heavily wooded, but on the palate the wood spice is becoming well integrated with the dark berry fruits and mineral texture. It is certainly young. Already, though, the fruit is showing its potential richness. Give it 3–4 years.
Ripe and creamy, a classic sparkling Vouvray showing well in a cool year. It has weight and richness as well as fresh nuts and spice flavors, with just a touch of pepper. The acidity is well in balance.
The more winemaker Chris Upchurch ups the percentage of Mourvèdre, the more delicious this wine becomes. Now at 50%, it adds a welcome touch of wildness, a hint of garrigue and a whiff of the barnyard. Raspberry, strawberry and cherry fruits, with some wild plum also, lead into a finish with allspice, cinnamon and bacon fat.
A full, ripe wine, with delicious white plum, sweet grapefruit and a tense mineral edge. There is a great texture from fruit tannins, boosted by intense shots of acidity. Age for another year or two.
The Deux Verres spreads broadly across the palate, soft and slightly soapy. The simple fruit is accented with earth and mushroom highlights. It quickly fades and leaves behind a pleasant herbal note on the finish.
The 2009 Torii Mors are not widely separated in style or substance. The Select is smooth and fruity, with citrusy acids and light red-berry flavors. It's ready to drink, but does not show the depth or detail for long-term aging.
Saline on the nose, with banana, pastry and dusty baked-apple aromas. Shows proper body, good acids and waxy flavors of citrus and apple that are influenced by barrel spice.
Nice for a warmer-climate Chardonnay, with toast, white fruit, cinnamon and baked notes to the bouquet. Feels healthy and round, with fleshy peach, apple and spice flavors. Falls off a touch on the finish, but overall it runs smoothly.
An intriguing blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Castelão and Trincadeira. gives a firm yet full black fruited wine. It's packed with firm tannins, and its full black-fruit flavors are structured and layered with acidity. The perfumed aftertaste suggests a more plummy character.
Textbook Maipo aromas of herbal berry fruit, olive, tobacco and earth carry the nose. Feels good and tastes sweet and ripe, with herbal-leaning flavors of cassis and blackberry. Finishes smooth, with carob and more herbal character.
Off-dry, with initial flavors of orange candy and a slight medicinal graininess. It develops some honeyed lemon in the midpalate, and smoothes into a pleasant-drinking, low alcohol and high acid Riesling.
A pleasant wine, it has straightforward berry flavors and a wash of cola. It's slightly quick to fade.
Pretty raspberry fruit scents and flavors dominate, and in the mouth there is a sense of grainy sugars. It has good fruit and ripeness, but still seems a little disjointed. Perhaps more time in the bottle will help sort it out.
This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petite Verdot is one big mouthful of intensity, with big tannins and big wallops of dark cherry and blackberry flavor. It's a wine that's not afraid of the 34 months it spent in French oak, 75% of it new.
Chunky black-fruit aromas come with strong notes of coconut, chocolate and cedar. Feels fresh, zesty and voluminous, with sweet oak, coconut, mocha and herbal flavors to go with standard berry and cassis. Long and mildly herbal tasting on the finish.
One of two Tempranillos from Fenestra (the other from Lodi), the Livermore Valley version is bright, tasting of cherry spice, with good acidity. Nearing the finish the taste turns to toasty dark molasses; a nice wine overall.
The nose on this bottling is a bit reserved at first, with a touch of tar and beef char as well as black-cherry syrup. The acidity and tannins are there in judicious amounts on the palate, but the flavors remain a tad hidden, with just hints of blueberry and pepper poking out.
Dark berry, blue flower and French oak are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The bright, easygoing palate offers Morello cherry, vanilla and coffee alongside firm acidity and limber tannins.
Modest red-fruit aromas are edgy, spicy and a touch horsey. Lean and juicy in the mouth, this new Pinot Noir from Santa Ema tastes of plum and herbal raspberry. Dry, spicy and peppery tasting on the finish; true to the variety.
Generous, juicy and ripe yellow pears are boosted by some residual sweetness that is well balanced by the midpalate texture. Drink soon for maximum fruit.
Punchy citrus aromas are natural like they should be for an unoaked wine. Angular and a bit sharp on the palate, this spunky style of Chardonnay deals tart peach and nectarine flavors in front of a fresh finish that's a touch sour.
Fruity aromas of peach, nectarine and cantaloupe are just dry enough. This feels fresh and a touch citric, with mild flavors of orange and nectarine. A gentle, slightly pithy tasting finish is a good ending to this everyday rosé.
Young and fresh, this easy-drinking wine offers aromas of small red berry, violet and a whiff of moist soil. The light-bodied, enjoyable palate delivers juicy cherry, raspberry and a sprinkling of clove alongside bright acidity and soft tannins.
Produced from old vine Castelão, this wine is ripe and full of dark fruits. With the background acidity and spice, it has a crisp edge that gives the wine a great lift. It is ready to drink.
Named after the local vineyards, this wine is a firm and structured blend of two French grapes. It still has a Portuguese character with its rich, juicy black fruits and dense structure. With good acidity on the finish, it is ready to drink.
Still with its tannins firmly in place, this is a structured wine. It has a dry core surrounded by bold black fruits and kept in place with acidity. The wine, mainly Malbec with some Merlot added to soften will be ready to drink from 2017.
This crisp wine, flavored with black fruit is lightly tannic and deliciously full of lively fruit. It is full of juicy black-currant fruit and acidity with a soft texture that means it can be drunk now.
This Syrah-Grenache rosé is intensely herbal, with strong notes of thyme, sage, parsley, laurel and lavender, all grounded by a tart cherry character. The palate is pleasantly zippy in acidity and a touch astringent through the close, with notes of orange pith and melon rind that linger nicely. Drink now.
Aggressive cherry, plum and cassis aromas come with a hint of rubber. This feels choppy and hard, but lively. Herbal red-plum and currant flavors finish zesty and jagged, but with enough body to handle some inherent roughness.
Subtitled Vin de Vinarchiste, this is a blended wine from organically grown grapes which include the local Fer and Périgord alongside Bordeaux varieties. It is a crisp wine showing some tight, almost green-pepper flavors as well as smoky acidity. It is young but will be ready to drink soon. Drink from early 2017.
The aromas offer notes of pickling spices, cranberry and raspberry, with green herbs lurking in the background. The palate is fruit filled and quite flavorful for the vintage, showing finesse and polish.
Bright and easygoing, this opens with pretty scents of blue flower, woodland berry and a hint of earth. The simple, rather slender palate offers fresh strawberry and a white pepper note alongside zesty acidity and limber tannins.
Reduced oak makes for an intense beginning. Then spicy acidity and plenty of earthy loam provide varietal character in this medium-bodied, textured wine.
Aromatic notions of baked apple tart abound on the nose. The palate follows this with appetizing freshness, a mellow note suggesting ripe Red Delicious apples with a dash of kirsch. It's an unusual Gewurztraminer with a very warm finish.
Coeur de Presse, the heart of the wine, is a ripe, juicy and fruity wine. It has friendly black-cherry fruit, a soft texture and a just-dry core to give it shape. Drink now.
A mix of granite and sandy soil give this wine its lightly spicy minerality and soft texture. It is a lively, fruity wine with tannins that are fully integrated into the red-currant fruit and acidity. Drink now.
Rich red cherry, plum and raspberry tones lead the nose of this fruit-forward wine, with hints of cocoa and cola spice dancing in the background. Those notes follow through to the satiny palate, framed by soft tannins that lead into a solid, medium-length finish.
Aromas of toasted hazelnut, underbrush, berry and game take center stage. The gamey note carries over to the simple, easygoing palate along with raspberry and a savory touch of grilled herb. A hint of orange peel backs up racy acidity and short-lived tannins.
Lemon candy and banana-chip aromas on the nose of this bottling lean into the tropical realm, and yet an orange-juice freshness keeps it light. Flavors of marzipan, bubblegum and banana cream make for a ripe palate, enhanced by a sea-salt richness and a clean finish.
Spicy-sweet notes of dried orange peel and mango waft from this aromatic late-harvest wine. Lip-smacking marmalade sweetness is countered by a piercing strike of lemon acidity. Juicy and quaffable, it would be a lovely accompaniment to spicy Asian cuisine or a cheese plate.
Maple-syrup aromas and a practically syrupy texture make this full-bodied wine taste sweet, while baking spices like cinnamon and vanilla accent the deep, ripe blackberry and black-cherry flavors. It's a very tasty wine for oak lovers.
Very light and reserved on the nose at first whiff, this wine eventually allows aromas of smoked pork, red cherry and a light dusting to dried herbs to emerge. The palate is also delicate with cranberry and peppery herbs, making for an easy, engaging if not overly complex sipper.
With layers of ripe tannins and generous red fruits, this is an attractive, fruity wine that is ready to drink. It has a smoky, meaty character that contrasts with the fine fruits. Drink now.
A bright, tight and crisp wine that is is mineral, tangy and refreshing to drink. It hints at the ripe fruits that will develope through 2017.
This is a rich, smoothly textured wine. Pear and apricot fruits are blended with shots of lemon to give a perfumed wine that has a lightly spicy character. Drink this ripe wine from 2017.
Cherry, chocolate and toast aromas are bright and mildly oaky. This is snappy on the palate, with good energy. Raspberry and briny plum flavors are a touch spicy and finish racy and juicy.
Made with 60% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with subdued aromas suggesting black-skinned fruit and cooking spice. The lean, simple palate offers suggestions of plum and a hint of clove alongside easygoing tannins. Drink soon.
Made with 85% Sangiovese, 5% Ciliegiolo, 5% Merlot and 5% Alicante, this informal red has aromas suggesting prune and scorched earth. The aromas carry over to the simple palate along with a resin note. Drink soon.
Basic apple, melon and bready aromas are fine but not distinct or complex. Ditto the palate, which feels balanced but highly basic. Simple papaya and melon flavors finish flat.
With just the tiniest amount of residual sugar, this wine presents as thick and heavy on the palate. A woody, herbal, nutty tone underplays fruitier aspects of peach and pear.
The nose isn't very expressive but eventually reveals earthy aromas suggesting underbrush, moist soil and toast while the lean palate offers roasted coffee bean, oak, espresso and anise. It lacks fruit richness while fleeting tannins give it an abrupt finish.
The floral aromas seem somewhat wilted, with peach notes lurking in the background. It's full in feel, drinking dry.
Oily aromas of petrol are almost akin to certain Rieslings. This Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc mix feels round and mildly citrusy. Bready wheaty flavors of melon and papaya suggest that it's losing sizzle, so drink now.
Smooth and fat in texture, this wine has pear and butterscotch aromas, candied apple and butter flavors, and an almost sweet finish. It's a big, soft wine with low acidity and a short finish.
Aromas of oily petrol and stone fruits lead to a round palate. This offers mild papaya and melony flavors in front of a leesy-tasting finish that's solid in feel.
This wine has a severity of sour cherry and yeasty baked bread on both the nose and palate, showing a lightness of touch in terms of ripeness and oak. It's simple and bright.
The wine is tight with acidity and red-currant fruits. It has structure and tannins as well as the fruitiness. That means the cru needs to age a few months, so drink from mid-2017.
Gritty marginally ripe plum aromas smell a bit like a wild field. This feels full but pushy, with roughness to the palate. Herbal plum and blackberry flavors finish minty and slightly green.
Gritty citrus aromas are oily but adequate. This basic SB tastes of citrus and green vegetables. Beyond that, it's mostly fresh in feel.
Made with organic grapes, the nose offers oak, toast and espresso. The bracing palate shows dried cherry notes alongside raspy tannins that grip the finish. It doesn't have the fruit richness needed to stand up to the oak.
Lightly vegetal aromas suggest asparagus. This feels round and chunky but not lazy or flabby. Flavors of citrus and citrus peel include bitter notes, while this tastes outright pithy on the finish. Drink now.
For one of the region's pioneers, this medium-bodied wine is somewhat underwhelming. The core grapefruit flavors suffer from pervasive hints of green onion that seemingly grow in influence from nose to palate to finish.
An unsual combination of almost-sweet fruit flavors and a vivid vegetal element makes this full-bodied, rustic wine an outlier.
Gritty rubbery aromas are slightly acrid, like asphalt. This is standard in feel, with generic berry flavors. Herbal spice and mild heat control the finish. Beyond that, there's not much to say about this simple Cab.
This light-bodied wine unfurls a strong aroma of bacon fat and salumi, while campfire smoke contributes weight and richness. Black tea and black cherry provide additional components of flavor.
Wiry cherry and berry aromas include a note of olive. This value Cab is lean and light in body, with leafy red-fruit flavors. An inoffensive finish with no new flavors struggles but holds it together.
Prickly foxy aromas are mildly pyrazinic. While this Pedro Ximénez feels plump and mostly healthy, it's short and simple in terms of flavors, with a note of briny citrus prior to a low-intensity finish.
Overripe aromas of raisin and prune are matched on a dense raisiny palate that tastes like baked black fruits. The entirety of this wine is raisiny but not unfriendly or difficult.
Astringent tannin mars wild cherry and sage tones that take on a heightened sense of ripeness in this vineyard-designate.
This is a basic wine, thick and extracted with a generosity of ripe, bold red fruit and walled-in tannin.
This wine is a tad thin and stewy. Dull on the palate with only the slightest suggestion of fruit, it opts instead to celebrate a thicket of forested earth.
The aromas of lychee, lime, herb and white flowers are pungent. The palate brings a light spritz, with the concentration seeming wanting.
Generic apple aromas are short on intensity and length. This tastes of melon but not much more. A light, dilute finish with bready flavor notes ensures that this is O.K. for easy quaffing.
Staunch but murky aromas of coffee grounds, leafy berry, olive and lemon peel announce a tight raw palate. Flavors of olive, plum skins and herbs finish with a reprise of spent coffee along with scratchy tannins.
Notes of baked-berry, herb and savory spice come together well on the bouquet. It feels chunky and round but lively, with plum and cassis flavors that carry an herbal, tomatoey shading. This is fresh and herbal enough so that you know it's Old World.
This is has flavors of apple and red currant, with a dry, light touch. The acidity cuts through the palate, giving it an attractive freshness, with a touch of spice and a crisp finish.
This is a tannic blend of all five Bordeaux grapes, with an earthy mix of cherry, herb and berry flavors. It's elevated with pretty floral aromatics as well, and a hint of anise in the finish.
The aromas of orange and mineral are uncomplicated and friendly. It feels pure and offers good flow, with apple, lime, mineral, white pepper and anise flavors. Fruity, dry and composed on the finish, this is great wine for patio sipping or pairing with seafood.
This is dense and saturated, with crushed blackberry and plum aromas that turn more jammy and granular as the wine breathes. It's extracted and heavy on the palate, with candied black plum and berry flavors that lose steam on the finish. This could be too heavy for fans of leaner-bodied wines.
This négociant based in the Northern Rhône has turned out a meaty, savory Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It's full bodied and firmly structured, with plenty of clove, leather and peppered beef. Drink 2014–2020.
Tobacco, brown sugar, dried fruit and vanilla aromas work the bouquet, which is very nice. In the mouth, however, it's acidic, almost to the point of being citrusy. Flavors of earthy sour plum and raspberry are propped up by lasting acids, while the palate teeters on lemony and shear. Drink now.
This smells bullish and chunky, with a lively, acid-driven palate that boasts cherry, dark plum and cocoa flavors. It feels drawing and full of vitality, so serve this with food or allow it to breathe.
This is a little wayward and funky on the nose, with a lightly pickled aroma. It's a forward Cava with a yeasty, creamy feel. Its acidity and proper bubbles set up flavors of pastry, powdered sugar and sweet apple. The finish is quick, ending with a white-pepper flavor.
This is a piercingly fresh wine from vines close to the Atlantic Ocean. The citrusy acidity is balanced by riper yellow fruit and pineapple. Age for a few months, but it can also be consumed now.
A wisp of a wine that's dark-salmon in color, this is made entirely from Grenache grapes grown near the town of Davis. It's dry, light and fun, offering a strawberry and watermelon fruitiness, with a trace of spice on the end.
Full-bodied, plush and velvety, this is smothered in fine French and American oak. As a result, the aromas and flavors all tend toward sweet and brown, ranging from brown sugar and maple syrup to mocha and caramel.
Red Chassagne-Montrachet used to be found more than white in the past. This wine has a ripe, earthy character that brings out structure and tannin as well as strawberry fruits. It has a juicy as well as smoky character with spice and solid tannins in the background. Drink from 2019.
Leather, truffle and ripe black plum aromas lead the nose. The fleshy palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed blackberry, licorice and clove while robust, polished tannins give it a smooth, enveloping texture. It's already at its peak drinking window so enjoy soon.
Packed with strawberry flavors, this ripe wine has plenty of the acidity typical of the vintage along with good fruitiness and structure. The wine is already developing well so drink from 2018.
Rich, thick and blended with 10% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dual-county red is high in ripeness and tannin, well representing the vintage in terms of enviable structure, as well. Leathery earth and juicy black currant are tempered by dried herb. Drink now through 2023.
This rich wine has 18 months in wood, giving it power and dark tannins. It is concentrated, structured while also elegant. The acidity, the black fruit and the firm texture suggest a wine that could age further and will be better from 2018.
Truffle, leather, berry, grilled herb, oak and a whiff of game lead the nose. The dense, taut palate doles out Morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside close-grained tannins. A bitter sage note closes the firm finish. Drink 2018–2023.
Inky garnet to the eye, this wine features aromas of cherry and strawberry with a strong dose of violet. Although it has strong flavors of lightly cooked woodland fruits (including notes of vanilla, brambles and soft citrus) it is bright and retains a grip on the palate from start to finish. Lasting tannins are ever present yet not overpowering. The finish is characterized by flavors of tangerine and baking spices.
Full but fresh blackberry and plum aromas show a note of tea before turning a touch grassy. Chewy and full on the palate, this is leafy and herbal tasting, with blackberry and pepper notes. A spicy, chocolaty, lightly leafy finish seems right for Cabernet Franc; drink through 2021.
Elusive on the nose, this wine opens in the glass to show an intensity of chocolate amidst soft layers of black fruit, leather and pepper. The full-bodied texture is soft and generously ripe.
This lower alcohol blend of 75% Viognier and 25% Grenache Blanc is expectedly racy and taut, with mineral-dominant aromas of wet cement, apple cider and baking soda. Tight and pithy on the palate, this is wound up super tight with a steely structure, allowing green fruit and more rocky flavors to carry the weight.
Grapes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard provide a richness and complexity win this voluptuous wine, married with others from the Poe Vineyard next to Hyde. Together they offer a creamy, full-bodied expression of butterscotch, apple pie dusted in nutmeg and Mandarin orange.
This is a soft, round wine, made mostly of Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dry, grippy tannins provide a bulkhead of structure that supports black pepper, currant, cedar and clove.
This wine is well balanced, ripe with apricot and white-peach flavors that contrast with the kiwi and grapefruit freshness. A more mineral edge gives texture. This delicious wine will be even better to drink from 2017.
Appearing deeply ruby-red to the eye, this semi-sweet wine offers aromas of black cherry, freshly ground black pepper and vanilla bean. There is an interesting touch of coolness amid fruit flavors, especially blueberry and blackberry with notes of custard, caramel and Mediterranean herbs. Smooth tannins and a hint of mint make for a pleasing finish.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of blackberry, cassis and smoke. It is round in the mouth with bold acidity that does not overtake the silky tannins. Flavors of cassis, cherry pie, flint, anisette and violet continue into a finish that lingers with equal parts smooth tannins and bright acidity.
Hard-edged aromas of cheesy oak, leather, wiry berry fruits and graphite are a bit hot when totaled up. Tight, fresh and juicy on the palate, this tastes of currant, plum and vanilla. A finish with heavy but integrated oak as well as residual heat and burn says drink through 2022.
Underbrush, sunbaked soil, toast, and espresso aromas come together in the glass. The structured, tightly wound palate shows star anise, dried black cherry and a note of powdered sage with bracing tannins that grip the finish.
An aromatic wine, full of ripe fruit and with great acidity to balance. It has a touch of spice, pear and crisp apple fruitiness. The texture and the tight minerality indicate the wine is still young. Drink from 2017.
Aromas of cherry, espresso bean, orange zest and nutmeg prepare the palate for flavors of black cherry, coffee, caramel, white chocolate and violet. Smooth tannins linger through a finish that is marked with a touch of orange peel.
This big, hearty and almost meaty wine is full bodied. An earthy/savory thread in the flavor adds complexity and distinguishes this bottling from the field of simply fruity and ripe wines.
This vintage favors a blended, entry-level cuvée such as this, which comes on bright and succulent and ripped with lovely raspberry/cherry fruit flavors. There's a welcome touch—18%—of new oak, just enough to set off the crisp, fresh berry highlights.
Smells leathery and savory, then folds in ripe, plummy fruit on the mouthfilling palate. Finishes supple and softly dusty. Ready to drink now.
Aromas of sun-kissed grapefruit and berries waft from this concentrated mélange of fruit and flowers. Off dry on the palate, it's punchy and fresh, balancing bright, lemony acidity against a core of apple and pear flavors. The finish is marked by hints of exotic spice and tea tannins.
Floral aromas and a bowl full of spiced fruit flavors bring a lot of enjoyment to this rich and generous tasting, full-bodied wine. It has touches of spicy oak, rose petal, citrus and ripe peach.
This distinctive biodynamic vineyard is near the Van Duzer Corridor, destined to become its own AVA soon. The fruit is a mix of berries and cherries, with a touch of Popsicle sweetness. There are notes of earth and barnyard also, well-integrated, and often found in such natural wines. Still pulling itself together, but complex and compelling already.
Aromas of menthol, blue flower and dark berry lift out of the glass. The tannic palate is still primary, offering tart sour cherry and star anise while a hint of dried sage closes the firm finish.
Rose hips and petals, potpourri, ginger snaps and dark strawberry show on the lush nose of this bottling by Don Lorenzi, whose Italian family has been making wine for generations. Strawberry and lush cherry flavors meet with increasignly prominent nutmeg and allspice once sipped. The palate is quite hearty and full of dried fruit.
A blend of Syrah and Carignan, this wine definitely has an unmistakable Languedoc herbaceousness to it amid the bright cherry and red plum flavors. Tightly structured with somewhat bracing acidity and a peppery finish. Drink now.
This is a wine with good, dense and red fruit, a touch of wood and a firm structure. There is a sense of elegance backed up by some weight. The aftertaste brings in spice and balancing acidity.
This vintage rosado is as good as always, but a bit lower on the quality ladder than previous years. The color is light pink and soft on the eye, while the nose suggests brick dust and orange peel. Smooth and easygoing, with sweet, generic flavors of orange and berry.
Made from hand-picked grapes and unfiltered, this is a richly concentrated, full-bodied Merlot with an abundance of sweet, juicy black plum and freshly roasted coffee flavors. Two years of aging in French oak results in a supple, silky wine with beautifully integrated tannins and pleasant notes of darkly toasted wood. A great pairing with roasted pork tenderloin.
Raspberry, red cherries and fresh fruit come together with bright acidity and a soft, full texture. There is a good stalky, tannic core to give structure. A great barbecue wine.
From 100% Azal grapes, this is a rich style of Vinho Verde, ripe and citric, touched by minerality. Yeasty aromas go through the palate but don't detract from the ripe final fruit.
The Crossings continues to be a reliable source of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at a reasonable price. The 2009 seems almost sweet in its intensity of ripe nectarine fruit, but there's enough grapefruit for balance and just a trace of herb on the finish.
Bright and cheerful with a candied black cherry nose, this is a deliciously fruit-forward yet focused wine. On the palate, soft, fresh fruit and supple vanilla flavors meld beautifully with supple tannins and a rich, dark, roasted coffee finish.
Dusty earth and dry spice aromas blend with some char, vanilla and berry/cherry on the nose. The palate shows average density and depth, with lighter flavors of strawberry, raspberry, herbs, tobacco and vanilla. Finishes dry and peppery, with some toast.
A Pinot unusual for its small percentages of Alicante and Petite Sirah, this wine is tightly wound and intense, but shows promise in its earthy waves of strawberry and silky, structured acidity. Let it lie through 2018–2020.
Barrel-fermented, this is dripping in honey and caramel surrounded by ripe golden apple and passionfruit. Accentuating the richness is a balance of acidity and texture, making for a beautifully complex wine.
The nose does not want to give too much away, apart from delicacy and ripe yellow pear. The palate is ripe and rounded and has a distinct yeasty, almost nutty savoriness. Pepper then makes an entrance and stays right there to linger beautifully.
Zesty lemon paired with riper tropical notes of pineapple counter the racy acidity of this full-flavored wine. This takes time to open up but the intense palate is worth the wait. So serious it should be had with food.
Aromatically brooding, this has notes of dark cherries, blackberries, mineral and herbs with abundant barrel accents. It's full bodied, rich and high octane, at times seeming a bit overwrought but still delivering plenty of enjoyment.
A percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is blended into this Merlot to give structure around its otherwise soft, round and lingering combination of dark candied plum, cinnamon and cedar. Medium-bodied and not overdone on the oak, the wine finishes with a touch of smoke.
Not much Cabernet Sauvignon remains in the Russian River Valley, making this wine an outlier worth seeking. Cinnamon and nutmeg dust the entry, followed by a persistent level of baking spice on the palate. Approachable blue fruit and licorice dominate midway, revealing the 5% Malbec that's been blended in.
Seriously savory watercress and yeast notes take the aromatic lead. The palate follows suit with pepperiness and lemony, citric verve. Zippy, lively and fresh, but with weight and resonance.
Yeasty citrus notes dominate the nose while the palate is savory with chervil, sage and more yeast. A vein of crisp citrus acidity pulls it all together. The aftertaste lingers long with lemon zest.
Tender, teasing perfumes of ivy leaves and citrus with riper notions of pear, yeast and grapefruit peel make for a complete, spicy palate. The phenolic midpalate has a counterpoint in the zesty acidity. Good now, but will develop.
A reserve-level Merlot, this is blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah, then barrel-aged for 18 months in new, one- and two-year-old French oak barrels. Oaky, smoky, charred and tannic, it's a bit of a bruiser. But dig down and you'll find cassis, black cherry, coffee, cola, licorice and tar—in short, a compelling range of dark flavors, all well-integrated. Drink soon.
This is a mineral-driven take on the grape by Westside Paso vintner Michael Gill, with sharp wet stone and grapefruit peel aromas. The palate is tightly wound and very fresh, with flavors of lime juice and lemon zest.
Dark smokiness hovers above the fruit, slightly obscuring the view. Firm tannins, however, hold a core of bright, ripe but tart red berries. This is tightly framed and needs time to evolve. A slender but warm body is built on firm structure. Drink as of 2016.
Yeasty notes of pear with floral hints provide a nose that is both earthy and ethereal. The savory yeastiness is stronger on the rounded, structured palate framed by a phenolic edge.
Elegantly structured, this offers floral, wild berry and spice aromas. The focused palate delivers bright red cherry, crushed raspberry, leather, white pepper and licorice flavors presented with laser-like precision. Chewy but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. It's already tempting but it's not fully developed. Drink 2016–2026.
Tulip blossom, fresh green apple and feisty lemon acidity play on the palate of this wine that offers flavorful refreshment. The lasting length suggests hidden depths worth plumbing.
This solidly fruity wine comes with a generous application of toasty, buttery oak flavors. About 40% was barrel fermented, the rest done in stainless steel. Fleshy peach fruit is awash in buttery caramel and toffee flavors.
Given ample time in oak, this wine delivers size and strength, a feisty celebration of big blackberry fruit and muscular tannins, well representative of both the vineyard and the vintage. Strawberry, mushroom and truffle figure prominently, with a finish of black tea.
Hints of smoke and white peach mark the nose of this medium-bodied wine. It's a touch less expressive on the palate, but pleasantly plump, with great focus and length on the finish. Drink now–2016.
This wine offers an aged quality to its accompanying freshness. A taste of honey and dried apple surround soft layers of citrus and a toasted oak finish.
A late-harvest blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Sémillon from a good year for botrytis, this is dark gold in color. It offers sweet, lush and satisfying swaths of dried apple and orange that linger on the palate, finished with a drop of honey.
Named for a small family property in the south of France, this wine is all about small production and small lots. Fruit is sourced from the grand Klopp Thorn Ridge Ranch. Slightly cloudy, the wine is powerful and concentrated in oak at first, followed by ripe, bright approachable red fruit. Give it through 2020 to get even better.
Melon, yellow apple, yeast and celery swirl on nose and palate, creating a savory, spicy vortex. Nuances of watercress and something even more savory, like lovage, lurk in fruity ripeness. Take time over this lovely, original wine and it will reveal almost all its secrets. The length is wonderful and apple-scented.
Made with 63% Syrah and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Willow and Shaw vineyards, this appealing offering brings notes of plum, smoke and blue fruit. It's full bodied, plush and ripe in feel, with silky tannins supporting coffee and blue fruit flavors. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.
This luminous, garnet-colored wine opens with aromas that recall underbrush, earth, toast, red berry and hint of menthol. A framework of refined tannins support juicy red berry, mocha and baking spice flavors. It's already very accessible and should be enjoyed over the next few years. Drink through 2019.
Mocha and cracked pepper notes accent earthy flavors of black olive and dusty plum. This is full bodied and creamy in texture, with a long, velvety finish that suggests early drinkability, from now through 2020.
Despite some plum fruit, this single-vineyard Shiraz tracks more to the savory side, blending notes of espresso, earth, roasted meat and black olive. It's full bodied and slightly creamy and dusty in texture, with a long finish.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz and 5% each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this rich and approachable wine boasts lush aromas and flavors of brambly black berry, cherry and currant alongside notes of violet and chocolate fudge. The mouthfeel is like crushed velvet, with a creamy texture and a decadent finish reminiscent of chocolate-covered espresso beans.
This carries true-to-variety flavors of peppery blackberry fruit, here cloaked in coffee and toast from aging in 40% new French and American oak barrels. The lemony acids contribute to the overall balance and ageworthy structure.
Softly layered in medium-sized waves of earth, rose and strawberry, this is a delightful wine with enough stuffing through the midpalate to enjoy on its own or with a meal.
A pleasant medium bodied wine, this has aromas like dried herbs and tomatoes, flavors that are mildly fruity and lightly savory. The texture is firm and rather light.
Pointy cherry, tomato and horsey aromas announce a fresh, raw palate. Bright, peppery red plum and citrus flavors finish lean, dry and grating.
Aromas of white peach and citrus lead the nose. The bright, simple palate offers suggestions of Anjou pear and a hint of tangerine alongside lively acidity.
A 100% varietal wine aged more than two years in French oak, this is earthy and rustically unfussy, offering a structure of integrated tannin that shades shy fruit.
This medium-bodied wine shows hints of mint and cedar in the aroma, and light cherry and raspberry in the flavor. It's pretty nicely balanced and user friendly.
Aromas of candied berry fruits, milk chocolate and peanut lack focus and purity. This feels grabby and sticky, with resiny oak. Somewhat artificial oak flavors taste creamy and clove-like, while this ends mild and chunky.
Aromas of black cherry and smoked meats lead to tastes of black cherry and vanilla. It is soft both on entry and finish.
This is a good value in a soft, easy-drinking wine. It has very ripe fruit flavors, hints of brown sugar, a relaxed texture and a seemingly sweet finish.
Blended with hearty amounts of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and 8% unidentified, this is a likable, basic wine, dry in herb, cedar and pencil that'll work well with food.
Initially this Malbec-Cabernet rosé smells of pyrazines and nettle, similar to Sauvignon Blanc. In the mouth, it's citrusy and cutting, but with decent body. Flavors of grapefruit and orange pith finish slightly bitter.
With attractive yellow fruits and a soft texture, this wine is immediately drinkable. It has a touch of toastiness (although there is no wood aging) and almond flavors that balance fresh acidity and succulent fruitiness. Drink now.
Pale in color, this rosé is soft and gentle. It has caramel and spice flavors that give a piquancy to the smooth, rounded red fruits. The aftertaste is just as soft.
While the blend ranges widely across Provence, the wine itself is a classic light, fruity rosé. With its tang of citrus, bright acidity and touch of spice, it is a delicious apéritif style wine.
With vineyards in the south of the Mâcon region, this estate has produced a simple, fruity and ripe Bourgogne that shows apricot and peach flavors. It is light, direct and immediately easy to drink. Drink now.
Spunky, piquant red-berry aromas contain elements of horsehide and grass. This feels mostly full and juicy, with good structure. Herbal, oaky plum and berry flavors end with a touch of oak spice and a lingering herbal, green component.
This Romanian Pinot Noir has aromas of sweet black cherry, smoked meats and red raspberry. In the mouth there are flavors of smoke and black plums.
Berry aromas are jammy and sweet smelling. This feels chunky and bit out of shape. Herbal boysenberry flavors come with a green core, while mint, spice, heat and herbal flavors carry the finish.
A new wine for Aegerter, this is ripe and full-bodied. It has soft apple and crisp pear flavors that are round and lightly textured. The wine is easily ready to drink.
Cherry fruits dominate this fresh wine. It has an attractive perfumed character with spice and acidity adding to the light texture and fruitiness. The wine is ready to drink.
Cedary, spicy aromas and flavors rather than a strong fruit character define this medium-bodied, soft-textured wine. It is heavy on the spice and light on acidity and tannins.
Neither nose nor palate give much away in the way of aroma, but there is some fresh citrus. The palate is refreshing in a rather neutral but very clean way.
Aromas like black pepper and red cherries, and flavors like lightly sweet strawberries give this medium-bodied wine a lot to like, besides the very affordable price. It has just a touch of tannin to add some good texture.
Rubbery plum, tomato and spice aromas are modest. This has a standard but healthy mouthfeel and flavors of raspberry, herbs and spice. On the finish, this doesn't offer anything different than what's on the palate.
Earthy, herbal aromas are heavy and consistent with the winery's other 2011s. A choppy, raw, tannic palate and herbal, saucy berry flavors finish with notes of green herbs, tomato and bell pepper. This has a fine texture, yet the flavors are not ripe or appealing.
Red-berry aromas come with a note of beetroot. This feels choppy and abrupt on the palate, with cherry and plum flavors. A light dusting of cocoa rises up on the finish. This will work best if lightly chilled.
Musky aromas of red apple skins and stone fruits are mild but mostly clean. This Shiraz-Cabernet blend feels solid and full for rosé. Peppery, leafy flavors of spiced berry, apple and olive finish chunky, dry and slightly bitter.
High in acidity and low in oak, at least on the palate, and indeed aged in a majority of neutral French barrels, this wine is bright in lemon and green apple, with a suggestion of mango, falling somewhat flat on the finish.
Aromas of pressed acacia flower, nut and smoke lead the nose. The lively, lean palate doles out unripe Bartlett pear, yellow apple skin and a flinty mineral note alongside zesty acidity.
Aromas like smoke and lemon zest, and sharp citrus flavors make this wine very assertive. It should make a good pairing with fresh-shucked oysters or grilled shrimp.
Ripe, heady tropical fruit and citrus aromas extend onto the palate of this dry, yet deeply fruity, concentrated Riesling. It's unabashedly juicy, but textured and mineral on the palate, finishing long and with a streak of high-toned acidity.
Smoke, spice and earth notes mark this deeply mineral auslese, adding depth and complexity to the sunny palate and peach and apricot flavors. A beautifully executed calibration of savory and sweet, it finishes with a twang of struck steel and lime.
This is one of Oregon's most unique wines, and one that rises confidently to the level of excellent cru Beaujolais in a ripe year. Bright and spicy with generous flavors of strawberry and blueberry, this sports lip-smacking acidity and a dash of minerality. The sweet young fruit is full, forward and delicious.
This impressive wood-aged wine has weight, rich black and red berry flavors and a smooth, unctuous texture. With its concentration, ripeness, acidity and tannins, it could age through 2016.
From a small parcel in the Lamothe-Vincent vineyard, this rich, structured wine shows a strong relationship with terroir and minerality. It has power and intensity, while still preserving enough freshness. Drink from 2016.
This barrel-fermented blend—split equally between the two varieties—displays notes of marzipan, melon, tropical fruit and biscuit. It's medium-plus bodied, with a lingering finish.
A warm wine that shows rich flavors, ripe acidity and plenty of yellow fruits. It is rounded, smooth and likely to develop quickly. The acidity at the end is the crisp contrast to this full, forward wine. Drink from 2015.
While dry in style, this bold, intensely concentrated Riesling is rich in notes of sunny peach and honeysuckle. Luscious on the palate, it's cut by a bright line of tangerine acidity that lingers on the finish.
Lushly textured and expansive on the palate, this dry Riesling melds flavors of waxy lemon skins with notes of rich honey and saffron. The acidity is sunny and bright, highlighting hints of tangerine and lime on the finish.
This juicy, fruit-forward Pinot Noir has fresh and primary aromas of ripe blackberries and cherries. Intense cranberry acidity and hints of dark toast and spice add balance and elegance. It's unabashedly pleasant drinking, but structured enough to carry well over the next 3–5 years.
Hints of menthol and bramble meld with rich black-plum and cherry notes in this composed Pinot Noir. It's juicy and concentrated in black fruit flavors, but graced with a spray of delicate floral notes and brisk, revitalizing acidity. Soft, fine tannins square off the finish.
While lush and ripe on the nose, with aromas of stone fruit and citrus, this dry Riesling is remarkably lean and steely on the palate. The lemon-lime acidity is searing, but highlights an intense minerality that lingers through the finish.
Dry, bold and intensely mineral, this powerful Riesling is lifted by whiffs of lemongrass and mint, along with a shining streak of lemon acidity. It finishes with a bristle of lime zest astringency and a hint of white flower.
Whiffs of freshly pressed apples are accented by pretty peach and honeysuckle notes on this dry, refreshing Riesling. The palate is lean in style, with subtle stone-fruit flavors that feel brisk and vivacious against a backdrop of pineapple acidity.
Delicately perfumed with notes of lemon, tart stone fruit and white florals, this off-dry Riesling builds in intensity and ripeness on the palate. It's lushly textured, with flavors of fleshy peach and apricot that are brightened by lemon-lime acidity.
This wine shows ripeness, depth and purity. In the mouth, it is saturated and thick. Flavors of saffron, tomato paste, oregano and stewed berry fruits are pure Kankana. A different breed of Syrah, it reflects San Pedro's pioneering efforts in the Elqui Valley.
This full-bodied wine is loaded with sensations of fragrant white flowers, ripe tropical fruit, juicy yellow peach and tart green apple. The creamy palate is brightened by fresh acidity and energizing mineral notes. It's well balanced, with more depth than most other Pinot Grigios.
Made entirely from Trebbiano di Soave, this bright wine has a subdued nose that reveals white floral notes, tree fruit and mineral. The creamy, savory palate is much more expressive, delivering tart apples, ripe pear, white spice, mint and mineral alongside crisp acidity.
A savory blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of scorched earth, meat juices, leather, black fruit and spices. The dense, low-acid palate delivers black currants and fleshy black cherry accented with black pepper and mocha alongside soft, round tannins. Drink now through 2017.
A good effort in a cool vintage, the winery's top cuvée brings tart cranberry and cherry fruit, racy and fresh, along with flavors of stem and herb. The wine spent 11 months in barrel, but shows no significant oak flavors.
With 20-year-old vines, this estate has the ability to produce open fruity wines like this. This wine, that is now almost mature, has black-currant fruit, juicy acidity and a layer of tannins to allow it to age further. Drink this attractive wine from 2017.
The blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc gives this wine a rich character. It does have a firm edge of tannins still producing a dry character that needs to soften. The juicy black currants are developing well and should balance the tannins in a year or two. Drink this solid wine from 2018.
Pure Touriga Nacional with the grape's characteristic perfumes, this is firm and still dense. Tannins abound along with the blackberry fruit. The aftertaste, with its acidity, promises more aging, so drink from 2018.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (61%) and Sémillon, with the latter a new addition to this typically varietally designated wine, it opens with aromas of herbs, lemon verbana, white flowers, nut oil and yellow apple. The palate is lean in style, with a lightly creamy feel backed by racy acidity that leads to a white grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple-filled finish.
This wine is rich and rounded, with plenty of spice, ripe berry fruits and acidity to balance. As it develops, the wine will fill out and give satisfying richness. Drink from 2019.
This is the inaugural release from this winery. It opens with aromas of raspberries, herbs and cherries, showing just a touch of volatility. The fruit and barrel flavors are ripe and generous, lingering on the finish.
The aromas are all high toned, with notes of coffee, herb and cherry. The elegantly styled flavors are well balanced and carry through on the finish.
Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon share equal parts of this blend. Aromas of corn silk, tropical fruit and herb give way to full-bodied fruit flavors. It shows a hint of warmth on the finish but largely carries it.
There's a very intriguing sachet-like aroma to this bottling, reminiscent of a potpourri bag left in a cigar box alongside pipe tobacco and sweet cherry syrup. Sour cranberry fruit leads the sip, where the herbal character is impressively pervasive, though perhaps a tad too much so.
This nicely dry, not-too-big wine smells like turned earth and new leather, tastes rather tart and berrylike, and feels lean and moderately tannic in texture. Those who like their wines on the taut side will love it.
Aromas of crème brûlée, apple, vanilla and spice lead to broad-feeling fruit flavors speckled with barrel accents. It's a very pleasing, well-priced offering of the variety.
Fresh, primary red cherry and raspberry flavors are punchy and bright on this easygoing Pinot Noir for everyday enjoyment. It's not a complex wine but pristinely fruity, balanced neatly by a crush of cranberry acidity. The finish lingers elegantly marked by fine, feathery tannins.
This is a rich wine with spice from the wood aging as well as black-plum fruits. It has tannins and some concentration, giving a wine that is rich and ready to drink.
Known as Graciano in Spain, this variety is rare in Portugal. Here in the far west of the country, it has produced a deep-colored, firmly structured wine. Despite the three years' aging, the wine is still very solid, dark and full of tannins and black-plum-skin fruits. It needs to age more, so drink from 2019.
Rubbery plum and berry aromas lean toward red fruits after airing and settling. Racy acidity makes for a firm palate, while this tastes savory and like meaty berry and plum. A tight finish holds onto a meaty essence.
Luscious honey tangerine and grapefruit flavors abound in this delightfully quaffable off-dry Riesling. Buoyant fruit is off set neatly by a backbone of high-toned acidity and suble nuances of pollen and crushed mineral. It's sprightly and pert, finishing brisk and dry.
Exotic aromas of cardamom and ginger accent blueberry scents prior to a crisp fresh racy palate that's downright tangy in character. Raw cranberry and pie-cherry flavors feature a note of cherry tomato, while this is fresh, peppery and spunky on a finish that frankly tastes a touch sour. Drink through 2018.
Underbrush, scorched earth, espresso and exotic spice aromas open. The taut, linear palate offers dried sour cherry, coffee bean and grilled sage alongside a backbone of austere, fine-grained tannins that leave a firm finish.
This enjoyable white opens with aromas of pressed white flower and exotic fruit. The aromas follow over to the round palate along with banana and a hint of toast.
Inviting apple, citrus and stony aromas precede a racy, citrusy palate with bracing acidity. Quick-hitting green melon, nectarine and lime flavors end with a persistent note of green apple. This is the best version of this Verdejo-Viura-Sauvignon Blanc blend in several years. Drink now.
A rare treat from a 120-year-old vineyard, this wine has a dark color, generous aromas and concentrated but dry fruit flavors. It will make a great pairing for robust, rich foods due to its medium body, lean mouthfeel and sturdy support from fine-grained tannins.
Aromas of dark-skinned berry, French oak, wild rose and a whiff of Alpine herb lift out of the glass. Linear and tense, the taut palate offers dried cherry, cranberry, clove and a hint of espresso alongside a backbone of firm fine-grained tannins and bracing acidity. Drink 2017–2020.
Blue flower, baked plum, vanilla and a whiff of resin lead the nose. The juicy, straightforward palate offers dried sour cherry, cranberry, anise and a hint of white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins.
Earthen complexities of smoke, stone and savory dried herb meld into fresh lemon and lime in this zesty dry Riesling. It's a bit lean and airy in texture, accentuated by spray of spine tingling acidity in the midpalate. Enjoy now through 2020 to enjoy its invigorating feel.
This is an unusually firm, structured Pinot Noir for $20. Floral notes and hints of ripe cherries mark the nose, while the flavors feature cherry and vanilla. Probably best paired with slightly fatty or rich dishes, like roast pork.
A yellowish color announces this oaked Albariño. Aromas of sunflower seeds and stone fruits are more mellow than loud. Creamy and full bodied, this benefits from bold malic acidity. Flavors of summer corn, dried apple and wood resin finish salty. Drink now with fish, crab or lobster.
Aromas of crushed stone, oak and a whiff red berry lead the nose. The taut, tense palate offers dried cranberry, smoke, graphite and Alpine herb while tightly wound fine-grained tannins provide the firm framework. A blast of orange peel closes the finish.
Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked soil and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Aromas of herbs and desert brush blend with raisiny berry scents. This feels grabby and tannic, while jammy, herbal berry flavors flatten out with airing. A loamy tasting finish loses some intensity and spirit as this settles.
Aromas of violet petal and gamy berry fruits come with a strong oak-based whiff of sawdust. This feels blocky and generically big, while saucy berry flavors taste roasted, with a strong hint of clove. On the finish, this remains roasted and saucy tasting.
Off-dry and minty, with a strong streak of wintergreen, this simple, fruity Riesling offers fruit flavors of green apple and a bit of waxy lemon.
Unexpectedly aromatic in jasmine and rose, Parducci's True Grit is otherwise big with a coated mouthfeel of leather, amidst a wall of toned tannins.
This is fresh and jumpy on the nose, with foxy berry and plum aromas. An edgy, slightly scratchy mouthfeel comes with flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and herbal notes. This standard Tempranillo finishes minty, with licorice hints.
A blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache Gris, this medium-weight rosé offers aromas and flavors of cherry, nectarine and watermelon rind. The acidity keeps the palate fresh and the finish slightly tart and biting.
This Amarone shows the heat of the vintage. It has black fruit and spice notes but the palate is dominated by searing alcohol sensations. It lacks richness and fresh acidity, and closes on a bitter note.
Coming in at 47g/L residual sugar, this is quite ripe and aromatic with notes of peach and flowers but doesn't have the acid to hold it together.
Pure Cabernet is on display here, offering modestly interesting flavors for the price. It's leafy and light, with strawberry and herb. Tannins are herbal and balanced.
Light, herbaceous wine, very fruity, full of greengage and gooseberry flavors. It's tight, fresh and crisp, ready to drink.
Designed as a fruity vision of Malbec, this is a ripe, lightly wood aged wine, laden with berry fruits, soft tannins and an open texture. It's ready to drink, a fine barbecue style, friendly wine.
Fruity aromas of nectarine and red plum lead to a citrusy palate with flavors of pink grapefruit and red apple. A chalky, grippy finish is basic in its citrusy, pith-driven character. Drink this refresher as soon as possible.
Dusty apple and melon aromas are clean and simple. A solid, fleshy mouthfeel supports melon, yeasty vanilla and powdered sugar flavors. A soft and easy finish is fine but doesn't take things to any new levels.
This is half Merlot, one third Syrah, with a bit of Cabernet and Petit Verdot as well. It's a very light, fruity wine, with no particular focus. Fine for near-term quaffing.
Pale salmon colored, this is a fairly aromatic rosé with notes of strawberry, bubblegum and cherry. It's off-dry, leaning toward medium sweet and needs a bit more acidity to stand it up.
Classic, pungent feline aromas of passion fruit, citrus and grass set up a friendly palate with moderate acidity and nice flavors of nectarine, lime and green melon. The finish introduces sweet notes of banana to go with lime.
This first Grüner Veltliner from Sineann is lightly aromatic with notes of citrus, apple, and spice. It drinks off dry with sharped edged, green apple-like acids.
Opening with aromas of baked blackberry compote, this Fiddletown Zin is thick in tannin and savory leather, oak and smoke, but delivers fully on its Zinfully hedonistic promise. On the finish, a bite of licorice.
Perfumed and spicy, this wine is very Muscat in character. It's very heady in its aromas, with lychee and tropical fruits, and a delicate, while ripe, profile. The aftertaste continues the theme of exotic fruits and soft acidity. Screwcap.
Very crisp apples and lime juice fit well together in this fruity sparkling wine. It has plenty of acidity, of course, balanced with a mineral texture and a light hint of spice.
This is a first for Tulpen, a single vineyard, pure varietal Tempranillo. There is a forceful aroma of Jamaican herb, along with brambly berry fruit. The wine shows good weight, proportion and balance. Young fruit from young vines.
This Bordeaux-style blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is surprisingly open and accessible now, with forward aromas and flavors of ripe brambly berry, forest, fresh tobacco leaf and a touch of espresso bean. The fine tannins lend an approachable texture to the wine, with a rich, jammy black-fruit flavor lingering on the medium-length finish.
This is a soft, fruity wine cut with bright green fruits, fresh apple acidity and lemon zest. It's an immediately attractive, clean and fragrant wine, with a pure line of acidity right at the heart of its refreshing nature.
A spicy wine, with nutmeg and allspice as well as peppered plums. Against this exotic background, the tannins are solid and concentrated, suggesting good aging potential.
Sourced from two different Sagemoor sites—Bacchus, planted in 1972; and Weinbau, planted in 1995—this pure Cabernet has a raisined, very ripe flavor that suggests it should be consumed now. There is a generous overlay of dark chocolate smoothing out the substantial tannins.
This blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Roussanne opens with a pretty nose, that carries whiffs of honeysuckle and beeswax. The flavors follow, with a hint of lemon polish in the finish.
This cool-vintage Cabernet is a bit grassy and herbal on the nose, with standard berry aromas lurking in the backdrop. A tight, raw, driving palate feels focused but a touch raw, while herbal, dried flavors of plum and raspberry end with peppery spice, minty flavors and hard residual acidity.
This is 100% Pinot Gris, given 20 hours of skin contact, resulting in a “Gris de Gris” style of blush wine. It's light and dry, with strong scents and flavors of grapefruit.
Syrahs are plentiful in Washington, but not in such quantities. Inevitably, some of the nuances of site and vintage have been smoothed over. What remains is a textbook version of the grape as it shows across the varied Columbia Valley. Smooth and supple, its satiny mix of blueberry and vanilla cream offer a fine introduction to the style. The tannins have grip and a hint of green tea flavor.
Light, classic aromas of gooseberry, lime and nettle are good indicators of what's to follow. That would be a high-acid, racy, seemingly early picked wine with flavors of lemon, Granny Smith apple and gooseberry. A lasting, tangy, acidic finish is crackling as a lightning bolt.
This Barolo has typical varietal aromas of rose and a hint of leather, but shows the heat of the 2007 vintage in its overripe black fruit and spice accompanied by a warm midpalate. The finish is abrupt, marked by bitter, green tannins.
This simple, fruity Chardonnay delivers ample pear, melon and peach notes. It's plump, medium bodied and finishes pleasantly crisp and clean. Drink it over the next couple of years.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc are in the blend, which saw one quarter new American oak. It's bone dry, a palate ripper, with a steely core of red berries and stiff, green tea tannins.
Bashful, mild aromas of herbal berry fruits and mint are followed by a full, round and solid feeling palate. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and blueberry register as fairly ripe and dark, while the finish displays toasty notes, spice flavors and mild heat. This is a step up from good and basic.
Spicy, bretty and leathery; this type of wine represents Ribera in a traditional, no-tricks light. Air only helps it show its best attributes, which revolve around meaty black fruit and herbal accents. It's chewy, sort of tannic and finishes with flavors of moss and jerky. Good for near-term consumption.
For fans of mineral, slate-driven Rieslings, this should be a hit. The aromas are of dusty slate, while the wine's flavors add petrol notes to the impression of liquid slate. Unlike many Mosel wines, there's not much in the way of fruitiness, despite the wine's plumpness. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Light strawberry, leather and tomato leaf aromas all come together to form a true, traditional crianza bouquet. The palate is also in that vein, showing apple skin, red plum and strawberry flavors. With a hint of butter and drying tannins coming on late, this fits squarely into the mold of traditional Rioja crianza.
Starts off with scents of apples and citrus, and maintains that fruit-forward focus all the way through. It's medium-bodied, with a slightly creamy midpalate and a touch of lemon custard on the finish.
For Navarra, this is a fairly ripe Cab. The nose shows baked black fruits, cola, herbs and maturity, while the palate is definitely racy and juicy as the acidity is what's keeping this baby plowing ahead. For New World Cab fans this will seem thin and tart; but given its domain and age, we like it as an Old World throwback.
A fine, ripe wine, creamy toast coming through the red fruits and light tannins. It is already well developed, not a wine for aging, but it is delicious to drink now, very fresh, juicy.
Plump and fleshy for an unoaked style, with tangerine, lemon and passion fruit notes that finish clean and refreshing. A good summer wine at a fair price. Imported by USA Wine West.
A crisp, minerally wave of apples and pear start this wine from the cool-climate region of Elgin, and on the palate, it's equally delicate. Dry but with a touch of pretty sweetness, the wine is embraceable and a great solo sip.
Sweet blackberry aromas veer toward kirsch and crème de cassis, while the palate is perfectly ripe and solid, with medium-deep berry flavors and lots of chalky grab to the fairly tannic finish. For a young, basic Toro wine, this exhibits modest signs of elevation and class.
A Merlot-dominated wine from the east bank of the Gironde estuary. It's big, possibly too powerful, with meaty, smoky flavors and spice. Solid, chunky, it gives freshness and liveliness right at the end, as the acidity comes through.
Soft, ripe and rounded, this shows a gentle side of Bordeaux. The tannins are sweet, just hinting at wood, but this is more about blackberries and a finishing sweetness.
This medium-bodied Chardonnay starts off with some slightly nutty-almondy scents that might be mistaken for oak, but on the palate the fruit speaks loud and clear. Pear and lemon flavors ring out the loudest, followed by a refreshingly citrusy finish.
Strawberry, tea and sandalwood aromas make for an interesting, unusual bouquet. This is a fresh, young wine that shouldn't solicit much contemplation, but will register positively due to its light, smooth feel. It's medium in depth, with airy finishing notes of mushroom and cherry.
Attractively priced, the Sydney Chardonnay from Nine Stones features fresh, citrusy flavors of tangerine and grapefruit, backed by the merest hints of toast and vanilla. It's medium in weight, finishing crisp and with surprising length.
A zippy nose of lemon and apple introduces this clean and friendly wine. On the palate, more citrus and mineral character presents itself, and the overall package is both elegant and easy. A great everyday wine for pairing with fish or salads.
This is a perfumed wine, opulent and with a fine smoky structure. With great ripe berry and red-currant fruit, the wine has a juicy character, bright and crisp with acidity while also solidly textured. Drink this wine from 2023.
A seven-acre vineyard on the eastern side of Mercurey gives a wine that is broad and ripe. Both its structure and its juicy red fruits are generous and with a firm core of tannins. The wine is likely to age well. Drink from 2022.
Vanilla aromas indicate that wood aging has made an already ripe wine even richer. The tannins are still young, calling for aging, but bold cherry and red plum tones are ripe, full bodied and open. Drink this concentrated wine from 2019.
This is a firm wine that is structured with dense tannins. At the same time, its ripe black fruits and acidity promise a generous rich future. From a walled vineyard, once belonging to the local bishop, the wine is set for some long-term aging. Drink from 2023.
A bit of bottle age always makes for a more compelling Pinot Noir, in this case showing kirsch, clove, leather and turned earth on the nose. There is a richness to the palate, full of black cherry and fig flavors, as well as an earthy undercurrent of thyme, anise and eucalyptus that rises toward the finish.
This new project by wine bar owner Ash Mehta and winemaker Mary Bradley shows much promise, starting with woody elderberry, tar, black pepper and dense lavender on the buoyant nose. The sip starts with powerful pepper and then coalesces around cassis and black-currant fruit, a tarry minerality, dried herbs of thyme and juniper and a cocoa finish.
Powerful, mouthwatering, concentrated black-cherry and blackberry flavors form the core of this full-bodied, full-flavored and well-balanced wine. Starting with aromas of toasted oak and wood smoke, the wine has a broad rich mouthfeel and moderate tannins that propel the gorgeous fruit flavors across the palate and linger a long time on the finish.
This is a big but balanced expression of Cabernet that is ready to drink now. Layers of black cherry, caramel, vanilla, smoke and crushed black rocks show on the lavish nose. The palate's chalky texture is immediately apparent, with vibrant acidity that carries forth a rich crème de cassis flavor and finishes on roasted coffee and milk chocolate.
This 100% varietal wine delivers mineral, citrus twist, raw meat, raspberry and black pepper notes. The palate is full bodied and packed to the brim with fruit and savory flavors. It brings a seamlessness and length that are absolutely dazzling.
This young, textured wine shows a mix of strong minerality and ripe white fruits. The Albert Bichot Chablis domaine has a fine parcel from this premier cru. Refreshing citrus and tight acidity contrast with the warmer vanilla and yellow fruits. Drink from 2021.
Aratás puts more bottle age on their Petite Sirah than most, and the extra maturity shows. Wonderful oak spices fill the aroma and extend into the fully ripe and richly fruity flavors of this big but beautifully sculpted wine. It has a lot of new oak influence and that is perfect to match the big body and monumental tannins that give the wine such impact.
This wood-aged and structured wine is concentrated and dense. It comes from the Premier Cru vineyard just to the west of the village. With generous tannins and juicy ripe red fruits, the wine is broad and going to be rich. Drink from 2023.
Elegantly woven aromas of cassis, sandalwood and truffle show on the nose of this wine, which also includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. The palate also combines that plummy fruit with woody spice, showing cedar and crushed pepper, creating a savory experience that makes the mouth water into the finish.
Clean and crisp aromas of Gravenstein apples, Bartlett pear and key lime pith meet with a slight hint of smoke wafting in the background on this bottling by onetime wunderkind Gavin Chanin. The sizzling acidity presents delicate flavors of nectarine, peach and mango, with a touch of butter toward the finish. The wine steadily improves days after opening. Enjoy now through 2025.
This is a structured rich wine. It has great ripe fruit, generous with red berry and acidity in fine balance. It has a solid backbone of tannins although these are already well integrated into the opulent wine. Drink from 2021.
Bruno Copéret has produced an impressive wine from this small vineyard on his property. It is still young, full of smoky wood and broad red-fruit flavors. The tannins and the concentration are considerable, although the wine also has a more stylish edge. Drink from 2019.
From perhaps the best known of Mercurey's premier crus, this is a firm solid wine, dense with tannins and concentrated berry fruits. It has a ripe character that is still embedded in the tannins. That means aging and this wine should not be drunk before 2023.
This small Premier Cru vineyard is wholly owned by the Devillard family. It is a rich wine, boasting layers of beautiful jammy red fruits and just the lightest touch of wood. Tannins are there, forming a core that will stand the wine in good stead as it ages. Drink from 2023.
Grapy blackberry and cassis aromas come with charred oak and pastry-like richness. In the mouth, this notoriously ripe Mencía is loaded with tannins. Spicy blackberry flavors can handle the classy oak this wine has seen, while flavors of tobacco, lemon and spice drape over a full-fruited finish. Drink through the 2020s.
Leathery aromas of dark berry fruits and various spices comprise a deep and impressive bouquet. This wine is full on the palate, widespread and displays tannic scratchiness. Immense flavors of wild berry fruits and spice end with intensity and firm, sturdy tannins. Drink through 2023.
Unabashed in its alcohol levels, but not really boozy in any overdone way, this bottling offers very fresh, juicy and boisterous aromas of violet, candied blueberry, asphalt and pepper on the nose. The palate also starts with ripe blackberry and blueberry then grows more serious with grippy tannins and a zingy acidity. Dark chocolate and charred meat show in the midpalate.
Smooth, integrated aromas of cookie dough, forest floor and briary berry fruits lead to a palate that's plump on the edges but more intense and pulling in the middle. Flavors of ripe berry fruits, vanilla and tobacco finish with dry tannins and bold acidity, meaning this has more gas in the tank; drink through 2024.
The wine is tight with a strong mineral element over the acidity. It shows a sense of chalky terroir, full of red-currant fruits and a nervy aftertaste. It will take some time to fully develop, so wait until 2023.
This is a ripe rounded wine, backed by the firm tannins that mark Pommard. It is bold, ripe with plenty of concentrated red fruits and finishing acidity. The wine has a crisp edge that lifts the tannins. Drink from 2023.
Foresty berry aromas come with a whack of charred wood. In the mouth, this wine is rugged and loaded with intensity and acidity. Spicy oak and high-toned red-fruit flavors finish dry, juicy and with the structure to last years. Drink 2019–2035.
Underripe raspberry, green-olive, dewy herbs, green-peppercorn and cardamom aromas show on the herbaceous nose. All of those elements are interwoven on the sip, where a core of fruit punch is laced by bay leaf, kalamata olive, bergamot and Christmas spice that persist deep into the finish.
One of the better Malbec-based wines of the region, this fairly priced blend, which includes 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, offers a dense core of blackberry jam that's covered by layers of loam, charred beef, black pepper and smoke. The dense black-cherry and blueberry flavors are cut by intense pepper, vanilla bean and prominent cappuccino, all frame by woody tannins.
From one of the top Beaune premier crus, this wine is structured and dense with tannins and with wood aging. At the same time, it has the rich fruitiness of the year, broad red berries and plums. They provide the delicious potential of this fine wine. Drink from 2022.
This structured wine is full of fruit and has a tight texture. It shows a creamy side from new wood, although this is well integrated into the fruity acidity and the mineral edge. The wine is likely to age well, ready to drink from 2020.
This wine has soft tannins, with heaps of vanilla-cherry and raspberry notes and a herbal hit on the finish that leans green. A blend of 88% Zinfandel, with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Teroldego and Barbera from one of Amador's historic producers.
Floral and fruity on the nose, this turns wiry and racy in the mouth. It doesn't have a lot of body or weight, offering angular, lean berry and plum flavors, with a tight, peppery, acidic finish.
Candied melon and peach aromas lead to a creamy, woody palate that's somewhat flat in feel and short on acidity. Flavors include vanilla, cream, spicy oak and soft apple fruit. It's spicy and barrel driven on the finish.
Vanilla, orange marmalade and butterscotch aromas intrigue in this more voluptuous white. On the palate, flavors of butterscotch and orange peel are unique but the white could use a touch more balancing acidity. Overall though, this is a unique everyday wine.
Simple but satifisfying, this wine exhibits good fruit, pretty aromatics and a spicy kick. It's a little out of focus and lacks acidity, but overall, this is a pleasing everyday white.
Cigarbox, cinnamon and clove aromas are followed by pepper, tea leaf and cherry on the palate of this traditional-style Agiorgitiko. Subtle and a bit spicy, this should pair well with brick-oven pizza with tangy cheese or lamb kebabs.
Soft, round and very ripe, this is simple and straightforward, with big, chewy tannins and flavors of cola and cinnamon. Bright on the nose, it is full-bodied and heavy in the mouth, and it screams out for hearty heaps of grilled food.
A simple Barbera, this has lots of black cherry and toasty oak characteristics. Drink now.
Dark golden in color, this smells sweet—like caramel and toffee—which follows in taste. It's high in alcohol and oak influence.
This opens with an aroma of cola syrup, and it seems devoid of a tannic structure and a finish.
Light cassis and black currant aromas softly appear on the bouquet of this wine, with a touch of purple flower in the background for added interest. Low tannins and an approachable weight make this an easy-drinking selection that's ready for consumption now.
Fairly light aromas of red cherry juice, licorice and dried violets show on the nose, following by a rather light density on the palate as well. Hints of minty cherry and charred wood also arise, as do grippy tannins that vanish quickly.
All black fruits, the wine is dominated by black currants and stalky tannins. It is fresh with lively acidity and berry flavors and a generous texture. Drink from 2016.
Rather lean in flavors, it shows a bit of herbal, savory aromas and tastes slightly earthy and vegetal like fennel or celery. But those aspects are subtle enough that it still makes a good sturdy white wine that is neither too rich nor too soft.
There's a bit of fizz on this wine, which shows chalk and gummy peach candy on the nose. The palate suggests ripe apple at first then evolves into a pithy bitterness characterized by yellow grapefruit rinds.
Strawberry, sagebrush and graphite show on the nose. The palate offers red fruit that fades quickly into a more sour style, with dried citrus peels.
Quite floral smelling and fruity tasting, this is not your usual Chardonnay. It smells like rose petals, tastes like Anjou pears and has a soft mouthfeel and medium body.
With a pink-meets-tan color and funky aromas of mustard, grass and citrus, this is challenging but ultimately modest. A lean, light body is home to leesy, mustardy flavors of passion fruit and nectarine, while the finish is citrusy but also mildly bitter.
Bony and austere, the palate is marked by tart flavors and hints of underdeveloped stone fruit. It is crisp and clean, offering a distinctive, different take on white wine from the Southern Rhône.
Lemon-lime soda and limestone aromas emerge on the nose, which is slightly sweet in ripeness but also a bit shy. The palate shows apples and pears, but is quite flat.
Blackberry and cassis aromas lead to crushed tomato tones. The palate is lazy and without structure, while leafy flavors of wild berry and tomato leaf finish short, herbal and green.
Bland peach and melon aromas come in front of a flabby, creamy palate. Basic melon and papaya flavors are limited, with a slight bitterness lingering on a soft, fleshy finish.
There's a bland greenness to this wine that delves into waxy blackberry and plum, but ultimately remains flat on the palate.
Tannic, thick and mired in tar and oak, this estate wine has a lack of fruit that puts it off balance.
Floral aromas are light and more suggestive of Pinot Noir than Syrah, with a hint of latex and mulch thrown in. A flat, sticky mouthfeel and a combination of sweet and green flavors finish with rubbery notes of latex and bitterness.
This citrusy wine is all grapefruit, lime and citrus peel, with green notes poking through. Enjoyable, easy and varietally characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc.
Crisp apple and lemon are lurking within creamy wallops of oak, making this a pleasant-enough wine. The ripeness and butter make for curious companions given the bitterly tart, sour finish.
Almondy in color, with bready, drawn aromas of mustard and pithy citrus, this feels flat and chunky. Flavors of almond skins and pithy white fruits finish with a note of orange peel.
The nose is faint and neutral. In the mouth, lemony acidity creates a pointy mouthfeel, while orange and lemon flavors finish bland despite getting a boost from citric acidity.
Plum and raspberry aromas are honest and pleasant. This is fruity and plummy on first take, but soon it becomes narrow and acidic, with tart, shrill berry and plum flavors that finish juicy and angular, then bitter.
Rubbery, roasted berry aromas show on the nose. An astringent, tannic palate shows medicinal flavors of red plum and berry fruits along with savory notes and a shot of clove. The finish brings a salty and oaky note.
Fruit salad aromas, simple apple and pear flavors and a soft texture add up to a pleasant wine. Light bodied, and balanced away from crispness, it is still enjoyable and refreshing.
Thick and sour, this wine has a waxy fruit component to it that is off-putting and out of sync with the crisp fruit that is trying to compete on the palate.
Zesty and tongue prickling, this is fresh, fruity and ready to drink. It has a sugar sweety character which is tempered by acidity and a touch of red currant.
Melony aromas come with a heavy blast of brine. This feels oily and marginal, with salty, briny flavors of orange and lime that finish disjointed before falling off.
Stalky white-fruit, lees and vanilla aromas are less than inviting. This feels tired, obtuse and out of shape, meaning it's past its prime and won't improve. Bitter, leesy peach and melon flavors finish similarly.
Modest citrus, earth and almond notes come up from the glass, and continue in the flavors of this smooth, rounded, and straightforward wine. The balance is on the soft side, and the body is quite light.
A soft and indistinct wine that is fat and has only the merest hint of fruit. It is round with some fresh acidity at the end.
Rubbery, herbal aromas of stalky black fruits are typical of the variety but also gritty and horsey smelling. This has a snappy, grating mouthfeel and flavors of herbal blackberry and plum along with an acid-driven palate. Licorice, oak and vanilla flavors are present on the finish.
Aromas of green bean, shoe polish, carob and blackberry are heavy and oaky. A creamy weight dominates the palate, which also shows an unbalanced streak of tartaric acid. Herbal blackberry, plum and licorice flavors finish minty, with a resinous oak feel.
Chunky aromas of murky red-berry fruits, pie cherry and briny oak struggle to impress. This feels saucy and resiny, while briny, oaky, citric flavors finish scattered and hot. Overall, this woody rosado isn't shining.
This is warm and tropical on the nose, with banana, papaya, honeysuckle and tuberose aromas proving a bit overpowering. The palate offers smoked apple flavors.
This easygoing red opens with aromas of dark fruit, red berry, toast and a whiff of cooking spice. The palate offers crushed plum, clove and a hint of chocolate alongside soft tannins. It's simple but well made.
Briny cherry and red-currant aromas are light. This feels sharp on the palate, with fresh flavors of red plum, tomato and a salty hint.
Sweet-tart pineapple and apple tones contrast leafy swathes of fresh herbs in this savory Tocai Friulano. Dry and full bodied, it's luscious and silky on the palate but finishes briskly.
This wine is well made and competitively priced. Characteristic variety notes of orange blossom, rose and lychee mark the nose, and meet additional notes of ripe mango mixed with banana on the palate. Exotic and fun, this medium-bodied, heady wine would perfectly quell a spicy kick.
The subtle scent of green and red apples makes for a refreshing opening. They also play on the rounded, clean palate and finish dry with a lovely, lemony briskness.
This is an interesting variety choice for Michigan, yet it seems to show some typicity. Muddled stone fruit meets yellow plum and milky, white flowers on the nose. The palate is focused on citrus and pineapple rind while showing good overall balance of acidity.
Meaty, brawny and substantial in every way, this powerfully robust and full-bodied wine is softened somewhat by floral notes of violet and lavender on the nose. Tannin and oak overpower the licorice and blueberry that lurk, finishing bittersweet.
Oaky aromas of sawdust vie with herbal, leafy notes on the nose of this Carmenère. Roasted black-plum flavors finish with grabby, rubbery tannins.
Dusty minerals and dried orange peels accentuate the savoriness of apple and pear flavors in this full-bodied, slightly rustic Chardonnay. Fresh acidity juxtaposes a supple, approachable mouthfeel. The finish is short and simple.
Aromas of earth, tomato paste, Heinz ketchup and dust are saucy. This is drawing and tomatoey, with aggressive, saucy flavors of plum and cherry.
This light and fruity wine has acidity sustaining the red-cherry flavors. It has a dry core along with really juicy flavors and soft tannins. Drink now, although the wine will be even fruitier from 2016.
Gritty, charred, spicy aromas muscle out black-fruit notes on a peppery bouquet. This feels acidic, while flavors of berry fruits come with oaky notes of carob and mint. A chunky, resiny finish closes this out.
Lactic oak and minty green notes run with plum and berry aromas. This is hard as nails, with big tannins that grate along the sides of a round mouthfeel. Roasted, oaky berry flavors are dark and spicy, while woodspice and resin flavors steer a rubbery feeling finish.
Aromas seem advanced, with notes of cherry liqueur, leather, barrel spices and raisinated dark fruit. The dried-fruit flavors are full with chalky tannins. Drink now.
Glimpses of dark-roast coffee , smoked nuts and kindling cast a smoky veil upon ripe, sunny black cherry and berry flavors in this Cabernet Franc. It's supple and velvety in mouthfeel but the finish is dominated by firmly entrenched tannins.
Humo Blanco means “white smoke,” and the name applies to the daily morning fog that spreads over the Lolol area where this comes from. Leathery, earthy aromas of cherry and plum are ripe, while the palate is tannic and rubbery. Earthy cherry and plum flavors finish lasting and potent.
Zesty limes and lemons shine brightly throughout this brisk, cutting dry Riesling. It's medium bodied in style but a bit demure in concentration and length.
Gritty, tarry cassis, licorice and toasted oak flavors lead to a full but grabby palate. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Petit Verdot deals dark, toasty, peppery black-fruit flavors in front of an oaky, spicy finish with firm tannic bite.
This is soft and generously fruity wine. It has spice, ripe red-berry fruits and just enough tannin to give structure. Touches of chocolate and bitter coffee are rounding out well to allow the fruit and ripe texture to speak. Drink from 2017.
The scent of orange peel and white flowers set the scene for a crisp wine with linear flavors of tangerine and mandarin. It is refreshing on the tongue, with a zesty finish.
Loud, briny raspberry aromas are not shy and come with a note of latex. This is wide and blocky in feel, with heavy, baked flavors of raspberry and stewed plum. Oak spice and mild peppery bitterness on the finish are ponderous.
An earthy, aged aroma, very dark color and flavors like raisins and Port add up to a good after-dinner wine to try with chocolate, cheese or a cigar. Sweetness is evident, concentration, too, and full body is a given in a late-harvest style like this.
Ripe aromas of peach, melon, apple and pineapple unfold on the nose of this wine, with additional hints of hay and flint that add an earthy streak. The light-weight palate shows a soft prickle of acidity that then fades quickly on the finish, feeling a touch flat. Drink now.
Citrus and tropical-fruit aromas show snap in front of a racy palate. White pepper and grassy notes work the finish on this easygoing Sauvignon Blanc.
From the grape-growing family known for old-vine Zinfandel, this wine comes from the eastern foothills of the appellation, the vines settled into well-draining, rocky soils. Floral on the nose, it enters into a gaminess on the palate, dusted in pencil lead, blackberry and herb.
Aromas seem blunted, but the palate shows both freshness and fruit. This is balanced and comes out with surprisingly friendly apple fruit, finishing on a fresh note.
Jumbled and jumpy on the nose, which struggles to find itself. Time gives this wine a chance to strut, and while it doesn't ever find a great groove it does offer youthful plum and berry flavors followed by resiny tannins. A little too scattered and pocked to rate better.
A bit heavy and sweet, with big lemon-lime aromas followed by cloying pear and mango flavors. It's more creamy and sticky than desirable, but the core flavors are admirable and you can't take issue with its purity. Would be better if it were more agile.
A pretty good red for those on a budget. The nose falls into the generic but pleasant raspberry and cherry realm, while the feel and flavors are of mouthfilling, mostly clean red fruit. No real varietal character but a good enough red wine.
This mildly prickly, red-fruit dominated Malbec is perfectly drinkable. The nose is drying, while the palate shows red cherries and raspberry along with some forceful buttery oak. Reasonably long on the finish.
Fat red cherries and red plums are laid across slate and star anise on the nose of this bottling based on a historic clone. There is solid tension to the sip, with rocky, grippy minerality framing hibiscus, pomegranate and chaparral flavors.
This is an engaging, nervy wine, with a light, savory aroma and tangy red-cherry flavors riding on a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and good acidity. It does not try to overwhelm with superripe fruit or oak, but just lets the purity of the grapes shine through.
Petit Verdot makes up a full 62% of this wine, with the rest Merlot (18%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Malbec (5%) and Cabernet Franc. The aromas offer notes of blackberry, Fruit Roll-Ups, herb, dark soil and flower. The palate brings cherry flavors, bright acids and chewy tannins. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.
Ripe cassis and berry aromas come with common Rioja side notes of vanilla, cedar and tobacco. This wine feels flush, with plenty of weight but also balance. Flavors of raisin, prune, cassis, chocolate and vanilla finish full, toasty and warm. This is a ripe reserva made in the classic Rioja style; drink through 2025.
Eric Carucci taps a very cool-climate, biodynamic vineyard originally planted by Syrah legend Bob Lindquist to deliver this tightly wound, age-worthy wine, full of black pepper, tar, violet and dense black currants on the nose. The tart black-plum skins, boysenberry and purple flower notes on the sip need time to develop as do the squeaky tannins, but tons of potential greatness awaits. Drink 2019–2029.
Espresso, toast, new leather, menthol and French oak aromas take center stage. The firm palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and sage alongside tightly knit fine-grained tannins.
The Gonet family's investment, which began in 1998, has begun to bear fruit. This wine comes from the second in a row of fine Bordeaux vintages. The style of the vintage is well represented in this richly endowed wine with its swathes of black fruits, its rich tannins and its warm full texture. This is just coming together after a quiet period for the vintage. Drink from 2018.
This wine is firm with solid tannins. It has rich fruit and concentration with layers of blackberry and dark plums. It comes from a small seven-acre property and is aged for 15 months in wood. This impressive wine needs to age, so drink from 2022.
This fragrant wine will entice with you its heady perfume of woodland berry, wild herb, graphite and blue flower. It's still quite young and tightly wound, delivering strawberry, cherry, white pepper and thyme wrapped up in taut tannins. Vibrant acidity provides balance and energy but give this time to fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.
Rooty aromas of licorice and sarsparilla are oaky and toasty, like burnt bread crust. This reserva feels weighty, but well balanced. Spicy currant and plum flavors are racy and improve on an elegant finish that doesn't overreach. Drink through 2026.
Interest is stirred right away by tarry aromas of wild berry fruits and rooty spices. The solid palate is creamy while also showing its teeth. Toasty, spicy baked-berry flavors are integrated and finish long and dry, with a touch of latent oak. Drink at any point through 2032.
Gerin's lieu-dit wines from 2013 are both successful. Les Grandes Places is muscular but not musclebound, combining finesse and elegance with elements of roasted meat and grilled fruit. After 20 months in new oak, the nose reveals hints of baking spices, but those are balanced by blueberry and pepper elements. Drink 2018–2028.
This wine is tight as a drum at present. Brooding aromas of iron, black cherry, pomegranate, bacon fat, spice and cured meat lead to concentrated full superpolished dark-fruit flavors. It brings a sense of intensity and deliciousness that is impossible to ignore.
BJ Fazeli's blend of 30% Shiraz (the spelling is a nod to his Persian roots), 30% Petite Sirah, 26% Merlot and 14% Zinfandel offers deep blackberry, black pepper, dried purple flowers and a pinch of herbs on the nose. The black fruit of the palate is spiced heavily with cardamom and clove. The rising acidity and firm structure show most on the finish.
Ripe-tasting spiced-plum flavors and a generous texture make this full-bodied wine easy to enjoy at first sip, and it offers even more payoff with continued tasting. It delivers plenty of fruit character, accented by complex cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spices and a grand feeling of breadth on the palate.
This wine is 61% Syrah and 39% Mourvèdre. Appealing aromas of red and black fruit, mineral, spice, earth and braised meat lead to a full bodied, still quite tightly wound palate. All the stuffing is there but it needs some additional time in bottle or a short decant to open up.
Coming from one of the strongest vintages of the last decade and with a full five years in bottle, this blend of Pepper Bridge (60%) and Minnick Hills fruit brings aromas of smoke, barrel spice, cranberry, cherry and dark berry. The dark-fruit flavors are rich, luscious and palate coating. It brings a sense of hedonism and balance that is impossible to ignore.
Robustly spicy in cardamom and cinnamon cola, this wine explodes in dark berry fruit, its medium-bodied layers smoothed and velvety on the palate. From one of the more prominent sites within the Petaluma Gap's wind tunnel, this wine has a coastal influence of salty air about it.
Ripe blueberry with a dusting of cinnamon makes for an enticing, inviting nose. These flavors also dominate the juicy palate, where fine tannins weave a delicate web of support. Freshness balances the rich fruit, showcasing a juicy, berry-ish wine that is more than just fruit-driven. Structure and aroma resonate on the long finish.
This wine comes from a recently planted area of valley, high on a ridge top. A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec, the aromas boast high-toned notes of mineral, herb, cherry, licorice and dark fruit. The cranberry and cherry flavors bring a sense of concentration and richness. It shows well now, but should only get better with some additional time in the bottle.
Finding ripe Petit Verdot outside the Médoc in Bordeaux is unusual. And then to make an 100% varietal wine is very rare. It is a rich wine without being excessive. Its tannins and structure are firm, backed up by black fruits that will surely develop as the wine matures. Drink this success story from 2020.
This boasts intense aromas of crushed thyme, new leather and a balsamic note of camphor. Firmly structured but elegant, the linear palate offers dried sour cherry, tobacco, clove and sage set against assertive, close-grained tannins. Drink 2021–2031.
A touch of promising reduction still hovers on the nose. The palate is both firm and fruity. This wine is gorgeously ripe, with aromatic fruit captured at the perfect moment. It has grip and muscle, along with juicy, firm freshness that lets the dark and almost brooding black cherry, blueberry and blackberry fruit speak. On the finish, peppery spice appears amid the berries and bright freshness.
Slightly overripe aromas of raisin and prune dominate the nose on this jammy, spongy-feeling gran reserva. Soft, ripe cassis and plum flavors come with spice and tobacco accents. On a savory finish, prune comes back into play, thus cementing a ripe, jammy essence. Drink through 2025.
Cherry and plum aromas come with a dusty note, however things turn sharper and more brambly with airing. It feels citrusy and choppy, with sweet-and-sour flavors of raspberry and red plum. Juicy, but fiery on the finish.
Stalky and sweet smelling, this has aromas of beets and rhubarb pie. The palate offers weight, depth and a firm feel, with sweet berry flavors that come with herb and mint accents. It's warm on the finish, with length.
This crisp, medium-bodied Pinot Noir features tart cherry and cranberry fruit alongside hints of tomato leaf. Drink now.
Bright gold in color, this is fragrant of sweet spice, smoke and orange rind. Medium-bodied in style, the palate is a tad tart, with notes of sour apple, lemon and underripe tangerine. Finishes on a sour wood note.
A bit lean and tannic, with an herbal tang to the tart cherry and cranberry fruit. This doesn't show much of the warmth of the vintage but remains a pleasant wine, best served alongside fatty foods like burgers.
Delicate and rounded, this has soft vanilla and ripe strawberry flavos. It has touches of spice and orange peel, with gentle acidity on this finish.
This is cedary and dry smelling, with more spice than fruit aromas. It feels crisp, tight and acidic, with flavors of raspberry, red plum and forced spice coming from the heavy oak. Dry, oaky and spicy on the finish.
Dusty red-fruit aromas come with earthy, leathery tones. It feels tight, drawn and resiny, with hard spice and oak flavor. There's not much fruit to ponder, and the finish is dried out, with a woody note.
Gritty, toasty and burnt smelling, with stalky aromas of burning hay and rubber. It feels solid, with herbal flavors of tomato and basil that are given heft via additional flavors of grilled beef and leather. This has a medium-long on the finish.
Floral and fruity smelling, this also has notes of dry earth and asphalt. It feels tangy and tomatoey, with saucy flavors of red cherry, tomato and herbs. The finish is herbal, with flavors of oregano and rosemary amplified by zingy acidity.
Soft and stewy up front, without a whole lot of vigor. It feels wide and hard, with abrasive tannins and strained flavors of herbal berry and leather. On the finish it's earthy, tannic and warm, with a weedy note along with barrel spice.
Quiet up front, with dull, candied aromas of black cherry and plum. This feels bullish and grabby, with clipped, crisp flavors of red plum and cherry pie filling. Fresh, but it comes up short on flavor on the finish.
With aromas of milk-chocolate-covered cherries and forced oak, this smells overtly sweet and candied. This feels choppy and juicy, with red fruit flavors and buttery oak in the background. It turns sweeter and more buttery on the finish, but doesn't offer much complexity.
The scratchy berry aromas are solid upfront—good enough to urge a swig of this wine. What comes next is a soupy, herbal, tomato-influenced Malbec that finishes like gazpacho.
This is rusty in color, with burnt leaf and dried earth aromas. Drying and hard on the palate, it has an earthy, leafy set of strained red-fruit flavors. Bitter and rough on the finish.
This is hard coated with a creamy plastic note and a milk chocolate scent. Overall it smells heavily oaked and artificial. It feels resiny, with sticky tannins and thickness, tasting of hickory and carob.
Right from the start things are stretched thin. It smells raw and feels dilute, with flavors of sour plum and a bit of wood resin. Fiery and tart on the finish.
Spice and tire rubber aromas shadow hard, dry berry scents. It feels bumpy and scattershot, with a pasty, oaky flavor and fiery acidity. The finish is overly oaky and invasive.
This is bitter, with hints of sulfur, yeast and almond. It's soft in texture and lacking fruit.
A sappy wild-berry aroma turns mulchy with airing. The palate feels sharp and puckery, with very high acidity that creates short, tart, ultrajuicy raspberry and red plum flavors.
This is minty green up front, with a dilute cherry aroma. It feels hollow with green flavors that override mild red-fruit notes. Herbal on the finish.
Berry and plum aromas come with hints of smoke and asphalt. The very high acidity creates a shearing mouthfeel, and the flavors never evolve past tart red plum and cranberry.
Cherry and plum aromas lead to a choppy, rubbery-feeling palate. It tastes soupy, herbal and briney.
This smells like citrus and rhubarb more than Malbec, with a tart, herbal palate that's high in acid and short on enjoyability.
This is on its last legs. It smells maderized, flat and candied, then feels heavy and drying. It tastes and smells old, finishing bitter.
Fondillón represents the pinnacle of red Spanish dessert wines, and the 1999 vintage just might make your jaw drop. Subtle but expansive on the nose, with a blend of baked dark-fruit and cinnamon aromas, it is liquid heaven in the mouth, with excellent balance and flavors of roasted plums, black cherry, nutmeg and chocolate. This is pure, structured and outstanding from start to finish. Drink now or hold in a proper cellar for another 10 or 20 years. 100 cases made.
This barrel-fermented Chenin shows well-integrated oak, with hints of soft baking spice to the melon and green-fig fruit core. A slightly creamy texture fills the mouth, with a seductive toasty accent staying through the medium-length finish.
This is a restrained, even delicate, Pinot Noir, with nuanced aromas of underbrush and barely ripe cherries. It's elegantly proportioned in the mouth, with a silky texture and pretty cherry fruit. At 10,000 cases produced, this should be relatively easy to find even Stateside.
Still quite young, this 100% Cabernet Franc shows great promise with more cellar aging. It's respectful of what that grape can do, with smoky overtones amid layers of green olive, cedar and pepper. The finish has a bite of minty cocoa.
A delightful Riesling, sweetly aromatic, and balanced with some residual sugar. It has well-crafted flavors of pear and vanilla.
This wine won't be available until 2013/2014, but for the moment it is a mouthful of extremely ripe blackberry and blueberry jam, with layers of tar and dirt. Big and ripe, the additional time in bottle will help smooth out its edges.
Made from Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, this smells of grapes dried in the sun. This is delicately balanced, with just the right level of thickness and sweetness. Enjoy with plummy desserts or dark chocolate.
Woody and aromatic of muggy earth, this has a spicy, tannic finish and a big-time structure. Its aromas at first veer on the funky side, but then they swirl into tar and spicy, cinnamon berry.
Mordorée's Côtes du Rhône is a classic blend built around 40% Grenache and 30% Syrah, with smaller amounts of the other permitted varieties. The result combines scents of leather and roasted meat with cherries and dark overtones of cocoa and coffee. It's a nicely balanced, full-bodied wine, with just a touch of coarseness to its texture. Drink now-2016.
Honey and minor toast notes mingle with the red apple, mango and peach aromas and flavors. Easy-drinking and fruit-forward, the palate is bright and lively, with pineapple-core acidity that lingers on the finish. Drink now.
Juicy, tart and tightly wound, this pure Malbec has a core of wild, brambly berry and light plum. Nicely managed oak aging (28% new) brings in a lick of smoky caramel, clove and coffee. The flavors fall off a little too quickly on the finish.
A blend of mostly Chenin Blanc, with 9% Chardonnay and 5% Viognier, this is a charming white with alluring notes of orange blossom and peony that mingle with the white peach and mango fruit. There's a nice vibrancy on the palate, with fresh tropical-fruit flavors that hang on to the finish.
This shows a strong Bourbon barrel flavor from the new oak that is still being integrated into the fruit. Tart wild-berry flavors surfacewith air, but the impression is of a high-acid, sharply-defined Merlot; it's structured for aging.
Carignan takes the lead here, composing roughly two-thirds of the blend. Young, tart, still primary and chewy on the palate, this subtle, expressive wine displays an underlying minerality backing pie cherry fruit.
A light-golden Chardonnay that does its county proud. It's lively and bright, with medium weight and flavors of sweet lemon custard, apple, and a lime-zest-dominated finish. This is a very good wine at a very fair price that should pair with an assortment of dinner fare.
A clean, varietal nose introduces this complex Yakima Valley Syrah. Mixed notes of fennel, anise, herb and coffee wrap around tight, tangy red fruits. The balance and definition are excellent; the finish has just a hint of stem.
This is a new blend from Baer. Merlot dominant, it's forward, fruity and fresh, offering pleasant strawberry and mocha flavors. Though at first sip it seems to fade quickly, it becomes more fleshy in the glass and thickens up nicely.
Aromas suggesting damp earth and crushed gravel lead the nose while the extremely diluted, short palate shows the barest hint of lemon juice. This is about as basic as a wine can be.
Cheesy tomato-based aromas are rubbery and fiery. This feels lean and monotone. Stewed, salty flavors of earthy berry fruits are off base and dirty, while this is cheesy tasting on the finish.
If time waits for no one, don't wait for this. A blocky, jumbled nose of charred and baked black fruits is rustic and off-base. Clove, all-spice and other savory flavors dominate a heavy, unbalanced finish.
Gamy, rubbery aromas mark this sizzler with major balance issues. Sour flavors of currant and lemon finish with nothing but acid.
This wine is frankly old and downsliding, with aromas of pumpkin and corn flakes. A gold color and mildly oxidized apple-like flavors are tired.
This stunning wine opens with classic Nebbiolo aromas of new leather, rose, wild berry, crushed herb, dark spice and menthol. The palate is chiseled and loaded with finesse, doling out juicy red cherry, ripe strawberry, licorice and cinnamon flavors. It's structured with polished tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2023–2043.
This opulent, powerful wine has weight, richness and a beautiful creamy texture. It's built to age, from its wood aging to its minerality. Concentrated, it offers yellow fruits shot through with acidity. From the grandest Chardonnay vineyard in Burgundy, it will age well and be ready to drink from 2026.
This textbook Barolo's new leather, cake spice and menthol aromas jump out of the glass. On the firmly structured palate, cinnamon and licorice notes underscore red cherry, cranberry and orange zest flavors. Tight, noble tannins and bright acidity provide the framework, suggesting it will age beautifully for decades. Drink 2023–2043.
Wood, ripe fruit and a tight texture give this wine a very complete feeling. It is structured, mineral-driven and packed with fresh apples and yellow fruit. The impressive structure and balance suggest the wine will age well; drink from 2024.
Ethereal aromas of baking spices, cinnamon and berry fruits convey exoticism. This Carignan from 90-year-old vines is saturated and a bit rubbery on the palate. Infinite flavors of nutmeg, spiced plum and berry fruits exude Priorat schist, while everything comes back on a strong finish with measurable tannins. Drink from 2019–2030.
This block-designate wine shows flamboyant aromas of red cherry, cola, purple flowers and light caramel. The palate offers an amazingly cohesive and zesty experience, combining piquant cranberry and tart raspberry with slate-driven minerality and a persistent woody spice. The texture is soft, but lifted by strong acidity.
The impressively plump and prominent strawberry and red-currant aromas are alluring on the nose, enhanced by touches of cinnamon and pepper dust. The palate combines savory pepper spice, red plums and berries, with a solidly simmering acidity shimmering through the entire sip.
This is a stellar representation of the region, combining ripeness with dark earth and wild herb notes. Aromas of black cherry, crushed slate, turned loam, dried hibiscus and violets make for a lavish nose. The rounded palate weaves black raspberry together with gravel, thyme and sagebrush. Iron fist, silk glove, utterly delicious.
A ripe, dense wine, this has powerful fruit and a serious long-term future. It is rich with yellow fruits with a generous, creamy texture, and tight with minerality. This gorgeous wine will certainly age well. Drink from 2024.
Toasty aromas suggest maple, along with a note of sawdust to accompany earthy berry scents. A rich, pure palate is intense but shows balance and comportment. Blackberry, cassis, peppery spice and integrated oak flavors are detailed, with a smooth finish. Drink this full-bodied wonder through 2028.
From one of the most coveted vineyards in the Central Coast, this is a well-balanced whopper of a wine, starting on aromas of fresh raspberry, black plum, forest floor, violets and dark chocolate. The palate is rich upfront, showing strawberry and other dark berries, and then gains complexity in notes of sandalwood and myrrh. Thanks to deep acidity and tannic framing, the wine is simultaneously bold and balanced.
From the largest Grand Cru in Vosne-Romanée, this wine has plenty of the structure as well as the fruit that shines in this vintage. It is rich and smoky with black fruits and red-berry flavors. The wine is still young, drink from 2026.
Thickly concentrated at first, this wine settles in the glass to share a wealth of juicy black-cherry flavor that's impressively accented in black tea and cola spice. Medium bodied, it feels sublime on the palate and holds its ripeness in check, allowing a simmering acidity to speak.
This is the Arnoux family's top wine coming from vines on the revered hill of Corton. It is a powerful wine, properly rich and structured from the vintage. Wood and spice come through although they will soon integrate with the dense black-plum fruits and mineral texture. Drink the wine from 2025.
Ripe red-cherry and strawberry aromas are lifted by grated clove and mace spice on the inviting nose of this bottling by longtime Winemaker Eric Hickey. A lively boysenberry-pomegranate combination explodes on the palate, where snapped sage sticks, wild thyme and dried rose petals make for an ethereally light yet stunningly flavorful wine.
There's an unparalleled woody intensity on the nose of this offering, with cigar box, myrrh, incense and bay leaf decorating the black peppercorn, herb-laced salt, dark chocolate and black plum aromas. The palate's leathery flavors are woven into fine-grained tannins, revealing flashes of elderberry, violet and gravel. Drink 2019–2033.
This gorgeous wine is floral and doughy, made entirely from Chardonnay and given time to mellow and mature over many years. The patience is rewarded in intensely complex layers of apple, pear and lemon—a caramelized backdrop providing appropriate richness and accents of gingerbread and doughy brioche.
A full array of chaparral aromas arise prominently on this bottling, with thyme and sagebrush spicing up the smoke, earth, crushed slate and dark-cherry scents. The palate zings with snappy black-raspberry fruit, a great counterpoint to the savory shrubbiness that reflects the nose, with more wild herbs and eucalyptus notes. Quite a full experience.
An especially deep-gold color and enticing, expansive aromas indicate the extra aging time this Pinot Noir-based bubbly went through. Ripe pear, honey and toasted-almond notes weave across the palate as a rich mouthfeel is picked up by fine yet persistent bubbles. It is a delicious, mature wine that shows how complex and rewarding California sparkling wine can be with time. Keep through 2022.
Lush fruits of boysenberry, plump raspberry and strawberry mesh with vanilla, nutmeg and allspice on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard off Drum Canyon Road. Black cherry and more vanilla make for a rich palate, but it's cut by an edge of acidity, darker elderberry, savory shiitake and a bay-leaf character that rises on the finish.
This Carignan welcomes you with fresh berry aromas that are like jam, accented by spice notes. Secondary aromas of coffee and toast lead to a full, saturated palate with a vise grip. Deep, savory flavors of roasted plum are spicy on a complex finish that blends power and elegance to the end. Drink from 2018–2030.
Regarded almost as a Grand Cru in its own right, the Moutonne vineyard, wholly owned by Albert Bichot, is in a corner of the Vaudésir Grand Cru vineyard. In this sumptuous year, the wine is more generous, ripe yellow fruits than mineral texture. The acidity and the tangy aftertaste are a reminder that this is from cool-climate Chablis. Drink from 2023.
This is Alamos's top Malbec, and it is fat and savory on the nose, with rubber, leather, asphalt and cured-meat aromas in addition to showing jammy fruit scents. In the mouth, this is lush and meaty, with blueberry, jerky and campfire flavors. A toasty, stout finish is big and weighty, but overall this fruit bomb is balanced.
Maestro opens with fruit and balsamic aromas of red currant, grilled pepper and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is still quite tight and closed, but reveals soft flavors of plum, black cherry, espresso and nutmeg. This needs a little more time to open up, so give it a few more years in the cellar.
This savory selection offers earthy aromas of underbrush, truffle and leather. The zesty palate expresses tart red cherry flavor punctuated by mint, vanilla and espresso accents. It's nicely balanced, with firm but ripe tannins and ample freshness. Artisan Wines, Downey Selection.
Berry, rubber, exotic spice, earth and toast aromas work in harmony. This blend of Tempranillo and Graciano is packed with acidity, structured tannins, oak and red-fruit flavors of plum and raspberry. It's only on the finish where you get richer notes of prune and pastry. Drink through 2022.
Yes, it is spicy, but this is also an elegant wine, balancing its honeyed sweetness and tropical fruits with a stylish acidity and sophisticated perfume. Warm and round at the end, it is ready to drink.
Crafted by Billo Naravane from Rasa Vineyards, this is Echo Ridge's sole blend—a mix of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cab Franc and 17% Merlot—all from the estate vineyard in eastern Oregon. The blend proves to be a bit more complete than the single varietal offerings, with plum, anise, tobacco and a hint of coconut in the finish.
Raisin, black plum and oregano are the aromas that define this lightly baked, earthy Malbec. In the mouth, this is direct and slightly raw in feel, but not overly so. Flavors of herbal fruits, raisin and stewed berries finish solid and with a peppery taste that introduces a mild burn to the picture. Drink through 2017.
Savory aromas of turned earth and roasted plum and berry are subtle and appealing. This dark-colored wine is thick and grabby on the palate, with roasted, earthy flavors of loam, toast and blackberry. The finish is long but comes with some heat. Drink this big-boned Toro now through 2017.
All-stainless fermented, this flavorful Pinot Gris displays fleshy, ripe pear flavors, with a light dusting of cinnamon spice. Simply delicious, and ready right now.
With its arm-breaking, heavy bottle, this is a wine obviously meant to impress. Old vines do give concentration, and heavy tannins promise aging. The wine is packed with ripe plums and black currants, but leathery notes and a feathered texture suggests the wine is already evolving.
Pale gold in color, the wine is already hinting at maturity. It is deliciously ripe, perfumed with layers of green herbs and a finely textured character. Great acidity gives a tight, bright aftertaste.
Based in Temecula, Lorenzi is trying its hand with Napa Valley Chardonnay here and not with the best results. The wine has a dark golden color and plenty of vanilla, pear and pineapple but on the finish the citrus is so sour it's tough to recommend.
While it has some attractive apple fruits, the wine misses out on the real minerality and texture of Pouilly Fuissé. It's a wine hidden behind net drapes, indistinct.
Tinny and minerally on the nose, then citric and zesty in the mouth. Flavors of lemon, lime and scallion are narrow but crisp. Tangy on the finish.
Was probably better a year or two ago; now it's losing steam and smelling and tasting oily and pithy. Aromas of almond skins denote old age, and while there's still vital acidity and leftover citrus flavors, it's fast approaching its deadline. Best to wait for the 2010, or even the 2011.
Scents of cherry vanilla and cream waft luxuriously from this surprisingly full-bodied, semi-dry White Cab Franc. The palate is candied and sweet with red, ripe fruit, and a hint of sweet tomato water on the finish.
Notes of crushed black pepper and cedar against a backdrop of ripe red fruit are pleasant on this full-bodied Cab Franc, but hints of green reeds and resin distract.
Bursting with fresh, bright scents and flavors of strawberries, raspberries and huckleberries, this juicy, polished and powerful wine is spring in a bottle. Lush and lively acids underscore the fruit and lead into a long, spicy finish.
Scents of chamomile, tropical fruit and citrus zest lead the nose on this vibrant blend of Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. The structured, savory palate offers layers of yellow peach, candied lemon drop, nut and mineral alongside bright acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Tight, crisp and with herbal as well as citrus flavors, this wine comes from flinty soil. That creates all the intensity, the tautness, the mineral texture and the ability for the wine to age. True to style, this wine will need to be kept, so don't drink before 2017.
A lifted, phenolic note of Bosc pear peel suggests both freshness and maturity. The soft, rounded palate sings with pear sweetness and finishes medium-dry. There is softness and pliability, but a guiding, focused freshness that provides excellent balance.
Trademark hints of flint and smoke often attributed to the Devonian-era slate of the middle Mosel abound in this sprightly off-dry Riesling. Its mineral backbone doesn't deflect, however, from buoyant white grapefruit and peach flavors that penetrate through the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas of white flower, citrus zest, chopped basil and sage lead the nose on this stunning wine while the vibrant, full-bodied palate shows nectarine zest, mineral, dried apricot and lemon drop. Firm acidity bestows a clean, crisp finish.
Fermented via carbonic maceration in a concrete tank, this spent 10 months in neutral oak prior to bottling. Give it a bit of breathing time to flesh out, and it rewards you with lush, spicy berry flavors, accents of fresh herb, and a hint of chocolate.
Grapefruit, toast, orchard fruit and crushed rock aromas all come together on this radiant wine. On the palate, crisp acidity supports yellow apple, almond, citrus zest and mineral.
Intense aromas of tomato vine, chopped mint, basil and sage lead the nose. The savory, linear palate presents citrus zest, yellow stone fruit, aromatic herb and mineral alongside vibrant acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Dark cherry, clove and cinnamon swirl around each other in this well made, light-bodied red wine priced attractively to please a range of palates. Earth and pomegranate rise on the palate, finishing with length.
A soft, pillowy wine with a velvety texture, this crowd-pleaser exudes coastal characteristics of forest floor, dark cherry and rhubarb, providing enough body to complement its lightness of being.
Intense aromas of tomato leaf, hay and honeydew melon lead the nose and follow through to the lively palate along with tangerine, peach and an energizing mineral vein. It's balanced, with lively acidity that gives this a clean, dry finish. It's an exceptional effort for this cool, wet vintage.
This intensely wood-aged wine has a creamy and spicy character. It has very ripe yellow fruits that are balanced by zingy orange zest acidity. The toast is still dominant at this stage and will soften and integrate into the fruit over the next year. It's a wine that could age and will be best from 2017.
Meaty aromas of blueberry and dark strawberry pair nicely with roasting pork, violets and teriyaki on this wine's elegant and complex nose. The palate combines beef jerky with milk chocolate, blueberry and blackberry, simultaneously savory with smoky meat and juicy with lavish fruit.
Jammy blackberry aromas come with a hint of brine and a rubbery note of latex. This is big and tannic on the palate, but also a touch clumsy. Stewed black-fruit flavors run short, while minty oak, grapy berry and toasty spice flavors drive the finish. Drink through 2020.
Made in an accessible, fruit-forward style, this medium-bodied wine features ample blackberry fruit and just hints of vanilla and cedar. Perhaps because of the Viognier component, it's already supple on the palate, yet the finish displays tart acids and some dusty astringency. Drink now–2020.
This Pinot Grigio offers aromas of fragrant white flower and citrus zest. Its linear, elegant palate shows tangerine, pear, lemon drop and a hint of crystallized ginger alongside bright acidity.
Light and refreshing, this brings clean flavors of raspberries in a pastry setting, with a hint of graham cracker. Delicious upon entry, it thins out a bit quickly through the finish.
This is a rich yet soft and perfumed reserve-tier wine. It offers an explosion of dense black fruit, oak and tannin atop a singular foundation of clove and cinnamon-cola spiciness. Full bodied, it's youthful and not quite approachable, finishing in a muddle of cranberry crispness on the finish.
Unlike most Australian Rieslings, this one is a bit sweet (off dry, really). Hints of honey and bergamot bring complexity to the ripe, peachy flavors of this muscular wine, finishing with a dusty, tactile sensation. Drink now-2025.
Wild notes of game and curing spice add depth to the raspberry and cherry fruit core of this wine. Creamy and smoothly textured, the clean fruit flavors are lifted by bright acidity and transition seamlessly into spicy notes of white pepper and whole baking spice on the finish. Drink now–2018.
This bottling, all estate, mixes a number of different vineyard blocks. Roughly one-third was whole-cluster fermented, and it all spent 17 months in 58% new French oak. Earthy with a hint of resin and bark, its fruit runs to cranberry and raspberry, fully ripened with excellent concentration. The finish is a bit high-toned, leaving an impression of tart pie cherries.
A harmonious flavor blend of spicy oaky with ripe plums make this wine easy to enjoy. It's definitely full bodied in terms of alcohol, but the rich flavors and soft, layered tannins make it feel relaxed and delicious.
Mellow sweetness on nose and palate suggests peach compote perfumed with rose water. The result is heady and sweet, oriental and opulent, yet not without charm. Aromatic echoes of honeysuckle and dried orange peel temper the riches pleasantly.
A rather high-toned note akin to resin appears at first but quickly turns into the sweet notion of fir honey. The palate is honeyed, too, with a rich, almost candied center of caramelised peach. There is concentration at the core and a convincing freshness.
This is a succulent wine with its light tannins and juicy red-berry fruits. It is fresh with a mineral edge as well as spice and balanced acidity. The aftertaste is smooth and soft. It is ready to drink for the pleasure of its fruit.
Whiffs of struck flint and slate lend minerality to this light-footed dry Riesling. It's an electric wine powered by jolts of lemon-lime acidity but juicy white grapefruit and peach flavors round out the midpalate. Drink now through 2020.
A dry, mineral wine, hiding its potential richness. Flavors of ripe pears and yellow fruits are matched by lime acidity. The wine has considerable power and a dense character, showing the immense density that comes from this vineyard. Age for 4–6 years and more.
With its structured, mineral character, this is a serious, ageworthy wine. It has a sense of coiled power and steel and a dense, complex texture that brings out both its ripe, pure fruit character and its intensity. Age this wine for at least 5–8 years.
Price aside, this is absolutely wonderful Malbec. The nose is pure and toasty, with minerally dark-berry aromas, cola and pastry notes. The palate is so rich and smooth it's like liquid heaven, while flavors of polished blackberry, espresso and mocha pudding finish mellow as can be, like a silk robe coated in Swiss chocolate. Drink through 2016; 170 cases made.
A rich wine, full and fruity up front, then opening up into a much more mineral, textured character. It is a great explosion of citrus, pear and green apple, the wood aging showing with subtlety. It's a wine for aging, complex and tight at the end.
Château Grenouilles is a parcel within the Grenouilles Grand Cru, a monopoly of the La Chablisienne cooperative. The wine is always impressive. It has weight, richness, concentration and considerable potential. Yellow fruits, wood-aging, spice and a firm structure indicate keeping this wine for six years.
A taut, nervy, mineral-driven wine, this has intense citrus and grapefruit flavors, lemon grass spice and just the merest hint of wood. It's the structure that gives this impressive wine such power, and a steely edge that will need at least 6–10 years.
The vineyard of the beautiful Bacalhôa palace was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon many years ago. This complex and rich wine has power, concentration and delicious mature fruits. It is dense and fully developed now, a finely made wine.
Full bodied and savory, this is a dark, complex wine loaded with notes of cured meat, black olive, espresso and plum. The tannins are ripe to the point of imparting a creamy texture yet the wine never seems overripe or jammy, maintaining a fine sense of balance on the lingering finish.
Classic Cabernet aromas of cassis and boysenberry are steady on the nose. This is plush and mouthfilling, with good overall balance. Flavors of herbs, olive, chocolate, baking spices and blackberry are bright, healthy and end with notes of additional spices and herbs.
Sea salt and fresh white flowers lead the nose of this light, aromatic white. On the palate, the wine is focused and fresh, with a swash of sea salt and clean, brisk fruit on the finish. Pair with grilled seafood and salads.
Rich and smoothly textured, this is rich with red berry fruits balanced by intense acidity. The structure is ripe, full of concentration from low-yield vines and ready for aging. Drink from 2017. This is from the Fer Servadou grape, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, and known in Gaillac as Braucol. The estate, which spans both sides of the Tarn river, has been in the Hirissou family for six generations.
This big, bold and ripe wine has both structure and generous red fruits. It's already balanced with a touch of minerality from the limestone and clay soil. Wood aging has smoothed the tannins while retaining the fruit and bringing out balancing acidity. It is ready to drink but will be better from 2017.
Fascinating spice box aromas blend cinnamon, cardamom and wood smoke. Enticing, unusual flavors suggest sour cherry, blueberries and orange rind. The wine is on the tart side, vivid in texture, well balanced and with a slightly tangy, tannic finish.
Smoke and crushed mineral notes trail alongside sweet honey and yellow peach in this sunny, yet complex spätlese. Semidry in style, a fringe of sugar softens bristling lime and lemon acidity. Drink now through 2025.
You'll note the bubbles around the edges of the glass, some remaining CO2 that says “drink me, I'm fresh!” It puts a creamy edge on this fruitbowl of a Pinot Gris, with abundant green and yellow fruits and a slight impression of residual sugar. But what stands out are the flavors of ripe, juicy, just-picked pears. Credit winemaker Jesse Lange.
Despite its power, this 100% Cab offers subdued aromas of high-toned cassis around a layering of extracted red fruit on the palate. Soft, it has plenty of well-built structure and will show well over time, exhibiting more of its herbal cedar and subtle oak. Cellar through 2020.
Densely purple scents of blackberry jam, plum, cola, cherry extract and dried violet syrup overcome the nose on this wine from a property once owned by a famous composer. The flavors are quite jammy, but given complexity by nuances of dark chocolate and espresso beans. Decent acidity and solid tannins will make this last. Drink 2018–2024.
This is tasty in a ripe, extravagantly fruity way. Raspberry and strawberry aromas seem as sweet as syrup. The full body and alcoholic strength give it a strong texture, but without too much tannic grip. Barbecued ribs or a cheese plate could be great matches.
A really tasty example of the varietal, this has fresh, pure, jammy aromas, abundant fruit flavors and equally abundant tannins. With little evidence of oak, it is a robust, uncomplicated wine that will taste great now with steak or ribs, and may well improve with age through about 2020.
This pure, focused, fruity wine practically dances on the tongue. Fresh strawberry and ripe raspberry aromas lead to similar lively, fruity flavors that wake up the tastebuds. Brisk acidity and moderate tannins add lift for a balanced, refreshing taste experience.
Minerally power is the main theme to the bouquet on this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that comes with notes of seashell and even more briary berry and spice aromas. Chewy, round and full in the mouth, this delivers spicy, foresty berry flavors, herbal notes, mushroom hints and peppery spice on a good finish. Drink through 2018.
A standout in Melrose's well-made, affordable lineup, this captures attractive scents and flavors of English breakfast tea with lemon highlights, and a streak of honey. Residual sugar is 18 g/L.
A luxurious texture, with generous fig, vanilla and almond flavors make this reminiscent of a Danish pastry, though not as sweet. It smells subtle but ripe and opulent. Figgy and buttery flavors are broad and mouthfilling, yet a backbone of acidity lends freshness.
A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, this robust red opens with aromas of ripe, black-skinned fruit, cedar and ground pepper. The concentrated palate doles out fleshy black cherries and black currants accented by licorice and allspice. Velvety tannins and the heat of evident alcohol provide the framework. It will definitely appeal to fans of bold, muscular wines, but it's shy on freshness so drink now.
The Cuyama Valley's high desert is prime for grapes, and this blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah and 4% Merlot is evidence. Dark red and purple fruit aromas of cassis and blueberry hit the nose along with cigar box and drying tobacco leaves. The purple fruit-driven palate shows dark chocolate, black tea leaves and black olives, framed by noticeable but even tannins.
Bold juicy blackberry and cherry combine for an elegant expression of the variety in this soft, finessed wine, laced in classic notes of cedar. The wine finishes in a complex burst of black licorice and is a good choice for the table.
Perfumed berry, violet and Alpine herb aromas come together in the glass. The elegant, structured palate offers wild cherries, crushed strawberries, grilled sage and anise alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It's bright, balanced and silky smooth. Drink through 2017.
Made entirely with Nebbiolo grown in the mountain vineyards of northeastern Italy, this opens with enticing aromas of wild rose, bright berry and Alpine herbs. The polished, structured palate delivers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, exotic spice, vanilla bean and toasted oak. Firm, silky tannins provide structure. Drink through 2024.
Obalo is a consistently very good to excellent example of Rioja crianza. This is full and oaky up front, with tobacco, vanilla and briary black-fruit scents. A flush, voluminous palate is balanced and delivers earthy blackberry and chocolate flavors in front of a lively finish with a touch of buttery oak. Drink through 2019.
Made from 100% Tempranillo grapes that are left to dry for about four weeks before fermentation, this densely concentrated wine is a bit shy on the nose. The structured palate is more expressive, revealing dried black cherries, leather, cocoa, tobacco and licorice that provide enough richness to support the hefty alcohol. It's balanced by velvety tannins. Drink 2016–2022.
Smooth and pleasantly herbal, this is a silky wine with a mix of blueberry, plum and cherry fruit. It spent 20 months in barrel, which lends a light chocolate note to the fruit. Velvety, delicate and most delightful, it should be consumed while it retains its youthful freshness.
Aromas of spiced plum, mocha, underbrush and a confectionary note come together in the glass. The rich, concentrated palate offers dried black cherries, chocolate, vanilla and baking spice alongside velvety tannins.
Aromas of spiced plum, forest floor, vanilla and mocha lead the nose of this smooth, concentrated wine. The hearty palate doles out concentrated red cherry, fig, clove, baking spice, tobacco and a carob note alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
A pretty coppery pink in hue, this aromatic wine is dry and balanced on the palate. Rose petals and wild mountain strawberries combine gracefully, with a finishing touch of toasted coconut.
Dusty rose-petal potpourri and mineral notes accent sweet, concentrated grapefruit and honey flavors in this perky bargain auslese. Semisweet in style, it's approachable and juicy, yet remarkably elegant and persistent.
This light, elegant, precisely crafted wine is a blend of both stainless and barrel-aged juice. Note the low alcohol, and yet how much texture and detail the wine displays. Green berry, apple and pear flavors are highlighted with cinnamon and brioche. This is the style of elegant Chardonnay that Oregon does so well.
Though the aromas of orange and apple blossom, honey and peach extract feign a touch of sweetness, this wine's steely minerality belies such a conclusion. And so does the palate, where a lemonade acidity and wet slate element cut clean through fresh apples and pear flesh, revealing that it's not sweet at all.
For a wine at seven years of age, this is remarkably undeveloped. Hints of celery leaf and apple accent tart citrus fruit, still mouthwateringly crisp. There's some richness on the palate, but hold through at least 2020 if you prefer mature notes of honey, marmalade and toast.
This big, bold, full-bodied wine has everything in spades: giant aromas of boysenberry, saturated jammy flavors, thick but fine-textured tannins, plenty of alcohol and an appealing viscosity that carries the flavors through a long finish. Best after 2019.
Full, dark aromas of varied black fruits set up a rich, chewy palate that's stern but not too hard. Flavors of black fruits and oaky spice are meaty as a whole, while the finish is lush, round and only slightly gripping. This Toro amounts to a great value. Drink through 2020.
This is a 100% varietal wine sourced from the coveted Oakville Ranch Vineyard on the eastern edge of the appellation. Cedar, herb, meat and soy mingle around a full-bodied weight softened by the wine's classic edge, length and breadth of black fruit and vanilla oak. Drink now through 2022.
Earthy, complex aromas of coffee, mocha, cherry and cassis set the stage for a fresh, clean mouthfeel and deep, satisfying flavors of cherry, chassis and spice. A toasty finish with mocha, herb and black-fruit flavors is in sync. Drink through 2021.
Peach blossoms, fresh apricot, light jasmine and a warm white peach cream character show on the nose of this bottling. There is a nice sizzle of acidity right away on the palate, and a pithy, cement-like grip, as well as full flavors of apple and peach blossoms that are rich and yet not overpowering.
Lively, spicy and warm, this full-bodied wine wraps firm tannins around flavors like mulled berries and preserved cherries, though it's also surprisingly fresh and vibrant. After baking spices, mellow fruit comes through on the palate, while the firm texture really keeps it going on the finish.
This powerful wine has considerable structure and considerable acidity that will shine as the wine develops. The fruit is delicious, showing great potential. Drink from 2020.
Deer Creek is on a roll with their Pinot Gris, and winemaker Herb Quady may have a lot to do with it. This aromatic, distinctive and flat-out delicious bottle is a real treasure. Great mouthfeel comes with a touch of mint, set against notes of cinnamon and brown sugar. It's ripe, rich and loaded with fruit flavors of juicy fruit gum and pears.
Opening with scents of mature orchard fruit, dried herb and a balsamic note, this nine-year-old wine aptly demonstrates the aging potential of Greco di Tufo. The surprisingly fresh palate shows an impressive depth of flavors including dried apricot, juicy tangerine, candied lemon drop and sage. A flinty mineral vein energizes the finish.
This wine is smoky with hints of wood. The red-plum fruits are a little suppressed at the moment although the acidity and freshness hint at a good future. It has a cool character with plenty of acidity under the tannins. It will develop, but slowly. Drink from 2020.
This is from a family-farmed vineyard, blended with 2% Viognier. Burly at first, rich in bouillon and saddle leather, it unwinds to show deft acidity around a robust character of tar, cigar and cardamom-seasoned meat. It maintains elegance despite its big personality.
This impressive and beautifully proportioned wine smells jammy and smoky. It tastes luxurious, exotic and concentrated as very ripe berry flavors meet black pepper, cardamom and dark chocolate. The texture is broad and lush, but also firm with fine tannins.
A little smokier in flavor and a little firmer in mouthfeel than other comparable wines, this has an intriguing angular personality that's intended not for cocktail hour but for pairing with, say, a roast pheasant. It has tart-cherry and berry flavors, some light peppery, woodsy accents and lusty, gripping tannins. Best after 2019.
Made from old vines ranging between 100 and 120-years-old, this vibrant white opens with aromas suggesting citrus, orchard fruit, linden blossom, acacia and a whiff of beeswax. On the savory, radiant palate, a mineral vein underscores green apple, grapefruit, and aromatic herb. Give this a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2018 through 2025.
This wine is more structured, tannic and textural than many, and shows the sophisticated personality of a dry wine that still has plenty of ripe flavors. It smells and tastes like wild blackberries dusted with cinnamon. Drink now through 2020.
Ripe black cherry and a hint of menthol in both the aromas and the flavors give this brawny wine a unique personality. It has bold fruit, ample tannins for texture and good acidity for balance. This is tasty now but will age well through at least 2023.
Simply lovely, from start to finish, this is a wine of breathtaking purity. Fresh boysenberries, blueberries and cherries combine, with a seam of light herbs. It's grounded in dark, precise tannins, and finishes tasting of dark chocolate.
Saracina makes dazzling white wines, but this intense red is outstanding too. Dark fruits like blackberry mingle with bright raspberry in this hefty, substantial wine that's full bodied and handsomely tannic. It's dry, very textural in the mouth and concentrated well enough for a lingering finish.
This wine gives a big bear hug with aromas like wild berries and black pepper. Then sweet oak and rich, savory plum flavors emerge on the palate as the ripeness comes through. The finish is long and reverberates with the nutmeg spiciness of perfectly seasoned barrels.
Imposing, concentrated and tannic, this Syrah-based blend needs time to mature and soften. It has vivid aromas and flavors of black pepper, clove, cranberry and dark chocolate plus an almost rigid mouthfeel from a thick underpinning of fine tannins. The distinctive flavors match the powerful structure, so it should age well. Best to drink after 2020.
This full-bodied wine has classy, complex aromas that combine sophisticated oak and spice notes with very generous, deep fruit flavors. The way it all comes together seamlessly on a posh but firm texture shows the winemaker's skill as well as some great grapes to start with.
This full-bodied, velvet-textured wine has an exotic aroma like a pine forest and tastes like a bowl full of blueberries. Ripe, almost jammy flavors coat the tongue, and vibrate with black currant on the finish. Fine-grained tannins give the texture lots of grip, and support the ripe fruit flavors so they stay dry and appetizing sip after sip.
Heavy duty purple aromas of blackberry chiffon and blueberry pudding are lifted by a strong dill element on this darkly layered bottling. Baked blueberries meet with black olives, more dill and cut oregano, held together by a strong tannic structure.
This 100% Assyrtiko Retsina shows the versatility of this variety and will challenge the modern wine drinker's perception of the traditional pour. Intense aromas of lime and lemon mingle with a spin of crushed thyme, honey and vanilla. On the palate, vibrant fruit and a flinty minerality prevail. The wine finishes long and clean. Pair with fatty fish like lobster or fried sardines.
Sourced 60% from the King Estate Vineyard and 40% from the Pfeiffer Vineyards, this sports lovely scents of melon, grapefruit and pear, with accents of sweet grain. Flavors follow in lockstep, with the juicy grapefruit taking the lead, along with tongue-tickling acids.
Dusty mineral tones persist throughout this deeply slatey Riesling offsetting sweet streaks of honey and tangerine. It's still a taut, slightly closed wine, but nuanced by intriguing whiffs of saffron and spice. Its intensity should develop from 2018.
Just the second Chardonnay release from this revived brand, this is built upon Dijon clones 76 and 95, planted in 1995, and aged for just six months in 20% new French oak. It's young and tight, with compressed core flavors of green apple and grapefruit. There's a hint of gun metal, and it punches down the palate with vivid acidity. If you drink it young, decant it, or give it another three to five years of cellaring. Drink now through 2022.
Made with organically cultivated grapes, this opens with aromas of orange blossom, orchard fruit and nuts. The savory, medium-bodied palate doles out layers of juicy nectarine, lime zest, ripe pear and mature yellow apple alongside a note of candied ginger. It finishes on a tangy note.
This wine is almost 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest near-equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The aromas convey mocha, toast, green herbs, dark cherries and spice, while the palate provides lithe, seamless raspberry and cranberry flavors that are impeccably balanced and brightened by tart acidity.
Fermented in neutral French oak and kept light and bright, this wine is sourced from two high-elevation vineyards (both estate) above the producer's winery, including La Perla at 1,100 feet. Ripe in voluptuous white peach and pear, it's lush yet balanced, offering tawny toffee and vanilla, yet finishing in more complex lemongrass. The blend holds 5% Sémillon.
Lush aromas of black cherry pie, mint, graphite, fudge and vanilla bean show on the nose of this aged blend of Syrah and Malbec by former Navy pilot Hal “Bull” Schmitt. The palate is powered by garden herbs, from thyme to oregano and marjoram, as well as smoked meats and blackberry jam.
At first glance, this appears to be a well-made but fairly innocuous Marlborough Sauvignon. But give it a little more time in bottle, or air in the glass, and it fills out, gaining length and complexity. Pineapple and stone fruit aromas and flavors are appealing from the start, but the quality shines through on the long, vibrant finish that's filled with suggestions of nectarine and wet stone.
Aromas of sunbaked soil, truffle, game, Mediterranean scrub and mature black-skinned fruit lead the nose on this earthy red. Made entirely with Nero d'Avola, the round, delicious palate tastes of ripe black cherry, blackberry, orange zest, spice and chopped herb. Velvety tannins and bright acidity support the juicy flavors. Drink through 2017.
A strong pinch of menthol is at the aromatic heart of this wine, a Cab-driven blend with 15% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Soft, it exudes blackberry and currant, with additional sub-layers of cardamom and chocolate, a finely made wine that's drinking well now.
A wine given ample time in bottle, this exhibits a fair amount of ripe fruit and honeyed oak and vanilla. The generous offering of apple fritter and crème brûlée retains enough minerality in the background to stay balanced and refined.
Grenache (60%) makes up the majority of this wine, with the rest fleshed out by Syrah (28%) and Mourvèdre, all aged in used French puncheons. Expressive fruit aromas offer notes of boysenberry, raspberry, orange peel and spice. The flavors are velvety in feel and linger on the finish.
With the high alcohol typical of 2010 vintage, this is a ripe, jammy and full wine. Black plums ooze richness against a background of firm tannins and acidity that will allow the wine to age. It is dense, concentrated and powerful, needing some time. Drink from 2018.
Offering some of the few relatively good-value wines from Pauillac, this 50-acre property has made an impressive wine in this tough year. It is structured and dense although the black-currant fruitiness shows that it will develop quickly to be drinkable from 2020.
This wine comes from a densely planted seven-acre estate, typical of many small properties in Pomerol. Strongly led by its wood aging, it's a structured, still very dry wine. It needs time to develop the black plum and juicy acidity that are there. Drink from 2019.
While this wine is concentrated with firm tannins, the rich fruit dominates. It is dark, complex and rich, filled with black-plum flavors and a good structure. Intense juiciness character complements the tannins, giving a ripe wine that can age. Drink from 2018.
A tower of tannin shapes this deep-colored and ripely fruity wine into an awesome drink. Layers of fine tannins pile up to make a firm, thick texture that supports lots of deep berry flavors and cleans the palate as you sip. It will make a good match with grilled and roasted beef, lamb or game.
Aromas of dried herb, clove and plum are fresh. The flavors are supple and reserved, showing a pleasing tension between the fruit and acid that keeps the attention high.
Subtle smoke and a touch of blueberry is all the nose gives away. The palate reveals more generous fruit reminiscent of ripe and juicy plum. While there is a pleasant, velvety density, the palate is not in the least weighed down by that and sloshes in harmonious joy with palpable but soft, supple and pliable tannins.
A fine effort from the Sutherland-Healy partnership behind the label, this is silky and crisp, with bright hints of cherry highlighting darker notes of cola and plum. Vanilla and cedar notes frame the medium-bodied fruit without being overbearing in the least. Drink now–2025.
This wine comes from a vast 460-acre vineyard on the plateau just west of Pauillac. The wood-aging just shows in what is otherwise a ripe and fruity wine. A firm tannic core indicates the youth of the wine rather than masking the fruit. Generous and fruity, this wine will develop well. Drink from 2018.
The first red release from this new winery, this wine brings aromatic suggestions of vanilla, spice, plum and herb. Balanced red and black fruit flavors are sumptuous yet sleek with a finish that lingers.
A citrusy savoriness plays charmingly through this light-bodied, slender wine of great freshness. Here and there are notions of yeast and tender insinuations of fizzing, white pepper. This is light but very subtle and nuanced. Give this some time to develop in the glass.
This is the inaugural release from the winery's estate site, which sits next to famed Boushey Vineyard. A pale salmon color, it's a field blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache, redolent with aromas and flavors of strawberry, orange peel and spice, along with mouthwatering acidity that ties it all together. It's thoroughly delightful.
A tasty blend of ripe fruit and baking spice aromas and flavors ride on a smooth texture in this medium-bodied, well-balanced and well-rounded wine. Subtle spiciness glides through the finish of this bottling, which should please most anyone.
A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet (70%) and Merlot (18%) taking the lead, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, leather, Red Vines, dried fruit and cherry cordial, with barrel influences out front. The red and black-fruit flavors are tart and generous, with a steely spine of tannins backing them up. It's in a sweet spot. Drink up.
The blending of estate-grown lots given different vinification and maturation regimes has yielded uncommon elegance and complexity in a wine of this price. Stone fruit, citrus and modest herbal notes merge seamlessly on the medium-bodied palate, while the mouthfeel has a silky-creamy texture that's undeniably appealing.
This wine is half Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It draws you into the glass with light, high-toned aromas of herbs, flowers and assorted spices. The palate brings a medley of black and red-fruit flavors, with herbal accents that display deftness, elegance and length. It's drinking well now but should only improve with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2018.
This is a ripe, rich wine, with an open yellow-fruit flavor. It has weight that lends a full-bodied character. While missing a more nervy character, it gives warm pleasure.
Crisp, round and spicy, this has dominating flavors of apples and pears. A green plum flavor and pure acidity complement the finish.
Pungent scents of crushed tomato or nettle leaves enliven this lightweight wine. It's citrusy and pleasantly leafy on the palate, with a finish that turns slightly chalky.
Cherry, leather and dried cheese aromas set up a mildly lactic palate, with flavors of cassis, cherry and oak-based butter. It feels good on the finish, with fruit and oak flavors.
This Hawkes Bay producer has turned out a plump, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Marlborough. Notes of orange and lime sherbet enliven the nose, while tropical fruit comes through on the palate. Clean and refreshing on the finish.
This is gentle and rounded, with creamed pear and citrus flavors. With hints of caramel and vanilla, it is soft, clean and very ready to drink.
Simple and earthy, this has a core of sour cherry and raspberry flavors, with a quick finish.
This has pretty raspberry and cherry fruit. Light and forward, it displays a touch of minerality, adding interest to the finish.
Nervy and tight smelling, this has rubber, black plum and berry. The palate feels a touch grabby, with roasted, slightly bitter flavors of dark chocolate, espresso and blackberry. The finish has plenty of oak flavor, with a leafy, herbal hint.
Full berry and hickory aromas come with a hint of burnt rubber. The palate is regular, if a bit gritty, with generic berry flavors and a spot of bitterness. It finishes quick, tannic and solid, with a lot of fruit character.
While the tannins are very present in this wine, it also has good acidity and blackberry fruits. It's firm and structured in the front, still young, although allowing plenty of room for the fruit to show strongly over the next few years. Drink from 2019.
This wine is firmly structured while also supporting swathes of berry fruits. Tannins come from the Cabernet in the blend and from the wood aging that gives a toasty character. Black fruits and acidity shine at the end. Drink from 2018.
A ripe, juicy and fruity wine, this is already softening. Plenty of rounded Merlot flavors are stiffened by the wood-aging spices and the stalky black currant character of Cabernet. Drink this structured wine from 2018.
Old vines from a 10-acre vineyard are the backbone of this wine. Ripe and concentrated, it offers aromas and flavors of mint from the wood aging along with a dominant Cabernet black currant and berry fruitiness. This is going to develop well, so drink from 2018.
This wine has good potential. While for now, it is dry and cut with tannins, the fruit and rich blackberry flavors are promising a rounded, full future. Wood aging has smoothed the wine and added a touch of toast to the black currant fruits. Drink from 2018.
Set on the plateau of Saint-Émilion, this 12-acre property has produced a structured and firm wine. It is solid with tannins, dark with its black fruits and rich with superripe Merlot. Drink from 2018.
Intriguing aromas suggest barrel spices, vanilla and green herbs, with some of the notes seeming to tussle. The plum flavors are sweet with tart acidity and lightly chalky tannins.
The intriguing nose presents juicy grape candy, but in a serious way, with black licorice and maduro cigar notes. It's lighter than expected once sipped, but strong flavors of smoked meats and boysenberry fruit touch all parts of the palate.
This wine seems disjointed at present with notes of green herbs, leather, cherry and orange peel. The cherry flavors have good density and richness along with tart acidity but the dry, scratchy tannins distract. Give it extended time in the bottle or a very long decant.
Structured and round, this Syrah opens with aromas of earth, game, underbrush, ripe black fruit and spice. The robust palate offers ripe blackberry, crushed raspberry, ground black pepper and a gamy note alongside smooth tannins. Drink through 2016.
Lighter in color than the typical Cabernet from the state, this wine brings appealing notes of coffee, dusty chocolate and dark plum. The extraction is dialed back giving a very elegant feel to the fruit flavors and tannins, with vanilla lingering on the finish.
While round and supple in style, this has a puckering note of sour plums that mingle amid ripe blackberry and cherry flavors. It's uniquely tart and rich, but nuanced with fine, layered tannins and just a touch of brine that lingers on the finish.
This delivers classic Sangiovese aromas of pressed rose, violet, perfumed berry and forest floor with a balsamic note. The palate shows dried black cherry, vanilla, licorice and confectionary note alongside a bitter accent of powdered sage. Astringent tannins lead to an abrupt, drying finish.
Black currants, cranberry, pomegranate and stewed plum fruits meet with pencil shavings and sagebrush on the nose. Flavors are relatively light and straightforward, with dark red raspberry ripeness and tart plum skin tannins.
Butter, toffee, oak and sawdust aromas make up the bouquet. In the mouth, white-grape tannins are firm and grabby. Flavors of citrus, pineapple, melon, banana and oak are tropical and end soft, with buttery weight. Drink now.
In this intriguing wine, the grape—one of California's pre-Prohibition favorites—shows anise- and pepper-crusted roast beef aromas against a red-fruit canvas. It's smooth and airy on the palate, but with lots of Bing cherry flavor and bright acidity.
Cherry candy, vanilla liqueur and spearmint rise to the nose of this well priced wine by Steve McClean. Dark chocolate-covered cherries and a prominent black pepper character show on the palate.
A blend of Red Willow Merlot (61%) and Angela's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers savory aromas of herbs, nori and peanut shells. The palate shows good concentration to the sweet coffee and cherry flavors that display a supple feel and are backed by lightly chewy tannins.
The light garnet color, brick rim and tertiary aromas indicate this is evolving quickly. The palate is more vibrant, displaying menthol, steeped cherry, plum cake, vanilla and licorice alongside bracing tannins. Drink after 2017.
This blend of 52% Syrah, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot offers strong notes of green olive, ham hock and herbs. It's loaded with mesquite flavors with slightly astringent tannins, narrowing toward the finish.
This aromatic wine features melon, red apple skin and tropical notes. It drinks a hair off dry with a broad, rich feel to the fruit flavors.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this vibrant wine conveys aromas of black currant, red berry and cooking spice. The savory palate offers black cherry and ground pepper alongside relaxed tannins. Drink through 2016.
Raspberry and tar aromas mix with wild berry pie and buttered crust aromas. Strawberry, leather and some barnyard flavorings arise on the palate, which shows tannic grip.
Aromas of exotic spice, vanilla, plum and oak characterize this concentrated Brunello. The palate offers dark berry, coconut, toasted oak and dried sage alongside assertive tannins that leave a drying finish.
This wine has a rich core of black fruits, dense tannins and good acidity, offering testimony to the firm character of Saint-Estèphe. Concentrated. it will develop well. Wait until 2018.
Big, full-bodied and very much a product of the 2010 vintage, this structured, generous wine needs time. The dry tannins are still prominent, giving a tough edge to the more generous, concentrated fruits. Drink from 2018.
This 19-acre property, in the same family since the 17th century, has produced a structured, Merlot-dominated wine that is as much about tannins as fruit. It's still young and all that juicy black currant fruitiness will blossom. Give it until 2017.
Although wood aging in this superior cuvée is prominent, this wine has just enough juicy black fruits to allow it to develop well. Get past the wood, and the wine is rich enough and structured with fruit tannins. Allow the wine to integrate and drink from 2017.
From one of the rare organic vineyards of the Médoc, this is a firm wine whose tannins are a fine sheen over the ripe fruits. Balancing Cabernet and Merlot, the wine has structure and juicy blackberry flavors, laced with acidity. It's a wine to age for some years, so drink from 2018.
The Wallula vineyard, set high atop a bluff overlooking the Columbia river, gives grapes that bring dark, roasted flavors to the large-scale wine. The fruit tastes as if it has been pushed, perhaps a bit too far, and the impression it leaves tilts toward the raisiny side. It's a wine that could go in a positive direction with cellar time, but it is impossible to tell right now, as it cuts off quickly once in the mouth.
An interesting blend that incorporates 12% Sémillon with the Viognier. The Bordeaux grape adds weight and smoothes out the Viognier, which tends to be hot and sharp. What you end up with is a slightly buttery white blend that could go well with a variety of spicy dishes.
Light and fresh, with modest grapefruit flavors matched by herbal notes and some flowery aromatics. Probably best as an apéritif. Imported by Pernod Ricard, USA.
Getting past the giant blast of oak that dominates the bouquet is not an easy task, but the intrepid wood chopper will find another side to this wine, one that's full of bright, juicy black fruit and syrupy core sweetness. Of course, the oak is always present and with that comes mocha, coffee and vanilla notes. Imported by Gascon USA.
A blend of Minnick and Ash Hollow grapes, this is a punchy, high-toned take on Syrah. Particularly attractive are the bright raspberry flavors, peppered with, well, pepper! It's got the kind of verve that you find in a simple Grenache, and finishes light and tangy.
Very rich and unctuous, this superripe bottling has buttery honey and hints of English breakfast tea notes that add flavor interest to the sweet, almost sugary Riesling.
Pineapple and grapefruit flavors are accented by hints of tomato leaf, meaning this conforms to the basic Marlborough profile that blends fruit with grassy, herbal notes. Pretty good, it just fades a bit quickly on the finish.
Dark cherry in color, this wine features a bouquet of raspberry and chocolate with a hint of smoked meat. It is very light on the palate, and flavors of cherry, strawberry and thyme play on the tongue into the bright, clean finish.
Ample accents of baking spices and unusual rose petal highlights push this out of the ordinary range of the grape. The pretty blueberry fruit is somewhat masked by all the sweet spice, but this delivers plenty of pleasing flavors.
The somewhat prominent herb aromas don't seem varietal. The red-fruit flavors are considerably more germane, though the tannins come off as a bit sticky.
Sharp aromas of jasmine, green-apple rind and crisp pear flesh give a greener twist to the nose of this bottling by the sHearst family. The palate is framed by tangy, pinpoint acidity, showing lime rind, Anjou pear and squeezed orange flavors that leave the tongue tingling.
Vines planted on gravel soil line a terrace above the Cher river. This wine with an intensely herbal character is fresh, crisp and packed with fruit. It has some weight, along with a great lift from the aromatic aftertaste. The wine can be drunk now, although it will be better from 2017.
This wine is steely, with tight acidity and grapefruit and lime flavors. It is bright and lively, with a tense edge that needs to soften over the next few months. Drink from the end of 2016.
Aging in big wood barrels has softened the intensity of this wine while leaving the fruitiness intact. It makes for a tangy, mineral-driven wine with a smoky, flinty aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Smoky oak and hickory aromas are gaseous early on but come with ripe notes of raisin and plum. This Tempranillo-led blend feels round and grabby, but a touch hollow. Flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate are lightly oaked and finish with grabby tannins and modest earthy complexity.
From La Moussière vineyard, this Pinot Noir-based wine is refreshingly crisp with red fruits and tight lemon and orange-zest acidity. It is lightly textured, with a minerality that comes from the chalk soil of the vineyard. Drink now.
Leafy underbrush, mature blackberry, scorched earth and clove aromas lead the way. The straightforward, accessible palate offers fleshy black cherry, star anise and a hint of game alongside ripe tannins. While it lacks complexity, it has a juicy, immediate appeal. Drink through 2019.
Blades of spearmint and cardamom are prominent on the nose of this wine, followed by a palate rich in pine and black cherry. Lithe with a dense ripeness, the finish is prickly in Asian spice.
This variety's signature dried- and fresh-herb aromas are on full display, with light barrel spices in the background. The palate brings lightly sweet plum and currant flavors that provide appeal.
Aromas of scorched earth, chopped mint, menthol, dried herb and mature berry lead the nose. The robust palate offers raisin, licorice, clove and espresso alongside evident alcohol. Aggressive tannins leave an astringent, tongue-drying close.
The aromas of barrel spice, pear and melon are light and deft. The flavors display elegance, restraint and nuance.
Mature black-skinned fruit, raisin, leather and a hint of menthol come together on this structured wine. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry extract, clove, espresso and a hint of dried herb. Assertive, fine-grained tannins provide support but also an astringent finish.
This is a silky, ready-to-drink red. Cherry and plum fruit mingle easily with earth, leather and mocha, finishing on a softly dusty note. Drink now–2023.
Aromas of toasted oak, plum, menthol and crushed violet open on the nose. The palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, leather, chopped sage and espresso alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink sooner rather than later.
From a high altitude estate in the Vaucluse, this blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault is pale and coppery in hue, yet shows ample richness and weight on the palate. Notes of wet stone, berry and citrus linger on the mouthwatering finish.
Aromas of raspberry jam are a bit stretched out and unusual for a Rioja. In the mouth, this is fresh and fruity, but a bit light on substance. Savory red-fruit flavors end comfortably, with a good texture.
This blend of Mencía, the local Grand Noir and Merenzao opens with raisiny, spicy, slightly baked aromas that suggest nutmeg. The palate is drawing and hard, with earthy, slightly cooked flavors of cherry and kirsch that end with a dash of lemony oak.
Still young, this is a dark wine with blueberry fruit and firm tannins both on display. It has concentration and the potential for juiciness and richness that will develop. A structured wine, it needs more time. Drink from 2018.
This soft, fruity wine is pretty much ready to drink. With its red-berry fruits and fresh acidity it has a crisp side, although its round, ripe texture is so attractive. Drink from the end of 2016.
This cherry-colored wine offers the nose baking spice, tart cherry and black peppercorns. It has a medium body with nice minerality and flavors of blueberry jam, tart cherries and dried violets.
This wine has aromas of black plum, freshly baked pie crust, dried lavender and a touch of menthol in the nose and flavors of sweet cherry and red raspberry in the mouth.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red offers subdued aromas of black cherry, blue flower and baking spice. On the palate, notes of vanilla and roasted coffee bean accent black plum while firm tannins provide mouth-puckering support.
Vanilla, cherry and a crunch of barbecue chips greet the entry of this full-bodied, weighty wine that's soft in tannin. Baked plum and cinnamon make it inviting and satisfying on the palate, finishing with a zest of racy acidity.
Aromas of sugared plums, herbs and black currants lead to black- and blue-fruit flavors that are surprisingly soft. One misses the tannins Cabernet is known for but it makes up for it elsewhere.
Light and fresh, this is immediately attractive with its green fruits, spice and hints of almonds. There is also a backdrop of minerality to this still-young wine. Aromatic and crisp, it can be drunk now.
Fragrant and savory, this opens with attractive aromas of crushed violet, iris, perfumed berry and a whiff of tilled soil. The bright, linear palate doles out black cherry, ripe plum, white pepper and clove while polished tannins and fresh acidity provide the lithe, easy-drinking framework. There's not much complexity but it will makes fine drinking over the next few years.
Restrained notes of yellow plum pervade the greenish, citric freshness. The palate is crisp and grassy, refreshing but textured, with added interest from fragrant lime peel. A concentrated palate leads to a superclean, lime-tingling finish.
Taut grapefruit and lemon zest are joined by a little herbal spice and come out in a bracing, brisk feast of citrus. Slender but concentrated, the linear freshness fizzes away on the palate and awakes all senses. Not an ounce of fat on a very slender, toned body and a total joy to sip.
Spritz and lemony freshness characterize this light-footed offering. It almost fizzes with freshness and verve and remains firmly in the greenish-yellow citrus spectrum of refreshing flavors. A perfect, light summer sip.
The oak—a mixture of new and used French and American—takes the lead on this wine, with aromas and flavors of vanilla, cocoa and coffee out in front of plum and dark fruit. There's a pleasing mixture of richness and lightness. The variety gets a bit subsumed but there's still much to enjoy.
Underbrush, violet, woodland berry and Mediterranean herb aromas lead the nose of this savory wine. The firm palate delivers ripe wild cherry, black currant, mint and orange peel alongside polished tannins. A balsamic note accents the finish. Enjoy through 2017.
Aromas of wild berry, violet, rose and Mediterranean herb lead the nose of this easy drinking, polished red. The juicy palate doles out blackberry, black cherry, white pepper and star anise while bright acidity and supple tannins offer support. Drink through 2017.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this poised Sangiovese opens with aromas of pressed violet, wild berry and a whiff of dark baking spice. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside polished tannins.
The nose does not give too much away. But the palate holds grapefruit zest cushioned by red fruit aromas that are reminiscent of rosehip and hibiscus tea. Lovely, grown-up, restrained and serious enough for food with lasting length and elegance.
Dry and refined in fine-grained tannin, this long-standing vineyard-designate dances in black leather and brambly blackberry, which expand gradually on the palate, peppered by baking spices. Soft and velvety, the finish lingers in spice.
The intriguing nose suggests the ripe flesh of yellow plums drizzled with lemon juice, this is subtly aromatic and immensely appetizing. Riper fruit is revealed on the slight and light palate, once again tempered by lemony freshness. If you like exquisite lightness, this is your ideal, barely-there summer wine. If you have yet to discover Rotgipfler, you are in for a rewarding surprise.
The contrast between high-toned acidity and fragrant richness creates real thrill. In the cooler 2014 vintage the usually oily sumptuousness of Rotgipfler and Zierfandler is totally tempered by citric freshness, an incarnation that is no less appetizing. The finish is wonderfully clean and zesty.
Incorporating a small amount of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a floral Merlot, with notes of violet counterpointed by barbecue smokiness and earth. Big, rich tannins are dry and robust, veering on full bodied, before the acidity in the wine pulls things back into balance.
Aromas of red cherry, blackberry, herb and a whiff of blue flower lead the nose. Made entirely with Sangiovese, the palate doles out fleshy plum and juicy black cherry while clove, white pepper and grilled herb provide backup. Sleek tannins make this already very accessible.
Fragrant blue flower, wild berry and spiced plum aromas come together in the glass. The vibrant palate offers fleshy black cherry, ground pepper, coffee and grilled herb while firm, fine-grained tannins back up the juicy flavors.
This opens with hot, fiery aromas, but with airing the nose turns toward cola, leather and plum. Wiry and lively on the palate, this is a focused, slightly tannic wine that reveals earthy, saucy flavors. A leathery, sun-baked finish is a bit stewy. Drink through 2019.
One tightly packed parcel of citrus zest and white pepper, this is streamlined, compact and linear, making it a moreish refresher. It's light-footed nature makes it very easy to drink. Ideal for hot days where real refreshment is needed.
This bright, medium-bodied red offers aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, ripe plum, ground black pepper, clove, grilled herb and a hint of anise. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2016–2020.
Sourced from two high-profile vineyards, Silver Eagle and Lancel Creek, both farmed by Ulises Valdez, this wine offers an intensity of earthiness on the nose. It otherwise is softly layered in waves of forest floor and dark cherry, with even darker undertones of blackberry and chocolate that rise on the finish.
While this wine is still dense and tannic, it also has great layers of blackberry and black plum fruits that give richness. So although it is structured, it is also full and ripe, hinting at a delicious, generous future. Drink from 2018.
This is a solid wine, with complex tannins that sit over the ripe plum and berry-fruit tones. It is balanced, yet still young showing the wood aging as well as considerable juicy acidity. This wine, with its structure, needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Domaine de la Mordorée's 2014 rosés are fitting tributes to proprietor Christophe Delorme's final vintage (he died in June 2015). This blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Cinsault is weighty and rich, blending raspberries and white chocolate into a wine that could be served as a light red wine, with grilled meats or poultry.
This 100% Sangiovese opens with aromas of plum, wild berry, grilled herb and a menthol note. The structured palate offers ripe black cherry, mint and ground white pepper alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2016–2020.
Bright and savory, this opens with aromas of blue flowers, mint, dark berry and an earthy whiff of underbrush. The firm palate doles out black cherry, crushed raspberry, peppermint and white pepper alongside firm, sleek tannins. Drink through 2020.
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine offers aromas of black cherry and bell pepper. Fruit, cooling herb and spice flavors coexist peacefully on the palate, with hearty doses of cassis, black cherry, licorice, eucalyptus, chili flakes and bell pepper. Strong but smooth tannins never overcome a nice sense of fruity brightness that lingers on the palate.
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine offers fragrances of black cherry, cranberry and espresso. A net of soft tannins plays host to flavors of strawberry, cherry, white chocolate and Thai basil. The finish is a balancing act between smooth and bright sensations on the palate.
Two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance near-equal parts Merlot and Syrah, this wine displays aromas of vanilla bean and baking spices along with cherry and fruit leather. Flavors mingle fruit and barrel, with spice lingering on the finish.
All coming from StoneTree Vineyard and aged in half new French oak, this full-throttle wine offers aromas of blackberry jam, cassis and barrel spice. It's rich and high octane, showing some warmth on the finish.
Blue flower, blackberry, toast and balsamic notes lead the nose on this blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and Colorino. The palate is still tightly tannic but delivers a core of savory black cherry accented with notes of black pepper, licorice and espresso. It has a brooding character and is shy on bright acidity so best to enjoy this soon.
A fruity style of red, it is made to be drunk young, possibly even lightly chilled. It has soft tannins plus a fine balance between the berry fruits and acidity that go with a warm, ripe feel. Drink now.
Carignane likes Mendocino. This wine is dusty and soft in plums and smoky blackberry fruit. Having been aged in neutral French oak, the wine is soft and round, offering a taste of tobacco on the finish.
A forward, fruity wine that shows ripe black-currant fruit. It does have the structure that comes from the tough soils of the Douro, but this is balanced by the acidity, juicy fruitiness and ripe tannins. Drink now.
A ripe Pinot Noir that's marked by toasty oak and big blackberry and black cherry fruit, this wine hails from the mighty Weir Vineyard. It may simply need more time in the cellar to find its balance. Cellar until 2017–2019.
A strong scent of vanilla leads into a smooth entry for this surprisingly rich (given the price) Pinot Noir. It coats the throat with flavors of mocha and black-cherry cola, then brings on substantial tannins with a finish of black tea. It is not particularly varietal, but nonetheless quite tasty.
This linear wine opens with aromas of blue flower, underbrush and red berries. The palate delivers bright red cherry, espresso and a white pepper note alongside firm, drying tannins. Pair this with hearty Tuscan soups. Drink 2014–2019.
A taste of spearmint, black olive and leather interplay on this wine, with black licorice also prominently in the mix. Juicy with tannic grip, this reserve finishes rich in blackberry and dust.
This blend of 50% each Tempranillo and Garnacha opens with wiry plum and cherry aromas. The palate is lively and spunky, with ample acidity. Flavors of berry, cherry and plum are more basic than special, while the finish is firm.
Juicy in red and blue fruit, this wine is soft in texture and mannered tannins with a burst of leather on the finish. From estate-grown grapes, it'll go well with a rib roast or more casual burgers.
Fresh apple, pear and lemon-skin notes mark this pleasantly perfumed dry Silvaner. It's dry and lushly textured, with delicate flavors of green apple, lemon and lime along, with a distinctly dusty minerality that lingers on the finish.
Aromas of blue flower and black berries lead the nose in this blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot/Alicante. The straightforward, linear palate shows black cherry and espresso alongside drying tannins.
Generic berry aromas come with herbal, earthy accents and a lactic note. The palate on this Malbec-led blend is grabby, while flavors of saline, roasted plum and berry finish with chocolaty weight.
Pure apple aromas and flavors give this wine a refreshingly fruity feel. It has touches of almonds, a light and mineral texture and very crisp, fresh acidity. It tastes cool, collected and ready to go.
Concentrated, grapy aromas announce a young, fruity and cleanly made wine. In the mouth, this offers a lot of pulp and weight. Flavors of blackberry and plum are well presented and come with notes of toast and chocolate. A simple but long finish fits the bill.
This is a fully mature wine, soft and fruity with bitter cherry flavors. While it feels light, it also has tannins that support the smooth texture. It's not a wine for aging, so drink now and until 2017.
Marked by savory cranberry and raspberry, the wine is high in acidity with a soft texture and long finish. The palate is underlined by an herbal component rounded out by a hit of tar. Aged mostly in American oak this wine is ready to drink now.
This is a nicely constructed Shiraz with some cool-climate leanings. It's medium in weight, with smoky scents, plum and cherry fruit and a firm, mouthwatering finish.
While youthful tannins play an important part in this dense wine, so does the black fruit character. It's balanced, with the wood toast adding extra complexity. Ripe, while structured, it will age over several years.
Big, brooding and ripe, this is packed with a blackberry flavor that is laced through the bitter chocolate and mocha notes and dark tannins. It is powerful and concentrated, smooth and dark tasting.
Ripe and fruity, this has sweet black-currant and plum fruits, a layer of rounded tannins and a juicy, full-in-the-mouth character. It will be ready to drink in a year.
An aromatic, full-bodied wine from a rich vintage, this has firm tannins and an approachable red-fruit flavor, with spice and toast notes from wood aging. Age this for at least two years.
Firm and austere, this shows the structured side of the vintage. The wine has weight and rich fruit, giving it the promise of good aging. Give this at least two years to soften.
This excellent Pinot Gris balances aromas and flavors of citrus blossom and tart apple. Fermented in stainless steel, it retains firm acidity and a pleasing, textural finish.
This is a touch foxy and feral on the nose, but overall it's an attractive, aggressive wine, with sweaty leather and animal leanings but also a lot of solid fruit and power. It feels round, with a herbal flavor and a cookie note, and a long, juicy and toasty finish.
This is a firmly textured wine, with tannins pushing through the black currant fruit. It is beginning to show a balanced structure and a smooth, smoky character that's leavened by acidity and juicy fruit.
A ripe, balanced wine this is maturing well. It has a black plum note to go with the underlying tannins. Rich juicy flavors join notes of spice and wood, leading onto the firm finish. Age for another two years.
Solid berry aromas blend with notes of mild herb, mocha and sweet oak. The palate has good structure and feel, with creamy, oaky flavors of blackberry, cassis and vanilla. Dry, composed and medium-long on the finish, with freshness due to healthy acids. Contains 15% Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Lush and forward with juicy blackberry fruit, this supple Merlot is richly concentrated and creamy in texture, yet it's invigorated by rippling acidity and hints of freshly cracked pepper. It finishes with a touch of fresh mint and briar.
The nose is jammy and candied smelling, but it finds its stride and delivers aromas of licorice, leather and concentrated berry after airing. Crisp and fresh in the mouth, this has clacky tannins leading to lightly herbal flavors of tomato, thyme and wild berry. It shows some warmth on the long, solid finish. Drink now–2015.
After initial scents of smoke and dark toast subside, the Ben's Blend reveals a prettier, daintier profile with vibrant red-cherry and plum notes laced with hints of cedar and purple flower. The palate is dense with flavors of blackberry and bramble, balanced by brisk acidity and ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Decant to drink now or save for another five years.
With the interest in Moscato at all-time highs, this lovely wine should find a lot of admirers. A delicate orange-blossom scent rolls into flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon rind and rose petal. The acids keep the sugars in proportion and the finish refreshing.
This Furmint from Tokaj has enticing aromas of lemon, grapefruit peel and vanilla bean. There are lively flavors of lemon curd, dried sage and caramelized apricot in the palate with balanced minerality in the finish.
Always a popular offering from this winery, this crisp, fruity white is round and robust on entry. It harmoniously combines juicy acidity with flavorful waves of peach, lime and guava, while the finish is laced with nutmeg.
This wine is structured, dark and dense, with great swathes of smoky tannins plus plenty of red-fruit flavors. With its concentration, structure and richness, the wine will develop well and powerfully. Drink from 2021.
This is a decadently juicy, succulent and satisfyingly delicious vineyard-designate. It shows defined layers of blueberry and sassafras, the body rich yet balanced.
From a single vineyard in the Vinho Verde sub-region of Monção and Melgaço, the heartland of Alvarinho, the wine is rich and smoothly textured. It has a fine creamy character that is filled with ripe pear and apricot fruits. The more citrus acidity is just right to balance this richness. Drink now.
With 12 months oak of aging, this is a rich wine, still showing spice and toast from the wood. That character is finely balanced by the rich black fruit and the acidity. It is a fine wine, ripe and still developing. Drink from 2018.
Truffle, fig, underbrush, toast and chopped mint aromas emerge in the glass along with a whiff of cocoa. The firm palate shows dried black cherry, cinnamon, clove and star anise alongside assertive tannins that need to unwind. Drink 2018–2024.
A consistently great white, this vintage is as impressive as ever, exhibiting steely, rocky minerality around savory, smooth layers marked by light, pretty flavors of key lime and lemon peel.
Intense, fiery aromas of licorice, blackberry and marzipan are rooty and still a bit raw after years in bottle. This Malbec blend is lush and ripe, but blocky tannins show some bite. Flavors of black fruits and toasty oak finish even more blackened and toasty. Drink through 2021.
Fresh green plum, peach and honeydew flavors taste crisp and sweet in this refreshing semi-sweet spätlese. It's concentrated with fruit yet deft and dancing on the palate, accented by hints of dusty pollen and fennel. High-toned acidity leads a long, squeaky-clean finish.
While intensely mineral on the nose, wafting of struck flint and crushed slate, this plucky, light-footed Riesling boasts a decadently juicy, fruity palate. Honeyed tones of peach and nectarine are sumptuously sweet yet balanced neatly by a piercing strike of acidity. The finish is lavishly persistent.
As you'd expect from this pioneering Oregon winery, this is a smooth, sophisticated, accessible yet ageable wine. Polished berry and cherry fruit is swathed in cola and cocoa highlights, running through silky tannins. Drink now through 2020.
This is packaged in a hock bottle, as if to emphasize the bone dry minerality of this all-stainless cuvée. Aromatic and crisply dry, it was aged on the lees for five months, and deftly mixes nuanced flavors of citrus, wet stone, fresh herbs and light greens.
This is a brand, created in the 19th century that had almost disappeared until rescued in the last decade. This Vintage comes from 40 to 60-year-old vines in the Douro Superior, giving a wine with soft tannins and great fruit concentration. It is floral from the Touriga Nacional with fine acidity to balance the ripe, sweet fruit. Drink from 2025.
This ripe wine comes from vines from two parcels: one normally in the wine, with vines more than more than 60-years-old, the other a hilltop vineyard added in 2014. It is full of rich white fruits that skirt on the zesty side of citrus, giving a crisp edge to this otherwise full wine. It is balanced, juicy and ready to drink.
Here is a reserve-level wine that is a showcase for elegance rather than sheer power. Refined flavors of peach, pear and melon carry notes of cilantro and a finishing lick of Butter Brickle. Give this a little extra breathing time, or cellar till 2018.
There is a definite juicy red-fruit Pinot Noir character in this warm wine. It has spice, fine acidity and layers of red-berry fruits. The light tannic structure holds this fine wine properly together. Drink now.
Intensity and subtle power are the hallmarks of this full-bodied, very ripe and fruit-saturated wine. While waves of blackberry jam and sweet black cherry coat the tongue, a sense of sweetness and viscosity clings to the sides of the mouth.
This is a ripe, rounded and aromatic wine, with just the right stretch of minerality and juicy citrus flavor. Crisp, tangy and refreshing in its fruitiness, the wine is rich and full, finishing with a final burst acidity.
Aromas of ripe berry, dark baking spice, leather, menthol and purple flower permeate the nose on this focused wine. The firmly structured palate offers licorice, dried black cherry and clove alongside assertive tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
The quinta that produced this wine already has one of Saint Teresa d'Avila's poems etched above its doorway and now it's honoring the 500th anniversary of her birth with this release. This is a solid blend of rich dark fruits that offers earthly comfort. It is spicy, dark and densely structured. Fine acidity keeps the wine fresh at the end. Drink from 2017.
This eight-year old wine, based on Touriga Nacional, is ripe, now mature with the tannins fully integrated into the rich black fruit. It is firm with a structure that gives concentration and perfumed acidity. The wine is still dark and dense although ready to drink.
There is a lot of herbal and woody nuance to the nose of this blend of 72% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignane and 3% Counoise. Thyme, dried fennel and Earl Grey tea aromas lift the dark strawberry fruit. Shaved cedar flavors frame the palate, where lavender and other purple flowers integrate seamlessly into the soft red fruit.
Grown in Green Valley, this medium-bodied wine offers heady Asian spices seasoned over tart, tangy orange and cherry. Pretty aromatics ride shotgun over a depth of earth and soft tannin and smoky oak, the wine ultimately plush and lush.
This is a lot of heady wine for a relatively affordable price. Aromas of black-cherry syrup, baked black plum, nutmeg, clove and gingerbread make for an attention-grabbing nose. The hearty palate shows similar elements, along with black peppercorn, Christmas spice, dense blackberry paste, chaparral scrub and pine-forest notes.
Honey, mango and guava aromas lend a ripe, tropical flair to this big, powerful Weissburgunder. It's dry on the palate, but it's rich, weighty feel and juicy peach and vanilla cream flavors extend to the finish.
Aromas of oak, espresso, earth and leather characterize this blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate shows toasted oak, black pepper and black cherry notes but the fruit is starting to fade. Drink soon.
Fleshy and smelling of berry skins, this is a large Malbec. Everything tastes dark and fruity, with heavy flavors of spice and toast that powerfully linger on the finish. Texturally, this is tannic, ripe and syrupy.
Bright cherry, red plum and vanilla notes are well pronounced in the nose and on the palate. There's a touch of cherry-vanilla soda as well. The finish pops with a bright persistence of fruit.
There is a touch of earthiness typical of Menetou-Salon in this wine. It brings out gooseberry, catty flavors as well as swathes of citrus. Very crisp, this is a wine that could do with a year to round out.
The nose has a yeasty, meaty character, while the palate is toasty. Rich flavors include ripe plum and vanilla followed by fragrant acidity at the end.
This young Tempranillo is a touch stalky and herbal on the nose, but in the mouth the wine is full, generous and tannic. Grapy flavors of blackberry and prune come with an herbal tweak, while the finish holds form but doesn't improve or evolve.
Perfumed with jasmine and rose potpourri, this off-dry Gewürztraminer is rich and round on the palate, with an exotic spice note. Soft in acidity, it's straightforward, with pleasant peach and lychee flavors.
This straightforward Sangiovese-based wine conveys subdued aromas of blackberry, espresso and toasted notes. The palate is somewhat dilute but offers restrained red cherry and hints of white pepper alongside firm but fleeting tannins.
Rubbery aromas of asphalt vie with berry fruits and hints of green herbs, particularly mint. The palate is big, soupy and round in feel, with herbal flavors of baked plum and raspberry. On the finish, things turn salty and herbal, with roasted overtones.
An interesting experiment, this Pinot Gris is fermented on the skins, then aged in neutral oak for six months. It's a pale rose color, and the skin contact has resulted in some quite puckery phenolics. The barrel aging helps round it out, though it remains almost sour, with light, astringent strawberry fruit.
Malty, earthy aromas of cassis and prune are the opening. The mouthfeel is creamy at the edges, with vitality in the middle. Flavors of pastry, chocolate-covered malted-milk balls and raisin finish with a low pulse. Drink now.
A compellingly fresh herbal component characterizes this wine, particularly in the aroma. Still-tight tannins give a bitter note. Soft and ripe in blackberry and black licorice, it's a wine to enjoy now with a grilled steak dotted in peppercorns.
This SB delivers citrus peel, grass and other common varietal aromas. The feel is a touch flabby and soft despite modest acidity, while flavors of citrus fruits and green herbs finish round and long.
Zesty and full bodied, this has delightful aromas of freshly mowed lawn, lemon pith and grapefruit zest. It's clean, crisp and somewhat astringent on the palate, making this a great wine to pair with raw clams and oysters.
This young and fruity wine brings out red berries, soft tannins and spicy acidity. It's a wine to drink now, full of warm flavors and a smooth texture.
Aromas of bright lemon zest, freshly cut grass, passion fruit and grapefruit lead to flavors of kumquat, mango and lemongrass. There's salty minerality and a nice touch of acidity on the finish.
This wine offers aromas of overripe black plum along with notes of bell pepper and a hint of prune. The palate opens with black currants, raisin and cherry but then falls apart almost immediately. It's rather evolved and diluted, with dusty tannins.
There is only the faintest of aromas on this soft, lightly juicy wine. It is a warm-climate wine, rounded, soft and gentle. The freshness comes at the end, bright and with a citrus touch.
This is a gentle and easy-going Chardonnay. It is soft, lightly buttery and conveys apricot and ripe pear flavors. The aftertaste just touches on acidity.
A big, soft red with lots of plush fruit flavors, this is soft in balance, definitely sweet rather than dry, smooth in texture and full of candied fruit accents.
This organically grown wine celebrates lavender, used for perfumes and other famous products from Provence. Soft and gently fruity with attractive strawberry flavors plus a touch of spice, the wine is immediately drinkable as an apéritif.
Innocuous red fruit and a density of baked plum provide a fruity plushness in this travel-size wine, 100% varietal with ample tannin.
This wine is light and perfumed, with crisp red currants and a tangy orange-zest texture. It dances from the glass, refreshing and poised to finish.
The nose is inexpressive while the lean, rather diluted palate offers dried herb, citrus zest and a note of bitter almond. Brisk acidity completes the picture.
This delicate rosé offers a subtle bouquet of muddled cherry, carnation and mentholated berry. The light and slightly astringent palate boasts tangy, tart notes of currant and lime rind that linger through the medium-length finish.
Black currant aromas lead on to a soft, off-dry wine with red-berry flavors and a stalky texture. With the softness, it is an immediate wine, easy to drink.
Earthy, murky, raw aromas of generic berry fruits topped with vanilla and marshmallow set up a chunky but lazy palate with herbal plum flavors that border on green.
A deep pink or coral color, strong fruit and herb aromas and equally strong, dry fruit flavors call for something rich and spicy to pair with, like sausage and mustard or pulled pork sandwiches.
This simple white offers delicate hints of pear and citrus while vibrant acidity gives it a crisp, short finish. It's a quaffing wine to pour at picnics and other informal get-togethers.
Cool, dark-plum aromas are mildly herbal. This feels drawn-in and tough. Disposable berry flavors come with peppery notes, while the finish doesn't offer much new.
This pruny smelling Malbec, Cabernet and Petit Verdot blend hits with a thud. Stewy and overripe, this tastes raisiny and like little else. Similar on the finish.
Pointy cherry aromas initially suggest nail polish and volatility. A gritty palate with candied red-fruit flavors seems generic, while berry, chocolate and marshmallow flavors lend sweetness to the finish.
It seems strange to have such a heavy, expensive bottle for a wine at this price. The soft, off-dry Chardonnay inside has a lightly fruity character, showing white fruits and the softest texture. It is easy and ready to drink.
This wine has soft flavors, fruity and bright, with a light, easygoing character that will sip down easily. Drink immediately, well chilled.
In its distinctive Provence skittle bottle, this wine conveys a warm seaside feel. It is soft with a touch of caramel and flavors of wild strawberries and cream. The acidity at the end is what makes this wine, giving it the refreshing character it needs.
Lush scents of vanilla bean, raspberry sauce and cherry syrup show on the nose of this ripely fruited Pinot. The palate is light and direct, with virtually no tannic structure. A fleeting finish follows short flavors of juicy red plum and blueberry.
Warm, earthy plum and tomato aromas turn horsey with airing. Flavors of spiced but lightly weedy red-berry fruits, tomato and herbs finish with a creamy, candied texture.
A fairly light, juicy, fruity wine, this has generic flavors, smooth texture, medium body, light tannins and a ripe taste on the finish.
Scattered and unruly up front, this smells downright foxy. The palate is both narrow and sharp, while flavors of vanilla oak, soupy black fruits and tart acidity come around a bit on the finish.
Aromas of jammy, candied berry fruits and wet dog fur amount to a murky whole. This is high in acidity, with a mishmash of berry and creamy, plastic-like flavors. A smear of oak dominates the finish.
Aromas of prune and cocoa powder accurately portend a chunky, plodding palate with flat tannins. This is at maximum ripeness, but it's not totally balanced, as raisin, mint and black pepper flavors finish with heat and herbal notes.
With earthy, rustic aromas that translate onto the palate, this wine seems to miss out on some of the fruitiness normally associated with rosés. A few more months in bottle may help.
The palest pink in color, this wine is light and easy with the merest hint of fruitiness and acidity. Red currant and lime mark the finish.
Baked-apple aromas are not in accordance with an acidic palate that's stalky yet oxidized in flavor. Acidity gives the finish lift, but the balance and flavor profile are subpar.
Nobody ever said Argentina was Pinot Grigio country. This wine is yellow in color, with aromas of haystack and wheat. There's acidity to keep it upright, but flavors of briny citrus do little to bring it around.
This Chard is gold in color, with mushy, oxidized aromas of honeyed peach and apple. The palate feels flabby while flavors of vanilla follow on the finish.
This superb single-vineyard bottling from the heart of Bussia was macerated on the skins for a whopping 90 days. It's a breathtaking expression of Barolo, with intense Nebbiolo scents of rose, truffle and leather. The palate shows vibrant black cherry, truffle, spice, carob, pastry cream and balsamic herb notes and has remarkable depth and complexity. This is already fantastic and will age well for decades. Imported by Masciarelli Wine Co, Moonlight Wine Co.
This is a stunning and vibrant Barolo that defies the heat of the vintage thanks to 47-year-old vines, amazing terroir and noninvasive winemaking. It shows floral aromas of violet layered with spice and truffle, while the palate delivers rich wild cherry, mint and cinnamon. This already shows excellent complexity, but it's still young. Drink after 2022.
Despite this wine's weight and richness, it retains a superb sense of balance and structure. Firm acids and tannins support the blueberry fruit, while savory notes of mocha and roasted meat provide added dimension. Give it a few years in the cellar and drink it from 2015–2025.
This stunning TBA is a powerhouse of superripe peach, mango and orange flavors. The palate feels smooth and rich, with honey and marmalade flavors, but it's ethereally light, with a dusty minerality and shrieking lemon acidity that reverberates on the finish. Gorgeous now, but should develop an earthy, honeyed intensity over the next decade.
Hailing from 70-year-old vines in Cannubi, the most storied vineyard in Barolo, this stunning wine is intensely perfumed with rose petal, violet, sage and eucalyptus notes. The juicy palate delivers creamy black cherry, herb and mineral notes. It's beautifully balanced and has great depth, wonderful energy and ample complexity.
Honey and smoke mix seductively on this piercingly bright yet intensely rich TBA full of orange marmalade and sweet peach nectar. It's unctuously honeyed but delicately textured on the palate. It's earthy minerality should deepen considerably over the next ten years.
Made by one of Castiglione Falletto's top producers, this single-vineyard riserva has a fragrance of wild cherry, leather and truffle. The palate delivers rich black cherry and spice layered with balsamic herbs and mineral notes to produce lovely complexity and balance. It's already delicious, but for more complexity drink it after 2019.
Cavallotto still travels under the radar, but is one of the finest Barolo producers. Its Bricco Boschis is bold and beautiful, offering intense rose and berry aromas layered with eucalyptus. The creamy palate delivers cherry, spice and balsamic notes, along with hints of Alpine herbs. To let this complex wine develop fully, drink it after 2019.
Arione shows its Serralunga d'Alba pedigree via classic aromas of black cherry, leather, truffle and rose petal. The palate delivers lush wild-cherry flavors and hints of truffle, mint and the vineyard's hallmark licorice. It's beautifully balanced, with firm but ripe tannins and just enough freshness, and is simply a gorgeous Barolo.
These blends are traditional in Australia—they're just rarely this good. The 26% Cabernet gives great backbone and a sense of restraint to the wine, which might otherwise seem overdone or sloppy. Instead, there's a blend of blueberry and cassis fruit, Port-like spices and a long, dusty finish. Drink 2015–2025, possibly beyond.
This polished and structured Barolo presents rich fruit and floral scents of black cherry, plum and rose. The dark fruit and spice flavors layered with eucalyptus and balsamic notes are delicious. It's still young, with bracing but ripe tannins that need to soften, but this already shows great complexity.
This is a stunning wine with intense floral scents of iris, violet and rose layered with hints of mint and coffee. The palate is rich and vibrant, with a core of black cherry wrapped in cinnamon and spice. This is superbly balanced, elegant and structured. Enjoyable now, this will also age well.
This is a soft, ripely fruited Sauvignon Blanc, embued with hints of passion fruit and lime. It's plump and medium bodied, round on the palate, then tart and lingering on the finish. Drink now.
Compact and concentrated up front, the nose is propped up with hints of spice and berry. This shows good body and balance, with berry and licorice flavors that are lightly baked, mildly herbal and peppery. Despite a touch of green on the finish, this is very good.
Warm and fruity, this has an open apricot flavor that's balanced by spice and vanilla from the wood aging. Citrus flavors give a fresh, more medicinal finish.
Red berry and cola aromas come with a cool menthol note. It feels chunky and jammy; the moderate-to-soft acidity creates a rubbery palate, with cherry and plum flavors. The finish turns sweet like caramel and slightly stewed.
This is light, with a nose of fresh stone fruit—mostly peach—as well as melon. It's a delightful blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon that will appeal to Sémillon fans. iIts acidity is balanced and bracing; the finish is full of lemon flavor.
Made from grapes sourced from an inland Mendocino County appellation, this is at first forceful, tannic and dusty, with strong red-berry and blueberry flavors. A tad decadent, it settles down nicely in the glass.
While ripe, this also has a firm structure, with a mix of rich yellow-fruit flavors and austere minerality. With the acidity just beginning to soften, it will turn into a full and more rounded wine.
Showing fine acidity, this has a creamy texture and a rich, rounded feel. Full of pear and creamed-apple flavors, it has some weight and a full-bodied character without losing the crisp acidity.
Fresh, soft and fruity, this is brightened by a jammy red-fruit flavor and light acidity. It has a juicy character, with underlying attractive, gentle tannins.
Very pure, this has a clean strawberry flavor, with exhilarating acidity. The wine has some structure and firm tannins, although its fruitiness is the dominant factor.
Deep and dense, this smells horsey and leathery, with aromas of earthy berries. The palate feels racy with acidity, and the flavors of berry, cassis, cola and vanilla lead to a sweet, jammy finish, with touches of vanilla and caramel.
An oaky specimen that starts with maple syrup aromas, but it soon finds darker aromas of coffee, lemony oak and leather. This feels feels grippy and firm, with solid tannins and spicy, lightly herbal flavors of cassis and black plum. Dry and spicy on the finish, with a coffee-like bitterness.
A dark, savory style of Pinot Noir, with intense aromas and flavors of cedar, coffee and cola that turn a bit dry and astringent on the finish. It's fairly big in the mouth, yet not particularly rich or textured. Drink it over the next few years.
Aromas of new leather, iris, ripe berry, baking spice and a balsamic note of menthol come together on this. On the palate, notes of clove and star anise accent a core of ripe Marasca cherry and crushed raspberry. Fine-grained tannins provide the framework.
This offers aromas of oak, vanilla, camphor and grilled herbs along with a whiff of cherry liqueur. On the palate, coffee, sage and balsamic notes accent a core of steeped black cherries. Extremely astringent tannins grip the finish.
This opens with aromas that recall cellar floor, underbrush, toast and espresso. The palate is primary, offering raspberry compote, licorice and grilled sage alongside youthfully austere tannins that clench the finish. Give the tannins a few years to unwind then drink.
The cool character of this under-rated appellation is apparent in this red-currant-dominated wine. With a fresh streak of acidity, the wood and spice flavors are contained and balanced. The wine will be ready to drink from 2018.
Lively and fresh, this wine offers apples, citrus and warmer pears. The juicy fruitiness is immediately attractive, perfumed and bright at the end. Drink now.
This opens with aromas suggesting resin, overripe plum, raisin, menthol and a whiff of nail polish remover. The palate shows tart cranberry, star anise and a hint of dark baking spice alongside assertive, close-grained tannins leave an astringent finish. You'll also notice the slight warmth of alcohol on the finish.
Peaches and rosewater are the dominant flavors in this tasty, all Grenache rosé. Though it comes across as a bit one dimensional, that dimension has plenty of fruity appeal, supported with lemony acids and a hint of bitter rind.
From vineyards in the southern section of Vinho Verde, this ripe Alvarinho is soft and fruity. It has a light texture that is balanced with crisp acidity and a juicy, perfumed aftertaste. Drink this wine now.
Björnson's Pinots are difficult to differentiate. This one is labeled Estate, but is also a barrel selection; the other is also estate but not labeled as such. Both offer medium-ripe berry and cherry fruit and a pleasant touch of new oak and both were aged in barrel for 11 months prior to bottling. This may have had a few more new barrels: at the moment it seems a bit toastier.
Oak, ripe berry, toast, menthol and vanilla aromas set the tone. On the bracing palate, notes of mocha, espresso and licorice accent dried black cherry while astringent tannins leave a raspy finish.
Aromas of menthol, ripe berry, dark spice and a balsamic note lead the nose. On the straightforward palate, star anise accents dried cherry while firm tannins provide support.
This is a rich and fruity wine with an easygoing, soft texture and lower alcohol than many. Flavors recall boysenberry syrup and strawberry jam, and the wine just seems to melt in the mouth.
A pioneer in rosé Vinho Verde, this producer makes a dry wine and one of the few rosés from the region that really make sense. It is balanced with crisp red fruits as well as tight acidity and a shot of lemon. Drink now.
The name, Al-Ria, at the seaside, is a reflection of the importance of the beach culture to this region. The wine has a cool, minty character although its black fruits are ripe and full. It is rich with berry flavors, warm tannins and a dry firm aftertaste. Drink now although the wine will soften.
This blend of Touriga Nacional, the local Baga and Merlot is smooth and ripe. It has soft tannins and a fine level of acidity to give the wine a fresh character to finish the warm red fruits. Drink now.
A blend of grapes from the north of the Vinho Verde region, this is tangy and crisp. It is bright and dry with attractive acidity and a lemon zest texture. Drink now.
For a wine from this appellation, this is soft, bringing out ripe fruit rather than structure. It means the wine will develop quickly and with charm as well as richness. The red fruits are already showing well, as is crisp acidity. Drink from 2018.
Aromas of black cherry, saddle leather and coffee prepare the palate for flavors of raspberry, cherry, mocha, and mountainside herbs. There is a pleasing balance of grippy tannins and bright acidity, with an especially zesty flash of cherry on the finish.
This very ripe and full-bodied wine has aromas like vanilla and baking spices, sweet cherry flavors and a smooth and rounded texture. A luscious cherry-pie impression lingers on the finish.
Joe Dobbes pioneered this variety in Oregon, and it's a rare but welcome addition to the growing pantheon of food-friendly white wines. Light flavors of lemon and citrus touch gently on peach and mango, buoyed with fresh, crisp acidity. Not as dense as past vintages, but deliciously elegant.
Aged in wood, this wine is ripe, with a smoky character from the toastiness. Next to the spice, the red currant and berry fruits are intensely fresh and disclose a tight line of acidity. The wine is still young, although developing well as the acidity softens. It will be ready to drink from 2018.
Delicious and very sweet, this comes off as a tempting dessert wine rather than a cocktail drink. It has deep peach flavors, almond nuances, a layered and creamy texture and lingering finish.
This is clean, refreshing white blend at a realistic price. Grapefruit and fig aromas lead the way, followed by a plump mouthfeel and flavors of ripe fruit. Drink now.
This big, imposing wine offers a deep red color, huge structure of grippy tannins and full body. It has giant berry flavors, all in an attractive dry style, but one that needs time to smooth out. It's best to drink after 2018.
Very recognisably Pinot Noir, even if not Burgundian, this is an earthy wine that is full of spice and secondary, mature flavors. It is rich and impressively full while keeping the perfumed Pinot character. The wine, from a portion of the Château Montus vineyard, is ready to drink.
This wine has a bouquet of black cherry, oregano and lavender. Flavors of cherry, cranberry, thyme, mocha and leather are supported by strong but smooth tannins, and the finish is equal parts savory and tart.
Ripe and bold, this is a rich wine whose dense fruit is balanced by its equally dense tannins. It has spice, juicy black fruits and a structure that emphasizes minerality and oak aging. It's not quite ready, so drink from 2017.
This wine is still firm, only hinting at its potential. The weight is there as well as the rich fruitiness. Give this wine a few months to bring out the generous fruit and texture. Drink from 2017.
This wine was co-fermented with 15% Petit Verdot from the same rocky, hillside site. The two varieties marry seamlessly in the glass, exuding a distinct perfume of forest mushroom and violet. Though pronounced in structure the wine is also soft and round, with a dotting of dried herb and a considerable length of clove and dust. It's rich, intense and memorable.
A prime example of why Pinot Noir is great to release later in its life, this six-year-old wine is signing with concentrated strawberry, iron, dried rose petals, stewed black cherry and raw beef. The palate is quite earthy but also packs black plum, vanilla, pepper, thyme and marjoram into a wondrous and complete package.
Another knockout of this vintage from this site, a portion within the larger estate Quail Hill Vineyard, Summit is perfumed and pretty, full bodied without ever seeming heavy. Crisp punches of strawberry, cherry and a streak of lemon tartness please the palate in an endless loop of complex, velvety texture.
A lovely lift of lemon oil on the nose gives a seductive headiness to the wine. The palate then convinces with generous orange flesh and peel, with tangerine spice and juicy fulsomeness, but never without citric zesty tension. This has drive, freshness and a lively energy. You simply want to drown in this. Lovely now, but built to last. Drink now through 2040.
Smooth and delicious, this boasts enticing scents of violet, berry, leather, tilled soil and aromatic herb. The radiant, elegant palate offers ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and licorice, while a note of pipe tobacco closes the finish. Polished tannins and bright acidity provide balance and structure. Drink 2018–2025.
The nose is closed, but the palate speaks of concentration and a stony core that is still tightly coiled. Once this is ready, it will unfurl into glorious lemon zest and oil notions. For now, this is taut and tight, secretive and closed. There is an implicit stony slenderness, which has a heart of generous fruit buried at its core. This comes with a great promise of future glory, immense direction and concentration. Drink 2020–2040.
An appetizing top note of candied lemon peel hovers over the glass before spicy hints of pear peel become apparent. The palate is edged with very precise zesty grapefruit hints that frame and corset a most generously white-pepper-spiced host of pear and yellow plum fruit. It is the structure of that zesty acidity that make this luminous and appetizing. This is rich but concentrated; delicious now but built to last. Drink 2017–2035.
Hearty black plums, smoked beef and violets meet with rust, crushed rocks and a little dried sage on the nose of Russell From's blend of 45% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre and 2% Tannat. Intense and dark blueberry-blackberry fruit shows on the palate along with elegant herbs and spices, from bay leaf and thyme to powerful black pepper. This wine is an attention-grabber for sure.
A subdued nose has the gentle lift of lemon oil and fresh lemon zest. The palate confirms all of this rich freshness, which streams with great direction across the palate. This is taut and concentrated, with a poised freshness and structure that holds very rich lemon and tangy citrus at its core. There is so much drive and direction. The lovely long finish is reminiscent of Seville orange and pink grapefruit.
Enticing aromas of black currant, violet, chopped herb, grilled bell pepper and a balsamic note almost jump out of the glass. The smooth full-bodied palate delivers cassis, juicy black cherry, ground pepper and black licorice wrapped up in velvety tannins.
This gorgeous, concentrated, mouthfilling wine is delicious to sip now but will certainly improve in the cellar for a decade or more. Tempting black cherry and boysenberry flavors seem to swell in the mouth, while light baking-spice and black-pepper accents weave in and out. Even on the finish it keeps surging with dark fruits and spices.
Ripe Amalfi lemon and the savory peel of still-green Seville oranges make for a heady alluring flavor combination. The same notions also beguile on the palate where they become even more intense. All of this is delivered in a powerful but compact parcel of exquisite cleanliness. This encapsulates the Austrian virtue of precise pleasure perfectly.
The nose is still closed but already whispers of fragrant citrus show. The palate strikingly combines a core of ultraripe fruit—think juicy mandarin, golden peach and gorgeously aromatic blood orange—and a masterful lightness of touch. The freshness is chiselled and precise, the finish is lasting and impressive, but never losing its unforced gentle nature and the lightest touch.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62.5%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Franc (12.5%) is aged in one-third new French oak for 10 months, resulting in a lovely marriage of vanilla and cedar with cassis. The wine is youthful and primary, but the oak and fruit are seamlessly integrated, blending baking spices and chocolate into the mix. Richly textured, with a long finish, this wine is delicious now, but should age well through 2030.
Spicy acidity lies beneath the full-bodied richness of this wine, providing balance, freshness and a lightness on the palate that surprises. Meyer lemon, salty caramel and a feral overtone of forested woods combine effortlessly to intrigue and delight, showcasing the beauty that is Durell.
Perfumed orange peel rises shyly from the glass. A yeasty hint still swings in the background, before an entire host of ripe citrus notes paints a zesty aromatic picture that draws you in by sheer force of freshness. This treads along the very cusp between tartness and ripeness and provides total thrill. The impression on the palate lasts for minutes.
Inviting aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather, pressed blue flower, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note meld together on this delicious, impressive red. The velvety full-bodied palate provides layers of succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle, licorice and cinnamon. Firm, polished tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2025.
Very ripe notions of red-cheeked mirabelle plums and sun-ripened apricots with an edge of nettle shimmer on the nose. The palate is a clearly delineated but gorgeous canvas for foliage-fringed citrus—mandarin, clementine and tangerine all vie for space while yuzu adds spice and savor. There is generosity and slenderness. The finish is ultra clean and the entire wine is surprisingly approachable. Drink this now and rejoice, or keep it and look forward: In either case, this is a delicious fruity trinket of pure pleasure. Drink 2017–2040.
This wine impresses from first pop, a complicated, well-crafted exploration of full-bodied flavor and brambly beauty. Blueberry pie, violet and cigar tease the nose as they follow through on a soft, supple layering of fine-tuned texture. But it's the stony minerality and undeniable coaxing of white pepper that imprint the memory. This wine should only get better through 2034.
Winemaker Tyler Russell sources the fruit for this bottling from an extremely cool-climate vineyard. Tons of fresh-pressed boysenberries meet with wood ash, underripe berries, black olives, rosemary, roasted lamb and Mediterranean spices on the nose. Tart black-plum skin is layered with bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, crushed peppercorn and charred beef on the dynamic palate.
An extreme and lovely amount of dill and spearmint shows on the nose of this exciting bottling by the Daou brothers, whose blend of 54% Malbec, 27% Cabernet Franc and 19% Petite Verdot also offers squeezed black-plum aromas. The palate is deep and rich but also fresh, lively and minty, with more dill laid across a blueberry and plum base, with a touch of charcoal.
A honeyed note clings to the ripe fruit of Bosc pear. The palate adds immense and appetizing spice to the pear notions, edging it with pepper and yeasty notes of soy and sandalwood. The palate is ripe and concentrated but deeply textured and made precise by zesty grapefruit freshness. It appears compact and precise and has a lasting, impressive impact, shining with pure fruit and aromatics. Lovely now but certain to improve with some bottle age. Drink 2017–2035.
Delicious and loaded with finesse, this offers enticing scents of rose, violet, chopped herb, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of exotic spice. The smooth structured palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, and white pepper alongside polished tannins. Hints of pomegranate and pipe tobacco close the lingering finish. Drink through 2027.
This special Sauvignon Blanc is only being released in top vintages. The first was the 2010; the 2013 is the second vintage. Fermented in oak, it offers up complex aromas of pencil shavings and grapefruit, followed by hints of toast, cedar, red currants and gooseberries. It's a ripe, weighty style, but it carries those traits without a hitch, gliding seamlessly through a long, silky, mouthwatering finish.
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing aromas of black-skinned fruit, fresh violet, espresso and a whiff of cake spice. Smooth and structured, the elegant palate delivers crushed raspberry, cassis, licorice and clove that follow through to the long finish. A backbone of polished fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2019–2033.
This blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Counoise shows sharp aromas of pressed olallieberry, cola, uncracked peppercorns and dried oregano on the nose. A strong central line of smashed plum, fig and sweet berries arises on the sip, but with tons of herbal lift. It's a buoyant and well-rounded flavor profile, fruity but herbal.
Pretty aromas of rose petal, raspberry, hibiscus and slate make for a lovely entry to this wine from a historic vineyard in southern San Luis Obispo County. Made from just the 2A clone, it has refined cranberry-fruit flavors laced with eucalyptus oil and Earl Grey tea.
Winemaker Randy Lewis made this wine, a showstopper in fleshy texture and supportive oak. Characteristics of charcuterie and spicy apple pie combine in a complex tension of savory and richly layered concentration, leaving a memorable impression as it traffics in nutmeg on the finish.
Pleasantly bitter hints of orange peel mingle with notes of ripe pear on the nose. The juicy palate adds tart orange and zesty grapefruit to this incisive, aromatic and very moreish mix. The palate is precise and lip-smacking, fresh and concentrated. The full refreshing impact becomes clear on the long finish.
There is something juicy on the nose that suggests freshly cut apple and pear. The palate is rich with these flavors but something mellow, savory and yeasty cuts in that is reminiscent of miso and soy, adding interest and above all spice. The palate veers between fruit and spice but is united by bright lemony freshness. The lasting savoriness is testament to this wine's concentration and balance.
This is a very nice aged Rioja with baked, earthy aromas of spice along with dried raspberry and plum. The mouthfeel is clean and solid in a normal, easy way, while flavors of plum and berry fruits carry notes of coconut and vanilla. A mild, warm, lightly baked finish cements this wine's status. Drink now.
Tasted pre-release, this is clearly ready for prime time. It's both compact and generous, with a core of wild berries soaked in minerals. The words lucid and crystalline come to mind—rarely applied to a red wine, let alone Cab Franc.
This is an ideal summer white. It's light but crisp on the bouquet, with whispy pear, apple and citrus aromas. Freshness reigns on the palate despite there being pulpy citrus flavors. Another wave of citrus carries the clear finish to a precise ending. Delicious white wine.
While elegantly fruity with hints of fresh peach and apple, this dry, mineral-focused Riesling showcases a lean, intensely linear profile. Brisk and revitalizing,it gains texture and astringency on the finish with hints of lanolin and lime pith.
A solid Amador County Primitivo from a consistently good producer that is subtle with bright red and blue fruit with a layer of mint and earthy cedar. Well crafted, it tastes light and soft from start to finish.
Savory dried-herb notes and dusty, crushed-stone minerality add tones of elegance to sunny, sweet tangerine and quince flavors on this lithesome little Riesling. Bursting with fresh fruit and acidity, it's a refreshingly easy quaffer with surprising dimension.
A welcome addition to the Bunchgrass lineup, this white Bordeaux-style blend is one third barrel-fermented Semillon, two thirds tank-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. The ripe and textural fruit still shows a lightly yeasty character, along with highlights of honey graham cracker.
This big, muscular wine opens with a tidal wave of oaky coconut and vanilla aromas matched against tar, eucalyptus and brushy blackberry. The palate smacks down with tannic bite, while the midlevel is a bit amorphous. Plum, berry, carob and leafy flavors set up an oaky, herbal, saucy tasting finish. Drink now through 2018.
Cedarville's estate-grown, Priorat-inspired blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, is well made and inclined to age. It's still soft and oaky with a hint of leathery cassis and game. Imagine a Spanish fiesta for this food-friendly wine.
Satisfyingly ripe wine, now approaching maturity. It has just the right weight from the black currant fruits, the more mature leather texture and the firm tannins that give a dry core. The wine could age for several more years, but is ready to drink now.
This wine, produced by the team of Château du Glana, is big, bold, solid and very firmly structured. With weight, richness, black plum skins and dark tannins, it's a fine wine for aging, so give it at least 6–7 years.
The top rosé cuvée from Léoube is full and rich. Find its generous red plum and berry fruits well encased in a complex structure. A touch of vanilla goes well with the final acidity.
Modern style of wine, with hints of polished wood, mint flavors and a strong sense of structure. Along with the blackberry fruit, still showing no signs of age, the wine has concentration and elegance. It's a wine for more aging over another 4–5 years.
A full, earthy, warm wine that has a strong herbal character as well as rich caramel and red fruits. It has a rare density for a rosé, textured and ripe. Try aging this wine for a  few months.
Full in the mouth, this is a tight, caramel and red fruit flavored wine. It has tang and a textured character that suggests a light amount of tannin. With this nervy, mineral character, the wine could do with some aging. so wait a few months.
Even if this Cab shows eucalyptus on the nose along with asphalt and olive aromas, the bouquet is complex and true as far as high-end Chilean Cabs go. A saturated, syrupy body reflects a hot vintage, while baked flavors of earthy fruits, beef soup and chocolate qualify as stewy but tasty. A warm, flat finish says drink this Cabernet sooner rather than later.
This is classic Chilean Cabernet. It's intense in color, with herb, graphite, licorice and blackberry aromas. The palate is solid, maybe a touch tannic, with oaky, beefy flavors of black fruits, anise and herbs. A solid-feeling, wholesome finish with modest complexity is the final act. Drink now through 2020.
There's so much sweet fruit intensity to this lip-smackingly tasty Riesling. Simultaneously, it's brisk and bright on the palate with bristling tangerine acidity and a hint of fresh herbal tones on the finish.
This absurdly priced Carmenère is always one of Chile's best, and this vintage is just fine, with cherry, cassis, graphite, herb and eucalyptus-like green aromas. The palate is chunky and round in feel, with solid acidity and plump, herbal flavors of berry fruits, olive and spice. But what justifies a $235 price tag? You can be the judge.
Smells strongly of corn, stalky fruit, herbs and grass. Mouthfeel is not a problem, although it's a little sticky on the palate. Tastes heavily herbal and green, with an oaky covering. Short, woody and herbal on the finish.
Cloudy to the eye, with strained aromas of sauerkraut and barnyard animal. Feels heavy and tastes rustic, with burnt, stalky, anonymous flavors. Shows bitterness and stalky flavors on the finish.
A beautifully structured wine, with its tannins layered between the ripest black plums, damsons and black currants. It is opulent while remaining dense, concentrated and very serious. Certainly a wine for long-term aging.
Solid as a battleship, with lemony oak, marzipan and layer upon layer of black fruit aromas. Almost syrupy in its richness but not fully; it's chewy and creamy, with vital acids. The flavors are mega ripe and rich, emphasizing blackberry, black cherry preserves, fudge and fig paste. Yet at the same time it's an ethereal wine; the epitome of modern Rioja. Drink now through 2015.
Enormous tannins, dominant black fruit and a solid, dense structure. The wine, packed with dark fruits, dry tannins, very firm in character. With its huge tannins as well as fruit, this is a wine that really needs many years of aging.
A hugely rich, powerful Chardonnay, layering ripe fruit with a core of tannic structure, acidity, wood and huge depth of flavor. The wine is concentrated, with layers of fruit and textured acidity. Of course, it needs aging—7 years at least.
With a structure that runs between acidity and dark smoky tannins, this is a wine with potential opulence. It's very rich in character, dense and dark. The black plum flavors are dominant, along with excellent acidity. For the long-term.
Taylor Fladgate's vintage Ports are always among the legendary wines. This hugely structured wine keeps the dense, perfumed tradition very much alive. Along with the power, it also has wonderful fruit, bursting out with blackberry jam. Even with all the fruitiness, it needs to age for decades.
El Bosque is Eguren family top-shelf Rioja that's a knockout. It's dark as night, with dusty aromas of cola, cocoa, marzipan, blackberry and spice all rolled into a finessed whole. Feels tight as a drum but balanced, with monstrous flavors of boysenberry, cassis, peppercorn, baking spices and chocolate. Young and raring to go; hold until 2013 then drink through 2018.
A five-grape blend from a range of outstanding vineyards—Stillwater, Dionysus, Bacchus, Sagemoor and Weinbau. The detail and the dance between delicate nuances of vineyard and vine, and the supple berry and black fruit flavors, make this a wine to contemplate as well as savor. Can be drunk young for its vitality and superb structure, or cellared for another decade or more.
A classic Fonseca, rich and powerful, with just an extra edge of weight from the vintage. It has a dry character, a tannic edge that gives great promise, but the open-hearted fruit is all there. A wonderfully intense wine for aging.
A superbly rich wine, with its acidity well integrated into the concentrated and rounded fruit. It has great texture and fruit that bursts from the glass. It is generous, warm and toasty, while also preserving the steeliness that is hallmark of the Les Clos vineyard. Age for at least five years.
The Celilo vineyard has contributed the fruit to many outstanding Chardonnays from a who's who list of winemakers, but none better than this. Intensely concentrated and deeply extracted, it explodes with marvelously pure fruit flavors—the full range of citrus, citrus peel and crisp tree fruits. A wine with perfect virtually balance, exceptional texture and amazing length.
Here the high alcohol does not obscure the layered fruits and overall complexity of this exceptional Cabernet. Thick, ripe and richly endowed, it keeps its black fruit, ripe tannins and liquorous barrel notes all in proportion, and pulls in top flight fruit from Champoux, Sagemoor, the estate vineyard and other select sites. Earth, cedar and tobacco notes highlight the extended finish.
Formerly labeled simply as a Roussanne-Viognier blend, this is now the companion wine to Tranche's Slice of Pape Red. Here is a wine with power, balance and concentration. It's a polished, focused, utterly seductive blend, dominated by the Roussanne, but with the Viognier contributing brightness and a floral top note. There's a riot of fruit flavors, from citrus to tangerine to Macintosh apple and spiced pear, with a slightly saline finish.
This single-vineyard Rioja always impresses through its impeccable balance, depth of aromas and richness. Aromas of jammy blackberry come with blueberry, orange peel, graham cracker and graphite. It's tight and mildly tannic, with pure boysenberry, cassis, roasted plum, charred spice and toast flavors. Coconut, vanilla and coffee flavors are on the front side of the finish. A beautiful wine that will be best from 2013–2016.
Syrah (44%) takes the lead on this blend with the rest equally split between the two varieties. Aromas of flowers, blueberry, spice and herb are followed by ripe yet elegant flavors and a mocha-filled finish.
Rich round fleshy fruit flavors of pear and cantaloupe show excellent concentration. There's a powdered sugary sweetness lurking in the background, not unpleasantly, but this is no bone dry example of Pinot Gris. Drink chilled with cold chicken or light pasta dishes.
The wine comes from vineyards planted close to the Atlantic Ocean, south of Lisbon. That gives cool character to this attractive blend of Alvarinho, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It has green fruits over a perfumed character that is touched by a herbal edge. The finely wrought wine is ready to drink.
This 100% varietal wine comes from Dineen, Seven Hills, StoneTree and Olsen vineyards. The aromas are reserved, showing abundant savory notes along with a kiss of oak spice. The palate is elegant and soft, leaning into the variety's savory side, with smoky notes on the finish.
Rain on cement, lemon pith and the slightest hint of roasted nuts show on the rather tightly wound nose of this vineyard blend. The flavors are delicate and refreshing at first on the brisk palate, and then they warm up pleasantly into marcona almond and a bit of butter.
This is a smooth, yellow fruit-flavored wine that comes from a small area of the appellation. It has ripe apricot fruit and a toasty, creamy texture, giving it rich, full flavor. A light touch of textured minerality lifts the wine on the finish.
Grenache makes up over half of this wine, with the rest Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Fresh fruit, raspberry and herb aromas are followed by sweet ripe red-fruit flavors. It hits the gong hard, showing some warmth on the finish.
Aromas of French oak, vanilla, tropical fruit and a whisper of beeswax make their way over to the tangy palate along with citrus and white almond. It's linear and racy, with a saline finish.
Perfumed Mandarin orange and peach flavors abound in this fruity but briskly composed Gewürztraminer. While nectar-sweet, it boasts a refreshing, spry texture and zingy tangerine acidity. The finish lingers on pleasantly bitter pollen and spice notes. Drink now through 2021.
A blend of 85% Aglianico and 15% Merlot, this has inviting aromas of blackberry and new leather. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
This Leyda SB opens with textbook cool-climate aromas of snap pea, passion fruit and lime. A tangy pointy acidic palate deals the usual Leyda flavor suspects: citrus, bell pepper and jalapeño. This is consistent on the finish, but short.
A blend of 45% Cannonau, 45% Carignano and 10% Bovale Sardo, this opens with aromas of cassis, red cherry and Mediterranean scrub. The round juicy palate offers black plum, ripe raspberry and white pepper set against pliant tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Made with 80% Carricante and 20% Catarratto, this deeply hued white opens with aromas of pressed chamomile, orange zest and a whiff of flint. The round palate offers golden apple, mineral and a citrus note alongside bright acidity. A hint of white pepper accents the finish.
Already showing hints of maturity, this plush, open-knit blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc offers seductive aromas of cigar box, vanilla, mint and saddle leather. No, it's not a fruit-driven wine, but those savory aspects and velvety tannins will pair well with roasts or braises. Drink now–2023.
There's a chalky baking soda touch to the nose of this bottling, with touches of key lime, ripe tangerine and orange blossom. The palate is tangy and grippy in chalky texture, with citrus peel flavors. Very fresh and almost entirely dry.
Touches of soy, cedar and smoked meat enhance the base of blueberry on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard in the geographic heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Mocha and blackberry flavors show on the sip, where an even-keeled acidity holds it all together.
This opens with aromas suggesting blackberry, underbrush and a whiff of new leather. The concentrated, savory palate shows black cherry, tobacco and white pepper alongside lithe tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Light in color, perfumed aromas of potpourri, orange peel and red fruit give way to light, delicate fruit and savory flavors. It provides as lot of intrigue.
Delicate aromas suggesting acacia flower, chamomile, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of hazelnut set the tone on this medium-bodied white. The ripe succulent palate doles out mature yellow apple, nectarine zest and a hint of honey alongside fresh acidity. A note of bitter almond marks the finish.
You'll find aromas of mature wild berry, spiced plum, blue flower and a whiff of charred earth on this medium-bodied red. The savory easygoing palate presents Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and Mediterranean herb alongside pliant tannins. A hint of orange zest marks the finish.
Aromatic and inviting, this pushes strawberry preserves, cola and a dash of non-carbonated seltzer into the midpalate. It spent 14 months in one-quarter new French oak, and the color along with the already maturing fruit flavors suggest drinking this now through 2020.
While more mineral than fruity, this briskly structured dry Riesling offers loads of mouthwatering refreshment. Zesty lime and lemon-pith flavors awaken the midpalate, leading to a long, stony finish. Drink now through 2021.
Aromas of yellow pear, Spanish broom and a whiff of honeyed nut float from the glass. The medium-bodied palate shows good weight and depth for the cool wet vintage, offering golden apple, nectarine zest and bitter almond framed in vibrant acidity. It finishes crisp and clean, with an underlying pinning of flint on the close.
Delicate aromas suggesting ripe orchard fruit, citrus, vanilla and a whiff of toasted oak lift out of the glass. The bright tangy palate presents candied lemon drop, apricot and yellow apple framed in mouthwatering acidity. An almond note closes the finish.
This opens with earthy aromas that recall woodland berry, leather and a scorched earth. The medium-bodied palate offers ripe red cherry, licorice and a hint of toasted nut alongside firm tannins.
Made entirely with Nero d'Avola, this opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit and exotic spice. The straightforward, accessible palate delivers black cherry, ground pepper and a hint of star anise while dusty tannins lend a firm finish. Enjoy soon.
Yellow fruit nuances abound in this slightly sweet-tasting offering from an area better known for growing Cabernet. Pear, pineapple and lemon aromas and flavors predominate, finishing with a bit of heat and slightly rough acids.
A soft, oaky style, with lots of barrel-char and burnt-sugar aromas backed by lemon and grapefruit. Toasted marshmallow and sautéed pineapple flavors finish gently.
The KWV-owned estate in Paarl has produced an old-style Burgundian wine with animal aromas. These may wear off with age, but currently it still has charm, and certainly character, with its layers of spice and yeasty fruits.
Smells great, mixing lemon meringue pie with pears, vanilla and tropical fruit. So what happened? The midpalate is fat, the flavors are simpler and the finish a touch metallic.
A heavier style, seeming almost slightly oxidized in its ripe apple and honey flavors. Picks up some interesting mineral and sage notes along the way to a long, spicy finish.
There's hardly any tawny color to speak of here; it's actually deep red, much like a dry table wine. On the palate, candied flavors mingle with powerful berries. The finish is heavy and exceedingly long, offering flavors of coffee and burnt toast. This tawny is youthful and warm, emphasizing fruit over typical toffee and caramel characteristics.
Probably the wine that put Australian Chardonnay on American consumers' maps, the current vintage boasts aromas of creamery butter, tangerine and lime, with a touch of movie-theater popcorn. Soft peach and vanilla flavors finish with spicy oak.
The lime, pear and melon aromas and flavors are garnished with just a touch of vanilla. Picks up some vegetal lima bean notes on the palate, and the acids stick out a bit on the finish. Still, it's crisp and clean—and would go down easy after a hot round of golf.
Big butterscotch—aromas and flavors—come close to drowning out some of the finer nuances of this wine, which include green apples, citrus fruits and dried spices. Spicy oak and tart lemons linger on the finish.
A trail of smoke wafts from start to finish on this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay from Fox Run. Refreshing and lean on the palate with an abundance of fresh apple flavors, it's bright and clean with a lemony acidity that shines.
Sweet pea blossoms and fresh apples make this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay quite floral on the nose, but the palate is decidedly savory with a pleasantly creamy palate marked by brisk apple flavors, bright acidity and a smoked nut finish.
Estate grown and bottled, this affordable Pinot Noir brings light fruit flavors of watermelon and strawberry. Tannins are dry and the finish carries a hint of bourbon barrel.
Snappy and high-toned on the nose, with citrus peel and sweaty notes. The palate is solid, with sweet mango flavors followed by a small wave of bitterness and astringency. Candied but still a touch bitter on the finish.
The entire flight of Prinz Salm's 2009 GG was something of a letdown, including this astronomically priced sample. It's good, but nothing more, combining subtle apple and citrus notes with hints of petrol. Feels lean and crisp despite the 13.5% abv, so perhaps it just needs more time to develop.
Flinty and sweaty upfront, with even a hint of onion or garlic. Once past that, things smooth out, with a light to medium weight on the palate and some pleasant melon and citrus notes that linger on the finish.
Chunky and earthy on the nose, which is big but undistinguished. The palate is tight and high in acid, while the flavors of wood, mint and roasted berry fruits come with pepper and herbal accents. Dry and basic on the finish.
Solid but generic berry fruit aromas are clean and come with herbal, minty edging. There's no shortage of acidity, so the palate has a sharp, crisp feel and tart, oaky flavors of berry and plum. Sheer, hard, tart and dry on the finish.
While sweet on the nose with aromas of cherry vanilla and wet cedar, the palate on this medium-bodied blend is a bit soft and stewed with overripe red fruit and hints of tomato sauce. Easygoing and generous throughout, it ends with soft tannins and a mocha chocolate and graham cracker crumb finish.
After initial scents of smoke and dark toast subside, the Ben's Blend reveals a prettier, daintier profile with vibrant red-cherry and plum notes laced with hints of cedar and purple flower. The palate is dense with flavors of blackberry and bramble, balanced by brisk acidity and ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Decant to drink now or save for another five years.
Always a fine value, a price drop has made this a must-buy red for everyday enjoyment. Black fruits revel in a bed of mocha, and the acids bring a touch of citrus.
This is a very good example of this Yakima Valley vineyard's style of Cabernet. It's solid—almost chunky—peppery and tannic, with a cassis note and a hint of chalk.
Notes of fresh savory herb and black pepper spice up the plum, cherry and blueberry fruit center of this wine. A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Carignan and 10% Petit Verdot, this medium-weight selection offers a rich, fruit-driven palate with approachable tannins and a solid finish.
Luxurious on the nose and palate, this has loads of sweet, juicy peach, melon and white blossom. Dry in style, with notes of waxy lemon peel and a brisk oyster-shell minerality, this builds in elegance and complexity on the palate. Drink now.
Compact and dark in style, with notes of shoe polish, coconut, rubber, violet and blackberry. It feels tannic and mildly abrasive, with blackened, ripe flavors of dark berry fruits backed by a peppery, spice-dominant finish. This blend of Carmenère, Syrah and Cabernet is oaky and big overall.
This shows the lean character that comes from the vintage. But it's balanced with juicy black-fruit flavors and soft tannins that are now maturing. This is attractrive for a light, ready-to-drink wine.
Packed with black plum and blackberry fruits, this is a firm yet ripe wine. It has wood, smoke and spice flavors that complement the fruit and tannins. Age for three years.
Some tasters will really love this Walla Walla Valley Syrah for its massive flavors of liquorous coffee and vanilla. A cookie dough baking spice flavor abounds, but at the moment, the fruit seems hidden. Perhaps it just needs more bottle age to balance itself out—time will tell.
Flavors of yellow fruit, peach and apricot are given a light burst of acidity and sent on their way with a mineral texture. This wine is all fruit at first, but with the apple skin edge, it needs a year of bottle age.
Tropical fruits and richly herbaceous flavors come together in this ripe, fruity wine. It has a citrus core along with a fine tang of orange zest and pineapple. Ready to drink.