With its superripe, jammy fruit, this is lush and opulent. It does have a fine structure as well as bitter chocolate and dark tannins. A hugely powerful wine.
Dark and structured, this is a firm wine. It has a smoky wood character, powerful tannins over intensely ripe fruit. Acidity and sweetness balance to give a dense wine, powered with richness and destined to age for many years.
Impressively weighty wine, with a fine combination of tannins, full fruit and a solid, chunky core. The wine is rich, but it also has a sweet acidity. Powerful ageworthy wine, never losing sight of elegance.
Mint aromas hint at the wood, but more important is the massive Merlot fruit that is an essential element in the blend. The result is a wine that blends richness and power with an initially severe character. Slowly it opens to reveal opulent blackberry jam flavors, immensely ripe.
Clos Apalta, depending on your point of view, is arguably Chile's best wine. And this vintage is outstanding! Earth, minty spice, ripe berry, minerality and smoky aromas cover the bases. It's superbly structured, with a fine texture and depth. Tastes lush and complex, with blackberry, crème de cassis, fine herbs and tobacco. Finishes classy. Drink now through 2016.
Ninety-year-old vines produce this ink-black wine, intensely powerful and concentrated. At this stage it is very young, its superb dense fruit still developing. But the power, the rich tannins and the smooth feel from open stone fermenters still make this a wine that needs considerable aging. Give it 5–7 years and more.
Bursting with sweet toast from the barrel aging, this offers ripe and pretty berry fruit, deep and long, with highlights of oolong tea. The alcohol is not intrusive, and the acidity keeps it buoyed and lively.
A seductive wine, deliciously ripe with the softest, juiciest fruit over smoky new wood. The wine shows intense fruit as well as a soft Merlot core. The tannins are beautifully integrated in this ripely sweet wine.
Straight down the line, this wine shows fruit and acidity. The tannins are relatively soft while the fruit is forward. Blackberries, coffee and licorice notes all come together.
Cola, root beer and Red Hots candy play against strawberry, pomegranate and damson on the nose of this playful Pinot Noir. Rusty cranberry, tart red plums and a bit of garrigue spice play on the palate.
The nose on this appellation blend is plump and inviting, blending pan-seared Gala apples and browned butter with a more intriguing botanical aroma. There is zip on the tip of the sip, with flavors of lime peel, lemon zest and a nuttiness in the midpalate.
This blend of 37% Grenache, 37% Syrah and 26% Mourvèdre is brooding, with its char, smoke, cranberry, dark plum and woodspice aromas. On the palate, silky black cherry flavors are accented with barrel-derived notes, striking a lovely balance.
The wine has delicious acidity as well as lively fruitiness. An attractive mineral texture offers a tangy view of a ripe vintage. Drink this crisp wine now.
Black-skinned berry, tilled soil and baking spice aromas lead the way in this wine. Made from very old vines, it delivers blackberry, star anise and clove flavors alongside round tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2021.
This wine's aromas are fruit forward, suggesting cantaloupe, melon and pear. The palate is spicy and broad, bringing a lot of appeal.
This wine's aromas are bright and fruit forward, with generous black pepper, raspberry, fresh flower, smoked meat and barrel spice notes. The full-bodied palate delivers cranberry flavors that are appealing but more ponderous than the aromas might suggest.
Aromas of white peach and apple come with mild oak notes. This feels melony and full, with its body weight dictated by tropical fruits. Briny, salty tropical fruit and corn flavors finish with a lasting note of oak.
This wine's balsamic notes of camphor, oak, toast and crushed mint emerge in the glass while the linear palate offers licorice, sour cherry, cranberry, thyme and tobacco flavors. Close-grained, somewhat astringent tannins lend grip to the finish.
Lots of fruit flavor and light spicy touches make this medium-bodied, dry and moderately tannic wine very attractive. Black cherry meets clove and cinnamon, while ample acidity joins with a touch of tannin for a well-balanced texture.
Pellegrini's standard-label Chardonnay offers a brightness and vibe that stands out against the winery's oakier Vintner's Blend. There's ample toast and spice here, but it's deftly applied, highlighting the wine's rich, slightly leesy texture. Fresh acidity lends balance and grace. Drink now through 2020.
The wine is structured and with bold red fruits. It also has a firm texture, layers of tannins and a solid texture. Acidity shines through at the end. These elements promise a serious wine that will age well. Drink from 2021.
Tart elderberry, purple flowers, anise, bay leaf and other chaparral aromas show on the nose of this blend of 20% Carmenère, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot. Forest-driven flavors power the palate, where firm but forgiving tannins present black cherry and dark chocolate shavings.
This drinks like a Port, with extremely ripe and definitely sweet flavors of raisins, dried plums and blackberry jam. It's not so much a dinner wine as something to sip around the campfire or with a dark chocolate dessert.
Browned butter, toasted almonds, sea salt and peach blossoms converge for a compelling nose on this twist-top appellation blend. It's a full Chardonnay on the sip, with Meyer lemon peel, Gala apple and savory sea salt, all cut by a racy line of acidity.
Elderberry, white pepper, leather, asphalt and black olive show on the nose of this blend of all five Bordeaux varieties done in the region's savory style. The flavors are mellow overall, with wildfire smoke and a bit of herbaceousness decorating the elderberry and graphite core.
This wine's chopped herb, dark culinary spice, eucalyptus and oak aromas unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers raw cherry, ground clove, star anise and tobacco set against close-grained tannins that grip the finish.
The small Beaujolais cru of Chénas is next door to Moulin à Vent. As this wine shows, it has the same firm structure and ripe fruit. The wine from the cru's chateau is dense, smoky and has plenty of firm tannins. It is a wine to age, so drink from 2019.
It's great to find both lots of fruit and good structure in a Zin, especially at such a reasonable price. Spicy aromas like vanilla and nutmeg precede vivid and ripe fruit flavors and more of those oaky spices on the palate where firm tannins and a bite of acidity give a mouthwatering balance.
This wine's underbrush, truffle, leather and herb aromas unfold in the glass. The firmly structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, espresso, oak-driven spice and toast flavors framed by close-grained tannins. Roasted coffee bean and powdered sage notes mark the finish.
This wine is tight and closed up. It does suggest plenty of fruit weight, hinting at toast and apple flavors that will come through over the next several years to give a rich wine. Drink from 2022.
This provides a strong argument that delicate yet flavorful Pinot Noir can indeed come from the Santa Clara Valley. Intriguing and elegant aromas of lavender and violet meet with Earl Grey tea and bergamot on the nose. The palate's light black-plum and black-raspberry fruit are enlivened by purple flowers and a dusting of dried sage.
This richer expression of Pinot Noir kicks off with vanilla and warm cherry sauce on the nose, along with a bit of caramel, enabling it to appeal to lovers of darker red wines. The sip delivers a great depth of berry fruit as well as elegant purple flowers. A chipped-slate minerality is further lifted by dried thyme and bay leaf, making for a hearty but balanced sip.
This Bordeaux-style blend leads with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark in color and potent in flavor, the wine has grand proportions but is finely polished, leaving no rough edges. It starts with light wood smoke and cedar aromas, and proceeds to mouthfilling black-cherry and dark-chocolate flavors on a creamy but moderately tannic texture. The tannins are well integrated, the flavors are deep and persistent. Best after 2022.
This wine is 100% Syrah from Boushey, Olsen and Elephant Mountain vineyards. Alluring aromas of herb, blackberry, bramble, green olive, flower and smoked meat lead to a richly flavored palate that explodes with abundant savory, meaty flavors. It drinks like a charcuterie plate, with plenty of fresh herbs rounding it out.
Black-skinned fruit, iris, espresso, dark spice and a balsamic note all meld together in the glass along with a whiff of chopped herb. The firmly structured palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry jam, toast, roasted coffee bean and a hint of oak-driven spice alongside fine-grained tannins.
Tilled soil, lead pencil, thyme, iris and wild berry aromas take center stage on this fragrant red. It's vibrant and young, with crushed strawberry, red raspberry cinnamon and white pepper flavors framed in lively acidity and taut youthfully austere tannins. A licorice note closes the finish. Drink 2023–2033.
There is immense dark depth to the nose of this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 5% Malbec. It shows tar, cocoa and elderberry on the nose at first, then reveals even deeper waves of black cherry and dark spice. The tannins are dense on the sip, where blackberry and elegant licorice flavors reign. This one will last a long time. Drink 2018–2028.
Aromas of underbrush wild berry, iris grilled herb, vineyard dust and a balsamic note take center stage. The polished palate offers morello cherry, raspberry compote, baking spice and anise alongside refined tannins and fresh acidity. It's already tempting and nicely balanced but hold for more complexity. Drink 2021–2030.
This bottling from the family's estate vineyard in the Foxen Canyon area rides the gamy side of the grape, with sizzling lamb crust, rosemary, black pepper and lavender on the nose. Dense elderberry fruit shows on the palate, with touches of asphalt, chopped thyme and more purple flowers. The acidity is balanced, and the tannins are firm but approachable. A touch of vanilla marks the finish.
New leather, woodland berry, dark spice and menthol aromas unfold in the glass. It's bright and juicy, offering tight layers of raspberry compote, morello cherry, cinnamon and clove alongside firm, chewy tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance while a graphite note energizes the finish. Give this time to unwind and develop even more complexity. Drink 2023–2038.
From the producer's 1,400-foot-high estate vineyard atop the Petaluma Gap, this wine is richly layered in boysenberry, baked cherry and pine. Moderately structured, it has an underlying minerality of stony earth to keep it fresh and balanced despite its robust power and concentration.
Attractive aromas of rose, wild berry and aromatic herb lead the nose on this elegantly structured red. The bright palate offers crushed raspberry, juicy dark cherry, licorice and clove alongside firm polished tannins. A flinty mineral note energizes the finish. Hold for more complexity. Drink 2019–2026.
Fruit for this wine comes from top sites Champoux, Sagemoor, Woodward Canyon Estate and Summit View vineyards. It brings classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of black currant, black cherry and herbs along with generous barrel spices. The black-fruit and coffee flavors are lush and full, bringing a real sense of hedonism and delight.
A luxury white cuvée of pure Roussanne fermented in wood, this is full bodied, with an ripe, honeyed feel. Notes of toast and baking spices add complexity to the pear and pineapple flavors, lingering elegantly on the finish. Drink now–2021.
Stout, leathery aromas of black fruits and grilled meats are blackened and a true reflection of Syrah. This is expansive on the palate, but also acidic and abrasive. Flavors of baked black plum, blackberry and fig are intense. A chewy finish is ripped with power, an indication that this will last a long time; drink through 2027.
Unusually full-bodied and rich for a 2014, this is a big, muscular wine. The superripe plummy fruit is wrapped in a luxurious coat of chocolate-vanilla oak, yet finishes with drive to match its dusty tannins. Drink now–2025.
A beautiful nose of melon, pear and flowers starts this exemplary single vineyard Malagousia from the producer who helped put it on the modern map. Rich and juicy melon and pear ion the palate interplays with a snap of acidity, giving this wine complexity and a food-friendly boost.
You'll find aromas suggesting underbrush, wild berry, tobacco and a whiff of aromatic herb on this. The palate isn't quite as expressive as the nose and is still tightly wound, offering red cherry, cranberry and white pepper alongside a backbone of tense tannins and bright acidity. Give it time to unfold. Drink 2025–2035.
The estate is a small enclave within the Château Tour des Termes which is owned by the same family. Half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has a smoky character from the wood aging. That balances with the rich black fruits and intense fruity acidity. It is likely to be ready to drink from 2018.
This nearly decade-old wine is ready to enjoy now, with complex aromas of iron, turned earthy, leather, dried red cherry, cinnamon, wet cedar, mace and myrrh. It's relatively light in body and the flavors are mineral-driven, with dust and rust set against dried cranberry and cherry fruits.
A very dark color and extremely concentrated fruit flavors give this dry and firmly tannic wine a lot of substance. It feels tightly wound, and will need time for the tannins to soften and let the tight, tart blackberry and bitter-chocolate flavors open up for more enjoyment. Known to age well for decades, this Concannon classic will be best from 2022.
A beautiful aroma like violets, cedar, light oak smoke and black cherry wafts from this deeply colored wine. It brings ripe fruit flavors and a hint of toasted oak to the palate, filling the mouth with juicy black cherry, cassis and blueberry. Touches of dark chocolate are bolstered by ample layers of fine-grained tannins. This is a full-bodied, lightly sweet and elegantly balanced wine to drink now through 2022.
This distinctive and bold dry wine has a flavor signature that incorporates blueberry, black olive and blackberry, while filling the mouth with fine-grained tannins and full body. Those tannins and firm acidity give it a great, grippy texture and help extend the finish.
Sweet, woody tannin supports a bright layering of red cherry in this youthfully ripe bottling, blended with 16% Merlot and smaller additions of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cedar and graphite accent the fruit-forward palate, with flourishes of dark chocolate on the finish.
Red berry, leather and aromatic herb aromas slowly appear in the glass along with a subtle whiff of violet. The taut palate is still tightly wound, offering red cherry, cranberry and star anise alongside youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins that leave a firm finish.
This wine shows mint aromas and big black-fruit flavors. With high toast wood aging, it feels extracted, with bitter chocolate paralleling the blackberry fruits. It has considerable power and density and needs aging. Drink from 2017.
Chehalem makes four different Rieslings, and this is often the best of them. Rich and complex, it's dense with grapefruit, lemon, lime, apple and flavors of wet stone. Lovely in the mouth, it lingers gracefully through the finish.
Heady violet and stone fruit aromas are swathed in fresh, green herbs on the nose of this honeyed, elegantly fruity kabinett. Brisk acidity reverberates on the palate, where sweet fruit then mixes with a long, mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2014 to maximize its fresh, floral exuberance.
Fresh green floral and white peach aromas lend a fresh-linen perfume to this dry Riesling. The palate is a joyful array of mango and pink grapefruit flavors, braced with steely minerality and penetrating acidity. Finishes long, with a sensation of lime-pith astringency.
This famous vineyard supplies the fruit for this excellent, limited selection. Ripe, well-rounded cherry fruit is highlighted with a rich mix of spice, herb and bark. The AVA's characteristic notes of cola and moist earth are there in proportion as well. A fine effort in a difficult vintage.
Fruity and intense, this is a very fine Vinho Verde from the northern vineyards of the region. It is full, packed with pear, lemon meringue and grapefruit flavors, feeling rich as well as crisp. A wine like this can age, so drink until 2017.
Lovely whiffs of fresh rose petals come up from the glass, along with apple blossoms and intimations of pale cherry fruit. The wine has some good grip to the tannins, and a hint of clay and earth. More time is needed to knit the different strata firmly together.
Cuvette Brut has a beautiful floral fragrance of white and yellow flowers, baked bread and Alpine herbs. The elegantly sparkling palate delivers citrus fruit layered with sage and rosemary. The wine's creamy texture is supported by crisp acidity.
A dark and dense wine, this offers richness and a good depth of flavor. Along with its concentrated black plum and damson fruits, it is also strongly structured, ripe and dense. It needs aging, so don't drink before 2018.
This block selection shows a delicate, elegant touch in this vintage, opening with pretty floral accents and continuing with light but compelling flavors of citrus and honeysuckle. There is a well-tuned bitter streak, presumably from some skin contact, and a refreshing minerality throughout.
The aromas and flavors of tangerine, ripe pineapple, jasmine and honey are all robust on a wine that is more about subtlety and elegance than sheer weight and volume. It's very well balanced with an extremely long finish.
Harvested on January 3rd at a ripe 37.8 Brix, it brings an aromatic explosion of dried apricot, citrus, honey, apple and pear. It's full bodied, rich and luscious with well balanced acidity drawing out the finish.
This is a beautiful wine—rich, smooth and balanced. It has weight, great blackberry and damson fruit and a judicious hint of wood. Spice, ripe fruit and fresh acidity all call for aging. Drink from 2016.
This robust Amarone has an earthy fragrance of underbrush, mushroom and tobacco leaf along with plum and spice notes. The dense, delicious palate offers rich black cherry, ripe raspberry, cinnamon and vanilla. It's concentrated, with a velvety texture.
A cranberry-apple flavor and a hint of pepper define this light, dry rosé. Despite the low alcohol it has little or no residual sugar. Chill it and quaff it on a hot summer day.
This offers aromas of feral berry, black olive and bell pepper followed by a black fruit flavor that's touched by a herbal note. It starts out better than it finishes.
This is an attractive mint- and pear-flavored wine with citrus acidity. There is a delicious refreshing orange character to this soft, light and very fresh wine.
Dark toast and graphite contrast cheerful red-plum and cherry aromas on the nose. The palate is ripe with blackberry and plum flavors, but a tad lean in concentration. Hints of green herb, bramble and bright, zippy acidity lead to an elegant finish.
This is meaty, spicy and bold. It feels fresh, clean and slightly astringent, with flavors of wild berry and currant that are a bit salinic. The finish is round, mossy and full. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Carmenère.
This is an attractive herbaceous wine that's light and tangy. Its gooseberry character dominates, lending acidity and a lively, crisp finish. The wine's blue bottle is memorable.
Truly herbaceous and aromatic, this is a crisp, clean, easy-drinking wine, with a fresh, bright line of acidity. Ready to drink now.
Packaged in an attractive sunflower-adorned screwcap bottle, this Chardonnay made from organic grapes is light, bright and straightforward—tasting of lemon, lime and kiwi—with barely any oak influence.
The Meritage term would indicate that this is a mix of Bordeaux grapes. It's juicy and forward, with red wine fruit flavors, as well as significant streaks of coffee and vanilla from the oak treatment.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this offers dainty aromas of peony, nectarine and white strawberry. Fresh and bright, this has a lively mouthfeel and a zippy finish.
This interesting selection offers something different—after being harvested by hand, the grapes were frozen for three days and then heated on an open olive-wood fire before fermenting. The resulting wine is full-bodied yet soft all at once, with dusty tannins that frame the dried berry, plum and black cherry fruit. Accents of crushed cocoa nib and balsamic grace the medium-length finish.
This deep rosé—made from 70% Barbera and 30% Merlot—exhibits intense aromas of red plum and strawberry, along with a hint of pomegranate. Light weight but fruit forward, this has assertive flavors of red cherry and berry that show good length on the finish.
The nose is a tad fleshy with ripe red-fruit and sweet spice notes, but the palate is crisp with striking acidity and hints of green leaves and forest floor. It tastes fine now, with ripe, chalky tannins, but it should hold well until at least 2015.
Light for a reserve, this has a yeasty, slightly beer-like scent. The aromas run from celery and jicama to tart green apple, with a hint of toasted bread—perhaps from the fermentation that took place in neutral barrels.
This is a proper El Dorado Zin. It's still tight and tannic, but air and time reveal a lovely bouquet of lavender and crushed herbs that's layered, soft and spicy on the finish. Miraflores is making some lovely wines and this is one worth seeking out.
Youthful and tangy, this new Le Chateau release of pure Petit Verdot reflects a positive change in the winemaking. The spiced-plum, blueberry and cherry flavors are pure and mouthcoating, and the barrel aging (22 months in 30% new French oak) wraps the fruit in vanilla, coffee, and dusty graphite, leading onto the long and satisfying finish.
A lighter Ursa than recent vintages, the 2009 is a young purple-violet color, with grapy aromas and a broad, fruity palate. Hints of roasted nuts express barrel aging, and the wine has good grip, though the fruit flavors at this stage are still primary. Give this one some further bottle age to smooth out.
This Chenin-based blend—with 10% Clairette Blanc and 10% Viognier—offers great richness and a lush texture. Notes of beeswax and brioche add depth to the orange oil, pear, melon and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. The medium weight mouth offers a fresh lemony citrus and green plum tartness, keeping the palate clean and vibrant. Drink now–2014.
This wine—made using fruit from 60-year-old Marsanne vines—is full bodied but crisp and reined in at the same time. Hints of toast accent citrus and melon notes that turn more lemony and lean on the finish. Could improve with 3–5 years of cellaring.
There's a natural essence to this wine, exhibiting the best qualities of the grape as well as a sense of terroir. Soft herbal and mineral accent the clean, fruity core. Green pear, melon rind and a hint of peach pit unfold on the palate and follow through to the long, slightly spiced finish. Perfectly drinkable now, but will cellar nicely for another 3-5 years.
This wine starts off with an enticing honeycomb and baked apple aroma, followed by secondary accents of baking spice and orange zest. The fully textured mouth is loaded with dried peach and apricot flavors, followed by a nice citrus zip that adds spring to the long finish.
Among bone-dry Cavas, this is one of the best in Spain. It's focused pastry and pear aromas lead directly onto the tangy, citric palate. The flavors of orange, grapefruit and mineral are developed and crisp, remaining firm on the finish.
This pure Cabernet is stubbornly unyielding at first, showing a lean and herbal expression. But with extensive (overnight) breathing time, the fresh and bright flavors of boysenberries and cassis pop into focus, the tannins are ripe and polished, the finish still tightly wound but textural and long.
This reserva blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of lead pencil and mossy berry. The lively palate deals coconut, spice, lemon peel and wild berry flavors. This is a powerful wine that will benefit from airing.
This is the estate bottling, lush and round, with a Chardonnay-like mouthfeel from barrel fermentation. Flavors of citrus and apricot fruit, expressions of a cool vintage, pull it into sharp focus. A smattering of toast and butter threads through the finish.
Made with grapes sourced from 40-year-old bush vines, this Chenin boasts savory herb notes alongside the creamy peach, fig and sweet lime fruit. The medium-weight palate shows well-integrated oak notes that complement the earthy, herbal character. The texture is somewhat nervy now, but this should really start to shine from 2014 on.
A wine that shows all the typicity of cool-climate Grüner. It has pear, baked-apple and lemon zest flavors that are combined in a delicious tangy texture. The wine is rich while remaining light and lively. Drink soon, or age over 1–2 years. Screwcap.
This is generous and ripe, with spicy black-fruit aromas. It feels full but shows elegance with its depth and layering. Flavors of blackberry, plum, tobacco and oak stick out on the palate. It's long, sturdy, leathery and somewhat complex on the finish. Drink now through 2016.
This shows the meatier side of Mourvèdre, with flavors of soft leather, purple berries, fragrant wildflowers and earth. The finish is long and savory.
Created only in exceptional years like 2010, this is a beautiful example of New York Chardonnay. Elegant on the nose and palate, with penetrating notes of Meyer lemons, honey and waxy white flowers, this is an opulent, full-bodied wine that's judiciously oaked and concentrated through the finish. Drinks gorgeously now, but could easily hold 3-5 years.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Canaiolo, it opens with aromas of violet, raspberry and spice. The juicy, forward palate delivers black cherry accented with notes of white pepper and espresso.
Half Zinfandel from Jack Rabbit Flat, half Petite Sirah, aged together in entirely new French oak, this is a weighty, brooding wine, rich in dark plum, blackberry, leather and black licorice. With a touch of espresso on the tightly tannic finish, it's a wine for cold nights and warm fires.
This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Alicante opens with earthy aromas of turned soil, espresso, tobacco leaf and black fruit. The earthy element carries over to the palate together with black cherry, white pepper, licorice and coffee alongside firm but refined tannins.
Unctuously honeyed and floral, this is an irressistably pretty auslese that's sweet with peach and pear nectar, but vibrant, almost searing, with citrus acidity. It's not the most complex in style, but it's appealing for its decadent style and lingering sugar-laced finish.
A nose of cooked cherry, vanilla and orange zest are a nice introduction to flavors of cherry, allspice, violet and citrus peel. A pleasant interplay of brightness and soft tannins make for an enjoyable, easy-drinking wine.
There is an interesting balance of fruit and cooling herbs here, with cherry and raspberry mingling seamlessly with mint and eucalyptus. Smooth tannins continue uninterrupted through the lingering finish.
From one of the denomination's leading producers, this wine has a lovely floral and fruit fragrance of violets, iris, and woodland berries punctuated with a note of exotic spices. The straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry, black pepper and clove alongside elegant tannins.
From a vineyard in southern Oregon that is actually its own, self-contained AVA (Red Hill Douglas County), this wine is approaching full maturity at 5+ years of age. Soft, round and rather delicate, it has the light color and pleasant charm of a simple Bourgogne. Rhubarb, pomegranate, cherry, white pepper and a splash of root beer capture your interest; there is more going on than you'd suspect at first sip.
Spicy pear and yellow-apple fruit flavors roll through this well-structured Pinot Gris. The relatively low alcohol, high acidity and threshhold-level residual sugar give it both texture and tangy vitality.
Soft and refreshing on the palate, this wine has flavors of pear, fennel bulb and honeysuckle. Very subtle tannins lead to a lingering and bright finish.
This wine is rich garnet colored, with flavors of pomegranate, dark plum and cranberry that excite the palate. Fruit forward, well-structured and thoroughly enjoyable.
The second wine of Roriz has much of the same structure as the main quinta wine, with dense, mineral tannins. The rich black fruits are likely to become approachable by 2016–2017. Concentrated and ripe, it has juicy berry flavors followed by a dry, tight aftertaste.
Smooth beyond its youthful age, this is sparked to life with peppery highlights dappling a pretty, cherry-candy fruit core. Lighter accents of cola and cocoa follow up through a medium-long finish.
Very fresh and crisp initially, this wine then develops a richer, denser character. Lime and lemon acidity cuts through the rich pear and white plum fruits, giving texture and structure. Drink now.
Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this leads off with aromas of exotic spices, incense and blue flower along with toasted sensations. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, espresso, roasted coffee bean and black pepper along with a hint of orange peel. It's brooding and tightly tannic so give this a few more years. Drink 2015–2019.
Hints of beeswax and lemon rind introduce this deeply mineral dry Riesling. It's delicately framed, with tart tangerine flavors that bristle with acidity. A hint of honey lingers softly on the finish.
A firm wine that has solid tannins and layers of spice and juicy red fruits. The wine is structured, dry at the center followed by fine acidity and a toast and smoke character. The fresh fruits show at the end, giving the wine a final lift.
An attractively balanced wine, it comes across as soft and creamy while also having spice and an almond bite. With its tight lime acidity, it is just passing its first flush of youth and needs to age. Drink from 2016.
This El Dorado-grown Tempranillo has handfuls of Petit Verdot and Malbec, made by Sonoma Valley-based producer En Garde. Soft and dusty, the wine offers elegance in a brooding, broad-shouldered package, its fruit exhibiting a roasted quality and plenty of tobacco and pepper.
Aromas of raspberry and blue flower open this lovely wine. The juicy palate offers ripe marasca cherry while cinnamon and white pepper add depth. This isn't very complicated, but who cares—the delicious flavors and smooth tannins make it an absolute joy to drink. Not an ager so enjoy soon.
Cool and crisp, this tightly herbaceous wine has a concentrated, juicy, green fruit character along with a tangy texture. The fruits are complemented by the tight, acidic aftertaste. Drink from 2014.
Toast and nut aromas set the scene for a wine that has a rich character with vanilla and smoky flavors. The wine is strongly driven by wood acidity, a touch of oxidation and a final crisp texture.
Dried herb notes lend a savory complexity to delicate berry and stone-fruit aromas on this dainty, dancing Riesling. It's brisk and lean on the palate, with a piercing lemon acidity that cuts through flavors of ripe citrus and stone fruit.
The quinta, on the south side of the Douro, has produced a firm, solid and structured wine. It has power, the tannins still dominating the juicy black fruits. With an earthy edge and still considerable acidity, this is a wine to age. Drink from 2016.
Made from 90% Sangiovese plus other grapes, it opens with subtle aromas of blue flowers, black berries and toasted sensations. The juicy, dense palate offers ripe black cherry and raspberry spiced up with notes of black pepper and clove. Polished and extremely friendly, this is ready to be enjoyed soon.
Lithe and dainty in profile, this late-harvest Riesling seems to dance on the nose and palate, with sweet notes of fresh apple, grapefruit and blossoms. It's intensely mineral, with a streak of lemony acidity, but concentrated with a long, honey-tinged finish.
Earthy, rubbery berry and plum aromas are within the range of very good and regular. The palate has tannic grip and roasted, lightly herbal flavors of plum and blackberry. Drawing on the finish, with good pulse and power. A nice full-bodied mix of Malbec and Cab.
A rich style of Pinot Blanc, bringing out a more spicy character of baked apples and nutmeg. The wine has richness, feeling full in the mouth, rounded and soft.
A medium-bodied Mosel trocken, with oily notes of petrol and hints of honey accenting flavors of peach pit. Nicely done, with a clean, slightly stony finish.
Gorgeous on the nose with aromas of honeyed apples and dried figs, this off-dry Riesling is surprising light on its feet with a dainty palate of sweet pea blossoms and white peach nectar. Bright lemon-lime acidity shines through to a pleasant bergamot finish.
Dense, dark and ripe on the bouquet, with coconut, mint, earth, blackberry and herbal aromas. The palate is solid but a little sheering due to pointy acidity, and the flavor profile is pure toast and herbal black fruits. Lasting and varietally correct on the finish.
Opens with toast and vanilla aromas along with baked apple and oak. The mouthfeel is solid, while the flavors blend barrel resin, pear, banana and macadamia nut. Finishes healthy and clean.
A good value in dry Riesling, this bottling features potent petrol, truffled honey and pineapple notes on the nose, while on the palate it's medium bodied, turning crisp and lean on the finish.
Such an elegant wine, with its attractive crisp apple skin and ripe pear juice flavors. It has a fine perfumed character, laced intensely with acidity. Drink now.
The winery's reserve bottling is consistent in terms of flavor and style, with the estate 2009 just a bit deeper in color and body. Still tight, with green tea flavors in the tannins leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste.
This is a lusty white buoyed by acidity, swirling in wisps of vanilla cream, cinnamon and a twist of lemon meringue. Ripe in flavor and rich in oak, it's compelling and inviting on the palate, with a suggestion of fennel.
This is a rich Chardonnay and Arinto blend with a ripe texture and fruit. Aging on the lees has given the wine that extra concentration and depth of flavor. That goes with the apricot and peach fruits and the tight acidity at the end. Drink from 2017.
Aromas suggesting underbrush, charred earth, toast and mature plum lead the nose. The forward, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and a hint of tobacco alongside polished tannins. It's already accessible so enjoy over the next few years.
This wine comes from the highest terrace above the Lot River, giving it a cool, fresh feel. Gravel and chalk soil give both lightness and minerality. Black fruits, integrated tannins and juicy final acidity mean this is a wine that will be ready to drink soon. Drink from 2018.
Scents of black cherry, tar and coffee-crusted beef roast show on the nose of this hefty bottling. The cherry extends to the palate, where it picks up the tang of just-ripe boysenberry and pure flavors of black pepper and asphalt, as well as a cigar ash complexity toward the finish.
There's a lot to like in this vineyard-designate, a longstanding site for the producer. Honeysuckle aromas invite along with a waft of beach sand, leading to a light and creamy palate with a small amount of revealed residual sugar.
This ripe, structured blend of Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional is full of black fruits. The texture behind the tannins is smooth with an immediate juicy character. There is a perfumed, ripe aftertaste that makes the wine ready to drink now.
A structured, full wine, a blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional, that has ripe black fruits that are beautifully perfumed. It layers this ripe fruit with intense acidity that gives the wine a fresh while full-bodied character. With a little more aging, this will be impressive. Drink from 2017.
Based in the cru villages of Chénas, Pierre-André Dumas also has vines in Brouilly. This is a soft fruity wine with attractive red cherry flavors and a minimum of tannins. It is fresh and light, ready to drink now for its fruitiness, although ready to age at least until 2019.
Moist soil, menthol, new leather and dark berry aromas take center stage. The bright, juicy palate offers Morello cherry, black raspberry, licorice and chopped herb accompanied by fine-grained tannins that lend structure.
Soft white peach, chamomile, lemon rind and citrus blossoms show on the nose of this well-balanced bottling. The palate begins with a racy lemon-oil acidity, sours up a tad on apple skins and grapefruit, and then expresses a richer pear-extract component toward the finish.
Very approachable and easygoing aromatics invite the nose with salted lime, yellow apples and buttery strudel scents. The palate is equally smooth and tasty, with warm apple and lemon-brioche flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. This is a full-body take on the grape rather than lean and grassy.
This 100% varietal wine is a nice one, approachable and interesting in baked plum, licorice and leather. Tannins are sizable yet integrated.
This bullish La Mancha Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero's Alejandro Fernández is ripe, earthy, mossy and woody on the nose, with aromas of cedar, cassis and blackberry. Saturated and chunky on the palate, with roasted black-fruit flavors, this finishes oaky, thick and with full tannins.
This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot smells 100% Chilean, meaning there's green tobacco, olive, eucalyptus and earthy berry aromas draped all over the bouquet. A linear, zesty palate ranks as fresh, while lightly oaked red currant and plum flavors finish with spice and vanilla notes along with tomatoey acidity.
Twelve months bottle aging and a selection of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro have resulted in a powerfully structured wine. The wood aging is still showing in the wine's toasty character with hints of dry extraction spoiling the black fruit flavors. The wine will integrate better as it develops, so wait until 2017.
Alluring scents of fragrant blue flower, rose, chopped mint, sunbaked earth and red berry mingle in the glass. The aromas carry over to the medium-bodied palate, along with mature black cherry and a hint of brown spice. Close-grained tannins leave a firm finish.
Blending fruit from four vineyards, this opens with dusty aromatics of rose petals, baking spices and cocoa. The mouthfeel continues in a pleasantly dusty vein, showing tart berry and pie-cherry flavors with a lick of mocha.
Fresh, fragrant orange peels and rose petal notes perfume this dry-style Riesling. The palate has a ripe yet slightly muted tone of marmalade and dried citrus-peel. Racy, lemon-edged acidity brightens the finish.
A 100% varietal and estate-grown wine, this has a puckering density to the palate amid a plushness and richness of body and weight. Dense in blackberry and plum, it offers additional elements of tar and crackling bacon.
Ripe black-skinned berry, menthol, new leather and a whiff of iris lead the nose. The vibrant, juicy palate offers wild cherry, black raspberry, star anise and Mediterranean herb while fine-grained tannins provide an elegant, youthfully austere framework. Drink 2017–2022.
Baked plum and stewed black cherry show on the nose of this precise blend of 35.6% Malbec, 28.75% Petit Verdot, 23.75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc, with burned caramel, licorice and cherry cordial as well. The palate is rich with a decent tannic structure, showing a ripe blueberry-blackberry-chocolate-syrup flavor.
From an extreme coastal site, this earthy wine from Ryan Carr offers root beer, cola, red roses, sage, and hibiscus on the nose as well as pomegranate and stewed strawberries. Tangy red cherry fruit shows on the acid-laced palate, with warmer cinnamon, cappuccino and lavender florality.
Dark-skinned berry, scorched earth, clove, worn leather and oak-driven spice scents present themselves to the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish and leave an astringent, tongue-drying finish.
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's best sources of high-quality Chardonnay. This is a fine example, marrying toasted grain aromas with peach and citrus flavors and a touch of vanilla. It's soft, lush and promises easy drinking over the next year or two.
When botrytis struck, the Bien Nacido Vineyard-owning Miller family (who plan to steadily up production on this brand) made this dessert wine. This show honey, concentrated honey blossoms, golden raisin and baklava notes on the nose. The palate is expectedly viscous yet intriguingly grippy, with flavors of dried lemon peel, chamomile and honey butter, finishing on peanut brittle.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of charred earth, stewed prune, blackberry compote and grilled herb. The big, chewy palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry compote and nutmeg accompanied by velvety tannins. You'll also detect the heat of evident alcohol on the mid-palate. Give it another few years then drink sooner rather later.
Light and floral, this is a complex, well-integrated Chardonnay that's bursting in just-sliced pineapple, with a layering of butterscotch and caramel. It's richly textured yet nicely balanced between savory and sweet. The acidity upholds the wine from entering into dense territory, a celebration of one heck of a sunny vintage in a glass.
Juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits form the base of an aromatic profile that also picks up some sagebrush and dried cake frosting. Though lighter in body, the flavors emerge continually on the palate, from ripe berries to tomato stew to cola to mint. Serve with roasted chicken or turkey or even a rich pasta.  Bargetto has been making wine since 1933.
Bloody, barely charred game aromas meet with slightly dusty raspberry and tomato in this unforgettable and unfiltered Bonny Doon experience, a blend of 30% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault. The sanguine sense carries to the palate, but so does a basket of red fruit, from cherry to pomegranate. A chalky tannic backbone will keep it drinking nicely for as long as patience holds.
This estate Chardonnay is keeping stylistically with the winery's other offerings, though a tad weightier and richer in oak and crème brûlée. Fresh peach, pineapple and anise intermingle on the palate, with a silky yet complex texture. There is a palate-refreshing hint of lime on the finish.
Candied apricots, blossom honey and notions of orange zest take turns in dazzling the nose and palate, while musky botrytis lends a rounded note to the mouthfeel, melding all together into sweet BA harmony. Simply lovely, now or in future years.
An extremely nuanced nose recalls a tomato-based beef stew full of dried fruit, nuts, root vegetables and powerful spice. The flavors suggest black dirt, sautéed mushrooms and eucalyptus tree bark, with olive tapenade-like spice on the finish.
This wine is rich, smooth, perfumed and opulent. It shows the power of Malbec without completely losing its elegance. With generous black fruits that are round and dense, it's almost sweet in its ripeness. Conveying a dark, brooding character, this is a wine for serious aging, wait until 2018.
This is a mineral-driven wine, austere at first then showing great black fruits that are sustained by acidity. It's a wood-aged and complex wine that is likely to develop into something powerful and impressive. Drink from 2019.
At the moment, the 2010 Réservée is intense but moody, showing a smoky, gamy, feral side. The fruit is subdued but concentrated, picking up multiple earthy, spicy nuances including iodine and licorice. It's a big wine, with chewy tannins that leave the impression of fine suede behind on the long finish.Give it another five years in the cellar.
Lovely red apple and biscuit notes emanate here to create the perfect balance between fruit and yeasty autolysis. Acidity streamlines the generous, full-fruited body while soft mousse amplifies all the rich, layered apple flavors. The midpalate texture and finish are impressive. This is the full, delicious package and will make a classy apéritif with enough character to accompany delicate, fine cuisine. The length speaks for itself: pure class. Zero dosage.
The most immediately accessible of Will's three Horse Heaven Hills wines, it brings notes of scorched earth, herbs, incense, toast and abundant dark fruit. The palate is densely packed with dark fruit, tart acids and firm, tightly coiled tannins with a beautiful sense of balance. A classically styled wine that should have a healthy life in front of it.
Steely in wet stone and high-toned citrus, this Chardonnay is from Hyde-Old Wente clones and deftly made in a light style that doesn't skimp on delicious complexity. Apple and herb figure prominently, as does a remarkable mouthfeel of minerality, a testament to the winery's cool growing sites.
Concentrated and delicious, this is made with organically grown Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino. It delivers ripe black cherry, blue flower, leather, white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla alongside firm, velvety tannins. It's already accessible so enjoy now–2016.
Named for proprietor Marimar Torres' mother, the Doña Margarita Pinot is a study in cool-climate nuance and sophistication, elegant yet retaining plenty of stuffing. It is bright in wild strawberry and a decadent hint of kirsch—earthy, lithe and structured, with soft and silky tannins. On the finish is a touch of forest, as inviting as a walk in the woods.
Buttered toast, oaky smoke and a slight mango tropicality converge for an epic nose on this Chardonnay from a vineyard that was planted in 1976. There are layers of flavor too, lime citrus at first evolving toward brioche with a butterscotch finish, and some salt and cracked pepper throughout.
Smelling this is like sticking your nose into a basket of supremely ripe yellow plums and greengages. Despite all the ripeness and sweetness, there is something deliciously tempered and fresh here, too. The acidity from Furmint works a treat. The palate hits with the full force of concentrated yellow plum. This is for those who like it ultrasweet; the oak-aging is supremely well-handled.
This Syrah-dominated, estate-grown red is loaded with the savory highlights for which the Rocks region is noted. A small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds muscle to the tannins, while a splash of Mourvèdre contributes a bit of earth and stone. Tightly wound raspberry fruit anchors a compact and tangy core. This is a beautifully balanced wine that should cellar well through 2024 or longer.
Underbrush, leather, tilled soil and game aromas lead the nose on this delicious, structured wine. The big, warm palate delivers juicy black cherry, carob, mocha and cinnamon alongside big, velvety tannins. This is aging well with nice depth, but it's in its ideal drinking window. Enjoy now through 2017.
This Beaujolais comes from a dense granite vineyard that has produced an equally powerful wine. It's mineral in texture, with aromatic black fruits that have been given a taste of wood from 12 months barrel aging. The acidity at the end as well as the tannins promise aging, so drink from 2017.
From high atop the hills above Freestone, this Pinot Noir saw 10% stem inclusion during fermentation and was aged in 20% new oak for just over a year to achieve enviable structure and bite amid an intensity of raspberry and strawberry kirsch flavor. This gorgeous wine will open up even more if held in bottle until 2017–2019. But it's so good now you'll find it hard to wait.
Boysenberry and blueberry form the fruit aromas on this wine made by the family of former Los Angeles Laker Sasha Vujacic. In addition, it features a dark black-dirt minerality, black olive, cinnamon bark and absinthe-like scents. The tannins coat the mouth along with blue and purple fruit flavors, and it ends with strong acidity.
Scents of sesame oil rise to the forefront of the nose on this east Paso Robles estate wine, accompanied by violet, strawberry and black sage. The nicely balanced flavors touch upon cotton candy and pretty pink fruit.
Clove and sage combine with brisk raspberry and warmer strawberry fruit for a lively wine. Flavors of black cherry, gingerbread cake, eucalyptus and lingering black spice comprise the palate, which is booming with mouth-watering acidity and strong tannins. Drink 2018 onward.
While the notes of raspberry jam, plum and herbs bring plenty of appeal, it's the velvety soft, plush texture that truly dazzles on this fresh, fruit-filled wine that has a high yum factor.
Oak aging remains a hallmark of the Tardieu-Laurent style, but it seems to fit with the 2010s from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Toasted coconut, vanilla and plum pudding notes work together to give almost the impression of dessert in a glass, despite the wine's dry nature. It's full bodied, richly textured and slightly warm on the finish yet surprisingly elegant. Drink now–2020.
A sheen of lifted lemon oil surrounds this BA, whose palate oscillates between feisty, candied lemon peel and more hazy notions of passion fruit. There is something elixir-like about its immense precision and perfect balance.
Zesty notions of orange marmalade pervade the nose and palate, while overtones of passion fruit and faint spiciness hint at the aromatic nature of Scheurebe. It's broken up by more honeyed richness, while precise, lemony acidity brings all into a sharp, citric focus, with a clean-cut finish.
The aromas are super spicy, with cinnamon-glazed sour cherries proving most dominant. On the palate, black cherry and beet juice pair up with black tea, before culminating in a remarkably long and tantalizing spice-driving finish.
Ripe, loamy aromas of black fruits are accented by notes of sandalwood, graphite and exotic spices. This is chunky and a bit jammy in feel. Flavors of smoky oak, berry fruits and chocolate finish with baking-spice flavors that are woven into black-fruit tastes. Drink through 2021.
A little heat on the nose is acceptable given that the remaining cherry and plum aromas are pure. A bit acidic on the palate but staunchly fresh, with good fruit flavor in the red plum category. Cleansing due to higher acidity, with hints of mocha and mineral.
This Chardonnay has depth, starting with its unfolding nose of ripe Chardonnay fruit, minerals, hazelnut and citrus. The palate offers flavors of pear, citrus and grapefruit, its character refreshing and fruity but somewhat complex. An impressive white that can handle richer dishes.
Nicely put together but totally generic, as if it were sent from the central casting dept. The nose has some rubber and smoke to go with black fruit, while the palate has good body and sweet black plum and berry flavors. Full enough but not baked or heavy.
This ambitious offering from Two Hands is a bit of dissappointment. The bold black cherry fruit seems slightly cooked or raisiny, and there's a grassy, herbal element as well. But it's also nicely concentrated and weighty, with a mouthwatering finish that redeems it.
For everyday consumption, this is good Cabernet with rousing fruit, body and pulse. The nose has smoke, rubber, pepper and cured meat to go with berry and cassis aromas, and the palate is very fruity, driving and loaded with flavorful cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. Not refined but good and honest.
The delicate nose on this reserve Chard offers citrus and flowers with a touch of nutty spice. On the palate, it's a straightforward white with elements of lemon citrus, grapefruit and hazelnut. An easy-drinking Chardonnay with class.
More floral and blueberry driven than Bousquet's regular Merlot from '07 but not discernibly better or worse. The palate is round and the balance and feel are good. Flavors of floral blueberry follow the bouquet, and the finish shows a dash of sweet berry syrup and chocolate.
Bright but spotty on the nose, with salinic red fruit aromas that are one part raspberry and one part pool water. The palate is in the narrow, tannic field but the flavors are good, with blackberry, bitter chocolate and generic darkness working the the palate and finish.
Quite tart and bone dry, this is made from fruit sourced from the Wallula Benches Vineyard—a site also prominently featured in Pacific Rim's Riesling lineup. Racy and gin-like in its flavor profile, it emphasizes botanical and citrus notes, with good penetration and length.
This wood-aged effort shows its wood flavors strongly. In the future, the rich blackberry flavor will take over, yielding a complex, ripe wine that will always have tannins, but it will also have a concentrated structure. Age for at least four years.
The Frederick bottling is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, with other Bordeaux grapes filling in the rest. Chewy and tannic, it seems to have a green edge to its fruit and tannins. Nonetheless, there are plenty of flavors of berry, spice and black pepper, with highlights of coffee and cacao. This has lots to chew on, plus good length.
For a wine without a reputation for aging, this is surprisingly good. It's very lush and honeyed, with a viscous texture and a long, sweet finish. Try it with desserts rather than as an apéritif.
Shades of crushed stone and granite add a penetrating minerality to the ripe, rich raspberry and cherry flavors of this nervy wine. A hint of dried herb and velvety tannins round out the finish that's long and lingering.
A noble tribute to his Bordeaux training, winemaker Jean Michel Morel's namesake blend is beautifully concentrated with rich, sweet black fruit, with hints of violet, savory mushroom, cured meat and clay. A textured and powerful wine with vibrant acidity, it finishes long, with a swathe of velvety tannins.
This is extremely fruity, with an exotic bouquet of blueberry, cardamom, nutmeg and earth aromas. It feels smooth, collected and fairly rich, with savory, lightly baked flavors of black fruit. The finish remains savory, where graham cracker sweetness and roasted qualities dominate.
This is a structured wine, showing the firm tannins of a 2010 Beaujolais. Under the dry surface, the rich, juicy fruit is there, balanced with acidity, red fruit and a dense texture. Age for at least another year.
This is a brooding selection, with layers of dark fruits (think blackberry, plum and cherry), chewing tobacco and bay leaf alongside a hint of vanilla bean. The palate is rich and dense, with a texture like crushed satin. Tight and flavorful now, this would benefit from a bit more time in the cellar; try after 2015.
A blend of 13 different grape varieties, some rare, this is a delicious, honeyed wine, with rich baked apple flavor and crisp acidity, topped with a creamed spice note. Its pure line of citrus provides a lively finish.
Smooth and almost buttery, this new Cabernet from Randy Dunn has plenty of blackberry and black cherry flavors, along with silky tannins. The midpalate fades a bit, though perhaps the wine is just in need of a bit more bottle age.
Roughly three-fifths Merlot and two-fifths Cabernet, this well-made red has thick, supple, generous fruit. It seems to have been aged in a hefty amount of new oak, but it balances the fruit and and spice well. Look for plum, black cherry, smoke and toast notes on the full, round palate.
Fruity, spicy and brightly acidic, the Sol Duc represents the estate's best barrels. It's a generous wine, full bodied and lush, with cherry and cassis flavors. Light touches of leaf and herb come through as well.
Tangy cranberry and wild strawberry fruit, and spice and grip, highlights this clean, pure and fruit-driven Malbec. The addition of 20% Merlot may account for a sense of near-raisiny ripeness. The tannins carry a hint of dried leaf.
Very dark in both color and flavor, this single-vineyard Syrah is loaded with smoke, earth, licorice, espresso and cacao notes. There is enough tight, tangy black fruit to create balance in the focused midpalate. A lick of citrus adds lift to the finish.
Sourced from the Dineen Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills, this pure Cabernet sports generous plum and berry flavors that are lushly coated in dark notes of espresso, cacao and licorice. There is an underpinning of rock, adding structure and suggesting that this wine could be cellared for another decade.
Tarry and potent, with inky tannins, this single-vineyard Petit Verdot has an array of Amarone-like, superripe, spice-laced fruit. There is a whiff of leather as well. Drink up soon.
Smoke and mineral oil tones add layers of depth to the pretty white blossom, peach and tangerine notes on this crisp, nervy Riesling. Mouthwateringly tangy with a delicious note of Sour Patch candy on the finish.
This blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier displays some cool-climate character in its red berry and herbal pepper notes. It's medium bodied and slightly dusty in texture, with a tart, mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next few years.
Remember when all Châteauneufs were priced like this? Now this is entry-level pricing, yet the wine is very good, delivering a complex, harmonious blend of leather, earth, spice and plum notes. It's soft enough to drink now and over the next few years.
Under control on the bouquet, this has pear and apple aromas. The wine feels round, juicy and pure, with oak, toast, lemon, apple and spice flavors. Barrel influence creates a peppery, dry and spicy finish, and overall this blend of Viura and Malvasia is on the money. Drink now.
This is a throwback wine with complex aromas, intriguing flavors and a light-to-medium body. The blend is Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and the end product offers cinnamon, orange peel and tea aromas in front of an acid-rich palate, with spiced cranberry, dried fruit and citrus flavors. Elegant and feminine in style; drink now–2018. Fewer than 2,400 bottles produced.
While the wine has some richness, it is also firmly structured, with a minerally severity from its tight tannins. Under the surface, there is a fruity character that's dominated by a juicy black-currant flavor.
This solid, chunky wine expresses dry tannins as much as ripe fruit. The structure is present, but the black currant note is still waiting for its chance to shine. Give it 4–5 years.
This ripe wine is full of tropical and citrus fruits, with some extra weight from the hint of wood. Fine and balanced, it reveals the smooth richness of 100% Sémillon.
This fruity, wood-aged wine has plenty of potential. Its stone fruit flavors are full and rich, a contrast to the herbaceous edge. A smooth texture is just showing through. Keep for 2–3 years.
Chocolate and licorice flavors dominate this solid, foursquare yet austere wine. Its offers firm fruit, with a dense texture of black currant and red plum. Acidity and a spice note set off the finish.
A firm and tannic wine, with a hard-edge feel to it. The structure is dry and tough, leaving little room for the fruit, even in the future.
This wine has an unusual candy-flavored character. Its tannins are fine, and there is structure, but the final character is unbalanced.
This blend of Viura, Malvasia and Tempranillo Blanco smells a bit sweaty and like passion fruit. The palate has a fresh, citrusy feel and flavors of lime and grapefruit. It's fresh and clean but dilute on the close.
For $9, one can be satisfied with the value, but this wine does smell a bit sour and herbal, while the feel is angular and acidic. In the mouth, flavors match suit: punchy red fruits with an herbal twinge.
Mild lemon and apple aromas are compromised by a harsh, stalky element. The mouthfeel is basic and spritzy, while generic apple and green melon flavors end in tropical sweetness.
Dusty cherry and plum aromas are nothing special. The palate is similarly just OK, with stalky flavors of citrus and red fruits. This is lightly oxidized and pithy tasting on the finish.
This blend of 70% Viura with Verdejo and Sauvigon Blanc smells a lot like Bartlett pear juice. In the mouth, it's fleshy and dilute, with briny grapefruit and a pithy tasting finish.
Following up on a bouquet that's lightly herbal and lactic, the palate feels hard and tannic, with oak-based resin sticking out. Flavors of black pepper, licorice and oak push away the wine's black-fruit component, leaving a minty finish that's oak-dominant and mildly artificial tasting.
The cool 2011 growing season seems to have presented a ripeness issue for this Merlot, which includes a healthy dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon along with Syrah and Cabernet Franc. It leans far into the green with notes of jalapeño, bell pepper and herbs backed by chalky tannins.
Lean and tough, this is all hard edges. The wine has an austere character that's likely to be off-putting even in the future.
Thin and dilute, with tart red fruit and green-inflected tannins.
Light lemon and melon aromas lead the nose, but the wine slips in the mouth, becoming creamy and flabby in constitution, with only mild citrus, papaya and bitterness for flavors.
This wine is creamy, lactic and jammy on the nose, with flat, earthy, baked berry aromas. It's grabby and sort of gummy and soft feeling, with lactic strawberry and plum flavors that set up a creamy, sticky finish.
Forget the high price on this Tempranillo Blanco. Looking at the wine alone, it's briny and stalky on the nose, with wiry lemon-like acids that push sour orange flavors. Overall it's monotone, briny and citrusy.
This 50-50 blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo has a green, ashy sway to the nose. The palate runs sharp, with pointed acidity leading to a mix of basic acid-washed plum and cherry flavors that are ultimately defined by a green, herbal undercurrent.
The bouquet on this blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir is stuck in neutral, while flavors of citrus and lemon bend towards sour. The finish is briny and tangy.
A confected wine that shows polished wood and mint flavors but little fruit. It puts on a great show, but without depth.
Mint aromas speak of the wood used in aging this wine. With some burnt tannin character, it's perhaps not a wine that will show great fruit.
This is a prickly, slightly raspy wine with a lean, grabby feel and briny, pickled flavors of herbal red-berry fruits. It's resiny tasting on the finish, with a snappy feel and lasting herbal flavors.
A sweaty note to start, then this turns into a plummy, tannic, astringent red with a hint of barrel toast.
Strongly aromatic of black pepper, this blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc is herbal like Cab and slightly sour-sweet on the finish.
Heavy toast aromas follow through to a wine that is packed with new wood and some fruit. It has a biting burnt edge that may soften.
The fruity, perfumed character shows instant red berry aromas, but the old-wood flavor doesn't quite chime with the fruit, giving a slightly muddled feel to the wine.
Baked bean, rubber and lacquer are all too apparent on the nose, and while the wine settles in the glass and loses some of that harshness, it never totally disappears. Along the way there's driven cherry and plum fruit and a minty aftertaste. Imported by Vinecrest Co.
Bramble and green tobacco notes are part of the bouquet, as is rubbery dark fruit. The palate is smooth in feel but a little herbal and leafy, with a mix of berry fruit and mild green notes.
Aromas of dried cloves and adhesive bandages will be a bit offputting to some tasters, but the bones of this wine are solid, offering supple tannins and blackberry, hickory and black cherry flavors. Turns a touch metallic on the finish. The 2006 seems much cleaner.
This is open and generous, a soft wine that will be ready to drink soon. It still has some firm structure although that serves as a support to the blackberry fruit flavors. The aftertaste is juicy and fresh.
Stewed plums and strawberries partner with lilacs, sagebrush and hard cinnamon candy on the nose of this bottling, which is boosted by 12% Grenache, 7% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah. Juicy, rich cherry and blueberry flavors meet with a rocky, black-slate character on the palate.
As its name implies, the wine comes from chalky soil, giving this wine its mineral edge. The fruit is ripe and tropical in its generosity, full of yellow fruits, pineapple and mango. There is a fine floral aroma which, along with acidity, give the wine a bright aftertaste.
Pretty in pink and orange hues, this stainless-steel-fermented charmer has a candied orange flavor that's delicious, followed by fresh, crisp strawberry and tangerine-laced acidity. Medium bodied, it ends with a burst of peach.
From estate-grown Merlot (78%), Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is shy on the nose and full bodied in flavor, offering ripe, fleshy blackberry, tar and espresso.
Honeyed red-apple slices, ripe papaya, honeysuckle and honeydew aromas are nicely cut by wet-cement minerality on this nose of this 71% Viognier and 29% Roussanne blend. It's tight and reserved on the palate, tart with lime and apple-juice flavors.
Quite a deep color for a rosé—easily confused with a light Pinot Noir—this shows blackberry, black raspberry, hibiscus and fruit punch on the nose. For such a ripe nose, the palate is quite fresh and energetic, with black-plum skins, red-apple flesh and grippy cherry-pit flavors.
A youthful wine that is just packed with fruit. It is a blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez and Syrah. Juicy, ripe and rich with black plum flavors, it is a delicious wine already. Drink now.
Richly intense, this wine wraps thick textures of caramel and toffee around tropical mango. The full body celebrates ripeness while finding enough restraint.
Ripe blackberry, wild herb, menthol and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, vanilla, toast and espresso alongside the warmth of alcohol and round tannins.
Leathery stalky berry aromas come across as being baked and rough. This is full and grabby on the palate with cooked blackberry and prune flavors that end dark, and spicy with notes of licorice and herbs.
Crisp stony lightly herbal plum aromas are moderately smoky. This feels flush and pleasant, with a full body and flavors of plum, cassis and tomato sauce. A controlled composed finish benefits from lasting acidity.
Black cherry to the eye, this wine holds back on the nose, offering restrained aromas of black currant and roasted yellow pepper. Flavors include raspberry, blueberry, violet, lavender, thyme and roasted meat. It has lightly grippy tannins and there is a distinct note of Dr. Pepper on the finish.
Plum, French oak, coffee, vanilla and Oriental spice aromas emerge in the glass. The concentrated palate offers mature black cherry, blackberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins.
The fruit is the star here, ripe and round. Flavors are a nice mix of orange, apple and pear, with a light dusting of baking spices. This is drinking at its freshest peak.
This honeyed spicy Spätlese seems straightforward in fruit, but its racy, nerve-tingling energy is electrifying. Fresh apple and pears are revitalized by streaks of lemon, lime and grapefruit that linger through a moderately long finish.
Black cherry, blueberry jam, volcanic rocks, river stones and a mace spice show on the nose of this wine. The palate is thick with black fruit and dark chocolate, the tannins showing lots of structure and flavors of purple flowers giving depth. It needs more time in the bottle to reach full potential.
Produced as a wine that is ready to drink young, this comes from the 100-year old Mouchão winery. It is fresh with red fruits along with a dry structure, although it is the fruits that win out. Fresh and bright, it will be ready to drink from 2017.
Golden honey in color and tone, this white is nonetheless crisp, adorned in orange blossom and a taste of white peach, the minerality never in question. Half of the fruit is estate grown, with 8% Marsanne blended in.
While the nose is restrained, the palate of this Spätlese Riesling abounds in sweet-tart nectarine, peach and tangerine flavors. Primary and fresh, it's an uncomplicated yet vibrantly penetrating wine. Drink now.
A wood- aged wine that is ripe and smooth. It has only the barest hint of toastiness, the wood serving more to fill out the rich fruitiness. It does need to age, so drink from 2017.
Well made, well rounded and well balanced, this medium-bodied wine has tasty fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy accents accompany a firm, layered texture and lasting finish.
From one of the villages that lies behind the primary Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, this is already smooth, fruity and perfumed. It has attractive acidity and a rich, baked apple character that is pointed up by the layer of toastiness. Drink now, although the wine will be better from 2017.
Pine forest and tart, lean drops of cranberry, rhubarb and pomegranate combine for a complex, savory and compelling vineyard-designate. A strong presence of tannin marks the finish.
This Pinot does not shy away from some sharp, slightly bitter herbal flavors, but keeps them in balance against a core of tart cranberry fruit. It's well made and solid, with medium-long persistence.
Hard spice, juniper and minty aromas meld with chocolate and blackberry scents. This is chewy and full on the palate, with spicy, minty blackberry and black currant flavors that finish thick, with a woodsy, lightly green aftertaste.
This is a wine that's not just lively and fruity. It has weight and structure as well, keeping its instant drinkability along with a good sense of balance.
Although this is a relatively light wine due to the 2013 vintage, it does manage to achieve many of the firm tannins of Morgon. It also has red berry fruits that are allied to fresh acidity. Drink from 2016.
Aromas of red currant, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice come together in the glass. Made with 90% Schiava and 10% Lagrein, the easygoing palate offers toast, red berry and vanilla. It's made to be enjoyed young so drink soon.
Floral cherry and raspberry scents are moderately earthy. This has an edgy, tannic feel along with good plum and cherry flavors that don't falter or break up on a choppy, lightly candied-tasting finish.
Concise and basic on the nose, with aromas of melon and minerals, this crisp, stony wine is pleasant and clean, with malic acidity. Lime, green apple and tangerine flavors finish dry and pithy, with cleansing acidity.
Raspberry and plum aromas smell a bit powdery, like Kool-Aid. This feels wide, jammy, grabby and tannic, while flavors of currant, red plum and herbs end fresh and juicy, but also a bit scouring and rough. Drink through 2018.
Lightly candied cherry and raspberry aromas are fresh. This has a ripe, edgy mouthfeel with modest tannins. Cassis, raspberry and blackberry flavors finish soft and friendly, with enough grip to make this serious.
This smells like butterscotch and ripe pear, tastes floral like honeysuckle and has an almost sweet feeling on the tongue. It's smooth, medium-bodied, soft in texture and easy to swallow, while delivering lots of clean, fresh fruit flavor.
Raspberry, plum and spice aromas are simple but solid and approachable. In the mouth, this blend is grabby and tannic, but boosted by good acidity. Flavors of raw oak and related resin are spicy and blanket standard black-fruit flavors, while pinching tannins and residual oak are prominent on the finish.
Very perfumed, this lightly sweet and poised wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng. It has cool acidity as well as wonderfully fragrant fruitiness. The texture gives the wine the potential to age, so drink now and until 2017.
Aromas recall white spring flower, citrus and a hint of herb. The fresh palate offers nectarine and lemon zest alongside brisk acidity that leaves a clean finish.
Juicy red berry, currant and cola aromas jump out of the glass along with sweet tobacco and leather. The flavors in this blend of 51% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 1% Cinsault aren't as boisterous, with rose petal soda, root beer and iced coffee, proving light but with a leathery grip.
This crisp white opens with a delicate floral fragrance of white spring flower and touch of stone fruit. The refreshing palate offers crunchy yellow apple and tangy lemon zest balanced by bright acidity. It finishes clean and fresh.
Wisps of smoke, toast and dusty mineral accent fresh lemon and apple flavors in this dry, medium-bodied Weissburgunder (more commonly known as Pinot Blanc). Overall, it's fresh and zesty, but a touch of hazelnut richness on the midpalate lends weight and texture.
Chocolate and raspberry join forces in this jammy, soft and round wine that's sizable yet approachable. This is a good go-to for midweek meals and parties, with a medium body and respectable finish that will pair with a wide range of foods.
This wine is still tight and closed. Hints of the lemon and fresh pear fruits are sustained by a crisp, mineral texture. This is a wine to age for a few months, so drink from 2016.
Aromas of white rose and jasmine lead the nose. The palate isn't bone-dry, delivering ripe apricot, exotic fruit, juicy citrus zest and a honey note.
The combination of Chardonnay and Arinto seems to work so well. It gives a rich wine that has just the right edge of fresh acidity and crisp apple flavors. A creaminess rounds this wine out, leaving a fresh, rich aftertaste.
What differentiates this from the winery's other Grüner is hard to say. Both are round and spicy, with moderate acidity and a suggestion of residual sugar. This has a touch more alcohol, and a bit of heat in the finish.
Dry, earthy aromas of baked berry fruits and mushroom set up a tannic, pulpy, full-bodied palate with good balance. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat boasts earthy plum, pepper and licorice flavors along with a light, herbal finish. Drink now.
Ripe blackberries, violet flowers, tobacco, mocha, smoke and asphalt swirl into an intriguing nose. Dense flavors of black cherries and kirsch are evened out by licorice, black tea and a pine-sap element that carries through the finish.
Made in a crisp, zesty style, this vibrant white delivers tart green apple, Bartlett pear and lemon zest. Bright acidity gives it a clean finish.
Ripe and generous in aroma and flavor, this full-bodied wine tastes like fresh peaches, pears and apples subtly accented by vanilla and nutmeg. The texture is very smooth, almost soft, with a hint of citrus to brighten the finish.
Giant waves of blackberry and burly oak provide a density and richness on the palate, accented by barrel vanilla, mocha and cigar. Not for the faint of heart, it should be enjoyed with big food and bigger friends.
Structured with typical tight Douro tannins, this wine is still very young. Red fruits are backed by tough tannins and a juicy aftertaste. Fresh and fruity. the wine has enough tannin to age. Drink from 2016.
A spritzy, frizzante style, off dry but with supporting acids, this offers juicy flavors of orange and tangerine, with a hint of rind. Note the low alcohol, which makes this a great choice for mimosas.
Clove and peppercorn give this an herbal edge around juicy cranberry and cassis. All five of the classic Bordeaux red varieties are represented here, with Cabernet Sauvignon the majority. The finish is tannic and oaky, but mellows over time.
Standard apple, lychee and melony aromas lead to a measured, wet and lively palate full of apple cider, citrus and lychee flavors. Modest on the finish, with good acidity and round flavors of apple and melon. Recommended as a basic quaffer.
A grapefruit pith note dominates the finish, taking away from the more traditional refreshing lift that one might expect from Sauv Blanc. But the rest is gorgeous and inviting, with notes of white peach, hard gooseberry and white cranberry throughout.
Nottingham's biggest Cab production at 375 cases, this is a mix of Cabs from four different Livermore Valley vineyards, including three that Nottingham vineyard designates, and about half the price. But spring for the good stuff. This still-closed Cab, with small percentages of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Syrah, is very herbal and savory, with plenty of tannin and tobacco.
This medium-weight blend of 38% Shiraz, 26% Pinotage, 19% Cab Sauv and 17% Merlot is soft and easy-drinking now with notes of dried black currant, cherry and purple florals alongside fine tannins.
Broad across the palate, the new vintage of Redhawk's estate bottling opens with mixed berry and watermelon flavors, and thins out quickly. The fruit is outweighed by the alcohol, which is strong enough to burn a bit in the finish.
As fresh as possible, this herb- and orange-flavored wine is crisp, driven by its fruit and acidity, finishing with a burst of fruit juice. It is ready to drink.
Ripe, mushy plum and black cherry guts lead the way on the nose, with secondary notes of cured meat and tree bark. Medium weight and very approachable now with dusty tannins and a solid finish.
Aged in American and Hungarian oak with the appropriate caramel, plum and tobacco, this Livermore Cab's tannins are still tightly wound but should open in time. Two bottles tasted with some bottle variation.
White flowers and peach start this slightly simple but good white from Greece. On the palate, lemon and orange flavors join with a honeyed spice. The overall character is balanced and friendly.
Heavily influenced by its two years in French oak, this dark and spicy wine seems just a bit flat in the mouth. Perhaps a bottle that was not optimal; here the fruit has been softened and perhaps prematurely aged by its barrel time.
Displays good cut and light lemon and apple aromas. Feels fresh, with zesty acidity setting up pithy apple and sweet melon flavors. Finishes warm, tropical and a little stalky tasting.
Deep purple/black in color, this wine carries varietal scents of violets and cassis, with fresh and focused flavors following. The mix of black cherry, black licorice, chalk and tobacco is complex and powerful, and that power and balance continue through the long finish.
Forest floor, tilled soil, ripe berry and a balsamic note of menthol slowly unfold on this smooth, savory wine. The dense, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, mocha, anise and vanilla alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. It's smooth, easy drinking and delicious. Drink from 2017 to 2022.
This appealing Rioja hits with prune and raisin aromas. On the palate, bulky, grabby tannins are rugged and provide structure to an otherwise very ripe wine. Flavors of coconut, mocha, plum and black currant give this a Mounds bar character. Drink through 2022.
Lemon, lime and grapefruit provide vibrancy and freshness to this medium-bodied, textured and balanced wine, which then surprises with weightier twists of apple and caramel. A small-production offering, it'll do well at the table.
Crafted from a range of vineyards, including Gap's Crown and some new sites in this vintage, this lovely, well-made and balanced wine is made in larger quantities than the producer's vineyard-designates and is enjoyable young. Creamy and full bodied at first, it evolves into cohesive flavors of baked pear, toasted almond and lemon-lime.
Dark tones of smoke and slate persist from nose to finish in this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. Its silky, supple palate suggests a ripeness of fruit off set by puckery lemon-lime acidity.
Smooth and juicy, this opens with aromas of wild berry, blue flower and a whiff of grilled herb. The soft, succulent palate doles out black cherry, chopped mint, cinnamon and a hint of mocha alongside dusty tannins and bright acidity. It's rather straightforward but delicious.
The Chardonnay in this blend was fermented and aged in wood and then combined with crisp Arinto fermented in tank. The result is a lightly oaked wine that has yellow fruits as well as crisper citrus. It is a finely made, ripe wine that will be ready to drink from the end of 2016.
A full percentage lower in alcohol than the 2012, this nonetheless is amply concentrated, with abundant brambly berry, cherry and blue plum. A wash of chocolate comes over the tannins as the wine finishes with a dusting of cinnamon.
Lemon and mandarin-orange rinds provide citrus freshness to the nose of this wine, which also shows pear blossom, salted apple slices and a touch of coconut flake. The mouthfeel is creamy and shows a flash of hazelnut, with seared lemon wedges and apple cream rounding out the sip.
This full-bodied, voluptuous wine is spicy in red fruit and floral aromas that lend it a finessed, elegant air. Soft and round, with structure and acidity, it ends in bittersweet chocolate and clove. Drink now through 2023.
From Sogrape's newly launched venture in Alentejo, this is a ripe, tannic wine. It has a strongly perfumed character from the Syrah and Touriga Nacional in the blend. In the background, dry tannins offer aging potential. Drink this finely balanced wine from 2017.
This supersmooth effort sails along with supple and spicy black-cherry fruit. It's a full-flavored, mouthfilling wine, with silky tannins and a nice touch of toast from 14 months in 18% new French oak.
Hugely rich and concentrated, this is a wine that exudes tannins and power. It is dark, still very dense and with a dry core that is likely to remain even as the wine ages. The black fruits are there, giving richness as well as all this structure. It is ready to drink.
This wine is bold and full bodied, big enough for a grilled steak, with powerful ripe fruit flavors like black cherry and blackberry. Firm-enough tannins add grip to the texture, with slightly smoky, peppery accents on the finish.
Underbrush, moist soil, menthol and woodland berry aromas unfold in the glass. The structured palate offers ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice and a hint of mocha alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
This vibrant, polished red opens with a potpourri of red berry, floral and spice aromas. The bright, juicy palate doles out succulent red cherry, raspberry, anise and cinnamon while lithe tannins and lively acidity provide balance and a smooth, easy-drinking texture.
Still firm and structured, this pure Malbec wine is rich and tannic. At the same time, it has layers of ripe black fruits that are coming through strongly. The smoky, textured character of this wine comes from the wood aging that has added an extra layer. Drink from 2018.
Ripe, cool, earthy black-fruit aromas of plum and cassis are accented by notes of leather and animal. This warm-vintage Rioja feels chunky and good, while ripe, loamy flavors of black plum and cassis finish mellow and with a touch of oak-based lemon peel. Drink through 2021.
Now prizes for guessing C de B stands for Côte de Brouilly. Now perfectly mature, this is a soft, black cherry fruited wine. It is ripe, with a fine, dense texture that is lifted by the acidity and the light tannic structure. The wine is so deliciously ready to drink.
While this wine allows plenty of room for ripe voluptuousness, it opens in a light, sublime sense of green apple and lime zest, with a nice tension of acidity on the balanced palate. A slight hint of ginger and lemongrass tease in the background.
Crisp and clean aromas of honeydew melon, lime peel and slate greet the nose on this zesty bottling of a tremendously promising grape for the Central Coast. The palate offers a creamy yellow-pear center, framed by fantastic citrus-zest acidity and Meyer lemon-pith grip, redolent with interesting texture and tension.
Wild berry, iris, tilled soil new leather and a whiff of Asian spice unfold on this radiant red. The palate has elegant structure and balance, offering black cherry, chopped mint and star anise framed in firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink from 2018–2023.
The 147-acre vineyard on a high chalk plateau in the east of Cahors was first planted in the Middle Ages. It has produced a structured, mineral wine, very textured and with firm, dusty tannins. Underneath the black currant fruits are developing and will give a fine juicy wine from 2019. Grands Vins de Seigneur is a group of growers who approve each other's wines.
High-toned cherry and cassis star in this winemaker's reserve-level wine, built with structure and ageability in mind. Still, it's pleasurable now, a plushness surrounding the palate around integrated tannins and a lengthy finish.
A classic interpretation of a red Bordeaux blend, this holds almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine offers mint, sage and cedar that give a brushy quality around blackberry and cassis. With a juicy core, it's complex and lengthy, the oak subdued.
Pretty and plump, this is bursting with ripe cherry fruit. Highlights include a dusting of cocoa powder, and the wine sits perky on the palate with fine-grained tannins and ample acidity.
Grown on the higher ground near Anderson Valley, this wine has a rather light color with a transparent, tawny rim. It's a likeable, lean wine with vivid black tea, cranberry and red cherry in both the aromas and the flavor. Tannins are firm but light. It offers good astringency, medium body and a lingering spicy finish.
This sophisticated and compelling wine combines full body and a muscular texture with very tasty, solid fruit flavors. The balance between acidity, tannin and flavor is good, and the finish is tangy and lingering.
Aged for 18 months in oak, this richly structured wine is powerful and concentrated. Bitter chocolate vies with ripe, juicy berry fruits to give a wine that is both firm and extracted, but also generous. The wine is ready to drink.
This rich, spicy Port is full of jammy black fruits, dried prunes and raisins along with a good line of acidity. It is on the dry side of the Late Bottled Vintage spectrum, giving a wine that is structured as well as full of fruit. The aftertaste, with its tannins still in place, suggests it will age at least until 2022, although it is very drinkable now.
Exotic notes of turmeric and fennel lend a spicy savory tone to this brisk lemony Kabinett. Flavors of lime and tart tangerine are delicately concentrated but gilded with honey and offset by electric acidity. Drink now through 2020.
A smooth and rounded wine that is full of ripe fruits. It has a hint of steely texture and minerality but the white fruit is the immediately attractive aspect of the wine. Drink this wine now.
Not to be confused with the winery's Vintner's Reserve, this has a limited two-barrel production and is priced lower. While cranberry and citrus flavors feature in both, this one has a pretty, lingering chocolate note, suggesting extended aging in oak.
This wine is lively and spicy, with cranberry and cherry flavors, juicy acidity and a strong impression of citrus. The tannins are firm and balanced, with a hint of stem showing through the finish.
Raspberry and blackberry fruit, lively spice and a streak of espresso come together in this tasty Syrah. It was fermented with native yeast and spent 23 months in oak. With almost five years of age already, it's drinking well and ready for immediate enjoyment.
Savory notes of saffron and white-button mushroom mingle amidst sunny tangerine and quince in this nuanced Auslese. It's creamy and mouth-filling on the palate but brightened by brisk citrus acidity. The finish is long with lingering notes of pollen and beeswax.
A notch better than the last two very good vintages, this full-bodied wine has an especially dark color and very concentrated berry flavors that make it almost irresistible. Flavors like blackberry jam and crème de cassis follow opulent dark-chocolate and ripe plum aromas.
Nelson is well known for its aromatic whites, so it's no surprise that this Maori-owned brand has bottled an attractive Grüner Veltliner from the region. Delicate leafy aromas accent stone fruit, while the medium-bodied wine is zesty, long and elegant, with no hint of bitterness. Drink now.
This Hungarian red blend has smoke, charcuterie and black raspberry aromas. Black plum, smoked meat and black raspberry flavors mark the palate, which finishes in a surprising burst of tart cherry.
Cranberry, vanilla and barnyard aromas pervade on the nose. The palate is gentle and well balanced by notes of forest floor and cedar, while the structured tannins complement the tart cranberry and blackberry. Fruit tones and cedar linger on the long finish.
This bright, elegant wine opens with wild berry, violet, cake spice and aromatic herb notes. The palate delivers red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and licorice flavors framed by taut, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity.
Complex aromas of leather, tobacco and cedar lead to similar earthy tones on the palate, with a savory, meaty character. Medium in body, it offers a nicely tannic texture and a lingering leather-scented finish.
Smooth and chocolaty, this full-bodied wine is blended from a majority of Sangiovese along with Syrah, Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. It has a very dark color, concentrated and jammy fruit flavors, a streak of sweetness and a plush texture. It's quite tannic so the sugar helps soften the grip on the palate.
Dried strawberry, herb-laced berry compote, maple and campfire aromas show on the nose of this bottling from one of the earlier Paso pioneers of the modern era. It's soft in texture and rich in syrupy strawberry and plum flavors, enhanced by hints of mocha and held up by firm tannins on the finish.
This bottling from a region northeast of San Diego is almost austere at first, but then restrained aromas of candied nuts and ripe pears show on the nose. The palate is also well-restrained for this often unctuous grape, especially coming from a warmer region, with flavors of kaffir lime, citrus pith, nectarine, melon and guava.
Straw colored in the glass, this dry Muscat has pineapple, dried rosemary, peach and apple blossom aromas. White peach and apricot flavors mark the palate and lead to a crisp finish.
Red berry, violet, leather and crushed culinary herb aromas unfold in this ripe and rounded wine. The palate offers juicy red cherry, star anise and ground sage flavors alongside solid, seasoned tannins. It's already surprisingly accessible. Drink 2018–2027.
Richly textured and bursting with fresh yellow peach, nectarine and melon flavors, this is an elegant wine with wide appeal. Just slightly off dry in style, it's balanced by fresh acidity and a subtle mineral undertone. The finish lingers nicely. Drink now through 2019.
Waxy plum is given ample richness from a taste of milk chocolate in this luxuriously full-bodied voluptuous wine. Big lush tannins are met by a smoky backdrop of robust oak and a spicy hit of clove on the finish.
Made from Nero d'Avola from old, pre-phylloxera vines, this opens with subdued violet, leather and underbrush aromas. The dense, structured palate evokes blackberry jam, vanilla and licorice. Enjoy through 2021.
Aromas of black fruits, barrel toast and marshmallow set up a palate that's tannic and choppy but full of life. Savory, spicy berry flavors come with chocolaty oak notes prior to a finish that's rough and tannic but true.
Here is a popular winery that just keeps on producing attractive, well-priced wines. This Riserva 1998 manages to combine soft, quaffable fruit with generous, almost opulent richness. There's something brooding about the firm tannins and tarry flavors, but the fruit is just deliciously ripe.
Super ripe, with vivacious, youthful plum and berry fruit. This Sangiovese/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend from near Scansano is solid and sassy, with lots of spunk. The finish is long and very fruity, with lively tannins. It can be drunk now, but it could probably use a couple of years to fully come together.
Fans of full-bodied reds should like this Cabernet/Merlot blend for its pure berry and mint aromas, its ruby luster, and dry, clean raspberry and chocolate flavors. There are full tannins now, indicating that it will age well for about five years, maybe more. And it finishes nicely.
Sweet fruit, pure and crystal clear defines this single-vineyard effort from King Estate. It's a crisp, tight Pinot with firm fruit and a concentrated, spicy middle. Nothing jammy or over the top, but well made and knit together. This is the third year they have made the wine, though just the second “official” release.
From near the Tuscan coast comes this Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc. It's a little rusty in color, with aromas of molasses and plums. The balance is classic, and there's a hint of Médoc earthiness to it, maybe from the Cab Franc. With softer tannins than many, it's already drinkable.
This limited (250 case) production, Dijon-clone wine shows the ripe, bright flavor profile of the "new" Oregon Chardonnays. Oily and slightly hot, with opulent, assertive, high-toned aromas, it is a big wine that finishes with a burst of sweet vanilla.
This is soft, forward and fruity, with a somewhat flat mouthfeel. Soft, buttery oak rounds out into a smooth, silky finsh. Very seductive and caramel flavored, long, satiny finish. A drink-now bottle, not for aging.
This is the first reserve for Bridgeview. It's a block selection, treated the same as their regular bottling; i.e., all stainless, no malolactic. That said, it has an extra dimension, good texture, more elegance and lovely fruit.
This is a very clean, well-balanced wine, with nice hints of honey but not too much, and a lightly spicy finish.
This relative newcomer from near Pisa is three-fourths Sangiovese and the remainder Merlot, and the mix is delightful. Black-plum aromas are hardened by the background scents of tar and leather, while soft, smooth tannins allow for a chocolaty, soft mouthfeel that steals the show. Rich, sweet and smooth.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from near Montalcino shows plenty of youthful character. It has deep earth, tobacco and tar notes on a black-fruit nose, expansive cassis and blackberry flavors, and a tight, structured mouthfeel that should relax if given the three or so years it deserves. Very New World in style.
Three different clones are used, all estate grown. There's a lovely wild clover scent to it, and very tart, dark fruit. Though it needs more time to smooth out, it shows streaks of iron and mineral, adding excellent flavor and depth. Structured to age.
Winemaker Laurent Montalieu really shines with Pinot Gris, and the vibrant nose and lush textures of his 2006 Soléna continue an unbroken string of successes. Packed with fresh pear fruit, annotated with pineapple and laced with vanilla, this delicious wine keeps resonating through the palate and into a lively, spicy finish. No malolactic fermentation, no oak. Just a lovely expression of great fruit.
The Zin is cut with 15% Syrah, a nice choice. Smooth and plummy and loaded with spice cake flavors, it's a moderate 13.5% alcohol—light for Zin—but has plenty of oomph in the mouth, ripe fruit and a pleasing chocolaty finish. Great presence and polish  elevate this well above the ordinary.
This full-bodied, richly textured rosé is wonderfully aromatic and floral, with dried spices, plums and cherries all mingling on the nose. Made from 80% Mourvèdre, it behaves almost like a good red wine, but with extra zest and freshness. You could sip it on its own, with white meats or even burgers or steaks.
A fine, ripe wine, very elegant, with its red plum and berry fruits rounded out with smooth wood flavors. The tannins, obviously here, are in a supporting role to this delicious fruit. And the aftertaste is long, rounded and soft.
This classic Washington blend is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Syrah—a perfect storm of power, precision and compact fruit. From the Merlot comes a thickly generous layer of strawberry/black cherry fruit. The Franc beefs up the tannins and adds highlights of coffee grounds, while the Syrah lifts the wine's aromatics and lightly spices it with pepper. Masterful blending by Andrew Rich.
This is an interesting wine, with dense and deep layers of chocolate, licorice and other barrel flavors, buttressed with ripe, clean berry-flavored fruit. The alcohol is in balance, and the aromas carry a mix of wild herb, grass and grain. It's impossible to know where this wine will travel as it ages, but it certainly will light up any dinner party conversation in the near term. Best guess? Drink up soon.
In every vintage this blend of Cabernet, Malbec, Merlot and Carmenère gets a little better, and the 2005 is the best yet. It's a ripe one for sure, with licorice, kirsch and earthy warmth on the nose. The body is big and the wine tastes of berry jam, licorice and chocolate. Balanced and long, with bitter espresso on the finish. Drink now through 2010.
Smoke and tobacco aromas are immediately attractive, and with the delicious, but dry structure, here is a wine that shows both great potential and great elegance. There is power, as witnessed by the alcohol, but it is relatively muted, the berry fruits showing through the tannins, and then the acidity and velvet wood flavors finishing.
Richer and deeper than the 2004 version, this shows an abundance of black cherry fruit, but also layers of spicy, savory complexity. Dominated by old-vine Grenache, it could easily be mistaken for a Lirac or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Drink now–2015.
This is a fruit-powered wine, loaded with fresh pear, melon and tropical flavors. It shows no sign of having suffered from the wet, cool weather that hit Oregon during the 2007 harvest. It seems riper than the perfectly balanced '06 bottling, with lower acids and a streak of vanilla and coconut wrapping up the finish.
Subtle and soft, this aromatic Bordeaux blend (54% Cab Sauvignon, 9% Carmenère, 9% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot) is laced with herb and exotic and savory spices, woven through tight fruit flavors of blueberry and musky grape. This is a delicate, evocative and challenging wine that rewards your attention. Fascinating and complex, it needs time to breathe and good glassware to really open up.
This is a substantial wine whose raspberry, pomegranate and wild cherry flavors are enhanced with striking minerality. The aromas suggest more to come as the wine develops, offering teasing hints of mint, vanilla and lead pencil. Give this plenty of cellaring and see what happens.
Rich and ripe—nearly over the top in ripeness—this is a luscious blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah matured in old foudres. Without any appreciable oak, what shines are the superripe Grenache flavors of black cherries and cola and the soft, plush tannins. A concentrated, long finish.
Completely different in style from the estate's Coin Caché rouge, this is primarily Mourvèdre, and primarily aged in new oak. Despite the oak, the fruit shines through, offering up ripe, mouthfilling flavors of blackberry, cola, coffee and spice. Firmly structured, this could repay 5–7 years of cellaring.
From a young block of Cab Franc at the legendary Champoux vineyard, this captures the grape's earthy, herbal elements, bringing the classic green coffee bean streaks to the tannins, and keeping the fruit tight and muscular. Cassis and purple plum flavors are wrapped in tough, chewy tannins. This one needs more time to show its strength.
The Signature Cuvée opens on a floral note, a pretty and beguiling blend of roses and orchids. The midpalate is substantial and textured, offering spicy plum, strawberry and raspberry preserves and firm acids. The fruit flavors persist even as the tannins and barrel notes kick in, offering cocoa, ground coffee and walnut. All in all, an elegant and complex effort that should also age nicely for up to a decade.
A lively, fresh wine, whose wood aging has just enhanced the delicious fruit flavors of mango and pineapple. The acidity bounces up and down, vibrant and crisp. Considering its origin in one of the hottest regions of the Douro, this is impressive.
Lehmann's 2006 Barossa Cab is an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing red that should find its way into many steakhouses as a by-the-glass pour. Minty notes accent cassis and tobacco flavors, while the wine's soft tannins will provide a welcome counterpoint to rich steaks.
It's a pleasure to find a sipping wine that gracefully displays a mix of honeysuckle blossoms, light apple, pear and peach, and a gentle wrap of firming acids. Elegant right through the finish.
Although the stars at Saint Clair are the Reserve and Pioneer Block wines, the regular SB bottling has maintained a high level of quality. The 2008 boasts exuberant passion fruit and grapefruit aromas and flavors, backed by fresh, grassy notes. It's medium in body, with a mouthwatering, fresh finish.
Kudos to Santa Rita for harnessing the inherent qualities of the '07 vintage and applying them to this very nice Carmenère. The wine is bold and loud, but controlled and balanced. It starts with rowdy black fruit and folds in cassis, pepper, bitter chocolate and some smoked meat and olive. Drink now and over the next year or two.
The six red wines of Substance are nicely differentiated, this being the most dry and tannic, with penetrating berry fruit flavors defining the core. There's a wonderful sense of depth and the wine lingers in the mouth; quite dry but flavorful. The tannins are polished and ripe; one sip leads right into the next.
This new lineup from Columbia Crest features fruit exclusively from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, which provides a welcome focus to the wines. Fruit-powered, but more substantial than either the Grand Estates or the Two Vines, this shows persistent flavors of tangy raspberry and blackberry, moderate acids and plenty of cocoa in the finish.
Scents include white pepper, hints of herb, and in the mouth there is none of the usual bitter or dill pickle flavors. This was cold fermented and cofermented with 5% Viognier; then blended with 5% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's fruitier than the Walla Walla Valley bottling, and less earthy, but quite appealing.
Initial impressions are smoky and savory, but the nose opens to reveal aromas of freshly pressed apple, lemon and crushed minerals. The palate is ripe with sunny tangerine and yellow peach flavors, but moderated with piercingly tart lemon-lime acidity. Finishes moderately long on a sumptuous honey-tangerine note.
Known more for Zinfandel and Rhône blends, Bill Easton has quietly been making Cabernet as well for many years. This vintage is earthy and leathery, reminiscent of his Syrah-based wines, yet rich in savory black cherry, cedar and black olive. Built to age, put it away until 2019–2024 and the savory, herbal elements are sure to develop further.
Expressive notes of white pepper, watercress and citrus make this a quintessential and zippy Weinviertel Grüner, where the variety is known in the local dialect as “Pfefferl”, i.e. little pepper.
Light in color and soft in the glass, this well-built wine is bursting in red berry and cherry, with aromas of violet and oak and a finish laced in cherry-vanilla. Structured and finessed, it's impressive for hearty pairings like pork or game,
Sleek and polished, it opens with classic varietal aromas of ripe pear and almond. The crisp, linear palate delivers green apple, Bartlett pear and lime zest lightly accented with sage. It's balanced by fresh acidity and closes on a pleasant note of bitter almond.
The faintest touch of vanilla and cream barely manages to contain the fragrance of white summer blossom. The palate offers a return to classically restrained, creamy but well-integrated oaked Chardonnay with light-footed balance.
Viu 1 is pure Malbec, and this rendition is one of the more ripe and jammy versions on record. The color is pitch black, the nose is saturated and fully extracted, and the feel is almost syrupy. Flavors of prune and blackberry finish heavy and oaky, with a lasting note of raisin. Tasted three times with mostly consistent results.
This small-production Syrah from Aconcagua (250 cases) is rosy and rusty in color, with leathery, roasted, almost cheesy aromas of spicy, savory berry fruits. The palate shows tomatoey zest along with herbal, brambly, spicy flavors of plum and raspberry. On the finish, this is rooty, herbal and tomatoey in flavor, with a touch of chocolate and a foresty quality. Drink through 2019.
Among Wente's highest-priced offerings, this is an elegant Merlot, velvety textured and succulent in herbal cassis and luxurious red plum and cherry. With a gorgeous mouthfeel and some weight to the body, it'll stand up to equally elegant meals.
The wine is closed and dense, with dark tannins as well as smooth caramel flavors from wood aging. It reveals concentration, black fruits and rich, exuberant potential. Drink from 2016.
An opulently ripe, wood-aged wine that's both fruity and textured. It has weight, richness, a lightly mineral texture with crisp apple and green plum flavors. Give this attractive while serious wine until the end of 2014.
Very fresh green pear notes are joined by riper notions of passion fruit. These linger on the palate where peppery phenolics add structure and depth.
Slender zippiness supports fresh lemon and white pepper notes on this tight, light-footed and linear white.
A subtle mix of pear and pepper plays on the nose. A seam of clean, fresh acidity leads to a concentrated, peppery palate where zestiness reigns, made more interesting by the aromatic pungence of lovage and arugula.
There are powerful tannins at work here. The wine has structure, a solid and firm texture and strong black currant flavors. It's still young, showing a dry, mineral edge that will need to warm up before it's ready. Drink from 2017.
Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.
Petite Sirah has a long history in Livermore Valley and the Del Arroyo Vineyard from which this wine hails is planted to the heritage Concannon clone. Restrained and spicy, it offers velvety blackberry and raspberry fruit and a lingering tropical aroma, encased with a morsel of dark chocolate. With well-managed tannins, the wine begs to be set on the table alongside peppery steaks.
Stony aromas of green melon and apple are mellow and classy. This is fresh on the palate, with a burst of acidity to brighten things up. Flavors of citrus fruits, green apple, nectarine and stony minerality finish similarly.
Fragrant Conference pears, lemon zest and an edge of white pepper deliver on nose and palate. Light, crisp and totally invigorating.
This savory blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier (developed, Bridlewood claims, after tasting through the winery's lots 175 times) delivers black pepper, vanilla, stewed fig and roasted pork to the nose. It then clings to flavors like sage and sautéed plum that are more often found in cool-climate Syrah. The tannins are slightly rough, so this may be best in 2015, but it's drinking well now.
Delicious and refreshing, it opens with a delicate fragrance of white spring flowers, chamomile and apples. The juicy, linear palate delivers ripe Bartlett pear, tart Granny Smith, white peach and mineral alongside crisp acidity that leaves a clean, lingering finish.
The wine is a field blend of a mix of grape varieties planted at random in the old Douro tradition. It is both structured and fruity, allowing a splendid range of perfumes to come from the glass. Ripe and full-bodied, with a touch of wood-aging, it has a medicinal edge as well as layers of black fruitiness. It needs to age, so drink from 2016.
This cuvée offers interesting complexity, with black cherry, wood smoke, cedar shake and a whiff of bacon fat. It's tannic and stiff, a bit hard to unwrap, but far from a simple wine. It will reward your patience, whether you give it extra breathing time, or tuck it away in the cellar for a few years.
Green pears and ivy leaves, together with zesty lemon, bring a very slender and precise focus to this wine that promises refreshment and ageing mileage. Drink now or keep until 2015–2016.
The nose on this invigorating medium-sweet Riesling is fresh and green, with notes of lime zest, herbs and pine fronds. On the palate, juicy white grapefruit and orange blossom flavors are sunny and bright, finishing on a long, penetrating mineral tone. Beautifully balanced and irresistibly tasty.
Ripe peach mingles with a mix of phenolics and zestiness on the concentrated midpalate. Structured and spicy, it delivers peppery impact and a prolonged finish.
Rough conflicted aromas of horseradish, beets and horse hide lead to a hard grabby palate that feels sticky and tannic. The heavy oak blends with stewed herbal black-fruit flavors before a scratchy tannic finish.
Rubbery stewy berry aromas give way to a pinched-feeling palate. This tastes of salty roasted plum and it stays that way on a dense, chewy, meaty finish.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (26%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Malbec. Aromas of tire rubber and green pepper bring some distraction to the notes of spice and plum. The palate seems disjointed, with oddly smoky flavors that seem out of place.
Aromas of black currant, dark chocolate and herb are followed by lightly concentrated dark-fruit flavors. The tannins bring a sense of astringency.
Flat on the palate and somewhat reduced, this big, ripe and generously round wine delivers robust blueberry, black licorice, mocha and oak notes.
Light bodied and uber simple, this informal white offers nectarine and bitter nut suggestions. It's brisk, with zesty acidity.
Slightly grassy raspberry and plum aromas suggest oyster shell. This is drawing and a bit abrasive, with lightly herbal and generic red-fruit flavors. It's dry in feel and lightly bitter in flavor on the finish.
Disappointing. This is a tart disjointed wine, with little fruit showing. The acids are sour and have an off-putting tang. It doesn't come together. Two bottles were tasted.
This pure Merlot wine suffers from excessive wood aging giving an extra-dry character. To compensate, the red fruit is perfumed and rich. Another year will help the softening process although probably not enough.
Wiry berry aromas come with a touch of sweet plastic. This feels hard and tannic as well as fleshy. Herbal, lightly weedy and salty plum and berry flavors finish with lively acidity and foxy, jammy berry notes.
Smoky char supports strong tobacco and leather notes in this full-bodied, quite tannic red. Blended with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot, it boasts cherry and vanilla flavors that complement the spice.
Richly concentrated and tannic, this wine shows loads of smoke on the nose and palate, but a touch of reduction obfuscates its black cherry and dried herb notes.
Dark strawberries and blackberries meet with touches of caramel and even fudge on the nose of this bottling from a family-owned winery. The tannins stand up very tall once sipped, and then slip away to reveal ripe boysenberries and olallieberries alongside crushed rocks and pencil-lead minerality.
Full of cherry, cola and plum flavors, this medium-bodied wine has an intense fruitiness shaded by baking spices from oak, and a nicely tannic texture. Aged for 20 months in French barrels, it's an attractive, well-aged, easy-to-enjoy wine.
Attractive structured tannins and red fruits give this wine a good start in life. With the acidity, the dusty structure and the perfumed aftertaste, the wine will develop well. Drink from 2017.
Aromas of wood spice, plum and herb lead to black-fruit flavors and chalky, dry tannins that make it hard to access.
Equally proportioned between the two varieties, this wine shows perfumed aromas of green herbs, coffee, dark plum and floral notes. The fruit flavors are elegant, with chalky, lightly drying tannins.
Golden orange in color, this wine shows honey, apple and pineapple, veering into a lushness of tropical proportion. Pronounced oak provides additional heft and the perception of sweetness.
This is a simply rendered, nicely light-bodied version of the variety, round and fleshy in mouthfeel with a taste of sugar-rimmed lime.
The second wine of Ramage la Batisse, this wine had six months in wood. It is a ripe, early developing wine that is now ready. Spice from the wood mingles easily with the smoky tannins and black currant fruit. Drink now and until 2022.
A blend with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a wine that has juicy fruit, red-berry flavors and only the lightest tannin. It is rounded, soft and generous. The wine is ready to drink.
Plump red cherry and red cranberry meet with touches of anise, sagebrush, cola and purple flowers on the nose of this smartly priced bottling. Strawberry candy, smashed herbs and more anise show once sipped, framed by lots of acidity.
This opens with aromas of stewed plum, cherry marinated in spirits, cellar floor and a hint of soy sauce. The aromas carry over to the dense palate along with licorice and a hint of orange peel.
Whiffs of orange blossom and bramble persist throughout this bright, pretty wine, accenting flavors of fresh white grapefruit and lemon. It's sunny and ripe, yet briskly balanced. The finish is moderately long.
Pineapple and mango aromas mix with notes of baking spices. The flavors show a fine sense of balance, tapering toward the finish. It's oak driven at times but provides a lot of enjoyment.
Made with Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of yellow apple, flint and medicinal herb. The somewhat lean, racy palate offers pear, mineral and lemon peel alongside brisk acidity that gives it a refreshing finish.
This ripe wine from the Siozard family has a smooth texture. It has some spice, rich apple and apricot fruits and touches of more tropical fruits. While the wine is full in the mouth, it still guards some attractive freshness. Drink now.
Lightly aromatic, this is a soft wine with attractive acidity and sliced green apple fruit. It is just lightly mineral with a fresh, bright aftertaste. Drink now.
This wine is mostly Merlot with just a splash (5%) of Malbec. The aromas of red fruit, tire rubber and herbs are light and elusive. The tart fruit flavors provide considerably more generosity, with grainy tannins backing them up.
Dried lemon rind, ripe apple blossom and lime-soaked honeydew aromas show on the nose of this bottling from the team behind Villa San-Juliette. It's simple on the palate, with very drinkable flavors of tangerine juice and caramelized almonds.
Hints of nut and spice lend a savory tone to fresh red apple and pear flavors in this honey-kissed Riesling. It's not a deeply complicated wine, but refreshing and widely appealing for its sweet-tart, lemony freshness.
Stalky, gritty, low-fruit aromas suggest a used grill. This is more heavy than upright, with a mouthfeel that collapses on itself. Savory, herbal and brambly tasting, this finishes rough, with herbal berry notes and a hint of chocolate.
Despite the warmth of the vintage and the growing region, this wine comes off as green aromatically. The flavors show ripeness but there seems to be a disconnect.
Menthol, ripe berry, vanilla and mocha aromas emerge in the glass. The palate offers dried black cherry, coffee and toast but not much fruit richness alongside bracing tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Winemaker Jérémy Ducourt brings attractive grassy, herbal aromas that are followed by a crisp wine. It has tropical fruits as well as lime and lemon flavors. The texture is tight, perfumed and elegant. Drink now.
The tannins of the vintage are very apparent in this dry wine. That gives it a dry structure that was enhanced by wood aging. It needs to develop longer and become a wine that is balanced while always austere. Drink from 2017.
Anne Néel and her children, Maria and Damien Chombart, manage the clay-limestone family property, The result is a fresh, bright and crisp wine that is ready to drink. It has zingy orange and pink-grapefruit flavors that are already well integrated into the bright, tight, mineral texture.
This luminous white opens with aromas of honeysuckle, tropical fruit and a whiff of tomato leaf. The racy palate offers grapefruit, bitter almond and a mineral note alongside lively acidity.
Aromas of brick dust, cheesy oak and black fruits battle to maintain clarity as this breathes. A sinewy mouthfeel is steered by high tartaric acidity, while flavors of vanilla, lactic oak, plum and currant are fresh and a bit tart. A medium-bodied, oaky tasting finish is driven by zesty acidity.
A streak of waxy honeycomb seems to glaze flavors of pressed apple and pear on the palate of this savory, but honey-kissed wine. Light in body, it's zesty and spry with a clean, cutting finish.
This starts out with rubbery aromas of iodine, but after some time it smells more like black grapes and plum. Sandpaper tannins make for a rough palate, while roasted plum and raspberry flavors have a salted note. Black-fruit flavors on the finish are braced by raw, scratchy tannins.
Grassy berry and light, leafy aromas define the bouquet. The mouth is a little tangy but mostly jammy, while blueberry, lemony oak and dilution define the flavor profile. A short, choppy, jammy finish comes across slightly washed out.
Light aromas of red plum and raspberry lead to a wiry, snappy feeling palate with a mix of raspberry, plum and cocoa powder flavors. This is a lean, juicy Tempranillo with modest character and a clean finish.
This blended white—a sweetish mix of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Riesling—has a honeyed character that suggests that at least some of the grapes may have been touched with botrytis. Regardless, look for that sugary, honeyed flavor to dominate.
The nose on this Cava from Ribera del Duero is chunky and yeasty. In the mouth, the wine foams up while showing flavors of orange, lemon and minerals. It's a touch sour on the finish, but overall it smells and tastes good, with little to no complexity.
Made from old vines, this Zin is still super tight with mouth-drying tannins, and peppery with a base of black fruit and leather.
Just what the label says, this is fresh, fruity, simple and attractive Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon, crisp apple peel and fragrant acidity all meld easily together. Screwcap.
That this wine is all Merlot is the reason both for its jammy richness and its high alcohol. It gives a wine that is out of balance, with pepper, spice and wood dominating the super-ripe black cherry fruits. It's unlikely to age for long.
The winery's first varietal bottling of Petit Verdot comes from Phinny Hill Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. It's lightly aromatic with notes of peat, freshly tilled soil, and cherry. It shows all of the variety's brawn with dry, grainy tannins.
Thin and sour, this offers little enjoyment. Lemon juice flavors lack flesh and substance. Best for shellfish or perhaps a mussel stew.
Herbal aromas teeter on herbaceous, with bell pepper, rosemary and thyme scents running on top of raspberry and rhubarb. This is full bodied and a bit oaky tasting, with campfire, herbal berry and roasted flavors. A hot finish with bacon, mint and toast is the close.
The nose on this Grenache Blanc is oily smelling and blowsy. In the mouth, it's fairly tangy and angular, with fresh acids and briny, pickled flavors of lime and orange. Cornichon-like flavors and wiry acidity control the finish.
Spicy with a layering of pepper this Lodi Petite Sirah, clocking in at only 12.5% abv, is Syrah-like in aroma and flavor, but fully Petite in its very dry tannins.
Lightly crisp and herbaceous, this is an attractively youthful and fruity wine. Lemon and crisp pear flavors dominate. Bright and aromatic, it's ready to drink.
Still very young, this is a crisply fresh wine, all lemon zest and apple skin flavors. There is a young, green element here that needs to soften over the next few months. Screwcap.
Aromas of fragrant yellow flowers, hay, toasted hazelnuts and citrus zest emerge on this dazzling sparkler. Made entirely with native grape Durello, the elegant palate offers ripe yellow apple, white peach, lime and bread crust alongside a silky perlage.
The two grapes are co-fermented with native (wild) yeast, in a 50-50 blend. Racy and textural, he wine shows impressive minerality behind crisp flavors of jicama, celery and green apple. The length and definition suggest that this wine may be cellared through 2020 or longer.
Ripe apple, pear and bread crust aromas follow through to the firm palate of citrus zest and toasted almond. It's balanced by bright acidity while a refined perlage adds elegance.
Deceptively shy about its use of oak, this white exudes rich aromas of baked pear and vanilla yet delivers a refreshing amount of acidity on the palate, remaining crisp yet softly layered around a medium build. The finish lingers on a ginger snap accent.
A wealth of maraschino cherry pops in taste and aroma in this wine, followed by dense black cherry and cinnamon. Supple and light-to-medium bodied, it's a balanced expression of the variety, with complexity and character.
Every vintage Bryan Babcock makes an experimental white wine pressed straight from red grapes, in this case opting for Grenache. The result is a unique nose of lemon cake, pink rose petals and ice cream, followed by a a lively, energetic palate powered by Key lime pie flavors. It's worth tracking down for those seeking something completely different.
This creative blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Tannat, 13% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and 1% Petite Sirah offers roasted red-bell pepper, black gravel, black plums, chocolate cake and caramelized beef on the umami-driven nose. The palate is tighter, with elderberries, cranberries and decent tannic grip, proving tasty but not quite as exciting as the nose suggests.
Even in a challenging year like the cool and rainy 2014 vintage, this dynamic firm has made a stunning sparkler thanks to rigorous grape selection. Refermented in the bottle, it offers aromas and flavors of white spring flowers, lemon-lime, green apple and peach. Vibrant acidity and a foaming mousse offset the linear palate while a mineral note backs up the finish.
Rich blueberry, vanilla and hot gravel aromas greet the nose on this bottling from the Los Angeles-based Riboli family. Flavors are varietally familiar and relatively light, with peppery spice giving nuance to boysenberry juice, all framed by tightly grained tannins.
The aromas of this fresh, tangy wine are like parsley, garlic and lemon, and the flavors add in tart grapefruit and green tea notes. Lively, assertive and refreshing, the wine will shake up cocktail hour or a seafood course.
Ripe and fruity, this is a rich, smoothly textured wine. It has dense blackberry fruit flavors, smooth tannins and just a light touch of acidity. Raspberry jelly and a touch of tannic structure at the end, give a fresh taste.
Aromas of pressed yellow flowers, Bartlett pear and a hint of citrus lead the nose. The bright, savory palate doles out creamy white peach, green apple, pear and a mineral note alongside vibrant acidity and a frothy mousse.
From a new producer, this Chiles Valley-grown white crackles in waxy apple and lemon-zest aromas. It was aged in mostly stainless steel, with a small addition of neutral oak. Peach fuzz dominates atop the creamy texture, providing brightness in an otherwise full-bodied, though balanced, wine.
A ripe and smoothly rich single-estate wine, this has structure and a dense fabric of spice, toast as well as fruit. It's solid and chunky, with rich black fruits and layers of balancing acidity. Give this dense wine until 2017 before drinking.
Light in texture and color, this is a floral wine, elegant and restrained. Cherry, pomegranate and rose petals dance on the palate, staying focused in acidity and a razor-thin margin of texture.
Scott Sisemore's small Belmont-based label pushes the lower-alcohol movement into the realm of Syrah, in this case producing a wine whose aromas are more like one of the appellation's Cabs, with juniper, pine, oregano, green and black olives and dried plums. Elderberries and those same herbal characters show on the palate, which some will love and others will find unfamiliar.
Complex and inviting, this artfully blends tart berry fruit with streaks of clove, pepper, sandalwood and hibiscus tea. Balanced and lingering, it shows the sexy, seductive side of the grape.
A 100% varietal wine from a light-handed producer, this captures a sense of muted, yet juicy red cherry around structured tannins, making for an elegant experience. Integrated oak ensures a layered, medium-bodied wine, with a leathery, coffee-like finish. Cellar through 2020.
Cheesy oak and raw cherry and plum aromas create a nose that needs time in the glass to show its best. This Rioja feels fresh and tight, with pulling tannins. Zesty plum and cherry flavors carry a peppery side note prior to a snappy finish with similar flavors.
Rich, thick and swimming in youthful tannin, this is a powerful statement from the producer's estate, a broad-shouldered explosion of fruity and savory flavors. Spicy tea, pomegranate and black cherry mingle around a tartness of grapefruit and blood orange, coalescing into a balanced whole.
New leather, underbrush, menthol, dark spice and chopped dill aromas lead the way in this structured red. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam and licorice flavors alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. It's youthfully austere and needs a few years to unwind. Drink 2022–2029.
Fragrant purple flower, red berry, exotic spice, crushed herb and new leather scents set the tone in this wine. The firm palate shows cranberry, star anise and clove flavors framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2028.
Early aromas of latex and animal hide yield to earthy berry scents. A lively palate is full of energy, while blackberry, baked plum and chocolate flavors are more dense and generous than streamlined. Flavors of fudge, fig and berry fruits are bold on the finish. Drink through 2021.
While this high-elevation (4,035 feet) white Garnacha is mostly neutral smelling, it offers stony notes that are direct, minerally and clean. On the palate, it is tightly wound and showing vital malic acid. Salty but fresh persimmon and quince flavors are lasting on the finish. For a 2014, this is in fine shape; drink now.
This ripe and fruity wine has just the right amount of mineral texture to give it a zesty character. It offers hints of toast, attractive juicy acidity and a lively, bright aftertaste. The wine needs to lose the slight earthy flavor from bottling that should soon blow away.
There is a pronounced floral perfume that lingers from nose to finish in this fresh, fruity Chardonnay sparkling wine. Made in the traditional-method style, it's zippy and spry boasting cutting lemon and green apple flavors tinged with caramelized sugar. Tiny, piercing bubbles expand to a dense, mouthfilling foam but dissipate elegantly on the finish.
With a strong foundation of oak, this well-made wine broods in grippy tannin and black cherry fruit, imparting muscular highlights of leather and tobacco. As it finds its way to a seamless lengthy finish, accents of chocolate-covered espresso beans play on.
This wine comes from the most northerly of the Beaujolais cru villages as it merges gently in Burgundy's Mâcon region. The wine is structured and firm, but with bright red-cherry fruit and acidity. It will age and be best from 2018.
Full and rich, this single-estate wine is generous and ripe. Spice and yellow-fruit flavors are right up front, giving the wine generosity. Good balancing acidity offers the lift the wine needs. Drink now.
Presented with subtlety on the nose, this bottling by the iconic Santa Cruz Mountains winery delivers scents of toasted pine nuts and almonds, tangerine rind and lemon balm. There is racy acidity on the sip, where lemon peel, crisp pear and buttered apple flavors make for a very thorough Chardonnay.
Balsamic aromas of menthol, saddle leather, crushed herb and exotic spice mingle together in this Barbaresco. The solid palate shows crushed raspberry, Morello cherry, cinnamon and espresso flavors alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
Espresso, dark chocolate, herb and purple fruit aromas lead to a soft, smooth palate in this wine. Fruit and barrel notes play equal parts, yet it comes up short on the finish.
Brooding smoke, purple fruit and violet aromas are followed by sumptuous fruit and barrel flavors in this Syrah. Barrel notes linger on the finish, feeling a bit raw but not detracting from the overall enjoyment.
This leads with vibrant and fresh aromas, recalling cut grass, herbs, lime zest and citrus, with whiffs of tropical fruit. The palate brings tart, zingy, mouthwatering citrus flavors, with a lightly creamy feel on the finish.
This opens with subtle aromas suggesting underbrush, exotic spice, vanilla, menthol and toast. On the structured palate, bright acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins support ripe Marasca cherry, clove and star anise flavors. Drink 2021–2031.
Fleshy pumpkin and squash aromas are mature and lightly oxidized but in good form. A round, full palate offers vitality and balance. Earthy flavors of acorn squash and baked apple finish long and peppery. Drink through 2019.
Pristine grapefruit, lemon and cantaloupe perfume this bold, fruit-forward Gewürztraminer. While off dry in style and densely concentrated in apricot and citrus flavors, it's balanced keenly in acidity and finishes with mineral refreshment.
Savory notes of olive and rubber share space on the nose with dark berry aromas. This wine feels thick and fleshy, and ultimately a touch heavy and collapsed. Dark, spicy, slightly bitter blackberry flavors finish with a reprise of savory accents. Drink through 2022.
This single-vineyard wine is ripe, toasty and already delicious. With a honeyed aroma, wood-aging spice and rich apricot and almond flavors, it is full of character. The acidity and mineral texture show it will age. Drink from late 2018.
Simple and straightforward, this fruity wine offers lemon/lime fruit and moderate acidity. Fine for everyday consumption, best chilled.
Aromatically, this Bulgarian Riesling is quite pretty with loads of freshly pressed apples, elderflowers and Meyer lemon scents. Light bodied and dry with a racy acidity, its palate is austere but has some muted floral and honeydew flavors.
Tart strawberry fruit grabs the palate and doesn't let go; this is a straightforward, light, fruity Zin, with perhaps a whiff of pepper from the addition of 10% Syrah.
Big, oaky and toasty on the nose, and then zesty and pithy in the mouth, with citrus, tangerine, lemon and not much else. Call it a one-trick pony and get ready for citrusy flavors and little variation on that theme. The good thing is, for a Maule Chard it plays its hand right.
Pleasant and straightforward, with light fruit flavors of citrus and white peach. It's simple, slightly dilute, with an awkward resolution.
Not as dark and sticky as many wines of this variety; the nose is defined by cherry and raspberry along with barnyard and animal hide. At first the palate seems sharp and acidic, but with time it settles on fuller, more creamy cherry and raspberry along with mocha. Narrow on the finish but fresh and forward.
A zippy, lively nose of citrus and lemon leads this simple but enjoyable wine from Moldova, and on the tongue, the clean flavors continue, offering accessible, fun character that will do well chilled and on a hot summer day, Refreshing and light, with a touch of sweetness, it's priced well for everyday consumption.
A thick wine that doesn't bring the ripeness, sweetness and balance that's necessary. The nose is filled with milk chocolate, mint and cough syrup, while the palate is surprisingly tangy and sharp, with cranberry and wild raspberry flavors.
Average red juice with sweet, rubbery aromas and flavors that match. It's Malbec in its most simple state: raspberry and cherry distilled into a quaffable liquid. Chilling might help.
A strong blast of oak comes across as resin and clove, and thus the wood doesn't augment but instead takes away from the fruit. Speaking of fruit, it's jumpy and tangy, with a finish that tastes of green olives. Overall it doesn't show proper balance or full development.
Past its prime. The nose is heavy and the palate deals minimal peach flavors. It's wet but losing clarity, with bland apple and pear flavors left on the finish. This is not quite dead but best to wait for 2007.
Big but scattered. The nose mixes incongruent aromas of green beans, chocolate and wood resin before transitioning to a palate of wood spice and generic berry fruit flavors. Too chewy, resiny and woody, and lacking harmony.
The Torrontes character shows on the nose, meaning there's detectable lychee and orange blossom scents. The dowside is that the palate is rather thick and honeyed but devoid of flavor. Seems to be fading into the night.
Light green in color, with standard Torrontes aromas of acacia and tropical fruits. The palate is simple and delivers solid flavors of lychee, melon and green herbs; somewhat cloying and confected.
Very dark and charred, but at the same time it smells like a fudge milkshake mixed with espresso. It's plump but loose in structure, with generic black-fruit flavors and strange acidic kick.
Dark, heavy and foresty on the nose, with astringent cherry and coffee flavors. Sharp in terms of feel, with plenty of leftover acidity on the finish. Tartaric acid is all over this wine.
This new release from Melrose fills the mouth with flavor; it runs from orange blossom to Meyer lemon to candied pineapple, finally settling into a strong citrus/tropical blend of delicious fruit flavors. It seems to strike a perfect balance, staying lively and well-defined, without becoming hot or bitter.
One of the library releases from Nikolaihof, this has become a light, elegant wine that walks a tightrope between freshness and mature smoke and toast flavors. Smooth almonds and spiced apples are beautifully ready to drink.
Though this is near the bottom end of the Rex Hill Pinot pole, it does not suffer from a lack of flavor. Big fruit, organically grown, runs right through the core, a mix of berries, cherries and plums; woven into the fruit is a lightly leafy vein, a whiff of tobacco, and a suggestion of earthy, organic compost. Thoroughly delicious.
Barrel fermented, soft and ripe with bright fruits, especially banana, but also pear, apricot, peach and citrus. Rich and creamy, it combines sweet barrel toast with a hint of honey. Lush through the finish, which adds caramel and cinnamon toast.
An impressive Montsant blend of Grenache, Cabernet and Syrah with a purple color and friendly black fruit aromas. Not overly complex but deeply drawn and balanced. The plum, fresh raisin and blackberry flavors are smooth and structured, and overall flavor and liveliness are key attributes. Drink now through 2012.
This is 100% Viognier, all stainless steel fermented, with more guts and concentration than the creamier barrel-fermented Viognier from this winery. Lime and pineapple fruit flavors are bracing and clean, moving into light peach and tangerine as they persist in the mouth.
For those who value a totally natural, biodynamic, unfiltered wine, this is it. The neck of the bottle is lined with purple sediment that is almost psychedelic it's so intense. The wine is fermented with native yeasts, and it's a scrapey, authentic beast of a Grenache, with 15% Syrah in the blend, and it takes no prisoners. Grapey, full-throttle, deep and concentrated, with blueberries and plums, boysenberries and kirsch, it invites both contemplation and hedonistic pleasure.
Rather subdued in fruit on the nose, showing more vanilla and toast, but this really expands on the palate, delivering great fruit sweetness and nuance in a harmoniously round, supple package. Finishes long, warm and spicy at 15.5% alcohol.
Superripe fruit, befitting a hot year, suggests early consumption may be the best option for this supple, luscious wine. There's bits of spicy, leathery complexity to go with the intense black cherry fruit. Drink now–2013.
The smooth, silky, satiny nose erupts with layers of lemon, lime, tangerine and melon. The pretty, slightly waxy mouthfeel is not unctuous but has good body, precise definition, and no jagged edges. The alcohol stays under 14%, and the finish is round and persistent.
The 2007 Clarendon is in a more feminine, approachable style than Roman Bratasiuk's other 2007 Grenaches, featuring dried spices, watermelon and cherry aromas and fine—almost delicate—tannins. Cherry-berry flavors finish with hints of cinnamon and clove. Drink now–2015.
Delicious is the first word that pops into your head when you taste this wine. It's got the sort of sweet fruit that you find in Russian River Pinots, yet retains the definition and refinement, along with a slight herbal nuance, that speaks of the Willamette Valley. Long in the mouth and tangy with a mix of spice and fruit sweetness in the finish.
Fresh, perky, sweaty and citric on the nose, which all creates a textbook bouquet. The palate is slightly spritzy, with flavors of passionfruit, pineapple and sweet white grapefruit. Fresh yet a little fleshy, with a long, zesty finish. Drink as soon as possible to capture the essence of a fine vintage.
From one of the most talented winemakers in the Rogue Valley comes this red blend, which could be labeled Malbec, as that is 88% of the blend (the rest is Cabernet Franc). The varietal character comes through nicely, wrapped in toasty oak, with lovely spice highlights around raspberry and Bing cherry fruit. Lively and textural, with a hint of funk.
Another fine estate-grown Pinot Gris from Vista Hills, with plenty of green apple and Bosch pear fruit, along with some light cinnamon spice. There is also a suggestion of flower in both the nose and the mouth, but overall it's a bigger wine than that, with the fruit front and center.
Organically grown, this fruit is from the estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains. Old vine elegance and subtlety are much in evidence, even in this bottling from a difficult, rain-soaked vintage. It's a delicate wine that nonetheless offers persistent, complex flavors: strawberry and sour cherry, dried Italian herbs and a finishing lick of chocolate.
A fragrant burst of pear blossom, citrus, melon and green apple aromas lead into similar flavors. Elegant and spicy, this nicely captures the fleshiness of Oregon Pinot Gris. About 10% was finished in oak barrels, the rest in stainless.
This medium-bodied wine smells like herbs and flowers, tastes softly fruity, is easy to drink and plummy in flavor.
Strained, funky aromas of corn chips don't include much fruit. This is mostly acid on the palate, while it tastes raw, choppy and citric. A tart finish fails to rescue this substandard rosé.
Rubbery, jammy, unfocused berry aromas are blurry. This feels heavy and low on pulse. Flavors of stewed plum and berry fruits end with a mild, weedy, green note.
This wine has herbal, floral aromas and a candied lemon flavor. Medium-bodied, it is fruitier and seemingly sweeter than many of its peers.
An obviously smoky, peppery aroma leads to equally smoky, even ashy flavors and a very tannic texture.
Soupy, horsey citrus and red-berry aromas precede a flabby palate with herbal red-berry flavors that upon inspection taste both sugary and green.
Volatile, minty, piercing aromas are hot and devoid of elegance. This reduced, high-acid number is clipped on the palate. Flavors of vinegar, oak and sour plum finish with a covering of unhelpful minty oak.
Dilute cherry aromas are not convincing. Wiry on the palate, this tastes like a mix of berry syrup and tomato. A salty, linear finish turns tart to the point of sour.
Potent herb aromas and flavors mark this medium-bodied wine. It will need something assertive like pesto pasta to make a good match.
The barn door is open and the horses have left. This is close to DOA, with mushy, weak aromas and flavors, and almost no distinct fruit at any point.
This wine tastes sweet and grapey, with a softness that becomes cloying and a preponderance of baked flavor.
Sweet oak aromas of vanilla extract, pencil shaving and cocoa butter flood the nose, overshadowing any pure fruit character. Soft and broad in texture, it has plum spice and sweet wood flavors that fade fast on the close.
Sharp feline and citrus aromas announce an edgy, citric palate. This Moscatel has a lot of Sauvignon character throughout, including flavors of lime, scallion and green herbs. An oily, pithy finish makes for a harsh ending.
This red-tinged rosado hits the nose with sharp and herbaceous scents. A drawing palate with sour citrus flaand pyrazines ends equally raw, tart and green.
Rough, grassy aromas and flavors along with a choppy mouthfeel render this one rung above unacceptable. Overall, this is about as raw, punchy, green and herbaceous as a Malbec can get.
This Ferreirinha Douro Superior wine is made in exceptional years. The 2007 is the 16th vintage since 1960 (the previous release was 2003). It is an immense wine in its grandeur while being sophisticated and structured. There are complex flavors from the long wood aging. The dark, dense black fruits are impressive while perfectly meshed into the concentrated tannins and black currant acidity. This wine, even at nine years, is young, and should not be drunk before 2020 (or decanted if you can't wait).
From Laguna Ridge Vineyard, which surrounds the producer's winery, this bottling begs to be explored. It's beguiling from the beginning, with unexpected shots of soy, corn nuts and gamy charcuterie. Big, structured tannins support juicy flavors of black cherry and raspberry, resulting in a complex, velvety mouthfeel. Flourishes of dark chocolate and cardamom tease on the finish.
Luscious honey, marmalade and grapefruit perfume bursts from the glass of this bristling Silvaner eiswein. The palate is almost cloudlike in its delicacy yet lavishly creamy too, dusted by lingering hints of mineral, earth and umami. It's delicious already but structured enough to improve over the next decade.
This is the top wine in the Wine & Soul range from Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges. It is a great wine in every sense, from its power and density to its grace and style. Allied with the black fruits, there are huge tannins and a dark, brooding character that promises long-term aging. Drink from 2020.
Made from 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay, spice-tinged fruit aromas and toasted baguette complexity make a grand entrance on the nose. It then gushes bold and complex flavors, like toasted walnuts and almonds, poached pears and a touch of ginger. Although big and broad in flavor for a sparkling wine, it's very well structured and a good bet to age through 2022 or longer.
Elegant and almost ethereal, this wine is tantalizing and irresistible. It shows sophistication, from the mysterious, earthy bouquet to the complex, well-aged brioche and peach flavors, as well as the almost gentle texture and refined finish. While full bodied, the wine has great balance, as all the tasty components join together to weave their magic.
This is a sultry, sexy wine—elegant in red fruit and black licorice, with a restrained approach to both tannin and oak. From a mountain vineyard, this has a complex mix of aromas, from pine and forest floor to brambly wild berry. Full bodied and voluptuous on the palate, it remains balanced and pretty. It's a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will age well through 2022.
Deliciously varietal in its huge offering of white pepper and robust black and blue fruit, this well-crafted wine boasts a lithe texture that invites sip after sip. It remains light footed throughout the palate, yet with enough complexity and balancing weight before the refined finish gives a final hit of juiciness.
Proprietor Michel Gassier is turning out excellent values at all levels. This supple red blends 72% Grenache with 24% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. Raspberry and rhubarb notes on the nose give way to flavors of ripe cherries, baking spices and dried herbs. The finish is long and velvety. Drink now–2020.
An impressive, balanced wine that brings out the ripeness of Malbec and then keeps it in check with judicious wood aging and layers of acidity. It's concentrated while elegant, and will develop delicious black fruits as it ages. Drink from 2017.
Tart, sugar-frosted fruit comes to mind—candied red-currant and passion-fruit preserve. This is a wine on a tight-rope walk between tropical richness and lively tartness—it is thus just made for desserts that put equally tart fruits center stage. Alluring and different, with a lifted edge of pine resin, this is certainly a wine for felicitous experimenting.
Very young, this is currently all about juicy black fruits and accompanying tannins. It should develop well to give a richly structured wine that has both fruits and a dark, mineral character, hinting at wood aging. Drink from 2018.
A classic Cab blended with smaller handfuls of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this 2011 is balanced and supple in plum, cassis and minty chocolate. The oak is accented in pretty ways by clove, sage and cardamom spice. Structured and soft, the finish is lengthy and the wine perfectly capable of waiting until 2019–2021 in a cellar.
Now mature, this smoky, wood-aged wine is rich and complex. It has firm and dry tannins that are typical of the Tannat although these are a part of a solid, dark wine. The aftertaste brings out a perfumed, rich side that is attractive. The wine is ready to drink.
Pronounced Kay-lee, this Syrah is unabashedly funky. If you like a wine with generous aromas of barnyard and garden, along with potent, ripe, berry-laden fruit, this delivers in spades. Barrel aging adds chocolate and dark espresso character to the finish.
Not only does this wine show off some attractive floral notes, it also delivers that supple texture so desired in Pinot Noir. Mocha, herb and black cherry notes all make appearances, but the fruit dominates, gliding into a long, silky finish. Drink now–2017.
This is a Merlot-dominated blend, partnered with 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Black cherry, cedar and spice notes emerge from the glass, followed by some leafy cassis flavors and a reprise of black cherry. It's medium to full in body, and shows a bit of youthful chunkiness, which should resolve sometime after 2015.
Round and soft, this wine opens with an intense fragrance of mint, alpine herbs and whiffs of woodland berries. The fresh palate delivers crushed Bing cherry, cinnamon and clove alongside smooth tannins. Drink now–2018.
Blue flower, ripe plum, vanilla, underbrush and leather aromas waft out of the glass. The palate delivers black cherry, coffee, toast, black pepper and clove alongside tightly-knit tannins. Drink 2015–2020.
From the slopes of Côte de Py, this is a solid, powerful wine with dark tannins and a firm, still young structure. Cherry and plum fruits give weight. It's still developing, so don't drink before 2016.
100% varietal, this is a directly appealing wine. It features a nice interplay between the barrel notes of fresh brewed coffee and sweet spices (40% new French with the balance seasoned American) and the fruit flavors of cherry and herb, with a supple feel bringing it all together.
Violets, underbrush, woodland berries and baking spice aromas lead the nose on this lovely, youthful Nebbiolo. The lively palate delivers crunchy red cherry and wild strawberry accented with notes of white pepper and citrus alongside supple tannins and brisk acidity.
Sour cherry aromas mix with freshly turned black dirt and button mushrooms on this bottling from a winery that's been in the Santa Cruz Mountains for 80 years. The mouthfeel is soft, with flavors of blackberry emerging first followed by pomegranate, roast pork and black pepper. Serve with beef in mushroom sauce.
Tart red cherries and cassis are flecked with ceder and Graham-cracker crumbs on this lush, velvety red blend. It's opulent on the palate with warm tones of cassis liqueur marked by cocoa and spice, but balanced with pert acidity. It's a regal wine that should continue to show well till at least 2018.
If you're a Brunello fan, you'll love this quintessential Rosso for early drinking pleasure. It opens with a fragrance of violets, perfumed berries and baking spices that segue into dark cherry flavors accented with cinnamon, mocha and licorice. It's robust with big, enveloping tannins, and ready to enjoy now.
Ripe red-cherry and blossom aromas are accented with char and toast on this aromatic, spirited Cabernet Franc. The palate is brisk, with fresh black-cherry and plum flavors wrapped in fine-grained tannins and a savory herbal edge.
Pure Cabernet sourced principally from the Cold Creek Vineyard, this instantly accessible reserve plays out broadly across the palate, with black cherry, caramel and creamy coffee flavors in abundance. Hints of graphite and chalk carry through the tannins and into the well-defined, balanced finish.
Clean and fresh, this juicy wine carries a bit of fruit sweetness, but the flavors are tilted toward minerality rather than fruitiness. It's wonderfully refreshing, with a mix of citrus rind, melon and white peach working into an extended, palate-cleansing finish.
Citrus-edged sweetness is far more apparent on the palate than the nose, but here it delivers wonderful hints of lemon oil and candied zest, cut through by lively acidity against hints of tropical mango. A wonderfully toned BA, this will pair well with both cheese and dessert.
Dry Gewürztraminer like this makes a great pairing with appetizers and seafood, and especially with white meats and grilled sausages. Here is a classic example, with rose petal aromas, piney-appley flavors, a rich texture and lingering, aromatic finish.
Soft and forward, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, violet, leather, tilled earth and baking spices. The warm palate delivers fleshy black cherry accented with anisette and white pepper alongside round tannins. This is delicious but already evolved, so enjoy soon.
Blue flower, moist soil, black berries and leather lead the nose on this vibrant blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. The savory palate doles out black cherry, red currants, white pepper, clove and a hint of mocha alongside velvety tannins and fresh acidity.
This wine is so well balanced. It has all the right fruitiness that's filled out by a rich texture, apricot acidity and some spice. Wait a few months to really enjoy this ripe and full-bodied wine.
This ripe and rounded wine features soft tannins and generous fruitiness. Cherries dominate along with juicy plums, all cut by acidity. An edge of tannins give weight and a concentrated feel. Drink now, but even better wait until 2015.
Tarry, gritty, earthy aromas of tomato, herbs and cherry feed into a juicy, hard-driving, acidic palate. Flavors of boysenberry and tart currant finish peppery, with a hint of cocoa as well as modest heat and scour. This is racy and shows coastal brightness. Drink through 2017.
Blue flower, ripe cherry, leather and cake spice aromas carry over to the palate along with velvety tannins. Reflecting the heat of the vintage, it's forward and evolved with soft acidity. Drink through 2019.
The nose on this red is exotic—allspice, fruitcake, pepper—and on the palate, flavors of cherry and raspberry are likeable, if a little thin. Medium-  bodied tannins and a bright finish give the wine extra points. Pair with a red sauce pasta dish or meat for added enjoyment.
If you don't mind a touch of herbal pickle and rhubarb on both the bouquet and palate, then this inexpensive Carmenère will do the job. It offers modest red plum and herbal flavors with a bit of tartness and spice. Has good texture and overall balance.
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, this offering is very citrusy upfront, filled with grapefruit aromas. It's light to medium in weight, with flavors reminiscent of tangerines and hints of strawberries and something vaguely vegetal on the finish.
Made from Grenache, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, this is a light, zesty and dry wine. Light copper-pink in color, it is high-toned in grapefruit, plum and peach, completely bright and refreshing. Easy to love from start to finish, it finishes with a twist of tart lemon.
After starting out reductive, this wine opens to reveal light aromas of fig and tropical fruit, seeming a bit muddled. The flavors, however, come through clearly, providing a textured feel.
Oak takes the lead on this wine. Aromas of dill, black licorice and woodspice are followed by baking spices and dried dark fruit. It's dry and chalky in feel with dark fruit flavors.
Minerally grapefruit, white peach, lettuce and scallion aromas are clean, inviting and textbook for Verdejo. A fresh, racy, cleansing palate holds grapefruit, orange and briny flavors. This is crisp as a whistle on the finish, but light on flavor and complexity. Drink now.
This blend is largely from Bacchus, Seven Hills and Wallula vineyards. It offers aromas of fresh herbs, thyme, dry chocolate, cherry and medicine cabinet. The flavors are quite sweet, with dry, chalky tannins backing them up.
A new wine for this winery, this is all varietal and aged in neutral French oak. Notes of pineapple and papaya are followed by full-bodied, rounded, sweet tropical flavors that linger.
This is a 100% varietal wine coming from Birch Creek Vineyard. The barrel fermentation shows with aromas of butterscotch melding with fig, lees and beeswax. The stone and tropical fruit flavors are plenty rich and stick around on the finish.
Aromas of forest floor, game and ripe berry come together on the nose. The earthy palate delivers dried black cherry, clove, smoke, baked plum and aniseed alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2016.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of new oak, leafy underbrush, exotic spice and steeped plum that carry through to firm palate along with notes of dried black cherry and coconut. Grippy tannins give it an astringent, teeth-coating finish.
Savory and approachable, this opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, ripe plum, dark berry and a whiff of game. The straightforward palate delivers juicy black cherry, blackberry, clove and white pepper alongside polished tannins.
This lively wine revels in its red fruits. It is tight, tangy and packed with fresh flavors, with just the right amount of weight and dryness to put it firmly on the table with food.
Plum, tobacco and cheesy aromas register as spicy and rustic on the nose. A raw, hard-tannin palate offers herbal flavors of thyme and rosemary to go with chocolate and raspberry notes. Toasty oak, heat and length on the finish suggest that this may improve over the next five years.
An unusual aroma profile of sandalwood, broccoli and exotic spices leads to coffee and dark cherries. The fruit flavors are silky in feel, showing plenty of depth with lightly grainy tannins supporting them.
Heavy, rooty aromas of stewed black plum, raisin and prune set up a thick, tannic palate that's jammy like the nose. Prune, raisin and chocolate flavors are oaky and very ripe, thus the finish is earthy, baked in feel and raisiny in flavor.
No punches are pulled on this 100% varietal wine. Aromas of freshly sliced red apple, cranberries and milk chocolate lead to candy-bar-sweet cherry and chocolate flavors. It doesn't entirely come together but provides enjoyment.
Pungent clove and cinnamon appear upon entry to this medium-bodied wine, which also offers smooth, rounded tannins and subtle oak. Plum, raspberry and tobacco all make an appearance, finished off by a healthy dose of black pepper.
A relatively light color and a cinnamon-sugar aroma might indicate a simply fruity wine, but this turns more serious and lean in flavor and texture, suggesting tart cherry and cranberry. It brings firm acidity and tannins to the mouthfeel, for a refreshing, dry and restrained character that will be very food-friendly.
All varietal from one of the state's most highly regarded vineyards, this wine offers aromas of dark raspberries, green herbs, vanilla and barrel spices. The fruit and barrel flavors show concentration and depth, with a light chalkiness to the tannins.
Tart greengage plums join grapefruit and lemon in this fresh, light-bodied offering. Traces of yeast add some midpalate texture to a very refreshing, easy-drinking wine.
Aromas of coffee, tire rubber, woodspice, dried herbs and cherry tussle in the glass. The coffee and cherry flavors show a mixture of elegance and richness, with chalky tannins backing it all up.
Aromas of sawdust, espresso and ripe dark-skinned fruit lead the nose. The plush palate offers dried black cherry, coffee, toast, licorice and black pepper alongside evolved tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit and freshness.
Ripe blackberry, blueberry, violet and cooking spice aromas all come together on this blend of Sangiovese and a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate offers up juicy black cherry, plum steeped in spirits, white pepper and clove while firm, chewy tannins hold it all together. Drink through 2018.
This kitchen-sink blend is fruit forward with aromas of raspberry jam and plum along with pencil lead and vanilla accents. Flavors are sweet and generous, with a rounded feel and a lingering finish. It drinks best at a cool 62.
Slightly broader, less focused notes of cherry play about the nose, the same ripeness of fruit is apparent on the palate where it is tempered by fresh acidity. An easy-drinking, medium-bodied red with party potential.
Intriguing hints of passion fruit and tomato leaf play about the nose and lead to a very slender, slight body with ample freshness. There is more zest than fruit on the succinct palate.
Aromas of pressed blue flowers, ripe plum, dark berry, anise, coffee and nutmeg lead the nose. The lively palate delivers juicy black Morello cherry, milk chocolate, orange zest and a hint of baking spice alongside bright acidity and supple tannins. Made to be drunk young so enjoy now.
Aromas of red berry, tilled earth and forest floor set the tone for this bright, friendly red. The juicy palate doles out wild cherry, crushed raspberry and savory herb framed by firm acidity and fine-grained tannins. There's not much complexity but it is delicious.
This wine leads with somewhat locked-up, slightly porty aromas of herb, barrel spice and dark fruit. The ripe, rich dark fruit flavors show considerably more generosity, with firm, slightly gritty tannins backing them up.
Ripe and earthy aromas of black cherry and blackberry are lush and dense on the nose. The palate follows suit with a full mouthfeel, but retains adequate acidity for balance. Flavors of gravel-tinged black fruit, baking spice and carob finish ripe and easy. Drink now.
A dark and richly dense wine, this is packed with black fruit notes and concentrated tannins. Aged in French and American oak, it has a strongly spicy character, with bright acid and a solid tannic structure. Drink after 2015.
One of a pair of wines from Palayson blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This, with its 80% Syrah and 20% Cabernet, is perfumed and spicy. With great violet aromas and firm spice and tannin, it does show power and alcohol. At the same time, it has the potential to round out into a smooth and full-bodied wine. Drink from 2017.
Here's a solid wine full of both tannins and dark fruits. New oak barrels give a spicy character while supporting the fruitiness. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from only 10 acres, it is developing into a rich wine that still needs time. Drink this impressive wine from 2018.
Leesy, toasty opening aromas accent melon, flower blossom and stone fruit scents. This is woody but healthy in feel, with acidic lift. Flavors of resiny, briny melon and peach finish with a wave of barrel-driven vanilla, but overall this shows coastal freshness and proper balance.
Barrel-fermented , this nonetheless offers clean, crisp flavors of pear and pineapple on the palate. The fruit lingers through a medium-sized body that picks up steam on the finish, delving into richer notes of fig and lemon curd. The fruit is 100% estate.
This wine is electric pink in color, with notes of strawberry bubblegum and cranberry. It drinks off dry, with watermelon and red fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
This 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache blend, named as an ode to the winemaker's butcher-ancestors, begins with scents of blueberry crème brûlée with a spearmint glaze. The flavors are comparably light, with tarter blueberry, some licorice on the midpalate and a tannic finish.
The pretty but powerful nose is like striking a gusher of black gold in a field of lavender, full of tar, violet and blueberry. Leather and deep purple fruit lead the palate, with charred meat savoriness, black pepper spice and plum skin tannins making a good case for this seven-acre vineyard that was planted in 1998.
A blend of 57% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Syrah, this opens with a sweetly spiced bouquet of red and purple fruits. The medium weight midpalate brings tart plum and cherry flavors, plentiful acidity and moderate, balanced tannins. Drink now through 2020.
This ripe, sweet-fruited wine is soft and quite mature. Red fruits have developed into a smooth and round texture with a delicate mushroom character. Drink now.
Intense aromas of freshly picked mint and dried herb drive the bouquet. On the palate there are flavors of black currant, black plum and tobacco leaf. The finish is long with a pleasant level of acidity.
Aromas of black cherry, toffee and black pepper set the scene for flavors of cherry, espresso bean, violet and flint. Velvety tannins structure a silky palate, and a vein of brightness shines through the long finish.
Ripe aromas of black cherry and blackberry come with hints of leafy herbs and a shot of alcohol. This four-grape blend is well structured but a touch tannic. Flavors of baked black fruits, herbs and olives finish savory, with plenty of unabsorbed oak.
Aromas highlight violet, iris, incense and espresso. The lively palate doles out sour cherry, mocha and coffee alongside smooth, rounded tannins.
The Napa-Sonoma winery, straddled across two counties, has added 12% Cabernet Sauvignon to the Cab Franc in this wine. The result is sizable in ripe, blueberry and blackberry fruit, soft tannins and a finish of dark chocolate. Void of any of the variety's signature herbaceous signature, it could easily be mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rich aromas like Anjou pears and rose petals combine with generous ripe pear and vanilla flavors. It feels full-bodied but is light in alcohol and has a soothing texture. Good acidity balances the ripeness and the finish lingers.
A proprietary blend of Zinfandel and Malbec, with smaller parts Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Heritage is powerful and soft. It's awash in blueberry, red plum and vanilla, all verging on superripe, the finish particularly intense.
Leathery red berry aromas move to dark fruit after sitting in the glass. This Malbec is jammy in feel, but overall it's fresh. Earthy flavors of spiced plum, baked berry and salt finish toasty, woody and briny.
Sweet aromas of white peach entice one into this lively wine, a profile that carries through to the delicate palate. A refreshing apéritif that finishes dry, the wine is light in alcohol and body.
Aromas of ripe red berry, scorched earth, leather, spice and balsamic notes lead the nose on this robust wine. The youthful palate is still closed but reveals mature black cherry, clove, black pepper and a hint of espresso alongside brooding tannins.
Totally herbaceous and crisp, this is a rich, citrus-flavored wine. Grapefruit flavors dominate with a twist of lemon on top, giving a zesty texture that shows a young wine. For it to calm down and broaden out, wait until the end of 2015.
The wine is full and ripe, generous both in its black fruits and its tannins. It's rich, juicy and packed with berry fruits, a touch of wood and a mineral texture showing at the end. Drink from 2016.
While the wine certainly has structure, its main character, from the dominant Merlot, is the juicy, stalky fruit and jammy, ripe black plums. It does have an edge of bitter chocolate and a layer of wood. When that softens, it will be a ripe, broad wine. Drink from 2017.
Firm and stalky, this wine has intense black currant fruitiness. A dry tannic core is balanced by the fresh fruits and acidity. It's almost too fruity at the moment and needs to soften, so wait until 2016.
Light in color and texture, this wine at first is muted and shy, getting spicier and earthier as it goes, with a baked strawberry-compote flavor at its core.
There is a slight, aromatic lift on the nose that turns into pear-fruited freshness on the palate. This is easy drinking, refreshing and light, just what is needed for a party.
Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah, this has aromas of red berry and green tea leaf. The scents carry over to the fresh palate, along with black currant, cinnamon and white pepper. Supple tannins support the juicy flavors.
One of the first bottles to bear the name of this new growing region, the aromas are light with notes of baking spice, cherry, vanilla and Red Vines. The fruit flavors are sweet and supple, backed by lightly grainy tannins.
The aromas are quite light, while the purple-fruit flavors are sappy and generous. If the aromas start to express themselves it could move up a notch.
Lime, sea shell, rainy cement and orange-rind aromas make for a brisk entry to the nose of this bottling, rounded out by a touch of pineapple. The palate is framed by a chalky grip, and shows flavors of tangy lemon and slightly sour apple.
Aromas of warm peach custard meet with baked yellow apples, banana flambé and caramelized fruit on the nose. Baked pears and slightly sour tangerine rinds show on the intriguing sip that may need some time in bottle to become fully appreciated.
Made with 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers aromas of baked plum, espresso, and baking spice. The robust palate opens with black fruit, chocolate and licorice alongside gripping tannins. You'll also notice the warmth of evident alcohol on the close.
Made entirely with Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast and whiffs of banana and mango. The aromas carry on to the palate along with a creamy hint of butter.
Made with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah, this opens with delicate aromas of cassis and sandalwood. The palate delivers dried black cherry, toast, licorice and black pepper alongside gripping tannins.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this offers strawberry and tomato aromas. The round and ready palate provides raspberry, green tea and a touch of vanilla alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Crisp lemon, apple and pear abound in this richly textured yet pertly balanced Pinot Blanc. It's an easy quaffing, elegant wine with hints of nut and toast that extend elegantly on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Pleasing aromas of raspberry jam and spice lead to soft plump raspberry and cranberry flavors. It's fruit forward and brings a lot of enjoyment.
This soft, round and juicy wine is ripe and full bodied, a good representative of the vintage. It shows brambly black fruit, mocha and hints of coconut flakes that endure through the finish.
Buoyantly fragrant, this voluptuous Chardonnay bursts of mango, guava and berry aromas. The palate is a bit more subdued, suggesting fresh apple and pear. Fruity, fresh and uncomplicated, it's balanced neatly by a flash of acidity on the midpalate. Drink now through 2019.
Dusty mineral tones accent fresh apple, pear and green plum in this full-bodied Grüner Veltliner. Its rippling mouthfilling texture is pleasing, offset pertly by zesty lime acidity on the finish. Enjoy now through 2019.
Pleasant whiffs of smoked nut and blossom accent fresh apple and pear in this squarely balanced dry white. Fresh acidity on the midpalate lends zip to a lingering but refreshing finish. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas of blueberry, baking spice and a whiff of leather lead the nose of this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The firm palate offers black plum, raspberry and black pepper alongside smooth tannins. It finishes on a note of mouth-puckering sour cherry.
This big, bold wine has the taste profile of a Port but is not so sweet or full bodied. Deeper than usual in color, it's concentrated to the point of overripeness in aroma. Rich on the palate with flavors like blackberry syrup and dark chocolate, it should be perfect as an after-dinner wine.
This is Drouhan's second vintage of handling the vines, wines and marketing in partnership with the Hospices de Belleville charity. This open generous wine is packed with ripe red fruit and given shape by light tannins. There is a fresh crisp aftertaste that gives the wine a great lift.
Smoky flint and crushed mineral tones contrast concentrated raspberry and strawberry flavors in this richly concentrated rosé. Full bodied and supple in texture, it's sturdy enough to accompany heartier fish and fowl dishes far beyond the summer months. Sunny acidity brightens the finish.
Voluptuous and a bit brawny, this ebulliently perfumed Gewürztraminer is hardly a wall flower. It's lavishly fruity, bursting of sun-kissed grapefruit, lychee and white-peach flavors. Yielding acidity and a richly dense mouth-filling texture leave a lingering kiss of warmth on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
Big, ripe waves of baked apple, pear and pineapple play on the palate in this rich wine, measured by a moderate helping of acidity. Quince and lime play supportive roles.
Wild berry, dark brown spice, French oak and underbrush aromas lead the way. The medium-bodied palate displays ripe black cherry, cranberry, vanilla and dried aromatic herb alongside taut, tightly wound tannins.
Spicy leafy red-berry aromas open this Carmenère. On the palate, this smacks with dry hard tannins. Flavors of herbal cherry and black plum finish with a touch of heat and abrasive yet chewy tannins.
Aromas of blue fruit, smoke and herb are followed by plump rounded plum flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment.
Aromas of white peach and apple lead to bone-dry fruit flavors. It provides a lot of appeal.
This wine is full bodied but not heavy. Light floral and citrus aromas lead to ripe fruit, spice and butter flavors. A generous, smooth texture coats the palate and helps the mélange of flavors linger on the finish.
Offering a light-toned taste of raspberry coulis with well-defined acidity, this is a soft, silky vineyard-designate with a lilt of orange peel. A wall of tannins guards the finish.
Quite a solid wine for less than $20, this bottling shows yellow apple, nectarine, peach blossom, sea salt, lemon and a touch of slate on the nose. Buttered-pear flavors show on the fleshy palate, with lemon zest, white peach, more sea salt and hints of nuts and vanilla.
Aromas that recall underbrush, toast, oak and ripe black-skinned berry come together on this. The tightly wound palate offers dried red currant, raw cherry, roasted coffee bean and a note of sage while dusty, almost grainy tannins clench the finish.
Somewhat reduced on the nose, this 100% varietal and estate-grown wine is soft and supple with a tannic backbone, brooding in dark plum and spicy leather.
Dan Lee's annual stainless-steel release is quite dynamic on the nose, with lime blossom, red apple, soda and freshly cut kiwi notes. The flavors are light, bright and intriguing, trending toward the green-fruit side of the spectrum, with apple and pear cider, pomelo rind and a touch of quinine.
A whiff of raspberry perfume trails through deep layers of wet rock and dusty mineral on the nose of this dry Spätburgunder rosé. While restrained in style, its fresh-cut red apple and pear flavors make a zesty year-round accompaniment to light chicken and fish dishes. Drink now.
Made with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with subtle aromas of blue flower and baking spice. On the fresh palate, teeth-coating tannins support wild cherry and white pepper. Drink through 2016.
While the nose is a touch herbaceous, there's plenty of varietal characteristic to celebrate in this fresh, blossomy Gewürztraminer. Green melon and peach flavors are brightened by a lemony squirt and delicate lace of sweetness on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Calling on the inspiration or mysticism of the figure 7, grower Didier Pelvillain has introduced this version, one in a range of three. This wine is balanced between juicy acidity and firm, dark tannins. The black plum fruit flavors are still in the background as it develops. Give this wine time to fill out and start drinking from 2018.
Pino is a new Oregon entry from the Bronco Wine Company. It delivers the goods, with chunky cherry fruit done in a bold, clean, full-flavored style. It's got small amounts of Syrah and Maréchal Foch in the blend, probably for color and spice, which works quite well. This is a fine everyday mealtime option with versatility to spare.
Ripe, rugged, leathery berry and plum aromas set up a tight, rubbery palate. This tastes good, albeit different than your average Malbec—it's a bit citrusy, with orange peel and reedy cherry and plum notes. On the finish this clamps down with tannic grip.
The name is not a Portuguese greeting, but a blending of Alvarinho and Loureiro, the grapes in the wine. It is a rich, juicy wine full of apricot, apple and pear flavors. It has just the right amount of tangy texture and refreshing acidity. The wine is fruity, perfumed and bright.
The Touriga Franca is the most widely planted red vine in the Douro, giving, as here, a ripe and fruity wine that is full of red fruits that come right to the fore. The tannins are there in background to give the structure, while it is the exuberant fruit and acidity that dominate. Drink from 2018.
Very light in aromas for two often-overpowering grapes, this delicately arranged bottling with patience shows rainy slate and pear-skin aromas. The minerally concrete character carries the sip, where yellow-apple skins and squeezed lemons make for a racy experience. It's a white wine for the cellar.
Quite grassy and brisk in style, this wine releases generous aromas of cut tennis ball, wet cement and sour limes. That citrusy acidity and sour-grass energy picks up lime pith, green-apple skins and a touch of white pepper on the palate, a very classic profile.
Fruity and forward, this is a pretty, approachable wine with bright berry and cherry fruit. There's a strong note of citrus, particularly orange flesh and rind, and it's the sort of no-nonsense, gluggable wine that one rarely finds associated with Pinot Noir. This will be best enjoyed by 2018.
Cherry compote and a flair of kirsch preside over well-tended acidity in this full-bodied wine. Earthy lavender and herb give the wine an ethereal character atop solid, velvety texture and a big oak finish.
Youthfully exuberant in fresh-squeezed grapefruit, lemon and lime, this wine has zesty acidity and pillows of vanilla, ending clean and bright. This is the first national release of this variety for the winery.
This slowly reveals subdued aromas suggesting ripe black-skinned fruit, scorched soil, violet, dark spice and a hint of espresso. The palate is on the lean side, with a sprinkling of clove, white pepper and a coffee note adding interest to the core of dried black cherry. Dusty tannins grip the close.
From a vineyard planted on the edge of Freestone by James MacPhail of MacPhail Family Wines and respected grower Jim Pratt, this wine opens with a splash of white pepper that persists on the soft, silky palate. Roses and black tea provide savory flavor, with an intensity of forest floor.
This refreshing sparkling wine made mostly from Pinot Noir grapes has a light-gold color and slightly toasted or earthy aromas. It feels lively and frothy in texture, nicely crisp in balance, and medium bodied. Ripe apple and peach flavors emerge with each sip.
Baking spice, perfumed berry and crushed floral scents mingle together on this bright red. The straightforward palate offers black cherry, white pepper and clove accompanied by zesty acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018.
The standout fruit flavors are melon and grapefruit, with a backing of wet stone and spice. It's a refreshing style, and a useful white-wine choice for shellfish and other white fish or simple poultry dishes.
A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas suggesting mature dark-skinned fruit, toast, sunbaked earth and cooking spice. On the polished, straightforward palate, hints of clove, orange peel and anise back up a core of dried black cherry while close-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2018.
The wine inside this ridiculously heavy bottle echoes the same grandiose intentions: it's immensely powerful showing some signs of heavy-handed extraction. Black fruits are shot through with touches of pepper because of the alcohol. The wine is ready to drink now—dark, tannic and concentrated.
Production is up six-fold from 2013 levels. Spicy cherry/berry fruit is set against tongue-tickling acids. That tart raspberry-candy core is tasty right now, so no need to wait on this one.
Bright and supple, this wine is vibrantly awash in red cherry, raspberry and whisps of vanilla, finishing lean and with plenty of versatility.
A Santos Lima estate-grown blend of Shiraz and Touriga Nacional, this is a ripe, spicy wine that shows its wood aging strongly. Rich tannins and red fruits are melded with acidity and a juicy, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of sunbaked earth, mature berry, and a hint of grilled herb. The ripe palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice and a hint of coffee while fine-grained tannins give it a firm finish.
Medium-pink in color, this looks immediately vibrant and fruity. Scents of mealy plum, berry and watermelon fill the bouquet, while the palate offers more austere flavors of red currant and sour pomegranate. Tart and sharp in acidity, the finish is short and brisk.
Earthy raspberry aromas are basic and friendly. This feels just juicy enough but not too pushy, with a medium body and a modicum of elegance. Flavors of baked plum, berry and loamy earth finish roasted but largely fruity.
Soft and fruity, this is a ripe style of rosé. It's dry and peppery, with fresh acidity cutting through its rounded texture. It's a rosé for food, with a full aftertaste.
Lightly sweet, this is a refreshing, fruity wine. It's a great apéritif for the summer with its ripe lemon and grapefruit that are given a push by the softer green plum  fruits. Drink now.
Hearty in red plum and raspberry, this smooth, structured Petite is ready to drink now, straightforward rather than complex.
A maderized color is apropos for the wine's fully mature, nutty nose. This is big and cidery feeling, with apple and orange flavors. A finish of vanilla, nuttiness and oxidation matches the color and aromas of this interesting but midlevel Tempranillo Blanco.
This straightforward wine brings vanilla, citrus and toasted wood to the forefront, with interesting whiffs of petrol as well. It's still tightly wound for a white wine, so waiting until 2016 may reveal more magic.
Aromas of citrus, green bean and grittiness settle on an even narrower palate, which is lemony and linear in feel and tastes like tart citrus, mostly grapefruit. Lemon and grapefruit flavors linger on a finish that offers no variation.
Chocolate and licorice flavors give a bitter character. It has some fruit but it's really the structure that is talking at the moment. The aftertaste is juicier.
Closed in aromas, this wine has big, structured tannins and minty black fruit, and is soft in texture. Chocolate, leather and tobacco are the main points, dark plum fruit the afterthought.
Just fruit, this young wine shows attractive blackberry flavors and soft tannins. It's ripe and juicy, fresh while also rich. Drink now.
Aromatic in caramel and oak, it's also ripe and lemony with traces of tropical fruit and vanilla. A bit on the heavy side, it aged for 20 months in seasoned Burgundian oak.
This wine is made from California's historic Mission grape variety, which winemaker Kevin Riley found planted as part of a field blend in his vineyard. The result is subtle aromas of lemon tart and night jasmine, followed by nectarine and bubble gum flavors, with a bit of tannins to hold it altogether. Check in on this wine in 2015 to track its evolution.
Very jammy, it has gentle, soft tannins, and strawberry fruits. It's fresh without any structure.
Electric purple in color, this powerful wine opens with jammy, loud aromas of boysenberry and herbal qualities. Likewise, spunky berry flavors are herbal in nature. Minty oak and medicinal notes dominate a rubbery, long finish.
This high-toned bruiser pushes ultraripe scents of figs and raisins and prunes to the front, yet shows a green streak in the tannins. The wine spent 34 months in barrel, which adds more heavy-duty accents but does not mask the underlying stemminess.
Rich in honey and lemon, this wine's otherwise pleasant texture and balanced acidity is marred slightly by a whiff of petrol that might mellow with age. Bottle aged for two years after barrel fermentation, give it time and air.
A blend of Chardonnay with Arinto and Vital, this is a simple, fruity and fragrant wine. It has lively acidity, a crisp, mineral texture and a ripe, full feel at the end. Drink through 2015.
Fruity and round, with apple and banana flavors, this simple, easy-drinking wine enters and leaves softly all the way.
Fresh and fruity, this is a crisply made, drink-it-now rosé. With freshly crushed raspberries and light acidity, it's perfect for an apéritif.
This special selection is already showing some brick around the rim and seems to be aging rapidly. The flavors are mostly herb and root, sassafras and beet root in particular, with the fruit leaning toward Dr. Pepper soda.
Teased in blackberry jam with a sizable structure and robust tannins, the wine combines 42% Petite Sirah with smaller amounts of Syrah, Pinotage, Primitivo, Zinfandel and other varieties into a straightforward package.
Faint in tart cherry and herbal spiciness, this comes from a long-standing producer of Italian varieties in California. Soft, smooth and well-integrated in terms of power and tannin, it makes a great go-to pizza and pasta wine for midweek meals.
Medium-bodied, this wine's ripe fruit characteristics offer dark plum and golden raisin flavors. It will serve most basic wine needs.
Intense, compact aromas feed into a big, tannic palate with monster fruit that's fairly herbal in character. This is a pounding wine that eschews elegance for black-fruit power, and along the way it's rubbery and a bit scratchy.
This textured, perfumed wine has citrus and apple fruits that are dominated by strong perfumes as well as fresh acidity. It needs until late 2014 to age.
Ripe fruit aromas of red raspberry, red plum and cassis lead the bouquet of this Bulgarian Mavrud, with secondary notes of smoked meats and cocoa powder that add intrigue. The silky mouthfeel has flavors of ripe red fruits followed by a bright acidic finish.
Dark oaky aromas suggest shoe polish and spice, and these scents go well with raisiny berry and cassis notes. A wiry high-acid palate shows strong tannins along with flavors of blackberry, raisin and leather. A wiry, choppy, acidic finish tastes minty and oaky.
Fresh yellow peach, apricot and melon aromas are bolstered by swathes of white blossom on this deeply fruity, floral wine. The palate is delicately sweet, succulent and sunny, offering generous layers of tropical mango and pineapple flavors. It's straightforward fruitiness with a lip smacking honey finish.
Peppery, forest-floor aromas and black fruit flavors make this wine taste bold and concentrated. A firm texture wraps around the palate and supports the rich black cherry and cardamom flavors beautifully.
Crisp and lively from the start, this offers bright notes of apple, melon rind, white peach and orange on the nose and palate. Brisk carbonation assists in keeping the palate fresh and clean, while accents of apple skin and toast grace the close. It's a young sparkler, so give it some more time to develop additional layers of nuance and complexity. Try after 2017.
Aromas of sweet plum and raspberry jam lead to light pure fruit flavors. It shows a pleasing sense of elegance, with fruit flavors lingering on the finish.
Spicy mossy aromas are cool and herbal, and with that there are grapy, toasty, and chocolaty oak scents. This Malbec blend is tight and rugged, with clampy red-bery flavors resting on that same chocolaty oak. Drying tannins make for a hard finish that should mellow in due time. Drink through 2021.
The aromas are quite light and elusive, with notes of berries and crushed flowers. The blue-fruit flavors are considerably more generous and linger on the finish.
There's no mistaking the variety, with its generous notes of herb, cherry and blueberry. The flavors are full and lush and full, with lightly grainy tannins backing them up.
This light-hued, coppery-tinged rosé features delicate aromas of crushed stone and stone fruit. It's medium bodied and crisp, with peach and melon fruit that finishes dry and refreshing. Drink now.
Toast, char, wood spice and dark-fruit aromas lead to generous coffee and red-fruit flavors. It shows a pleasing sense of balance along with a finish that sticks around.
Nicely mature, this is a ripe red-fruit and spice-flavored wine. Soft tannins merge with the fruit to give a wine that is balanced with a fragrant, juicy aftertaste. Drink now.
Blackberry jam aromas are followed by fleshy and full dark-fruit flavors, surrounded by a layer of fine grained tannins. It provides a lot of quality and value.
This has a fruit-filled bouquet of black cherry and ripe peach. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, leather and smoke linger on the palate, and soft tannins make way for a smooth smoky finish.
There is no lack of luxurious, concentrated fruit flavor in this full-bodied, non-oaky wine. It tastes like ripe black cherries, feels smooth and easy for a big wine like this, and finishes with even more fruit.
The wine is completely mature. With soft strawberry flavors that have melded into the rounded texture, this is a wine that has only the lightest tannins. Acidity and an attractive ripe fruit character make this a wine to enjoy now.
Savory and smoky notes arise on the nose of this bottling that also offers rust, dark red cherries and a juniper-anise twist. Dried cherries and blueberries mix with oregano and thyme on the palate, which is mostly fruit driven.
A collaboration between Winemakers Elizabeth Vianna (Chimney Rock), Bryan Parker (Terlato Vineyards) and Steve Fennell (Sanford), this is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, Chardonnay from Carneros and Viognier from Sta. Rita Hills. Golden in color, it's buttery in style, with subversive fruit that leans lemony crisp and tart on the palate.
Light and nicely lean, this is an appetizing wine with red-cherry aromas, moderate fruit flavors and a little tannic grip in the texture. Made from 70% Sanviovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it makes a nice change from the “big” red blends.
This wine was aged five months entirely in stainless steel and yet it presents a medium-bodied, velvety texture and lushness of tropical fruit and vanilla bean. Deliciously floral in honeysuckle it finishes simple and crisp.
Acacia flower, fragrant white flowers and white peach juice are present in the delicate bouquet of this wine made from the lesser known Tamaioasa Romaneasca grape. There is a pleasant fruit finish with flavors of apple, pear, peach and apricot.
A blend of dark fruits, savory nuances and black pepper give this dry, full-bodied wine a unique personality. It tastes and feels big on the palate, finishing with warmth.
This ripe wine offers yellow fruit and a generous texture. A touch of pepper accompanies the acidity, fruits and full-bodied structure. Drink this rich wine from 2017.
Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Syrah, this easygoing red opens with aromas that recall red berry, dark spice and blue flower. The fresh palate offers juicy strawberry, cinnamon and a white pepper note alongside bright acidity and silky tannins.
Ripe and heavy up front, with monster-level oak, this is a bulky, massive blend of Syrah and Merlot. In the mouth, natural and barrel-related tannins are intense, while this tastes mostly of cinnamon, clove and baked berry fruits. Resiny clove-like flavors persist on a tannic beefy finish.
This wine is a blend of Syrah (79%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of herbs, black fruit, licorice and fruit leather are followed by ample cherry and blackberry flavors. The fruit seems a bit dried out at times.
Dark garnet in color, this wine offers aromas of cherry, blackberry and white chocolate. It is a semisweet version of this native Georgian grape with flavors of black cherry, ripe black plum and vanilla. Rich tannins provide a smooth backdrop on the palate right into the cherry-pie finish.
Smoked raspberry, mulberry, rust, slate and a bright hibiscus touch show on the nose of this appellation blend, which tends to be more widely available than the winery's single-vineyard expressions. Cranberry fruit meets with rocky minerality on the palate, as wild herbs add to the complexity.
This aged for 18 months in new French barriques, and the influence of that is marked. Cedary, gently sawdusty notes and a touch of nail polish are apparent on the nose, while the palate is admirably full bodied and richly textured. The finish is generally velvety, but also shows hints of varnish or paint thinner. Overall, the raw materials are impressive, but the wine comes across as a bit disjointed.
Herbal and peppery, with a brambly character to the cranberry/raspberry fruit, this seems to be hiding the influence of aging in 25% new French oak. Extra time in the bottle could bump up the score.
An interplay of cherry, rose petal and eucalyptus dominates both the aroma and flavor profile of this wine. Fruit flavors and floral aromatics vie for your attention throughout, creating a pleasing bit of tension that keeps your interest piqued.
This fresh, easy-drinking wine offers aromas of black cherry and green bell pepper, followed by flavors of lightly cooked cherry and blueberry, pomegranate, anise, orange zest and a hint of bell pepper. Sheathed in soft tannins, the finish is a tad savory, with a bright, fruity splash.
Cherry, clove and freesia aromas give way to flavors of cherry, mint, anise and clove. Well-integrated fruit and spice notes, good mouthfeel and tannins that stop just shy of chewy continue to the lasting finish. Mevushal.
A bright, sunny Morellino, it's made with 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers a juicy palate loaded with cherry, raspberry and black pepper sensations. Fruity and straightforward, this is made for sheer drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, it has earthy aromas of tilled soil, blue flower, ripe berry and notes of balsamic herbs. The palate offers juicy black cherry, white pepper, dried Mediterranean herbs and coffee bean alongside firm but ripe tannins. Straightforward and accessible now, it is not an ager so enjoy soon. Guido & Son Italian Imports, Old Bridge Cellars.
Very stalky and young, this wine has medium-term potential. It shows weight, ripe plum and berry fruits and flavors that go deep. The aftertaste, juicy now, will soon show signs of extra richness. Drink from 2015.
This is an unassuming white, crisp and easy to enjoy, from a Sierra Foothills producer better known for Zinfandel. Opening with pretty, floral aromatics of hibiscus and honeysuckle, the palate is high in acidity with a taste of green apple and grapefruit.
Made up of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Tempranillo, this wine offers an intensity of leather and dark plum, a whiff of smoky tobacco hanging in the background, too. With a pronounced tannic structure and big finish, it's a burly wine made for burly barbecue-inspired meals.
Juicy and varietal, this inexpensive Sierra Foothills Cab has rich texture and layers of dried cherry and currant. Round and well-composed, the finish veers toward flavors of vanilla and cedar.
This is a very firm, dry and tannic wine. Flashes of red berry flavors go alongside the tannins, but it feels as if the wine will always be dry. Drink from 2015.
Aromas of red berry and balsamic herbs provide the focus of this vibrant and easy-going wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The lush palate offers black cherry and a hint of licorice alongside firm but ripe tannins. There's no complexity, but this enjoyable red is perfect to pair with everyday fare. Drink now. Wine4All, Specialty Wine.
This blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon leads with aromas of underbrush, plum, spice and toasted notes. The palate opens with juicy black cherry accented with black pepper and mocha but it has an abrupt, tannic finish.
Berry and plum aromas are ripe and woody, with a note of sawdust appearing on the nose. This has zest and zing on the palate, along with creamy weight, while flavors of toast, wood resin and baked blackberries finish smoky and plump.
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.
This wine starts with aromas of espresso, underbrush, berries and menthol along with a slightly medicinal note. The palate opens with black cherry, coffee, licorice and espresso alongside assertive tannins but then finishes abruptly, closing on an astringent note.
Opening aromas include toasted oak, espresso and tobacco leaf. The linear palate is a bit lean, with coffee bean, tobacco and tart red cherry flavors alongside bracing tannins. The fruit is starting to dry up so drink this soon.
Full and fruity, this soft, generous wine brings out red berries, ripe tannins and a light touch of acidity. There is a drier core, but the wine is ready to drink, with attractive freshness at the end.
This wine has a mix of honey, sweet cherry fruit and fresh acidity. It is fruity while also sweet, giving concentration and richness at the end.
A garnet color with a violet rim, this has aromas of black cherry, pomegranate juice and a touch of vanilla, followed by flavors of tart cherry, blackberry and black licorice. The finish boasts pleasant acidity coupled with a bright fruit finish.
Nuts and lemons are the main flavors of this light and fruity wine. Acidity cuts through the lightly mineral texture. Drink now.
This medium-bodied red wine doesn't quite track the classic Pinot Noir profile, but will make an appetizing refreshment for lunch or dinner. The aromas and flavors suggest prune and berries, while the texture is lean but palate-cleansing.
This is a fruity style of Vinho Verde that also brings out the crispest citrus and pink grapefruit flavors. The wine, with its light spritz, is fresh, full of acidity and just off dry. Drink now.
This dry wine is strongly dominated by tannins. It is structured, firm and hard-edged. Without the fresh acidity at the end, it would be a tough proposition.
Rich and so smooth, this is like drinking a syrup. The tannins are so soft, so cushioned by the ripe berry and plum fruits. The real contrast is with the acidity at the end that gives a final lift. Drink now.
Earthy, rubbery red-berry aromas lead to a hard-drilling palate with fiery cherry flavors and an allotment of herbal mint. The hollow finish leaves a salty flavor and heat.
The nose on this slightly cloudy wine is ruled by lemon-lime soda and chalky candy, which is interesting but one-dimensional. It's easy to drink and smooth enough, with a slight green apple skin tartness, but somewhat flat on the palate.
Off-dry, it's simple and clean, with not much flavor beyond basic light melon. It can best serve as a mixer for cocktails or punch.
Fresh and lightly fruity, this is a crisp and fragrant wine. With great acidity and a touch of herbaceousness, it's ready to drink.
Jammy aromas of raisin and cassis include a green whiff and volatility. Flavors of plum and berry are herbal, then overripeness comes back into play. Given the region's high standards, this is just o.k.
Toasted almond aromas follow through to give this wine a creamy, nutty character. There's vanilla, soft acidity and a final thrust of acidity.
A wine that is bright, fruity and light in character. The crisp apples and juicy lemon flavors are brightly lit by acidity and a hint of a more steely texture. Drink now.
Touches of toast and tannin give enough structure. The red berry fruits taste firm and extracted, giving a bitter edge. It's a wine that brings out the structured character of Pinot Noir rather than its fruit.
Herbal, stalky aromas surround scents of asphalt and animal hide as well as generic berry notes. A lively palate holds flavors of herbal, leafy plum, raw wood and funk, while the finish is tangy in feel, with flavors of dry oak and hints of green.
Dry, leafy, spicy aromas have a perfumed accent. A pushy, forward-feeling palate houses similar oaky flavors of cherry. On the finish, it turns woody, with resiny flavors and drawing tannins.
The nose on this Navarran rosado is briny and strained. The palate is on the heavy side, while flavors of peach pit and citrus peel finish pithy and mildly bitter. This will not age well.
Tropical fruit and melon aromas are basic but friendly. This has a punch-like mouthfeel as well as open-knit flavors of orange, nectarine, white grapefruit and apple. What it lacks in finesse is made up for in fruit.
This second red wine from the estate was aged in wood for six months. That shows in the smooth character of the ripe Merlot that dominates the blend. The wine is ripe with black-currant jelly fruits that are lifted by the acidity. Drink the wine young, from 2018.
Bright and fruity, this wine has all the richness of whites in this vintage. It has yellow fruits, citrus and a warm, rounded texture. There is just a touch of herbal acidity at the end to keep it fresh.
Very much a food wine, this has a strong tannic element as well as red-plum flavors. It is rich, dry and full bodied showing a touch of pepper at the end.
This is a heavily Merlot dominated wine, hence the high alcohol. The effect, though, is of a wine that is fruity and with a crisp edge of black currant juice. It is young, spicy from wood aging and finishes with a stalky aftertaste.
The traditional aging on the lees has given this wine its rich floral character. It is a ripe wine, with apple fruit and a smooth, creamy texture. The wine is ready to drink.
Toast, oak and sage aromas follow through to the lean palate along with espresso, dried cherry and a note reminiscent of buttered popcorn. It's tightly wound, with aggressive tannins that leave a bracing finish. Give the tannins a few years to soften then drink soon.
Dusty aromas blend with apricot and peach pit scents. This feels highly regular, and overall it's fine but not offering a whole lot. Basic white-fruit flavors finish with mild bitterness.
This pale-hued blend of Grenache and Syrah starts off a bit confected, offering up scents of cotton candy. Yet it's less so on the palate, where the fruit resembles underripe melon and the finish is stony and less generous.
The medium-sweet stone-fruit and orange-peel flavors are direct and bring appeal. It goes down easy.
Savory smoked-nut notes juxtapose ripe red cherry and strawberry in this full-bodied rosé. While quite substantial in mouthfeel, it has bright citrus acidity that lends some refreshment on the finish.
Coming from a warm region in a hot vintage, this wine leans into the tropical with aromas of kiwi and mango, with herb and citrus notes providing accents. The flavors are lean and tart, with the concentration light.
This wine is composed of near equal parts Idaho, Washington and California fruit. It starts out a touch reduced, with black currant and sugared-plum aromas. It drinks a hair off dry, which offsets a dry lick of tannins. It's eponymous pairing should work perfectly.
A blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Gewürztraminer, this wine was given no oak aging and has a slight percentage of residual sugar. Peach colored, it's also flavorful in peach and apricot, simple and easy to like, with a slight spritz to the end.
Nice manners and medium body make this an easy-drinking, lighter wine. The aromas are like cherries and strawberries, the fruit flavors are almost sweet, and the texture is soft and smooth.
Stalky, lemony, rooty berry aromas set up a grabby palate with lightly earthy plum and berry flavors. Woody, earthy and drying on the finish. Overall, this is a basic Rioja with cool-vintage characteristics.
Aromas recalling pressed rose, grilled herb and scorched soil come together in the glass. The tannic palate is completely closed and rather bitter, revealing only suggestions of powdered sage and the warmth of alcohol.
Quite yellow in color, this wine opts for a deeper rather than fresher style of the grape, offering aromas of iodine, orange extract and concentrated apples. The palate presents dried-apple flavors.
Mild fruit and vanilla flavors and a smooth, soft texture give this medium-bodied wine a soothing personality.
Ripe blackberry and plum flavors resonate at the core of this big, full-bodied wine. It's a bit jagged in nature though, juggling contrasts of ripe fruit with sharp acidity. Soft, chalky tannins frame the finish.
Three vineyards provided for this dry, easy-drinking wine, medium bodied and fermented both in stainless steel and oak casks and puncheons. Nectarine, pea shoots, corn and a zest of grass give it solid fruity footing, refreshed in acidity.
The aromas of melon, crème brûlée and baked apple are fresh and inviting. The palate brings sweet, elegant stone-fruit and kiwi flavors that extend through the finish.
There's an intriguing touch of grassiness on the nose of this bottling that also shows restrained yet tropical aromas of mango and green papaya. The palate is less interesting, with light melon flavors and a lack of bright acidity.
This Bonhur family wine is perfumed although it seems to lack definition. The fruit is still coming through—this wine has the potential for crisp apples and citrus flavors as it develops. Wait until late 2016.
Smoky, charred, roasted blueberry and green-herb aromas set up a rubbery palate with modest form and structure. Blue-fruit flavors feature notes of bacon and bitterness, while this comes across green, herbal and stewed on the finish.
Less successful than some other vintages, this is a crisp, earthy red. Ground pepper, clove and cinnamon mark cranberry fruit, ending dusty and tart. The blend is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault. Ecocert.
This opens with aromas of raw oak and espresso. The bracing, somewhat muddled palate offers sour red cherry, coconut, dried sage and a dusting of mocha alongside a marked metallic—almost chemical—note. Raspy tannins produce a mouth drying finish.
There is a firm, tannic character to this fruity wine. Strawberries are matched with a dry structure to give a wine that has plenty of fruit but really needs to go with food.
Slightly volatile herb, wood spice, dill, orange peel and citrus aromas are followed by lemony flavors backed by firm tannins.
This opens with aromas of hay, oak, dill and a whiff of cellar floor that follow over to the lean palate along with coffee grounds and powdered sage. Astringent tannins give it a bracing finish.
This is a simple, fruity wine that has light citrus flavors. There is a salty character along with the white stone fruit and final acidity. Drink now.
Winemaker Jay Somers has done a nice job with this fruit, crafting a light, but elegant wine with a mix of cherry, cola, spice and milk chocolate flavors. The grapes come from recently-planted vines in the estate vineyard.
Immediately you know this is heavily oaked because the nose is charred and minty to the max. Airing pushes things toward tobacco and cedar, but it still tastes woody and resiny. Fruit notes of cassis, plum and cherry are spicy, while overall acidity is drawing.
The Lorna Marie is the winery's reserve-level bottling, and gets the most new oak, about 60%. In this vintage, the fruit seems a bit thin, almost watery, although with some hours of breathing it gains some palate traction. It's well made, but don't look for reserve-level heft.
Encapsulated in a big, beautifully etched bottle with black wax closure, Grand Wren is a grand statement—an explosion of smoke, leather and ripe fruit. It's smooth in texture, but with streaks of bright acidity throughout. The finish is big and bold with a Port-like intensity.
Schisty minerality infiltrates blackberry, cassis and raisin aromas. In the mouth, this is fully saturated and jammy. Flavors of blueberry and raisin suggest borderline overripeness, while the finish is jammy and pinched.
Here's a pretty white from the hills of Montefalco made with the Trebbiano Spoletino grape. It's loaded with citrus and peach sensations that are made more interesting by marked mineral notes of flint alongside racy acidity.
A curiosity that's definitely worth trying, as aged Marsanne from anywhere other than Hermitage is a rarity. This features some hints of honey and toast on the nose, followed by notes of citrus and almond. It's round and mouthfilling on the palate, but falls away a bit quickly on the finish.
This wine bursts with the scents and flavors of fresh strawberries. It's soft and fruity but finishes dry, with flavors gently turning from berry to cherry candy.
Soft scents of lavender introduce this pale rose-colored Pinot Noir. It's a light, elegant wine with clean, tart flavors of rhubarb and sour cherry that don't reflect the stated alcohol of 13.9% abv.
This oak-dominated wine recalls the ubiquitous wood-driven Tuscan offerings from the late 1990s and early 2000s. A blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah, it delivers hardcore oak, wood chips, vanilla, chocolate and espresso sensations, with black currant and blackberry lying low in the foreground.
Roasted aromas of berry and hickory come with tons of char and BBQ notes. This is thick, almost to the point of being syrupy, while flavors of herbs, blackberry, creamy oak and mint are more savory than bright. If this were any more rich and oaky, it might be considered too fat and heavy.
Bonterra's Riesling is off dry in style with a bright palate full of sweet applesauce and floral notes. It's light and crisp with lemony layers that finish long. This is a well-priced Riesing for a range of palates, and made from organically-grown grapes. Pair with something super spicy.
A Chardonnay highly strung with green apple and lemon flavor, this wine evolves in the glass, deepening with fruit and minerality. The finish suggests vanilla. A good wine for creamy chicken and seafood meals.
Bracingly tart, almost to the verge of tasting sour, this blend of grapes from several Dundee Hills vineyards has cool vintage flavors of spiced apple and rhubarb. The acids rule, suggesting that it be paired with fatty fish like salmon.
Initially tight in texture, this is a mineral wine that opens to reveal flavors of fruity, ripe peaches and orange zest. On the finish, the taut character returns to give a crisp, textured aftertaste. Screwcap.
This is a balanced wine that is quite ready to drink now. It has black fruits, soft tannins and a deliciously juicy character. It's full bodied, but has a lively, fresh acidity on the finish.
This is a wine that is fully ripe, perhaps too ripe. Rich with strawberry flavor, it shows more fruitiness than structure. It's quite juicy in style, and could show some balance in a year.
This is an attractive, ripe red-fruited wine that is showing its best already. Soft tannins, juicy red berries and a light shot of acidity all come together easily and freshly. Drink now. Screwcap.
Some hard scratchiness on the nose announces that this has power and isn't generic. Additional scents of leather, olive and roasted berry are typical for a Maipo Cab. In the mouth, it's on stride and fresh, while flavors of earth, vanilla and carob accent generic berry and cassis.
Round black-fruit aromas are bold and friendly, while in the mouth this is grabby and full bodied. Flavors of roasted plum and berry are generous albeit a hint green in the middle, while toasty darkness defines the finish, which brings a touch of bitterness.
This big, jammy Syrah from the Maipo Alto is typically leathery and spicy smelling. The body on this wine is fat and weighty, while flavors of buttery oak and spiced berry meld together if given time in the glass. On the finish, this is oaky and herbal tasting, with a creamy feel.
Roughly three quarters Syrah, this includes with Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The detail is impressive—a high-def wine with berry, herb, dried leaf, bloody meat and a splash of citrus.
An aromatic estate grown Grenache with notes of sasparilla, raspberry jam, and white pepper. It's luscious and rich with succulent red fruit flavors and soft tannins, showing some heat on the finish.
The color may be fading but this wine is still pumping out a lot of volume. The nose features earthy, meaty, raisiny aromas. In the mouth, it's syrupy and borderline sticky, with flavors of caramel, cooked berry fruits and creamy oak. Yes, it's a touch syrupy but for $12 it's bringing a lot to the table. Drink now.
Mourvèdre dominates the 2008 Lia, with Grenache, Counoise and Syrah filling in the rest. Fragrant and plummy, it's a mouth-filling Rhône-style blend, with smooth, lightly chocolaty tannins.
A bright, fruity style that shows red berry fruits along with attractive perfumed tannins. This is already an approachable wine, just structured enough to give the juicy fruit a backbone.
Bold berry and earth aromas are the lead in to this well-structured, honest Ribera red. It's a bit tannic and rough now, but solidly built, with black fruit, minty spice and peppery flavors. The finish is dry, fairly oaky and long enough to show modest complexity. Drink now–2015.
Currant fruits, a tight, mineral character and crisp citrus are combined with a richer potential that will round this wine out over the next year. It has weight, a steely edge and youthful structure.
This is a lively, ripe, fruity wine that has both richness and freshness in equal measure. The wine is warm, but with delicate fruitiness from crisp red fruit. Drink this wine soon.
This opens with floral aromas that recall white spring flowers while the palate offers peach, apple and citrus notes, along with hints of mineral and sea salt. It's bright and crisp on the close.
Earthy, baked aromas of ripe berry, raisin and leather come with a tobacco note. This is nice given the cold weather that drove the 2011 vintage. Round tannins and overall balance provide bedding for spicy flavors of blackberry, herbal notes, licorice and oak.
Plum, prune, black cherry and toasted oak sensations take center stage in this wine made from 100% Montelpulciano. The rich, dense cherry and crushed blackberry flavors are accented by mint, white pepper and a hint of espresso. Give this a few more years to tame the bracing, but fine tannins. Drink 2015–2019. Worldwide Cellars, A.I. Selections.
This pours such a pleasing, vibrant pink color, with a fruity nose of fresh strawberries. It's like eating strawberries dressed in lemon juice: refreshing, deceptively easy and simple. If you are looking for refreshment and charm, this is your wine.
Crushed blackberry and smoky blueberry show a vibrant presence. This is luscious and velvety, without ever losing its continental-climate freshness and poise. Really refreshing and uncomplicated, but definitely not simple, this provides exciting fruit and is easy to drink on its own.
Here's a charming wine that opens with delicate floral aromas of white flowers and stone fruits. The palate offers banana, pineapple and creamy white-peach flavors alongside freshening acidity. It finishes on a bitter almond note.
No specific blend is listed on this delicious wine—in the past it's been Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sémillon. Luscious, ripe fruit flavors of grapefruit, melon and loads of fresh pear combine to show a wonderfully fresh and tasty white wine. The acids lift up the brightness, and this round and fruity style is a can't miss proposition.
Fresh, friendly, straightforward red cherry fruit on the nose and palate, extend with pleasing concentration and a supple, balanced body. Peppery spice lurks in the background against a tightly-knit, but soft tannic structure providing additional interest and making this a versatile, fruitful and refreshing wine.
There is an attractive spiciness here, yielding a wine that is warm and rich. It has flavors of tropical fruits, lychees and rosewater. It's full bodied, concentrated and dense in texture, but maintains a freshness through the finish. Drink now.
This opens with variety's signature floral fragrance of acacia and jasmine, accented by tropical fruit. The flavors of creamy lemon, pear, tangerine and lime are accented with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs. This is linear and focused.
Herbal scents of briary berry and forest floor mingle with notes of mulled boysenberry, raspberry, sweet smoke and cured meat. The finish is dry and gripping, with a peppery note that stays through the close.
Despite the age of this wine, it's still bright and lively, with clean and upfront aromas and flavors of orange citrus, white melon rind, white peach and firm pear. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with mouthwatering acidity that follows through to the toast-laced finish.
Intensely fruity, almost tropical, on the nose and palate, this concentrated, juicy Gewürztraminer balances rich melon and lychee flavors with delicate notes of tea and spice. Just a hint off-dry in style.
Koyle Reserva shows the upside of Carmenère while not pushing too hard. Smoky aromas of roasted berry, graphite and olive are vociferous yet balanced. A layered, meaty palate is home to minty, resiny flavors of berry fruits, herbs and chocolate, while the finish is oaky, toasty and attractive.
Savory, smoked meat and clove aromas give this lively Agiorgitiko soul. Flavors of leather, smoke, spice and red berry are balanced and clean. A masculine pour that will pair well with dried meats, steak and burgers.
A small-production Grenache from 100-plus-year-old vines, this wine is dusty and fragrant with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors. Light in weight and easy to drink, the undercurrent whispers licorice.
Savory, peppery spice and plummy fruit turn up in equal measure. This is gutsy and fruity, and its bright acidity will make it a winner on the table, where the subtle but firm tannins will also come in handy. A vibrant and versatile wine.
A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 5% Petite Sirah, this is fruit forward, with abundant notes of dried dark cherry, cassis, Red Vines and barrel spices. The flavors are plump, painting around the edges initially before fleshing out with the Petit(e)s providing some grip to the tannins.
With 20% Petite Sirah blended in and aged in a mixture of American, French and European oak, barrel notes of vanilla and sweet spices play nicely against plump, jammy red fruit aromas and flavors, with the oak leading the way on the finish.
This wine seems disjointed from the initial aromas through the finish. Its perfume, lemon polish and other mismatched components don't indicate any improvement ahead.
Spicy new-oak flavors dominate the modest fruit notes in this over-worked wine, knocking it off balance.
Tart cherry and cranberry meet with woody cedar aromas, campfire and nettle on the nose of this widely available bottling. Cherry and strawberry flavors get hit with bittersweet chocolate and pine-cedar touches on the sip.
With some tannins and structure, this is still a juicy, red-berry-flavored wine. Acidity and the lightly dry core give shape to the bright, ripe fruitiness. Drink now.
Aromas of cranberry laced with cocoa, vanilla and cedar are present on the nose. Dense flavors of resinous charred oak, dark chocolate, cranberry, blackberry and dill are full and extracted. Astringent tannins give a closed feel.
This apricot-colored wine offers a bouquet of peach and mandarin orange. It has a chalky mouthfeel from aging in clay amphora. Stewed apricot, toffee and bacon flavors lead to a dry, slightly savory finish.
Ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice, mint and menthol come together on this firm, full-bodied red. Tightly knit tannins give a solid grip to the finish.
While zesty lime notes stand firm from start to finish, plump, white peach and tangerine flavors seem to melt into the palate of this off-dry Riesling. Lavish, yet composed, it's a showcase of ripeness maintained in balance. An irresistible sip, pour after pour.
Pale pink in color, this wine by Mike Sinor shows just-cut lemon, a touch of nectarine, gray slate and a lemon-cucumber element on the tart, refreshing nose. It's quite quaffable and simultaneously thought-provoking, with concrete minerality and razor-sharp acidity framing Pink Lady apple and blood orange fruits, with a subtle ashy component as well.
Forest floor, woodland berry, grilled herb and a hint of cured meat lead the nose. On the ripe palate, firm, velvety tannins lace together red cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and sage. This is already accessible and will provide short and near-term pleasure. Drink 2016–2020.
Cherry, licorice, stemmy spice, turned earth and Earl Grey tea elements show on the nose of this wine from a vineyard west of the Sta. Rita Hills and only six miles from the Pacific Ocean. It's light in body, with flavors of thyme, pepper spice, kalamata olive and cranberry fruit proving tart and tight.
A generous, well-balanced and wonderfully layered wine, this smells deep and plummy, and has a bit of black pepper in the otherwise abundant blackberry flavors. The especially attractive texture is at once dense and velvety. It's full bodied but very well behaved and easy to enjoy.
Lavish freesia and honeysuckle perfume persists throughout this bristling, bright Riesling. It's delicate and spry in mouthfeel, but rich, round swirls of tropical fruit penetrate deeply on the palate. It's irresistably unabashedly forward and fruity.
Strawberry and raspberry flavors are fresh and clean, not thin, but less robust than previous vintages. It's a delicate, nicely crafted wine that could be cellared through 2025.
This remains a richly textured and weighty rosé, despite the fact that its color seems lighter than previous vintages. It's almost entirely Grenache, with bits of Shiraz (4%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) and Dolcetto (1%) filling out the blend. Hints of berries, ripe melon and white chocolate end on a mouthwatering citrus note, but this is built for the beefy side of your grilling menu.
Here's a savory, medium-bodied white that delivers aromas and flavors of yellow flower, ripe yellow apple, juicy peach, lemon zest and flint. An almond note backs up the finish while modest acidity provides balance.
This unfiltered, reserve-level wine ripened nicely in 2013, yielding a silky, high-toned palate with plum, berry and cherry fruits. Still in its infancy, this demands decanting and/or additional bottle age. It's a lovely evocation of both finesse and power, with a lick of chocolate in the finish.
Whether or not you are inclined toward the grape, this is a must-try bottle. Dry without being austere, it starts with a berry generosity featuring bright, almost hop-driven flavors. It smoothes out with notes of mineral and citrus, and a wonderfully refreshing finish.
Smooth and lightly toasty, this is a well-balanced, ripe wine. Attractive acidity gently supports the yellow fruits, rich texture and overall generous feel. Drink this delicious, full-bodied wine now.
Charred, smoky, herbal aromas of blackberry trend in the direction of exotic before showing barrel-driven scents of vanilla and clove. This exhibits plenty of depth and sponginess along with toasty, herbal flavors of plum and blackberry. Pepper, burnt toast, clove and blueberry flavors carry the finish on this hefty Malbec; drink through 2021.
Almost in the Douro Superior, this structured wine speaks strongly of the tough growing conditions in its powerful tannins and dry core. At the same time, it has rich blackberry fruit, and a layer of intense acidity. It will be ready to drink from 2018.
Attractive aromas of dark berry, blue flower, sweet baking spice and a whiff of pipe tobacco waft out of the glass. The fresh, tight palate delivers tart cherry, crunchy strawberry, white pepper, clove and chopped herb alongside firm, polished tannins. It still needs to unwind. Drink 2017–2027.
Aromas of acacia, orchard fruit and a whiff of wild fennel lead the nose on this blend of 50% Vermentino, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Malvasia. The round, full-bodied palate delivers ripe yellow apple, pastry and a hint of aromatic herb wrapped in a soft, creamy texture.
This high-toned wine, bright in acidity and red fruit, also offers textured notions of baked bread and brown sugar. Rich without becoming overbearing, it finishes in a spicy concoction of cinnamon and black pepper.
Fresh apple and lemon aromas and fruity but not showy flavors create a very tasty, crisp-textured and well-balanced wine. More nuances come out with each sip, like bits of apricot and lime, and the mouthfeel stays bright and nicely acidic through the finish. An unoaked wine, this includes 4% Viognier.
A toasty, leathery, baked-fruit bouquet is sultry and includes hints of popcorn and caramel. In the mouth, this is tannic and full-bodied, with flavors of bacon, hickory smoke, blackened spices and blackberry as the canvas. Minty, dark and oaky on the finish, with heat.
Rich, heady aromas of black fruits, oaky char and caramel are lusty and modern. In the mouth, this shows a bolt of acidity that creates energy but also strains the wine's balance. Baked blackberry, chocolate, pepper and vanilla flavors finish long, ripe and oaky, with length derived from lasting acidity. Drink through 2021.
A rich, full-bodied wine with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec, this offers sizable tannins that wrap themselves around dark, brooding fruit and smoky oak. Blackberry and plum intertwine around luxurious chocolate and tobacco, complementing one another on the finish.
Very fresh and vivacious, this light-bodied wine is refreshing. It smells like lemon, grapefruit and kiwi, tastes bright and tangy like lemonade, but is quite dry. The texture is crisp and vital, and keeps the flavors echoing on the finish.
This vibrant red opens with aromas of ground pepper, dark-skinned fruit and blue flower. The tight palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and aromatic herb along a backbone of firmly packed, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's still young and needs to unwind. Drink 2017–2022.
This voluptuous, fleshy Shiraz seamlessly blends superripe berries with vanilla, coffee and cocoa notes. It's full-bodied, with a creamy texture that persists through the lengthy finish. Between the touch of warmth and ultrasoft tannins, smart consumers will want to drink this over the near term—now through 2015.
Warm, earthy aromas of molasses, moss and baked fruit scream rich and big, and the palate matches that early announcement with cola, baked blackberry, coffee and syrupy flavors. Weighty and forceful, but not without style and a flash of elegance. Pure Toro; drink now through 2012.
Two Hands' 2007 Gnarly Dudes is a nicely balanced wine, managing to be full bodied and supple in tannins while still coming in under 15% alcohol. Brown sugar and cinnamon shadings accent the main plum and earth elements, all wrapped up in a long, spicy finish. Drink now-2017.
Nice and pure, with controlled berry aromas, a dash of pepper and integrated background oak. A tasty, easy-to-drink wine with fine balance and fresh flavors of cherry, raspberry, cassis, chocolate and a medicinal finish. Good depth, length and size throughout. Delicious Malbec.
Oliverhill seems to have hit the mark in 2008 with their Jimmy Section Shiraz, a seamless blend of blueberries and cream dressed up with savory notes of dark earth and dark coffee. Full-bodied and creamy textured, this densely concentrated wine should be at its best now-2020.
Aromas of sandalwood, violets and berries give this one an elevated, magnetic nose, while the palate is lush, big and full of black fruit and masculine tannins. A dark, minerally style from high-elevation vineyards with a coating of vanilla and caramel on the long finish.
A fine wine from Septima, most likely with Malbec at its base (though the label says nothing of the sort). Aromas of blackberry, raspberry, perfume, pepper and asphalt are attractive, and the rooty richness and slight medicinality of the core flavors are unique but not out of focus. One of the winery's best wines to date.
Dark and chocolaty in style, with hints of earth and espresso oozing in. This is a big, heavy, fudge-like Shiraz that comes across as impressive for its concentration if not for any sense of elegance or finesse. Might improve with aging, but might not; a gamble, so drink it over the next couple of years.
One of the Hunter Valley's top bottlings, Brokenwood's Graveyard Vineyard is still marked by hints of toasty oak at this young stage in its evolution. Vanilla accents lifted sour cherry and cranberry aromas, but on the palate the flavors darken and deepen, trending toward black cherries and plum. Has a nicely balanced, silky texture in the mouth, then a firm, long finish suggesting cellaring. Drink 2012-2025.
This joint-venture has been turning out consistently charming, balanced Shiraz over the past few vintages. The 2007 is simultaneously peppery-spicy, floral-perfumed and meaty-savory. It's medium-bodied, with a lovely plump softness to its mouthfeel, yet not without spine. Drink it over the next 5-8 years.
This is rich with flavors of yellow fruit and ripe pear. It has a good texture, with crisp, citrusy acidity that adds a lively edge to this ripe wine. While it's already drinkable, give this another six months of aging.
Dark, smoky and oaky, this ripe wine tastes very much of the 40% Primitivo featured in the blend. It has nice structure, with Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah also in the mix. It's ready to drink, especially with pasta with an herb sauce.
This wine puts the floral aspects of the varietal front and center. Rose petal and flower-soap aromas lead onto the palate that bears similar flavors and a hint of residual sugar. It shows nice concentration.
Dry Creek has made yet another delicious Chenin Blanc at a screaming fair price. Pleasantly and conservatively sweet in smell and taste, it shows nice melon and pineapple flavors, with a fresh, creamy texture. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine has 0.6% residual sugar.
This starts out smelling gaseous and rubbery, though with time it settles on herbal, leafy and minty notes. It feels soft, chunky and wide, with a baked, spicy berry flavor. The finish is chewy and earthy. A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
With toasty wood-aging flavors, this is a rich, spicy wine. It has a note of nutmeg to balance the citrus- and apricot-like acidity and the ripe depth of flavor.
Although this is comprised of more than 50% Syrah, this five grape Rhône-style blend seems more influenced by the Grenache. Plenty of mixed berry flavors surface quickly, proving to be bright and spicy, before running into some drying tannins that are marked with a green edge.
This smells of exotic blueberry and graham cracker, and it feels wide and solid, with herbal, woodsy flavors of juniper and plum. Dry and healthy on the finish, this made from 75% Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tannat in the blend.
Whiffs of mushroom and autumn leaf add complexity to this Pinot Noir's dried cherry, strawberry and violet aromas. The palate boasts an ample black-cherry flavor and delicate tannins that linger on the finish, melding into a dark chocolate and graphite-tinged note.
Glimmers of wet rocks and pencil shavings inflect the blackberry and cassis elements of this wine, adding depth and interest. Soft herbal characteristics and green tannins result in an overall austere texture, finishing tight and grippy.
Ripe and tropical on the nose, this off-dry wine is chock-full of fleshy cantaloupe and nectarine flavors, balanced by nervy acidity and bitter tea-leaf notes. Full bodied and a tad blowsy, this finishes long on a floral note.
Whiffs of sour Asian plums and briar patch add complexity to the fleshy cherry aromas of this composed, full-bodied wine. Brisk acidity and hints of spice, wet earth and soy sauce lend a sweet and savory tone to it's black-cherry-flavored finish.
Ripe mango perfume extends from the nose to the palate of this bright, tropical, medium-sweet Riesling. Concentrated, with loads of sweet fruits and sunny yellow flowers, it's a straightforward yet irresistibly juicy sip.
Using grapes sourced from an older vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, this pure Cabernet mixes blackberry and black cherry fruit with a lightly smoky core. It thins out quickly, and shows a hint of green in its tannins.
Open, fresh and peachy on the nose, becoming citrusy and leaning toward the acidic side on the palate. Flavors of tangerine, lemon and orange keep it moving, and the finish, while short, is fresh and cleansing.
This is a fresh, fruit-driven white loaded with pineapple and pear aromas and flavors. It's medium bodied, making it suitable for pairing with a wide array of dishes, and finishes crisp and clean.
This sultry dessert wine offers dried fid, orange rind and spice on the nose, and on the palate, lemon, spice, dried dates and fig. A masculine profile that pairs well with cheeses, nuts, and fruit.
Magenta-colored, berry loaded and fresh, all of which help what could be a pedestrian wine reach a higher plane. Sweet cherry and plum flavors mix with snappy acidity and good structure, and overall you get a refreshing, satisfying wine with genuine appeal.
A wood-aged white with light toast character to complement the creamy pear and melon flavors. It is full in the mouth, rounded and soft.
This estate-grown Syrah brings forward red fruits and a wash of chocolaty barrel, simple, round and appealing.
Banana, lemon curd and sawdust are the prime aromas on this oaky, creamy, candied style of Chard from Navarra. The palate is soft and modern, with decent core acidity propping up papaya, melon and green banana flavors. Resiny on the finish, but smooth.
Perfectly drinkable Monastrell year after year despite the silly name. Plum and roasted berry aromas and flavors are sweet, ripe, clean and on the generic side of the fence. A little rugged and hot at 15%, but lusty and good for the price.
A bit thin and astringent, yet with a powerful, clear focus that conjures up straight cranberry fruit flavors. Baking spices and a hint of cocoa penetrate through the hard shell of acid and tannin. Needs more time.
Modeled after an Italian Pinot Bianco, this tart, citrusy wine sports fresh-cut green apple fruit flavors. It's done in stainless steel, nicely balanced but definitely made to go with spicy Pacific Rim foods.
The lush nose of Viognier—fresh flowers, honey and spice—leads here. On the palate, the wine has an opulent, floral character—broad and inviting. Not terribly complex, but pretty and appealing. The viscous mouthfeel means it will handle richer dishes well—think lobster, cream dishes.
A concentrated Bordeaux-style blend comprised of 59% Cab Sauv, 19% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. Black currant and plum dominate the nose while flavors of herbal spice, cigar box and licorice flesh out the medium-weight mouth. The tannins are strong but refined, lingering well through the finish.
More or less clean and neutral on the nose, with aromatic notes of peach and apple. The palate is juicy but sort of jumpy, with flavors of orange, pithy bitterness and roast corn. Good in this price range but seemingly on its way to being past its prime.
Starts off with decent aromas of black cherries, dried herbs, coffee and vanilla, then adds a touch of something akin to maple syrup on the palate. Even for a Barossa Cabernet, it's atypically plump and round, with soft acids and almost a hint of sweetness on the finish.
Fairly quiet on the nose, but there's just enough varietal character to help it along. The palate is fresh and zingy, with apple and apricot flavors in front of a clean, short, simple finish. Perfectly adequate white wine but that's about as far as it goes.
This fresh, clean, subtle wine offers green apple, melon and light citrus fruit, snappy acids and mouth-refreshing texture, all in a very light and moderately low-alcohol style.
Made from the Thracian Valley's indigenous Mavrud grape, this wine has an enticing aroma of leather, blackberry and tobacco. The flavor is savory and spicy—rich with tobacco. Moderately complex with aging potential. Pair with rich, savory meat dishes.
An atypically lean, focused Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with the emphasis on minerality and leafy components rather than tropical fruit. Citrus, wet stones and tomato leaves make for a slightly austere impression, finishing crisp and clean.
This wine runs the gamut of crisp, mineral flavors. It is tight, driven by green flavors and acidity, with just a touch of vanilla. As befits a Petit Chablis, there is lightness rather than weight, but it makes a delicious aperitif style of wine.
This wine shows some intriguing complexity in its herbal, leafy aromas tinged with woodsmoke and berries. It's medium-bodied, with tart berry flavors and some slightly astringent, tea-like notes on the finish. Drink now–2012.
Plum, red berry, cinnamon and mint aromas give this savory-style red from Lebanon a serious start. Soft and elegant on the palate but with a touch of spice and lively acid, the wine is balanced and unfolding, and will pair well with dishes that offer complex spice. An interesting red with exotic appeal.
A solid and appealing large-format wine that is 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is composed and shows honest aromas of blackberry and cassis. It's juicy and fresh in the mouth, with decent berry fruit but not much in the way of trimmings, i.e. oak, tannins, depth or length. Still, for value hunters it'll get the job done.
This is labeled as Cabernet but is a Bordeaux-style blend that includes small percentages of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. At the moment the wine is not especially expressive. There are hints of peppery herb in the nose, lightly ripe red fruits, and a pleasing, buttery finish.
Estate-grown, barrel-fermented, and richly extracted, this young Viognier has not yet shed its sharp edges. The fruit is generous and compact, a mix of peach, apricot and pineapple, with liquorous barrel flavors dominating.
Somewhat neutral on the nose, with light cherry and raspberry aromas. Solid in the mouth, with slightly clacky tannins and flavors of earthy red fruits, light oak and earth. Just ripe and racy enough on the finish, with a calm, reserved personality.
A relatively full-bodied, chunky red with firm tannins, this is a burger wine par excellence, and priced so that you don't feel you've overspent. Slightly herbal overtones mark the black cherry fruit, just enough to impart a savory quality.
Licorice, tobacco and berry aromas lead to a crisp and zesty palate that is led by acidity and tastes of red plum, apple skins and raspberry. Tight and mildly astringent on the finish, with snap out the door. Drink now.
An elegant wine, with nicely framed red berry fruit flavors. Hints of dried herbs and modest tannins put everything in balanced proportion.
Sweet berry aromas blend with dark chocolate and leather on the nose. The palate is proper feeling and well balanced, with oak-driven chocolaty flavors supporting berry fruit. Finishes with a dry, spicy aftertaste.
The price of this entry-level cuvée has crept up over the years, but it remains a very good wine at a realistic price point. Crushed stone on the nose leads into dusty cherry flavors with hints of garrigue. Medium-bodied yet refreshing on the finish. Drink now and over the next 6–9 months.
A balanced and well-structured wine, this Merlot expresses attractive aromas of black plum, soft sweet licorice and delicate spice. The mouth is lush and round with soft tannins and a chocolaty finish. Drink now.
Easier to find than Jeriko's Pommard or Dijon bottlings, the Reserve is dark and earthy with mushroom, dark cherry and a tiny bit of spice floating behind the scenes. The 14.7% alcohol level brings this wine into a bigger style of Pinot territory but is welldone and should get even better with time.
Gaïa is this small domaine's luxury cuvée of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, matured in a combination of tank and wood. It's a creamy-textured, medium-bodied wine that remains slightly tannic without being hard while featuring notes of dried cherries and blueberries. Drink now–2015.
Light, airy and dusty on the nose, with apple and melon along with a touch of yeast. The palate is plump and healthy, with a good bead, nice acids and cidery, lightly briney apple and green fruit flavors. Shows some complexity beyond what's normal for Cava.
Clean and penetrating on the nose, with leather and warm berry/cherry aromas. Comes across bright and lively, with good balance and an appealing, easygoing set of wild berry and spice flavors. Shows length and follow-through on the finish. Very good for affordable RDD.
Spunky up front, with lighter-framed cherry, raspberry and graphite scents as well as a touch of grassy green. The palate is firm and certainly not soft, with lightly herbal red berry, mocha and tobacco flavors. Both sweet and spicy on a crisp, acid-driven finish. Drink now.
A powerful specimen that plows straight ahead on the bouquet, dealing out whiffs of rubber, smoke and hickory along the way. Meaty feeling and deep, with roasted blackberry, woodspice and bitter chocolate flavors. Dark and chocolaty on the finish, with a note of bacon.
Jammy black cherry and plum aromas and flavors are jazzed up by notes of licorice, bramble and sweet spice. The structure is tight with gripping tannins and medium acidity that shows real staying power through the finish alongside a lovely sweet woody accent.
Hints of spice, dried herb and black tea lend an elegant earthiness to concentrated, but crisp, black cherry and berry flavors on this Cabernet Franc. The palate is full bodied but structured with a flurry of soft tannins that linger on the finish.
With fruit sources split between Wallula and Canyon Vineyard Ranch vineyards, this off-dry (3.6 g/L residual sugar), enjoyable Pinot Gris is medium bodied with notes of lime, pineapple and petroleum jelly.
A single-vineyard Syrah from an up-and-coming vineyard, this wine is chock full of notes of coarsely ground black pepper along with celery salt, smoked meat, cherry and iron. The acid is tart and fresh with the tannins a touch dry on the finish.
This young Garnacha is fresh and fruity, and entirely approachable and likable given the price. The palate is fairly smooth and medium in weight, with blackberry flavors that fade to darkness on the finish. This was made for everyday sipping.
This is an oaky but airy Chardonnay with peach, melon and vanilla aromas. The palate mixes fresh acidity and creaminess with oak-based flavors of vanilla as well as more standard melon and banana. The finish features mostly woodspice and vanilla flavors.
Here's a rosé from last season that's still bright and lively. Aromas of raspberry and watermelon are fresh and inviting, while the palate is medium in intensity, with red licorice and strawberry flavors. Drink now and this wine should still be crisp and refreshing.
Hints of fresh herbs add depth to bright red-cherry and strawberry notes on this brisk, refreshing wine. Striking acidity and soft, delicate tannins draw out a long, cherry-menthol finish.
Hints of nut oil and smoke lend a savory tone to bright stone-fruit and floral notes on this delicate semidry Riesling. Brisk with lemon-lime acidity, it finishes long with a murmur of lanolin and honey comb.
Citrus, mango and animal cracker aromas are mild and easy to like. The palate on this white blend (led by 50% Verdejo) offers melon, apple, mango and a hint of spice, while the finish is clean, smooth and just racy enough. Drink now for max freshness.
Aged entirely in new French oak, the opening aroma reflects woody notes before revealing waves of rich, thick coconut and caramel. Full bodied in style, it finishes with a hint of sweetness.
Rich and full bodied, Phil's Selection Zin is a statement on blackberry jam layered in leathery goodness with slight accents of spice and tobacco. A big bold wine that'll need big bold flavors to match.
Blackberry, briar and savory herb notes point to the preponderance of Cabernet Franc in this round, but elegantly balanced Bordeaux-style blend. It's rich and ripe on the palate with a frame of velvety tannins that extend long on the finish.
Lemon-lime and mild vanilla aromas create a good bouquet. The palate is basic in structure but quite nice in purity and acidity. Flavors of green melon and spiced apple lead to a similar tasting finish. For freshness and balance, this wine gets it right.
From a region and producer more widely known for Chenin Blanc comes this very drinkable Petite Sirah with chewy blue fruit, coffee, toasty coconut and oak. There's enough structure and girth to age a while, so pair it in a few years with roasted or braised meats, a giant slab of steak or any other suitably hearty meal.
This is a bright, brisk wine that's chock full of crisp red-plum flavors and a sweet cherry-blossom perfume that lingers from start to finish. Brisk acidity and loads of fresh, green herbal notes meld nicely with soft, but mouthfilling tannins.
After opening with prickly aromas, this medium-bodied Toro settles on fresh and edgy, with crisp red plum flavors topped with a touch of chocolaty oak. It's zesty and shows drive on the finish.
Intensely ripe notes of black cherry and violet are highlighted by hints of ceder and mint in this forward but refreshingly brisk Cab. Dry on the palate, it's softly framed with a layer of fine, chalky tannins.
With lemon-lime and lemongrass aromas, this Cava is slightly exotic on the bouquet. The palate feels good but not terribly interesting or complex, with flavors of dusty apple, peach and vanilla. With a short finish, this vintage sparkler is fine but not as good as in the past.
Smoky, earthy and refined on the nose, this Cab is showing a seamless mix of berry and oak-based aromas. Full, moderately tannic, layered and thorough on the palate, this tastes of baked berry fruits, integrated oak and loamy earth. A ripe yet balanced finish indicates that aging is needed. Drink through 2025.
Big-hearted fruit dominates this smooth wine. The estate, owned by the Tesseron family and close to their other property of Pontet-Canet, is performing well and it shows in this juicy ripe wine, full of generous tannins. The aftertaste shows both acidity and concentration. Drink from 2022.
Firmly tannic and concentrated, this wine demonstrates how this property has developed impressively in recent years. It is certainly powerful, although managing to retain the Saint-Julien elegance. The blackberry fruits will develop well as it matures. Drink from 2024.
This is a concentrated, rich wine. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet, it is ripe, juicy and full of black-plum fruits. Dark and still firm, it is likely to age well. The 16 months in barrel have added spice and filled out the fruit. Drink this powerful wine from 2019.
Stony minerality surrounds sublime texture in this full-bodied, balanced expression of the appellation's Middle Reach neighborhood, an area known for producing wines of great beauty and subtle power. Apple, pear and richer characteristics of stone fruit are succulent on the palate, while a racy spiciness intrigues.
This fascinating and extremely appetizing wine is very dry, almost steely, with aromas like cinnamon and lime. These are followed by bracing and bone-dry flavors like lemon and Bosc pear with a touch of tannin in the texture, which is unusual for a white wine. Cellar for the mid-term and drink after 2018.
Apple blossoms, fresh apricots and peaches abound from nose to finish on this gorgeously fruity, summer-sweet spätlese. It's juicy and irresistibly guzzle worthy, yet elegantly mineral, and has a texture that's breathlessly sheer. Drinks beautifully now but has enough penetrating fruit flavor and acidity to last well into the next decade.
Though Viognier only makes up 1% of this wine, it substantially lifts the aromas, which bring notes of wild flowers along with blue and black fruit. The flavors are bold and full bodied, pulling no punches but showing exquisite concentration and length.
Aromas of ripe berry, brown cooking spice and a whiff of espresso lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The firmly structured palate offers juicy raspberry, black cherry and licorice alongside a backbone of assertive but noble tannins. Drink 2020–2032.
Deep and dense aromas of olallieberry and black plum integrate with vanilla bean and lilac on the nose of this bottling by Steve Martell, formerly of Sextant Winery. A soft mouthfeel unleashes well-integrated flavors, with lavender, pepper, baked blackberry and charcoal simmering to the surface through intense acidity. Great now, it will last many years.
Multifaceted aromas of dark cherry, leather, pressed violet, iron, dark spice and a balsamic note take shape on this intriguing red. Despite its age, the wine still shows freshness, power and finesse, offering mature black cherry, white pepper and star anise alongside velvety tannins. A mineral note lifts the finish.
This powerful, tarry and ripe wine offers weight as well as good black fruits. As it develops, it will reveal ripe berry flavors with a balanced structure. Drink this potentially impressive wine from 2021.
This is a newly released wine, sultry and peppery, with lip-smacking waves of blackberry and raspberry, bold and brooding and ultimately delicious. Full-bodied, it finds balance between its velvety texture and spikes of black pepper and leather.
Among the producer's most luxurious offerings, this nearly 100% varietal wine (with 2% Petit Verdot) is grippy in tobacco and big, pillowy tannin. The leaner side of its personality is defined by classic notions of cedar, currant and graphite, while its other aspect reveals riper elements of mountain blackberry and chocolate mocha. They all work well together in sync.
Still young, this will be a powerful, complex wine. Produced by one of the pioneers of Douro wines, it offers dark tannins and blackberry fruits, while old vines add concentration. The wine needs to age, so drink from 2020
From a beautiful site overlooking the Petaluma Gap, this wine opens in pretty honeysuckle aromas before unfurling clean, focused flavors of green-apple slices, lemon meringue and a touch of anise. Bright acidity is left to shine without the intrusion of oak, and yet the texture doesn't suffer, offering plenty of velvety smoothness.
This wine is rich, full and densely concentrated. With wood aging not far away, it is still toasty, offering weighty ripe fruit that shows great potential. This impressive wine is produced by the joint venture between the Symington Family and Bordeaux consultant Bruno Prats. Drink from 2020.
Rich fruit meets hearty earth on this bottling, with aromas of baked cranberry, candied cherry and pomegranate alongside juniper, forest floor and ginger snap. The fresh berry and pomegranate juice-led palate is enhanced by cinnamon and clove, touched by dried orange-rind bitterness.
What a delightful wine this is. Loaded with finesse, it opens with lovely scents of red berry, crushed rose, graphite, cooking spice and Alpine herb. The beguiling medium-bodied palate offers sour cherry, raspberry, white pepper and mineral while fresh acidity and polished tannins provide impeccable balance. It's already drinking beautifully but will also provide several more years of pure enjoyment.
Lush and vibrantly balanced, this wine is marked by juicy layers of blueberry, huckleberry and spicy cola and clove. Velvety-smooth on the palate, it's a satisfying, medium-bodied effort that effectively shows the beauty of the site and the vintage.
Brooding aromas of blackberry seed, black currant and licorice are followed by a full-bodied palate, with a tight core of dark-fruit flavors supported by fine-grained tannins. It's near irresistible, showing impeccable styling.
Dark hay in color, this vineyard-designate features lifted acidity and subtle oak around anise, green-apple tartness and a lovely integration of strength and grace. Ultimately light-bodied and crisp, it's also complex, with a lengthy finish showing just the right tease of caramel.
From dry-grown vines planted in 1973, this is classic Yarra Yering Shiraz, boasting hints of cracked pepper, earthy notes of root vegetables and hints of brown-sugar oak. It's medium bodied and crisp, with peppery, plummy, cigarbox flavors and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2025.
Layers of violets and blackberry paste make for an inviting nose that combines elegantly dark fruit and boisterous florality. There is a dense boysenberry core to the palate, edged by chocolate, dried mint, cola and licorice flavors, altogether very approachable and pleasant.
Enticing scents of perfumed berry, violet, dried herb and cake spice take center stage along with a balsamic note. The palate is firmly structured but elegant, offering tart red cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice. It's well balanced and young with taut polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018–2030.
Aromas of menthol, flint, crushed herb, leather and a balsamic note come together in the glass. Smooth and vibrant, the elegant palate delivers dried cherry, strawberry, star anise, pipe tobacco and mineral framed in polished tannins and bright acidity. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2017–2027.
This beautifully concentrated wine is all-fruit, all the time. It's appetizing texture is buoyed by firm, fine-grained tannins. It oozes blackberry syrup aromas, and floods the palate with rich grape and cassis flavors that linger a long time on the finish.
This paints a true picture of Margaret River in its sage and bay leaf shadings and concentrated cassis fruit. It's all framed by hints of vanilla and toasty oak, but the emphasis remains on dried herbs and fruit through the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2030.
Dark berry and plum fruit dominates, but hints of mint, vanilla and cedar add interest. Somewhere between silky and velvety, this full-bodied, richly textured Shiraz finishes long and appears to have the tannic structure to age well, though it's delicious now.
Pressed rose, violet, dark-skinned berry, a balsamic note and a whiff of oak-driven spice lift out of the glass. The juicy spicy palate offers a wonderful purity of raspberry and cherry flavors offset by licorice, chopped mint and pipe tobacco. Taut fine-grained tannins provide a firm, polished framework. Drink 2018–2027.
Curiously not as satisfying as the regular bottling (reviewed May 2000), the reserve sacrifices prettiness in search of power. Too much alcohol adds heat to the mouthfeel, and a vinegary nose distracts from the good fruit.
Starts off with strong aromas of wintergreen and cola, then settles down to display plenty of  roasted cherries and cedar-sarsaparilla notes. Seems a bit heavy, and a sharp edge of acidity doesn't offset a slight alcoholic burn, but the wine does boast plenty of flavor
Features citrus-flower and lime aromas. Lightweight, and with a slight spritz, this is a correct and refreshing Vinho Verde, with tart lime and quartz-mineral elements. A blend of 95% Alvarinho and 5% Trajadura.
The essence of jalapeños may be found in this new-wave Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all there is. It’s a bit simple and even seems a bit hollow or overcropped, with a short finish.
Light in color, almost rusty. Fleshy aromas of chunky, brambly fruit also offer a lot of pepper, both black and green. With good body and texture, you’re hopeful for more in the mouth, but the fruit is marred by the essence of veggies, even tasting a bit stewed.
Delightfully piercing and pungent, the brambly bouquet features a little oak-driven caramel to soften up the leather and smoke elements. The mouthfeel is big and cushy, and at first there’s lots of vanillin on the red-fruit palate. With breathing, it really opens up and comes together, showing complexity and style galore. Drink now or within three years.
It's rare to see Sémillon coming out of this esteemed vineyard. This somewhat unusual wine brings bright aromas of lime verbena, pear and herb that lead to lean dry, lightly smoky flavors backed by tart acidity.
A light yeasty quality and a note of mustard stick out on an otherwise generic white-fruit nose. This is fairly full in body and well balanced—flavors of melon and stone fruits fall off on the finish and taste slightly oxidized. Drink now.
Made with 30% Cannonau, 30% Carignano, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, this offers aromas of black currant, cedar and a whiff of cooking spice. The firm palate delivers black cherry jam, clove and a hint of tobacco framed in chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
This is a blend of 67% Merlot grown in Carneros with 33% Cabernet Franc from Atlas Peak. Tense in bittersweet clove, tea and big, extracted tannins, it settles down midpalate to reveal an underlying crispness of red fruit.
The nose of this fruity, medium-sweet Riesling is intensely tropical, wafting ripe melon, mango and honey scents. The palate is surprisingly zesty though—lean and linear, with a mouthwatering lime finish.
This is an affordable, well-made wine that offers classical aromas and flavors of cassis, bing cherry, spearmint and pencil lead, all within a context of full-bodied ripeness and soft, juicy texture.
Often cited by winemakers as their favorite clone, the Pommard reliably delivers round pretty cherry fruit. Here there are highlights of orange rind and non-carbonated lime soda. It's light and lively and most refreshing.
This tilts the fruit emphasis away from peach and into pear, with a slight suggestion of vanilla cream. It's got medium weight and concentration, and it's supple, well integrated, and balanced for immediate consumption.
A new wine to join the considerable range from Esporão, this is an unusual blend of Touriga Franca and Cabernet Sauvignon. It gives a wine with firm tannins as well as bold red fruits and acidity. It should probably age for a few more months, so drink from 2018.
This bottling, which is bolstered by 9% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, shows zesty blackberry, boysenberry, thyme and cedar on the fruit-driven nose. The flavors are approachable and easy, with baked berries, black pepper and charred beef, laid across a very friendly and soft structure.
This Rhône blend offers dried red cherry, boysenberry and rose petals on the inviting nose. The Grenache is a powerful player, contributing a rosewater touch to the palate, alongside cranberry, caramel and a touch of cola.
Dark red cherry and raspberry blend with the slightest hints of thyme and slate on the nose of this bottling, which is made in a urban facility in the coastal city of Marina. There is a tangy cran-raspberry element to the sip, enhanced by licorice spice.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, underbrush and cooking spice. The savory palate offers black currant, clove and a whiff of white pepper alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Soft and pretty, this marries light spice to fruit flavors of apple and strawberry. Think blanc de noir without the sparkle and you're on the right trail. It's got substantial palate weight and a fairly thick mouthfeel.
Here is a good all-purpose and widely available Oregon Pinot Gris. It's got classic pear and apple fruit flavors, well balanced against tangy acidity. There's no oak here, but the whole cluster press brings some spicy phenolics.
Subtle aromas of black-skinned fruit and baking spice waft out of the glass. The straightforward palate evokes black plum, vanilla and tobacco while assertive tannins provide support. Drink through 2020.
Made with Piedirosso and Aglianico, this young juicy red opens with aromas of fragrant purple flower, dark berry, clove and a tarry note. The fresh easy-drinking palate doles out mouthfuls of red cherry, raspberry and brown pepper alongside soft tannins. Enjoy soon.
Smoky and soft, this boldly made wine is medium-bodied but burly in char, baked blackberry and cocoa powder, a hint of tobacco never far.
At a modest 12.5% abv, this is a medium-bodied, only slightly fleshy Chardonnay. Understated smoke and citrus aromas kick things off, followed by flavors of mandarin orange, lemon and toasted cashew that finish crisp and tart.
This is clearly aimed at consumers who seek maximum power, aggressive tannins and the dark end of the flavor spectrum. Though down a bit from the 15.5% alcohol in 2012, it's still substantial. Dry roasted dark fruits are covered in brawnier flavors of coffee grounds, chocolate and graphite. Tannins are granular and carry some heat through the finish.
This wine is equal parts Dineen (Yakima) and Patina (Walla Walla) vineyard fruit. Aromas of blue plum, savory herb and peppery spices lead to light elegant flavors that provide enjoyment.
Reflecting the warm 2015 vintage, this is smooth and creamy. It has great fruitiness, recalling yellow fruit cut with a strong citrus streak. It's a wine to drink young, from late 2017.
Gritty aromas of charred beef and tar lead to a tight, drawing palate with hard tannins. Balsamic flavors of roasted plum, blackberry and green herbs finish tight, grating and with residual tannic bite. If you know Chilean Carmenère, this fits the mold.
This has a dry finish with modest alcohol, and its emphasis is on phenolic flavors rather than the usual floral-perfumed aromas that characterize most versions of the grape. Here you'll find lemon rind, pineapple and tart, mineral-soaked acids. It's a fine match for white fish, shellfish, scallops or oysters.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Grenache make this a flavorful and well structured Vin de Pays from the south of France. Fleshy in the mouth with ripe tannins, notes of black plum, blackberry, fennel and a hint of green pepper lead into the solid finish.
A somewhat strange nose of overripe mashed red plums and cherries with a strong herbal, piney core. More of the same in the medium weight mouth along with nuances of soft strawberries. Solid finish; drink now.
Aromas of roast plum and earth are a bit nutty and muddled, but overall this is a likable and slick wine with soft tannins and ripe candied-fruit flavors. With lushness and cola on the finish, it ends a bit syrupy and sweet. Good but not what you'd call refined or elevated.
With solid peach aromas and an otherwise clean nose, this llama is worth the ride. Peach and honeydew flavors are sweet but not cloying or mucky, and there's even a hint of spicy white pepper to give the finish character.
Lively nectarine and citrus aromas give it early life, and the palate is equally zesty, with tangerine and pineapple flavors. This is good Sauvignon Blanc for Argentina, with plenty of citrus but not a lot of nuance or complexity.
The Oak Cask in the name is evident in the bacon, vanilla and creamy berry aromas that open things up. The palate, however, is fairly acidic, making the fruit taste bright and feel zesty. Flavors of cherry and plum are distinctly red in character, and the finish is quick and lean.
This clean, dry white begins with aromas of spicy lemon and orange, leading in to flavors of lemon, orange rind and pepper. Light and mild, it's a simple but versatile food wine. Think grilled seafood, elegant cheeses.
First bottle corked. Second bottle sound, but rather one dimensional. The fruit is simple green apple and green berry; but there is a distinct earthy undertone that carries into the finish. If new oak barrels were used, they are not evident.
A light, mildly stemmy and roasted Pinot with medium body and a solid mouthfeel. While not all that aromatic, the wine tastes of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb, and there are accents of pepper and herbs along the way and on the finish. Shows good weight and color.
Cherry and plum aromas carry the mildest touch of stem, yet the palate is reasonably stocky. Cherry and chocolate flavors may seem slightly confected, but given the wine's price it's hard to register many complaints. A creamy and flavorful finish makes this well worth the money.
Hailing from coastal Leyda, this wine has a bouquet that comes with an oceanic edge, plus grass and green fruit aromas. The palate is crisp and lively, with good acidity bolstering citrus, lychee, melon and grass flavors. The finish is cleansing.
This is soft and full bodied, with round tannins that hint at dryness. With its ripe red-plum and strawberry flavors, this is a pleasure to drink now, but it is likely to age for several months.
This starts out with pretty fruit scents and a supple, almost silky entry. There's a strong cola streak that runs through the core, plus flavors of smoked figs and dusty spices. The finish turns slightly bitter, with a residue of scorched chocolate.
Clean and minerally on the nose, but it's not very aromatic or exciting. The palate is fresh and tangy, with orange, lemon, green apple and mild spice flavors. The longer the wine sits, the more its acidity and raciness take over. Crisp and bone dry.
This Pinot Noir is raisiny on the nose but maintains a fresh outlook. The palate runs heavy, almost to the point of feeling flat, while the flavor profile offers ripe berry, cherry and raisin notes. It's plump and soft on the finish, with a resin-like taste. Only 48 cases produced.
Scents of sour plum and truffle lead into a tight wine that offers tart red-cherry, plum and  earth flavors. There's a hint of funk and a metalic streak running through the tannins. Two bottles tasted.
Using fruit sourced from vineyards close to Cahors, this is a rich, soft, tropical-fruit-flavored wine that shows how the Mediterranean influence reaches this inland area. It is rich, with notes of apricot, green plum and mango. Ready to drink.
Rich and fruity, this is full of red berry and black plum fruits, sustained by dense, powerful tannins. The wine manages to balance freshness with a solid, dry core.
This has spice and dried fruit notes, plus firmly structured tannins. The refreshing acidity partners with the fruit, creating a wine that still needs a few years to age.
VS stands for “Vouvray Style,” a nod to the Loire Valley. Notes of citrus and mineral stand out first, seeming almost tart, like a squeeze of lemon, followed by a touch of almond. Pair this with seafood, especially scallops or raw oysters.
This is a well-balanced and rich wine, with its tannins and acids giving it a sense of structure. With its black cherry and plum skin flavors, this is firm and smooth.
Some extra barrel time and single vineyard status separate this wine from Erath's regular bottling. This has narrow flavors of green apple and white  peach, not showing much new oak influence.
Rich, packed with  juicy fruit. The wine has weight, depth of fruit flavor and tannins as a central core. A smoky character indicates the wood aging, packing in with the acidity and black cherry fruits on the finish. Age for 5–8 years.
If, at first sip, this seems delicate, that's an illusion. Reticent would be a better word, for this is a wine that is still youthful, with the toast and crisp acidity acting as a framework to the rich green and white fruits that are developing. Keep for 4–5 years.
Fragrant with cut grass, peavine and sweet hay, leading into light fruit flavors of apple and pear. There are suggestions of sliced orange, and the creamy, textural mouthfeel derived from nine months of aging on the lees.
Really ripe wine, with toast and yellow fruits, laced with intense citric acidity and a mineral edge, to go with the mouthwatering fruit. Needs to age for 5–6 years.
A beautifully balanced wine, mixing an intense, nervy, crisp fruit character with light wood flavors and the most piercing acidity. This is a serious wine, for aging over 3–5 years while retaining impeccable fruit.
Wound up aromas of blackberry, spice box and wood spice are followed by pitch-black black-cherry flavors. The tannins are tightly coiled and need some time to unwind.
This is a fine yet ripe wine. It has an intense botrytis character that balances dryness with considerable sweetness. The wine, rich in honey and marmalade flavors, is opulent, decadent and ready to drink.
This is a rich wine, blending the two Manseng grapes in an opulent ripe way. It is full of spice and yellow fruits, along with hints of honey and pepper. This is a delicious full wine that will age for at least a year. Drink from 2018.
Fermented in open stone lagares, this wine has a typical rounded, generous character, with rich dark fruit and tight acidity. Although smooth from wood aging, it has a taut edge, ultimately feeling ripe and full in the mouth. Drink now.
Bright mango and pineapple tones are cut by laser-sharp edges of lime in this delicately structured dry Riesling. Invigorating white grapefruit and a steely sensation gild a lingering finish.
Struck flint and crushed mineral tones reverberate through this bristling Kabinett. While zesty and linear in style, it boasts revitalizing sweet-tart grapefruit and lime flavors. Drink now through 2021.
Café au lait, herb, cherry and wood-spice aromas lead to elegantly styled fruit and barrel flavors. It shows a lovely sense of styling.
This 100% Lagrein offers aromas of cassis, leather and baking spice. The robust palate delivers blackberry, vanilla and a sprinkling of cocoa alongside ripe firm tannins. Drink through 2020.
Lemon mousse aromas and flavors provide the richness and allure of this wine, as steely acidity keeps it fresh and vibrant. Full-bodied, it continues to taste strongly of Gravenstein apple and nutmeg and is bolstered by toasted oak.
Meffre's Laurus range includes a number of interesting wines, like this Côtes du Rhione white, a blend of 51% Viognier, 29% Roussanne, 14% Grenache Blanc and 4% Bourboulenc. It's perfumed and floral yet full bodied and richly textured, with apricot and ginger notes enhanced by hints of cinnamon and clove from time in barrel. Drink now.
This organically grown blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez comes from one of the old aristocratic Dão estates. It's structured with robust tannins and has richly dense black currant fruit. Drink from 2019.
The star white grape of the Dão—Encruzado—produces this attractive, perfumed and deliciously creamy wine. It's rich and ripely rounded, with yellow fruit balanced by the crispest lime -and lemon-like acidity. A light spice note completes the picture.
This blend of perfumed Verdelho and crisp Alvarinho belies the Alentejo heat. It's powered by its fruitiness, with zesty lemon, lime and apricot flavors, its texture still firm with minerality. Drink this rich wine from 2018.
Aromas of ripe Granny Smith apple and exotic fruit lead to creamy flavors of apricot, beeswax and a hint of pineapple on this delicious white. Just enough fresh acidity balances the rich flavors.
Waxy peach-, pineapple- and pear-scented, this fulsome and fresh white offers lively acidity within a complex, medium-bodied framework. From estate-grown fruit, it's a rarity from the appellation and well worth seeking out.
This bottling exhibits both the ripe and fresh aspects of the grape. The nose shows peach custard, honeysuckle and tuberose touches, while the palate is framed by acidic verve. Candied yellow apple, melon and lemon custard flavors are cut by that racy acidity.
This white is a study in unexpected complexity and pleasure. Quince, sulfur and grapefruit notes define it best, as supple minerality and gravelly texture provide dimensionality.
Delicate whiffs of orange blossom and tangerine zest intensify on the palate of this off-dry Riesling. While racy and lithe in body, it penetrates on the palate with juicy white grapefruit and apricot notes.
This is an extraordiary deal for a solidly built, high-level wine. It offers succulent cherry, raspberry and vanilla flavors, wrapped in approachable, mellowed tannin and oak.
Juicy and austere in understated waves of cranberry and cherry fruit, this wine delivers subtle power and intensity in a leathery-textured package. True to its old vine heritage, it shows a dry dustiness of peppery spice.
A stony, flinty character leads the nose of this blend of 54% Sauvignon Blanc and 46% Sémillon, followed by scents of ripe peach, nectarine, freshly dried grass and herbs. The medium-weight palate offers more clean fruit flavors that result in a smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel. Ample acidity lends freshness to the finish, alongside a lingering yellow flower character. Drink now–2019.
Intriguing, thought provoking and complex, this wine starts off with perfumed aromas of thyme, bay leaf and lavender. It's supple in the mouth and silky in feel, imbued with black cherry and blueberry fruit, then shows a hint of adhesive bandage on the finish. Drink now.
This leads with clean yet soft scents of ripe apple, Anjoy pear and orange blossom. Those notes carry through to the medium-weight palate, well integrated with soft toasted-oak tones. It's harmonious and balanced, with ample acidity lending good lift through the close. Drink now.
This is taut and sinewy in profile, but shows off a fine range of aromas, from thyme and lavender to cocoa, red plum and ripe cherry. The raspberry and herb flavors finish in a storm of firm tannins. Drink 2020–2025.
Pithy, with grapefruit and lemon peel flavors, this wine is deceptively crisp and light on the nose, offering a wealth of body and lushness on the palate, accented with nutmeg and peach. It includes 4% Sémillon, partly from the winery's beloved To Kalon vineyard.
From a vineyard in Northern Tokaj this dry Furmint has aromas of citrus pith and freshly cut pineapple. In the mouth, there are delightful flavors of grapefruit juice and white peach before the pleasantly acidic finish.
Briny green olive notes underlie a tropically ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety. The wine's apple, pineapple and mango fruit is wrapped in toasted oak and moderate acidity.
This opens with enticing aromas of chamomile flower, white peach and a whiff of Alpine herb. The elegant palate offers McIntosh apple, candied lemon and a vein of energizing mineral. Fresh acidity lends balance.
This offers a pleasing intermix of fruit and spice, from blackberry and plum to Cab-like cassis. Juicy, mouthfilling and structured, it has a finish all about cinnamon and peppercorns.
From the somewhat cool 2010 vintage, this Boushey vineyard Syrah is moving into secondary fruit flavors of strawberry preserves. A leafy, lightly herbal component adds extra texture and length.
This vibrant Rosso weaves together ripe plum, violet, crushed black cherry, sweet cake spices, menthol and Mediterranean herbs. The juicy palate is balanced by supple tannins and fresh acidity. It's already accessible but will offer easy-drinking enjoyment through at least 2016.
This medium-bodied red weaves together sensations of mature dark cherries, crushed raspberries, forest floor and sweet baking spices. The fresh palate is supported by firm, chewy tannins and will offer easy drinking enjoyment through 2015.
Jammy, slightly reduced aromas of blueberry, cassis, green herbs and mint take some getting used to. In the mouth, this Malbec-led blend of six grapes is deep and bold, while herbal, spicy flavors of black fruits and green herbs lead to a toasty, peppery, dark-tasting finish. Drink through 2017.
This is a dense, concentrated and oak-aged wine with delicious, juicy black fruits as well as elegant tannins and acidity. That makes for a wine that's balanced, developing well in its richness. Drink now and until 2020.
Like several other estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mont-Redon has expanded to neighboring Lirac, where the soils are very similar. This medium- to full-bodied blend of Clairette (45%), Grenache Blanc (25%), Roussanne (20%) and Viognier (10%) is rich and mouth coating, with aromas and flavors that hint at orange zest and apricot. Drink it over the next year or two.
Yellow pear skin, crushed pine needles and white rocks bolster traditional cat-pee aromas on this wine from the ancient river stone-laden Arroyo Seco appellation. Sharper grassy elements deftly integrate into the palate, with apple and pear flavors as well. Serve with vinaigrette-doused oysters.
A hint of spice peppers this rich, lusciously bodied Chardonnay full of ripe apple and lemon flavor. It's creamy and clingy in mouthfeel, but balanced elegantly by sharp lemon and lime tones that brighten the midpalate.
A blend that includes Syrah and Tannat as well as Bordeaux grapes, this is a wood-aged, ripe and rich wine. A tense streak of acidity heightens the effect of the black currant fruits. Spice at the end comes from the wood. Drink from 2016.
Perhaps it is the large Clairette component (52%), but this blend finishes with an attractive tingle of lime that brightens the whole experience. Honeyed melon and traces of raw almond give the impression of softness, yet the wine remains refreshing. The balance is 26% Grenache Blanc, 13% Viognier and 9% Picpoul. Drink it now and over the next six months.
Very dry and steely, this offers crisp acidity plus butter and wood flavors that bring out citrus as well as white peach fruits. With five years aging, it is ready to drink.
This has what we're looking for in a good, dry red for dinner time, namely fruit aromas, tasty fruit flavors, full body and a firm texture of tannins and acidity. It makes a nice candidate for house red.
Here's a solid effort from a challenging (cool) vintage. Good, clean red fruit is touched with accents of citrus, tobacco and mocha. It's all in good balance, with ripe tannins and clear varietal character.
This is a classic Napa Valley floor Cabernet, enhanced with handfuls of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Dusty in red currant and herb, it offers mellowed tannins and a peppery underbelly.
A mildly oxidative streak adds an extra dimension to the rich dried fruit notes that are heady with Medjool dates, raisins and figs, cut though with the sharpness of orange zest. Molasses and dark muscovado sugar appear in the background and virtually beg for slices of gingerbread and fruitcake.
Prune, stewed plum and warm cranberry sauce blend with anise and brown spice on the nose of this wine from Paso Robles' Eastside. The flavors, framed by good acid and tannins, are evenly presented red fruits, with a distinct strawberry finish.
This is a tightly-wound, toasty Cabernet Sauvignon, with black cherry and cassis, augmented with dark notes of charcoal, tar and espresso. It has medium length and palate weight, and will drink well through 2019–2020.
Zesty, superfresh citrus and apple notes set the tone of this light-footed, slender fizz that is dry, vivacious and refreshing, with just a little yeastiness. Its a classy little apéritif whose lightness of touch will make every conversation sparkling.
Made with Prugnolo Gentile, the local name for Sangiovese, and Canaiolo, this easygoing but delicious wine delivers juicy flavors of wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and vanilla. It's fresh with a moderately tannic structure. Drink through 2016.
A blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay with splashes of Gewürztraminer and Viognier, this has notes of apple, pear and melon. It drinks close to dry with fresh, clean fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity.
For a few dollars more than the regular CSM Cabernet, the Indian Wells delivers extra density and complexity. It holds firm, dark fruits and is slightly grainy, but well-ripened tannins carry the wine, and it's less dependent upon oak treatments and flavors of vanilla and cream. Persistent and substantial, it's offers good value, and often sells for less than the listed price.
A return to 100% varietal Pinot Gris, this is done in a vivid, leesy style, with excellent texture and depth of flavor. Clean and fresh herb, celery, jicama and melon flavors abound, just hinting at white peach at the far end of its gentle ripeness. The flavor penetration and overall crisp definition are very fine.
Tight and textured, this tannic and structured wine shows the power of very old vines. With dark fruits as well as tense bitter cherry acidity, it needs to age. Drink from 2017.
For the first time, all the fruit for this Cabernet is sourced from Red Mountain vineyards. It's well on the way to secondary fruit aromas and flavors; soft and instantly approachable. It's not a challenging wine, but it fits like a comfortable old shirt. Strawberry, cherry and plum mingle gracefully, with super-smooth tannins.
The greenness of Cabernet Franc leads this Right Bank-style wine on the nose and palate, with cooked bell pepper and pico de gallo salsa prevalent. The mouthfeel is even and not too heavy. Although it's very Old World in design, it would pair perfectly with Mexican dishes.
Blowsy, floral aromas are grounded by a strong mineral scent that suggests crushed vitamins. This offers width and depth on the palate, with peach, apple and citrus flavors. The finish turns a bit sweet, but the fruit stays defined and bright.
This has a pruney character in keeping with the high 15.4% alcohol. It's dark and liquorous, beyond ripe, and finishes hot, with chalky, earthy tannins.
A little blocky and foxy at first, but the nose forges ahead with sweet, baked aromas that set up a saturated, dark-fruit palate of prune, sweet spice and fudge. Accents of earth, moss, herbs, brown sugar and coffee give this a thick, somewhat simple and clumsy personality.
Warm and solid, with weight and color. The palate is well rounded and full, with sweet, semisticky berry flavors and a lashing of oak. The finish turns a little herbal and earthy, while the lasting flavors are of vanilla and wood resin.
This white blend offers a full nose of vanilla and spice, followed by full-bodied flavors that are both fruity and spicy. Pair with salads, cheeses or sip alone on a hot day.
Jammy aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, anise and spice give this smooth Macedonian red a lush, flavorful edge. Integrated and sturdy enough to pair with robust aged cheeses, meats, rich dishes.
Very light, just hinting at tannins, this is an easy, soft wine, the black berry juice fruit flavors the main taste element. The wine has a jammy, smoky character that comes through, but the texture remains dilute.
A basic, serviceable Pinot Noir, Vinterra's 2010 combines varietally correct notes of cherry, leather and earth. The medium-weight palate and supple tannins stay true to the variety as well.
This wine is alive with flavors of citrus, honey and orange blossom. With its sour twist on the finish, it calls to be paired with seafood slathered in garlic and cream.
A pale, crisp, cranberryish rendering of Pinot Noir, this is the sort of light-bodied, red-fruited Pinot that could be served with salmon or other fish dishes.
Delicate in scent, this has aromas of bright cherry and violet. This semisweet Blaufränkisch bursts on the palate with fresh red-cherry and strawberry flavors. Juicy and cheerful, it finishes with a hint of caramelized sugar.
There's a woody, slightly green center to this wine that dominates the lean cherry and currant notes on the nose and mouth. It's direct and linear on the palate, with a red-plum-skin-driven finish.
This selection is fruity and refreshing, yet it has a full body and a ripe character. Taut and tangy on the finish, this wine can age for another 6–9 months to allow the structure to soften.
Made in the buttery style, this is a vanilla- and toast-flavored Chablis. Tropical fruits dominate the ripe, fruity palate, and there's not a touch of minerality or steeliness in sight.
A ripe aroma of mango shows in this tropical-fruit-driven wine. It has a rich, round and soft feel, with a slightly minerally texture. The acidity provides freshness.
This white Burgundy is crisp, rich and lemony, and it comes with touches of vanilla and apricot and taut acidity on the finish. Ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this wine has red fruit and a tannic edge, and bright acidity that gives definition to the fruit. Ready to drink now.
Earthy aromas of black-currant leaf and crushed carnation dominate the profile of this wine, with light black-fruit notes taking second place. Lean and delicate, this wine is ready for drinking now; pair it with wine-braised brisket.
This is a vegetal Sauvignon Blanc, with forward aromas of green pepper, asparagus, green plum and a touch of talcum powder on the nose. Tart, lean, green fruit flavors fill the mouth, ending on a brisk yet clean finish.
The Burgundy-based producer has made a fresh, cherry-flavored wine that is identifiably Pinot Noir. It has soft tannins and a dry core, yet is dominated by red fruit and acidity on the finish. Drink now.
Sweet-seeming fruit and maple flavors give a candy-like quality to this medium-bodied, ripe and soft wine. The vanilla and maple flavors meld nicely with rich raspberry and sweet cherry notes.
Peaches, white flowers, white pepper and a hint of crushed walnuts waft on the nose. The palate is shows underripe pear, gummy peach rings and honeydew melon, yet the weight and intensity is a bit restrained. This would be a lovely accompaniment to a mild cheese or soft-shelled crab over crisp greens.
Tobacco leaf, black currant and cinnamon color the nose of this Merlot. Suggestions of black fruits are buried by oak flavors of cigar box, vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco on the palate. Intensely tannic, the wine finishes with a strong cigar box flavor.
Made predominantly from Cabernet Franc, this includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo as well. It's close in style to the winery's other reds, from its aggressively dark, roasted aromas to its charred wood and roasted coffee flavors. It delivers a hint of dark chocolate as well, and its tannins are heavy, with a bitter edge.
This is the brightest, least char-inflected of the winery's red lineup, though it still wraps its berry fruit flavors in a thick cloak of roasted coffee and charred wood notes. Heavy toast seems to be the winery's preferred style, though here it doesn't completely cover the lovely fruit.
This wine is soft and juicy, with ripe red fruits balanced by acidity. A firmer backdrop offers serious tannins and dark-coffee flavors. The wine needs a few more months, so wait until 2018.
Familiar Cab Franc aromas of dry spice, green herbs, fennel and pepperoni feed into a narrow palate that's high in acidity and drawing. Spiky tomato, plum, herb and pepper flavors finish dry and pulling, with a saucy aftertaste.
Initial aromas of desert herbs and blackberries lose steam with airing. A flush palate delivers candied cherry and chocolate flavors that carry over to the solid finish.
A mix of spice, oak, tomato, plum and rubbery aromas announce a palate that blends plump ripeness with pulling tannins. Dry, spicy plum and berry flavors are steady on the finish.
This wine offers simple richness around a full-bodied frame, dotted in well-defined flavors of golden apple and white flower. Honey and toasted oak provide added concentration and texture in this tiny production wine from a small producer.
Generous black plum, dried purple flowers, sweet raisin and sarsaparilla spice show on the nose of this bottling. The flavors are rich and full with bright red plum and strawberry, but there is a rocky core and pinch of oregano as well.
This wine offers a bouquet of black cherry and butterscotch. Its cherry, blueberry and mint flavors are enwrapped in forceful tannins that give way to a finish marked by black fruit.
Produced in the vineyards of Estremoz, the marble capital of Portugal, this wine is a ready-to-drink blend of red fruits and soft tannins. A juicy character gives it a crisp aftertaste. Drink the wine now.
Produced at Domaine la Gemière, the wine is soft, rounded and easy to drink young. It has a lively edge to the ripe citrus and apple fruitiness. It is open and ready to drink.
Bold and rich, this wine has plenty of tannins to allow it to age, and equally generous ripe black-plum fruits to make it attractive now. Solid and firm, the wine is already drinkable with its juicy fruitiness, or age until 2020.
In the style of this producer, this is a rich wine. It has ripe yellow fruits as well as the more mineral, crisp character that comes from the tangy Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is still young, needing a few more months. So drink from 2018.
This opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, crushed herb and blue flower. The palate is tightly wound and rather closed, showing hints of orange zest and raw cranberry. Racy acidity and austere tannins clench the finish.
Deeply colored, aromatic and packed with red fruits, this is a solid, dense wine. Blending Aragonez, Trincadeira and Alfrocheiro normally found in the Dão region, the wine is concentrated and conveys a strong sense of structure. Drink this wine from 2018.
In comparison with other new releases from the winery, this seems dilute. With its watery raspberry fruit and astringent acidity, it lacks the stuffing to handle the 55% new oak it was aged in, making the barrel flavors apparent. More time in the bottle may help.
While this wine is not powerful, it has elegance to go with the ripe fruit, fresh honey, lemon flavors and a core of dense dryness. With this vintage, Rayne Vigneau seems to be back where its vineyard, next to Yquem, suggests it should be.
Round, lush and sweet, this may not have the textbook pinpoint crispness of Mosel Riesling, but it does offer mouthfilling pleasure. Apple and citrus or pineapple fruit is wonderfully pure, yet buttressed by solid underpinnings of minerality and a lingering, slightly oily finish. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Fine Verdejo is more elusive than one might think. And Tres Olmos is that rare wine that smells great, tastes just right, and lingers for a long time on your teased and tested palate. Almond, pear and citrus aromas smartly give way to a smooth wave of blended citrus fruits. The finish is long and confident. Drink now.
Based on these tastings, 2000 must have been a great vintage for the eastern coast of NZ's South Island. Here's another top-notch Chard, this one loaded with buttered, toasted whole-wheat bread and vanilla custard, spiked with tropical fruit and citrus. It's rich but not heavy, with a finely etched finish and ample structure.
This French-run estate (the family is involved with Gosset Champagne and Cointreau liqueurs) has produced a stunning Chardonnay. Big on creamy fruit and nutty, buttery flavors, this wine pairs toast, acidity and ripe fruit in a fine, complex balance. Best Buy.
The Chateau's reserve is not their best Chardonnay (that honor belongs to the Cold Creek) but it's their most accessible, made in a powerful, lush style with softer fruit and more obvious new oak. Fleshy, full-bodied and showing lively spice, it's a drink-me-now pleasure.
Argyle's Reserve shows less oak than the Nuthouse and Spirithouse bottlings, with more compact and vivid fruit. Nice flavors of stone fruits, grapes and citrus, well integrated and full through the mid-palate. It rounds into a very pretty finish, fruit forward, balanced and true.
This is the midrange wine in Danie de Wet's clutch ofChardonnays, proof that the hot climate of Robertson is no bar to making fine white wines. With its steely character, this is the most French wine, almost Chablis in style, from this producer. Spices, green plums, kiwifruit are all there, as is fresh, crisp acidity.
Reminiscent of good white Burgundy, this atypically (for Australia) flinty Chard has notes of gunmetal, intricately intertwined with white peach and toasted oatmeal. Finishes soft and round but long, with hints of lemon.
Gyles Webb, whose spectacular vineyards drench the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, was once better known for his great-value Sauvignon Blanc and for his reds. But his Chardonnay is as good as the rest of the range, full of tangy marmalade flavors and a well-judged use of oak, which supports rather than dominates the delicious citrus character of the wine.
Boasts plenty of buttery tropical fruit set off by aromas of toast and smoke, then shines in the mouth, where the mouthfeel is custardy but not heavy and the fruit flavors shine. Finishes long and tart, seamlessly turning citrusy along the way.
This deliciously full-bodied and rich Chardonnay is unabashedly New World in style. From its caramel and tropical fruit aromas through its flavors of Golden Delicious apples, mango, vanilla and baking spices, it screams “Australia.” Best Buy.
This is the third year McCrea has made an Elerding Chardonnay, fermented on wild yeasts in stainless tanks, then aged sur lie in fairly neutral oak. Complex, textured and loaded with banana and butterscotch flavors, it's a rich wine that retains enough elegance to go down easily with food.
A ripe but lively wine, from this master of Chardonnay. Danie de Wet's entry point wine is full, fat and toasty but also has fresh, green fruit flavors and a layer of cinammon and tropical fruits. It is great Chardonnay, delicious and tasty. Best Buy.
Starts off slowly, but opens considerably with air—so much so that it's probably worth decanting as you might a bottle of young white Burgundy. It's buttery and full, yet possesses a stony mineral quality that gives it balance. Initial peppery-spicy notes on the finish smooth out the longer it sits in the glass. Editors' Choice.
Full of red fruits and generous tannins, this is an immediately attractive wine. The red-berry fruits are balanced by good acidity and a crisp aftertaste. Drink from 2017 to allow the tannins to soften further.
Half Tempranillo, 40% Barbera and 5% each Merlot and Sangiovese, this is dry and fully mature, but quite tasty. Musky scents of roses and orange peel lead into a tart palate with wild berries, and a touch of citrus oil. Drink now through 2018.
The high proportion in the blend gives it its ripe, juicy character. The toasty wood aging flavors are just enough to allow it to fill out as it ages. With juicy black-currant and ripe-berry flavors, the wine will be perfumed and delicious from 2018.
This is a small estate of 12 acres dominated by its 95% Merlot. It is ripe and juicy with spice, dried fruits and crisp black currants. The tannins are already well integrated with the fruitiness. Drink from late 2017.
Not much Syrah is grown in the Willamette Valley, but Cristom has made it for quite some time now. Tart and astringent, this has black cherry and earth flavors, a light hint of fungus, and chewy tannins.
This is a very Douro blend for this wine from Lisboa region. It brings structure and minerality to fill out the dark-black fruits. With ripe tannins and bright acidity balancing the fruit, it is ready to drink.
Forward and fruity, this is a solid, drink any time Chardonnay. It's built in a blocky chunky mode, but some sleek lime flavors put a polished edge on the underlying acids.
Dark blueberry, black plum and blackberry fruits meet with dried violet, lavender and cracked pavement on the nose of this bottling. The palate picks up a soy-meets-blueberry-chiffon element, with splashes of rosewater and cola.
This wine is solid, with firm tannins that are still masking the fruit. It is rich and still has the potential to give a ripe wine. For now, it is solid and firm with great tannins. Drink from 2019.
A note of yeasty vanilla graces apple and citrus aromas. This feels chalky and minerally, with a touch of spritz. Dry lime and green-apple flavors finish clean and long, with no funk to speak of.
This is a sharp, almost liquorous wine. It features plump fruit flavors of yellow apple, pear and white peach. Barrel fermented in French oak, it still needs a bit more bottle age to round itself out. Drink 2018 and beyond.
Here is a spicy racy palate-ripping Chardonnay. The fruit rules here, a tasty mix of lime, pineapple, grapefruit and green apples. It was barrel fermented in French oak, though its flavors are more along the lines of a stainless steel style.
Cedary oak, tobacco, wood spice and black-fruit aromas are on the heavy side. The palate follows that lead with a chunky bumpy feel. Pushy black-fruit flavors come with chocolate and herbal notes, while this tastes of chocolate mint and feels scratchy and tannic on the finish.
Intense aromas of thyme, white spring flower, citrus and exotic fruit lead the nose. On the soft palate, a frothy mousse frames white grapefruit, sage, apricot and yellow peach. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors.
This plump, succulent wine is a solid value. Understated toast frames pineapple and melon in this fruit-driven style. Drink this crisp, appealing quaffer now–2018.
Aromas of sour cherry, raisin, herb and a hint of scorched earth lead the nose. On the straightforward rather lean palate, ground pepper accents dried cranberry and pomegranate alongside lithe tannins.
Call this traditional, a throwback, or whatever you want, because it's a less-polished wine with a strong sense of buttery oak and animal. It's also challenging and strained, with herbal tart plum flavors and a strong note of cheesy oak to the finish.
This fun dessert wine has delicate aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and fragrant white flower. The vivaciously foaming palate offers juicy yellow peach, candied nectarine zest and a hint of thyme. It's sweet, but it also has enough fresh acidity to stop it from being cloying.
Baking spice, dark berry and fragrant blue flower aromas jump out of the glass. The vibrant, easy-drinking palate offers blackberry, black cherry and star anise alongside supple tannins and firm acidity.
Inoffensive aromas of crushed vitamins and stone fruits are good enough. This feels plump and medium in body, while flavors of papaya and green melon are dry and a touch briny. A solid finish is fine but doesn't push things forward.
Kooyong's entry-level Chardonnay features glimpses of oak in its hints of vanilla, cinnamon and clove, but remains fruit-focused. Vibrant pineapple fruit zips along the palate, ending clean and refreshing.
A hint of smoked nut from nose to finish lends a savory tone to this easygoing off-dry Riesling. Straightforward flavors of pressed apple and pear are sunny and bright. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Drink now.
Mild, clean white-fruit aromas are generic but good. This feels round, with medium-level acidity. Pithy melon and citrus flavors are more bland than vivid on the finish. Drink now.
Dusty apple and peach aromas are mostly pleasant. Chunky and pulpy in feel, this basic Chardonnay tastes of melon and peach. A dry fleshy finish includes a sprinkle of saltiness. Drink now.
Oak, coconut, espresso and menthol aromas lift out of the glass. The taut somewhat lean palate shows raw sour cherry, tart cranberry, espresso and oak-driven spice but not much fruit richness. Tight raspy tannins dry out the finish. Let the tannins soften for a few years then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
California's Cameron Hughes dips a toe into Oregon waters with this quite drinkable Willamette Valley Pinot. It floats light cherry fruit around some woody, herbal, stiff tannins. There's a nice touch of cinnamon spice ringing through the finish.
Aromas of ripe black-skinned berry and a whiff of cooking spice lift out of the glass. The solid straightforward palate offers black currant, dried cherry and clove framed in seasoned tannins.
Citrus and apple tart mark this wine that evolves to offer barrel-rich caramel on the nose. Dark golden in color, the wine is concentrated and alive, a taste of wild Tahitian vanilla accenting it from midpalate through to the finish.
Named for the vineyard's address on Live Oak Road, this tasty blend holds 39% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 19% Counoise and 14% Mourvèdre. It delivers aromas of scarlet red rose petals, crushed clove and cherry pie. The fruit flavors are so deep they border on blueberry, set against a tannic backbone, yet proving quite light and drinkable.
A very savory nose calls to mind mushrooms sautéed in Italian herbs, with touches of eucalyptus and licorice on the fringes. The mouthfeel is light in density, alive with acidity and tannins, tending more towards marinated black olives and charcuterie than ripe red fruits.
Located in Tavel, Domaine de la Mordorée has been one of the quality leaders in neighboring Lirac. This wine is dark and earthy at first, but opens with airing to reveal bold notes of blueberry, mocha and peppery spice. This 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is full bodied, richly textured and finishes long.
This comes from the oldest estate vineyard, now reaching full maturity. Tart citrus flavors underscore pretty strawberry, drifting into a hint of well-ripened preserves. There's a light touch with the new oak, keeping the wine in perfect balance. Drink now through 2020.
Black as night in the glass, this wine—which come from the Mann Vineyard—is evened out with 13% Merlot and spent 30 months in American oak. Brown spice, black cherries and oregano power the palate along with notes of dried cherries and tobacco. It's drinking quite nicely right now.
From both  Pommard and Calera clones, this Pinot offers a generously earthy nose of forest floor and wild mushrooms before delving into subtle black and red cherry  fruit. Weighty on the palate, the tannins are soft, yet the wine finishes lean.
A quiver of silk lends richness to the palate of this dry, relatively full-bodied Riesling. Stark lime-lemon acidity is tart and bracing, but ripe pear and apple notes add flesh and persistence to the finish.
Initial charred aromas turn to licorice and black fruit on the nose. A rigid structure of fierce tannins provide strength to toasty, spicy berry flavors on the palate. Vanilla, herb and mocha tones combine with textural dryness on the finish. Drink though 2025.
A special spot for Syrah, Parmalee-Hill gets plenty of coastal fog and coolness, providing this gamy, silky 100% varietal wine with structure and buoyant acidity around a balanced weight of tar, black olive and dark cherry.
A wisp of smoke lends a sultry tone to fresh pear in this dry, supple wine. It's ripe and rich on the palate, but maintains the lean, steely acidity ubiquitous to this vintage. Finishes long with rolling mineral notes.
From the acclaimed Nysa vineyard, this elegant wine offers sniffs of fresh tobacco plus plum and cherry fruit. There's a touch of espresso and some of the minerality typical of the vineyard. In previous vintages this same wine was labeled as Les Gourmandises or (in 2011) The Long Run.
Ripe flavors and a plush texture have not gone out of style in this opulent and tasty Viognier. Although not technically sweet, it has all these great dessert flavors: hazelnuts, toasted almonds and poached pears. The finish lasts 30 seconds or more.
From one of the few estate properties in this new appellation comes anise-flecked aromas of blackberry puff pastry, mixing up ripe fruit with buttery oak. This is a very approachable Syrah, with dark fruits and pepper spice that will appeal widely, showing why Ballard Canyon may be the variety's best hope for popular acceptance.
Deliciously ripe and generous, this full-bodied Zin has plenty to like: ripe blackberry, black cherry and baking spice aromas. Deep flavors echo the fruit and layer it with hints of vanilla and nutmeg. While full-bodied and nicely thick in texture, it's not over the top and remains balanced by firm acidity and welcome tannins.
This elegant but firmly structured white wine opens with an alluring fragrance of honeysuckle, exotic fruit and cantaloupe. The linear palate offers juicy white peach, apricot and mineral alongside crisp acidity.
The artistically minded, Rhône-focused brand from winemakers Ian Sergy and Zach Jarosz delivers this wine with aromas of black tea, sage and smashed elderberries. Favors move from raspberry iced tea to mocha and espresso, all wrapped in delicate but quite present tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
Concentrated dark berry aromas are powerful on the nose, showing a touch reduced but minerally. The palate on this young Ribera wine is pure and potent but not fierce. Ripe, loamy blackberry flavors finish muscular, with just enough elegance and grace to confirm the wine's overall quality.
If it's possible for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape to have Burgundian style, this would be a candidate. The cherries are delicate and herbal, with crisp acids and silky tannins that provide a wiry, peppery framework for the elegant fruit. Drink now–2020.
Lavish fruit and extravagant spicy oak flavors balance each other well in this big, showy, dark and tannic wine. The color is black almost to the rim, and it has plenty of body, thick tannins and concentrated boysenberry flavors. Best now through 2019.
Floral and exotic, the tingling acidity in this wine is the standout, but it's equally buoyed by a mouth-filling texture adorned by a sensation of fresh-squeezed lime and grapefruit. Balanced, this lovely Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc should convince one and all of the variety's regional merit.
Sourced from the family's Animo Vineyard atop Atlas Peak, this Cab comes from the highest-elevation blocks on the vineyard, some 1,350 feet up. Ripe plum fruit flavors surround savory elements of black tea, the structure well-honed and age-worthy through 2020–2025.
Lavender, stone fruit and sugar cookie notes scent this exuberant, aromatic wine. Dry in style, it's sprightly and lean with puckering lemon-lime flavors rounded out by a plump, peachy finish.
Rich and thick in leathery blueberry, this Syrah from the great Carneros-based Hyde Vineyard is a study in full-bodied black licorice and dark chocolate caramel. Though bigger in style, it retains acidity and balance.
A smooth, supple version of Zinfandel, this is full-bodied and rich but not overly showy or oaky. Blended from 90% Zinfandel plus Petite Sirah and Malbec, it has enticing wild blackberry aromas and flavors, touches of cinnamon and cedar and a lingering finish.
High-toned anise and lavender mark this estate-grown wine aromatically, followed by balanced layers of blue fruit and leather. A bite of peppery spice on the finish leaves one wanting more.
This smells murky and soupy, with a palate that feels angular and high in acidity. It tastes mulchy and tart, delivering a barbecue note on the finish.
The berry flavors in this wine are fighting to emerge, but they are overwhelmed by dusty tannins and a lack of texture.
An herbal cherry aroma comes with notes of leather and mulchy earth. It feels and tastes dried out, with tart, grating acidity and medicinal, herbal flavors on the finish.
This has astonishing depth of flavor, with dense black fruits marbled with notes of smoked meat, clove, balsamic and an earthy flavor. It's a wine to savor and cellar.
Despite its power, this is so elegant, showing tannins, minerality and generous flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate and spices. The smooth and rich surface belies the inner taut texture, showing how the wine will need many years to finally come round.
This winery gives its wines extra years in bottle prior to release, and it pays off with powerful, muscular, densely structured that have been polished to a fine luster. This Syrah emphasizes fruit, not funk, with opulent flavors of black fruit, dried cherry, fig and plum. The 30 months it spent in two-thirds new French oak adds dark streaks of coffee and cocoa. It shows tremendous depth, and it could be cellared for another few years—but why wait?
A blend of 64% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc, with splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this is built for the long haul. Raspberries, cherries and rich chocolate run through this fine-tuned, focused wine. It's deep, elegant and penetrating, with a show-stopping layer of pure mineral that is so powerful the fruit seems soaked in rock.
Good enough to be a reserve, this includes just 4% Merlot and the rest is all Cabernet. Smooth and supple, with lovely toasty aromatics, it layers rich cherry fruit against the lush barrel spices. A companionable wine, already drinking beautifully, but perfectly fine to cellar for up to a decade.
The small Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru creates structured wines with plenty of texture and tannins. This is brooding, firm and very concentrated, with its fruit set way behind the dark tannins and spice note. It will take at least 10 years to start to mature.
Very structured and firm, this has the weight, richness and power that is typical of Echézeaux. It's the tension between the tannins and the ripe black fruits that give this wine its great aging ability and depth of flavor. It needs at least six years.
This is a stunning Bordeaux-style blend of 57% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2.5% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Tight, dark and dense, it showcases the detailed styling that epitomizes the Lauren Ashton portfolio. Perfectly ripe and perfectly proportioned, it has the power and tannin to age for decades.
Light and crisp, this is a fresh style of wine without much weight. There are a toast element from wood, some green berry structure, flavors of white currants, and tight acidity. The finish shows citrus and high toast. Screwcap.
This was a good year in Chablis, a breath of freshness after the impressive, powerful 2005, but a vintage that still has weight and intensity. This Chablis shows all that, with an extra dimension of spice, nuts and a tight apple-skin structure leading to a fresh finish.
A soft, ripe wine, its red berry flavors layered with sweet chocolate and banana. The tannins are muted, while the juicy character of the wine is right up front. Screwcap.
Made for Oops by VIA Wines, this oddball Chardonnay features 14% white Carmenère, meaning there's red fruit (without the skins) added to the blend to give bulk and texture. The result is a slightly waxy, sticky white with peach pit aromas followed by basic apple and citrus flavors. You don't taste any red fruit, but you do know that it's not 100% varietal Chardonnay. Drink now.
Clean and well made, but underwhelming. There's basic blueberry and blackberry flavors riding on a medium-bodied palate, but overall the wine is more generic than specific. It's easygoing and causes no red flags to go up, however at the end of the day it doesn't show much personality.
Crisp, fresh wine, with a creamy texture, full of green apples with a pear pepperiness. The wine is light, very drinkable, a great aperitif style. Screwcap.
From Stillwater Creek vineyard, this 80/20 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon simply tastes young. The fruit is ripe enough, but superficial, with a lot of barrel flavors providing the weight and filling in with smoke, toast and coffee. Malbec has a very promising future in Washington State, and it's good to see young and talented wineries such as Tildio doing the exploration. Right now, this is just a pleasant table wine.
This fumé wine has warming aromas of vanilla, almond and allspice and aromatic flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied bit soft, with flavors of wood, clove and a touch of sweet flowers. The finish is lingering and distinctive. An intriguing wine with a serious edge.
Following an unfortunate Chanson white wine style, this wine is totally dominated by new, high toast wood. It shows freshness, but the acidity comes from the wood, leaving the structured fruit way behind.
Comfortable enough, with common aromas of black fruit, spice, earth and leather. Given that production on this wine is now a whopping million cases, anything palatable should be considered a success. Casillero has reasonably good plum, cassis and brambly flavors, with a hint of oak in support. The mouthfeel is narrow, but overall the wine tastes real.
For a Petit-Chablis, this has plenty of firm, tight structure. While the fruit is light, it is based on a texture of sweet caramel and plums, freshened with acidity. The finish is rich and soft.
This wine is nearly dry—increasingly rare for NZ Pinot Gris—with aromas of slightly stewed fruit: white grapes and pears with sprinklings of clove and cinnamon. It's only medium weight, with a finish reminiscent of canned pears and a hint of tangerine. Drink now.
Light and generally neutral, this is Torrontés that's easy to quaff. The nose is mildly citric, but it doesn't go much further than that. And the palate is crisp, with peach, apple and nectarine flavors. Clean and medium on the finish; gets the job done. Drink now and drink well chilled.
Typical for Pomerol, this is a tiny property of seven acres. It is situated on the plateau close to Pomerol village center. It presents a bold display of Merlot, full of ripe tannins and jammy red berry fruits. It's dark, rich and maturing well, and will be ready to drink from 2017.
There is no question about the richness and structure of this powerful wine. The 2010 vintage has brought that out in every Bordeaux. Here is shows in the rich blackberry fruits, the dense tannins and the general ripeness of the wine. Wait until late 2015 to drink.
While the alcohol is high and the wine powerful, it has managed to retain its linear, structured character. The result is a concentrated wine that also has acidity and a juicy blackberry fruit character. It does need to age, so don't drink before 2016.
Black fruits—raspberry, cherry and plum—mingle with clean earth, cinnamon and chocolate. The wine has grip and power, though currently some excess acidity pokes through the finish.
A delicious aromatic range of smoked meats, spicy strawberries and cinnamon-laced churros introduce this wine from one of the appellation's most promising vineyards. Red fruits and brown spice power the palate, with noticeable tannins and a good wash of acid on the finish.
This Pinot offers a substantial amount of big, concentrated fruit, from plum to ripe, almost baked cherry, the kind you'd find in a pie. Pronounced oak underlies a sizable amount of tannin structure, with savory spice and earthy leather layered into the wine.
This is an elevated Prieto Picudo showing aromas of leather, exotic spice and blue fruit. A woody, mildly astringent palate brings roasted berry, spice and carob tones, with a fiery menthol finish. Drink now through 2019.
Crisp white peach and apricot notes brighten this stark, steely dry wine. While lithe and lean on the palate, it finishes long with a lingering slate minerality.
Plush and creamy in texture, loaded up with toasted coconut and vanilla, this is a tasty, well crafted oaky red. Hints of berries add depth to the vanilla-laden palate, then linger on the supple finish. Drink now.
This reasonably priced Hermitage shows the appellation's hallmark gamy notes. It's a sturdy, moderately full-bodied wine with a richly textured finish. Drink now–2025.
WillaKenzie's most affordable estate-grown Pinot, this opens with a truly lovely bouquet of rose petals, raspberries and dusty chocolate. Soft and smooth upon entry, it's a light, detailed and sophisticated vineyard blend that spent 10 months in 20% new oak.
Coming from the former owner of Domaine Alfred (now Chamisal Vineyards) this lip-smacking wine starts with a yeasty, Granny Smith apple nose. The flavors are tightly acidic yet plush at the same time: bitter apple skins mixing up with ripe pluots.
This is a pretty wine in terms of floral aromatics, resplendent shocks of orange blossom and orange peel inviting in their exotic freshness. Lime and orange follow on the palate, which is bristling in acidity, the finish light and bright.
Intense citrus notes perfume this bright, sunny off-dry Riesling. Yellow peach and pear flavors are rich and ripe on the palate, but balanced by a firm strike of lemon acidity. Finishes moderately long.
Robust and concentrated, this has a subdued nose that offers whiffs of steeped plum, forest floor and allspice. The palate displays dried black cherry, blackberry, espresso and grated nutmeg alongside bracing tannins.
This new winery from 14-year Bonny Doon assistant Nicole Walsh presents an interesting nose, with elements of butter brickle candy, caramel apple and crushed macadamia nuts. There is some sandy minerality and golden apple skin grip on the palate, set against a subdued, guava cake-like tropicality that releases into the finish.
This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of underbrush, espresso, mocha and blackberry. On the palate, coffee and vanilla notes back up ripe plum, black cherry and white pepper. Firm, tightly knit tannins give structure but needs time to soften and unwind.
The blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 28% Viognier, 20% Picpoul Blanc, and 12% Roussanne hits the nose with minerality and citrus, wound tightly around tangerine peel. The flavors are almost all lime zest and chalk, making for a brisk pre-dinner drink or perfect shellfish partner.
Tannic and structured, this combines 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, with a leathery, earthy fist-print of black fruit imprinted on the wine. It's big boned but not out of balance and can stand some time lying down, through 2018.
Floral scents, lemon zest, orange and pineapple swirl together, leading into a fruit-powered palate which reaches across the citrus spectrum and into papaya. Flavors are penetrating and the finish tight, so give it extra time to breathe.
Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are the principal components, with smaller amounts of Cab Franc and Merlot, all from one of the estate vineyards located in the Rocks (Walla Walla's soon-to-be newest sub-AVA). Strongly tannic, its core of cassis fruit is anchored in potent flavors of iron, earth and licorice.
Beresan made no Carmenère in 2011, and this new vintage is the first to be sourced from the recently-planted Summit View vineyard. It's quite pretty, with forward fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry. Aging for 21 months in 20% new oak gives it a toasty frame and puts some grip in the tannins. Drink over the next few years, while it retains its youthful charms.
A powerful spice rack of mace, allspice and cinnamon stick coat aromas of roasted tomatoes on this wine from the longtime Alsatian-focused producer. The flavors come and go quickly, but feature orange peel-driven acidity, squeezed plum fruit and cranberry juice.
Certainly it is firm, with impressive power. But the smoothness of the ripe black fruits as they combine with the beautifully judged wood show a contrast of tension with the dense, chewy core. At its heart, this wine is dark and solid and concentrated, promising long aging.
Classic Lynch-Bages with just a bit of extra power and richness. While the tannins are structured, it is the velvety fruit that rolls around the mouth that is the most dominant character. It is coming together into a wine that will be big and dense, but never over the top.
An aristocratic, perfumed wine dominated by delicious Cabernet Franc. Beneath this elegant exterior, there is also power from intensely concentrated fruit and tannins. The wine is already well integrated, the wood only here by feel, balancing so well with the fruit. To finish, sweet fruit and dusty tannins combine easily.
Typical of the huge power of Guiraud, this is one of the richest Sauternes in 2005. The wine is rich and intense, the dry edge of botrytis just dominating the sweetness. Flavors of honey, almonds and peaches give the wine extra complexity.
About as good as it gets in terms of a powerful, fully oaked modern wine that still guards its core identity while offering plenty of straightforward drinking pleasure. San Roman in 2004 is a high-speed train with agile fruit and bracing acidity more dominating than, say, tannic might or alcoholic heat. Among the brave new world of modern wines from Toro this is one of the very best. 6,500 cases produced.
Under the control of white wine wizard Denis Dubourdieu, this is one of the great wines of Barsac. It has intensity of sweetness, but just the right lightness, which gives it freshness as well as richness. This is a great wine in its early stages, and is certainly likely to age over many years.
This is opulent, but with restraint. The fruit is rich, black and delicious. Touches of spice and wood are present, lending complexity to the ripe fruits and balanced tannins. Impressive.
Everything is here in this great wine. The solid fruit flavors are of black berries and dried raisins, and there is a rich, powerful structure. Above all, it is finely balanced. It shows that a wine can be powerful without being high alcohol.
The tannins dominate this dark, brooding wine. At this stage, it seems to have closed up, leaving the fruit and acidity buried. But with this concentration, the future looks promising. There is a long aging potential here.
There is a fine mineral texture to this structured, firm wine from the northern Haut-Médoc. It also has ripe fruit and a richly tannic character, with flavors of black plum juice and berry. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this will age over several years.
Gramona is known for yeasty, complex sparklers, and this falls into that paradigm. The nose is definitely yeasty, with apple and green melon aromas. It's a bit soft for Cava, but that's because it's an '05 that rested on lees for years. Flavors of toasted bread and apple are long on complexity and short on fruit, but once again that's what distinguishes Gramona from the masses.
This is dry, earthy and complex on the nose, with smooth tannins, elegance and acidic lift to the palate. Flavors of fine oak, copious spice and complex berry are more than satisfying, while the finish is long, dry and composed, featuring a note of cinnamon.
Among Argentinean Chardonnays, Catena's Alta is among the very best. This vintage supplies toasty apple, pear and banana aromas in front of a fresh, full-bodied palate that's clean, pure and Burgundian in character. Flavors of baked apple, oak and spice lead to a long finish. Drink now–2014.
Lush and richly textured, this dry, full-bodied Riesling counterplays savory elements of smoke, fennel and sweat with bright notes of juicy tangerine, honey and lavender. Lemony acidity extends the finish, ending on an elegant, waxy flower note.
A complex, dark-cherry-flavored Petite Sirah, this is marked by bright fruit and tame tannins, giving the wine a mouthwatering vibrancy. Intense but full of life, bottle aging has helped this wine, as it often does with a variety like Petite Sirah, which can be overwhelming when young. In this case, the years have opened it up, lending an elegance that makes the wine ideal for meaty foods.
The result of a joint venture between the Chapoutier and Laughton families, this is a full-bodied, superripe wine. Aromas and flavors of chocolate and raisined cassis are almost Amarone-like, while the tannins are softly dusty in texture and the finish long.
This may be the first time this wine has been labeled Reserve; in the past it was just Finca Sophenia Malbec. And truth be told, it's a good but regular Malbec with berries and raisin on the bouquet, and then juicy berry fruit on the palate. Solidly made, with solid structure.
Blending Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this wine shows density, richness and attractive perfumes. The structure is solid and chunky, with ripe tannins, black and red berry fruits and an edge of leather. The aftertaste is rustic, dense, dry.
This is a juicy, fruity white blend, with more than a hint of honeyed sweetness. Ripe fruit captures flavors of peach flesh and skin, along with tropical suggestions of guava and papaya. In short, this is not your typical, grassy, herbaceous style of Sauv Blanc/Sémillon. I'd serve it as an aperitif, well-chilled.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional, this combination brings out the elegance of the Cabernet, with its juicy black currant fruit flavors. The tannins are a touch green, leaving bell pepper flavors on a wine that finishes tight.
Fairly reduced, leaving gaseous aromas to struggle with earthy fruit. Talk about chunky ripe fruit and soft tannins: this has almost no detectable grip or grab, thus the structure is flabby and there's zero bite. Conversely, the flavors are deep and the richness is up there. Drink now.
Light and delicate, yet flavorful and perfectly ripe, this elegant wine taps into the ethereal side of the grape. It's tart and somewhat chocolaty, yet neither acid nor barrel flavors obscure the oh-so-pretty raspberry fruit.
The wine is fruity, bright and with cherry flavors. With its soft tannins and juicy acidity, it is a cru wine to drink young. The aftertaste is all fruit.
Made with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in equal parts, this offers subtle aromas of black currant and licorice. The concentrated approachable palate provides plum, vanilla and French oak alongside chewy tannins.
This wine is a blend of 33% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 22% Viognier and 15% Marsanne. Aromas of corn husk, pear and flowers are followed by light elegantly styled stone-fruit flavors. It shows a sense of grace.
The wine is produced from a 15-acre parcel of 60-year-old vines. With concentration as well as juicy acidity, the wine is structured and needing to age for a few months. Red currant and berry fruits are shot through with a mineral aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
This is an especially rich wine. It has almost a surplus of structure and ripe black fruits. The powerful nature of the wine is balanced by the shot of acidity that keeps it crisp. The aftertaste is full bodied and likely to age for a while. Drink this cru from late 2017.
This is a 100% varietal wine grown entirely on the producer's estate. Aged nearly two years in all-new French Nevers oak, it shows a tinge of smoke—campfire nearly—from the barrel, followed by a reduced expression of blueberry and herbes de Provence. Firm, integrated tannins don't distract.
Made with 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of red cherry and vanilla. The palate delivers red plum, tangerine and a hint of clove alongside bracing tannins.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, bell pepper, dried herb, French oak and balsamic aromas lead the nose on this 100% Merlot. The ripe concentrated palate offers dried blackberry, raw cranberry, espresso, vanilla and a confectionery note alongside firm, grainy tannins that leave an astringent mouth-drying finish. Give the tannins another year or two to soften, then drink up to enjoy the remaining freshness and fruit.
Fruity in wild strawberry and cherry, this is a straightforward, lightly spiced wine from a marquee old-vine site, complete with dusty tannin and softly integrated oak.
Made with 50% Sangiovese and 50% Malvasia Nera, this offers aromas suggesting black plum, underbrush and cooking spice. The palate reveals black cherry, ground pepper and anise alongside firm, polished tannins.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this opens with aromas of prune and baking spice. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam and toast alongside fine-grained tannins.
This big-boy red combines 30% Cabernet Franc with 20% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, adding 15% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot for an all-five red-Bordeaux-varietal blend. Coconut flakes and vanilla-hugged oak ride sticky tannins to a quick finish, offering huge ripeness along the way.
Savory sandalwood, leather and black fruit are surrounded by a strong, persistent grip of solid tannin in this spicy, cola-layered wine.
Bright purple flowers, boysenberries, tar and a waxy, fruit-coating aroma show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard near Los Alamos that is known for Rhône varietals. Tart boysenberry, plum, raspberry and elderberry appear on the sip, which is strong in acidity. Touches of white pepper, oregano, anise and charcoal accent the finish.
This is a simple, soft and quite floral wine, showing a wealth of dusty tannin and full-bodied power. Cedar and pomegranate are the highlights that ride a textured wave of chalky oak.
Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose reveals aromas of black cherry and leather. The concentrated palate displays red plum and a touch of anise alongside somewhat evolved but still mouth-puckering tannins.
Rockburn's second label is meant for current drinking. It's soft and silky in texture, without much tannin, yet easily blends crisp cherry fruit with savory, mushroomy notes.
Dried black and red-currant, green herb and vanilla aromas are followed by plummy fruit flavors that provide appeal.
This is a hearty coming-together of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. It dances in baked plum and raisin as a tartness of cherry and savory dried herb counterbalances the rich ripeness and sizable tannin.
Very ripe, very fruity and practically oozing across the palate, this full-bodied and very fairly priced wine tastes sweet and lightly tangy. The berry and plum flavors are quite concentrated, keeping the wine focused on fruit and freshness.
Judiciously balanced notes of toast, spice and vanilla augment crisp red apple and lemon tones in this brisk Chardonnay. Cutting minerality on the midpalate lends an invigorating freshness through the finish. Drink now through 2019.
This assertive wine is one of the few rosés made from this bold grape variety. It has a medium red coppper color and vivid, tart cherry and rhubarb flavors. Meaty, spicy accents emerge on the finish, so it will add a little drama to any meal.
This dark concentrated Syrah is loaded with spicy black-fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is hard and tannic as well as fresh, racy and juicy. Spiced plum, cherry and blackened gritty flavors turn peppery on a tannic finish.
There is a slight, aromatic lift on the nose that turns into pear-fruited freshness on the palate. This is easy drinking, refreshing and light, just what is needed for a party.
Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah, this has aromas of red berry and green tea leaf. The scents carry over to the fresh palate, along with black currant, cinnamon and white pepper. Supple tannins support the juicy flavors.
One of the first bottles to bear the name of this new growing region, the aromas are light with notes of baking spice, cherry, vanilla and Red Vines. The fruit flavors are sweet and supple, backed by lightly grainy tannins.
This is a rarity —wood-aged Vinho Verde. It works beautifully, the floral flavors of the Loureiro grape balanced with a smooth texture. The green fruit flavors dominate, just broadened by the wood.
Dominated by tannin, this is a dark-hued, perfumed wine, with minerality and dry fruit dominant. The fruit is still behind in its weight, needing several years to develop, the juicy aftertaste giving a hint of pleasure to come.
Impressive, ripe wine, the acidity and black fruits meld together in a harmonious whole. It has fresh fruit as well as dark tannins, wood aging giving a rounded feel to the texture. Age for two years.
A big and densely textured wine that shows great rich swathes of bitter chocolate, dark tannins and sweet acidity. The wine has power, dark aromas and an intense concentration.
A big and bold Sauvignon Blanc, packed with flavors of mango, nectarine and fresh herbs that come together beautifully on the nose and palate. Long on the finish. Drink now through mid-2011.
This terrific Sauvignon Blanc is marked by slightly pungent notes of green tomato or crushed tomato leaf, seamlessly married to smooth, ripe, tropical fruit. It's a bit creamy in texture, almost lush, with a long, mouthcoating finish.
Stocky, dark and pure, with inky aromas of shoe polish, black fruits and charcoal. The palate is brawny and tannic, with saturated blackberry, espresso and bitter chocolate flavors. It's rowdy but also attractive and full of everything good including chocolate, spice and pepper on the finish. Drink from 2011 through 2015.
Château du Cros began life in the 12th century, commanding a superb military vantage point over the Garonne river. The surrounding vineyards have produced a fresh and fruity Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a mineral bite that gives a strong sense of structure. Its weight and a firm texture act as a foil to the juicy red berries and attractive acidity. The wine is almost drinkable now but will be better from 2016.
A wine that is well balanced with attractive ripe berry fruits and generous tannins. It has weight and richness, allowing room for the development of both the structure and the fruits. Drink from 2017.
This no-herbicide, hand-picked, hilltop Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Petit Verdot blend is rich with attractive acidity and ripe strawberry fruits. Its tannins present a structure for fruity texture. A wine from Bordeaux wine guru Professor Denis Dubourdieu's stable, it has concentration and a dense dark aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Strong citrus fruit flavors come through in this surprisingly tart and acidic wine. Given its low alcohol, one might expect more sweetness, but here the juicy fruit sings of lemon, orange and pineapple. No reason this couldn't work nicely with fresh-shucked oysters.
This begins with aromas of herb-crusted, charred pork belly, graphite and shaved wood. A touch of black fruit lingers in the background of the palate, but the stars are black pepper, licorice, hard herbs, black soot, asphalt and very grippy tannins. Wait at least until 2016 for some mellowing.
Straightforward and already accessible, this opens with aromas of rubber, coffee, vanilla, toasted oak and plum cake. The extracted palate delivers mature black cherry, chocolate, and sage alongside evolved, fleeting tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Concentrated, ripe aromas of blackberry and cassis come with an undertone of raisin. This is tannic and lively on the palate, with juicy acidity. Flavors of dark fruits are satisfying but short on depth and complexity, while the finish is compact and tannic, with dark-fruit flavors. Drink through 2016.
It's a big wine in terms of an inky color and very firm tannins but it does not come across as overly full-bodied, and the alcohol level is moderate. Enough blackberry flavor and acidity come through to keep it balanced just this side of extreme. This should improve through 2018.
Attractive and smooth, this is a ripe, broad wine with its soft, juicy red berry fruits and supporting firm tannins. Balanced and fruity, it is ready to drink, finishing with a crisp texture of acidity.
This ripe, smooth and generous wine also has a good sense of elegance. Acidity, ripe berry and plum fruits and a core of tannins all hang together well to give a wine that's both dense and sophisticated. Drink from 2016.
While this is a rich wine, it also has a more fruity character that brings out acidity and a streak of freshness. It's firm at the moment, reflecting a need for aging. Dense and full of berry fruits, it will be best drunk from 2017.
A very rich, almost Port-like ripeness and dense black fruits give this wine powerful presence. It has weight and sweet fruitiness that is happily cut with acidity. Tannins provide a light reminder of the chance to age this wine. Drink now and until 2019.
Rich and structured, this shows the plushness of today's Bordeaux Merlot. Ripe berry fruits, dark plums and a touch of vanilla give spice and round off the texture. It's juicy, still developing and best from 2016.
This entry-level Riesling from Zind-Humbrecht is very fresh, crisp, aromatic and delightfully fragrant. Some tighter minerality adds nerviness to the texture, but it's ready to drink.
The winery's ode to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hudson Vineyard provides 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah for this complex blend, perfumed in violet and vanilla. Leathery and fruity in equal measure, it features prominent raspberries, while the finish offers a shake or two of cinnamon.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is distinct in herb and peppercorn, the red fruit warm and juicy. Layered and soft, it's approachable and ready to enjoy now.
A blend of all five red Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon the largest percentage, this is a soft, approachable and juicy wine. The cassis and herbal components are pleasantly in balance and restrained on the palate.
Smoke and dried tarragon lend savory complexity to notes of honeysuckle and lanolin on this nuanced off-dry Riesling. It's initially quite floral on the palate, but tart tangerine acidity and a shock of minerals lend a cool, alpine feel that lingers.
Cherry, plum and earth aromas form a sound bouquet. This Merlot is full, round and well balanced. Flavors of black fruits are helped along by integrated spice and earth tones, while the finish shows ripeness and a smooth texture.
Decadent aromas of cherry candy and vanilla cookies emerge from this blend of 55% Carignane, 22% Zinfandel, 12% Cab Franc (all three from the estate) and 11% Syrah (from Coast View Vineyard in Monterey). The jammy palate is similarly rich, bordering on sweet, with cherry compote, ripe cranberries, vanilla and charred meats.
Burly tar and campfire aromas pick up floral lift from lavender on this Syrah-dominant, relatively high-alcohol blend. Grilled meats, creosote and asphalt flavors power the slightly rough-edged palate.
A hearty bottle of Chardonnay with the simplest label you could imagine, it emphasizes earthy, oaky, buttery flavors over fruit components. This is medium-bodied, dry, rich in texture and moderately tannic.
The winery's largest-production Cabernet Sauvignon and that's still minuscule by most standards, this lovely wine is lean in firm tannins and dark plum, with a sprinkling of coconut flakes and vanilla. Spring for the single-vineyard offerings for a fuller experience.
Intensely herbaceous, this is a crisp, lemon and grapefruit-driven wine. Bright and fruity, it has a touch of minerality to keep it structured. Drink now.
Prickly citrus aromas are jumpy and a touch sulfuric. This feels leesy, creamy and fat in the mouth, with creamy, tropical flavors of melon and papaya. Bitter flavors of almond and citrus pith vie with lees-based vanilla notes on a round, plump finish.
Bright and savory wine, it has a delicate floral fragrance of hawthorne and honeysuckle with a whiff of pear. The palate offers green apple, a hint of white peach and light mineral sensations.
Rich and fruity, this full-bodied wine holds ripe berry fruits that will be round and generous. A licorice flavor shows the extraction that needs to soften. Drink from 2016.
A bold Sauvignon with aromas of crushed tomato vine, exotic fruit and cantaloupe. The forward, one-dimensional palate delivers ripe peach, apricot and honeydew melon.
Opening aromas of wildflowers and pears lead to a subtle palate offering tart green apple, juicy nectarine and Barltett pear alongside crisp acidity. Pair this with appetizers and light first courses or sip as an apéritif.
Aromas suggest honeysuckle and ripe pear. The linear palate offers juicy nectarine, lemon drop and ripe tropical fruit alongside crisp acidity.
Subtle aromas of citrus, yellow apple and stone fruit are accented with a whiff of flint. The palate offers lemon zest, grapefruit, white spices and mineral alongside bright acidity. Omniwines Distribution, Astor Wines.
More full-bodied than the past couple of vintages, the 2012 Estate bottling features fruit flavors of rhubarb and cranberry, a light sprinkling of peppery herb, and drying tannins, with a bit of clay in the aftertaste.
An intense wine. it has a cool feel from its 900-foot-high vineyards. Plenty of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity, bringing out flavors of black currant as well as spicy wood. It could age a year, so wait until 2015.
This is an attractive, fruity, fresh rosé. It is dry but balances acidity and fruitiness with its sweet strawberry fruit and light touch of vanilla pod. Drink now.
Soft and ripe green pears play on nose and palate where that textural, phenolic mouthfeel is the main feature, suggesting that this belongs firmly on the table.
Aromatically this wine offers a lot of pleasant things, from anise and violet to pretty dark cherry and blackberry fruit. The tannins are pronounced and leathery, the mouthfeel quite concentrated, making it a hearty wine that could take a little more time in bottle to come around. The 2009 is more accessible.
DFJ's venture into the Alentejo has produced a full-bodied wine packed with ripe plums and berry fruits. Tannins are rich, integrated into the fruits. A touch of earthiness needs to blow off before the wine is ready to drink in 2015.
Fermented partly in seasoned barriques, this subtle but polished Pinot Bianco has delicate sensations of green apple, lemon zest, Bartlett pear and a hint of pastry cream. Crisp acidity  generates a refreshing finish.
Juicy in ripe cassis and clove, this exuberant Cab with tamed, soft tannins explodes on impact. With a sanguine note to the background, the wine's oak is pronounced but in check, giving a plush impression.
This style of oak-fermented Verdejo probably does better in cool years, which 2009 was not. As a result, this smells a bit oxidized and nutty, with baked apple scents. In the mouth, it is weighty and a touch dull; flavors of butterscotch and cashew finish with cider, salt and buttery notes. Drink now.
Spicy and concentrated, it shows evident wood-aging. It has a firm structure, very dense in character and powerful, conveying the feeling that the producer has tried too hard. The spicy wood brings out a more open side of the wine, pushing the black currant fruits forward. Drink from 2016.
This straightforward wine opens with delicate aromas of apples, mowed grass and dried hay. The palate offers Golden Delicous apples and lemon zest alongside a light mineral note and firm acidity.
This Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend hits the nose with near-petrol scents, and then slides into a slightly sour-orange zone. On the palate, that citrusy intrigue continues into a lime zest finish. It's a vibrant, refreshing sipper, though it leans on tingling acidity more than overall balance.
Earthy, gritty berry aromas come with an animal/leather element and notes of tar and tire rubber. In the mouth, this is generous and ripe as it holds onto the variety's patented herbal character. Dark flavors of coffee and char blend into heat on the finish.
Earthy notes of wild mushrooms, soy sauce and citrus peel make for an unusual nose on this blend of indigenous and rare Austrian varieties Rotgipfler and Zierfandler. Friendly, ripe and rounded yellow and red apples play on the palate of this unusual but very versatile wine.
Rapture is Michael David's small-production Cabernet, blended with a small percentage of Petite Sirah, then aged 17 months in French oak for a full-bodied figure. Purple-black in color, it's mouth-filling, jammy and extracted with flavorful blackberry and cherry fruit and a streak of vanilla and fig on the finish.
Rounded and fruity, the wine is soft and full in the mouth. Lively acidity gives a textured aftertaste that brings out yellow fruits.
Generous in lemon custard and pear aromas and flavors, this is a fairly full-bodied style of Chardonnay. It offers roundness balanced by a minerally finish.
Citrus, melon and saline aromas are quiet in nature. This is fresh and a bit on the plump side, with fruity, almost sweet flavors of honeydew, lime and mango. A flush, easy finish could benefit from more direct acidity. Drink immediately.
Hints of overripe peach and mealy apple indicate a rich, ripe style of rosé, but are immediately followed by accents of green melon, plum and menthol, adding balance and tension. Medium weight, with ample acidity that keeps the ripe fruit flavors balanced and refreshing through the finish.
A rich and spicy wine that is softly tannic and generous. With blackberry fruits, black cherries and a good shot of acidity, it's an easy, ripe wine that's ready to drink now.
Seven Soils comes from six vineyards, spent 14 months in 28% new oak, and still seems a bit of a puzzle. It's a rather pale, modestly ripened wine, from a vintage that produced more than its share of blockbusters. It's perfectly fine, just not particularly memorable.
Pithy lime aromas get this fresh Chardonnay going. The palate is citrusy in feel, with a mix of lime, grapefruit and orange flavors that are limited in scope and complexity but clean.
This is a wine for short-term aging. It is rich and juicy, deliciously fruity right now. Give it 2–3 years to enjoy its black fruits and fresh acidity.
Lifted black-cherry and floral aromas highlight a palate that's brisk with a briary, tart raspberry flavor. It's dry and refreshing, with a delicately tannic structure.
Although the bouquet is a touch scratchy, raspberry aromas are good. This feels a little wiry on the palate, with acidity poking through. Flavorwise, there's a mix of generic blackberry and plum, while the finish is lively due to juicy  acidity.
Gritty plum, peppery spice and herbal aromas lead to a tangy, fairly high-acid palate. The flavors are a mix of earthiness, pasty berry and red currant, while the finish is short, juicy and lightly oaked. For $10 it's a fair wine.
Aromatically speaking, there's bacon and plastic-like notes to the nose along with generic berry scents. The palate is medium in size and intense, with bold cherry and plum flavors as well as oaky backing. It finishes short, with rubbery accents and a distinct clove flavor.
Although this is almost red in color and entering its twilight, it's not bad for $8. Dusty berry aromas lead to a semifull palate with raspberry, cherry and plum flavors that end in chewy dryness.
Hints of coffee grinds and fresh, green herbs add interesting dimension to concentrated, ripe blackberry notes. Brisk yet angular, it's firmly structured with bold, slightly jagged tannins that linger on the finish.
This wine seems to show some of the effects of the cool 2010 growing season, where ripeness and botrytis presented issues in some areas. Notes of tobacco, ash and orange peel surround a sweet cherry core accented by grainy tannins.
Tight, savory and austere, this mountain-grown Zin needs time to show its very peppery nature and sly red fruit, but will pair expertly with pizza or other pasta.
Aromas of matchstick, tropical fruits and stalkiness are a bit challenging. In the mouth, things feel solid and fresh, while flavors of sweet pear, melon, vanilla and apricot settle on mildly bitter come finishing time.
Here's a basic Malbec with ripe plum aromas topped off by milk chocolate and vanilla notes. It's hard but bold in the mouth, with decent acidity and a forced set of oaky, chocolaty, berry flavors.
Plum and cherry aromas seem a touch oxidized. The palate holds it together but doesn't offer much, while flavors of chunky berry and plum are hollow and show additional oxidation. Like many inexpensive 2011 rosés, this is past its prime.
The aromas here suggest something artificial, either candle wax or air freshener combined with red fruits. The palate has a narrow feel with ample acidity and a light body for Ribera del Duero. Flavors run in the direction of stewed plum, while the finish feels rough and tastes a bit raisiny.
Apple and mild spice aromas kick off this simple white from the land of red Garnacha. The palate is fresh and juicy but light on character, while the flavor profile offers pithy, easygoing apple and melon flavors. This defines quaffable white wine.
Almost too fruity, the wine has red berry fruits in profusion. What is missing is the tannin to hold it together, making this a fruity wine to drink soon.
Aromatically, this blend of Macabeo, Muscat and Chardonnay gets off to a decent start by showing honeysuckle, lemon verbena and minerality. But in the mouth it's sharp and narrow, with blazing acids that turn peach and nectarine flavors towards sour. Simply put, there's not enough body here for the wine to rate higher.
Beeswax and dried chamomile flowers, baked apple and lanolin, lemon rind and a touch of honey: while these aromas are rich on the nose, they become even more bountiful on the palate, filling mouth and mind with their high-wire acrobatics that teeter between steely precision and decadent richness. This late harvest style shows off Riesling's aromatics to great effect. The finish is incredibly zesty and fresh. While this is already evolved, it shows no signs of tiredness and is sure to delight for years to come. Concentration and balance are phenomenal. The haunting aroma of lanolin gets under your skin. Drink now through 2030.
This is a very fine from the great Port estate. With dark tannins, a mineral texture and rich fruits it is a real Douro wine. But there is also a great sense of elegance that may come from the property's Bordeaux management team. Put the two together and you have a great wine that will age well. Drink from 2019.
The nose is still closed and gives away little. The palate has a voluptuous shape but comes tightly corseted: all is present but still closely held. The peachy fruit has a serene easy sweetness that has its perfect counter measure in orange and Meyer lemon freshness. This is poised and sweet but countered and cut by immense freshness. The aromas have yet to unfold fully. Both blood orange and peach lurk promisingly. It is the seamless poised texture of this late harvest that stands out, along with supreme purity. Wait for this. Drink 2020—2035.
The nose suggests utter generosity of ripe juicy pear fruit. The palate enforces this with rounded, aromatic and very pure notes of ripe Bartlett pear. The flavors are precisely drawn, framed by incisive freshness that corsets the richness and gives it a beautiful outline. There is barely concealed strength here and great energy. You can feel the warmth of the sun that ripened these lovely grapes. The finish is lasting and dry. Drink 2017—2030.
Pure citrus zest rises from the glass: lovely, ripe lemon and zesty lime. The palate reinforces these flavors in a rapier-like fashion, with drive and energy in a very linear energetic way. This seem like an elixir or a tonic full of vim, all informed by a central dynamic freshness. This has barely blossomed but promises much future pleasure. This genie should be contained in its bottle for a while longer before letting it loose. It's something to look forward to. Drink 2020–2035.
This is the latest vintage from the always impressive long-running joint venture between the Symington family in Portugal and Bordeaux wine consultant Bruno Prats. The wine is elegant and structured with nothing to excess. It has delicious black-currant fruit as well as a core of firm tannins. It is a wine for aging: ripe while so poised. Drink from 2020.
Youthfully wound up yet fleshy, this wine slowly opens to reveal a sense of crispness, wet stone-like minerality and a taste of fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean. Apple skin, Meyer lemon and key lime flavors provide upfront freshness; toasted oak and almond qualities add substance and weight.
Dr. Jan Krupp's signature wine, this boldly blends 36% Tempranillo with red Bordeaux varieties, all mountain-grown on rocky soils. Brown sugar, red cherry, clove and meat flavors contribute to its density, packed into an integrated frame and finishing on a rich chocolate note. Enjoy 2024–2034.
Lifted notes of chamomile and lemon rind hit the nose. The palate is wonderfully taut and tight, fresh and precise and displays a wonderful Riesling contradiction: a bone-dry taut wine can be laser-like on the palate and yet have whirls of rich rounded expansive flavors. Here they are of citrus zest, yarrow, lanolin and pure lemon oil. Savor this slowly and feel enriched. Drink now through 2030.
Now eight years old, this Pinot Noir shines. Its aromas range from concentrated plum, earthy beet and rhubarb to balsamic vinegar and mint chip ice cream. The palate offers candied raspberry fruit, still fresh, with juniper and black tea accents that keeps one coming back for more.
Lightly charred, toasty berry aromas come with a full covering of clove and baking spice scents in this plush wine. The palate is edged with drying tannins, bolstering exotic berry, spice and herbal flavors. Its long, balanced finish features chocolate and unabsorbed oak. Drink through 2022.
This bottling shows touches of smoke, flint, Meyer lemon peel, honeysuckle and crisp jicama on the nose. A hint of ripe nectarine kicks off the palate before its knee-buckling acidity takes hold, bringing forth lemon peel, lime juice and more honeysuckle elements.
This wine is drinking well right now, benefiting from the tertiary qualities that come from bottle age yet remaining fresh and lively. Aromas of dried red cherry, rust, sandalwood and hibiscus lead to a spice-driven palate that's bright in acidity. That rusty cherry fruit comes through in flavor, boosted by woody spice.
Restrained aromas of white peach and crushed minerals turn riper and bolder on the palate of this powerful auslese. Intensely honeyed and buoyantly peachy, it coats the palate in slicks of sweet nectar and vibrant tangerine acidity. It's a lavish, richly textured wine with lingering yet elegant sweetness.
This rich, creamy and lush wine's smoky dark cherry and vanilla scents stand out before taking on complex black olive and tobacco characteristics. Full-bodied and 100% varietal, this is a showcase of valley floor finesse and power.
Beautifully floral, this wine sings with red cherry and cassis notes and bright acidity. Beneath its façade of freshness and perfume lies a weighty foundation of toasted oak, forest floor, clove and dark chocolate flavors. Balanced and full-bodied, it shows the dustiness of the appellation in a measured, elegant way.
Over the last few years, Herencia has risen to the top of Chile's Carmenère kingdom. This vintage opens with rich aromas of vanilla, barrel spice, pepper, herbs and black fruits. A full dense palate is balanced, while this tastes dark and spicy, with lightly baked black-fruit flavors that finish intense and oaky. Drink through 2022.
This winery always manages to pack in rich fruit and hearty spice. This bottling shows bay leaf, anise, pine needle and black tea aromas that accent a core of plum. That hearty dark fruit carries through to the palate as well, but warms up with earthy soil, licorice and minty fudge flavors. A luscious, lingering mouthful.
This is a smoothly crafted, delicate blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. Its ethereal nature does not preclude plenty of quiet power, which provides a sturdy foundation for the bright cassis and raspberry flavor. Subtle spice box, cedar and cigar add to its complexity and length.
This is a deep, layered, tannic Tempranillo from an intense vintage. Its blackberry, black plum and cedar aromas are broad and lush. Chocolaty oak flavors enwrap its ripe blackberry fruit, remaining rich and long on the finish. Drink 2018–2026.
Old vines and a field blend have produced one of the Douro's powerful, dense and mineral wines. It is very concentrated as well as rich. The acidity balances all this ripe fruit and high alcohol, so that the wine is full of powerful tannins and black fruits while having a crisp edge and aftertaste. Drink this serious wine now and until 2023.
Perfumed notes of honey and tangerine are accented by savory accents of pollen on the nose of this complex spätlese. Concentrated stone fruit and pineapple flavors fall lusciously on the palate, offset by sprays of acidity. It's pristinely fruity yet nuanced and mineral. Enjoy now for its freshness, but it will improve through 2027 and hold for another decade.
The Pinot Noir is no slouch either, but Tolpuddle's 2014 Chardonnay is super. Faint hints of crème brûlée mark the nose, then ease into lime, pineapple and white peach notes on the palate. It's only medium in weight, but with a silky feel and a long mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2022.
The nose is fresh but shows complete restraint. The palate gently draws pure Comice pear fruit, its ripeness tempered with ample clean freshness. A streamlined precise slenderness characterizes this bone-dry, restrained and therefore utterly elegant Pinot Gris. It's a class act to drink from now through 2030.
Blood orange and peach snatch your senses at the very first whiff. The aromatics are disarming but no longer heady: this has matured into a sober pleasure that's full of peaches scented with passion fruit and barley sugar. The flavors swirl and soar, the luscious sweetness anchors them deftly. This is what a combination of time, fruit and a sugar can do. This is a very sweet late harvest style, suited to fruity desserts.
This wine's dark golden color opens the door to a rich core of apple fruit wrapped in toasted oak that's well integrated and cohesive. Vibrant and rich simultaneously, it shows the lushness of the variety finely balanced with acidity.
Mocha cream, pencil shaving and dried herb aromas are set against a backdrop of black currant fruit in this big but balanced bottling from the Daou brothers. It's soft on the palate, where the texture commands as much attention as the flavors, in a matrix of mouth-coating tannins that frame its cola, cocoa, black plum and cherry notes.
This lovely 100% varietal wine aged just under two years in 80% new French oak shows a strong spicy clove character that's layered with cranberry and cherry fruit. Dusty mocha and integrated oak notes meet crisp acidity, maintaining freshness through all that power.
Deep purple fruit aromas of dried blackberries and pressed plums benefit from a fresh dill edge as well as a umami element on the nose of this wine from the Rice family, which started making wine in 1990. The acidity and alcohol combine for a tongue-tantalizing sip, with flavors of black cherries and dark herbs.
This blend of local Duras and Braucol with the more Mediterranean Syrah is attractively spicy and juicy. It is packed with red fruits, sweet berry flavors and ripe tannins. The wine is maturing well and will be ready to drink from 2016.
This is a sweet, honeyed wine, rich with apricot fruit flavors and fresh with balancing acidity. It's fruity, mineral and generous, a great wine for fruit desserts.
Grapy aromas and tart fruit flavors make this a lean, edgy wine that's not overtly fruity or rich. But the smell of wood smoke and blackerries, and the tart black cherry flavors are vivid, energetic and mouthwatering.
The grape's usual peachy aromas show on this wine from regional pioneer Gary Eberle, along with lemon juice, honey and a touch of minerality. There is a nice mineral-driven tension on the palate, with flavors of apple and pear cider. It's a solid, down-the-middle take on the grape—not too ripe, not too thin.
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a drop of Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cedar, toasted notes and a whiff of exotic spice. Black pepper, espresso and grilled herb accent the core of fleshy black cherry and cassis. Tightly wound tannins provide the framework and leave an astringent finish, while an anise note marks the close.
This blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah offers remarkable value. Thyme- and bay-scented black cherry aromas fill the glass, while the flavors add an intriguing hint of raspberry. It's not overly weighty or tannic, making it ideal for drinking any season.
This mouthfilling blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Carignan features ample cherry fruit, with some chocolaty richness on the palate and hints of bay leaf and anise. It's bouncy and fresh, showing enough tannin in the finish to think it will stand up well to grilled burgers or chops.
This is largely Viognier from the Southern Rhône, and that's reflected in its aromas of honey and pineapple. The flavors are fresh and slightly herbal, but based in melon and pineapple. It's medium in body, then finishes on a mouthwatering citrus note.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, this dark-colored, serious wine is concentrated and structured. It offers black fruits, giving a brooding character that's full of power. The aftertaste with its acidity and juicy fruit is elevated and leaves with a lift.
Full, intense blackberry aromas skirt complexity but score points via power and grit. Rubbery tannins and plenty of oak give this weight and strength, while flavors of blackberry, black currant and chocolate are ripe and good. A toasty, oaky finish reveals enough blackberry flavor to make this right.
Plum and berry aromas are lively and come with a mild scent of animal fur. This blend of four grapes, led by Tempranillo, feels blocky and loosely defined, while flavors of plum, raspberry and a touch of herbal green finish spicy and woody. Will function best as an everyday wine.
There's a respectably complex nose on this pink wine, with lemonade and pressed plums blending into a wet cement minerality. The palate is very tasty, with flavors of pomegranate, dried rose petals, hibiscus, night jasmine and even a clove-laced mocha element proving quite intriguing.
Sourced from vines planted in the 1980s, this tart and steely wine mixes lemongrass and citrus flavors with hints of riper peach. It finishes with suggestions of fresh-brewed tea.
Though a tad funky at first, this wine's nose leans toward tropical but not heavily so. Aromas convey cut lemongrass, lime candy, pineapple guava skins and a lean stone character. It's also grassy on the palate, with tight lemon juice acidity and a nectarine finish.
Lean aromas of bell pepper and green fruits are not overly intense. This is linear, juicy and tight in frame. Flavors of lime, scallion, caper and dry cider finish racy and scouring. Good mouthfeel is a plus.
Fresh and exotic aromas of lychee and orange-blossom water tighten up on the nose, with a more mineral-driven strain of rain on cement. It's restrained and light on the mouth-watering palate, with flavors of squeezed lemons over apples, pears, wet stone and a bit of white pepper.
Delicious fruit aromas and flavors define this medium bodied and very smooth blend that is 50% Graciano grapes. Aromas convey floral notes, strawberries and oranges, while the flavors bring more strawberries and cherries. The texture is not light but the wine is still extremely easy to sip.
Affordable and appetizing, this has a lighter color and subtle smoke and toasted oak aromas. A firm texture accompanies just enough tannins and acidity, and bright red cherry and black tea flavors. It's lean in a good way, with excellent balance and a touch of austerity rather than overt richness.
This Syrah opens with aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, ground black pepper and a whiff of cedar that all carry over to the dense, one-dimensional palate, along with a licorice note. It's balanced by firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2017.
Here's a savory, easygoing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah that opens with aromas of red berry and cooking spice. The fresh palate offers black cherries, crushed strawberries, white pepper and a hint of clove alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink now.
Sangiovese and Merlot grapes are behind this ripe red. It opens with aromas of fleshy black cherry, black currant, blue flowers and oak-driven spice that carry over to the palate together with a mocha note. Grippy tannins provide the backbone.
Aromatic and drinking at its peak, this remains fresh, tart and tangy, with palate-penetrating boysenberry and blueberry fruit. Think Lemberger meets Pinot Noir and you have a sense of it, albeit with a slightly rustic edge.
With cedar and tobacco aromas, and vivid black cherry and black currant flavors, this full-bodied red has lots of fruit character and complexity to match its firm tannins and bold texture. A welcome spice component from oak aging starts in the aroma and continues through the finish.
This is attractive in a bright, fruit-driven style. Bright berry fruit is tinged with apricot and cocoa on the midpalate, then finishes firm and dusty.
Red currant, vanilla, toasted oak, coffee and chocolate aromas lead the nose and follow through to the dense, full-bodied palate. It's one-dimensional but muscular, with ample, velvety tannins.
Unusual notes of lemongrass and pine lend a curious twist to crisp apple, lime and honey tones in this deeply mineral auslese. Piercing acidity shocks the midpalate.
While this is a bit rustic and herbal on first take, with time it settles and improves. Aromas of tomato and berry fruits lead to a crisp, firm palate with earthy plum, black cherry and herbal flavors. A soft fade away with earthy, baked notes doesn't hurt.
This blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Alicante has aromas of espresso, blue flower, red and black berries. The palate offers toasted oak, coffee, bell pepper, and black cherry accented with black pepper. It closes with astringent wood tannins.
Structured and ripe, this wine achieves balance between sweetness and fruit. It shows ripe cherries and apricots that contrast with a fresh aftertaste.
Dusty, earthy berry aromas veer toward raisiny. This is 80% Tempranillo and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. In the mouth, it's mostly smooth and voluminous; flavors of ripe, earthy cherry and plum finish dry and peppery. Drink this mature Andalucian wine now.
Meaty aromas lead on to a fresher palate. There is intense acidity, crisp apple flavors and a touch of toast and lemon zest texture. The wine leaves a fresh, crisp aftertaste.
This white blend is composed of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Riesling and 10% Gewürztraminer. It has aromas of lemon, mint and white peach, with flavors of green apple and white peach.
Organically grown grapes are put to fine use in this rich, crisp Chardonnay that is highly attuned with acidity. Pressed whole-cluster, the grapes yield a wine that tends toward sour green apple, balanced with a texture that lends it some heft.
The wine leads off with aromas of oak, espresso, black currant, blue flower and a hint of vanilla extract. The palate offers ripe—nearly overripe—black cherry, cinnamon and spice. It closes on a sugary-sweet finish. This has reached its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this wine features aromas of violet, ripe red berries and coffee. The juicy, straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and blackberry layered with espresso notes. The wine has firm tannins, but since it reflects the warm vintage, it isn't an ager. Enjoy soon.
Very jammy aromas lead to strawberry flavors. The other side of this wine is bitterness and a tight acid texture. It needs until 2015 to integrate.
While honeyed peach and quince flavors are juicy and sweet on this delicately framed auslese, distinctly earthy notes of herb and smoke lend a mysteriously savory tone. It bristles on the palate, with sunny lemon acidity.
A ripe wine that goes in the direction of tropical fruits, only hinting at a more herbaceous character. It is full of peach and pineapple that are balanced with lime. Ready to drink in 2015, it leaves a warm, rich aftertaste.
This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot opens with leafy, almost weedy aromas that burn off to reveal black fruit and green pepper. On the palate, a core of black cherry mingles with espresso and coffee notes. Round with velvety tannins, this is already accessible so enjoy soon.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this wine begins with aromas of oak, vanilla, toast and espresso. The palate offers up ripe black cherry, black currant and coffee sweetened with vanilla. It finishes on a note of drying wood tannins.
Sour cherry and raspberry aromas lead the way in this red blend made from organically farmed grapes. The ripe fruit carries over to the palate alongside angular tannins. It's rather one-dimensional but will pair well with hearty pasta dishes and mild cheeses.
Ripe black cherry, blackberry and black pepper sensations dominate this brooding blend of 86% Sangiovese and 14% Syrah. The spicy, dense palate is forward and warm accompanied by bracing tannins that carry through to the finish. It's shy on fresh acidity so best enjoy this soon.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 5% Syrah, this offers subtle aromas of black fruit and spice. The fresh palate delivers sour cherry, raspberry, blueberry and hints of black pepper notes alongside drying tannins. There's not much complexity but it's enjoyable.
The nose on this lighter-bodied gran reserva offers hints of raw oak and paint along with more standard red berry and plum scents. The mouthfeel is lively, edgy and just deep enough, while flavors of oak and berry fruits taste a bit baked and generic.
Simple and fresh up front, this Verdejo deals common apple and nectarine aromas in front of a plump yet juicy palate. Flavors of citrus fruits, peach, saline and herbs finish pithy.
Semisweet it is, with 12.2% alcohol and 30 g/L residual sugar. Lightly scented with bath powder, lavender and rose petal aromas, this brings on citrus and peach fruit, with a bit of phenolic bite carrying the finish.
This starts with a smoky aroma, like charred steak over the grill. Then highly concentrated fruit flavors zoom across the tongue, along with very firm tannins and powerful, ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors backed by a mouth-coating texture. It's an unusually focused and structured wine.
Fragrant blue flower, ripe berry, scorched earth and a whiff of new leather unfold in the glass. The big, chewy palate offers juicy black cherry, ground pepper, clove, star anise and a hint of game framed in youthfully austere, teeth coating tannins. Drink after 2021.
The inviting aromas mix smoke, tobacco, cassis and cedar. There's no fat on this wine; it's lithe and lingering, with fresh blackberry fruit along with black olive and graphite. It should drink quite well now through 2026.
Big and bold, this opens with aromas of ripe berry, leather, forest floor, truffle and a whiff of aromatic herb. The muscular palate offers crushed black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon, anise and a hint of thyme framed in assertive but ripe tannins. Thanks to the juicy fruit flavors, you'll on barely detect the warmth of alcohol on the close.
This wine is closed and firm in character, but has considerable potential. It has the makings of a mineral and spice-flavored wine that is textured while showing ripe yellow fruits and a citrus backdrop. It needs to wait; drink from 2017.
The nose on this bottling is quite complex and alluring, with an array of herbs—thyme, rosemary, lavender and other purple flowers—set against fire-roasted plum fruit. Slightly lighter than other Petite Sirahs, the palate offers flavors of mulberry, boysenberry, baked fennel, black pepper and beef roast.
This is a smooth, rich wine with just the right amount of tannic structure and wood flavors to add complexity. It has density along with red berry and black-cherry fruits that are lifted by acidity. It's a wine for aging, so don't drink before 2018.
Rich and round, this boasts aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, mocha and a hint of baking spice. Smooth, polished tannins support juicy flavors of black cherry, fleshy plum, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of chopped herb while a chocolate note closes the finish. It will make fine drinking over the next few years. Enjoy through 2020.
Whatever the secret, it's working: year after year, de Nit excels. This vintage is typically crisp and focused up front, with aromas of dried cherry, orange, vanilla and wood spice. Elegant and crystal clear on the palate, this light rosé tastes of tangerine, plum skins and white pepper. A long, unbreakable finish only helps it along.
In any given year, one or the other of Trignon's varietal cuvées excels, and 2013 is a Marsanne year. The delicate aromas of white pepper and spring blossoms immediately intrigue, and the flavors don't disappoint. This wine is floral, spicy and fruity all at once, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
This wine is quite locked up at present, with barrel notes of cocoa and vanilla in front of high toned dried herbs, black cherry and dusty earth. The flavors are elegant yet rich, tart and fresh with bright acids and an extended finish. Though the wood occasionally gets a bit out front, it's a very pretty expression of the variety that needs time to fully stretch its legs. Best after 2018 or give it a long decant.
This wine has rich, almost sweet fruit aromas and vivid fruit flavors generously accented by clove, cinnamon and other spicy oak influences. The wine has full body, firm and supportive tannins and a lingering spiced-fruit finish. Best drink it after 2018 when the flavors will have married together.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (33%) and Cabernet Franc. Each show themselves in turn, with aromas of high-toned herbs, spice box, pencil lead, cherries and flowers. The tart cherry flavors are still tightly wound, showing balance, focus and persistence. The finish lingers. Best consumed after 2018.
This domaine, which sprawls across several appellations, is now being farmed organically. More importantly, this wine is a terrific value. Thyme and bay leaf notes add vibrance to the ripe raspberry flavors in this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It's weighty without being heavy, with a velvety finish that makes it easy to drink now.
Wonderful cedar and tobacco aromas, sophisticated cinnamon and dark-fruit flavors, lavish tannins and full body create a gorgeous taste experience. This wine is plush and generous in texture, and exotic and delicious in flavor. It should age well through at least 2020.
Because it is crafted from old vines from a single parcel, this wine has been released a year later than usual for Muscadet. The result is a wine that has lost its puppy acidity while gaining ripe fruit and a soft texture. The wine was aged for 18 months on lees, which also contributed to its richness. Drink this delicious wine now.
This ripe wine offers flavors of Williams pear and honey as well as citrus and herbal characteristics. It is full while cut with orange zest and spiciness. The wine is refreshing, sophisticated and likely to age well. Drink now and until 2020.
From the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits, this firm and solidly tannic wine comes from one of the vineyards on the list to get Premier Cru approval in the near future. Its tannins are well balanced already with the red-berry fruit and bitter-cherry flavors that are shot through with acidity. Drink from 2018.
From a biodynamic vineyard in the heart of Sancerre, this wine is tight, mineral-driven and very young, well balanced between herbal and citrus flavors. These are lifted and filled out with the ripe Rocha pear flavors that give an extra juicy element. The wine will age well and will be better after 2018.
There's a feral quality to this single-vineyard bottling, with dried rose petals, damp pine needles, dehydrated shiitake mushrooms and touches of violet, potpourri and dried ginger on the nose. The mouthfeel is velvety, with lilac and lavender decorating a base of cranberry and boysenberry fruit.
Dry, spicy, elegant aromas of cinnamon stick, minerals, plum and raspberry are more fresh and feminine than most RDD wines. A frisky palate is lean by comparison, while flavors of mixed red berries, mocha, spice and chocolate finish with cocoa and toast notes. Drink through 2022.
Earthy aromas of light herbs, tobacco and cherry announce a round, jammy palate that's more lush and easy than tight and structured. This Syrah-based blend includes Garnacha and Monastrell, and it tastes of blackberry, baked plum and herbs. The finish is a bit wide and soft, so drink now.
This Tokaji has heady aromas of gardenia, white flowers, freesia, honey and dried apricots. It is full bodied in the mouth, with flavors of caramelized pineapple, apricot nectar and lemon curd.
In this wood-aged wine, the spice and toast show well against the ripe fruit. It's complex and rich while retaining a strong, fresh and herbal character. The wood aging means that the wine has some aging potential, so drink from 2018.
This wine brings charming aromas of cracked pepper, smoked meat, dried herbs and crushed violets, with dark chocolate and mixed fruit lurking in the background. The green olive and other savory flavors are restrained, coating the palate with a soft, textured feel that shows precise balance. It demands attention without overwhelming.
Elusively crisp and inviting on the nose, this is a thickly intriguing wine, floral in orange blossom and fresh apple. Structured and lengthy, it retains a tangy acidity and structured finish, the grapes sourced from a dry-farmed vineyard.
From a Charlie Chenoweth-farmed site, this wine is vividly marked by earth and mushroom with bolts of cherry and cranberry. Bright acidity complements a firmness of tannin and texture that flirts with being leathery, the finish all about cola spice.
Named for the producer's beloved English Springer Spaniel, this is a barrel selection from one Dijon clone. The wine is broad-shouldered, piney and juicy in black cherry and raspberry. High acidity tames the sizable tannins before the wine finishes distinctly in clove. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas of grass and herb are followed by fresh apple skin and green berry flavors. There is a definite edge of tannin, providing crisp freshness and a citric aftertaste.
At first pass, this feels a little tired, with a somewhat feeble nose and flavors that could tend toward bitter. But in the mouth, the wine impresses—the fruit is pretty and round, the mouthfeel smooth. Spice and fruit come together nicely and chase away any austerity that may be lurking. The finish is good and layered.
A clean, classic minerality leads on this unique and food-friendly Chardonnay. On the palate, fresh fruit flavors mingle with a touch of oak, and the finish offers both length and character.
Fresh peach and nectarine dominate the nose on this semisweet blend of Viura and Malvasia. The flavors are mostly melon and citrus, while the finishing touch is that of fruit cocktail. It's a touch sticky in the long run, but at least it isn't cloying or cooked.
A touch on the sweeter side. A creamy texture and palate full of jammy dark fruit and plum lead into a finish reminiscent of a cherry Jolly Rancher.
Round and soft, this has fresh, attractive fruit, flavors of white pears, candy and green herbs. Just a touch of sweetness in the acidity of the aftertaste.
This Chardonnay is creamy and scented with vanilla, ripe apple and pineapple. The fruit has a slightly overripe quality, a suggestion of funk on the finish, and the vanilla seems artificial. It says unoaked, but that's a lot of vanilla nonetheless.
Medium-bodied and soundly structured, this offers all of the flavor components that one would expect from 100% Cabernet: cassis, blackberry and plum skins. A solid finish with subtle tannins.
With fairly muted fruit flavors and a hint of green pepper, this lighter-bodied and easy-drinking wine will pair well with most meat or chicken entrées. Flash-pasteurized and mevushal, this is a blend of 50% Cab, 30% Merlot and 20% Shiraz.
Aromatic notes of talcum powder and scented candles give this Bordeaux blend from Navarra a light, pleasant bouquet. But the palate is more starching and hard than ideal, leaving a spiky, jagged feel to the wine's raspberry and plum fruit. So rugged and jarring that food is downright mandatory. Ripped but punishing.
Made by the Pauillac cooperative, this is a pleasant, lightweight wine, a surprise considering the vintage. There are black currant flavors, but the wood element is too dominant for the fruit.
Fiery, hot aromas feature raspberry, burnt leaves, balsamic notes and earth. It's wild and jumpy in the mouth, with rhubarb and cranberry defining the tight, underdeveloped palate, while the finish is tangy and almost peachy. Shows many cool-year characteristics of a 2002.
Sweet and broad, with obvious spice, lychee and rose-petal aromatics but a disappointing lack of follow-through on the finish. It's good, but could use more vibrance and length.
The Gilad is a lively wine with plenty of forward fruit. Flavors and aromas of rhubarb and red berries dominate, while hints of vanilla, pepper and licorice show the wine's subtle complexity despite the light body and somewhat tart finish.
Simple, fruity and clean, with hints of toasted grain framing melon, fig and citrus flavors. Finishes on an anise note.
Terrassen means a blend of wine from different vineyards. This crisp example is lively with acidity and green fruit flavors. It is very pure, bright and ready to drink. Screwcap.
Here's a savory blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Cabernet and Merlot that delivers ripe red cherry, white and black pepper, with a hint of orange peel. It's still very tannic, and finishes and on a note of espresso. Drink 2015–2020.
Here's a Sagrantino offering intense balsamic fragrances of menthol and mint that recall Clark's teaberry gum. The palate delivers ripe blackberry, white pepper and cinnamon, along with oak and espresso notes.
Richly textured and spicy, this is a finely integrated wine. It has ripe berry flavors and a palate that's textured with tannins from fruit as well as wood. The structure, held within a lacework of acidity, reflects the wine's potential. Drink from 2016.
Fresh berry aromas are clean and lead into a pointed, zesty palate with standard but friendly berry and cherry flavors. There's plenty of bracing acidity to this Rioja and just enough body to make it a complete, well-made wine.
Berry aromas and a hint of warmth are the greeting on this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo. The mouthfeel is full, while the body is chunky, with adequate structure. Flavors of black fruits come with a touch of toast, and the finish is round in feel and friendly in flavor.
With a hint of yellow color, this fuller-bodied Torrontés presents classic aromas of bath oils, white flowers and tropical fruits. The palate is plump and melony, with modest acidity that says “drink me now.” Flavors of melon and lychee finish soft and creamy.
A deep straw color, this ready-to-drink Riesling is scented with wet rock, bee pollen, and ripe, yellow apples. Flavors are tart despite the 10 g/L residual sugar. It's fruity, flavorful and quite ready to drink up.
Ripe, juicy peach and pink grapefruit flavors are accented with subtle mineral tones on this easy drinking, yet noteworthy Riesling. Dry and full bodied in style, it's lushly textured, with a bristle of lemon-pith astringency on the finish.
Zesty and brisk, with notes of white grapefruit and fresh herbs, this dry, full-bodied Riesling is almost bracingly tart, with flavors of lime and lime-skin. A vibrant pairing with soft, creamy cheese or fatty pork dishes.
Vanilla, pencil eraser and red-berry aromas set up a fresh, juicy, healthy feeling palate. Flavors of oak, vanilla, berry fruits and plum finish with additional vanilla flavors and woodspice. As a whole, this is bright, zesty and oaky, even for a wine that's more than five years old.
Ripe plum and berry aromas are straightforward but welcoming. This is a tight, wiry blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that's narrow in feel but full of flavor, particularly plum, blackberry, chocolate and spice. A peppery finish shows juicy acidity and warmth.
Pretty impressive for the price, offering mint and cedar aromas followed by flavors of black cherry. There's also a sturdy core of savory elements, like roasted meat and coffee. The wine is full bodied and velvety in texture, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now and over the next few years.
Despite the concept-driven name, this is good Malbec at a good price. Minty black-fruit aromas are welcoming and stand up to scrutiny. The palate has juicy acidity and purity to support plum and cherry flavors that are spicy and dry in nature. For basic Malbec, you won't do much better than this.
This is a fresh wine that is full of bright cherry flavors and crisp acidity. The midpalate builds in weight, ripe tannins and a fragrant, smoky aftertaste. Drink now. Screwcap.
This blends together grapes from several vineyard sites in three AVAs. It opens with a bouquet of milk chocolate and mocha, leading to a tart cranberry flavor. There's are hints of herb and bark in the finish. This is designed (successfully) as a fruit-driven, drink-now style of Oregon Pinot.
Made from organically farmed grapes, this opens with aromas of oak, toast and vanilla. The palate is better, delivering succulent blackberry, licorice, fennel and oak alongside teeth-coating tannins.
This pleasing blend of Pinot Noir from estate-grown fruit is light and undeniably pretty. Rhubarb and raspberry flavors are backed with vivid acids. It's a wine from a challenging vintage, and the native yeast ferment seems to have contributed to its length and detail.
Ripe and generous with sweet berry flavors, but still very young, this wine has dark tannins and a dry core. Drink next year to enjoy its warm, full-bodied character.
Berry fruit aromas come with hints of rubber, latex and mild spice. The palate on this Cab Franc-Carmenère blend is tight and bouncy, with rubbery tannins and earthy flavors of black plum, red berry and resiny oak. This is solid and keeps its form on the finish.
A blend of Tannat, Pinenc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a ripe, earthy wine. It has rich black fruits that show concentrated tannins while also promising a smoother ride in a few years.
This is a forward, ripe and fruity wine that's full of fresh red fruits and attractive acidity. Made from a blend of Castelão, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon, it's light, bright and ready to drink.
Simple apple, peach and citrus aromas form a mild opening that sets the stage for what amounts to an easygoing, fresh wine with white-fruit flavors of peach and nectarine. Dry, pithy and clean on the finish.
Not noticeably sweet, despite its low alcohol, this is a bowl full of crisp, green apple fruit. Clean and simple.
The nose on this Cabernet is scratchy and closed, with cherry, cassis and herbal aromas. The palate is forward and medium in body, with rough tannins and rubbery, oak-based flavors of blackberry and herbs. Overall this wine is drying but solid, with freshness but also a clampy feel.
This blend of Verdejo and Viura deals floral aromas along with hints of honey, apple and peach. It's zesty enough in the mouth, with ripe peach and melon flavors, but it's not sweet. The texture on the finish holds up to scrutiny and the afterflavors are good. Drink now.
Named after a traditional Portuguese dance, this open wine is full of generous fruits and soft tannins. It has structure inevitable in a Douro wine, but its light touch makes the wine remarkably food friendly. Screwcap.
Though quite young this wine seems a bit desiccated with notes of dried cranberries and raspberries followed by orange peel and Twizzlers. The palate is ripe and sweet with the alcohol showing on the finish.
Though the palate can't deliver all that the aromas have to offer, there's intrigue to this estate Tempranillo with notes of dark flowers, sweet tobacco, and dried tea leaves playing off olive and other savory notes.
This apple-crisp wine has tight acidity and touches of wood rounded out by yellow fruits. It is ripe and very full, the nervy, mineral character contrasting with the richness that is now developing. It will age slowly, so don't drink before 2020.
Mineral and flinty at the start, this young wine has an intense structure. Tannins and fruit skins give a strong, tight texture. At the same time, the acidity is just as intense, crisp and juicy, tight and needing many years to develop. Drink from 2018.
This is a powerful, ripe wine, touched by its wood aging while having rich yellow fruits and a dense structure. Nervous tension comes from the acidity and the strongly mineral texture. It's a magnificent wine that needs aging, so drink from 2019.
Rich and open, this is a generous, full-throated wine. There is a good contrast between the ripeness and a line of acidity that gives a steely, textured backbone. The end combines the two characters, a ripe, full aftertaste cut with a touch of steel. Drink from 2017.
Lime peels and lemon pith mix it up with rain on cement, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, ocean-spray saltiness and a lemon-pepper spice on the nose of this wine from the appellation's first vineyard. The palate is reminiscent of a perfectly restrained margarita, with the warmth of sea salt, the pungency of squeezed caviar limes and the body of lemon curds, topped with a sprig of mint.
Bill Price's Sonoma-based winery name checks this historic Santa Maria vineyard in this epic bottling, which shows red cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cola on the nose. It's amazingly energetic on the palate, with more ripe raspberries and cherries, but also a vivid spice rack of clove and peppercorn, as well as noticeable tannic grip.
This conveys a heady mix of luscious French oak, butter and toast, plus roasted nuts, a dash of Cognac, orange oil, apple sauce and baked pear. This thrilling wine is the first Chardonnay from Trisaetum. It reflects the growing partnership between winemaker James Frey and Jacques Lardière formerly from Jadot.
Details of tea leaf, peach skin and pear introduce a wine with tremendous texture and length. The off-dry sweetness is counterbalanced by tart acidity, creating perfect tension and continuing into a lingering, satisfying finish. As with all these young wines, this will improve dramatically with ample aeration.
When the alcohol levels are reined in to appropriate levels, this can be one of Australia's top Shiraz. The 2012 is a stunning example of balance and finesse, combining youthful scents of cassis and toasty oak with floral elements. There's ample weight and texture yet silky elegance at the same time, while already complex notes of orange pekoe and black currant are sure to gain even more with five or 10 years of cellaring. Drink 2020–2030.
Structured and focused, this gorgeous wine offers enticing scents of pressed violet, woodland berry, baking spice, tilled soil and leather. The firm palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice, mint, tobacco and ground clove alongside youthfully assertive but refined tannins. Give this time to fully develop—it should blossom into a beauty. Drink 2018–2026.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this beautiful wine opens with scents of perfumed berry, rose petal and dark berry. The full-bodied palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and baking spice alongside a backbone of firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity. It's still young so give it time to reach its full potential. Drink 2019–2026.
The great flavor intensity comes from the sunny side of Vaudésir. The wine is rich, yet crisp and packed with lemon and apple fruits, a touch of spice and a steely, young aftertaste. It needs to age, so drink this from 2018.
Scents of citrus blossom, honey, sea breeze and a potpourri of aromatic herb are some of the aromas in this stunning, single-vineyard Vermentino. Fresh and round, it's loaded with finesse and complexity, seamlessly delivering layers of flavor that include citrus zest, ripe yellow apple, lemon-thyme, wild rosemary, mineral and toasted almond.
Made with late ripened Vermentino, this gorgeous wine opens with an alluring fragrance of citrus blossom, white wild flower, ripe orchard fruit and a hint of wild herb. The rich palate boasts depth and complexity, delivering layers of succulent nectarine, honey, yellow peach, flint and ginger. A white almond note closes the long, lingering finish.
Coming from the winery's SJR Vineyard in The Rocks District, this blockbuster wine displays savory aromas of green olive, sea breeze, smoked meat, peat and earth along with coffee and plum. The palate shows great concentration and richness but also deftness, delineation and precision. It's a complete head turner that shows a true sense of place.
Fresh and ripe, this also has a strong steely character. Mineral and densely textured, it's a powerful wine, showing ripe yellow fruit, spice from wood and considerable concentration. Moreau makes just three barrels of this wine. Drink from 2019.
Aragonez is the main force behind this smooth, rich wine. It has great tannins that are cushioned comfortably by the rich, juicy berry fruits. Spice and acidity roll around the mouth, giving a lift to the rich, still firmly tannic wine. Drink this impressive wine from 2018.
In 2012, Gaja didn't bottle his single-vineyard crus because they didn't reach his high quality standards, and many of the grapes from these celebrated vineyards finished in this elegant, firmly structured wine. It opens with enticing aromas of perfumed berry, pressed violet and sweet baking spice. On the palate, a backbone of tightly woven but refined tannins support black cherry, raspberry, white pepper, anise and tobacco. It's rather austere and still in its infancy so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2018–2032.
Layered and medium in weight, this is a well-crafted, concentrated wine from an exceptional vineyard site in the cool, southeastern reaches of Napa Valley. The rich pineapple and coconut is tempered by crisp acidity, finishing in caramel-accented oak.
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.
Violets, blackberries and espresso beans whirl together into a delicious, silky nose on this wine by Josh Baker and Matt Brain. It's similarly luxurious on the palate, soft and sensual with lots of boysenberry and olallieberry. It also shows a peppery licorice spice, boosted by focused acidity that enlivens every part of the tongue.
Made from a field blend of old vines, this is an impressive wine. Oak aging still shows in the toasty character, although the weight and strength of the fruit and spice flavors are coming through well. It's complex, dark and with great richness and potential. The wine comes from the Foz Vineyard at the mouth of the Pinhão river in the heart of the Douro. Drink from 2018.
Underbrush, scorched earth, dried berry, violet and spice aromas slowly emerge on this generous, polished wine. On the palate, fine-grained tannins frame dried black cherry, grilled herb and anise. It's almost accessible and is going to offer terrific drinking in the near and mid-term. Enjoy 2017–2026.
Dominated by Vermentinu, this is a rich while crisp wine. With its fresh apple flavors and good acidity, it is deliciously perfumed, ripe and poised with a strong line in minerality. Drink from 2017.
Simonsig's 2015 Avec Chêne is a bit more retrained in its overt woodiness than previous bottlings, with herbal notes of grass and fynbos before fruit tones of green plum and white melon. The fresh and easy palate offers bright acidity and juicy flavors of citrus and apple, framed by spice and toast accents. Well balanced and accessible now, enjoy through 2020.
This is a dialed-down, vibrantly bright and citrusy wine, tart in green apple. Integrated oak provides texture and waves of body in a lighter-styled package. Fermentation and maturation of the wine took place in new as well as seasoned French oak and stainless steel tank.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Syrah (30%), Merlot (18%), and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of pencil lead, raspberries, flowers, baking spices and herbs are followed by palate-coating red and blue-fruit flavors. It displays a lovely sense of balance.
Aromas of ripe raspberry jam, plum, menthol and baking spice lead the nose on this bold red. The dense palate delivers raisin, dried black cherry and licorice alongside assertive, close-grained tannins that grip the finish.
Refreshing on the nose, this clonal study shows lively and tropical aromas of Asian pear, guava, Meyer-lemon skin and that characteristic grassy note. It's racy on the palate, where green-apple rinds meet with lime skins, cement and crushed white rocks.
Aromas of white wild flower and chamomile float out of the glass along with a whiff of orchard fruit. The ripe round palate offers juicy Bartlett pear, golden apple and peach. A note of bitter almond wraps up the finish.
Aromas of exotic fruit, white spring flower and yellow stone fruit lead the nose while the round creamy palate doles out apricot, mineral, chopped herb and nectarine. A mineral vein lifts the finish.
From one of the oldest estates in Pouilly Fumé, this is an herbal and freshly grassy wine. Delicious apple is textured with minerality, salty character and intense, still-young acidity. It's ready to drink although it will be better from 2017.
Aromas of black fruit, spiced plum, vanilla and herb lead to full dark fruit flavors. It shows a lot of ripeness but keeps it in balance.
This blend of 77% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah and 1% Grenache is a solid choice at this price. Vibrant fruit tones of strawberry, cranberry, black raspberry and mulberry mix with exotic vanilla and clove on the nose. Juicy and fresh flavors of pine-smoked blackberries give a peat-like character to the palate.
Snappy, chiseled and defined by fresh grass and citrus aromas on the nose, this is textbook Casablanca SB. Flavors of tarragon, sage, lime and citrus peel finish with a lasting wave of mild pyrazinic bitterness and tangy citrus.
Forest floor, resin, exotic spice, steeped plum and a balsamic note lead the way on this robust red. The firmly structured palate offers raisin, dried cherry, licorice and coffee framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins.
While this wine is still young, it has great fruit and a good structure. Tense tannins lend form to ripe red fruits, with a touch of cigar-box aromas and a rich texture. This wine will show how well Chinon can age. Drink from 2018.
This blend of two types of Garnacha and some Carignan is a consistently top performer from this Catalonian region. This edition smells reedy and spicy, but also like ripe plum and raisin. A generous balanced palate holds flavors of vanilla, plum, cherry and peppery spice. On the finish, this is composed in feel, dry and spicy. Drink through 2019.
The natural warmth of this premier cru vineyard is emphasized in 2015. The wine is ripe and rich with a light touch of oak to underline the fruitiness. The texture has some minerality and a cool steely edge. Drink from 2018.
Blue fruit and herb aromas are followed by full-bodied blue and purple-fruit flavors. The balance is spot-on and the finish lingers.
A crush of raspberry and maraschino-cherry perfume persists throughout this pristine pretty Pinot Noir. Punchy red-fruit flavors are concentrated and fresh, gilded by subtle tones of violet, toast and crushed mineral. The finish is long, framed neatly by penetrating but finely grained tannins.
Made by major Chablis producer Jean-Marc Brocard, this wine is ripe, soft and attractively fruity. It has crisp acidity along with rich yellow fruits and a touch of minerality. The wine comes from a blend of different premier cru vineyards. Delicious and refreshing, it is ready to drink now.
This is a blend from different Premier Cru vineyards in Beaune. At this stage, it is dominated by the wood aging. That gives a bitterness to the wine that needs to soften and allow the ripe fruit to come out. It does have potential, although the maturity will take time. Drink from 2019.
The cellar of this estate once became a secluded meeting place for lovers, bringing about the name of the wine. This is a mature wine, showing how well Muscadet can develop. Aged for two years on its lees, it has richness as well as plenty of remaining fresh apple fruit. Now at its peak, the wine is ready to drink.
This wine comes from the producer's home turf in Pouilly. Ripe and round, it shows good potential. Acidity and white fruits are balanced with a touch of minerality. The wine is ready to drink with its warm character and crisp final acidity.
Produced from a 3.7-acre vineyard, this immediately attractive wine has pure fruitiness, crisp acidity and just a touch of minerality from the chalk soil. The lime and grapefruit acidity cuts through easily at the end.
Fragrant aromas of mortared herbs, violets and red fruit lead to velvety soft red and blue-fruit flavors. It's a very pretty wine that shows a fine sense of precision.
This wine is full, structured and still developing, with a bitter-chocolate edge that give a sharp character. This is balanced with warmer black-fruit flavors and acidity. The wine has great potential and needs another year. It will be best from the end of 2017.
From this mighty vineyard hails this full-bodied and intensely robust wine, rich and smooth in sinewy texture and sure-to-please blackberry jam and vanilla bean.
Jasmine and orange blossom dot the nose of this nicely made wine, a variety not often found in California. Apple rind defines the crisp, mineral-laden experience, focused and clear in its rocky texture of wet stone.
If this lacks the exotic richness and drama of the very best Marlborough Sauvignons, it's still a tasty drop. Fig and melon notes suggest ample ripeness, while hints of leafy greens provide hallmark varietal character, finishing crisp and clean. In golf terms, it's straight and true, down the middle of the fairway.
This bottling, which includes 8% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah, shows gingerbread, sandalwood, olallieberry, violet and maraschino cherry on the nose. It's delicate on the palate at first, with candied-strawberry flavors as well as cinnamon foam and purple flowers. It features a nice textural tension as well.
Saturated and pitch black to look at, and not much different in scent. This is a fully extracted, modern Bonarda that's well made and generous. Full-bodied wine lovers should like the meaty, dark berry and cocoa flavors. Tannic but layered on the finish.
It's an unusual blend, but it works, creating a round, supple wine for immediate enjoyment. Hints of orange peel, coriander and green olive bring complexity to notes of plum and cherry, while the finish turns dark and espresso-like.
While the aromas are earthy, with a farmyard character, the finely textured palate is fruitier. The tannins give a firm, structured base for the red currant flavor. Solid and rich, this is now maturing, but it retains its youthful acidity.
Fine balance is a hallmark for all Adelsheim wines. This shows a mix of citrus and apple fruit, with the tartness of gooseberries as a nod to the cooler vintage. There is some pleasing complexity, with an emphasis on herbs and high-acid fruits.
This supple, medium-bodied wine packs in many of the notes that make Syrah from the Northern Rhône so compelling: coffee, tar, leather, black olive, chocolate and roasted meat, all backed by raspberry-cherry fruit. Enjoy the ride over the next several years.
This is an attractive wine, with fruit and firm, supporting tannins. It has a mint flavor and a smooth texture, balanced with damson fruit. This is ripe and ready to drink over the next year.
This gets going with clean, light cherry and berry aromas that bring a citrus note to the fore. It feels crisp, dry and pure, with citrus, plum and dust flavors. An elegant rosé made from the Trepat grape, it finishes dry and spicy, with ample leftover fruit.
Winemaker Hank Beckmeyer presses Syrah and Mourvèdre to make this rosé, hoping that in the process he'll best preserve the wine's aromas and also keep it tasting fresh. He's created a nutty wine that's dominant in strawberry and stone fruit flavors. It's very light and dry, leaving you with the impression of having just bitten into a piece of watermelon.
Saturated on the nose, this has aromas of pencil lead, coconut, vanilla and black fruit. It feels tannic, with pulsing acidity pushing raisin, prune, black plum, licorice and graphite flavors. The finish is oaky, resiny and chocolaty tasting.
Forward and fruity, this is already developing its black plum fruit. The wine has a ripe, juicy and seemingly sweet character. With its supporting tannins, this should be ready to drink in 1–2 years.
A spice note meshes with the tannins and black currant acidity in this elegant wine. The fruit is bright and juicy; the tannins still firm and will likely always lend an edge of severity. Age for 2–3 years.
A very good value-priced Cab with fresh tomato, herb, black cherry, blackberry and earthy aromas. The palate is healthy and stands up to scrutiny, while the flavors of cassis, berry, chocolate and pepper are correct and more than pleasant. Long and lasting on the finish. The best Root: 1 Cab to date.
Dark and charred like so many of TerraNoble's red wines. There's lemon peel, black coffee, black fruit and herbs on the nose, while the palate shows tomato, herbs, smoked meat, basic black fruit and a snappy texture. A little more racy than most, but heavily oaked and blackened.
For an Alentejo wine, this is surprisingly light, fresh and poised. Yes, there is rich raisiny fruit. but it is easily balanced by a thread of acidity that winds through. The tannins are soft, the fruit juicy.
Dark, muscular and very oaky, especially early on where it smells charred and bacony, with black fruit in the background. Airing unleashes chewy, roasted berry, plum, carob and herbal flavors, and throughout there is a strong oak element. Finishes big and thick, with toast and leafy, herbal Pinot Noir nuances.
Big, chunky and dark on the nose, but smells monotone except for a floral hint. The palate shows nice body, saturation and grabby tannins to go with oak-infused flavors of black plum, cola and spice. Savory and rooty on the finish. A good restaurant wine, either by the glass or bottle.
Pricy for Chilean SB, but clean, good and spunky, with citrus, nettle and bell pepper on the nose. The palate is wet, fresh and snappy, and the flavors exhibit grassiness along with tropical fruit and lime. Cleansing and crisp on the finish, and ready to drink now.
Opens with mild green, minty aromas that suggest tobacco, Middle Eastern spice and basic black fruit. The palate seizes control with grabby tannins and monolithic but unwavering grape and black-fruit flavors. Hard and tannic especially on the finish, with lingering lemony oak. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Monastrell and Tempranillo.
This is a wine that doesn't mess with niceties, but is right in your face. Intensely perfumed, almost a caricature of Gewürz, this is rich, moving into sweetness, concentrated and very spicy.
A well-made blend of Spanish and Portuguese red varietals, with the majority Tempranillo, with bright red cherry and cranberry and high acidic tones that's also got a touch of lovely minerality, olive, toffee and vanilla. The 2007 is ready to drink now, a well-balanced easy drinker with great aromatics and not too much tannin.
Happily the fumé has been discarded and it's simply labeled Sauvignon Blanc, as it should be. The blend includes 6% Sémillon, the wine is finished with a screw cap, and the flavors are crisp and quite refreshing. Melon, grapefruit, a little snippet of pineapple and overall a mouth-cleaning liveliness make this an excellent wine for sipping or with lighter entrées.
Quite ripe and dark, with blackberry, raisin and aromas of woody spice manifested as cinnamon. The palate shows a controlled sharpness and then flavors of saturated berry fruit accented by oak-based notes of vanilla and dill weed. A powerful, deep style of crianza with a lot of oak.
The bouquet blends tropical aromas with popcorn, and the palate is toasty as well, but not cloying or thick. Flavors of green banana, orange, melon and pineapple are spicy and zesty, and there's pineapple and woodspice to the finish. A natural-yeast Chard with balance and zest to go along with tropical sweetness.
Light and rusty in color, with lean aromas of baked fruits and maple. The palate is tight and spicy, with baked fruit and plenty of dry oak. Potent, hot and spicy on the finish.
Mulchy on the nose, with compost, leather and purple fruit notes. There's decent body to the wine but the flavors are stalky and green, with burnt, stemmy leftovers on the finish. A blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Best on the nose, which is floral as it mixes in big black fruit notes and coconut. The palate has a creamy, grabby feel and then confected flavors of carob, vanilla and baked berry. Finishes heavy and very sweet, i.e. syrupy.
Touches of caramel and bright red cherry fruit give this pink-colored wine a great lift. It's as fresh as possible for summer drinking.
A thin wine, with a quick strawberry/cranberry entry, that resolves into an acidic, mouth-puckering, generic red. It's fine for chilling and drinking as a simple café red, but not priced for that market.
Fiery berry aromas come across sort of rough and scratchy. The palate is softer and more creamy, with vanilla, berry and pepper flavors. Finishes toasty and peppery, albeit slightly bitter.
A bit tough and unyielding right now, Nalys's 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays adequate black cherry fruit and hints of horse stable and garrigue. It does dry out on the finish; drink it up over the next few years.
Vanilla and Animal Cracker aromas fold in mango and banana. The palate is soft and creamy, with not much acidity and pulpy flavors of ripe banana and pithy citrus. Soft and peachy on the finish.
Full and robust, but also brambly and a touch green and minty on the nose. The palate is thick, creamy and rough, with herbal berry and dry oak flavors. Finishes herbal and chocolaty.
Pointed, sharp aromas leave an angular bouquet. The rest of the wine is jumpy, furry and a bit funky, with pointed plum and raspberry flavors and then a toasty, oaky finish with bitterness, heat and leftover butter flavors.
The vines of this estate are in the Médoc village of Lamarque in the Moulis area between Margaux and Saint-Julien. This second wine of Chateau du Cartillon is light and fruity with some black currant flavors along with acidity and a smoky touch. It is a juicy wine that will develop quickly. Drink from 2019.
This wine, now mature, is ripe with jammy black fruits. It has soft balanced tannins as well as juicy acidity and a rich aftertaste. It is totally ready to drink.
Pure Merlot, ripe and fruity, this wine has only the lightest of tannic structure. That makes for a soft rounded wine from the area close to Lussac Saint-Émilion. Black plum and berry flavors are laced with acidity and finish with a smooth aftertaste. Drink now.
Fresh and fragrant, with scents and flavors of apple and pear, this moderately fleshy wine has ample acidity to carry it through to a palate-cleansing finish. Hints of minerality add interest.
Simple sweet apple and poached pear notes meet with a slight tonic and guava nectar on the nose of this bottling that blends the Four Lanterns and Mill Road vineyards. Yellow apple and Anjou pear pop on the palate that ends on a yellow-grapefruit-peel finish, altogether clean and crisp.
Grapefruit aromas, extroverted fruit flavors and a fresh, crisp mouthfeel make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy.
This wine blends rich fruitiness like ripe pear with light oak and almond accents and an appetizingly tangy texture.
Packed in an extremely heavy bottle, this has aromas of French oak, vanilla and coconut. The firm palate offers dried sour cherry, raisin and oak-driven spice alongside raspy tannins that leave and astringent finish. It lacks the fruit richness needed to stand up to the oak.
Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows dried elderberry fruit laced with oregano, thyme, dill, eucalyptus and black pepper. A strong tobacco flavor shows once sipped, with black-cherry fruit, cedary cigar box and sticky tannins contributing to a leathery mouthfeel.
Aroma of red berry, pressed purple flower and a whiff of tilled earth lead the nose. The refreshing palate offers crushed blackberry and pomegranate alongside tangy acidity.
Still young, the wood-aging flavors show strongly in the toast and spice character of this wine. The black fruits are developing and will shortly balance out with the wood. Already the aftertaste is fruity and juicy. Drink this wine from late 2017.
Produced at the Candeeira estate in central Alentejo, this structured blend of local grapes includes Alicante Bouschet, giving the wine deep color. It has black fruits, balanced tannins and plenty of acidity to convey a crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
Smooth and fruity, this has a dominant flavor of ripe apple, with highlights of orange candy. It's not off dry, but there is a strong impression of residual sugar, which feels a bit grainy. If you enjoy California Chardonnays with a touch of sweetness, this is a wine you'll like.
The second wine of Poeira, this is ripe and fruity, with soft tannins and bright acidity. It still has a young, firm edge although the fruit will allow it to develop well. Drink from 2020.
This blend of Syrah, Malbec, Grenache and Merlot seems intended for contemplative consumption, with its baked-plum flavor accented in tar and cigar. Quite ripe and full bodied, it packs a punch, with swathes of toasty oak on the finish.
Young, tight and crisply defined, this offers peach skin, jicama and cucumber flavors, highlights of gin-like botanicals, and a refreshing, palate-cleansing finish.
The nose on this bottling is bright, fresh and clean, with lots of apple, Key lime and squeezed-citrus touches. Snappy pear flavors show first on the sip, then come riper yellow peach and cantaloupe, all framed by jubilant acidity. There's nothing too complex, but it's a refreshing sipper.
Quite light aromas of apple and flower blossom are followed by sleek fruit flavors. The concentration seems a bit light.
Pure Syrah, this distinguishes itself from the other 2013 Weisinger reds with clear varietal focus. Red licorice, citrus and mixed red fruits lead into a rather chalky, tannic finish.
This appellation white is light in tart acidity, with a taste of sour lemon that persists on the palate and provides freshness and bite. Concentrated flavors of pineapple ride a creamy texture along a medium-bodied frame.
This is a Portuguese classic. Made in a structured style, it is dry with plenty of tannins under the fruit. It is a real food wine, with its black-currant flavors firmly under control. The wine will be ready to drink from late 2017.
With some fermentation in barrel, this wood-touched wine is rounded as well as fruity. Citrus and pineapple flavors give liveliness, with acidity cutting through the spice. Drink now.
This brut Cava is made entirely from the Xarello grape. It's bready, leesy and yeasty on the nose, with touches of apple and nectarine. A low-verve palate tastes briny, with a hint of lime. On the finish, this tastes like the dust of vitamins.
This simple, fruity, red-berry-flavored wine has bright acidity along with soft tannins. It's a great barbecue style of wine, fruity and ready to go with grilled meat.
This wine is spicy with ripe tannins and juicy berry fruits. It is soft and ready to drink with its balanced fruitiness and acidity.
Full-bodied and forward, this offers fruit flavors of spiced cherry, along with a broad streak of vanilla. The tannins hit hard and carry a slightly charred, slightly bitter aftertaste.
Stalky underbrush, celery, eucalyptus and oak-driven spice aromas lead the nose. The bracing palate offers raw cherry, licorice, coconut, toast and espresso alongside a backbone of assertive, drying tannins that clench the finish. Let the tannins soften for a few years then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
This wine smells and tastes like blackberry syrup, with a touch of sweetness on the palate to match. One of the easier-to-drink versions of the variety, it has a smooth texture and broad mouthfeel.
It's really splitting hairs when evaluating Huber's 2007 R bottlings. This one comes across as slighty reduced, with some cabbage-like notes that require vigorous swirling to dissipate. Yet it remains complex, with black cherries and a slightly more muscular, tannic style than Huber's other '07s. Drink 2013–2020.
An interesting example of dry Riesling, one that displays a dense, honeyed bouquet and flavors that resemble honey but without the sweetness. Hard to imagine, but that's the closest approximation I can come up with. It's creamy on the midpalate and fairly full bodied (12.5% abv) for a wine from this far north.
Intentionally skewed toward the drier side of kabinett, this is an impressive effort from proprietor Raimund Prüm. It's light in body, with fairly ripe fruit flavors of honeyed apple and a hint of apricot, yet intensely refreshing thanks to crisp acidity. Drink now.
Lush tropical fruit and fragrant white flowers lead this balanced, pretty white from Skouras. On the palate, lemon, pear and peach are buoyed by a great acidic spin. The briny sea salt finish adds a delicious touch. Pair with grilled octopus, fish.
A ripe, smoky wine, full of very juicy fruit. Black plums and berries are complemented by a core of firm tannins and bright acidity. Sweet, rich and attractive.
One of the most remote and unusual vineyard sites in Oregon, the Maple Ranch provides ripe grapes at lower alcohol levels. The reward can be found in the delicate but real accents—subtle spices and surprising length.
With each successive vintage, winemaker Gus Janeway has slowly but surely moved this wine to 100% Malbec. It's a bold step, because pure varietal wines do not have the advantage of filling in holes with blending. But for those who want to glimpse the future of Malbec in southern Oregon, this is a touch point. Delicate, balanced, herbal, mixing a wash of light fruits with nuances of herb, this very drinkable wine has appealing delicacy and verve.
Comes across as slightly rich, sweet and heavy for a kabinett, but this wine remains very enjoyable for its lush, sweet flavors of ripe peaches, baked apple and honey.
This wine is finely structured with the red berry and black plum fruit flavors leading to a central core of tannins. There is good juiciness as well, the whole ensemble promising good medium-term aging. The second wine of Château du Glana.
Meaty, dark and concentrated, with a smoky bouquet that shows spice and berry aromas. The palate is soft, lush and deep, with heavy flavors of blackberry, tea, spice and pepper. Finishes easy and chocolaty, with good length and drive. Drink now through 2012.
There's great minerality to this wine, as aromas of chalky soil mix with notes of brisk red apple skin, hard pear and a drizzle of honey. Fresh apple slices and orange citrus flavors liven up the mouth, ending with a lively and mouthwatering finish.
Warm, baked and dusty on the nose, with black cherry and cassis along with brick dust, olive and spice aromas. The palate is healthy and full, with punchy, snappy flavors of cherry, raspberry and spiced marmalade. Creamy, sweet and rooty on the finish. Drink now through 2015.
Piercing and pungent up front, with sharp-edged aromas of nettle, lime, arugula and green bean. The palate is lithe and crisp, with green-leaning flavors of lettuce, lime and passion fruit. Lasting on the finish, with bell pepper and celery. A prime example of cool-climate Chilean SB.
This stunning, full-bodied wine is in the running as one of the best white wines in Italy. It's perfumed with acacia flower, Spanish broom, beeswax, flint and tree fruit. The delicious palate delivers green apple, Anjou pear and mineral sensations of mesmerizing depth. It will develop even more complexity over time. Drink through 2025.
Januik's reserve blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It's built like the Fortress of Solitude—at first impenetrable, then slowly revealing layer upon layer of deep, dark black fruits. A base of iron and stone adds further gravitas.
Force Majeure and Ciel du Cheval are the sources for this pure, compelling Red Mountain Syrah. The complex aromatics shoot up a smorgasbord of cured meat, truffle and umami notes, leading into a crisp, racy palate with lovely blueberry-dominated fruit flavors. Aging in 500-liter puncheons smoothes it out while contributing just a hint of new toast.
Intriguing scents focus upon chamomile and Mediterranean herbs, while the fruit flavors are wild and brambly. Cherry candy and red licorice play broadly across the palate, lingering through a beautifully balanced and extended finish.
A well-balanced, powerful dessert wine, this opens with an intense bouquet of fresh peach, orange blossom, jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle. The mouthfilling, sweet palate is loaded with flavors of ripe stone fruit, mango, melon and orange marmelade, but is kept bright by refreshing acidity on the close. Secondary notes of ginger and white tea linger long on the evolving finish. A wine of class and strength, this is delicious now, but should also easily age through 2020.
Smoky berry, lemon peel, graphite and huge black-fruit aromas provide a stellar opening. Raw tannins and staunchness create a powerful palate that needs time to mellow out. Flavors of loud oak, black fruits, hard spices, toast and licorice finish peppery, tough and with some heat. Best from 2015–2023.
Spectacular is the word that comes to mind here. Tasted over many hours, this stunning effort proved itself over and over. A mix of citrus oils, tree fruits, a hint of honey, tea, lemon verbena and more, it delivers astonishing complexity and flavor for such a young wine. It should continue to evolve and improve from 2024–2034.
Simply sensational, this estate-grown Viognier raises the bar for everyone. It's a glorious mesh of citrus flesh and rind, elevated with spicy highlights of orange, tangerine and Meyer lemon. Outstanding concentration, focus and depth, with juicy acidity underlying an astonishing finish.
The best Cara Mia yet, this is Red Mountain Cabernet Franc from the estate vineyard, with 15% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot included. Stylish and compact, this seems sculpted with pure, vivid purple fruits, balanced against crisp, fine-grained tannins. The depth and concentration are noteworthy.
This is the winery's first single-vineyard Merlot. Polished and dense, its aromatics are a multidimensional mix of cassis, espresso, cacao and tobacco. Firm and full, the flavors continue along the same lines, going deep into a thoroughly satisfying finish.
This was fermented with 50% whole clusters, which slows down and evens up the process. Along with rich flavors of black raspberry fruit, it's dense with savory herbs and marvelous details of earth and forest floor. Delicious now, but just wait until 2020–2022!
Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, this also includes smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Polished and dense, it offers pure, concentrated cassis fruit, framed by dark flavors of coffee and licorice. Give this one plenty of breathing time, as it's a high-octane powerhouse that needs some unpacking. Cellar until 2017, and possibly beyond.
Though not at all unsung (in fact, mailing list is closed), Abeja wines offer exceptional quality for the price across the entire lineup. Case in point: this super-long, ultradelicious Chardonnay, a generous wine with green apple, lime and white peach; add in notes of butter, brioche and baking spices. The length and balance, along with the pure pleasure, far exceed the price.
This delightfully pure expression of the Syrah grape seduces from the first sniff, which sails along on a flying carpet of blue and purple fruits, licorice, clove and tobacco. The beguiling aromas continue in the mouth, where the wine assumes a seamless, plump and powerful presence. Ciel du Cheval Syrah is every bit as good as the Bordeaux grapes for which the vineyard is most famous.
This gorgeous wine from southern Italy shows the true potential of native grape Aglianico. It opens with an intense fragrance of black cherry, leather, truffle, underbrush and spice. The dense, velvety palate delivers blackberry, raspberry and white pepper with a hint of espresso. It's already delicious but hold for even more complexity. Drink through 2027.
As far as Argentine Syrah goes, this vintage of Iscay, which contains 3% Viognier in a nod to France, is the new benchmark for the country. Daniel Pi and Joey Tensley's wine discloses aromas of jammy berry fruits along with cardamom and floral notes. The palate is a fortress of layers, while flavors of blackberry, cassis and chocolate set the stage for finishing notes of vanilla, butter, espresso and cocoa powder. Drink through 2018.
Tasted pre-release, this is already extraordinary, especially for this challenging vintage. The fruit (from Heather Hill, Kiona and Sagemoor) is dense, dark and detailed—an immaculate and thrilling wine, loaded with cassis, smoke and chocolate. The concentration, balance and length put it among the best Washington Cabernets of the vintage.
This is 100% varietal, sourced from three excellent Red Mountain vineyards—Klipsun, Kiona and Ciel du Cheval. It seamlessly fuses flavors of fruit, barrel (35% new) and the minerality of the terroir, with a generous midpalate of blackberry and black cherry, soaked in liquorous oak. Highlights of mineral, pepper and a whiff of brioche come into play as well. Lovely as it is already, look for further improvement through 2019–2022.
This is the estate bottling, barrel-fermented in French oak and put through full malolactic. Spice and toast frame perfectly ripened tree fruit flavors of apple, pear and orange peel. The concentration and length suggest that this Chardonnay can be cellared for up to a decade.
A blend of 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 27% Syrah and 16% Cabernet Franc, this is an accessible wine, with cherry, caramel, chocolate and toast flavors that comprise the heart of the palate. The best guess is to enjoy it now, as it is probably at or near its drinking peak.
Made from fruit sourced from McFadden's certified-organic vineyard, this bright Chardonnay is a zesty mix of kiwi, lime and fig flavors that are layered with acidity.
Round in the mouth and creamy in texture, this wine's ripe cherry fruit is softly framed by brown sugar, caramel and cinnamon notes. Drink now–2018.
Twelve different parcels provided the grapes to make this Puligny-Montrachet. It's rich and round, and it has a minerally structure and a touch of crisp acidity. The vintage has given a sense of shape to this white- and yellow-fruit-flavored wine. The finish bears a lemon-zest tang.
This is made from fruit that's sourced mostly from Mercer's Spice Cabinet Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, with some Tablas clone Syrah from the Rattlesnake Hills. It's a tasty wine but it seems incomplete. It has a ripe purple-fruit flavor, and it comes with plenty of power, but there's a hole in the middle. The finish kicks in with a splash of molasses.
This Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates proportionate fruit, acid and barrel components. The only downside, if there is one, is a hint  of underripeness, manifested as a whiff of asparagus.
Light and clean, this Pinot Blanc has layered flavors of flower, pear and mineral. It's a fine choice to pair with Asian fare or to enjoy on its own as an apéritif.
Made from Elerding Vineyard fruit, this wine is aged in 100% new oak for 24 months. It's dark and concentrated, and it deals attention-grabbing barrel-derived flavors of dark chocolate, licorice and espresso. The black cherry flavor has the grip and power to handle the barrel influence, but the wine will profit from additional bottle age.
This ripe, fruity wine has a hint of wood, fine acidity, a soft, creamy texture and an attractive burst of lime juice flavor. The finish is warm and rich, marked by good acidity.
Part of a Limited Release series, this is quite dry despite the 12% alcohol. It's lightly spritzy and fragrant of honeysuckle and Jonagold apples. Fresh and lively, this demonstrates excellent balance.
This has been barrel-fermented and aged, yet it retains more than a hint of the grape's natural herbaceousness. Sharp-edged and assertive, it might pass for a Quincy from the Loire Valley.
This is a rich, wood-aged single-vineyard selection that has a balanced toast element, crisp fruit and a taut texture. Acidity currently drives this wine, so give it another year to come into full focus.
A fruity style of wine, this has red berry flavors and only touches of structure and tannin. The wine is warm and round, packed with fruit on the finish.
This wine is well-rounded, lightly toasty, and soft on the palate. Flavors of butter cream, blueberry and cherry pie make it a hedonistic delight that's perfect for immediate enjoyment.
Dense, dark and brooding, this forward wine isn't shy about it's powerful black-fruit core or ample woody spice. There's a pleasant mentholated lift to the nose and mouth that help to elevate the wine's inherent richness, with ample tannins and medium acidity lending structure to the palate. Flavors of black raspberry, cigar-box spice and charred oak linger long on the finish. Drink now–2022.
This wine is a blend of Merlot (44%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Malbec (17%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas are brooding, with notes of cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, cherry, herb and spice. The dark-fruit flavors are full bodied, rich and saturated, packing a hefty punch with a finish that sails.
This 100% varietal wine from the famous vineyard is appropriately bold, brawny and big-boned. A full-bodied expression of ripe, baked cherry fruit, its has a soft and supple texture and additional characteristics of leather saddle, cedar and black pepper.
Made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, this brawny, full-bodied wine evokes tobacco, coconut and cherry cola, the flavors commingling within a frame of taut structure and moderate acidity.
Vinified in stainless and left on the lees for six months, this wine sets its tasty, lime-inflected fruit against refreshing minerality. It's a bold, assertive style, with a lovely citrusy core.
This bottling from a region known for savory, earthy wines fits the bill, with strong gravel, black pepper, elderberry and wet pine aromas. It's dry and dense on the palate, with forest spice, menthol and black fruit touches. Characteristic of the region and still very firm and tight in structure.
A blend of 90% Picolit, 5% Sauvignon and 5% Friulano, this opens with aromas that recall dried yellow peach, candied ginger and a hint of exotic spice. Made with dried grapes, the rich creamy palate delivers apricot jam, baked pear and hint of acacia honey.
This is a burly red wine from a warm vintage, featuring thick, concentrated, baked blackberry and plum notes. Smoky oak lurks beneath the fruit, adding savory undertones and ample intensity.
There's a touch of green here, noticeable principally as a streak of green olive. It's a feature, not a problem, and smoothes out into a subtle mix of dates, figs and a touch of prune. Notes of smoke and earth come along with well-balanced tannins through a lingering finish.
Superfresh raspberry aromas, rich cherry flavors and a texture that helps all that fruit cling to the palate make this medium-bodied wine compelling. It feels firm and structured due to good acidity, which supports the surprisingly bright and layered fruit flavors very well.
With its laser focus on black fruit flavors, this firmly structured wine has a distinct personality. Generous tannins and a good dose of fruit acidity provide plenty of grip on the palate. Each sip reveals more depth and layers, suggesting it's a good bottle to lay down for future consumption. Best after 2022.
Fermented in the bottle, this opens with inviting aromas of baked bread, citrus and orchard fruit. The dry linear palate delivers lime, green apple and mineral alongside refreshing acidity and a refined perlage. It closes crisp and clean.
This is concentrated and rich, almost oily. Dense aromas lead into a mouthfilling wine with flavors of ripe banana, Meyer lemon and candied pineapple. It's on the edge of sugary, with a slightly grainy mouthfeel, and finishes a bit off-dry.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this wine seems to bear more resemblance to Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot with its notes of plum, herbs and bell pepper. The sweet cherry and vanilla flavors are buffeted by firm, dry tannins with a vanilla-filled finish.
This was 40% barrel-fermented, and carries a whiff of oak in the aroma. Apple scents and flavors follow. It's fresh, forward and fruity, with simple, straightforward flavors.
An aromatically interesting wine with notes of cherry, cedar and nori. The palate is flavorful with dry, rustic tannins.
Melon and white-fruit aromas are more generic than specific. This has a lively, fresh mouthfeel, along with flavors of nectarine, melon and persimmon. A lasting finish has a racy feel but offers nothing more in terms of flavors or complexity.
Basic apple and citrus aromas are dusty and straightforward. This feels citrusy and fresh, with little to no oak. Flavors of nectarine, white grapefruit and orange finish firm and fresh.
While fairly neutral on the nose, the palate of this dry Riesling boasts bright, sunny citrus notes against a backdrop of apple and pear. It's straightforward in style, but crisp, pleasant drinking.
Crisp, minerally aromas suggest citrus pith and saltiness. This feels bright and zesty as it dances on the palate. Flavors of tropical fruits, lychee and melon are generic and turn slightly bitter on the finish.
Innovation is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, and one-quarter each Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in neutral oak. Though the blend is interesting, it remains generic, with dilute flavors of cranberry and strawberry. The earthy tannins wrap up a quick finish.
Lifted cherry, mango and peach aromas lend a slightly candied note to this slightly off-dry rosé made from Cabernet Franc. It's unabashedly juicy and fruity on the palate, but balanced with brisk acidity. A fun, easy-drinking sip.
Pure Petit Verdot is not an easy wine to balance. Here the cool vintage seems to have led to a disjointed wine with flavors that don't quite sync up. The grapy fruit shows a hint of residual sugar, the acids are tart and citrusy, the tannins chalky. More bottle age may help pull it all together.
Pure Merlot from a cool site in a cool vintage yields a somewhat attenuated wine with tart berry fruit. The barrel aging has contributed flavors of sandalwood and chocolate, but the chalky tannins need some rich red meat to soften them up.
This is a southern Rhône-style blend, with a fruit mix falling on the not-quite-ripe end of the spectrum. Tomato leaf and rhubarb flavors run into chewy tannins and a quick, short finish.
This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has decent concentration, moderate acidity, and chewy raspberry fruit flavors. There's a hint of something burnt in the nose and the finish, which thins out rather quickly.
Smoke and char notes lend a savory, dark tone to cheerful red-cherry and sweet-spice flavors in this oaky, full-bodied Bordeaux blend. The palate is penetrating with juicy, primary fruit, but finishes a bit green and woody.
Youthful and exuberant on the nose with notes of melon, guava and blossom, this is an easy-quaffing off-dry Riesling. Delicately framed, it's brisk and bright with subtle flavors of apple and lemon.
This is a soft, lightly fruity wine with citrus and grapefruit flavors. It has some minerality and an attractive texture that gives shape to the wine. Drunk fresh in the summer, it will make a fine apéritif.
Smoky wood aromas are confirmed on the palate by a tough, wood-laden character. It's all spice and toast, leaving little room at this stage for fruit. That should come because the wine has weight and suggestions of rich berry fruits in the background.
With its bright pink color and fruity aromas of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, this wine is more good than bad. The palate feels fresh, balanced and juicy, while flavors of plum, cherry and red licorice finish clean.
While this isn't easy to identify as Shiraz, it still qualifies as a good, everyday red wine. Rubbery berry aromas come with a pinch of spearmint, while the palate feels juicy and racy. Berry and mild oak flavors finish with a chocolate note and a rubbery accent.
Earthy aromas include forest floor, black berries, leather and spice. The palate is less expressive and has a green character, showing unripe red cherry alongside astringent tannins that give it an abrupt, bitter close.
An uncommon grape for Virginia, this 100% Nebbiolo shows prune and blackberry jam notes on the nose. True to the variety's character, this wine shows strong, grainy tannins on the palate which should mellow in time to reveal the coffee-dusted black fruit underneath.
Ruddy, ripe flavors of black cherry and blueberry preserves permeate through this sunny, off-dry Dornfelder. The palate is marked with soft acidity and a slightly herbal tone. Drink now.
This is a fun, candy-pink colored wine that is off dry, with a light effervescent prickle on the tongue. It has a tangy character that brings out intense acidity, with crisp red-currant and raspberry flavors. Drink now.
A rubbery, rustic nose starts out stalky and gritty before settling down. This is closed in feel, with stalky, almost burnt dark-berry flavors that end similarly, with stalky, herbal notes.
This is fragrant and varietally-correct on the nose. Quince, lemon-lime and lychee flavors show their best right away before turning decidedly sweet on the finish.
An ill-defined wine, closed and tight, this just hints at fruit without showing much intensity. The aftertaste has some bright lemon zest texture.
This unusual rosé is half Syrah and half Pinot Noir. Sometimes the combo works; here it seems like a mismatch. Tart and simple, it's bone dry and unfocused, with short, thin flavors of watermelon and strawberry that quickly fade.
Dark and jammy on the nose, the palate brings bouncy blackberry and blueberry-sauce flavors. Textured black pepper notes lead to the finish on this medium-bodied, medium-tannin wine.
This is a pale colored rosé, light and fruity. It has a touch of caramel to go with the ripe strawberry fruitiness. The finish is fresh and crisp. Drink now.
Almond flavors and a touch of bitterness give this wine a hard edge. It has spice, pepper and good acidity, although there is not enough fruit to go around.
Fleshy and lightly oxidized on the nose, this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sparkler shows a seltzer-like palate with pulse-preserving acidity. The palate brings a mix of peach, yeast, spent lees and oxidized flavors.
Fresh and light in character, this fruity, crisp wine is up front with its bright character. Tight, fragrant and ready to drink, it is a simple wine that will be good as an apéritif.
Medium ruby in color, with already some slight bricking, this wine shows charred blackberry on the nose with ample green and black peppercorn. The palate follows suit offering a bit of structure from grainy, grippy tannins. Sweet herbs round out the finish.
This Bordeaux-style blend includes 44% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 24% Malbec. The fruit flavors are light and lean toward red berry notes, while the mouthfeel is dominated by thick, drying tannins. It finishes short and chalky.
This is a fruity wine that has fresh, lemony crispness to balance the sweet-fruit palate. Bright and clean, it is ready to drink now.
Aromas of scorched earth, pressed rose and a funky note of game lead the nose. The lean, diluted palate offers raisin and a hint of dried black cherry alongside gritty, fleeting tannins.
No doubt trying to capitalize on the red blend trend, this comes across as well made, but a bit confected. Black cherry fruit is clean but simple, with a round, soft mouthfeel.
While the wine is clean, it tastes yeasty and heavy despite its low alcohol. There is strawberry fruitiness and final acidity, although the sweetness remains intrusive.
Merlot is at the center of this blend, combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. A bitterness of green tannins and black leather make for a hugely tannic, puckering effect on the palate.
Although this is the winery's reserve-level blend, it doesn't work well in this vintage. Vague and muted, the mix of grapes lacks focus, offering just a thin, generic red wine with a chalky aftertaste.
Earthy, woodsy, spicy aromas set up an electric, almost overcharged palate with no finesse. Bright cherry flavors turn peppery as the finish tastes blackened and bitter. Overly lively and unsettled.
Whiffs of reeds and dusty mineral contrast sharply against sunny, slightly candied citrus and peach flavors on the palate. It's medium sweet with a delicate, dainty composure. Drink now.
Grassy, herbal aromas contain little fruit, while this feels firm, with no give to the palate. Green, herbal flavors are low on fruit, and this ends with heat and scratchiness.
The nose on this bottling by Eli Parker and Blair Fox combines plump white-fleshed fruit with pithy aromas of orange and grapefruit. It's fresh on the palate, carving a fine line between elegant structure, bright acidity and fruit flavors of tangerine, lime, Gala apple and papaya.
Sourced from a single vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion, this is a plush, open-knit Mourvèdre that's ready to drink. Sage, cedar and menthol aromas give it decent complexity, while the flavors of grilled plums and barbecue smoke satisfy cravings for fruity and savory all at once. Drink now–2023.
Apple and lemon rise above the fray in this crisp and tartly fresh sparkler. Nicely integrated acidity keeps it vibrant on the palate, and lengthy on the finish, all within a lightly ripe context of deliciousness.
While still a bit closed on the nose, this vibrant off-dry Riesling develops rich, concentrated strokes of tangerine and stone fruit on the palate. It's sun-kissed and cheery, balanced elegantly with pert, citrus-toned acidity.
With David Baverstock, winemaker for Herdade do Esporão, in charge, this is a dense rich expression of ripe Alentejo wines. It has smooth tannins, with just a touch of dryness to give it shape. It also balances the black fruits with acidity and the smooth texture of wood aging. Drink now.
Herbal in tobacco leaf and cedar, this is a medium-bodied, restrained and elegant wine, structured in robust tannin and mouthfeel with plenty of underlying acidity to keep it fresh and food-friendly.
This blended red brings in four of the five Bordeaux varieties (61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot). Some prominent mint notes may limit its appeal, but it's otherwise a classic example of the genre, accenting cassis fruit with hints of vanilla and cedar. Despite the ample alcohol and a bit of warmth, there's also some austerity and firmness to the tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
This attractively perfumed wine shows the structure of Pommard without pushing too strongly. It has ripe red plum and cherry fruit that will balance the tannins as it ages. Drink from 2020.
While unabashedly sweet and simple, this luscious, lip-smacking wine is full of ripe pink grapefruit and tangerine flavors. Zippy acidity sharpens the midpalate and drives a lingering, fresh finish. Drink now through 2019.
From three different sites, all within Green Valley, this is a block and barrel selection, a showcase of rich, ripe, robust baked black cherry and full-bodied gusto. The oak is tenacious and in support of the more delicate nuances of compost and rose.
This unusual wine marries the peppery spicy red-fruit flavors of the grape with terroir-driven components mixing rock, root and soil. Threading through is a streak of chicken stock, and the tannins jut out a bit, suggesting that further bottle age is in order. As with all the Minimus wines, this breaks the mold and rewards your attention.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah make up the majority of this blend. Aromas of dark plum, dried herb, black fruit and bittersweet chocolate are followed by full-bodied black-fruit flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment.
Floral scents of white and yellow field flowers meld together with aromas of ripe orchard fruit. The juicy palate doles out ripe yellow apple, creamy pear, candied lemon drop and a savory hint of saline. A light mineral note lifts the finish.
Six months of barrel aging have given this wine an extra richness and spice. Under the tannins and wood, the ripe red fruits are developing well to eventually give a structured while fruity wine. Drink from 2019.
With equal parts earth and fruit, this richly composed kabinett offers plump, cushiony peach and apricot flavors, offset by zesty acidity and dusty, earthy complexities. It's an approchable yet elegantly balanced, nuanced wine.
Tight-grained tannin and texture signal a youthful vigor in this medium-bodied wine that presents itself as thick and dense in wild red fruit. The richer, lusher components are met by bright acidity and a mouthwatering freshness.
Black plum and star anise show on the hearty nose of this bottling, which plays to the riper side of the grape despite being from a cooler climate. The mouthfeel is thick and the flavors juicy, with tangy cranberry and raspberry mixing with richer plum. The tannins are soft.
Aromas of forest floor and herbal berry fruits set up a wide grabby palate that's neither heavy nor overdone. Inky oaky berry flavors are limited in scope and complexity, while this finishes strong, with latent spice notes.
Here's a red Rhône-style blend that tastes well balanced, like a traditional French wine. It has a relatively light color like Grenache does, and open, fruity aromas followed by flavors like raspberry, strawberry and cherry. Extra smooth and silky in texture, the wine has a lingering finish, too.
Aromas of dried violet, black-skinned berry and cooking spice take center stage while the dense palate offers black plum, mocha and a touch of vanilla alongside solid tannins. It's already accessible so drink soon.
Aromas of black-skinned fruit, baking spice and mocha lead the nose while the ripe palate offers black plum, vanilla and tobacco. Assertive tannins and the heat of evident alcohol provide the framework. Drink through 2019.
Floral aromas of acacia and Spanish broom mingle with yellow stone fruit and toasted nut. On the medium-bodied palate, a note of bitter almond underscores ripe apricot and tangerine zest. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Based in the Côte des Blancs, this producer has made a soft, ripe style of Blanc de Blancs. It's smooth and creamy in texture, drinkable now with its hint of toastiness balanced by crisper apple flavors.
This opens with subdued aromas of mature plum, espresso, dried herb and a whiff of forest floor. The dense rounded palate offers dried cherry, licorice, vanilla and coffee framed in velvety tannins. Drink this through 2022.
Gravenstein apple, honeysuckle and jasmine aromas show on the relatively boisterous nose of this bottling from a large vineyard on Highway 46 east of Paso Robles. There is compellingly grippy texture to the sip, with ripe flavors of pear and honeydew melon. A salty acidity takes it to the next level.
Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this opens with aromas of French oak, blackberry, coconut and a whiff of dark spice. The medium-bodied palate doles out plum, roasted coffee bean and a hint of licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Blackberry, chopped herb and menthol aromas carry over the racy palate along with sour cherry and licorice. Vibrant acidity and flinty mineral add backup while tightly wound tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2024.
Made with native grape Zibibbo, this offers aromas and flavors of rose petal, peach, orange zest and a hint of sage. Refreshing acidity brightens the savory palate while a touch of sea salt signals the close.
“No oak/No malo” the label proclaims, as if to challenge you to like it anyway. What's not to like? Fresh, leesy notes cleanse the palate, and set up the palate for the mix of melon, blood orange and pineapple that defines the flavors. Without any oak or buttery malo, what persists is the vivid, supple acidity.
This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino opens with a floral and fruit fragrance of violet, dark berries and spice, with a hint of pressed powder. The palate offers a bright, cherry Jolly Rancher flavor, accented by notes of spice and orange peel. Very elegant and ready to drink now.
Here's a bold, ripe offering that delivers savory blackberry and black cherry flavors, with layers of white and black pepper. The brawny, tightly-knit tannins are balanced by vibrant acidity, giving this an ageworthy structure. Drink 2019–2029.
Smooth wood and spice flavors give this wine immediate attractiveness. It has weight and richness, ripe fruit flavors and a spacious feel to the texture. With its complex structure, it's a wine for aging, so drink after 2016.
This is serious, structured Blaufränkisch. It has ripe berry fruits, a solid structure and bright, juicy acidity that give the wine potential to age well. Cellaring should bring out the bloom of rich cherries and ripeness, so drink from 2016.
Savory apple and lemon scents open this delicately composed, but intensely minerally spätlese. The palate is ripe, with juicy yellow peach and orange flavors, anchored by earthy tones of crushed rock and slate that linger on the finish.
Zesty on the nose, with whiffs of orange rind, lemon and pineapple, this bright, zippy beerenauslese counters laser-focused acidity with creamy honey and marmalade flavors. Pleasantly astringent, it finishes on a bracing pink-grapefruit note. It's delicious now, but its honeyed citrus palate should gain complexity and dimension over the next 5–10 years.
The ILR Reserve continues to be one of the top Hunter Semillons available in the U.S. The 2007 remains youthful, showing a pretty array of citrus aromas and flavors, medium body and a crisp texture. In another few years, this medium-bodied wine should start to develop nuances of honey and toast. Best after 2017.
Crisp, focused aromas of minerals and red fruits are correct for Priorat. This Garnacha-led blend is firm, tannic and drawing in the mouth, but not raw. Flavors of ripe, gritty, roasted berry fruits finish minerally, with a note of licorice. Drink this standard but delicious wine now.
This beautiful apricot and melon-flavored wine is still so fruity. It shows no sign of its seven years' aging, still keeping a fresh crisp character. There is just this extra depth and richness that brings in almond, spice and a touch of toastiness. Drink this very fine wine now.
This attractive young, fruity wine is crisp, tangy and with delicious freshness. Its floral aroma and ripe pear and melon fruitiness give it a fine rich balance. With a delicious bright aftertaste the wine is ready to drink.
With just over a half-ton harvested per acre due to the drought, this is a potent wine, with nose-tickling dark boysenberry, asphalt and wet stone aromas and brighter lifts of dried sage and raspberry. The soft palate combines vibrant acidity with raspberry and mulberry flavors and a hint of dried herbs.
A tender subdued nose gives hints of honeysuckle and ripe mirabelles. The medium-sweet palate lets the stone fruit speak even louder but a pleasantly bitter phenolic edge provides a frame for the juicy sweetness. This is rich and generous and has a lovely tang of tangerine on the warm finish.
The low-yielding vines average 35 years of age, and their flavors are subtle yet distinctive. This wine unfolds slowly and almost imperceptibly, with subtle minerality around flavors of citrus pith and rind. It's tart and racy, with a lick of Key lime through the finish.
Cave Spring rocks Riesling, and this off-dry (16g/L) version is sexy and mineral-drenched. It's a perfect mix of sweet and tangy, the citrus and tree fruits dense with complex phenolic highlights that add to a wine that's textural, full bodied and long.
Ripe mirabelle fruit plays on the nose and leads onto a very rich, creamy but fresh palate. This is autolytic generosity set against bright lemony fruity freshness. The creamy mousse adds to the creaminess even more but also accentuates spiky lemon. The palate is bone dry but full of rich flavors. This is lovely now but will gain from bottle age. Drink 2017–2025.
A kind of zesty ripeness rises from the glass, uniting ripe tangerine and orange peel with a lovely notion of peach. There also is a lifted touch of honey. The medium-sweet palate gives these flavors full rein. Fleshy ripe fruit is bathed in honeyed while zestiness provides a counterpoint. This one is wonderfully rich, rounded and aromatic with long-lasting flavors.
If the term “mellow” were to be made into a liquid this would be it. Both nose and palate have the sonorous gentle richness of very ripe pear, with the richness of some dried pear fruit, too. This late-harvest style has sweet richness but is also utterly balanced. There is enough freshness and structure to corral the fruit into something easy, gentle, generous and warming. This is so unobtrusive, so balanced that it might disappear very quickly.
Very vivid notes of green citrus signal refreshment and lightness. The palate confirms this near weightless lightness and underlines it with fine tiny bubbles that fizz away creamily, providing a counterpoint and resulting in a wine that is both exquisitely light, dry, creamy and elegant. If you are looking for a sophisticated but light apéritif, this is your answer.
A subdued nose opens up into a citrus palate that has unusual licorice overtones, with smoky intrigue. The body is precise and bone dry, letting lemon and licorice shine and allowing the citrus freshness to brighten and heighten everything. The finish is superclean. Drink this now through 2025.
The nose is shy and merely hints at lemon zestiness. The palate also opens with lemon zest but in a very concentrated full-on fashion with a citrus blast. There is a softer touch of orange and tangerine, too. The freshness is bundled and has ample drive and energy. This certainly is juicy, citrus fresh and off dry. The finish is whistle-clean and very refreshing.
Made with dried Garganega grapes, this opens with heady aromas of passion fruit, dried nectarine slices and candied lemon. Concentrated and juicy, the delicious palate doles out peach jam, acacia honey and pastry alongside bright acidity that adds freshness.
This blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot opens with attractive green, herbal notes of peppercorn, laurel, blackcurrant leaf and plum skin. Smooth at first, with ripe plum and berry flavors on the palate, the fine tannins offer a pronounced yet dusty grip throughout the long, dry finish. It's a well-balanced wine that should continue to gain complexity through 2022.
Lush and lovely, this sweet treat is an outstanding example of the variety made as an icewine. Loaded with apricot, tangerine, peach and honey, it compensates for its sweetness with balancing acidity. One 375 ml bottle will easily serve four for dessert.
Dusty and tannic, this is a solid value for its quality—a wine of freshness and grip that offers complexity and approachability in equal measure. Black-cherry and black -pepper flavors highlight the palate.
Deep black plum and black cherry flavors lend fruit concentration to this full-bodied and mouth-filling wine from a tiny hilltop appellation in Mendocino County. Its dark fruit flavors are quite ripe but not sweet, and a good wrapping of fine-grained tannins supports the richness very well.
This impressive, pure Merlot offers plenty of grip and concentration. Black-cherry fruit and dark chocolate, espresso and fine-grained tannins are all in play. The structure, length and polish make this a standout, especially at this price.
Creamy notes of strawberry shortcake make for an alluring nose. The impression continues on the palate with very fine creamy mousse while the more tender, tart red-berry notes now gain some enticing pepper spice. This is a very elegant, dry apéritif style. Without any dosage the finish is long, refreshing and dry.
Dusty apple aromas show a good level of pop and freshness. This Godello feels round yet fresh. Yeasty, bready white-fruit flavors are more basic than specific.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 35% of this blend, along with 26% Syrah, 26% Merlot, and 13% Cabernet Franc. Aged in 70% new French and American oak, barrel-forward aromas of vanilla, coconut and baking spice are out in front of a medley of dark fruit. The fruit flavors are sweet, rich and luscious, with toothsome tannins providing support. There's plenty of enjoyment to be had but the barrel influence is pretty intense.
Iris, wild berry and a whiff of camphor aromas lead the nose. The tightly wound but straightforward palate offers raw sour cherry, cranberry, crushed herb and dark spice notes alongside bright acidity and assertive, rather grainy tannins. Drink after 2023.
Light aromas of apple, red fruit and spice lead to a medium-bodied palate with red and black-fruit flavors. The tannins bring a fair amount of grittiness, providing distraction.
This is a spirited, funky white made from old vines, the wine aged in neutral oak. High in acidity, it has flavors of white peach and coconut.
Ripe yellow peach and sunny citrus flavors are forward and fresh in this plush unoaked Chardonnay. While dry and medium bodied in style, it's soft and round in texture. Easy yielding acidity highlights a succulent tangerine finish.
Boysenberry, dried rose petals, lilac and lavender show on the nose of this iconic winery's affordable bottling. Pencil shavings show on the sip, where the dark purple and boysenberry fruits are cut by deft acidity.
This wine is a blend of Roussanne (58%), Marsanne (21%) and Grenache Blanc from Olsen and Boushey vineyards. Unusual aromas of apricot, herb, lees, toasted Grape-nuts and candle wax lead to waxy stone-fruit flavors. It doesn't all come together.
The aromas are quite bright, with notes of dried cranberry and raspberry along with spice and game. The palate is full of medicine-cabinet and game flavors, seeming a bit dried out.
Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Merlot (21%), Syrah (17%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and five other varieties. Aromas of blue fruit, char, plum, herb, confection and spice are followed by easy-drinking plum flavors, with a slightly clipped finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker.
Sharp and peppery aromas of chive, dill and Key lime show on the intriguing nose of this wine. Good citrus energy marks the flavors, where ripe pear appears in the midpalate and a decent acidity carries into the finish.
This wine is 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of plum, smoke, orange peel and dried fruit are followed by a sweet full-bodied palate. It packs a big wallop but could use a bit more acid to balance out the abundance of fruit.
Toasty, smoky oak aromas and flavors dominate this medium-bodied wine that is soft around the edges. With little noticeable tannin and low acidity it comes off as slightly sweet.
In its antique bottle, this wine (one of a limited series) is laden with more wood than fruit. It will certainly soften, allowing the black fruits to come through, but this amount of wood will be hard to balance out. Drink from 2020.
Aromas of lanolin, wet wool and squash indicate that this wine has lost much of its fruit. That's confirmed on the palate, which feels tired and thin, with fading stone-fruit flavors. The wine is nearing the end of its drinking enjoyment.
Quite light in color, this wine starts out reduced initially, followed by aromas of red fruit and herb. The tangy cranberry flavors are light and elegant, with the oak seemingly dialed back.
Light black raspberry and purple-flower aromas show on the somewhat shy nose of this bottling from the Jackson Family's longtime Santa Maria Valley winery. Well-woven flavors of black raspberry, dark cranberry, thyme and bay leaf appear on the sip, which is light and easy albeit not very complex.
The aromas are bright, with notes of fresh flowers, potpourri, black pepper, blue fruit and tar. The palate is fruit forward and simple, not delivering on all the aromas have to offer. It pulls up short on the finish.
Aromas of yellow apple and pear lead to dry, well-balanced fruit flavors. It pulls up a bit on the finish but still provides easy-drinking appeal.
From a vineyard that is split between Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol, this wine is still firm and tannic—typical of the vintage. It seems more structure than fruit and will probably remain somewhat tough. It is ready to drink.
This smooth and soft Chardonnay just hints at the oxidation found in the Vins Jaunes of Jura, giving it a full, ripe character with yellow fruits and a rounded texture. Produced by one of the many Tissots in Jura, across the valley from Burgundy, this rich wine is ready to drink.
Peppery pear notes signal freshness and ease on a cushioned palate that is softer than you might expect.
Fully 25% of the wine is Syrah, which adds color and helps to bolster the fruit. Red berries provide a light base for a wine with plenty of barrel flavors of toast and coffee grounds.
This is already showing some signs of early maturity in both the darkening color and the soft, lightly oaky mouthfeel. Autumnal fruit flavors suggest overripe apples, augmented with a dash of baking spice. Drink up.
Sticky tar, dense blackberry, leather, soy and lilacs combine for a thick nose on this well-priced, widely available bottling. Beef char, dense purple flowers, blackberry jam and tar consume the palate, which is chewy with a strong tannic structure.
Some appealing floral highlights rub against flavors of orange crush, cherry soda and toasted cracker. This young wine seems structured for early drinking.
There's a healthy dose of oak cradling the fruit-forwardness of this wine, made entirely from estate vineyards within the Chalk Hill appellation near the winery. Anise and honeyed caramel vie for attention against a rich texture and lemony finish.
Soft, lifted pine and lime-peel notes make for a refreshing opening. The palate seems less focused and a bit confected, but slender and fresh nonetheless. Drink soon.
Aromas of tree bark, pencil eraser, olive, plum and berry fruits are solid. This is quite good for Maule Syrah. The acidity is lively and bracing, while plum and apple-skin flavors finish raw and grating.
Thierry Hamelin has produced this wine specially for the Xavier Flouret range. It is lightly perfumed with white-flower aromas and has a mineral texture and delicious, refreshing citrus flavors. Full of tangy fruit and acidity at the end, it is a wine to drink now.
Great balance gives this medium-bodied wine an easy appeal, as light spicy aromas combine with ripe red and black-cherry flavors for seamless, smooth sipping.
A soft shade of yellow pink, this wine shows red apple, nectarine and a shred of lime rind on the nose. The palate offers slightly sour lime and underripe raspberry flavors as well as a unique and intriguing touch of fresh herbs.
This ruby red Merlot has aromas of cherry vanilla, black plum and black cherry and flavors of red plum and dried cherry. The finish is persistent with mouth drying tannins.
Tangy and textured, this is a wine that needs food. A tannic edge from the Cabernet in the blend gives the wine a tight, bright, refreshing aftertaste.
This offers aromas suggesting honeysuckle and honeydew melon while the fresh, linear palate displays grapefruit, pineapple and sage. A hint of bitter nut closes the finish.
This blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Syrah opens with aromas of  black-skinned berry and baking spice while the straightforward palate offers black cherry and white pepper alongside chewy tannins. It's made to be consumed young so enjoy soon.
This opens with aromas suggesting aromatic herb, hay, yellow flower and light balsamic note. The bright, restrained palate offers lime, lemon peel and sage while a mineral note signals the close.
Light daffodil aromas meet with lemon curd, wet slate and the slightest touch of green apple skins. The palate is very chalky and mineral-driven, showing a bit of sour apple as it sits longer on the tongue. The finish is nicely mouth-watering.
A blend of half and half Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a rounded, full wine. It has plenty of red-berry fruits along with spice, a tight texture and a crisp aftertaste. The wine offers a good reflection of the fruitiness of the year.
Gritty, granular, medicinal aromas smell reedy and like crushed vitamins. A choppy palate and flavors of plum, grape juice and raspberry end with cutting tannins and the essence of raspberry.
Minerally white-fruit aromas are clean but generic. In every way, this is a modest but solid Verdejo with proper acidity and overall balance. Briny citrus is the key flavor, while the finish holds form and tastes citrusy and a touch salty.
A clonal selection, Gemini offers tart rhubarb and apple fruit. It's fresh and simple, lightly dotted with spring herbs. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas of white flower, hazelnut and orchard fruit follow over to the savory palate along with mature pear, lime zest and smoke. A mineral note signals the finish.
This is intriguing on the nose, with loads of fresh apple and floral perfume merged with darker tones of petrol and pine needles. Off-dry in style, it's lush and fruity, with ample melon and stone-fruit flavors. It finishes dry, with a splash of citrusy acidity.
Just a hint of sweetness is perceived, coming from the 1.1% residual sugar. Fresh and fruity, with grapefruit and orange flavors dominating, this is forward, round and flavorful, with just a hint of steel in its spine.
Rusty in color, this has leathery aromas that include dried cheese and fallen leaf. Forward, fruity and full of acidity, it tastes of roasted black fruit, caramel and molasses. The fresh acidity ensures that it doesn't come across too forcefully or heavy. Cabernet and Merlot is the mix.
Once you get beyond the billowing violet and gardenia notes on the nose and palate, you're likely to find a surprisingly delicate sip that's bright with lime-juice acidity and honeyed pineapple and hibiscus-nectar flavors.
Notes of sweet, juicy honey tangerines, stone fruit and muskmelon show on this powerfully fruity, off-dry Gewürztraminer. It's juicy and forward, but brisk orange-rind notes and citrusy acidity adds balance and structure.
This wine might need more time in bottle before truly blossoming. Its soft layers of red fruit are just starting to open up.
The ripe yellow fruits and wood aging work together in this rich, full-bodied effort. The acidity lends a refreshing relief as the wine rolls around on the palate. Drink in a year.
Hints of savory herbs, lime skins and crushed stones balance the exuberant notes of jasmine and tropical fruit. Dry, yet delightfully fruity, it's elegantly structured with a lemon-pith astringency that lingers.
On the nose, the aromas are of wood and fruit, but the palate demonstrates the ripe fruit of the vintage. It's smooth and opulent, and the barrel influence is in balance with the yellow and orange fruit flavors. This will be ready to drink in two years.
Initially this is round, ripe and floral, with a touch of honey, but then the acidity comes through with a touch of minerality. Screwcap.
Warm and ripe, this has fine honey and yellow fruit flavors. It has well-integrated acidity, with a touch of apple that lends a crisp finish.
Alluring aromas of violet, rose and dark-skinned fruit lead the way on this elegantly structured wine. The firm palate delivers young red cherry, white paper, grilled herb and pipe tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins.
This outstanding effort offers a vanilla wrap around solid fruit flavors of white peach, yellow plum and nectarine. The texture and detail are delightful, as the wine generously fills in the finish with a hint of marzipan.
This clonal study by Clarissa Nagy shows lots of brown spice, pomegranate fruit and wet slate on the nose, which is shy at first until a deeper sniff reveals juiciness. The palate offers an herbal medley of oregano, thyme and marjoram, spicing up the cranberry fruit, graphite and cocoa shavings.
Aromas of red berry, mint, menthol and baking spice slowly take shape in the glass. On the palate, notes of anise, chopped herb and black pepper add depth to the cherry-raspberry core. Firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2018–2024.
This forward wine opens with aromas of dried plum marinated in spirits, fleshy black cherry, baking spice and chopped mint that follow through to the warm, full-bodied palate. Velvety tannins support the rich flavors.
Red berry, rose, leather and baking spice aromas come together in the glass. The structured, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, roasted herb and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins. Still young and bracing, give this a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2018–2028.
Simply delicious, this smells like plump red cherries, tastes generously fruity and feels rich in texture. A spicy cinnamon aroma comes up on the second sniff, and the flavors add black cherry and cedar. The mouthfeel is rather soft, as the acid and tannins are moderate, and the body is full but not heavy.
This elegantly structured wine opens with aromas of black plum, mocha, Mediterranean herbs and a hint of scorched earth. The round, enveloping palate doles out ripe black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and white pepper, while firm, silky tannins provide the framework. A fantastic wine, it's already enjoyable and will offer fine drinking over the next few years.
Coming from a vineyard named after the patron saint of night watchmen, this wine offers luxurious purple aromas of blackberry-vanilla sauce and dark chocolate. The palate is sticky and singing with coffee, milk chocolate and dried cherries, showing plenty of deep tannins and boisterous acidity that will make this bottling last a while.
Powerful and delicious flavors are matched by bold and supportive tannins in this almost larger-than-life wine. Ripe black cherry, plum and anise flavors are nicely wrapped up in a texture that lifts and balances them for a seamless impression on the palate. The delicious fruit notes and lightly spicy nuances linger beautifully on the finish.
The most affordable of Harper Voit's 2013 lineup, this deeply aromatic wine offers up a lush mix of rose petals and other perfumed floral scents, along with hints of rhubarb and cherry. Elegant on the palate, it's a poised and balanced wine that brings to mind the old line about Ginger Rogers doing everything Fred Astaire did, only backwards and in high heels. Here the dance includes ripe strawberries, cherries, flowers and a long, graceful encore.
Big and bold, this is a dense and firmly structured wine. Dusty tannins and dark plum-skin and blackberry fruits are melded into a complex, firm wine that is still young. It has power and the ability to age for many years. Drink from 2018.
This wine has an austere character with a hint of tannins in its structure. Crisp apple backs up the bright luminous acidity. Almost startlingly fresh, it needs time in the bottle—drink from 2017.
This wine is defined by oak from start to finish, with brown sugar and liquid-smoke notes pervading. Undoubtedly there's some fruit in support, which fills out the wine's frame and adds some firm tannins to the mix, providing for potential longevity. The only question is whether it will hold up in the long term.
Ripe yellow apples and peach elements are cut with lime peels and cement aromas on this blend of 46% Roussanne, 44% Grenache Blanc and 10% Viognier. It's focused and clean upon sipping, with tight pears, nectarine and white peach flavors, even showing some crushed ant tension.
Elegance abounds throughout this concentrated, yet crisp, vivacious Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir). Juicy streaks of black plum and cherry are accented by violet, smoke and granite. Soft, powdery tannins lend plushness to a long, lingering finish.
Aromatic and stylish, this brings the alcohol down a point from the riper 2012 bottling, but rewards the patient sipper with finely rendered raspberry and cherry fruit and hints of orange peel. The supporting acidity brings freshness and length, while promising a substantial life ahead. Drink now through 2022.
From a hilltop spot in an appellation increasingly adept at growing the variety in a restrained way, this wine is voluptuous on the palate while also offering complex layers of smoky meat, truffle earth and black licorice. The finish completes the experience with a healthy dose of black pepper.
Structured but sleek, this has aromas of ripe blackberry, raspberry and ground cooking spice. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy black cherry, black pepper, anise, wild herb and tobacco while ripe, polished tannins provide support. It nicely blends structure and elegance.
This is a rich, full-bodied and finely structured wine. Named after the patriarch of the estate, it is firmly packed with dark plum and ripe blackberry fruits that are flanked by a dense texture and balanced acidity. It needs some time, so drink from 2018.
Made only in the best years, this flagship wine from Herdade do Zambujal is powerful, solidly tannic and packed with dark, brooding fruits. Big and dense, it has weight as well as layers of wood aging balanced against the opulent fruits and acidity. It still needs to develop, so drink from 2018.
Foresty, earthy aromas of leather and black fruits are rugged and a touch rustic. In the mouth, this is voluminous and chewy, with fresh acidity. Flavors of licorice, herbs, pepper, plum and blackberry finish with light herbal notes and bright acidity that will ensure a fairly long lifespan. Drink through 2024.
This is a very tastefully done take on a more traditional, rather ripe California style of the grape, with peach-driven tropicality, buttered vanilla and a salted-lemon element on the nose. The palate shows ripe nectarine, lemon curds, lime sorbet, a pinch of dill and a tiny bit of vanilla on the finish, proving lively throughout.
Aromas of forest floor, espresso, toast, blackberry and dried Mediterranean herb lead the nose on this full-bodied, forward blend of Carignano and 10% Syrah. The round, concentrated palate doles out ripe black cherry, red currant, spiced blueberry, coffee and ground black pepper alongside a firm backbone of velvety tannins.
Inviting and complex, this is a juicy, spicy and structured Zin. It's big, bold and flavorful as one would expect, with unexpected balance and acidity. Dusty, leathery tannins wrap around black, brambly berries and black pepper, suggesting food pairings that do the same.
This wine is ripe, smooth and rich. It has a generous feel to it, although never far from the more mineral, steely, terroir-driven character that makes good Pouilly-Fuissé. The top of the range from Château de Fuissé, this wine is selected from 30 different parcels giving an harmonious balance between richness and structure. Age the wine and drink from 2018.
Grown sustainably on land between the Santa Lucia Highlands and Carmel, this great-smelling wine shows light caramel apple and sea salt on the nose. There's a judicious touch of butter to the palate, where flavors of green pear and lemon zest leave the mouth watering with acidity long into the finish.
This creamy wine has a really ripe character. Acidity comes from the cooler location of the vineyard, while the warmth of the summer shows through in the yellow fruits as well as in the fresh, crunchy red apples. A textured edge conveys minerality and leaves a fresh, clean taste in the mouth. Drink from 2017.
This is David Hill winemaker Jason Bull's own label, and it offers excellent Pinot Noir character at a moderate price. Round and fruity, with toasty highlights, this is a mix of strawberries, light coffee and cream flavors, with excellent persistence.
Finding a good Anderson Valley Pinot Noir for under $25 is no easy feat and so this Husch bottling is impressive in delivering a fairly good experience for the price. A tad chewy still, with an oaky presence, it shows dark, ripe strawberry and mushroom-y flavors and finishes with some spice.
Manuel Olivier has an obvious interest in this lesser-known white grape. And with this wine— fresh, crisp, lively—he brings out all the green apple and bright, nervy acidity.
Mild citrus, bath oil and tropical fruit aromas set up a citrusy palate with good but pithy flavors of orange, grapefruit and lime. Unlike French Viognier, this is distinctly citric, almost like Sauvignon Blanc.
A rich, mid-weight red blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 23% Malbec and 5% Petite Sirah, Murrieta Well's The Spur is balanced, soft in tannins and makes for a tasty midweek wine.
A bit exuberant in the nose, with luscious notes of cherry pie and sweet spice, this Merlot is surprisingly lean on the palate, with crisp red-fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity and soft, delicate tannins. It's a juicy, easy-drinking wine that's nicely balanced.
Hints of savory herbs accent pretty peach and blossom aromas in this dry but fruity Merlot rosé. It's elegantly structured, with moderate alcohol and crisp acidity balanced out by a lush, rounded mouthfeel.
The nose on this Sauvignon Blanc is chunky and shows hints of corn and baked apple. The body is in good shape, as proper acidity offsets any fat in the wine. Melony flavors match the texture, and there's some notorious Baja saltiness to the finish. This is definitely a food wine.
Fragrant and floral, this mix of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Viognier is soft and light, in alcohol (12.5%) and texture. With flavors of white peach and a subtle tropical streak, with good minerality, it's a nice sipping wine or a good find with Asian food.
Whiffs of leather and black pepper add complexity to concentrated black-fruit flavors in this bold yet surprisingly finessed Merlot. Tannins are a shade grippy and unripe, but add structure and power.
Produced in partnership between Schulz Cellars and Lamprydae Vineyards, Communication Block wines benefit Napa Valley Kids Connect, a non-profit for kids with motor and communication difficulties. Light and very pretty, this Grenache Blanc is easy drinking with a swish of vanilla on the finish.
Aged entirely in new French oak, this is an unabashedly juicy, decadently spiced Merlot that's rich with vanilla and black-cherry pie flavors. Structurally, it's quite refined, with fresh acidity and soft, feathery tannins that linger.
This Malbec-Tannat blend from northern Argentina is hard and raisiny on the nose, with ripeness but not much elegance. The palate is rough and tannic, with stewy flavors and raisiny notes. A finish with baked fruit flavors, herbal leanings and leather is classic Cafayate.
Turbo-charged fruit flavors, full body and an almost thick texture make this wine opulent and compelling. While technically dry, it has such ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors that it tastes like a syrup, coating the sides of the mouth with fruit flavor and powering to a lingering finish.
Deep blackberry syrup, chipped slate and sharp black-plum skins show on the nose of this bottling. The tannins are very chalky and a bit overwhelming on the palate at first, but then open to reveal zesty but dense blackberry fruit and a touch of peppercorn. A solid choice now, it will be even better in a couple years.
Ripe and rich, this has blackberry fruit and well-integrated tannins. A year's wood aging has given it structure and concentration. The wine will mature well and gently. Drink from 2020.
Developing well, this is a structured wine from a great vintage. It is firm with dark tannins as well as concentrated black fruits and balanced acidity. The wine will be ready from 2018.
This wine is produced from a quinta owned by João Nicolau d'Almeida, a major figure in the development of Douro grape varieties and Douro wines. The wine is still young and firm, with concentrated tannins as well as rich blackberry fruits. It is a dense wine, with layered tannins and acidity supporting the ripe fruits. Drink from 2019.
This wine is young, with firm tannins and structured tannins. It has a solid character, with spice from the wood aging and a dark, bold character. Drink this powerful, concentrated wine from 2019.
Very structured, this solid wine has enough fruit to develop well. It comes from the estate that also produces Barca Velha in the very top vintages. The wine is full, rich and concentrated. The tannins and structure will take time to soften, so wait until 2020.
This wine, produced from 80-year-old vines on the Dupuy family's property, is firm and dense. It has new wood aging that shows in the juicy eucalyptus flavors and touches of mint. The youthful blackberry fruits and the structure show the wine has considerable aging potential. Drink this concentrated wine from 2019.
Produced from organically grown grapes, the wine is rich and structured. It comes from an estate that has never seen pesticides or artificial fertilizers (the previous owner was 104 years old when she died and never used them). It is a full of blackberry fruits, rich with tannins and firm with a dark core of dryness. Drink this wine from 2020.
This ripe wine is dense with firm tannins and bright with red-berry fruits. Dominated by 60% rich Merlot, it is structured while never losing sight of its fruit and spice. The wine is still developing, so don't drink before 2018.
This is a small property under the same ownership as Château Paloumey. It is unusual in the 20% Petit Verdot that goes into the blend. That gives the wine its deep color and rich generous black-plum fruit. Solid and dense, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020.
This rich barrel-aged wine is a blend of 50-50 Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a small, seven-acre estate just outside the village of Saint-Émilion. There are touches of licorice in this wine, hinting at extraction that needs to calm down. When that happens, this will be a dense and finely perfumed wine, rich and with a good future. Drink from 2022.
Owner Xavier Chassagnoux bought this estate in 1978, producing this as the top wine of the property. It shows the richness and fruitiness of the vintage, a ripe wine with black-plum fruit and touches of wood aging as well as crisp acidity at the end. Drink from 2018.
This outstanding value is sharp and precise, its black-cherry fruit holding down a compact core, annotated with streaks of coffee, truffle and chocolate. It punches well above its price, and should drink nicely into the early 2020s.
With its vinicultural eye on New Zealand, this full-bodied and rich wine offers a mouth-filling mix of citrus and tropical fruits. It's lush and forward, dense with fruit and highlighted with lemon verbena. The overall effect is like sipping on a vinous lemon-drop cocktail. Quite delicious!
Made entirely with Nebbiolo, this offers aromas of pressed rose, sunbaked earth, flint and a hint of anise. The palate is firmly structured, offering ripe red cherry, raspberry and a rusty iron note alongside firm tannins. Give this a few more years to let the tannins unwind.
Tart in lemon peel and tangerine, this lively white also offers a magnitude of stony minerality that manifests as a gravelly complexion on the texture. Honeysuckle figures prominently on the nose.
Earthy touches of honeycomb and crushed stone lend minerality to this invigorating dry Silvaner. The palate is sprightly, boasting zesty squirts of fresh lime and green melon flavors. Brisk acidity and a pleasant tinge of lime pith mark the finish.
While this wine comes out of the chute loaded with toast, mocha and brown sugar-inflected oak, the wood falls appropriately into the background on the palate, allowing cassis fruit to come forward. It's firm and tannic, with a powerful structure that requires a few years to come into perfect balance; try it after 2020.
A vivid peach color telegraphs that this is not your ordinary Pinot Gris. The wine smells like peach skin and prosciutto, and is light bodied but steeped in exotic flavors of dried flowers, apricot and sea salt. It has a firm mouthfeel, noticeable astringency and an almost meaty character. It's not for the faint of heart, but fascinating.
Sourced from the Wits' End (estate) vineyard, this is not noticeably different from that designated cuvée. Not that that's a bad thing—the lively raspberry and strawberry fruit flavors (laced with highlights of orange peel) are consistent and crisply defined. There's a light touch of caramel running down the finish.
Fresh berry and grapy aromas include hints of violet, Graham Cracker and crème de cassis liqueur. In the mouth, this Malbec from the southern reaches of the Uco Valley feels scratchy, with drying tannins. Lightly herbal, floral blueberry and plum flavors are not what you find every day with Malbec, while the finish is grapy but also shows juicy, wiry acidity. Drink through 2021.
Very soothing to sip, this is nevertheless a full-bodied wine with generous cherry, raspberry and almost-meaty flavors that flood the palate and spread to the edges of the mouth. The texture is broad and expansive, with only mild tannins.
Spicy saucy red-berry aromas announce a flush palate that's more balanced than outright bullish. Flavors of wild berry, nutmeg, vanilla and chocolate finish lively, with good weight. Drink this delicious Reserva through 2019.
This aromatic barrel selection employs multiple clones, from a winery which lays claim to farming more Pinot Noir clones than any in Oregon. Black cherry, cola and spice combine, leading into pinpoint tannins with a pleasing sweetness from the barrel aging. Drink over the next five years.
This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominant blend comes from some top quality vineyards that are seldom seen in a wine at this price, including Seven Hills, Canoe Ridge, Wallula, Tapteil and Champoux. Aromas of herb, berry, cherry and toasty spices give way to clearly high-quality fruit that has seen a lot of love and care. It's a big time winner at this price.
Ripe bold cassis and blackberry aromas come with notes of fine oak and chocolate. This is thorough and saturated on the palate, with a mix of firm tannins and cushion. Blackened plum and berry flavors have a cola accent, while this is dry, toasty and displays tannic grip on the finish; drink through 2022.
In this bottling dedicated to Steve Anglim's father, who advised his son to do what he loves, aromas of tar and elderberry meet with dried rose petals and coarsely ground pepper. Savory touches of soy, teriyaki and black pepper grow increasingly intriguing, with waves of roasted lamb seasoned by tarragon and rosemary. It makes the perfect pairing for any roasted meat.
This white is blended with 20% Pinot Gris, making for an unusual, interestingly crisp and delightful wine. Stony minerality defines it more than fruitiness, which leans more into savory stone fruit and hazelnut. It offers length and breadth in a medium-sized body.
This is succulent yet delicate, with dried hay and sweet grass flavors. Textural, vivid and racy, it has a Loire-like mix of fruit, flower and herb, with the possibility of improving still further over the next 4–5 years.
Dense, fruity and rock-solid as Ribera goes, this has aromas of cassis and blackberry that are full and lusty. The palate is thick and saturated, with rich black-fruit flavors, finishing long  and potent. Drink now–2017.
Bokisch's 100% Monastrell is brooding with dark fruit—black cherries, currants and blackberries. It shows a cinnamon-swirled earth note and a layer of herb, with medium body. As such, it would be a beautiful wine with roasted meats like lamb or chicken that are swaddled in herbs or anise. The tannins are soft but structured enough to age.
This has 10% Monastrell in the mix, and it is a sublime example of what flavors of baked raspberry compote, cranberry and black licorice can do when allowed to mingle together in liquid form. Medium in body, this has a lot of earthiness. It would make a fine alternative to more expensive Pinots.
Pierre Henri Morel is Chapoutier's general manager, but he also has his own line of wines that can often represent excellent value. This blend of Grenache, Clairette and Bourboulenc is full bodied and rich, toasty and smoky with oak influence and well endowed with peach and pineapple fruit. Drink it over the next year.
A step up from the winery's entry-level Hazard Hill bottling, the 2008 Omrah Shiraz is another terrific value. It takes plummy fruit and cedary oak, then ups the ante with complex notes of smoked meat and leather while silky tannins line the long finish. Drink now–2020.
Seemingly dripping with honey and nectar, this lush, intensely concentrated Riesling is dense, with sweet white-peach, grapefruit and pear flavors. Veins of of dusty slate and sharp lemon-lime acidity add complexity and elegance to the long, lingering finish.
Better known for its table wines, Quinta do Crasto still retains an important Port program. This big, dry and smoky effort fully justifies that. It is firmly structured and tannic, with a strong black-pepper character that is balanced by the solid structure and concentration.  Age over many years.
This is intensely ripe and almost tropical, with yellow fruit and flower notes that are balanced with layers of smoke, wet stone and brisk, steely acidity. This is a dry yet lavishly textured wine, with flavors that meander long on the finish.
This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is powerful, with a blueberry flavor, a mild green note, a balsamic hint and a molasses tinge. It's saturated and clampy in feel, with aggressive flavors of lemony oak, balsamic fruit and baked berry. Warm, oaky and full of licorice flavor on the finish. Drink 2014–2019.
A decent value in the upward-spiraling world of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this 2009 offers pungent scents of tobacco and damp earth, then dark, meaty notes and dried fruit flavors. It's creamy in texture and full bodied, with a softly tannic finish. Drink now–2020.
This luxury Cava is entirely clean and pure on the bouquet. The palate is bright, lifted and zesty for a 2006, with apple, dry spice and lingering citrus notes. The body is defined by its yeasty weight and foam but it's not heavy or dull. Only 100 cases of this beauty were made. Drink now–2015.
Gramona is known for yeasty, complex sparklers, and this falls into that paradigm. The nose is definitely yeasty, with apple and green melon aromas. It's a bit soft for Cava, but that's because it's an '05 that rested on lees for years. Flavors of toasted bread and apple are long on complexity and short on fruit, but once again that's what distinguishes Gramona from the masses.
This is a rich wine still dominated by solid, firm and dry tannins. Its black and red fruits are ripe and juicy, and its freshness comes from acidity that appears on the finish. Age this balanced effort for 4–5 years, at least.
This small 24-acre property has produced a powerful, rich 2010 that layers its big black-plum flavor with complex tannins and wood notes. Dry and firm, it is still defiantly young and needs several years to round out.
This structured, concentrated wine is from an estate in the north of Saint-Estèphe. A dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend lends it firm, solid tannins as well as a juicy black-currant note. It's a wine for long-term aging; don't drink before 7–8 years.
As Belgrave improves each year, it reveals a character that is close to the elegance and style of Saint-Julien, right next door. This 2010, while dense, is balanced, and its rich blackberry flavor is already integrating into its firm tannins. This should age well for the medium term.
This wine is straw in color, with delightful notes of lemon curds and apricot blossoms. On the palate, freshly picked apricot and Anjou pear provide the core to a slightly spiced backdrop, finishing crisp and clean. Pair this wine with your favorite spicy Asian dish.
Sweet oak, vanilla, plum, violet and mocha aromas lead the nose on this structured wine. The oak influence carries over to the palate together with ripe black cherry, leather and baking spice. The tightly compacted tannins need time to unwind. Drink 2020–2035.
As its name implies, this wine comes from chalk soil, giving both a strongly mineral character and ripe tropical fruit flavors. It's rich, full in the mouth, dry but with such a ripe character there seems to be some sweetness. It's impressively full and ready to drink now.
A fine,  wood-aged wine from the Dão's star white grape, it gives yellow fruit tones of apricot and peach, with toast and lees flavors providing a rich, full-bodied structure. The acidity cuts right through the palate, bringing out a lively, fresh aftertaste. Drink now, but the wine will be better in 2015.
Jet-black aromatics of creosote, charred meats, pepper and plum-blackberry jam make an excellent entry point for this wine from a vineyard in the new Ballard Canyon appellation. Blackberry sauce leads the palate, with espresso bitterness and strong acidity throughout. A powerful but beautiful Syrah.
The Daou brothers' considerable and continual investments is evidence that their wines will matter for years, ensuring a wise investment today. This 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot offers aromas of blueberry and cedar. Once sipped, the tannins grab with strength before dissipating smoothly. It's a seamless combo of spice, fruit, wood and herbs, but will evolve through at least 2025.
This is the second vintage release for the estate vineyard, which occupies the highest planted portion of Red Mountain. Precise, sharp-edged, high-acid red-fruit flavors of berry and cherry seem stacked vertically, with a strong mineral underpinning. The alcohol is a bit high, but overall the structure holds together and would support further aging; drink now–2022.
Spicy in black plum and berry fruit, Black Chicken is a consistent blockbuster for Biale, alive and fresh in waves of exotic cinnamon and clove. Built to age 2020–2022, it'll satisfy in complex black tea and savory toasty oak, an easy wine to love. The grapes are sourced from the winery's estate sites within the Oak Knoll District, where it's based.
Muted black plum teases from the nose of this wine, a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Amidst a wall of dusty tannins still needing time to soften, you'll find clove, blackberry and a treasure trove of chocolate and vanilla.
Buttered sourdough toast and a slight nuttiness kick off another excellent Chardonnay from the ever-reliable Talley. The palate is greeted with minerality that fades into an apple butter flavor alongside a pinch of cinnamon, culminating in a graceful vanilla finish.
Still young, the wine is very mineral, smoky and tight, with considerable structure and concentration. The apple and citrus fruits are attractive, although almost a sideshow compared with the texture of the wine. Drink from 2017.
This begins with scents of dried orange rinds and mango laced with honey as well as deeper aromas of rocks and savory herbs. A tight lemon acidity runs down the middle of the palate, with yellow flowers, yeast and toasted pine nuts on the side. It's both racy and rounded, and is showing a touch of age.
Honeysuckle and jasmine pique interest aromatically before luscious, linear waves of vanilla, caramel and lemon custard graciously interject, buoyed by ample acidity and a lush texture. This Chardonnay offers generous richness alongside high-toned minerality, and is a delicious go-to for buttery lobster dishes.
Rich while also structured, this is beginning to be delicious. Acidity comes from the black currant fruits while the structure shows dense tannins and wood-aging flavors. The wine is still young and prepared for a long haul, so don't drink before 2018.
The aromas of this Chardonnay are zesty and fresh yet rich, with barrel smoke, caramelized pear and vanilla tones. The integration continues on the palate, with a bit of oak followed by apple, white peach, nectarine and lime zest. It's flavorful and enjoyable now.
Deep, pure cassis and red berry aromas are integrated and thorough. This Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is racy, tight and hard-driving, with bold berry, pepper, baking spice and chocolate flavors. A toasty, peppery finish is juicy, forward and long. Drink through 2020.
This is an aromatic wine containing 8% Viognier, with perfumed notes of flowers and orange peel along with wet gravel, plum and smoked meat. The blue fruit flavors are intense and pure, backed by a squeeze of chalky tannins. Best after 2016.
This Cabernet-based blend offers lovely black cherry flavors and scents of violet, with a hint of licorice and substantial, ripe tannins on the palate. It can age for at least another 6–8 years, though it's drinking quite nicely already.
In 1978, Zaca Mesa became the first winery to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County, and Winemaker Eric Mohseni keeps pushing the quality. This offers notes of blueberry cobbler, rocks and fresh-turned soil, followed by blue fruit flavors, dark chocolate, leather and slight asphalt.
A solid, firm wine with a great rapport between the black berry fruits, juicy acidity and dark tannins. It has a fresh element along with a powerful structure and dense mineral texture. It will age well, so drink from 2017.
The wine is crisp, packed with grapefruit flavors and with a tight texture that suggests it could age. A tang and a steely acidity comes in behind the fruit and offers an austere aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Pure Merlot from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, this finished its fermentation in concrete egg, then spent 20 months in 100% new French oak, and another two years in bottle prior to release. Tightly wound and dense with cherry and chocolate layered throughout, it brings in flavors of red licorice and baking spices. The tannins are silky and the structure and flavors are bold.
The grape's stereotypical green nose gets a whole new interpretation, with aromas of sunburned hay, bags of desiccated grass and wild oregano. The herbaceous characters carry the palate, but it's smooth with thyme and chile verde flavors, and a lingering bit of citrus tartness and tannic grip.
In the ownership of the Cálem family since the 19th century, Sagrado produces firmly structured wines. This dark and dense example is only just ready to drink. It is a powerful and juicy wine, full of opulent black fruits that are balanced by acidity.
This ripe, full wine has both great minerality and rich white fruits that are aromatic as well as very fresh. The fruits are laced with citrus to give a complex wine that deserves aging. Drink from 2017.
Floral aromas lead into a rich, not quite dry wine that is beautifully ripe and perfumed. It is rounded and opulent while preserving the steely, mineral texture. Still young, it demands aging. Drink from 2017.
This is balanced and elegant in subtle pear, ginger and lemon. A fine food wine, it's ideal for roast chicken in herbes de Provence or ratatouille. Located in the Petaluma Gap and the source of grapes for several wines, Sun Chase was bought in 2013 by Guarachi Family Wines.
This opens with a pretty fragrance of violet, exotic spice and perfumed berry. The juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, freshly ground pepper, mocha and anisette. It's nicely balanced with fresh acidity and firm but polished tannins.
Five years after the vintage, this is a fully mature Shiraz that shows off the Clare Valley's trademark acidity. Savory notes of bacon and spice add complexity to plum-like fruit, while the tannins are supple—the structure here is acid-based, not reliant on heavy extraction.
Beefy stuff for a young wine with only four months of oak aging. Still, there's bacon and generous black-fruit aromas followed by black cherry, plum, tobacco and pepper flavors. It's full, round and mouthfilling, with chocolate, coffee and a hint of herbs on the finish. Nice and complete. A no-complaints type of Tempranillo.
One of the biggest wines you'll find from Spain. It starts with brawny, malty aromas of ultraripe berries, leather and earthy warmth. The palate is searing, with baked pie flavors, chocolate and heat. Finishes with even more licorice and mint, and at 16% this is one chewy red wine. Not for fans of elegant, lighter-framed reds. Only 600 cases made.
Very big, modern, sweet and oaky. And that doesn't mean it's bad, because the richness, high alcohol (15%), buttery barrel notes and candy-like qualities are all rendered well. Still, be on the watch for creamy oak, cinnamon, café mocha and butter more than precise, angular fruit character. Should get more integrated with another year of bottle age. The boisterous blend is Garnacha, Syrah and Mazuelo.
A rich, smooth wine, classic Tempranillo, with the additional warmth of the Alentejo. There is plenty of toasty wood to go with the ripe, sweet tannins and juicy undercurrent of blackberry juice. The spice is delicious, giving a great piquant edge to the fruitiness.
Plump and loaded with sweet and tangy red and purple fruits, this lush table wine mixes flavors of raspberry, black cherry and plum hard candy with bracing acids. The juicy, forward fruit gives it a Beaujolais-like quality; nothing too substantial here, but quite delicious.
An appealing nose of honey, apricot and spice is followed by an unctuous wave of honey, vanilla and orange peel flavors here. Sweet but intriguing, with balanced complexity.
A beautiful Cab Franc, by Kosher standards or not. The nose offers vegetal notes of bell pepper, licorice and ashy cigar box while the mouth provides more dark fruit flavors of plum and black cherry accented with spice. Medium mouthfeel with nicely integrated tannins and excellent balance. With 15 months spent in French oak, the finish is long and tinged with sweet cedar.
Values from Spain are becoming less common than they were a few years back, so hail this nicely made Tempranillo that delivers tons of ripe fruit, purity and drinkability. It's nothing difficult or complex; instead it is dark, chewy and pounds you with ripe black-fruit flavors. A mouthfilling, fully ripe wine with a modest upside but no faults.
This mature PN from a hot vintage isn't showing much life. Earthy, raisiny aromas aren't fresh, while wood tannin and acid are keeping it afloat. Flavors of brown sugar and decayed berry fruits finish stale. This is on its very last legs.
Aromas of sweet corn and melon are not convincing. This has little in the way of mouthfeel or substance; flavors of candied fruits taste like corn and wheat, while the finish is spineless.
This has all the size and weight you've come to expect from Australia's most famous wine. Huge fruit and huge oak combine in a full-bodied, richly textured package that delivers waves of toasted coconut, vanilla and intense dark berries yet remains embryonic more than five years after the harvest. That said, the texture isn't quite as tight or as fine as some other vintages—expect this to be early maturing by Grange standards, and best from 2020–2040.
This is a wine with such a wonderful balance of fresh, lemon acidity and sweetness. Its honeyed texture is cut with a mineral bite that gives opulence and structure at the same time. The wine needs long aging so drink from 2017.
Kracher's sweet Scheurebe is consistently a remarkable wine. It's gorgeously opulent and tightly textured at the same time. Spice, sweetness and acidity combine harmoniously and seamlessly. Age this great wine and don't drink before 2017.
This delicious blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah, sourced from the Old Stones vineyard. Young, tight and peppery, it gains briary boysenberry flavors as it opens up, along with hints of soy and umami. A streak of maple syrup richness fills out the finish.
This is always a major wine, and this vintage is no exception. It is spectacularly ripe, spicy, concentrated and fruity. The yellow fruits, tangy citrus and mineral structure all contribute to an intense complexity. Age this wine for many years and don't drink before 2017.
As with previous vintages, this rare wine spent 38 months in barrel. Smooth and supple, it's a lush expression of purple and black fruits, generously endowed with darker flavors of smoke, tar, soy and licorice. There is a compelling, yet subtle, umami character overriding all else. It's drinking quite beautifully now, but could age considerably longer.
Opulent, yes, but also deliciously perfumed, this is a full, rich and very sweet wine. Traminer lends its spice to the wine although the dominant characteristics are opulent botrytis and a liquorous texture. Age this gorgeous wine and drink from 2016.
RWT (unromantically derived from “Red Wine Trial”) is 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz, aged in 100% French oak. In some vintages, like this one, the combination is incredibly sumptuous, offering layers of blueberry and blackberry fruit intermingled elegantly with hints of French vanilla. It's long, subtle and complex on the finish—a stunning effort. It's approachable now, but should age well through 2030 or so.
Winemaker Dave Powell is no longer with Torbreck, but the 2007 RunRig is one of his finest efforts. The complexity is almost overwhelming, as the aromas range from peppery spice and roasted meat to blueberry and tappanade. It's mouth filling and expansive, yet retains fine acids and just the right amount of slightly dusty tannins on the long finish. Approachable now, but capable of lasting at least though 2020.
This bold, beautiful wine opens with earthy aromas of freshly tilled soil, violets, truffle and leather. The delicious palate offers succulent blackberry, woodland berry and cinnamon-spice accompanied by big, brooding tannins. It's already stunning, but give this terroir-driven wine time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2015–2024.
This is likely the most ageworthy Shiraz winemaker John Duval has crafted since leaving Penfolds. The oak is subtle, the fruit still tight. It's full bodied but bursting with potential, shown in hints of black cherries and plums, mocha and mint. The finish is long, mouthwatering and softly dusty in texture, making it luscious yet firm. Drink 2018–2030.
This is a solid, concentrated wine from a reliable chateau. It has weight and power, with rich black fruits balanced with fresh acidity. Touches of bitter extraction and wood aging are likely to integrate as the wine ages. It should develop into an impressive and powerful wine. Drink from 2018.
The fruit for this offering comes from the Green's and Crowhurst vineyards. This wine brings a a sense of cellarworthiness, from the inky color and dense, impenetrable bouquet to the richly tannic palate and long, plushly textured finish. Right now, it delivers hints of toast and mint, blueberry and plum fruit and savory notes of roasted meat and mocha. Drink 2018–2025+.
Scents of sweet spice and orange marmalade waft exuberantly from this honey-kissed TBA. Lusciously sweet, the palate undulates with waves of mango, melon and pineapple flavor, accented with notes of potpourri and saffron. Lingers long with a shower of delicate acidity.
With aromas and flavors that range widely from grilled meat, espresso and black olive to dried herbs, cracked pepper and blueberry, this is an enormously complex wine. It's full bodied but balanced by ample acidity, which imparts terrific length to the finish. Drink now–2017, possibly longer.
This wine comes from vineyards outside the boundaries of the Dão region but has the same typical blend. It shows minerality as well as rich fruit and soft tannins. The wine is balanced, stylish and deliciously ready to drink.
Quite sweet and quite delicious, this ripe and fruity wine has lots of black plum, dried cherry and raisin flavors, a soft texture and a lingering, berry-pie finish.
This pleasant, easy-drinking wine from five different Pinot Noir clones mixes citrus and berry flavors. It was aged in 30% new oak and is nicely balanced, with firm acidity.
This dense and ripe Syrah offers mature black-skinned fruit, allspice and smoke tones. Its core of ripe black currant fruit is accented with a confectionary note of vanilla and punctuated by rounded tannins. Enjoy soon.
The wine is crisp, tangy and with plenty of grapefruit and lemon fruitiness. Its crispness and nervy texture are bright and refreshing. With fine acidity at the end, this is ready now.
Barrel fermentation has rounded and softened this wine without it losing focus. Crisp apple and pear fruit carries it, with a whiff of white asparagus.
This wine's menthol, crushed herb, red berry and violet aromas emerge in the glass. The palate evokes raw red cherry, pomegranate and white pepper and is structured by firm acidity and bracing tannins, feeling tight and austere.
Menetou-Salon uses Pinot Noir for its rosés, like nearby Sancerre. The wine is in a fresh, crisp style, emphasizing acidity and red currant. It is light in feel and bright with red-fruit that lingers.
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this shows lemon, apple and nectarine on the nose with hints of croisant. Spritely bubbles quickly fade, leaving honeydew, green apple, nectarine and a hint of pastry. The finish is fresh with lemon juice and tart apple.
This is a thick extracted wine that's simple in execution. It's a full-bodied showcase of blackberry, black cherry, leather and cedar.
This wine's aromas are marked by bright cherries and an undercurrent of button mushrooms. It's medium bodied and crisp, with just enough silky-textured tannin to give it some grip. Drink now.
Fully mature, this light-bodied Pinot should be consumed before the end of 2017. Scents of cola and earth add interest to cherry fruit, ending with lingering acids.
A reductive note of rubber tire threads through the mélange of cherry cola, iron ore and red licorice flavors in this wine. The components have not yet integrated, leading to a finish marked by bitter skin and tannins. Give it another couple of years of bottle age before pulling the cork.
This is a ripe wine with soft tannins and juicy black fruits. It has a good balance between the fruit and the structure, making it a wine for early, easy, beside-the-barbecue drinking.
This wine is bright with cherry and incense aromas. Cherry and bramble flavors are juicy and fresh, with support from supersoft tannins and zippy acidity. This makes for an easy drinking summer red.
This producer is well respected for its long reputation of making ageworthy whites and this vintage is no exception, a bright, complex and nutty expression of pear and ginger cookie. Textured and restrained, it shows a wealth of structure and lemony acidity. Cellar it away until 2024 if you can.
Cola, smoked cherries, rhubarb, earthy beets, crushed cloves and a touch of iron show on the nose of this wine by Kenneth Joey Gummere. The attention-grabbing texture on the grippy palate unleashes flavors of earthy rhubarb, beet, rose hips and a touch of mint.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this opulent wine opens with aromas of black currant, graphite and baking spice. The juicy concentrated palate delivers black cherry, blackberry, tobacco and licorice framed in bold polished tannins. Drink now through 2023.
One of an impressive range of wines by this producer from the Beaujolais crus, this wine comes from the mineral-driven flint soil of the slopes beneath the famous windmill that gives this appellation its name. It is powerful and dense, full of jammy red fruits as well as acidity and structured tannins. Drink from 2019.
Turned earth is very apparent on the nose of this bottling from the historic vineyard, with crushed shale and loam dust as well as cinnamon spice and a red-cherry backbone. The sip shows deep pomegranate and black-raspberry fruit with gingerbread, hibiscus and a touch of thyme. It's rich in the midpalate, with extreme spice throughout.
Hibiscus, rose, juniper, clove, marjoram and graphite aromas all show on the nose of this Foley family wine, which is light yet powerful in finesse and depth. Plummy fruits meet with incense, pine needle and herbal, forest-floor intrigue on the palate.
Complex aromas of honeysuckle, whipped butter, poached pear, baked white peach, sea salt and crushed rocks find their way into this rich, layered and yet zesty wine by Brian Loring. Ripe Gala apples meet with sea salt and slate on the palate that shows a lot of ocean influence. A slow sizzle of acidity presents more flavors of toast, vanilla and clove.
The fleshy ripeness of yellow pear plays on the nose but the palate adds gorgeous herbal spice to the proceedings. It is like very ripe pear and yellow plum were bedded on yarrow, thyme and white pepper. All this is held together by gentle rounded lemon freshness and results in a totally, balanced, appetizing, moreish wine with an clean finish.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this stylish wine opens with aromas of red berry, Mediterranean herb and cedar. The juicy, elegantly structured palate doles out red currant, black raspberry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins. Drink now–2024.
Owner-winemaker Rudi Bauer believes in making Pinot Noirs that can age, so it's no surprise that this is darker, firmer and more muscular than most. There's plenty of toast, cedar and coffee-bean-like oak, but it's amply supported by plum and black cherry fruit. The finish is silky enough to make this wine approachable now, but it will likely improve through at least 2025.
This top-shelf Cabernet never fails, and in this warm year the wine is dark in color, with lush yet precise aromas of graphite, fresh blackberry, baking spices and forest floor. A deep palate is just racy enough, while spicy flavors of cassis include integrated herbal notes. Closing flavors of coffee and chocolate, along with soft tannins, make this approachable now and best through 2022.
For once, I wasn't able to pick this wine out as a Tardieu-Laurent. The oak is reined in, leaving the focus on plummy yet savory notes of coffee and black olive, mint, clove, licorice and chocolate liqueur. It's full-bodied, firm and intense, with a long finish framed by dusty but ripe tannins. Drink now–2025+.
A blend of 55% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with raspberry, black plum, orange zest and cocoa aromas that follow through to the full-bodied palate. Polished tannins lend a smooth, creamy texture. Enjoy through 2021.
Classic Sangiovese aromas of wild berry, blue flower, underbrush and a whiff of new leather emerge on this full-bodied red. The structured elegant palate delivers juicy morello cherry, crushed raspberry, grilled herb, licorice, pipe tobacco and baking spice framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2028.
This new project from the heights of Atlas Peak involves Steve Matthiasson as both viticulturist and winemaker, having had to take over the reins from the late Denis Malbec. It shines in bristling acidity, dusty tannin and a beautiful floral aroma of violet. Notes of chocolate, fig and cigar sit atop a pillowy, complex structure, while vanilla lingers on the finish.
Great fruit concentration and depth give power to this full-bodied wine from Cakebread, better known for its Napa-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Not tricked up with too much oak, it tastes energized, deep and layered. Black cherry, rhubarb and cedar fan out across the palate, lingering a long time on the finish. Best from 2018.
Dense, baked and mulled blackberry and cassis aromas include bold but classy oak notes. This feels seamless except for raring tough tannins, while flavors of toast, graphite and spiced blackberry finish smooth and chewy, with a sense of lushness despite lasting residual tannins. Drink through 2025.
This 100% varietal wine hails entirely from Hyde Vineyard, a meticulously farmed and magical site. With a rich nose leading the way, it shows dusty licorice and chocolate plum. Voluptuously well crafted, it finishes in a lengthy tinge of baking spice.
Yeasty roundedness plays the leading role on the nose and palate. Amidst those rich leesy notes, hints of pepper and lemon appear and the overall impression is one of savory yeasty richness tempered by zesty freshness of lemon and grapefruit. This is full-on drama. Enjoy.
Fresh and spicy form the first impression: ripe pear and moss, stone fruit and yeast combine to create an inviting, rounded and rich sensation. The palate adds the requisite freshness and surprises with wonderful concentration. Yellow plum and juicy pear shimmer, always edged with savory yeast. Tons of character and great length are present, and yet demonstrate no heaviness at all. What a lovely but honest wine!
While nose and palate shine with beautifully precise pear, there is a core of wonderfully pure mandarin. There are hints of zesty grapefruit spice but the concentrated purity of fruit makes this stand out. Tangy citrus means the ripeness is harnessed into a linear streamlined direction that gives this drive and lively energy. This is moreish and impressive.
Soft aromatic notions of red cherry and blueberry, along with white pepper, rise from the glass. The palate brims with tart crunchy ripe fruit and emphasizes blueberry. There is a light touch here and lovely fluidity—the tannins are like starched velvet. This is refreshing and very elegant. It's neither light nor heavy, but just right and medium bodied, perfect for subtle cuisine.
Fresh-pressed blackberry and strawberry meld into vanilla, milk chocolate, minty herb and gravel on the nose of this lavish blend of 57% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Tannat and 1% Viognier. Flavors are well rounded, with blueberry-cream sauce, dark plum, fig and touches of mint and sweet basil.
Smooth, spicy blackberry, cassis and licorice aromas include hints of heat and fresh asphalt prior to a full, wide palate. Spice, black currant, plum and peppery flavors end with toast, chocolate and a light warmth reminiscent of the nose. Drink this stacked Cabernet through 2024.
Dark in color and extracted on the nose, with prune, cassis and chocolate aromas, this Carmenère-led blend feels full and plush, not tannic and rough. Blackberry, balsamic notes and spice flavors finish long, ripe and spicy. Drink this meaty wine through 2023.
This is a lovely, complex and ultimately beautiful wine, a blend of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay given extra time to develop in the bottle. It presents as daringly dry but doesn't miss a beat on flavor, showing moderate acidity built around a richness of hazelnut cream complemented by brighter high tones of grapefruit and lime.
Aromas of crushed berry, fragrant purple flower, dark spice and a balsamic note almost jump out of the glass. The full-bodied structured palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and a hint of clove set against a backbone of firm, refined tannins. Drink 2018–2030.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this linear red opens with inviting aromas of pressed violet, iris, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of cake spice. The taut elegant palate offers succulent wild cherry, cranberry, white pepper and chopped herb set against firm refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018–2023.
Clove, leather and pepper aromas and flavors give this Cabernet a masculine edge. Rich and complex, it also offers softer tannins and an integrated character that will allow for more delicate meat dish pairings. A lingering finish tops it off.
Stiffly tannic, this is straight-on boysenberry juice, firm and full-bodied. It shows a little bit of earthiness, hints of herb and a citrusy zip to the acids. The alcohol, pushing 15%, does not intrude.
This Mulderbosch red starts with upfront red currant, smoke and cherry aromas. On the palate, it's a layered treat of elegant, bright plum and cherry fruit flavors, buoyed by minerals and a mocha coffee spin. The finish is long and fruity. Smooth, ageable and ultimately appealing.
This slightly flowery wine truly speaks of its variety, bursting with aromas of orange zest and peppery spice. It's medium in body, with some attractive fleshy pear notes, but falls away a bit quickly on the finish. Best as an apéritif.
This wine starts with a sexy nose—dried herbs, plum, balsamic, pepper— and on the palate, marries fresh fruit and dry spice with an herbal spin. Balanced and approachable, and a good sip on its own.
From the far eastern edge of Bordeaux, this wine offers delicious, fresh fruits structured by light tannins. Its black currant flavors are right up front, pleasure without complications.
Intriguing aromas of plum, savory spice and smoke lead this rich Syrah. Balanced flavors of ripe plum, mint, pepper and spice paired with structured tannins and a lingering spicy finish give the wine an ageable character. Intense and assertive.
A light, softly spiced nose of pineapple, apricot and honey starts this elegant wine off right. On the palate, fresh, clean, friendly flavors are unfolding but instantly likeable. A food-friendly sip that will pair with fish, poultry and ethnic cuisine.
A grassy nose mingled with fresh citric fruits is followed by a unique combination of refreshing fruit, herbs and fresh green pepper in this elegant sip from Capaia. Earthy while at the same time appetizing, the wine has a crisp finish.
High toast and burnt wood are initially off-putting. The tannins in the wine are also on the smoky side. However, there is fruit here, offering some balance in this powerful, dry wine, and giving some blackberry juiciness, which gives relief from the intensity of the wood.
There is plenty of ripe fruit here, the richness of 2005 evident. The flavors are of ripe blackberry jam, red plums and a strong structure of sweet tannins. There is a fresh, acidity-driven juicy lift on the finish.
For $10 this is a serious, powerful Garnacha with concentration and purity. The palate feels both crisp and lifted as well as dense and concentrated. There's quality to the flavor profile, which offers rubbery, dense blueberry along with blackberry. Rarely does a value-priced wine show this much weight and texture.
Fleshy and ripe, with concentrated cherry and strawberry flavors, Glenora's Meritage is unabashedly juicy, but balanced with nervy acidity and a flurry of soft, fine-grained tannins. Dry and full bodied, it finishes long with a hint of dried herbs and spice.
This modestly priced Verdejo does exactly what it should: it smells nice and clean, with white-fruit aromas. It's pure and easygoing on the palate, with stony minerality, and it tastes like green apple, peach and melon, with dry pithiness to the finish. Drink now.
This crystalline Galician blend is composed of 95% Godello and Albariño, and it gets going with mellow apple, peach and other white-fruit aromas. The palate has a tangy, citrusy outlook with corresponding flavors of lime, orange and tangerine. Things turn pithy and more chunky on the finish.
Quite dark and smoky, this fruity Syrah combines blueberry, blackberry and cassis flavors in a deep mix. Earthy tannins are well-managed and provide a proper underpinning.
A zesty and somewhat prickly Sauvignon Blanc, this starts off with scents of white melon rind, tart gooseberry, green pepper and sweet grass. The palate offers a more assertive citrusy flavor alongside hints of green fig and zesty spice. The close is juicy and refreshing. Enjoy now.
Picked a bit soon due to an early freeze in 2009, this had plenty of sugar ripeness but lost a bit of the complexity that extra time on the vine can bring. Fruit forward with flavors of boysenberry and some brown sugar, this is a wine to enjoy while it's young and fresh.
The scents of ripe red berries and cassis are inviting on this nervy Pinot Noir. The palate is bright with red fruit marked with hints of wet stone and grippy, velvety tannins. Finishes with a fragrant spray of cherry blossoms.
Hailing from the winery's Minnick Estate Vineyard, this is an aromatic Riesling with notes of orange peel, ripe peaches, and jasmine. While listed at less than 10 g/L residual sugar, it tastes a good  bit sweeter, but the acid keeps the sugar in check.
With 5% Riesling in the blend, this bone-dry Sauv Blanc gains just a touch of roundness and spice. Clear, crisp flavors mix celery, gooseberry and tart melon fruit. It's very fresh, almost delicate.
Clean, fresh aromas of plum, raspberry and cherry give this wine a red-fruited personality. The mouthfeel supplies grip and mild tannic clamp, while flavors of plum and berry come with a touch of resiny oak. This crianza is textured and solid on the finish, but still fresh. Drink now through 2017.
A rich, while also juicy wine, this is a packed with black-currant fruits and delicious acidity. Soft tannins and toasty spice from the wood aging add extra interest to this fruity ripe wine. The 11-acre property is farmed organically. Drink from 2018.
The medieval chateau of Juliénas is surrounded by vines. This oak-aged wine is rich, smooth and spicy. It is structured with some firm tannins and fine acidity. At the same time, the rich fruit gives the wine a generous, full character. Drink from late 2017.
This young, fruity wine from Vignobles Lesgourgues has great potential. Along with its bright red and blackberry fruits, it has succulent acidity and touches of wood aging that have smoothed the fruity character. It needs to age longer, so keep until 2018.
The initials stand for the components—22% Marsanne, 41% Roussanne and 37% Viognier. Crafted by Herb Quady, this is a lush Southern Rhône blend, pumped up with abundant kiwi, pear and papaya fruit. Full bodied and loaded with fresh flavor, it's good to go now through 2020.
Made by consulting winemaker Herb Quady, this yummy blend of Syrah, Tempranillo and (a splash of) Malbec is a showcase for what are arguably Southern Oregon's three best red grapes. Plum and cherry flavors are limned with citrus-tinged acids, making a tasty quaffable red, ready to deliver mid-week pleasure.
This big and brawny bottling from the first winery to popularize the varietal is full bodied and appropriately tannic while offering meaty, smoky, savory aromas and flavors. It is dry and a bit astringent in texture, needing rich food to go with it, or at least until 2022 in the cellar.
Heady aromas of fragrant white flower, citrus blossom, chopped herb and yellow stone fruit almost jump out of the glass. The creamy, expressive palate doles out juicy apricot, lemon drop and sage while bright acidity and a frothy mousse lift the finish. There's a lot to like here.
This oak-aged wine is rich and concentrated. It is dominated by spice from the wood and by generous white-stone-fruit flavors. Still young, this ripe wine will develop well over the next few years. Drink from 2018.
Impeccably fresh, vivid and textural, this appealing wine brings a mix of orange peel, pink grapefruit and pear fruit. There's a pleasing touch of spice, and all but 5% was stainless-steel fermented.
That vintage date is not a typo. This winery held onto this wine for over a decade prior to release. After opening with aromas of leather, vanilla, mushroom and wood spice, the palate brings reserved, well-balanced fruit flavors. Drink now.
Vines planted in a former apple orchard (pomar) give a structured, firm wine with tannins as well as dense black fruits. The dense texture comes from the ripe fruit, aged for 12 months in wood. This concentrated wine will age further. Drink from 2018.
A firmly tannic wine that has great spice and a solid structure. It is rich and fruity with acidity supporting the generous black fruits. With its density and structure, the wine will certainly age well. Drink from 2018.
This is a concentrated and ripe wine with a solid structure that will allow it to age. With bold berry fruits and firm tannins, it is still developing. Give this serious wine until 2019.
Juicy black plum finds a robust tension of tar, licorice and meat in a full-bodied expression of this grape, more usually found in blends in the Napa Valley than standing on its own. This one achieves a balance between power and smoky succulence.
Smoky veins of struck flint and slate lend a savory mineral tone to this refreshingly tonic Riesling. Sweet-tart tangerine and grapefruit flavors are juxtaposed by bracing lime acidity, a racy mélange that lingers for a long but invigorating finish.
Bottlings of this variety remain an extreme rarity but it's showing a lot of promise in the state. This wine has aromas of wet stone and star fruit that are followed by a full feeling yet still elegant palate that displays a textured mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
Despite its moderate alcohol level, this wine offers plenty of weight and richness. Oak-derived elements of vanilla and toast frame exotic hints of mango, pineapple and citrus. With its ample weight and plush texture, this wine is a throwback of sorts, yet it manages to achieve that with great focus and citrusy length.
Enticing scents of yellow stone fruit, vanilla, and citrus zest give way to ripe flavors of juicy apricot, candied nectarine, pear and sage. Fresh acidity lifts the rich creamy palate. Made from 99-year-old vines, this shows surprising aging potential. Enjoy through 2021.
Despite its modest alcohol level, this bottling speaks of ripe fruit. Lime and bergamot aromas bring a floral element, while the flavors are of tangerine and nectarine. A touch of residual sugar adds roundness to the mouthfeel.
It's refreshing to see another importer take a chance on Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, a region that can reliably ripen the variety at reasonable crop loads. This is a rounder, more supple style of Pinot than most from Australia, with cola, spice and cherry notes reminiscent of Dr. Pepper, or of some Pinots from California's Russian River Valley. Drink now–2020.
As one might expect from a Rhône-based producer, this is a meaty, earthy rendering of Shiraz. It's only medium bodied, but frames its black olive and spice flavors in dry, dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.
The Emerson Block is a one-acre collection of east-west facing rows that debuted as its own wine in 2012. It exudes aromas of violets and lavender, with additional hints of white pepper, grenadine and leather, all within a bright streak of acidity.
Black olive stars in this supple, soft and supremely varietal wine, wrapped in strong, chalky tannin. Full bodied and completely generous in ripe fruit, it shows complexity and lengthiness on the finish.
This Zin specialist shows she knows her way around this hearty variety as well, creating a wine that's expressive in voluptuous notions of chocolate and blackberry pie. Soft and smoky, it shows ripeness balanced by underlying acidity and a wisp of black licorice as it goes down.
Woody, heady black-fruit aromas are charred and minty. The palate is dense and tannic, while charred, earthy black-fruit flavors show herbal after tones prior to a dry and woody finish. A bit of time in the cellar should help this integrate and fully come together; drink after 2018 and through 2022.
A black pepper and cardamom aroma starts this wine off spicy. The flavors continue the thread with even more pepper plus beefy, dark-fruit notes and full body to carry them along. The wine feels high-octane on the palate, but is moderate in alcohol.
This wine has all the necessary smoothness, plus deep plum and cherry flavors and touches of spicy oak, too. The texture feels layered and the fruit components are vivid and tasty. It all comes together gracefully on the palate and the finish.
Tantalizing aromas of toast, yeast, raspberry and freshly sliced green apple give way to fresh and tart lemony flavors. It brings a real sense of freshness and vibrancy that runs from head to tail, with smoky notes on the finish.
Edelzwicker is an Alsatian term meaning noble blend, and is applied to any blend of white wine grapes. Here it includes Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling. This white is substantial and fruit-driven more than floral in this new vintage. Apple, pear and nectarine flavors carry a light touch of mint. It's very refreshing, well balanced and distinctive.
Very wound-up aromas of dried and dark red berries and asphalt show on the nose of this bottling from Temecula, another sign that Italian varieties can thrive in the warmer climate. The flavors are impressively deep and spicy, with black currant, blackened berries, pencil shavings, vanilla and char.
Aromas of pear, Gala apple, nectarine, lemon spritz and wet dough show on the yeasty nose of this bottling. Creamy bubbles arise on the zippy sip, with flavors of dough and yellow-apple skins proving quite tart.
Chopped mint, menthol, blue flower and red berry aromas take the lead in this wine. The taut palate offers Marasca cherry, raspberry, star anise and ground clove flavors alongside fine-grained tannins.
Having spent multiple years in barrel, this iconoclastic producer's take on the variety is refreshingly real and different: big boned and yet sinewy and elegant in its way. Eucalyptus and bay leaf compete for attention on the nose around an herbal core of cedar and current. The wine is softly layered and well structured.
Fat in mouthfeel, waxy and earthy in aroma and packed with apricot and almond flavors, this layered and concentrated wine emphasizes savory notes rather than fruity ones and lushness in texture rather than crispness. Dried meats like prosciutto and salami could make great pairings.
This blend of 50% Grenache, 42% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre shows broad aromas of strawberries, baked red plums and sagebrush, proving quite inviting and playful despite the dramatic and intense label. That playfulness arises on the sip too, where wild berry and red-currant flavors pair with garrigue touches of dried sage and pepper.
This is an elegant, refined and lighthearted red that shines with a wooded tannin structure and accents of pencil and clove. Rounded and smooth on the palate, it's bright and succulent in blackberry and black currant flavors, with well-integrated oak.
The smoothness of white wines in this vintage is very apparent in this ripe, rounded bottling. With enough acidity and citrus flavors to balance the melon and peppered-pear flavors, the wine is balanced and full in the mouth. Age until 2019.
A touch of buttered popcorn is in the aroma. Rich toasty flavors give an assertive, attractive oaky personality to this medium-bodied wine made from Chenin Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier that was aged in older oak barrels. It has a broad smooth texture, a good layering of butter, spice and pear-tart flavors, and a lingering finish.
Nuits Saint-Georges is the home of the Aegerter family and its Domaine. This ripe spicy smoky wine is rich both from the vintage and from the core of tannins that are typical of the appellation. It is a smooth rounded wine although it will need some aging. Drink from 2020.
Extremely fresh and lively aromas of soft strawberry and lime pith combine to make a very racy edge to the nose of this bottling from the pioneering property, which was founded as a bubbly house in the early 1980s. There is great energy to the sip, where somewhat sour flavors of Ruby Red grapefruit rind give the wine lots of acidic length.
While the producer does have vines in Volnay, this wine comes from the negociant side of the business. The wine has structure and some firm tannins. At this stage, the Volnay roundness lies behind the dry surface. But it does have weight and the potential to age well. Drink from 2021.
Yeasty, bready aromas reflect time in the bottle, although for a gran reserva this is still young. Depth and cushion are present on a slightly foamy palate, while this wine is less about ripe fruit flavors and more about sourdough and fermented citrus notes prior to a lasting finish.
An overt and attractive toasted-oak aroma leads to assertive, smoky, buttery flavors in this traditional reserve-style California Chardonnay. Full bodied, it pulls out all the stops for a grand expression of pear, toasted almond and nutmeg flavors that are backed by ample acidity.
Ripe, earthy berry and cassis aromas smell damp at first but unfold nicely. Bright acidity and abrupt tannins make for a packed palate. Lightly oaky flavors of plum and berry show a note of vanilla. It finishes crisp and choppy due to the aforementioned bold acidity. Drink through 2022.
This wine's aromas suggest bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, cherry and spice. The palate is rich and layered, with sumptuous red and black fruit flavors speckled with plentiful barrel accents.
This bottling isn't perfect, but it shows the potential for exploring a less ripe style of Pinot Noir in the Paso Robles area. Snappy sagebrush aromas meet with olive, wet bay leaf, myrrh and plum skins on the nose. The palate is driven by pine-sap, with lots of eucalyptus and juniper as well as dark elderberry, and a hint of elderflower.
Full-bodied, tannic and imposing, this densely packed wine has ripe and bright cherry and berry flavors, a tannic texture that's rounded slightly at the edges, and a sense of depth that helps the fruit notes linger on the finish. Tannat, Malbec and Cabernet Franc make the blend.
Charred, smoky aromas are crisp and toasty. A muscled palate is tightly structured, while flavors of wood spice and lightly herbal berry fruits play out on the finish. Drink this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Carmenère through 2020.
This medium-bodied appellation wine is impressive in its combination of crisp red fruit, rhubarb, watermelon and pomegranate flavors alongside a dash of orange citrus. The smooth texture adds to the whole, as does a seasoning of allspice, while the finish is snappy in acidity.
Flavorful but also gentle on the palate, despite the brand name, this is a lushly textured, full-bodied wine that lifts beautiful blueberry and blackberry flavors on fine-grained tannins. It has lightly spicy aromas, a mouthfilling viscosity and long finish.
Iris, menthol, perfumed berry and chopped mint aromas come together in this. The savory, approachable palate delivers crushed raspberry, juicy red cherry, star anise and cinnamon notes framed by velvety tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
This offers alluring black-skinned berry, violet and tobacco aromas. The savory, structured palate delivers black cherry and chopped mint flavors, with clove accents, bright acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Rough, edgy, medicinal red-fruit aromas are highly herbal and jammy. This tastes weedy and green, while the finish is minty and medicinal, with a horsey aftertaste.
This is a strange version of the Sauvignon Blanc. It is vegetal and herbal with a salty edge from the ocean breezes close by. The fruitiness of the grape is missing in this lightly toasty wine. Drink now.
Charred, roasted, rubbery aromas are low on fruit. Saucy and rough on the palate, this Tempranillo called the “forgotten one” tastes vegetal, meaty, savory and roasted, then stale on the finish.
Bulky aromas are floral but also suggest lanolin. Malic acidity with a resiny offset is the palate feel, while grainy, pushy oak sits on top of pineapple and apple flavors that dry out on the finish.
Horsey and raisiny on the nose, which indicates what's coming: that's a chunky palate and a one-note flavor of prune. This is what overripe raw materials can produce.
A sweet and fizzy wine, this is also tight with acidity and textured with tannins. It has a mineral edge along with the intense crispness that is really too much.
A candy-flavored wine, this is soft and missing acidity. Some spiced apple flavors are masked by the sherbet flavor.
Strange aromas of spiced pumpkin, gardenia and chemicals don't present that well. On the palate, botrytis and outright rotten notes give off a honeyed quality but also bitterness. Overall this Semillon is unbalanced and odd.
This red blend is a bit confected on the nose, with vanilla cookie, condensed berries and molasses notes pervading. The palate is rich and flabby, with similar flavors as the nose and bitter tannins on the finish.
A layer of oak dust rides over sharp lemon and pineapple on the nose and palate. This is sharp, citric and zippy.
This is a sweet, confected wine. It has sugary red fruits and just enough acidity. Made from the Vinhão grape, it is soft and ready to drink.
This lacking wine smells vaguely like a scented candle. Jangled and citrusy on the palate, this tastes like flower water. An empty finish with nothing but acidity sends it away.
Bright pink in color, this looks and tastes like candy. There is the lightest touch of acidity to at least bring some crispness to this sweet wine.
Harsh red-berry aromas are strained. This feels flabby and clumsy, while weedy, medicinal berry flavors do nothing to elevate this shaky, hard-tannin Sangiovese.
Waxy lemon and pear aromas are muddled by bee pollen aromas. The palate is light and watery, driven by a plastic citrus flavor.
This is green from front to back. Starting with the nose, this smells like bell pepper and green beans. A raw, scratchy palate confirms where this is headed, and that's toward an underripe palate with a finish that tastes like fresh-picked green beans.
Herbal berry aromas shift to outright green, horsey and soapy. This has no mouthfeel to speak of, and it tastes weedy and a bit spoiled. A minty, green finish is no savior.
Generic red berry flavors turn bitter and astringent, while a chemical plastic note marks the final blow.
Bland citrus and a yeasty note seem out of character for a normally very aromatic varietal. This wine is light, supersimple and drinks like water.
A first-release from this site, this is a balanced, lightly textured wine, pretty in rose and lavender, with an intriguing shock of white pepper. Baked cherry and plum find companionship in savory clove and cinnamon on the delicate palate.
Soft and aromatic hints of orange fruit and zest play on the nose. Riper hints of juicy mirabelle also join. The palate has the same, fragrant, generous and appetizing aspect of fruit, but has an extra dimension of savoriness from yeast and a wonderfully linear body, shaped by freshness and zest. The finish is long, tangy and aromatic.
The nose hints at ripe fruit but it is on the palate that the wine's textured yeasty fullness becomes apparent. This is edged with the tang of grapefruit peel which encapsulates very ripe rounded fluid pear fruit on a concentrated palate. This is compact and impactful and finishes with pleasant, lip-smacking freshness.
Black pepper and boysenberries put oomph into this dark-colored and firmly structured wine. While vivid and concentrated, the fruit, spice and dark-chocolate flavors are not sweet, but beautifully dry and appetizing, made to pair with a rare steak or tender osso buco. It will drink best from 2019.
This radiates fragrance and spice: ferns and pepper, yeast and juicy, yellow pear, mirabelle plums and aloe vera. All of this is on both the nose and the palate and is combined in a harmonious, balanced parcel of rounded goodness. It treads a fine line between opulence and freshness but does not stray from its perfect high wire act.
Hearty sagebrush, rust and dust meet with dried Montgomery cherry and tart pomegranate aromas on the nose of this bottling from a Healdsburg-based producer. It's luscious on the palate with ripe plum fruit and tons of baking spice, from cinnamon to clove cream, nutmeg and vanilla.
Dark in the glass, this wine by Carl Bowker offers fragrant vanilla, baked blueberry, a touch of pepper and coffee-cocoa foam on the rich and inviting nose. Hearty blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors are lifted by baking spice, bound to a tart, tannic, black-plum-skin-like structure.
Baked black cherry and black plum meet with lots of crushed gravel and light fennel on the nose of this bottling that is all about fruit and earth, rather than herb and spice. Tart red plum and sour raspberry show upon the palate's gravelly texture, but darker red fruit awaits in the midpalate along with char and a touch of soy.
This powerful rich wine is finely structured and concentrated. It has weight from solid tannins that contrast with the high tones of the ripe red-cherry fruits. From a single parcel, this cru wine is dense, both firm and fresh. Drink from late 2017.
Jean-Marc Lafont's 2.8 acres of sandstone soil in this area of Moulin-à-Vent has produced a ripe, solidly structured wine. Wood aged and with a rich, tight texture and firm tannins, it is a cru wine to age. It is a bold ripe wine, ready to drink from 2019.
This is a delicious and fruity wine from the smallest Beaujolais cru. There are tannins although they are lost in the generous cushion of ripe blackberry and black-cherry fruits. It is a smooth, rounded wine that is packed with fruit at the moment. Give it time and it will mature well. Drink from 2018.
From this old vineyard, producer Jean-Jacques Mélinand has selected the oldest vines to make this wine. The result is a solid, firmly structured wine that will take several years to fully develop. It is intensely textured, with layers of acidity and red fruits hinting at a crisper, fruity future. Drink the wine from 2018.
This is a concentrated structured cru wine from a single vineyard. It has dark tannins and a dense spice character from the wood aging. The fruit is still developing to give the wine its potential richness. Drink this firmly structured wine from 2018. This walled vineyard is wholly owned by producer Edouard Labruyère, making it a monopole.
Extremely dark in the glass, this bottling by a founder of the popular Garagiste Festival shows blueberry, black currant, dark chocolate, graphite and soft licorice on the nose. Deep and lavish but not overripe on the palate, flavors of anise, elderberry and black currant hang from a grippy structure bolstered by strong acidity. Drink 2018–2028.
Peppery mirabelle plums just steal the show. They dominate nose and palate and give you an extra spring in your step with their spicy zippy fillip of freshness. If you are in need of lively refreshment, look no further. This is an exemplary Grüner that expresses everything that is exemplary about the 2015 vintage.
Fragrant purple flower, ripe black-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas slowly emerge on this savory blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. Full bodied and succulent, the smooth structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, black currant, star anise and chopped mint alongside a backbone of firm polished tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
This rosé is mouthfilling and round, with ample melon and berry fruit, a sprinkling of dried spices and minimal herb notes. It actually drinks almost like a red wine for its weight and berry-scented richness, but remains refreshing on the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
For those who want a little funk in their Syrah, this conjures up flavors reminiscent of wines from the Rocks District in Walla Walla. Credit the rocky soil of this Similkameen Valley vineyard, which delivers dense, well-knit flavors of red and purple fruits, smoke, tanned leather, tobacco and licorice. Concentrated flavors of raspberry purée hold down the core.
There is a mere hint of fresh grapefruit on the nose but the palate follows with rounded, fresh but spice-edged mirabelle plums and more gentle citrus. There also are glimpses of fragrant citrus foliage with white pepper breaking through. This is ripe but light, rounded but delicate. A wonderfully zesty lemony finish just lasts and lasts.
The full-on blueberry fruit of Zweigelt is very evident on this peppery, vibrant and fresh-faced blend. There is structure from Cabernet that gives a firm backbone, but the plummy fleshiness of Merlot and the juiciness of crushed blueberry, tinged with cinnamon and white pepper brings oodles of joy. This is concentrated but totally approachable and chock–full of fruit.
This is the first round of wines from this project by John Wagner, who owns parts of Sierra Madre and John Sebastiano vineyards, and winemaker Paul Lato. Black-plum skins, roasted game, anise and sandalwood aromas show on the nose. Earthy and zesty, the palate delivers cranberry-beet juice along with roasted fennel, eucalyptus oil and bitter Earl Grey tea touches.
This is the first white bottling from a new project by John Wagner, co-owner of John Sebastiano and Sierra Madre vineyards, and winemaker Paul Lato. Flint, dried limes, chives and a touch of smoked chicken show on the fresh nose. Light and clean on the sip, it's distinctive with flavors of buttered lemon slices, smoke and sweet onions.
Rich vanilla notes of fine oak drape around dark fruit and iron oxide on the nose. The palate delivers the juicy fullness of crushed blackberry and bramble, along with the characteristic white pepper notes of Blaufränkisch. The fruit is aromatic and also has a cinnamon-tinged blueberry note. The body is smooth and flows with very soft tannins and immense freshness.
A sonorous touch of vanilla lends its smoky aspect to the bright fruit of this intriguing Pinot Blanc. The palate, which is compact, streamlined and concentrated, revels in those smoky notes and will need time to unveil its gentle white-currant fruit. Lemony freshness preserves everything. This is one for the long run. Drink 2022–2030.
The nose already hints at the concentration of the palate, which hits like a bullet of spice and fruit, of pepper and pear. This is compact and fresh and given a wonderful and welcome drive by grapefruit zest. The finish is of aromatic pear and tingling white pepper and generous but well-directed ripeness.
Fine red-cherry notes are perfumed by the more decadent aroma of candied Amarena cherries. The palate reveals hints of conifer and white pepper, framing the mellow but surprisingly textured and dense body. This is sumptuous in oak and concentrated for a St. Laurent—but the fruit is at perfect pitch. This needs further bottle age; drink 2019–2028.
From a marquee grand-cru-like site famous for the variety, this version enhances its reputation, offering a twist of green martini olive, zesty lemon rind and wild anise. Lingering in freshness, the acidity is remarkable and memorable, supporting a full-bodied concentration of great flavor.
From one of the more popular vineyards in the appellation, this bottling shows strawberry fruit, allspice, black pepper, candied cherry and cinnamon on the nose. A strong sizzle of acidity marks the sip, with intriguingly deep raspberry, tangy cranberry, white pepper and crushed-slate flavors. Though light in body, it is heavy in flavors.
Meaty and dusty, this wine from a Vineburg-based site is full bodied, ripe and voluptuous with a light dusting of black pepper and clove. Within its cradling of dense concentration, an underbelly of acidity allows for freshness within the power.
This big, brawny, boisterous wine is firing on all eight cylinders as it generates powerful and concentrated fruit flavors. Rich, warm tannins partner with a thick, velvety texture and lingering finish. It has that exuberant fruitiness of some Zins but with more blueberry and dark chocolate, plus considerable heft and depth. Best through 2023.
Scents of freshly-pressed apple waft from this crisp, easy-drinking Riesling. Refreshingly light on its feet, with sprightly lemon and lime acidity, it finishes moderately long with delicate apple and pear flavors.
Scents of waxy honeycomb and crushed minerals waft from this off-dry Pinot Gris. On the palate, lush, ripe peach and melon flavors penetrate. It's unabashedly fruity and forward with a bold, heavy mouthfeel.
Done entirely in stainless steel, it offers grape skin flavors and green apple fruit. It was.
Smoke, plum jelly and a touch of violet form the aromas for this offering. The tannins are nicely thick, with prominent flavor profile of unsweetened blackberry jam. This meaty wine will improve with a bit more time in the bottle, so hold off until 2016.
Savory tones of pressed apple and pear contrast with pretty orange-blossom aromas on this unusually light-footed Chardonnay. A blend of equal parts oak and stainless-steel ferment, it's concentrated with pear and lemon flavors. Finishes a bit short.
Cigarbox, mint, balsamic and leather lead this traditionally minded Agiorgitiko from Boutari. On the palate, plum, spice and tobacco prevail.
A sandalwood, light leather and raspberry nose are the most compelling elements of this wine by this E & J Gallo brand. On the palate, roasted fig and tart berry are followed by a bit of spice but no lasting finish.
Much like the other 2011 red wine releases from Cave B, this offers thin, tart red fruit, and strong herb and stem flavors in the finishing tannins.
The wine's label sports a black and white image of a city skyline, and the wine inside the bottle might make for a decent glass pour at an urban bistro. There's a lot of vanilla flavor and some pleasant black cherry fruit.
The nose on this Cabernet Franc seduces with scents of rich, ripe berries and cherries accented with granite, vanilla and spice. The palate, however, is more reserved with a dusty, earthen tone that seeps into ruddy red-fruit flavors. Brisk and medium-bodied, it finishes moderately long.
The nose on this Pinot Noir is fresh and bright with scents of fresh raspberries touched with granite minerality. Medium bodied in style, the palate is marked by flavors of cherry cola and currant, wrapping up with a bitter almond finish.
This dense Cab is chewy on the palate with highlights of green olive, sour cherry and minty tobacco. It's fairly priced and approachable.
Fleshy and ripe with flavors of sweet yellow peach touched with honey, this is an easy going medium-sweet Riesling. There's a touch of savory smoke and spice that persists from nose to finish, but overall, it's bright and sunny with lingering lemon acidity.
Savory tones of pressed apples and pears build in spice and concentration on the palate of this Chardonnay, layered in decadent swathes of caramel and cream. It's rich and round in mouthfeel with bold alcohol and body, but balanced with lemony acidity on the finish.
The acidity is most obvious at this stage of the wine's development. It does have structure, but it feels cool and tight. A green edge at the back adds to the cool character.
Slightly salty, it reveals highlights of fig and oak amidst a crisp, clean, relatively low-in-alcohol profile. It'll serve well with seafood and salads and as a straightforward sipping wine on its own.
Grippy, it has power and loads of chocolaty pepper, jammy blackberry and strawberry fruit, and a dull, toasty finish.
Hints of smoke and nut lend a savory tone to fresh pear and yellow peach on this dry, full-bodied Riesling. Textured and expansive on the palate, it's brightened by a splash of white-grapefruit acidity. Finishes moderately long.
A soft, mid-range, medium-bodied Pinot Noir from areas including the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, it imparts aromas of rosemary and herbes de Provence before delving into a world of tart cherry and cranberry. The finish is smoky.
This is soft and lightly scented with citrus. Aromas of lemon peel precede light flavors of citrus and green apple. It's a simple, quaffable white wine, with a bit of Riesling and Viognier in the blend.
Aromas of rubber band, smoky berry and plum come with herbal, rustic overtones. This feels grabby and tannic, while punchy acidity releases angular black-fruit flavors. A roasted, meaty tasting finish brings the heat and feels aggressive.
There's an elegant spray of violet that persists from start to finish on this delicately structured Pinot Noir. Light in body with delicate swathes of red cherry, plum and earth, it finishes with a murmur of soft, astringent tannins.
This bright, young wine is full of citrus, apples and apricots, leaving plenty of room for fresh acidity at the end.
This wine opens with funky aromas of tire rubber and nail polish remover that carry over to the palate along with toast and expresso notes. It lacks fruit richness and has a green, bitter finish.
This starts with concentrated boysenberry and raspberry fruit, but in the mouth some off-flavors intrude. The fruit is close to raisined, and the finish carries a hint of plastic. Two bottles tasted, consistent results.
Light, fruity and lemony, this wine has some weight, but it is more about crisp citrus with a touch of pear.
Made from a blend of native grapes Insolia and Grecanico, this is a light-bodied but refreshing wine that recalls lemon zest, peach and green apple. Fresh acidity gives it a clean, bright finish. Pair this with vegetarian appetizers.
This quaffable white blend opens with minerally vitamin-like aromas along with touches of peach pit and apple. The palate is good in a generic way, while apple, pear, melon and mild spice flavors finish exactly the same.
In this Bordeaux-style blend, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot comprise a quarter of the finished wine. However, it's almost weightless, with dilute flavors of leaf, herb and lemon.
This Rhône-style blend—two-thirds Roussanne, the rest divided between Marsanne and Viognier—was made using grapes sourced from the estate Destiny Ridge Vineyard. Intriguing aromas suggest clover, sweet grass and honeysuckle, while the flavors run from stone fruits into hints of light tropical fruits. It's lovely and evocative.
Elegant mineral, citrus and spice aromas lead into complex layers of sea salt and lemon flavors. Overall this is balanced, but with a bracing edge that's refreshing and refined.
Fermented in large barrels to preserve the fruit, this is a dense wine, full of the ripe red-berry and black-plum flavor that's layered with mint and new wood notes. Juicy, rich and concentrated, this is worth aging for at least five years.
Castel's Blanc is always a well-made selection, and the 2010 carries on that tradition. With 12 months spent in French oak, this is a rich and rounded Chardonnay that exhibits excellent balance and structure, matching bright acidity and refreshing sweet citrus flavors with lush notes of wood-grilled apple, orange creamsicle, crushed yellow flower and peach pit nuttiness. Accents of woody spice and lime zest carry onto the long finish.
Ripe white fruits, Turkish delight and spice lead this complex, aromatic Chardonnay. Balanced on the palate, with layers of peach, citrus and tropical fruit, this is buoyed by fresh acidity. Suitable for fuller-bodied meals, it's also delicious on its own.
Another fine and dandy old-vine, dry-farmed Cauquenes Carignan from Odfjell—one of the pioneers of this revived Maule varietal wine. Dark and lush on the nose, this is jammed with notes of berry, mineral, vanilla and smoky, lemony oak. It tastes fleshy, like berry marmalade, and finishes with flavors of dark chocolate, burnt toast and fine herb. Drink now –2017.
Pure cherry and cassis aromas carry the bouquet to a juicy and tightly wound palate that bears cassis, chocolate and toast flavors. This hits the spot with a long, lightly herbal and solid finish. Drink now through 2015.
The fruit flavors of apples and dried apricots are enhanced with notes of toasted walnuts and sweet grain. Made from estate-grown Chardonnay, this is lush and fruity, with complex detailing from having fermented in Hungarian oak puncheons.
A candied citrus flavor marks this fresh, bracing, barrel-fermented Viognier from the estate vineyards. Despite low alcohol and a hint of sweetness, it retains a crisp minerality, with a finishing lick of lime rind.
A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot, there is a sweet, cinnamon note that punches through, giving accents of spice and candy to the forward red-fruit flavor. This is easy drinking and very tasty—drink up.
Mostly Cabernet, with a bit of Merlot and Malbec in the blend, the new Electrum shows flavors of mixed berry, plum and a hint of prune. The acids are tart, giving the wine good presence, and the balance and length are spot on.
This wine hits the palate with authority, showing pretty black-cherry and cassis flavors, and soft, slightly leathery, drying tannins. The well-structured Red Mountain fruit has the potential to age well for a decade or more.
Scents of licorice root, bramble and a soft menthol note grace this balanced Shiraz's black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit. This is medium weight, with moderate tannins and an approachable structure. A note of roasted espresso bean and a hint of chicory carry through the long finish. Mevushal.
This is a Cabernet with intense berry concentration and soft tannins. It's very dry and savory, with leathery black cherry and cassis bursting almost out of its seams, finishing with a hint of dark chocolate. Nicely crafted, this shouldn't overpower your food.
All varietal coming from Heart of the Hill Vineyard, this brooding wine offers aromas of dark coffee, cherry, bittersweet chocolate, clove and assorted barrel spices (80% new French). It's classically styled with reserved, almost elegant fruit flavors, bright acid and firm tannins that need time in the cellar to soften. Best after 2020.
Crisp green apple, lime and vanilla wafer mingle on the palate of this 100% Chardonnay, méthode champenoise sparkler from the Bazzano Vineyard. It drips with minerality, lively and tangy with a medium to light body that picks up depth and breadth on the finish.
Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, underbrush, mocha, spice and a balsamic note lead the nose on this structured Dolcetto. The full-bodied palate doles out mature blackberry, dried black cherry, licorice and ground pepper alongside chewy tannins. A note of bitter almond signals the close.
A creamy, unctuous white with a tease of waxy apple, cheese rind and tropical pear, this fuller-bodied expression of the grape takes on generous layers of caramel and ginger as it goes. It finishes in a long, lingering celebration of brioche and allspice.
This perfumed Riesling entices with lifted white floral notes against a backdrop of cool, foresty green notes. It's forward and juicy, boasting honeyed yellow peach and apricot flavors. Yet it's also elegantly structured, marked by zesty citrus notes and a cool, mineral finish that lingers endlessly. Drink now–2020.
You'll find blue flowers, blackberry, ground pepper and aromatic herb aromas on this smooth, poised red. The savory palate doles out blackberry, crushed plum, ground pepper and cocoa balanced by supple, fine-grained tannins.
Mostly Grenache and Syrah along with pinches of Cinsault and Mourvèdre, this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of earthy funk, coffee, crushed rock, dried herbs, plum and peppery spices. Considering the labeled alcohol level, the flavors are surprisingly sweet and rich, with a lightly tacky feel and a drawn-out finish.
White flowers and pine fronds perfume crisp yellow peach and apricots in this delicate, yet intensely concentrated Riesling. Zesty, cutting and spry, it's a bright star for Riesling in a region traditionally not known for the variety. Made from “virgin” seedless berries known for their intense aroma and flavor concentration.
Nearly 75% Syrah with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, this features aromas that pop, with black plum, blackberry seed, pencil lead and milk chocolate. It's sensuous and palate-coating in feel, with layered fruit flavors that show purity and richness.
With aromas reminiscent of moist soil after a summer rain, this wine also offers notes of dark coffee, cola cherry, black licorice and herbs. It's tightly wound, with dark fruit and coffee flavors and a hyperextended finish. Its best days are still in front of it.
This structured wine is lithe and ethereal in dried herb and cranberry, with a hint of pencil lead. Puckering tannins suggest aging through 2020, to draw out the more succulent layers of black cherry and plum. The wine has 12% Merlot.
The vineyard-designated Grenache grapes are given a whole-berry press before fermenting in stainless steel, encouraging the lithe strawberry and watermelon essence of this wine to sing unabashedly, adorned by supporting minerality and an overall lightness of being. This is a lovely sipper for all manner of moments.
Coming in one of the most beautiful bottles on the market, this wine offers very forward aromas of honeyed almonds, browned butter, caramelized apples, daffodils and honeysuckle. There's a marzipan-powered nuttiness on the palate along with candied apples, but lemon zest acidity holds it together. This wine overpowers white fish, but excels with cheese.
Pencil lead and leather pouch partner with ripe, concentrated blackberry. Well-integrated tannins offer smoothness, making the wine both complex and very drinkable.
No punches are pulled on this hedonistic wine with its aromas and flavors of blackberry, chocolate and barrel spice. It's rich and high octane but maintains a sense of balance.
Dusty, earthy plum and cherry aromas are a bit scratchy but enjoyable and powerful. A smooth, plummy palate entertains flavors of toasty black fruits and peppery spice, while the finish is meaty and full, with easy tannins. Drink through 2017.
The third vintage of this wine is 100% varietal, with the fruit coming from Stone Tree, Cold Creek and Beverly vineyards. Aromas of coffee, vanilla, clove, dark plum and spice lead to concentrated, layered but still elegant fruit flavors.
Oak aging has added layers of vanilla and cinnamon, clove and menthol to this wine's ample black cherry fruit. There's a velvety plushness unusual for Crozes-Hermitage, but it adds welcome dimension to the finish.
The only Steve Clifton Nebbiolo of the vintage that's truly suitable for drinking now (though it too will last many years), this shows a focused acidity on the high-toned nose, with tight, almost crystallized cherry, rose and tar elements. Tart red fruit and black spices power the palate, which is well structured with intense tannins, but approachable today.
Enticing aromas like baking spices and a vivid mix of fruit and spice flavors are carried along beautifully by lively acidity matched with luxurious body. This tastes subtly and attractively oaky and has considerable complexity and length.
Aromas of coffee, mocha, spice and dark fruit lead to full-bodied, layered fruit and barrel flavors. There's plenty of power but it doesn't sacrifice nuance.
This lively, muscular, full-bodied wine ripples with smoky, meaty, peppery aromas. A thick, almost chewy texture partners with rowdy blackberry flavors and vivid tannins that will tame the rarest steak or wildest game.
A vivid yellow-gold color grabs the attention and creamy, tropical fruit flavors deliver the goods in this medium-bodied but full-blown wine. Pineapple, grapefruit, fig and almond are layered in an almost unctuous texture, but supported by vibrant acidity that keeps everything in great balance.
Nano-produced, this wine offers aromas of herbs, crushed violets and coffee. Cherry flavors coat the palate with a full feel while displaying expertly integrated tannins. The finish lingers.
This wine is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and a whopping 27% Petit Verdot, with the fruit coming from Yellow Bird and Tokar vineyards. Brooding aromas of freshly tilled soil, dried flowers, herbs and cherry lead to a richly flavored but well-balanced palate. It should age well.
A rare single-vineyard bottling from this tiny site, this wine offers aromas of black licorice, herbs, cassis, dates and black cherry. The palate brings tart, vibrant acidity along with chewy tannins.
This wine is a blend of top sites Stoney Vine, Discovery, Olsen, StoneTree and Klipsun vineyards. Perfumed aromas of wet stone, earth, black olive and coffee lead to plush-feeling fruit and earth flavors that show persistence.
Red berry, rose and anise aromas mingle in the glass. The firm palate is still closed, but offers raw red berry, menthol, sage and anisette. It's still rather primary but has the structure to evolve and develop complexity. Drink after 2019.
The aromas of woodspice, vanilla and cedar are primary at present on this wine that seems initially closed on the nose. The palate is more vibrant, with cranberry and cherry flavors framed by a tart lick of acidity. Its best days in front of it. Drink after 2021.
On the nose, this exotic white offers banana, lemon and vanilla aromas. On the palate, it has a lush pineapple and banana character edged by vanilla toast. Pretty and approachable, this is a very good go-to white for varied wine lovers.
A ripe wine, full of red berry fruits contrasted with soft tannins. It is spicy from the wood aging, yet the fruit shines through strongly. It will be ready to drink from 2017.
Lightly pink in color with a hint of orange, this bottling, which includes 20% Grenache Blanc, shows rose petals and a touch of watermelon shaved ice on the shy nose. The palate is very steely, reserved and tense, with only hints of light strawberry emerging. The wine is more about texture than flavor.
This wine is plump, rounded and rich. Ripe hints of stone fruit suggest fleshy, juicy pear and ripe peach. The medium-sweet palate underlines the full-fruited nature more than freshness.
Underbrush, red berry and coffee bean lead the nose while the light-bodied palate offers red cherry, clove and a hint of grilled sage. It's easygoing, with loose-knit, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy now.
This is a concentrated wine—firm and structured with tannins. It has delicious red fruits, spice and a fine bite of acidity at the end. Produced on the Corcelles estate, it is a wine to age a few more months, so drink from 2017.
A small portion of this producer's vineyard, predominantly in three of the crus, is in Beaujolais-Villages. He has produced a small-production structured wine with noticeable tannins as well as ripe, juicy red fruits. Drink now.
With a blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is ripe, with a tannic structure. There is fine, juicy acidity coming through the dry shell of this young wine. With another year, it will fill out and be ready to drink. Drink from 2017.
Black pepper, light fennel and pencil shavings give nuance to a nose otherwise consumed by dark blackberries and touches of violets. Tar and espresso kick off the sip, followed by fruity blueberries and purple flowers. The wine is chalky; still-young tannins will help it last a while.
Swathes of bramble, dried herb and toast meander enticingly through this elegant but slightly savory Bordeaux-style blend. Crisp black-cherry and berry flavors are taut and restrained, augmented with refreshing acidity and persistent but fine tannins.
An earthy aspect to fleshy notes of ripe peach dominates the nose. The off-dry palate piles on even more juicy fruit and can barely keep a check on all this abundance with slight pithy notes. Drink soon for maximum fruit.
A bright cherry and banana flavored wine, this is fresh and fruity. It has a light structure that helps to keep it all together along with the acidity for final crispness. Drink now.
This is a ripe wine with black-cherry fruit and some firm tannins. It is just now mature, packed with vivid fruit and acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
An understated nose of peachy blossom is followed by an off-dry palate of rounded, fleshy stone fruit defined by sweetness and generosity. A warm glint and some pithy hints check the richness.
This is an attractive blend of Braucol and Syrah which gives a ripe spicy wine. Red-berry flavors dominate with a rich texture and light acidity. The wine is perfumed and ready to drink.
Slight hints of riper stone fruit mingle with citrus and green-apple-focused flavors. This wine is fresh and carries some earthier notes of bruised apple peel that add interest and texture. The finish is dry and brisk.
This wine has bright fruit-salad aromas, ripe pear and apple flavors and some attractive hints of butter and vanilla. It feels medium bodied, mouthfilling and smooth in texture.
Lime and grapefruit aromas lead to crisp, dry and fresh citrus flavors in this medium-bodied and tautly balanced wine with a lively personality.
Succulent black cherries and berries are accented by sweet-savory touches of Graham cracker and nut on the nose of this fruit-forward Malbec. The palate is juicy and primary but bright acidity and bold, slightly tacky tannins lend structure to the finish.
This is a fruity, ripe blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Castelão. Soft, with a touch of spice from wood, it also has a crisp edge of acidity. Drink this attractive wine now.
Straightforward and juicy, this opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, wild berry and a whiff of oak while the brisk palate delivers raspberry, white pepper and espresso. Close-grained tannins leave a somewhat astringent finish.
If you know San Pedro's Elqui Syrahs, then this should seem familiar. Particular aromas of tea, herbs, grilled meat, stewed plum and horse are what we've come to expect from this wine. Flavors of herbal stewy plum and cured meat finish heavy, creamy and warm.
Rustic, earthy aromas of tomato, herbs and leather are not textbook clean but they stir interest. This is hard and tannic, with gritty, raw flavors of spicy herbal plum. On the finish, this smacks down hard with tannic bite along with chocolate and herbal spice flavors.
Full-bodied red fruits typify this deep magenta rosé from Thema. The palate offers ripe flavors with a spicy finish. Good with fuller-bodied fish or poultry dishes.
There's slight effervescence in the glass of this wine that offers tart green-apple skins and pear-cider notes on the nose. Yellow pear and sour apple skins also show on the palate, lifted with nuances of lemongrass.
Fresh jasmine flowers and orange blossoms give way to a tropical-leaning, guava-inflected nose on this bottling, boosted by a citrus twist. Once sipped, the tropical touch shows again, but it's fairly restrained, with light apple and mandarin-orange flavors prominent.
A blend of several vineyards, including Kanzler, Quail Hill and Umino, with some Freestone also in the bottle, this wine was given an almost 50% whole-cluster fermentation. Crisp cherry, strawberry and an inviting squeeze of citrus sit atop darker notes of cinnamon toast, the whole awash in a floral flourish of orange blossom.
This is the producer's first vintage from this vineyard—the grapes were previously sold. The site, which sits within Green Valley as well as the Sonoma Coast, is planted to the same clone as sister property Quail Hill, in coveted Goldridge soils. Soft, round and decadent, the wine is full bodied, with bursts of red fruit and crushed stone.
Mature black-skinned berry, ripe plum, baking spice, violet and a whiff of earth are some of the aromas you'll find on this impressive red. The structured palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed blackberry, vanilla and a dusting of cocoa framed in velvety tannins. Even though it's already accessible, it will continue to evolve and age well for years to come. Drink through 2028.
A whopping deal at under $30, this shows seductive and intriguing aromas of cherry tomato, chopped oregano, thyme, tomato lead, incense, rose petals and hibiscus. There's iron and cherry pit at the tip of the sip, which settles into mace, allspice and cinnamon, ever-evolving throughout the plum fruit flavors in the glass.
Slight smoke and dark plum, a hint of polished mahogany and the merest touch of leather suggest restrained elegance and complexity. The palate is just medium-bodied but of such subtle balance that the entire wine becomes utterly seductive even though heat is palpable. There are dark, brooding elements of fruit that play above the taut, grippy but fine structure. What a distinguished, beautiful rendition of Merlot.
A heady world of cherry opens up immediately: aromatic Morello and dark Amarena vie for attention on the nose. The palate is full-fruited but has a backbone of freshness that gives this both verve and balance. Tannins are supple but it is the central vein of freshness that characterises the brightness and unforced honesty of this joyous red.
The purest scent of fresh, ripe red cherries is the first pleasure to be encountered on this elegant wine. On the slender palate this lovely fruit expression is joined by earthier tones of undergrowth and peat. There is a central seam of freshness that pulls fruit, silky tannin and soft texture together. If there was just one attribute I could name it would be elegance. Lovely and fresh now but Rosenberg ages most gracefully. Drink 2016–2024.
The nose already announces the citric explosion on the palate: bursting notions of lemon zest with hints of pink grapefruit punctuate every second of refreshing bliss on the palate. This is true to its vintage, ultraclean, and immensely energetic. The freshness elongates everything, sparking real refreshment and leaving a lasting impression.
From one of the producer's coolest sites, this wine has a nose of wet gravel and lime peel, enveloped in oaky caramel and toast with Meyer lemon jam. A mouthwatering structure of spicy acidity underlies it all. It has ages to go in the bottle; drink now through 2023.
The heady fragrance of pure lemon zest hits home straight away, and the palate delivers the promised punch. Purity and freshness perform a high-wire act, all the while sending sparks of swirling tangerine and grapefruit in quick-fire flashes across the palate. Who needs fireworks when you can drink this? If you love acidity, you will be hooked.
White pepper is already signalled on the nose, on the palate it keeps fizzing amid crushed herbs and yeasty, salty tanginess. The fruit for now remains in the background, but ripe pear is ready to burst forth. This is a quintessential Grüner, full of focus and direction without forgetting the all-important charm. Lovely now but will be even better after 2018.
Components of salty toffee and honey provide a luxurious texture to this otherwise floral, nicely balanced wine, a subtle cradling of oak never in the way of its tense minerality. Green apple and Meyer lemon make appearances along the way.
This is the winery's first bottling of estate Chardonnay, from a vineyard on the western edges of Carneros named for the owner's two children. Ephemeral and crisp, it speaks to its cooler conditions, exhibiting low oak impact around lilting, floral notes of citrus. Salty, with a restrained hint of vanilla and coconut, it finishes lengthy and complex.
Fresh, crunchy red cherries are overcast by darker notions of iron oxide, peony petals and aromatic cinnamon. This makes for a brooding but fresh, intriguing but crunchy experience. This scintillates between light and dark and shimmers with a softly tannic grip. This is fresh, has backbone and immense purity. It elevates Zweigelt to a higher plane.
Brooding black cherries, fresh plums and blueberries are dusted with cinnamon spice on this alluring nose. There almost is an overtone of dried orange peel that gives aromatic lift. The palate is fleshy and dense but has a vein of freshness at the core. Fruit and tannins create a smudged, rich body of crushed, fresh fruit with subtle grip. This is lusciously ripe now but will develop beautifully.
Aromas of iron, fresh-roasted coffee beans, high-toned dried herbs, mineral, blue fruit and savory spices explode from the glass. This wine coats the palate from end to end with supple, dense fruit and savory flavors that feel sleek but still show depth. The tannins bring some heft.
This fresh, crisp wine hovers attractively between crisp, herbal Sauvignon and riper yellow fruits. Touches of wood adds richness to this already-drinkable wine. Drink now or better, from 2017.
Always one of the top performers in Margaux, this dense and concentrated wine has a bold, ripe character from the plum and berry fruits. It has the weight to develop. Drink from 2020.
Sumptuous notes of fresh, aromatic red cherries are central to this wine. They are joined by a sonorous, soft and mellow oak spice and texture and sprays of fresh white pepper. There are hints of iron oxide and an intensely brooding flavor of pure, black cherry at the very core. This draws you in and just makes you want to savor. Lovely now, this will come out of its shell with some bottle age. Drink 2016–2020.
Tight, textured and mineral, this wine just hints at the fruit to come. It is dark, brooding and concentrated, with black-plum flavors just beginning to shine through the dry texture. It needs aging, so drink from 2022.
A barrel-selection of Susanna's, this wine has grip and yet is also silky and elegant. Cranberry and plum star on the palate, bright and plush, the acidity tightly managed and brought to life. Medium bodied, this wine has depth and breadth, finishing in clove and cardamon-dusted orange peel.
Fresh citrus and tangy orange give this perfumed wine both fruitiness and a tight, mineral texture. It has enough structure to age; drink from 2018. This bottling is a blend of second-level white grapes from two Domaine Dillon properties: Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion, both in Pessac-Léognan.
Yeast and citrus, chervil and white pepper meet on the nose. The palate blends a streak of pure citrus into all of this and lends sharp aromatic focus to the spicy, almost salty core. This is taut and toned, linear and long without a spare ounce of fat. Exciting and racy.
Rich, velvety and intense, this is packed with gorgeous mulberry and spice aromas and flavors, with intriguing hints of tar and espresso. Senior Winemaker Gordon Russell deserves much credit for crafting such a voluptuous expression of Hawke's Bay Syrah. Drink now–2025.
Made with century-old, ungrafted vines, this structured red offers aromas of mature black plum, dark spice, tobacco and a whiff of blue flower. The generous, enveloping palate doles out layers of juicy black cherry, blackberry, anise, cinnamon and clove framed in densely packed but ripe tannins. Give it time to unwind and fully develop. Drink after 2020–2030.
Complex aromas greet the nose on this top-level offering from a veteran producer, with dark strawberry and black plum treated to a eucalyptus and sagebrush twist. The palate mixes fruit with spice as well, showing raspberry-blackberry juice cut with clove, allspice, nutmeg and Mediterranean herbs.
This is young, quite sharp and still showing some rough edges. The fruit is crisp and pure, with well-defined flavors of raspberry and cherry candy. The tannins have a green tea, earthy quality, but some additional bottle age will help round them out.
Spice, tobacco and berry fruit work the nose on this firm, medium-bodied Ribera wine. A mouthfeel that's fresh and snappy might be seen as short and choppy by anyone seeking more extract and body, but overall the wine pushes forward with purpose and intent. Firmness is its calling card, so look for a tightness of being and no excess fat, oak or heft. A good wine for food.
Gassy and funky out of the chute, with spice, licorice and aromas that hint at both richness and oak. The palate is ripe, roasted and tilts toward dark berry, plum and raisin, while the finish is round, medicinal and warming. Very much like the basic Cúa 2003 Bierzo, with a little more precision. Seems a little fat and hollow, but it makes its point.
This is an impressive wine, with its aromas of pear, apple, spice and honey, and its rich spiced flavors buoyed by crisp acidity. Complex but refreshing, with a smooth, lingering finish. Overall, food friendly and stylish.
Sierra Cantabria's wines are usually so good that one that's simple, tasty and regular such as this might get overlooked. But if you want an honest crianza with touches of balsam wood, bacon and rubber as well as dry plum and cherry fruit, this is it. Finishes peppery, with full tannins and oak-driven mocha flavor.
Another impressive wine from Standing Stone. Fresh, citric flavors of fruit and lemon mingle with spicy toast on the nose, and on the palate, the wine has a creamy, luscious character, but is balanced by acidity. A lovely play of fruit and spice, with a lingering finish.
A beguiling nose of honey and lemon leads on this lovely ice wine from Seneca Lake. Lush and mouthfilling, the wine's sweet, floral character is balanced by a crisp acidity and delicious spice. Elegant but expressive.
This is the sort of wine that should generate some enthusiasm in America for Australian Grenache. It's full-bodied, but soft and cuddly, an easy-drinking, fruit-and-oak blend with flavors of vanilla and jammy fruit. The only quibble is the relatively fast fade on the finish. Drink now.
Carefully made, but seems a bit dilute. Light and quite tart fruit flavors suggest rhubarb and cranberry; there are also hints of coffee grounds and smoke, though no new oak was used.
This wine is balanced between fresh acidity and ripe apricot and pear flavors. It is textured, showing a light minerality but not enough to mask the fruits. Drink from 2017. Denis Dubourdieu and Christophe Ollivier consult with manager Philippe Lacoste for the Beraud-Sudreau family.
This wine comes from one of a group of wineries with vines in the small area north of Listrac called Le Fourcas. It's packed with red fruits and juicy acidity. The dominant Merlot gives a bold, rich texture backed up by the more structured Cabernets. It will develop quickly and be ready from 2017.
A small portion of Château Peyrabon lies in the Pauillac appellation and is vinified separately. This is a surprisingly light wine for its appellation, fresh with fruitiness rather than structured. It has attractive black-currant acidity and a core of smoky tannins. Drink from 2018.
This has a strong animal aroma, although the palate is all fruit and fragrant acidity. It shows nutmeg and cinnamon spice from wood aging, as well as a strongly herbal character. Drink from 2018. The wine is 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon.
Run by the Nony family who also own Château Caronne Ste Gemme, this well-made wine has taken advantage of the fruitiness of the vintage. Ripe fruit is the hallmark here, juicy blackberry and soft tannins rounded by some wood aging. Drink from 2017.
Part of the large Grand Chais de France group, this estate has been thoroughly renovated. It has produced a ripe, smooth and full-bodied wine with juicy black fruits that overlie the firmer tannic character. With its already attractive fruitiness, it's not a wine for long-term aging Drink from 2018.
Mint aromas and ripe berry fruit set the scene for an attractive, ageworthy wine. It is still structured with firm tannins and a dense texture, while the blackberry fruitiness is beginning to show well. It will be worth keeping this wine, so drink from 2017.
Made with 85% Montepulciano and 15% Aglianico, this accessible wine opens with aromas of brooding dark fruit and baking spice. On the ripe, round palate, supple tannins balance mature black cherry, baked plum, cocoa and a hint of licorice. Enjoy soon.
An initial hint of tropical fruit quickly blows off to reveal notions of fresh pear peel and a pleasantly bitter texture that suggests more pear peel with citrus zest and pith. Underneath is all is a reservoir of pepper and lemony freshness.
Very light in color, this cool, crisp bottling by Amy Butler shows ripe Key lime, chalky minerality and sliced red apple on the nose. The palate is clean and tangy with lime peel, Meyer lemon pith, green papaya and a slight grassiness.
Herb and barrel spice aromas are light, with a high-toned berry top note. The black-fruit flavors are smooth and sultry. You want more from the aromas but the flavors quickly compensate.
This is a hearty, fulsome combo of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Viognier. It comes off as overtly light at first before gradually revealing full-bodied punches of pear and peach. The Viognier speaks in waves of honey and orange blossom, adding voluptuous texture to the proceedings.
Very light in color in the glass, this appellation blend shows cut nectarine, lemon juice and apple skins on the easy, restrained but energetic nose. The palate offers touches of Pink Lady apple, nectarine and squeezed tangerine. It's altogether crisp and refreshing while retaining the grape's familiar notes.
Tasty touches of toasted oak, butter and almonds in the aroma and again in the flavor add depth to the ripe Anjou pear notes in this full-bodied, posh-textured wine. With all that flavor, it keeps its balance and has a lingering finish, too.
Ripe cherry and white pepper aromas lead the nose. The ripe, straightforward palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry and star anise while smooth tannins provide the polished framework. Drink through 2018.
Bramble and mint leaves lend a fresh, savory feel to luscious black plum and cherry flavors in this spry, medium-bodied Cabernet Franc. It's juicy and forward but anchored by crisp acidity and complex notes of smoke and graphite. Drink now through 2018.
Smoky cherry and the slightest whiff of bacon make for an appetizing proposition. The palate is lively, peppery and full of juicy black and red cherries. The tannins have some grip and are in tune with the freshness. This is lively, just medium-bodied and invigorating.
This wine strikes a wide purple fruit note at first before centering on plum jam, wood smoke and a licorice element. On the palate, medium tannins frame a medium and smooth mouthfeel, with flavors of tobacco leaf giving way to richer coffee and woody elderberry flavors.
This full-bodied wine combines spicy aromas with deep fruit flavors like plum and blackberry. The fresh, juicy texture has just enough tannin to make it appetizing. The wine has enough heft to pair well with a lot of savory and meaty dishes.
Buoyant and blossomy, this semidry Riesling bursts of fresh apple and grapefruit flavors and a distinctly floral perfume. A tart lime edge frames a brisk, clean finish. Drink now to appreciate its freshness and aroma.
Hints of bramble, savory beetroot and spice lend complexity to lush, ripe black cherry and berry flavors in this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. Unctuous and juicy, it penetrates richly, shaded by soft layers of fine-grained tannins. Drink now–2017.
Bright cherry and berry aromas get support from grainy, lightly lactic oak. This Syrah is balanced and fresh, with a mild sensation of tartaric acid on the palate. Flavors of loamy berry fruits are mildly spicy but lack serious complexity.
Made with 100% Grillo grapes, this opens with aromas of crème brûlée, caramel and sweet pipe tobacco. The aromas follow through to the warm palate along with licorice root and vanilla notes.
The namesake is long gone from the company, but the wine is still a very good drop. Hints of snow pea and cut grass offset stone fruit flavors and a touch of honey. Drink this medium-bodied, mouthwatering wine up by the end of 2016.
Made with dried Mantonico grapes, this opens with aromas of orange zest and dried apricot. The apricot note carries through to the full-bodied palate along with fig, lemon honey and sweet almond. Fresh acidity brightens the concentrated flavors.
Crisp plum and berry aromas are solid and clean. This feels tight, fresh and well built. Cherry, plum and berry aromas are not overly complex, nor is the finish, which is nice but not overly demanding or intense. Drink this blend of Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Syrah through 2019.
Subtle leafiness accents pineapple and grapefruit aromas in this solid effort from an inconsistent vintage. Despite its age, it's still tight, offering coiled notes of tropical fruit and citrus and finishing with crisp acids.
Seared black cherries and savory hoisin umami notes mix with cinnamon, sandalwood, incense and brown spice on the nose of this bottling by Jake Knotts of the Jocko's Steakhouse family. It's lively, energetic and easy to quaff on the palate, with bright boysenberries and aromatic purple flowers, proving medium weight in body and style.
Fragrant opening notes of fennel, tobacco and lime introduce a well-crafted Cabernet sourced from the Pepper Bridge vineyard. The fruit flavors are quite dry, slightly attenuated, and hinting at herbs throughout.
The nose on this wine is fresh but nothing unusual or exciting. In the mouth, it's racy, with acidity and flavors of green veggies, citrus fruits and pith. Things turn more pithy and mildly bitter on the finish, where tarragon and rosemary accents take over.
Smooth and softly textured, this is an attractive red wine. It has ripe berry fruits, gentle tannins that are enough to bring out the wood and spice flavors. Give the wine two years.
With a portion of proceeds going to Seattle University's general athletic fund, this Viognier with a dash of Roussanne (8%) has notes of canned pear and mandarin orange slices sprinkled with green tea. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it is broad and textured with a streak of acidity stitching it all together.
Anderson Valley-based Husch sources from inland Mendocino's La Ribera Vineyards near Ukiah for its Cabernet Sauvignon, where it can get warm enough to produce this savory, structured wine. It's still tight, but textured with flavors of clove, red and black fruit.
Showcasing a rich style of Sancerre, this wine is creamy in texture with flavors of almonds, ripe melon and citrus. The palate is full and soft, with just the aftertaste showing crispness.
A delightful bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with notes of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and medley of fresh herbs. What the palate lacks in terms of fruit concentration it makes up for with a fine zip of acidity.
Tasty, tart red berry flavors abound, from cranberries on up, with a suggestion of dried herbs. The finish turns a bit chalky.
Riper and richer than most Pinotage, with loads of decadent berry preserves, caramel sauce and melted dark chocolate aromas. The lushness carries through to the mouth, with a round mouthfeel full of dark fruit with accents of leather and cigar box. The peppery finish leaves a satisfying spicy note lingering in your mouth through the close.
A limited production wine (only 3,440 bottles produced) that has the depth and concentration one would expect for a wine with this price tag. Dark and floral with aromas of crushed African violets, black plum, cherry and clover. The mouth is lush and velvety, loaded with flavors of cassis, black berry, pepper and leathery spice that continue through the finish. Drink now through 2015.
As with all of the Dr. Loosen wines, this blended kabinett is very fruit-forward and direct. The green apple and lime notes are wonderfully pure and balanced. Drink this light, spritely wine over the next few years.
Vibrant, attractive notes of black cherry, plum, raspberry sauce and licorice root draw you in immediately, and continue on to the palate alongside complementary accents of sweet spice and black pepper. Medium weight in the mouth with grippy tannins and a strong finish. Elegant yet intense.
Loads of menthol and pepper spice fill the nose, with a supporting fruit core of black cherry, black currant and wild raspberry. The texture is like crushed satin but the tannins, though fine grain, have good staying power. Mocha and cherry pits add character to the close.
Aromas of peach and mango waft from the glass. This is a rich wine, although dry, with a smooth, almost oily texture. Its ripe fruit is intense, with the yellow fruit flavors dominating acidity and pepper. It could age for several years.
Wines like this have defined and propelled Malbec mania. It's ripe, bold and firm, with welcoming berry aromas and a powerful but healthy palate of ripped black cherry, berry and cola flavors. In the mix and on the finish you'll find coffee and mocha. Drink now and over the next two years.
This is a smooth customer, with a rich, silky mouthfeel, and has the soft seductive velvety character that allows it to feel complete as a standalone clone. It stops a bit short in the finish, hitting some herbal tannins, but resonates with pretty barrel notes of caramel and a hint of honey.
The aromas are promisingly thick and chewy, with assertive notes of black cherry, cigar tobacco and bittersweet chocolate. The creamy mouth delivers more of the same alongside additional elements of cassis, pepper and leathery spice. The mocha-infused finish leaves little else to be desired; drink now.
Very clean, smooth and inviting. Every piece is in place, and the wine flows from nose to palate to finish with ease and comfort. Flavors of black cherry, cassis and blackberry are creamy and deep, with a hint of vanilla sweetness and oak. Warm and chewy as well. Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Cab Franc; drink now.
Classic black-colored Malbec, very perfumed, its fruit polished by smooth tannins. On the palate, black damson and bitter chocolate flavors are present. It's a powerful wine, full of firm tannins, its dark edge softened by wood.
A bit soupy and soft on the nose, with mulch, oak and tobacco along with dark-fruit aromas. This marks the second vintage of Intriga, a new Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from MontGras, and it's full and chewy, with raspberry flavors and size. Shows a touch of syrupy thickness on the finish. Weighty and definitely ripe. Drink soon.
Intensely perfumed wine, with spicy Syrah aromas dominating this blend with Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's also an earthiness to the wine, which is still young. The tannins comes through with black fruits, fresh acidity, and some firm ripeness. Age for 3–4 years.
Delicate aromas of lemon chiffon, green banana and mineral give this the opening you'd want. The palate is ripe and bold, but also limited to green-apple flavors. Healthy in the mouth, with a zesty, correct finish. This wine gets things right while not making a big statement. Imported by Republic National Distributing Co.
A rich nose of violets, dark berries and smoke leads on this big and friendly Cabernet. Mouthfilling anf full of berry and herb flavors, the wine has a classic structure and a lingering finish. Age for added enjoyment. Dense
Mineral, cactus, citrus and green herbs share the bouquet, which is followed by a full yet spritzy palate of apple cider and citrus flavors. The slight effervescence makes the wine dance, yet there's something incongruous about the spritz matched against the natural weight of old-vines Verdejo.
Fruity up front, with a bit of Ribera's youthful funk thrown in for good measure. Shows leather, earth, aged cheese and dairy notes alongside ribald berry and cherry flavors. It's a solid wine with no leash; it wants to run so might as well let it. Finishes with power in the homestretch. Best in 2009–10. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.
Definitely a nice package for the money. The nose is pretty and dark, with black cherry as the lead aroma. The palate is zesty and healthy, with cherry flavors, good acidity and overall balance. Nice flavors and texture for a value-priced wine. Mixes 78% Syrah with 22% Cabernet.
Very young, dominated by its bitter tannins, then with tight blackberry fruits. It is like a coiled runner, waiting to sprint, its freshness promising a good development. It certainly needs time.
The AVA brings a nice mix of fruit and soil into the wine. Fruit flavors run to plum and wild cherry, with (presumably) barrel aging adding gentle suggestions of milk chocolate, drifting into lightly herbal tannins.
A delicious, savory nose of marinated beef, basil, chopped herbs and spice give this Merlot an enticing start. On the palate it's a chewy, earthy red with blasamic and pepper accents. A very interesting wine with solo sipping appeal, though pair with duck or a steak for added appeal.
A taut, mineral style, maybe missing fruit, but certainly evoking the stony soil of the vineyard. Its very tight crispness is emphasized by dryness and by the tartness of lemon juice.
Once again, Spindrift Cellars has released a friendly, fruit-forward Pinot Noir with bright strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit. There's a streak of cola flavor leading into well-managed, supple tannins. Overall balance is just about perfect, and the spicy lift to the finish leaves you quickly wanting a second sip.
With 14% Malbec and Syrah thrown in, this Carmenère is fresh, tightly wound and balanced. It starts with controlled herbal-vegetal aromas along with cherry, raspberry and tarragon. The palate has olive and spice to accent deep black fruit, and the finish is a little oaky but not what you'd call overdone or drying. Full-bodied and textbook for the variety and appellation.
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.
Big honeysuckle, sweet caramel and stone-fruit aromas are backed on the palate with concentrated tangerine and melon flavors. It's a bold fruity wine with luscious body and yielding acidity but tea tannins and grapefruit flavors lend structure.
Hard and charred on the nose at first, this sheds its tire-like aromas for cleaner berry-fruit notes with airing. A full grabby palate is a bit rough and awkward, while roasted berry, plum and oak flavors finish minty and resiny.
Big grapy aromas of blackberry and cassis are rather heavy and flat. This has a tannic abrasive mouthfeel in which nothing is smooth. Borderline overripe flavors of baked plum and blackberry finish chocolaty and with baking-spice flavors.
This broad-shouldered, burly and feral wine is ripe with smoky cherry and vanilla notes. Smoothly textured, it imparts dusty leather and black licorice accents amid a serious slathering of oak.
Ripe Bosc pear, yellow apple, herb and citrus zest aromas follow through to the medium-bodied palate, along with tangy acidity. A hint of white almond backs up the crisp finish.
This 100% varietal wine comes from older plantings at this vineyard. Aromas of plum, barrel spice and herb are up front followed by sweet black-fruit flavors. It shows hang time on the finish.
High-toned acidity complements the generous, brambly black fruit and brown sugar notes in this wine, its savory undertone recalling leather and coffee.
Despite a pale hue and only 12.5% abv, this is a fairly weighty wine on the palate. It's dry and silky in texture, with hints of mossy forest-floor complexity to go along with pear and melon fruit.
Citrus zest, pineapple and oak aromas carry over to the lean, linear palate, joining hints of toasted nut and vanilla. Brisk acidity provides the racy framework.
Spicy woody aromas include a note of mushroom. This feels hard and ultratannic, with acidity suggestive of red-wine vinegar. A wiry mix of salt and sour flavors is attached to savory plum fruit, while this pinches down on a drying abrasive finish.
Whiffs of tea leaves and tobacco lend earthiness to this slightly savory but exotic appealing rosé. There's plenty of red-cherry and raspberry flavor, but it's slightly muted, embraced in shrouds of Cabernet Franc's brambly leafy character. It's a unique, full-bodied rosé to try over dinner with poultry or other white meats.
Floral soupy plum aromas come with notes of road tar, violet, lavender and grass. This has a jammy, saturated, chunky mouthfeel to go with plum and spiced-berry flavors. Exotic notes of cardamom and clove are key to a spicy finish. This is a blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Smooth, rounded tannins mark the entry in this 100% varietal wine that's mildly spicy with clove and an herbal tease of sage. Its black, smoky fruit is ripe and rewarding, enveloped in velvety texture and buoyed by moderate acidity.
This big, oaky and tannic red is robustly laced with cranberry, cherry and cola notes. Moderate acidity keeps it fresh in the glass, with dried herb, mint and tea accents.
There is an interesting mix of grapes here —with Cabernet Sauvignon with Bordeaux origins blended with the local Négrette and with the Syrah more commonly found in the Rhône. Such is the eclectic nature of Southwest France vineyards. The wine itself is mature, soft and fruity, with light tannins and a perfumed edge. The red-plum fruits are juicy, ripe and with an attractive balance of acidity. Drink now.
Here is a ripe wine from a fine vintage in Cahors. With touches of spice as well as rich black-currant fruits, the wine is all about its fruitiness and acidity—ably assisted by tannins. The aftertaste just keeps the fruit coming.
This wine reveals the intense acidity of the 2007 vintage, while managing to balance that juiciness with solid tannins. With its acidity, it can age for over 3–4 years.
A lovely Canary Hill, though a bit lighter than previous vintages, this elegant, smoky wine offers tart wild-berry fruit with a lightly earthy foundation.
Zippy and fruity, bursting with bright, palate-cleansing grapefruit and citrus, this excellent effort is further bolstered by bracing minerality and a barely perceptible hint of sweetness. All in all a thrilling ride on the Oregon Pinot Gris roller coaster.
Lush, full, forward, ripe and round fruit flavors of spiced plum and cherry pour from the glass. Rich, smooth and mouth coating, this instantly-accessible young Pinot finishes with pretty milk chocolate and light toast, a balanced and satisfying effort.
A powerful smoky, wood-aged Bordeaux blend. It is dominated by the tense black-currant flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving a structured and elegant wine that remains rich. It will certainly age for over 4–5 years or more.
From a cool, inland section of Mendocino County, this Viognier opens with gorgeous aromatics—heavenly honeysuckle and grapefruit—and offers up crisp, dry, borderline bracing acidity that pulls back just at the right moment. Nicely textured, the finish lingers.
Earthy and dark to start, with blackberry, cassis, mineral and leather on the nose. Feels rich and slightly syrupy, with herb, sweet berry and brown sugar flavors. Impressive for its power and density; finishes smooth, with mild tannins and caramel flavors. Drink now through 2015.
Smooth and earthy on the nose, with tobacco, cola and restrained red-berry aromas. Has depth and the right amount of snap to the palate, which features classic flavors of herb, spice, tobacco, cedar and berry fruit. Long and barrel-driven on the finish, but cuddly in feel and ready to drink.
Opens with sensational aromas that span plum, berry and chocolate. Feels compact yet juicy, with a lot of depth and purity. Wild berry, mint and bacon-like flavors work the palate, while the finish is defined by tannins, woody spice and natural body. A smooth bruiser to enjoy with venison or steak.
A pretty Viognier with oaky pear and apricot aromatics, lean, dry and crisp in style with plenty of depth on the finish that will appeal to fans of Condrieu. This wine will be available in 2013.
Soft upon entry, this is a lush and plummy wine, with a rich mix of purple and somewhat grapy fruit flavors. What elevates it are the threads of darker fruits and highlights that enrich the tannins. A lingering finish with licks of dark chocolate is the icing on the cake.
Among Chilean Pinot Noirs, this is one of the best. The bouquet blends leather, berry, plum and spice aromas with fine results. Feels full, elegant and complete on the palate, with spicy, layered flavors of dry berry fruit and peppercorn. Smooth and unwavering on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
Winemaker Denis Malbec has created a brilliantly delicious, crisp, dry yet richly textured version of the variety that opens with golden honey, dried apricot and lychee on the nose and mouth. Very minerally, the wine has a steely finish with smoky, oaky edges.
Smooth and already a seamless, complex and compelling whole, this estate-grown reserve overdelivers for the price. Roughly one-fifth new oak balances the modest alcohol, and the just-ripe berry and pomegranate fruit. Light hints of earth, coffee grounds and sassafras add further detail through a lingering finish.
Ken Wright's 2010 Pinots keep the alcohol levels low without sacrificing any flavor or depth. The Nysa is a gorgeous color, aromatically rich with a bouquet of fruit and flowers. Fresh and primary flavors of ripe berry are set amid delicate tannins. The structure suggests excellent aging potential over a decade or more.
Yummy, with ripe, plush berries running rampant across the tongue. The juicy acids and underlying minerality add lift and life, but the fruit, rolling from cranberry to boysenberry to blackberry, just won't let go. The structure suggests ageability for another decade of more.
Young and purple colored, with elegant mint and polished black fruit flavors. The wine has a fine structure, never too heavy, but remains rich and dense. It's so smooth that it could be consumed now, but three more years of aging will do it well.
This 100% old-vine Cinsault preserves the vineyard's earthiness in a unique wine aged in neutral French oak. It's light and bright, tasting of savory rhubarb, with soft layers of spice and a lingering, easy finish.
Full barrel fermentation in French oak yields a delicious Chardonnay with fruit tasting of grapefruit and peaches. The buttery mouthfeel and streak of vanilla cookie match up well with the expected acidity from Okanagan grapes.
There's a concentrated forest floor funk to the nose of this intriguing blend of 58% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 21% Carignane, as well as sweet root vegetable, blueberry, black plum and dried beef aromas. The palate is very wound up in a reductive, tarry tensions, with elderberry fruit and incense oil flavors. Needs some time to unfurl.
An almost neutral nose nonetheless gives slight hints of crisp citrus. An ultralight body provides easy, clean-cut drinking with a superdry, citrussy finish. Drink soon.
Green apples, apple blossoms, fresh Meyer lemon, tangerine skin and a bit of chalk show on the complex nose of this bottling, which is boosted by 5% Viognier. The flavors are fairly light, with energetic lime juice, apple flesh and tart apple skins in the midpalate.
A rounded style of rosé, this is ripe and soft, with acidity cushioned by the rich red fruits. The aftertaste with its lemon-zest touch makes this wine refreshing.
From vineyards close to Saint-Tropez on the Mediterranean coast, this wine has swathes of ripe, sunny fruits with just a hint of cooler breezes to bring out the acidity. It's an immediately attractive, fruity wine, refreshing and packed with orange and raspberry flavors.
Named after the mother of the current grower, this wine is a Rhône-like blend of Syrah and Grenache. The result is a fresh wine with an edge of tannins that give it structure. A ripe wine, it has also preserved its crisp, bright fruitiness.
Surface-level lemon and tropical fruit notes give way to a fresh, clean palate. Powdery, melony flavors of green banana and papaya finish slightly oily and bitter, which is normal for the grape type. Drink immediately.
Produced from organically grown grapes, this wine is full of fragrant, clean red-fruit flavors. It is ripe and full bodied—perhaps too full-bodied for a really fresh rosé. It does have all the fruit, generous and with a soft aftertaste.
Delicate scents of white spring flower and citrus lead the way while the racy, linear palate offers nectarine, mineral and bitter almond. Zesty acidity provides the framework.
Subdued lemon and forest fruit back up the bright, blush colour of this fruitful, almost fleshy rosé. While this is an easy-drinking party wine, it nonetheless finishes with real freshness and leaves you utterly quenched.
The fleshy, generous blueberry and cherry fruit is made more vivid by white pepper notes. The palate is soft and rounded and full of easy-drinking joy. This is ready, bright and refreshing. Drink soon.
The freshly cut peel of Golden Delicious apples dominates this rounded but fresh Grüner. This has a slightly riper aspect than its counterparts from Lower Austria, but delivers a great punch of fresh, easy and appetizing fruit.
Strawberry with a very faint touch of rhubarb makes for a very inviting nose. The palate continues the strawberry theme with a full, fresh and luscious but dry fruit expression. This is juicy, fleshy and moreish, drink soon.
This is a big, full-bodied and nicely balanced wine, with hefty blackberry and cherry flavors matched to a firm texture of rich acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Pink-orange in color, this is a tangy, high-acid wine that's not for everyone, given its bracing mix of tangerine and grapefruit. Light-bodied, yet textured, it's a good quaffer and food-friendly companion.
An attractive and ripely fruited Cab, this opens with lush aromas of blackberry, raspberry preserves and black plum that are complemented by spicy notes of bittersweet chocolate, toasted oak, pepper and cigar-box spice. The plush mouthfeel offers medium tannins and dense black-fruit flavors that linger on the spicy finish.
Delicate aromas of yellow flower and citrus lift out of the glass while the racy, linear palate offers grapefruit, nectarine and graphite alongside zesty acidity. It finishes crisp and clean.
Red-berry fruits dominate this crisp, clear wine with its direct line of acidity and light aftertaste. It's aromatic and full of life.
This wine presents itself initially as having a bold, big body, yet is actually light on its feet as it opens, revealing aromas of cherry liqueur, rhubarb joined with a funk of black licorice and sassafras.
A 100% varietal wine fermented in stainless steel, this is a bright, lively tangle of cherry and orange built around bristling acidity that practically sizzles on the palate. Light-bodied and plenty crisp, it mellows to show length and breadth on the finish.
Aromas of Bosc pear, apple, diesel and apricot lead to elegant fruit flavors. It drinks just a hair off dry. The concentration seems a bit wanting but what's there is well balanced.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Cabernet Franc (24%), Merlot (22%) and Malbec. Aromas of dark fruit and spice are followed by cherry and black-fruit flavors, backed by lightly grainy tannins.
Aromas suggesting Anjou pear, almond, grilled herb and a whiff of smoke come together in the glass while the palate offers tangerine zest, ginger and mineral. Fresh acidity lends balance.
This opens with aromas of ripe orchard fruit and a whiff of citrus. The bright, juicy palate offers mature pear, peach and nectarine while a pleasantly bitter almond note fills in the finish.
A blend of Stillwater Creek and Dineen vineyard fruit, aromas of assorted dried herbs, coffee and barrel spices intermingle. The dark-fruit flavors are elegant, polished and reserved, supported by lightly grainy tannins.
This is a nicely made blend of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Barbera, defined by its generosity of power and tannin as well as a concentration of blackberry, Italian deli meat and leather.
Red currant, black cherries and a touch of dried oregano show on this blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Grenache. The mouthfeel is quite full of flavor although relatively medium-bodied, with red cherry and blackberry fruit flavors cut by a pencil lead minerality. Easy to quaff and quite hedonistic.
This wine is all Marsanne fermented and aged in stainless steel. Aromatically reserved notes of almond, lees and candle wax lead to medium-full, well-balanced flavors that linger.
This Chardonnay shows a beautiful minerality supported by rich and pronounced flavors of cantaloupe, wood-grilled peaches and smokey roasted almonds. It's medium weight and lush in the mouth, with a long evolving finish. Drink while it's still got some chill to it, as the alcohol is a bit too pronounced after warming too much.
The latest Métier is 100% Viognier, all from Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain. The lack of Roussanne in the blend takes away some subtle level of complexity, and this wine, though ripe and extracted and quite seductive, seems a bit one-dimensional. It's a really, really good dimension however, with lush peachy fruit and generous dollops of vanilla cracker and toast.
Dark and concentrated, with aromas of kirsch, blackberry, carnation, sage and menthol. The medium weight mouthfeel shares the same flavors as the nose, but are supported by notes of mocha and sousbois. Needs some time to open up in the glass if enjoyed now; otherwise, hold until 2010–2012.
A Pannobile blend is one that is tasted and approved by a group of producers in Gols, on the north shore of Lake Neusiedl. This firmly tannic wine is a good example of the style—solid, rich, more than the sum of its parts, giving big black berry fruits as well as vibrant juiciness.
All the fruit is from Wahluke Slope vineyard, with 2% Viognier. Aged for 17 months in French oak, this is a big step up from the 2005. The fruit scents are bold and pure, showing lush berry notes and leading gracefully into a darker mix of smoke, coffee grounds, tobacco and licorice. There is a lot of barrel influence, but the fruit is so good that it can take it. This is a wine to drink young and savor.
This complex wine manages to combine dry minerality and sweet fruit in an interesting way. There's a briny note similar to crushed shells on the nose, but also bright cherry aromas, while on the palate an extra note of honey creeps in, imparting sweetness and length on the finish.
This is a hefty, chewy wine, whose alcohol flirts with 15%, but whose ample fruit is buttressed with chalk, earth, steel and tannin. Dark and loaded with smoky graphite, it should be decanted for some hours before serving. How will it cellar? Could go for decades, but it's too soon to call.
Very ripe fruit and a long bottle maturation gives this wine considerable concentration, richness and exotic flavors of ripe apricots, mandarin oranges and an extra layer of spice. The acidity keeps it all  together.
A finely structured, densely rich wine. It has an elegant texture and fine tannins that don't overpower the pure black fig and mineral flavors. The wine is rounded by a generous, juicy overlay of berry fruits. The aftertaste is sweet, jammy, spicy.
100% Mourvèdre from the Ciel du Cheval vineyard, this unusual wine has a distinctive, barky, herbal note. At first it seems to be missing something in the middle, but it's just the dryness of the tannins and the spicy, herbal nature of the raspberry and pomegranate flavored fruit. It actually extends beautifully through a very satisfying and lengthy finish.
Intense, lingering aromas and flavors give this wine—a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc—a memorable edge. On the nose, a combination of savory spice and dark plum and chocolate lead, while the palate is rife with earthy spice, mint, cocoa and smoke. Complex but balanced and traditional, the wine will age well and pair well with complex, robust dishes.
Attractive and very much in the vein of what is really good Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. The bouquet is all about green herbs, cactus pad, passion fruit and citrus. The palate transitions from lemon-lime to tropical pineapple and passion fruit, while the finish is breezy and zesty. It is a lean, 100% Casablanca style of SB, and while it's a step down from the great 2007, the drop is not a big one.
Novas is probably more elevated and serious than Emiliana's basic Natura SB, but in the end run it's more or less a similar, high-quality white wine. After an opening that's tight and strained, Novas spreads out to show lime, passion fruit and green melon flavors. The feel is ripe and full, and it finishes grassy and green, with acid-driven length. Drink now for maximum freshness and intensity.
An intensely juicy wine, this needs time to bring together all the part of the blend. The richness and wood flavors show power, sweetness and dark berry and plum flavors spiced with cinnamon and toast. Give it a year for the extreme juiciness to calm down.
Muscat comes through loud and clear, offering up aromas redolent of oranges, citrus blossom and spice. It's light in body and off-dry, with refreshing fruit flavors of oranges and nectarines. This would make a fine summertime picnic wine.
The alcohol is under 11%, and there is a sweet, honeyed peach flavor underlying tart green apple fruit. It's like biting into an apple tart, with the same mix of fruit, cinnamon, honey caramel, and fresh-baked crust. A substantial 6.6% residual sugar.
Attractive fern and pine aromas mix with scents of green melon and cactus to create a very likable, true-to-Casablanca bouquet. The palate is agile and balanced, with lively green apple, pineapple and grapefruit flavors. With some tang and kick to the mouthfeel and finish, this sophisticated white ranks up there in terms of value for money.
Clean and fresh, and also varietally correct as it unloads full but accurate aromas of cucumber, passion fruit and lime. Casas del Bosque does very well with Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has all the citrus, tang and style you could ask for, but it shows good depth and complexity as well, which is what pushes it up to the next level. For $14, this wine delivers plenty.
A fruit forward, appealing wine with notes of fresh cherry, cranberry and dried herbs. It's soft and textured in feel with pure flavors, an elegant styling and a tart finish.
Herbal hints of fynbos and white-floral accents frame the bright clementine-fruit core of this wine. Subtle notes of hay and toast add depth to the otherwise brisk and lively palate. This is well-balanced and drinking beautifully now.
Ripe forest-fruit aromas are upfront, easily supporting the ample woody spice and toasted character. The palate is fruit-forward, with the black plum core taking center stage to the licorice and anise accents. The fine tannins and juicy fruit flavors make this approachable and enjoyable now.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a soft, red-fruited wine, with lively aromas and flavors of cherry, plum and currant, all laced with hints of tobacco leaf, toast and bittersweet chocolate. The mouthfeel is creamy and the tannins fine and fleeting.
This is a subtle, rich wine that exudes creamy apple and quince flavors. It has a touch of peppery spice as well as pristine fruit acidity, along with a touch of crispness on the finish. It's a wine to drink now and over the next 4–5 years.
From the Stoney Vine vineyard, this shows the effects of a cool vintage on young vines. There's a lot of citrus and pineapple throughout, and the berry fruit flavors, characteristic of Syrah, are present in the background. There are pleasing accents of carpaccio and peat moss, and just a hint of Bourbon from the third-use, Wisconsin oak barrels. This definitely needs extensive breathing time, or further bottle age.
This is spicy and sharp, with excellent focus and snap. Green apple flavors dominate, aided by suggestions of pineapple and grapefruit. It's crisp and refreshing, with a good, clean finish.
On the sweet side, this is a soft, fruity, perfumed wine packed with flavors of baked apples, red currants and spiced pears. Bright acidity gives it a lift on the finish. It is now ready to drink.
This pretty wine offers a fragrance of hawthorne, Spanish broom and a touch of tropical fruit. The palate delivers apricot, peach and citrus flavors that are energized by steely mineral notes and bright acidity. It has a crisp, quenching finish.
Aromas of smoke, char and spice entice the nose of this zippy, medium-bodied Lemberger. The palate is crisp, offering tart black cherry and blackberry flavors fringed delicately with tannins. Finishes long, with a delicate floral note.
Tart morello cherries exert a strong, moreish pull on the nose and palate. The fruitiness is central but partnered with serious structure and food-friendly acidity. Ripe red-cherry flavor shows on the palate, as do supple, ripe tannins that never overpower the fruit.
A blend of 54% Merlot with smaller percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Cabernet Franc (18%), this is a nicely structured red that's soft, accessible and juicy, with notes of cranberry and cassis liqueur coming to the fore.
A wine that is mature already, this Grand Cru has some weight and richness. There is a perfumed character and flavors of white fruits. The wine has intense acidity that gives it a steely, tight character on the finish. Drink now.
Spicy, tarry, gritty aromas of asphalt and olive drive the bouquet. This feels ripe and full bodied, with stewed plum, herb and cardamom flavors. Toast, dark-berry flavors and mint are the key notes to the finish.
Aged nine months in 20% new French oak, this enjoyable offering brings notes of cedar, cranberry and cola. True to the vintage, the flavors are richer in style while still retaining acidity with firm, tightly coiled tannins and a mesquite filled finish. Drinking young right now, hide this one away in the cellar for a while.
This is a satisfying Syrah with profound notes of white pepper that ease smoothly from the nose to the palate. Beyond savory, earthy characteristics, there is also bright raspberry too. Priced fairly, there's no reason not to give it a try.
This opens up with a heady fragrance of apricot and Spanish broom. The palate offers fleshy peach and juicy lemon flavors, along with notes of pineapple and almond that support the wine's bright acidity.
The fruit sources—Klipsun and Gamache—are excellently displayed in this white that includes 8% Sémillon. A bracing, cool blast of citrus, white peach, melon and cucumber is buoyed with crisp minerality. The wine spent seven months in 15% new French oak.
This is a ripe wine with prune, raisin, coconut and cedar-sawdust aromas. Dense in the mouth, with giant tannins, this dry-farmed bear features sun-baked, slightly stewed flavors of berry fruits along with minty oak. A hard-driving finish is woody and tannic. Drink through 2018.
Already showing some maturity, this is a finely perfumed wine, its fruitiness tempered by secondary aromas and flavors that bring out herbs and an edge of steel. The aftertaste with its juicy acidity, is totally refreshing.
This wine starts slowly, but a little bit of air really loosens it up, yielding aromas of vegetable oil, apples, and spring flowers. In the mouth, it's light in body yet crisply flavored, with Granny Smiths dominating. Enough floral elements persist on the palate to provide moderate complexity.
From the Frutos Villar bodega comes this friendly if a bit lean reserva with cherry, leather, and rubber aromas and a snappy, clean palate of cherry and raspberry fruit. The finish is lightweight and pure, and slightly warming, while overall it comes across fresh and solid, with just enough oak to give it heft and substance.
It's the rare NZ Riesling we see in this country that's from Martinborough, but Nga Waka's 2001 makes a strong case for the continued production of Riesling in an area that's better known for Burgundian varieties. Floral on the nose, with bright citrusy fruit on the palate and almost ephemerally light, this is an ideal aperitif wine.
On the sweet side, but it's also crisp, with enough zesty acidity to provide balance. Floral, apple-y and refreshingly light, this is a fine picnic wine. A chalky note gives added depth to the finish.
The bright gold color and botrytis aromas tell you right off the bat that this is late-harvest juice. In the mouth, the extract and thickness are that of Vendanges Tardives Alsace whites, and flavor-wise, there's quince, peach and cinnamon, along with more botrytis and white raisins. Quite interesting for the region and a solid take on European-style late-harvest Gewurz. Possibly best with blue cheese or foie gras.
A racy, lean version of New Zealand Riesling, with crushed limestone, tart apples and fresh limes combining on the palate. Citrusy acids on the finish bring it sharply into focus. Worth a try with shellfish or as an aperitif.
An elegant nose of pepper and deeper berry/mocha aromas gives the nose of this wine a more mysterious character than the typical Cab Franc, adding to its appeal. On the palate, it's a medium-bodied, slightly spicy red with a touch of bitter tobacco on the finish. Friendly and flavorful.
Certain Argentine wines have a rustic, foxy character to them that reminds us that winemaking isn't a factory-proven science. This fits the bill; it's murky and sharp on the nose, with brambly raspberry sitting in wait. Feelwise, it's a bit too piercing and choppy.
The bouquet resembles fresh apple cider. There's more apple and the addition of citrus on the palate, while the finish is ripe, fruity and soft. More chunky than upright.
Incongruous but with good intentions. The nose features cherry LifeSaver aromas but also hints of cheese and leather. The palate is modest and fairly acute as it delivers tangy, stretched-out plum and raspberry flavors.
Tropical—the flavors are reminiscent of mango and guava—but lacking in intensity. It's cleanly made, showing just a hint of warmth on the finish.
The black pepper and anise qualities lead the way, offering a combination of brood and kick that's unique. The wine tends toward a tartness but a dry finish gives it a food-friendly advantage. Not terribly impressive but good overall.
Too heavy, murky and pruney on the nose; this wine has a lot of size but little freshness. It's big and bust-out, but with no direction or finesse it comes across earthy and oily. Only 250 cases made.
The nose on this red blend from Hungary is so inviting with its balanced wave of warming spices, red berry and pepper. But on the palate, there's a note of hard cherry candy sweetness and tartness and a lack of overall dimension that keeps a good wine from being great.
Possibly a little sweet, this is a soft, easygoing Chardonnay marked by clean, modest pear and melon flavors.
A bit too vegetal, balancing asparagus notes with just enough grapefruit flavors to keep a modicum of balance. Tart on the finish.
The fruit comes from the cool climate Den Hoed vineyard. It was barrel fermented in neutral French oak Burgundy barrels, yielding a racy, razor-sharp, spicy, detailed, delicious wine. Lovely fruit is highlighted with peppery notes, running the gamut from cucumber on through to tropical flavors. Ripe, full, lingering.
Big, ripe and opulent, its ripe tannins balanced by perfumed red fruits. There is a solid core of dark and smoky dryness, a center that promises good aging. Already, though, the wine is showing its concentration and richness.
A great year for this wine, it's lush, satiny, spicy and ripe. Loaded with luscious fruit flavors of cherries and plums, dressed up in cocoa and cinnamon highlights. Hints of violets, licorice and coffee elevate the finish and the aromatics. A sensual delight.
Dense from the start, with ripe berry, plum and a pinch of lemon peel on a studly bouquet. This is a healthy, vibrant, modern wine with lots of life and balance; it's drinkable now and will give toasty black fruit flavors and chocolaty warmth. Or age for up to another five years to gain more subtleties.
Wonderfully complex aromatics show a lovely floral note of fresh violets, married to scents of dusty tannins. Supple purple fruits combine with clove and other spices in a svelte wine with a full spectrum of flavors, from flower to fruit to cocoa powder.
A kaleidescope of scents and flavors, Korta Katarina's premiere bottling is a fascinating study of Plavac Mali at its best. Sweet on the nose and palate with hints of dark chocolate, café au lait, dried herbs and preserved fruit, it's a richly textured wine with a beautifully feminine profile. Big, bold tannins on the finish smooth out considerably with aeration.
Aged for 22 months in French oak—one third new—this is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. Nota Bene's wines are not shy about high alcohol, but here the fruit stands up well to the oak treatment and shows no sign of over-ripeness. A good spine supports a rich wine with black fruits, balanced acids, and a big streak of espresso.
Vineyard sources for Col Solare are evolving as the recently planted estate vineyard comes into bearing. This vintage incorporates fruit from several Red Mountain vineyards, though not Col Solare itself, along with lots from elsewhere around the state. Toasty and full-bodied, two-thirds Cabernet, the rest Merlot, Cab Franc and Syrah, this is a nicely blended wine but not yet showing the precision and structural detail of the superTuscans it is modeled upon.
The previous vintage of this sweet Pinot Gris was finished at 30 g/L residual sugar; this drops it down to half that. It's a sugary, spritzy wine that has not quite jelled the way the 2012 did, though time may help to pull it together. Right now it's just simple and sweet.
This blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah opens with aromas of blackberry and blue flower. The lean palate is drying out, but still offers a black cherry note and astringent wood tannins that give it an abrupt, drying finish.
The wine is structured and still firm, showing tight tannins and acidity over the red fruits. A cool edge elicits the fresher character of the fruits. Drink from 2016.
Made from organically farmed fruit, this easygoing Nero d'Avola offers juicy blackberry and sour cherry lightly framed by a white pepper accent. It's simple but well-made, with bright acidity. Pair it with summer salads or pizza.
Red-fruit aromas come with notes of leather, spice and stalkiness. Spiky acidity creates a sharp mouthfeel that turns earthier as the acids fade. The flavor profile is tart, with herbal leanings and raspberry. A slight bitterness and not much fruit are what you get on the finish.
This blend of Aglianico, Merlot and Sangiovese opens with aromas of ripe black plum, toasted oak, chocolate and game. The thick, one-dimensional palate is overripe, offering stewed black cherry, prune, vanilla and chocolate alongside drying wood tannins.
This warm, forward wine has sensations of nail polish remover, underbrush, resin, mature black plum and overripe black cherry. The evolved palate is framed by astringent tannins that dry out the mouth.
Rich and soft, it offers a ripe cushion of Chardonnay and a warm, rounded personality. While it misses out on a more structured character, the yellow fruits and light spice from wood aging give immediate drinkability.
This unassuming red mixes six grapes together, with Tempranillo and Sangiovese comprising almost two-thirds of the blend. Nicely spicy and balanced, it has enough substance for the transition from late summer to early fall meals, and could carry into November-centric holiday meals as well.
Compost, tomato leaf and gritty berry aromas control the nose on this underripe and tannic Rioja. Stalky flavors of tomato and berry fruits are definitively herbal, while the finish is toasty due to oak covering but also rough and stalky.
Looming in huge black fruit, this is a dark, heavy Zin intense in toasty oak and brambly, dusty amounts of ripe blackberry and strawberry jam. Dark chocolate hammers in hard on the finish, with black pepper and raisins.
Fresh cherry and spice aromas start this cheerful Agiorgitko. Easy red fruit, vanilla and spice are in balance, with medium tannins. A good everyday choice for red meat, pork or robust cheese.
John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw run this boutique-sized, Bordeaux-minded winery, which offers this Sauvignon Blanc alongside their higher priced reds. This wine starts with lemongrass, crushed rock and white flower aromas, then indulges in some tropical guava on the palate, which is very soft and full.
This ripe wine has tropical fruits, pineapple and apricots as well as a fresher lime character. The wine is rounded with a crisper edge. Drink now.
This fruity wine features strawberry and bitter cherry flavors. A lightly tannic structure accompanies a very fragrant and smoky character. Wood shows through at the end. Drink from 2015.
This extracted wine opens with aromas of toasted wood, coffee, mushroom, chocolate and vanilla. The dense, one-dimensional palate offers thick, jammy black fruit and oak extract.
Dark in color, this soft, leathery Zin offers tangents of blackberry, chocolate and espresso within a heavy-handed package of serious fruit and weight.
A broad-based wine with rich fruit, it also has a crisp edge. Ripe yellow fruits are cut with citrus and acidity. With a tangy end, it could well age, so drink from 2015.
Already mature, this medium-bodied wine offers scents of dried fruit and leather, then flavors of caramelized, roasted black cherries and more leather. It's a bit coarsely textured, then falls away on the finish. Drink soon.
This small domaine in the Mâcon region has produced a soft, ripe wine with attractive strawberry fruits. It's rounded, with just light acidity over the fruit flavors. At the end, it feels warm and ripe. Drink now.
The grapes for hail from both Carneros and Oak Knoll and have undergone both barrel and stainless steel fermentation. The result is a medium-weight to fuller-style of clean, crisp lemon and pear flavors, a swirl of tropical vanilla on the finish.
Sagebrush aromas lead off this bottling from the newish Fossil Point label, which is connected to the higher end Center of Effort brand. On the palate, spice, tar and pomegranate accompany some fairly weighty tannins, meaning that this will probably emerge as a better wine by 2016.
This wine seems a bit reduced right out of the bottle. Give it plenty of oxygen, and light blueberry fruit flavors emerge. The aging in 60% new French oak brings in a lot of barrel flavors that seem mismatched with the light fruit.
An all-purpose red, it has pretty fruit scents and flavors of strawberry and cherry candy. There's also a suggestion of café latté and a hint of cinnamon.
Apple, lettuce and celery aromas are a bit hard and green. This is plump and solid in feel, with orange, grapefruit and generic minerality. A citrusy finish confirms the wine's fruity status.
An unusual wine with notes of milk chocolate, green olive and arugula. It's light in style and seems hard to put a finger on any particular variety or place.
This is a bright, spicy, crisply defined wine, and an overall supervalue. Clean and fresh flavors of apple and pear come lightly spiced, and are set against refreshing natural acidity. The fruit is sourced from a vineyard block planted in 1978.
This light, bright and remarkably floral white from the Musqué clone impresses in its balance and lingering mouthfeel. Subtle flavors of nectarine and peach invite one in and become more pronounced in the glass over time, providing refreshment and elegance.
A lovely expression of Rheingau's exquisite minerality, this dry Riesling pulsates tones of steel and stone. Green apple and fresh herb flavors are highlighted by racy streaks of lime and lemon. It's slight in frame, but finishes with precision and power.
Delicate, enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, grilled herb and citrus zest open. The bright, linear palate delivers Bartlett pear, apple, white cherry, ginger and mineral framed in fresh acidity and an elegant perlage. A tangerine note closes the finish.
Equal proportions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier make this a well-balanced wine. It is initially soft with a creamy mousse followed by a good tang of acidity to keep it crisp. The apple fruitiness shows a wine from a fine vintage that is still young. Ideally drink from 2018.
The winery's first release of the variety, this wine is sourced from several vineyards, including Sangiacomo Roberts Road in the Petaluma Gap and Sangiacomo Green Acres in Carneros. Orange-blossom aromas wrap around crisp apple and mango while the wine maintains medium weight and bright acidity, the toasted oak subtle.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this opens with delicate aromas of woodland berry, apple, Alpine herb and a whiff of bread crust. The creamy palate offers cherry, strawberry, candied nectarine zest and a note of baking spice alongside a soft, persistent perlage.
With vineyards to the east of Saint-Émilion itself, this chateau has produced a structured, obviously wood-aged wine. It's a wine still in development, bursting with young black-currant and black-plum fruits as well as acidity. The wood is a strong background presence and will soften over the next few years. Drink from 2020.
Stephan von Neipperg of Château Canon la Gaffelière was an early proponent of Castillon vineyard potential and chose this property which is on the same ridge as Saint-Emilion. Fruity and ripe, this is a generous wine. Finely structured tannins back up the black-currant fruits and give the wine a texture that bodes well for the future. Drink from 2019.
This concentrated wine is also well balanced. Deep red color comes with bright aromas that combine red and black cherries with cranberries. Flavors repeat the cherry-berry mix and ride on a surprisingly light, agile texture. Tasty now, it should gain complexity through 2020.
This worthwhile bottling from an appellation better known for Zinfandel offers a burst of big flavor against soft, pliable tannin. Cinnamon, clove and red currant beg for attention alongside brighter, crisper undercurrents of acidity, making for a tight package of power and elegance.
Parts of this vineyard date back to the late 1970s. Scents of raspberries and cherries bloom from the glass, and the wine gains volume in the mouth. Dark fruits take center stage, tightly wound and showing threads of smoke, earth and dark chocolate.
Deep gold, fully ripened and rich with tropical fruits, melon and peach, this is a wine for hedonistic palates and near-term consumption. The moderate acids and slightly elevated alcohol suggest that drinking it over the next couple of years will bring maximum enjoyment.
The first of Folin's 2014s to be released, this excellent wine is 100% varietal, and done in a spicy, assertive style. Loaded with garrigue-like wild herb scents and streaked with the same flavors, it's peppery, bold and exciting.
From a remote Western Australia region, this is a fine value. Ripe mulberries and cracked pepper mingle easily on the nose, picking up a hint of mint on the palate. It's medium to full in body, with a supple, creamy texture and a long silky finish.
Pineapple fruit shines through this excellent young wine, made with minimal intervention, indigenous yeast, and Dijon clones. Harvested early for juicy acids and moderate alcohol, it doesn't short you on flavor, with pineapple, citrus and green melon in the mix. Drink now through 2020.
Intensely fragrant, this lovely sparkler offers enticing aromas of white spring flower and ripe orchard fruit. The savory palate doles out green apple, white peach, tangerine zest and chopped herb while fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors. A creamy perlage lends finesse.
A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, this is the top wine from Vollereaux. It is dry and crisp, although with ripe fruits in the background. Just becoming mature, this is a wine to hold for another couple of years and drink from 2018.
Vinified with 50% whole clusters, this pure Pommard selection is from the highest portion of the vineyard. This seems to bring slightly more definition to the wine, which puts a tangy undercoating around the bright berry flavors. There's a pleasant lick of chocolate running through the tail.
A splash of Barbera enlivens this wine, which boasts boysenberry, understated earthy notes and a dash of vanilla. The tannins are firm, suggesting at least 10 years of ageability.
This is a rich, ripe expression of appellation fruit, densely concentrated in thick swathes of chocolate and black currant. Deliciously approachable, it shows structure and grace alongside its powerful foundation, with room to age. Enjoy best 2020 through 2023.
Sunny berry aromas give way to focused black cherry and dark-chocolate flavors that ride a richly tannic texture in this full-bodied wine. Made from a blend based on Zinfandel and Carignane grapes, it delivers ample complexity and depth.
Michael Mondavi's Folio Fine Wine Partners now offers an Oregon Pinot Noir, this one vinified by Rob Mondavi, a fourth- generation winemaker. Pale and elegantly styled, it shows refined winemaking skills and a European sensibility. Pungently herbal, this supple wine brings young fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry, but shows ageworthy depth and persistence. It's the sort of subtle, classic style that rewards both time and attention.
Sweet, verging on honeyed, this lush wine features plenty of superripe apples balanced by just a dash of citrus and a hint of bitterness on the finish. Could use more complexity.
Very soft and smooth—like a Michel Rolland version of a Pinot Noir. The berry/cherry flavors are velvety and clean, the tannins supple, the palate seamless. The tang to the finish, showing some unintegrated acids, is the only jarring note.
Like a good Bonarda should be, this is sweet, lush, dense and jammy on the nose. The palate brings big tannins and a slight rubbery mouthfeel, but the flavors of black cherry and wild berry are big, tasty and untamed. Full of power; needs airing upon opening but aging isn't necessary. Includes 20% Malbec and 10% Cab Franc.
A sexy nose with soft, pretty plum and cherry fruit leads into a well-rounded, satiny wine that coats the tongue like a velvet glove. The fruit is the star here—ripe strawberries and cherry candy—with a touch of sweetness and a lick of chocolate at the very end.
Compiled from a half dozen vineyards scattered throughout the northern Willamette Valley. Firm, sculpted and dense, this has more grip and depth than might be expected at this price point. Each vineyard's grapes were separately fermented; the blending has pulled them all together with dark, plummy flavors, notes of raisin, baking spices and caramel, and a smooth, penetrating finish.
From the heart of Pinot Noir country, this iconic vineyard, originally planted in the 1970s, yields concentrated flavors of black cherry, root beer, incense and peppermint. Tart, juicy and quite young, this finishes with leaf and herb-infused tannins.
Dark purple red with a great fruity nose full of blackberry, tart cherry and dark plum, this tiny-production out of Livermore Valley is medium bodied with deep concentration and a nice finish cradled in cardamom and earthy bacon.
This impressive Chardonnay from a small Livermore Valley producer is on the austere side of Chardonnay, with notes of just-ripe pear, tiny hints of wet stone, a nice, nutty finish and enough body to go with a wealth of foods. Good balance too.
Mineral, firm wine, although at the same time it has plenty of black plum fruits surrounding the core of dark tannins. The resulting wine is one that manages to combine the structure of Cahors while bringing out a fruity character.
Baked red apple, soft peach and a touch of whole vanilla bean fill the bouquet, while notes of clementine rind and soft wood develop in the mouth. Round but not fat with medium acid and a solid finish. Drink now.
Light and clear in color, this wine opens with a reduced barrel expression, but settles down to reveal soft, earthy and tangy layers of persimmon, cranberry and black tea. Lengthy and medium bodied, it shines most in terms of texture, falling somewhere between silky and velvety.
Opening with a bouquet of stemmy earth, lavender and the perfume of a rose garden, this supple, meaty wine is rich in red and blue fruit that's full bodied and concentrated. It finds a freshness in its tangy cranberry finish.
Rocky gravel meets plum blossoms, strawberry jam, cola and nutmeg on the nose of this single-vineyard expression by winemaker Brian Loring. Once sipped, dark and rich pomegranate and olallieberry fruit takes hold, with graphite minerality making a splash midpalate.
Underbrush, mature black-skinned fruit, worn leather and scorched earth aromas lead the way. The firm, chewy palate offers mature plum, juicy Morello cherry, clove, anise and tobacco framed in tightly wound tannins. Drink 2019–2028.
The nose on this bottling by Doug Margerum shows a strong herbal backbone against a dense fruit core on the nose, with dried sage, bay leaf, black currant, blackberry and wet-asphalt aromas. The tightly wound palate combines graphite, charred beef, elderberry, black pepper, asphalt and the slightest touch of vanilla bean. These components present tremendous potential for tertiary flavor development, so drink 2018–2028.
Noticeably lighter in color and density than other Syrahs, this bottling packs a wide array of freshly shaved cinnamon and clove on the nose, along with rose petals, raspberry and chaparral scrub. Bright on the palate with dried strawberry and hibiscus notes, this intriguingly low-alcohol exploration boasts rose hips and orange-rind complexity, almost more Grenache-like in style.
This wine delivers a fresh hit of zesty acidity and earthiness that balance each other well, that liveliness a good match against more brooding aspects of black tea. Light bodied with just enough weight on the palate, it finishes with tastes of wild raspberry and strawberry.
Big oak turns salty and citrus-laden in this mellowed, balanced and medium-bodied white, made in tiny amounts. Apple, ginger and honey take over midway, before the finish turns intriguingly salty once again.
Faint whiffs of dust and saffron are restrained on the nose, but the palate of this off-dry Riesling is brightly layered in grapefruit, peach and honey flavors. The long finish is marked by lingering sensations of salt and dusty slate. Drinks well now but should smooth out beautifully over the next decade.
This is a powerfully structured wine, not heavy but firm, with tannins and tensile acidity. The dry core of the wine supports blueberry and violet flavors concentrated on the palate. Drink from 2017.
Situated on 12 acres in the Pyrénées foothills, Sébastien and Isabelle Bordenave-Coustarret could mimic their wine: still young and will age well. With a dominance of Petit Manseng in the blend, this is a lightly honeyed wine even if it is dry. Mangos and apricots are lifted by such fresh acidity and beautiful orange zest tanginess. Drink from 2019.
This intensely fresh red wine is a blend of Duras, Braucol and Syrah in a textured, stalky style that is tight and layered with tannins. It's certainly young, still bursting with fruit and needing to fill out as its tannins soften and its black currant fruit calms down. Then it will be a fascinating, complex wine, elegant and poised. Drink from 2018.
Made from a selection of heirloom vines, this dense, concentrated wine opens in the glass to take on lighter, more delicate waves of pomegranate and cranberry. The oak is present but never overbearing, providing structure around an ashy finish.
Quite light in color, this energetic blend of 76% Grenache and 24% Mourvèdre offers cinnamon stick, star anise, cola, raspberry and strawberry on the juicy and bright nose. The palate shows a lighter but juicy cranberry-fruit profile, with fennel, coriander and white pepper. It's a great, lighter style of red wine.
Cool, mineral elegance and pristine tangerine and quince flavors mark this zesty, sylphlike Riesling. It's dry and light bodied with a finish highlighted by lemony acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh, almost minerally berry aromas avoid any sense of weight, oak or heaviness. The blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Mourvèdre is uncommon in Chile, and it comes across with a sinewy, fresh mouthfeel and lightly herbal flavors of plum and cassis along with modest oak. Spice, tobacco, coffee and chocolate flavors carry the finish on this complex Maule Valley blend. Drink through 2020.
Fresh herb and lime notes brighten this smoky, intensely mineral Riesling. While dry and quite sprightly in style, it has a lush, silky mouthfeel that adds a perception of weight and expansiveness. Drink now through 2018.
This wine has lots of fruit, a good dash of spicy oak, a very firm structure, and a great sense of depth and polish. It will be very tasty with a grilled steak or smoked brisket. While fun to drink now, it will improve through at least 2020.
Refined and aromatic, this rewards your full attention. Polished cranberry and raspberry fruit flavors come with a light dash of herbs and penetrating acids. The delicate side of Pinot Noir is on display here, but in a most ageworthy package. Drink now through 2026.
A full-bodied yet elegant wine, given added time in bottle, this shines in soft, firm tannins and vibrant black cherry, with a sensual trace of coconut and leather. Velvety on the palate, it gets better as it opens in the glass, taking on added complexity and intrigue.
Fudge, smoked blackberries and a shred of asphalt show on the nose of this bottling from the longtime Paso producer. The density is seriously thick but not overblown, with brighter cherry and fresh blueberry fruit elements that lean against a tannic edge, flecked with black pepper and espresso bean.
Salted caramel, brine, herb and lemongrass combine for a complexity of flavors and textures in this consistently great white. A sizzling vein of minerality on the palate balances the heartiness of the wood. Lemon pith features on the lengthy finish.
Yellow rose, honeysuckle and fresh-cut mango scents fly on the nose of this pretty-smelling wine, which is a blend of Chardonnay, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. It is soft and slowly reveals itself on the palate, with honey, spun sugar and an apple-oil edge, showing lots of buttery length and a marzipan finish.
Olallieberry, black pepper and asphalt show on the nose of this dense bottling by Eastside Santa Barbara-based Matthias Pippig. The palate is dynamic and lavish with mouth-watering depth, showing dried blueberry and herbs crusted on grilled prime rib.
Drenched in luxurious, almost sweet fruit flavors, this tempting and delicious wine is full bodied. Ripe in aromas and on the palate, it creates a vivid and warming cherry-pie effect on the senses, and is undeniably tasty.
Rustic aromas of baked berry fruits, black olive, herbs and eucalyptus lead to a forward, fairly tannic palate. An herbal flavor profile includes olive, blackberry, plum and spice notes, while the finish on this Cabernet-led blend tastes peppery and herbal, which is nothing unusual for Chile. Drink through 2020.
Full of lavender, lilacs and purple flower aromaics on the nose, this also shows touches of fennel, dill and a complex herbal array. The palate is also consumed by savory herbs and purple-flower flavors, with thyme, dill, graphite and cedar framing the tight elderberry fruit.
Luscious and creamy in mouthfeel, this ripe, full-bodied Chardonnay showcases almost tropical flavors of mango, melon and quince. Hints of vanilla and sweet spice are integrated nicely, leaving a crisp, clean finish that's surprisingly mineral. Ready to drink now but should hold till 2020.
Still firm and structured, this pure Malbec wine is rich and tannic. At the same time, it has layers of ripe black fruits that are coming through strongly. The smoky, textured character of this wine comes from the wood aging that has added an extra layer. Drink from 2018.
Ripe, cool, earthy black-fruit aromas of plum and cassis are accented by notes of leather and animal. This warm-vintage Rioja feels chunky and good, while ripe, loamy flavors of black plum and cassis finish mellow and with a touch of oak-based lemon peel. Drink through 2021.
This basic Tempranillo is violet in color and shows rubbery aromas of black fruit and wild berry. It feels skittish on the palate, with grapey flavors of plum and berry. Juicy, candied and a little warm on the finish.
This is Bordeaux-style blend is quite leathery, both on the nose and palate, with red fruit flavors that quickly vanish into a horsey, bitter finish. Your individual sensitivity to such flavors will determine how much you enjoy this wine.
This smells candied and oddly citrusy, with unusual blueberry and exotic spice aromas. The mouthfeel is fresh and grabby, while the flavors of raspberry and vanilla are generally appealing and alert. Short on the finish.
An apple aroma comes with a tinge of mild oak, turning fleshy and less fresh with airing. The palate includes flavors of melon, apple and green herb, while the finish is pithy and citrusy, revealing a touch of green onion.
The opening aromas of reedy berries are gritty and crusty, while the palate is lively but feels snappy and raw. Flavors of cherry and plum are light, while the finish is straightforward, with a citrusy kick. Not as full and generous as past vintages.
There is an unusual sensation of spritz in the mouth, though no hint of any CO2 can be seen in the glass. This is bone dry, stemmy and earthy, with the most prominent flavor.
Flowery and easygoing on the bouquet, this is taught, lemony and wiry on the palate. Flavors of gooseberry, lime and apple feature cleansing acids and a persistent, citrusy tang. A blend of 80% Xarel-lo and 20% Riesling.
Grapey and citrusy on the nose, this has an herbal twinge. It feels bouncy and simple, with juicy boysenberry and blueberry flavors that set up a grapey, standard-feeling finish. Fresh, juicy and best for simple sipping.
This shows plenty of grip as soon as it hits the tongue, with chewy tannins surrounding flavors of tobacco, earth and herb. The fruit is reminiscent of light plum, but it's the earthy, stemmy flavors that dominate, lending bitterness to the finish.
On the lean side, this is a tense, severe wine that offers few flavors at this stage. It's hard, and the wood and tannins dominate the fruit. It's always likely to be firm, although an attractive smokiness will become pleasant in 2–3 years.
Soft and ripe, this wine is all fruit and sweet acidity. There is a light yet generous mouthfeel, with its tannins following its open fruitiness.
A crisp, bright and fruity wine, this has a perfumed character that highlights the edgy fruit texture and attractive acidity. Ready to drink now.
A blend of roughly equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah, this does not offer much in the way of fruit; there's an emptiness to the midpalate. It's a difficult wine to get a handle on, even after breathing time. Perhaps more bottle age will open it up.
In this lightly fruity wine, apples and citrus flavors come with a bright, crisp character. Ready to drink. Screwcap.
The nose on this Albariño deals tropical fruit and vanilla scents. It feels citrusy, with modest flavors of papaya, peach and white melon. After showing moderate vitality on the palate, the finish softens up and slips into the netherworld. Seems as though it's beginning to fade.
Light raspberry, sweet cracker and barrel flavors are all present. It's a Cabernet with more charm than muscle.
This simple Cabernet Sauvignon is lightly fruity and forward, with berry flavors that seem to fade on the midpalate. It resolves in a wash of drying, herbal tannins.
Here's a stunning expression that opens with earthy aromas of blue flower, underbrush and leather, as well as black fruit and spice. The palate offers creamy cherry, black berry, white pepper and tobacco, with a hint of clove. The fresh acidity—surprising for the hot vintage—balances out the firm but ripe tannins. Best 2017–2027.
Good, crisp flavors of melon and pineapple are the focus here. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively, and a light touch of caramel runs through the palate pleasing finish.
This reflects the big, modern style of Mendoza Malbec. The bouquet is ripe and hefty, with coconut, mint, blackberry and almond cookie aromas. Expect thick, rugged tannins along with toasty flavors of black coffee, chocolate and mint. A dark, fruity finish is more subtle and harmonious than specific. Drink through 2018.
For an Australian Grenache, this has an invitingly cool, herbal bouquet, hinting at dried flowers and black tea. But it's unapologetically full-bodied and rich on the palate, adding black cherries and dark chocolate to the mix. It's warm, velvety and almost fudge-like on the finish yet not raisiny at all. Drink it over ?the next few years.
Bella Vida replaces the Abbey Ridge bottling and does so with pizzazz. The best of the 2011 releases, this is a beautiful expression of grapes grown on red clay soils, with refined, deeply penetrating flavors of ripe raspberries. Smooth, supple and long, with uncommon purity, it finishes with a kiss of chocolate from 18 months in one-quarter new oak barrels.
Soft and fruity, this is a wine that is ready to drink. Red fruits and soft tannins are lifted by perfumed fruits that are forward and immediately attractive.
Leather, shaved cocoa, smoked beef and purple fruit show on the nose of this wine. The palate offers touches of savory soy and smoked meat, but is dominated by sour boysenberry fruit.
Lightly seared lemons, cut pear and a touch of butter show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is simple and easy to drink with light apple, nectarine and lime touches.
Grassy citrus aromas blend with sulfur and yeasty, dusty notes. A moderate acidic cut meets flavors of melon, quince and citrus fruits to finish quick and mild. Drink now before this turns for the worse.
The Arinto is right at home in the Lisboa region, giving its best in the cool ocean climate. It is light and bright, fruity with citrus flavors and perfect with summer seafood. Drink now.
Produced at the largest family-owned vineyard in France, this is a simple, fruity, immediately attractive wine. There are both citrus and more tropical fruit flavors in the wine, alongside a herbal, grassy touch from the Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard in the blend. The wine is ready to drink.
The wine, of course, is young and needs to age in order to bring out its ripe, smooth fruit. In spite of its fruitiness, it is bright and poised, although there is an odd edge of candied fruits here as well. The wine should be drunk from the end of 2016.
This dark purple wine expresses the bold blackberry flavors of Malbec. It has ripe fruit, soft tannins and a generous richness. The aftertaste adds some freshness. Drink from the end of 2016.
Made from Malbec, this is a ripe, tangy wine. It is dry and fresh, crisp with acidity and red currant fruits. There is a round, smooth aftertaste. Drink now.
A classic blend for Gascony of Colombard and Ugni Blanc produces a bright, fruity wine that is light and crisply fresh. It has white currant and citrus flavors with a herbal edge that gives the wine a tangy texture. Drink now.
A bright strawberry-flavored wine, this is fruity and fresh. It has crisp acidity to lift the fruit and a light pepper touch that adds interest and turns it into a fine food-friendly wine. It is ready to drink now.
A deliciously fresh and soft young wine, it is just off dry: really more light and crisp. Lemon and tight citrus flavors are lifted by a prickle on the tongue. This is a perfect summer drink.
Notes of rubber and matchbook are about all that stand out on the nose of this rosé of Pinot Noir. A harmless-feeling palate tastes snappy but generic, with hints of citrus and tropical fruits but nothing specific.
Forceful oak creates aromas of creosote, shoe polish, raw wood grain and leathery berry. This is high in acid, and hence rather sharp. Tart, snappy plum and pie cherry flavors finish fresh and tangy, but angular.
Limited berry aromas come with a note of cinnamon and/or clove. This is basic, fair and balanced on the palate, while dried cherry and modest spice notes finish quietly.
This is an open, fruity wine. It has soft tannins and juicy red fruit flavors. Made to be drunk young, it is just that, bright and rounded and with fine acidity at the end. Drink now.
Roses and violets rise up on the nose of this wine, before a pungent fist of dirt and forest floor join the party. Layered on the entry, the midpalate becomes somewhat dull and one-dimensional, leading the way to a quick, bitter finish.
This rusty colored rosado is flat and neutral on the nose. In the mouth, it's full but also flabby, while slightly bitter stone-fruit and melon flavors finish long but with a lashing of bitterness and burn.
This wine shows potent smoky aromas and big flavors that are almost more like grilled meat than fruit. It's made in an oaky, bold and obvious style with a firm, tannic texture.
Soft and simple, this has aromas of red berry and a whiff of damp soil. The easygoing palate offers wild cherry and a hint of clove alongside round, fleeting tannins.
This offers subdued aromas of scorched earth, toast, grilled herb and mature black-skinned fruit. The lean palate shows raw sour cherry, orange rind and a hint of baking spice alongside grainy, fleeting tannins that leave an astringent finish.
A blend of Arinto and perfumed Verdelho, the wine is ripe with yellow fruits and pear. It has spice and a clean, clear texture that is immediately attractive and drinkable. The wine is ready to drink.
A mostly neutral nose is devoid of fruit aromas and instead offers dusty notes of crushed rocks. This is a heavy rosé made from Garnacha, Syrah and Carignan. It's rather bitter and miserly in terms of fruit flavor, with a peppercorn finish.
This blend of the rare Caladoc with Tinta Roriz has plenty of the red-berry fruitiness and cool acidity typical of a wine from the ocean-influenced Lisboa region. The tannins are soft; the fruit is up front, with just with a touch of spice.
Made with Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers aromas that recall floral air freshener and a whiff of mature berry. The simple palate is rather muddled, showing overripe black cherry, a bitter accent of powdered sage and a confectionary note.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this easy-drinking red opens with aromas of sunbaked soil, ripe blackberry and a whiff of herb. The soft, simple palate offers dried black cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside round, fleeting tannins. Drink soon.
Dusty blueberry and chocolate provide heftiness to this full-bodied, densely concentrated wine, which ends simply and without much fanfare.
Aromas and flavors of fig, earth and mushroom characterize this wine, which is a little soft on the palate and grippy in a leathery texture. Full bodied and quite ripe, it has a juiciness of blackberry and depth of dark chocolate.
Layers of spice and wood dominate what is a young, fruity wine. Although this blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional is made to drink now, it does in fact need another year to balance red fruit and wood. Drink from 2017.
The nose on this wine from American Idol producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick is a bit reluctant to show itself at first, then lets go of rounded red and purple fruits, with freshly turned soil and dust. Ripe black cherries and tart plum skins mix on the earthy palate, and the tannins will unfurl with more time.
Lighter in color and 100% varietal, this wine offers high-toned notes of plum, cinnamon stick and licorice. The blue and red fruit flavors are broad in feel with a light squeeze on tannins.
Aromatically intriguing, this carries suggestions of sour cherry, umami and fresh tobacco. The palate brings medium-bodied cranberry and cherry flavors. It doesn't have the tannic structure that this variety is known for but there is still plenty to enjoy.
This wine offers notes of Red Hots, coffee, vanilla and herbs. Cherry and blackberry flavors are sweet and viscous in feel backed by dry tannins.
Aromas of spiced strawberry pie and wet slate emerge on this wine from a brand that seeks to offer quality at affordable prices. The palate shows medium-intense cranberry fruit, with a hint of anise spice. It's fairly straightforward and ideal for nightly sipping.
Intense notes of crushed stone and slate permeate this stately off-dry Riesling. Pert lemon and tangerine flavors are zippy and fresh, but the wine is more a showcase for its brisk, stony style.
A very subtle aroma leads to a rich feel on the palate, where ripe plum and soft berry flavors emerge. This wine is totally smooth, warm and plush, full bodied but with soft tannins that make it easy to sip.
This blend of 50% Viognier, 19% Chardonnay, 19% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Pinot Gris offers notes of pear and flowers. It's broad and creamy in feel with stone fruit flavors on the finish.
Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot finished off with 5% Cabernet Franc, this cool-vintage wine is light in color. Notes of plum and cranberries come with herb and floral accents. It's light and lively with elegant, pretty fruit flavors backed by mouthwatering acidity with a lingering finish.
A creamy, buttery texture wraps around a core of bright lemon and apple flavors. This is balanced slightly toward sweetness as the luxurious viscosity carries the vivid flavors into the finish.
Smoke and violet perfume are seductive on this elegant off-dry Riesling. Fresh green apple and pear flavors are tart but concentrated, wrapping up tightly with a squeaky-clean, lemon-lime finish.
The nose isn't very expressive, but the palate offers mature blackberry, dried cherry, ground pepper, espresso and anise alonside assertive, astringent tannins. The dried fruit shows the heat of the vintage so best to drink soon.
Exuberant, ripe fruit flavor energizes this medium-bodied yet smooth and fresh-textured wine. Shadings of spicy oak add complexity.  The freshness and fruit will make a great pairing with spiced meats.
Raspberry and plum aromas are woody and narrow in scope. This Cabernet is medium in body but also a bit sticky and resiny. Candied blackberry and black cherry flavors are slightly medicinal, while the finish is oaky, with a lactic flavor and a touch of heat.
Cardamom and vanilla lend warmth and spice to fresh black cherry and blueberry flavors in this sprightly wine. It's rich and ripe in fruit concentration, but delicately textured with a brisk, spry finish.
Aromatically distinctive, this suggests dry chocolate, orange peel and tart cherries. Flavors are on the lighter side of medium bodied, soft in feel with abundant umami flavors and tart acids.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this robust wine opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, mature plum, toast and roasted coffee bean. The palate offers prune, dried cherry, black pepper, graphite and espresso alongside dusty tannins, with the heat of alcohol on the midpalate.
This well-made, stainless-steel-fermented and aged Chardonnay offers notes of red apple and spice. It's straightforward and provides pleasant, easy drinking.
Aromas of underbrush, menthol and a whiff of cellar floor carry over to the palate, along with dried cherry and licorice. Astringent tannins provide support.
This robust wine features aromas of stewed plum, damp hay and anisette. These carry over to the warm palate, along with dried fruit flavors and the heat of evident alcohol that throws it off balance.
Ripe Cabernet gives this wine a great start in life. Juicy black currant is underpinned by the wood aging and tannins, giving a wine that is fruity while still structured. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and fruity, this is packed with black currant juiciness supported by a strong tannic element. Vineyards close to the Gironde estuary give this property a fine location. The smokiness of the wood combines with bright acidity at the end.
Fragrant and fruity, this very fresh wine has a strong mineral texture. The freshness gives way to a deeper, rich sense that brings out a more creamy character. It's ripe and rich at the end.
Dense and concentrated, this powerful wine has bold tannins, a solid structure and a dry core. At the same time, plenty of fruit bestows richness and a juicy character. It will need time, so drink from 2016.
This opens with a breezy fragrance of citrus zest and mandarin leaf, hinting at deeper, riper peach within. The palate is soft but defined; while slender, it still abounds with citrus-framed peach.
Made from Moscato Giallo grapes harvested late though still at low Brix, this is meant to serve as a dessert wine as it is slightly sweet, with 78 g/L of residual sugar. The aromas are pure and fully expressive of jasmine in bloom followed by apricot and honey. Light in alcohol, it shows a slight sweetness in the midpalate. Otherwise, it finishes dry, making it serviceable as an apéritif or midday-in-the-garden wine.
Just a touch of fresh citrus plays on the nose, but the palate delivers textured mouthfeel and peppery, leafy freshness. Although the acidity is cushioned, the wine is refreshing and leaves a super-clean finish.
Intense and crisp, it shows bright fruits and some weight as well. A touch of yellow fruits give the grapefruit a warmer character and good depth of flavor. It's a Vinho Verde for cooler days, ripe and ready for food.
This is a rarely made super-reserve from the 30-year-old Ridgecrest vineyard. It echoes the other 2011 reserve bottling from Chehalem, with extra concentration and grip. The fruit flavors run to raspberry and cherry, and the wine is balanced and crisply defined.
Big, bold and ripe, it has concentrated fruit flavors that give black plum juice and acidity, while the tannins still show strength and power. The blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez is coming together richly and with density. It needs to age, so don't drink before 2016.
A whisper of a wine made from Chardonnay grapes as a pétillant naturel, or pet-nat, this third vintage of Lily's Cuvée should prove as enormously popular as the prior two, dry, delicious and unbearably light. No sugar or yeast are added and the grapes are whole-cluster pressed. There's no better wine for midday picnics or hikes in the woods.
Scents of fresh apple and pear are accented with touches of wax and mineral on this nuanced, dry Riesling. The palate feels lush and fruity with ripe peach and pear flavors, but zesty lime acidity and a shower of minerality lend stately elegance. A surprisingly bold wine for a diminutive price. Drink now.
While aromatically subdued with delicate notes of lemon, lime and minerals, a streak of honey builds throughout this medium-sweet wine. It adds decadence to sweet, ripe flavors of pear, apple and hibiscus nectar on the palate. It's tasty, bright and penetrating.
Enticing notions of passion fruit and peach grab the attention first, but there is almost more interest in the peppery, zesty mouth-feel. Fresh but rounded.
This is solidly made, with forward and ripe fruit flavors of peach, pear and apple. A gentle touch with spices—cinnamon and baking spices—adds extra interest to the wine as it plays across the palate.
Aromas of strawberry and rhubarb pie characterize this wine, one of the more fruit-forward Pinot Noirs of the leaner, more nuanced 2011 vintage. Those flavors persist on the palate, with well-rounded red fruit making a soft entry and smooth transition through the sipping experience. It finishes more quickly than some of its cohorts.
Creamy, lush oaky notes harmonize with brambly berry and black cherry aromas and flavors on this accessible, modern-style Minervois. The palate is full of ripe fruit and sweet oak characteristics, with moderate tannins to provide some structure. Drink now.
Flavorful and sophisticated at the same time, this wine combines honey, peach, orange and clove flavors for an experience that's not blatantly fruity, and not sweet, but delightful. Try it with Thai, Chinese, roast pork or at any outdoor occasion.
Dusty apple aromas are given lift courtesy of citrus notes. This feels good on the palate, with zesty acidity. Flavors of stone fruits, tropical fruits, apple and citrus meld together well, while the finish is pure and long.
A super value, this new Sharecropper's offers very pretty black cherry fruit, a distinctive root beer flavor, and a bit of vanilla. It's forward and appealing, with more stuffing than most Pinots at this price.
White peach aromas give a warm feeling. It has fine acidity as well, bursting with fruit and with just a touch of toast. It's ready to drink but will benefit by holding until 2015 in bottle.
Penetrating tones of stone, lemon and wax lend a stately feel to this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. It's full-bodied in style with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, but invigorated with acidity on the finish.
A hint of passion fruit plays on the nose of this subtle wine. The real strength lies in its textured midpalate that reveals soft pepper notes and a backbone that will make it a winner on the table. Enjoy the savory aftertaste.
Softly perfumed blossoms waft amidst fresh apple and pear on this fruity, floral wine. Medium-sweet in style, it balances rich nectarine and peach flavors with sprightly lemon lime acidity. Lingering mineral tones lend complexity to the finish.
Texture and spice are the main features of this concentrated white with citrus zest on the palate. The aromatics still need to wake up; with time, they will shine. For now, grapefruit zest will suffice.
This subtle but refreshing wine strikes a wonderful balance between fresh pear notes and citrus zestiness and texture. It's spicy and versatile.
Whiffs of smoke and earth lend a dusty mineral tone to this lusciously tropical, yet remarkably nuanced, wine. The palate is full of sweet mango and pineapple flavors cut with tart lemon-lime acidity. Finishes long with an elegantly mineral flair.
Lifted bergamot is the almost singular, striking citrus feature here, marrying fragrant, leafy peel with riper hints of pineapple. It finishes with triumphant, tropical ripeness.
Faint lemon zest and a touch of green pear hardly give anything away on the nose, while the palate is balanced and light. Variety speaks louder than origin here, but with poise and honesty.
A bright, floral fragrance invites one to further explore this softly structured wine. It's layered with ripe red fruit, leather and pepper flavors that are carried into the finish by tight, grippy tannins.
This lightly built wine is fully expressive, with floral aromas and bright layers of black cherry, peppery clove and toasted oak. Balanced and unhindered, it will work well at the table.
The aromas are near completely closed up on first pour, with whiffs of marionberry, herb and barrel spice. The palate brings dense tightly wound fruit flavors. It needs some time to stretch its legs but there are plenty of good things going on once they come to the surface.
Fresh but ripe cherry notes shine on nose and palate of this wine. The body is fluid and has a pleasant weight: neither light nor heavy, with just enough density and freshness to fill the palate with its exuberant cherry fruit.
Concentrated red fruits are matched to lushly toasty barrel flavors. This ripe and forward wine is ready right now. Textural in the mouth, it piles on the nuances, with toasted coconut, vanilla tea and a touch of stem threading through the finish.
This 100% varietal wine was aged entirely in French oak and given plenty of time in bottle. It opens with a burst of coconut flavor and light cedar and currant accents, feeling structured yet light on the palate and juicier on the finish.
Focused crisp aromas of white fruits reflect a cool vintage. This is roughly one-quarter each Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello and Chardonnay, and it feels tight, fresh and focused. Dry stone-fruit flavors include a hint of lime, while this is clean on the finish.
Briny cidery aromas are fortunately not that loud or intense. This is wide and generous on the palate, with dry briny stone-fruit and apple flavors. A sense of dryness and pickle brine is amplified on a purposeful finish.
Made from 100% estate grapes, this wine is shy in aroma but happily light and bright on the palate. It's delicate yet framed by firm tannins, showing blueberry and toasty oak flavors and nuanced acidity.
Tangy boysenberry and elderberry fruit shows on the nose of this sultry bottling, along with thyme, potpourri and licorice. The flavors are more cooked than fresh, recalling charred blackberry, dried blueberry, leather and licorice. It's a hearty wine that consumes the entire palate.
Waxy lightly toasted aromas of yellow apple are more subtle than popping. This barrel-fermented wine offers good weight and balance along with quiet flavors of spiced apple and vanilla. A sophisticated clean finish is lightly oaked in flavor and smooth in feel.
Intense and loaded with scents and flavors of fully ripe fruit, this parades down the tree fruit and tropical fruit avenues, with peach, apricot, papaya and mango in the lead. It's a delicious bottle, with just enough acidity to keep it bright and lively.
This concentrated, assertive Barbera is also expertly balanced. Its black plum juice and spicy, smoky oak aromas lead to rich blackberry and black plum flavors coupled with velvety texture and full body. Moderate tannins provide some grip in the mouth, but the finish is smooth.
An enticing cloud of cinnamon hovers over the perfectly ripe, red and black cherry fruit in this wine. It's easy, juicy and just a little luscious.
Cherry cordial rises to the fore of this rich, thick and full-bodied red blended with 25% Syrah. Velvety in texture, it offers a wealth of meat, dust and chocolate flavors.
This wine hits the nose with red cherry vibrancy. That almost dramatic fruit also fills the palate with its easy juiciness. This may be simple and light, but its absolute fruitiness makes it great for summer sipping, especially with a slight chill.
The nose promises ripe, red cherry fruit and the palate delivers with a sprightly, bouncy, juicy red that's full of freshness. Wonderfully unpretentious fruit shines, with a little pepper spice to liven things up.
This wine includes all five traditional red-Bordeaux varieties, Merlot the most dominant, resulting in tart Bing cherry and cassis flavors. It doesn't hold back on tannin or power, showing grippy persistence on the finish.
Nose-tickling brown spice coats a black cherry and vanilla ice cream frame on this richly layered wine. The palate shows fragrant cherries and blackberries, spiced up with cinnamon and clove, surrounding a leathery core and offering a deep, long finish.
All stainless-fermented and aged, this deserves to be on your short list of can't-miss choices in a domestic Chardonnay. Year after year it scores well, with fresh, vivid fruit, a crisp and inviting mouthfeel, lively spices and ripe tree fruits. There's a seam of wintergreen running alongside in this new vintage, leaving your mouth feeling scrubbed clean.
A reserve-level vineyard selection, this incorporates a bit of the stiff, herbal character common in this AVA. Chewy fruit is balanced against firm tannins and succulent acids. This will benefit from another couple of years in the bottle.
Mulberries and exotic plums mix with river rocks and hibiscus flowers on the nose of this very quaffable and inviting bottling, one of the best in the winery's Grenache study. It's broad and playful on the palate with flavors that perfectly reflect the aromas. With a slight chill, this would be a great red for brunch.
At turns grippy and at others buoyant in acidity, this is a balanced expression of the variety, supported by the addition of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Floral in nature, it exudes both lavender and wild anise, with violets dancing at the rim. Let the wine open in the glass for further exploration.
From a vineyard that's supplied popular Paso producers for decades comes this Cab, which is boosted by 13% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot and shows blackberry, mocha and purple-flower aromas. Blueberry and black cherry appear on the palate alongside dark espresso notes and herbal components that are still wound up in chewy tannins but will further release with cellaring.
This clonal selection is sourced from vines planted in 2002. Fresh and precise, it's tinged with slightly bitter herbs. The cranberry and raspberry fruits set up with ample acidity. There's excellent definition and pull through on the flavors, with a lick of milk chocolate from limited time in once-used barrels.
This solid, fruity, generous wine pushes bold flavors of white peach and melon into a rich midpalate. Highlights of lemon verbena and hints of mint accompany the expected floral scents and lightly soapy character of this distinctive grape. Drink this over the next two years while its freshness is at its best.
Spicy nutmeg meets a reckoning of lemon zest and grapefruit pith in this light, bright, elegant white that's subtle in oak. Notions of just-ripe pear follow around a rounded, medium-bodied build, providing plenty of juiciness and structure.
Chalky notes of baking soda meet with a nice sizzle of scratched lemon skin, slight bubble gum, fresh sourdough bread and pear blossom on the slightly yeasty nose. Tight lime skins, Asian pear flesh and pink grapefruit cling to a center line of texture and acidity.
This displays the big, chunky, California-style fruit of the 2012 vintage. It's forward, ripe, lusciously fruity, with plums, cherries, orange peel and more. Highlights of cinnamon and chocolate add complexity to the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Soft ctirus notes appear first. The palate follows with gentle but focused mandarin peel and a bright, luminous core of citrus freshness and weightlessness. Nonetheless, this wine offers a depth of citrus fruit with clear focus and precision. This is lovely, pure and lasting.
This lovely wine may honestly be called Burgundian, though the fruit shows some New World brightness and freshness. Aged 16 months in 40% new French oak, it tastes of apple butter, toast and caramel.
Off-the-charts alcohol notwithstanding, this massive wine will surely please those who like their reds big, dense and deep. It's principally Grenache, packed with pure fruit flavors of cassis and blackberry compote. It retains sufficient acidity to keep it buoyant. Tannins are tongue scrapers, bone dry and astringent. This is best sipped solo, or perhaps with a really juicy, fat-laden steak.
Despite its modest alcohol content, this is a medium-bodied dry wine. Like the wines from some Mosel vineyards, the fruit notes hint at red berries or stone fruit in this vintage, backed by strong citrus flavors. This should age well through at least 2025.
A deeper salmon color with elegantly lacy bubbles and a slight cloudy appearance, this sparkler by Norm Yost offers dessicated watermelon, dried orange blossoms, yeast, citrus rinds and fresher strawberry notes on the nose. Tart raspberry and yeasty melon show on the palate, which offers a salty component as well as a surprising but nice amount of grip.
Whiffs of smoked cashew lend a savory tone to this spry yet silken-textured Silvaner. Dry and light bodied, it showcases a vibrant fruit profile of crisp green plum and limes. Drink now through 2021.
Aromas of graphite, tobacco, cedary oak, plum and mixed berry fruits are harmonious and appealing. This Cabernet-led blend feels fresh, with good layering on the palate. Flavors of coffee, vanilla, chocolate, spice and cassis end with chocolaty berry richness floating on top of bright acidity. Drink through 2022.
This extravagantly styled wine shows aromas like black pepper and grilled beef, then opulent deep black-cherry and dark-chocolate flavors come through. The spicy oak component is dominating and very tasty. Made from 61% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 14% Mourvèdre.
Blossomy fresh with a bounty of crisp white peach and apricot flavor, this sprightly Weissburgunder, or Pinot Blanc, is the embodiment of spring. Lively and light-footed, it's an invigorating thirst quencher finishing on a zesty spray of lime and mineral.
Smoky bacon and black pepper layer over generous yet smooth tannins, making for a somewhat didactic, intriguing wine, 100% varietal and aged almost a year in once-used French oak. Medium-bodied with an elegance of texture, it cries to be paired with meat.
There is light melon fruit to the nose of this wine, but its aromatics are mostly about minerality, with wet river stones and rainy cement notes most prominent. The head-trained, organically farmed and very old vines contribute a bright, zesty, nearly overpowering acidity to the palate, where pear skins and tangy kumquat flavors hold a laser-sharp line.
Sourced from the northern Barossa, the name pays homage to the fact that this is not a stereotypical fruit bomb. Instead, it's a savory, meaty wine featuring hints of cola and raspberry. Fermented with “wild” yeasts in open-top vats and matured largely in used French oak puncheons (500 liters), this is a balanced, medium-bodied red well suited to the dinner table.
Clearly focused and fruit-driven, this wine has a bonanza of dark-fruit aromas, while concentrated and focused fruit flavors wash over the palate. It offers the balance and freshness to pair broadly with different cuisines and is just a pleasure to sip and savor.
This is a blend of grapes from Mario's Vineyard and Central Park West Vineyard, both in St. Helena. Full bodied and voluptuous, it offers classically tuned touches of cedar, dried herb, lingering red cherry and cassis. Sizable tannins give it plushness and depth. Drink now through 2022.
This is a lovely, age-worthy wine that sings in earthy tobacco, black pepper and leather before revealing balanced acidity and a light background of its 20 months in French oak, 40% of it new. Made by Gary Brookman, it finishes awash in cherry and chocolate. Drink now through 2022.
This wine is tasty, tangy and nervy, bringing a very refreshing and appetizing mouthfeel, and wonderful fresh acidity. All of that tang shows good fruitiness too, as the red-cherry and cranberry flavors are vivid and concentrated. It's a versatile wine to drink now or buy by the case to save some bottles for more aging.
A blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d'Avola, this boasts enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, rose and ripe dark-skinned berry. The succulent palate doles out tart red cherry, blackberry, star anise and ground pepper framed in supple tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note wraps up the finish.
This is the side project of vineyard manager Chuy Ordaz and his family, from a vineyard he has long farmed. It's impressively elegant while offering a pack of combustible power. Rustic and earthy on the nose, it follows with truffle, red and blue fruit, leather and coffee, the tannins are big and spicy.
This Chardonnay is a world-class wine available at a fraction of the cost of other excellent French examples. It boasts soft wood accents to the ripe yellow apple, pear and spiced orange tones, with zippy acidity and a mineral streak that lend freshness to the medium-weight palate. It's a layered, complex wine that will evolve well through 2022.
This deeply colored, generous-tasting and mouthfilling wine is dry and well balanced without obvious oak to fancy it up. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it tastes full bodied, ripe and grapy in aroma, with blackberry jam flavors.
Riper notions of juicy pear are followed by clean-cut flavors of citrus and tart, crunchy apple. This wine offers lovely fluidity, concentration and slenderness, and is totally appetizing.
Soft notions of apple blossom suggest a light touch. The palate comes in with earthy confidence and fluid harmony of pear, orange and mandarin. There is a directness in the concentration of this wine with its pleasant dryness garlanded in ripe, fresh fruit. It finishes clean.
Friendly, ripe pears and stone fruits seem to smile from the glass with this wine. Zingy citrus freshness provides zip on the dry palate that has a fruitful, rounded body and a perfume akin to pine and spruce. It's an appetizing, refreshing composition!
A finely perfumed wine that is now at its peak. It still has tannins along with rich black-cherry fruit and a dense texture. It also has ripe juicy berry and black-currant fruits that are totally ready to enjoy. Drink now.
The Tête family is well known in Beaujolais both as vineyard owners and as wine merchants. This wine comes from a family-owned vineyard close to Juliénas. It is fruity and ripe with a rich texture and warm tannins. Perfumed and with fine acidity, it is ready to drink.
From vines at La Sambinerie in Romanèche-Thorins, this ripe fruity wine is rich and full-bodied. It has spice, light tannins and juicy black-cherry fruits. With acidity and structure at the end, it is a fine wine, ready to drink.
Stemmy on the nose, this is a juicy, almost carbonic wine, spritzy in acidity and appealing in its bright, refreshing take on the variety, a buoyantly light mix of raspberry, cherry and cedar.
Superripe pear notes on the nose lead to a more slender, defined palate of green Conference pear flavors and lovely midpalate texture. This wine has freshness and a juicy, appetizing honesty, with an intriguing bitter-almond finish that is totally moreish.
The wine is dense with both tannins and black cherry fruit. It has structure, some fine concentration and plenty of acidity to sustain the rich fruits. It is a rich wine and could age further, so drink from 2017.
Yeasty, bready aromas of toast and apple set up a smooth, mature palate with good acidity. Apple, quince and dry yeasty, toasty flavors end with length, complexity and a mild note of baked apple. Drink now.
Aromas of freshly cut yellow apple, herb and beeswax lead to a medium-bodied palate. It shows good intensity and length.
Clean and light aromas of apples, sharp nectarine, yellow lilies and crushed white rocks make for a compelling nose on this bottling. The palate is very high-toned on first sip, then opens up with flavors of seared lemon rinds, saffron, sea salt and a light custard.
Boisterously fruity and aromatic, this full-bodied white offers a bounty of luscious peach, pineapple and mango flavors. It's voluptuously ripe yet briskly balanced, finishing on a crisp mineral tone. Drink now through 2018 to capture the essence of its fresh, fruity style.
Aromas of vanilla, baking spice, herb and dark fruit lead to tart, full cranberry and cherry flavors. Coffee notes linger on the finish and the tannins provide a gentle grip.
Gentle notes of Damask rose and honeysuckle shimmer teasingly above a balanced, just off-dry palate that features orange peel, juicy yellow peach and nectarine. This wine offers a charming but not overpowering and nicely balanced rendition of this grape.
Syrah meets two Portuguese grapes in this rich and ripe wine, smoothing out the tannins of the Touriga Nacional in the blend. It has black fruits that are broad and dense along with juicy acidity. Drink the wine now.
The aromas bring notes of plum, dark chocolate, clove and barrel spice. The flavors are forward and lush, showing irresistible appeal.
The charity Hospices of Belleville owns the land as part of its foundation, with the wines being made by Beaune negociant Joseph Drouhin. This wine is attractively fruity and soft. With its red-cherry and lightly spiced flavors, which are cut with acidity, it has a fine balanced texture, finishing with bright red-fruit acidity. Drink now.
This wine opens with full-bodied, rich aromas of caramel-laced apple pie before taking on fresh lightness on the palate defined by floral apple blossom, guava and mango, the midpalate maintaining crisp acidity. The finish is lengthy in butterscotch.
Coming from a cool climate and representing the tart, savory style, this bottling shows blackberry, uncrushed peppercorns and black plum on the wound-up nose. There is a sharp elderberry flavor to the palate, but it also opens up toward riper flavors of lilac, with crushed pepper spice, strong acidity and firm tannins.
Full roasted-plum aromas outweigh any nuance the nose might hold, while this is medium to full in body, with enough viscosity. Flavors of spicy cherry and plum are barrel-driven, with notes of clove and cinnamon backing the wine's fruit. A finish based on toasty oak serves this well.
Earthy, gritty berry aromas are a touch horsey. This coastal Syrah feels tight and concentrated, with rugged tannins. Peppery toasty plum and wild-herb flavors finish spicy and drying, with some back-end heat.
From a selected parcel of vines at Brumont's Château Montus, this wine is obviously dense and powerful. Its alcohol does give it too much weight and a peppery character, although the wine is also impressively fresh. It has concentrated black-plum and damson fruits, strong tannins and a dry chocolaty aftertaste. Drink from 2020.
This is a peppery, deep wine that's fun to explore. It has black pepper and roasted meat aromas, dry flavors like cranberry and pomegranate, and a good, firm texture that begs for beef bourguignon or pot roast.
A smooth, rich wine whose fruit is ripe, full of blackberry flavors and perfumed acidity. It also has weight, concentration and a tight mineral edge that gives it extra complexity. The wine is fruity and ready to drink.
Intense aromas of smoke, spice and toast envelop layers of ripe blackberry and currant in this penetrating Cabernet Sauvignon. It's boldly oaked but elegantly balanced, bolstering without overpowering the fruit. Dark herb notes and bristling acidity lead an elegant, delicately tannic finish.
Equal parts fruity and savory, luscious and composed, this full-bodied Pinot Noir offers keen balance in a satisfying package. Fleshy black-cherry and plum flavors are concentrated without seeming jammy. Nuances of mushroom, cedar, toast and spice are harmonious, lifted by brisk acidity and a frame of soft, filigreed tannins. It's lovely now but should continue to improve through 2025.
Hints of rosewater and Turkish Delight waft from the glass. More toned down, the palate shines with citric freshness. There is quite a bit of warmth that seems to intensify the floral peach notes even more. It's very aromatic and varietally true, with a tropical finish of passion fruit.
Simultaneously snappy and creamy on the nose. The palate is a touch tangy and raw, but there's enough clean Garnacha fruit coming in raspberry/cherry flavors that it warrants more than a single pass. A little grabby and tight on the finish, but it rates as a good country wine. Imported by USA Wine Imports.
This blend of Cabernet Franc and the light, fruit and acidic Austrian variety Lemberger is on the whole  successful, displaying a unique, masculine nose of deep cherry and leathery spice. On the palate, elegant flavors of cherry, raspberry and spice are balanced and friendly. This is a wine that can pair with heartier dishes: think duck or lamb stew.
A bit cheesy and funky, with rhubarb and leather along with baked berry aromas. The palate feels fine, but the flavors are leathery and sort of salty, with touches of pepper and herbs as well. Not as ripe and appealing as what we're looking for from a Rioja reserva.
A bit aggressive, with handsoap and citrus aromas. The palate is lean and clean, with lemon juice, grapefruit and lime flavors. Any way you look at it, this is an apéritif wine. Expect more from what amounts to a basic Viura and you're asking too much.
Mildy green and drying on the nose, with bramble and leather along with distant red fruit. The palate is soft, light and fluid, with mild raspberry and plum flavors. Shows oak and resin on the finish, where fruit and structure are in short supply.
Solid but unspectacular on the nose, with plum scents and generic sweetness. The palate is also sweet, but it has enough acidity and tannin to create a serious, almost scratchy mouthfeel. And if you hadn't had enough sweetness up to this point, the finish is loaded with brown sugar, cola and cough medicine.
A subtle nose of strawberry and honey, followed by elegant but cheerful fruit flavors, makes this a fun everyday rosé. Acidity and a clean finish give it food-friendly panache. Not complex, but easy to like.
By no means a special wine but it does deliver full-force if generic dark-fruit aromas and flavors. The nose is a little hard and rubbery, but that's Utiel-Requena for you. Medium-bodied but not harsh or burnt; prune and blackberry flavors linger. Tempranillo and Syrah. Wines Imported by USA Wines Inc.
Flavors of Orange Muscat and honey on the nose, and lush fruit flavors of pineapple and orange on the palate, give this wine an assertive, exotic character. The tongue-coating texture and honeyed finish recommend it to dishes that can cut the weight—think spicy.
Simple floral and sweet-fruit aromas are good, while the palate runs creamy and thick, with dull-edged plum, berry and chocolate flavors. This is a round, uncut wine that fits the description of your basic country crianza. Imported by USA Wines Inc.
The only sweetness on offer is on the nose. After that, things go lightweight and tangy, leaving a racy feel and semiastringent cherry flavors. A real sizzler with zesty red fruit and not much else.
Young Hunter Valley Sémillon is one of the most perplexing wines to evaluate, and I suspect that in 8–10 years' time, my rating will seem overly stingy. Still, this light-bodied wine appears to lack depth, complexity and length, offering just some odd, resiny scents and waxy, citrusy flavors.
This New Mexico Cab offers exotic spice and tobacco on the nose and cigarbox, smoked meat and red berry on the palate. Robust and masculine, it will pair well with grilled steaks, barbecue chicken and spicy cuisine.
Cloudy in appearance but fairly clear on the nose and palate. Rhubarb and cherry aromas give this an austere, red-fruit bouquet, and the palate rests on racy cherry and doesn't budge. Lean late in the game, with coffee and bitterness to the thin, mildly grating finish.
A pretty nose of violets, cherry and pepper start this fun and friendly wine from Virginia. On the palate, somewhat straightforward cherry and spice are flavorful and solid. A good wine that will pair nicely with spicier cuisine—think Middle Eastern or tomato-based Italian dishes.
A heavy, full-bodied rosé with ripe, intense fruit flavors marred by a touch of nail-polish remover on the nose. It's still a decent drink with burgers, but it could have been so much better.
The steep Pfaffenberg vineyard, sloping straight down to the Danube River, is one of the top vineyards in Krems. This rich and complex wine has a fine perfumed character, laced with lemon and pear flavors. It has a touch of minerality in its texture, making a wine that should age over several years.
The alcohol has dropped almost a full percentage point in 2011, but the wine has plenty of ripe, round fruit, with the emphasis on Meyer lemon, orange blossom, and pineapple. Forward and fruity, with mouth-filling sappiness, this is a wine to enjoy in the splendor of its youth.
This is impressive and firmly tannic, showing mint and herb flavors, new wood toast and bitter black-cherry fruit. It's complex, dense and age worthy.
Rich and voluptuous on the bouquet, this has coconut, ripe blackberry and leather aromas. It feels huge, grabby, tannic and supercharged, with ultradark and chocolaty berry flavors that last long on the finish, where pepper, spice and chocolate flavors sneak into the frame. Drink 2014–2021.
This is opaque, offering a lush collection of black fruit aromas on what amounts to a deep, dense bouquet. Layered and displaying excellent size and texture, it has saturated, meaty black-fruit flavors along with toasty, integrated oak. A powerhouse Malbec and maybe the best Ultra to date.
Roederer takes the natural elegance of a blanc de blancs to an extra level. This is so stylish, its white fruit and lemon flavors are touched with the minerality, and the acidity is nearly absorbed into the texture of the wine. Like many Roederer vintages on release, this should be aged, so give it 4–5 years.
Rich, dark, dense and smoky, this is a fruit-driven Syrah that has a splendid bouquet of ripe black fruit. Some herbal accents and a streak of bark runs through the tannins.
This high-class blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc is both elegant and powerful. The bouquet deals classic Malbec aromas of cola, licorice and blackberry, while the palate features typical Cabernet Franc spice, along with a ripe, healthy blackberry flavor. Expansive and buttery smooth on the finish, this should be opened now–2016.
Opaque purple and thick in the glass, this wine has inky, supercharged aromas of ripe blackberry and spice. It feels amped up but balanced, with more intensity and clarity than what most other $18 reds offer. The flavors of wild berry, mild herb and chocolate finish in a rich, toasty wrapping.
This is deep and attractive, with complex aromas of balsam wood, ripe black fruit and bacon. It feels really good and dense, with pastry, roasted berry, chocolate and molasses flavors. The finish is long, flavorful and rewarding. A modern wine to drink now–2016.
A fascinating nose that's threaded with mint, earth, cassis and coffee, leads into a dense and saturated palate, with complex layers of herb and fruit. This wine dances across the tongue. It's not too big, but complex and complicated, ending on a blood-orange-tinged finish.
This opens with deep, dense dark-fruit goodness. It's a massive wine that bursts with blackberry, black cherry and cassis. After that opening explosion of ripe fruit, it seems to float through the mouth, like riding in a big-finned Cadillac from the 1950s. Consume this one within 2–5 years.
Despite the less-than-stellar vintage, this is excellent, with dark berry aromas, earthy grit and complexities that rise to the occasion. It feels big, fresh and fruity, with racy black-cherry, chocolate and pepper flavors. Elegant, correct and complete; drink now–2016.
This is a juicy, perfect melding of citrus and light tropical fruit flavors. With impeccable balance and poise, this thrilling, entirely stainless-steel-fermented Viognier persists well onto the graceful finish.
One of the iconic wines of Portugal, the brand dates back to the 15th century and the Portuguese discovery of Brazil. In its latest incarnation, it is hugely dense and concentrated. It could be that it is too much, with dark extracts, yet somehow the super-ripe plum and berry flavors are given enough freshness. The structure is all there in what is still a young wine. With power and a dense texture, the wine needs to age further. Drink from 2020.
This wine comes from the Guedes family's Carvalhais estate in the heart of the Dão. Only made in better vintages, this latest release is almost at its peak. It has smooth, ripe tannins with leather, spice and acidity rather than the primary fruits. That makes for a sophisticated, complex wine that will be ready to drink from late 2016.
This limited-production, aged wine incorporates 8% Merlot, sourcing grapes from several vineyards across the Napa Valley. Blueberry pie and sweet tobacco rise to the fore around an elegantly crafted structure, while soft, firm tannins provide just enough grip to stay juicy and compelling on the palate. It finishes with notes of chocolate, caramel and baking spice.
Produced by Winemaker Luis Duarte, this wine is darkly colored and boldly composed, with long wood-aging leaving traces of spice and toast. The fruit is rich and complex, with firm tannins. It is still young and will need time; drink after 2019.
This begins with compelling aromas of rose petals and breakfast tea. Those tea-like tannins underscore an elegant wine with subtle fruit flavors. A delicate dance partners the fresh cherry fruit, the baking spices and other barrel-influenced accents, soft but penetrating tannins and the lightly chalky minerality. Lovely already, it should continue to drink well through 2025.
A bottling celebrating the winery's 30th anniversary, this offers roasted coffee, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla bean and cinnamon spice atop the pure black-cherry fruit on the nose. There is a tremendous and delicious density of black-currant fruit once sipped, leveled by graphite, espresso foam, cola, cream soda and vanilla-bean flavors, held in place by chewy tannins.
Mineral intensity and concentrated primary fruit marry beautifully in this dry, elegantly composed Riesling. Crisp yellow cherry and grapefruit flavors are mouthwatering and lush, yet shaded by streaks of stone and dusty, slightly bitter minerals. Lime acidity extends a steady finish. It drinks beautifully now, but will be delightful for the next decade, at least.
Sizable portions of caramel and honey play off the nose of this inviting wine, which reveals elements of baked apple, grilled pineapple and a tangy, spicy undercurrent of acidity. Structured, layered and complex, it has more to show within its integrated layers and long length.
The name Mãe translates as “mother vine” and this wine, made from the oldest vines on the estate, delves back into the roots of winemaking by using traditional open fermenting tanks and long wood aging. It is concentrated and ripe, still full of tannins and a powerful, dry and smoky structure. Age this wine for several years and drink from 2020.
Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo) was once believed to be the finest grape for Douro table wines. While that view has been modified, it still makes an impressive wine. With 18 months in wood and super-ripe fruit, the wine is concentrated and opulent. It has fine tannins and acidity that are at the service of this great fruitiness. The wine will age further, with maturity likely to occur by 2020.
This is produced from a field selection of at least 20 different varieties. Dark in color, it is big and bold in flavor. The black fruits and the ripe tannins are combining well to give a wine that has both weight and elegance. With the acidity that comes through strongly, the wine is likely to age well. Drink from 2020.
This lively wine is fresh and bright on the nose, but not simple at all, with aromas of plump raspberry, pomegranate, rose petals, hibiscus and a hint of eucalyptus on the edge. It has tons of verve and pin-pricking acidity on the palate, where just-cut pomegranate, alpine strawberry and chopped thyme thrive.
Smooth and full bodied, this is packed with robust peach, pear, apple, lime and candied pineapple. There's a streak of vanilla custard from time in new oak, and length-extending minerality. This just keeps on going in the most delightful fashion.
This is a heady wine from Mike Sinor, with blackberry and blueberry fruit aromas that are enhanced by clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, candied lilacs and loamy soil scents. Tannic depth and sizzling acidity frame the palate, where grilled black plum and mission fig meet with pencil lead, anise, bay leaf, juniper, cocoa and beef flavors, finishing with a menthol kick.
Rose, lavender and forest provide the opening notes of a lovely, concentrated, still-evolving wine, its density and concentration offset by a beguiling brightness of acidity. Strawberry, cranberry and nuanced suggestions of cinnamon and clove play off each other until a toasty finish.
This fascinating, wild-yeast wine is on the lighter, rustier side of the color spectrum. It smells exotic and complex, like oolong tea, dried mushrooms and forest floor. Flavors are plummy yet savory, while firm tannins and medium body add good structure. The emphasis is on finesse and grape-driven personality, as the wine uses no new oak barrels and 30% whole-cluster fermentation.
Relatively light in color, this lower-alcohol wine from a vineyard in the Corralitos area shows dried rose petals, bergamot, lavender, cinnamon and a tiny bit of mushroomy funk on the nose. Once sipped, pomegranate, dark cranberry and orange-peel elements are lifted by pencil lead, rosemary and a strong thyme component.
This wine is always immense and the latest release, from a six-acre parcel surrounding Lagrézette's 17th century dovecote, is no exception. There is a sense of pent-up power here although it is not without its stylish elegance. Because it still so young, the black fruits stand out along with the concentrated tannins. It explodes in the mouth; dark and brooding. Drink this wine from 2022.
A mind-bending array of aromas come to play in this bottling by Winemaker Billy Wathen, with savory tones of crushed pepper, teriyaki, fresh but underripe berry fruit, piquant forest underbrush, wet chaparral and raw lamb gaminess. It's surprisingly light and lithe on the lovely palate, with black peppercorn, thyme, lavender and complex beef-stew notes.
This excellent vineyard-designated wine showcases salty brine and explosive minerality. It's light and bright on the nose but fleshy in lemon, lime and peach, with a zesty quality to the texture. Integrated oak, only 40% of it new, plays a background role, allowing for a soft, lengthy palate and a structure that suggests this will age well.
This is a rich, complex wine that has great tannins as well as very fine, ripe black fruits. It comes from the showpiece estate for Casa Ferreirinha in the Alto Douro. The dense fruits and balanced tannins and acidity are just beginning to develop, hinting at the very fine wine it will become. With final acidity still very present, it needs time. Drink from 2019.
This might be the producer's most powerful and concentrated wine of the vintage. It impresses immediately for its tobacco, blackberry preserves, clove and a turn of black peppercorn that's hard to resist. Pencil lead and tar poke at the edges of the wine's huge texture, with serious weight and breadth. It finishes with a mouthwatering suppleness of juicy black fruit. Enjoy now through 2027.
This new project from Steve and Chrystal Clifton from Palmina and formerly Brewer-Clifton is exciting and tasty. Plump red cherry, fine-grained clove, allspice, nutmeg, sage, kola nut and a touch of chile spice show on the supple but focused nose. Tart cranberry, sour cherry and peppery sage pop on the energetic palate.
The Rocheux has never been better than this new vintage. Crisp cranberry and raspberry fruit carries an underlying, wet-rock minerality. Flavors are dense and detailed, and seem to extend almost indefinitely. Drink now through 2030.
Leeuwin's Chardonnay continues to be a standard-bearer for Margaret River and all of Australia. The 2012 Art Series is subtly toasty on the nose, blossoming with time into full-on crème brûlée aromas, while the palate offers creamy-textured notions of tropical fruit and custard. The long finish reverberates with fruit, suggesting plenty of aging potential, up to 10 or 12 years.
Rustic earth and the aromatic sparks of a rose garden open this wine, named by combining the middle names of the producer and her husband. Tight, youthful tannins hover around chocolate, strawberry and blackberry notes, resulting in a velvety texture on the expansive palate. It finishes quietly and confidently, eager to develop further in bottle; enjoy through 2023.
A section of the Crasto home vineyard has 70-year-old vines that are used to produce this wine. The resulting concentration and depth of flavor are remarkable. The wine is full of black fruits, dark plum skin and firm tannins. As a complement to this fruitiness, the wine also has the beginnings of a mature leather and spice character. It is likely to be ready to drink from 2018.
This is a seriously good wine, produced from a field blend of 100-year-old vines. It is concentrated and full of black plum fruit flavors. It brings out the heat of the Pinhão valley and also its wonderful structure. The one small downside is that the alcohol does show at this stage in a raw edge. Hopefully this will pass as it matures, because the wine will certainly not be ready to drink before 2020.
Ruddy, ripe yellow peach and deep mineral tones go hand and hand in this lush, full-bodied dry Riesling. The palate is slick, almost oily, in texture, bolstered by fleshy yellow fruit and honey flavors. It's deftly balanced though, struck by reverberating notes of steel and slate that linger through a long finish.
Savory saffron and pollen notes juxtapose pure, luscious apricot and tangerine in this laser-edged spätlese. Its juicy, sweet-tart flavors are piercing but the texture is dancingly delicate. While delightfully youthful now, it's structured enough to deepen its mineral complexities through at least 2025.
Big, oaky and concentrated, it's rich in coffee and leathery toffee, the tannins firm and feisty.
The nose on this estate bottling is sparse at first, with pencil shavings and a speck of boysenberry fruit. It opens more once sipped, delivering a pleasant tartness powered by sour cherry flavors and a tiny bit of clove.
Compact berry and plum aromas set up a solid, nice palate with nectarine and raspberry flavors. This is very drinkable and easygoing; the finish is mellow but propped up by core acidity.
A softly textured, fruity wine that has a feeling of richness. Apricot fruits are balanced by lime crispness. Full and ripe, it's ready to drink.
Light in color, aroma and flavor, it would be perfect when you want something simply fresh. It has cherry and cinnamon aromas, light raspberry and cherry cola flavors, and a light touch of tannin and acidity to balance the otherwise soft texture.
There's lots of espresso, roasted coffee bean and toasted wood on the nose that carry over to the palate along with black plum and vanilla. But there's not enough fruit richness to stand up to the astringent wood tannins.
Creamy, balanced and tropical, it's a bang-up deal for the quality. Deeply layered in fig and vanilla, it offers sweet aromas of honeysuckle on the nose. Stock up for parties or all your midweek meals.
Oak, sweet vanilla, chocolate and plum cake aromas take center stage. The aromas carry on to the palate but there's not enough fruit to stand up to the oak or the astringent wood-driven tannins that leave the mouth feeling dried out.
Lovely and aromatic, it's made in large enough quantities to be easily found. Lemon curd and orange blossom pop out first, followed by a soft, minerally midpalate and an intense finish of citrus. A good white to stock up on for a myriad of occasions.
Apple aromas and flavors characterize this medium-bodied wine. It tastes concentrated, focused, bracing and fresh. The texture is lean and crisp, with enough body to add some richness on the finish.
This young Nebbiolo is loaded with ripe red cherry and black raspberry sensations accented with notes of white pepper. It's straightforward, with a round, soft palate and velvety tannins. Not an ager so enjoy this soon.
This vintage of the winery's Sauvignon Blanc doesn't reflect the tropicality that's started to define the region. It has more warmth to the nose than the grassy pungency common elsewhere, but the stronger differences are on the palate, with cooked apple, squeezed lemon and a brisk acidity, though not a particularly long finish. Altogether, this is a mellow, subdued wine.
It offers weight and richness as well a more nuanced herb and green fruit character. Depth of flavor shows ripeness, while a crisp, tight aftertaste suggests it could age.
While this is obviously Sauvignon Blanc, it also has some rich creaminess that makes it more rounded and rich. The citrus and crisp apple flavors are well-integrated into this ripe wine.
Rounder and less textured than a Sancerre, this style of Menetou-Salon makes a fine alternative Sauvignon Blanc. It's full and ripe, fresh with acidity while also bringing some tropical fruits into play. It's ready to drink.
The nose on this multigrape blend is gaseous, with forceful berry aromas but little nuance. A tannic, rubbery, rock-hard palate is home to candied black-fruit flavors that are a touch green at the core. Mint and licorice flavors confirm an herbal presence on a brutally tannic finish.
Fresh plum and berry aromas are cut from a common mold. This is a good but typical juicy Rioja with clean fruit, crisp acidity and nice cherry and raspberry flavors. A touch of bitterness comes up at the tail end of the finish.
This wine begins with aromas of oak, coffee bean and toast. The palate lacks fruit richness, offering instead dried tobacco leaf, oak extract, espresso, dried sage, vanilla and mocha alongside bitterly astringent tannins.
Wet slate minerality leads the brisk, tightly wound nose. On the palate, the wine is a bit perfumed, at least for how tight the nose is, with elements of crisp apple, pear and a touch of nectarine.
The bouquet on this wine by Matthias Pippig is rather thick for the grape, with dark strawberry, black raspberry and red-cherry fruit warmed up by snapped sage sticks, sarsaparilla, slate earthiness and a touch of tobacco. Black plum and red currant show on the dense palate, where sticky tannins present black peppercorn, raw beef and eucalyptus complexity.
Lemon, orange rind and spice lead on the nose of this crisp and poised white blend. The wine offer brisk lemon peel and bright fruit flavors on the palate, tied up with a clean acid finish. This would be delicious with grilled fish or roasted poultry, as well as salty cheeses.
Brisk and bright aromas of grapefruit and lemon start this assertive and distinctive Assyrtiko. On the palate, mineral and crisp flavors are balanced by a savory spin on the backpalate. Balanced and multilayered, the wine will pair with spicy and delicate foods alike.
The vineyards of Marmande are on the north bank of the Garonne River, east of Bordeaux. This wine, produced by the cooperative from a single vineyard, is dense, concentrated and full of both fine fruit and tannins. It has juicy black fruits that are sustained by the dusty texture. The aftertaste with its acidity is fresh and fruity. Drink from 2018.
With its creamy texture and ripe apple fruits, this is a rich, rounded style. It is certainly fresh while also having yellow and white stone fruit flavors cut by acidity and citrus. Coming from the southern Côte de Bar, this is an open fruity Champagne that still has plenty of the proper steely aftertaste. At nine years, the wine is ready to drink.
This is a big-hearted, ripe wine from the Verhaeghe family, one of the top producers in Cahors. It is packed with black fruits and firm tannins. They promise richness to come with structure, wood aging flavors and density. It's a wine that is just starting out, still boasting its youthful fruit. Give it until 2020 before drinking.
Made from several high-class sites, including Hyde Vineyard and Beckstoffer's Carneros Lake/Las Amigas Vineyard, this is a cooler-climate, 100% varietal wine. Juicy in crisp red fruit, it also has elements of pencil lead and cedar, giving an edginess of savory complexity that's interesting and long-lasting.
Fleshy fig and creamy, rounded layers of vanilla provide a complete experience marked by zesty, mellowed acidity. Then a long finish of lemon peel and melon takes over and persists nicely on the palate.
Distant berry, plum and earthy aromas come in front of a choppy, tight palate with depth. Plum, tomato and herbal flavors finish with good structure. Overall, this La Mancha Cabernet Sauvignon is well knit, without any notable faults. Drink through 2021.
Dusty violets rise on the nose of this wine, from an estate planting and blended with 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 6% Malbec. Restrained tannins provide a shy backbone, seasoned in cedar and tar, making for an ultimately quaffable experience.
Producing wines at the western end of the Douro vineyards since the 18th century, this family estate presents a young, vibrant tawny with this vintage. It has a fine mix of fresh and dried fruits along with wood flavors that come from the aging in old barrels. It is a dry tawny with some acidity at the end to give this rich wine a final lift.
This wine starts with aromas of bread and butter, a richness that's inviting and unusual, before filling in on the palate with juicy, high-toned layers of red berry and cherry. Young and approachable, the wine is light bodied and delicate.
This is a soft, silky and ultimately impressive wine, darkly brooding in mushroomy, forested earth and an undeniable luxuriousness of cherry cola. Medium bodied and easy to enjoy, it's a complete wine that's firm in minerality and tension.
This is an impressively bold and rich wine for its low alcohol content. The character comes from the ripe, perfumed Touriga Nacional in the blend giving blackberry and plum flavors. The wine is concentrated and ready to drink.
As part of a range of wines that uses the figure seven because of its mystic qualities, grower Didier Pelvillain has produced a wine that is dark, smooth and ripe. It has fine berry fruits and dusty tannins that are still lifted by the youthful acidity. Give it until 2019 to fully develop.
Stacked layers of crystalline minerality add lift to this luscious, ripe Riesling. It's dry in style with restrained apple and pear flavors, but the texture is clingy and dense. Chalk and saline notes reverberate on the finish.
This 100% varietal wine was given two-and-a-half years in barrel, the majority of it new American oak. Smoky in character, it has a compressed and extracted feel, built around sizable punches of black plum, cedar, earth and coffee. It's big, but good.
Sea salt, lemon, lime, grapefruit blossoms and a touch of ripe nectarine give complex depth to the nose of this high-end winery's larger-production white. The palate offers similar flavors, from brisk lime juice and sliced apples to warmer touches of sea-salt caramel.
Celebrating both the wide beret worn by Gascon men and the local Tannat grape, this firm wine is rich and concentrated. It has dusty tannins that support the dark berry fruits and balancing acidity. The bright, fruity character suggests it will keep until 2018.
This extracted, dark-colored Cabernet Sauvignon opens with olive, herb and blackberry aromas. In the mouth, it's round as a ball but not overly dense or tannic. Burnt, charred flavors of plum and berry come with a saucy, savory accent, while this finishes with herbal notes and unresolved tannins. Drink through 2020.
An ambitious and successful rosé made from 50% Gamay Noir and 50% Grenache, this light yellow-pink wine offers inviting pink grapefruit skin, Gala apple and green pear on the nose. The palate shows the tiniest bit of sweetness, which makes the Pink Lady apple and tangerine-led citrus notes all the more delicious. Beware: this goes down all too easy.
Lean and appetizing, this garnet-colored and light- to medium-bodied wine has aromas like tea and dried cherries, and flavors with a savory touch in addition to red cherry and cranberry. There is a welcome snap of tannin in the texture and good acidity for freshness.
Dry, leathery, slightly nutty aromas are more earthy than fruity. This mature Rioja is fresh and light on the palate, with leafy, spicy flavors of plum, tobacco and wood grain. Spicy berry and cocoa flavors grace a fading finish. Drink now.
Aromas of French oak, toast, menthol, exotic spice and black-skinned fruit unfold on this. The ripe, savory palate offers fleshy black cherry, vanilla, licorice and coffee framed in firm but velvety tannins that lend structure. Drink 2017–2022.
A big, round and fuller-styled white wine, this comes entirely from estate-grown grapes.It offers lemongrass tartness complemented by melon and a taste of tangerine cream, a ready companion for the table or picnic basket.
Smoky in toasted oak, this textured, layered wine has a full body and considerable length, highlighted by chocolate mocha and black cherry.
Consisting of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this homegrown effort begins with a suggestion of deli meat and campfire, evocative aromas that persist through on the palate. Toasted oak and a touch of heat follow, buoyed by sizable fists of cinnamon and cherry, finishing in dried herb.
The gentle touch of the winemaker is clearly visible in this soft but substantial effort. Light cherry fruit, a streak of mocha and a hint of hazelnut combine gracefully. The tannins have a pleasant chalkiness. Native yeasts were employed, giving an extra dash of depth and complexity.
This is a very fine wine with sweetness tempered with a great sense of structure and concentration. Lychees dominate the fruit profile but are supplemented with pineapple and pomelo flavors that are sprinkled with pepper. It is rich and full in the mouth. It needs some more time to age, so drink from 2016.
Aromatically intense notes of flint, smoke and gunmetal already hint at the precise and profound nature of this Styrian Sauvignon Blanc. Everything is in abundance: concentration, savory undertones of boxwood and moss and an integrated acidity that gives both length and structure to this intense wine. Drink 2015–2018.
Gold in color and unctuously sweet, this is a dense wine. The sweetness is cut with a dry edge and some fresh acidity. It tastes delicious now with flavors of wild honey and apricot skins, but it will certainly age well. Drink until 2024.
Full in the mouth, this is a warm style of wine. It has weight, ripeness and fruitiness with abundant apricot and pear flavors. It is enjoyable now although it will certainly age well. Drink until 2022.
The appetizing and enticing savoriness of freshly chopped dill runs like a faultline through this concentrated, yet elegant red. Ripe cherry hides behind the straightening tannins of oak and waits to burst out as this softens with a little bottle age. Very finely-knit tannins extend a gentle grip and frame a compelling, layered wine. Drink from 2016–2020.
Made from 35% Mourvèdre (concrete aged) and Syrah (500L French oak), with the balance Grenache (neutral French oak), this inaugural offering is captivating, with expressive notes of roasted coffee bean, dark fruit, peppery spices and chocolate. It's rich and densely flavored while still retaining some deftness, with mouthwatering acidity and enough tannic structure to lay down in the cellar for a decade or more.
Full bodied and rich, this is already showing its style and concentration. It is big and powerful with dark black fruits that show through strongly. The acidity and the dense structure promise good aging. Drink from 2016.
This is a compelling red for those who like a bit of mystery: is it red or black cherry? Or possibly, dark, aromatic elderberry? Oak spicily supports this interchange of fruit, and firm tannins lend structure while the fresh acidity keeps it lively. It's almost like a whole cast of characters were lined up in this wine for your entertainment. The lingering finish is especially convincing. This will get even better with cellaring; drink from 2016.
Consumers may find it difficult to differentiate this from the 2010 Ste. Michelle version of the same wine—both are 100% Cold Creek vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. But this one, bottled under the Northstar label, has more muscle, more power and more depth. Tannic, thick and darkly fruited, it's a tightly-wound yet expressive effort, with complex flavors that move from black cherry and cassis into fig, tar, tobacco, espresso, dark chocolate and smoke.
This is a very young wine with a long life ahead of it. It's the ultimate Alsace combination of botrytis and Riesling. Brisk acidity and steely structure combine with flavors of ripe honey and dried apricots to yield an impressive wine. Drink from 2016.
Hugely perfumed, this is a ripe, very rich wine with stacks of flavor piled upon each other. It's a naturally opulent wine, that's sweet with tropical fruits and honey in equal measure. It is very ready to drink, but will also age well, so drink until 2021.
A very intriguing nose of fresh dill and dried anise gives this plenty of aromatic lift, following through on the concentrated palate where ripe cherries join. Oak tannins lend additional structure but never dominate. While lovely now, this will certainly gain from a year or two in the cellar. Its soft, but full body is a triumph. Drink from 2016–2020.
Merlot is the principal grape here, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot filling out the blend. This is an elegant, sculpted wine, built upon a sturdy foundation of supple, ripe Columbia Valley fruit. Raspberry and cherry flavors get a spicy lift from the Petit Verdot, while the Cabernet adds focus and heft to the tannins.
From a parcel within the Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru, this is a structured, serious Gewuztraminer. It has weight as well as sweetness, but it's the potential and ageability that is so impressive. Spice and gingerbread notes, as well as fine acidity, lend complexity to the honeyed, yellow fruits. Drink from 2016.
A blend of estate-grown Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a juicy, liquorous wine wrapped up tightly around sweet and tangy blackberry and cherry fruits. The tannins are svelte and the finish long, while the barrel aging brings on substantial flavors of cedar, Bourbon and vanilla.
Definitely on the light side, this snappy young wine has a lot of appeal. It's racy and bright, mixing raspberry and cranberry fruit with an earthy base of clay and sod. Additional, unusual flavors of spiced meat come in towards the finish, which shows good persistence.
Full marks to Moncontour for indicating on the label that this is a dry wine (not always the case in Vouvray). In 2007, that dryness translates into a dominant acidity, fresh apple flavors and a texture of lemon zest. It is a crisp wine, either to be drunk now or aged for 4–5 years for the secondary flavors to develop.
Closed and tight, this wine takes a while to reveal its ripe pear and apricot flavors. It is rich, but keeps its freshness very much to the fore. Lemon zest and tangerine fruits give acidity, which is rounded out by a spicy, lightly toasty aftertaste.
Because of its relative youth (for a wood-aged Colheita), this is almost a Late Bottled style, with ruby color and a fruity, red berry character. It meshes together, the fruit still dominant and only a few hints of wood aging apparent.
Despite the cartoonish label, this wine is rough and rugged, with a tannic authority that may mellow with bottle age. Spice, berry, currant and leaf all combine into a wine whose herbal side seems to be its strength.
Right off the bat this is an approachable, steady Verdejo. The nose shows that total blend of white fruits and citrus, while the palate is composed and fresh. Flavors of grapefruit and fresh greens are appropriate, while the finish is clean and zesty.
Dark and savory more than jumpy and candied, and with that this is more serious than most everyday Spanish Garnachas. The palate is pumped up and ripe, with dark berry, black plum and licorice flavors. Along the way a hint of herb and tomato are noticeable, but for the most part this is well-comported, round-bodied Grenache.
If you can get by the bell pepper and other Bordeaux-like herbal notes, this Cabernet-Tempranillo blend feels very good on the palate. There's no wayward or jagged acidity or tannic clamp, and the core flavors of cassis and black cherry, while nudged by green pepper and herbs, are solid. Finishes with richer flavors of cough syrup, cola and menthol. Not for everyone, but shows integrity and core power.
Initial rubbery, latex aromas give way to raisin, wet clay, alfalfa and horse hide. The palate has a nice, healthy feel and flavors of berry, green herbs and red-fruit zest. Shows good grab and mouthfeel on the back palate, with a touch of tomato leaf and herbal essence. More traditional in style than many highly extracted Argentine Malbecs.
This boasts a classic nose of red berry, forest floor, spice rack and a balsamic note. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy red cherry, mature strawberry, clove, grilled herbs and anise alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. An earthy note of truffle closes the finish.
Fruit-forward and luxurious, this is an estate-grown wine. Savory and soft, it traffics in dried cranberry and cherry besides a taste of truffle and black tea. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, it ends in a flush of caramel.
Earthy, dusty plum and berry aromas are concentrated, while this mature gran reserva is still vital on the palate due to fine, crisp acidity. Classic Rioja flavors of vanilla and tobacco accent raspberry and dried cherry flavors, while the finish is mild, harmonious and full of oaky vanilla notes. Drink through 2025.
This wine from the Palos Verdes coastline is redolent with sagebrush, crushed anise and alpine strawberries on the herbally aromatic nose. The sage also powers the palate, alongside juniper and pine, all set against a wild berry frame. This is a big Pinot, though it is relatively light in structure and happily reliant on savory herbs rather than overly ripe fruits.
A deep, dense concentration of black cherry and berry provides richness and juiciness to this wine, the fruit wrapped around velvety waves of full-bodied texture and a supporting wall of oak. Earthy licorice and black tea appear on the long finish.
A distinctive personality shines through in the almost floral and lightly spicy aromas, the vivid and generous cherry-tart flavors and the ever-so-supple texture of this full-bodied wine. While it has firm acidity and tannins, this is a posh, luxurious beverage in which to indulge.
A remarkable wine from the appellation's westernmost property, this shows lemon, honeydew, pomelo pith, tangerine skin and a touch of hazelnut on the nose. Lots of steely notes power the palate, with flavors of honeysuckle, pears and tangelo racing across the tongue. It's a perfect Chard for shellfish.
This gorgeous Albariño opens with elegant aromas of white flowers, peach and minerals. There's ample acidity, body and flow to the palate, while flavors of nectarine, tangerine and lemon are top-shelf. A long-lasting, clean-as-polished-glass finish confirms excellent overall quality.
Ripe apples and pears meet with daffodils, honeysuckle and dried peaches on the nose of this wine from the Corralitos area. Flavors of lemon-lime soda, chamomile tea and pressed white flowers show on the floral and uplifting palate, which is warmed by a touch of popcorn.
This wine is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Reserved aromas of toast, high-toned herbs, coffee and blue and black fruit lead to dense, rich, structured dark fruit flavors that show depth along with vibrant acidity and a long finish. This wine is built for the long haul and will be best from 2021–2028.
Dark fruit, leather, tobacco and spice aromas lead the way on this elegantly structured red. On the palate, notes of cocoa, vanilla, anise and espresso accent a core of fleshy black cherry, while firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. A licorice note signals the close.
This project aimed to show how well Washington wines can age and the proof is in the bottle. Aromas are complex, with notes of dried cranberry, cherry, leather, black tea, cocoa and mushroom. The palate is packed with rich fruit flavors that show no signs of slowing down. It flat-out impresses.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this structured wine opens with aromas of plum, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of clove. The smooth, savory palate doles out black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, polished tannins.
This wine dazzles with detailed aromas of black currant, plum, herbs, cassis and earth along with barrel accents. The palate is wound up tightly at present but still accessible with layered, seamless fruit flavors along with a lengthy finish. It will be best enjoyed from 2022–2030.
Clear and light in color, this complex vineyard-designate sings in tea and nutmeg spice, allowing for richer, riper flavors of baked cherry. Velvety in texture, it builds to a full-figured finish, echoing that initial savory intrigue of black tea.
Red berry, rose, iris, aniseed and forest floor aromas lead the nose on this structured red. The full-bodied palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, coffee, white pepper and cinnamon framed in firm, fine-grained tannins that lend elegance and structure.
Baked apple and pear laced in caramel come to mind first, evoked from the aromatics of this wine. A richness of honey beckons, too. Golden in color and creamy in texture, it's balanced by streamlined acidity that keeps it elegant and refined, moving slowly toward a lengthy, drawn-out finish.
Still in its shell, this wine has aromas of cocoa, vanilla, spice and dark cherries, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel. The flavors are dense, concentrated and opulent, revealing multiple layers and a hedonistic styling.
Alluring scents of perfumed berry, underbrush, pipe tobacco and leather come together on this firmly structured wine. The palate delivers mature black cherry, crushed raspberry, sage, rosemary, clove and a hint of cured meat. It's extremely well balanced thanks to assertive, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
Aromatically brooding, this wine slowly opens to reveal notes of scorched earth, incense, cassis, herbs and flowers. It coats the palate with layer upon layer of cherry and plum flavors supported by chewy tannins. The finish lingers. It will be best after 2020.
Ground pepper, tilled earth and black-skinned berry aromas all come together on this generous, full-bodied red. The fresh, delicious palate doles out ripe black cherry, black currant, licorice and clove alongside vibrant acidity and polished, fine-grained tannins.
Cigar-box spice, sandalwood, hibiscus, cinnamon, wild strawberries and black olive converge on the nose of this wine by Josh Jensen, who created the appellation single-handedly. A lovely sense of airy and fresh pomegranate-raspberry juice pervades the snappy palate, with just enough anise to keep it interesting.
This rare single-vineyard, single-varietal offering of Petit Verdot has brooding aromas of high-toned flowers, fresh herbs, cherry and coffee. It's full bodied but doesn't overwhelm with its brawny, well-integrated tannins, reserved fruit flavors, bright acid and long finish.
This wine shows an almost-black core with a red rim. Jammy blackberry aromas lead to rich and mouth-coating fruit flavors that are ripe. The full body and firm tannins create a thick texture. This rich wine begs for aged cheese or a chocolate dessert for accompaniment. It's made with 50% Syrah and 25% each of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.
This lightly cloudy wine displays aromas of orange marmalade, candied pear and citrus peel. Honeyed dried apple and pear flavors display exquisite balance and length.
Enticing aromas of violet, dark berry, leather and sweet baking spices lead the way on this vibrant, delicious red. The lively, polished palate doles out juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon and clove framed in bright acidity and supple tannins. It boasts elegance and balance.
This inky, concentrated bruiser opens with lemony oak, graphite, earth tones and deep black-fruit aromas. Like the nose, the palate is intense and ripe as Tinto Fino gets, with smooth, manageable tannins. Flavors of blackberry, prune, cassis, lemon rind and tobacco end with power, class and depth; drink from 2017–2027.
The spicy, evocative scent of Seville orange peel entices from the first sniff. The palate is dry, restrained and sylph-like but with time reveals tangerine and lemon zest. This is a feast, a celebration of citrus flavors, unfolding and shimmering at every moment. This is dry but faceted, taut but playful. Irresistible now but with a brilliant, aromatic and totally seductive future ahead. Drink 2016–2030.
This is a sensational vintage for this cuvée, which is part of the winery's extensive Chardonnay lineup. It offers intense fruit concentration and retains the opulence for which the winery is known. Rich in a buttered, toasted nut flavor, the mouthfeel is creamy and sensual. The finish lingers for several minutes, and the wine drinks as well or better on the second day it's been open.
Subtle notes of earth mix with summer blossom, along with hints of honey, quince and zesty, fresh lemon peel. These aromas dance and take turns on the dry, balanced palate that shines both with rich fruit and slender tone. Lemony freshness pervades everything with its brightness. This is lovely now but will be even lovelier over the years. Drink 2016–2030.
Tightly wound, layered, moderately tannic and oozing excellence, this is a fantastic high-end Toro from the superb 2012 vintage. The minerally, toasty aroma of blackberry is stylish and shows a balsamic note. Flavors of licorice, sweet balsamic vinegar, chocolate and toasty blackberry continue on a long, deep, complex finish. Drink this ace-level red from 2017–2028.
This marks another stunning vintage for this blend of 55% Sémillon, 25% Muscadelle, 10% Palomino and 10% Colombard, made by Zin master Mike Officer. Pungent in pear and pineapple, it has cutting-edge minerality, a taste of slate, and remains at turns creamy and crisp on the palate. This wine is unusual in all the right ways yet triumphantly delicious.
This wine comes from a small parcel of vines planted on the marble soil found around the Estremoz area of Alentejo. It's a limited edition blend of Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira. Almost black in color, it's a powerful, dense and beautifully rich wine. Aromatic, packed with black fruits as well as tannins that will soften, it is going to age for a many years. Drink from 2020.
Noval has often in the past released a Vintage Port in years when other producers hold back. And, as in the past, the release is justified. For this is an impressive, dense and seriously age-worthy Port. While it has plenty of perfumed jammy red fruits and balanced acidity, it is the dark tannic character that will sustain this wine for decades. It could be drunk now for its fruit, although that would be a shame. Better to wait until 2030 and longer.
This is a wine for long-term aging. With a dense, intense structure that is still dominated by powerful tannins, it is dry, dark and concentrated. Black plum-skin flavors are just coming through all this density, hinting at the balance to come. It is a serious, complex wine that will not be ready before 2019.
A perfumed note of citrus peel and soft pine create a bracing nose that nonetheless suggests ripeness. The body is lithe and light, with a backdrop of stone and subtle nuttiness. With a little more air, the characteristic notes of mature Riesling appear: some lifted chamomile and candied orange peel, but only in their early stages. This is a wine of immense depth and deceptive lightness that has years of life ahead. Drink through 2030.
While the nose on this muscular Malbec is lush, ripe and minty, there's also a grounding, complex scent of graphite. Blazing with intensity, this tastes like a glorious blend of plum, prune, chocolate and caramel. Dry spice, toasty oak and ripe berry flavors touch up against raisiny on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Take note, this could be the best wine Colomé has ever bottled. Cedary oak aromas grace ripe, almost desiccated wild berry notes that are slightly herbal and sauvage. A well-layered mouthfeel is ideal in power and precision. Requisite blackberry, cassis, toast and peppery flavors finish dry and long, with little heat or burn. Drink through 2021.
Silky yet slightly grippy, this is a mineral-driven wine, with violet and spicy cardamom aromas atop bright, vibrant swathes of cherry and wild strawberry. This vineyard is where Joseph Swan himself first planted Pinot Noir, it retains all the promise and greatness of his initial discovery of this magical place along the Laguna Ridge.
Wonderful notions of ivy leaves, citrus peel and conifer greet the nose. The aromatic impression leads onto a slender, dry and fluid palate that still seems tightly coiled and closed. But those subtle aromatic hints and a concentrated, stony palate promise future pleasure. This will blossom into a perfumed marvel. Drink 2019–2030.
This intensely fruity, floral nectar hits the palate with electric force, catapulting vibrant acidity against sweet, tangy flavors of tangerine, peach and honey. A favorite amidst an excellent showing of 2014 Mosel spätlese, it's delicious now, but should continue to evolve well through at least 2020.
Here is an utterly irresistible wine—spicy, sensuous and layered with beautifully ripened citrus, tree and tropical fruits. A whiff of pine needle continues as a flavor thread, along with vanilla, buttered nuts, lemongrass and macaroon. This wine just keeps on going.
Produced from grapes grown on granite soil, this expresses the extremes of the Douro that produce the finest wines. This perfumed, structured wine, produced in open fermenters, is juicy with black plum fruits and dense with tannins. It is remarkable for its complexity, minerality and potential. Drink from 2018 and until 2030.
One of the finest selections from South Africa today, Sadie's 2011 Columella is structured, complex and masterfully balanced, ready for a beautiful, long life ahead. The bouquet leads with lovely scents of rooibos tea, minty fynbos and African violets that frame the ripe boysenberry, blackberry and plum fruit spine. Layers of lush black fruit and earthy spice dance on the velvety palate, with peppery tannins that hang on to the lingering finish alongside hints of cocoa powder, licorice root and star anise. Drink now–2024.
The subtle, rounded but rather aromatic perfume of peach skins and apricot compote on the nose is utterly seductive—there is a promise of oriental riches and exotic spice but above all pure, glowing peach fruit. The palate is in total focus: while some residual sugar illuminates every last vestige of fruit, there is guiding central force that never lets this slip into the merely opulent. A masterful tightrope walk amidst plump fruit and mineral precision with a finishing, pleasantly bitter edge of marzipan.
As with all Ayoub wines, the immaculate fruit and impeccable structure impress the most. Deep flavors of strawberry and raspberry are set in a toasty frame, with underlying minerality. The finish is drying and extends for well over a minute.
No, that's not a typo. The ??? Vineyard bottling conceals (intentionally) the fruit sources for these grapes, which come from one of Oregon's most expensive and highly-reviewed producers. It's crystal-clear in both appearance and flavor, building upon a cranberry/raspberry base into a potent young wine with expressive purity. A streak of gun metal, often found in consulting winemaker Robert Brittan's own wines, adds a stylish note to the finish.
This veteran winery, located alongside Highway 101, gets serious on its small-lot bottlings, here presenting eucalyptus, anise, baked cherry, plum skin, pencil lead and concentrated rose petal on the nose. Complex and deep, the palate is structured around cranberry-cherry brioche flavors that are decorated with herbs, from oregano and bay leaf to fennel pollen and anise seeds.
A deft combination of spice, earth and dried fruit hits the nose on this bottling, with aromas of cinnamon, chalk, baked plum, mace and purple flowers. The mineral-driven palate offers lots of rocky flavors, with brick and chipped slate giving depth to wound-up cherry, red apple skin and turned-earth elements.
Softly scented with tart apple and fresh citrus, this unfolds into an array of shimmering, tart, fresh but full-fruited apple notes. The palate is dry and juicy with freshness, the body is slender but concentrated. There are hints of saltiness and stone. This is a little powerhouse of flavor and drive with supreme purity. Drink 2016–2026.
The initially sumptuous notions of peach are quickly tinged by a more intriguing note of smoke. Honeyed notes join in before they explode on the palate into a rich, lemon-caramel flavor. This has concentration and verve and cuts its sweetness admirably, so much so that this becomes a lip-smacking tightrope walk of lush, sweet caramel and tight, spritzy lemon zest. Exciting.
Bright cranberry and cherry fruit bursts out of the glass, beautifully ripe and focused. Crystalline acidity underscores the purity of the fruit, punching through with penetrating depth. The primary flavors, delicious already, promise a long life and further development ahead. Drink 2020–2030.
Lush aromatics feature sassafras, strawberry pastry and milk chocolate. This forward, seductive wine offers complex red-fruit flavors with details of cinnamon toast, coffee grounds and dark chocolate.
A Starbucks special, meaning the nose is all about roasted, toasted coffee aromas. Somewhere amid the darkness there's black fruit, and with time it emerges despite the fact that it's a coffee-dominant wine. Good feel, depth and texture keep it positive.
This 100% Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, with flavors of light lemon, orange pekoe tea and candied papaya fruit. It has unusual body for a Riesling.
Chasing Venus is made in textbook Marlborough style, with aromas and flavors of grassy herbs laid over passion fruit and gooseberries. It's medium in body, pleasantly soft and round in the mouth, just fades a bit rapidly on the finish.
Classically structured, which means dry tannins mixed with fresh black currant juice, and set over a bed of tight wood. This is a firm wine, perhaps lean for the vintage, but with a sense of balance and structure.
Dry, spicy red-fruit aromas are solid and standard, while the palate is lean but comfortable, with dry, simple cherry flavors accented by a spot of oak-driven vanilla. Good but as regular as they come. Easy to drink.
Generally this is a nice South American Chardonnay. The nose offers touches of apple, pear, peach and light oak, while the palate has bounce, acidity and tangy apricot, nectarine and apple flavors. Finishes lively but dilute, with citrus and lemon peel flavors. Hits the target.
Classic aromas of baked cherry and clove spice meet with the slightest tangy touch of dried orange on the nose of this appellation blend. The baking-spice character consumes the palate, where rich black cherry and tart ripe cranberry decorate the meaty mouthfeel, all framed by boisterous mouthwatering acidity.
Gamy aromas of raw lamb, leather and beef jerky meet with sweet thyme, rose, vanilla and lilac. The palate of this obscure grape shows lots of iron and raw beef notes, with tangy red cherry, red plum and strong acidity.
This is a hearty, full-bodied red, blended with just a tease of 1% Viognier. Baked bread, plum jam and soft tannins highlight a juicy, burly celebration of high-toned acidity and leathery texture, remaining near-velvety on the palate through the lengthy, peppery finish.
Caramelized blueberry, crushed pepper and a deeply hidden dried green herb component present on the dense nose of this bottling, which hides the grapes typicity a tad yet remains delicious. The palate rides a nice line between smoked beef, chocolate and balsamic reduction and the expected peppery and herbal edges.
The potential for this grape grown in cool California climates remains very high, as evidenced in this crisp and bracing bottling. Cut limes, chalk and wet slate are leveled by richer nectarine and lime blossom notes on the nose, while the sizzlingly acidic palate combines fresh citrus with green pear, green apple and lemon balm flavors.
A rounded wine, this is a blend of different premier-cru vineyards in Beaune. It packed with raspberries and red cherries. The acidity, typical of the year, is restrained here by the ripe fruitiness. Tannins give the wine just the right amount of support.
This wine is tight, nervy and crisp, with a strongly mineral texture. There is good acidity, crisp and textured. Apples and citrus dominate this structured wine. Drink from 2019.
A gently floral nose gives rise to a charming and soft palate. Fresh pear buried in mounds of white petals on the nose leads to a distinct, ultraclean and dry palate. Despite its alluring, aromatic softness it has complete focus. The finish offers pure lemon.
This is a rich wine with good citrus and crisp apple flavors. It is textured, spicy and has a tight character. The wine is still very young, with a light hint of wood that adds toastiness to the saltiness of the wine. Drink from 2018.
Rich and aromatic notes of fresh and baked red apples perfume nose and palate. They appear with equal expression on the juicy, soft but defined palate. This is full fruited and textured, ringing with soy spice and lemony freshness. The savoriness of the midpalate echoes long after the last drop.
Made with grapes from the Steinbeck, Wine-Bush and Cocavin vineyards, this Zin is packed full of baking spice, dark strawberries, smoked beef, black pepper and gingerbread on the rich, inviting nose. The palate shows a tad more restraint, but offers juicy black plum, rounded cola, dried thyme, peppercorn and pencil lead flavors.
Dried yellow flower, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of acacia honey meld together in the glass. The vibrant, linear palate includes lemon zest, lime, pineapple, dried herb and flinty mineral framed in tangy acidity. A note of wild fennel closes the finish. Hold for even more complexity. Drink through 2024.
This is a big, bold and grippy wine, reflective of the vintage in its classic structure and age-worthiness. Cedar, black cherry and chalky tannins give it character and seasoning. The smooth, silky texture should take on additional velvetiness in the glass. It finishes with finesse.
Marked by struck flint and petrol notes on the nose, this medium-bodied wine is the most richly textural of Franklin Estate's three single-vineyard wines. Crushed stone and citrus notes linger through the finish.
Surprisingly, this is the producer's first blended Cabernet from the appellation, though it has long made vineyard-designates there. Combining fruit from the Bosche and Sycamore sites, it opens expansively in sizable tannin and dusty oak, before interweaving spicy black pepper, leather and soft infusions of blackberry and cherry.
Alluring scents of linden blossom, Spanish broom, orchard fruit and Mediterranean herb lead the nose. The young, racy palate delivers ripe Bartlett pear, juicy lime, lemon and steely mineral while a hint of acacia honey closes the vibrant finish. Give this one time. Drink 2018 through 2025.
Voluptuously full-bodied and smoky, this 100% varietal wine imparts characteristics of cedar, herb and cigar on its grippy and generous palate. This is a reserve-level wine that delivers on that promise, it finishes awash in fists of black pepper.
Aromas of citrus, orchard fruit and crushed stone slowly take shape on this elegant white. On the vibrant, linear palate, a mineral vein and a smoky note add depth to crisp green apple, peach and tangerine. Racy acidity leads to a crisp, clean finish. Hold a few years to let this fully develop. Drink 2028–2024.
Earthy, stalky aromas of tomato, olive and savory, meaty berry fruits set up a chewy, dense palate. Blackberry, cassis and mixed-spice flavors finish with chocolate and clove notes. This Cabernet-led blend is bold, oaky, rustic and powerful.
The high quality of the 2010 harvest is on display here. Enchanting aromas of mocha, toast and black fruits are complex and crafty. This feels fresh, with a hint of tannic scratch. Flavors of spiced cherry, currant and mocha finish with tobacco notes. Given that 100,000 cases of this Reserva were made, the end result is impressive. Drink through 2020.
Fruit is sourced entirely from the Morisoli Vineyard for this impressive wine. The 100% varietal is tightly structured with chiseled features of red currant and dusty tannin. Full-bodied in style, it expands on the palate as it opens, revealing a beguiling richness and plush texture.
With structure and some firm tannins, this wine is on the dry side. It has black fruits that will develop over time, and certainly show now with a juicy background. The acidity is refreshing even through the solid tannins. Drink from 2020.
This single-vineyard wine is given added concentration and strength via 14% Petit Verdot. Juicy, soft and plush in black fruit and tar, it tangles on the palate in generous oak, with a thread of black licorice and a shot of espresso.
This is a ripe, succulent white, dark golden in color, that's lush and expansive on the palate in fleshy tropical and stone fruit. Toasted oak comes forward on the finish, accentuating the wine's nearly full-bodied nature, never getting in the way of the minerality.
I can't recall a misstep from this reliable producer of Tasmanian sparkling. The latest vintage release is remarkably fresh and zesty, bursting with green apple and citrus, with just hints of toasted brioche. This light- to medium-bodied wine is a blend of 53% Chardonnay and 47% Pinot Noir.
This wine takes time to unravel and reveal itself, rewarding the patient with a wealth of high-toned citrus and elegantly wound, medium-bodied honeyed pear and caramel. Lengthy and complex, it's one to consider aging and allowing to further mellow over time. Drink now through 2021.
From the relatively hot South Coast comes a big, powerful, chewy wine, with aromas of dried blackberries, light leather, some smoke and purple flowers. The real heft is on the palate, where sour tar is laced through stewed black plums, dark chocolate and herbs like dill and oregano. The tannins are a bit stiff.
Sourced from the oldest vines in the vineyard, this lovely wine is scented with rose petals, cranberries and sour cherries. Those flavors continue in a light, elegant framework, that gains power and focus as it works its way through the palate. Don't quit on this; it won't quit on you, finishing with a lick of sea salt caramel chocolate.
Cedar, chocolate and cherry are the main players, with hints of alfalfa adding a modicum of complexity. It's full bodied, round and warm, with tannins that seem firmer than many in this price category, making it a good steakhouse red. Drink it now and over the next several years.
A good value in New World Cabernet, with supple, silky tannins framing cassis fruit that's just starting to show some evolution toward cedar, leather and earth. Lingering vanilla and a burst of tart berries mark the finish. Drink now–2018.
Brims with dark fruit notes of mulled boysenberry, cassis and black cherry, all streaked with spicy accents of menthol and black tea leaves. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, but framed by medium tannins. Notes of licorice stick, espresso and roasted cocoa nibs linger through the long close. Drink now–2014.
Occasio has made a restrained and elegant Cabernet, alluring in its cola spice—almost sarsaparilla—aromas. Then the wine delves into dusty red and black fruit with ample structure, and a vein of minerality cradled into one delicious package.
A forward, oak-inspired character leads the nose with scents of vanilla and soft toast, but is supported by the solid fruit core of blueberry, mulled boysenberry and black plum guts. Attractive and rich in the mouth, with a firm but accessible structure and lifting acidity. Drink now–2015.
Solid as a boulder and concentrated on the bouquet, with a mix of floral, fine perfume and blackberry aromas. Feels lush, complete and easygoing, with blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. Graceful and composed on the back end.
A dark and rich style of Merlot, this wine boasts intense aromas and flavors of black forest berries, plum flesh, cocoa powder and pencil shavings. Succulent, with a creamy texture, the tannins are fine but mouth-coating and provide a good frame to the sultry flavors. Chocolate and cedar spice linger on the close.
Yorba's Tempranillo is very masculine, briary and tannic, packed with earthy baked plum, raspberry and dark chocolate mocha, with a slight trace of black licorice. Concentrated and lush, it would stand its own against many a big slab of meat.
Yorba is doing the world of Zin lovers a huge favor by holding its wines in bottle for longer than most producers, and what you get for all that waiting is a wine ready to drink that's still got plenty of structure and ageability. This Zin shows great depth, with subdued fruit and darker flavors of plum and coffee allowed to shine, rounded out by an intensity of spice.
Bonterra is offering up some serious yumminess here, from organic grapes grown in Lake County. The sweet wine opens with a sweet floral nose and a lot of minerality graduating into a concentrated thickness of golden honey-graham flavors.
Sure, this wine is full bodied and lush, filled with ripe raspberry fruit, but there is also a sense of underlying structure, and some lovely herb-spice complexities, like rhubarb, cedar, cinnamon, vanilla and cracked pepper. Drink it over the next 2–3 years.
Compact, concentrated and clean, with all its components in place. The bouquet is dark with charcoal, but bright with berry fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is comfortable and balanced, with sweet berry flavors offset by mild spice and proper oak. Soft tannins define the finish; a fine Malbec that doesn't overdo it.
A complex blend of 75% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cab Sauv, 6% Gren and 1% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that's brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note.
Expansive, round and supple in the mouth, this Shiraz features lush raspberry fruit, framed by vanilla oak. There's a tart edge to the finish, providing a solid sense of balance to the lingering warm, chocolaty notes. Drink now.
A wine that reveals its rich, jammy fruit slowly. When it arrives, the fruit is soft and generous, with strawberry jam and red plum flavors. It also has intense fresh acidity, a dry tannic core and aging potential.
An unfinished masterpiece, still dominated by youthful yeasty flavors, ripe with white peaches, pears and a crisp pink grapefruit element. The wine has minerality, but the juiciness is still to happen. Three to 4 years at least.
This wine's elegant, ripe, grapefruit and tropical fruits are concentrated and suggest 2–3 years aging. Its lively acidity, layered with green apple skin tannins and richness, gives the true pungency of Sauvignon Blanc.
This 100% estate-grown Syrah remains obstinately hard and tight, with a strongly tannic streak. Tangy and concentrated fruit flavors include boysenberry and loganberry jam, with a streak of graphite and stone. Give it a lot of breathing time—decanting would be best.
Soft and generous, full of perfumed ripe berry fruits, touched with strawberry acidity. The tannins are all part of the softness, like flecks of dust on the wine. It is beautifully pure, ripe and open.
A charged Burgundy, packed with dense tannins and powerful ripe black berry fruits. There's a delicious tension here between the fruits and the tannin, pushing the acidity, the red plums and strawberries forward, but keeping them in check. At this stage, it needs decanting; otherwise keep for 2–3 years.
A good value in a more savory Shiraz, Juniper Crossing's 2005 features meaty, peppery—even mushroomy—aromas, while flavors of blackberry and black olive build to a spicy crescendo on the finish. Imported by Tom Eddy Wines.
Terrassen are the equivalent of hillside vineyards, producing the best fruit in the Kamptal. This delicious Grüner is balanced, heading toward rich but steering clear of too much. The white fruit flavors are spiced up with pepper, while the acidity keeps the whole thing crisp and fresh.
Certainly a rich Riesling, but at the same time the white fruits show delicacy and elegance. Yellow plums, peach and almonds come together in a complex wine that has fruit juice freshness along with a crisp lime aftertaste. It could certainly age—give it 4–5 years. Screwcap.
A rich wine, with tropical fruit flavors. Initially it seems soft, but then smooth acidity jumps in, giving depth of flavor, with green plums, creamy apples and intense ripeness. A real food wine.
This is a full-throttle, rich and moderately dense Shiraz with bold aromas of raspberry and plum. Chocolate notes develop on the palate, adding more complexity. Velvety on the finish, where there's also a touch of alcoholic warmth. Imported by International Vines, Inc.
This full-bodied Shiraz comes out of the chute a bit tarry and reductive, but opens up to show complex aromas of grilled meat, cola and espresso, with flavors of coffee and black olives. Finishes long, with some dusty tannins, but still may not be the longest-lived vintage. Drink now or cellar through 2015.
There is a grace and power to this wine that is quite fascinating and refreshing in a world of bruising, jammy fruit bombs. Fruit flavors of plum and blueberry and cassis segue smoothly into herbal and meat flavors, then nicely rounded tannins. There are no rough edges here, but a complex wine that glides through layers of spice, fruit, earth and barrel flavors with confidence and style.
The term Claret is used properly here, to represent a classic Bordeaux blend, in this instance including all five grapes in generous proportions. It's a sensational value, with the depth, detail and precision of a much more expensive wine. Spicy red fruits, wisps of herb and black olive, a hint of earth and tar, all tease and tantalize, without overpowering the wine's innate finesse.
Fruity and earthy, with sly, narrow flavors of blackberry and chocolate. This has the ripeness and power that one would expect from a high-end Malbec, but also a bit more finesse and natural “redness” than many heavyweights from Argentina. Hints of herbs, pine, lemon peel and mocha grace the structured finish.
Malbec with 30% Merlot; Numina starts off with dark mineral and crude oil aromas that give way to floral scents before flavors of cherry, blackberry, chocolate and pepper. There's a lot going on and overall this attempt at a high-end, powerful red blend is successful. It's much better balanced than many of Salentein's “bigger” wines, including Primus.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is pushing 15% alcohol, but does not descend into Pruneville; the fruit is super ripe, slightly sweet, open and luscious, with slightly candied flavors. Cherry pie and chocolate-covered strawberries come to mind, but the acids support both fruit and barrel and keep the wine lively and inviting.
An impressive, rich, creamy, oak-aged Chardonnay that has already developed secondary flavors of almonds and pine nuts. The balance, though, is well preserved; a full, flavorful wine edged with toast and finishing with the fruit acidity. It could well develop over the next 2–3 years.
Based in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, this vineyard has ancient monastic origins. The 2005 is a well-balanced wine, structured with Cabernet and rounded with Merlot. The fruit is rich, not complex, but very food friendly.
Good firm tannins, with ripe blackberry jam flavors, are followed by some spice from wood. This is a well-structured wine, its elements in place. The dry edge is finally dominant, and it probably needs 2–3 years aging.
A feminine, almost soft Pinot Noir, this opens nicely with scents of roses, red fruits, and pine forest. Despite its light color, it has plenty of grip and density in the mouth, even bringing some streaks of light milk chocolate into the finish.
Cassis, black pepper and smoked meat start this stylish Shiraz from the venerable estate. A beautiful balance of savory black fruit and spice layers on the palate, followed by a lingering, vanilla spice finish. Ageable and elegant.
Big and powerful without going completely over the edge, the 2008 Kiwa is a dark-fruited wine with hints of dried fruit and Christmas spices. It's full bodied, rich and almost chewy in texture, yet finishes fresh and long.
The 2008 Alana Estate Pinot boasts a perfumed bouquet that includes elements of rose petals and sandalwood to accent savory and black-cherry notes. The silky texture is also spot on; one just wishes for a little more flavor intensity and length. Drink it over the next few years.
Floral and mineral aromas tell you this isn't run of the mill, and seeing that it's from the emerging Elqui Valley in northern Chile, it's not. Aromas of violet petals and slate rise above the norm, while the palate is rich, slick and tastes of truffle, licorice, pepper and blackberry. Fairly stylish and ready to drink now. Good complexity for a value-priced wine.
Babich's top Sauvignon is a big step up in quality, featuring more weight and intensity than its regular bottling. Tropical--think passion fruit--flavors are accented by grassy notes, with grapefruit notes forming the core. Drink now.
A minty note gives a slightly lifted edge to this wine's aromas of mixed berries. On the palate, it's a rich, chocolaty wine that even hints at asphalt, balanced by tart berries.
You won't find much varietal character in this blend of Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon, but what you get is a medium-bodied white that should prove versatile at the table. Peach, pear and citrus aromas and flavors are carried by moderate weight and a slightly creamy texture.
Offering a spicy, creamy view of Grüner, this is a well-rounded, rich, white fruit-flavored wine. The acidity is a thought in the background initially, but then gives the wine a final, light lift. Screwcap.
Initially, a Champagne that seems just ripe and easy. Gradually, a layer of mature toast, yeast, vanilla and cream add their character to fresh ripe white fruits. The wine is certainly ready to drink now, and unlikely to age much more.
Now that TerraNoble is getting its Syrah from warm Colchagua, the end product is dark, roasted and statuesque. There's a lot of beef and structure to this affordable Syrah, and the flavors of plum, blackened toast and tea are manly to say the least. Finishes with a lot of roasted oomph, including spice, espresso and mint chip flavors.
Reasonably broad and full-bodied, this is a solid example of Chardonnay from the Pfalz. Dried spices accent pineapple and melon fruit, finishing on a crisp, citrusy note.
This crisp, clean Chardonnay offers aromas of apple, honey and tropical fruit, and the flavor profile is not terribly complex, but friendly. Fresh fruit is balanced by acid and the mouthfeel has an appeal creamy quality. Good for food pairing; think anything from lobster to spicy ethnic cuisine.
The nose of this Merlot is intriguing, with its cinnamon spice and plum character. On the palate, straightforward fruit flavors with a spin of spice and lingering, perky finish. A good overall wine for everyday enjoyment.
Overt on the nose, with a wave of mint, dill and vanilla that come straight from the barrel. Game and leather notes come up later, leading to a palate that blends berry flavors with savory sauciness. Finishing accents of tomato leaf and herbs seal this wine as truly Navarran in character.
Fresh aromas of gooseberry and fig are followed by a flinty, fresh combination of flavors in Cederburg's Sauvignon Blanc. Balanced and robust, the wine has a snappy, citrus finish.
Fresh aromas of red fruits are immediately attractive, but the wine also has weight, with some rich, smoky fruits, edges of tobacco and dried fruits. The tannins give a definite firm structure, but are well padded by wood and ripe fruits.
The Fairvalley Chardonnay begins with aromas of lemon, pear and spice, and on the palate, offers citrusy, spicy flavors that are both refreshing and appealing. Though not the most complex wine, it's a good go-to wine for everyday drinking. Solid and well made.
Savory cherry, raspberry and plum aromas in this approachable Pinotage lead into spicy, savory flavors of cherry, plum and smoke. It's an accessible version of a variety that can be tough for some to embrace. Pair with pork or spicy dishes.
This white's nose offers waves of fresh-cut grass, herbs and spices, with tropical fruit, gooseberry and citrus flavors that follow. The wine has a dense, full-flavored character, but its crisp mineral backbone keeps it aloft. The finish is lingering and rich.
This is a style of wine that offers a blockbuster view of Bordeaux. It is full of dark extracted fruits, brooding tannins, dark plum juice and a burnt feeling that comes from alcohol. In its style, it goes for excess.
Reasonably sweet (25 g/l residual sugar) but not overly so, this soft, easy-to-drink wine features melon and citrus notes. It's a light style, pretty and attractive at a good price.
Prieto Picudo is the grape here, and it's not your run-of-the-mill red variety. The nose is minty green and rustic, and you can tell it's not cut from a common cloth. In the mouth, Carroleon shows cassis and carob, while the finish has chocolate and a medicinal essence. Top-heavy in terms of concentration, with a thin middle tier.
A big fruity wine, full of black fruit flavors and laced with soft tannins and acidity. This is rich, dense and so delicious to drink now. You could age it for a year or two, but why wait?
Using grapes from both sides of the Columbia, winemaker Jonathan Oberlander has crafted a flavorful and beautifully balanced wine that mingles quince, lime, citrus rind and a hint of herb. All stainless and no malolactic fermentation—just pure fruit and clean acids.
With a violet color and charred aromas of oak, shoe polish and black fruits, this amounts to a very good, woody blend of Carignan and Garnacha that's as healthy as an ox but hits like a bull in a China shop. Blackberry, burnt toast and dark chocolate flavors finish spicy and hot, while rubbery tannins esure that this has a grabby grip. This should improve with additional bottle aging.
This is a modern Tempranillo with big berry fruit aromas offset by baking spice scents and earthiness. The palate feels bold and punchy, with round but present tannins and ripe flavors of baked blackberry, chocolate and mild spice. Drink this friendly, fruity, elevated wine through 2016.
A bouquet of white flowers kissed with honey and stonefruit, this ebullient ice wine bounds from the glass with its sunny, sweet pleasures. It's delicately textured, but penetrating with pristine tropical fruit flavors that linger.
Big and spicy wood flavors dominate this rich, expressive wine. With its black currant and berry flavors, it's both fruity and structured. There is dense dryness as well that gives concentration to back up the fruitiness.
Colomé regularly makes one of Argentina's best Torrontés. This vintage is fresh on the nose, with tropical leanings and lychee aromas. The palate offers pointed acidity and lively flavors of passion fruit, lychee and citrus. This finishes crisp and juicy, but not sizzling or sharp.
Big and rich, this wine is exuberantly fruity with a sweet juicy core of ripe blackberry. Big, bold and forward with well-integrated tannins, this is likely to age quickly; try in 2–3 years.
Sierra Foothills-based La Folia specializes in Cal-Ital varieties. This super Tuscan-style blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Sangiovese, aged in entirely new French oak, is impressively resplendent in coconut, sour cherry and ripe plum notes, with a softness that makes it remarkably drinkable. This bright wine will pair magnificently with all kinds of pizza and pasta.
There is a sense of extraction and long wood aging with this bitter, chocolate-flavored wine. The palate has a dark plum-skin fruit character and a dry, hard-edged core. It will need at least six years to mature.
Woodenhead does Pinot Noir well, too, but here it shows its skill with Zinfandel, producing a structured, peppery and leathery version bright in briary blackberry and plum. With fierce minerality at its core, this is a distinctive Zin for those who prefer their wines savory and earthy.
This is very nice varietal Bonarda. The nose is generic but floral, ripe and full of lifted blackberry and cassis aromas. A rubbery, agile palate carries dark, toasty flavors of blackberry, cassis and chocolate, then a peppery-tasting, toasty finish that manages to not be hot or fierce, which is a plus for this grape.
Hints of graphite and slate lend a distinct minerality to ripe, penetrating black-cherry and cassis notes on this elegant Long Island Petit Verdot. Full bodied in style, it's remarkably structured, with a core of juicy fruit framed within a shell of fine-grained tannins.
Warm notes of toasted brioche and smoked nuts accent high-toned lemon and apple tones in this brisk, boldly petillant blanc de blancs. The palate is bright with lemony acidity, and sweet biscuit notes by linger on the finish.
A dark, piercing opening with olive, black fruit and mild herbal aromas announces a ripe, full-force Malbec. That impression is confirmed on the full, creamy, jammy palate, where oaky, chocolaty flavors of syrupy blackberry and cooked brown sugar end in a smooth, vanilla-laden finish. Drink now through 2015.
This opens with dense, earthy aromas of tobacco, coffee grinds and marzipan candy along with blackberry and raisin. The palate feels wide and jammy, with solid tannins that don't bite. A mix of herbal berry, foresty notes and leather comprise the flavor profile, while the finish is gritty, tannic, salty and hard. Give this muscular Malbec plenty of air before drinking.
This is a stemmy, mouth-filling Pinot Noir crafted from Anderson Valley fruit, showing cherry and pomegranate with a touch of toast.
This is yet another very good but not quite excellent Malbec from this winery. Solid berry aromas are edged by whiffs of green and horsehide. The palate is fresh, tight and a touch gritty in feel, with leathery red-berry flavors accented by earth and spice notes. This is solid and should be drunk now through 2015.
Subtle aromas include crushed flower, forest floor, graphite, black berry and a note of menthol. The ripe palate offers red cherry-berry and a hint of cinnamon alongside muted but drying tannins. Drink through 2021.
This dark, heavily oaked Cabernet is lemony on the nose, but also full of typical cassis and black fruit aromas. The palate is muscular, with firm tannins. Flavors of black fruit are matched by resiny oak, leading to additional notes of licorice on the finish. Drink through 2017.
From one of the most esteemed vineyards in the denomination, this features aromas of oak, toast, black berry and a whiff of rubber. The palate offers plum, black cherry, roasted coffee bean, spearmint and vanilla alongside bracing tannins.
Chosen from a selection of parcels, this dense and complex wine has layers of firm tannins that a give a dry, tough core. Underneath, the juicy, currant and berry fruits need to spring to life. Give this concentrated wine until 2017.
This generous and full-bodied wine is full of juicy red berry fruits, ripe tannins and just enough structure to support its opulent character. Wood aging gives a fine-grained texture that will allow it to age. Drink from 2016.
Jammy raspberry and plum aromas are primary and fresh on the nose. This ripe, round wine is sure to be a party-pleaser. Solid cassis, berry and spice flavors finish pure, with ripeness and proper balance.
This is a soft wine, smoothly textured and rich, with concentrated and ripe black fruit tones. While there is a dry core, it is the generosity of the surrounding fruit that makes this an eminently drinkable wine.
A savory, mineral aspect makes this dry wine especially interesting. It has slightly herbal aromas, white peach flavors, rather full body that adds lushness, and a lingering finish.
Soft and pretty, this estate grown wine offers plum and cherry fruit, with notes of cedar and smoke from aging in one third new French and Hungarian oak. The structure rests on stiff but proportionate tannins, giving good balance and medium length. Drink now through 2020.
This straightforward Barbaresco opens with a pretty nose of wild rose, crushed red berry and balsamic notes. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins.
This fresh, fruit-driven wine opens with aromas of black pepper, blackberry and violet. It's not overly complex but very tasty and bright, with berry juice, cola, sassafras and a pinch of spearmint.
Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and then aged almost a year in American oak, 30% of it new, this is fruity and smoky in equal measure. Its tones of blackberry, leather and black pepper are harmonious. Round and soft, it's easy to drink and will be approachable to a variety of palates.
This accessible Barolo leads with a pretty fragrance of crushed blue flower, wild rose and bright berry. The palate delivers Morello cherry, black raspberry and cinnamon notes alongside fresh acidity and supple tannins.
Maduro cigar and cherry brandy aromas power the nose on this heavily extracted, single-vineyard Sangiovese that Dave Corey makes under his Turchi label. Nothing like Chianti, aside from the decent tannins and acidity, this is all prune and plum soda on the palate. Serve with herb-crusted steak.
Amidst cola and sassafras on the nose, there's a bit of rotting cherry funk and some compost pile aromas to this intriguing single-vineyard Syrah from the Los Alamos area. The little bit of cherry sweetness on the palate gets more serious with chopped herbs, tobacco and cedar.
Aromas of fresh violet, blue lilac, mint, menthol and orange zest take center stage. The ethereal fragrance doesn't carry over to the palate however, which displays oak extract, dried cherry, espresso, dried sage and roasted coffee bean alongside bitterly astringent wood tannins that dry out the mouth and generate an abrupt finish.
Vibrant and savory, this fresh Nebbiolo doles out blue flower, crushed red cherry and black raspberry flavors. Accents of white pepper add depth while supple tannins and bright acidity create balance. It finishes on a succulent note.
Aromas of white peach and vanilla highlight this rich-textured, rather full-bodied white wine. It's made in a generous rather than crisp style, as if it were barrel fermented, and a buttery lushness defines it more than the fairly subtle fruit flavors. Very tasty overall.
This wine is produced solely with Nerello Mascalese grapes aged in terra cotta vessels and made with no selected yeasts or added sulfites. It offers concentrated black cherry, raspberry and licorice flavors accented with cracked black pepper and smoky mineral alongside big but velvety tannins. The warmth of alcohol marks the close.
Almost entirely fermented in stainless steel, it has unquestionable acidity captured in the bottle, without a sacrifice of ripe, juicy peach fruit. Lemongrass lingers on the tail end.
An 85% Zinfandel with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Syrah, this red offers sanguine, rustic plum, cinnamon spice and a concentration of bright red fruit, a lingering grip on the finish.
Compact and dense on the nose, this Merlot is in good shape from head to toe. Dark berry and spice aromas hold up to airing. This is full on the palate, with spicy, baked berry flavors. Barrel contact brings a strong savory spice element on the finish.
Fragrances of black cherry, bell pepper and spice set the stage for flavors of black cherry, strawberry, smoke and black tea. There is a pleasing aura of brightness overlaid on soft tannins, with a surprising note of apricot on the finish.
Big, bold and fruity, this dense wine has rich, red berry fruits and firm tannins its the core. While ripe and fruity, there is a hint of salty sea spray from a cool maritime influence. Drink now.
Packed with wood and fruit, this rich wine needs time. A juicy blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, it's full of attractive acidity and blackberry fruits. The tannins do need to soften and round out, so drink from 2017.
Nearly 100% Merlot with just a pinch of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, it brings an assortment of red fruit notes along with plum, milk chocolate and coffee. The barrel flavors play a big part in the show with the tannins giving a lightly chalky feel.
Vines planted between 900 and 1,200 feet above sea level give this cool interpretation of Pinot Noir. The wine is crisp, lightly structured with some tannins and with a delicate cherry and red-berry fruitiness. It will be ready to drink from 2017.
Aromatic with ripe yellow fruits, this wine conveys flavors of mango and apricot. Rich and creamy, it has just enough acidity to give a fresh aftertaste. Drink now.
A pinkish copper color, light cherry and raspberry flavors and a smooth, rounded mouth-feel make this full-bodied wine easy to sip and enjoy.
Minty, camphor-like aromas arise off of this bottling, alongside milk chocolate, tart berries and raw beef aromas. The mouthfeel is comparatively thin, showing peppery cherry juice, dried dill and other herbal flavors.
Veins of smoke and wax seep through fresh apple, lemon and lime in this refreshingly spry Riesling. Medium-sweet in style, it balances crisp citrus flavors against a savory, earthier side of brambles and dried herb. The finish lingers moderately long.
There is a bright but not overdone tropicality to this fresh and inviting wine, which shows lily, Gala apple and pear flesh on the nose and tightens up on gravel and citrus peel. The flavors are broad and easy, with a slight Granny Smith apple sharpness.
From vineyards at the south end of the Côte de Nuits, this is a fruity, crisp wine with attractive ready-to-drink fruit flavors. The aftertaste is tight and packed with acidity.
With some tannins and with bright red fruits, this wine is structured and has attractive acidity. A perfumed wine with a fruity future, it will be ready to drink from 2018.
Made from grapes grown on the Olivet Lane Vineyard, this wine features a ripe softness marked in sandalwood, cherry and earthy strawberry, the body and acidity levels moderate.
Honest Pinot Noir aromas of spicy, leafy cherry and plum are good but common. This feels just about right, albeit a touch full and creamy. Flavors of cola, cherry and chocolate are ripe, moderately oaked and finish creamy, with flavors of vanilla, savory spices and rooty sweetness.
Butterscotch aromas, buttery, nutty flavors and full body make a pretty big impact as this dry and full-bodied wine pulls them all together.
Light straw in color, this wine has a soft nose of apricot and clementine. It offers refreshing flavors of honeydew melon, peach and lemon, and it is bright from the first sip through the tangerine and lemon curd finish.
Smoky, spicy aromas are highly wood-driven, which creates hickory and campfire scents rather than discernible fruit. This feels a touch sticky and soupy, while baked, woody berry, black plum and cassis flavors are charred prior to a spicy, chunky finish.
This unusual blend, all co-fermented, includes roughly equal proportions of Vermentino, Viognier and Marsanne, with a splash of Roussanne. It's perfumed with the intensity of Gewürztraminer, a mix of baby powder and candied citrus, and those flavors carry through the palate. Though listed as just 12.5% abv, it tastes and feels much riper, showing some heat in the aftertaste.
While the nose reveals only faint whiffs of apples, nuts and brambles, the palate of this off-dry Riesling is crisply concentrated with fresh red apples and tart peaches. It's not a deeply persistent wine, but finishes brisk and bright.
A bright, lemon flavored wine with tight acidity and an attractive mineral texture. It is floral, zesty and very ready to drink.
This opens with aromas that recall nail polish remover, dark spice and toast. The palate offers fleshy black cherry, vanilla and a hint of coffee alongside bracing tannins. It finishes on an astringent note.
This wine is crisp, full of red apple and green-plum flavors, with a touch of minerality in the tangy texture. From chalky soil, it is tight and bright with lively acidity. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of toasted oak, coffee, underbrush and a hint of fig. The full-bodied palate shows oak, espresso, hazelnut, dark pepper and clove but not much fruit. Assertive tannins grip the finish.
With Verdelho and Viognier in the blend, this attractive wine has a ripe perfumed character. It also has a crisp side with its lemon fruits that contrast with the spicy pear and melon. It is ready to drink, bright and crisp at the end.
Cola and cranberry juice decorate the crushed asphalt and light peppercorn notes of the nose on this bottling by Adam Lazarre and company. The palate plays the slightly underripe card, with Kalamata olive and green-peppercorn notes spicing up the more standard cranberry and pomegranate flavors. It's quite vibrant and zesty.
Sharp, chewy and aggressively tannic, this simply refuses to emerge from its tannic shell. The stiffly herbal flavors dominate, while any ripe fruit seems to be in hiding at the moment, despite lengthy aeration.
Aromas of almond and apple don't show much sizzle or snap. This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc is round and soft in feel, with slightly cidery flavors of apricot and apple. Drink now.
Scents of blossom and fresh apple in this off-dry Riesling suggest an orchard in early summer. Equally fresh and summery, the palate boasts bright apple and lemon flavors. Straightforward yet refreshing, it's a pretty quaffer finishing on a delicate bramble note.
There is a rustic side to this wine, not unattractive and given a lift by the juicy acidity and spice aftertaste. The wine is dark in color, more fruit than structure. It is ready to drink.
Pungent boxwood notes unfold on the nose, while the palate offers hints of tomato and tobacco leaves alongside white grapefruit. This medium-bodied wine finishes bright, marked by fresh greens.
Meaty in wild berry and leather, this is a high-toned wine with a gritty texture that evolves to become velvety in the glass. Generously ripe and rich in body, it's intense and fresh in equal measure, showing a complement of balanced brawn and beauty.
Big and juicy, this wine draws on a few sources as well as 15% Petite Sirah to offer a complex and layered expression of black cherry, cardamom and chocolate. Rich from start to finish, it satisfies as it calls out for smoky meat.
Portugal's native Touriga Nacional originally comes from the Dão and this wine shows it in its glory. Planted around an ornate 16th-century palace, the vines have produced a richly structured wine, still showing some signs of wood aging. It is concentrated, with ripe red-cherry and blackberry fruits, solid tannins and acidity. Drink this wine from 2020.
This is a mature, single-vineyard wine. Beautifully perfumed, it includes, unusually, a small percentage of white grapes (historically a field blend) that soften the tannins of the 90% Baga. The wine is spicy, concentrated, dense with black fruits and tannins. It is ready to drink.
This is a limited production wine from small parcels of limestone soil. Aged in acacia barrels, it has subtle spice and toast flavors. They wood aging has had the effect of broadening the wine and giving it extra richness. It's an impressive wine, ready to drink from 2018.
This wine has no added sulfur, giving crisp, clear and clean fruitiness. It also adds an light touch of oxidation that broadens the wine and makes the white stone fruit richer. Drink this impressively ripe wine from 2018.
From a site on the western edge of Green Valley, this wine rocks in its light-bodied wrestling of white pepper and floral violet intrigue, so inviting on the nose. It opens slowly to unravel high-toned acidity and aspects of wild berry that are irresistible in their succulence and depth.
Deep purple in color, this bottling by John and Helen Falcone expertly balances the richness of ripe fruit from eastern Paso with the savory and spiciness provided by Syrah. Blackberry, black pepper, tar and lilac show on the nose, while the palate upholds those elements with persistent acidity and soft yet upright tannins. It's ready to drink right now, but will last for years as well.
Jammy blue fruit and cherries immerse themselves within a context of inviting and densely packed earth in this coastal, estate-grown wine. Spicy acidity and pronounced wood add additional weight and complexity as the texture takes on velvety lushness that's fully balanced and considerate.
Portuguese Sommelier Marco Alexandre selected the best barrels of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot for this wine. Rich and stylish, it offers plenty of black fruits and juicy acidity, with a touch of spice and hints from the wood aging. It is ready to drink.
Alluring and intense aromas of soot, campfire, charcuterie, black pepper, herb, crushed flowers and liquid stone lead to a broadly rich, intense, flavorful palate, absolutely loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide on the extended finish.
The aromas are initially more fruit forward than often seen from this area, with notes of plum followed by ash, black pepper, Stargazer lilies, charcuterie and iron. The flavors are palate coating and dense in feel, lingering on the finish. It needs some time in the cellar to truly show its stuff. Best after 2022.
The aromas are brooding, with notes of ash, raw meat, smoke, herb, stem, blood orange and mineral. The palate brings a sense of freshness to the generous savory flavors, showing a bit of tannic heft on the finish that should settle with additional time in the bottle.
Mostly Grenache, the aromas are vibrant, with notes of orange peel, stem, funk, smoked meat, white pepper, herb and crushed flower. It's light on its feet with abundant raspberry and earth flavors that draw out on the finish.
An exemplary rendition of the RR reserve bottling, this vintage is loaded with honey and spice. Smooth, off-dry, complex and full bodied, it's in perfect balance between sweetness and tang, mixing fruit and skin components with that succulence. Lively and energetic, it's delicious now but will benefit from age. Drink through 2030.
This is a tropical-fruit-flavored wine with only a hint of more herbal flavors. It is ripe and juicy with sweeping fruitiness as well as acidity. The texture, mineral in character, comes from the chalk of the vineyard—one of the top sites in Sancerre. Drink this beautiful wine from 2018.
Matured in large wooden vats, this is a wine that is so ripe and rich. With great fruit allied to an opulent texture, it is both spicy and full of tropical fruit flavors. At the moment, it is just bursting with fruit and will need time to calm down, so wait to drink until 2019.
Made from 100% dried Zibibbo grapes, this classic dessert wine opens with intense raw apricot, date and orange marmalade aromas. It's fresh, full-bodied and elegant on palate, with layers of ripe fig, tangerine zest, chestnut honey and eucalyptus flavors that persist long into the finish.
Rich and fruity, this wine is packed with intense black-currant flavors. It is perfumed, ripe with a good tannic background. The density of the wine and the firm structure point to a long aging process. Drink this beautifully structured wine from 2026.
Burly and brawny in tar and leather, this muscular wine is showy and yet totally delicious. It's worthwhile and hard to resist in its full embrace of smoky oak, black-cherry liqueur and blackberry jam. Soft and succulent, it finishes as robust as it started—a good poster child for the oft-maligned variety.
A brooding texture and fully layered concentration of intense flavor spark the palate and mind in this estate wine, which is showy in cola, bark, black cherry and black tea. Medium bodied and well-made, it finds balance between its coastal influence, its crisp acidity and the burlier aspects of fruit and weight.
From the producer's organically farmed estate, this light elegant red is Old World in approach and execution, offering delicate aromas of leather pouch and black pepper. Wraparound tannins provide structure within a graceful framework of plum and cedar, as the oak integrates to preserve a freshness of acidity and lively complexity.
This wine comes from an estate in southern Alentejo. Aged for 14 months in mainly new barrels, it is rich in spice and toast that are balanced by great black fruits and generous tannins. This excellent wine is still aging; drink from 2019.
This is a wood-aged wine, named after the founder of the Mellot dynasty in the 16th century. It is richly endowed, packed with fine white fruit that contrasts with the stony steely texture. There is a great tang of acidity and orange zest at the end. The wine is still young and will repay cellaring until 2018.
Sanguine and restrained, this is a lovely version of the variety from the region. It is high-toned in refreshing acidity and accented in red cherry and a memorable spiciness of cinnamon and pepper. Completely understated, it will do well at the table or on its own as aperitif fare.
Aromatic herb, woodland berry, violet, citrus zest and tilled soil scents take shape in the glass. The succulent, linear palate doles out cranberry, red cherry white pepper and star anise flavors, bolstered by a backbone of firm, refined tannins and bright acidity.
Scents of vanilla and baking spices frame bold raspberry fruit on the nose, while the flavors take a more savory turn, toward mocha and grilled meat. This is full bodied and maybe even a touch warm, but it works, ending long and plush. Drink now–2025.
Fresh apple-cider aromas meet with tangerine rinds, gardenia and wet stone on the very intriguing and enjoyable nose of this single vineyard expression by the Duckhorn family of wines. There is great energy to the sip, carrying flavors of salt, browned butter, marmalade and ripe nectarines.
The second release from this impressive new project is a touch lighter than the previous vintage, but just as well built. Blending grapes from four different sub-AVAs, this shows a sleek and detailed mix of fruit—strawberry, plum and cherry—married to just the right amount of new French oak (one third of the barrels).
A selection of Touriga Nacional, this was foot-trodden in open lagars. That gives a richness and smooth density to this stylish wine, adding to its concentration and powerful black fruits. It is solid with tannins that needs to age further. Drink from 2020.
Lemony, with the tiniest touch of sweetness, McFadden's Riesling is nicely balanced between acidity and fruit, with a slightly nutty flavor.
Black as they come, with saturated, jammy aromas of sweet berry fruit, blackberry syrup and toasty oak. The palate is lush and chewy, with black fruit, spice and herbal flavors. Toasty and black on the finish. A big wine with plentiful oak as well as purity.
Bulky and dark up front, with coconut, ripe berry and heat on the nose. Feels rich and resiny, with sticky tannins, extract galore and flavors of coconut, wood grain, black licorice and sweet blackberry. Finishes hefty and grabby, with wayward oak that needs to settle in.
Sweet on the bouquet, with aromas of coffee, mocha, berry jam and cherry extract. Broad and saturated on the palate, with ripe blackberry, cassis and chocolaty flavors. Finishes smooth and easy, with ripe tannins. Very nice but ordinary as full-bodied, extracted Malbecs go.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this is a rich Champagne. It has layers of red currant fruits and intense acidity. There is some toast coming through as this wine has aged.
Relatively rich in character, with toast and yeast flavors offering a contrast to the more tropical fruit flavors. There is dry spice and finely balanced acidity that offer a further dimension to this full-bodied wine.
Like most Tikal wines, this is beefy and saturated, with grapy, creamy, dark fruit aromas. Feels tight and lush in the mouth, with a meaty structure and dense flavors of blackberry and herbs. Turns more herbal as it unwinds before finishing toasty and thick.
Superripe and dark, with black currant, black cherry and prune aromas. Jammy and deep in the mouth, but with enough acidity to preserve liveliness. Tastes sweet and ripe, then layered and medicinal on the finish. Pushes the envelope on ripeness.
Rubbery smelling at first, then earthy cherry and stewed fruit aromas emerge. Juicy and a bit pointed in terms of acidity, so it shocks the palate and pierces the cheeks. Tastes pulsing and ripe, with big red fruit flavors, candied sweetness, coconut and chocolate.
A well-made Tempranillo that's lush and rich yet balanced, its tannins well structured and its blueberry fruit intensity inviting. Lay it down awhile or give it a chance to breathe.
This new Pinot from Laura Catena's Luca label is fresh, honest and peppy. The nose is lightweight, airy and a little earthy, while the palate is fresh and agile, with good acidity and nice raspberry and pie cherry flavors. Shows some oak, vanilla and spice on a dry, mild finish. Definitely on the right path.
Soft, sweet, smooth wine. Its age shows in a nutty character that boosts the attractive mature acidity. It is ripe, full in the mouth, well balanced for drinking with food.
Baking-spice, dark-chocolate, vanilla and cocoa aromas resonate on this barrel-forward wine. The palate brings luscious dark-fruit and dark-chocolate flavors, with grainy tannins backing it up. It shows some warmth on the finish.
An opulent nose of oranges, ripe lemons and flowers leads this elegant white. The mouthfeel is complex with layers of citrus, tropical fruit and a spin of saline to tie it together.
Cinnamon and cedar aromas give this wine a “lounge by the hearth” vibe, and on the palate, flavors of dried herb, tomato and pepper add to the masculine edge. The wine has a rich character overall but is approachable.
Aromas of corn on the cob and spice lead to lightly sweet-seeming medium-bodied fruit flavors that bring a sense of balance. It provides easy drinking appeal.
Underbrush, leather, pressed rose and dark spice aromas lead the nose. The tight full-bodied palate opens with raw sour cherry, pomegranate and star anise alongside assertive tannins but it falls apart quickly, leaving an abrupt lean finish.
A very evenly made Chardonnay, this shows all the expected notes of poached apples, Anjou pear skins and lemon-lime freshness. There is decent acidity to the sip, presenting flavors of candied Key-lime peels, tangy tangerine and grapefruit pith.
This opens with aromas suggesting new oak, new leather, coconut, dried herb and a whiff of underbrush. The assertive palate shows oak, licorice, a green note of powdered sage and the barest hint of dried sour cherry. Grainy wood-driven tannins lead to a raspy finish. Give the tannins a few more years to soften then drink before the remaining fruit dries up.
Bright cherry and raisins on the nose are followed by red berry fruit and prunes on the palate here. The wine has a savory and sweet cigar box-spice character overall. Good structure and minerality give it focus.
Scents of brambly berry and forest floor mingle with accents of licorice, blackberry and mocha on the nose of this solid wine. It's medium in weight, with fine but slightly gripping tannins that yield a satiny structure around the ripe black-fruit flavors.
The aromas are bright, with notes of charred wood, jalapeño pepper, herb and cherry. The palate is light and pillowy in feel, surprisingly elegant considering the aromatics. Char and pepper flavors persist on the finish. The wood seems a bit heavy handed.
Bright, simple and moderate in acidity and body, with a wealth of ripeness, this wine offers a strong sensibility of smoked cherry and cola flavor, finished in oaky vanilla.
This is a smoky, moderately tannic and unfussy wine. Layered in black fruit, tobacco, and mocha, it has a sprinkling of cinnamon spice.
Almost overripe notes of black cherry hit the nose. The palate rescues the fruit with freshness, turning this wine into a juicy, cherry-ish and fruit-driven red with a light body. It finishes with a touch of bitterness. Drink soon.
Composed primarily of Lemberger, this wine is fruit forward, with notes of blue and black berries along with generous cranberry and spice accents. The flavors are light and cranberry tart, tapering toward the finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker, with a focus on purity.
The wine, a blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, is structured, showing plenty of tannins. The fruit is bright with some attractive acidity coming from the black-currant flavors. The wine needs a little time, so drink from 2018.
Rose petals and citrus on the nose give way to an elegant spin of honey, citrus and melon on the palate. A gentle white wine with a soft touch.
Classic Cabernet, from its mint and cassis aromas to its ample weight and long, plush finish. This is full and velvety, with hints of cedar and vanilla blending easily into the whole. Approachable now, it should age well through at least 2025.
From selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. It has huge richness, tasting of the Alentejo sun. At the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. The delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. Drink from 2016.
Aromas of black cherry, brambly berry, violet and oregano give way to sophisticated flavors of dark fruit, spice and leather. This nicely balanced Syrah offers harmonious tannins, with just a touch of grippiness, leading to a smooth, somewhat savory finish.
This wine, with its black color, barely escapes being too much. Initially, it seems too rich, too concentrated. But slowly its more elegant character, ripe and smooth, comes through. The acidity gives surprising freshness considering the weight and density. It does need time, so drink from 2017.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this wine starts with scents of blue flower, plum, leather and spice. The palate delivers juicy black cherry and raspberry layered with vanilla and dark chocolate notes that add to the depth of flavors. The firm tannins are ripe and round, giving this structure but also a smooth texture.
Blue flower, red berries and Mediterranean herbs take center stage in this delicious blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Ciliegiolo. The bright, lively palate offers a solid core of black cherry and raspberry layered with black pepper and thyme. It's extremely inviting and approachable now, so enjoy soon. Vos Selections, Tosco Wine.
Buttery and smooth, this shows toasty apple and melon fruit, butter and some framing skin phenolics. It's another excellent example of the superlative Chardonnays being made in the Willamette Valley.
Ripe, juicy flavors of pink grapefruit and peach are accented by sprightly hints of lemon and cherry blossom in this moderately sweet, delicate Riesling. A shock of lemon-lime acidity and a zesty mineral tone lingers long on the finish.
The Romorantin is a local grape found mainly in the Cheverny area of the central Loire. With a light gold color and touches that are oxidative, this is a fascinating wine. Quince, spice and some sweetness are balanced by acidity and fresh apple flavors, always with a sprinkling of pepper. Drink now.
Castelão, a grape normally found south of Lisbon, has rather carried itself away here. Very firm tannins, a dark toasty extracted character and some bitterness are there along with considerable fruitiness and acidity. The wine is still coming together and will need time. Drink from 2016.
Although this wine is labeled as dry, its honey and smooth apple character suggests a definite sweetness. Rich, full and concentrated, it brings in spice, ripe tropical fruits and just a touch of acidity at the end.
Aromas of butterscotch, apricot preserves and vanilla caramel lead to flavors of quince preserves and apricot tart. Round in the mouth, it shows excellent structure and delights with refreshing acidity on the finish.
Gentle scents of perfume, wild berry and cedar blend seamlessly on the nose. The palate is more punchy and tight, with heavy extraction creating narrow flavors of blackberry and cassis. A short, sinewy finish limits the wine's breadth.
This family-owned boutique winery is releasing some outstanding Pinots at modest prices. This saw 50% new French oak—the quality barrels put a toasty frame around juicy fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry. The scale, definition  and balance are exceptional for the price.
For Cab Franc, this is super ripe, with floral, perfumed, earthy aromas of cassis and wild berries blended with pastry and vanilla. In the mouth, it's big but balanced, with loamy, slightly salty flavors of baked black fruits. A lasting ripe-fruit character carries onto the finish.
This grassy, aromatic wine is rich and fruity. With a year's age it has lost its puppy fruitiness and mellowed into a richer, more complex wine. White currants, gooseberries and a chalky texture give depth to this well-crafted wine that is ready to drink.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine, from the first whiff of cranberry and pine needle through the smooth finish that offers the faintest hint of butterscotch. A network of barely-there tannins supports agreeable flavors of cranberry, slightly tart cherry, butterscotch and sage.
According to Hewitson, the Old Garden—source for this wine—was planted in 1853, likely making it the oldest Mourvèdre in existence. This vintage is bright-fruited, offering notes of strawberry, raspberry and even watermelon, framed by hints of cedar, vanilla and dark chocolate. The tannins are supple, letting crisp acidity drive the long finish.
Orange blossom and berry aromas are accented by hints of spice and smoke on this powerful but elegantly finessed Riesling. It's dry in style, but builds in heft and richness on the palate, amassing flavors of tangerines, peach and honey. A line of steely lime acidity adds balance and cut.
Ample vanilla notes from oak aging mark the nose and palate of this savory Shiraz. It's on the full side for the Hunter, with a rich texture and a long, velvety finish. Drink 2015–2025.
Saffron and orange rind lend spicy zest to honey and floral tones on this gorgeously rich auslese. It's luscious, with sweet yellow peach and caramel flavors, but struck with a clean line of tangerine acidity. Bold and powerful in concentration, it finishes with just a hint of tea-leaf astringency.
The second wine of the Prats and Symington partnership is rich and powerful in its own right. It is packed with blackberry, ripe tannins and a solid, dense structure. Acidity cuts through this dark wine that still needs to age. Drink from 2017.
This is a spicy wine, soft and open. Its tannins and red berry fruits have a diffuse character that takes away the focus of the wine. It will age quickly.
It displays a very pretty pink color, but that's the showiest side of a rather reserved wine. The nose smells slightly of rosebush and the palate is a bit watery, with some stone fruit and noticeable tension.
Heavy oak scents create a popcorn nose that leads to flabby flavors of peach and melon. The wine is woody and simple.
Berry aromas come in front of a sharp, plummy palate. This tastes herbal, spicy and woody, with dry berry flavors that turn tangy, edgy and oaky on the finish.
Resiny oak aromas drown out peanut brittle and apple notes. This is acidic and briny in the mouth, with a cidery complex. Oak and sour apple flavors finish chunky, woody and briny.
A mix of toast and mint aromas lead to a wine that has a split personality between herbal flavors and spicy toast. It doesn't work, its fruit forgotten in the middle.
This wine is so soft, gently fruity and easy to drink, but without much character or freshness. It's a gentle ramble that takes no effort.
This wine is aging out quickly and will not meet reserve-level expectations for most consumers. The fruit tastes a little cooked and the tannins have a strong stemmy character. Drink up.
A heavily charred nose loaded with burnt oak dominates any fruity scents. In terms of flavors and feel, it's more of the same: roasted, burnt oak that's like licking a barrel or hickory branch. This is a one-dimensional oak bomb.
Soft and soapy, this is a simple wine without much character. It's a light, slightly sweet wine to be drunk this year. Screwcap.
This wine is fresh, with plenty of acidity. It also has delicious raspberry fruits, the ripeness well integrated into the wine. For immediate drinking.
Stalky, briary raspberry aromas set up a tannic palate with more burnt bitterness than bright fruit flavors. Tart plum and red currant notes are leafy and peppery, with heat and burn.
This leads with harsh, stunted aromas of earthy berry fruits and rubber. The palate is equally stunted and rough in feel, while tarry, gritty berry flavors finish drawing.
This release deserves some sort of award for consistency, year in and year out. The 2011 is light to medium in body and long, zesty and vibrant on the finish. Aromas and flavors of bergamot, honey (although the wine is completely dry) and toast are classic aged Eden Valley Riesling. Drink now–2030.
A 100% varietal, single-vineyard wine, aged nearly two years in French oak, 65% new, this is expansive in chalky red fruit and rustic saddle leather notes, the tannins billowy and round. A rich cocoa-like undertone plays nicely on the palate.
Marc Piro broke away from his day job at Au Bon Climat to produce this first vintage of his own delicious wine. Cranberry and pomegranate aromas meld with sagebrush, thyme and peppercorn on the nose. Bright energy pops on the palate, showing cherry, cranberry, sage and bay leaf flavors.
This resplendent white offers a wealth of wet stone minerality and crisp, lemony acidity, with just a subtle hint of oak. From old vines, it boasts tangerine and anise flavors on the palate, with tropical notes of guava and mango and a jolt of nuttiness.
This bottling is the work of Jaffurs general manager David Yates, and the 2014 shines as a great example of blending wines of varying degrees of ripeness. The nose shows thyme, olive, cranberry and fennel, with a warmer hint of vanilla. The palate offers intriguing mulberry and red plum fruit, with exotic notes ranging from sichuan peppercorn to preserved lemon to kalamata olive.
Earthy aromas suggesting leather, forest floor, tilled soil and dark spice take the lead in this Brunello, punctuated by a balsamic note. Firm and full-bodied, it delivers succulent Marasca cherry, star anise, mint and pipe tobacco, framed by tightly wound but refined tannins. Drink 2020–2032.
Regional bubbly pioneer Norm Yost manages to coax stunning aromas and unique flavors from his sparkling wines. In this example, the nose offers pear cider and corn laced with lime and apple aromas. That cider element comes into play on the palate as well, where mulling spices blend with dried ginger for a full and intriguing sip.
An outstanding effort in a difficult vintage, these old vines (the oldest were planted in 1889) have turned out a super wine. Complex aromas and flavors range from smoke, thyme blossom and licorice to apricots and black cherries. this is medium to full in body, with crisp acids and supple tannins that impart a silky feel to the long finish. Drink now–2025.
Composed cherry, cassis, tobacco and oak aromas are elegant and on the spot. This is alert on the palate, with bold acidity and moderate tannins. Lightly herbal plum and cherry aromas are earthy and leafy but not green. A rugged-feeling herbal finish suggests Cabernet Franc, but this is 100% Cab Sauvignon.
Subtle dark-skinned berry, brown spice, leather and truffle scents gently lift out of the glass. The palate is polished and full-bodied palate, with licorice, clove and white pepper notes underscoring a juicy black cherry core. Firm, refined tannins provide structure. Drink 2019–2027.
Right on the heels of their excellent 2014 version, this ups the ante still further. Young and forward, it's nonetheless well-balanced and ready for prime-time drinking. Bright raspberry and cherry fruit abounds, with the freshness and supporting acidity to age nicely for up to a decade.
Deep red plum, dried rose, lavender and oak smoke show on the nose of this bottling from Rick Longoria's estate vineyard, while it also offers a sanguine, feral quality. The palate continues the intrigue, its dried seaweed and wild sagebrush notes giving nuance to the tart strawberry and cranberry fruit.
Made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 10% Teroldego, this boasts alluring ripe black currant and white pepper aromas, with a whiff of graphite. The firm palate offers juicy blackberry, black plum and tobacco notes, held together by polished tannins. Enjoy now–2025.
Subtle power and a structure built for aging lift this wine above the crowd. It has deep and concentrated black cherry and cassis flavors, an abundance of fine-grained tannins, velvety texture, and a tasty, lingering finish. Best after 2019.
In 2014 this vineyard designate has been further subdivided by clone. The Dijon 115 bottling brings a burst of fresh raspberry fruit, detailed and perfectly set against balancing acidity. It's still quite young, but has the polish and promise of further richness with additional bottle age. Drink 2020 through 2030.
Mellow inviting aromas of baked apple make for an attractive nose. The palate adds tart lemon freshness to these lovely and rounded apple flavors and thus creates a lovely contrast. This is dry and fruit driven, lemony and sleek.
A rewarding wine for its price, this bottling from winemaker Eric Johnson weaves accessible butter-crusted cherry pie and vanilla aromas with bright, nuanced touches of hibiscus, rose petal and mace on the nose. The palate unfolds in layers, mulberry and plum fruit giving way to crushed sage and roasted fennel notes, each as texturally compelling as the last.
Alluring violet, perfumed berry, truffle and Mediterrenean herb aromas emerge in the glass. The palate is firm and packed with black cherry, raspberry and licorice flavors, with assertive, fine-grained tannins that give the finish grip. Give it time to fully develop. Drink after 2020.
This robust wine impresses with its white pepper, leathery meat and bright blue fruit. Full powered, the oak is subtle and supportive and the tannins soft and unobtrusive.
This thick, toasty dessert wine spent more than two years in new French oak. It works. Buttery and rich, it gains significant concentration after blowing past some volatile aromas. Toasted nuts abound, and the silky finish lingers.
All Pommard clone, this is loaded with juicy mixed fruits, principally plum, cherry and raspberry. It fills the palate, with lemony acids underpinning, and does a smooth fade-out with a touch of gun metal.
This structured red offers plum, violet, toast, balsamic and menthol aromas. The taut palate delivers red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and orange zest flavors, set against fine-grained tannins. An espresso note closes the finish.
This block selection is from the vineyard's highest elevation vines. It shows extra cut and precision, with mineral flavors under tight raspberry fruit. Tannins are polished and proportionate, and the wine has a sculpted mouthfeel. It was fermented with native yeast, and aged 15 months in one-quarter new French oak.
Combine the two block selections and you come close to this reserve. There's good intensity to the black-cherry fruit, and a base of minerality that gives it a mouthfeel as if it had been carved directly out of rock. Tight and ageworthy. Drink 2018 to 2026.
The palate is shy and needs air. It also surprises with a rounded pleasant nuttiness, amply supported by generously ripe pear fruit. This is juicy and moreish, with a hint of residual sweetness. Lemony freshness ensures that the finish is just dry. The combination of nuttiness, fruit and freshness is very convincing, harmonious and moreish.
Obviously the producer thinks this is an important wine judging by the unusually heavy bottle. The wine is certainly attractively rich and full bodied. With weighty blackberry fruit and a concentrated core of tannins, it is balanced, fruity and likely to age well. There is a mineral edge that will soften as the wine matures. Drink from 2021.
The small 11-acre estate is situated at the northern end of the Margaux appellation. This wine, with its high percentage (70%) of Merlot is richly fruity with generous tannins and brilliant, ripe blackberry flavors. It has just the right amount of structure to allow it to age. Drink from 2021.
Firm and structured, this is a dark still-young wine. With a strong tannic core, it is concentrated, the black fruits are firmly in the throes of the tannins. Give this impressively serious second wine of Haut-Brion time. Drink from 2022.
This wine, which is dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, is from a small plot in the vineyard of La Garde. It is wood aged, giving spice as well as ripe, smooth fruit. There is a young herbal edge that will certainly soften as it ages. This is an aromatic crisp wine that will be ready to drink from 2021.
Steel and nervy mineralogy are the hallmarks of this wine at this stage. It's still waiting for the fruit to develop, but expect crisp citrus and succulent apples. The aftertaste, tensely fresh now, should soften as the wine develops. This 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon blend comes from the estate's small vineyard on the slope near Cadillac.
This is a perfumed wine full of attractive black currant and spice flavors. The wood aging has given a great fillip of richness to the stalky fruit as well as rounding it out. It could age further, so drink from 2017.
This ripe, concentrated wine brings out the fruit of the vintage, ripe blackberries and currants. Tannins integrate well into the fruity character of the wine. Black cherry acidity comes through strongly at the end.
The aromas of apricot, drizzled honey, lime and pear are followed by off-dry, lightly spritzy stone-fruit flavors that linger.
Bright and brooding, this lightly-textured, medium-bodied wine offers smoke, leather, blackberry and baked plum. There's an underlying richness akin to decadent crÃ¨me anglaise, with a finish of clove and coffee.
This well-made wine has appealing aromas of milk chocolate, coffee and plum. The style is lighter, with the concentration not seeming quite all there, but it still provides plenty of appeal with its elegance. Put it at the dinner table to see it at its best.
The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend of this structured wine gives strong tannins and tight black currant fruit at this young stage. It has good potential, however, a solid and powerful wine that needs several years. Drink from 2018.
Here's an easygoing blend of Sangiovese, 18% Merlot and 2% Malvasia Nera that opens with aromas of wild berry, violet and a whiff of baking spice. The fresh palate offers crushed wild cherry, raspberry, white pepper and a sprinkle of cinnamon alongside sleek tannins.
Dark berry, purple iris and a whiff of cake spice float from the glass. The palate offers up black cherry, blackberry, clove and cinnamon alongside round, smooth tannins. It's already extremely accessible and will provide easy-drinking pleasure for the next few years. Drink through 2018.
Initially this smells rugged and choppy, but calmer aromas of spice, red plum and cherry emerge with time. A fruity, approachable palate and straightforward cherry and plum flavors finish fairly long, with a touch of controlled bitterness.
Aromas of woodland berry, violet, underbrush and a hint of tilled earth lead the nose. The savory palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, spice and a tobacco note. Firm but polished tannins support the juicy flavors.
This medium-bodied red opens with aromas of red berry, tilled earth, underbrush and dried herb. The firm palate doles out black cherry, plum, licorice and crushed mint alongside modest acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2017.
A blend of Syrah (40%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (16) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is dark in color, with aromas of plum, chocolate, orange peel and peppery spices. Flavors are soft and full, bringing appeal at a seldom-seen in this appellation.
This vibrant wine opens with aromas that recall tilled soil, iris, strawberry and an earthy note of porcini mushroom. The racy palate offers underripe wild cherry, grilled herb and a hint of baking spice while smooth tannins and bright acidity provide an easy-drinking framework.
This well-balanced, medium-bodied wine blends ripe strawberry aromas and blackberry flavors with a lively texture that's bolstered by good acidity and firm tannins. It's easy to enjoy the fresh fruitiness.
This straightforward red opens with aromas of scorched earth, ripe dark-skinned fruit, clove and an earthy whiff of game. The palate offers dried plum, ripe blackberry, ground pepper and grilled herb while assertive but fine-grained tannins provide support.
Pale in color, this wine shows perfumed aromas of potpourri, wild strawberries and smoke. The palate reveals mesquite and juicy berry flavors that show a lot of delicacy and restraint.
Aromas suggest pink watermelon and bubble gum ester, with an intriguing twist of licorice. It's high and tight on the palate with pink lemonade-driven acidity, offering strawberry fruit in the midpalate and more bubble gum on the finish.
Moderately aromatic for the variety, this wine shows aromas of flowers, pear and mandarin orange. It drinks medium sweet with lightly spritzy flavors that need a bit more acid to hold them all together.
Aromas of toast, coconut and ripe black-skinned fruit lead the nose. The soft, one-dimensional palate doles out fleshy black cherry, vanilla and mocha alongside round but rather drying tannins.
The sourcing for this wine has shifted from Martinborough to Marlborough, but the wine is still well made. It's pale in color, with aromas of strawberry and tomato leaf, and light in weight. The flavors are crisp, clean and inviting, albeit with some herbal overtones. Drink it over the next year or two.
Aromas of wet stone, citrus and honeysuckle are light and elusive while the palate brings a full, rounded feel that trails toward the finish. There's enjoyment to be had but it's more about texture and feel than fruit flavor.
Made with organically grown grapes, this opens with aromas of ripe dark plum, crushed flower and a whiff of vanilla. The juicy palate offers black cherry, game and a licorice note alongside fine-grained tannins.
This rare varietal bottling has lightly volatile aromas of Dimetap, raspberries, woodspice and herbs. Cranberry, raspberry and rose-hip flavors are full bodied and show purity. Drink now.
Fruity aromas of red berry mingle in the glass together with a light note of cooking spice. The easygoing but rather fleeting palate offers wild cherry, strawberry and grilled herb alongside bright acidity and loose knit tannins.
Ripe aromas of prune, blackberry, marzipan and leather announce a palate tougher than the nose indicates. Plum, cherry, prune and peppery flavors finish baked and loamy, with some heat. This is Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Lees notes take the lead on this unusual wine, followed by aromas of apricot, almond butter and cream. It drinks a hair off dry with a lightly creamy feel.
Big and bold in character, this full-bodied and abundantly tannic wine looks black to the rim and smells like pencil shavings, leather and wood smoke. The flavors are dry but enticing, with dark chocolate, charred beef and black cherry. It needs until at least 2022 to peak.
From a different block of the same vineyard as the “Whale label” Memorista, this is drinking much better at the moment. It's smooth and supple—a pretty wine with honeyed minerality around fruit flavors of citrus and peaches.
This five-grape blend is muscular and wide on the palate, with oaky berry flavors that are also tarry and toasty. Hard tannins and some chop on the finish suggest further aging would be beneficial. Drink this Cabernet-led blend that also includes Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot and Cab Franc through 2025.
The aromas jump up, with mesmerizing notes of fresh herbs, green olive, violets, orange peel, smoked meat and huckleberry. The palate shows a light but pillowy texture alongside flavors that carry on the finish. It's all about subtlety.
Produced in the Douro Superior region in the far east of the Douro Valley, this wine is dense with tarry tannins and black fruits. Wood aging and the concentration of old vines make it impressive. Drink now until 2022.
Smoky, woody, spicy aromas come with notes of campfire, hickory smoke and rubber band. This contains 70% Syrah and 15% each of Garnacha and Carignan. Dark peppery spicy berry flavors are oaky and a touch burnt, while spicy oak and herbal berry flavors make for a satisfying finish. Drink through 2021.
The second wine of fourth-growth Beychevelle is named after a 17th century owner, French Admiral de la Valette, who insisted passing ships in the Gironde estuary salute his riverfront property. The wine is a proper second wine, firm while also showing the way it will develop relatively quickly. Juicy black currants and generous tannins are balanced with acidity and a dry core. This fine wine will be ready to drink from 2021.
Firm with dark tannins, this is a structured wine. It is still reticent, likely to take several more years to show its fruit. It is dense with the black-plum fruit behind the firm tannins. With all this concentration, expect this wine to need at least until 2024 before drinking.
This pure Merlot wine from Mayne-Vieil is ripe and rich. Full of jammy blackberry and black plum, it is a generous wine, enveloping the tannins in a cushioned embrace. It is going to develop into a delicious wine. Drink from 2018.
From vines close to the medieval castle of Numão in the Douro Superior, this wine represents the top of the range for this family-owned estate. Layers of new wood vie with the ripe fruit of this wine that offers spice as well as black-plum fruits and acidity. It is developing well, giving a rich wine that will be ready to drink from 2019.
This blend of 55% Viognier, 30% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne has never been better. It's loaded with juicy stone fruits, accented with hints of tea tree oil and lemon verbena. A streak of black tea comes in gracefully as well, and along with its own unique flavor profile, it has the length and supple power of a very fine Chardonnay.
This is the first vintage of this wine to include estate fruit, along with fruit from Klipsun, Bacchus and Red Willow. A complex medley of herb and spice aromas accented by purple flowers is followed by bold yet still refined dark-fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It has the tannin to go the distance. Best after 2020.
Prune, raisin and gamy black-fruit aromas fold in a note of iodine. This Uco Valley Malbec features tough but manageable tannins in front of a savory tasting palate with roasted plum and berry flavors. A note of salt lends complexity to a rubbery, tannic finish. Drink through 2023.
This is a fine gran reserva from a great vintage. Aromas of vanilla, cedar, earth and spiced black fruits lead to a fresh pure palate with tomato-like snap. Cherry, cassis, tobacco and chocolate flavors finish smooth and clean, with just enough tannic grip. Drink through 2022.
Dusty aromas of cocoa, herbs and spice grace prune and plum scents. This is firm, layered and healthy in mouthfeel. Flavors of baked plum, blackberry and mocha finish dry and well balanced. This has more than a few years left in it. Drink through 2023.
Dusty minerals, pollen and spice notes lend complexity to this honey-toned auslese. The palate is decadently sweet, glazed in caramelized sugar and heaving with ripe cantaloupe and peach flavors. A bite of lemon-lime acidity offsets all the opulence, lending edge to a long, lingering finish.
Layers of exotic spice and crushed earth permeate through this dry Riesling paying just homage to it's red-clay origins in Ürziger Würzgarten, the spice garden of the Mosel. It's exquisitely light bodied, a revitalizing crush of cutting white grapefruit and lime flavors. The finish is marked by a meandering spray of spice and honey. Drinks well now but should improve through at least 2030.
Made in sizable quantities, this impressive wine should please a wide range of palates in its mix of restraint and hearty structure. Thick red berry and currant dance around integrated oak and leathery tannin, building richness on the palate as it opens in the glass.
There is no denying the appeal of this rich, ripe and lavishly oaked wine based on Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. From the perfumed and spicy aroma, to the luxurious texture and ripe, almost sweet plum and boysenberry flavors, it is warm, tasty and hard to resist.
The Reserve version of this brand, this young wine is ripe and firm, with great potential. The Duas Quintas (two estates) are Ervamoira and Bons Ares, both in the Douro Superior. With attractive smoky flavors and ripe red-berry fruits it will become a rich wine. Drink from 2020.
Named after founder Iris Rideau's mother, Olivia Daliet, this impressive bottling shows dense and initially shy aromas of blueberry, blackcurrant, charred rosemary and cola on the nose. There's a lot of charcoal amd zesty purple fruit to the sip, with juicy acidity presenting poppyseed flavors.
Originally from a single wooden vat (number five), the wine is a selection from a parcel of 55-year-old vines. It is concentrated and dense, showing considerable aging potential. Dark fruits, acidity and spice come together to produce a rich, concentrated wine. Drink from late 2017.
Cola and red-cherry aromas grow more complex with touches of rose, nori wrapper and purple flowers on the nose of this bottling. The mouthfeel is soft and the flavors are broad, with candied red cherry, rose petals and an elegant hibiscus-thyme tension, like an herb-laced fruit punch.
The reserve is bottled only in 375-ml bottles, and in extremely limited quantities. The extra ripeness is evident in both the alcohol content and the overall mouthfeel. For some tasters it will push this ahead of the regular Wy'east, though some detail is sacrificed along the way. Dense, almost chunky, it brings big bites of chocolate and nougat along with solid flavors of cherry cola. Drink now through 2020.
Jammy blackberry and boysenberry aromas are on the rich side. At 15.5%, this is SuperUco's biggest wine, and while it's heavy on the palate, with grapy, peppery blackberry flavors, it hides its weight and alcohol well. On the finish, intense black-fruit and salt-tinged flavors are powerful but balanced. Drink through 2022.
Syrah makes up just over half of this wine, with the balance Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise. Perfumed aromas of fresh blue and purple fruit, spice and herb lead to achingly pure fruit flavors that persist effortlessly on the finish. It's a one wine charm offensive with a heart-stopping mouthfeel.
From a vineyard located at 1,700 feet with a western exposure, this single-vineyard expression offers candied red plum, clove, lilac, wet slate and dust on the nose. The palate is very tart, with cranberry and raspberry fruit lifted by fennel spice.
With the same winemaking team as Bouchard Père et Fils in Burgundy, this wine is rich and generous. It has great red fruits and hints of the toast from the wood aging of part of the wine. It is a generous wine that will age well over the next year, so drink from late 2017.
This full-bodied wine comes charging ahead with spicy berries and Bing cherries. The tannins are granular, with strong flavors of tobacco, coffee grounds and dark chocolate in the foreground. It's a big-flavored wine from start to finish, with the power and polish to age. Drink 2020 through 2028.
A blend of the best grapes from the vintage, this is a powerful, oak-aged wine. Concentrated, rich and still showing signs of vanilla from the wood, it slowly reveals its great black fruits and acidity. With firm tannins at the end, the wine will need more time. Drink from 2019.
Only disgorged in 2007, this fine vintage wine has preserved all its freshness. There are white fruits, pear juice, a crisp texture. They combine well to create a wine with considerable minerality, flinty, but full in the mouth. Age over the next 4–5 years.
A remarkable wine that manages effortlessly to bring together ripe apricot and sweet pear flavors with a balanced maturity that is so delicious. It has power and richness, but there is also minerality and a hint of a chalky texture. This 1999 needs less aging than previous vintages and can be drunk now.
Rich and chocolaty, this dense and detailed wine is loaded with brambly fruit, ripe cherry and baking chocolate. It's dotted with fine-grained, coffee-streaked tannins, and finishes with highlights of butterscotch and malted milk candies. As with all the 2005 Quilceda's, this is still young and tight. It is dominated by the barrel flavors that only slowly meld into the massive fruit with extensive breathing time (36 hours after being opened the wine was still improving).
What a creamy Champagne, its mousse bursting around the mouth. Impressively, all this creaminess is well balanced by full, dry fruits, flavors of pear and fresh bread and finished with crisp apples. This is not a wine for aging, but it is ready to go with many meals now.
Moët's vintage, from the hot, low-yielding 2003 vintage, has an unusually high percentage of Pinot Meunier (43%), suggesting there is a distinct character to the year. It's certainly powerful and intense, soft initially, hinting at toast and yeast, the fruit almost sweet, even though the wine is a brut style. It is the rich strawberry flavor that's most surprising on a wine that really has integrated impressively.
The 10% Petit Verdot stiffens up the tannins and has a lovely violet-scented floral component that counterpoints the cassis and black cherry fruit. It's a young, tight and beautifully crafted wine that has barely come out of the barrel; it's still shut down and shy. But all the right stuff is there for a long-lived, elegant and silky wine with great breed and style.
In this warm, ripe, lush and forward vintage, winemaker John Abbott has outdone himself. This is immediately appealing, sending a rush of black cherry and cassis fruit backed with darker notes of coffee, smoke and licorice. The flavors are dense and supple, and the wine combines grace and power, unfolding with additional layers of tar, green tea and smoky herb.
This vineyard has been Demeter certified biodynamic, one of just a handful in Washington to achieve that recognition. It's all natural, ripe and full-flavored, with a wonderful, mouthfilling intensity. The flavors are a lovely mix of stone, yeast, flower and a jumble of citrus and apple fruits.
Returning to traditional fruit sources (Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge) after the freeze year of 2004, winemaker JF Pellet has crafted the finest Pepper Bridge Cabernet to date. Gorgeous aromas explode from the glass, a lush mix of flower, berry, mocha and sweet earth. Smooth and silky on the tongue, it's a riot of berry and cassis flavor, all in proportion and moving gracefully across the palate and into a round, detailed finish with whiffs of smoke, caramel and coffee grounds.
From start to finish, this top quality vintage follows a straight line. It starts with freshness and explodes into richness. The initial very tight structure soon opens out with white pears and green plums, soft and ripe. The fruit is supported by the structure which offers orange zest. Like many 1999s, this is almost ready to drink.
A great Champagne, rich and full-bodied, with a fine mineral streak and almost of austerity that demands aging. It is tight on the structure, yet ripe on the mature fruit, which is changing into its secondary toast, walnut and quince. It could still age over five years or more.
All Milbrandt fruit has created a sappy, buttery and bright Washington Chardonnay. It bursts upon the palate with a beautiful mix of tropical fruits and caramel. Flavors are rich, persistent and lush. You want more long after the bottle has been drained.
Now that it is owned by Bollinger, Ayala is returning to form. The style of this prestige cuvée is mature and dry, a fresh yeasty character showing against toastiness and pink grapefruit acidity. The finish is very crisp and dry.
Distinctive aromas of clove, black-cherry syrup, gingerbread cookies, allspice and nutmeg combine ripe fruit with exotic spice in a wondrous way, almost recalling women's perfume. There's a similar quality to the palate, where brown spice, dried ginger and plum fruit are embedded in a medium tannic structure and weight. It provides a fascinating take on an old, forgotten grape.
Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower, tilled soil, truffle and a whiff of exotic incense lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The juicy, chewy palate delivers mouthfuls of fleshy wild cherry, crushed black raspberry, baking spice and grilled herb framed in firm, velvety tannins. It's already delicious. Drink 2018–2023.
Produced from the oldest vines on the Bourgeois family estate, this is a flint and steel-textured wine. The fruit is still coming through the intense texture of this complex wine. The hints of apple and grapefruit will develop as the wine ages. Unlike so many Sancerre, this needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Coming from 1984 plantings—the oldest in the valley—this wine beguiles, with restrained aromas of kirsch, wet stone and plum alongside high tone herb notes. The fruit flavors are layered, possessing a sense of vibrancy and length on the coffee and fruit filled finish. It shows great balance and persistence.
Mostly Grenache (88%) along with Syrah from River Rock and Northridge vineyards respectively, this wine is notably pale in color. The aromas of dried brown stems, white pepper, clove, tangerine peel, plum, fresh flowers and pomegranate are expressive. The elegant flavors display delicacy and complexity, while showing exceptional polish and balance. It's all about subtlety and nuance.
A bombastic blend of 44% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvèdre and 9% Petite Sirah, this wine offers blueberry ice cream, chocolate-chip cookies, crushed berries and hot gingerbread on the luxurious nose. The palate packs a similarly vast array of flavors that range from tobacco and dried mint to pine forest and pencil shavings, as well as black currant, black loam and baking spice.
Perfumed and fruity, this shows touches of wood aging, although these are really just hints that lift the fruit. Acidity and a crisp, tangy texture are more important to this wine that bursts with concentrated citrus and green-plum flavors, finishing with so much freshness. Drink from 2017.
Winemaker Joanne Duray taps the Garey Vineyard for this complex aromatic show of drying rose petals, dried cranberry, turned earth, iron, wet sage and dank mushrooms on the nose. The palate boasts a strong herbal front of oregano, thyme and marjoram, with tight cranberry fruit proving light, airy and refreshing on the palate.
This is a rare, 100% varietal Cinsault from Olsen Vineyard that saw only neutral French oak, and it's hard to imagine a more pure representation of the variety. Aromas of tart red fruit and flowers with high-toned stem accents are followed by piercingly pure, elegantly styled fruit and savory flavors that undulate across the palate. The balance is exquisite. It stands up beautifully on its own but will truly sing at the dinner table. Pair it with lamb.
Cloudy and exuberant in saltwater taffy, this wine is crisp and vivid in lemon, tangerine and vanilla. The oak is well behaved and game to provide structure without obstruction. Pear and apple give it weight and body with a stony minerality playfully drawn on the finish.
The mighty Hirsch rises to the occasion of a burly, near-perfect vintage, showing off its ability to be brawny and brainy at the same time. Black fruit, tar and tea take center stage, with an intensely tannic underbelly specked in wild herb and smoke. This baby needs time. Drink now after decanting or cellar through 2023.
Concentrated and structured, this wine needs to age. It has tight, steely acidity and a nervy, mineral texture. The apple fruits are still developing behind this intense front. It will be best from 2018.
This wine is both full of exotic fruits and tightly structured. The combination is fascinating and works, giving a ripe side to the steely core. Its yellow fruit hints that this wine will become rich as it develops. Drink from 2019.
A structured, tannic wine, this has dark fruits and a solid, dense character that's freshened by the acidity. The wood aging is still showing with toasty, spicy flavors. These need to be further integrated into the wine as it ages, so wait to drink until 2018.
The producer found out after planting this site in 1969 that half of what it thought was Old Wente selection is the Rued clone, also known as the Chardonnay musque selection. Caramel and butterscotch greet the nose on entry before lushly lean streaks of apple skin and mango weave their way on the dappled palate. There's a compelling crispness to the finish.
High-toned acidity provides a backbone of structure amid the otherwise luscious profile of this wine that's delightfully light and bright in pomegranate, black cherry and spicy citrus. Deliciously juicy and textured on the palate, it finishes with a touch of tobacco and black tea.
While not the most structured vintage of Beaucastel, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured rendering of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Finely detailed notes of plum, thyme and leather mark the nose, while the flavors are ripe almost to the point of jamminess. Drink now–2025.
A rugged and feral quality marks the nose of this excellent wine. Black raspberry and plum aromas are laid across savory beef fat, dried sage and scents of mint, pencil lead and Indian spice. The mouthfeel is soft and the palate is meaty, with baked plum, black cherry, black cardamom and raw beef flavors, lifted by a minty quality.
This wine is dense and still firm, although the red-berry fruits are being to integrate well into the structure. It shows signs of its wood aging that will need to go away for the wine really to develop. However, a juicy background promises well. Drink this wine, from a small Grand Cru close to the village of Aloxe-Corton, from 2020.
This wine has plenty of fruit, but even in the open 2013 vintage, it is still firm, structured and with nervy minerality. The richness and the ripe yellow fruits are still to come, meaning that this complex wine should wait until 2018.
Fragrant and sleek, this opens with scents of blue flower, pressed powder, perfumed berry and chopped herb. The balanced, full-bodied palate delivers licorice, ripe black cherry, clove and tobacco while firm, velvety tannins lend structure and finesse.
Wild berry, sunbaked soil, chopped mint, leather and menthol aromas meld together on this on this impressive wine. The bright, juicy palate doles out ripe wild cherry, crushed raspberry, mint, anise, clove and a hint of tobacco. Fresh acidity and velvety tannins offset the chewy fruit flavors and lend balance. Drink through 2023.
There's an elegant blend of red cherry, rose petal and purple-flower aromas on the nose of this wine. The palate is even more exquisitely layered, with espresso, dark red cherry, black plum, mission fig, North African spice and a touch of mint, all hung on a solid tannic structure.
Truffle, leather, scorched earth, menthol and steeped plum aromas lead the way on this full-bodied red. The brawny palate offers dried black cherry steeped in spirits, blackberry confiture, licorice, cinnamon and mocha alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. You can barely detect the warmth of alcohol on the finish. Give it a few more years to fully come together. Drink 2018–2026.
This is perfumed with enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, pressed powder, wild berry, chopped herb and an earthy whiff of leather. On the ripe, juicy palate, velvety, enveloping tannins support fleshy black cherry, crushed strawberry cinnamon and clove. Thanks to the fruit richness, you won't detect the hefty alcohol.
A rare reserve-level Cabernet only made once before, this 100% varietal wine hails from esteemed Kiona and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Char and dark roasted coffee aromas meld with notes of herbs, spice and black fruit. The flavors are dense, layered and concentrated, but also show finesse and detail, with the palate broadening out considerably over time. The tannins are polished but still tightly wound and will benefit from an extended period in the cellar. Best from 2022 to 2028 but has the stuffing to get there and beyond.
Rather simple and plain, this Cellar Select trips across the palate like a ghost. Not much there in the way of fruit or flavor.
Weak aromas of peach pit and tropical fruit are none too exciting, while the palate is dilute and carries flavors of orange and lime. Too narrow to warrant a recommendation, with barely any concentration.
Progressive wineries like Emiliana enjoy experimenting, yet not all new wines are successful. A case in point: this sweet, warm, mushy Gewürztraminer from the Cachapoal Valley. Compared to global benchmarks, this is clumsy and sweet, with mealy apple and peach flavors. And it finishes candied and fat. Too much of a stretch, with no staying power.
Herb and mint aromas dance with lactic berry notes, and as it unfolds a mask of sawdust and forced oak rises up to smother things. The palate is woody, tart and lemony, with an angular feel and a resiny finish. Harmony is in short supply here.
This wine starts with a spicy nose of black cherry, pepper, and a touch of green pepper. The palate offers lean and spicy flavors of green pepper, herbs and cherry. The wine is a touch angular, but paired with a richer dish, will balance out.
Despite the higher price and “reserva” name, this Chard is actually more dull than Terrmater's regular '07 wine, which is innocuous at best. This one is tan and oxidized, with flat, chunky flavors and a dull, melony finish.
Raisin cake and dried cherry are highlighted in this fairly light expression of what can otherwise be a hearty variety, buoyed by a brightness of acidity. Vanilla and plum add to the mix, as soft, supple tannins support the weight and breadth of an approachable wine.
Well defined citrus and apple flavors abound, along with touches of yellow and green fruit. There's a hint of unripe papaya also, and if the wine spent any time in new oak, it's not evident.
With a salty oak entry, this wine invites, showing a touch of reduction and strong barrel presence. Crème brûlée and baked apple give it a richness and length that presents as juicy and fleshy.
This wine's sharply etched, bright pineapple and underripe peach flavors gain depth from aging in 13% new French oak. A touch of honeyed apple and butterscotch lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
This wine comes from hillside vineyards in the far northern reaches of California's grape growing counties. It has an unusually dark color for Pinot. The ripe and fruity aromas are accented by oaky spices and flavors that bring out black-cherry and clove notes. It's full bodied, mouth-filling and flavorful.
Powerful aromas of black tea, black currant, anise, clove, and soy sauce jump from the glass. The palate follows suit, with plenty of fruit and mint giving depth. The tannins are grippy and massive, but there is ample acidity to keep them in check. The finish is long and intense.
This wine tastes taut, young and tannic, as ripe red and black cherry are held in by good acidity and strong tannins that give a bite to the mouthfeel. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, it is full bodied but not heavy, feeling very vibrant and structured.
This wine takes a light approach to ripeness and oak, letting the freshness of the fruit speak with abandon. Bristling in acidity, it offers a layering of complementary dark cherry, huckleberry, pomegranate and cola, before a thick concentration of power peaks on the finish.
Still knitting itself together, this entry-level cuvée from Bergström brings fresh raspberry fruit flavors front and center. There are toasty highlights as well, nicely framing the finish, promising further development in bottle after 2018.
This barrel selection has a bit more volume and depth than its sibling, Lylee. Its tart raspberry fruit leads into drying tannins that are dappled with dried Italian herb notes.
Dense, dusty tannins dominate this rich wine that has structure as well as plenty of ripe black-currant fruits. The balance, ripe and with great tannins and acidity, is already there. Drink from 2026.
This wine is a very appealing pale bronze color with a light peach tinge. It brings bountiful aromas of wet rock, mountain strawberry and herb that lead to a dry, broad, flavorful palate, with mouthwatering fruit and stone flavors.
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a nose marked by black cherry and blackberry scents. It's soft on entry but brightens as it washes across the palate, offering blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. Velvety tannins persist into the zesty, cranberry-tinged finish.
This is a smooth wine with soft tannins cushioned by generous fruits. Its red-cherry acidity gives the lightest stalky edge and will allow the wine to age further. The partial barrel aging has added spice. Drink this fine wine from 2019.
One of the numerous Raimbault family winemakers, Philippe has produced a ripe and generous wine. With its tangy edge, coming from the chalk soil, it does have a textured side but that is filled out by the rich fruit with its yellow fruit flavors. The wine is ready to drink.
This is very much in the house style of this producer in this vintage. It is a ripe wine, orientated towards yellow fruits with a hint of mango. The acidity is there to balance what is a rich wine, keeping the structure and shape. Drink this wine from 2018.
Made from Auxerrois, this delightful white has heady lemon zest and grapefruit pith aromas. The flavors expand on the palate to include lemon curd, guava and mango. It finishes bright and zesty.
Spicy pollen and saffron notes juxtapose sunny bursts of yellow cherry and peach in this harmoniously sweet Auslese. It's plush and fruity but briskly balanced, finishing with lingering spice and dusty mineral tones.
Smoky gunpowder and leather greet the nose and palate in this cooler-climate wine, which doesn't hold back on ripeness or grip. Plush and plump red fruit and a perfumed nose of rose make for a compelling experience that's forceful and generous.
This wine's strawberry and raspberry flavors carry a slightly funky bouquet, but call it a feature, not a flaw. It has salted caramel notes from aging for nine months in 30% new French oak, and it's creamy and focused on the palate, finishing on a hint of cola.
Pungent earth is met by dark handfuls of baking spice, dried cherry and chocolate in this rich, velvety and full-bodied wine that's smooth and rounded on the palate.
This late-harvest wine has hints of honeyed botrytis as well as apricot fruitiness, though it is far from cloyingly sweet. The texture is soft and mature, with good integration of the fruit and the botrytis character. Try it now with cheese or foie gras.
This spicy and forward wine offers firm blackberry and black cherry fruit accented with savory olive flavors. Its vanilla and baking spices notes suggest some time in new wood, and a hint of Dr. Pepper comes through on the finish. Syrah is definitely a strength at this winery.
Baked plum and berry aromas are earthy, savory and a touch cheesy but not overdone. This Cabernet is more heavy and syrupy than lean. Flavors of lemony oak, brown sugar and baked berry fruits finish with fig and chocolate accents. Drink this ripe, full-bodied wine over the next couple of years.
Aged in French oak for more than a year (20% new), this is a full-bodied and layered wine. Strong aromas of French butter and baguette dominate the nose. The midpalate offers more brightness, revealing high-toned accents of apple blossom, lemon and mango wrapped in tart acidity before returning to the richness of crème brûlée on the close.
Simple and slightly earthy, Covey's budget Cab is not as appealing as their Merlot, but it's a good effort nonetheless. Black cherry and cassis speak to the variety, and the stiff tannins suggest some staying power. —P.G.
A round, solidly made wine, with Bing cherry flavors. However, the middle seems to disappear and, as a result, the following tannins feel a bit harsh. —P.G.
The fruit here is certainly more ripe and powerful than in the winery's regular bottlings. But it is offset by rugged tannins, and an earthiness that borders on rusticity. —P.G.
The aromas are clean and varietal, and the fruit follows along with pleasant, light pear and apple flavors, buoyed by tangy acids.
The winery held back releasing the wine until this spring, probably to give the tannins extra time to soften up. It's got herbal flavors and the fruit seems to be fading. Drink up. —P.G.
No visible vintage date on the bottle, but the winery says it's a 2001. Tart and lemony, with crisp acids, it tends toward bland, with simple, green apple fruit.
The mouthfeel of this wine is just right—an airy, delicate lacework that glides the flavors over the tongue. But the flavors are just so-so, harkening back to the Kinks famous line, “C-O-L-A cola.” Finishes with some dry tannins and a touch of citrus. —J.C.
This individual and exotic wine boasts aromas of sweet bay leaves, dried apricots and crushed black pepper. The fruit flavors are tart, veering toward red cherries and apple skin, finishing with firm acids and tannins. Drink young with herbed roasts to help bring out the fruit. —J.C.
The Grenache introduces an interesting stone-fruit influence to this 60-40 blend, something akin to peaches. There's also plenty of smoky, toasty oak, dried spices and chocolate, ending on a liqueur-like note. Full and supple; drink now. —J.C.
Richly barrel fermented, this wine shares its caramelized toasty oak character with sultry, creamy ripe apple, pear and melon. Lushly layered, it goes spicy on the finish in a dash of piquant nutmeg.
This is a smooth, rich wine, full of tropical mango and pineapple flavors, with the lightest touch of acidity. Drink this superrich wine now.
This is a full and creamy wine. The richness is happily cut with citrus and apple acidity to give a crisp edge and tang to the ripe yellow fruit. It finishes with a lively, bright aftertaste.
This opens with spiced blueberry, red plum and tilled earth aromas while the medium-bodied palate doles out blackberry, black cherry and clove flavors. Fine-grained tannins and firm acidity provide support. Drink through 2020.
Aromas of creamy vanilla and mixed berry fruits are a bit jumbled. This has a full, grabby, chunky palate, with spicy plum and peppery flavors that don't show a lot of variation or complexity. On the finish, there's heat and oak to cut through.
This wine is just over two-thirds Merlot, the balance in Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Dark plum, coffee, bittersweet chocolate and spice aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors backed by plump tannins. It goes down easy.
Blended from Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has smoky charred-wood aromas, and tastes dry and powerful, with very firm tannins. It's lean in terms of fruit flavor, but it has a great grippy texture to pair well with big proteins.
This opens with French oak, vanilla, toast and coconut aromas. The oak-derived qualities carry over to palate, along with sour cherry, raspberry compote and espresso flavors while tight, close-grained tannins grip the finish.
This ripe Chardonnay is smooth, showing a subtle use of wood and good acidity to balance. Creamed apple and white peach are given brightness by the acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
This offers oak, toast, espresso, eucalyptus and earthy game aromas. The tight, no-frills palate offers Marasca cherry, mocha, orange peel and roasted coffee bean flavors. Close-grained tannins leave a firm finish.
This rich wine features ripe, jammy red-plum and cherry fruits. It is dense, with its tannins and a touch of pepper coming from the high alcohol. The wine is a blend from five parcels. Ripe and with a juicy aftertaste, it will be best from 2018.
The red wine from this vineyard (which also produces a white) is firm with layers of toast from wood aging as well as the potential for ripe red fruits. It is going to need some time to lose that spicy flavor that currently dominates the wine. Give it until 2021.
This aromatic wine is delicious Pinot Noir. With fine ripe red fruits that are shot through with tannins for aging and crisp acidity for refreshing drinking, this is a rich wine that should be drunk now.
This rounded wine is soft and ripe. Along with its smooth, warm texture it offers generous pear and melon flavors. Acidity adds an attractive final crispness. Drink now.
Upfront jalapeño, white pepper and freshly sliced bell pepper aromas lead the nose of this wine. It's soft in texture and an intriguing example of the variety.
This Chardonnay's lees, custard, pear and spice aromas are somewhat inharmonious. It's elegant on the palate, however, showing graceful apple flavors.
This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot boasts bright raspberry and cherry aromas, with green wood, baking spice and whiffs of game. The palate delivers concentrated fruit and medicinal flavors that carry through the finish.
Pure and fruity, this medium-bodied wine is supersmooth in texture, quietly flavorful and well balanced. The light acidity and mild tannins are well integrated and support delicious black-cherry and blueberry flavors perfectly.
Char, firepit, barrel spice and herb aromas lead to elegantly styled cranberry flavors in this wine. The tannins lend a light structure.
Grassy, lightly weedy aromas set up a palate with sweet citrus and melony flavors. This is sticky and a touch mealy come finishing time, with a fleshy, unctuous feel and only modest structure and acidity.
Bordeaux wine should not have high alcohol; it detracts from the play between fruit and tannins, as in this wine. It is powered by its extracted structure, with flavors of bitter chocolate that leave the fruit behind.
Firm and structured, this wine has strong wood-aging spice and ripe tannins. The fruit is suppressed by the toasty wood flavors, but it holds hints of black currant fruitiness for the future. Drink from 2015.
Very fruity, this is a ripe Merlot-dominated rosé with some Cabernet Franc. It is rounded, smooth, soft at the end with bright and crisp acidity. Wild strawberries and a rich aftertaste give extra weight.
Honey, almonds and intense acidity mingle in this off-dry wine. The acidity is still dominant, surpassing the apple and berry fruitiness. Wait until 2015 before drinking.
Spice and smoky oak aromas blend with perfumed berry scents and candy in front of an astringent palate with plum, cherry and smoky aftertones. Dark, minty flavors on the finish are matched by hard, rubbery tannins. Time in bottle could be a benefit.
Light and textured, it's packed with lime and lemon flavors with a hint of sage. As dry as a bone, it's very much for food and is ready to drink.
Classic herbaceous, catty aromas usher in a wine that has crisp, gooseberry and grapefruit flavors. It's bright and tight, with acidity that dominates all the fruitiness. It needs to be drunk by 2015.
Quince and lemon aromas continue on the palate. Crisp and tightly textured, it's spoiled by a metallic flavor that hardens the aftertaste.
This shows its residual sugar without quite masking the very tart fruit. Flavors are simple and clean, hinting at barely ripe melon, sweetened with a bit of sugar.
Fresh and fruity, it has ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste. It presents an attractive smoky character along with vanilla and a rich aftertaste.
Dark plum and berry aromas are given a wild side from juniper and pine notes. This feels grabby in the mouth, with prune and hickory flavors bringing a backing of smoke and clove. A toasty, hot finish feels muscular and rubbery.
This was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Low in alcohol  and high in acid, it's bone dry, short, and finishes on the sour side of tart, with a hint of rot.
This is a ripe, fruity wine, its herbaceous citrus character well blended with full melon and green apple flavors. Already attractive wine, it's full of crisp acidity and lively fruitiness.
Ripe and fruity, it does have some weight, structure and a smoky character from wood aging. A wine with a future, drink from 2016.
This very limited block selection is too thin, herbal and green to offer much pleasure. Tannins are stemmy and overtake the fruit.
Cedar, pepper and herb show up in healthy doses within this dense, structured wine. A good measure of juicy red fruit hits the tongue midpalate before fading away.
This Pinot falls on the lean side of the fence, with firm acid and tannins and mature flavors reminiscent of old-style European wines. It has a slightly tawny color at the edge, a brick color in the middle, earthy-oaky aromas, and lean cranberry and cedar flavors.
Nutty aromas of almond skins and walnut aren't terribly fruity but show some mineral cut. The wine is punchy but standard in feel, with a mix of citrus and melon flavors. The finish tastes nutty and a bit briny.
Here is a lightly sparkling, just off-dry Vinho Verde, the sort of wine that just goes down as an apéritif or, in Portugal, with sardines. It's a crisp, bright wine, a lemon curd flavor finishing the apple fruitiness.
This young Chardonnay packs an overpowering array of scents and flavors, and it may get better if they mellow over time. The nose offers grapefruit, guava and vanilla, while the palate is dominated by canned pears.
This is an attractive, soft wine, with fruit right up front. It has light acidity, with pink grapefruit and lime flavors that are bright and lively. Drink now.
Well-balanced, this medium- to full-bodied Zin offers spice and berry aromas and plummy flavors. The noticeable, firm tannins are a good thing in Zinfandel, which can sometimes be too soft.
This young sparkler is bracingly tart, and seems to have zero dosage. Flavors are simple, fruity and fresh, and the wine works well as a base for cocktails.
An off-dry blend of Grolleau and Gamay, it's crisp and attractively fruity. Strawberries dominate this fresh and aromatic wine. It's a great rosé to drink now.
From the starting gun, this is a raisiny, candied wine with complexity issues. The palate is tannic and not the least bit varied; basically it just sits there. Flavors of raisin and red licorice finish sweet, medicinal and with a note of green peppercorn. This is flavorful but blocky and strange.
Roasted, smoky, earthy aromas of herbal berry fruits and leather stir interest. In the mouth, this Tempranillo is firm and chewy, with full tannins. Savory, spicy and baked in flavor, this basic Penedès red finishes dry, peppery and with leathery berry notes.
A blend of Sangiovese and Syrah, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, roasted coffee beans, wood-driven spice and a whiff of barnyard. The palate shows dried black fruit, black pepper and a gamy note. The bracing tannins are still tightly wound but it's shy on freshness and fruit richness so drink sooner rather than later.
Made with Sangiovese and Merlot, this soft, fruity wine offers juicy black cherry, raspberry and the faintest hint of baking spice. It's easy-drinking and accessible, thanks to fresh acidity and round tannins. Drink now.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese has a rather inexpressive nose that eventually reveals bell pepper, cedar and spice. The palate offers dried black cherries, oak, sawdust and oak-driven spice while astringent wood tannins give it an abrupt, drying finish. It lacks vibrancy and there's not enough fruit richness to stand up to the oak.
Almost neutral aromas of cantaloupe and nectarine are dusty on the nose. This Carmenère-based dry rosé is citric, juicy and tight on the palate, with grapefruit and other citrus flavors adding life. Orange and citrus pith notes control the finish.
Although this is heavily oaked, with minty, dark aromas of shoe polish, char and black licorice, it's solid and generous as a whole. Grabby and tannic in feel, but not to an extreme level, this tastes of herbs, charred oak and black fruits. A mild green note works its way onto a woody finish.
This is high-toned and sharp, with bright fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry lollipops. There's not much else to it, except a hint of alcoholic burn in the finish.
Not too rich or heavy, this classic, dry wine has plenty of personality emerging from the mint, cedar and anise aromas, crisp raspberry and cranberry flavors and medium body.
This medium-bodied effort comes across a slightly crisp and lacking in richness, but nevertheless delivers ample raspberry and cherry fruit before ending with some slightly tough tannins. Drink now with grilled meats, or hold through 2017 and see if it mellows a bit.
Aromas of scorched earth, toasted oak, espresso and a gamy note lead the nose. The extracted palate offers blackberry extract, bitter sage and crushed black pepper alongside drying but fleeting tannins.
This firm and tannic wine shows the structure of the Malbec grape. It is also fruity with red currant and black plum-skin flavors that are supported by intense acidity. The wine, with its dry texture should be aged, so drink from 2016.
Mellow peach and nectarine aromas come with a dusting of talcum powder. On the palate, this is citric and lemony, while a jumble of orange and stone-fruit flavors finish clean and crisp. Overall this is fine but undistinguished.
Trim and tannic, this distinctive effort mixes bright black cherry and cassis fruit with peppery herbs, notably rosemary. The balance is right on track, and the wine holds together through a medium-long finish.
This bold and fruity rosé carries scents and flavors of cherry candy. It's a fine bottle for chilling and sharing with summer picnic foods.
Ripe and rounded, this is a smooth wine given richness from the Gros Manseng in the blend. Citrus vies with pear and apricot, cut with intense acidity. It is fresh and textured with a steely character at the end. Wait to drink until the end of 2015.
This tart, lean wine is not welcoming, but earthy, lively aromas and sour-cherry and tart raspberry flavors give it personality. The tannins are severe and sharp, too. It tastes light in alcohol and high in acidity so there is no hurry to drink it. Some mellowness and maturity may develop by 2018.
Black cherries, sagebrush, dried rose petals, black loam and a tiny bit of tar frame the nose on this blend of 43% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre and 5% Durif (a k a Petite Sirah). The palate offers flavors of dried blueberries and Bing cherries, with a touch of asphalt and black pepper.
The nose on this wine from regional pioneer Gary Eberle is reserved at first, then releases seared lemon, tightly wound stone fruit, soft butter and caramel nibs. There is a pleasant weight on the medium-density palate, with sour-leaning flavors of Granny Smith apple peels, lime rinds and some riper honeydew melon.
This is a wood-aged Touriga Nacional that is smooth and rich. It shows some extraction offering dark chocolate flavors that cover the fruit, yet happen to provide a ripe, rounded feel. Drink from 2017.
With seven years in bottle, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend is what it is. The nose is stewy and raisiny, with baked berry notes. Like the nose, it feels raisiny and heavy. Flavors of raisin, fig and chocolate keep the theme going, while the finish is herbal and earthy in flavor, with heat.
Bright, fruity and with light tannins, this is a generous, open approach to Malbec. It has fruit more than structure, plus plenty of black plums and ripe berries sharpened by acidity. It's ready to drink.
A vanilla bean element leads the nose on this wine, with cherry, olallieberry and caramel syrup coming in as well. The palate isn't quite so delicious, with the vanilla flavors remaining alongside woody elements, purple fruits and black olives.
This attractively crisp wine is full of fruit with just a touch of caramel. Light, bright and very dry, it finishes with intense acidity.
This deliciously crisp estate-produced wine is full of the freshest strawberry fruits. It dances with its acidity and light touch of spice. From one of the largest private vineyards in France (2,300 acres), the wine is ready to drink.
Light wood-aging has given this wine some rich structure while keeping its natural fruity character. Black currant fruitiness dominates the attractive juicy nature of the wine with its smooth texture and final acidity. Drink from 2016.
This fresh, young and fruity wine is made to be drunk young. It has soft tannins and intense acidity, mitigated by the ripe, red fruits and smoky aftertaste.
Dusty peach, nectarine and chewing gum aromas are clean and standard. A lively palate shows bright but controlled acidity and citrusy notes. Stone-fruit and red-plum flavors finish mild. Drink this year.
Despite the famed vineyard on the label, this seems a bit gauzy, chalky and stripped. There are light suggestions of berry and cherry, and hints of the nice details of earth and mineral that old vines can often bring. The finish is dilute and slightly metallic.
Standard cherry and plum aromas are fresh, clean and unadulterated by heavy oak, leather or earth notes. Feels clean and dry, with nice but standard red-berry and plum flavors. Has good flow and feel, with a light dusting of spice on the finish.
Dry and unusual smelling, with baking spice, cinnamon and exotic notes. Not your normal black-fruited bruiser; this wine spreads out in the mouth, with sweet flavors of nutmeg along with dry plum and berry fruit. Lively and warm on the finish, with zest and an herbal element.
Honest plum and berry aromas get it going, followed by a fresh, comfortable palate with raspberry and plum flavors and nonpushy tannins. Feels entirely clean, with a pleasant red-fruit aftertaste. Everyday Malbec that gets it right.
Bright berry aromas are comported and good. Feels driving and forward, because of its bold acidity and choppy tannins, but tastes nice and dark, with blackberry and cassis flavors. There's a controlled burn to the finish, and overall the wine seems healthy.
In certain vintages, this wine can be excellent, but in 2008 it's merely good. The fruit—a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Cabernet Franc (32%) and Merlot (19%)—comes across as slightly pruny or stewed, while the tannins remain firm and leathery.
This could be straight out of New Zealand given its styling, which features pungent notes of crushed tomato leaf and gooseberries. It's light and refreshing, with a clean, crisp finish.
This is a big, barrel-aged Chardonnay resplendent in caramel and honey, although it turns a bit bi-polar on the mid-palate, where it shows off lean minerality. A yin and yang wine, with a slight burn on the finish.
Forceful from the opening, with floral notes, dark oak, shoe polish and char vying with black fruit aromas. Feels both lush and tough, with hard tannins poking through. Tastes of black fruits, cola and heavily toasted oak. Bittersweet on the finish; lusty and black but neither elegant nor light on its feet.
This wine starts off a bit tarry or rubbery, but decanting allows the bright berry fruit to come forward. Raspberries are limned with hints of mint and other herbs and framed by vanilla. It's medium-bodied, with a tangy finish and a crisp, satiny texture. Drink now.
Fruity on the nose, with a friendly mix of pineapple, apple, melon and powdered sugar aromas. Feels smooth and round but not heavy, with good acidity and likable, simple flavors of melon, banana and apple. There's a light note of toast on the finish.
A supple, medium-bodied Shiraz ideal for near-term consumption, the 2009 Block 50 Shiraz delivers clean aromas and flavors of dark fruit—black cherries and plums—and a hint of vanilla. It does turn a bit tart on the finish.
A lovely blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Chenin Blanc, this light and lively wine is direct and focused, with good briskness to the green plum, fig and pear notes. A touch of floral character adds depth to the bouquet, while a lemon rind bitterness unfolds on the end.
This is a confounding wine in many ways, one that could have easily scored higher, or scored lower. It starts with an almost alarming taste of vanilla and cherry coke and a slight bite of alcohol, but over time, got much more interesting. Finally, it turned earthy with pleasant hits of olive and caramel competing for dominance.
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.
This wine from a historic vineyard is hard to put down. It combines flint, pencil lead, smoked wood, chopped chives, sweet onion, crushed limestone and a touch of white pepper on the stonefruit-based nose. A strong toast and brioche character carries the sip, touching on white sesame, graphite and even shaved parmesan. It's savory, tangy and addictive.
Pretty red roses and a red-cherry element mix with crushed pencils, sandalwood and strawberry jam on this wine's light, bright but underlyingly rich nose. The baked strawberry carries into the palate, lifted by hibiscus, lavender, white sage and potpourri flavors.
Rocky aromas meet with pure blackberry and other concentrated black fruits on the ripe but nowhere near sweet nose of this blend of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot. Lavish flavors of blackberry, lilac, caramel and crushed gravel show on the zesty palate, but the star of this bottling is the chalky, fine-tuned structure. Drink 2018–2028.
Chocolate, cigar, clove and cedar unfurl slowly on the nose and palate of this wine, a rare variety for the appellation, but one to which the producer remains committed. Fruity currant and black raspberry season the firm, integrated tannin and nuanced oak, with a sizzle of acidity as it lingers on the finish. This wine should age well through 2023, and is enjoyable now.
A nicely snappy raspberry impression characterizes the nose of this energetic wine. Fresh herbs and aromatic woods are prominent as well, from marjoram to pepper, fennel to sandalwood. The palate's zesty acidity shows tangy, underripe raspberry and cranberry fruit, lots of chaparral and sagebrush spice, and even some minty eucalyptus. It's vibrant and delicious.
This wine is 100% varietal coming from Champoux, Palengat and Wallula Gap vineyards. The aromas bring plenty of appeal, with notes of incense, spice box and dark fruit that lead to full exquisitely balanced dark fruit flavors that show polish, poise and a lengthy finish.
Adam Lee's bottling from one of the region's most famous vineyards is a winner for fans of the rich style of Pinot, lush with blackberry jam, lilac, cinnamon and gingerbread. The palate is similarly dense, soft and sultry, with tart olallieberry jam and plum jelly, but also lively with thyme, spearmint and a unique lemon verbena kick.
Riddle is in Green Valley, on a high ridge prone to morning fog. This resulting effort showcases a sizzling, mouthwatering basket of wild strawberry, cherry and vanilla tea, managing to be plush, lush and elegant simultaneously. Juicy and pleasurable, it's immediately enjoyable, silky and the right kind of rich.
This is a great wine at a price that's a bit more accessible than many similar bottlings from the region. Pepper, berries, rose buds, mace and clove combine for a suave, savory but smooth nose. It's immediately likable on the palate, where thyme, bay leaf and sage give nuance to cooked strawberries and tangy plums.
Oak plays a major role in this bottling from the owners' Mateo Vineyard, somewhat masking the variety's characteristically peppery hints, but it's lavish and delicious. Blueberry, blackcurrant, cocoa and warm pastry notes hit the nose, and the extremely smooth palate unleashes blackberry pie, dark-chocolate fudge and cappuccino flavors, without being sweet.
From another of Andy Beckstoffer's sites in Oakville, Missouri Hopper is a mix of cassis, kirsch and leather, its full-bodied structure marked in generous toasty oak. Tea and leather provide a savory edge, balancing the richness of the red fruit. Drink now through 2023.
Extremely fresh and chalky on the nose, this blend of nine vineyards is a stunner, showing aromas of Key lime and tangerine pith across a very tightly wound, tense and energetic frame. The palate rides a bright white line of limestone, fresh lime and yellow grapefruit, with a grippy structure that engages the whole mouth in the sip. It will last for years, but it's great now.
A brilliant example of how this grape can be done with deft decadence, this bottling reveals aromas of black cherry, crushed clove, nutmeg, smashed slate and tons of forest-floor components, including juniper. Black plum, mace and dark cinnamon converge on the deliciously rich palate that is bolstered by bursting acidity and big structure. But this wine may be too massive for aging, so drink up.
This is a big wine from a stellar vineyard in the heart of Oakville, sizable on the palate in billowy tannin, tobacco, black plum and milk chocolate. Full bodied in every way, it has a smooth, velvety nature that should soften further in time, allowing for a finish of compost and tea. Drink now through 2023.
From some of the property's oldest vines, this wine conveys a nostalgic component that's hard to resist, an approachability that meets length and breadth. Baked bread, cherry, vanilla and black tea give way to zesty acidity and a note of forest floor, but nothing competes with the allure of rose petals and orange blossoms that beckon around every corner.
A bright golden color and generous, intricate aromas make this dry wine tempting even before sipping. Schramsberg says it has the least residual sugar of any wine they've made in 50 years. It offers light citrus, ginger and honey aromas, then a soft mouthfilling mousse and tangy lemon-lime flavors. Concentrated but steely and nicely bone-dry in texture, the wine will be fantastic with caviar.
Adam Lee makes some concentrated wines each vintage, and this one shows cherry syrup, sandalwood and some smoke on the dense, layered nose. The palate is similarly deep, rich and complex, with tangy cherry, mulberry, dried ginger and mace flavoring, rising into a chorus of camphor on the finish.
There is great balance in this wine. It is poised between fresh black fruits and mature tannins, allying black-plum and damson fruitiness to the rich structure and dark texture. Still developing, as befits a 100% Tannat wine, it will really be ready to drink from 2018.
Great vibrancy and depth lift this medium-bodied wine above the crowd. It nearly bursts with ripe and vivid fruit in the aromas and the flavors, bringing red and black cherry, hints of mint and fresh raspberry kicking in on the finish. Despite all that generous fruit flavor, it also maintains a taut balance via moderate tannins and firm acidity. It will be best after 2020.
A floral notion of orange blossom and ripe mandarin haunts the nose of this clean-cut Riesling. The flavors draw you into their deep, secret core that seems to speak of the elements themselves. Rounded hints of apricot make everything pliable while notes of blossom, citrus and stone shimmer. This is a paradigm of what Riesling can do in the right hands.
Notes of burnt caramel hover above the glass but on the palate precision reigns. A frame of earthiness and zest still shrouds the fruit. This wine will take time to open up but has a promising core of concentrated flavor and a backbone around which layered flavors of pear and quince will express themselves. The earthy pear and citrus zest notes are full of promise. Drink 2018–2030.
This complex vineyard-designate is memorably full bodied and richly concentrated. It's integrated in terms of oak, with bold, forceful aromas and flavors of cured meat, salt and dried herb. Made in small amounts, it impresses from the pull of the cork through the last sip.
This sweet wine has a deep yellow-gold color and enticing aromas of honey, apricot and toasted almonds. Full bodied, it offers vibrant flavors like pineapple and apricot. Almost electrifyng acidity keeps the sweetness from being cloying and propels the layers of flavor to a lingering finish. It will continue to improve through at least 2026.
The faintest hints of smoke, apricot and honey hit the nose, while the palate of this wine shows balmy apricot notes but is otherwise still closed. A quiet harmony of fruit and freshness, body and weight already tells us that this needs time to show its true colors. The wine is is promising and elegant, tart and gentle, fresh and soothing. Right now it glides arrow-like across the palate. Give this time: drink 2028–2030.
Appetizing notes of ripe Cox Orange Pippin apples, both in their fresh, crunchy state and in a more mellow baked version, characterize the flavors of this wine, with overtones of strawberry and sun-warmed stone. The juicy palate is concentrated and incredibly mouthwatering, with generous ripeness pitched against pure, zesty freshness. It offers concentration, liveliness and purity in one amazing package. Drink now until 2030 at least.
This brilliant wine is supremely focused from the aroma to the finish, like a laser beam of rich and concentrated Bing-cherry flavor. The purity of the fruit makes it delicious to taste, and to feel the burst of cherry spread from the bright aromas on to the palate and to linger on the finish. Drink after 2019 when it should broaden a bit.
Pure Malbec, this wine from organic grapes is black, dark and powerful. It's driven by its tannins and dry wood and fruit flavors. For the moment, this serious, structured wine is waiting on the fruit to develop. It's a complex, spicy, dense wine that shouldn't be drunk before 2020.
This is the best barrel blend from the vintage, utilizing 40% Clos Pepe, 40% Bentrock, 10% Zotovich and 10% Kessler-Haak vineyards. Rounded aromas of Pink Lady apple mix with chalk, seared lemon peels and a savory saltiness on the nose. The palate is delicate in flavor but strong on grippy texture, with sliced apple, tangy kumquat and grapefruit pith.
Nothing more than cherry soda aromas to get it going. It's highly confected, with decent acidity its only saving grace.
Angular and overcrowded with rhubarb aromas and flavors. There isn't any finesse to this wine and only a modicum of acceptable fruit and body. Tart at the core.
Full and overly chunky, but ultimately off-kilter. Too sweet and gummy.
Strangely colored, with oyster shell aromas and weird orange-influenced flavors. Not exactly sweet but not dry either, this is borderline wine made from Cabernet and Malbec. Imported by North American Beverage Group.
Gritty and corny on the nose, and frankly it's almost acrid.  Bitter; the only fruit that comes up is banana.
Jammy, creamy and superripe, with raspberry, burnt toast and coffee on the thick, meaty nose. Flavors reminiscent of an ice cream sundae work the palate, which means berry syrup, chocolate sauce and vanilla are highly prominent. Texturally speaking, this is a smooth, soft and plush wine. It pushes the envelope on ripeness, but that's become the Cirsion way. An awesome wine that deserves a proper decanting.
This has light, pretty cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, forward and slightly sweet. The acids are chewy and puckery—acidification?—and therefore the finish is rather citric and sharp. The addition of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon may have also contributed.
Far less ripe and appealing than the 2004 version. The '05 comes out of the chute smelling malty and lactic; airing reveals strawberry milk notes, while the flavors struggle to express themselves. Sticky, oily and as if someone hit the mute button along the way. Where's the ripe, lush quality we've come to love about Argentinean Malbec?
Shows decent weight and mouthfeel, along with aromas of yellow plums and citrusy flavors, just finishes a little too short and too tart to rate higher.
Pleasant and fairly clean for the price, with hazelnut, honey and a dusting of talcum powder on the nose. The palate is on the thin side, and that helps the wine stay fresh and manageable. And along the way the flavors of apple, kiwi and gooseberry are relaxed and easy.
Fresh Chardonnay, lightly warm but also tinged with acidity, citrus and pear flavors. Soft, creamy and friendly. Drink now.
A little rough all the way along, with olive, black cherry and blackberry aromas yielding to mildly tart berry flavors. Acidity is jumpy and twangy, making the wine a little hot and streaky. But that intensity will serve it well if you're drinking it with a burger or skirt steak. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.
A bit restrained—or might that be muted?—on the nose, following that up with pineapple and citrus flavors and a creamy, custardy texture. Clean, if somewhat lacking intensity, on the finish.
Light in intensity and weight, with herb-inflected cranberry and cherry aromas and flavors that veer toward strawberry on the finish.
An elegant nose of pepper and deeper berry/mocha aromas gives the nose of this wine a more mysterious character than the typical Cab Franc, adding to its appeal. On the palate, it's a medium-bodied, slightly spicy red with a touch of bitter tobacco on the finish. Friendly and flavorful.
Aromas of commercial soap, cherry and crushed stone are candied, pushy and not easy. A choppy mouthfeel with shrill acidity is another tough road to travel. Flavors of cherry cough drop and coffee are hot prior to an abrupt hard-driving finish. Elegance is not a factor in this fruity bullish Italian-style blend of Malbec and Corvina.
Hints of salted caramel accent flavors of apple and pear concentrate in this bold-bodied Chardonnay. Yielding acidity accentuates its ripe weighty mouthfeel. The finish is brisk.
A bit too pungent for this reviewer, with layers of crushed tomato stalk and leaves holding the edge over more attractive passion-fruit notes. It's light in weight and clean on the finish, so does offer some refreshment value.
Boysenberry, clove and wood spice aromas lead to tart, lightly styled fruit flavors that winnow toward the finish. The reserve designation seems hard to find.
Reticent aromas of dried blue fruit and spice lead to full-feeling fruit flavors. The tannins bring some astringency.
The aromas are almost completely shut down, with light notes of corn on the cob and peach. The flavors are lightly concentrated, making it a strain to hear what they have to say.
This wine is flat in flavor and light in acidity and body, exuding more earthy notes—a mixture of cedar and foraged mushroom—than fruit.
A spicy oaky nose is low on fruit, scattered and chocolaty. In the mouth, creamy oak and high acidity clash, while a lead flavor of chocolaty oak struggles to blend with tart saucy red-fruit notes. A milk chocolate flavor is most prominent on a hollow finish.
Generic mild citrus aromas come with a note of compost. This Macabeo feels round but basic. Dry limited flavors of papaya and citrus fruits finish slightly briny.
Aromas of tangerine and bath oil are a bit soapy. This feels citric and lean. Flavors of lemon and green apple are slightly bitter on a finish that ends with a tired note of spent yeast. Drink immediately; this is starting to fade.
A nose comprised of bubble gum, floral plum, berry fruit and oak aromas is simple and sweet. This exudes hard rubbery tannins, while flavors of milk chocolate, cherry and marshmallow end with a hint of vanilla along with a reprise of hard tannins.
This is a bright style of Sauvignon Blanc with pear and red-apple acidity and an attractive hint of lime juice. With a tangy aftertaste, it is light, packed with fruitiness and ready to drink.
Sanguine, earthy and as thick as blackberry jam, this soft, moderately structured wine shows abundant anise, cola and black olive notes.
Mulchy aromas lack fruit and freshness. In the mouth, this shrieks of high acidity and hard tannins. Oaky flavors of vanilla and cream blend with spicy herbal green-leaning berry notes, while this shows an earthy essence on a muddled finish.
Herb and candied plum aromas and flavors ride a rather light texture in this medium-bodied, fruity and slightly oaky wine.
Fresh compost scents rise from the surface of this soft, medium-bodied wine that's more savory than fruit-forward. Mild hints of blueberry, coffee and black licorice are met by a flat texture.
Delicate sweetness and lip-smacking juiciness come together in this off-dry Riesling. It's zesty and light-footed but chock full of peach and grapefruit nectar glazed with caramelized sugar. Drink now through 2018 to maximize its youthful energy.
Honeysuckle notes on the nose lead to a fresh, medium-sweet palate of rounded but pithy citrus. Balance and texture from the citrus pith provides a balancing, pleasant bitterness. The finish is rather warm.
This local grape, only found in the Douro, gives a crisp, green and citrus flavored wine. It is tight, tangy and full of acidity with an orange zest aftertaste. The wine is all fruit, ready to drink now.
Aromas of cocoa, vanilla, coconut and purple fruit are followed by ripe, generous fruit flavors. The oak seems a bit primary, making it drink more like a red wine than its variety.
This wine is a blend of Malbec (69%) and Syrah. Aromas of plum and spice lead to a plump, flavorful palate full of fruit flavors.
Made with 85% Sangiovese and 15% Syrah, this offers aromas of black currant and aromatic herb. The fresh, easygoing palate doles out red cherry, thyme and a hint of ground pepper framed in round tannins. Enjoy soon.
Notes of ripe, almost overripe, pears make this a juicy, rounded and easy wine. There is something pliable and soft about this, all beautifully hemmed in with slightly pithy midpalate notes.
Clear and light in color, with noticeably bright acidity, this white becomes voluptuous on the palate, revealing a mix of caramel apple and crème brûlée around a medium-bodied texture.
While predominantly Chardonnay, this zany blend of Finger Lakes and North Fork fruit incorporates proportions of everything from Riesling to Vidal Blanc and Viognier. Dry in style with a brisk lemony backbone, it offers loads of mineral vitality and refreshment. Drink now through 2018.
This wine is a blend of fruit from Canoe Ridge, Wallula and Wahluke Slope vineyards. Aromas of dried herbs and leaves, green pepper and cherry are followed by a fruit-filled palate. The tannins come off as a bit scratchy.
The cork label is a reminder that the Alentejo is where most of Portugal's cork oaks grow. The wine is southern in feel, warm and ripe, with generous fruitiness from the Alicante Bouschet in the blend. Red berry fruits are laced with acidity and fine soft tannins. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and juicy, this is a rich wine with layers of tannins and generous black fruits. It is well balanced and concentrated with the acidity bringing out both the warmth of the grape and its natural fruitiness. Drink now.
Deep purple in color, with grapy aromas of blackberry mixed with Graham cracker, this feels big, fat and syrupy. Black plum and blackberry flavors finish thick and jammy. Hailing from a hot year, this lacks definition but piles it on with ripe black-fruit flavors and weight.
Fresh and minerally, melon and peach aromas introduce the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of peach, melon and passion fruit finish clean and modest.
The aromas bring fresh notes of pear, melon, star fruit and flowers. The palate is clean and broad in feel, lingering on the finish.
A gentle hint of ripe banana joins rose-petal notes. The palate is full-fruited and generous, setting soft fruit against welcome freshness to create easy-drinking balance. It would make an ideal, well-chilled summer apéritif.
This is an attractive, juicy fruity wine With its red-cherry flavors, it is smooth and perfumed. There is just the right amount of acidity to keep the freshness right up front. Drink now.
Produced from the totally local Négrette, this wine has the violet aromas typical of the grape. Along with that, it has some firm tannins, and a generous sprinkle of spice and red fruits. The wine is still developing and will be better from 2017.
Barrel aromas of vanilla and coconut are followed by fruit-forward cranberry and raspberry flavors and a vanilla-filled finish. The oak plays prominently.
This bold, full-bodied white is a nifty showcase of Pinot Gris's unique duality. On the nose, it seems quite spry and cutting, wafting of crushed minerals, crisp green-apple skins and blossoms. The palate, however, is weighty and mouth filling, a testament to 30 days of maturation on its lees. It maintains its fresh, fruity flair and pleasantly sunny citrus acidity.
Apple, custard and baking-spice aromas are followed by elegant yet focused fruit flavors. The finish lingers.
This is a structured, dense wine that has fine acidity as well as rich red berry fruits. It is balanced now and ripe with layered fruit and tannin. The aftertaste is juicy and perfumed.
A ripe, peachy nose leads to a sprightly palate with just a touch of fizz. The palate is broader and earthier than the nose suggests but remains dry and fresh.
With a pinkish hue, this wine has a healthy 21% addition of Sémillon. This contributes thick creaminess to its texture, built around well-defined flavors of vanilla, papaya and pear.
Aromas of herb, green pepper, vanilla and lemon grass are followed by light but sweet cherry flavors. Vanilla notes provide accents.
Light aromas of cocoa, dark berries and spice are followed by full-bodied dark fruit flavors that seem to show some oxygen exposure. It's not shy but retains a sense of balance.
Solid Pinot Noir at this price isn't something you find every day. Plum, cherry and earthy spice notes are varietally on target. This feels round, but with adequate acidity and good balance. Light oak flavors accent cherry and red-plum notes, while this tastes slightly green on the finish.
Dry and full bodied, this firmly structured wine can pair well with rich seafood and pasta dishes. It has crisp apple and grapefruit flavors and a smooth texture.
This seems like a warm-climate bottling, showing lots of tar, beef char and deep black fruit on the nose. The palate is thick with sticky tannins, though the overall mouthfeel is soft. Flavors of blackberries and roast beef ensue.
Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt does wonders with this consistent vineyard source, coaxing out mocha-chocolate, black cherry and blackberry, never overpowering an earthy back note of tobacco. Medium-bodied and soft, it finishes in a swirl of smoke and is juicy and enjoyable now.
Woodland berry, pressed violet, dark cooking spice, truffle and new leather aromas unfold on this brawny wine. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and tobacco accompanied by velvety tannins. It closes on notes of menthol and the warmth of alcohol. Drink 2018–2028.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of lingonberry and pomegranate with a hint of pine needles. It offers well-integrated fruit and cooling herb flavors, notably blueberry, cherry, mint, tarragon, and fennel. Ultimately fruit reigns over coolness on the velvety finish.
A delicate streak of honeycomb gilds layers of yellow peaches, apples and tangerines in this off-dry Riesling. Its concentrated fruitiness is lip smacking, but it's also quite elegant, reverberating long on a steely strike of acidity and minerality. Drink now through 2020.
Planted in 1988, this vineyard 's fruit captures the unique minerality found in this AVA. It leaves an impression of sucking on rock—not a bad thing in a wine. The black-cherry fruit grips the palate with real power and some density, with potent herbal highlights as well. Drink this now through the mid-2020s.
A squirt of fresh lemon extends from nose to finish on this bright, vivacious Weissburgunder, or Pinot Blanc. Dry and medium bodied, it's concentrated in crisp red apple flavor. The finish is refreshing, marked by a touch of bitter tea tannins.
Situated in the center of the premier crus of Puligny, Champgains produces an elegant, textured wine. This bottling, with the warmth of 2013 behind it, is fragrant with white fruits and has a soft aftertaste. It needs to age to bring it out its more complex character, so wait until 2018.
Cherry and plum aromas are accented by buttery oak, leather and animal notes. Solid in feel with firm tannins, this warm-vintage Tempranillo is ripe, loamy and loaded with berry and cassis flavors. A lightly raisiny finish is friendly and round. Drink through 2019.
White peaches and pink grapefruits lend perfume and brightness to this racy, lean-bodied Riesling. Dry in style with a zesty mineral-focused palate, it's endlessly refreshing and invigorating.
Stewed prune marinated in spirits, coconut, espresso and grilled herb aromas unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers dark cherry, coffee, anise and tobacco alongside bracing tannins bright acidity. Best after 2019.
This wood-aged, fortified Moscatel has retained its fruitiness while also showing older, wood and toast flavors. Perfumed and fragrant, with integrated acidity, enjoy this offering soon.
Full in the mouth, this rich wine is dominated by yellow fruits and ripe apricots lifted by a touch of toast. Great acidity conveys a fresh and tangy character. The wine is still developing as the full fruitiness comes forward. Drink from 2017.
Dark in color and offering opulent aromas of crème brûlée and marshmallow, this vineyard-designate is marked by its wealth of orange blossom aromas, an inviting, floral entry. While it exudes richness on the nose, it remains much more restrained and dry on the palate, finishing with leanness and length.
Rose, violet, baking spice and red berry aromas come together on this graceful wine. The bright, subtle palate offers crushed raspberry, red cherry and white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. A star anise note signals the close.
Compact aromas of red berries get a boost from oak-based coconut, cedar and graphite notes. This is a blend of three Malbec vineyards of varying elevations; it's bursting with acidity, while high-toned plum and currant flavors are a touch salty. A lively, fiery finish is fueled by latent acidity. Drink through 2020.
This wine has a bouquet of cassis, violet and black pepper. Well-integrated flavors of cassis, strawberry preserves, anise, fennel bulb and lavender are set amid silky tannins that feel as if they may go on forever but are surpassed at the finish when fruit flavors pull out all the stops.
Offering aromas of black cherry and green pepper with a whiff of matchstick, this wine has flavors of black cherry, raspberry, smoked meat, mace and green tea. There is a good yin and yang of fruit and savory flavors, while chewy tannins wane at the first sign of orange zest on the bright finish.
Aromas of toast, espresso, ripe berry and menthol lead the nose. The round, savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, clove, chopped herb and game alongside chewy tannins. A coffee note closes the finish.
This is an unusual, exotic take on Malbec. The bouquet delivers cardamom, sandalwood and spiced black currant aromas. In the mouth, it's grabby with pinching tannins. Blueberry and cardamom flavors end ripe, with decent follow through. Drink now.
Lifted honeysuckle and jasmine perfume abound throughout this textbook Mosel Kabinett. Sun-kissed apricots and peaches burst on the palate, yet maintain a graphite edge of minerality and acidity. It's a crystalline fruity wine that's irresistible now for its youthful exuberance.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this wine offers a bouquet that is equal parts black plum and green pepper. Fruit holds sway over chalky tannins, with flavors of black cherry and raspberry that are joined by chocolate covered espresso bean and green pepper notes.
This 50-50 blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon shows dried strawberries, violets, lilacs, chocolate sauce and cappuccino on the nose. The palate offers dark chocolate, strawberry and cherry flavors, along with a leveling effect from pencil lead and graphite. Watch for a future in this sort of blend from the Central Coast.
Produced from vines grown in a boulder and fossil strewn vineyard, this is a rich smoky wine. It has a deep color from the Alicante Bouschet in the blend, with firm tannins and dark juicy plum skin flavors. It's going to be a ripe rich wine as it develops. Drink from 2017.
Despite the low alcohol reading, this comes across as dry rather than off dry. Apple, pear and white peach anchor a just-ripe-enough wine with highlights of citrus oil. There's good length and focus throughout.
This ripe wine with open fruits has 40% Cabernet Franc in the blend, which lends an attractive perfumed character and gives the wine rich character and fruitiness. It will age for a few more years and be ready to drink from 2017.
At David Hill, the Winemakers Cuvée is a cut above the reserve. It's a muscular blend of scents and flavors of lavender, cherry and chocolate wrapped into a firm, focused finish.
Aromas of mature berry, espresso, exotic spice and a whiff of menthol emerge on this full-bodied red. The palate shows dried black cherry, coconut, licorice and roasted coffee bean alongside fine-grained tannins. This isn't a classic Nebbiolo but it's polished, balanced and will appeal to those who enjoy oak-driven sensations.
Aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, scorched earth, exotic spice and a whiff of blue flower lead the way. The vibrant, savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, plum, ground pepper and anise set in a framework of racy acidity and softly polished tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
This is a fruit-driven, medium-bodied rosé of Grenache (60%) and Mourvèdre (40%). While not the most complex rosé, the yellow-fleshed, red-skinned plum flavors are potent, lingering on the mouthwatering finish.
Dense and extracted, this opens with aromas of roasted herbs, leafy underbrush, vanilla and plum cake. The syrupy palate offers blueberry extract and sweet baking spices framed by grippy tannins.
Ripe and cedary on the nose, this Prieto Picudo offers up a strong whiff of spice cake in front of a grippy and astringent palate. Heavily spiced berry flavors are much like Christmas cake, while the finish tastes earthy and roasted.
This fruit-forward offering is 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Dark cherry notes are framed by just enough tannin to contrast the ripe fruit, while a hint of dark chocolate sneaks in on the mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next couple of years.
Aromas of tobacco, vanilla and dried fruit take on a grassy note after airing in the glass. A cool, wet vintage for the region yields a slightly astringent and acidic palate. Flavors of dried plum, cherry and vanilla carry a tart streak, while the finish is both earthy and a bit sour.
It's easy to like this vibrant Chardonnay for its generous fruit flavors, subtle oak influence  and creamy texture. It smells like a fruit tart and tastes fresh and rich at the same time. The ripe fruit flavors grow on the finish.
Packaged in an extremely heavy bottle, this features aromas of mocha, vanilla, mature black plum and grilled sage. The evolved palate offers up prune, raisin, black pepper and roasted coffee bean but it lacks the fruit richness to support the oak.
Light in texture, this wine shows a fair amount of barrel influence aromatically. On the palate, it's similarly challenging to disregard the oak, which frames a mid-weight body marked by sour cherry.
Aromas of cassis, spicy black plum and juicy blackberry follow through to the palate, balanced by ripe, round tannins. A licorice note signals the finish.
This is a clean, non-oily Torrontés with tropical-fruit aromas. A balanced palate propels lychee, citrus and melon flavors toward a slightly chunky palate. This aromatic wine is in the heart of its quality window; drink immediately.
Raspberry and cherry aromas introduce this pink-tinted rosé. A chewy, full palate feels round and balanced, while flavors of briny berry and cherry finish bouncy and good, with a touch of residual sweetness. Drink now.
This sturdy wine offers aromas of blackberry jam, licorice, baking spice and a whiff of barnyard. The warm, robust palate delivers mature black plum, black cherry, black pepper, roasted coffee bean and sage alongside excruciatingly bitter, mouth-drying tannins. The heat of alcohol appears on the midpalate.
A subtle wine, with delicate, lightly buttery flavors of apple and peach. It gains complexity as it breathes, and rewards your attention with a medium-long finish.
Black tea, charred cherries and tree bark aromas arise off this wine from a cooler part of a warm appellation. The wine is a bit thin and light on the palate once sipped, with pomegranate fruit. Drink at the beach or with lighter fare.
There's an extreme tightness to this top-end bottling from a premiere vineyard in this newish appellation. The nose is very lean with dark spice, blueberry and purple fruit, and the palate is extremely tannic, making any other flavors fall away. Only time will tell whether the wine is a success.
Peach, melon and brown sugar aromas make for a pleasant and full bouquet. This is plump and healthy on the tongue, with fleshy peach tones that finish dusty, round and a touch sweet in flavor. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of woodshop, sawdust, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of berry. The evolved palate delivers mocha, vanilla, toasted wood and dried black cherry alongside fleeting tannins.
Here's a blend of 65% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 15% Sagrantino that features aromas of toasted oak, leafy underbrush and freshly ground black pepper. The palate offers up dried black cherry, espresso, roasted coffee bean, graphite and licorice alongside drying tannins. It's evolving quickly so enjoy soon.
With big tannins and dark fruits, this powerful wine has weight, a rich character and solid structure. For the moment, it is dry and tough. From 2016, it will show its black fruits as well as its tannins.
Warm and fruity, this is just what this style of wine should be. Red fruits, soft tannins and a generous, juicy character are already giving pleasure. Drink from 2015.
This ripe and smoky wine has some firm tannins while bringing out bright berry fruits. It's smooth and balanced, the structure enough to sustain the polished surface. Acidity at the end, along with the tannins, promise aging. Drink from the end of 2015.
Ripe and fruity, this has the right amount of structure to hold everything together. It's a bold, rounded wine, acidity layering red fruits and a darker tannic aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and full in the mouth, this rich wine features juicy black fruits and aromatic acidity. Piled high with berry flavors, it's ready to drink.
Very fruity, ripe-tasting and rounded, this medium-bodied wine is easy to swallow due to its low acidity and soft texture. Hints of butter and nutmeg add to the fresh apple flavors.
Blended with a splash of Grenache Blanc, this white is floral, viscous and full of a nutty character. It's the first vintage in which the producer has included grapes from Catie's Corner.
With vineyards south of the Michelin tire city of Clermont-Ferrand, this producer is on the edge of the volcanoes of the Puy de Dôme. The wine, lightly fruity with fresh wild-berry flavors, is soft and fruity, ready to drink young. Just wait until early 2018.
Aromas of herb, macerated cherries, toast, flowers and a strong Band Aid note are followed by sleek cherry and game flavors that narrowtoward the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc each make up 50% of this blend. The aromas are forward, with notes of matchstick, smoke, herb, char and game. The flavors are lighter in style, with game and herb influences throughout that distract.
Approachable, ripe and round, this white celebrates full-figured baked apple and crème brûlée notions, with additional vanilla notes.
This wine's nectarine, mango and citrus aromas are mild. It has a solid mouthfeel that suggests proper balance. Apple, green banana and tropical fruit flavors finish short and low on acid.
Deep blush in the glass, this wine has aromas of white peach and rose petal. It is full in the mouth, with flavors of nectarine, clementine and lavender. Soft floral notes enhance the bright finish.
This is a great project dedicated to and featuring the winery's workers, who are named on the bottles, although the wine itself is a tad sweet. Baked black cherry, licorice and caramel aromas lead to a palate ripe with purple berry and cocoa dust flavors. An easy to quaff and light-bodied red.
Made from 20% of each major red Bordeaux variety, this wine is rich with cedar, resin and a ripe plum notes. Tart acidity offsets the fruitier aspects, dotted with black pepper and leather flavors.
This 100% Vranac is garnet in color, with aromas of black cherry and black plum. It conveys flavors of fresh cherry juice and freshly sliced black plum, with a touch of pleasant astringency in the finish.
This red blend offers aromas of black cherry, dried plum and dried cherry. Flavors of red and black plums come with a touch of dark chocolate in the finish.
This dusty, tannic wine from the Oak Knoll District is rich with cedar, graphite and herb notes that complement its black cherry fruit.
This rich, concentrated wine shows mountain-like aromas and flavors, such as dried herb and sage. Blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate round out the full-bodied picture.
A dark purple color and reduced, funky stewed fruit and leather aromas open this tannic, hard-bodied Tempranillo. Its mix of tea and stewed berry flavors finishes rough, with a meaty note.
This rich, fruity wine is supple and soft on the palate, with deep mocha and blueberry flavors. From vineyards in Coombsville and Conn Valley, it's full bodied and densely packed.
A smooth ripe wine, full of red fruits and bold kaleidoscope flavors. It has acidity, plenty of spice and a generous feel that comes from the oak aging and superrich fruits. Drink now.
Thick and chocolatey, this brawny wine is full bodied and richly concentrated. It is a mighty force of blackberry, blueberry and toasted oak.
The aromas are forward, with notes of black currant, blue fruit, herb and spice. The palate delivers a mouthful of sweet blue-fruit flavors, with the oak dialed back. Lightly dry tannins provide support. It's hard to necessarily place it as Cabernet but it brings plenty of appeal.
This firm and structured wine is also warm and rich with blackberry and black currant fruit. Its structure lends weight while the juicy fruit and acidity show strongly. It will be a rich wine to drink from 2020.
Crisp with acidity and ripe with apricot flavors, this is a finely perfumed wine. A core of botrytis hints at future richness. Now, it boasts bitter orange notes and a bright finish.
This ripe and spicy wine has fine tannins and smoky wood flavors that balance its rich black fruit. That indicates it will age well—rich in both structure and fruit. Drink from 2020.
This solid and dense wine is full of tannins as well as layers of wood and blackberry fruit. It has the potential to gain in richness as it develops. A smoky quality accents its black plum flavors. Drink from 2019.
Ripe, aromatic red berry notes mingle with the wood flavors in this rich wine. It's fruity yet backed by tannins and a dry core. All these elements mean it will need to age and will age well. Drink from 2020.
This rich, wood-aged wine has become smooth after three years of aging. It's rich, with fine, juicy black fruit, acidity and a core of tannins. It's balanced, ripe and ready to drink.
Soft and fruity, this lightly structured wine is rich and dense. Its blackberry fruit is supported by balanced tannins and acidity. Made to be enjoyed young, so drink up.
With the addition of 15% Syrah, this is a meaty wine, compact in red fruit, leather and clove. Integrated oak girds a soft tannic structure that's approachable and easy to please.
Pure and focused in flavor, this is a great example of a natural-tasting wine in which the cherry, strawberry and blackberry flavors inherent in the grapes shine through and there's little oak to complicate things. It is medium bodied, well balanced, with light tannins and mild acidity.
Firm in texture and moderately tannic, this wine is poised for pairing with something rich like braised or roasted beef. Cranberry and black cherry aromas meet baking spice nuances on the palate.
Well-concentrated black-cherry flavors give a great core of fruit to this well-balanced, full-bodied and lightly tannic wine. It has more grip and less obvious oak than many others.
Light in color, this is a smoky, thick and oaky red wine that evolves to reveal a delicate texture as it nears its finish. The fruit is densely packed and jammy, as well as nicely layered.
Offerings of this variety are rare in the state and even more so from this valley. The aromas of cocoa, herb and cherry are all high toned, showing a touch of volatility. The cherry flavors are full, bold and tightly wound with tannin.
This rich, deliciously fruity wine combines structure and ripe layers of yellow fruits. Full in the mouth, it has a textured, spicy edge over the juicy acidity and fruitiness. It is ready to drink, but with its tight texture is likely to age well, so better to wait until 2017.
This is a round, full-bodied wine, ripe with yellow fruits and structured with intense minerality. Great fruits and a touch of toast shine at the end. It's potentially a rich, densely textured wine that needs time. Drink from 2016.
Spiced plum, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice lead the nose. The ripe palate offers juicy black cherry, toast, espresso, clove and a hint of sage alongside polished tannins.
With ripe fruit and caramel aromas, this is a rich wine (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault). The second rosé of Château Vignelaure, it's full of sunshine, with rich red berry flavors that are given a larger character by the touch of vanilla that makes it food-friendly.
Juicy cranberry and cassis characterize this Cab, given ample time in bottle. Soft and medium in terms of weight and body, it's fluid in fruit, with a leathery finish.
Brie rinds and grapefruit peels show their pithy aromas on this wine from a heritage clone cultivated by the California Rhône pioneer. It's lean, grippy and minerally on the palate, like licking gray rocks and cold steel, and comes across as enjoyable and memorable.
Despite its Washington-designated label, this blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre all comes from Lonesome Springs Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The aromas of coffee, cherry, red apple and peppery spices are generous, while the palate is full and creamy in feel, with the texture providing much of the appeal.
Ripe aromas of blackberry and black currant come with hints of rubber and smoke. In the mouth, this is jammy but a bit flat. Peppery blackberry, dark spice and barbecued flavors finish toasty and blackened, with a note of licorice.
An intensity of oak and structure provides this wine with mountainous appeal, surrounded by a rich mouthfeel of grippy melon and ripe apple. From a warm vintage, it's a lush wine, full of concentration and big flavor.
Here's a vibrant wine that opens with pretty aromas of blue flower, rose and berry. The savory palate doles out juicy red cherry, mint, thyme and clove alongside fresh acidity and supple tannins. It finishes on a succulent note. Drink through 2018.
Very slight peppery accents peek though the citrus and yeast notes of this light-bodied, very slender wine. The streak of zesty acidity has a peppery edge. Light but refreshing, it's perfect for an enlivening apéritif.
A very fresh nose of slight citrus leads to an equally light, slightly lemon-scented palate of ultralight dimensions. There is a hint of riper fruit on the midpalate, but this is simple, refreshing and clean.
A small percentage of Petit Verdot helps darken this wine, a touch of saddle and leather at the fore of the aroma. From there, inky blackberry and plum jockey for position against the solid oak and firm-grained tannin, a call out for steak clearly heard.
This is a rich, full-bodied wine with powerful blackberry flavors complemented by notes of freshly ground coffee, cherry and barrel spices.
This structured red opens with aromas of plum, underbrush, exotic spice and coffee. The palate offers black cherry, vanilla, toasted oak, anisette and espresso alongside bracing tannins that dry out the finish.
This is plummy, spicy and complex, with hints of cracked pepper, clove and cinnamon mingling with fresh mushroom, thyme and mint. The wine is a bit chunky in feel, but finishes with supple tannins and reasonably soft acids, making it approachable now.
The textured skin of russet apples and Williams pear set the aromatic stage, while the palate follows with a taut but textured earthiness that destines this wine for the table. Lemony freshness shoots down the middle and guarantees lots of refreshment.
This beautifully balanced wine shows rich red fruits as well as crisp freshness. It has a mineral texture, aromatic fruitiness and a lightly peppery aftertaste. The blend is 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. Drink now.
This opens with herbal aromas of menthol, rosemary, sage and black pepper that frame the red berry and cherry core. The palate boasts ample acidity and medium tannins which, coupled with the ripe fruit flavors, result in a crushed-velvet texture. Clean and enjoyable now.
Mature black fruit, spice, underbrush and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The round, robust palate delivers spicy plum, blackberry, ground black pepper and licorice alongside big but velvety tannins. The heat of alcohol is evident.
Coming from the winery's young estate vineyard, this 100% varietal wine conveys aromas of coffee, braised green pepper and herbs along with bittersweet chocolate and mineral accents. The cherry and herb flavors show good weight and intensity, with the tart acids and grainy tannins bringing plenty of appeal. It needs significant time in the cellar to show its best. Enjoy after 2024.
Hints of rubber, iodine and graphite accent concentrated blackberry aromas in front of a chewy, pruny palate. Flavors of rubber and herbs share the stage with prune and raisin, while the finish is rich and plodding, with depth but limited complexity. Drink through 2018.
This beguiling wine displays aromas of dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate, medicine cabinet, plum and cherry. Medium-bodied yet rich fruit flavors are backed by citrusy acids and chalky tannins.
Aromas suggest grilled herb, leather, tilled earth and mature berry with a balsamic note. The palate offers crunchy red berry, menthol, sage and white pepper alongside round but not very persistent tannins.
Blended with 25% Cabernet Franc and barrel-aged in 55% new French oak, this wine displays aromas of cocoa, dried herbs, pencil lead and dark cherries. The cherry and coffee flavors are medium bodied, backed by lightly gritty tannins that might soften with some time in the cellar.
Vanilla, cherry, cedar, pipe smoke and violet extracts swirl into a rather amazing nose on this wine from the Gallo-owned producer. The black cherry-dominated palate is lifted by baking soda minerality, and the tannins are present but not intrusive.
Drawn from the company's holdings in the Awatere Valley, this is a medium-bodied, supple Pinot Noir. A sturdy frame of cedar and mocha surrounds mouthwatering cherry fruit. Drink now–2018.
Bitter cherry, ripe berry fruits and some firm tannins are nicely blended in this forward, fruity wine. It has fresh acidity alongside black-currant fruit, ending on a spicy accent.
While this wine is unoaked, it still carries a strong whiff of sulfur and popcorn that doesn't really dissipate. The palate offers good feel and is balanced between weight and acidity. Flavors of melon and applesauce are round and end in a swirl of sweet pear.
This is fairly typical, light, fruity lemon-driven Vinho Verde. It has a light spritz, and is exuberantly fresh with just a touch of ripeness and crisp, cool acidity. Perfect to drink this summer.
Oily orange and vanilla cookie aromas lead to a juicy, tangy palate with citrusy flavors suggestive of white grapefruit, lime and gooseberry. This finishes lean, tangy, scouring and lasting.
This is buttery to a fault, with the overpowering aroma of microwave popcorn. Once in the mouth, the simple fruit flavors are buried, and the finish leaves a lightly bitter impression.
Forward cherry and plum aromas are fresh and lively. A blocky, full-bodied palate offers tasty plum and berry flavors in front of a firm finish with chocolaty notes and length. This is basic but done well.
This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend aged for almost two years in about half new French oak. It's a structured, tannic wine, true to its Cabernet Sauvignon roots, and the herbal tendencies of Cab Franc.
This fiery Grenache delivers heat, bold fruit and cured meat aromas on what amounts to a flaming bouquet. Red fruit flavors dominate this forceful wine, while the finish turns meaty and salty tasting.
This is an aromatically reticent wine with notes of cherry, herbs, and bell pepper. The palate has sweet fruit flavors, soft, chalky tannins and a smoke-filled finish.
This modest Pinot offers light strawberry fruit, a dash of cola, and a component of earth and stem that overtakes the finish. It hints at green tannins, with a bit of brown sugar sweetness, perhaps from aging in 30% new oak.
A value-priced Sauvignon Blanc from Sobon, which also makes Shenandoah Vineyards wines in the Shenandoah Valley of California, within the greater Sierra Foothills. This white opens with floral aromatics followed by wet stone, apple and lemon, all in a subtle, lightly rendered way.
Pungent with strong aromas of stem and herb, the fruit suggests green banana and other minimally-ripe flavors. The wine is a bit disjointed, with stiff tannins and a green edge to the finish.
From the Dom Martinho vineyard at Quinta do Carmo, this is a fresh wine, with an earthy, rustic character. Black fruits, juicy acidity and a leathery edge give it a mix of fruitiness and dryness. Age for a few more months before drinking.
Almost totally Merlot, this rich wine is still young. With plenty of spice and layers of wood still in evidence, it also has blackberry fruits and a densely structured character. The wine will become smoothly textured over the next few years, so drink from 2018.
Cherry, plum and oak aromas are more subtle than forced. This is mostly Syrah and Carignan, with some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark, peppery, toasty black-fruit flavors finish full and grabby, with notes of cassis, herbs and spice. Drink through 2018.
Flinty notes are met with yeasty, herbal spice: watercress and arugula pervade nose and palate. The body is slender but has a ripe core that makes this slip down easily, always with a peppery, savory accent that makes this very alluring.
The starfruit, mineral and pear aromas provide plenty of intrigue. The broad, fresh style delivers, with lemony acidity that draws out the finish.
Classic and yet distinctive in aromatics, this bottling from the Niven family's cool-climate vineyard shows cut grass, wet cement and a touch of struck match on the narrowly focused nose. The palate intrigues, with fresh-cut thyme and oregano lifted by a white pepper element.
This opens with aromas of red berry, baking spice, violet, tobacco and a funky whiff of game. The smooth palate delivers dried cherry, raspberry jam, cocoa and carob accompanied by velvety tannins.
Made entirely with Nero d'Avola, this round, chewy red offers ripe wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Smooth, velvety tannins support the juicy flavors and give it a polished texture. It's savory and accessible and will offer pure drinking enjoyment over the next few years.
Reticent aromas of herbs, cherry, barrel spice and green pepper lead to elegant, soft-feeling cherry and dark chocolate flavors backed by grainy tannins. It's a very pretty expression of the variety.
Aromas offer an assortment of high-toned black licorice, woodspice and dark-cherry notes. The rich black-fruit flavors reflect the warm vintage while staying in balance.
Woodspice, herb and coffee aromas vie for attention on this blend of Champoux (60%) and Ciel du Cheval vineyard fruit. The black-fruit flavors show a good sense of balance that lingers through the long, mesquite-accented finish.
A subdued nose of earth and chocolate leads into a fresh, lively and finely textured palate of red and black cherry. The texture is crunchy and refreshing, with an aromatic, enticing echo. A very clean finish on a refreshing, cherry-flavored wine.
The Preston Vineyard sits near the original site of Niebaum's original plantings for Inglenook, and also near the vineyards of Beaulieu Vineyards. Thick and rich in blackberry and espresso, this wine exudes its proximity to vigorous, big-boned sites, yet retains the elegance and herbal-cedar notes of the vintage, dusted in peppery spice.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (20%) topped off with Malbec and Petit Verdot. It brings aromas of leafy herbs and dark brewed coffee that lead to easy-drinking flavors that persist.
Aromas of cranberry and berry are fresh and juicy. The flavors are tart and supple, showing depth and length. It's delicious in its own right but will shine on the dinner table.
This wine is widely distributed and often discounted, but don't shy away from it because of that—it's really well made. Subtle herb and citrus shadings mark the nose, but so do riper hints of fig and melon. Those riper notes shape the palate, giving it breadth up front, then gently tapering into a long, elegant, citrusy finish.
This combines bold fruit flavors reminiscent of peach or nectarine with leafy, herbal notes. The tomato and celery leaf tones provide a cool contrast to the ripe fruit, and a burst of crisp acids on the finish keeps the wine refreshing.
Structured in young tannins, this wine has a nice mélange of leather, blackberry, clove and black tea that provide substance and flavor, with additional savory specks of graphite. Light bodied and soft, the acidity behind the fruit suggests further aging, through 2020.
Earthy cranberry and orange compote surround this soft, seductive wine, made in relatively easy-to-find quantities and available at an attractive price. Forest floor and black tea tinge the still-tannic finish.
This blend of four Bordeaux varieties (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) is reasonably full in the mouth, with subdued aromas of blackberry and cola. Dark berry, earth and mocha flavors finish long and velvety. Drink now–2025.
Aromas like black pepper, blackberry jam and wood smoke are followed by rich fruit flavors and tasty oak accents in this bold, full-bodied wine. The texture is dominated by a cascade of fine tannins that give astringency and grip. Best enjoyed after 2018 to allow the texture to mellow.
Enticing notions of tangerines play on the nose and pervade the palate. With more air and with more time on the taste buds, this gets more intense, showing the thrill of tart citrus purity.
This is a big, burly wine, hedonistically ripe in blackberry jam, black currant and espresso. A leathery texture gives it body and weight that never gives up, finishing in a shaker's worth of black pepper.
Sleek and fragrant, this vibrant red opens with heady scents of fresh red berry, red rose and ground cooking spice. The bright, silky palate doles out ripe morello cherry, juicy strawberry, white pepper and a mineral note alongside refreshing acidity.
Aromas of raspberry, coffee, herbs, smoke and baking spices are austere on the nose. The fruit and barrel flavors are bright and tart, showing a lot of polish, detail and length.
Just a little hint of freshly cut lemon zest is offered on the nose. The palate however reveals fresh green and red apple fruit and a lively, joyful freshness. This simply shines with honest, fruity purity and is a splendid refresher on a warm, sunny day.
Firm and toasty, this inviting Malbec deftly mixes streaks of herb, coffee and toast, with tart— but ripe—berry flavors. It's a good example of the finesse that is often a hallmark of Washington Malbecs.
From the new Summit View vineyard, this tart, racy Roussanne is done in a steely style, with accents of mineral and citrus rind. Don't look for the usual lushness of the grape; but there is plenty of flavor nonetheless. Pepper and rind, orange  peel and hints of apple are nicely integrated.
Scratchy plum and spice aromas are entirely typical for coastal Chile. This wine feels racy and a bit high in acidity, while flavors of orange peel, pie cherry, red plum and mild oak end with juicy length and an indication that this is a quality wine, especially by Chilean Pinot Noir standards.
This blend of 44% Shiraz, 34% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon boasts dense notes of black berry, cherry and raspberry on the nose and mouth, with soft hints of game, char and roasted cocoa nib. The mouthfeel is lush but lifted, with medium acidity and structured tannins that lend grip to the finish.
Firm and tannic, this is a wine that offers good fruit along with its dark exterior. It has a smoky character, while the dark black fruit promises to give the wine a lift into the next 4–6 years.
This is a juicy, fruity wine that's just hinting at the spice typical to Blaufränkisch. Intense blackberry flavors are balanced by a leathery texture, bold acidity, and soft tannins. Probably ready to drink in a year. Glass stopper.
A wine made from 30-year old vines, this is firm, solid and tannic. It feels weighty with a smooth texture that burrows deep into the black fruits and acidity. Fine acidity and a layer of spice complete this attractive wine that is worth aging for 3–5 years. Glass stopper
This Barbaresco Riserva offers classic rose, leather and truffle aromas. The palate has a core of wild cherry fruit and spice undertones, but it finishes with drying wood tannins.
Aged in wood, this wine has richness and weight even though it loses some of the fruitiness of the Zierfandler and Rotgipfler grapes that make up the blend. It is smooth, rounded, and just hinting at a more tangy character. A wine like this needs another year to fully integrate. Screwcap.
One of the range of single variety sparkling wines from Steininger, this Sauvignon Blanc shows all the herbaceous character of the grape. It is tangy with a strong zestiness, gooseberry fruit and a tight lemon aftertaste.
Andis remains a name to watch in Amador, producing consistently great reds and whites. Here, they've made an invitingly floral Semillon, only 12% alcohol, that's light and bright in melon and fig with a richness on the mid-palate and a zesty finish. This will pair nicely with a range of equally light foods.
Dried herb notes are prominent on this elegant, mineral-laden Silvaner. It's dry in style with a rich, round mouthfeel and understated tones of lemon, white peach and quince. Finishes long on a refreshingly green note.
An intensely herbal wine, this is very green and crisp. It brings out citrus, fresh apple and lemongrass spiciness to yield a wine that is concentrated and likely to age for 2–4 years. Glass stopper.
An exceptionally priced Sauvignon Blanc from estate-grown fruit, Brutocao's Feliz Vineyard offers pronounced aromatics, all honeysuckle and apricot. Floral, savory, even slightly salty, the fruit that will stand out most here is honeydew melon. The wine's just-enough level of sweetness is reminiscent of nature's best.
This ripe, concentrated wine is full of tannins and ripe blackberry fruit. It is still youthfully dry, but shows the potential to develop for 3–5 years.
This Barolo shows overripe berry aromas punctuated by orange peel, balsamic herb and toast notes. While the palate offers ripe black fruit, spice and big, round tannins, it's somewhat evolved. Drink soon.
From a small property next to Jean-Luc Baldès's Clos Triguedina, Labrande produces a firm while accessible Malbec. It has richness, solid tannins, dark coffee and blueberry flavors. The end shows density and medium-term aging potential.
Hailing from a vineyard planted 900 meters above sea level, this Syrah-led blend is black as night, gaseous on the nose and loaded with heavy, ripe berry flavors. It's rich, chewy, dense and delivers a truck load's worth of blackberry, boysenberry, prune and chocolate on top of a rugged, brawny, saturated foundation.
Aromas of mineral and jammy raspberry are attractive, yet the palate seems a bit metallic and clicky, with hard to penetrate flavors of rooty fruits, vanilla, coconut and cola. Opens with airing to display secondary berry fruit flavors in front of a tough, firm finish. Nice and ripe, and ready to drink.
This is locked up tight upon opening; plan on giving it a good couple of hours in the decanter. Peppery and firm, the compact berry, cherry and plum fruit shows a touch of leather in the nose. The addition of Cabernet seems to mute the brightness of the Syrah.
Dark, sweet and candied on the nose, with hints of raisin and licorice that become more prominent in the mouth. Saturated but also somewhat monotone and single-leveled in terms of flavor, where you get a narrow band of sweet black cherry and raisin in front of a short finish. Very nice as always, but not the best Allende we've reviewed.
A rare Petit Verdot from Washington, very dark and smoky, with earth, herb, a smooth palate, and ripe tannins. This is more terroir-driven than varietally “correct” – a bit of green tea flavor comes in with the tannins, but overall everything is nicely managed.
Tannins dominate here, the fruit offering some bright support. The wine is certainly firm, although it misses some concentration. But it is well balanced, berry fruits showing well against a drier core. The aftertaste offers freshness and acidity. Drink over the next year.
Black as night, with chunky, sweet, candied aromas as well as notes of bacon, shoe polish and cough medicine. This is a classic modern-styled wine with intense roasted berry, herb and exotic spice flavors. Licorine, prune, coffee and oak emerge on the broad finish. Very ripe yet it does a good job of straddling the line between big and overripe.
Baked, roasted and earthy, with a deep palate of plum, berry and spice aromas. We wouldn't label this a complex or complicated wine; what you smell and taste initially is more or less what you get. Spicy and chocolaty on the finish, and satisfying.
A typically huge Colomé wine with initial damp, murky, funky aromas that give way to earth, roasted fruit and compost. Fortunately it's fresher in the mouth, and the wine definitely improves with airing. Still, the palate is big and oily, with roasted berry, herb and wild, exotic flavors. A unique style of Malbec from old Calchaquí vines.
Aromas of apple, fresh hay, pineapple and natural vanilla draw you in, while the palate is lively and fresh, with citrus, pineapple and pithy lemon flavors. Juicy, clean and zesty on the finish, and chiseled in terms of structure and acidity. Very nice Albariño for the price.
Initiates with savory, mildly soupy aromas on top of berry fruit. The palate is plump, ripe and balanced, with mocha, coffee and dark, meaty berry flavors. Toasty, dry and very solid on the finish, and convincingly rich as a whole.
Tight and nicely constructed, this is not afraid to show its herbal side. Tannins are earthy and firm, the fruit tight and focused, and the wine might benefit from a few more years in the bottle. What's already there is cassis, tar and earth, finishing with a light but balanced fade.
From the Evergreen Vineyard, in the Ancient Lakes region north of the Wahluke Slope, this is surprisingly high-powered, at 13.9% alcohol, with a big smack of oak in the nose. That oak is wrapped around green banana and green apple fruit, with a little vanilla on the side. As young as it is, it seems likely to knit together and improve over the next year or two.
At just 12.5% alcohol, this comes across as dry and quite fresh, with vivid grapefruit flesh and acidity. Some mint and lemon flavors sneak in also. The emphasis is clearly on citrus rather than peach or apricot; a fine food wine.
A crisp style of Riesling, with freshly perfumed green fruits and a steely edge. Flavors of white currants and green plums finish with vivid acidity.
Dark and charred, with aromas of shoe polish, asphalt, coconut and blackberry. It's masculine in style, with firm tannins that bite down in support of concentrated black fruit, chocolate and spice flavors. Coffee, bitterness and heat work the finish on this tannic, full-bodied Cabernet.
Sweet oak and lightly tropical fruit flavors characterize this young, tight, full-bodied Chardonnay. With another year or two in bottle, the fruit should emerge from behind the new oak flavors and enhance the overall balance. In the meanwhile, decanting is a good idea.
A one-of-a-kind 100% Sangiovese from Cadaretta, this pure and expressive wine shows concentrated strawberry fruit presented in a balanced style with acids and tannins in perfect proportion. There is no hint of new oak, just a softening from barrel aging, and a lovely presentation of the pretty young fruit.
Nice and aromatic, with cola, tobacco, fallen dried leaves and dark fruits. The palate has some scratch and acidity to it, but the flavors are good and lively, with a focus on dark plum and cherry. A bit more acidic than I like, but still healthy and very nice for varietal Carmenère.
Made from a blend of 70% Fiano, 20% Moscato and 10% Malvasia, this offers aromas of tropical fruit and citrus. The subtle, simple palate presents peach, pineapple and pink grapefruit alongside fresh acidity.
Bright cherry red in color, it offers aromas of blackberry, cranberry and freshly picked cherries. Flavors include blackberries, red raspberries and sour cherry pie. It's a bit light when it comes to body but it has a refreshing level of acidity in the clean finish.
The nose on this pink-tinted rosé is mostly fresh, with hints of talcum powder and strawberry. The palate is starting to fade a bit, with heft and grabbiness setting in. Cherry is the key flavor, while the finish is weighty. Drink immediately or wait for the 2013.
A delicate, perfumed wine, it has aromas of white flowers and soft acidity. Citrus fruitiness is balanced by the floral character, giving a wine that is fresh, fragrant and ready to drink.
An exuberant, perfumed wine that is full of lychee and candy flavors. It has spice, soft acidity and a light, bright feel. Drink now.
IThe nose is all prune and dessicated berry, while the palate is low on acid and feels heavy. Flavors of baked berry and raisin finish the same.
A deep pink hue, this boasts aromas of chalk and mineral that accent the red berry and melon core. Flavors of red plum and cherry flesh unfold on the palate, but turn crisp and lifted on the close.
Made from a 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, it features aromas of yellow peach, apricot and a hint of baked bread. The palate is less expressive however, with a thick honey-like consistency but not much flavor.
Intensely honeyed, this silky wine abounds with sweet tropical fruit and citrus tinged with savory hints of saffron and tea. The palate is rich and sweet with bright orange and tangerine flavors cut with searing acidity and a slightly astringent finish.
Whiffs of bramble and earth lend a savory tone to fresh red berry and apple flavors in this dry-style rosé. It's brisk with acidity and refreshingly quaffable.
Ripe, almost earthy aromas of plum, Graham cracker and pastry precede a rubbery palate with squeaky tannins. The palate delivers a bolt of black currant and spicy plum flavors in front of a fiery finish that loses fruit quickly.
With a gold color and heavy, pithy aromas that are becoming oxidized, this is a mature, highly stylized Albariño. It's also a touch flat, with flavors of bitter citrus and nectarine pit. Overall this is more leesy and mature than vital and outwardly delicious.
Muddled, murky initial aromas of earth and loam give way to leathery berry and stalky notes. The wine is tangy in the mouth, with red plum and berry flavors that carry aftershocks of minty oak and herbs. A modest, fresh, red-berry finish is, at most, medium in weight.
Very rich, this perfumed wine has considerable weight. It is powerful, perhaps too powerful, and its dense fruits and structure don't fit the norm of Provence rosés.
Rich and varietally expressive on the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon is softened by the addition of 15% Merlot, the two combining in layers of ripe plum and tobacco. With mouthwatering acidity and firm tannins, it offers a complete package of enjoyable, approachable Cabernet.
An evenly dispersed nose of sage bark, cherry compote and lightly toasted cedar introduces this bottling by Fred Brander, a Santa Ynez Valley winemaking pioneer now actively trying to create a new Los Olivos District appellation. The flavors are balanced between cherry fruit and oak, with smooth tannins throughout.
A solid wine for the price, this begins with honeydew and lime aromas. Flavors start with a spicy cinnamon apple before diving into buttered squash, melon and fresh lime, with a dash of salt.
Attractively perfumed, this Verdier family wine comes from Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in their first certified French organic vintage. The wine is a smooth and polished. New wood flavors show strongly, after 16 months in barrel, alongside the ripe tannins and black plum fruits. It has rich potential and a strong presence. Drink from 2017.
The Reserva version of Mural makes a powerful statement. Dark in color and packed with concentrated fruit, it is full of tannins as well as brooding black-plum flavors. Spice and juicy acidity complete the ensemble. It's a solid wine that needs to age to soften the tannic structure. Drink from 2017.
This wine is a fine exposition of the structure and density of a serious Douro wine. A field blend, it is packed with dark berry fruits and sweet tannins, with a strong mineral element that reflects the tough schist of the vineyards. It's drinkable now, but the wine will be better in 2016.
Made from a mix of vineyards across the Napa Valley, this pays tribute to the early days of grape growing in the region and is a wine equally worthy of recognition. Exhibiting dark cherry stone and wild strawberry aromas, the palate is complex, tannic and round, a subtle suggestion of smoke on the finish balanced by bright acidity.
This is a lightly aromatic wine, with notes of lees, apple, mineral and spice. It's medium bodied, with a thick, textured feel showing good weight and intensity to the fruit flavors alongside well-balanced acidity. A uniquely styled wine without an easy comparison in the region.
Coming in at 12.8% alcohol—nearly unheard of for a Washington red, particularly in a warm vintage—it brings appealing notes of dark plum accented by black pepper and dried herbs. It's silky soft in feel with a dazzling sense of texture and purity with little apparent oak influence.
With rich melon aromas, ripe apple flavors and a soothing, almost soft texture, this wants some rich, sophisticated cooking to go with it, like sautéed fish with a classic French sauce. Subtle acidity keeps the notes of almond and apple lingering on the finish.
Fruity frills of strawberry surround a core of black New Mexican chiles, with cinnamon and clove emerging the longer one sniffs. There's nice tension between the fruit flavors and the nearly bell pepper greenness. Throw a chill on it and serve with barbecued pork.
This is a delicious Chardonay. It dances in pear, peach and lemon notes. Balanced and addictive, it's easy to love and not overly complicated at all. Encased in just enough oak to provide texture and weight, this is a great wine for parties or casual dinners, pairable with just about anything.
Slightly funky scents of asphalt and sweaty socks come along with graphite, pressed blackberry and New Mexico chile. The palate is led by tobacco-laced zing, opening with boysenberry flavors, and finishing with decent acidity and mouth-coating tannins.
Dark berry, mineral and baked notes control the nose on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Syrah. This is full, round and firmly tannic, with oaky, minty flavors of black fruits and licorice root. Mocha, tobacco, chocolate and coffee flavors are nice on the finish. Drink through 2018.
With its firm structure and strongly steely tendencies, this wine will repay aging. Orange citrus is woven into the texture of the wine, showing acidity and a taut, tangy aftertaste. It will need time to come together, so drink from 2018.
From 7.5 acres of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a rich wine, very perfumed and with layers of ripe fruit. It is lightly structured, full of red berries with a firm tannic character in the background. Under winemaker Olivier Dauga, the wine needs to age but has all the fruit potential there. Drink from 2018.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 27% Merlot and a handful of other varieties added to the mix, this aromatically pops, with complex notes of plum, blueberry, smoke, chocolate and floral accents. It's silky smooth in feel, with abundant chocolaty flavors that help it go down far too easy.
Dave Corey co-fermented 83% Grenache with 17% Syrah to produce this rich wine, which offers nose-tingling aromas of blackberry brandy. It's soft once sipped, but also a bit brutal, with blood and barrel-age prominent alongside flavors of blackberry-peppercorn cake. Serve as dessert.
This proprietary blend starts with a very gamy though thoroughly enjoyable nose of charred meat, coffee, berry and compost. On the palate, there is espresso, dried herbs and black cherry, proving to be a complex and savory yet very easy-to-like wine.
This deep and rich wine is as much about tense structure as about fruit. It's a full-blown, very ripe wine that hasn't lost one iota of elegance. From selected fruit, this is a serious wine for aging. Drink from 2017.
Smoky and meaty, this medium-bodied Cab from rocky Atlas Peak offers sensible acidity wrapped around spicy, dusty tannins and a savory aftertaste of tobacco.
Similar in style and aging potential to the winery's 2009, and blended with amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Cabernet Sauvignon from mighty Howell Mountain is rich in spicy blackberry and clove, the tannins soft and juicy.
A ripe, tannic and herbal wine, this has been produced for aging. It shows a dark tannic side over the juicy black plum fruits and berry flavors. The wood aging shows in the way the wine smoothes out at the end, leaving a rich, full-bodied aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Made from 100% Demeter-certified biodynamic grapes, this wine has a bouquet of baked strawberry tart that makes it unique and full of personality. Amidst that is great peppery and earthy spice as well as a hint of dust, with a long-lasting finish.
The winery's larger-scale Syrah (and that's still under 2,000 cases), this is a friendly, sophisticated Rhône-inspired wine grown on the cooler Sonoma Coast. Red and blue fruits are expertly ripe and high-toned, accented by layers of classic cool-climate spice.
Fresh red rose, blue flower, bright red berry and baking spices lead the nose on this structured wine. The palate delivers juicy red cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside notes of mint and balsamic herbs. It's a bit austere with bracing tannins that need time to soften. Drink after 2017.
Mint, anisette and red berry aromas lead the nose. These follow through to the palate along with licorice, espresso, coffee, toasted oak and black pepper. It's tightly framed with drying wood tannins, but the bright fruit stands up to the strong oak influence. Drink after 2020.
Like a bouquet made of different types of flowers, this polished wine brings diverse elements into a pleasing whole. There are ripe tropical fruit, vanilla and butter aromas, rich apple and pear flavors, a soothing smooth texture and lingering finish.
Aromas of dark fruit and wood spice lead to cranberry and cherry flavors. It shows a sense of poise.
This biodynamic vineyard delivers a robust mix of flavors for the price. Licorice, coffee liqueur, smoke, char and chocolate-coated cherries are all included. The wine seems to float across the palate, without much weight, but the flavors persist, clean and interesting. Principally, it's Tempranillo (81%), but the Syrah pulls it together.
This is the first release from this new winery, and was crafted by Jared Etzel using Bonnie Jean and Schindler vineyard fruit. It's a lovely mix of blueberry, raspberry and cherry flavors, lively and bright, with polished acidity and 30% new oak just peeking through. Drink it young with a nice chunk of wild salmon, or age it a few years and bring on the lamb chops. Either way, you're in for a treat.
Ripe black-fruit aromas include earthy notes and a hint of roasted meat. This is powerful on the palate, with popping acidity and hard tannins. A flavor profile comprised of cherry, plum and berry fruits finishes with oak-based notes of vanilla, mocha and baking spices. This is nowhere near its peak; drink through 2027.
After an initial wave of briny rubbery aromas, this turns towards lively raspberry scents topped by toasty oak. Fresh and punchy in the mouth, with elegance, this tastes of red raspberry and herbal plum. A lightly salty finish with tomato and plum flavors is fresh and lasting.
Gillmore is one of the Maule Valley's top producers of Carignan. This warm-vintage offering smells of cedar, balsamic notes, spice and dark fruits. In the mouth, it's a touch choppy, while salty plum, fresh tomato, herb and spice flavors end long, spicy and oaky. Drink through 2021.
Bright, dusty leather is a highlight of this structured, meaty, balanced wine, firm and grippy in tannin. Red berry and coffee complement each other to find a tension between fruit and spice.
This is an outstanding value in a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir—soft, subtle and spicy, with sweet strawberry and cherry fruit. All neutral oak fermented, the mouthfeel is smooth and supple, and the flavors have a sexy, delicious quality that says “drink me now!”
Dark in color, this accessible wine is deliciously layered and focused, offering a core of golden pear, Gravenstein apple and nutmeg, with a bright laser beam of acidity.
Leather meets plum sauce meets red licorice in this full-bodied, robustly crafted wine that's plush and lush on the palate. Seismic tannins present themselves upfront in a confrontational way before softening on the finish.
This is a rich finely structured wine from Sogrape's Alentejo estate which is located close to the best place in Europe to stargaze. Powered with tannins as well as black fruits, this blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional is dense and very ageworthy. Drink starting from 2018.
This 100% varietal wine brings aromas of plum, green herb, vanilla and barrel spice. The flavors are sappy and full, showing a sense of polish.
Aromas of barrel spice, vanilla, cocoa powder and blue fruit lead to silky, well balanced fruit and barrel flavors. It has polish and poise.
Alicante Bouschet and Syrah aged for 18 months in new wood give this wine concentration, richness and a dry tight core. It is a wine for long-term aging, rich with fruit potential, packed with dark tannins and solid with spice and concentrated black fruits. Drink from 2020.
Earthy aromas of rust, loam and dark red plum meet with scents of charred oak on the nose of this bottling. There is a bright acidity to the sip, but it surrounds a darker core of cran-raspberry fruit, with peppery spice and well-integrated rosewater flavors showing toward the finish.
Planted in 1974, principally with Pinot Gris, this limited selection mixes high-acid citrus and pineapple flavors with a touch of leather and wild mountain-berry fruit. It's complex and hints at great detail, but remains stubbornly tight even after several hours. As with many Eyrie wines, the ageability is unquestioned, and this should continue to improve for many years to come.
One of a range of single-vineyard wines, this is tight and still very young. It has a chalky texture, feeling very mineral and nervy. The fruit hints at lemon and green plum, needing time to fill out. Drink from 2019.
A vertical red stripe reads “Twentieth Anniversary” along the left side of the front label. One suspects that such a milestone receives special care, and this certainly shows it. Aromatic with scents of cherries and blossoms, this is supported on a firm, almost steely frame of acid and tannin, and dotted with hints of herb and seed and grain. It's not a big wine, but given its chance, should age gracefully for up to a decade.
Funky in spearmint and a carbonic notion of freshness, this wine offers cranberry and barely ripe strawberry, adding to its sense of delicacy. Mild shakes of white pepper play on the palate, as the finish finds a bolder weight of tannin.
The reserve bottling shows more phenolic bite than the easy-drinking regular release. There are tight deep streaks of stem and earth, along with scents of cola and sassafras, and stiff tannins framing tight cherry fruit. This is the one to tuck away for a couple more years while drinking the regular Willamette Valley bottling.
Tart and herbal in sage, this is a densely concentrated wine that wraps its head around black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and black tea. A note of freshly baked bread pokes through on the nose and within the fruitier, savory flavors.
Quite dark in the glass, this wine, which is made with 6% Viognier, shows the darkest of purple fruit scents on the nose, and needs quite a bit of time to start opening up, so tightly wound it is. The grippy, tangy and acid-driven texture is what compels the palate, where flavors of blackened blackberry, savory dried beef and char rise firm tannins deep into the finish.
Tight-grained oak, vanilla, graphite, plum and cassis aromas are attractive as a whole. This feels good but a bit tartaric and scratchy. Ripe black-fruit flavors are pure Peumo, while touches of licorice and chocolate add to the fun. A saturated finish tastes of blackberry, black currant and peppery spice. Drink through 2022.
Black-fruit aromas include oaky notes of baking spices and vanilla. This Graciano is full in body, with bounce and depth. Dark-fruit flavors include chocolate and spice notes, while this is toasty and oaky but also racy and juicy on the finish. Drink through 2026.
The Aragonez (aka Tempranillo or Tinta Roriz) is complex enough to produce a single varietal wine. Here, with wood aging, it has made a richly endowed wine, full of firm black fruits as well as acidity. With its structured aftertaste, it is dense and serious. Drink now.
Made in tiny amounts in a light-bodied style, its vineyard site in the cool Petaluma Gap, this wine opens in earthy soapstone and sandalwood, offering an aroma of dried flowers. Delicate acidity supports a funkiness of cranberry, rhubarb and nutmeg, while a suggestion of roses lurks in the background.
A note of barely ripe wild berry is quickly overtaken by a strong, green-herb core. It turns bitter and slightly medicinal on the finish.
The cola and licorice aromas are candied and easygoing. This feels acidic and snappy, with red cherry and berry flavors that end with a crisp, sheer, rugged feel.
Medium-intense spice and game aromas inflect the ripe forest-berry and cherry fruits. This is accessible and easy, with low tannins and a clean finish.
This has raisin, earth, mint and dried herb aromas. It feels narrow, but concentrated, tasting of earthy tomato, baked plum and fresh green herb. It has a solid mouthfeel, with a mildly briney finish.
With a light structure and some minerality, this is an attractive, textured wine. Flavors of apples, citrus fruits and a note of caramel pair with its zesty character that lends an attractive finishing bite.
Violet in color, this has ample berry and cassis notes on the bouquet. It feels edgy and grabby, with oaky, spicy plum and blackberry flavors. The fruit component fades fast on the finish, leaving a dry, peppery aftertaste.
A granular, horsey note is the greeting, and never does this truly find its sweet spot. The aromas are raisiny, while the palate is angular and acidic. Flavors of tomato, herb, tobacco and plum don't quite find their footing. The finish is thick and tastes of molasses, carob and herb.
This is spicy and dry on the nose, with a cheesy accent. It feels medium in body, with sharp acidity that creates a semisour flavor profile of red plum and cherry. Not overly flavorful, it concludes with a crisp, cleansing finish.
There's an attractive wild and brambly edge to this wine, with notes of tree bark and game that spice up the berry and plum fruit core. The structure is approachable now, with light tannins and a short finish.
This is so intense and fruit forward, the aromas are almost like those of Fruit Roll-Ups. Notes of strawberry, raspberry and peach abound on the nose and palate, with good acidic lift that just balances all of that fruity sweetness.
This passito-style blend of Muscat Ottonel and Vidal Blanc is layered with amber honey, marmalade, apricot in the fruit camp, and hazelnut, mushroom,toast and ginger for complexity. The palate is equally stimulating and leads to a gorgeous earthiness at the end. In feel this is silky smooth, with ample acidity to carry the plushness. The finish is long and harmonious.
This opulent blend of all four Dão grapes (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen) is structured, full of tannins and sports a dry core. Its black fruits are in balance with this bold structure, giving a wine that is solid and concentrated, and still needing some aging. Drink from late 2018.
A savory, lightly herbal character complements raspberry and cherry flavors in this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine. It has light tannins for a little grip in the texture, and attractive complexity from the aroma to the finish.
Dusty white-fruit aromas are mild and slightly floral. This 100% Chardonnay is sturdy on the palate but a bit foamy. Aged, yeasty flavors of white bread and white fruits are steady on a bready tasting finish.
Some firm tannins give this wine a good structure. They're balanced by ripe, juicy fruit and acidity—two elements that are coming together well to bring it into its drinking window. Drink from 2020.
Profiting from the ripeness of the 2015 vintage, this 65% Merlot wine is rich and soft. The balance of Cabernet Franc in the blend lends spice, perfume and a fine tannic structure. Drink from 2019.
From the owners of Château de Cérons, this wine is rich with tropical fruit flavors and toasty from wood-aging. It's warm and ripe, its smoothly textured Sémillon lifted by Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now.
Named after the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, this is a structured, firm wine with strong signs of wood aging. That gives it a dry core of tannins that contrast with its rich black fruit. Drink from 2020.
This wine is very dry, dense and tough, the black fruit and acidity just peeping through. However, it should all come together from 2020.
Both ripe fruit and tannins come through strongly in this wine. It's dense and richly layered, with black fruit and a firm texture. It shows fine potential now and is likely to age well. Drink from 2020.
With its pale gold color, this wine has acacia honey aromas and a great balance between acidity and rich yellow and mango fruit flavors. It's developing quickly, maintaining its acidity and crispness while bringing out rich apricot and botrytis notes. Drink from 2020.
Now blossoming, this wine from a generally fruity vintage is delicious to drink. Poised and stylish, it shows integrated black fruit and wood, feeling balanced and almost ready. Drink from 2018.
Syrah (40%) takes the lead on this blend with the balance equally split between Grenache and Mourvèdre. Aromas of dried herb, cranberry jam, olive, white pepper, vanilla and dill lead to bold full fruit flavors that hold nothing back. Barrel notes—at times a bit predominant—are speckled throughout.
This medium-bodied wine is well made, well balanced and offers good complexity from earthy spicy notes as well as solid, attractive fruit flavors at its core, including black cherry and raspberry. The texture is smooth and has a good nip of tannin to cleanse the palate.
A blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, this opens with aromas of blackberry, raisin and toasted almond. The rich approachable palate offers concentrated black cherry, red plum and a touch of cinnamon alongside supple tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
Dried berries, fennel fronds and pencil shavings show on the nose of this blend of 63% Grenache, 24% Syrah and 13% Mourvèdre. There is decent density and a soft mouthfeel on the sip, where plummy fruits meet with leather and dried herbs.
On first take, this hefty Carmenère smells almost entirely of massive oak and related vanilla and maple, although airing calms things down. A dense, heavily oaked palate is extracted and full in body. Charred oak and coffee flavors cover blackberry and cassis notes, while this is flush on a huge finish.
Aromas of exotic spice, forest floor and a balsamic note emerge in the glass while the full-bodied palate doles out ripe red cherry, cranberry, licorice and clove. Assertive, rather grainy tannins and bright acidity provide support. It's still rather austere so give the tannins a few more years to unwind. Drink 2020–2025.
From Santa Barbara County's first commercial vineyard, this bottling offers a clean line of lemon butter, toast and oak on the nose. A strong burst of acidity kicks off the sip, where warm brioche and fresh lemon-spray flavors ride a chalky texture.
Citrus fruitiness and mineral acidity that mark Douro character is balanced by a hint of toast from 50% of the wine being aged in oak. Drink this tight nervy wine from 2018.
From the cool-climate region of Elgon, the Cluver Pinot offers sweet berries and violet on the nose and an unfolding palate of red berry, coffee and chocolate. Restrained and ageable, the wine's acidity gives it food-oriented character; pair with game or wild fish.
One of South Africa's premier Pinot Noir producers, Hamilton Russell offers a 2007 Pinot that marries earthy and primal with poised and balanced. The nose exhibits black cherry, clove and anise, and on the palate, savory, rich fruit is balanced by a racy backbone and plucky spices. Elegant and intriguing.
Nine vineyards spread throughout eastern Washington contribute to this tart, earthy and dark-toned Cabernet. The alcohol reaches almost 14%, and in this vintage the acids are quite pronounced. Firm, focused cassis and black cherry fruit is framed in polished tannins. Grill a steak and slice some cheese and you are ready to roll with this one.
With floral aromas, toasty oak notes and solid berry fruit, this bottling is the best among Trapiche's 2007 single-vineyard Malbecs. The palate features smoky berry fruit but also high acidity and some scour. Fortunately it's also layered and structured. Will do best with meats and fatty foods. Drink now through 2015.
A treasure at this price. The nose is impeccably clean, with tropical fruit and honeyed melon aromas. Elegant in the mouth yet there's also just the right acidic pop to liven up the melon, kiwi and apple flavors. A pure, fruity ride. Treixadura, Torrontées, Loureira and Albariño comprise the blend.
Winemaker Lloyd Anderson is consistent and stylish in his winemaking, and his wines show well across the board. This captures the house style—extracted, dark, fruity and full-bodied, with the higher acidity and precision sculpturing of the Sangiovese grape. Lovely spice adds more highlights to the finish.
A big, rich style of Sancerre, but one that doesn't forget its mineral, flinty roots. The acidity has an edge of sweetness, opened by delicious berry fruit flavors, tangy in its citrus freshness. It could age for another 1–2 years.
Full and dark, with aromas of bacon, crusty minerality, black fruits and spice. Balanced yet bullish, with integrated tannins and toasty, coffee-infused flavors that go straight to black. Long and showing additional coffee on the finish. Drinkable now.
The opening of peach, mineral, honey and wild green herbs is alluring, and the palate runs smooth and full, and also a little soft and mature. Banana, papaya and melon flavors are pretty and the finish holds its stature. Not as minerally and tight as some; this wine has sweetness and depth. Drink soon.
Potent smelling, with black pepper, lots of oak and true berry fruit aromas. The palate is a bit pointed and high in acidity, while the flavors of raspberry, currants and red plum are solid. Finishes a little jagged and acidic, but at worst that staunch acidity will keep it alive for years to come. Hold until at least 2011.
Black cherry, cigarbox, pepper and mocha give this vclvety red class. Sultry, integrated and unfolding, the wine offers additional warming spice, cinnamon and chocolate on the palate. Mellow black fruits and a delicious cinnamon finish seal the deal.
The nose of this iconic red from Tsantali exhibits black currant, violet and pepper aromas, followed by cheerful but elegant flavors of red and black berries, spice and a lively acidity. Food-friendly with lots of character, the wine will pair well with red meat, heartier fare.
Aromas of mineral and jammy raspberry are attractive, yet the palate seems a bit metallic and clicky, with hard to penetrate flavors of rooty fruits, vanilla, coconut and cola. Opens with airing to display secondary berry fruit flavors in front of a tough, firm finish. Nice and ripe, and ready to drink.
Light, almost delicate wine, offering freshness, green fruits and a fine tangy texture. The citrus is prominent, but the wine as a whole is easy, fresh, developing quickly, touched finally with caramel.
A wine for short-term aging, despite the relative lightness of the vintage and wine. It has firm tannins and dark berry fruits, layered with plum skins. The fruit sits on a base of tannins and acidity, while the surface remains bright and fresh.
Rooty smelling, with cola, sarsparilla, spiced meats and leafy berry aromas. The palate is plump and soft but healthy, with round, sweet berry fruit flavors and ample spice. A generous wine that's hefty, broad and ready to drink. Impressive given that its run is 45,000 cases.
A blend of Loess Vineyard and Leonetti Old Block, this wine is 100% varietal. The aromas are bright and pure, with notes of raspberry, cherry, plum, anise and spice. The flavors deliver, with a sense of understated appeal.
Concentrated fruit, spice and black-tea flavors lend a sense of depth on the palate and make this full-bodied wine satisfying to sip. Made from the estate vineyard using only Clone 777 vines, it matches black cherry and tart cherry notes to a nicely gripping texture, with a lingering finish.
Tasty but mild cherry and cinnamon flavors framed in a smooth texture make this full-bodied wine easy to enjoy. Hints of cranberry and clove add complexity, while a good structure of mild acidity and fine tannins add a little grip on the palate.
From 20-year-old vines, this bottling shows strong cedar, crushed graphite and charred wood on the nose, with a hint of blackened pasilla chile. Pencil shavings play strong on the palate, spicing up the elderberry and black-currant fruit, with pinches of oregano adding depth. The tightly wound tannins are quite sticky.
The inaugural release of this wine is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot, coming from Summit View, Pepper Bridge, Cockburn, McClellan Estate, Stone Valley, Seven Hills, Waliser Rocks and Fire Ridge vineyards. Green herb, black fruit, coffee and anise aromas give way to beautifully balanced red- and black-fruit flavors. The acidity brings a sense of vibrancy, while the tannins provide plenty of structure.
One of the few sparkling Syrahs available anywhere in America, this is a very tasty and vibrant wine. Aromas of blackberry, pepper, chipped slate, soil and herbs show on the frothy nose. The palate plays to the grape's tart side, with underripe boysenberry and elderberry flavors that are cut by the racy acidity and persistent bubbles.
A hearty addition of 19% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to this wine's complexity and soft, round profile of hearty tannin and oak. It offers well-defined flavors of salty leather, plum and dark chocolate.
This wine—the only of its kind in the state—is a blend of 70% Carignan and 30% Grenache. It brings appealing, quite pure aromas of herbs, bramble and red fruit. The flavors also bring a compelling sense of purity, with no new oak influence anywhere in sight. Put it on the dinner table to see it shine.
Considered warm by Central Coast standards, Paso Robles is not always ideal for Chardonnay, but the veteran squad at Castoro did well on this nicely tight bottling. Key-lime pith and crisp Gala apple show on the nose, while solid acidity delivers flavors of rainy slate and squeezed citrus. There's good grippy tension to the sip as well.
This coastal wine hails from two sites, including the Gloria Vineyard in Sebastopol, and Hummingbird Hill in the Petaluma Gap. It stays true to form in its light approach and high-toned acidity. Earthy, light in color and bristling in black tea, cranberry and pomegranate, it's lightly spiced in cardamom.
Owned by négociant firm Antoine Moueix, this property on the plateau of Saint-Emilion, has produced a ripe and balanced vintage in 2014. The oak aging has enhanced the richness of the wine with its balanced tannins and black-currant fruits. It will age well and be ready to drink from 2021.
The second wine from this estate with its moated medieval castle is finely structured while showing all the delicious fruit of this vintage. It has spice, some firm tannins and juicy black-currant fruitiness. It will develop well and relatively quickly. Drink from 2020.
The are firm indications of wood aging in this wine, meaning it needs some time. For now, it is all spice and exuberant blackberry fruits. As it develops, it will integrate well to produce a rich wine with plenty of blackberry and damson fruits. Drink from 2021.
This rich wine, produced from old vines, is dense and concentrated. It does have the fruitiness of the vintage but that is allied to the dark-black fruit and powerful tannins. There are spice and wood flavors still developing. Drink this fine wine from 2020.
White flower, toasted nut, citrus and white stone fruit aromas set the tone on this crisp sparkler. The elegant palate offers creamy pear, yellow apple, nectarine zest and bread crust alongside fresh acidity that brightens the rich flavors. An elegant perlage conveys finesse.
Cherries, cinnamon and clove mark the nose, while the flavors include cherries, Mexican chocolate and floral notes. This is full bodied and robust without being hard, easing into a long, velvety-textured finish. Drink this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from 2018 through 2025.
A dusty, sunbaked note in the aroma of this full-bodied wine meets robust and ripe fruit, wood smoke and very concentrated clove, black cherry and dark-chocolate flavors. The color is dark and deep, tannins are very firm, and the mouthfeel is somewhat astringent. This wine needs time to reach its peak, and will be best after 2022.
This clonal study explores the earthy side of the grape, with mulberry and dark cranberry fruit running alongside damp oak forest and slightly funky chaparral aromas. Lively flavors consume the palate quickly with tart cherry and peppery spice, all lifted by mouthwatering acidity.
This refreshing and crisply designed Viognier conveys restrained aromas of white peach and vanilla. The palate shows yellow melon and creamy peach, but with a razor-sharp edge of acidity and a compelling chalky texture. The acid sizzles into the finish.
The somewhat restrained nose of this bottling is powered by chaparral and herbs, with sagebrush, juniper and thyme decorating the tight cranberry fruit. The shrubby element sticks to the palate as well, with more garrigue spice seasoning the cranberry and raspberry base.
A subtle nose of butter and spice leads this wine whose flavors are varietally correct but not terribly inspired. The fruit is balanced and round but the finish slightly watery. Not a bad everyday sip, but needs complexity.
A sweaty smell opens the wine, followed with light strawberry and leafy herb notes. In the mouth the wine is thin and tart, with a hard, tannic finish. There isn't any stuffing, and it lacks the elegance and precision that could take the place of mere power. What's left is leafy, herbal and astringent, but charmless. Two bottles tasted.
Nice bright fruit aromas and a lively play of minerality and good fresh fruit make this a definite everyday choice for fans of cleaner whites. The wine is not terribly deep but it's playful and flavorful.
A fresh, fruity nose with hints of spice lend an alluring start to this Chardonnay, but on the palate, flavors run a little thin.  That said, an appealing toasted oak spice character adds dimension.
A soft, simple wine, the tannins set the pace, but the fruit doesn't quite follow. It is relatively light, with some red fruits and good acidity.
A nose of clean citrus and spice leads on this simple but likeable Chardonnay. On the palate, it offers more of the fresh flavors and the finish is crisp. A nice wine with seafood and salad, and a good choice for fans of lively whites.
Sweet corn, melon and citrus flavors coat the mouth, leaving a slightly oily impression.
Not very intense, the sharp citrus and chalky pencil shaving aromas are followed by minimal fruit flavors of barely ripe apple and stone fruit skin.
A somewhat candied nose leads, and on the palate, a clumsy sweetness creates a flabbiness over simple fruit that seems unnecessary. Lacks poise but will pair well with cheeses and seafood.
Light and fruity with cherry, plum and red currant flavors along with a subtle hint of menthol on the nose. The mouthfeel is smooth and supple. Mevushal.
A bit thin in texture, with wan apple and citrus flavors.
A pretty, floral nose adds a surprising dimension to this wine, but on the palate, the flavors fall somewhat flat. A good balance of oak and fruit prevails, but the nose suggests more.
Earthy aromas of Chardonnay fruit and toast lead on this wine with a   somewhat prickly character. Lean and simple, it wants more spice and a softer mouthfeel to make it work.
Pineapple and spice on the nose are followed by like flavors on the palate. An interplay of acid adds quality to the wine but overall, it lacks dimension and the kind of layering that typifies good Chardonnay.
A spicy, tingling nose leads. followed by reserved balance elements of acid, classic Chardonnay fruit and a slatey minerality. Not terribly complex but likeable, and food friendly.
Black cherry and dark raspberry fruit blend with background citrus accents, leading into a vibrant but short finish. Drink now; may also be served slightly chilled.
Raw and resiny, with no peg for you to hang your hat on. The palate is sharp and short on ripeness, while the finish settles on hot. Just an aggressive wine with little polish. Not worth the price.
With 20% Garnacha, this Navarran Merlot carries a green and lactic streak that makes it a tough go. The palate is gigantic and oversaturated, which makes the whole clumsy and rough.
Black pepper and bright cherry on the nose lead into flavors of red berry, cherry and smoke. The restraint is elegant but may be a touch overshot—one wants more from this wine. Pair with poultry and lighter dishes.
Faint citrus and wilted floral aromas carry through to the one-note lemon palate. Crisp and simple is the name of the game for this unoaked Chardonnay.
Earthy, raspberry-like aromas, nondescript ripe fruit and herb flavors, and a rounded texture make this a serviceable house wine.
Flat, fruitless aromas are suggestive of green herbs and vegetables. This feels big, sticky and cloying, with almost no acidity. Melony flavors are heavy and sweet, and there's a wheaty, oxidized flavor to the finish.
Bland, midland aromas of dusty apple land on vegetal after this airs out. A flat, no-spine palate and green flavors of tropical fruits and vegetables end with green-herb notes of thyme and tarragon.
Stone-fruit and yellow apple aromas come with a hint of ham. Flat and creamy in feel, this tastes almost entirely of leesy vanilla and pithy bitterness. In the folds are bland banana and melon notes.
This wine combines green, herbal overtones with puckering, bitter tannins, a unsavory mix that doesn't please the palate.
Aromas of spoiled cider and mustard don't cut it. This is spritzy and acidic on the palate. Flavors of cactus pad and citrus are pithy and green, and on the finish the pyrazines are jacked way up.
Aromas of waxy stone fruits and gasoline announce a wine with issues. This Viognier feels citric and racy, with little body given the grape type. Flavors of lemon, lime and pickle brine finish with sour grapefruit notes.
A flabby nose of muddled citrus and bruised pear carries to the perceptibly sugary palate. This is a light and lithe Pinot Grigio, best enjoyed in casual settings.
Muddled aromas of seashell and earthy fruit fail to convey quality. This feels sticky and creamy, as if loaded with residual sugar and fake oak. Grainy, candied-berry flavors finish flat.
Generic, neutral aromas hint at apple and peach. This shows moderate life on the palate, but that quickly slips away. Bland apple and apricot flavors finish with a note of oxidation.
High-toned aromas of black cherry syrup and orange peel carry the nose. The thick, syrupy palate lacks much acidity and is reminiscent of flat Dr. Pepper, yet a roasted coffee tone is welcomed on the finish.
Stalky aromas suggest peach, but overall there's hardly any fruit on the nose of this tired wine. A fat palate is low on acidity, while bland citrus, melon and papaya flavors finish in no man's land.
Soft, sweet red cherries and berries contrast leafy green and peppery notes in this dry-style Cabernet Franc rosé. It's a bit candied and confected, yet green in character with a quickly dissipating finish.
Cherry aromas are dilute, and overall the bouquet on this Leyda Pinot Noir is limited. Tart, hard, medicinal red-berry flavors are nondistinct and oaky. The finish is raw, hot and lacking in fruit.
Jammy strawberry and raspberry aromas are lean, reedy, wiry and grassy. This Peruvian Syrah tastes like raspberry jam, but one that's been infused with grass cuttings and cough medicine.
Strange aromas of tree bark, pool water and funky berry fruit are not inviting. This organic Cabernet feels awkward and grabby, while flavors of jammy berry fruits finish flabby, wayward and with little charm.
Blurred edges characterize the non-distinct apple fruit. The palate has edges of bitterness that the residual sugar cannot masks.
Murky in color and like pure raisin juice on the nose, this alarmingly unbalanced, raisiny Cab holds mild enjoyment.
Neutral on the nose, with hints of peach and melon, this Chenin is flabby and struggling to stay afloat. Lightly oxidized, yeasty flavors of apricot and melon finish with barely a pulse.
Following on from the great 2002 vintage of this wine, the 2004 is equally memorable. It is a magnificent wine, structured and beautifully balanced between the ripe white fruits and the tight texture that will allow it to age many years. While drinkable now, it is still young at 11 years, still with great potential. Drink now, until 2024, and probably beyond.
The perfume of fully ripe, lusciously juicy peach is nearly overwhelming. It is joined by notions of barley-sugar and candied apricot. There is a more tart notion of passion fruit, too, as well as a guiding, lightning flash of welcome acidity that brings a punch of citrus zest. This TBA is like a very potent flavor bomb that not only delivers luscious sweetness but also a counterpoint of acidic thrill. Needless to say, this simply lingers and lasts. Nectar indeed.
Concentrated, ripe and pure on the nose, this is toasty smelling and intense, with notes of charcoal, cassis and blackberry. A grabby, extracted but balanced and impressive palate holds flavors of coffee, toasty oak, bitter chocolate and wild berries. The finish tastes savory and fully oaked, but not overdone. Hold a few years, then drink through 2026.
To tame Durell is no easy feat—indeed at first this wine exudes matchstick and robustness on the nose and palate. But tameness comes in the form of lemon and grapefruit pith, brightening the load, with a sinewy structure supporting its core. The finish is succulent in honey and stone. Drink now through 2020.
Aged for 10 years before disgorging and a further time before release, this is Gosset's top wine from a great vintage year. Extra Brut means it is dry, although the age of this wine has softened the intense acidity and turned it into an elegant, mature wine of great complexity as well as immediate attraction. It will age further at least until 2022, although it is totally drinkable now.
The winery's Édition Limitée is a block selection, ripe, rich and beautifully rounded out. It's totally full bodied without becoming jammy, a lush compote of berries, cherries, citrus oil and refined acids that conjure up ripe pineapple juice. A long, lightly smoky finish seems to go on for endless minutes. Drink now through 2030.
Pure and crisp on the nose, this lightly oaked Mencía smells of currant, raspberry, mixed spices and herbs. It's bouncy and firm in the mouth, with pronounced acidity. Flavors of berry and currant are more generic than special, while the finish holds form as it fades away.
With its crisp and strongly mineral character, this is true terroir wine. It is stony, steely, very textured, with the apple skin and strong pink grapefruit citrus flavors pushing through to give a fresh character at the end. The structure shows the wine needs to age, so drink from late 2015.
This wood-aged wine is rich and full of tropical fruits as well as a light touch of toast. Crisp acidity lies in the background, giving freshness to the natural ripeness of the fruits. It's still young, still showing a strong, tangy texture, so wait to drink until 2016.
Fairly aromatic, it conveys notes of red and black fruit, savory herbs, toffee and barrel spices. Lighter in style, it shows abundant vanilla flavors while still bringing a lovely sense of texture and overall balance.
Floral red-fruit aromas fold in herb and spice accents. This is a crisp, dry Rioja with plenty of oak character on the palate. Flavors of vanilla, wood spice, tomato and tobacco are authentic, while the finish is mellow, juicy and peppery, with a vanilla note.
Full of ripe tropical fruits, this is rich and opulent. Apricot, mango and peach all feature along with spice from wood aging. All this ripe fruit is balanced by fresher acidity. It's a powerful wine touched with pepper, full in the mouth and packed with fruit and toast. Drink from 2015.
Ripe honeydew and yellow cherries perfume this sunny, concentrated semi-sweet Riesling. It's boldly fruit forward in style, but focused acidity and a lean, steely mineral tone gives it surprising depth and complexity. It's a great find for an excellent price.
Extra Brut, yes, but the ripeness of the Chardonnay gives a rich, creamed apple character that balances the very dry aftertaste. It is still a fledgling Champagne needing to fill out. Give this until 2016 before drinking.
Bees wax and smoke meld with unctuously sweet berry and yellow cherry flavors in this squarely composed semi-sweet Riesling. It's juicy and fruity on the palate, but balanced with cutting lemon acidity and a fresh, green flurry of grass and herbs on the finish.
This rich, wood-fermented and aged wine is very ripe, aromatic and smoothly textured. The terroir reveals itself in a mineral edge from the chalk soil that also comes into play in the tight acidity. Full in the mouth, it's ready to drink now, but will be better from 2016.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this delivers sensations of ripe Golden Delicious apple, acacia flower, toasted nuts and honey. The creamy palate is brightened by soft acidity and a refined perlage.
Made with 100% Pinot Nero, this delivers a fragrance of rose and perfumed red berry. The lively palate offers wild strawberry layered with raspberry, pink grapefruit, light spice and white almond alongside bright acidity and a persistent perlage.
Earth and mushroom dominate this lighter-style wine, offering aromas and flavors of forest floor and fresh soil, and even a taste of black tea shyly dancing in the background. Well-balanced and complex, it has a silky texture and long, smooth finish.
Ripe with a core of dry tannins, this is a typical foursquare Nuits-Saint-Georges. Structure gives shape to the black fruits and acidity that are developing well. Already in balance, it will be drinkable from 2016.
Enticingly perfumed, this is full of red cherry and plum fruits that are cut through with intense acidity. A dry core of tannins both gives support and promises aging. Structured while packed with fruit, it should be drunk from 2017.
Brilliant golden hay in color, this is a dry, intense sparkler, made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Gris. It offers complex highlights of lemon and apple on the palate with plenty of minerality.
This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay features yeasty aromas of baked bread, ripe red apple and spice. The tangy palate delivers sour cherry, strawberry and candied nectarine alongside a ginger note and brisk acidity.
Aromas of white flowers, baking spices, pear and a whiff of toasted nuts waft from the glass. The crisp palate serves up juicy yellow apple, toasted walnut and yeasty notes of freshly baked bread alongside brisk acidity and vibrant, persistent bubbles.
For a pink sparkler, there's not a lot of fruit on the nose, which is carried by crisp yeastiness instead. There are lovely bubbles on the palate, full of crisp red apple and lemon citrus flavors that enliven all of the senses. This is a perfect apéritif wine.
Grapefruits and white blossoms linger from start to finish on this intensely aromatic Riesling, highlighting flavors of sweet peach and honey. It's off dry in style, but has a warm, caramelized tone that offsets brisk acidity.
Gold in color, this high-end Viura is cheesy, cidery and dense on the nose. Plump and resiny in feel, it offers woody flavors of baked white fruits. Hailing from a warm vintage, this goes back and forth between ripe, mealy and oaky and tense and nervy. If drinking now, expect more oak than fruit.
Opens with rubber, smoke, leather and coffee aromas, then the fruit comes in on the palate, which is juicy and correct, with tight, fresh red-fruit flavors and notes of ripe tomato and pepper flake. Finishes spicy and dry, with a crispness that'll make it 100% food-friendly.
This Zin is made from a combination of four of Newsome-Harlow's vineyard sources, including Locke, Big John's, Dalton and Shake Ridge Ranch, the latter three of which are all single-vineyard bottlings, and incorporates 12% Petite Sirah. It's solid, with pretty raspberry flavors and hints of spice and admirable acidity. A little sweeter and tighter than the winery's single-vineyard efforts.
Yering Station makes a regular Chardonnay and a Reserve Chardonnay as well; this is its entry-level Chard, and quite a good one. Bright pineapple notes and a hint of grilled fruit are clean and fresh if somewhat straightforward in this medium-bodied wine. Drink now.
For a Gewürz, this is restrained, a soft, open and attractively easy wine, lightly hinting at lychee and pear juice. Drink now.
Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of fresh lychee, pink grapefruit and roses abound on Dr. Frank's lovely bargain Salmon Run. Although full bodied with a plush, broad profile, it's spritzed with a gentle lemon acidity and bitter lime pith and rose potpourri finish. Would pair beautifully with spicy, herbacious Thai dishes, but might be hard to resist savoring on its own.
Guigal customarily releases many of the firm's red wines after additional cellaring, so this 2006 is still on the market. It's nicely balanced for current drinking despite some slightly drying tannins on the finish, which only serve to accentuate the mouthwatering black cherry fruit. Leather and spice notes add welcome nuance.
Sourced entirely from the Winter's Hill vineyard, this is a lively mix of raspberry, lime, pineapple and cherry candy. Young and tart, it needs more time to flesh out and show more detail. Currently the baking spice accents from aging in one-third new oak, appealing as they are, stick out a bit. Give this until 2016 or so to bottle age.
Inky dark-fruit aromas are blanketed by oaky scents that settle on caramel and vanilla. This four-grape blend of Bordeaux varieties is both creamy and acidic, with herbal notes along with spice, wild berry and leafy flavors. Snappy, crisp acidity hangs around on the finish, creating a racy sensation. Drink through 2018.
Very fresh aromas of lemongrass, blanched almonds, white flowers and hints of pineapple emerge from this blend of vineyards, featuring 60% Bien Nacido, 33% Dierberg and 7% Maldonado fruit. It's steely and laser-focused on the palate, with a good mix of lemon juice acidity and lime pith grip, not overpowering in any direction.
Sourced entirely from the Rose Rock Vineyard in Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills, this is fresh and carries plenty of strawberry fruit alongside cola and a whiff of smoke. The mouthfeel is textural, light and layered, with a pretty, medium-long finish.
This inky, herbaceous 100% Cabernet is defined by peppercorn and dusty, chalky pencil shavings. Juicy on the palate as well as soft and supple, it's complex and etched in black licorice, with a lingering finish.
Estate-grown from a 30-acre plot planted to three different Chardonnay clones, this wine is robust and hearty in wood, white peach and papaya. With ample acidity, it remains balanced and mouthfilling, with an edginess finished off by a tart lemon flavor.
The Bennett Valley-based producer employed fruit from its neighborhood for this wine, filling it out with a majority of grapes from Alexander Valley. Rich in caramel and matchstick, it's an integrated wine, balanced between ripe pear sweetness and savory aspects of oak and spice. On the finish, expect vanilla bean and fresh lemon.
Fresh and textural, with a leesy, mineral-soaked base, this pretty young wine showcases raspberry and cherry fruit, backed with supporting, refreshing acidity. The tannins are light, perfectly ripe, and nicely balanced against the juicy fruit flavors.
Made from very old, ungrafted, bush-trained vines cultivated close to the sea, this suggests Mediterranean sea breezes, brush and herbs along with dark cherry and ripe black fruit. The palate offers mature black cherry, mineral, licorice and saline alongside polished tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the fruit.
Aromas of toasted walnut, nectarine zest and dried apricot carry over to the palate, along with notes of maple syrup, lemon cream, honey and vanilla. Bright acidity stops it from being cloying.
Apple blossoms and white peaches perfume this dry, revitalizing wine. It's snappy and tart on the palate, yet satisfyingly juicy. Concentrated tangerine flavors linger lavishly on the finish.
Although this wine is labeled as medium sweet, it has a distinct dry element from the spice. It's rich, full of lychee and mango fruits that have retained some freshness. Floral and ripe, it will be ready to drink from 2016.
This is a different beast from most other Zins, shy and intriguing in tight, dusty, high-toned raspberry and cassis, the spicy components leaning toward exotic cardamom and nutmeg. From a vineyard originally planted in 1925, holding on for dear life in the Russian River Valley's sea of Pinot Noir, it's a rare and worthy find for the table.
A smidgen of Petite Sirah is added to 98% Zinfandel from a coveted vineyard in the heart of Dry Creek Valley. It takes on perfumed red cherry and is finely hewn on the palate, soft and yet tense. Cinnamon and pepper swirl throughout, becoming more pronounced and integrated in the glass.
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak, this wine offers floral, nutty and deeply layered suggestions of structured oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's lengthy and impressive, with crispness to the finish.
Quite light in color, this wine—named after the 1890s regional pioneer Adolph Siot—brings light bubblegum, cut grass, apple and slightly funky reductive aromas. It's lively and acidic on the focused palate, carrying flavors of butter, apple skin and pear skin, with just enough of the fruity flesh attached to broaden the mouthfeel.
A single-clone, single-block cuvée, this is nonetheless complete and satisfying. Blackberry and black cherry fruit are dusted with cinnamon and allspice. A vein of cola and a whiff of sandalwood add further complexity. More elegant than powerful, this retains its balance through a medium-long finish.
Black and thick, a study in smoky oak and tar, this intense vineyard-designated Cabernet will behave better over time. Brawny tannins surround substantial layers of blackberry and coffee, the feel on the palate weighty and voluptuous. Cellar through 2026.
The family farms 125 acres in the Russian River Valley, where the Sauvignon Blanc is planted in gravelly soils. The resulting wine is stately in bristling acidity, ripe melon, peach and a sneaky streak of jalapeño that gives intrigue. Juicy and ripe, it offers a moderate level of richness that's pleasing on the palate.
This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is deep red-violet in color, with a nose of black cherry and Tuscan peppers. Cool notes trump fruit in a mélange of black cherry, vanilla, mint and aniseed flavors with a hint of brambles. Stiff but forgiving tannins linger on the palate with a flash of acidity at the back of the throat.
Made with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a bouquet of black cherry, green pepper and toast. There is a nice balance of fruit and cooling herb flavors, featuring blackberry, eucalyptus, anisette and espresso bean. Lingering, velvety tannins continue on the palate until a final burst of cranberry on the finish.
Deep straw to the eye, this wine offers a clean nose of ripe seckel pear. There is a nice interplay between fruit and floral notes, with flavors of pear, butterscotch and white flowers. The lengthy finish features a mix of smooth tannins and bright fruit and floral notes.
This pale, clean wine shimmers like a diamond in the glass. The nose is a shape-shifter, jumping from tropical elements of honeydew, bubble gum and guava to sharper-cut grass tones. It's dynamic on the palate too, proving both ripe with stone-fruit flesh and sour with chopped herbs, green pepper and grass. A touch of crushed rocks rounds it out nicely.
A blend of 40% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% each Mourvèdre and Grenache, this wine is made from grapes that are dried for 50 days prior to fermentation. The finished wine is aged in barrel for 40 months prior to bottling, yet it is surprisingly soft in the mouth and equal parts smooth and bright. Aromas of raspberry, black plum and maple give way to flavors of strawberry, cranberry sauce, maple-cured meat and rose petal.
Medium weight and nicely focused, this brings spicy fruit flavors of cranberry and cherry into play. There's ample tart acidity, and aging 16 months in 42% new French oak has not turned it into a walk through a lumber yard.
The nose is rich with Red Delicious apple notes. The palate adds lemon freshness and a tangy, slightly bitter but appetizing streak of zestiness. The finish is restrained, just dry and clean.
This red-violet-colored wine has a bouquet of raspberry and lingonberry. Velvety tannins create a backdrop for flavors of blackberry, cranberry, vanilla and fennel. Notes of cranberry shine through on the bright finish.
Mavrud and Rubin are both indigenous Bulgarian grapes. This wine conveys aromas of black cherry, dried cherry and eucalyptus, with flavors of tart cherry, cranberry and pomegranate juice. It is well balanced and has a long finish.
This blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Mavrud has aromas of cherry cola, red raspberry and a whiff of mint. Flavors recall cherry vanilla and black berry. It's well balanced, with soft sweet tannins and a persistent finish.
This blend of 59% Syrah and 41% Cabernet Sauvignon plays to the savory side of the two grapes, with dominant dried oregano and thyme aromas edged with violet, blackberry and caramel scents. The palate provides great cohesion of those elements, its plush plum fruit laced with dried herb flavors, proving easy to enjoy and relatively light on its feet.
This is full bodied while retaining varietal specificity. Tart strawberry, cherry and plum fruit anchors a strong midpalate, with proportionate tannins bringing a touch of black olive to wrap it up.
Initially this smells baked, soupy and raisiny, although airing lightens things up a bit. A rich syrupy palate battles to support its own weight, while heavily oaked baked berry flavors finish chocolaty, meaty and with wayward oak. Drink through 2023.
All the right components are in place here, but not yet entirely melded into a complete whole. Stem, earth, nettles and somewhat submerged cherry flavors are in the mix. The finish brings a seam of caramel, and a bit of a back-throat burn.
An interesting blend of indigenous Bulgarian and uncommon French varieties, this red wine is made from equal parts Melnik, Mourvèdre and Marselan. It offers aromas of red cherry, cassis and leather, while flavors suggest black cherry and tart cherry pie. It has fine tannins and a persistent finish.
Aromas of lemon zest, lemongrass and lime juice prepare the palate for flavors of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, tart apple and white peach. The finish is brisk and pleasantly acidic.
This wood-aged wine is full of generous fruits. The hints of toast from are already well integrated into the elegant structure. A blend of Touriga Nacional with Merlot and Aragonez, allows ripe fruit to speak easily and with just a touch of tannin. Drink this wine now.
This is a generous black-fruit-driven wine. It has great fruit with some spice from wood. The tannins are firm while giving plenty of richness. With its black plum and berry flavors now developing well, it should be ready from 2018.
A lovely touch of smoke and earth plays around the honeysuckle and peach notes. The palate adds even more stone fruit: apricot and juicy mirabelle. They are boosted by some residual sweetness that makes for an easy, friendly and fluid palate. The finish is off dry, peachy and floral.
From the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a smooth opulent wine. With its citrus and pear fruits, rich acidity and tangy aftertaste, this concentrated wine is balanced and ready to drink.
This amber-colored wine offers a clean bouquet of green apple. Sophisticated flavors of tart apple, honeydew and sage play on the tongue amid chewy tannins that persist into a mouthwatering finish, with lingering notes of Mediterranean herbs.
This Tuscan Merlot opens with dominant aromas of raw wood and wood chips with hints of black fruit muffled beneath the surface. Oak is also at the forefront of the palate, followed by toast, espresso and vanilla. There's not enough fruit richness to carry off the oak, and it finishes on a bitter note of astringent wood tannins.
Jumpy berry aromas, animal fur and candied scents are less than refined. This is fresh but not that structured in the mouth, with herbal berry flavors and a lightly green-tasting finish that's scratchy in feel.
This is a somewhat bitter and thin wine on entry. Lemon flavors are closer to skin and pith than ripe flesh, and there is little to suggest varietal specificity here.
This Vermentino opens with restrained aromas of stone fruit and acacia flower. The palate seems tired, but offers up dried apricot, lemon zest, yellow peach and bitter almond-skin notes.
Despite its fermentation in oak, this isn't an oaky white wine. Aromas of peach pit and apple are largely neutral. The palate feels tangy and citric, while the flavors lean toward lemon. On the finish, an almond-skin element rises up amid a mix of creaminess and acidity.
This simple sparker from central Italy's Marche region offers ripe pear and lemon peel sensations accompanied by large, persistent bubbles. It ends on a bitter almond note.
While oaky and smoky, this Chardonnay is packed with fleshy tropical fruit A slightly bracing feel on the finish gives it some texture. It should pair well with weekday meals or as a pass-around wine at parties.
This is a herbal wine with fruit that is firm and austere. It has spice, a touch of wood, berry fruits and dry tannins. It seems on the lean side.
Ripe and fruity, this is a simple, easy wine with red berry fruits and soft tannins. It has lively fruitiness that is enjoyable now.
This is a moderately aromatic wine with notes of pear, flowers and applesauce. It drinks a hair off dry (4 g/L residual sugar), finishing on a bitter note.
This wine opens with aromas of overripe black fruit, coffee, oak and hints of balsamic herbs. The palate, however, is rather tired; most of the fruit has dried up, leaving oak, espresso and alcohol sensations that finish abruptly.
This wine feels hard with bitter extraction that detracts from its fruitiness. There is a very dense texture that could soften over time, although bitterness could remain a problem.
Dry and heavily extracted, this wine has fruitiness that is fleeting. It's a tough wine, but there is just a touch of juiciness on the finish.
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.
Herbal and grassy, with aromas and flavors that veer close to green onion, then swing back toward pineapple and citrus. Drink this lightweight wine over the next few months.
A bit of a disappointment from this normally reliable producer, this 2015 rosé is cisp, tart and mildly sour, with a cidercast to its strawberry and citrus flavors. Drink up.
Tropical and vegetal aromas turn more green as this sits. A plump, slightly tired mouthfeel indicates that this is losing steam. Vegetal, briny, pickled flavors are vacuous when it comes to fruit.
Cool-climate aromas of bell pepper and asparagus are minimally ripe. This feels round and a bit chunky, with strong core acidity. Pyrazine-driven flavors of asparagus and pickled cucumber are persistently briny on the finish.
This wine has a bright yellow-gold color and assertive aromas of apple cider and cinnamon. Flavors start rich and then turn tart on the finish.
Grapefruit aromas are a touch stale and harsh. This feels plump, with just enough acidity. Citrus and green-herb flavors roll onto a finish that feels oily and grabby.
An unusually light brownish color leads to earthy aromas and subtle earthy, cola-like flavors. This wine tastes overly mature for its age but is interesting to taste.
This pale strawberry colored wine is half Mourvèdre and half Grenache. It shows a fair amount of volatility that distracts from its aromas. It drinks dry with full seeming flavors.
Aromas of tire rubber, mint, clove and green-leaning plum and cherry are less than convincing. This lightweight Cabernet tastes of herbal plum and cherry along with cinnamon powder.
This limestone-reared wine aspires to be a Chardonnay leader in Chile, but so far its track record lags behind its desires. This version smells minerally like a multivitamin, but not fruity. A blocky palate is oily in texture, while this tastes briny and of sour citrus and stone fruits. A savory finish tastes oaky and muddled.
Fleshy vegetal aromas of squash and pumpkin lead to a flat palate. This tastes like zucchini and squash, with bitterness and wheaty flavors on a dull finish.
The cru wine is tight, missing out on what should be its fruitiness. It has some tough dry tannins that are not showing signs of softening.
A hard-driving, ultragreen nose oozes pure bell pepper. A plump palate with cutting lime-like acidity adds zest and sharpness to vegetal citrus flavors. Packed to the brim with pyrazines, this is about as green as SB gets.
Gritty aromas of compost, animal hide, burnt beef and leather set up a pinching palate. Like the nose, this Carignan tastes gritty, sharp, foxy and like tart plum. A salty finish with little ripeness is grabby on the way out.
Funky aromas of red plum are leafy and come with an odd scent of clove. This feels grabby, while salty flavors of clove and dried-out red fruits finish mildly woody.
Soft, smooth and sweet, this is a basic wine with raisin and prune flavors. It won't please those who normally drink dry varietal wines.
This pale pink rosé is light in body and lacking much texture. Delicate melon aromas and flavors are pleasant, but marked by persistent notes of struck match.
Gritty roasted aromas of burnt meat and herbal black fruits set up a grabby palate that feels rough and tannic. Flavors of salty, herbal, roasted berry fruits are strained.
This wine is both reduced and diluted, with astringency biting at its heels. It may simply be underripe.
This confusing SB is bold in color, with aromas of petrol and apple juice. Dry, bitter melon, papaya and white pepper flavors control a dull finish.
This smells rather strange, with stewed fruit and orange peel notes. A clampy palate with hard tannins holds saucy herbal flavors that are stewy and mildly green. A bulky, hard finish fails to bring this around.
Grapefruit and passion fruit aromas are muddled and not bright. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and the juice of Carmenère feels wide but amorphous. Pink grapefruit and generic tang make for a simple but unexciting flavor profile.
Gritty white-fruit aromas show a note of vanilla. This tastes of bland passion fruit, with a weedy note thrown in. On the finish, this doesn't give much at all.
This scents of citrus peel and lime, with a plump, oily and round palate that features orange and banana flavors. A blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Viognier, it turns melony on the short finish.
This ripe, juicy wine has flavors of spice and black cherry, along with soft tannins. Fruity and ready to drink, it has a bright line of acidity.
This smells rubbery and a bit gamy, with meaty berry aromas. Tannic, with gaps in the mouthfeel, it has flavors of prune and herb, which are not excessively sweet or raisiny. The finish is dry, tannic and steady.
With the variety's signature dark black fruit, earthy tobacco and leathery accents going on, this is a good starter wine for those curious to try Petite Sirah.
A white fruit note leads this wine on a rich, spice-strewn path. The acidity cuts into the richness, putting the slightly oxidative character into perspective. With its rich, yeasty character, it's fit for drinking now.
A little murky and muddled on the nose, this has rubbery tannins and candied, foxy-tasting berry flavors. Nothing harsh or sour here, but it is tannic; at best, it's sweet and simple stuff.
This smells rubbery and gritty, with notes of gas and leather. It feels acidic and drawing but healthy, with earthy red-berry flavors. Dry and peppy, there's still not a lot of style or character to the wine.
This is a slightly syrupy Merlot that has flavors of overripe plum, black pepper and vanilla, especially on the finish. The blend is mostly Merlot with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet and Zinfandel, all from Clarksburg, a cool subregion near Lodi.
This wine has savory red fruit and a minty backdrop, with tannins that taste a tad overgrown. Simple and straightforward, this is ready to drink now.
Thin and green flavors dominate this Cabernet Franc. Small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot do not seem to have made an impact. It's sharp, stiff, and quite herbal.
This wine seems barely ripe, with thin, herbal, almost vegetal flavors and a sour streak. The barrel aging may have contributed some suggestions of vanilla and licorice.
A wine with overly pronounced smoky, oaky and toasted bacon aromas and flavors that block out most of the lush dark fruit so wanting in a Tempranillo; more tobacco than black cherry or plum.
This barrel selection evokes the AVA's black-cherry fruit character nicely, keeping it lively and balanced, with excellent depth. Tasting the wine is like gazing into a deep pool; the flavors keep pushing further into the finish. Streaks of coffee and milk chocolate are in the mix, but it's the excellent fruit that captures your attention and holds it.
The winery does not make much white wine, and this release is limited to just 55 cases. Light gold, it's scented with buttered popcorn and toasted hazelnuts, with a solid core of ripe apple, pear and nectarine fruit. It finishes with a powerful burst of vanilla custard.
Dark, brooding and baked in character, this well-made wine is a study in red and black licorice tones, with juicy blue fruit at the core. Good grip and power find structure around a full body and leathery finish.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas that recall mature plum, violet, oak and a whiff of exotic spice. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and a whiff of grilled herb alongside firm, refined tannins that give the finish grip.
Delicate spice, nut and smoke tones accent juicy grapefruit and blossom in this dry, full-bodied white. Zesty lime acidty cuts a graceful edge on the midpalate, exposing a spry, mineral finish. Ready now, but will hold till 2021.
High and tight aromas of cranberry, anise and thyme characterize the nose of this clonal study by Sabrine Rodems. Chaparral scrub shows at the tip of the sip and then broadens toward strawberry in the midpalate before tightening around pencil lead and herbes de provence flavors.
From a small vineyard in Los Olivos, this wine offers boysenberry, lavender, rosemary and a touch of oak on the nose. Intriguing pine tar, bay leaf and eucalyptus resin show on the palate, which gives depth to the deep black fruit.
Spicy, with a hint of mint, this deftly integrated, late-release wine brings rhubarb and raspberry fruit into place. There's enough acidity to complement a nice, fatty piece of salmon, with a light streak of dried herbs running through the finish. It's drinking well, at or near its peak.
Underbrush, grilled herb, roasted coffee bean and dark-skinned berry aromas unfold in the glass. The elegantly structured palate delivers red cherry, raspberry, sage, anise and clove framed in bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2020.
Underbrush, tilled earth, leather, ripe berry and a whiff of baking spice aromas meld together on this fragrant wine. The savory, refined palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and a tobacco note framed in firm, polished tannins. Drink through 2020.
Subdued aromas of menthol, cassis, clove and sunbaked earth slowly unfold in the glass. The round, juicy palate offers mature black cherry, spiced blackberry, mocha and grilled herb alongside dusty tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
This sultry, supple wine exudes aromas and flavors of baking spices and dark cherry pie, remaining brooding atop a full-bodied texture. Despite the oaky density, it retains a floral back note and bright, lengthy finish.
A proprietary blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, Zephyr is thick and rich. It offers a ripe, juicy and soft expression of mocha, coconut and blackberry jam that's generous on the palate.
A selection of old vines has given an intensely structured wine. It is packed both with tannins and concentrated black fruits. The density of the ripe fruits show how well the wine is maturing. Drink from 2017.
This cuvée, named after a statue in the vineyards, is dark and dense. There is a strong chewy character to this wine which is obviously much too young to drink now. The dark fruits are surrounded by considerable tannic structure. It is powerful and concentrated, perhaps all too much. Drink from 2020.
Jolts of lemon-lime acidity reverberate throughout this dry, mineral-focused wine. Golden apple, pear and lemon flavors are ripe and concentrated, but the palate maintains a svelte, spry style.
From an inland region of Victoria, this is a mature wine. The tannins are plentiful but soft, wrapped around a core of dried cherries and plums. Hints of cedar and brown sugar add the impression of sweetness, while notes of mint and cracked pepper bring freshness.
Deeply fruity, jammy aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and baking spices are a bit soft. This hot-vintage wine feels wide and clampy. Jammy berry flavors mix in a hint of herbs, while the finish is lively and raw but lacks structure in the middle. Drink through 2018.
While the wine, with its wood aging, does take away the fresh varietal character of the Arinto, it offers a rich, full and spicy wine that is stylish and well balanced. It has a firm, mineral character that cuts through the opulent texture to produce a wine that is ripe and ready to drink.
A fascinating blend of Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng this dry wine delivers honey, spice and ripe fruits. Apricots and freshly sliced pears give the wine a rich, generous feel. It comes from a parcel in the Château Bouscassé estate better known for its Madiran red wine. Drink this beautiful wine now.
Aromas of scorched earth, underbrush, grilled porcini and black plum emerge. The round, concentrated palate doles out dried black cherry, raspberry compote, anise and nutmeg alongside velvety tannins. Thanks to the juicy fruit, you can barely detect the warmth of alcohol on the close.
A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 2% Malbec and 2% Merlot, this wine offers velvety blackberry jam and chocolate in undulating waves. Dusty, soft tannins complete the likable package, while the finish is akin to enjoying baked plums in a cigar bar.
This appellation blend of Bradley Brown's Pinot projects aims at a low-alcohol, greener style, thanks to 85% whole-cluster inclusion, with green peppercorns, Kalamata olives, tomato leaf and even jalapeño on the nose. Those qualities make the palate incredibly interesting though very light and what many consumers may find underripe, with touches of strawberry fruit, dried dill, graphite and eucalyptus.
While demure on the nose with faint hints of blossom and mineral, the palate of this sprightly kabinett surges with ripe yellow cherry and peach flavors. It's a finely filigreed yet unctuously juicy sip. Drink now through 2020.
The southern coastal region of Algarve is better known for beaches than for wine. This blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah with long wood aging comes from the east of the region and shows great warmth as well as black plum fruit flavors. The juicy fruitiness is balanced by the youthful structure, showing the aging potential of the wine. Drink from 2017.
Fragrant blue flower, plum and a whiff of mocha slowly emanate from the glass. The taut, savory palate presents Morello cherry, black raspberry, licorice and clove, while polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink through 2022.
Spice and red pepper flavors combine with juicy red fruits in this wine. It comes from selected parcels of Négrette on the slopes of Fronton. The wood aging has smoothed out the tannins although they still need more time to fully round out. Drink from 2019.
This second wine from Alain Dominique Perrin's Lagrézette team comes from a separate vineyard to the grand vin. It is structured, ripe and fruity. The tannins are soft well integrated into the black fruits. The wine is still at the bright fruit stage and will age, so drink now for its fruit, but better to wait until 2018.
Loamy blackberry aromas register as ripe, while notes of pastry, toast and shoe polish add complexity to the nose. This single-vineyard wine displays raw power and angularity, while juicy plum flavors carry herbal, spicy elements. This lightens up a little on the finish while maintaining a raw, sinewy style that suggests aging will be beneficial. Drink through 2025.
This largely tannic wine clearly needs time to open in the glass or on the table. It initially shows herbal elements around a core of clove and black cherry. Well-made, it's structured and a good match for meals.
Starts out earthy and gaseous but the bouquet settles on round, full blackberry aromas. Lush, grabby and full in the mouth, with bold blackberry flavors that are clean, forward, uncomplicated and even a bit elegant. Tastes good and comes across smooth and polished for Bonarda.
Nice licorice and black currant scents fill the bouquet, with a touch of mentholy bramble adding some flair. The palate is bright and fruit forward, the dominating dark fruit flavors lifted by peppery spice. Medium weight with soft tannins and a solid finish.
To judge by its nose, this medium-bodied Riesling is quiet and introverted. And the flavors are also relatively neutral, with a slight earthiness and savory character defining its profile. Has the same lingering beefy-brininess on the finish as the other Liebfruenstift wines, just not as intense.
Soft aromas of vanilla, melon and peach give this wine a pretty, subdued air. Appealing to fans of lighter whites, the wine still has a floral, filled out character that will pair well with spicy ethnic cuisine and sweeter fish dishes.
Stainless-steel fermentation yields a tangy, ripe, tart, tongue-tickling Gewurztraminer with exceptional minerality. The echoing varietal flavors of flower and rosewater add interest to the finish. Still a bit yeasty, but should improve with a little more bottle age.
Medium-intense aromas of black cherry and berry appear first, followed by lovely accents of orange blossom florals and sweet licorice spice. A touch of leather unfolds on the finish. Medium weight and balanced with approachable tannins and an easy-drinking structure.
Thin and green flavors dominate this Cabernet Franc. Small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot do not seem to have made an impact. It's sharp, stiff, and quite herbal.
This wine seems barely ripe, with thin, herbal, almost vegetal flavors and a sour streak. The barrel aging may have contributed some suggestions of vanilla and licorice.
An oily popcorn aroma is neither fresh nor lively. The palate is wide and mouthfilling, with notes of bitter almond and creamy citrus. It's viscous on the finish, but there's not much flavor or character.
Aromas of white gum drop and funky yeast set up a slightly cloying palate, with a candied flavor of pear. It transitions to notes of banana, mango and powdered sugar on the finish. A blend of Malvasia and Viura.
Generic red fruit and milk chocolate aromas precede a tangy palate with a fairly high acid-to-body ratio. This tastes of tart red plum, with a hint of chocolate; it's short, crisp and quaffable. Novo Imports and Aidil Wines & Liquors.
Scratchy berry and rubber aromas roll into a grabby, aggressive palate, with a burnt note and resiny oak overshadowing a berry flavor. The finish is rubbery and chunky.
This has a saturated purple color, with aromas that are green, inky and grassy. Supertannic and drawing in feel, it has black fruit and chocolate flavors that come across pushy, sweet and hot. It's as bold as they come, but it lacks elegance and harmony.
A light, pale raspberry flavor seems to run a mile wide and an inch deep. Seeming slightly sugary, this just doesn't have any weight.
This has briary, herbal aromas and a sweet beet note. It is syrupy and sappy, with candied cassis and black cherry flavors.
This is mulchy on the nose, with a compost aroma muddling up the red-fruit component. It feels lean and scouring, with cranberry, tart raspberry and vanilla flavors. The finish is fragmented and stalky.
Gaseous and rubbery on the nose, this is overpowered by a tire aroma and heavily reduced berry scents. It feels thick and ultrajammy, with overwhelming berry flavors in front of a heavy, hot finish.
This is perfumed and lemony, almost to the point of resembling furniture polish. It's pleasantly silky in texture, but the recurring notes of white pepper and citrus become somewhat one-dimensional and slightly bitter on the finish.
A dusty cherry aroma turns harsh with airing, setting up a tight, acidic palate that's marked by tart raspberry and plum flavors. Scouring, spicy and peppery on the finish, this amounts to a tight, hard and basic Rioja.
This Bordeaux-style blend enters with a sharp, tannic, rough-hewn mouthfeel. The fruit may be ripe enough, but the hot finish makes it difficult to taste.
This is a simple North Coast Cabernet with herbal and green olive and pepper tones.
Zesty lemon and lime aromas add elegance to unctuous white peach and apricot flavors on this delicate, yet remarkably complex wine. Off-dry in style, it balances a youthful fruit profile with nuanced shades of smoke and earth. Nervy citrus acidity drives a long, focused finish.
Distinctive aromatic qualities mark this afforable bottling, an exclusive for Hawaiian supermarket chain Foodland from the team at Terravant Wine Company in Buellton. The aromas recall chaparral scrub, mint tea and black sage. The herbaceousness continues on the palate, with a sticky tannic structure. Not exactly the wine for those seeking a red fruit experience, but good for those seeking the savory side of the grape.
This wine shows the riper, spicier side to German Pinot Noir. Lush black cherry and plum flavors are fleshy and dense on the palate, tinged with notes of cassis and bramble. Crisp acidity adds elegance and structure, along with a penetrating layer of finely textured tannins. Drink now for its bold, decadent style.
While intensely youthful on the nose with aromas of fresh red cherries and blossom, the wine seems to build in depth and maturity on the palate. Fresh red fruit turns deeper and darker, and pretty floral notes pick up hints of potpourri and fall foliage. Elegant yet seductive, it is delicious now, but should mature beautifully through 2019–2021.
While still young, this wine has a smooth texture that shows the black fruits and perfumed tannins well. The balance of acidity and rich fruitiness is underpinned by the drier, tannic core. Drink young and fruity, but better wait until 2016.
Fragrant and inviting in dark cherry, raspberry and cola spice, this medium-weight Pinot Noir is lush and meaty. Bright flavors veer from dark cherry to raspberry, with a pronounced lift of earth and herb. The wine is layered, beautifully textured and long in the finish.
Classic varietal smells of chalk and golden raisin emerge from this wine. It's lusciously smooth once sipped, with orange, limestone and vanilla pudding leaning up against bitter greens and just-ripe nectarine. Serve with beets and goat cheese or Chinese chicken salad.
Freshly cut pear peel and savory, almost nutty herbs announce a richer style with plump notions of yellow pear and plum. Savory nuttiness is foremost, playing on the rounded and beautifully textured palate. A lasting notion of white pepper makes for an intriguing finish. This has “food wine” written all over it, and will shine on the table.
This solid, dense blend of Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira and Aragonez has good structure with juicy berry fruits alongside sweet tannins. It's rich, the firm texture giving the wine weight and concentration. The aftertaste brings forward more juicy fruitiness. Drink from 2015.
Fresh lemon juice on cut Conference pear constitutes the main flavor on this tight, light and slender white. It displays focus, a precise edge of minerality and lovely phenolic texture.
It offers ripe but restrained yellow plums and a citrusy and textured midpalate focused on lees and acidity. With just the right amount of weight and lightness, it manages that tightrope walk between rounded body and tingling acidity.
Unusual but enticing, it opens with aromas of smoke, mineral and stone fruit. The savory palate offers yellow peach, golden apple and Bartlett pear accented with notes of clove, nut and nutmeg. It's linear and well-balanced. George Wines, Zancanella.
Pretty and perfumed it exhibits dark cherry from start to finish. Spice and cola notes explode midway through, and that see-saw balance between fruit and spice persists into the finish. Round and soft, with a lean texture, it's very enjoyable.
Wonderfully fragrant, with a full-on expression of dark, plummy, black cherry fruit, this is fairly substantial. Slightly smoky tannins grip and hold through a medium-long finish. Lovely texture, with a wash of cola running through the back end.
Jaw-droppingly delicious, this will surely convince you that Pinot Noir is the absolute best rosé grape in Oregon. From the floral/strawberry bouquet bursting out of the bottle, right on through the delightfully sippable, mouthfilling fruit, it's a joy.
This wine has a crisp, breezy bouquet of salad greens, melon and pear. Fresh and textural, it's balanced with a lick of wet stone to wrap up.
Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The wine's dense texture means it needs to age through late 2014.
This is definitely a cool-climate SB from Chile. The nose is crisp yet not pushy, with aromas of gooseberry, nettle and snap pea along with grapefruit and lemon. A punchy, lively palate feel is just right for the wine's passion fruit, nettle, tangerine and grassy flavors, while the finish is long and cutting.
Ritual is Veramonte's top label from Casablanca and this wine is up to snuff. Grassy, green aromas of lettuce and tropical fruits set up a clean, medium-weight palate with grapefruit, gooseberry and lime flavors. A touch of bitter pyrazines rise up on the finish and dance with residual citrus notes and minerality.
From both Muscat Canelli (65%) and Muscat Giallo (35%), this fragrant and inviting wine is exactly what it proclaims to be, slightly sweet in honeysuckle, citrus and crisp texture. It offers lightness and lingering acidity in a moderate-alcohol package.
Pink grapefruit, freshly cut grass and ripe peaches create a winning trio, neither overtly aromatic nor too restrained. Ripe but zesty acidity and mineral depth ensure that this is serious but eminently enjoyable.
Subtle aromas include white flower, pear and slate. The round palate delivers green apple and mature pear accented with mineral and hints of ginger. Fresh acidity gives a polished finish.
The wine has all the classic structure and mineral tension of Dão. It gives both richness and dark, dry tannins that need several years to soften. At the same time, juicy black currant fruits give a fresh side to this complex, concentrated wine. Drink from 2016.
Crisp and refreshing, it delivers honeysuckle, ripe yellow peach, pink grapefruit and lemon-lime sensations. Energizing minerality and crisp acidity give a pristine finish.
It offers exuberant green pears in a linear body, shaped slenderly by citrus zest. It resonates with ripeness, savory spice and mineral focus.
With a touch of cedar on the nose, this blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah offers intense tannin and leather amid an earthy core of gamy spice. Enjoy with cassoulet, the perfect Rhône-inspired pairing.
There is 36% Barbera, 32% Carignane, 30% Petite Sirah and 2% Zinfandel in this field blend, a lushly juicy, gulpable wine that offers firm tannins and spicy red fruit, cinnamon and earth tones. A subtle streak of bacon peeks out midway and onto the finish. A great food wine, it will make all kinds of meats, pastas and pizzas sing.
From the flagship Médoc estate of Bordeaux negociant Dourthe, this wine is impressive, ripe and ready to age well. The wood aging still shows slightly but that is already compensated for by the ripe black-currant fruits from the 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and the generous texture. Drink this wine from 2023.
With a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, the wine is finely structured and filled with intense black fruits. It has a dry core that will allow it to age slowly and gently. The wine has juicy acidity, a tightly tannic core and great potential. Drink from 2021.
Firm while also juicy, this is a bright and fruity wine. It has plenty of acidity as well as a lively texture that will allow this attractive wine to age well over the medium term. Drink from 2024.
This is a bright wine—still a little closed but promising fine fruitiness for the future. With herbal acidity, lemon and grapefruit flavors and a zesty tang at the end, it will develop relatively quickly. Drink from 2020.
Claiming, with some pride, to have the longest chateau name in Bordeaux, this estate on the plateau of Saint-Émilion, close to Château Figeac, has given a 2014 that is dense, juicy and with great fruit. The tannins and the fruit are balanced with the blackberry flavors supported by the dry core. Drink from 2022.
The chateau owes its name to the 18th-century Joseph Laffitte who created the estate. The wine ,which comes from the heart of Saint-Estèphe, is ripe with spice. With generous tannins and equally generous fruit, it is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon that gives it the structure as well as the juicy fruitiness. Drink this fine wine from 2021.
Young Cabernet Sauvignon vines are blended with older Merlot in this second wine of Léoville las Cases. That gives a wine which is warm, ripe and structured. It does have concentration while also having great freshness and a crisp aftertaste. Drink from 2022.
Laden with wood as much as rich fruit, this is a fully structured wine. Dark toast is prominent at this young stage although this will go as the wine balances out. Then it will be a dense wine full of black fruits and with balanced tannins and acidity. Drink from 2021.
Peach and rose-focused potpourri scent the nose. The palate has great direction and freshness and a rich textured core that almost comes across as oily. The result is a perfect contrast between tangy freshness and rich fruit. Bursting fruit and perfume are countered by zesty citrus. The flavors last and last and the finish is dry.
Winemaker Spencer Daley taps a long respected vineyard to craft a solid Syrah that shows lavender, boysenberry, white pepper and dried fennel on the nose. There is a tarry quality to the palate, with black peppercorn, violet and charred beef notes accenting the underlying elderberry fruit. A solid structure ensures ageability.
Earth and rose petal notes open on the nose of this vineyard designate, a sultry and succulent wine that will please in its fullness of body and texture. Hearty blue and red berry flavors give it juiciness on the palate, seasoned with cola and cinnamon.
The nose gives little away and is very shy. The palate, however, is a paradigm on lemony freshness—of textured candied lemon and pear richness and great concentration. All of the richness of Pinto Gris is present, but it is carried aloft by zesty citrus freshness to strike a note of harmonious tangy balance. The finish shimmers with pear, earth and spice.
Aromatic notes of tart, baked apple fill the nose. On the palate these aromas revert to the flavors of fresh yellow apples with juicy tartness. The palate is fresh and vivid, dry and brisk. The finish is clean and really lip smacking. It's the apple notion that lasts longest.
Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, dried herb and dark berry slowly take shape in this full-bodied red. Smooth and concentrated, the palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry compote, and savory orange zest and star anise notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.
Underbrush, chopped aromatic herb, dark spice and balsamic aromas come together in the glass. Firmly structured and elegant with a backbone of taut, refined tannins, the palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and baking spice flavors. Drink 2020–2032.
Crisp boysenberry and black raspberry aromas meet with lthyme, oregano and a touch of caramelization on the nose of this Sea Smoke bottling. Dark cranberry fruit shows on the palate, lifted by anise, pepper and an array of herbs, all framed by a leathery texture. Drink now until 2028.
Ripe berry, new leather, dark spice and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers black cherry, fresh mint and clove set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins that lend polish and structure. It's already impressive but will continue to develop. Drink 2020–2030.
This blend of 60% Sangiovese 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon boasts enticing dark berry, menthol, new leather and dark spice notes. The taut palate doles out black cherry, cassis and licorice flavors, with a pleasant hint of game and fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2027.
Beautifully structured for aging, this wine is deep and dark in color, with rosemary and tobacco aromas and ripe black cherry, black olive and cranberry flavors. Firm tannins and good fruit acidity make it feel tangy and bright, while retaining all that flavor. Best after 2020.
Harvested late but not sweet, this decadently rich and fruity wine pairs well with cheese or an equally opulent dish such as osso bucco or red wine risotto. It has grapey, jammy aromas and late-picked flavors like fig, plum and black raisin that glide along the palate. The alcohol is high, tempered by a velvety texture and moderate tannins.
The three guys in question are former professional football players who shared a love of wine, enough to launch this small-production project. It delivers juicy apple and pear in a lusciously creamy texture that shows a hint of stony minerality and nutmeg, the fruit coming back to the fore on the powerful finish.
On the nose, there is a hint of apple freshness amidst the peachy honeysuckle notes. These aromas also dominate the off-dry sweetish palate. The sugar helps to lend lusciousness to the fruit notes while apple and citrus freshness brighten and enliven alongside a lovely bitter edge.
There's a light whiff of the chicken coop here, adding an unexpected note of earthiness to the fresh raspberry fruit. The flavors spread out horizontally across the palate, coating it completely and lingering with a finishing touch of mint chocolate cookie.
This is a recent addition to the winery's expansive repertoire of single-vineyard selections, and it offers a pretty mix of strawberry fruit in a toasty, pastry-flavored mode. It's perfect for near-term drinking, fresh and delicious, though lightly framed.
A full, rounded wine, this vineyard designate exudes a richness of juicy black cherry with savory pepper and meat aromas. The robust tannic structure contributes additional girth and depth, accentuating the darker, more brooding elements of the whole.
This blend of 55% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre has a dark and gamy nose, with smoked beef, chocolate, black cherry and cola aromas. The palate is well-structured and expertly balanced, offering familiar Rhône flavors like fennel, pepper spice and blackberry jam.
This inky, jammy smelling Toro is overflowing with blackberry and blueberry aromas. In the mouth, grabby tannins rise up with power, creating a rugged mouthfeel. Flavors of blackberry, charred oak, burnt meat and blackened spices finish dark, toasty, peppery and slightly bitter. Talk about a serious Toro with massive flavors and pounding tannins; drink from 2014 through 2019.
As in the past, Leonetti's 2010 Sangiovese was co-fermented with Syrah (11%), and sourced from Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Mill Creek Upland vineyards. It's flat-out delicious from the first scents of barrels and fruits, right on through a lush palate rich in flavors of berries, rum-soaked cherries and exotic spices. A long finish, with a smoky/earthy cast, is supported with tart acids.
There is deliciously pure fruit here, rich certainly but with a straight line to pear, sweet orange and peach flavors. Behind the fruity exterior is a more structured core, showing spice as well as density and final acidity. Age for three years and more.
For price and quality, Le Dix 2010 takes things to a high level. The nose on this Cabernet-led blend is full of violet, lilac, cassis and mild oak. The palate is multilayered and has a complex feel to it, while flavors of baked berry, cassis, coffee and marzipan finish with size and length. This is one of the most balanced and complete versions of Le Dix to date. Drink from 2014–2022.
Dry and steely in focus, yet ebulliently fruity and floral on the nose and palate, there's so much dimension to this fantastic Riesling. Intensely ripe stonefruit flavors leave an irresistible glycerine slick on the palate, but it finishes clean with a shower of crushed-stone minerality and steel.
As Chilean Carmenère goes, this is one of the best and most true to the grape. Dusty, dry, earthy aromas of spiced berry, herbs and cocoa lead to a lofty palate with both creamy oak and driving acids. Oak-related flavors of vanilla and coconut sit on top of spicy, baked berry flavors, while the finish is full, woody, creamy and dense. Drink this excellent Carmenère now through 2017.
Intensely earthy notes of honey and wax, and just the faintest whiff of petrol, are enticing precursors of maturity within an otherwise delightfully fresh, fruity Riesling. It's delicately crisp on the palate, but ends with a long, lanolin-coated finish.
A powerful, wood-aged rosé that shows great richness, density and structure. Treat this as a fine wine and you'll appreciate the texture, the mature berry fruits, the spice and vanilla flavors. Weighty and full in the mouth, this could even age well for another year or two.
With complex aromas of cedar, tobacco, tree bark, herbs and blackberry, this lush, tightly packed Syrah gets off to a fine start. A mouthfilling palate with baked but controlled flavors of boysenberry, leather and chocolate finishes long, minty and with classy herb flavors. For a modern, oaky Syrah, this is excellent. Drink now through 2017.
A blend of local grapes (Zierfandler and Rotgipfler) this is impressive. Rich, perfumed, its fragrant fruits a medley of mulberry, pear and spiced apple. The acidity cuts right through, giving a wine that is both very ripe, balanced and finely textured. Screwcap.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sämling, this gold straw colored wine is about freshness and acidity as much as about sweetness. That gives this ageworthy wine a great delicacy and poise, balanced and fresh, the honey botrytis texture attractively layered through this delicious wine.
Ripe mango, peach and pineapple all come together in this rich, opulent wine. Round yet there's a strong ginger and spice component. This is a complex wine, textured, rich and worth aging for at least another two years. Glass stopper.
This is every bit as good as the winery's Clave de Tábula, which costs twice as much. An aromatic opening of fig, prune and blackberry comes with graphite, cola and attractive oak notes. This is intense and shows powerful acidity in support of blackberry, toast and dark, spicy flavors. A medium-long finish with toast and licorice is proper and not overdone. Drink from 2014–2022.
Dainty aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and peach pit lead the nose of this playful rosé. The palate is light and lively, with flavors of citrus peel and white melon rind that carry through to the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
This forward wine opens with aromas that recall nail polish remover, varnish, overripe black-skinned fruit and a confectionary note. On the palate, notes of coconut, espresso and sage backup raw red cherry. It's aggressively tannic but is already losing fruit richness so hold for just a few years to let tannins unwind and then drink.
Cherry, cinnamon and vanilla play on the light-bodied, softly layered palate of this estate wine that develops flavor and aroma over time in the glass. Deeper, darker waves of boysenberry enter the picture toward the finish.
The wine veers between richness and a severely tannic character. It has a dense texture and black plum flavors. These are contrasted by the dry dark-chocolate structure and tannins that show too much extraction. The wine could come together which will take time; drink from 2017.
Aromas like green apples and white peach, flavors like grapefruit and a crisp texture make this wine quite refreshing. Most people will like its overall fruitiness and medium body, and appreciate the fresh acidity. It's made with 25% Sémillon.
A grassy element surrounds searing layers of lime and kiwi, the wine from a prominent Sonoma site known for the variety. Tingling in acidity and yet offering structure and grace, it finishes clean and refreshing.
This 50/50 blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris veers toward off dry, with open, juicy flavors of sweet lemon tea and apple pie. It's drinking well and should be consumed within two years of the vintage.
Supple and easy to drink, this is an example of the sort of wine that will win fans for Australian wine. Despite its approachability, it's savory in style, not jammy or confected, with hints of black olive and cola highlighted by red plum and cranberry fruit on the finish. Drink now.
This is a pretty taut wine that combines a rich style with good, vibrant acidity. Yet it is described as 100% fermented in stainless steel rather than oak barrels. The aromas resemble toasted baguette, butter and toasted walnut, while the flavors are like ripe apple and almonds.
Flowery lime and vanilla cookie aromas are varietally on target. A fresh, citric, medium-bodied palate and flavors of tropical fruits and citrus finish with weight and acidity. Drink now.