This voluptuous white blend highlights Chardonnay's body and roundness with aromatic streaks of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It's richly concentrated, showcasing layers of ripe, fleshy melon and apricot accentuated by a cinnamon and vanilla haze. Brisk acidity brightens the finish.
This light, orangish-pink wine comes from a south-facing, 2,600-foot-high vineyard, and offers reserved aromas of barely ripe cantaloupe and cold steel. The palate is also quite reserved and dainty, with red grapefruit and cherry-tinged lemonade flavors and a decent amount of acidity.
While briskly composed, this delicately bubbly blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir envelops the palate with a flurry of delicate foam. Late disgorged, it highlights flavors of pressed apples, pears and the faintest hint of brioche. Drink now.
Muted aromatics frame the entry of this wine, a concentration of baked raspberry and blackberry at its core. Smooth and soft, with minimal presence of oak, it's a fairly elegant expression of the grape.
With a color that would do a Provence rosé proud, this Pinot Noir-based wine from Sancerre and neighboring vineyards is fragrant, deliciously crisp and with a tight, mineral character. Drink now.
This straightforward, very varietal wine has aromas of grass, kiwi, herb, citrus peel and pineapple. It's medium bodied, with tart, lively flavors that put a focus on elegance and acid expression.
Aromas of vanilla, coconut and raspberry are followed by tart, mouthwatering cranberry and raspberry flavors. The wood is a bit primary but the flavors bring enjoyment.
Pear, vanilla and butter aromas are at the fore. The Sémillon blended in (11%) gives the palate added richness and heft.
Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this structured and firm wine is still young. Solid tannins are cut by the black currant fruit and fresh acidity. Give this wine until 2017 to be at its best. The vineyard is in the eastern end of the Entre-deux-Mers.
The Sauvignon/Sémillon blend is herbal, green and grassy. It has a tight character, tangy and zesty with bright acidity and a crisp aftertaste. It could do with a few more months, so drink from 2016. Founded in 1967 by Philippe Raguenot, daughters Emmanuelle and Marie-Pierre took over the estate in 1997.
As the tannins soften, this wine will become rich with generous fruitiness. Blackberry flavors and acidity are developing well to give a wine that is full and will be well balanced. Drink this Ducourt family wine from 2016.
This wine is ripe with attractive blackberry fruits and jammy acidity. The tannins play a fine supporting role, allowing the fruits to develop a warm, rich character. The wine could age, so drink from 2016. The Le Grix de la Salle family's sons have worked in Napa Valley, New Zealand and Spain before making wine at home. The château is a historical monument.
A blend of 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is balanced and firm. The solid, dry core is developing and integrating with the black currant fruits. It's concentrated and still young, with tannins that need to soften. Give this wine until 2017.
This is a heavily charred Syrah, so much so that its berry aromas are obscured by burnt scents. Compact and reduced in feel, this tastes of baked plum and blackened toast, with a rustic and roasted finish.
This 100% varietal wine is soft in jammy black fruit, with back notes of black pepper and smoke. From the warmer part of the Napa Valley in a warm vintage, it's big and powerful.
Boasting one of the prettiest hot pink-meets-purple colors imaginable in wine, this offers aromas of freeze-dried strawberries, ripe raspberry and a bitter tinge of pink grapefruit and cranberry. The flavors reflect those aromas exactly, particularly the raspberry fruit.
Near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), this wine is aromatically reserved, with notes of tire rubber, parsley, coffee and exotic spices. It's supple in feel, filled with coffee and cherry flavors. There's plenty interesting going on but the aromas and flavors seem disconnected.
This Vignobles Dourthe wine is ripe and richly textured. Full and blackberry flavored, it is 84% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. An attractive interplay between the fruit and the tannins gives a balanced wine. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and fruity, this red-berry flavored wine has good acidity and a crisp, bright texture. The tannins are now well integrated into the fruit, giving a structured, yet fresh, aftertaste. Drink now. In the Chéty family for eight generations, the vineyards were changed to organic in 2011 by sons Olivier and Emmanuel (enologist), who also made major renovations to the winery.
This ripe, deliciously fruity wine has red plum and black currant fruits along with fragrant acidity and a gently tannic structure. It will be ready to drink from 2017. Canadian David Curl purchased Moya in 2008; Damien Landouar is the winery director. The vineyard was certified organic in 2013.
Smooth and creamy in texture, this rounded wine is cut easily by acidity, with a tangy background that gives a more mineral edge. With its fresh aftertaste, this is ready to drink. In the Thienpont family since 1946, Nicolas has been the winemaker and a key mover in this appellation since 1983.
The nose on this wine from a very promising appellation for value is very root-vegetable-driven, with aromas of just-cut beets, boiled rhubarb, green and black olives and a hint of strawberry. The palate is earthy and interesting, showing lots of chopped black olive, which may be a turn-off for some expecting a more fruit-driven experience.
Powerfully structured, this is a dense wine, with layers of ripe fruit as well as tannins. It is concentrated, firm and showing its structure. The black plum fruit flavors from the 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon blend give weight and a broad character to the aftertaste. Drink from 2017. Produced by Alliance Bourg.
Copper peach and orange in color, this light, dry wine is soft and refreshing. Flavors of grapefruit, tangerine and cherry don't overwhelm on the palate. It finishes crisp and ready for another sip.
Ripe fruit flavors advance from apple to pear to honey as you sniff and sip this wine. It tastes clean and fruity, with a medium body and a smooth texture that allows the fruitiness to linger on the finish.
Bold and flavorful, this smells both fruity and spicy, and tastes ripe and assertive. Hefty tannins help balance out a touch of sweetness as plum, strawberry and cherry flavors ooze over the palate and linger on the finish.
This aromatic, red-cherry flavored wine demonstrates the freshness of the year and the grape. It's a finely textured wine that is structured and accessible, with firm, dry tannins. It can be aged for 2–3 years.
This wine begins tight and peppery, with cranberry and cherry cola flavors. Tasted over a period of several days, it not only held up well, but seemed to gain in focus. It's not a big wine, but it has authentic grip and surprising ageability.
Full of firm tannins, this Juliénas shows solid structure and ripe red fruits. The fine acidity should help the wine age, and the juicy, fruity character should appear after a year or more.
The famed Côte de Py Vineyard in Morgon has made a powerful and structured wine, with a black cherry flavor that's shaped by the dry, firm tannins. It is concentrated, dense and generous, with strong minerality and gritty texture. Age for 3–4 years.
In the past, the winery made a Mendocino appellation Chardonnay from a mix of Anderson Valley and Potter Valley fruit. But in 2010, all of the fruit is sourced from the Anderson Valley. This is fleshy, soft and lush, bearing grapefruit and fig flavors that are wrapped in a tightly focused package with a bright finish.
This muscular, peppery wine has tight focus and good flavor intensity. Bright cherry fruit shines through the pinpoint core, gracefully expanding throughout the medium-length finish.
Solid as ever, this lip-smackingly refreshing Auxerrois is brimming with fine flavors of apple, pear and peach. The cool vintage has lowered the alcohol a touch, and there is plenty of acidity. The fruit purity and compelling aromatics remain as good as ever.
This two-barrel cuvée is the star of the Anam Cara 2010s, bearing a mix of pretty cherry fruit and milk chocolaty tannins. Some well-modulated earth and herb notes add interest, but it's the elegance and proportion of the wine that really shine.
This is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown in the Foothills. It's tannic at first, with a mélange of clove and cinnamon spice, then blossoms into a lightly stated, red-fruit-driven wine with big shoulders. A trace of coffee lingers in the background.
This has a creamy consistency, and flavors of lemon custard and vanilla-cream. There is a dash of baking spices as well, but the fruit flavors are front and center.
For South American dessert wine, this is at the top of the class. The nose is light and offers nectarine, tangerine and peach aromas, while the mouthfeel is honeyed and plump, with orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. The finish is long and complex, and a touch soft in feel.
Bergström's lineup of Pinot Noir begins where many other wineries finish. This complex, earthy wine shows its fair share of herb and even a hint of stem, but those are offset by crisp, well-defined flavors of cranberry, cherry and spice. A fine example of this winery's house style.
Aromas of mocha, rubber, smoky leather and berry fruit indicate good things to come, but in the mouth this wine fails to deliver equal to its price and the previous successes of Trapiche's single-vineyard Malbec project. Scouring acidity is the main culprit; the wine seems clipped, tartaric and angular, thus it's all superficial and not deep or rich enough to rate better.
This is very dry, tart, tangy, and lemony, with much of the flavor from skin phenolics and moderate fruit depth. It tastes of lemon rind and grapefruit rind, and shows plenty of acid.
The fruit is apricot through and through, concentrated and thick. This is softer and less acidic than most Washington Rieslings, with suggestions of butter and caramel. It should be chilled a bit to firm it up.
An all-purpose red wine, blending seven different grapes into a fruit bowl of forward berry flavors. Nothing challenging here, but the fruit is tasty and it might be compared to a nice Beaujolais—chill it and drink it outdoors on a hot summer day.
Tropical and zesty on the nose, with a big shot of lemon blossom and a secondary note of melon. The palate is juicy, fresh and sort of lean, with lemon, pineapple and green apple flavors. Arguably tart and angular, but at least it's clean and crisp.
On the nose, it's floral and sweet, with a sticky quality to the fruit. In the mouth, it's like lemon-lime soda, with some bitter green melon thrown in. And the feel is thin and acidic. A tangy, lean rendition of this potentially interesting variety.
Light on the nose. The flavor profile leans toward cranberry, but there seems to be a faint pickled note, too. The feel is juicy and acidic, so it's fresh.
The nose is pickled and vegetal. Some cherry and raspberry fruit mix on the palate, while the finish is hot and spicy. In the mouth, this wine starts off better than it finishes, so it might be acceptable for low-care, quick consumption.
The nose smells a bit like corn. The wine is round, soft and without much edge. The fruit seems a little pliable and ultimately it isn't all that structured. Finishes with a bit of banana.
This is Veramonte's top red. But frankly, it's green, herbal and difficult to enjoy. The nose offers plenty of green olive, while the heart of the wine is herbal and only gift-wrapped with coatings of blackberry and currant.
Light, with simple pineapple flavors. Hints of green tea enliven the nose, while the finish is clean and citrusy.
Big, awkward aromas of red fruit and oak are followed by simple berry and plum flavors and even more overt oak. The finish is big and warm, while late in the game the wine turns tangy. This is one of many mass-market Merlots with few glaring faults; but still it fights to rise above basic acceptability.
A bizarre blend of lime, unipe pineapple, banana and tropical fruit marks this clumsy, disjointed wine. It's not bad, but it's all elbows, with hard edges sticking out all over.
Lean and angular in the nose, with grapefruit and pine aromas. The palate offers some grapefruit and citrus pith, and the finish is tangy, sharp and runs toward bitter. In addition, the mouthfeel is flat.
The aromas are meaty yet undefined. In the mouth, the fruit seems snappy and overly excited. The acidity is a bit out of control and it leads to questionable balance. Still the raspberry and cherry flavors are good, and the oak shadings seem about right.
This wine from Francisco Gillmore is earthy and full of tomato and leather aromas. The palate is also a bit like tomato and herbs. The finish is tangy, courtesy of healthy acids, while the finish is tannic and a touch hot.
Tomato and herb aromas are followed by red fruit and peppery notes. The simple finish does nothing to hurt or improve the wine. It's very Average, but drinkable.
The bouquet is redolent of stewed tomato, dried spices and lean red fruit, while the palate is thin and tastes like strawberries mixed with oak. The finish is the definition of light and easy, yet here a hint of pickled vegetable arises.
This is just over half Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The aromas of herb, barrel spice, black cherry and coffee need time to reveal themselves fully. The dark cherry and blackberry flavors show richness and polish. Give it an extended decant if opening in the near term but it will be worth it. It will be best from 2020 to 2027.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, wild berry, anise and a whiff of exotic spice. The palate boasts structure and finesse, offering black cherry, cinnamon, white pepper and a hint of tobacco backed up by lithe tannins and bright acidity.
Very dense and eminently intriguing on the nose, this wine shows aromas of turned earth, black olive, concentrated strawberry and gravel. Sagebrush and tarragon power the tip of the palate, which emerges into dense yet restrained blueberry and black cherry, all presented in a very appealing way.
Fleshy blueberries are met with soft vanilla notes on this full-fruited yet light-footed red. On the palate the bursting blueberry notes are even more appetizing and joined by pleasant pepper with just a hint of tobacco. There is something rather seductive about these fruit-driven reds that deliver more than simple fruit. Utterly delicious, very elegant and dangerously drinkable.
Freshly brewed coffee, green herbs, graphite and dark fruit aromas leap up from this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. The flavors are sweet, with a soft, lush feel.
There's plenty of nuance on this wine's aromas and flavors of café au lait, herb, dark cherry, plum and barrel spice. The balance is pitch-perfect with a light grip of tannins that need some time in the cellar to soften.
Made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, this lightly colored wine offers aromas of freshly brewed coffee, cocoa and herbs. Flavors are elegant yet concentrated, with black fruit on the finish.
The aromas of tobacco leaf, herbs, milk chocolate, vanilla and dark cherries are generous on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The flavors are equal part rich and restrained, with a delightful sense of balance along with a light grip of tannins.
Pure apple, peach and melon aromas precede a fresh, tangy palate with depth, minerality and complexity. Tangerine and lemon-lime flavors are pure as glacial ice, while lime and apple flavors control the finish. Drink through summer 2016.
Aromas of dried herb, cherry cola and barrel spice are out in front on this 100% varietal wine. The cherry and blackberry flavors are sweet and plump, showing concentration and depth along with dry, grippy tannins.
Two-thirds Grenache and one-third Syrah, this wine has intriguing aromas of white pepper, earthy funk, garrigue and berry. It's full bodied with the oak (33% new French) dialed back, putting the focus on the rich red and black fruit flavors.
The aromas of fresh herbs, tobacco and barrel spice seem quite locked-up at present on this dark purple-colored wine. The full-bodied dark fruit flavors and lightly chewy tannins show a mix of grace and power.
Made with Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, Colorino and Ciliegiolo, this boasts an alluring aroma of red berry, fragrant iris, anise, underbrush and a balsamic note. The bright palate offers ripe black cherry, menthol, baking spice, grilled herb and a tobacco note. It's nicely balanced, with ripe tannins and freshness. Drink through 2020.
Rooty, herbal, oaky aromas include notes of blackberry, raspberry and molasses. A layered, creamy palate has just enough structure and tannic grab to come across as firm. Charred, toasty flavors of oaky berry fruits and tobacco finish earthy, mature and lightly baked. Drink through 2020.
This is a lively wine on both nose and palate, showing velvety aromas of fresh-squeezed boysenberry laced with violet and black pepper, reminiscent of a lavender-roasted lamb. Dense, very spicy elderberries emerge once sipped, with wild sage, oregano and a definite woody character.
This wine rises up from the glass with an earthy funk, dried herbs, black pepper, cherry, smoke and mineral, showing complexities and detail. The palate is restrained yet rich, with savory flavors that linger.
Brooding aromas of fresh and dried herbs mix with freshly tilled soil, tomato leaf, coffee, mineral and spice box. It's restrained in style with supple smoke, herb and cherry flavors backed by soft tannins.
Like rose gold in a glass, this skin-fermented Pinot Gris glimmers with complexity. Aged in a combination of French and Slovenian oak, it's lavishly aromatic, penetrating the palate with tones of potpourri and spice, citrus rind and smoked tea leaves. Tart tangerine acidity lends vibe and refreshment through a long, long finish.
Full-bodied, rich and slightly warm, this assertive Tavel boasts notes of raspberry, peach and melon. It's a bold, fruit-driven style that brightens on the finish, where crisp acids and a chalky feel add texture.
This wine smells like a bowl of fresh fruit. Aromas of huckleberries and raspberries mix with dried flowers, orange peel and milk chocolate. It's rich and hedonistic in style, with a velvety texture and a finish that won't quit.
This opens with leathery aromas of earthy plum and red-berry fruits. It's medium in body and intensity, with racy, tomatoey acidity. Baked flavors are a bit stalky and echo the nose, while this gran reserva finishes ripe and easy. Drink through 2021.
Rooty, earthy aromas of cola, baking spices, blackberry and pepper are potent and ripe. Like always, this is a generous, well-balanced example of Ribera del Duero with toasty oak flavors riding on top of baking spice, plum and cassis notes. Vanilla and mint flavors on the finish are oak-based, while modest heat and burn call for short-term aging. Drink through 2019.
Escarpment's basic blended Pinot is anything but basic in 2013. There's a pleasing mixture of red and black fruit, notes of dried flowers and thyme and hints of mocha, cola and vanilla. It's medium bodied, with a firm feel on the palate and some dusty tannins on the long finish. It should drink well through 2023.
Ripe plum, iris, violet and underbrush aromas lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, licorice, clove and a hint of tobacco. Tightly knit but ripe tannins and fresh acidity provide support. Drink 2016–2022.
Ruby to the eye, this wine has an enticing bouquet of black cherry and soft baking spices. Flavors of black cherry, cranberry, vanilla, sage and orange rind are at home amid a labyrinth of soft but persistent tannins.
The oak, a mixture of French, American and eastern European, provides aromas of baking spices, pencil lead and cocoa on this blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The plum, dark fruit and cranberry flavors play along beautifully, with the silky feel adding to the appeal.
Cool, subtle aromas of cola, rooty black cherry and blackberry precede a flush, racy, tannic palate. Toasted, roasted blackberry flavors come with accents of coconut and peppery spice, while coconutty oak returns on the finish. Drink through 2022.
Produced from the estate's old-vine Grenache, this is a silky, medium-bodied rosé. It's pale in color, but bold in flavor, offering hints of strawberries, peaches and brine that finish long and mouthwatering.
Baked apple and buttercup aromas get it going in a good way, but the palate doesn't really keep the momentum. It's citrusy but low in acid, while the flavors are simple and narrow as they revolve around citrus fruits. Chunky and soft on the finish.
Open, soft, creamy, along with a candied fruit character. There is freshness here, with the acidity dominant on the finish.
Not a bad wine but definitely overoaked for what it is. The nose bleeds resin and faux milk chocolate, while the chunky, herbal palate offers pretty good mouthfeel but also roasted berry flavors. Menthol and herbal notes rise up on the hot finish.
Aromas of brick dust, sweet spice, rubber and leather are good if you're not seeking saturated berry fruit, while the palate is starchy and grabby, with flavors of stewed berry, tomato, leather and earth. Raspberry is detectable on the thin finish, but so is a soupy flavor. Decent wine with some faults.
There's a sea of basic Cabernet that comes out of Chile every year. This is very much one of the generic, forgettable ones. Expect light cherry and cassis aromas and flavors, and a mouthfeel that's mildly acidic and scratchy.
Sweet, minty and confected, with marshmallow and candied berry aromas. The mouthfeel is tangy on the surface and hollow down below, while the palate has average size along with vanilla-infused berry flavors. Lean on the finish. More than 300,000 cases produced.
Dark purple in color, but more leafy and murky than you'd expect on the nose. The palate has texture and weight, but it's also kind of dull feeling, which matches the wine's chunky, dull flavors. Decent enough, but still too herbal and challenged.
Chunky and pasty-smelling, with a thick set of berry aromas that rest heavily in the glass. Not very fruity but definitely herbal. Most difficult to deal with are the hard, fierce tannins that result in a gritty mouthfeel and bitterness on the finish. Surprising tough and tannic.
Hard, rubbery aromas fold in some tomato and cherry, while the palate is bland and fails to show much other than mildly green and lean berry flavors. Acceptable but more hollow, soupy and herbal than ideal.
A lightweight wine, almost tangy in its freshness. Wild strawberry flavors give a great liveliness to a wine that is taut in its acidity.
A structured wine, this reflects the granite soil of the Dão. Fruit from seven vineyards is blended to make this firm, tannin- and black-currant-driven selection. Perfumes from the Touriga Nacional lend lift to the finish.
This wine begins with rustic charm, and it features notes of olive, cigar box and cedar, followed by equally earthy flavors of spicebox, tomato, vanilla and pepper. The sturdy tannins and texture are softened by a wave of red fruit. Pair this with grilled lamb or burgers.
This is a fruity wine, with upfront peach and apricot flavors. It has bright acidity and just a hint of wood. Produced for the first time by Ferret, this selection is rich, open and generous, although the acidity is never left behind.
This wine is crisp, medium bodied and surprisingly firm for an inexpensive Merlot. Drink this wine over the next year or two for its potent cassis and black cherry fruit. Some rare beef will help show the wine to best effect.
A soft wine without real definition, it has an attractive fruity character, but it's missing the firm structure of the appellation. With its vanilla and apricot flavors, this ripe Chardonnay is ready to drink.
Ripe stone-fruit and flower notes shine on the nose and palate of this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Fresh and juicy, it's an easygoing sipper to accompany an array of foods.
Impeccably dry, this refreshing, brisk and light-bodied Gewürztraminer reveals delicate hints of pink grapefruit, lychee and musk. Nervy lemon-lime-like acidity lends a crisp, lean feel.
An aroma of fresh-cut pear introduces this clean, tart, fresh Pinot Gris. There is little in the way of complexity, but the purity of the fruit is impressive.
This moderately pale wine doesn't show a lot of concentration or tannic structure, but it offers charming notes of cherry, clove and cinnamon. Drink now.
A delicate, lacy style of Pinot Noir, with pretty rhubarb-like herbal shadings to the cranberry and strawberry fruit, extremely supple tannins and hints of cocoa and coffee on the abbreviated finish. Drink now.
There is warmth to this fruity, ripe wine. It shows great balance between its intense acids and fruitiness, making it delicious and ready to drink.
The Ara project has yet to realize its considerable potential. This high-end bottling is a solid, middle-of-the-road Marlborough Pinot Noir, and it displays subdued aromas of dust-coated cherries, with modestly concentrated flavors of cherry and earth and a medium-length finish. Drink it over the next few years.
Strawberry and raspberry notes come with a tart edge in this easygoing rosé. On the palate, strawberry, violet and spice notes are balanced and fresh. A good everyday choice that will pair well with fruit salad, chicken salad and cold cuts.
Soft, earthy, full-bodied wine. It has attractive red berry fruits, light tannins, a juicy wine that has open fruit flavors. Drink now. Screwcap.
Super-ripe wine that shows plenty of warm, aromatic Chardonnay fruits. White plums are balanced by intense spicy acidity with a more rounded core. The wine has a weight and richness that is cut by a grapefruit freshness. Screwcap.
Jammy, mildly green aromas of tobacco, cherry and blueberry shed clarity with airing. This blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot is high in acid, a touch abrasive and hollow in the midpalate, with green-leaning, minty flavors of blackberry and plum. This finishes acidic, with some scour.
An aromatically reticent wine with notes of mineral, apple, and spice. It drinks just a hair off-dry with tart green apple flavors and sharp edged acids making for a pleasant summer afternoon sipper.
Salinic, minerally aromas come with citrus and passion fruit notes. This Central Valley SB feels round and medium in terms of intensity, with melony, green-leaning flavors of lime. On the finish, pithy grapefruit flavors end with mild bitterness.
Sweet with 30 g/L of residual sugar, Sorelle's Muscat Canelli is light on its feet, and easy to enjoy in a picnic setting or leisurely coast through the California Delta through Lodi. At only 12.2 percent alcohol, it'll make you happy without a headache.
In much the same mold as its companion, the ghost in the machine Red, this is almost all Syrah, with a bit more bite and focus. Purple plum fruit glides smoothly into a lightly toasty finish. A fine every day red with plenty of flavor.
This is a linebacker wine, at 15.7% abv, bursting with roasted coffee, licorice and dry tannins all around. Soft, supple and round, and fully concentrated, the finish could use a bit more harrumph. The back label's suggestion to pair this wine with short ribs is a good call.
For a large-production wine (47,000 cases made), this is nice and easy to drink. Tropical fruit aromas are lightly citric. In the mouth, this is fresh and easy, with nectarine and tangerine flavors. Freshness and simplicity are this wine's calling card.
Largely tannic and bearing a lot of oak, Amador Foothill's Sangiovese is more savory than sweet, with leather, mocha and herbs rising to the top in taste.
This Maule Malbec opens with pinched, herbal aromas of cherry and berry mixed with leather. The palate is fresh and zesty, almost to the point of being lean and scouring, with red plum, raspberry, cherry and a touch of vanilla. A quick finish that's tangy is the final act.
This wine is straight down the fairway, clean and simple with medium to full bodied yellow apple notes and a touch of residual sugar.
Sweet melon, peach and vanilla aromas come with a tropical leaning. The mouthfeel trends toward flat, while modest flavors of apple and melon are supported by soft, melony acidity. While this is good, it's on the flat and flabby side.
The second wine of Château Coussin, owned by the Sumeire family, is from a parcel of vines in the main vineyard. It gives a rounded wine, soft, red fruited, crisp and clean. A delicious aperitif style.
Herbaceous in character, this a crisp, lemon-scented wine, still so young and fresh. With its tangy character, it could well age for several months more.
Classic, open, herbaceous fruit flavors with attractive light acidity and a perfumed character from the Muscadelle in the blend. The wine is fruity, crisp citrus and lively final freshness. Screwcap.
This single vineyard Carmenere from the Horse Heaven Hills is 100% varietal with notes of freshly cut bell pepper and cherry. It's tart fruit flavors are backed by (quite) dry, grainy tannins.
A nicely balanced red blend, this is high toned with smooth tannins and dark cherry and plum flavors amid a twist of black licorice. A fine wine for a crowd or easy mid-week drinking.
Crisply light and fresh, this is a bright and clean wine. It's just touched by vanilla that goes well with the refreshing acidity. No complexity, just easy drinking. Screwcap.
You might not know it from this wine's rather austere exterior, but this is actually from a warm site within the cool Yarra Valley. It's a restrained, slightly herbal blend of 62% Cabernet, 27% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot that finishes with a tough mouthful of tannin. Hold it for another 3–4 years and hope that the fruit holds up.
Made in a ripe style, this Sauvignon Blanc from Oregon-based Peter Rosback features hints of honey alongside nectarine and tropical fruit flavors. It's round on the palate; a ripe, easygoing wine for immediate consumption.
A very pretty effort, the wine's strawberry and rhubarb flavors are balanced against spring herbs and hints of leaf. The Morrison Lane Sangiovese is blended with 15% Syrah from the Boushey vineyard.
There's a slightly charry, roasted or asphalt top note to this wine's aromas, but the wine's flavors are an intriguing mix of cola, rhubarb and red berries, ending with mouthwatering raspberries coming to the fore. It's a full-bodied, creamy-textured wine that should be enjoyed over the next few years.
This is the first vintage made in the brand-new winery that was finished just in time for crush in 2007. It captures the Pepper Bridge vineyard character perfectly—pretty strawberry fruit, dappled with fresh herbs and white pepper. The aromas are pretty and clean, and the wine does not over-reach.
Pungently bell peppery at first, this wine also features enough stone fruit and citrus flavors to carry the herbal overtones. It's medium in body, and finishes crisp and zesty—a very likeable summer quaff.
A good deal in value-priced Cabernet. Aromas of mocha, chocolate and ripe berry fruit are well molded, and the palate is warm, rich and full of clean, tasty raspberry and plum fruit accented by another dash of mocha. Fruity and thick, and with a natural oak flavor.
More than decent; this is good SB with no bells and whistles but lots of straight-ahead competence. The nose is dusty and plump, while the palate has roundness, weight and likable citrus, green melon and other common, fresh flavors. Sometimes the basics are more than enough; this is a casein point.
This firmly structured wine brings out the spiciness of Blaufränkisch, boosting its structure. Beck's entry-level wine is finely crafted, the tannins and ripe berry fruits balancing well with the freshly grated nutmeg and final sweetness. Screwcap.
This is a perfectly good and honest wine, with aromas of fresh lettuce yet not a whole lot of vivid fruit. So in that sense, it is like many SBs from cool-climate Limarí. But if the nose is shy, the palate offers nice, cheerful apple and melon flavors. Smooth enough and almost round, withno edgy acidity or overt zap.
Nice and welcoming on the nose, with melon, citrus and other punchbowl aromas. The palate is graced with fine acidity, which amplifies the wine's standard green apple and lime flavors. Clean and showing no glaring issues. Textbook everyday Chilean SB; we could drink this stuff forever.
This friendly wine starts with a spicy and aromatic nose and leads into floral, honeyed flavors, a balanced acidity and a touch of minerality underneath. Pretty and poised, it will pair well with shellfish and spicy Asian cuisine.
Tight and tart, wrapped up in a core of smoky black currant fruit. The acids seem a bit adjusted, and the wine needs time to breathe open, but the main thing is that it's a clean and well-defined evocation of the almost 40-year-old vineyard, the oldest in the Rattlesnake Hills.
Varietally correct, with familiar prickly aromas along with citrus and sweat. It's pretty much all you could ask for at under $10, and with honest lemon and pineapple flavors its committed and alive. Good mouthfeel with grab and body only secures its standing as a white wine Best Buy.
The highlight of a thin lineup, Cave B's Sauvignon Blanc brings tart fruit flavors of lemon and lime, grapefruit and melon. Thankfully, no oak was applied; this winery has a heavy hand with barrels. This new bottling is young enough to retain the crispness and liveliness of the natural fruit.
Firm, tense and dryly tannic, this is a solid wine, foursquare, its edges a little rough at present. The berry fruits are black, spicy from wood, creating a rich feel. In the end, black currant acidity and freshness finish the wine with a lift.
Located on high ground to the east of Cahors, this estate was replanted in the 1980s at a high density. Rich, smooth and dense, this shows concentrated ripe plum and juicy blackberry flavors and, above all, firm tannins. Wood aging has smoothed the rough edges.
This Cabernet-led blend is compact on the bouquet, with clay, spice, balsam and rubbery berry aromas. The palate offers fine structure and intensity, with blackberry, toast, coffee and mocha flavors. It's long and chocolaty on the well-oaked finish. The blend contains 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Syrah; drink through 2017.
Capturing the dense essence of Petite Sirah, this marries deep berry flavor to a highlight of Bourbon-soaked chocolate. It's not overly sweet, but it's definitely a dessert wine.
This is a fruity, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine, with tannins that support and balance the black currant flavor. Wood aging lightly brushes the structure.
Of all the Beaujolais crus, Morgon is the one for aging. This wine, with its powerful structure, exemplifies age-worthiness. It is weighty and dense, with a solid feel, plus juicy, opulent fruit that helps to balance the wine. Keep for 3–4 years.
This wine that shows the ripe tannins of Saint-Estèphe. It has a dry, dark core that's surrounded by rich black currant fruit. Situated close to Calon-Ségur, this is a stylish selection that exudes power and structure.
One of the single parcel releases (this is numbered A307), this is a pure Merlot that's earthy, rich and smoky. Intense and concentrated, it has acidity that balances the ripe fruit. Age this wine for 4–5 years.
Full and round, with snappy acidity that brings life and lift to the luscious fruit, this delicious wine is aimed at those who like a festival of green and yellow fruits in their glass. It has fine texture and length, with a defining mineral streak that elevates this well beyond just fruity. It has medium-term aging potential as well.
Bright and spicy, this has flavors of melon and pear. Balanced throughout, it finishes with a lightly toasty accent. Superb winemaking shines here.
Earthy notes mix in with fresh Mirabelle plum notes and juicy apples. The palate is fresh, bouncy and light. Drink soon.
This is a crisply fruity wine, with tight acidity and a nervy texture. The citrus character dominates, leaving room for only hints of riper red fruits. The aftertaste continues the theme of crisp acidity.
This ruby-colored Romanian Pinot Noir has scents of black plum and red cherry and flavors of bright red cherry before a tart finish.
Lemon zest, citrus blossoms and peach aromas lead the way to tropical fruit flavors in this Romanian Pinot Grigio. It is light bodied with a crisp finish.
Aromas of banana, mango, and pineapple open to flavors of tropical fruit salad, mango and banana and a soft finish.
Pure red fruit seems to have a bruised apple edge. The palate is simple and easy-drinking and despite its pretty ruby color comes across as a rosé, with barely a touch of tannin. Chill this for a surprise at a party.
A distinctly aromatic nose tells of honeysuckle while the dry, light palate is sherbety and less defined. Drink this easygoing wine soon, while aromas are fresh.
A lovely, citrus-scented lightness governs nose and palate. The lemony streak counters the richer palate.
Earthy, leathery aromas and dense tobacco and cedar flavors make this wine a bit of a taste adventure. The mouthfeel is posh and finely tannic, and black cherry and dark chocolate notes kick in and last through the finish.
This is a good-time wine that's superrich and fruity. It's easy to drink and enjoy, uncomplicated and jammy in flavor and soft in texture.
The wine's very reserved nose requires patience to release the asphalt and blackberry jam aromas. Berry flavors show on the palate as does some asphalt and pepper. Everything feels balanced but it could use some more power and punch.
Aromas of orange zest, apple cider and yeast come in front of a plump, slightly wayward palate with citric acidity. Generic citrus flavors finish lemony but with acidic scour.
A lightweight effort with admirably low alcohol, this quaffable wine offers apple sauce flavors, hints of toasted almonds, and a touch of lemon oil. It slips comfortably into a Pinot Grigio style rather than the fleshier Pinot Gris more often found in Oregon.
Aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruit lead the nose while the lively palate doles out pear and juicy nectarine. A touch of bitter almond adds interest.
This wine is powerful and full bodied, from the cocoa and raspberry-syrup aromas to the potent blackberry and Port-like flavors. It needs to pair with some aged cheese or a juicy cut of beef.
Lightly gritty, stalky and earthy on the nose, this blend offers additional aromas of wild berry fruits, spice and tomato. A slightly heavy, grabby palate offers roasted, salty blackberry flavors followed by notes of leather and meat on the finish.
This opens with heady aromas of yellow stone fruit, white flower and citrus. The palate is a bit on the lean side, offering lime and a mineral note alongside bright acidity.
Perfumed and ripe, this is an immediately refreshing wine. With lively acidity and a delicately tannic texture, it is balanced and fruity. It ends with crisp acidity.
Jasmine and fresh-cut pineapple scents lead the way to tropical fruit flavors of guava and mango and a soft finish.
Owner Daniel Barcelo produces a wine that is soft, fruity and with a forward crispness and red fruit flavor that is generous and fresh. It is a bright, lively and refreshing wine.
Simple, but up-front strawberry fruit reigns on nose and palate of this very light-bodied red. The palate is soft, easy, dry and fresh and would take very well to chilling on a warm day.
Friendly apple fruit sits easily on nose and palate before a refreshing, clean finish. This is an easy, fruit-driven white ideal for a party.
Very ripe, very full bodied and very tannic, this wine is bold and tasty. It has raisin and dried plum aromas, a flavor that is warm with alcohol, and a mouthfilling texture.
The generous fruit flavors in this medium-bodied, smooth-textured wine are like those in a cherry-rhubarb pie but without the sugar. Light herbal olive aromas start it out.
This unusual blend marries Grenache, Pinot Noir and Malbec—in other words, Rhône, Burgundy and Bordeaux. None of the three is dominant, and the result is a pretty wine, with light raspberry fruit, and highlights of toast and coffee.
The producer ferments partially in new Acacia barrels, as well as in tank, with the result a mix of floral and fruity melon with firm acidity and a medium build. It's still very much in the throes of that oak.
Round and fruity, this opens with mildly sweet flavors of melon and pineapple. The quick finish turns flat and slightly sour.
Dark, black and leathery, this wine has an Old-World spirit and rusticity, a dearth of fruit under smooth, thick and dense tannins as well as oak.
This is a coppery-tinged, pale-flamingo pink blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot that's dry and taut. Crisp flavors of underripe stone fruit and melon provide ample summer refreshment. Drink now.
Made from the local Sciaccarellu grape, this is a delicious, light and perfumed wine. It has tight acidity to go with the red currant flavors and the crisp texture. The wine is poised and refreshing.
This is big Fleurie, dominated by floral aromas and dry tannins at this stage, and therefore likely to develop for a year or two. The fruits are dark plum, full in the mouth. The acidity offers freshness but also adds to the weight of the texture.
It's hard to find good Washington Malbec under $20. Start here. Stone Tree (Wahluke Slope) vineyard provided much of the fruit, and there is a small (10%) amount of new oak in the mix. This captures the steely core of cassis, matches it to sharp, defining acids, and hones the accents of herb and cinnamon spice to a perfect pitch.
Initially earthy, this needs a few minutes to blossom into an elegant, structured wine, with black cherry flavors, firm dry tannins and a smooth finish.
Firm and full of fresh pear and apple and white peach fruit flavors. A clever blend that includes Muscat, Viognier and Riesling. Crisp and full-bodied, with a very clean and refreshing mouthfeel that extends into a bright, satisfying finish.
A single estate run by Joseph Mellot, this produces an impressive ripe style of Sauvignon Blanc, at this stage youthful with exuberant white fruits and grapefruit, and an obvious need to age for 1–2 years.
The label says it: fermented in barrel. And one sniff delivers the buttery, toasted character of a Burgundy or California Chardonnay. Underneath the oak, there's fine acidity and blazing apple fruit, and once it finishes you get a finely baked aftertaste. An interesting, elevated mix of Treixadura, Godello, Loureira and Albariño.
A little more herbal, stalky and tomato-influenced than the riper, fresher 2005, but still an elegant, complex wine that shines a positive light on this little-known region at the base of the Pyrenees. Tobacco, tomato leaf, root beer and bouillon flavors set up an herbal, almost Bordeaux-like finish. Layered and structured to boot. Drink now through 2012.
From a single vineyard on Snipes Mountain, this is a forceful, dark and liquorous version of Harrison Hill, which often carries more herbal accents. Here it's fruity and floral, with scents of rose petals and concentrated raspberry and cassis. Still young and showing its alcohol, it needs some hours of decanting.
Quite intense, with blasting aromas of blackberry, coconut, cocoa and even leather and horse hide. It's 65% Tannat and 35% Malbec, and as a whole it's big, grabby, tight and full of blackberry and raspberry flavors that bring an herbal twist. Smoky and herbal on the finish.
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.
Deep and dark on the nose, with licorice, cola and prune aromas. The palate is chunky and full, albeit a touch soft. Saturated flavors of cola, blackberry and chocolate define it as a rich, modern wine, and the finish is appropriately creamy and stacked with sweetness and depth. A lush blend of Garnacha, Cabernet and two indigenous varieties. Drink now through 2011.
Plump and spicy, mixing mint and apple, with flavors running into riper fruits—pear and peach. This fills the mouth with luscious fruit, suggestions of vanilla cream and butterscotch, with just enough acidity to bolster it on through into the finish. It's big and thick for Riesling, yet beautifully balanced and quite delicious.
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.
Firm and polished, this peppery wine is dark and delicious, its wild berry mountain-flavored fruit dappled with earthy green tea and forest floor notes. The terroir comes through more than the varietal character; it fades gracefully into a light, herbal finish.
Now in a smart clear blue bottle, this is Aveleda's estate wine. It is always a classic, with just some extra weight to give it distinction. The flavors are apple, brightened with lime, finishing with vibrant acidity.
Aromas of leather, smoked meats, charred oak and lacquer are not for the weak, while the mouthfeel is firm, deep and just right. Juicy and bright in terms of flavors, with black cherry, vanilla and coconut. Toasty and alert on the finish, but with smacking tannins. Drinkable now and good for another four or five years.
Ripe and fleshy, this wine is firm and dry, but has extra-ripe fruit. Perhaps the fruit is too rich, leaving the wine unbalanced. In the future, it will show fewer tannins and more fruit. Corinne and Charles-Henri Gonet of the Gonet Champagne family bought Bacalan with the intent of restructuring the vineyards, some of which had not been planted for 70 years. The first red vintage was 2001; first white vintage was 2014.
From an estate just to the west of Saint-Estèphe, this wine is structured and firm. A dry core of solid tannins balances the black-currant fruitiness. The wine is firm now although it will develop quickly, so drink from 2017.
With attractive acidity, this perfumed wine has a bright character and plenty of black-currant flavors. It's not a concentrated wine however it does have an attractive fruitiness. Bordeaux Sciences Agro school uses this 55-acre vineyard for training and experiments.
This wine has an austere character that comes from the tight structure. There are only hints of possible fruit. It is likely to remain severe even as it matures.
The nose on this rarely used grape is indeed voluptuous with caramel richness alongside seared pears and vanilla. It's bright at the tip of the sip, then the denser vanilla-bean notes settle in, evolving to smoked apples and a slight crème brûlée aftertaste.
Aromas of birthday cake, fig, tobacco, soy and shitake take this lead on this blend that seems advanced. Flavors are tart and silky, with slightly gritty tannins. Drink now.
The subdued nose eventually reveals black cherry, anise and a whiff of chopped herb that carry over to the straightforward, informal palate. Dusty, drying tannins and a note of bitter sage leave an astringent finish.
From the estate Main Ranch and given 10 months in French oak, less than half of it new, this has a high-acidity backbone that lifts and balances out the wine's richer tendencies. Lemon crème brûlée provides the weight and intensity.
Aromas of blackberry extract, leather, prune and a whiff of carob lead the nose and follow through to the dense palate along with a note of bitter chocolate. It's simple but well made, with solid, rounded tannins.
This is a polished and attractive medium-bodied wine. It offers classic apple and pear aromas, and light vanilla and nutmeg flavors. Balanced a little toward softness rather than crispness, it's very easy in texture.
Blatant green aromas of bell pepper and thyme are the dominant aromas. A raw, tannic, edgy mouthfeel and herbal, green flavors are patently Chilean and compounded by this cool vintage. Mint and leftover green flavors take up space on a bullish, tannic finish.
This informal red opens with muted aromas of spiced blueberry and mature blackberry. The simple, easy-drinking palate offers mature black cherry, raspberry and a hint of clove alongside soft, fleeting tannins. Drink now.
Earthy cranberry, black tea and spicy clove deliver a combination of savory and herb, the tannins of the wine soft and subtle. The finish is lean.
Smoky wood aromas are repeated on the palate. Although prominent, they do not suppress the juicy blackberry flavors and crisp acidity. Already balanced, the wine is likely to mature quickly. Drink from 2017.
This wine is dry, dominated by the new-wood flavors and toasty character that hide any fruit. The lean structure will probably remain. The property is owned by the Kressmann family.
This structured wine also has attractive layers of ripe fruits. Black-currant freshness balances with a dry tannic core and a rich juicy texture. It's going to be ready to drink soon, so only wait until 2017.
Plum, cherry and cassis aromas are lightly charred but not really dark or dense. This shows high-toned, edgy acidity and hard tannins. Punchy, borderline sharp flavors of raspberry and herbal plum finish rough.
Aromas of herbs, spice, tomato and red plum are good but lean. This features a fresh, dry, tomatoey palate and equally dry, peppery flavors of plum and cherry. A lasting finish is bright but light on residual flavors.
Coming in at a strikingly low alcohol for the vintage, the fruit in this blend doesn't seem to have fully ripened, with strong aromas of freshly sliced jalapeño along with leafy herbs. The flavors are tart and elegant, broadening on the finish.
This is a creamy wine that has attractive fresh apple as well as citrus flavors. It has a tang of lemon zest to give a crisper edge. The aftertaste is fruity, ripe and refreshing.
Sweet vanilla oak gives this full-bodied, tropical wine its signature, a luscious taste of fruit-forward approachability that risks becoming overdone. From Vine Hill Ridge Vineyard in the heart of the appellation, it exhibits the power and warmth of the vintage.
Minty sage and cedar dot the aromatic profile of this wine that is holding on to tannin and oak with a fierce stubbornness. Tart cherry, pomegranate and blueberry give it a fruity mélange, accented by subtle rose petal and violet.
Bright cherry and raspberry flavors and a smooth texture make this wine stand out. Aromas are a bit earthy, mature but slightly floral, and the flavors resemble blackberry jam. While full bodied, it's not very tannic and has an unsually soft mouthfeel for this varietal.
This Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is all fruit, black currants with fresh acidity. The tannins are still young and firm, and need to soften. Fresh and fruity, the wine will develop quickly and can be drunk from late 2016.
Dusty minerals and hints of reed lend savoriness to fresh lemon and apple in this dry, light-footed Riesling. It's refreshingly tart and finishes brisk and lean. Drink now through 2016.
Aromas of leather, tilled soil, game and an earthy whiff of barnyard follow through to the evolved palate along with raisin, baked plum, anise and a touch of mint. A bitter almond note closes the finish.
Lactic oak and rubbery black fruit aromas lead to a wiry, acidic palate. This is limited in its flavor range, with plum and berry flavors leading the way. An edgy feeling finish with plum and snappy acidity is not too demanding.
Green apple and honeydew melon aromas carry right through to the fresh, fruity flavors in this light-bodied and round-textured wine. It has touches of butter and vanilla as well as all that fruit, plus a good balance between crispness and ripeness.
Notes of oak, butter, nuts and popcorn jump from the glass. The combination of barrel fermentation and cellaring in half new, half once-used oak makes this a wine for those who love the barrel more than the grape. Drink up.
This is a perfumed wine that has attractive strawberry and blackberry fruit flavors along with a stalky background. Fragrant and fruity, the wine is ready to drink.
A solid value, the 2013 Shoofly is an open-knit, savory wine for drinking over the next year or two. Cola and earth predominate, dressed up by hints of dried spices and green coffee bean.
Apple custard, green apple peels and a bit of barrel warmth entertain the nose on this reasonably priced wine from a highly reliable appellation. Flavors are straightforward, with ripe golden pears and lemon peels.
Concentrated violets, cranberries and plum-pie aromas show on the nose of this wine by the Miller family, who own Bien Nacido Vineyard. The palate offers cola, tart cherries, cranberries and black-slate minerality.
A roughly equal blend of Tempranillo and Grenache, this appealing wine showcases pretty pomegranate and raspberry fruit. In the mouth the flavors turn a little candied, with a gumdrop character that thickens the finish.
A very neutral nose leads to an equally neutral palate. There is a hint of earthiness and just the merest edge of citric verve, with oatmeal flavors associated with autolysis. While there is balance and freshness, this is a very straight-laced crémant.
Ripe and jammy, this offers juicy red berry and plum fruits. It has a dense character with tannins giving shape to the attractive, ready-to-drink fruitiness.
Apple and grass aromas are clean and basic. For a brut nature, this has a plump feel and fruity roundness. Yeasty flavors of baked white bread and briny apple and nectarine finish mellow and smooth. Drink now.
Leathery plum and berry aromas are foresty but also reedy, spicy and a touch green. This Malbec is full and grabby in feel, with woodsy, spicy flavors that are modest in berry fruit character but definitively spicy, dry and medicinal.
Ripe but prickly black-fruit aromas show a touch of dessicated character, namely prune. This is chunky but solidly acidic, with baked blackberry and plum flavors that finish with weight, smooth tannins and a hint of herbs and mint.
This is a ripe, generous wine that speaks of the sun and warmth of the Alentejo. It has rich black fruits, dark plums and berries, with spice and vanilla flavors. The acidity, with its final lift, gives the wine a fresh aftertaste.
While there are banana aromas, the palate is rich with red fruits and ripe tannins. This wine is soft and fruity, although a tight line of acidity cuts through. The wine will be better from 2016.
Inky, punchy blueberry aromas have a leafy, green element going on. This blend of Garnacha Tintorera, Syrah and Monastrell is tannic and round on the palate, with black plum, black currant and salty, herbal flavors. A briny, firm finish with toast, pepper and licorice notes ranks as generous.
Tight and crisp, this wine is laden with acidity as well as dry tannins. The fruit element is still developing, hints of red berries beginning to come through. It's a wine to age for several months, so drink from 2016.
This opens with whiffs of yellow apple, pineapple and white spring flowers. The palate delivers tropical fruit and white peach alongside crackling acidity and persistent, vigorous bubbles.
Stalky, rustic aromas of plum and animal hide lead to a round, solid palate with plum, cherry, herb and spice flavors that are simple as a whole. A lasting but largely fruitless finish is more oaky than anything.
Musky aromas of white flowers and mustard come before a lean, lemony, restricted palate. Melon, lychee and lime flavors are tropical and slightly oily, with mustardy notes coming back on the finish.
The reserve spends 18 months in French oak, and includes a portion of 30-year-old vines in the blend. Raspberry and cherry fruit carries a suggestion of earth, and the alcohol, though moderate, adds some heat to the finish.
With a large dose of Russian River Valley grapes, this delirious and delicious white is dark gold in color, medium to almost full bodied, with a richness overridden by bright floral notes of apple blossom and pear. It finishes in a flurry of oak and vanilla, and was aged in new and used French and American oak.
This tight and mineral wine reflects the granite terroir on which it is grown. It was made with semi-carbonic cold maceration without addition of yeast or SO2. The fruit is still lean and needs time to round out and balance the acidity. Drink from 2016.
Stalky, roasted, horsey, baked-fruit aromas are mossy and muddled. Colomé always makes funky wines with true Salta character, but this one is soupy, thick and dense in feel, with herbal, savory, salty plum flavors. A dark, chunky, stewy finish concludes this unusual rendition of Malbec.
This is a beautifully fresh wine, as crisp as possible. It is light in character while still bright with red berry fruits. The acidity and the general fruitiness give a refreshing aftertaste. These are young vines so we will see what the future brings.
This is called Roble, meaning oak, for a reason; the nose is extremely smoky, toasty and gritty, with stalky cherry and cassis scents and a blast of animal hide. A racy, firm palate delivers saucy, stalky, herbal flavors of tomato, red plum and cherry, while the finish feels good and juicy but tastes woody, stalky, herbal and low on ripeness.
Light-bodied and lithe, this is not as fruity or flashy as many of its brethren from this vintage. Instead, it offers mineral complexity only slightly buffered by notes of ripe apples and stone fruit, and a long, citrusy finish. Give it some time in the cellar, where it should blossom in another 5–7 years.
Nicely balanced and nicely priced, this is a medium-bodied kabinett that would make delicious summertime drinking. It shows hints of wet stone, but also layers of sweet apple, pear and lemon fruit, which ease into a long, harmoniously crisp and clean finish.
This Cab-dominant blend with 15% each Merlot and Cabernet Franc is aged for 25 months in medium-toast new French oak, and the result is a balanced and supple red with flavors of black plum, cassis, hickory bacon, bramble and a touch of milk chocolate on the finish. Ready to drink now.
Despite carrying 12% alcohol, this is a reasonably light-bodied wine, with intriguing passion fruit notes alongside apple, melon and pear. The midpalate is slightly creamy, the finish long, bringing with it hints of crushed stone and spice.
Dark and earthy up front, with aromas of blackberry, hard spices and fresh tomato. The palate is jammy and deep, with brimming tannins supporting earthy, woodsy flavors of blackberry, moss and licorice. Flattens out somewhat on the finish, turning heavier and more rich. Drink over the next two years.
. A delightfully intriguing “White Burgundy” blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier, the last an unexpected surprise, the fruit sourced from both the Sangiacomo and Yountmill vineyards. The wine is light and yet lush, with an inviting nose of sweet apricot and apple pie, and a roundness to the mouthfeel. This would pair nicely with a buttery halibut but also stand well on its own as an apéritif.
Manfred Prüm's 2009 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is a bit bigger than usual, and perhaps a bit drier as well at 9% abv, but it still displays hallmark notes of slate, lime and apple. Fruit, mineral and gingery spice notes linger on the finish.
Very subtle hints of jasmine and ripe Valencia orange skin gently perfume this soft, subtle, ethereal wine. Gentle sweetness adds to the charm and creates a dreamy mirage of fruit and scent—what lightness of touch. This wine is best savored slowly so every shade of fruit and blossom is encountered and enjoyed.
The full force of aromatic, dried pear rises from the glass, laced with dried apricot and candied peel. The pear fruit becomes exquisitely clear and pure on the palate, which is profound but slender. The wine is dry but powerful, holding at its core all the ripeness and fruit flavor from brilliant sunlight. It almost warms you from inside and goes on and on. Drink now till 2030.
Opening with aromas of crushed violet, ripe plum and black pepper, this is one Amarone that seamlessly combines a hefty structure with finesse. The ripe, savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice, cake spice and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins that lend it a polished texture. Drink 2017–2026.
One of the firm's single-vineyard bottlings, this opens with aromas of truffle, ripe bluish-black fruit, just turned soil and a whiff of purple flower. Fermented and aged in clay vessels, the round, vibrant palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and grilled herb. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity and soft tannins.
Extended bottle aging and impeccable fruit ripeness make this late-release Riesling an absolute showstopper. Wafting of honey, mango and grapefruit, this deeply concentrated wine saturates the palate in dense, creamy waves. Shimmering lime and mineral streaks elevate the midpalate and extend endlessly on the finish. It's stunning now, but composed enough to hold well until at least 2025.
Pressed blue flower, ripe black-skinned berry, baking spice, tobacco and leather aromas come together on this round, full-bodied wine. The delicious palate offers juicy wild cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, cinnamon and licorice while pliant, velvety tannins offer elegant support. It deftly combines power and finesse. Drink through 2024.
This wine is dark and dense, very closed at this young stage. But wait for that rich fruit to burst out to give its intense acidity and ripeness to the wine. It's a powerhouse of flavors, spice and dark minerality. Drink from 2022.
This wine is dark, with a strong sense of structure. Dense black fruits are cut with strawberry acidity and a dark tension between fruit and firm tannins. The coiled power will allow this beautiful wine age for many years. Drink from 2020.
Aged in 100% new wood, this massive wine is full of dark plum and fragrant strawberries. It is also packed with dark tannins that give the wine a dry core. The fruitiness has a strongly juicy character, fragrant with acidity and freshness. The end is a reminder that this is a powerful wine. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and full of raspberries, this has a structure well cushioned by the ripe texture. The wine is packed with acidity while having a sense of floral, aromatic fruitiness. From four different parcels in premier cru, this seductive wine will also age well. Drink from 2018.
Rich notes of black currant, black cherries, pressed violets and a shred of tar show on the nose of this wine by Steve Martell of Sextant. The small-batch blend of 83% Syrah, 13% Grenache and 4% Mourvèdre mixes concentrated berries with dark chocolate, espresso beans, peppercorns and crushed herbs on the palate.
An intriguing, eye-opening blend of Grenache and Pinot Noir, this shows stewed strawberry, black cardamon, clove and wet slate on the nose. Flavors of deeply ripe strawberries mesh with black pepper, soy, potpourri and dried purple flowers on the juicy but tight palate.
From one of the top Premier Cru vineyards in Beaune, this structured wine shows concentration and richness. Packed with tannins in its center, it is cushioned by the generous red berry and cherry fruits. The wine has a finely perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
From vines close to the Sachets Premier Cru vineyard, this wine is powerful, structured and dense, despite the relatively low alcohol that gives it a lift of red fruits, acidity and perfume. It is still developing, a wine in progress, as its backbone of tannins softens. Drink from 2018.
This delicious, compelling, full-bodied wine blends luscious fruit flavors like red cherry and boysenberry with stylish, spicy oak accents and a firm backing of acidity and tannins to keep the mouthfeel vital. The fruit and softly spicy nuances mingle beautifully and seem to melt in the mouth. It's great to drink through 2020.
This lovely, golden-colored wine comes from the Dutton family's Mill Station Vineyard in the heart of Green Valley, a cool, structured appellation within the larger confines of the Russian River Valley. Heady caramel and vanilla highlights wrap around a balance of acidity and bright spots of lemon and quince. The minerality of the wine balances its intensity in expert ways.
Subtle and shy at first, exhibiting light aromas of rose petal, this wine unveils slowly to reveal complex elements of cinnamon, red and black cherry—a curious commingling that comes together nicely. From several vineyards, including Martinelli, it's medium bodied and lengthy, with plenty of earthiness to the finish.
Spice-edged, rounded notes of ripe Mirabelle with playful, teasing topnotes of peach beckon from the glass. This aromatic, fruitful charm also fills the palate where a bright core of lemon freshness provides verve and structure that also suggests stones and rock. Purity and clarity lets those peachy notes dance all the more. It has an exquisite, joyful, light touch with a dry finish.
Peachy overtones hover around the rose-petal scent of this fruity offering. This aromatic combo re-appears on the palate where it is rounded off with a little residual sweetness that suits the plush palate rather well. Here and there are wondrous glimpses of clear honey, dried peach and honeysuckle. Citrus freshness provides a lovely counterpoint and carries the long finish.
Longtime Claiborne & Churchill winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia releases his own project with exemplary results. This bottling shows aromas of cherry leather with dried sage, black slate, Earl Grey tea and elderflower. There's amazing herbal and floral intricacy to the palate, with concentrated cranberry skins, lavender and purple fruit flavors.
The later disgorging of this wine made from 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay has given it a complexity of texture and flavor that's compelling, an older golden-apple and dried apricot sensibility that's intriguing on the nose and palate. Sizzling acidity makes for a crisp, dry wine, with lengthy finish.
Crystalline cranberry, concentrated violets and rose petals and a shred of cola show on the nose of this upper-level bottling from one of the appellation's longtime stars. The palate shows graphite and dried strawberry fruit amped up with woody coyote scrub elements, reflective of the chaparral that surrounds the property.
Tart, plump cherries show first on the nose of this great wine, with pressed violet petals, smashed eucalyptus, crushed menthol and fresh tea aromas playing background. The tip of the palate is soft with red fruit before a zesty kola-nut character invades on a wave of sharp, even ferocious acidity, finishing up on wild mint herbals.
Bold, full-bodied and polished, this opens with aromas that recall violets, ripe plums, red berries and cake spices. The smooth, savory palate delivers juicy Morello cherries, black raspberries, cinnamon, mocha, white pepper and a hint of mint. Generous, velvety tannins provide the framework and add finesse.
There's tremendous black-fruit density present on the first whiff of the wine, with olallieberry jam and milk chocolate dusted with clove powder, yet also a graphite-driven lightness. The palate rides the line expertly between ripeness and tartness, with fresh boysenberry flavors and dried oregano, altogether excellently spiced.
After making wine in Berkeley for just over a decade, the producer is working for the first time with Napa Valley fruit, grapes in fact farmed by grape-grower extraordinaire Steve Matthiasson. Pear, quince and grapefruit combine for a svelte sensibility, subtle in oak and sharp in acidity, with a tangy, herbal finish.
A rustic, French countryside kind of a wine, this is deliciously reflective of a cooler vintage and the nuances the variety can display in the right hands. Meat and a shaker's worth of pepper make for a savory, sauvage taste experience that's soft in texture and exotic, with a powerful bite of tannin on the finish.
Light, clear and crisp, this is a soft, silky wine from several vineyard sources within the appellation, robust and rustic on the finish. Along the way, it exudes exotic hits of dark cherry, cola and vanilla, finding balance among the fruit and lively acidity, providing body without too much heat.
Rich and thick, this is an opulent offering of dark cherry and Asian spice, the spice popping on the palate throughout the long finish. Full bodied, it nonetheless features crisp, balanced acidity and a taste of rosemary and lavender, the perfect companion to a butterflied lamb seasoned the same.
A pure Cabernet, sleek and young, but already showing it has the stuff to age. Pretty cassis and black cherry fruit is framed in a smooth and compact structure with supporting acidity and judicious application of new (50%) and used French oak. Immediately appealing, but built for cellaring.
Flinty at first, then becoming more perfumed, with hints of herbs and berries. This lovely rosé is round and ample in the mouth, delivering a blend of fruit, herb and mineral flavors. Nicely balanced spice notes mark the finish. Drink now.
This wine gets the all-star treatment, blending fruit from 14 vineyards, and aging it in 60% new French oak. It's a substantial, muscular effort, with dark fruit, earth and tar components. A small addition of Petit Verdot darkens the color and thickens the tannins. There is just a hint of alcoholic burn in the finish.
Generously fruity, with mixed red and black berries, this Cab Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend is subtly layered with earthy flavors lightly hinting at barnyard and leather. Complex and focused, with soft tannins.
Smooth and supple, this five-grape Bordeaux-style blend is almost two thirds Canoe Ridge estate fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the rest Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot. Lovely aromas of sandalwood, spice and cocoa lead into a textural wine, with seamless fruit and barrel flavors.
Tart and bright, with an almost-jammy mix of raspberry and strawberry preserves, this concentrated, fruit-powered Merlot overdelivers for the price. Along with the luscious fruit are darker streaks of iron, coffee grounds and char, all in a classy, well-designed, four-vineyard blend.
Deep and dark, with cola, blackberry and mossy aromas. This is full-bodied, tight and tannic, with hardness that will only be tempered by food and/or more time in bottle. Tastes bold, chunky and ripe, with chocolate and licorice along with heat and tannic fire. Drink now through 2017.
A high proportion of Pinot Noir gives this Deutz prestige cuvée richness as well as a strong green fruit character. Citrus, green apples and intense acidity underpin this finely understated wine. Drink from 2018.
A simply fantastic expression of Aglianico, this opens with alluring aromas of underbrush, ripe black-skinned fruit, leather, tilled earth and dark spice that carry over to the delicious full-bodied palate. Firm velvety tannins and fresh acidity balance the juicy fruit flavors. It's already extremely tempting but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2020–2031.
Pristine peach and grapefruit flavors contrast with slightly stinky but captivating soil and saffron complexities in this sprightly auslese. Its honey-kissed sweetness pierces through a long, lemony finish. It's delicious already but should continue to improve through 2030, likely beyond.
Rich, sticky swirls of caramel and honey fill the palate of this lip-smacking sweet Riesling. It's slight in body and electric with acidity, yet its heaving, sun-kissed tropical fruit flavors persist boldly on the finish. Stunning already, it's sure to improve through 2030.
This is an impressive bottling from the Parrish family. Thick in the glass, it shows aromas of candied black currant, caramel, purple flowers and a hint of smoke. The palate is full and hearty with black cherry, clove and baking spice flavors. Its richness is balanced by tangy acidity and tannins that are generous but soft and well-polished.
One of several limited-block selections, this particular cuvée is 100% Pommard clone. The lush fruit core contains a generous mix of flavors—candied orange peel, candied ginger and chocolate cherries. The tannins have a breakfast tea character, and everything is smoothly melded and ready for immediate enjoyment.
The grandest of the Chablis Grand Crus has produced a structured, still very young, wine. With its ripe apple and Bartlett pear fruit and tight, chalky mineral texture, it will be impressive once it unwinds. Drink from 2020.
From the most southerly of the Grand Cru vineyards, this wine is firm and tightly structured. Its wood aging shows in its toasty, spicy character that will integrate as the wine ages. Its rich yellow fruit and taut acidity suggest it will taste best from from 2021.
This is a beautiful blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sanguine, ethereal currant and cranberry are twisted in game and black pepper, the midpalate velvety in texture with a gravelly edge.
As the wine's name indicates, it is made from century old vines, planted by a Burgundian who arrived in Portugal to escape World War One. The result is a wine of immense concentration, dark tannins and beautiful fruit. The vineyard is planted as a field blend, the grapes are fermented in traditional open stone lagares. It is a superb wine that deserves further aging. Drink from 2019.
Luxuriously textured, this wine combines Petite Sirah, the son, with Syrah, its father. The two get along famously, showing a balance of powerfully soft blue fruit, garrigue and a ring of smoke. Its meatiness will impress, spiced as it is in dried herb and anise.
Leaving its primo estate in the Russian River, the producer travels to a similarly minded site in the heart of the Valley of the Moon, planted partially to mixed blacks. Here, 12% mixed blacks make up the whole, offering a bright and juicy explosion of brambly blackberry, smoked cherry and leathery licorice. The finish is soft and spicy.
Exotically floral on the nose, the prettiness of this wine follows through on the palate, salty and high in acidity, with a tang of lemon peel and lemon verbena. Focused and fresh, it has body and weight within that context, ultimately finding a balance that persists on the lengthy finish.
Pipe tobacco, spiced plum, underbrush, vanilla, new leather and balsamic aromas jump out of the glass while the juicy delicious palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and ground pepper. Firm, velvety and enveloping tannins provide smooth polished support. Drink through 2029.
There's a marked tropical richness (think guava and melon) here compared to the producer's other 2015 ausleses. Plump and plush despite it's dainty alcoholic footprint, it lingers lusciously while remaining pert with acidity. Brilliantly balanced and irresistibly sweet, it can be enjoyed now through 2040.
This is from one of the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in the area, owned and farmed by Bob Pellegrini, and a place that has provided grapes Edwards since the 1980s. Spicy pine and cardamom greet the nose and palate, as silky smooth layers of rose and wild strawberry meet cardamon and vanilla. Medium-bodied, it remains complex and balanced as it develops additional nuance in the glass.
Rich black plum pudding, cigar box and pine needle aromas show on the nose of this blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from this increasingly prominent vineyard. The sip is hearty with tons of juniper, licorice and forest floor spice that enhance the incredibly lavish base of blackberry and black currant fruit. The structure is rigid in form yet polished and soft, with acidity laced throughout.
Near the town of Graton, this site provides cool-climate structure and personality to this wine. Olive, fig and minerality of the wet-stone variety are lifted by aromas of beautiful white flowers. Fully balanced, with a voluptuous edge, it's powerful and pretty.
Barrel toast rises on the nose of this cloudy, still youthful wine, still somewhat to be determined in complexity and nuance, yet undoubtedly impressive on the nose and palate. Delicious acidity is at its core, supportive of its sharp, crispness of apple, richer tones of creme brûlée and exotic foundation.
From the eastern side of Calistoga, under the gorgeous geological formation for which the vineyard is named, this wine shows complex, moderately ripe aspects of pencil, leather and youthful, lifted acidity. Grippy still, the Burgundian oak used for aging was 30% new. Elegantly refined, it'll do well with further time in the cellar; enjoy best 2024 through 2034.
From hillside vineyards on just one acre of the producer's estate, this lovely wine is pungently earthy in violet and fresh compost, its profile bright and lean. Cherry, orange and pomegranate make for a compelling expression of the variety, complemented by a meaty, gamy tease on the finish.
From the grandest of the Grand Cru vineyards, this wine is powerful and structured. Its intense white and yellow fruit gains extra richness from subtle wood aging. It's juicy, ripe and full in the mouth. Drink from 2021.
Cocoa powder is met by overfilling notions of wild blackberry and black cherry in this memorably textured and complex wine from the mountain. A smoothness on the midpalate roughs out the rockiness of the back tannins and fistfuls of supportive oak, finishing in a high-toned minerality that echoes volcanic soils and gravel.
Brushy sage meets succulent blackberry, blueberry and tar in this impressive wine, which offers generous structure and complex tannin. Though juicy and decidedly enjoyable now, it will benefit from further cellaring; best 2022 through 2032.
This full-bodied, almost liquorous rendering of Mourvèdre is packed with fruit, power and finesse. Aromas of smoke, vanilla and graham crackers frame flavors of jammy blackberries and cassis. These finish with some alcoholic warmth yet remain plush and elegant. Drink now–2025.
Fermented in clay amphora, this fascinating orange wine opens with alluring aromas of dried yellow stone fruit, baking spice, aromatic herb, pressed yellow flower and a balsamic note. Boasting more fruit and flavor than many other wines in this genre, the savory enveloping palate presents apricot, yellow peach, candied nectarine zest, crystallized ginger and a hint of flinty mineral. Tangy acidity provides balance and lift while a honeyed note closes the lingering finish. Simply gorgeous.
There's a thrilling, ethereal lightness to this feather-weight eiswein. Its luscious melon and mango flavors are dizzying with sweetness, but a laser shock of acidity anchors the midpalate neatly. The finish is slick, lingering on a waxy, caramel tone. Gorgeous now, it should continue to drink well for decades.
Mineral and black pepper flavors help this dry and full-boded wine stand out from the pack. It has lightly earthy, smoky aromas and bold fruit flavors supported by firm tannins and acidity.
This desirable appellation wine hails from several well-farmed vineyards, including the producer's hillside Wildcat Mountain site in the Petaluma Gap. Apple blossom aromas lead to a taut body of ripe, balanced fruit—an exploration of pineapple and mango that's food-friendly, with high-toned acidity.
This rich, chocolaty blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties with 24% Petite Sirah. Deep red cherry and cassis flavors form its juicy core—a full-bodied expression accented by leather and espresso, and offset by a showy backbone of acidity.
Round and fruity, this mixes sweet berry with red plum and Bing cherry. Orange-peel highlights lift the midpalate. The wine shows excellent balance and a detailed, lingering finish.
This is sourced from old vines, and brings typically intense, phenolic aromatics in a dry, extended and lingering style. Citrus-rind scents and dried-apple flavors abound, and it's textural and persistent, though not what you'd call fruity. The length and development are its best attributes.
Clarified butter and lemon rind notes combine on the entry of this estate-grown wine. Spicy, salty acidity and a subdued crisp-apple flavor contribute to its light, tangy finish.
A bittersweet apple element gives this wine an intellectual component, tempering its richer crème brûlée-like flavors. Medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, it shows off the estate vineyard site well, in a well-regarded vintage.
Lovely apple fruit plays on the nose. The palate is very light and dry, but has a slightly bitter edge that suggests that this might be better with food than as an apéritif. The finish is beautifully dry and invitingly tart.
A blend of 45% Malbec, 34% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, there are some upfront notes of game, leather and cured meat that add interest to the black plum and cherry core. The palate is plush and broad, but not flat, with soft, approachable tannins and pleasant dark berry and plum flavors that are lifted by ample acidity. Drink now–2020.
Barrel aromas are at the fore, with notes of vanilla, cocoa and milk chocolate out in front of blackberry and black cherry. The palate also mixes fruit and barrel, showing pleasing depth of flavors and intensity along with a silky texture.
Aromas of butter, vanilla, corn silk and tropical fruit lead to barrel-forward, oak-laden pineapple flavors that intertwine through the finish. For the style, it's well done but the oak is pretty intense.
This wine comes from top sites Canoe Ridge Estate, Champoux, Seven Hills and Wallula. An intriguing blend of 43% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, it offers high-toned aromas, with notes of toasty spice and herb in front of raspberry and cherry. Supple and well balanced, the fruit flavors show poise and length.
Eucalyptus, Bay laurel and other herbal aromas dominate the nose of this wine, making way for black tea and cola flavors. Full-bodied and robustly ripe with powerful tannin, it's ultimately earthy and complex.
This cuvée has a steely quality. The fruit hits solidly on raspberry, with a nice tang to the acids. It's still tight, focused and young, suggesting that further bottle age will lead to further improvement. It has a light touch of caramel in the finish.
This wine presents an interesting mix of herbal, citrus and stone-fruit components. Lemon pepper and grapefruit, with a touch of Satsuma orange, all stand out. A slick lick of caramel carries on the finish.
Intense aromas of inky, leathery black fruits announce a full, saturated palate that's bolstered by tartaric acidity. Plum, blackberry, raw oak and salty flavors are chocolaty on a finish. Drink through 2019.
Oaky, concentrated black-fruit aromas feature notes of graphite and savory earth. This Monastrell is deep, jammy and textured on a full-bodied palate. Spicy oak and black-plum flavors finish toasty, with hints of baking spices and dried herbs. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of pressed honeysuckle and orchard fruit lead the nose while the vibrant savory palate doles out ripe peach, yellow apple and a hint of lemon zest. An almond note lends a pleasantly bitter finish.
This voluptuous wine offers concentrated golden honey, baked apricot and pear notes, with integrated oak. Made in a full-bodied, creamy style that's hard to resist, it has a looming acidity that works behind the scenes to provide balance.
This intensely ripe wine is made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Malbec and Merlot. Its waxy cherry, currant and blueberry flavers are laced wtih milk chocolate and smoky oak richness, a dash of high-toned acidity sparking on the finish.
On the nose, this smells a touch yeasty and bready, similar to Saltine crackers. The mouthfeel on this sparkling wine is crisp and right on. Slightly bitter white-fruit flavors come with a dusting of white pepper and a lingering lime note on the dry finish.
Here is another great value from the Milbrandt brothers, based upon their impeccable vineyard sources (they own 1600 acres, mostly in the Wahluke Slope AVA). Dense and dark, ripe and compact, this Cab/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend brings plenty of macho and muscle, layers of black fruits, black smoke, black tea and black olives. Get the idea? It's a beautiful effort, and really shines at this price point.
Like all of the 2006 Garden offerings from Two Hands, this one is full-bodied, creamy and makes a slightly sweet impression on the palate because of its combination of high alcohol (15.2%) and superripe fruit. Cedary, spicy oak accents raspberry and cassis flavors, which persist on the long finish. Drink now–2011.
Beautifully rich for such a lowly appellation in the Burgundy hierarchy. It is soft, open, dense, with ripeness and balancing acidity as well as flavors of pineapple and citrus pointing up the richness, just touched by wood.
A wood-dominated wine, this has spice, high toast and grilled red pepper and hot cherry flavors. The tannins are rich, sweet, layered over pepper and mineral flavors. This is a wine that would benefit from 2–3 years' aging. Screwcap.
The bold aromas are chili peppery, just hinting at riper fruit below, but the flavors are reversed, with peach and pineapple in the lead followed by peppery notes. This medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc ends on notes of grapefruit and jalapeno; really good for the price.
Ultra smoky and baked, with aromas of campfire, berry marmalade and fine herbs. At 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, this is rich but balanced. It shows a cushioned mouthfeel and lively flavors of black cherry, cola, chocolate and even some cumin. Finishes roasted and firm, with a backbone of tannins. Drink now through 2011.
The wood is too much for the fruit with this wine. At this stage in its development, there is a bitter, high toast character that dominates the white fruits. Underneath all this toast, there are hints of fresh apples and cream flavors. Give it at least a year.
Most 2006 Chilean Chardonnays are past their prime, but Montes Alpha still shows vitality along with rich aromas and flavors of pear, banana and barrel-driven toast. The feel is smooth and pure, while the flavors run straight to ripe apple, banana nut bread and buttered toast. Firm and holding steady on the finish, although it's probably best to drink immediately while the wine is still kicking.
A vivid, fresh and fragrant wine, this is alive with a luscious mix of flavors from the intriguing mix of grapes, including Syrah, Dolcetto and Barbera. Lots of strawberry, sweet cherry candy and lively, juicy acids make this a standout. There are more and more well-made red blends selling at this price point in Washington, but this goes right to the top.
A rounded style of wine, its texture full of warm fruits, pear, apricot and some lime juice to give a fresh edge. It is full of flavor, with apples and cream flavors, layered with crisp, tight acidity, but all within the context of a full, dense wine. Glass stopper.
Lots of big fruit is what defines this easy-to-like wine. The nose throws off equal parts cassis, raspberry and plum, while the palate is saturated and dense, with pleasing cassis, plum and chocolate flavors. Given that the price is under $15 and production was 150,000 cases, it's hard to register any complaints. This is your classic Best Buy Cab all the way around.
Warm wood and spicy flavors are the hallmark of this smooth, elegant Blaufränkisch. The ripe fruit flavors show black plums, dark figs, and cranberry tannins. The wood, polishing the rough edges of minerality, fits the texture well.
A bit of leather and barnyard marks this Cabernet Sauvignon's nose, but it does not mask the plum and black cherry notes. The finish is layered with dark chocolate and espresso flavors.
Intensely green and herbal on the nose, this has penetrating flavors of gooseberry, lavender, mint and grass. This Sauvignon Blanc, which was aged for two years in French barrique, is textural, with its hints of green-tea-like tannin.
This is a balanced Zinfandel, and it offers elegant acids and burly red and black fruits. It's a structured effort, and it emits a subtle spice character. This will pair well with foods like pizza and pasta.
There's a change in the 2011 blend: There's no Roussanne, and it's almost one-quarter Marsanne. It's a tight, steely wine, with bracing acidity and citrus rind flavor, which is reflective of the vintage. Grapefruit and Meyer lemon notes come into play, and it remains balanced through the finish
Made from grapes planted in 2006, this Syrah reflects its young-vine fruit in the form of light, primary, somewhat grapy flavors. It shows traces of herb and tobacco, which are balanced by tannins. All in all, this a promising start for this new vineyard block.
This is a ripe and rich Chardonnay, with exuberant fruit notes of pineapple and peach laced with sweet orange acidity and soft toast flavors. The lush palate is full but balanced, with a richness that carries through to the softly nutty finish.
This is a tried-and-true Washington blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. It is still pulling itself together, and it marries moderately ripe fruit to herb and green tea elements. The tannins are astringent, and there is a hint of leather on the finish.
Redolent of intense grapefruit and pineapple, this is a classy, fruit-driven single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Although this is aged entirely in stainless steel, there is a hint of cracker on the finish.
Baga can be a shock to the palate because of its tannins. But this wine seems to have fruitiness to offset the intense, dry texture. It shows black currant and herb flavors, which come laden with spice on the finish.
Violet, black fruit and cedar notes lead this poised red. The palate is plush, but finishes clean and dry. Subtle, clean and focused, it's a good wine to savor alone or with steak.
This was fermented using dried Sangiovese and Barbera grapes, which were sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Smooth and spicy, it has sweet tomato, red apple and Italian herb flavors, supported by firm acids.
Despite having 12.5% alcohol, the palate impression is not sweet. Instead, it's bright and tangy, with flavors of citrus pulp and citrus rind. Notes of orange and tangerine dominate the bright, bracing finish.
There's not a lot of old-vine Grenache in California, so this Horse & Plow selection made from Testa Vineyard fruit is worth the hunt. It's a bright, food-friendly wine, and it offers light layers of raspberry and violet flavors.
Pristine honey and tangerine sweetness falls on the palate in a delicate filigree here. It's breathtakingly light in body, yet unctuous and concentrated. Sunny citrus acidity leads a long, slightly spicy finish.
There's a very focused darkness to the nose of this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot, with black olive, char and graphite adding to the depth. That midnight sensation continues to the palate, where blackberry and blueberry flavors benefit from touches of vanilla, star anise and more slate-driven minerality.
This vineyard designate made from 777 clone Pinot Noir was fermented in single-use barrels and aged in neutral wood. It's graceful, seductive and loaded with baking spice, cinnamon toast and mocha highlights. It's drinking beautifully at the moment, so no need to wait.
From a small Lisboa vineyard owned by Rocim's Catarina Vieira, this wine is a rich blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. It offers concentrated tannins and solid texture. At the same time, the black-currant fruit adds a great lift of juiciness and acidity. Drink the wine now.
Sémillon weaves its magic as a grape that attracts noble rot. This wine that comes from some of the higher-elevation Douro vineyards is rich with honey, dried apricot and intense acidity. The classic dry edge of the botrytis is very evident in this ripe, ready-to-drink wine.
A field blend dominated by old-vine Touriga Nacional, this is a richly endowed wood-aged wine. It is dark and concentrated, packed with juicy black fruits and acidity. The tannins support the ripe fruitiness. Drink this generous wine from 2018.
Blending 77% Petite Sirah and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon from a field blend of 80-year-old head-pruned vines, this tiny-production effort is impressively light on its feet, aged in all neutral French oak. An abundance of white pepper jumps from the glass as waves of violet, leather, tobacco and earth surround the rich round palate that is braced in strong underlying acidity.
Firm and steely in structure yet decadently fruity, this light-footed Spätlese offers substance and pleasure in spades. Luscious yellow-peach and tangerine flavors are plush on the palate but balanced judiciously with racy acidity and a deep tang of minerality. Gorgeous already but could hold well through 2021.
Styring releases their wines with plenty of bottle age and doesn't shy from high alcohol. The level of ripeness in this bottling is not for everyone, veering more toward Zin-like power than Pinot Noir elegance. It's lushly aromatic, with dominant pine needle and raspberry extract flavors. A dense, concentrated and pungent wine with a spicy top note.
This wine is explosively juicy in black cherry and pomegranate, finding a way to offer fruity tartness alongside an intensity of savory complexity. Big boned and concentrated, the layers of flavor are complemented by a luxuriously velvety texture.
Blackberry, cassis and floral aromas are the lead actors on a musky nose. This ripe Malbec feels thick and syrupy, while rich flavors of blackberry, cassis, chocolate and mocha finish smooth but shy. For such a big wine, this is light on tannic bite. Drink through 2021.
This well-integrated wine is full of black plums and stylish tannins. The structure is all there, giving firm tannins as well as richness. It is already a beautiful wine, ripe, solid and with excellent potential. Drink from 2026.
Beautiful black-cherry fruit meets with touches of caramel and liquefied violet on the well-integrated nose of this bottling from the oldest Syrah planting in Santa Barbara County. The flavors are still a bit wound up, even four years on, but the black-currant, lavender, rosemary and charred-beef elements should rise above the wine's firm sticky tannins soon. Drink 2018–2023.
From the wilds of Atlas Peak, this lovely wine is dense and concentrated in mountain fruit and lengthy tannin—the oak and weight well-integrated and complex. Pie crust, vanilla and clove provide a sultry luxury and invitation.
Rich aromas of baked black plum meet with hibiscus, mint and a perfume-like lavender oil on the nose of this blend of 41% Dolcetto, 33% Refosco and 26% Nebbiolo. It's very flavorful yet not heavy on the palate, with crushed blueberry, gravel and lilac flavors. The vibrant acidity will allow these elements to converge in years to come. Drink 2018–2028.
Still young, stiff and unyielding, this mixes stem and bitter herb flavors with brambly blackberry fruit. Streaks of espresso and dark chocolate emerge on the finish. It's well-balanced, detailed and layered, with a dominant savory side.
This is a balanced blend of seven grapes, headed by Bairrada's own Baga. It is this grape that gives the tannins and tight acidity that dominate this structured wine. Its potential is considerable, with its texture still evolving. The black-currant fruits at the end are crisp and will soften with age. Drink from 2019.
This is a boldly jammy uninhibitedly ripe wine—a mix of compost, old barn, jammy raspberry and prune. The size and structure work well together, with toasted oak supporting brawny texture and grip.
Inky aromas of black fruits include hints of graphite. This feels lush and dense, with fairly soft tannins. Blackberry, beef jerky and leathery notes comprise the flavor profile. Notes of coffee and chocolate grace a ripe, rich finish. Drink through 2021.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this delicious wine opens with ripe black plum, carob and Mediterranean brush aromas. The smooth, chewy palate doles out layers of juicy blackberry, ripe Morello cherry, clove and white pepper flavors. A licorice note closes the finish while fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Enjoy through 2022.
From old vines and only produced in top vintages, this ripe perfumed wine is impressive. Rich with tropical fruits, layers of vanilla and acidity, it is full, up-front and packed with concentrated flavors and textures. Like many wines from this appellation, it can age and will be better from 2019.
This delicious wine shows focused black cherry, cola, cream soda and baking spice flavors. It's perfectly balanced, with all components in proportion and settled nicely together. Drink now through 2022.
The biodynamically grown fruit that has gone into this ripe impressive wine has given great richness. It is structured while full of yellow fruit and an opulent character. The wine is still young, still full of baby fruit and will be superb from 2018.
This Nero d'Avola opens with mature black cherry, cinnamon and toasted almond aromas while the fresh, structured palate delivers juicy blackberry, raspberry jam and white pepper notes. Fresh acidity and polished tannins lend balance and a smooth texture. Enjoy through 2024.
Austere and elegant in its cool-climate, light-bodied way, this wine is dark and brooding nonetheless, offering a wild bramble of berry and rhubarb flavors. Firm in tannin and subtle in oak, it is dotted in black-tea and savory forest-floor edges.
This top tier effort captures all the most distinctive characteristics of good Oregon Pinot Noir. Black cherry fruit, a liberal dash of cola, a touch of sassafras and a dusting of baking spice combine in a burst of flavor. Delicious already, it will drink well for another half decade or longer.
A bold wine, this is full of ripe tannins and black-plum fruits. The local Baga grape dominates the blend, giving its special style of firm tannins that are integrated into the rich fruits. The wine will be best from 2018.
Wonderful richness, depth and concentration make this full-bodied wine a standout. Rich berry and cherry flavors are densely packed within a velvety viscous texture that soothes the palate and clings to the sides of the mouth. A long finish completes the picture.
This fascinating medium-bodied wine has a wild streak that first brings rhubarb and forest-floor aromas, then deep dark flavor nuances like mushroom, black cherry and more tangy rhubarb. It has good acidity and fine-grained tannins to support all that complexity. It offers all the complexity one looks for in a Pinot.
There's a nice weight and intensity to this wine, especially for a grape that is often deemed innocuous and light. Apple and pear skin tones offer tension to the fuzzy-textured palate, with a vein of citrus keeping everything in focus.
Citrus blossom and peach aromas open while the zesty palate offers rennet apple, lemon drop and almond. Crisp acidity and a mineral note lead to a tangy finish.
This uncommon Alsatian variety seems to do well in the equally cool-climate of northern Michigan. Steely-lemon focused, with salty cheese rind and sea spray notes, this light-bodied white is given a bit of breadth from eight months aging in neutral French oak.
Cherry, vanilla and liqueur notes show on the nose of this wine, which starts off with very dense aromas but shows zesty cherry skins too. It's juicy and spicy on the palate, with relatively light body and a boisterous acidity, proving quite appropriate for everyday drinking.
Lemon, mineral dust and quince aromas lead the invigorating nose. The light-bodied palate is snappy with acidity, yet balanced, and shows juicy lemon-lime upfront. While short, the finish is quinine in nature, making this zesty sipper a perfect partner for briny shellfish.
White spring flower and yellow stone fruit aromas lead the nose. The lively, straightforward palate shows peach and a hint of bitter almond accompanied by brisk acidity.
There's a nice intensity of pineapple, guava and hoppy, floral aromas on the nose of this estate-grown Riesling. Racy and linear on the light-bodied palate, tart tropical fruits meet a chalky midpalate and carry to a brisk citrus finish.
Cherry stems and red plum aromas show meekly on the nose. This cool-climate Merlot is plush in feel, with soft yet grippy tannins offering support to a palate of fleshy plum and tart currant. A streamlined mineral vein keeps the focus.
Partially fermented in barriques (20%), this opens with aromas of oak, toasted nut and a whiff of vanilla. The palate offers yellow apple, bitter almond, peach and a hint of tangerine accompanied by lively acidity.
Yellow peach, apricot and tangerine aromas lead to the tangy palate along with notes of ginger and white pepper. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, crisp finish.
The nose on this one isn't very expressive but eventually gives up whiffs of paraffin and chopped herb. The palate is more open, offering yellow apple skin, mineral and a subtle almond note. It's reserved but refined.
This lively white offers aromas of fragrant white flower, orchard fruit and crushed stone. The vibrant, linear palate delivers Anjou pear, citrus and an almond note alongside firm acidity.
This vibrant Pinot Grigio offers delicate scents of white flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of citrus. The crisp palate shows crunchy Granny Smith apple, green pear and tangerine while bracing acidity gives it a clean finish.
Aromas of citrus blossom, tropical fruit and a whiff of vanilla lead the nose while the bright palate delivers raw peach, tangerine zest and a dash of nut alongside racy acidity. A light mineral note marks the close.
This zesty, light-footed Riesling is a showcase of puckery lime, lemon and yellow-plum flavors off set by a delicate haze of sweetness. Just a shade off dry in style, it finishes moderately long with touches of herb and bramble on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
A darker shade of yellow, this wine shows poached apple, orange peel and slight roasted-nut aromas on the clean nose. The palate is medium bodied, touching on flavors of almond oil, preserved lemons, chamomile tea and coconut.
This full-bodied and effusive wine has a sweet, oaky aroma and similarly rich flavors of black cherry and blackberry jam. It feels smooth and luxurious.
Subdued on the nose, almost to the point of being neutral, this smells like mild citrus and applesauce. A chunky but clean palate tastes of apricot, orange and sea brine, while this finishes with a mildly oily texture and steady tropical flavors.
Brushy aromas of wild herbs along with cherry and plum scents feed into a fresh, fairly full palate. This is generously oaked for basic Malbec, and thus spice and resin notes share the stage with plum and blackberry flavors. A dry, spicy, resiny finish is the close.
Melon, peach and tropical fruit aromas share the bouquet on this Malvasia-Xarello blend. A crisp, citrusy palate is lean, while tangerine, lime and melon flavors finish bright, with a moderate level of stony minerality.
This lively white opens with aromas suggesting lemon blossom, orchard fruit, stone and citrus. On the invigorating palate, bracing acidity lifts yellow apple, nectarine and flinty mineral. It finishes on a tangy note.
Fresh mint and mentholated cassis aromas lift the ripe black plum and berry notes on the nose of this wine. The palate is soft and lush, with a slight creaminess that harmonizes with the ripe flavors of black fruit preserves and milk chocolate. A subtle peppery kick lends a spicy character to the finish. Drink now.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz has aromas of cherry and green pepper. Minty tones and a touch of green pepper hold sway over flavors of cherry and cranberry, continuing into the cool, peppery finish.
Nicely fruited with a mix of grapefruit, apricot and melon flavors, this is open and easy to enjoy with a range of dishes. A slight hint of vanilla butter cookie adds interest to the finish.
Dusty berry and plum aromas register as fresh but simple. This is similar on the palate: fresh and fruity, but not too serious. Flavors of plum and cherry are raw and drawing, while the finish sports supportive juicy acidity.
Hot asphalt, condensed rose petals and black cherry show on the nose of this bottling from regional pioneer Ron Siletto's vineyard. A sip enlivens the mouth with expressive, tangy cranberry and iron notes, presented with a soft and easy acidity.
Muddled raspberries and shades of darker berries carry over a smoky background on the nose. The light-bodied palate shows a round, silky texture, with red cherry and savory, herbal tones. A persistent stream of acidity carries everything along to a lingering, fruit-tinged finish.
Scents of white flower and orchard fruit lift from the glass. The bright, straightforward palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside crisp acidity.
Dark and minty smelling, this bears hints of blackberry, perfume and violet. It feels good and not too forceful, with regular Malbec flavors of dark fruit, red plum and spice. The finish is firm and slightly medicinal.
With no time spent in oak, this bright, simple Sauvignon Blanc has pear, grapefruit and gooseberry notes and a quick finish.
This manages to be rounded and crisp at the same time, giving an intense citrus flavor and a soft texture, with just a touch of honey on the finish.
A fruity wine that's laced with wood, this is smooth and lightly tannic. The red and black berry fruits are at the fore, supported by a toast character and lifting acidity Age for 1–2 years, but the wine is drinkable now.
This is grassy and pungent up front, with citrus, nectarine and apple aromas. It feels crisp and tangy, with chalky grip and flavors of citrus and green apple. Snappy and long on the finish, this is a Sauvignon Blanc-styled Viura.
This Lodi-grown blend of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Viognier smells of marshmallow, coconut and bubble gum.
Unlike 1999, this year half of the wine was fermented in stainless steel. Stylish and truly “Burgundian” character, with bright flavors of citrus and stone, buoyant on lively acids, unencumbered by heavy oak. Young and seductive, with a finishing kiss of toast and butter.
Produced from the cool vineyards at the southern tip of Africa, Hamilton Russell's Chardonnays are world-class wines, fine examples of French winemaking in a South African context. This 2000 is one of the estate's finest to date, a melange of lemon and nuts, mingled with smoky wood flavors, with a layer of acidity and structure that give it great aging ability.
Light in color, refined in the nose, and intense in the mouth. It's packed with toffee, nuts, dried apricot and other delicious and sophisticated flavors. There's dynamite fruit quality here, but it's the creamy nuttiness on the palate and the finish that steals the show.
The soft, honeyed nose is entirely inviting, hinting at the refinement this wine carries from start to finish. Though not a heavyweight, there's a goodly amount of apricot and quince mixed with toffee and crème brûlée. Scrumptious, racy and recommended for those who like good Port.
One of South Africa's oldest wine estates, established in 1692, has revolutionized its wine cellar and its wine in the past five years. This Chardonnay is typical of the estate's wines, oozing rich fruit and modern wood flavors, yet retaining a style and elegance that is as much French as South African.
While Neil Ellis's winery is in Stellenbosch, he gets his Chardonnay for this wine from the cooler region of Elgin. It has sweet, almost tropical-fruit aromas, followed through with spicy, creamy, wood flavors and ripe, generous acidity. Despite its richness, it also has delicacy, as much in the finely judged use of wood as in the clean, elegant fruit.
Young and sassy, this wine is already showing lovely nuances of toast, spice, lees and mineral. Complex, vivid and beautifully balanced, with a lot of fresh leesy texture and the tangy fruit riding on top. Classy winemaking, elegant and sophisticated.
Full of butter notes, along with toasted oatmeal and Brazil nuts, this rich, oily Chard is all about New World power, yet allied to an Old World sense of balance. Honey and tropical-fruit flavors play out on the palate; toast and tangerines extend through the finish.
Toasty, mealy aromas combine with peach and smoke in a beguiling, complex nose that resembles a fine Chassagne-Montrachet. Flavors of peach and citrus coat the palate without ever seeming overly rich, heavy or oily, extending through the long ripe-citrus finish.
Complex and intriguing in the nose, the wine is weighty on the palate and shows a fine blend of citrus, herb, melon, toast, pear and spice flavors. It finishes long and clean.
Mike Dobrovic, winemaker at Mulderbosch, coaxes a blend of open rich fruit with a spine of steel from his fruit. The wine is definitely New World in style with its creamy wood flavors, yet it also has the ability to age, which is more Burgundian in character.
Zesty aromas of bramble and alpine strawberry are laid across an underlying chalkiness and graphite minerality, making for an inviting yet well-structured nose on this Grenache-based pink wine. Ripe strawberry and hibiscus notes show first on the palate, which rides a tense, chalky line, presenting flavors that are persistent but not overpowering.
This might be the most consistent Cabernet Franc you'll find. Each of the last four vintages has scored an even 90. This rendition starts with oaky, earthy aromas of plum and charcoal. This is compact and tannic on the palate, with minty blackened chocolaty berry flavors that finish with potency. Drink through 2019.
Ripe, vibrant and focused fruit flavors give this full-bodied wine a lot of life. It smells and tastes like rich boysenberry and lively raspberry, feels well balanced and fresh on the palate, and does not have heavy tannins.
Chocolate mocha and black fruit define this full-bodied, robustly made and oaked wine from a mountain appellation. Moderate acidity helps cut through the generous tannin and rich ripeness, finding a brushy dried sage note along the way.
Toasty oak, coffee and rooty berry aromas feed into a full, fleshy but still fresh palate. Black-fruit flavors come with an accent of black coffee, while this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah finishes with toasty mocha and herbal berry flavors.
Creamy lemon curd and fresh apple notes are offset by savory tones of mushroom and truffle in this very classic Chardonnay sparkler. A laser-edged strike of lemon-lime acidity grips the midpalate but is cushioned neatly by soft, mouth-filling mousse that lingers on the finish.
Brooding aromas of the blackest of fruit, anise and cassis are followed by a velvet hammer of sweet dried-fruit flavors backed by burly tannins. Medicinal and dark-fruit notes persist on the finish. It seems slightly dried out but still delivers the goods.
Pomegranate and cranberry aromas gain complexity from wet slate and wild-thyme touches. The palate blends tangy fruit with earthy herbs, showing sage, dill, Earl Gray tea and fennel against a dried berry backdrop.
Crisp red cherry and a taste of grenadine characterize this light, bright wine, with accents of orange and rhubarb. Fruity and straightforward in structure and body, it retains nicely interwoven acidity through the finish.
Tropical papaya meets moderate acidity in this lush, creamy and voluptuous version of the variety, complemented by enough minerality to cut through the fleshy ripeness. The oak impact is subtle and plays a supporting role, never distracting from the fruit.
This is not a true fortified wine but one made from late-harvest Tannat with some added alcohol before fermentation. It produces a delicious wine with superripe blackberry flavors and some tannins. Sweet and rich, it is ready to drink now.
This is VM's big single-vineyard Pinot, but it's already very approachable. Savory overtones of damp earth, outline modest pie-cherry notes that seem somewhat delicate. Enjoy this medium-bodied wine over the next few years for its silky texture.
Fueled by loads of fresh fruit flavor, this is a full-bodied and generous-tasting wine. Tempting cedar and pine aromas lead to raspberry, cherry and blackberry notes that are almost sweet and last long on the finish.
Aromas of plum, blueberry, vanilla and spice are followed by plush, ample fruit flavors. It brings a lot of appeal, with baking-spice flavors lingering on the finish.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of freshly hewn wood, cherry and herb are followed by plentiful black fruits that linger on the finish. The oak plays prominently at times but it works.
Fresh-pressed blackberries and graphite comprise the aromatic entry to this bottling from a vineyard about 2,000 feet high in the hills west of Paso Robles. It features plenty of wild thyme, black licorice and other garrigue-like herbals on the nose as well. The palate is minty, with a strong tannic tension and rising acidity.
A sleek texture and delicious, focused fruit flavors like cranberry and black cherry make this full-bodied wine mouthfilling and compelling. It offers density and richness, too, which helps extend the lightly sweet finish.
This windswept vineyard just within the appellation, a stone's throw from the Sonoma Coast, contributes a viscous, textured experience on the palate, velvety and ripe. Honeycomb, graham cracker and green olive accent deeper, richer flavors of tropical papaya and toasted oak.
This wine has has a great core of dark-fruit flavors and dark chocolate, a firmly tannic texture that makes it appetizing, and nice balance. It's a very solid dinner wine that doesn't have to be the center of attention.
It's hard to choose a favorite amongst Harbes' 2014 Merlots but this one stands out for its finessed body and subtle spice and licorice tones. Intensely ripened black plum and berry flavors are concentrated but balanced, offset by brisk acidity and fine-grained persistent tannins. The finish is long with a meandering smoky tone.
High-toned cherry and orange dance around considerable toasty oak that never becomes obtrusive in this expansive, succulent wine. Smoky tobacco and violets provide a savory component that works with the fruit.
This wine is made from a collection of vineyards dotted along mountainous ridge lines and benchlands, most of these spots along the Mayacamas Mountains. Winemaker Randy Ullom captures a classic character of dried sage, cedar and pencil shavings here, supporting the savory with bright acidity and a strong presence of tannin. This wine could stand more time in the bottle before enjoying; its youthful grip doesn't go without notice.
At the northern end of the Ladoix appellation, this small Premier Cru has produced a red-fruited wine shot through with acidity and spicy flavors. It is juicy, showing red cherries, raspberries bolstered with a layer of tannins. The wine is ready to drink, although it will age at least until 2023.
Stewed prune, blue flower, Asian spice and a whiff of oak come together on this. The dense palate offers raisin, blackberry extract, tobacco, vanilla and licorice alongside firm fine-grained tannins. Drink 2017 through 2024.
Black raspberry, blackberry, lavender and pepper show on the deeply purple nose of this blend of 67% Grenache and 33% Syrah. Dense black fruit shows first on the palate, followed by a zesty explosion of acidity, flowery spices and cola.
This is one of three wines produced by the estate created by the late Anne-Claude Leflaive of Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy. This wine uses the very local Grolleau, grown biodynamically. Unusually this is a red wine (Grolleau is normally found in rosé). The wine is lightly stalky with red-currant fruit and intense acidity. It is light in texture but rich in complexity, and has some aging potential. Drink now, but better from 2018.
Red berry, Mediterranean herb and a balsamic note of eucalyptus lead the nose on this polished red. The poised, balanced palate offers wild cherry, cranberry and a touch of exotic spice while smooth tannins and bright acidity provide a glossy framework.
Unusually, this premier cru vineyard produces both red and white wines, both of which are made by this domaine. The wine is soft, rounded and with a ripe creamy character. It has plenty of crisp apple and rich pear flavors along with enough acidity to keep it bright and tangy. Drink from 2018.
The strong herbal edge to this wine has more to do with its youth. Behind that lies rich apples and ripe pears cut deliciously with acidity. The wine is full and will benefit from more aging, so drink from 2017.
Four parcels in the Clos du Roi Premier Cru go into this wine. It is structured and firm—a wine for aging. It has a strongly mineral character, concentrated tannins as well as black-cherry fruit and freshening acidity. Drink the wine from 2018.
Alberdi from La Rioja Alta is a slight throwback. The nose has more than a twinge of tomato leaf, wet clay, tobacco and raisin, but also maturity and floral notes akin to a good Burgundy. Meanwhile, the palate pitches tomato leaf, cranberry, tobacco and dried plum flavors. A little bit light and reedy by modern standards, but alluring as well. Drink now. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.
An icon in Australia, Mount Mary has never made a huge splash here in the States. Perhaps because such miniscule quantities are available (30 cases of the 2005 Quintet). The 2005 Quintet presents as a medium-bodied, nicely rounded Bordeaux-style blend, marrying cedary, meaty notes with cherry fruit and graced with touches of cinnamon and mushroom. It's nicely balanced and reasonably complex; ready to drink now.
Soft, savory aromas of smoked meat and pepper typify this poised red from Stellenbosch. The elegant, integrated style marries spicy fruit and minerals in a gentle but ageable package. Food friendly because of its acid balance, the wine will be excellent with everything from duck breast to filet mignon.
This fresh version of a Cabernet/Merlot blend starts with a minerally, red berry and leather nose, followed by juicy flavors of berries. Balanced and approachable, the wine has sturdy tannins and a lingering finish. Elegant but ageable.
Creamy fruit, spice and fresh tropical fruits offer an attractive start to this elegant, unfolding Greek Chardonnay. On the palate, fleshy fruit is balanced with a clean acidity and spin of spice. Versatile food pairings from creamy herbed chicken to grilled octopus come to mind.
This big, ripe wine is now past its youth. That is bringing out the toast, yeast and walnut flavors. But the acidity is not far away, coming from the taut texture, and leaving a crisp fresh, raspberry-flavored aftertaste.
A rich spicy nose paired with plum and red berry is followed by earthy, dry, French-style Syrah flavors. Classic and restrained and a food-friendly winner, the wine has structure and a lingering finish.
Crisp as it should be, with fit aromas of apple, fresh lettuce and honey. The palate is crystal clear in its delivery of lemon, apple and green banana, while the finish is vivacious and runs the distance. Quite satisfying and fairly serious given its under-$15 provenance.
Just off-dry, this is a smooth, caramel and red fruit flavored wine. It has plenty of acidity to balance its soft texture, with red currant freshness coming in at the end. Drink now.
Immensely toasty aromas overcome the light fruit from the get-go. Thin flavors of raspberry and black-cherry candy carry it a while, but the oaky finish seems way out of proportion to the fruit.
The unusually low finished alcohol suggests grapes picked a bit early. Scents of violets and light flavors of purple plums give way to an herbal midpalate, with streaks of graphite and bitter chocolate. The tannins are stiff and assertive.
There is a good balance in this wine between fresh berry fruits and a firmer structure so the tannins are present while never hiding the attractive fruitiness. Simple and one-dimensional, it is still attractive and ready to drink.
An immediately attractive fruity wine that's half-and-half Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. Neither of the two grapes' natural tannins show in this wine with its soft texture and blackberry fruitiness. It is ready to drink.
High in acidity and low in oak, this is a white that pushes the limits, reflective of the extreme, cool-climate vineyards from which it sources. Fresh-squeezed lemon is the star, the wet-stone minerality razor sharp.
Dried black cherries, a hint of purple flowers and a touch of tar show on the closed nose of this wine. The palate is also extremely wound up at this stage, with hints of espresso and dark chocolate. Although the structure is impressive, it does not allow much flavor to escape right now.
A young and fruity wine that is made to be drunk young. It has soft tannins, red berry fruits and a juicy fresh character. Full of fruit with just a light structure, it can be drunk now.
Pungent oily, tropical aromas of pineapple and melon come with a distant shot of turpentine and/or chemical cleanser. In the mouth, this is round and melony, with solid framing. Citrus and lychee flavors finish with a light coating of bitter pith. Drink right away.
Produced just north of Sancerre, this wine shares many of the fresh, lightly herbal characters of those wines, just on a smaller, softer scale. Fruity with lemon zest and crisp acidity, it is ready to drink now, though will be better from late 2016.
Floral, grapefruity aromas and sweet honey and peach flavors make this a very effusive and fruity wine. Though rich with flavor it's not cloying and is light bodied.
Aromas of berry, toast and espresso lead the nose while the tight palate offers dried cherry and a hint of ground pepper. Firm, grippy tannins give it a mouth-drying finish.
This is a severely oaked wine that sizzles and smokes with aromas of campfire, creosote, road tar and coconut. On the palate, it's concentrated but also brutish. Roasted oaky black-fruit flavors echo the nose, while mint and chocolate dominate the finish. Time can only help this come around.
Gobs of ripe fruit flavor and a smooth texture make this medium-bodied wine delicious and appealing. It smells like molasses and boysenberries, tastes jammy, and has no harsh tannins.
Lusciously jammy notes of preserved black cherry and raspberry are forward and friendly in this simple yet consistent Pinot Noir. It's briskly balanced in acidity and wraps up neatly on the finish. Drink now.
Floral scents of violet and iris lead the nose on this informal red. The straightforward palate offers raw black cherry, cranberry and white pepper alongside firm, drying tannins that leave a raspy finish.
At first, this smells almost entirely of wood and stalky berry fruits; with time, it takes on a cedary quality but remains leathery, minty and rooty. On the palate this is grabby while stalky, briny flavors of herbal fruits end rustic minty and challenging.
A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a restrained nose of cranberry and toast. It has flavors of cherry, blueberry and toasted bread with a tart note of cranberry. It is easy drinking but falls flat on the finish.
The color of slightly faded garnet, this wine has a bouquet of cassis and green pepper. Chalky tannins create a backdrop for flavors of tart cherry, lingonberry, bell pepper and petrol that make promises to the taste buds but fall short of delivering.
This agreeable and affordable wine has cinnamon and cherry jelly aromas, fresh and light fruit flavors, medium body, and a soft texture.
This wine will be ideal for picnics, or to bring a little summer to the cocktail hour in the cold months. It smells like fresh-cut apples, tastes deliciously fruity and has crispness rounded off by a dash of sweetness.
Light scratchy aromas of spiced plum and raspberry set up a racy lean palate that nobody would label as heavy. Quick simple flavors of red plum and red currant finish tangy but mild.
Made with organically grown grapes and with no added sulfites, this opens with earthy aromas of black-skinned fruit, ground pepper and a whiff of truffle. The lively, simple palate offers black cherry and clove alongside vibrant acidity.
Heavy oak aromas rest forcefully on top of plum and black cherry scents. This is fresh and proper in feel, with dominant oaky graininess and medicinal berry flavors that finish woody like a plank.
A blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz, this is refreshingly fruity. It has pineapple as well as citrus flavors, an attractive blend of freshness and crispness. The aftertaste is bright, full of lively acidity.
Lightly oxidized aromas of apple and peach are waxy and on the cusp of being stale. In the mouth, however, this is stony and citric, with orange and lemon flavors. Finishing acidity and stoniness cut through this wine's older, heftier qualities. Drink now.
Aromas of ocean breeze and white clover are raw but good. This feels round, pulpy and citrusy, with green slightly bitter flavors of citrus, honey and brine. Acidity plays a big role in keeping this afloat. Drink immediately.
The wine is soft and smooth with yellow fruits and a light texture. It is ripe, generous balancing fruit against the rounded perfumed structure. The wine is ready to drink.
The aim of this wine presumably is to show off the fruit quality from the quinta. It does succeed, but at the expense of complexity and richness. So the wine is tight with tannins and edgy with a texture that is dry and firm. Give it another year until 2017 before drinking.
Straightforward peach, nectarine and apple aromas are fleshy, as is the palate, which puts out leesy creamy flavors of apple and green banana. A leesy, low-acid finish is plump and lacks follow through. Drink immediately.
Simple, confected fruit flavors mark this youthfully aggressive blend. There's plenty of intensity, just a lack of focus to its rambunctious fruit.
No information on blending was provided by the winery; this does not show typical character of truly varietal Grenache. Rather, it falls into the category of mutt wine; a ready-to-drink, nondescript red with a stiff, herbal, earthy finish.
Seems like its best days are behind it. That said, there's still some fire in the hole and kick to this South American PG. Pineapple is the lead aroma and flavor, with pink grapefruit and passion fruit sitting in reserve. Has flow but is starting to fall apart.
Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Barbera are tossed into the blend. The result is a rather generic mish-mash, pleasant but unfocused, that turns vegetal and stemmy in the finish.
Fresh red berry fruit and caramel aromas create a wine that is all sweet strawberry, highly aromatic and just touched by acidity. There's a definite softness, almost sweetness in the aftertaste.
Rhubarb, Band-Aid and other lean, pickled aromas get this lightweight Tempranillo. Flavors of tea, cherry and pepper control the dry palate, while cinnamon arises on the racy, crisp finish. Not much richness or body, but good enough.
This 75-25 blend is pretty neutral in character; with effort, it's possible to suss out hints of fresh dill, bergamot and graphite. The wine just seems too restrained for its own good.
This cleanly made Shiraz boasts decent aromas and flavors of blackberries, chocolate and earth, but lacks weight on the palate and shows some heat on the finish.
Bright and easygoing, this features aromas of red berry, wildflower and a touch of alpine herb. The silky, lightly tannic palate doles out crushed raspberry, a hint of baking spice and an herbaceous note.
This wine combines freshness and structure. It's full of acidity and bright berry fruits. At the same time, the solid structure gives the wine balance and a fine future. Wood aging offers further support to the fruitiness of this ageworthy wine. Drink from 2017.
Made in a lighter, more delicate style than many of its brethren, this is nevertheless fresh and flavorful. Pear, melon and white peach notes are framed by hints of toasted brioche, which takes on a slightly mocha-like character on the finish.
Ripe, concentrated aromas of berry fruits and raisin announce a chunky but good palate. Oaky flavors are matched by tangy red-fruit notes and heavier back-palate prune, while the finish is thick and chewy, with just enough acidity to keep things in shape.
Floral blueberry and boysenberry aromas are forward and slightly exotic, with notes of leather and dried cheese. This is chunky, heavy and a touch flat, with grabbing, cheek-scrubbing tannins. Ripe berry flavors are earthy and show a touch of chocolate, while the finish is baked, ripe, jammy and tannic. Drink through 2018.
Accented by a light touch of honey, this attractive wine is fruity, with a nutty underlying texture and a rich body. Full and ripe, it could age until 2016 although it's quite ready to drink.
This wine by the family-owned winery on Highway 46 East—now home to a large amphitheater for rock concerts—shows aromas of oak smoke, squeezed blackberries and a just barely noticeable hint of camphor. It's evenly spiced on the palate, like a well seasoned beef roast, with dried Italian herbs giving complexity to black cherries, blueberries and coffee notes.
This checks all the aromatic boxes for Riesling, hitting notes of spring flowers, stone fruit and citrus. Then it settles down on the palate, offering classic wet stone and lime sherbet flavors that would be classic, if only they lasted a little longer on the finish. Drink now–2025.
A blend of four grapes, this structured wine shows big black fruitiness along with fresh acidity. It's still young, bright with acidity and needs time to round out. Drink from 2017.
Licorice and leather stand out in this softly layered wine that leans heavy on the palate. Made in a full-bodied, brawny style, it's single-minded more than complex, finishing in toasty oak and black pepper.
Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah combine for a tasty package that's budget-minded to boot. Opening with an intense earthiness and layers of tart cherry, it also offers brambly, gamy meatiness and a finish of black pepper. The majority of the grapes are Grenache, but the wine is as marked by the anise and earthiness of the Mourvèdre as anything else.
Delicate aromas of hawthorn, white wildflower and stone fruit mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate offers tart yellow apple, juicy nectarine and bitter almond alongside zesty acidity. A steely mineral note marks the finish.
Delicate aromas of raspberry and almond carry through to the palate along with tangerine and clove. It's balanced by bright acidity and soft, supple tannins. Drink soon.
Generous, fruity and rich, this ripe wine has black chocolate flavors to go with its soft tannins and rounded structure. At the end, acidity gives freshness and blackberry-jelly sweetness.
Plum and blueberry combine to nice effect in this wine that is dense and chewy at the beginning but yields softer textures as it goes. A sprinkling of cocoa and cinnamon accents the finish.
Given time in stainless steel only, this is a crisp, lightly golden-colored wine forceful in apple, apricot and pear. Medium in weight and acidity, its vibrant refreshment lingers melodically on the palate.
Dense, slightly soupy aromas of herbs, earth and blackberry settle in front of a flush, plump palate. Chunky blackberry flavors mix with earth and saline notes, while the finish is full and easy, with mild tannins. Drink through 2018.
Cranberry and a strong herbal component contribute an earthy elegance to this 100% Cab which zigzags somewhat on the palate, becoming fuller bodied. Still, the oak and tannins are under control and the wine is approachable now.
Intense granite tones lend elegance and complexity to this plump, cherried blend of Merlot, Dornfelder and Lemberger. Supple and round on the palate, it's framed delicately with soft tannins and a fringe of smoke and dried herbs.
Scratchy plum and cassis aromas are earthy and a touch baked. This is flush and grabby in feel, with ripe blackberry, sweet strawberry and stalky, herbal flavors. A mild finish with a jammy feel and red-berry flavors is solid and fair.
The wood fermentation has just brushed the ripe notes of this wine, rounding out the young, fresh fruitiness. It's a full wine with pear, citrus and a tangy, mineral texture. Drink from 2016.
Notes of crushed granite and slate find harmony against a backdrop of pert grapefruit and lime flavors. Vivacious and lean, this finishes briskly with a spray of orange blossom.
This blend of 45% Petite Sirah, 40% Syrah, 10% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre releases aromatic licorice and rich black cherry on the nose. The tannins are quite mouth-drying right now, but flavors of tobacco, espresso, coffee grind, cedar, cigar and pencil lead give spicy, earthy depth to the blueberry fruit.
This golden dessert Sauvignon Blanc smells mature, with honeyed apricot and botrytis aromas. The palate is alert, bright and just sticky and honeyed enough, with apricot, quince and honey flavors. Juicy acidity on the finish keeps this from turning cloying.
Cherry and plum aromas come with overt notes of sucking candy and schist. In the mouth, this is grabby, raw and tannic, with mild astringency. Cherry, plum and boysenberry flavors run sweet and candied, while the finish is baked, with loamy weight. Drink through 2019.
A well-priced, higher production Zin with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Malbec and Alicante Bouschet, this features plenty of ripe black and red berry fruit leveled by restrained, dusty tannins. Smooth and well crafted, it makes for a good house wine.
Delicate but enticing aromas suggest spring blossom, cut grass, orchard fruit and an herbal note. The juicy palate offers crisp apple, pear and citrus together with a light mineral accent. Bright acidity balances it out and gives it a zesty finish.
Labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine contains a hearty 25% Petite Sirah, which wraps it in black pepper and savory, juicy black currant. Clove and a persistent thread of herbaceous sage and cedar dominant as well on both the nose and palate, contributing an elegance to the whole affair.
Subdued aromas of strawberry, rose petal and toast come together in the glass. The palate offers bright red berry and a hint of green tea alongside polished tannins.
Faint hints of red currant join the creamy notes on the nose. The palate falls in with more fresh berry fruit and paints a picture of utter charm. The mousse is creamy and fine, supporting those tender, lithe berry notes. This is one for a balmy summer night and someone you love.
This older offering from a warm year doesn't smell like your average Pinot Noir; it's rich in berry aromas and woodsy smelling. In the mouth, this is a touch blocky, even after six years in bottle. Herbal plum, baked cherry and spice flavors finish toasty, grabby and with lingering heat.
This is cool-coast Chilean SB from front to back. Vegetal-leaning aromas of asparagus, cactus and lime are what the Paredones microzone has become known for. This tastes slightly pickled and intense, with coastal green-fruit notes leading the finish. High acidity ensure that this is super racy.
Damask rose and honeysuckle add their sumptuous perfume to the scent of ripe peaches. Balanced and bright, the palate conveys full-fruited notes of juicy yellow plums. This wine is all about fruit and blossom, spun in a web of rounded, warm freshness.
These ancient vines provide a rich and succulent wine. Ripe black cherries and rich fruit are enhanced by the tannins and concentrated texture. It is a wine that will age, although it is ready to drink. Drink until 2022.
Bountiful juiciness shows on the nose of this bottling, with honeysuckle, salted apples and scratched tangerine-skin aromas. Ripe Anjou pear, sliced pineapple and vanilla bean pop on the palate that leans tropical but gets welcome restraint from orange-peel bitterness.
Rose-petal perfume and pink-grapefruit notes lend a classic nobility to this delicately off-dry Gewürztraminer. It's bold in alcohol but balanced, juxtaposing voluptuous, mouth-filling texture against bright citrusy acidity. Fresh and floral, it finishes long with a lingering tea-tannin astringency.
This pure, chiseled Albariño is light but right on the nose, with lime and stone aromas. Crisp yet comfortable, the palate delivers nectarine, apple and other familiar white-fruit flavors. A stony finish with crisp acidity and a leesy accent is lasting and attractive.
Very fruity but nice and dry, this wine smells like cantaloupe and tastes like honeydew melon. It's well balanced, full bodied, and has a good crisp element propelling it from the palate to the finish.
This wine is half Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. High-toned aromas of dried herb, barrel spice and red and black fruit are followed by well concentrated fruit flavors. The tannins show considerably more grip than is often seen from this site. Give it some time in the cellar to unwind. Best after 2021.
Green and yellow pear notes play on nose and palate. The rounded palate shows some definition, with an enlivening vein of freshness. This wine is easy and dry, with a clean and lasting finish.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah, this is a refreshing and well-balanced rosé. Though young and still somewhat tight right now, it offers bright notes of red cherry, strawberry hull and plum skin that are framed by hints of orange blossom, citrus peel and sweet spice. Silky in texture, with a mineral streak and ample acidity that results in a bright finish.
Exuberant aromas of pressed strawberry and raspberry are cut by a squeeze of lime, a touch of pepper and a noticeable tension to the nose of this solid pink wine. Bountiful acidity frames the palate, where broad strawberry flavors and ripe orange are hit with a spicy twist.
Brick in color, this single-vineyard wine is vibrant in acidity and a taste of fresh strawberry seasoned in earth, cola spice and forest. Balanced despite a full-bodied imprint, it's an impressive offering sure to please fans of a bigger style of the variety.
This red blend starts with aromas of cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla, followed by a wave of cherry, nutmeg and pepper on the palate. The wine has an earthy character and bold structure. Pair with feta and lamb, or olive tapenade.
From vineyards planted between 1973 and 1976 comes this more southerly bottling from the Santa Cruz Mountains-based winery. Pithy and clean, the nose matches kumquat and pomelo with a touch of smoked chicken flesh. The palate leads with a citrusy edge, showing pear flesh in the midpalate and Marcona almond toward the finish. It's mouthwatering with a very full texture.
Good fruit concentration and a velvety texture make this deeply colored, dry wine substantial enough for a special occasion. It smells like spicy oak and tastes like ripe black cherries and blackberries, with a smooth mouthfeel.
Aromas of wood spice, herb, smoke, baking spice and cherry lead to pretty, polished fruit flavors. The tannins give a light squeeze.
Cream, vanilla, baking spice, key lime pie and tropical fruit aromas lead to a rich, flavorful palate, redolent with pineapple and kiwi flavors that hang on the clean crisp finish.
Zinfandel (46%) takes the lead on this blend, with the rest Sangiovese, Blaufrankisch and Malbec. Aromas of jammy red fruit and herb lead to ripe, expressive fruit flavors. It brings a lot of appeal and has a lovely sense of balance.
The Savatiano-whisperer Papagiannakos continues his mastery here, traditionally the variety used for retsina. Here, the single variety is barrel fermented and left on the lees to offer a richer expression of the grape's lemon, spice and peach notes. This is an elegant white with aging ability. Try with grilled fish, salty cheeses.
Toast, vanilla and spice on the nose start this elegantly constructed white from, Attica. The wine's lemon and lime flavors are layered with cedar and vanilla notes. An appealing pour with more years to age.
Soft and seamless on the palate, this wine offers berry, vanilla and a touch of cedar and leather. It balances fruit with more complex varietal characteristics. Full bodied, the finish is easygoing and lengthy in clove.
Syrah is not an approved grape for Douro wines, so the grapes from the small parcel at Romaneira go under the regional name. The wine is rich, generous and concentrated. Perfumed black fruits are laced with fine tannins and a ripe acidity. A wine for aging further, it will be ready from 2018.
A restrained nose with hints of hazelnut, banana and peach leads to a juicy but restrained palate where texture is as important as flavor. This wine is balanced and structured. A slight touch of residual sugar rounds out the fruit and creates a just off-dry finish.
Pear and mango soften a gravelly texture of complex, fruit-forward flavor in this floral, well-balanced wine, savory with a touch of herb. Medium bodied with crispness lurking behind the fruit, it's been aged sur lie in French and Hungarian oak that never intrudes.
This wine's fresh and boisterous nature make it great for barbecues. Aromas of blueberry jam, condensed lilacs and smoked meats are very inviting. The fruit-forward palate combines smoked boysenberries and blueberries with roasted pork, dried oregano and a unique salt-and-pepper component.
Lime and citrus peel aromas are light and innocuous. Juicy on the palate but light in weight, this tropical-leaning white delivers zesty tangerine and orange flavors in front of a citrusy finish.
This is jumpy on the nose, with raw oak, green notes and zest. Aromas of earth, blueberry and wood don't fully come together, while the palate is acidic and cidery in feel. Slightly underripe flavors of cranberry and blueberry run counter to the vintage, which was warm and generous by RDD standards.
Dusty berry aromas blend with mint and herbal notes. This Tempranillo feels grabby and pinched; flavors of baked black fruits, vanilla and dill are earthy on the finish, which is chunky but generally balanced.
Bold, medicinal and slightly stalky smelling on the nose, this young Tempranillo is jarring on the palate. Flavors of berry fruits come with oak and saltiness, while the finish is rubbery in feel and herbal in flavor.
An aromatic wine with notes of freshly cut red apple, overripe pear and jasmine. The palate drinks closer to dry than the aromas might suggest, with a phenolic feel.
This Monastrell-heavy blend hits with a ton of ripe berry aromas, Graham cracker and minerality on the bouquet. In the mouth, it's creamy and syrupy, with jutting tannins. Flavors of lactic oak, stewed black fruits and carob finish chocolaty and creamy, with mild tannins and heat.
This wine has flavors of Cavaillon melon, star fruit, kiwi and jasmine, with a pronounced woody taste. There is a burst of brightness on the finish alongside a hint of menthol.
This is a fruity wine with its typical touch of sweetness. It has lively strawberry fruits, a hint of pineapple, fresh acidity and a soft, light vanilla aftertaste.
With a typical touch of fizz, this wine is fruity, light and bright. It is dry, very fresh, full of apples and lime juice. Refreshing and ready to drink.
A fruity and attractive wine from high vineyards above the Douro valley, with acidity, red berry fruits and a touch of tannin. Made in a light, fresh style, it is ready to drink.
Fruity and tangy, this is a light and fresh wine. It has crisp green apples patterned with citrus fruits and a tight, bright texture. Ready to drink.
Rich in leather and oak, with swirls of ripe red raspberry and blackberry cobbler, this is a big-boy Zinfandel with hair on its chest, a taste of vanilla on the finish.
Whiffs of stem and smoke blow off with aeration, revealing bright lemon and apple notes on this off-dry Riesling. It's refreshingly brisk with acidity, along with a slightly herbaceous tone that lingers.
Latex, rubber and loud plum and berry aromas set up a somewhat astringent palate with rubbery, medicinal berry flavors. A note of saline appears on a firm, drawing finish.
Mild aromas of red fruits are pleasant but somewhat neutral. Flavors of black fruits come with herbal notes, and on the finish, this blend of several grapes has a good feel and solid flavors of minty berry and oak.
At less than $30, this entry-level beerenauslese is an exceptional value. Savory and sweet play hand-in-hand on the nose and palate, balancing notes of dried herb and with unctuously sweet orange and pear. Dusty saffron and herb tones are quite pronounced on the palate, but the finish is vibrant, with hints of lemon and tangerine zest.
This soft, fresh Sauvignon Blanc just hints at herbaceousness and brings out riper fruits, peaches and red apple skins. A ripe and warm wine, it is ready to drink now. Screwcap.
Initial aromas include prune, chocolate and toasted oak. Oak takes center stage on the palate along with wood-driven sensations of vanilla and chocolate. There's not enough fruit to support the oak or the bracing tannins.
The scene is set by the natural herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc. They follow through to the green, crisp flavors of the wine. However, it also has a more sunny feel, more tropical in character at the end. Ready to drink now.
Bright, ripe red plums predominate in this wine that tastes very young, intensely fruity and veering towards dryness. Rich and juicy, it is still developing its mature velvet character. It should lose some its primary fruits and become more balanced, so wait until 2016.
Delicate quince and apple aromas are fringed with foresty notes of pine needles on this bright, medium-sweet Riesling. It's brisk and breezy on the palate, with sweet apple flavor struck with vivacious lemon-lime acidity.
Black currant, cedar, prune, spice and just a whiff of barnyard lead the nose on this young Amarone. The dense palate delivers baked plum, stewed prune, nutmeg and clove alongside tightly-knit, bracing tannins. It finishes on an astringent note.
This is reduced and cedary up front, with hard black-fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is big but loose, with strong tannins supporting oaky flavors of prune, cocoa, coconut and licorice. It finishes minty and dark, with graphite overtures.
Dusty, earthy berry aromas are solid and pure. This is a juicy, lively organic wine with good weight and balance. Spicy, peppery flavors of oak and berry fruits finish with mild heat and dry spice notes.
Ripe and perfumed, this has great fruitiness and crisp acidity that suit the delicate texture. The wine is completely ready to drink.
This is aromatic and, yes, exuberant in its bright fruitiness and total freshness. It's crisp with a cool character that is expressed in the layers of citrus that dominate the wine. At the end, a tangy texture offers a tight aftertaste.
Aromas of tomato, balsamic black fruits and beef stew announce a blocky palate that's flat in feel. Flavors of pepper, prune and stewed blackberry finish dark and rubbery, and overall this is ripe but lacking in structure and mouthfeel.
Mossy, foresty aromas are rugged and settle into blackberry. An intense, pushy palate is woody in feel, with hot, minty, oaky black-fruit flavors that improve with airing. Heat and toasty notes rise up on the finish of this bold Mendoza Malbec, a first from San Pedro (Chile).
This is a crisp style of Chablis, bringing out a steely side while keeping fruitiness to the fore. Apple and freshly sliced melon are given texture by the citrus zest and bright acidity. Drink now.
The deeply extracted nose offers plum liqueur, cola and cedar. It proves rich and juicy once sipped as well, with prune, berry syrup, licorice and mocha combining for a very big Pinot Noir.
The oak (40% new French) seems a bit overweighted for the fruit that is in the glass, delivering notes of char in front of popcorn butter (full malolactic fermentation) and peach. Some interesting things are going on but they don't quite all hang together.
Though just five years old, this wine seems advanced, with notes of pencil box, leather, dried orange peel, mesquite and brown spices. There's still plenty of juicy acid to be had that provides interest with some grit to the tannins.
Leathery, exotic aromas of blueberry and spice are not too oaky or generic. This is compact and tannic in the mouth, with structure. Flavors of spicy blueberry and pepper darken up on the finish, which is ripe and full but also hot in feel.
Touches of warm radiator dust and minerality accent citrus aromas. In the mouth, this is juicy and stony, with flavors of pithy green citrus and peach pit. The finish is solid and just crisp enough.
From one of the small wine areas close to Chablis, this delicious, steely, crisp wine has fine acidity and a tight texture. It's cool, fresh and refreshing with a light, dancing aftertaste.
Whiffs of pollen, saffron and spring ramps lend a savory tone to this semi-sweet Riesling. Waxy orange-peel and tangerine flavors brighten the palate, along with a nervy streak of lemon-lime acidity on the finish.
Curious hints of sweet spice and chocolate accent yellow plum and cherry flavors in this slightly off-dry Riesling. The palate boasts a penetrating array of fruit-salad flavors highlighted with a streak of lemon and lime. Finishes moderately long.
For the wine and its fruit, there is too much firm extract here. It brings out very dry tannins and licorice flavors that cover the fruit. It's going to be a difficult wine to soften.
Earth, leather and spicy berry aromas feed into a bright, juicy palate with a mix of herb, berry and oak flavors. A minty, lightly oaked finish displays crisp acidity, freshness and mild heat.
Round and fruity, open and broad, this is a perfectly sound sipping white, without any particular focus or varietal specificity.
Honeydew melon and a touch of cream on the midpalate of this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay add a hint of luxury. Lightly toasted oak notes are pleasantly balanced along with a fresh, clean acidity.
A Gentil is a blended wine, and this wine brings together Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. The result is an harmonious whole, soft with good acidity, a touch of spice and ripe peach and white currant fruit.
Opens with bell pepper and celery stalk aromas and then come raisin, roast plum and carob bean scents. The palate is a bit narrow and acidic, with baked berry and herbal flavors. Pretty standard and a touch green as a whole.
Hints of spice, smoke and fennel add dimension to the honeyed stonefruit palate on this off-dry Riesling. Quite round and rich in body with a pleasantly dry finish.
Bitter cherry flavors mark a wine that is light in texture, with attractive acidity and a soft, fruity red berry finish. Not for aging.
A little rough and oily on the nose, with citrus and green notes. The palate is soft and melony in feel, with banana, papaya and other tropical flavors. Sweet and melony on the finish; won't last for very long.
Toasty and oily smelling, with baked apple aromas for fruit. The palate is medium in intensity and round, with standard peach and apple flavors. Finishes soft, sweet and a tiny bit mealy. Drink soon.
Brisk and lean with a crisp red currant and plum profile, this dry, medium-bodied Cab is pleasantly structured with sturdy tannins and a fresh, herbal midpalate. A bit lacking in intensity and depth, and the finish fades out quickly, but on a sweet vanilla-kissed note.
Very sharp and acidic, with a powerfully grassy core. It might be thought of as Loire valley-style Sauvignon Blanc, but without the minerality. Herb and lemon rind flavors dominate.
From an Umpqua Valley vineyard, this solid and fruit-driven Pinot Gris needs a little more bottle age to come together. The pear fruit flavor is there in abundance, but some off-notes creep in, damping the finish.
The label says California but these grapes are from Clarksburg, near Lodi and for Pinot Noir, leave a little to be desired. Mostly fruit, the wine's aromas and flavors are fairly simple and oaky. There's not much saying Pinot Noir specifically here.
From a multiplicity of vineyards, this wine works and is a tremendous value for the price. It mixes hot mulled-cider spices, cinnamon, clove and pine forest, conveying surprising depth. Plum, dark cherry and more clove lead to a powerful, leathery finish.
Forest floor, mature berry, wild herb, clove, smoke and pressed flower aromas come together on this bright red. The taut palate delivers ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper set against firm, polished tannins.
Red berry, rose, blue flower, tilled soil and Alpine herb aromas set the pace on this luminous red. The firm palate is still young and closed but already shows ripe red berry, wild cherry, mocha anise, clove and a hint of toast. Youthfully assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity lend structure and balance. Drink 2019–2029.
From a vineyard in the heart of the appellation comes this bottling that's redolent with hibiscus, Earl Grey tea, orange rind, black cherry, spiced plum and fennel bulb on the nose. The palate plays a bit lighter, with brisk cranberry, more hibiscus and lots of cola, proving quite light and easy to sip though well structured as well.
Surprisingly shy in aromas at first, this eventually releases pleasing elements of mace, nutmeg, star anise and red cherry. The palate is softly lush and earthy, with black rocks, heavy black plum, hoisin sauce, boysenberry and a cola character. With quite strong structure, this will smooth and grow more delicious with time. Drink 2018–2028.
Heavy oak is a major theme on this full-bodied Malbec that's cool and woody to start, with aromas of vanilla and sweet plastic along with ripe blackberry and cassis. Wall-to-wall huge in mouthfeel, this tastes mostly of toasty oak, with blackened, charred berry, mint and peppery flavors in the backdrop. In time look for the oak to settle and the fruit to emerge. Drink through 2021.
Principally Pinot Noir, the blend includes 25% Pinot Meunier and a splash of Chardonnay. It's a light and pretty salmon pink in hue, with hints of honeysuckle and moist earth in the nose. Flavors suggest tart raspberries and Bing cherries, with impressive minerality in the crisp, lingering finish.
Given four months in concrete egg, this is an exotically crisp and textured white, lean and high in acidity with plenty of mouthcoating body to find its balance. Lemon, grapefruit and tangerine are the highlights, finished in refreshing layers of white peach.
Truffle, underbrush, dark berry, mocha and grilled sage aromas unfold in the glass. The firm palate delivers smoke, raw berry, baking spice, anise and a sprinkling of aromatic herb while bracing tannins provide the backbone.
Schist soil is characteristic of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region. It gives texture to a wine such as this, with its tight, mineral character and great freshness. This complex, densely structured wine is packed with very crisp fruit and lively acidity. This is the perfect wine for Muscadet's natural partner, shellfish.
This robust wine opens with aromas of red berry, tilled earth, dark baking spice and a balsamic note. The ripe, hearty palate delivers syrupy black cherry, juicy raspberry, clove and anisette alongside firm tannins. Despite the tannic structure, the dense fruit and warmth of alcohol make it already almost accessible. Drink 2017–2026.
Fresh boysenberries and a blueberry sorbet character mix with notes of minty tarragon, dill and hot gravel on the nose of this wine, from an area between Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Peppercorns are prominent on the relatively light palate, along with tobacco, espresso and boysenberry.
This is a tight and structured wine, showing a fine balance between tannin and acidity, with dark, brooding fruit that still need time to develop. Give this wine until 2018.
This lush offering opens with appealing aromas of rose petals and fresh strawberries, then glides into a smooth-as-silk midpalate. The berry/cherry fruit is nicely adorned with toasty barrel flavors, and it's as satiny as new sheets. You'll find it hard to keep from gulping this by the glassful.
A 100% varietal wine, this comes from a property formerly known as the Preston Ranch, with which the producer has worked for a long time. The wine coaxes silky-smooth, leathery tannins into a sinewy texture bounded by meat, cigar and decadent amounts of white pepper. Complex and layered, it'll sit well in the cellar, through 2023.
Raw oak, herb and floral aromas are complex and on the light side of the fence. This feels tight, tannic and edgy, while resiny oak gives off a lactic flavor to accompany core red plum and currant. This stays tight, punchy and drying on the finish. Drink through 2021.
A blend driven predominantly by Petit Verdot, with lesser percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is soft and spicy, with waves of blackberry flavor. Brightly balanced, it finishes in a mix of cola and clove, the tannins well under control.
Aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, mature dark berry, menthol and dark baking spice lead the nose. The full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice, chewing tobacco and clove while ripe, bracing tannins provide structure. Drink 2019–2029.
Ripe berry aromas blend nicely with earthy leathery scents. With a full and easy palate, this generous Crianza delivers blackberry and chocolate flavors that veer toward raisin and prune, especially on the finish, which is lightly toasted and dense in feel. Drink through 2019.
The largest production offering of this variety for this producer, this features fruit sourced from a who's who of local growers, including Sangiacomo, Dutton and Martinelli, in addition to the estate-run Wildcat Mountain Vineyard. The result is satisfyingly impressive in viscous oak, graham cracker and Meyer lemon. Tangy and flinty on the finish, it's smooth and focused.
Dark, structured and bringing out the natural minerality of the Douro, this is a dense and tannic wine at this stage. It has layers of black currant, rich and full of juicy acidity. The wine really needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Aromas of underbrush, scorched earth and dark baking spice lead the way on this firmly structured wine. The tense, full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice, leather and tobacco supported by bracing, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2029.
Who puts their lowest-priced Pinot Noir in 20% new French oak, and includes fruit from their best vineyards in the blend? Ponzi does, and the result is a terrific vintage for Tavola. Bright, compact, aromatic and lushly fruited with plum and black cherry, this is a stunning value. Cola, caramel and cinnamon spice add further details and highlights.
Shy at first aromatically, this wine slowly reveals blueberry candy, hoisin sauce, dried plums and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is thick and lush, with lots of slate-driven structure and ample black-plum fruit spiced up with charred tobacco and singed wood.
Wonderfully aromatic and packed with flavor, this outstanding value opens lightly spicy with zingy raspberry fruit. It's like a tart jam, with citrus-peel highlights peeking through in the sappy finish.
Aromas and flavors of sandalwood and grenadine layer around this velvety, seductive wine. It offers black tea, truffle and forest floor, the body sinewy and complex. Savory in cinnamon and clove on the finish, it needs more time to open; decant or cellar through 2021.
Ripe aromas of honeydew are cut down the middle with a pointed petrol note as well as lime skins and grapefruit pith. The palate on this bottling from popular Riesling source Kick-On Ranch is wound up very tight, showing lime skins, focused acidity and a gray-rock minerality. This would go great with shellfish now, or continue to emerge and uncurl in the cellar from 2018–2030.
A limited, popular entry in Winderlea's extensive single-vineyard lineup, this suggests cherry kirsch with streaks of coffee and tobacco. The pretty fruit leads into darker notes of tar and espresso. Still young and primary, the Juliard may be among the vintage's most long-lasting wines.
Red cherry fruit spiced by gentle white pepper notes makes for an enjoyable, fresh and joyful red. This combines the virtues of fruity, cherry-ish Zweigelt with the more sumptuous, fuller-bodied and spicy notions of Blaufränkisch. If you are new to Austrian reds, this pretty much is exquisite Burgenland in a glass.
Leathery on the tongue, this lovely Merlot, with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, offers inviting notes of plum and cherry, completely juicy, around firm, strong tannins and balanced acidity. From two separate, rocky blocks on the winery property, this wine is concentrated and smooth. Enjoy through 2021–2025.
Dried peach, nectarine zest, flint and Mediterranean herb aromas characterize this stunning dessert wine from Campania. On the palate, fresh acidity brightens layers of candied ginger and lemon rind as well as honey and dried herb.
This is a bold and powerful yet layered and nuanced wine, with hints of green peppercorn, tobacco leaf, cigar box and leather that add depth and interest to the cassis and brambly blackberry core. The gripping palate offers structured, mouthcoating tannins that are framed by ample acidity and ripe black berry tones. Notes of spicy black licorice and espresso unfold on the long finish. It's delicious now, but this will age beautifully through 2020.
A beautiful encounter of spice, citrus and earthy freshness. On the palate, citrus dominates but ripe, red apple and peach lie at the core. A lively slick of zesty freshness provides direction and flow. This is still subdued and takes time to blossom. Drink as of 2017.
Aromas of lavender and ripe dark fruit abound on the nose, while forest floor and pine tar add nuance. The flavors are full of deep plum and black cherry, wrapped around an elegant butter-herb sauce quality.
Josh Jensen's 40 years of experience result in an expert wine that subtly delivers a touch of everything needed, but nothing in excess. The nose boasts scorched peach flesh at the core with squeezed lime on the edges, and the palate offers apple skin, nectarine flesh and lime zest, with a faint display of the nuttiness that will emerge with time. Elegant and excellent.
This blend of 58% Petite Sirah and 42% Zinfandel provides a good example of a winery going over the top and succeeding. Aromas recall blackberry-laced tea, dried rose petals and Luxardo cherries. Cassis provides the centerpoint of the flavor profile, with a backbone of ample tannins and touch of tar.
This 100% varietal wine brings notes of fresh herbs, red fruit, vanilla and clove. It's supple, textured and soft in feel with a captivating sense of balance, well-framed acidity, and lightly chalky tannins.
Pure and soaring elderberry fruit with overtones of Morello cherry puts this in the darker fruit spectrum. Nonetheless, it has all the freshness and verve of red-fruited styles. This balanced and immensely enjoyable wine only reveals its seriousness slowly. Velvety texture and definite but gentle structure spell that this will also age well.
Iron oxide and earth inform the sumptuous red cherry fruit. The medium body is slender and toned, yet not without depth. The fruit lavishes notes of blossom and smoke; ripe but firm tannins provide structure. This is fresh, not overdone and honest. The name "Umriss" means contour, perhaps an outline of what this lovely variety can be. The lovely cherry aftertaste gives us an idea.
Inviting citrus and herbal notes lead to yeasty freshness, bright lemon acidity and the peppery savoriness of watercress and arugula. It's wonderfully concentrated, long and streamlined with a full and lasting flavor. Good now but will open up nicely.
Absolutely smooth and pleasantly soft on the palate, this has layers of rich fruit, subtle baking spices and touches of pine forest. Moderate acidity and fine tannins stay in the background yet lift the aroma, flavor and finish to a high level of pleasure.
With a very slight spritz, this offers lots of zesty flavors that create a savory midpalate amid white pepper and yeast. Riper hints of green and yellow pear await in the background. There is immense concentration on the palate, which finishes almost with a kind of saltiness.
Ripe pear and yellow plum vie for prominence on the nose, while the palate is full of savory, peppery kitchen herbs like chervil, lovage and dried sage. The midpalate phenolic texture destines this for the table where it will shine with subtly spiced dishes. Wonderfully complex and long.
Located in the wilds of Annapolis, the vineyard will be familiar to fans of extreme Sonoma Coast wines. This vintage will be the winery's last from the site, according to the winery. Earthy cinnamon bark surrounds refined tannins and complex layers of high-toned cherry and raspberry before evocative dried herbs hit the palate.
This elegant, medium-bodied Nebbiolo starts off with aromas of berry, herb, leather and violet. The savory, polished palate delivers wild raspberry, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2018.
A great find, this is fully ripe but not too full bodied, offering opulent dark plum and black currant aromas, broad and rich flavors, and a plush, velvety texture. Subtle cedar and spice tones from oak barrels add complexity to the dark fruit notes, and soft tannins fill in the texture and help the finish linger.
This is a layered, earthy selection, with upfront aromas of leather and cigar box complemented by fruity tones of blackberry and cassis. The medium-weight palate is lush and velvety, and the tannins are fine yet firmly structured. Boysenberry preserves and black pepper linger on the finish.
Aromas of leather, underbrush, ripe red berry and eucalyptus lead the nose on this structured wine. The delicious palate delivers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice and savory herb alongside big, chewy tannins. It ends on a succulent note. Drink 2016–2024.
D'Arenberg wines are typically quite structured, so this wine's full body and creamy texture come as a bit of a surprise. Earthy, loamy notes run alongside espresso, black olive and blueberry before finishing long and silky. Drink now–2020.
This wine is reminiscent of ripe, plump pears and yellow plums fallen onto wet, cool autumn leaves on moss and grass. Those ripe notions are totally evident on the smooth, rounded palate that has a lick of vivacious lemon acidity. The long finish majors on citrus and clove-like spice.
An intriguing nose of slight but very pleasant smokiness with mere edges of peat and earth leads onto a notion of black cherry. The dark palate is framed by specks of pepper, bringing nuance to this structured wine. Still young, this wine has the ability to go some distance. Drink now-2019.
Sumptuous red cherry, wrapped in velvety structure, presents a ripe and rounded Pinot Noir with earthy, autumnal edges. It offers lovely balance and constant glimpses of red fruit, oaky spice and soft yet crunchy midpalate mouthfeel. This will benefit from holding 2016–2017 in bottle.
A softly fruited, pear-scented Grüner full of super-clean, green Conference pear aromas. Grapefruit and lemon highlights brighten the creamy yet slender midpalate. A gentle wine but with focus and huge charm.
Already showing a touch of bricking at the rim, this tobacco-accented Cabernet is ready to drink. Dried leaf and cedar notes blend easily with red and black currants on the nose and palate, gliding to a smooth, cigar-box finish. It shows more restraint than other Cabernets of the vintage, but still packs in ample weight and power. Drink now–2020.
Lightly herbal, spicy aromas of tobacco, forest floor, juniper and pepper accent core blackberry, cassis and cherry aromas. This Cabernet is tight and mildly tannic, but not fierce or demanding. Ripe blackberry, coffee, mocha and vanilla flavors finish spicy, toasty and oaky. Drink through 2020.
This small-lot Cab (350 cases) is classically Chilean at all check points. The nose is spicy and full of cassis and berry flavors along with tobacco, olive and mild eucalyptus notes. A bright, lively palate is bolstered by acidity, while plum and red-berry flavors are oaky, spicy and peppery, with a toasty, slightly rooty finish. Drink through 2020.
Despite it's modest reported alcohol level, this is a plush, rounded example of Chardonnay, loaded with fruit. A whiff of woodsmoke frames pineapple and mango, adding complexity while still allowing the tropical notes to shine through. Drink now–2017.
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.
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.
This earthy number is authentic for Tempranillo. Aromas of dried leaves, leather and herbal berry are attractive and set up mossy black plum flavors. There's a nice texture and chunky power to this traditional but generous wine.
Soft hints of talc and fresh hay accent the orange and lime core of this wine. Lightweight with medium-high acidity, fresh kiwi and white-melon rind flavors linger on the clean close. Drink now.
Fruity and juicy, this is an approachable wine for short-term drinking. There are hints of new wood, along with bright black currant flavors. It's crisp and juicy, packed with fresh fruits and a balanced structure.
This is a richly structured and deliciously juicy wine. The tannins are fully integrated into the fruit. The downside of the wine is a touch of greenness, particularly in the acidity.
The nose here is a bit herbal, with a suggestion of eucalyptus along with blackberry and plum. The mouthfeel on this wine is clampy but solid, while the flavors of herbal, roasted berry fruits and moss lead into a mildly herbal and earthy finish. There's a lot of olive-like character to this wine.
A fine Mendocino Petite Sirah that's mouth filling with blueberry and licorice and plenty structured to age longer than it already has. With pleasant layers of licorice and black tea, especially on the finish, it's also ready to drink now.
This Syrah smells meaty and roasted, with savory spice aromas and plenty of black fruit on the nose. It's chewy and creamy feeling, with blueberry and blackberry flavors in front of a short finish that's abrupt but clean.
Curious tones of red berry and grapefruit mark this intensely fruit-forward, semi-sweet Riesling. It's concentrated on the palate, but balanced with hints of smoky minerality and delicate dried herb notes.
Rich in oak barrel and caramel vanilla, this presents plenty of pear and lemon, even lemon meringue flavors. Ample acidity adds brightness, making this a good match for mussels or roast chicken.
This is an aromatic offering of Pinot Grigio with generous notes of freshly cut red and green apple along with pear. Medium bodied, it drinks just a touch off dry with mouthwatering acidity and a real sense of freshness.
Cinnamon, vanilla and toasted-oak notes accent the black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit core of this accessible wine. Ripe, mouthfilling black-fruit flavors carry through to the medium-length close. Drink now.
Green apples and pears combine harmoniously in this tart, mostly dry offering. Elements of vegetable oil and mineral add complexity.
Marc Beyer has succeeded well, with a crisp, mineral style of wine that can marry well with so many fish and seafood dishes.
Lightweight and possessed of brisk acidity, this tart and snappy style might work well with fresh shellfish. Simple sour-apple flavors scour the palate.
Very particular yet still very Riesling. Oily, tight aromas signal intensity, which is delivered on the peach-like palate that turns creamy toward the finish as banana and papaya take over. There's a bitterness throughout, and at points it's interesting while at others it's too much. Also in abundance is the taste of pepper. A unique wine with attitude.
Essentially a reserve pinot blanc, this wine captures pleasant pear flavors and some extra texture suggestive of extended lees contact. Very limited (60 case) production.
This Beaver State answer to Moscato d'Asti is sweet, sweet and more sweet. Who knows what the actual residual sugar reading is? That said, the lemon-lime aromas with notes of basil and tarragon are nice, and the wine is currently quite fresh (although it likely won't last long). Not too bubbly or aggressive, and pretty in the mouth due to fairly snappy acids. Drink now with fruit-based desserts or frosted cake.
Light in weight, but quite tart and zesty in the mouth, this wine's green apple and lime flavors deliver a touch of sweetness despite the "dry" moniker.
An solid introduction to the world of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it's off-dry in style, with melon and honey flavors given structure by lime-like acids. Pleasant, and even if it is a bit simple, it's easy to like.
Smells good, with berry- dominated aromas. The palate is solid but acidic at the core, with sharpness on the palate that creates a juicy, crisp set of raspberry and plum flavors. Flattens out on the finish, where moderate oak-based butter notes rise up.
A warm-feeling wine, lined with dry tannins and then filled with juicy red plum and pepper flavors, and an attractive green pepper hint.
From his base above Cornas, Jean-Luc Colombo has reached toward the Mediterranean to blend this crisp, refreshing blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. There's a touch of strawberry, but more citrus, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Already showing some bricking around the rim, this estate-grown Pinot Noir mixes spicy strawberry and some residual fermentation flavors of biscuit and blood. Difficult to know how this one is going to age.
Roasted at first, with smoked ham and bacon aromas along with clove and other hard spice notes. The palate is oaky, with chewy tannins and a thick texture; flavors of blackberry are meaty and rich, while clove and more dry spices reappear on the finish. A different breed for Mendoza.
Much better than prior vintages, when it was known as Finca El Portillo. The nose is jammy and shows black fruit aromas, while the palate is complete and full but juicy, with plum and black cherry flavors. Pepper and toast flavors infiltrate the finish.
An interesting wine composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. The bouquet offers notes of ripe red apple and soft toast alongside nuances of small red berries. Medium-weight with good balance and a dry but nutty finish. Drink now.
Opens with earthy, leafy aromas that can best be described as “mature.” Throw in tobacco and baked plum, and the picture is complete. The palate is concentrated and tight, with sweet, herbal berry flavors and caramel on the finish. Rugged and herbal as a whole but with good qualities; 50% Cabernet with 40% Merlot and 10% Malbec.
Blackberry and other sweet aromas lead to a soft, mildly oaky palate with sweet, ripe plum and berry flavors. There's juicy acids and reasonable amounts of toast, licorice and spice on the finish. Not sure what differentiates this from Reserve, but the Barrel Select seems better balanced.
Sweet grass and soft baby powder notes mingle with the ripe gooseberry and lime aromas and flavors. Brisk and lively with a soft prickly sensation on the palate and a mouthwatering finish.
The Looney Vineyard bottling is the outlier in the Archery Summit lineup—a different AVA and a non-estate vineyard. The Ribbon Ridge AVA is a subset of a subset within the Willamette Valley, and it may be the hidden gem for producing great Pinot Noir. This wine is sensual, spirited, spicy and smooth. The cherry and raspberry fruit is highlighted with bright acidity and whiffs of baking spices. The new oak is gently applied and the use of wild yeasts may have added some textural nuances also.
The 2008 Maté's shows more lushness than typical for the vineyard, but retains its hallmark lime-like acidity. It's almost full bodied, with a creamy, lush mouthfeel and plenty of roasted-nut complexity wrapped around melony fruit. Finishes with lingering oak spice and citrus. Drink now–2016.
An immediately attractive wine with intense aromas of black raspberry, cherry and plum laced with toasted cedar and mocha accents. The texture is like crushed velvet, and the rich mouth filled with firm but fine-grain tannins. A touch of cola spice unwinds on the long finish. Drink now–2014.
Despite this wine's intense richness and ample residual sugar, it is so well balanced that it does not come across as being particularly sweet. Hints of flint or crushed stone amplify the purity of the fresh apple and peach fruit and linger elegantly on the finish of this full-bodied auslese. Drink now–2025, possibly beyond.
With only 336 cases imported, this Limited Edition red should be snagged up when seen. Herbal and fruity all at once with strong pepper and oregano aromas spicing up the black berry and cassis core. A touch of sweet cured meat, licorice, leather and roasted espresso appear on the finish, with assertive tannins filling the creamy mouth and lingering through the close. Drink now–2014.
Round, dark and impressive, with deep berry aromas, minerality, smokiness and a hint of herbs and tomato. The palate is jammy and rich, what you might call syrupy, but there's still plenty of spine and structure. Tastes rich, jammy and masculine, with blackberry, coffee and spice notes. Drink now through 2017.
If there is any criticism to be made of this wine, it might be that it is just too fruity. Waves of honey and tropical fruit coat the mouth, wonderfully balanced by zesty acidity, and while it is sweet and lush it never seems cloying or heavy. Delicious now–2015, at least.
Fairly priced for an auslese of this quality, Nicolay's 2009 from the Bernkasteler Badstube is lean yet luscious, with a wiry frame of taut citrus upon which hang riper notes of ripe peaches and apricots. The finish is long and vibrant, echoing with pure fruity deliciousness.
Clean and sweet, with an aromatic touch of cookies and cream. In the mouth, it's more of the standard lemon, apple and mineral that you expect from this Galician white. Finishes easy and nice, but not too crisp.
Concha y Toro's Argentinean branch makes this heavyweight wine, which goes heavy on the oak, toast and horseradish. It's opaque in color, with monster tannins backing plum and blackberry fruit. Finishes hot, peppery and short, but with a lot of texture.
With its well-integrated scents of cedar, plum and tobacco, this is a medium-weight wine whose hallmark is its balance. Vanilla and dried spices meld nicely with cherry and plum fruit, finishing smooth, with modest tannins. Drink now-2008.
Loaded with tropical fruit, with ample size to the nose and palate. Tastes more of live-wire citrus than anything else, and the zesty finish definitely hums along at a quick pace. Lasting notes of grapefruit and mineral are typical and welcome.
Purple to the eye, with intense aromas of mint, licorice and saturated black fruit. The mouth is like blueberry-blackberry compote, while the oak seems heavy given the wine's higher acids and limited depth. Has plenty of positives but sings just one note.
Perfect color combined with one of the more atypical but interesting bouquets you'll find stirs intrigue. Aromas of mint, berry syrup and most of all clove are intense, while the black licorice and espresso accents on the palate work. Not Spanish in style nor is it reserved. This is a bruising wine with a unique Mendoza identity.
One of Portugal's priciest table wines, this vintage boasts cherry and plum aromas that just don't seem all that intense, followed by bright cherry flavors accented by modest cedar. The long finish is evidence of its quality, but it turns astringent and one wonders whether the fruit will outlast the tannins.
Edgy and herbal, the 2010 Reserve mixes cranberry fruit with Mediterranean herbs. There's a suggestion of black olives also, and the tangy tartness adds lift to the mouthfeel.
Baked berry, coffee, molasses and horse hide are the aromas on this tight, rugged Malbec that shows a clipped, choppy mouthfeel in front of lightly herbal berry flavors. This is grabby and firm on the finish, without much cushion. Pour this with grilled meats and it will show best.
This is a ripe wine, full of rich tropical fruits as well as the more typical Chablis acidity and steel. It feels broad, layering the crispness and citrus with a tangy texture. Keep this wine for at least a year.
After a gaseous, sulfuric opening, this Cab unfolds nicely. Berry aromas come with leather and a touch of dried cheese, while the palate feels very good, with creamy oak and fine tannins. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, oak and peppery woodspice end in minty fashion. Contains 15% Malbec.
This is a firm style of wine, showing the mineral character of Pernand-Verglesses reds. The wine has a nervy, almost herbal profile, showing red currants and considerable acidity.
Fragrant in fruity melon, fig and lime, La Folia's done a nice job with this Pinot Grigio, producing something that's crisp yet full, integrated, round and lush yet zippy in acidity. Pair with pasta, salads and veggies of all kinds.
This kitchen-sink blend of red grape varieties is a shade high toned on the nose, with ripe, rich, black fruit aromas. The palate is deeply concentrated, with luscious black-cherry flavor sprinkled with dark spice and a layer of powdery, soft tannins. Finishes quite long.
Dark berry, pencil eraser and spice aromas come together nicely. In the mouth, this is a forward marcher with a good mouthfeel and ample push. Lightly baked flavors of plum and blackberry are fully ripe, while the finish feels sturdy and tastes a bit salty and earthy.
This is an earthy wine, showing strong tannins, minerality and a distinctly dry texture. The wine does have weight with its layered black currant fruits giving a strong sense of structure. From the granite soils of the Dão, this is a wine to age for three more years.
Named after the sea just across the hills from Chocapalha, this is a forward, attractively fruity wine. It is all about red fruits, light tannins, refreshing acidity and immediate drinkability.
Named after a local landmark, this is rich for a Vinho Verde, a soft blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura that brings out white fruits as well as a more citrus character. It's very aromatic, fruity and worth keeping a few months.
With no oak aging, there's a great freshness to the gutsy black fruit core of this wine as well as an intense garrigue herbaceousness and mineral streak expressed throughout the nose and mouth. Medium weight with approachable tannins and a lively, clean finish. Drink now.
Big and woody to start, with heavily toasted blackberry and herbal aromas. The palate is thick, dense and tannic, but it doesn't punish. Tastes of cassis, blackberry and herbs before transitioning to dry oak and roasted berry on the finish.
Lemon peel, wet clay, sandalwood and nutmeg aromas are inviting. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic, but lively, with leather and roasted berry flavors. Finishes firm, tight and a bit clipped and choppy. A reflection of 2008's tough conditions.
Glenora's Dry Riesling is intensely fruity with loads of juicy white peach and melon flavors, yet impeccably dry and crisp on the palate. Pure and pristine with a soft minerality that lingers from start to finish.
This quinta is in the Rio Torto Valley in the heart of the Port vineyards. The wine is rich, sweet fruited, ripe with jammy blackberries and great perfumes. Open, already drinkable in a fruity way, it is likely to age over the medium term.
Violets, smoke and fall foliage perfume this deeply concentrated Virginia Cab Franc. It's full bodied with sultry, black cherry flavors and there's a noticeable build in complexity on the midpalate amidst layers of crushed black pepper, charred wood and dark floral notes that linger to the finish.
Sweet and easygoing from the start, with candied berry and floral aromas. The palate sits at maximum ripeness, meaning it's sweet and soft but still holds its balance. Flavors of baked berry and brown sugar are generous and smooth, while the finish is mellow and lush.
A classic Chilean Carmenère with olive, herbs, coconut and spiced berry aromas. Tannic and textured, with friction in front of herbal flavors that include tobacco, olive and a mix of berry fruits. Remains tannic and full as it keeps up the press through the finish.
Opens with a blast of milk chocolate, raisin and sawdust before settling on black fruit and pepper. Shows good concentration and feel in front of prune, blackberry, licorice and burnt toast flavors. Has good pulse and vibrancy, but it's a bit choppy and oaky.
The nose is demure on this brisk semi-dry Riesling, but the palate is ripe with sweet yellow peach and damson plum flavors. There's a dusty undertone throughout, but crisp lemon acidity makes it refreshing to the finish.
The wine is fresh and crisp with a tangy texture that suggests a strongly mineral character. Slowly, a more creamy feel comes through, bringing out melon and pear flavors. Drink this attractive wine now.
Ripe berries and violets scent this heady, perfumed Riesling. The palate is rich and confectionery in style with candied cherry and honey notes that linger amidst a dusty, earthy backdrop of crushed stones and minerals. It's a brisk, but slightly unbalanced wine, yet refreshing through the finish.
Azal is a comparatively rare grape to be vinified on its own, so this example is something of a curiosity. It has plenty of acidity and is a refreshing, appley wine suited for summertime drinking, very chilled.
Rubbery, leafy plum aromas come before a tannic palate with raspberry, plum, herbal notes and dry oak flavors. This is tight, drawing, oaky and briny-tasting on the finish.
Rather light and very smooth, this combines tasty plum flavors with subtle oaky, earthy accents and medium body. Enough varietal character keeps things interesting.
Hailing from Puglia, this is made from native grapes Bombino (60%) and Aglianico (40%). Aromas of green apple, vanilla and peach carry over to the palate along with bread crust and a confectionary note. It has brisk acidity and sharp, vivacious bubbles.
Mild apple, pear and almond aromas give way to a plump but bland palate. Melon and papaya flavors are fair, while the finish is clean but light. This Verdejo-SB blend is a straightforward quaffer.
The Moscatel in this blend gives an attractive floral perfumed character that balances the crisper Fernão Pires. It is a fruity, light-hearted apéritif-style wine that is ready to drink.
Melon, papaya and other chunky white-fruit aromas come in front of a peachy, basic palate. Flavors of peach, apple and papaya are melony and round, as is the finish on this fresh but generic white. Drink immediately.
A sturdy Pinot, this has an appetizing texture because of the moderate tannins and acidity, with modest fruit and herbal flavors. It will be a good pairing with rich, meaty dishes.
This aged wine is oaky to an extreme, with minty, resiny aromas that crowd out dried raspberry and currant notes. A wiry, tomatoey, almost citric mouthfeel is low on body and high on acid. Flavors of tart plum and raspberry finish raw and woody.
Soft and round, it offers an attractive white flower aromatic character, yellow fruits and a touch of citrus. It's smooth and already very drinkable.
Deliciously crisp and fruity, this is a bright, clean style of wine not showing much terroir character but is fresh and full of citrus fruits. The acidity gives a refreshing lift at the end.
This perfumed wine offers plenty (perhaps too much) acidity and red fruits, with only light tannins. That makes for a fruity wine, fresh and ready to drink now and until 2018.
This simple salmon-colored rosado offers peach and nectarine aromas along with dusty notes. The palate is plump and shows moderate acidity. Flavors of pink grapefruit, melon and red apple finish soft. Drink immediately.
This ripe offering smells of corn, baked apple and oak. It's creamy and woody in the mouth, with modest acidity. Flavors of creamed corn, caramel and soft melon finish plump, with a baked quality. It lacks vivacity.
The light color of 2011 is evident in this bottling. It follows through to a soft, rounded, fruity wine that is lightly textured. Acidity and juicy red fruits offer a wine that is drinkable now.
Fruit and tannins harmonize in this ripe, soft wine. Attractive red berry fruits and lively acidity partner with a smooth texture. It's not a wine for aging, and will be ready to drink from 2015.
Aromas of bath soap and tropical fruits come before a steady but standard palate. Flavors of powdery lime and green melon finish soft and straightforward, without much zing or acidity. Drink immediately.
Big-boned and intense, it features oaky, thick, ripe dark cherry as the main standout, although it is nearly overwhelmed by earth and vanilla.
This is rich and surprisingly warm for the normally cool appellation of Pernand Vergelesses. It makes for an attractive, ripe and creamy wine that's been given a wood aging. But it doesn't have a sense of place.
A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.
After this Rioja opens with earthy, almost food-like aromas of ground beef, rubber and leather, oak takes over and in march a bacony scent and plenty of char. This is plump and chunky in feel, with earthy, rubbery, savory flavors of charred black fruits and cured meats. It becomes more and more oaky and drawing on the finish.
Stalky, mildly green aromas of grass, blueberry and raisin are challenging but not offputting. This is tight and fairly acidic for a La Mancha blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Flavors of herbal berry and stewed fruits end with a baked character and heat.
While there is probably plenty of ripe fruit somewhere in this wine, it is all too much dominated by high toast wood flavors which will likely always give a tough character. It only just hints at a more generous side.
Initially, this smells damp and earthy, although with airing a mix of leather, berry fruits and vanilla emerge. The palate is bumpy and borderline sticky feeling, with baked, earthy flavors of black fruits and herbal tones. The finish is short and tastes a little raisiny.
The oak (40% new French) steals the show on this vineyard-designated, single block Syrah with notes of vanilla and toast overwhelming the vintage's subtle fruit flavors.
Herbal plum and berry aromas turn a bit green and herbaceous with airing. In the mouth, this is modest and regular feeling, with leafy flavors of wintergreen running alongside peppery cherry and berry. A short, herbal finish is the close.
This value-priced Syrah is meaty, leathery and spicy smelling, which can be typical for the variety. The palate is a bit shrill and acidic, while narrow flavors of red berries, herbs and minty green settle on a lightly herbal finish.
This is basic and mild as a whole. The nose blends citrus, apple and fresh bell pepper aromas in front of a zesty, medium-intensity palate with standard citrus flavors including lime and orange. For a refreshing quaff this summer, this more than suffices.
Pale salmon colored, this is a straightforward summer sipper with notes of cherry, watermelon, and wet stone. It drinks dry with a hint of effervescence and tart flavors.
This is a smooth, straightforward Cabernet Sauvignon, that's well-priced, but textbook in its berry, spice and herbal flavors and aromas. A fantastic everyday wine.
Intense in herbal cranberry and cassis, this Livermore Cab Franc has a touch of spiciness and a leathery finish.
An oaky, full-bodied, warm-climate Chardonnay with long lingering flavors of vanilla and coconut, as well as ripe apple crisp.
Passion fruit, lime and feline aromas give the bouquet crispness and varietal snap. The palate is tangy, lean and somewhat dilute, with pithy grapefruit, lime and tarragon flavors. The finish shows modest cut but regular, weakly defined flavors.
Raw, rooty, scratchy aromas that suggest clove and licorice set up a tight, drawing, tannic palate with herbal, leathery, dark flavors of wild berry and bitter chocolate. Mint, a strong clove characteristic and dark fruit flavors control the finish.
Fruity, crisp, this is a classic Provence rosé. It is packed with fragrant raspberry fruits, bright acidity and a bright, warm, sun-drenched aftertaste. Drink now.
Quite light in color with notes of raspberry, medicine cabinet, and light herbs. It coats that palate with a waxy feel supported by rustic tannins.
Citrus and tropical fruit aromas are basic and the slightest bit stalky smelling. Spritzy lift gives the body some kick, while zesty flavors of sport pepper, jalapeño and citrus culminate in a juicy finish.
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this opens with savory aromas of fennel, dark berry, bell pepper and cedar. The firm palate offers black currant, black cherry, clove and Mediterranean herbs. Assertive but fine-grained tannins add elegance.
Lighter in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend shows alluring notes of cherry, assorted herbs and bittersweet chocolate. It's elegant in style with a velvety feel to the fruit flavors.
Firmly structured and elegant, this offers aromas of pressed rose, violet, menthol, savory herb and woodland berry. The palate is still closed but reveals crunchy red cherry, oak, mint and sage alongside youthfully austere tannins that need time to unfold. Drink 2017–2025.
Aromatically brooding, this suggests dry chocolate, violets, brown stems, herbs, black pepper and smoked meat. It's restrained in style with pure, tart blue fruit flavors and a light squeeze of tannins that need additional time in bottle to settle in fully. Enjoy it at the dinner table to see it at its best.
Hearty and soulful, this offers aromas of tilled soil, leather, game and woodland berry. The meaty palate is still very tightly wound, delivering black cherry, plum, grilled sage, licorice and tobacco alongside bold tannins. Hold until 2018 then enjoy.
There's a wild herbaceousness on the nose of this wine that gains aromatic complexity from peppermint candy canes and sour cherry fruits. A menthol sense invades the palate, making it tingle pleasantly, with flavors of dried cherries and licorice leading into a long, exciting finish.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot, this offers bright red berry, menthol, cedar, espresso and savory herb aromas. On the palate, polished tannins support juicy dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, coffee and toasted notes. Enjoy through 2017.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (2%) and Malbec offers generous notes of chocolate, vanilla, pencil lead and dark fruit. It shows a nice interplay of elegant fruit and barrel flavors with vanilla taking the lead on the finish.
Made with organically farmed grapes, this opens with pretty aromas of crushed rose, violet, perfumed berry, leather, truffle and a balsamic note. The warm palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, stewed plum, cake spice, anisette and savory herb alongside velvety tannins. It closes on a licorice note and the heat of evident alcohol. Drink 2018–2025.
Blended with 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache, with the fruit coming from StoneTree and Stillwater Creek vineyards, this inaugural release offers brambly fruit, smoke, chocolate and peppery spices. It's full of rich, layered but still supple blue and black fruit flavors that linger on the finish, showing a deft mixture of power and restraint supported by a light grip of tannins.
Call it a reserve style of California Chardonnay. This has a deeper than usual gold color, quite buttery aromas and a buttery, rich feel on the palate, finishing with some crisp apple and baking spice flavors. It's dry and rich, but not overly full bodied.
A sharply seasoned nose of mace and allspice decorate the dark raspberry fruit and scarlet rose petals of this single-vineyard bottling by the Buellton-based winery. The palate presents black cardamom-laced, squeezed berry flavors, yet this wine is all about being fresh and lively on the palate, where bright acidity zings from beginning through the lasting finish.
Made in a grand style, this offers a full body, ripe fruit flavors and plenty of supportive tannins and acidity to liven up the mouth. It brings a sense of concentration with sophistication. Aromas suggest exotic dried fruits, while the ripe, full flavors are almost like Port. The finish lingers.
Sleek and savory, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of mocha, spicy plum, scorched earth and leather. The juicy palate offers black currant, cassis, black pepper, savory herb and licorice alongside polished tannins.
Preuillac continues to out-perform its appellation with a rich, full wine that has structure and balanced wood-aging flavors. Nearly 60% Merlot, it is rich while showing a more firmly tannic character with the Cabernets in the blend. Black currant crispness is still in a dry mood and needs to age. Drink from 2017.
Smooth and medium bodied, this offers lithe layers of licorice and meat, its tannins refined. The high-toned cassis, cranberry and cherry make themselves known, but will develop further, through 2027.
This blend of Syrah (52%), Petit Sirah (24%), Mourvèdre (16%) and Grenache from StoneTree and Red Heaven vineyards is appealing with its chocolate, mulberry and peppery spices. It's high-octane and richly flavored with a lingering blue-fruit and meat-filled finish backed by lightly chalky tannins.
With its firmly tannic core, this is a rich and structured wine. It has a dense, fruit-driven texture, full of very fresh black plum and berry flavors. The tannins provide a dry counterpoint. It's a wine that will age; drink from 2018.
While zesty on the nose with lime and lemon aromas, this off-dry Riesling is surprisingly ripe and tropical on the palate. Peach nectar and pineapple flavors are pleasant, but there's a slightly dusty, herbaceous note that lingers on the brisk finish.
A good, mouthfilling wine, this smells like black olives and a cigar box. Round in texture, it tastes earthy and fruity, surrounded by firm tannins.
This is a sweet and fruity wine, full-bodied and ripe. It has red cherries and bananas along with some acidity. While there are some tannins, it's meant for immediate drinking and not for aging,
This is a light and very crisp wine. Acidity, gooseberry and pink grapefruit give a fruitiness without any complexity. The bright texture and simple aftertaste make it a wine to drink immediately.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this is a wine to pour with casual meals. It's on the lean side, with raw cherry-berry sensations, soft acidity and angular tannins. Drink soon.
Subtle apricot and herb aromas, then juicy apple and apricot flavors characterize this straw-colored, sturdy wine. It is crisp and dry, with enough body to keep the texture smooth and the whole taste experience balanced.
Pithy citrus and nectarine aromas announce a palate that's citrusy all the way. Flavors of orange, lemon and grapefruit keep a persistent citric character through the finish, which is basic but refreshing.
Melon and apple aromas are on the flat side. This feels heavy and creamy, with only modest acidity. Flavors of sweet apple and melon come with a corny taste, while the finish is briny, melony and plump.
A light and fruity wine that's been spoiled by a touch of sulfur. Aside from that bitter edge, the wine shows attractive apple and citrus flavors.
This is a rounded wine, soft and fruity. It has lost some freshness in the rich vanilla flavor that gives a ripe, full-bodied character. Red berry fruits at the end do leave a fresher aftertaste.
Full of cherry and banana freshness, this is a simple wine that shows attractive fruit and acidity. It is good to go now, light, fragrant and bright.
This is a fruity wine with cherry fruits and a soft, juicy texture. It's lively and fresh, with good acidity at the end.
This shows a mild SB character on the nose. It's citric on the palate, with lime, lemon and tangerine flavors. Just enough crispness and scour make it a worthwhile quaffer.
The reserved nose offers chalk, nectarine and apple cider. It remains lean once sipped, with crushed white rock minerality and a bit of nice creaminess.
A ripe, fleshy wine, full of cherry notes and spice. It is rich, full in the mouth while keeping a light fruitiness that allows it to develop fast. Overpowering banana flavors at the end spoil the overall effect.
The wine has a murky burgundy color and earthy, roasted aromas that include Band-Aid and latex. This feels bold, tangy, tannic and hard. Flavors of plum, tomato and stalky herbs finish with a stewed note and heat.
This wine boasts an attractive nose of garrigue and mixed berries, but falls off a bit on the palate, where it comes across as a bit thin in texture. The cherry-berry flavors are pleasant, but the wine appears to lack concentration and richness. Tasted a second time, I found it slightly better (86 points), but still have concerns about the lack of texture on the midpalate.
Produced from Syrah, this is still a cool wine, with crisp fruitiness to the front. Lively acidity and fresh red fruits are balanced by a warmer layer of caramel. Drink now.
Faint but persistent hints of nail-polish remover limit my enthusiasm for this otherwise pleasant wine. Dark, superripe fruit comes across as reasonably deep and concentrated, adding licorice notes on the finish.
While the acidity is intense, it is balanced by the ripe cherry fruits and soft tannins. This is not a wine for aging much beyond 2014, showing a bright, fresh aftertaste.
Prickly, herbal berry aromas are gritty and then fall flat. This is big, grabby and clumsy on the palate, with flavors of roasted berry and green herbs. A soupy-tasting finish turns more green the longer it sits. From a hot vintage, this Carmenère tastes baked and compromised.
Smoke and herb waft from this savory, apple-tinged Riesling. The palate is straightforward in style, with pleasant apple and pear flavors highlighted by bright, lemony acidity.
Lean and firm, the wine has a dry, tannic layer that is emphasized by a burnt, smoky character. The fruit needs time and is likely to be austere.
There's a marked note of menthol in this wine followed by thin layers of earthy loam and savory red fruit.
Heady floral perfume is flecked with orange spice and potpourri on this aromatic, full-bodied Gewürztraminer. Unusually tart for the grape variety, the palate is puckery with lemon-tangerine acidity and a fringe of tannins on the finish.
Jammy and flat up front, this blend of Cabernet and Merlot shows little vibrancy on the nose. In the mouth, it's blocky yet astringent, while flavors of berry fruits lean toward herbal. Tomato notes and tartness rise up on the finish, which is herbal and tannic in feel.
High-toned red-berry aromas come with strong hints of herbs and olive. This has a choppy, somewhat astringent and tartaric feel. Acid-driven flavors of herbal plum finish mildly green, with a lasting note of olive.
Blended with 17% Sauvignon Blanc, this lovely Sémillon is exceptionally fragrant, satiny and rich, with fleshy, ripe fruits and just a hint of toast. A warm streak of caramel enlivens the finish, which lingers gracefully and fills the palate with delicious flavors of apples and spicy pears.
Planted with cuttings from many Austrian wine regions, the Aussere Bergen vineyard produces a ripe, full wine, packed with yellow fruits, spice and a feeling of opulence, while always balanced.
The fruit is half Sheridan and half Dineen vineyard. Although stylistically a brother to the Stevens Merlot, this has the varietal earmarks of Cabernet Franc – some green, leafy streaks, more spice and sharpness to the tannins, and a definite herbal component. The fruit is an equal but not dominant partner – blackberry, cassis, and black olive, finished with a whiff of very dark chocolate.
This Right Bank-styled blend includes 19% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Despite its high (15.3%) alcohol, it's a meaty, complex wine that drinks much lighter. The berry/cherry fruit flavors are woven into a tapestry of earth, herb and spice, smooth and detailed, and the wine has a mouth-pleasing seamless quality that invites another sip, and another.
The ripe combination of Chenin and Chardonnay gives this always-delicious wine its richness and creamy texture. It is ripe, full-bodied with melon and peach flavors as well as crisper acidity. This limited-production wine is smooth and rich at the end. Drink now.
An incredibly briny character shows on this wine's nose, with wet sand and even hints of anchovy showing up alongside sour yogurt and salted citrus. It's bouncy on the palate, tingling the tongue, with flavors of nectarine, salty sea water and poached pears.
Fresh cut pear drizzled with lemon juice is given warmth by hints of mango and oak on the nose of this Paso white. It's soft and rich on the palate, with tropical elements of banana cream pie cut by apple skin bitterness and citrus pith acidity.
The light-gold color of this wine shows its maturity. It's a rich wine that is rounded, full and with a touch of honey. With its toasty character and full-bodied character, this is an impressive wine for drinking now.
From the hot year of 2009, this is a ripe, mature, sun-kissed wine. It has smooth yellow fruit and mango flavors along with a soft and rounded texture. It's naturally rich, full in the mouth and totally ready to drink.
From basalt rock soil, this is a tightly coiled wine. The wine brings out strong minerality, a firm texture and ripe fruit. A touch of pepper adds spice and a dense character. The wine needs to age; drink from 2017.
Varietal Garnacha Blanca from Catalonia is a distinct animal, and this is a prize specimen. Waxy and mature on the nose, but with dry scents of peach pit and apricot, this feels full and peachy but also grabby and acidic. Papaya and stone-fruit flavors finish full, pulpy and balanced. Drink through 2017.
To call it entry level does not do justice to the quality here—this would be reserve level at many wineries. A generous mix of blueberry and black cherry fruit rolls seamlessly through the fruit-driven core, annotated with barrel notes of cola, coffee and cream.
This is a well-crafted wine that's dense and delicious in juicy red fruit, black currant, licorice and nutmeg. With much of the fruit sourced from the Alexander Valley, this wine shows a managed level of ripeness and oak aging. Structured and lengthy on the finish, this is a nicely put-together package.
Ripe and lusty, this is earthy and foresty on the nose, with plenty of oak, olive, eucalyptus and graphite. The palate is saturated almost to the point of being too heavy, but that only means that lush, penetrating, herbal blackberry and cola flavors have a stout base to work with. A toasted finish with some bitterness closes this out. Drink through 2019.
From the Château d'Aulnaye vineyard that is part of the Thébaud estate, this wine is still tight and textured, with a strong mineral element as well as crisp green fruits. It is rich with a touch of vanilla smoothing things out. Drink now.
Doug Margerum blends fruit from the McGinely, Curtin, Star Lane, Happy Canyon and Grassini vineyards for this ever-popular bottling. Aromas of honeysuckle, green pears and ceanothus blossoms introduce a palate laden with white flowers, poached pears and white peach.
Still young, this wine promises great potential. It has a rich character, full of white fruits that are laced with orange zest and spice. Fresh and crisp while full in the mouth, it will be better in a few months. Drink from 2016.
Taking the best from each individual clonal selection, this blend shows both muscle and finesse. The chunky core of cherry fruit is fringed with orange peel, lifted with crisp acidity, and finished with a light touch of cinnamon. It's drinking well, and can best be enjoyed through 2020.
The estate-grown, Dijon clone fruit is bursting with flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and Meyer lemon. Barrel fermentation rounds it out a bit and adds suggestions of nut oil to the finish. The relatively low alcohol keeps the acids up and suggests that this is one that could age well up to 2025.
Light in color, but rich in fruit, this wine has structure, spice and ripe red cherry fruits that are kept from total exuberance by the layer of young tannin. The wine should age; drink from 2016.
This has great fruits and plenty of structure to go with it. Juicy plum flavors complement the dense tannins, mineral structure and concentrated texture. It's a stylish wine that will develop some more. Drink from 2016.
From the northern Portuguese heartland of Alvarinho, this beautifully ripe and rich wine is packed with intense perfumes of white peach and green apple. Fresh fruit and crisp acidity give a lively, tangy aftertaste. Drink from late 2015.
Heavy, raisiny, ripe aromas of prune and earthy blackberry set up a chewy, oaky, mildly tannic palate that's fully stuffed with woody, baked, almost malty flavors of blackberry, chocolate and toast. This is a rich, ripe number, with a loamy, toasty finish that shows black licorice and jammy cassis flavors. Drink through 2018.
Delicate aromas of pressed white flower, tree fruit, citrus and slate lead the nose on this elegant, structured white. The vibrant palate offers juicy yellow peach, Granny Smith apple, nectarine skin and bitter almond alongside crisp acidity. The lingering finish has a mineral accent.
Made entirely with Trebbiano di Soave, this vibrant white offers enticing aromas of white flower and citrus blossom. The linear palate delivers juicy yellow peach, pear, kiwi and mineral alongside firm acidity.
Delicate aromas suggest stone fruit, flint and Mediterranean herb. The luminous palate delivers white peach, Bartlett pear, crisp apple, almond and an energizing mineral vein.
A delicious array of aromas leap from this blend of 32% Mourvèdre, 8% Counoise, 20% Grenache and 20% Syrah: black cherry, cola just poured on ice, roasted game, Dr Pepper, black cardamom, roast beef char and sandalwood. The palate is all about peppered pork, with chopped oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram keeping it complex.
Fine winemaking is on display here, as the blend includes grapes from six far-flung vineyards. It's artfully melded, with brambly berries, Bing cherries, cola, cocoa and red licorice notes. Seamless and buttressed with natural acids, it's not at all reliant on barrel flavors, having seen just 6% once-filled oak, with the rest neutral.
There's a highly stemmy quality to this interesting wine from one of the appellation's multi-generation families. The nose shows funky herbs, papilla chile and raspberry extract, leading into a very spicy, savory palate of marjoram, Indian spices and green olive laid across pungent cranberry fruits. It's a winner for fans of stem inclusion.
Cherry, red currant and minerally aromas are fresh and appealing. This blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon is pure and lithe on the palate, while toasty, minerally berry and cherry flavors finish dry, focused and with notes of licorice, cocoa and herbs. This succeeds by offering a little bit of everything good; drink through 2019.
The Estremoz region in Alentejo is at the heart of one of the major vineyard areas. This rich and now mature wine shows the ripe fruit and structure that can be produced there. It is packed with tarry black fruits and dusty tannins. Drink now.
The Dão's very own Encruzado is the backbone of this beautiful fresh wine. Made by top winemaker Alvaro Castro, the wine is rich, full of pears, apricots and pears with a touch of nutmeg. It needs another year to age. Drink from early 2016.
Fragrances recall honeysuckle, jasmine and citrus zest. The juicy palate offers creamy green apple, Bartlett pear and nectarine alongside zesty acidity. A note of white almond signals the close.
Tart cranberry, black tea and dark plum characterize this earthy, soft and supple wine, made from grapes grown in a block at the crest of a knoll. Firm tannins give it an edginess, an unexpected complement to its warmth and depth of cardamom spice and blackberry.
This late harvest Sauvignon Blanc is honey gold in color, with tantalizing aromas of honeysuckle, white flowers and lanolin. It is generous on the palate, with flavors of apricot and tinned peaches supported by floral notes. Its sweetness is enhanced by a pleasing level of acidity on the finish.
This is a suave and supple wine, with a luxuriously smooth texture. From one of Anderson Valley's fabled vineyard sites, this offers softness and easy drinkability, balanced by a firm backing of fruit tones, acidity and fine tannins.
Light and smoothly textured, this beautifully crafted wine is earthy in wild strawberry preserves, mushroom and forest floor. With a tannic grip that subsides in the glass, it's built to age but entirely enjoyable now, showing power and concentration on the finish.
There is a distinct phenolic edge on this earthy, lemon-dominated and taut Riesling. Fruit—apart from citrus—is subsumed into an earthy, tense and concentrated palate. This needs more time to relax into itself and should blossom with more bottle age. Drink 2017–2020.
Flinty reduction still dominates the nose but this is only a sign of youth in this nuanced wine. It discloses tentative pear blossom and fruit, plus notions of wet earth and candied lime. Above all, a zesty spine of acidity and freshness directs all the attention to a profound, stony core. There is life force here and you know this will continue to evolve.
Flinty overtones of yeast reveal how very young this wine is. The verve that springs from the glass is undeniable. While the focus is on grapefruit and lemon zest in a tightly pulled focus, there are glimpses of honeycomb, popcorn, treacle, pollen and hints of tropicality, with a touch of pineapple. Hold this wine for a while longer and it will unfold itself graciously. Drink 2016–2020.
Ott specializes in rosés with weight and alcohol. Everything is so well integrated that they are only a part of a rich, fruity wine that has a dense texture, with spice and generous strawberry fruits. Full and definitely for food, the wine should be aged another few months, so drink from mid-2016.
This is a powerful Cabernet comprised of all the key players. The nose is oaky, with coconut and vanilla aromas alongside fast and furious spiced berry scents. A meter-pushing palate tastes of spiced cherry, blackberry, herbs and chocolate, while the finish simmers with coffee and mocha notes. Drink through 2020.
Very light in the glass, this wine by regional Sauv Blanc veteran Kathy Joseph offers cut green apples, sweet lime blossoms and a light honey element on the nose. Lime zest and citrus pith decorate the palate, with steely white pepper and dried oregano flavors that race across the tense palate.
Made in tiny quantities, this wine opens with aromas of crisp, just-peeled orange before unveiling silky tannins and a bite of oak. Light in color, it builds up layers of dark cherry, sage and mushroomy earth as it develops, with a substantial kick of texture and weight on the finish.
Pungently earthy in red strawberry and cherry, this is a seductively textured wine from a fine vineyard, made in tiny amounts. Fresh-cut roses and black tea provide a savory element, balancing exuberant fruit and complex notes of cola.
The first harvest from the De Portola Vineyard, this aged wine shows a mysteriously inviting character on the nose and palate. Aromas of cinnamon, strawberry jam on toast, mace and plums lead into a palate decorated by cherry and berry juice mulled by licorice and sandalwood.
Aromas of crushed violet, baked plum, cake spice, ripe berry and tobacco pervade in this bold, full-bodied red. The firm palate offers ripe black cherry, fig, mocha, nutmeg, licorice and tobacco alongside velvety tannins.
Almost as good as some of the winery's best single-vineyard bottlings, this wine has a tremendous nose that offers tangerine blossom, pink grapefruit skin, sea salt and toast around a line of graphite. The palate presents juicy nectarine and ripe citrus alongside yeasty sizzle, salt and a chalk minerality.
Like all wines from Les Baux, this is made from organically grown grapes. It's rich, packed with dense black fruits and tannins. With Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend giving structure, this concentrated wine will repay aging. Drink from 2017.
Ripe Williams pear with grapefruit overtones segues into a creamy, almost buttery rounded palate that nonetheless has the tautness and verve of pure citrus zest. There are mellower tones here, too, of wet earth, pear juice and balm. This shows impressive elegance, length and personality. Drink now until 2025.
Fully ripe, juicy pears glow from the core of this balanced, rounded wine, with an edge of marzipan, bitter almond and a wonderfully textured center. The palate is rich but dry and stays on the side of restraint, despite the fullness.
Concentrated but fresh aromas of black cherries and blueberries mesh with hot black gravel and nose-tickling lilacs on this wine by the Fess Parker family. Dark chocolate, peppery spice, black cherry syrup and mocha flavors shine on the robust, rich and delicious palate.
Made with Teroldego from three different vineyards, this offers aromas of truffle, leather, scorched soil, black plum and a whiff of game. Aged and fermented in wood, the savory palate offers ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, earthy notes of Mediterranean herbs and dark cooking spice. Firm but fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2016–2026.
Always a dense, dark and concentrated selection, La Forge is a wine that is immediately attractive but would be best after a few years of cellaring. Notes of dark berry preserves, muddled boysenberry, raspberry sauce, cocoa, leather and truffle abound on the nose and palate. The mouthfeel is plush and creamy, with medium tannins and a texture like crushed velvet. The finish is long and spicy, offering notes of black pepper and charred oak spice.
One of the most ripe, opulent and unctuous of the Anderson Valley wines, this full-bodied bottling smells and tastes like cinnamon, cherries, milk chocolate and brown sugar, but not as sweet as that sounds. The texture is very broad and mouth-coating and the alcohol feels on the high side, giving a feeling of power with polish.
There are not many village wines made in Vougeot with the large areas devoted to Premier and Grand Cru. This wine has reminiscences of the structure of those top wines although it is delicious in its fragrant strawberries, full and with just the right amount of acidity. The fruit comes from the Clos du Château. Drink from 2018.
A standout amid a number of excellent red wines from winemaker Anthony Nappa, this unoaked Cabernet Franc (made with indigenous yeast) shines a spotlight on Cabernet Franc's raw, somewhat vulnerable expression. It's unabashedly herbal and green, almost minty, yet simultaneously luscious and berried in flavor. It's fleshy in its suppleness, yet elegantly framed within a structure of taut tannins and acidity.
Very light in the glass, this vanguard blend of 9% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Blanc and 32% Pinot Gris shows tight aromas of wet cement, sliced apple, Key lime sorbet and kiwi popsicle. There's lots of brisk, apple- and pear-driven energy on the palate, which also offers a very stony character and white-rock minerality, all dancing across the tongue with panache.
A faint smoky character wafts through warm, inviting aromas of lemon peels, nectarine and sea salt on the nose of this wine from Monterey County. There is a lot of energetic acidity on the palate, where even flavors of apple and pear are cut by lemon-lime briskness and a briny character.
Reminiscent of baked apple tart, opulent fruit provides richness and concentration equally buoyed by lemony acidity. Vanilla and honey make appearances on the palate before structured crispness forms on the finish. The wine is a blend from the Sangiacomo and Rodgers Creek vineyards.
Elegance and subtlety are the hallmarks of this medium-bodied, ultrasmooth wine. It pulls all the elements together, from the nervy, red cherry aromas to the moderate raspberry flavors, the great balance of acid and tannins vs. alcohol, and the velvety mouthfeel.
Keuka Spring Vineyards staged a remarkable renewal recently by introducing August Deimel, increasingly one of the Finger Lakes most promising young winemakers, as its head winemaker. This delightfully brisk Cabernet Franc showcases the crispness of sweet-tart black plums and cherries swathed in a finery of fresh, green herbs. It's deeply concentrated with black fruit flavors, yet elegant and refined, finishing long on a flurry of feathery tannins.
The best thing about this oddball Best Buy is that it doesn't require a big investment in order to try something way different. The wine is packaged nicely in a stout bottle, and it does give some cava-like flavor due to the fact that it's 100% Xarello. Beyond that, it smells and tastes like kiwi, banana, papaya and other green fruits. Weird but good in its own way. Give it a shot.
Smells nice as aromas of lemon curd, honeysuckle and lychee fruit make for a very Viognier-like bouquet. But it is indeed Chardonnay, and the palate of lemon, apple and orange is driving and touched up by forward but controlled oak. Lengthy on the back end, with a kiss of butterscotch. Not refined or Burgundian, but good for Navarra.
Impressive and elegant, with flowers and zippy citrus, pineapple and melon on the nose and refreshing waves of lemon, lime and a touch of tropical fruit to round it out on the palate. Creamy on the tongue but balanced, with a touch of orange peel on the finish.
Slightly volatile and jammy, but still good for the price range. The nose is pungent and mildly prickly, but it settles in the long run. Like most RDDs, it's intense and jammy in the mouth, with concentration and flavors of raspberry, tomato, salad dressing and even chocolate. If all this sounds a bit scattered and all over the map, it is. But as a whole, the wine has composure, mouthfeel and varietal and regional character.
This wine has a mellow nose of apricot, honey and lemon, and is followed by creamy fruit flavors of apricot and honey. Complex and luscious but balanced by acidity and and spice, the wine has a lingering, sweet finish. A great find.
Barrantes is always a full-bodied Albariño from one of Rias Baixas's warmest subzones. The nose on the '07 is of doughnuts and pastry, with sweet pear kicking in. The flavors are peach, apricot and ripe citrus fruits, and the finish is pithy and wide. Plods along a bit; could stand to be lighter and smoother in scope.
Light and gently spicy, this first-ever varietal Grenache from Sineann offers cranberry, pomegranate and boysenberry fruit, lots of acid and a quick fade.
Vibrant aromas of citrus, honey and tropical fruit lead here, followed by flavors of pear, honey and lemon. Mouthcoating but balanced by good acidity. Pair with soft cheese or fresh fruit.
Not exactly sleek but if you're O.K. with better than average size, sweetness and heat, it's more than fine. Aromas of sweet black plums are soft and stewy, yet the palate remains racy, with nervy cherry and raspberry flavors. A solid wine with just enough grit and bite. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, Imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.
Erath is on a single-vineyard crusade; the number of different bottlings is downright dizzying. This particular vineyard, just outside of the town of Dundee, produces a relatively soft wine, spicy with pine needles and herbs, and finishing with a distinctly metallic note that flattens out the flavors.
A big step up from the disappointing 2006, this value-priced Pinot combines genuine Pinot Noir varietal character with a restrained elegance more typical of Burgundy than Oregon. Tart red fruits, orange peel, lots of acid and a buoyant, food-friendly balance keeps it lively through the finish. A lovely match for salmon, among many other choices.
A big bruiser of a wine that hits you with its big, rich fist of blackberry fruits and sweetness. Maybe it is not elegant, but there is no denying the force behind this wine, the spice to go with the velvet texture.
Lively, enticing, this wine offers aromas and flavors of apples and pears and a smack of spice. The wine's elegant balance of fruit, sugar and acid gives it a food pairing advantage—partner it with everything from fresh grilled seafood to spicy ethnic cuisine. A lingering spicy finish seals the deal.
The top cuvée from Mas del Périé, this is a concentrated wine, with new wood and black fruit notes. It's packed with intense tannins, spice from the wood aging and a great depth of flavor. This is an impressive wine that will need to age for at least 5–6 years.
From a new winery that's bottle-aging its wines prior to release, this is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Because the vineyards straddle multiple appellations, it carries a modest Vin de Pays de Vaucluse label, but this is serious stuff. It's dense and creamy in texture, with a long, velvety finish and flavors of chocolate, black olive and dark plum. Drink now–2020.
Gorgeous balsam wood and graphite aromas blend seamlessly with ripe berry and black coffee scents. It feels lively yet cushioned, tasting like a wicked brew of maple, tobacco, berry pie and fine wood shavings. This is smooth, long and comfortable on the tobacco- and resin-flavored finish. Drink now–2018.
This is beautiful, with smooth, polished tannins and a spice note from the wood aging. It is layered with black plum, chocolate and licorice flavors, along with structure. The fruit is rich and likely to come forward in the next 3–4 years.
Loaded with black cherry and plum fruit, this is an amply endowed Châteauneuf-du-Pape that avoids excess. The fruit flavors remain fresh and vibrant, the oaking is understated and the wine's size is ably supported by soft tannins and just-sufficient acidity. Drink now–2020.
Initial new wood flavors show the youth of this complex wine. Then it fills out in the mouth with an explosive blackberry flavor and dense fruit tannins. With its power and flavor intensity, it has firm potential to age over at least five years.
Still very youthful, this concentrated wine has structure, deep black-fruit flavors and intense acidity. Its wood aging offers an extra spice note and a polished surface. Underneath, the wine is dense, needing aging. Give it 2–4 years.
Heavy fruit concentration meets thick, velvety tannins in this full-bodied, deeply colored and extremely flavorful wine. It's big enough to pair with big proteins, and concentrated enough to keep improving in the cellar. Best after 2019.
Key lime and fresh cut Gala apples meet with the spiciness of lemongrass on the nose of this bottling from Nicky Hahn and winemaker Paul Clifton. The palate shows a pithy texture, with honeydew melon, Asian pear and lemon cake.
Smooth, medium-bodied layers of pomegranate, red currant and a refreshing sense of citrus make for a light, food friendly companion, especially with the wine's satisfying bite of acidity and lengthy finish.
This is a creamy, thick and food friendly white with highlights of honey and green apple and a lingering decadence of ginger, just hinting at anise. Medium-bodied, it represents the vintage and the appellation well, at a price that's nice.
Lovely notes of Reineclaude plums play on the nose. The palate is soft but also has echoes of pebble and stone. Fluid and fresh, the wine even shows overtones of white blossom on the palate. It's a lovely, lasting and authentic expression of Alsace.
Quite vibrant and floral on the nose, this shows deep blackberry and both dried and fresh purple-flower elements as well as a baked berry pastry. The flavors are well integrated on the palate, where cooked blackberries in a vanilla pie crust combine with juicy strawberry, peppercorns and rosemary spice.
The King Estate name is intentionally printed upside down on the label, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the wine, which has been barrel aged. As when oak is applied to Pinot Gris, it mutes the varietal nuances of the grape. So along with tart apple and pear fruit, you'll find a softer palate, with vanilla and buttered nuts in the aftertaste.
This is a thick, chocolatey wine with a side of leather and black pepper that appeals on multiple levels. Full-bodied concentration gives way to a smooth, rounded palate robust in blackberry and vanilla.
Spicy and lightly peppery, this fresh rosé brings concentrated strawberry fruit into focus. Made from organically grown grapes, it expands into a full-bodied finish with a lick of milk chocolate.
Dark shades of bramble and smoked nuts lend a shadowy mystique to this unusual Schwartzriesling, otherwise known as Pinot Meunier. Full bodied yet elegant, the palate boasts tart blackberry and raspberry flavors framed in finely grained tannins. A rare chance to experience this grape as a single varietal wine.
A healthy addition of 12% Petit Verdot plays well in this wine. This is exuberant in black plum, chocolate and black pepper, with full-bodied and present oak, yet it also has a soft, approachability to the palate.
While Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, all five red Bordeaux varieties are represented here. Dark in color, a combination of black pepper and black-fruit syrup meets earthy and dry tannins. This structured wine needs time. Cellar through 2020.
From vines more than 90-years-old, this is a refreshingly restrained and elegant wine, earthy in grilled mushroom and cherry-berry juiciness, braced in firm acidity. Cocoa and nutmeg provide compelling seasonings that linger on the finish.
Scents of Spanish broom, pineapple, orchard fruit and a saline note meld together in the glass. The focused palate offers mature apple, peach, botanical herb and mineral alongside firm acidity.
Seductive, spicy oak in the aromas and flavors puts a great spin on this medium-bodied, velvety smooth wine from a promising new winery in Northern California. Some ripe black-cherry and cranberry flavors chime in as well, supporting the toasted baguette, cedar and nutmeg nuances and layering seamlessly.
Baked, rooty aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices and berry fruits are attractive. Though slightly grabby on the palate, this shows the right structure and build. Flavors of up-front oak, herbal plum and raspberry finish dry, with firm, pinching tannins. Drink through 2021.
Attractive fruity tones of red currant, raspberry and strawberry hull dance in the bouquet of this pretty rosé, graced by garrigue accents of lavender and rosemary. Flavors of red berry skin and peach pit unfold on the medium-weight palate, framed by soft tannins and a delicate spice note that lingers on the close.
Crisp and young, this wine, from 50-year-old vines, is tangy and strongly mineral in texture. It is full of fresh fruit that reflects the of organic and biodynamic farming. The green fruits will fill out as it ages. Drink from 2017.
Winemaker Mike Mooney adds complexity with 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot on this bottling, which shows blueberries, crushed black rocks and dark chocolate on the nose, but doesn't offer a lot of Cab Francness. The palate does offer some, however, with grippy tannins and dried oregano touches laid across rich black cherry, blueberry, fudge and espresso notes.
With some firm structure behind the red fruits, this wine will have a good future. A dry core sustained by the acidity is waiting to burst out and give a ripe, fruity while always fresh wine. Drink from 2018.
Subtle hints of ripe, winter-stored apple on the nose lead to an equally apple-dominated palate that shows soft pepper spice. A wonderful midpalate texture and baked-apple richness are countered by lemon freshness. This is very appetizing and cries out for soft cheeses.
On the basis that anything goes with rosé, this wine is 100-percent Sangiovese, known locally as Niellucciu. The acidity that is typical of the grape is very present as are red cherry and tight fruit flavors. It is so crisp and lively, bouncing from the glass and leaving a beautiful array of red fruits at the end.
Aromas of pear, Spanish broom, flint and Mediterranean herb emerge in the glass. The juicy, medium-bodied palate offers ripe apple, peach and lime alongside fresh acidity and a mineral vein. A hazelnut note marks the close.
Heady aromas of citrus and orchard fruit almost jump out of the glass. The savory, medium-bodied palate tastes of ripe pear, mature apple and creamy peach interspersed with energizing mineral notes. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors.
This tempting wine from one of Amador's biggest and oldest wineries has a great price and lots of big flavors. It smells like wild berries and light baking spices, tastes almost jammy, and has a classy dry balance. A very smooth texture wraps up all that goodness and makes it easy to enjoy.
This appealing wine offers threads of pine needle, sage and parsley, augmenting a clean core of apple and white peach fruit. The complexity is compelling, and the length impressive, though it fades just a little too much to stand up to long term aging.
This good-value wine done in a light and lovely style offers flavors of red berries and cherry cola highlighted by toasted hazelnuts. A touch of café crème leads into a softly focused finish.
This is fragrant and forward, with a subtle smoky element. Fresh raspberry fruit comes wrapped in flavors of toast, malt and milk chocolate. It's smooth and appealing, best consumed now through 2020.
Saucy scents accent core cherry aromas, along with sandalwood and herbal notes. This wine has a lively, pinching palate that is high in acidity. Herbal flavors of tomato sauce and red plum finish long due to racy, raw acidity.
This is done in a wide-open, instantly drinkable style that makes it an excellent, everyday quaffer. Young Oregon Pinots often need more time, but not this one. Strawberry, coffee and cola flavors combine into a broad and flavorful midpalate, fresh and inviting.
This is a spicy wine, its fruit merged with toastiness and almond flavors. Fermentation in wood has created a wine that has layers of flavors as well as crisp honeyed fruit and acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
Aromas bring notes of vanilla bean, black cherry and cassis, along with light volatility. The palate packs a big punch of fruit and barrel flavors, with vanilla notes running high throughout, causing some distraction.
This 100% varietal wine hails from Blackrock, Mirage and Summit View vineyards. Barrel notes of cocoa, vanilla and coconut are at the fore, along with notes of dried cranberry and cherry. The palate is full bodied, with luscious fruit and barrel flavors that provide appeal.
Made with dried Garganega grapes, this has delicate aromas suggesting dried white flowers, ripe fig and a whiff of cake spice. The rounded palate offers mature apricot, acacia honey and light touch of cinnamon.
This very good, well-balanced wine combines savory, smoky elements with tasty, bright fruit flavors recalling red cherry and plum. It's medium bodied and has enough concentration to be interesting.
Made entirely with Ribolla Gialla, this has aromas of Abate Fetel pear and white spring flower. The fresh savory palate offers yellow peach, lemon zest and a pleasant note of bitter almond alongside bright acidity.
This is a three-barrel reserve, principally Pommard clone, and vinified with minimal handling. Cherry/berry fruit comes with ample acidity. The alcohol, though just at the high end of moderate, seems to mute some of the details. Notes indicate that no additions were made, but the finish remains a bit chalky.
Oaky butterscotch and baked pear notes give this lushly composed white equal parts heat and body. The apple flavor seems baked and warming on the palate, lending additional richness on the toast-laced finish.
A nod to this winery being the 107th ever bonded in the country, this widely available bottling is a good deal. It opens with dried sage, tart cherry and pomegranate aromas, which lead into a light and airy palate full of cranberry fruit and garrigue notes, especially lavender and fennel pollen.
Sourced from a pair of Yamhill-Carlton vineyards, this steely effort opens with herbal beet-root aromatics. It's tight and a bit attenuated, with streaks of anise, tart berry and a touch of rhubarb. It slowly fleshes out with ample aeration.
Blending Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this is a plummy, prune-like expression. Firm, generous tannins surround its juicy black fruit and black pepper flavors, lending structure to the full-bodied fruitiness.
Chocolate, elderberry, roast beef and purple flower notes emerge on the complex nose of this bottling. Richer blackberry and black currant flavors show on the palate, with touches of soy, char and sugar plum, proving quite savory all around.
Coming from a mixture of Mirage and Blackrock vineyards, this wine offers aromas of baking spice, vanilla and dark fruit. These are followed by full-bodied black-cherry and spice flavors along with gritty tannins. It dips a bit in the middle and the oak seems a bit heavy, but it still delivers enjoyment.
The ripe black-cherry fruit brings immediate appeal, in an unapologetically fruity, forward style. The acids are in perfect harmony, and the overall balance is just right, with a juicy, tangy snap to the finish.
Tropical ripeness teases on the entry of this wine, before its lush, fleshy texture takes over. Its golden apple, pear and mango flavors combine effortlessly, while an underlying minerality plays upon the palate.
This wine has thick, ripe fruit and texture, making it robust and intense. Forest floor, black tea and tobacco notes give it memorable savoriness.
Leesy aromas of vanilla and white flowers feature notes of peach and melon. This is round on the palate, with pear, honeydew and apple flavors. A rebound of leesy vanilla reappears on a mellow finish. Drink immediately or wait for the 2014.
Thick and chewy, this is a concentrated Cabernet with a powdery coating to the palate that continues to pummel in intense red fruit. Rich and extremely fruit forward, it's not for the meek and may prove more tame with time.
Subdued aromas suggest underbrush, scorched earth and dark berry. The supple palate offers dried cherry, wild strawberry, graphite and a hint of white pepper alongside polished—almost delicate—tannins.
Slightly funky aromas of game, leather, tilled earth and a whiff of barnyard carry over to the palate, along with mature black cherry and clove. Mature tannins offer support.
Juicy plum and pencil shavings define this straightforward, soft, approachable and fruit-forward wine, cradled in toasty oak and a pronounced earthiness. The lingering finish features a touch of black pepper.
Aromas of toasted oak, espresso, vanilla and ripe berry lead the nose. The palate offers oak extract, roasted coffee bean, mocha and dark cherry. It's full-bodied, with drying and rather fleeting tannins.
Aromas of cedar, allspice and black-skinned fruit take shape in the glass. On the easygoing palate, notes of ground pepper and star anise add some depth to the juicy blackberry core, while chewy tannins give it texture. Drink through 2016.
Prickly, briny stone-fruit aromas are citrusy and largely fresh. This offers weight, grab and texture on the palate along with briny orange and grapefruit flavors. A slightly salty finish with notes of green herbs closes it out.
There's a menthol-infused sense of chaparral shrubbery on the nose of this bottling from the winery founded in 1969 by golf entrepreneur Ely Callaway. Charred pine leads the palate, with rustic elderberries, chopped herbs of oregano, thyme and rosemary, and lots of leather. It needs quite a bit of time to open up.
Attractive and fruity, this is bright and crisp. It does have some weight and a backdrop of ripe strawberries. But it's the fresh acidity that gives lift and freshness. Drink now.
This has bright raspberry and almost-sweet blackberry flavors, full body, moderate tannins and a long warm finish. It tastes polished, soft and satiny smooth.
This is a solid showing, with aromas of toasted, buttered almond, honeyed pineapple, white peach flesh, apple and white flowers. It's light on the palate, with apple juice flavors, a touch of guava and nice chalkiness, making for a pleasant, drinkable wine.
Much like its companion Rumba Pinot, this is light and tart, with sour cherry fruit. A whiff of smoke and streak of bell pepper come through in the finish, which is pleasant but quickly thins out.
Textbook Verdejo aromas of tangerine, passion fruit and grapefruit are simple and clean. A light, zesty, slightly spritzy palate frames flavors of grapefruit, lemon and orange pith. A mix of tropical and citrus notes drives a snappy but ordinary finish.
Strong, attractive apple aromas also give the flavor profile of this fresh and fruity wine. It has a light tangy, zesty texture, fresh acidity and a bright, mineral aftertaste.
This dry style of Pinot Gris brings out a strong acidity as well as ripe fruitiness. The wine is structured, tangy with surprising amounts of lemon as well as pear flavors. It is still too young and needs time. Drink from 2016.
A négociant effort, this was done entirely in stainless steel and neutral oak. Tart and light, it has simple strawberry fruit with a touch of spice. It offers no tricks, just straight-ahead Pinot at a modest price for Oregon.
There's nothing flashy about this dry, delicately framed Riesling. It's quietly elegant, focused on pristine lemon and lime flavors, along with bitter citrus pith on the finish.
Pretty aromas suggest ripe berry, spiced plum and a bit of eucalyptus. The polished palate offers mature blackberry and cinnamon alongside smooth but rather fleeting tannins.
Aromas of blackcurrant, grilled pepper and oak lead the nose. The dense, extracted palate offers dried black cherry, mature blackberry, licorice, espresso and vanilla alongside firm tannins.
Touches of caramel and apple cider offset intense lemon acidity in this medium-dry spätlese. It's refreshingly juicy, with a reverberating citrus-rind finish.
Aromas of smoky peach, citrus blossom and crushed stone are enticing and inviting. The palate of this unoaked Chardonnay is restrained and green apple focused, with a refreshing lemon-lime vein running down the backbone.
This reserve-level bottling spends 15 months in French oak, and remains tight and hard, with blocky cranberry and strawberry fruit. It thins out quickly, with a reductive hint of rubber in the finish.
Held back and re-released in the spring of 2014, this is smooth and still fruity, the fruit rounding into secondary flavors. Not a big wine, it smoothes out quickly and seems to have a hint of leather, with the finish tailing into a vague fade.
Dusty mineral notes add complexity to this floral, peachy Gewürztraminer. Off dry in style, it's brightened by a shower of soft, sunny acidity.
Bracing notes of tangerine rind ease into plush, plump stone fruit in this delicately framed kabinett. It's packed with flavor, but sprightly and fleeting on the finish.
Aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruit, mango and yellow apple abound on this ripe, rounded wine. It's full and weighty, and should be drunk now.
Dark cherry and bramble berry tones pervade on the nose and palate of this 67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Petit Verdot blend. While the wine is rich and full-bodied, syrupy blackfruit flavors ride on the midpalate, leading to a slightly hot finish.
A bit dull on the nose, this wine offers smoky, toasty blackberry and bacon around a soft body and short finish, making it fine for casual gatherings and barbecues.
A reminder of Provence's place in the seaside life of France, this is just off dry, a fresh, fruity, simple and very drinkable wine for the summer. With red fruits and a soft texture, it is ready now.
Clean lemon and pineapple juice ride on a streamlined palate, driven by sharp, bracing acids.
Pronounced aromas of dried savory herbs impart a distinctly earthy tone to this Pinot Noir rosé. While a crush of fresh watermelon flavor shines brightly on the palate, it finishes brisk and tart.
Pressed apples meld with coconut on the nose. The medium-bodied palate brings notes of banana, melon and an oddly floral note.
Merlot forms the core of this blend, supported by smaller amounts of Syrah, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A note of black olive opens the wine, which is soft, full-bodied and tart in red plum, the tannins chewy on the finish.
Thin and light in clove and dark plum, this accessible red wine pour is priced appropriately. Not overly tannic or oaky, it's fruity and ready to go.
Cherry candies, grapefruit and watermelon grace the nose. The light-bodied palate shows little intensity and focuses on an underripe strawberry note.
This soft wine has only the lightest suggestion of texture. It is gently fruity and easy to drink, with strawberry fruits to the fore.
Tangy caramel and fruit drop flavors give a wine that's very drinkable. This is off dry, which gives a soft texture and great fruitiness. It would drink best as an apéritif.
Sourcing from three different, widely drawn appellations, with 33% of the grapes from Sonoma County, this white offers lemon-lime and grapefruit around a thin core of dried mint and lavender. Easygoing and not too fussy, it'll do well with food.
This wine is meant to capture the American spirit in grapes grown across America. The wine lacks distinct personality, with just a tease of blackberry and spice that's characteristic of the variety, yet in a somewhat reduced, generic way.
This presents aromas of toasted oak, espresso and a whiff of burned tire rubber. The lean palate displays raw, red cherry, coffee and oak extract alongside astringent tannins that leave an abrupt, bitter finish.
The nose is a bit one-note, showing a generic Juicy Fruit gum aroma. Sharp acids frame a palate of canned fruit cocktail, leading to an astringent finish.
This orange-pink colored wine is so soft and gentle that it ends up with little flavor at all. It has acidity, hints of apricot and pear, with a little spice at the end.
It's a strain to get much off of this wine with its light aromas of pineapple, pear, toast and grape skins. The tropical flavors fare better but the concentration doesn't all seem there.
Very perfumed aromas of violets and Hawaiian Punch hit the nose. The palate is effervescent and bouncy, with sour pomegranate and fruit skin bitterness.
This tight, dry wine seems to be missing out on fruit. It has spice, acidity and a bitter edge that cuts into the freshness.
This is a lithe, unoaked Chardonnay, citrus-driven in nature, with a slightly savory, almost broth-like finish. Drink now.
This 50-50 split of Zinfandel and Syrah is skunky and heavy, a toasty concoction of boysenberry and blackberry jam that finishes abruptly with an herbal afternote.
Light in color and flavor, this is a ghost of a wine, with pale fruitiness and acidity, with a fleeting texture.
Faint aromas of yellow apple and pear lead to lightly creamy but dilute stone and tropical fruit flavors.
Weedy and herbal, this Merlot-based blend is thick and rich in black cherry and medium oak, with an abbreviated finish.
Smoky barbecue aromas mask the bouquet of this wine, more akin to Zinfandel than Pinot Noir. Nondescript and somewhat diluted, it struggles to find varietal character.
This wine is so light in color and flavor. It passes fleetingly across the palate, a wisp of fruit and acidity, before it is lost.
Plum, cranberry and blueberry aromas come with earth and ample oak. The wine is jammy and a touch lazy on the palate. Flavors of savory, baked plum and spicy, stewed berry fruits finish with leftover oak and spice flavors as well as a jammy feel.
The nose on this no-dosage rosé is neutral except for a touch of brine and nuttiness. The palate is fresh, sharp and a touch rough. Flavors of dried red fruits are matched by briny notes and popcorn, while the finish tastes toasty and briny.
Rich and full-bodied, it starts with aromas of stone fruit, citrus and slate. The palate is loaded with ripe white peach, mineral and almond. Lively acidity brightens up the creamy texture.
This is a crisp, tightly focused offering, but one that doesn't lack fruit. Scents of guava and gooseberry mark the nose, while the flavors are more like grapefruit and underripe pineapple. It shows admirable length for such an inexpensive wine.
This is winemaker Simon Waghorn's entry-level wine under his own label, designed to give a taste of the “province” of Marlborough. So it's a medium-weight, multiregional blend featuring plenty of passion fruit and lime aromas and flavors, plus a fine line of acidity and a long finish.
This is a rich and attractive Chenin, with initial scents of honeycomb, yellow flowers, honey-drizzled apple and soft pear. Round and lush, the flavors are ripe and mouthfilling, with flavors of grilled apple, honeydew, orange oil, sweet spice and toast that  linger through the finish.
Medium to dark pink in color, this semi-dry rosé has aromas of rose petals, freshly picked cherries and cherry blossoms. It has just the right touch of sweetness and flavors of early summer strawberries and dried rose hips. In the mouth it shows roundness and the finish shines with pronounced astringency.
Made with Carricante from the slopes of Mount Etna, this opens with a floral fragrance of Spanish broom and ripe pear. The linear palate offers Granny Smith apple, citrus and Bartlett pear alongside fresh acidity. It has a bitter, nutty finish.
Raisiny black-fruit aromas are jammy and a clarion indicator of what's to come. In the mouth, this Malbec is saturated and chunky, with extreme ripeness. Flavors of raisin, prune and baked berry fruits come with secondary spice and pepper notes. The finish is earthy, heavy and rich but short on vibrancy.
Even Brancott's entry-level Sauvignon Blanc is a solid effort, adding a hint of fumé character to its otherwise straightforward blend of stone and passion fruit. There might be a touch of residual sugar to give the impression of weight, but it's balanced by the tangy acids on the finish.
There's plenty of tropical fruit, white peach, green apple and mineral sensations in this savory wine. The round, juicy palate is supported by fresh acidity that gives it a clean, quenching finish.
This blend of native grapes (80% Caprettone and 20% Catalanesca) conveys delicate fragrances of Spanish broom and white fragrant flowers. The vibrant palate offers apple, citrus and peach accented with notes of Mediterranean herbs. Vinity Wine, Panebianco.
Hints of smoke and crushed minerals lend a savory tone to this dependable classic from Red Newt, accenting subtle flavors of white peach and nectarine. It's delicate in frame, but penetrating lemon-lime acidity jolts the palate.
Aromas of luscious lychee, lemon and lime meld beautifully on the nose of this bold, full-bodied wine. Off-dry in style, it's lush with sweet tropical-fruit flavors, but balanced with a shimmer of lime acidity and revitalizing blossom notes. It finishes with a touch of alcoholic warmth.
Garnet in color with aromas of black cherry and cranberry juice, it has a strong acidic backbone with flavors of black cherry and red plums. A bit linear yet pleasant in the mouth, this wine would stand up to your spiciest stew.
This wine successfully embodies the tropical fruit side of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, blending hints of pineapple and passion fruit into a package that includes ample weight and a clean, refreshing finish.
Pale blush to the eye with a soft bouquet of apple and peach, this wine has flavors of grapefruit, aniseed and menthol with sophisticated savory undertones. The rounded finish offers just the right touch of brightness.
This blend of 60% Malvasia delle Lipari, 30% Carricante and 10% other native grapes features aromas of subtle oak, coconut and hints of exotic fruit. The round palate delivers sweet nectarine, peach and juicy tropical fruit accented with Mediterranean herbs.
It opens with aromas of stone fruit, pineapple and a hint of mineral. Rich flavors of pear, peach and mango accompany an intriguing smoked note. The palate finishes crisp and dry.
In this easy-drinking wine, jammy aromas of multiple black fruits lead to a soft, simple palate with a streak of bracing tartaric acid. Straightforward blackberry flavors come with little to no complexity, while the finish is quick and fades away with modest grip and length.
Grassy and borderline pungent in character, there's nevertheless enough white grapefruit to support the wine and give it a refreshing, citrusy core. It's not that rich or weighty, but boasts a pleasant silky texture and a bright, clean finish.
Straw gold in color, this is a fragrant, delicately aromatic wine. Made from organic fruit, it has pure white fruit and mineral flavors that are cut with intense youthful acidity. It needs to develop, so wait to drink until 2016.
This is an attractive and fragrant wine, bursting with fresh pear and apple flavors. It's laced with the hallmark Grüner touch of pepper and finished with refreshing acidity. For drinking this year. Screwcap.
There's a lot of promise in this blend of Grenache (85.5%), Syrah (10%), Mourvèdre (4%) and Roussanne (0.5%). Coming from a cool vintage, it's aromatic with notes of raspberry, white pepper, and flowers. The palate is light, tart and fresh.
This Barbera has a subtle fragrance of plum and spice. The palate offers restrained black cherry flavors, along with hints of white pepper and nutmeg. Simple, but well made, this would pair perfectly with pasta Bolognese or mushroom dishes.
The French oak (35% new) brings notes of cocoa and vanilla that meld with the grape's currant and herbs. It's on the lighter side of medium bodied, fresh with a tart bite on the finish providing distraction.
A soft, rich wine, spiced with light wood. Fine blackberry fruit, soft tannins and attractive acidity are all well in balance. The wine has a fresh, juicy finish.
Though not labeled as such, this is single vineyard Malbec all coming from Canyon Ranch Vineyard with varietal notes of plum and black pepper. Aged in one-quarter new American and French oak, barrel spices play off the elegant fruit flavors that largely paint around the edges.
Mint marks the nose of this otherwise darkly attractive wine. Notes of mocha and plum nicely set up the wine, as do the supple tannins, but then there's a jarring edge of prickly acidity that cuts across the palate and disrupts the flow. There are some nice parts here that don't quite come together.
Tea, tomato, raspberry and spice aromas are typical for Leyda Pinot. The body is a bit light and hollow, but that also means it's not heavy. Raspberry and spiced tea flavors control the palate, while plum, spice and light herb flavors work the almost dilute finish.
This blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot opens with fiery, oaky aromas that include cherry, cassis and vanilla. The palate has a severe tartaric shear to it along with clampy tannins. High-toned flavors of raspberry and plum are propped up by blazing acidity, while the finish is herbal and peppery in taste, with a scouring feel.
A green, minty wave of challenging aromas comes with black olive, coconutty oak and graphite. The palate is bullish, scratchy in feel and tannic, with feral, herbal flavors of blackberry, juniper and wild herbs. Herbal and wild are the best words to describe this Syrah.
Fruity wine, light, elegant with a touch of minerality, it shows a fine balance of green fruits and its spice. The wine is all about freshness, crispness, a touch of minerality to give texture. At the end, the fragrant acidity shines. Screwcap.
Attractive aromas of red apple, yellow peach and lemon custard abound on the nose of this Chardonnay. The flavors seem riper on the palate than the nose suggests, with notes of mealy melon and baked apple that remain through the medium-length finish. Drink now.
Zesty lemon and yellow-peach notes are touched with lanolin on this dry, yet deeply fruity Riesling. Stone fruit flavors are intensely ripe, almost pulpy, on the palate, but accented with sharp lime acidity.
This blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon delivers pretty floral and white-fruit aromas, while the long and linear palate shows restrained fruit flavors punctuated by pear and a hint of mineral.
This is a broad-shouldered, full-bodied wine that shows true varietal character in its mix of earthy, spicy strawberry and cherry notes.
Very soft gentle floral hints of honeysuckle rise from the glass. The dry palate amplifies them with peachy fruit on a slender, taut and textured palate. There is a lightness in the step and lovely depth of aromas with a touch of lavender on the finish.
The nose is reminiscent of dried pine cones and miso. It is only on the palate that some fruit appears: Hints of red cherry mix with the same pine notes and are fringed with pleasant bitterness. The palate is light in weight but concentrated. This calls out for food—think game and mushroom dishes. The finish is juicy, refreshing and moreish.
Faint notes of both Conference and Bosc pear scent the nose. These notions also appear on the light-bodied palate where they have an earthier aspect and are presented with a very appetizing freshness and clean finish.
Grilled herb, dark spice, forest floor, toast and oak aromas lead the nose. The palate is dense, its mature black cherry, espresso, licorice and tobacco flavors drawn tight with close-grained tannins that leave a compact finish. Drink 2022–2027.
This blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from the Fess Parker team offers lemon blossom, baking soda and lime zest aromas on the light and flowery nose. Broad flavors of yellow apple and pear meet with a citrus twist on the finish.
This beauty is rich in raspberry and blackberry leaf aromas on the nose, which carry through to the palate and are joined by flavors of kirsch, clove, lavender and tobacco. Well integrated tannins and bright acidity lead to a long, smoky finish.
This bottling from Brack Mountain Wine Company shows butter, sea salt and caramel on the nose, balanced by tangerine and faint jasmine aromas. The wine is elegant and easy to like, with Meyer lemon and prominent-but-not- overpowering honey butter on the palate, and a pink lemonade touch that carries into the finish.
This all-Viognier wine opens with apricot, butterscotch, toast and vanilla notes. On the creamy, full-bodied palate, lime and hazelnut flavors accent a core of juicy yellow peach. Enjoy through 2019.
Though it's 100% varietal, this sports a strong floral streak, as if dominated by Gewürztraminer. Baby-powder scents and accents shift into a fruit core of citrus, with Meyer lemon, oranges and pineapple.
This Western outpost of Yalumba's empire has produced a supple Cabernet that's already approachable. Cedar, mocha and vanilla notes wreathe the red-berry fruit, giving this a woody but harmonious nature. Drink now–2025.
This wine is bright and crisp in strawberry and red licorice flavors, with a depth of juicy plum that adds softness and velvety texture. Tawdry earth complements the exuberant fruit.
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc, this offers blueberry, cedar and bell pepper aromas. The palate is juicy, full of red currant, vanilla and Mediterranean herb flavors, held firm with polished tannins and a tart finish. Drink through 2022.
There is a touch of nuttiness on the nose before lemon notes kick in. There is lots of rounded spice, including hints of nutmeg and mace, that dance with the subtle lemony freshness on the light-bodied palate. The flavors are intriguing and very fresh, with a juicy, enlivening and still spicy finish.
This is a ripe complete wine. With its tannins and rich structure balanced by the generous black fruits, it has weight. Cut by the acidity of the vintage, this is serious, complex and worthy of aging. Drink from 2022.
Focused and elegant, this aromatic wine rewards your sniff test with highlights of pine needle and resin, along with beet root and a slight impression of wax. It's a bit stiff and tight, and should be decanted if you are drinking it any time before 2020.
Here's another super value from this under-the-radar producer. It's viscous and mouth filling, with lush pear and apple fruit. The concentration and fruit purity is exceptional.
This is a big, meaty wine that wears its youthfulness on its sleeve, showing a touch of reduction and assertive oak. Beneath its wall of ripeness, black licorice, cherry and pomegranate characteristics are buoyed by a depth of thick tannin.
Dijon and Pommard clones blend gracefully here, pushing sweet cherry fruit and baking spices into the flavor center. A touch of fresh-baked pie crust lingers also, and this easy-drinking cuvée should be enjoyed now through 2020.
A strongly herbal take on the grape, this clonal combo shows bay leaf, eucalyptus and tarry earth notes on the nose. The palate kicks off with a red plum tang, settling into cranberry -inflected fruit before pine needle-laced forest floor flavors emerge with herbaceous power.
This is a full-bodied, rich and round Cabernet Sauvignon. Juicy, mouthwatering cassis fruit is framed by cedar, vanilla and baking spices, while the finish showcases fine tannins. Given the quality of this wine, it's a shame that Wynns' high-end john Riddoch Cab doesn't get exported to the U.S.
This is a rich, plush wine that's soft and simple at its core, heady in licorice aromas. On the palate, expect an exuberance of leather, coconut and dark chocolate flavors.
Ripe raisin and black-fruit aromas come with a licorice sidenote. This feels tight and pure but not demanding, with proper balance. Plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors give way to a spongy fruit-driven finish.
This estate-grown, pure varietal effort is exceptionally rich and succulent. The flavors of sugared grapefruit, lemon pulp and rind and sweet tea are concentrated and lingering. Despite the impression of sweetness, it's not a dessert wine, just an especially ripe and rich one.
The lovely fruity-green notion of lemon balm appears on the nose and shimmers with its own subtlety. The wonderfully slender, almost playful, palate is translucent in its freshness and shimmering citrus and herb character. What a lovely subtle wine. Enjoy with equally subtle food.
El Jabali—the home vineyard of vintners Richard and Thekla Sanford—delivers a Chardonnay loaded with fresh lemongrass, nectarine and Gravenstein apple scents. There is a pithy grip to the palate, where apple and Anjou pear flavors converge with lime and grapefruit tartness.
This reserve-series wine opens in honeysuckle, offering a wealth of floral aromas before unveiling a backbone of caramel oak. Starting fresh and crisp in acidity and citrus, it evolves in the glass to become richer and more unctuous in texture, with a boldness of baked apple.
Sweet, rich and generously sunny peach notes on the nose and the tongue have top notes of honeysuckle. On the palate, the lusciousness is countered and given direction by orange peel freshness. This is all primary and still opulent, brimming with flavors. The finish is medium sweet.
Floral lavender sets the mood on the entry into this wine, followed by soft layers of red cherry and herb. The big oak imprint in this wine gives it weight, concentration and a bittersweet tone, especially on the finish.
This single vineyard wine is full bodied but crisp, with savory notes of roasted meat and campfire more in evidence than bold fruit. It finishes long and a bit tart.
This co-mingling holds 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot. Juicy blackberry and cassis make up the wine's fruit component, accompanied by solid structure and tannins, and an unusual sprinkling of coconut macaroon.
Yeasty, rounded and almost earthy notes are conjured up on the nose. That almost soy-like yeastiness remains on the palate, where citrus zest cuts through the richness. Texturally this is creamy and buffered, but not without tone.
Fresh and clean aromas of raspberry and a wild array of red fruit flavors characterize this wine from regional pioneer Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire. A minerally, slate-driven palate that's steel-like in its sharpness contributes backbone. This wine will age well.
Coming from seven different vineyards spread across the Columbia Valley, this wine—which includes 13% Sauvignon Blanc—brings notes of fig, browned butter and candy corn. It's full bodied with a creamy texture and a warm finish.
Aromas of blue flower, ripe berry and allspice jump out of the glass of this full-bodied but elegant red. The fresh, juicy palate offers blueberry, blackberry, graphite and a hint of mocha. Firm, fine-grained tannins offer support and give it a smooth texture.
This white blend is subtle, not overtly fruity, but has a complexity in the aroma that leads to an intriguing white peach and almond flavor, a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish. It's made from 62% Viognier, plus Muscat Canelli, Marsanne and Roussanne.
An aromatic nose suggests cherries in Kirsch with vanilla, derived from the exuberant Zweigelt cherry fruit paired with the mellow spice-notes of new oak. This is rounded but remains spicy and slender at its core. A red that can be enjoyed perfectly well without food.
Plump, slightly stewy aromas of blackberry and cassis are just shy of fresh. This hot-vintage, beefy Cab is bulky and low on acidity, but friendly and easygoing. Flavors of jammy, baked blackberry fold in chocolaty richness in front of a slightly syrupy finish. Drink through 2017.
An elegant expression of this grape, this smooth, full-bodied wine delivers layers of spicy plum, juicy blackberry, graphite, clove and licorice. Firm but velvety tannins provide ample texture and support.
Quite light in color, this wine packs a floral nose, with pungent tuberose along with lemon zest. It's refreshing once sipped, and the white flower character grows into a restrained tropicality, with guava most noticeable.
Rich, almost sweet in its ripe fruit, this Madiran has been made to drink early. It is full of generous black fruits, full-bodied with tannins that are rounded and warm. A streak of acidity keeps it fresh. Drink this fruity wine now.
Made with 70% Nero di Troia plus other varieties, this features aromas of ripe dark berry, bell pepper, game and tobacco. All of these carry over to the palate along with clove and ground black pepper. Assertive but drying tannins provide support. Drink through 2019.
A seldom-seen near 100% offering of this variety (6% Syrah is blended in), this wine shows notes of herbs, sugared plum, thistle and chocolate. It coats the palate from end to end with silky soft, almost pillowy fruit and savory flavors that keep the interest high.
Apple and fig are layered throughout this elegant, medium-bodied wine that offers the ripeness of a warm vintage without veering into sweetness. The barrel impact is managed well, adding to the impact of honey and dried nuts on the finish.
Spicy and stout on the nose, this delivers graphite, blackberry and cassis aromas. The palate is young, choppy and tannic in feel, with racy, raw flavors of ripe tomato and blackberry accented by carob and chocolate. Dry tannins on the finish support lightly baked berry flavors. Drink through 2017.
Mellow balsamic-like aromas of herbal berry fruits, tobacco and vanilla lead to a juicy, easy-flowing palate. Flavors of licorice and anise accent blackberry and currant, with tobacco and vanilla notes providing support. A lightly spiced finish is fresh and medium in length.
Spicy, and medium bodied, this has a smoky, spicy nose that recalls charred earth, graphite, black currant and cedar. The smoky quality carries to the palate, along with mature blackberry, allspice, licorice and clove. Firm but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide an uplifting framework.
Enticing oak aromas lead to rich fruit flavors, layered tannins and a supple texture on the palate. Yes, the oak element is a bit heavy but it is delicious. Ripe cherry and plum flavors catch up, filling the mouth and lingering on the finish.
A rounded, fruity and yet zesty Riesling full of freshness and ease. The core of stone fruit is richer than the nose suggests and counters the ripe but zingy acidity beautifully.
A rather closed nose and tightly-wound aromatics suggest that this will take time to reach its peak. The concentration is there, as is the midpalate weight, hints of smokiness and a tropical aftertaste of pineapple. Try this as of 2016.
Intensely herbaceous, this is grassy, crisp, catty—all the flavors that come from young, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc are here in bucketsful. It is delicious, refreshing and aromatic. Drink from 2015.
Aromas of underbrush, cut grass, Mediterranean scrub, red currant and spice take center stage along with a hint of menthol. The soft approachable palate offers blackberry, black currant, star anise, vanilla and white pepper alongside bright acidity and supple tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Alicante and Syrah, this juicy wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, baking spice and a balsamic note. The concentrated palate doles out ripe black cherry, clove and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins.
There is a refreshing minerality underscoring this tightly wound wine. Fruit flavors of grapefruit, lime and white melon carry a hint of spice. There's penetrating acidity, only slightly muted by the 13 g/L of residual sugar.
Cloudy Bay's latest vintage is the first from their own vineyards in Central Otago and reflects a step up in quality despite a challenging vintage. Plummy fruit dominates the rather chunky wine, framed by hints of toast and dried herbs, while moderately dusty tannins and bright acids mark the finish. Drink 2018–2025.
While obviously not a “cult” wine, this full-bodied bottling has just what the varietal should offer in terms of ripe fruit, spice, a firm and moderately tannic texture, and a mouthfilling presence. Its strengths lie in good balance, tempting layers of flavor and a lingering finish.
From one of the leading estates in this cru appellation, the wine is structured and firm and likely to age well. With black cherry and red-currant fruits it is crisp although with its solid texture it should broaden out. Drink this wine from 2018.
Annick and Jean-Marc Lafont's three acres on the slopes below the chapel of la Madone give a firm and concentrated cru wine that will repay aging. There are layers of red-berry fruits that are cut with solid tannins and a dry core. The wine will age, so drink from 2018.
Although the Chermette family is based among the Beaujolais vineyards to the south, it does also possess vines in the crus villages of the north. With an open, ripe and juicy character the wine has concentration and richness. It is full, fruity and ready to drink.
This unfiltered, cloudy wine offers aromas of lime and yeast. A blend of Chardonnay (80%) and Viognier (20%), it's grown according to the principles of biodynamic viticulture. The juicy palate doles out white peach, vanilla and lemon, closing on a toasted hazelnut note.
In this wine, a core of juicy apple and Anjour pear flavors is dressed with light vanilla, nutmeg and cream accents for a beautiful, airy wine that's dry and not at all heavy. Baking spices linger on the long, vibrant finish.
This likable wine smells sweet and plummy. It tastes smooth, juicy and fruity, as red cherry and black-plum flavors spill over the palate. Pleasantly medium bodied, it's moderate in tannins.
This wine is big and rich, with a lot of buttery, spicy oak showing in the aormas as well as the flavors, while it also brings out ripe pear, nutmeg and hazelnut accents. A toasty oak element and moderate acidity help to balance out the ripe fruit character.
A bright star within Hudson-Chatham's strong lineup of red wine, this Pinot Noir offers loads of fresh pristine black-cherry and berry flavors. Whiffs of bramble, toast and anise lend complexity to a neatly balanced yet silken palate. A fine feathery fringe of tannins leads a long finish. Drink now through 2022.
This lush wine offers true value, deeply flavored in strawberry and cherry. A tannic foundation supports the fruit beside black tea, clove and a twist of orange and cranberry, with a soft and smooth texture.
Smoky tar and oak meet baked huckleberry in this soft, textured and lengthy wine from this great family of grape growers. Moderate acidity allows for a ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety.
From an organically farmed vineyard, this rich, full-bodied wine offers flavors of baked plum, cherry and chocolate cake, taking on an edgy flirtation with toasted oak. It finishes with a sprinkling of black pepper and nutmeg, ready for a giant steak.
A youthful wine still pushing out its elbows, this displays fullness and concentration at its core, an intensity of oaked spice that provides warmth on the palate. Pear, lime and lemongrass dot the landscape of complex flavor.
This is a rather light-bodied wine for its genre, but one that boasts remarkable freshness and purity of fruit. Passion fruit and cut-grass aromas lead into flavors that include white grapefruit, gentle herbal notes and stone fruit. Versatile as an apéritif or alongside any fish or shellfish.
This wine displays attractive notes of bay leaf and thyme typical of the region, but they overshadow the cherry fruit. Some leathery flavors also show up on the palate. There's a silky mouthfeel, finished off by cocoa-powder-like tannins. Drink now–2025.
A big blanket of oaky, chocolaty, minty aromas sits on top of herbal plum and cassis scents. No surprise that this is a big wine with loud plum, blackberry and spice flavors, but it's also a bit awkward in feel. On the finish, this spreads apart at the seams, leaving no cushion for scorching acidity and hard tannins. Drink through 2021.
The 2012 vintage was a cool one in Marlborough, and it shows in this wine, especially when compared to the fine, elegant 2013 Te Koko. This is grassy and herbal, even hinting a bit at green peas, yet still offers a compelling texture and ample length. It may even outlive the 2013, even if it doesn't quite reach the same heights.
This straightforward wine delivers a lot of flavor for the price. The juicy, rounded layering of dark cherry, dried herb and cedar works within a light-bodied, mellowed context of balanced acidity and fruit.
Woodsy earthy berry aromas share the nose with fresh-cut oak scents. This Carmenère-Syrah blend feels lively and juicy, not heavy or flat. Dark spicy berry and plum flavors include notes of olive and oak, while the finish is spicy and tastes of olive and tobacco.
Made from 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon—organically farmed—this polished red opens with aromas of black-skinned fruit, violet and Mediterranean herb. On the full-bodied palate, tobacco and aniseed accent a core of ripe black cherry, while firm tannins provide support.
This blend of 42% Viognier, 42% Roussanne, 8% Sémillon and 8% Riesling from Edna Valley and Paso Robles would be great to sip on the porch during a sunny afternoon. Chamomile, poached Asian pear, white peach and light honey aromas show on the nose. The palate tightens up a bit, with hints of honey, pear and baked apple set against a pithy structure.
Black licorice and orange zest star in this high-toned wine from a singular clone. It's moderate in acidity, with a strong presence of fresh lemon that lingers through the finish.
With a clarity of fruit and minerality, this wine is brightly floral and noticeably stony, with highlights of melon, lemon and green apple.
Beautiful oak accents help light up this rich, nicely complex wine. Cinnamon, nutmeg and clove dress up the aromas, while ripe, jammy black-cherry flavors spread nicely on the palate and linger on the finish. It's light on tannins and pretty light in texture for such a flavorful wine.
This bracing, precisely crafted wine emphasizes crispness and attractively lean fruit flavors over richness, and it will be great with appetizers and seafood, even raw oysters. It's fresh, clean and inviting.
Rounded strawberry fruit, clove and vanilla show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling from the Hahn family of wines. Baked red cherry, cocoa spice, nutmeg, allspice and more clove pop on the palate and linger through the close.
A burly Primitivo with spicy blackberry fruit, this is an intense wine with layers of smoke and oak to offer those who like a wine that not only pairs with a slab of meat but almost tastes like one.
This Barolo is tightly wound, with aggressive tannins and nervous acidity. It lacks complexity and richness despite its core of black cherry fruit. It also shows evident alcoholic warmth and finishes on a green, astringent note.
Ripe fruit dominates this forward, fruity wine. Caramel and blackberry flavors and firm tannins combine to make a wine that is almost ready to drink.
This richly fruity wine is attractively balanced, showing ample acidity, black currant fruit and a general forward fruitiness. It's not a wine of great depth. Ready to drink now.
A simple but well made Dolcetto, with aromas of black cherry and stewed prunes followed by plum, licorice and graphite on the palate. It closes with a bitter almond note. This would work well with lasagna.
This young Barbaresco is somewhat closed, but offers floral Nebbiolo fragrance and toasted oak. The palate shows cherry, spice and coffee notes, but also green, unripe sensations. Finishes short, with drying wood tannins.
Wild berry, herb and rhubarb aromas precede a wiry, grabby palate with generic berry flavors, herbal accents and spice. Juicy, tartaric-feeling acidity creates a tangy impression on the finish, yet there's enough body and good flavors to hold things together.
Hot berry, leather and earthy aromas introduce a slightly scratchy palate with wiry, herbal flavors of plum and berry. This is fresh in feel but basic and herbal tasting, with no particular flavors sticking out. Call it basic Chilean Cabernet in every way, shape and form,
More than a hint of leather has bloomed in the bottle—actually in both bottles tasted. For some tasters, that's ok; for others, it deadens the fruit flavors and the finish. In either case, best drink this up soon.
Full and rounded, this warm rosé has some weight. A food-friendly selection, it has a dry, tangy character, textured red-currant flavor and tight final acidity.
Made from both Cabernets, this light, fruity wine has attractive red-fruit flavors, refreshing acidity and a crisp, bright aftertaste. Ready to drink now.
Dark fruits, leather, compost and burnt aromas blend together on the nose. The palate is tannic and gritty feeling, while black fruit and herbal flavors lead to a narrow, mildly bitter finish containing chocolate and coffee. Solid but hard and herbal.
Round, forward and fruity, this pleasant red does not scream out its varietal stamp, but it's a perfectly fine quaffer, a bit tart and short in the finish.
Yeasty and gaseous at first, then earthy and smoky. The palate is crisp, wet and fresh, with dry plum, cherry and a hint of cooked brown sugar. Finishes solid and sweet, and overall the wine elicits little to no complaints.
Warm, jammy and lightly herbal smelling, with an overriding aroma of blueberry compote. Fairly full and concentrated on the palate, with herb-infused flavors of dark berry and plum. Plump, warm and chewy on what amounts to a solid finish.
A vineyard change in 2008 moves the source of the grapes north from Red Mountain to the Royal Slope. Young vines yield rather tight, bare flavors, with sweet grain and vanilla components contributed by the oak barrel (just one barrel was produced).
Earthy, warm and ripe on the bouquet, with a baked element but also fruit that holds its form. Full but not overdone in the mouth, with restrained berry, plum and caramel flavors. Not pushy; subdued on the finish. Petit Verdot, Malbec and Tannat.
Dry, scratchy and rooty smelling, with balsam wood and earthy berry aromas. Medium-bodied, with gritty tannins, herb and spice flavors, and basic but solid cherry and berry fruit. A touch oaky and hot on the finish.
Apple, peach and corn aromas are indicative of the chunky palate that comes next. Flavors run a touch stalky and grassy, with apple cider the key fruit component. Simple on the finish; middle of the road as a whole.
This is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate vineyards. Quite sour with lip-puckering cherry fruit, it thins out and finishes with hard, slightly chalky tannins.
A Cab from near Yosemite, grown at 3,000-foot elevation with big texture and tannins that could develop into something interesting.
With some weight and attractive fruit richness, here is a wine that brings out all the red fruitiness of a Beaujolais cru, while not being unduly burdened with tannin or structure. Its fruitiness should be taken advantage of now.
A strongly briary old vine Zin from Lodi that's strangely restrained, with a taste of just-ripe blackberries that delves into bacon fat and mocha before falling off a tad at the finish. Decent volume and body on this wine, which is priced fairly and probably fairly easy to find.
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 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.
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.
Aromas of black currant, orange zest and lemon thyme set the scene for a three-way balancing act of fruit, savory and cool flavors. On the palate, notes of black cherry, lingonberry, eucalyptus, mint and thyme stand out, and gentle tannins ride on through a cherry and mint finish.
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.
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.
Leafy underbrush, truffle, woodland berry and toast aromas lead the nose. The chewy, solid palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, grilled sage and ground aniseed alongside bracing tannins and assertive acidity. Drink 2018–2028.
Monbazillac, with its impressive castle, is part of the Bergerac region that makes some beautiful dessert wines. This wine, with its refreshing balance between acidity and rich honeyed flavors, conveys Seville orange marmalade and lemon acidity, with a smooth, botrytis aftertaste. Drink now, or better age until 2017.
This wine is all about juicy blackberry and delicious ripe black plums. It is structured, with dry tannins in the background, but up front is fruity, bold and with a lightly smoky, perfumed aftertaste. It is almost ready to drink; just wait until late 2016.
This is strongly marked by new oak on the nose at this stage, suggesting toast, brown sugar and coffee, but fruit comes through on the palate where hints of dark berries, cola, clove and cinnamon mingle. The wine is creamy and lush in texture, with ample weight and a lingering finish of dried fruit, vanilla and mocha. Drink from 2018 to 2025.
This wine offers a bouquet of baking bread with a touch of lemon curd. It presents a sophisticated palate of lemon, lime, orange blossom, piecrust, and eucalyptus. It has pleasing acidity that overcomes cooling herb flavors on the finish, and while it is light in the mouth, soft tannins persist on the gum line for a short while after swallowing.
Juicy succulent tangerine and yellow peach flavors meld on the palate of this forward fruity off-dry wine. On first taste, it's quite straightforward, but added attention reveals glimmers of spice, saffron and mineral complexities. Drink now through 2024.
An impressive blend of Merlot and Malbec, this is a solid, dark wine packed with both tannins and ripe berry fruits. It has a serious character with toast, acidity and complex spice flavors. Drink from 2018.
Roast beef, grape candy, cracked blueberry, beef char and grapy freshness come to the nose on this bottling. The candied grape and blueberry elements carry dark-fruit character to the palate, along with licorice that gives depth. Roasting herbs in the midpalate adds savory flair.
Vineyards in the upper Douro Superior region are able to produce surprisingly fresh and fruity whites like this, despite the heat and dry climate. Old vines go into this yellow and green fruit flavored wine with its lively acidity and totally refreshing palate. Drink from summer 2016.
Though 28 g/L of residual sugar is indicated, this lushly fruity and thoroughly delicious wine does not seem at all sweet, and just barely off dry. Peaches and pears combine in a lightly spicy but intensely flavorful wine with a myriad of food pairing possibilities, notably Thai noodle dishes, or poultry with a fruit sauce.
Wild berry, grilled herb, aniseed and a hint of vanilla are some of the aromas you'll find on this attractive red. The linear, elegantly structured palate offers ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice and grilled sage while a tobacco note closes the firm finish.
Delicate whiffs of tangerine and lime intensify on the palate of this Spätlese Riesling, complemented by swathes of green herb and pine frond. It's superlight in texture, yet penetrating, showering the palate in sweet-tart grapefruit and Meyer lemon flavors. The finish is crisp and clean.
A bit tight and dainty on the nose, with reserved apple custard and white-flower aromas, this top-level bottling shows lots of nerve and verve once sipped. It offers salt, lime juice and honeysuckle on the palate, with lots of tension that lasts long after the bottle has been opened. It's a well-structured white.
Ripe fruit flavors and a delicious spiciness combine to make this full-bodied but not very tannic wine easy to love. It smells like cherries and raspberries, tastes full but not sweet, and has a texture that spreads and softens on the palate like melting chocolate. It's made with 50% Zinfandel and almost equal parts Syrah, Carignane and Petite Sirah.
This extroverted and very yummy wine is dark and deep in color. It smells like it's drenched in blackberry jam and tastes almost as thick. Gobs of boysenberry and blackberry flavors carry hints of chocolate and cherry. It's not too full bodied, just full flavored.
Forest floor and fresh-dug earth form a core around this wine's crisp, clear hit of red cherry. Buoyant acidity keeps it light and bright, with unfettered oak and tannin.
Tim Knappstein's decision to focus on the Adelaide Hills bears fruit in this terrific-value Pinot Noir. The aromas and flavors are a colorful mélange of beets, black cherries and purple heirloom tomatoes, backed by a rich texture and a long velvety finish. Drink now until 2020.
Blue flower, mature plum, licorice, clove, mocha and menthol aromas all come together on this brawny red. The warm, bold palate delivers juicy black cherry, espresso, ground pepper and anisette alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it won't need years to come around. Drink 2018–2028.
Vanilla, black-cherry soda and a berry crème brûlée character combine for a very playful and fun nose on this bottling. The palate tightens up that fun a bit but stays sexy, offering dark chocolate, red-berry jam and a shred of mint.
This Pinot, from Black Kite's highest elevation block right beneath a stand of redwood trees, is light and nuanced, earthy, buoyant with acidity and gorgeously textured, with an exotic thread of spice on the finish.
As good as their Redwoods' Edge but meatier, denser and exuding more spice, this Pinot has a nose of leather and dark blue and red fruit, sexy texture and a long-lingering finish. It'll delight on the dinner table with pork tenderloin or leg of lamb.
Certified organic and Biodynamic, this estate-grown gem offers seductive scents of rose petals and orange blossoms, dried figs and a hint of pastry. The lush aromatics lead into a delicate yet profound wine, with a core of raspberry/cherry fruit, and lingering minerality.
Savory herb and smoke notes on the nose contrast this Riesling's rich, unctuously fruity palate full of peach and apricot jam. Searing citrus acidity jolts the senses and highlights a long finish laced with honey and jasmine tea notes. Structured yet nuanced, this wine is delicious now, but should show even more complexity in a decade.
A dense, sumptuously structured wine that is full both of tannins and juicy fruit. Black plum, layers of acidity and the lightest hint of wood aging all play a part in this already drinkable wine. It will be better in five years, so wait until 2017.
A highly-regarded California producer of Pinot Noir dips its toe into the Oregon waters with this inaugural vintage from the Roserock Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It's impressive, elegant and sensual, with the subtle complexity for which the grape is famous. Rose petals, red fruits, light spices, a compelling texture and mouthfeel, and overall elegance all point to a wine with a decade or more of life ahead.
A musky, floral perfume melds with ripe white peach and a crush of stony mineral on this beautifully composed off-dry Riesling. The palate is lush, with juicy melon, peach and mango flavors, but balanced by a long, flinty finish. Drink now to maximize its ripe, perfumed exuberance.
A powerfully constructed wine, it is packed with fruit and tannins. With a leather and spice character, it shows a dry texture while the black plum skin flavors are still developing. The future holds rich fruitiness as well as a solid, concentrated structure. Drink from 2017.
Aromas of charcoal and flavors of barbecue sauce make it pretty clear what to eat when drinking this bold, spicy and assertive wine. Moderate tannins give just enough texture to support this medium-bodied wine.
This is so toasty and heavily oaked that it smells burnt and acrid. In the mouth this is pinched, tannic and tough. Flavors of plum, raspberry and vanilla finish scratchy and abrasive with drum-like tightness. Drink now.
Herbal rubbery plum aromas are fully oaked, and thus there's a campfire/brush fire quality to the nose. There's energy on the palate, which holds steady and feels in tune. Spicy herbal red-berry flavors with a ton of secondary oak finish mild and dry.
Earth and bramble notes intensify the savory, mineral character of this dry, spry Riesling. Lemon and lime revitalize the midpalate and lead a zesty finish. Drink now.
Quite shy in aromas at first, the nose on this wine focuses on apple candies, lime blossoms and Anjou pear juice. The palate shows slightly sour apples and tangy lime juice, with a crisp pear backbone.
This wine has a texture of softness and juiciness, with a leathery background. Tannic and rich in blackberry and powerful oak, it finishes lean.
Produced in Anjou, this is a totally crisp wine, with lemon and fresh gooseberry flavors that just burst from the glass. It is bright and fruity, with just a touch of mineral texture to add interest at the end.
This wine is made from the Bastardo grape which, as its name suggests, is tough to handle and rarely found. Very light in color and with a rustic flavor, the wine is light with hints of red berry fruits. A curiosity. Drink now.
Baked plum, baking spice coconut and vanilla aromas lead the nose. The evolved, fleeting palate offers raisin, nut and a hint of clove. Drink now.
This soft and smooth wine has just the right amount of smoky tannins to support the ripe, bitter cherry fruits and fresh acidity. It is still all fruit and certainly would benefit from aging, so drink from 2017.
Fresh and fruity, this simple, easy-drinking red doles out black cherry, blackberry, white pepper and clove. Racy acidity brightens the juicy fruit flavors.
Tropical fruit aromas of mango and guava prepare the palate for flavors of lemon-lime sorbet with notes of freesia. There is a nice vein of minerality that offers a faint sensation of chalkiness on the gums. Softly lingering tannins recede into a crisp finish.
The nose on this densely layered wine show both the richness of caramelized citrus and the freshness of apple blossoms, with a touch of iodine tossed in for intrigue. There's a nice lime-like liveliness on the palate, though it is quite sour, with tart stone fruit flavors.
This ripe, creamy wine has apricot flavors laced with citrus acidity. Lightly textured, it is still developing and needs to age for the next few months. Drink from the end of 2016.
Delicate effervescence and blossomy perfume mark this brut-style Riesling modeled after Italian Prosecco. It's an apt comparison, actually, with its subtle sweetness and forward floral style. Fun and flighty on the palate, it's an easy-to-drink quaffer at an easy price.
While fresh pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon notes shine brightly on the nose and palate of this off-dry Riesling, there's a touch of savory allium that distracts. It's a juicy easygoing wine with approachably soft, sunny acidity. Drink now.
Stewy foresty aromas of dark berry fruits are rustic and show a hint of graphite. This is severe on the palate, with hard pinching tannins. Stalky, salty flavors of roasted black plum and blackberry finish similarly, with tannic bite.
Peachy aromas are less than perky, while in the mouth this is lemony, narrow and citric. Flavors of lemon and tangerine finish with stony mineral notes but also a drawing citric acidity.
Smoky, cedary aromas and flavors dominate this bold, full-bodied and tannic wine made from 80% Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Spicy, toasted, almost sweet flavors of oak are very apparent.
On the plus side, this is a well-ripened, full-bodied wine, with a mix of pear and citrus. It's lightly spicy and drinking at its peak, broad and just a little flat on the palate.
The wine is soft and lightly textured. It has fruit with ripe apricot and white peach flavors that are lifted by the bright citrus aftertaste. The wine is ready to drink.
This attractive, lightly honeyed wine has apple and fresh pear flavors. Fresh, fruity and crisp, it finishes with a youthful lift that suggests it will be better from mid-2016.
A simple bouquet offers light apple and melon aromas, while the palate shows some malic acidity before it softens. Melon, apple and a touch of butter work together to create a mild flavor profile, while this is mellow and short on the finish.
Jammy aromas, figgy flavors and a very smooth mouthfeel define this medium-bodied and straightforward wine. Without much of the typical tannins, it's easy on the palate.
This medium-bodied wine has aromas that suggest strawberry jam and maple syrup, and equally fruity and ripe flavors. Touches of vanilla and chocolate add a bit of unctuous complexity, and the mouthfeel is velvety.
Coconut-laden oak kicks off the entry of this wine, a crisp version of the variety that nonetheless exhibits plenty of oak characteristics and a rich ripeness of baked apple, pear and pineapple.
Perfume partners with great acidity in this wine. The two work in harmony, resulting in a wine that has a soft texture, rich, jammy berry fruits and a backbone of tannins that will allow for aging. Drink from 2017.
This cellar-worthy wine is enjoyable now, rich and powerful in bright red and blackberry fruit, spice, toast and black licorice. Concentrated and layered, the tannins are thick and interwoven, and the juicy texture offers balanced acidity. Streaks of chocolate and earthy menthol on the nose and palate give distinctiveness. Enjoy now through 2024.
There's a rustier rhubarb hint to this wine, made in a hillside winery between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz. Light clove and cafe au lait round out the nose. A sip reveals warm red fruit up front, a soft and silky mouthfeel and flavors of a cinnamon cookie laced with Chinese five-spice mix.
An earthy, Indian-inspired spice rack of scents like star anise, cardamom and cedar surround a black cherry backbone on this single vineyard offering from the Corralitos area south of Santa Cruz, overlooking the Monterey Bay. The nuanced experience continues to the palate, where a core of sour cherry is layered with herbs of thyme and oregano, followed by a minty finish.
Start packing your cellar with 2010 Ribera gems like this wine, which is offering graphite and minerally plum and berry aromas in front of a full-bodied, hard-driving palate. Ripe, extracted blackberry and lightly herbal flavors finish with tons of residual weight and tannins. This is loud, burly and delicious; drink from 2016–2030.
This is lightly herbal and beautifully complex. The fruit is a sweetly ripe mix of boysenberry and blueberry, notched with highlights of pepper and leaf. Everything is supported with perfectly proportioned acids and fine-tuned tannins.
This firm wine has structure as well as enticing sweet red berry fruits. Dynamic and fruity, it has a dark structure that impressively expresses this solid terroir. Drink from 2018.
Rarely does a Merlot in this price range display this much power and concentration. Sourced from several vineyards, it's ripe right to the border of raisin flavors, with generous dollops of maple syrup and brown sugar adding further complexity. Still fruit-driven, yet with plenty of barrel flavor, this massive Merlot can take your richest, tangiest barbecue sauce.
It's another inky Rhône monster with aging potential from Epoch and their historic Paderewski Vineyard. This Syrah-led blend throws off inviting aromas of black cherry pie, violet, fennel and balsamic vinegar reduction. Once sipped, layers of flavor emerge steadily, with blackberry fruit roll-up, wet pipe tobacco, candied nuts, lingering herbs and a slight vanilla finish. Serve with osso buco or otherwise roasted pork.
Composed and elegant on the nose, this classic Priorat blend of Grenache and Carignan opens with minerally berry aromas and a touch of fine oak. The palate is tight, intense and well etched, with dark, toasty flavors of schisty black fruits. Licorice flavors and herbal notes guide the finish on this excellent Spanish red. Drink through 2019.
In this generous and opulent wine, weight and richness accompany acidity and power. Ripe yellow and white fruits are given a touch of spice and new wood. It's gorgeous, but will be better after aging. Drink from 2018.
Paul Hobbs coaxes beautifully classic Cab aromas and textures from this wine, which comes from the tricky 2011 vintage. Expect black currant, olive, cassis and peppercorn to intermingle on the palate amidst soft elegance, the perfect balance between fruity and herbal. On the finish a dusting of mocha turns up the dial on deliciousness.
Elegant on the nose, it offers aromas settling between violet, white pepper and chai tea. The 5% Petite Sirah adds a nice touch of viscosity to the palate. The flavors range from cinnamon to licorice with nice bitterness and acidity, making the fruits of plum and prune almost an afterthought.
From vines more than 50 years old, this is a full-throated, concentrated wine. Solid tannins and rich black fruits combine with structure and a sweet, ripe aftertaste. The acidity at the end gives just the right lift. Drink this powerful wine from 2017.
This is one minerally wine for Rioja. Stony scents blend with latex and Band-Aid, while lemon peel and hard-driving berry aromas define the nose. Monster tannins are absorbed by the wine's broad foundation, while flavors of smoke, oak, plum and wild berry finish savory and long, with a final shot of oak-based clove. Best from 2018–2025.
In 2012, Balletto had its Pinots undergo natural fermentations, with beguiling results. This vintage of Burnside Road, always a standout bottling, delivers stemmy, herbal, toasty aromas around a layering of warm strawberry fruit and gorgeous earthiness. Soft, silky and seductive, it lingers on the tongue, imprinting on the pleasure centers of the brain.
While showing some smoky wood, this wine is more about pure fruitiness with yellow fruit flavors given a crisper shot with acidity. Full-bodied and rich, the wine keeps a refreshing brightness. The aftertaste is crisp and fruity.
A wine with great sweet fruits along with smoky, firm tannins. It is certainly structured, and the black jelly fruits are already delicious. Weight partners with acidity, creating a combination of freshness and richness at the end. Drink from 2018.
It's a shame quantities of this wine are so minuscule (20 cases imported), because it shows the enormous potential of the appellation and producer. Intense aromas of smoke, espresso and black olive lead to a palate that's full bodied and creamy in texture. There's some oak influence, but the notes of vanilla, cinnamon and clove are just an accent to the harmonious whole. Drink now–2020.
Reuling is humming its way toward continued greatness in working with its own coveted fruit, crafting a coming-together of earthy fruit and lush texture. This vintage is dark ruby in color, classic in complex forest floor and wild strawberry layered over flowery perfume and a streak of spice. The imprint of oak and girth is still evolving, and the structure is there to cellar from 2017–2021.
This blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% each Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Complex old-vine characteristics emerge in a graceful, lengthy, detailed and subtle wine that weaves together herb, tobacco, olive and brambly berries. Drink now–2020.
There's a touch of Riesling-like petrol to the nose of this best-barrels Chardonnay from Testarossa, as well as dried citrus, fresh roasted cashews and Chinese almond cookie. The palate is very soft, with ripe fruit such as baked oranges. A nicely buttered touch bolsters the refreshing, mouthwatering acidity.
The single-vineyard experts at Testarossa hit a homerun with this wine from a famed property. Aromas of 7-Up, recent rains and minerality kick off a refreshing experience, which is powered by a strong flavor combination of very ripe fruit (à la traditional California Chardonnay), barrel-related vanilla and brisk, lingering acidity (à la Old World).
Light in ruby-red, see-through red color, it's spicy and alive, with a silky cherry pit aroma and undercurrent of herbal earthiness. Balanced and soft, it can accompany a slow-roasted pork tenderloin adorned in morel mushrooms or a classic BLT. Of course, it's also stellar on its own.
Jumping out of the glass with intoxicating aromas of cracked cherry cordials, this wine comes from the small production of Robin Bogue, whose father, Bill Bogue, is a well-known vineyard consultant. Flavors start with grilled meatiness, slowly slip to licorice on the midpalate and finish between vanilla and leather. Altogether a richly nuanced and deeply luscious wine.
A heady mix of herbs, cedar and milk chocolate, it's generous in black cherry and spicy pepper, a worthwhile textural challenge to the tongue and the mind, complex and layered. With smoky, heavy tannins, it'll enjoy some time to think in the cellar, the finish still rich and thick.
Firm and structured, this dense and dark wine offers ripe black fruits and a concentrated texture. It also shows good acidity and the fruitiness of 2011, giving a wine that is both rich and fresh. Age and drink from 2017.
Ripe and full-bodied, this immense wine has rich layers of tropical fruits. The wine, like so often in Corton-Charlemagne, is a powerful, huge expression of Chardonnay. It does have balance from acidity. Drink from 2018.
Faiveley owns two acres of this large Grand Cru vineyard. This 2011 is a big, bold and fruity wine that shows red fruits, a sweet texture and good acidity. It's powerful and dark, jammy as well as structured. The wood flavors are still showing strongly and need to soften. Drink from 2019.
This single-vineyard bottling comes from Pinot Noir expert Norm Yost. Baking spices and cinnamon greet the nose, followed by sweet-tart boysenberry and freshly turned soil. On the palate, black licorice leads, followed by an impressively smooth, black cherry-laden midpalate, ending with tantalizing spices on the back end.
This wine's dark berry cinnamon, blue flower and truffle aromas come together in the glass. The taut palate shows Morello cherry, cranberry and white pepper notes alongside firm acidity and somewhat grainy tannins.
Firm and tart, this is a rather light, earthy, herbal take on the grape. Its blueberry and blue plum suggestions are bound in an unyielding frame, with a whiff of rubber ball on the nose.
Floral in jasmine and apple blossom, this wine offers a solid foundation of baked apple and sizable oak, still youthfully wound up in concentrated richness. Moderate acidity helps keep things in check, as lengthy complexity comes to bear on the finish.
Winemaker Helen Masters is trying to get a bit more texture into her Sauvignon Blanc by incorporating a small portion that's been fermented on the skins. It adds a bit of richness to the already ripe flavors of fig, nectarine, melon and pineapple. Drink now.
Made in a richer marzipan-laced style, this bottling shows browned butter, butterscotch and baked apples on the nose. The palate is a tad oily with strong browned-butter and green-apple flavors, but also very balanced, with the unctuous custard elements cut by tart citrus peels.
Restrained and dusty in leathery tannin, this wine opens in the glass to unravel bold black-fruit and licorice power, offering stark succulence and moderate acidity on the palate.
An easy focus on fruit and flavor is the key to this ripe wine that is full of creamy apple and peach flavors. It is crisp, with plenty of acidity and a delicious, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
This is a good example of a red Portuguese wine, showcasing soft, generous tannins and juicy red and blackberry fruits. It is ripe, full of fruit and rounded with a firm, dry aftertaste. Drink now.
Velvety smooth and big-boned, this wine shows crisp red fruit wrapped in tart acidity and subtle oak. Bay laurel, spearmint and green tea add savory complexity.
A firmly tannic wine with a powerful structure, this is rich and well concentrated, with a solid character that supports the generous black fruits. Juicy and with good acidity at the end, the wine will be ready to drink from 2018.
The winery calls this their “Bunny Cuvée” due to the rabbit on the label. It's well made, of fair value, with sharp details. Cranberry and raspberry fruit flavors punch through with a gentle streak of cola. The finish comes with a hint of composted earth.
This wine has weight and considerable richness. Spice and an attractive perfume meld with the blackberry fruits and juicy acidity. The Castelão grape is at home in this region, which shows in the sense of terroir in this bold wine. Drink now.
This full-bodied perfumed wine brings out ripe white and green fruits. With summer-flower aromas and plenty of acidity, it is attractive and crisply refreshing.
Pinot Gris, with its pale-pink skin, is the grape of choice in Reuilly for rosés. With a color that matches pale rosés from Provence, the wine is lightly spicy while also dry. Its balanced acidity is just right. Drink now.
Produced from 10- to 20-year-old vines, this wine is bold and fruity. It has delicious apricot and white peach fruitiness that is cut by intense zesty acidity. Its fruit and crisp texture are still young and the wine will be better from 2018.
This ripe wine from Albin Roux's estate is generous and packed with rich apricot and pear fruits. There is a steely edge to the texture, giving a final bite to the acidity of this opulent wine.
As happens in Côtes de Bourg, Malbec forms part of the blend in this wine. This would explain the firm dry tannins that give it a big structure and weight. Along with the dry character, there is the beginnings of red berry fruit. The wine needs several years.
A rich wine from a fine Sauternes year. It has honey, sweet orange marmalade and just enough freshness. At the same time, there is enough botrytis to give a good dry edge. With its weight and bit of spice, it could age.
Rich, maturing fruit flavors bring blackberries and sweet plums to the fore. They are firmly sustained by dense tannins, themselves rich. This is a solid, wood aged wine that has weight and some good concentration.
A spicy wine with plenty of cinnamon and cocoa scents and accents. Wild berry fruit is still firm and hard, overtaken by the inviting barrel flavors. Give it more bottle age or decant it for near-term drinking.
Smoky, rubbery and lightly baked smelling, but also generous and full, with berry and vanilla aromas. Feels full and comfortable, with toast, vanilla, chocolate and core berry and plum flavors. Healthy and well made as a whole; drink now through 2014.
A young firmly tannic wine still influenced by its wood aging. The berry fruits are ripe and chunky with a licorice and nutmeg character. It needs aging over several years.
Deliciously biscuity on the nose with hints of candied orange peel, this structured blanc de blanc balances a soft biscotti sweetness with delightfully high acidity and a creamy, gentle froth. Brisk, lemony finish.
Powerful but well cut and elegant. The nose is hardly bashful and hits with a mix of fresh greens, bright citrus and minerality. Healthy in the mouth, with blazing acidity, grapefruit and lasting green notes. The epitome of a zesty white wine.
Opens with roasted, herbal aromas that suggest crusty black fruit, olive and leather. Feels mostly fresh and lively, with forward kick and good, meaty flavors of herbal black fruit, cassis and olive. Lightly herbal and toasty on the finish.
With spicy wood and mint aromas, the wine has ripe blackberry fruit, sweet tannins and some fine concentrated dark flavors. It is structured with a dry core of acidity and fruit skins. Ready to drink, but worth aging.
Very much on the ripe, tropical side of Sauvignon Blanc, this is rich and concentrated. There are citrus and toast along with the spice and pineapple. Textured, it is still young and will age.
Initially dry and tannic, the wine shows dark fruits with blueberry flavors, smoke and spice. It is rich and dense, already with the fruit right up front. Drink now or better age.
The high proportion of Sémillon in the blend gives the wine an extra richness. That rounds out the more herbaceous character and brings in ripe peach and kiwi flavors. It's already a lively, drinkable wine, but should only improve over another few months.
Rounded and sweet wine, its tannins buried in the rich blackberry fruits. It is dominated by its fruity character, although there is a chunky texture that gives a firm mouthfeel. Ready to drink in a year.
Wild aromas abound on the nose of this wine, but are balanced with expressive garrigue (primarily rosemary and thyme) and ripe red cherry, bramble and blueberry notes. The medium-weight mouth shows great richness and concentration of flavors, all framed by silky tannins and moderate acidity.
On the lean side, with a layered concentrated wood structure. The wine has weight along with dryness, although the fruit is harder to discern.
Tart and juicy, this Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah blend matches cranberry and plum fruit flavors to milk chocolate and nougat highlights. Well-crafted, with a pleasing florality (to coin a word) in the finish. An outstanding value.
Horse & Plow continues to make nice wines from organic grapes. This vintage shows a subtle lemon streak with a tiny smidge of tropical guava and is all-around balanced, steely and meaty at the same time without overdone oak. Golden honey and lemon finish things off.
Rich and full in mouth, this has green and apple fruit flavors that are cut with acidity. The tangy texture gives a contrast and balance to the wine. Drink from 2017.
Aromas of sugared plums, herbs and black currants lead to black- and blue-fruit flavors that are surprisingly soft. One misses the tannins Cabernet is known for but it makes up for it elsewhere.
Light and fresh, this is immediately attractive with its green fruits, spice and hints of almonds. There is also a backdrop of minerality to this still-young wine. Aromatic and crisp, it can be drunk now.
Despite its varietal label, this drinks more like a Bordeaux-style blend with the Cabernet Sauvignon (11%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) showing themselves prominently. Coffee, flower, dried herb and red- and black-fruit aromas are followed by elegant, lightly creamy fruit flavors that carry through the finish.
This is a ripe, apple and green stone-fruit flavored wine, with a light texture that nicely supports the fruitiness. The wine is fresh, juicy and with delicious freshness at the end. Drink now.
Made from vines between 20 and 40 years old, this wine is both fresh and ripe. Apple as well as citrus flavors give it a tangy streak. Made from organic and biodynamically grown grapes, it is all fruit, bright and with an attractive, perfumed aftertaste.
This is a ripe, creamy wine with fresh currant and ripe peach fruits. It is lightly tangy, although its main strength is the refreshing fruitiness. Bright and crisp at the end, it is ready to drink.
This wine is soft, rounded and ripe. Good acidity is integrated into the light structure and juicy green plum and apple fruit flavors. This is fully developed and ready to drink.
This perfumed wine has light, ripe fruits and soft tannins. Red cherry and raspberry flavors dominate the palate of a wine that is still young. Drink this attractive wine from 2017.
Lush but fine-tuned aromas of lemon skin, pineapple, daffodil and melon are cut by chamomile and mineral tones on the edges of this good-deal wine. It's also well designed on the palate, where butter and oak-smoke flavors meet with chalky minerality, Asian pear flesh and jasmine notes.
Blueberry, vanilla and caramel pop on the nose of this wine from the pioneering brand that is now owned by Bill Foley. Soft yet dense tannins and a plush mouthfeel ensue once sipped, with elderberry, bay leaf and fresh herbs showing on the tightly structured palate.
From a high altitude estate in the Vaucluse, this blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault is pale and coppery in hue, yet shows ample richness and weight on the palate. Notes of wet stone, berry and citrus linger on the mouthwatering finish.
Aromas of raspberry jam are a bit stretched out and unusual for a Rioja. In the mouth, this is fresh and fruity, but a bit light on substance. Savory red-fruit flavors end comfortably, with a good texture.
This blend of Mencía, the local Grand Noir and Merenzao opens with raisiny, spicy, slightly baked aromas that suggest nutmeg. The palate is drawing and hard, with earthy, slightly cooked flavors of cherry and kirsch that end with a dash of lemony oak.
Nick Elliott's blend of 53% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre offers crushed black raspberries, boysenberries, rose petals and touches of oak and caramel on the nose. The palate shows shows tar, black pepper and slightly sour blueberry, proving straightforward.
This wine offers aromas of rose petal and geranium with a hint of lemon. It is full on the palate, with flavors of toasted pineapple, white peach, lilac and Turkish delight. The smooth finish is marked by savory touches, with a nice balance of fruit and floral flavors.
This opens with aromas suggesting spearmint, blackcurrant jam, toasted oak and roasted coffee bean. The aromas follow through to the evolved palate along with raisin and anise while raspy tannins clench the finish.
Varietal offerings are a rarity in this appellation. This one brings aromas of dill, woodspice and vanilla, with the focus on the barrel. The tart red cherry flavors are silky smooth, gliding on the finish.
This wine is two-thirds Syrah with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Reticent aromas of vanilla, woodspice, cigar box and plum lead to elegantly styled fruit and barrel flavors that trail toward the finish.
Subdued aromas of French oak, espresso, game and a hint of exotic spice come together in the glass. The palate delivers toast, licorice, roasted coffee bean, fleshy black cherry and oak-driven spice accompanied by fine-grained tannins. It's already rather evolved so drink sooner rather than later.
Lemon grass, underripe pineapple and freshly mowed lawn lead to tastes of grapefruit pith and white flowers. It has a strong backbone of minerality and a very slight sweetness on the finish.
This 100% varietal wine from both Alexander Valley and Sonoma Valley sites opens in aromas of raspberry, blackberry and vanilla, tangy and stemmy in the background, with a plume of dusty earth.
Apple and stone-fruit aromas are a little oily and starting to fade. Driving acidity keeps this in forward mode, but there's an empty gap in the middle of the palate. Waxy apple, apricot and orange flavors finish just juicy enough. Drink immediately.
Earthy berry and leather aromas are fairly quiet. A more lively palate offers good weight and overall composition, while plum, raspberry and spice flavors finish with sweeter notes of raisin and baked berry.
Oaky aromas of milk chocolate and animal sit atop plum and cherry scents. This is a direct wine without a lot of nuance or layering: flavors of red plum and cherry are crisp and benefit from chocolaty oak, while the finish is solid in feel and tastes of oak and briny plum.
Essentially this is a rosé of Merlot, with just 5% Muscat blended in. Strawberry and watermelon fruit is light and lively, with an undercurrent of orange juice, perhaps from that Muscat. Merlot-based rosés tend to fall a bit on the tannic side, which here adds grip to the finish.
A nose of black cherry, cocoa and juniper berry paves the way for flavors of tart cherry, white chocolate, cocoa and orange zest. Bright fruit compensates for strong tannins, and although there is a cranberry burst towards, the finish tannins remain on the lips and tongue.
This low-oaked wine is somewhat sour with a Lemonheads sensibility, light bodied and defined by minerality. The long-lasting finish is reminiscent of lemongrass and ginger.
An appealing personality makes this a good go-to wine. Aromas combine a light spicy quality with tasty black cherry and berry notes. Flavors add rich fruit and a little spiciness, and the mouthfeel is supple.
Fresh aromas of honeysuckle lead to a palate where honey and vanilla come together atop ripe peach. Medium bodied, the texture is unctuous before finishing lean and light.
From the Conca vineyard in La Morra, this Barolo shows the uneven ripening that plagued much of this village in 2009. It shows predominantly wood aromas of chocolate and toast, and the palate is also dominated by oak sensations. The fruit appears to have dried up, leaving only aggressive, astringent tannins.
This is dominated by oak, toasted coffee beans and a hint of meat juices. The palate is short and finishes on a green note, with bitter wood tannins.
A firm, licorice-flavored wine, with bitter notes and a peppery character that shows through the fruit. It feels extracted and hot.
Salmon pink in color, this young and fresh rosé has a light, attractive and fruity character. It's very much a summer drink, dry and with bright acidity.
Like many basic Chilean Chards, this is chunky, heavy and melony on the nose. The palate has a satisfactory feel and decent acidity, while core flavors of banana and papaya are oaky and end with a salty, briny flavor.
This complex blend of Duras, Syrah and Braucol has a definite rustic, earthy character. It is tannic and stalky, showing some greenness. With its berry fruits right to the fore it is not for aging.
A solid and concentrated wine, with burnt wood, bitter extraction and only a hint of blackberry fruit for the long term.
Light and already fruity, this wine features attractive black-currant flavors, bright acidity and soft tannins. Ready to drink.
Stalky, lightly vegetal aromas come with notes of match stick and bitterness. This feels fresh in the mouth but tastes briny, with citrus, jalapeño and green bean accents. A bland, pithy finish feels round. Drink now.
An aromatic wine with notes of spice, lychee and grapefruit. It's medium sweet with the fruit flavors a bit wanting in concentration.
A firm, dry wine with good fruit, featuring touches of blackberry along with a solid tannic core. It's a wine for the medium-term, say 2–4 years.
This wine's bright purple fruit tastes as if the fermentation has only just stopped. Jammy red berries are laced with some tannins, and acidity freshens the wine, only spoilt by a slight oxidative edge.
Light and fruity, this shows attractive red fruit, ample tannins and acidity. An earthy character to the wine is less pleasant.
An austere wine, serious and densely dry. It has some weight and a firm center, with the fruit lagging behind the structure. This is always likely to be tannic.
This wood-aged wine bases its smooth character on firm tannins as much as fruit. It has concentration, firm extraction and a hard edge.
Coconut and vanilla aromas announce new oak, and along with that there are aromas of blackberry and toast. In the mouth, tangy flavors sit on top of standard berry and spice, while acidity returns on what amounts to a lean, sharp finish.
This is perfect for lovers of light, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. All the grassy and citrus flavors are here, attractively crisp while not aggressive. Drink this year. Screwcap.
This wine delivers creamy, divine deliciousness from some of the vineyard's oldest vines. It's voluptuous and nutty, layered with preserved lemon, brioche, quince and kumquat flavors. A touch of green olive savoriness dances on the finish, framed by fresh acidity.
This golden-colored wine has enticing aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel and pineapple upside-down cake. In the mouth, there are great flavors of dried apricot, mango, honeycomb and marzipan candies. It has elegant heft on the palate and balanced acidity in the finish. Enjoy now or keep in your cellar for another decade or so.
For six generations, the Ferreira family has owned this estate, a parcel of which boasts 100-year-old vines planted as a traditional field blend. It yields an impressive, serious and ageworthy wine, with dense tannins, powerful ripe black-plum and damson fruit and a tight character recalling schist soil. Drink from 2023.
Enticing intense aromas including exotic fruit, fragrant white wild flower, cut grass and Alpine herb offer an intriguing introduction to this stunning wine. One of Italy's most iconic bottlings, it has an inviting full-bodied palate, delivering layers of ripe pineapple, juicy white grapefruit and energizing mineral notes. Mouthwatering acidity closes the long lingering finish.
Enticing Sangiovese aromas of truffle, ripe dark-skinned berry, pressed violet and new leather lead the way on this delicious red. The smooth succulent palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice and wild herb framed in velvety tannins that envelope the palate while a licorice note wraps around the finish. Drink 2018–2026.
The five acres of vines owned by Louis Jadot in this vineyard make this rich, bold, structured wine. Floral and intensely perfumed, with ripe red berry fruit, it's ripe while maintaining the intense acidity of the vintage. With all that power comes great longevity. Drink from 2026.
This is a beautifully crafted wine steeped in burly, succulent black cherry and licorice flavors. Soft, firm tannins enwrap its full-bodied lushness with undeniable structure, accented with stony gravel and sanguine undertones.
Aged on its lees for over 10 years, this stunning wine shows the extraordinary aging potential of Pinot Bianco in Alto Adige. It boasts enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, vanilla, graphite and a whiff of oak that carry over to the radiant palate along with ripe apple, candied lemon drop and nectarine zest. Bright acidity lends balance while a flinty mineral note backs up the lingering finish. Loaded with finesse and complexity, it's simply gorgeous.
With its potent mixture of intense fruit and equally concentrated structure, this wine is an obvious candidate for long-term aging. Showing ripe yellow fruit, almond hints and a strong mineral texture, it will develop slowly and be best from 2022. This vineyard, one of the most familiar of Puligny-Montrachet's premier crus, is also one of the highest on the slope.
Initially reserved, this ethereal red took some time to open but it was worth the wait, revealing enticing scents of violet, wild berry, rosemary and Mediterranean brush. The palate is all about extreme elegance, offering wild cherry, crushed strawberry, grilled herb and star anise alongside firm, refined tannins. Best 2018–2023.
From one of the great grand crus of Gevrey-Chambertin, this is a firm, tannic wine with great life ahead of it. Powered and dense, it's packed with black fruit that's slowly developing. It will mature evenly over many years and will be best from 2026.
Beautifully rich, this wine is ripe and full of concentrated fruit. It's generous and full bodied, while retaining tight acidity and minerality. Juicy white fruit flavor shows strongly, allied to the still-very-young acidity and texture, suggesting long life ahead. Drink from 2022.
Widely regarded as the most majestic of the Chablis Grand Crus, Les Clos has produced a properly impressive and richly dense wine. It has the crispness of the vintage, tight minerality and ripe fruit flavors that contrast apricot and citrus. This is a serious, structured wine ready for aging. Drink from 2022.
Bold and concentrated yet not at all blousy, this full-figured dry Riesling showcases ripe, luscious stone fruit and tropical-fruit flavors anchored by a throbbing vein of minerality. It's rich and silken in texture, vibrantly high toned in acidity and penetrates through a long, lime-scented finish. Drink now through 2030.
An earthy but fruit-drenched character makes this wine an enchanting and multi-layered marvel. The aromas are spicy and savory, recalling clove, raspberry and rhubarb, while the flavors echo just-ripe black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg without over-reaching. The texture is warm and velvety, with a finish that lingers on the verge of sweetness.
Ethereally sheer and dazzling in brightness, this nymph-like Auslese packs remarkable punch. It's smoky, mineral and permeated with sun-baked slate notes, yet so pristinely fruity it bursts with fresh lemon and lime flavors as well. Concentrated yet spry, it finishes with effortless persistence.
This elegant, complex wine tastes like a delicate throwback to 1970s Burgundy in the way that it weaves its exotic, spicy and savory aromas with subtle fruit flavors. It's medium bodied and built of fine-grained tannins, reveal layer after layer with each sip. Best after 2019.
Deep veins of slate and crushed mineral drive this concentrated Riesling. Dry in style with a slightly voluptuous mouthfeel, it showcases pristine layers of white peach, nectarine and lime flavors, enveloped in minerality. It's beautiful already but likely to improve further from 2021, holding well for at least another decade beyond.
Underbrush, tobacco, new leather, crushed herb and a whiff of mature plum lead the way. The juicy full-bodied palate is still young and taut, evoking ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, clove and a hint of coffee. A backbone of youthfully austere fine-grained tannins and bright acidity gives it an age-worthy structure and balance. Drink 2020–2032.
From the producer's organic estate in Chiles Valley, Las Flores is a block named for the family who has long helped farm the land and that bursts in wild mustard every spring. In the glass, the wine offers grippy black pepper, black cherry and tobacco flavors—bold and juicy yet retentive in structure and graceful beauty.
Pronounced struck flint and candle wax aromas fade with time and aeration, revealing delicate white blossom and lemon rind notes in this off-dry wine. It's an intensely racy Kabinett with salt-rimmed lime and lemon flavors that dart and dash on the palate. Enjoy now for its radiant youthfulness, but also as it matures over the next decade.
This impressive Port was made with old vine grapes foot-trodden in open lagares. Opulent, dense and rich with sweet fruit balanced by dry tannins and considerable acidity, it's built to age seriously. Named after Antonia Adelaide Ferreira—a legendary Douro figure from the 19th century whose family still owns the estate—it will be ready to drink from 2028 at the earliest.
Despite it's finely filigreed mouthfeel, this gorgeous Auslese is lavishly concentrated with honey and citrus flavors. Piercing fruit flavors and electric acidity hit the palate like lightning before fading into a crush of dusty mineral remains. Beautifully composed and already enjoyable, it's sure to improve through the next decade or longer.
Opening with a touch of petrol-like reduction on the nose, this Eastside Road-grown wine imparts lighter shades of apple blossom and grapefruit pith, while a well-hewn foundation of minerality forms its core. Deep toffee, caramel and fig tones develop in the glass, with an intensity of body and warmth on the finish.
Concentrated cherry and plum aromas meet with iron, cinnamon and gingersnap on the nose of this single-vineyard wine. The flavors surpass the aromas in succulence—star anise, nutmeg and bay leaf seemingly wrapped in buttered pastry.
Velvety and plush on the palate, this classic Cabernet offers firm, youthful tannins and full-bodied concentration of dense black fruit. Cedar, dried herb and tobacco scents frame its core, broadcasting a burning intensity and sanguine chewiness. Cellar and enjoy best 2023–2033.
Winemaker Trey Fletcher is creating texturally tantalizing wines that are exciting to sip now but built to last for years in the cellar. This shows lemon blossom, lemon skin, almond and macadamia scents, with a chalky minerality that's evident even on the nose. Racy, laser-focused acidity frames the palate, where lime, grapefruit and apple flavors unfold. Drink now through 2024.
Red-fruit aromas carry a distinct citric edge, while the palate is made up of sweet cassis and cherry flavors along with an incongruent orange essence. The feel is a bit hard and pedestrian, while the finish is quick and ordinary at best.
Purple in color and smells like sweet fruit, citrus peel and powdered drink mix. Round in the mouth, with generic plum and berry flavors that don't taste all that much like classic Pinot Noir. A simple, bulky wine that's young and probably not going very far.
This '07 is a bit tired already, with a muted nose offering up subtle hints of strawberry hull and peach fuzz. The mouth offers a bit more by way of red currant, rhubarb and limey citrus notes. The finish, though a bit tart, is crisp and clean.
Licorice and char on the nose hint at size and ripeness, but the palate does not deliver. Tart raspberry and red-plum flavors are sweet for a fleeting moment and then decidedly sour, while the finish is bland. Shows a few positives but overall it's too snappy and sharp for Malbec.
Floral, young and jumpy smelling, with gumball aromas that leave you with the impression that the wine's clarity, balance and purity may be tenuous. The palate is raw but fresh, with simple but snappy wild berry flavors. Not a lot of structure or depth here.
Soft and fruity, the fruit light, flavored with plum jelly and dried fruits. The wine is soft, somewhat unfocused, the tannins giving some dryness, but leaving a feeling of old-fashioned over-ripe fruits.
This wine is herbal and burns on the nose, where aromas of horseradish and tomato sauce don't really work. Flavors of raisin, brandy and black cherry are hardened by fierce tannins and a chemical-like dryness. Rubs like sandpaper on the palate.
Nothing much sublime about Sublimis. The nose is reedy and sweet, with licorice and overripe raisiny aromas. The palate is big and grabby, with clamp-down tannins and hard, crusty raisiny flavors. A bruising red without elegance.
Very light, could almost be a rosé.
Rhubarb and vinegar on the nose are ominous signs. The wine maintains a briary, sharp personality in the mouth, where red-fruit flavors have an extra juicy feel. Fresh as a cold winter's morning, but is that really what you want from Malbec?
Aged in neutral oak and blended with 15% Cabernet Franc, this is a high-toned wine with sharp, vinegary acids, but not much character. Tannins are chewy and mask the fruit.
Oily and funky on the nose, with a custardy, eggy undercurrent. The palate is oily and dull, while the flavors are of bitter citrus, pith and banana. In two words: not great.
The previous two years we did not find this wine to be worthy of a rating. This time, we rate it but note that it's an almost-red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon. It's sweet smelling, with fiery plum-skin flavors that evaporate along with the mouthfeel. Leaves a burn patch on the finish. Particular to the max.
Blueberry, blackberry, smoke and white pepper unite to create a mysterious, almost brooding impression. This is still tightly coiled, but the flowing, silky-smooth palate with its slender poise and core of freshness suggest that with a little bottle age, this will emerge as a supremely elegant, subtly fruited wine. The finish turns away from darker fruit and ends on ripe, red cherry.
Winemaker Brian Loring's take on this coveted vineyard shows rhubarb, pencil lead and a very clove-y cinnamon aspect on the nose. Raspberries mark the core of the palate, but the edges are speckled with strong herbs, from oregano to juniper. It offers a great mix of fruit and spice.
The awesome nose of this wine is redolent with barbecue sauce, or perhaps a hickory-laced plum sauce, and it's incredibly distinctive if a little bizarre. The palate is full and rich with a similar saucy character, but also shows more complex notes of lush blackberries, rose hips and licorice.
Very ripe notions of pineapple and soft banana are coupled with a fresh, clean earthiness. A phenolic edge lends mouthfeel and structure while citrus zest pervades the palate with freshness and linearity. With more time in glass, a very charming, tender note of ripe conference pear appears. Give this time to unfold. Drink from 2018.
Intriguing notes of sandalwood and orange peel insinuate themselves on the pure red cherry fruit. The palate remains refreshingly slender, unadulterated and perfectly balanced. This is subtle and understated and thus allows the moody and mutable St. Laurent fruit to change its expression as constantly and quickly as stormy clouds.
Brian Loring's bottling does this excellent vineyard justice, offering aromas of pear, apple and white peach laced together with buttercream and crushed vanilla. The palate offers buttered nectarines at first, and then unwinds into bright acidity and a line of chalkiness.
This is an unusual blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Tempranillo. A delectable dose of white pepper makes this wine incredibly inviting on the nose, followed by classically cool-climate aspects of anise, blueberry, game meat and more of that pepper. This wine will sing with tapas of all kinds.
This shows the immediate appeal of Central Otago's 2013 vintage. Yes, the acids and tannins stick out a bit, but they're cushioned by loads of ripe berry fruit. Hints of dried bracken and chocolate add complexity, while the finish glides to long, dusty completion. Drink now–2018.
This winery has shown a knack with Malbec and it continues on its young estate project. Aromas of herbs, tobacco, red plum and clove are fresh and appealing. The palate is lush, textured, concentrated and flavorful with a spice-filled finish that keeps you coming back for more. Expect this wine to drink well through 2030.
This cool-vintage wine saw just 10% new oak, putting the fruit front and center with aromas of smoke, freshly ground black pepper and whiffs of bacon fat. It's supple and lithe in feel, showing purity and detail in a style that is all about elegance.
A buttery aroma leads to rich butterscotch flavors and a buttery finish, too. But then there's more with each sip. The wine is dry but easy on the palate, and reveals tasty apple, almond and toasted walnut flavors with time. These all add complexity and lift it well above the ordinary. Made with certified Biodynamic grapes.
Deep color, firm tannins and a fine-grained texture set this wine apart. It smells fresh and sophisticated, with bright cranberry and rich black-cherry notes shaded by cinnamon and nutmeg. This should stand up to the richest rack of lamb and age well, too. It's tempting to drink now, but should improve through at least 2018.
This is the top wine from Château Minuty. The Grenache (95%) and Syrah (5%) blend is harvested and sorted by hand. It combines the Provençal charm with some weight and a serious purpose. It is rich, full in the mouth, packed with red berry fruits and balanced acidity. The aftertaste brings out a lightly tannic texture. Drink from late 2015.
Bright and fruity, this crisp and fresh wine is full of lively red currants and berries cut with acidity and a tangy, orange peel texture. This is a great summer rosé.
This complete wine has all the elements of delicious rosé right in place. It is fresh and fruity, crisply mineral and with a lively acidity. The texture makes it a good food wine. It comes from vineyards that are certified organic. Drink now.
From a great vineyard under the precise care of grower extraordinaire Ulises Valdez, this wine offers layers of spicy red cherry and berry fruit around lovely waves of soft, supple tannins. The finish continues the theme, balanced in acidity, a freshness of fruit and lingering cola spice.
Aromas of tilled soil, blue flower, spicy plum cake and a balsamic note waft out of the glass. The structured but refined palate delivers mature blackberry, prune, menthol and allspice alongside bracing but fine-grained tannins. The lingering finish closes on a licorice note. Drink 2016–2024.
Unlike any other Merlots in the region, this fascinating low-alcohol tribute to a northern Italian style shows oregano, thyme, parsley, rainbow peppercorns, dried purple flowers and a seductive hint of green pepper on the elegantly layered nose. The flavors reflects the nuanced nose, with crushed peppers, just-ripe blackberry, iodine and a touch of greenness.
White pepper in a fortuitous blend of blueberry and blackberry creates an inviting nose. The palate continues this spice-driven berry theme, with a wonderfully subtle but palpable structure of fine tannin and a welcome backbone of acidity. All this together makes this wine incredibly moreish, elegant and appetizing.
A very strong take on this increasingly reliable Rhône grape, this wine from New Orleans-raised vintner Iris Rideau shows dried blackberry, leather, chopped herbs and violets on the lovely nose. It's ripe yet tense on the palate, with dried flowers, fruits and licorice, showing ready-to-quaff elegance.
Generous and rounded, this wine combines the opulence of Volnay with a strongly tannic character coming from the old vines. Together, it's a rich, fruit-filled wine that is backed by a dry core and fragrant red berry acidity. Drink from 2018.
Aromas of black plum, cake spice and hints of leather and tilled earth lead the nose. The spicy palate combines elegance and structure, offering black cherry, vanilla, mocha and white pepper alongside firm but fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2022.
Ripe, juicy notes of yellow pear on the nose are shot through with lively, zesty lemon freshness. Smatterings of white pepper play around the sleek edges of this slender but super-juicy wine. This is totally enlivening and sings with fruit and freshness—with all the verve of its vintage.
This wine—named for two adjacent vineyards—is 75% Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Bacchus Cabernet Franc. It provides a pleasing assortment of dried and fresh herbs, cherry, flowers and mocha with a seamless, almost creamy feel, bringing an impeccable sense of balance. It's irresistible now but has the stuffing to go the distance.
Heady notes of freshly milled white pepper meet with smoky blueberries on the nose. The white pepper theme deliciously also pervades the concentrated but svelte palate. This is unmistakeably classy and sleek. There is an exciting, enlivening energy at the core of this wine; you want to sip more just to get to the bottom of it.
Made with organically cultivated Sangiovese, this full-bodied dessert wine boasts aromas of maple syrup, apricot, candied ginger and dried clove. The palate doles out candied nectarine, maple syrup, white almond and glazed brown sugar.
An intriguing nose of Comice pear, menthol and lemon oil creates a delicious aromatic hit. The palate is supertight and zesty. Citrus is the main focus along the linear palate that is fringed by the same aromatic top-notes as the nose. Beautiful now the wine has the verve and stuffing to mature beautifully. Drink now through 2020.
Textured vanilla-cream and green apple appear initially in this wine, which offers plenty of weight and structure around a core of balanced acidity and fresh lemon zest. Cardamom and vanilla play at the edges alongside elements of savory brine and white flowers. The oak presence is subtle.
Blueberries and purple fruits get distinct seasoning from maple syrup, licorice, crushed Italian herbs and minerality in this wine from the underappreciated Cuyama Valley. The palate is quite wound up, with blueberry, black lava rocks and unrelenting herb flavors just poking out. This will unwind very nicely, so drink 2018–2028.
Greg Graziano's Chenin, grown in a 30-plus-year-old vineyard, among the last of its kind in Mendocino County, is crisp and nutty, supported by dried apple, honey and melon-tinged minerality. Fermented in all French oak barrels, the wine has a calming roundness amid its acidity.
This is a very crisp wine dominated by herbaceous notes and intense acidity. It is bright and lively, hinting at spice and toast and tantalizingly fresh on the finish.
Pretty cherry fruit is at the center here, with light scents of fresh cut tobacco. The blend is two thirds Syrah, one third Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced and highlighted by a streak of cinnamon toast.
Quite earthy in profile with hints of smoke, petroleum and fresh green herbs, there's a distinct minerality in this off-dry Riesling that's compelling. Brisk lime-juice acidity and a hint of citrus rind bitterness accentuates the dry finish.
Fresh and fruit-forward, there's a nice overall vibrancy to this wine that makes it an ideal choice for lightly-stewed chicken dishes or pizza. Strawberry and red cherry flavors flood the palate, while a hint of bittersweet chocolate remains after swallow.
Pineapple, peach, ripe melon and sweet orange oil lead the way on this fresh, unoaked Chard. It's easy-drinking and clean with a medium-weight mouthfeel and a bright, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Clean, fresh and full of bright cherry and strawberry aromas. Offers the right size and balance, with red plum and red berry flavors touched up by light oak. Mildy toasty and textured on the finish.
A Bordeaux-style blend, this begins with concentrated strawberry and cherry flavors, rich and liquorous. A majority of the oak was Hungarian, and a strong vanilla streak runs through the middle and on into the finish. For some palates the fruit and the oak will seem a bit mismatched, but for others this will be right on the mark.
A cool vintage shows through in the lighter style of this Merlot. Strawberry is the dominant fruit flavor, although the time in new oak is what dominates currently. The scent and vanilla flavor of American oak, though accounting just 20% of the barrels, comes across quite powerfully. Give this one another year or two.
Fresh red fruit flavors are framed with interesting and lifting notes of savory herbs, whole tobacco leaf and a touch of milk chocolate. It's juicy and lively with fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.
From a mix of Columbia Valley vineyards, the Bona Vita is mostly Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot contributing to the blend. Pretty strawberry fruit is somewhat overtaken by aggressively smoky barrel aging, or so it would seem. Charcoal and smoke components lend a slightly burnt edge to the tannins.
A ripe red-fruit flavored wine that comes from the Douro village of Murça. It has light tannins as well as red-berry fruits and balanced acidity. There is a mineral textured touch at the end.
A blend of four classic Douro grapes, this is structured and firm. It has a mineral texture that gives the wine depth and concentration. Ripe red berries and balanced acidity are now mature and the wine is ready to drink.
This is a ripe perfumed wine based on Verdelho and Arinto. The blend, which also includes some Antão Vaz, creates a rich character full of juicy apricot and melon fruit shot through with lime zest. It is a refreshing wine to drink now.
The Alvarinho grape, more at home in northern Portugal, makes a fine wine in the Alentejo hill country northeast of Lisbon. Here the flavors are tropical: ripe pineapple, a touch of spice and just the right amount of acidity. The wine will be better from 2017.
Grapes grown at high altitude give the cool feel to this crisp wine. A light touch of oak is revealed in the vanilla flavor that is finely integrated into the citrus and apple fruit. The wine is fruity, ready to drink young.
The wine is soft and ripe. With delicious yellow fruits, a soft texture and just enough lively acidity, it is rich and fruity. There is an attractive orange zing at the end.
This lightly oaked wine is full of fruit, ripe with red berries and crisp with acidity, just hinting at Douro minerality. That makes for a balanced fruity wine that with its soft tannins is ready to drink.
Named after one of the old names for the Mondego River (which flows past the estate), this blend of the red grapes of the Dão, is aromatic, with a touch of barnyard as well as red fruits. Light wood aging has smoothed some of the fruit tannins and added spice. Drink now.
Soft, smooth and forward, this tasty wine shows light and clean flavors of strawberry and raspberry, finishing with a lovely lick of caramel. It's immediately enjoyable, and should be consumed over the next two or three years.
White spring flower and orchard fruit aromas float out of the glass. The bright breezy palate shows crisp green apple, peach and a hint of tangerine zest alongside a soft mousse and vibrant acidity.
This 10-acre vineyard in the Carreau portfolio is surrounded by a stone wall (which is unusual for Bordeaux). The wine with its firm tannins is still very young. But with a structure and with balanced fruitiness it will develop well. There is plenty of fine, juicy acidity at the end. Drink from 2019.
A crisp herbal wine, this is bright with acidity and citrus and gooseberries. It is lively, tangy and packed with fruitiness from its 50-50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink this refreshing wine now.
Aromas of apple, cherry and liqueur open. The racy airy palate offers mature red-apple skin and toasted nut alongside big, vigorous bubbles.
The round, forward scents and flavors of buttery popcorn dominate this vineyard designate, and that buttery note carries all the way into and around the finish. Though it spent just nine months in 20% new French oak, the palate and flavors suggest that it went through full malolactic. It's a stylistic choice that will delight many Chardonnay lovers.
This tasty, lightly toasty wine is 100% varietal, with fruit approaching plumpness and offering mixed flavors of cantaloupe, pear and peach. It rolls smoothly into a well-rounded finish with a dash of white pepper.
Red chewy fruit that's succulent and satisfying defines this wine that takes a straightforward approach to oak and tannin, integrating them both well. Cherry and cassis linger on the sizable finish.
Attractive, strong oak accents like charcoal and bacon dress up this full-bodied, high-octane wine. The palate is bold and ripe, with dark fruit flavors. The American oak bottling exhibits greater tannic structure than the French oak bottling, and it's interesting to enjoy them side by side.
Fresh berry-salad aromas suggest tart, just-ripe summer fruits in this medium-bodied Shiraz filled with crunchy fruit. It's forward and smashable in the best sense, even if it's not profound.
Aromas of barnyard and horsehide blend with scents of tobacco, prune and raisin on this mature wine from a hot vintage. There's a lot of cushion to the palate, while raisiny, rich flavors of cassis and black plum are spicy and chocolaty. Spice and chocolate flavors persist on a fairly flat finish.
Earthy, funky black tea and forest floor invite one in for further exploration of this block-specific offering that becomes lean and bright on the palate. Pomegranate dominates in terms of fruit, as spicy acidity elevates the experience.
Medium weight and roundly fruity, this pleasant wine carries a touch of minerality. It's slightly dilute, and there is a suggestion of water cracker resonating through the finish.
Though labeled a white wine, this more properly may be called a rosé. It's a pale copper color, made from a mix of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes that were pressed lightly to minimize color extraction prior to fermentation in stainless steel. It offers a mix of tree fruits, toasted nuts and tart acids.
This 100% Grenache pink wine kicks off with a fairly light nose that shyly presents steely aromas of lemon wedge. There is a firm structure to the sip, where pink grapefruit and other citrus elements ride a chalky structure. Texture is key here.
This represents a softer, more subtle side of the variety, holding back on overripeness in favor of simple leather, compost and black pepper. Touches of unearthed truffle offer the wine's one note of richness.
This Port comes from a good year for single-quinta vintages. Made in open stone lagars, it is a ripe, black-fruited wine, packed with sweet plums as well as raisins and figs. At this stage, the added brandy is very prominent and the wine needs time. It should be ready to drink for its fruit by 2018, for its maturity by 2026.
This is a full-bodied, ripe and perfumed wine. Rich melon and white peach are balanced with bright lemon and lime to give a warm, generous wine. The acidity keeps everything deliciously in place.
Color is on the salmon pink side, signalling fresh acidity and flavors of apples and citrus to go with the red fruits. Easy drinking.
Soft, round and leathery tannins give way to plum, cherry, cranberry and sage in this subtly rendered Cab Franc out of one of the Livermore Valley's most vaulted vineyards, an approachable version of California Cab Franc that's moderate in price and alcohol (13.9%).
Offers tropical, stony aromas in front of a crystalline palate that's citrusy as well as peachy, with lychee and melon flavors as well. Finishes springy and bright, with green citrus zest and nothing compromising. 60% Torrontés and 40% Chardonnay.
Perfumed with violets and smoky wood, this rich wine moves away from structured Touriga Nacional to a more opulent interpretation. It is hugely rich, with a major spice and herbal character. Without apparent acidity, it is not for aging.
Opens with tarry, cooked aromas but with airing, oak and ripe, earthy berry notes squeak out. The palate is chewy and solid, with extract and tannic grab as well as smoky, sultry flavors of roasted black fruits and bouillon. Meaty and satisfying.
Pretty scents show pure varietal character, with the accent on fresh berries and sweet herb. Flavors follow suit, with well-managed, ripe and smooth tannins. A medium-bodied wine drinking well right now.
Sharp and driven with spicy pear and pineapple fruit, this challenging Pinot Gris is distinctive and tailored for food. The flavors seem to come from the grape skins more than the pulp, and there is no new oak to intercede. Fermented and aged in steel, put through malolactic, still showing plenty of acidity and spice.
This chunky Côtes du Rhône blends 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache to yield deep notes of black cherries, dark chocolate and new leather, finishing long and fruit driven. Drink now–2015.
A medium-bodied, refreshing style of Tavel, with notes of melon, citrus and hints of gingery, peppery spice grounded by stony minerality. Drink it over the next six months.
Here are all the perfumes and tannins of Touriga Nacional. The wine does, though, seem one-dimensional, the fruit offering acidity, berry flavors and fresh acidity.
Lime and floral notes create a light and breezy bouquet that's easygoing. In the mouth, it's juicy and fresh, with lemon-lime, peach, nectarine and lychee flavors. Tangy and fresh on the finish, and more precise and delicate than most Argentinean Torrontés.
Fragrant, fresh and fruity, this light and bright wine offers an herbal character to go with its citrus and green apple fruits. It is lively and crisp—a fine apéritif. Screwcap.
The first bottle was off, with an unpleasant mousy aroma. A second bottle fared a bit better, showing simple citrus and sour melon flavors. It finishes a bit thin.
Smoky, oaky and peppery up front, with balsamic berry aromas and tree bark notes. It feels thick, creamy and a little awkward, with heavy oak flavors, related spice and savory, stewy notes. As it unwinds it's chunky and heavy, with a sweet molasses note on the finish.
This is neutral on the nose except for green banana and white grapefruit hints. It feels melony, with flavors that match the mouthfeel in the form of melon and nectarine. This is flabby on the finish, needing more cut and zest.
A rounded wine, this gives pleasure with its pear and ripe apple flavors. Lightly touched with acidity, this has a soft finish.
This is snappy all the way, if a touch raw and citric on the palate. Freshness is a virtue on this affordable Rioja, while red plum, raspberry and milk chocolate notes carry the flavor profile. Drink now.
This crisp Chardonnay has a disjointedness about it. Its aroma and flavor is most akin to Lemonheads candy.
This offers aromas of yellow stone fruit and pressed acacia flower. On the lean palate, racy acidity frames suggestions of yellow apple skin, lime and salty mineral while a bitter almond note marks the close.
This wine is made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, with smaller amounts of Syrah and Zinfandel. It has edgy tomato leaf scents and moderate acidity, muddling concentrated black and red berry, clove and leather flavors.
Bay leaf and eucalyptus figure prominently on the nose and palate of this wine, making for an intensely earthy, herbal experience, peppered by forest-floor notes.
A bit weak on the nose, this bottling shows elderberry, raspberry and wet chaparral aromas. Sweet fruit shows blandly on the palate, with touches of sage and thyme.
Dominant oak notes impact this wine in both taste and aroma, providing caramel- and tropical vanilla-like sweetness. It offers anise and pineapple flavors within its light-bodied frame.
This is a good, dry wine with moderate fruit flavors, a straightforward texture and medium body. It has mild lemon and apple notes in the aroma and on the palate.
Dried oregano and cedar aromas meet dark cherry and graphite notes on the nose of this bottling. The palate is light and somewhat thin, with herb, crushed rock and dark berry flavors, finishing on a caramel note.
Banana custard and charred marshmallow scents show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is similar, with charred brioche and cream pie flavors.
Brambly berry and leather aromas are rustic. This Malbec is hard and acidic. Short, generic plum and berry flavors don't expand or improve on the finish.
Candied, oaky aromas of clove outmuscle foxy berry scents. This blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cab Sauvignon is heavy, tannic and ultimately a bit overweight and flabby. Clove, wood spice and cooked berry flavors finish with baking spice and woody notes.
This affordably priced county wine is simple in structure, showcasing clove, cedar and black currant flavors on the full-bodied, concentrated palate.
A melted butter aroma and rich butterscotch and taffy flavors give this medium-bodied wine a sweet, candied personality.
Dense and massive, this wine is still a baby. It gives it more tannin than fruit at this stage, very concentrated and with a dry, solid core. The fruit is there to feel, a rich mélange of black fruits and firm tannins. This powerful wine needs to age, so don't drink before 2019.
Silice is the renamed de Lancellotti selection. Estate-grown and biodynamically farmed, complex details of mineral and earth wrap into a rich palate of strawberry preserves, streaked with cola. Optimum drinking should be 2019–2022.
Stunning and sophisticated, it leads with intense aromas of elder flowers, tropical fruit, spice and hay. The structured but elegant palate delivers creamy peach, melon, and exotic fruit accented with notes of spice and energizing mineral purity alongside vibrant acidity. Throughout, it shows impeccable balance and depth.
It's tempting to call this Burgundian, but it's truly Oregonian—a lush, expressive mix of tart tree fruits, vivid acidity, lightly applied barrel toast, and smidges of coconut and vanilla. It was whole-cluster pressed, and fermented half in stainless, half in 30% new French oak.
Touches of fennel and saffron lend an earthy touch to this sweet, silky nectar of peach and marmalade. While lavishly glycerin on the tongue, the palate extends to a bristling lemon-lime finish. Penetratingly fruity, yet anchored with acidity and minerality, this is delicious now but has a bold future through the next decade.
Wood aromas along with ripe tropical fruits are the hallmarks of this fully ripe, marvelous wine. It is structured, rich, its fruit given a light cinnamon pinch from the wood. It is so delicious, it could be drunk now, but that would be a shame. Wait until 2017.
Lushly rich in cinnamon and clove on the nose, this blockbuster blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah is stellar in every way. Seductive in texture with enough bright cherry fruit to keep the palate feeling fresh and alive, the finish impresses with leather and pepper in just the right combination. A gorgeous wine for the table, aim to pair with leg of lamb.
Structured and firm, this is a dark chocolate and black fruit-driven wine with solid tannins and enormous density. It has a mineral texture with a dry core surrounded by juicy berry fruits. A powerful wine, it promises a long-term future. Drink from 2018.
This wine doesn't skimp on barrel flavors or overall richness, even in this cool vintage. Oily, nutty and fragrant, with a scintillating mix of ripe yellow fruits and sweet toast, this viscous, generous wine is drinking beautifully and may be enjoyed immediately.
If anyone can perfectly evoke the ripe style of California Cabernet along with the structure of Washington state fruit, it's Peter Rosback of Sineann – conveniently located in Oregon. Why this iconoclastic winemaker does not just move to Washington is hard to figure; he obviously loves the grapes and knows exactly what to do with them. This Cabernet Sauvignon, from a relatively young block at the Champoux vineyard, has some heat and chewy tannins. But it should age well, and the tightly wound herb and tobacco and stone flavors that are now constrained will ultimately come out.
Despite the extra bottle age, it's a very youthful, dense wine. The Malbec is battened down with spicy purple fruit flavors and compact tannins. The balance is acid-driven, and the presence of new oak is muted. Will the tannins soften before the fruit fades? It's worth socking a bottle or two away to find out.
Although not indicated on the label, this is 100% Mourvèdre, bone dry and barrel fermented. As a result, it's not your typical fresh and fruity rosé, showing instead dark, complex flavors of cola, chocolate tree bark and earth. Hints of strawberry lighten it somewhat, but this is almost more red than rosé. Drink now–2008.
This wine is formulaic in a good way; L'Ecole “owns” Sémillon in Washington, and it is hard to think of any winery in the country that does a better job with the grape. Aged sur lie in neutral oak, blended with 14% Sauvignon Blanc and put through malolactic for added creaminess, this is a delicious, rich and succulent wine that deftly mixes flavors of nettle, lime and melon with vanilla custard and a hint of butterscotch.
This is thick and spicy, a raging bull of a wine that skates along the border of Napa Cabernet country. As this Horse Heaven Hills vineyard matures, it is becoming clear that it can deliver the big, broad and deep flavors that put Washington Merlot at the front of the class. What's especially nice about this blend is its intense bouquet of blackberry, spicy anise and cedar. For all of its power this retains its balance, its acidic spine and even a touch of grace.
In a recent lineup of Australian sparklers, Clover Hill's 2003 Brut was a standout, showing convincing toasty, autolytic notes layered over crisp apple and citrus flavors. It's medium-bodied and slightly creamy in texture, with a long, crisp finish.
Consistent with the rather lean house style this opens with herbal aromas set against firm, varietal cassis and blue plum fruit. The grapes come from a block planted in 1985. Some barrel spice adds cinnamon to the nose, and there's a touch of Cab Franc (6%) in the blend, which stiffens up the tannins. Retasting this wine after it has spent a few extra months in bottle, it's smoothed out a bit, and the sweet black- cherry fruit has moved forward. This should age really well.
This is delicious, creamy and yeasty and loaded with citrus.  The midpalate expands into tropical fruit, vanilla bean and spice, and it's just flat-out delightful. Chill this one and try it out on any kind of food you can imagine; it just might work.
Very intense, very nervy wine, living on a thin wire of grapefruit and other citrus flavors but much more about pure structure. The aftertaste shows great concentration.
Poised, elegant, light and fresh, this is delicate Riesling, with an edge of minerality, steel and green fruits. This comes from the Kögl, at the heart of the Salomon Undhof vineyard holdings. Glass stopper.
The loess slopes of the Wagram give typically full-bodied Grüner Veltliner. This rich wine, from the Hohenberg vineyard, is ripe, certainly full, with a classic edge of pepper and coriander. But the apple fruit freshness is also there. Screwcap.
There's a ton of dark, chocolaty toast atop the succulent fruit in this tasty Merlot. The spicy plum and black cherry flavors carry hints of sweet tobacco and chocolate cake. Though not a massive wine, its broad flavors are full and engaging.
A bold, assertive Pinot Noir, with a lattice of briary, herbal complexity layered over a base of ripe black cherries. Together, they make a fascinating intertwined contrast that lingers on the crisp finish.
This broad, mouthfilling Grenache rosé features hints of berries, chocolate and some herbaceous notes. It's more like a light red than a true rosé, showing considerable weight and body, then finishes dry, with a hint of minerality.
Lemon and white-flower aromas are modest but friendly and inviting. This shows size and roundness on the palate, with lemony acidity. Lemon, green apple and pineapple flavors finish long and steady. Drink now.
Central Otago isn't exactly known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but this is a credible version. It's pungent and sweaty, but compensates with a rich texture, ample grapefruit flavors and a long finish.
Aromas of ripe plum, oak-driven spice and a whiff of pressed violet waft out of the glass. The sturdy, straightforward palate delivers dried black cherry, peppercorn and licorice alongside solid tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
This wine is 100% varietal and comes from a single block and clone (clone 3). Aromas of woodspice, blue fruit and herbs lead to sweet, supple fruit flavors and grainy tannins. There are a lot of good things going on but the wood steps a bit in front of them.
Aromas of blackberry, blue flower and a whiff of aniseed lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate offers ripe black cherry, vanilla, clove, white pepper and grilled herb alongside assertive, tightly knit tannins that leave a rather astringent finish. Drink 2016–2021.
Lusciously round and rich on the palate, this silken Pinot Gris balances bright apple and pear flavors against a crisp, minerally edge. A whiff of lavender carries through a moderately long, but perfumed finish.
This wine is 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec from Hedges Estate, Red Mountain, Stillwater and Weinbau vineyards. It's youthful at present, with aromas of woodspice, coffee, blackberry and graphite. The palate displays muscular fruit flavors surrounded by a framework of dry, chewy tannins.
Light aromas of dark chocolate, plum, herbs, flowers and tropical fruit provide intrigue. The dark fruit flavors are full in feel, showing depth and concentration along with a grip of tannins.
It's rare to see a varietal bottling of Franc from this appellation. This one offers aromas of fresh and dried herbs along with cherry, still seeming a bit locked-up. The cherry and raspberry flavors are on the lighter side of medium bodied, trailing toward the finish.
Light aromas of citrus, herbs and nut oil are followed by a full-bodied palate with lightly sweet fruit flavors. It's a fine display of the variety.
Aromas of underbrush, baked earth, cedar and a whiff of game lead the nose. The palate offers dried black cherry, anise, black pepper and grilled sage alongside brooding tannins. It's a bit rustic but has an earthy appeal. Drink through 2019.
Meaty, plummy and dark, this is very different in character from Two Paddocks' other bottlings. While it's still only medium bodied, it comes across as chunkier and less ethereal. Give it until 2016 or so, then drink it over the following decade.
A restrained hint of earthiness does not forebode the intense lime and grapefruit-like freshness on the palate of this slender, fresh and yet concentrated wine. The finish lingers and is whistle-clean.
Bright and savory, this offers aromas of wild berry, lilac, baking spice and a whiff of menthol. On the palate, notes of grilled herb, coffee and aniseed accent the wild cherry core while chewy tannins offer support.
Aromas of toast, mocha and baked plum lead the nose of this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Colorino. The taut palate offers dried wild cherry, raspberry, mint and ground pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
This is clearly labeled as "Certified Sustainable," although, to be fair, a lot of other New Zealand wines are also sustainably produced. Once past the labeling, 's a light- to medium-bodied wine, with slightly vegetal notes of nettles and garden peas that add nuance to refreshing citrus flavors.
Plum, espresso, cedar and underbrush aromas unfold on this straightforward Sangiovese and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The ripe, warm palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, vanilla, white pepper and a licorice note alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
This engages the taste buds with bright, ripe fruit flavors and balances them with good crisp acidity and light tannins, plus spicy oak accents that resemble vanilla, allspice and nutmeg. Medium to full bodied, it feels smooth in the mouth but the lip-smacking tannins carry through on the finish.
This boasts enticing aromas of pressed blue flower, perfumed red berry and a balsamic note. The smooth palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice, clove and tobacco while velvety tannins provide the framework. Reflecting the hot vintage, it's a bit shy on fresh acidity so enjoy soon.
Aromas of underbrush, blackcurrant, oak and cake spice lead the nose of this blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate offers dried blackberry accented with oak-driven spices of coconut, vanilla, mocha and cedar alongside assertive tannins. Drink through 2016–2022.
Aromas of dried black-skinned fruit, cedar, charred earth and ground pepper lead the nose. The palate offers dried black cherry, ripe blackberry, clove, allspice and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018.
Aromas of plum, dark berry, iris, tobacco and a whiff of menthol emerge in the glass. The palate is a bit more subdued than the nose, offering dried black cherry, mint, dark spice and a hint of coffee. Soft, smooth tannins give it polish and an easy-drinking vibe.
This pretty expression of Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo opens with aromas of wild berry, plum, violet, wet earth and a whiff of Mediterranean herb. The lively, easy-drinking palate delivers sour cherry, black raspberry, black pepper and espresso alongside sleek tannins and bright acidity.
Soft bubbles and bracing acidity meld with sweet-tart wild-berry and red-cherry flavors in this cheeky, effervescent treat. A pétillant naturel fermented on it's own indigenous yeasts, there's a distinctly untamed, sauvage feel to this Merlot sparkler that's hard to resist.
This wine has so much of the structure of the vintage. At the same time, it offers rich fruit, black plum flavors and fragrant acidity. It is powerful and concentrated, needing to age. Drink from 2018.
This is austere on the nose, with a strong animal note riding along. The palate is both jammy and tannic, while flavors of plum and boysenberry turn raisiny as it breathes. A thick, loamy finish tastes baked and jammy, with brawny tannins. This may benefit from more time in bottle.
Truffle, black plum, game and leather aromas come together in the glass. On the savory palate, notes of mint, dried sage and white pepper accent a core of juicy black cherry while polished tannins provide the framework. It's already accessible and delicious. Drink through 2016.
The Kögl is one of the great Krems vineyards, and this full-bodied Riesling has considerable power as well as intensely crisp acidity. There is just a touch of spice to go with the pineapple juice and green apples. Keep this wine for 4–5 years.
The wine is defined by its power and dense concentration. It shows solid black fruits, plums, fig and licorice as well as dark tannins. It seems a little austere at this young stage and needs several years to flesh out.
Flowery and smoky aromas introduce a perfumed, ripe wine. Gentle at first, the tannins gradually show through, part of a solid texture that gives density. Fruit goes from damsons through black cherries and a layer of wild strawberry. For long-term aging.
There is plenty of the proper power and intensity of a Chambertin here, resulting in a structured wine. It is dense, packed with black plum flavors, with a hard edge of spice and tannin. Obviously, there is a long-term future here, and it should not be touched for 5–6 years.
The ripeness and heat are immediately noticeable in the liquorous nose. Supple and smooth in the mouth, it shows a blend of pretty purple fruits and polished tannins, layered with barrel flavors emphasizing espresso and strong toast. Classic Michel Rolland, inviting and generous.
Brilliantly aromatic, this wine beguiles with exotic scents of plum pudding, spice cake, cherry compote, pipe tobacco, red licorice and raspberry jam. All that and more can be tasted—the wine is a riot of fruits and baking spices. This makes the best possible case for Mourvèdre as a stand-alone varietal wine here in Washington.
Structured and concentrated, it has a silky richness that is very Volnay, while at the same time giving the bright fruits of the year. The final tastes are smoke and crisp acidity.
Dark fruit shows on the palate in this exotically spiced and floral blend from several vineyards, including Sangiacomo Roberts Road. Soft and medium in weight, it has high-toned acidity underneath the brooding spice and forest floor.
Big flavors, full body and assertive tannins balance each other to make this out-sized wine a winner. It has ripe black cherry and dried fig aromas, gushing fruit flavors and a broad texture, but the firm tannins keep it from tasting fat. It's hardly delicate, but definitely delicious.
Dark cranberry and cola scents mesh with sage and roasted fennel on the nose of this bottling, an ode to Bill Foley's Texas rancher ancestors. Cranberry and black cherry greet the palate while roasting spices of marjoram and thyme add complexity, before bright tannins and brisk tartness carry into the finish.
A rich and inviting nose of berry-laced pastries, dried strawberries, stewed cherries and sagebrush kick off this layered bottling. The palate shows savory cracked black pepper along with strawberry, plum and black-raspberry fruit. A dry sagebrush quality gives complexity to the whole sip.
This distinctive wine has a light to medium color, with complex and somewhat earthy aromas. Very tasty and diverse flavors suggest black tea and rhubarb. It has medium body, a soothing, smooth texture and lingering finish.
This 100% Teran from Istria has aromas of blueberry, cherry, vanilla and a touch of dried Mediterranean herbs. It's full bodied in the mouth with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and tobacco leaf. The tannins are soft and rounded with a elegant finish.
This rich and full-bodied wine is a great candidate for aging. Stash it away in a cool place until at least 2018 when its slightly rough and drying tannins should begin to mellow and let all the ripe fruit and complex spice flavors come out. It's blended with a touch of Mourvèdre for a spicy, earthy accent.
From one of the top vineyard areas in Pouilly Fumé, this wine is rich, concentrated and with a great aging potential. Structured and with yellow fruits superimposed over the crisper, citrus flavors, it's still young and tight. Give this impressive wine until 2019 before drinking.
This is a satisfying, small-production wine from four rows of the family's Kairos Vineyard, a study in sanguine intensity. Currant, cassis and tar integrate with the body of subtle oak and tannin, finishing in a sprinkling of dried herb and graphite.
This likable wine has juicy and bright core, a mix of spicy cola-cherry and forest floor nested in firm, integrated tannins that works seamlessly on the palate. A full-bodied wine, it has power and grace.
A vividly complex nose of sesame oil teriyaki, blueberry, black cherry and violet proves dense but well seasoned on this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah and 9% Tempranillo. Lavender and prominent purple flowers decorate the palate, where very dark fruit meets with espresso notes and a rustic though strong tannic backbone. Drink 2017–2025.
Big and bold, this opens on aromas of ripe wild berry, forest floor, sunbaked earth, leather and grilled herb. The concentrated palate offers fleshy Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, clove and dried herb while firm, velvety tannins provide the framework. You'll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the close but the fruit richness keeps it in check. Drink 2018–2025.
A more approachable combo of mostly Cabernet with 20% Merlot, this wine is rounder and softer on the palate than some of its vineyard-designated brethren, and yet still appropriately grippy for the vintage. Plum, chocolate, cedar and leather all make appearances, as the wine expands into a luxurious finish. Drink now through 2020.
Ripe, easy aromas of dried cherry, raisin and cedary spice are not unfamiliar for aged, traditional Rioja like this. The palate is fresh in feel, with a touch of oak resin impacting the mouthfeel. Common flavors of cherry, plum and spice finish with cocoa, dill, vanilla and tomato notes. This is a classic Gran Reserva to drink through 2024.
The aromas of dried herbs, fresh tobacco, rose petals, mineral, cranberry and cherry fascinate. The palate brings pillowy soft red-fruit flavors that show a sense of vibrancy and delicacy. It drinks more like Grenache than Sangiovese but after a sip or two, who cares?
The aromas of crushed rock, smoke, ham hock, violets, red fruit and herbs are light but intriguing. The palate is elegant and restrained, coming in waves, with raspberries, smoked meat and mineral. It shows impeccable balance throughout and great length, winning on its subtleties rather than power.
The spice, tobacco, clove and pencil eraser aromas still seem somewhat locked up. The dark-fruit flavors are well balanced with a pucker of tannins backing them up.
Made for the Chumash Casino-owning tribe by descendant Tara Gomez, this 54% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon shows black plum, blueberry, turned loam, minty chocolate and the slightest touch of oregano on the nose. The palate is framed by silky tannins, conveying blackberries with mocha, purple flowers and beef char. It's built to last, so drink 2017–2028.
Firm and fragrant, this opens with scents of violet, iris, ripe plum and sweet baking spice. The chewy palate delivers dried plum, ripe black cherry, white pepper, anise and clove while fine-grained, polished tannins provide support.
This Catalonian sparkler is attractive from the start. Aromas of bready yeast, crisp white fruits and white flowers feed into a full but friendly palate with smooth bubbles and nothing caustic. Complex flavors of citrus, nectarine and mustard finish with intensity and character.
Made with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Pugnitello and 10% Colorino, this savory, firmly structured wine offers aromas that recall baked plum, prune, resin, blue flower, leather and a balsamic note. The chewy, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, mature blackberry, vanilla, cinnamon and mocha. Dusty tannins provide support. Drink through 2021.
Tilled earth, mature black-skinned fruit, leather, eucalyptus and truffle aromas come together on this concentrated wine. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry jam, coffee and licorice aromas alongside brooding tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
The winery's larger production offering, this is made from a handful of vineyards, including many used in vineyard-designates. Blending prowess shows in this wine that explodes in plum and clove. Tight, bright acid buoys flavors of strawberry, cranberry and orange, with a twisted funk of earth on the finish.
Structured, with a juicy backbone of fruit, this full-bodied, 100% varietal wine features aromas of baked bread joined by a taste of blackberry jam. Jolts of cedar and green herb provide a classical touch to the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2020.
Winemaker Mike Callahan's small Riesling project is packed with promise. This bottling shows tight yellow grapefruit pith, wet stones, crushed sea shells and richer Key lime notes on the nose. A touch of fresh oregano flashes on the palate, alongside chalk, white flowers and lemon oil laid upon a brisk but waxy mouthfeel.
Underbrush, chopped aromatic herb, wild berry and a hint of new leather are the main scent notes. The bright, structured palate is full of layers of juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, mint and tobacco set against a backbone of chewy tannins. It's already accessible, and while not loaded with complexity, it is delicious. Drink through 2020.
Deep garnet to the eye, this Rhone-style blend has a nose of cherry and aniseed. Flavors of cherry, blueberry preserves, fennel bulb, anise and violet are set in a framework of smooth tannins that gently coats the mouth beyond the bright finish.
Aromas of ripe pears and peaches jump out of the glass, and the flavors follow suit, bouncing across the palate in a display of stone fruits. It's relatively full bodied, but a garnish of grapefruit zest on the finish keeps it balanced and lively. Best Buy.
Pinot Grigio grape berries aren't actually gray; instead they are tinged with pink or purple. Maybe it is just the power of suggestion, but this wine even seems to taste pink, showcasing ripe berries and apples that are backed by tangy acids and great length. Classy stuff.
Shows a rich blend of citrus and stone fruits on the nose and on the palate, easily combining grapefruit, passion fruit and nectarines into a cohesive package. Finishes long, with tangy, lip-smacking acids that beg you to give this wine some time in the cellar. It's tasty now, but should be better in 2005.
Mario Schiopetto and his sons, Carlo and Giorgio, draw astonishingly intense flavors from the lees contact this wine has until bottling.It is powerful with rich, spicy fruit and flavors of pepper, vanilla and apricot.
This relatively full-bodied Pinot Grigio leans toward warm, baked-apple scents and flavors, blending ripe fruit with dried cinnamon and folding in hints of peach on the long finish. Has a lovely, caressing mouthfeel that underscores its comforting flavors.
Pungent and smoky, filled with minerals and grapefruit, this is top-flight Sauvignon Blanc. The mouthfeel is smooth, silky and slightly creamy; the finish, long and delicate.
This is a rare example of a successful wood-aged Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit comes from the Lafoa vineyard in Cornaiano. Half the wine has new oak barrel fermentation, the other was kept in stainless steel, cutting the wood flavors to an elegant balance with the floral and mineral flavors.
Elena Walch's fantasy wine is a blend of Chardonnay and four other varieties that she does not reveal. Eighteen months in oak give the wine a fine, toasty character and creamy fruit, but still leaves the hallmark Alto Adige crispness and freshness.
Lapostolle's basic Cab scores big in the fine '01 vintage. It features a deep nose of tire rubber, blackberry and rusticity. The palate is high-octane and deep, with plenty of ripe, tannic black fruit. And the finish is round and lengthy. It should age well for a couple of years. Editors' Choice.
Rich and aromatic, with a full blast of fragrant toasty oak and plenty of tropical fruit. The apple, mango and pear fruit that coats your mouth is round and ripe but not too thick or grabby. And the finish is perfectly smooth. Sure, it's a bit buttery and full, so no one will confuse it for Chablis. But in its class it's one of the best out there.
There's a slight coppery tinge to this wine's color, which sets it apart from the vast majority of other Grigios on the market. And maybe it's just the suggestion of the hue, but it seems to taste "pink" as well, showcasing ripe berries and appples backed by tangy acids and great length. Classy stuff.
This is still a closed, young wine, but the potential of the spicy, ripe, but still light and elegant fruit is going to be great. Intense concentration seems to be the hallmark of the wines made by Gianni Menotti at this great estate.
This wine is the white partner to Masi's familiar Campfiorin. In this case, it is the 25% of Verduzzo grapes in the blend that have gone through the drying process known as passito. The 75% of Pinot Grigio adds spice, while the Verduzzo gives great richness and ripeness.
The nose is rustic, with horse hide, bramble bush and spicy, subdued black fruit. The palate is round and rich, with pure and ripe berry fruit along with some supporting oak. The finish is equally nice, with notes of licorice, coffee and spices.
From a single vineyard, this exemplary Soave has great intensity and concentration, with flavors of peppers and ripe, green fruits. The wine's long fermentation wine gives it structure and great extraction of flavor.
This nicely balanced Pinot Bianco is fresh and crisp, blending peach, apple and grapefruit aromas and flavors together into a cohesive whole. Plump on the midpalate, yet steely and food-friendly on the finish.
The tannins are linear and direct in this otherwise fruity wine. Along with dark tannins, it is also rich with warm red fruits. The acidity still shows strongly and suggests that the wine needs time. Drink from 2020.
From a site with elevation rising as high as 2,200 feet, this wine delivers tremendous complexity and minerality, the grapes from volcanic soils. Meaty, with a wisp of smoky char, it's ripe and full bodied in cherry and cassis, nuances of bay leaf and rocky tannin.
Sourced from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard, this was previously bottled under the winemaker's Matello label. It's packed with apple and pear fruit flavors, supported with ample acidity. Smooth and fleshy, its 50% new oak remains subtly integrated, with highlights of caramel and butter peeking out. It's well balanced, but you'll note that there are tartaric crystals (utterly harmless) clinging to the cork, suggesting that it was not cold stabilized. Drink soon.
A tribute to the late Angelo Rocca, this delicious wine opens with aromas suggesting leather, truffle, mature black-skinned berry, fragrant blue flower and a whiff of menthol. The smooth, full-bodied palate offers mouthfuls of red cherry, juicy raspberry, and a note of cake spice while fine-grained tannins provide polished support.
This full-bodied red opens with aromas of underbrush, raspberry compote and dark baking spice. The brooding palate offers mature black cherry, white pepper, cinnamon, grilled herb and licorice alongside a backbone of assertive tannins. Drink 2020–2028.
A step up from the solid 2013, this vintage offers more vivid raspberry fruit and cracked pepper. It's a bit jammy, but then some dried spices emerge on the finish, reining things in and imparting welcome complexity. Drink now–2023.
This is a real cherry bomb, showing terrific concentration and purity of fruit. Those vibrant flavors come in a swath of cola, then dive into a compact finish that leaves a residual hint of chocolate seltzer. This wine seems to be slightly bottle shocked (though it was rested for some weeks after being shipped) and may well deserve a higher score with more bottle age.
At first this seems sculpted in a feminine style, meaning elegant, graceful and light on its feet. It's a complete and satisfying wine, with strawberry, raspberry and cola flavors intertwined. Some tougher tannins show up in the finish, suggesting that a few more years of bottle age may add both length and further complexity.
This full-bodied but stealthy and deep wine looks very dark in color. It has moderate ripe fruit and spice aromas, but doesn't really show its cards until the flavors almost explode with boysenberry and blackberry jam, and nuances of wood smoke and dark chocolate hit the palate. It has great intensity, layers of flavor and a nice, lingering finish.
This is one of the harder grapes to tame in California, yet those wanting to walk the razor blade balance between ripeness and freshness should copy this Josh Jensen version. Candied nectarine, white peach, cherimoya and jasmine show on the ripe, honeyed nose, but then the palate restrains that exuberance with chamomile, sour pear peels and sea salt flavors.
From a vineyard of 100-year-old vines discovered during building works in the city of Almeirim, this beautiful wine is ripe with tropical mango and pineapple fruits and an intense rich character. The concentration is balanced with pear and apple acidity, giving a fine wine that is now ready to drink.
This wine is big in every dimension, from an unusually deep gold color, to a smoky, oaky, toasted-baguette aroma to almost sweet flavors like poached pear that are backed by more buttery, smoky nuances and surprisingly good acidity. While it makes a big first impression, further sips bring out even more complexity, layers and length.
Violet, lavender, mulberry, black cherry, cola, graphite and a touch of sarsaparilla lead the nose on this bottling from this vineyard planted in 1997. Tart cranberry, pencil lead, dried orange rind, bay leaf, fennel and bay leaf all show on the palate, which is tremendously grippy and offers strong depth way into the finish.
Light, lithe and elusive, this wine begs for time in the glass to develop, and it changes as it goes, maintaining a persistence of exotic Asian spice and citrus, stony minerality and a dash of lemon peel. Green apple also shines through, the texture of the wine crisp yet complex. Drink now through 2023.
Daffodils, lemon rinds and yellow apples rise on the nose of this bottling like a delicate flower petal. The palate is also finely toned, light in style and easy to enjoy, with hints of limestone, sea salt, Meyer lemon and Gravenstein apple.
This wine needs air in order to get at its dark-fruit aromas. In the mouth, this blend of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc is ripe but smacks down hard with tannins. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and herbs end with complex notes of graphite and chalk. This gets better the more time you spend with it. Drink through 2024.
Fig, stewed prune, sun baked soil, camphor and exotic spice aromas lead the nose. On the palate, close-grained tannins support dried black cherry, orange zest, grilled herb and clove that leave to a rather austere finish. Drink 2018–2023.
The Angove family has made a real commitment to its prestige wine portfolio, and this Shiraz represents that new level of quality. It's ripe without being over the top, marrying ripeness and supple tannins with savory notes of tar and espresso. Drink now–2025, possibly beyond.
Smoky, savory and plummy, this wine boasts ample weight and a plush, creamy texture. This rich, concentrated wine finishes with great length and silky tannins.
Intense, enticing aromas of violet, rose and leather lead the nose along with an earthy whiff of game. The palate is still young and primary, but already offers red berry, licorice, white pepper and cinnamon. Tightly wound, assertive tannins and bright acidity provide balance. Drink after 2020.
Produced from Aveleda's Quinta da Aguieira, this is a blend of typical Portuguese white grapes with a dash of Chardonnay. From old vines, it has concentration and a rich texture that is cut by fragrant acidity. There is a ripe feel to this impressive wine, generous and full of fruit. Drink now.
Meaty and savory, this is surprisingly full-bodied and supple for a Yarra Valley Syrah. Blackberry and spice notes balance out the meatiness, imparting a bright, mouthwatering juiciness to the long finish.
Grown on rocky subsoil, this ripe and fruity wine has good acidity and plenty of black-cherry fruit. A darker core of tannins gives the wine a rich texture. With open fruits and plenty of acidity, the wine is developing well. Drink from 2019.
Well-integrated aromas of dried mint and black cherry meet with baking spice, cappuccino and dried-beef notes on the nose of this bottling. Dried cherry, smoked beef, bittersweet chocolate and coffee flavors show on the sip, where a solid tannic structure and good density ensures a long life for this wine.
Balsamic aromas, leather, truffle, soil and ripe berry scents take center stage. The chewy, structured palate offers succulent Morello cherry, fleshy raspberry and cake spice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. A star anise note closes the finish. Drink 2018–2025.
Toast, underbrush, leather, truffle, mature black-skinned berry and game are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The round, juicy palate offers ripe Morello cherry, a hint of stewed berry, grilled herb, hazelnut and clove while firm, fine-grained tannins offer seamless support. Drink 2018–2025.
While the name means “burnt,” it really refers to the southern exposure of this warm vineyard. Wood aged in new barrels, this wine has a toasty character that is well balanced by the rich fruits. Acidity and a mineral texture give this wine aging potential. Drink from 2017.
The name references the mix of fermentation techniques—40% neutral oak, 40% stainless steel and 20% new French barrels. Peach and papaya fruit are accented by a light streak of honey and a whiff of wet stone. This is both nuanced and beautifully proportioned.
A properly rich wine that benefits from its wood aging to give a polished, minty feel to the plush black plum fruits. Solid tannins are easily enveloped by fruit, while retaining a firm structure. Keep for 2-3 years.
Starts off with some intriguing notes of musk and spice, the turns intensely sweet, with powerful honey and orange marmalade flavors that coat the mouth and refuse to leave. There's just too much sugar in the end, and not enough acid or minerality to provide the ideal balance. Still, it is impressive, and if you measure pleasure solely by grams per liter of residual sugar, this will surely strike gold.
A flashy, modern-style wine, Modus takes traditional Tuscan flavors of leather and tobacco, dresses them up with cassis, vanilla and toast and wraps all that in a cocoon of lush, supple tannins. An immediately approachable blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot.
Chenin Blanc may arguably be the least-appreciated great white grape in the world; outside of the Loire valley, no one bothers to showcase it. But Washington state has some Chenin vines approaching 30 years of age, and that fruit is the centerpiece of this ripe, round, floral and slightly spritzy offering from Pacific Rim. Fruit flavors of ripe pear and key lime make this a vivacious and lip-smacking crowd-pleaser, lifted with natural acids and finished at just 12.5% alcohol.
Ripe red cherries with hints of fresh green herbs and menthol perfume both the nose and palate of this elegant, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, intense fruit flavors gain complexity with sprinklings of olives, cedar and sturdy tannins that lead to a long, sour cherry finish.
Hints of smoke and toast lace the lush tropical fruit aromas on this dry wine. Highlighted by fresh apple and pear flavors with a pretty floral undertone, it finishes with a touch of tart yogurt cream on the palate.
This Pinot Noir from the Alexandra subregion of Central Otago starts off with some interesting aromaas of mocha, scorched tomato leaf and cherry, then delivers earthy, sous bois flavors. Yet the mouthfeel is spot on, supple and silky. Drink up.
Big, sweet and deep in black fruits, with aromas of turned earth and sweet spices. The palate is tannic and heavy but offers good pop, and the flavors of blackberry and cola are full-force. Finishes thick and dark, with toasty spice notes and kick.
Fresh, juicy wine, with a smoky wood character, light black currant flavors and soft tannins. It is bright, just a little green, ready to drink.
A perfectly serviceable Syrah with 9% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, almost black in color with savory meat and red berries on the nose and palate and soft edges all around. A good price for a good wine from a part of California's Sacramento Valley that is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate, made by the Giguieres, who once owned the region's largest winery, R.H. Phillips.
Full and blowsy for Verdejo, with orange, grapefruit and minerally aromas. The palate is zesty, with orange, tangerine and passion fruit flavors. With pretty good fruit character, adequate acidity and a slick-feeling finish, this is a good effort that should be drunk right away.
While the nose on this medium-bodied Cab is eminently fruit forward with scents of lush black cherry jam and spice, the palate is remarkably fresh with herbs, bramble and bright sour cherry. Supple tannins and a tart midpalate lead to a long finish.
Leather, roasted berry and barnyard make for a rustic, warm nose. The palate is grippy, with chewy, roasted black fruit flavors. Meaty, lasting, deep and dense, but also rubbery and a little low on acidic vitality. A Monastrell-Tempranillo blend to drink now.
Wood and smoke aromas precede ripe and dusty tannins lacing this red plum flavored wine. It has a rich texture, as well as being fruity, juicy, finished with taut acidity.
There's something wonderfully intriguing about Dr. Konstantin Frank's Rkatsiteli, an ancient Georgian grape variety that pays homage to the original Dr. Frank's European roots. Fragrant with fresh apples, sweet figs and a subdued paraffin note, it's a light profile wine, but with a uniquely luscious mouthfeel. Well balanced with a clean minerality and bright, sour tangerine acidity, there's a touch of salinity in the finish that makes it a fabulous companion to seafood.
A spray of sweet stone fruit, white florals and fresh, clean herbs, this is is gorgeously aromatic. While lush and full- bodied in style, there's an elegance to the pristine white grapefruit and peach flavors that combine seamlessly with a refereshing minerality and puckery grapefruit pith finish.
Refreshing on the palate with a fresh apple aroma and juicy pink grapefruits on the palate, this medium-bodied Gewürztraminer is an easy-drinking, eminently quaffable wine. Off-dry like a brisk, honey-sweetened iced tea, it finishes with a pleasant kick of spice and potpourri.
Sweet oak and toast are the lead aromas; underneath you'll find regular cassis and berry notes. The palate is healthy but low in depth and complexity. Tastes woody, spicy and infused with vanilla, while the fruit character is average and the finish a bit resiny.
Light in body and frankly a little skinny, this is nevertheless a pretty wine, its tannic structure of skillfully woven silk. Subtle cherry and sous bois notes aren't overly powerful, but persist nicely on the finish. Drink now.
This wine is velvety-smooth and full bodied in cedar, black licorice and blackberry jam, and is an approachable wine given its mountain beginnings. Compact and concentrated, it ends with length and plenty of toasted oak.
This big-boned wine has smoke and brown-sugar aromas, ample and delicious raspberry and blackberry flavors, firm tannins, supportive acidity and a lingering finish. While full bodied, it's well balanced and will taste great with big proteins.
Luscious and decadent, this Cabernet Franc puts a spotlight on sultry black-cherry flavors. The palate is silky smooth, rimmed with the faintest feather of tannin, yet penetrates long on the finish.
All varietal coming from Hedges Estate Vineyard, this all-new French-oak-aged wine opens with aromas of toast, spicebox, espresso and cherry. The palate is tightly wound with dark fruit flavors and abundant oak accents throughout that linger on the finish. The wood (all new French) needs time to integrate but there is much to enjoy.
Copper-pink in color, this Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Noirs from a specific vineyard site offers well-developed flavors of strawberry cream and fennel around a medium tier of acidity. The spicy finish ends well.
A new offering from the West Burgundy Wine Group within Jackson Family Wines, this wine hails from the wilds of Annapolis, an extreme outpost of the Sonoma Coast. Spicy cardamom marks the entry, along with plum, dark cherry, cedar and even a hint of grapefruit, the minerality chiseled and clean. Firm tannins mark a lengthy, full-bodied finish.
Sourced from the Sangiacomo and Gap's Crown vineyards within the Petaluma Gap area of the appellation, this is a tight, tangy wine. Full of citrus, cranberry and dried herb, it finishes savory in sage and forest floor accents. The acidity is subtle and the tannins integrated, making for a well-balanced wine.
Crisp, light and ethereal, this blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Vermentino offers attractive herbal aromas of lavender, laurel and honeysuckle that are partnered with ripe fruit tones of apple, yellow melon and orange. The medium-weight palate is smoothly textured, with good cut to the ripe fruit flavors and a lingering sweet-spice accent on the close.
Medium in build and high in minerality, this fruity, dark-cherry wine is tethered by sizable oak and tannin. It finds its balance midway through, before offering a substantial finish.
Charming overtones of citrus herald the freshness of the 2014 vintage, while the palate shows richer fruit: golden Mirabelle plums and baked apricot with occasional swirls of rose blossom. The dry finish beautifully accentuates the freshness and is rather moreish.
This wine pumps up the jammy fruit flavors of the grape variety. It packs in the typical thick but fine tannins, and also contributes spicy complexities like cardamom and black pepper that lend it an extra dimension. The oak flavors seem very intense but there is so much grapy richness that the wine remains powerfully balanced. Drink now through 2020.
Made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also contains a hearty amount of Syrah, along with smaller additions of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Medium bodied, it's smoky, shy in tannins that build on the palate, with a lengthy, licorice-like finish.
This wine has an almost sweet aroma of ripe plums and cherries, followed by a vivid fruity flavor that's fresh, dry and accented with black pepper and clove. Showing great balance from fine tannins and good acidity and vibrant but not heavy flavor, it will be a versatile and crowd-pleasing pour.
Sonorous and rounded notions of ripe pear pervade nose and palate. This richness is countered by lovely, fresh and bright acidity, with peppery spice around the edges. This finishes with a pleasant, clean, warm glow.
While taut citrus is at the core of this dry, zesty Riesling, it has much more going on. Notions of peppery spice play around the edges, with glimpses of red and green apple. This is juicy and moreish, pure and totally refreshing. The dry finish accentuates the citrus zest.
This is well balanced, ripe and with a good link between the structure and the fragrant, perfumed red berries. The wine is full of fruit and acidity while having a core of dark tannins that will allow it to age. It will be best drunk after 2018.
Rounded notions of baked apple, juicy orange and roses play on a midweight palate that has a pleasantly bitter phenolic edge. Tangerine zest creates tension and balance in equal measure. This is just off dry and an intriguing counterpart to many spicy dishes and ripe, soft cheeses.
This is quite a nice find: an excellent wine from a rare Spanish grape variety. The aromas are fascinating, like ripe black cherry and red roses. The flavors are fresh, concentrated, grapy and jammy, but the wine stays dry and well balanced. Already six years old, it's not at all tired-tasting.
This wine offers some remarkable value for the quality, from a good appellation to boot. Plum and cassis form around smoothly layered tannins and subtle oak, finishing in a seductive wave of black pepper and graphite.
Floral and pretty on the nose, this coastal Pinot offers soft layers of wild strawberry and tangy acidity while pushing the boundaries of lower ripeness. Lean, it finishes with a suggestion of earthy mushroom and savory tea.
Made with just 10% new oak and in both American and Hungarian barrels, this wine celebrates both juicy red plum and raspberry, offering sizable power in an elegant package. Soft tannins and measured acidity maintain a freshness in the glass, with a nuanced, easygoing finish.
Crushed violet, baking spice, scorched earth, ripe black-skinned fruit and a whiff of leather meld together on this velvety red. The round, ripe palate doles out raspberry jam, dried black cherry, raisin, ground pepper and licorice accompanied by firm, polished tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
Luscious melon aromas, creamy fruit-tart flavors and a silky texture make a pleasing combination in this wonderfully soothing wine. A crisp core of lemon and apple flavors are surrounded by a layer of vanilla and hazelnut. The plus texture carries the flavors through a long finish.
This blend is a third each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the rest equal parts Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cocoa, cherry, vanilla and baking spices show restraint while the flavors bring a supple feel. It's equal parts fruit and barrel.
This wine has full aromas and flavors of rich, ripe strawberries and blackberries. The texture is both smooth and slightly gripping at the same time, with a medium to full body and a dry, lingering finish lingers.
This intriguing wine shows the depth and staying power of this historic region. Aromas of grape seed, pressed boysenberry, chaparral scrub and woody fruits show on the nose, while the palate offers a leaner Concord grape flavor and a rocky, peppery grip. It is still quite tannic despite its age, meaning it may last for years to come.
Plum cake, resin, leather, raisin and exotic spice aromas come together in the glass. On the dense palate, licorice, chopped sage and tobacco notes accent prune and blackberry while firm, fine-grained tannins offers support.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot combines the sharp, herbal edges of Cabernet with the plumminess of Merlot to fine results. Umami notes of brine, mushroom and forest floor add savory complexity. It's a complex yet thoroughly approachable wine that's drinking elegantly now.
Rounded, friendly pleasures of ripe pear fill nose and palate, along with a pleasant and toning phenolic element and a brightening and enlivening streak of grapefruit zestiness. This goes down far too easily. Look no further for alluring, appetizing fruit.
Courtesy of solid black cherry, cassis and herbal aromas, this comes across as being well rounded. A dense palate is offset by lively acidity, while flavors of cassis, toast, herbs and spice end in a peppery swirl of drawing tannins blended with plush fruit notes. Drink through 2019.
Intense, concentrated, this blend seems to bring out the best in all three grape varieties, creating a theme of ripe cherries and dark plums, with variations  from the Cabernet tannins and a rounded texture from the Merlot. Impressive, and worth aging for 3–4 years.
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cab Franc, 17% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the seventh edition of Mark Ryan's iconic Dead Horse is, as expected, a tannic, liquorous, sweet and ripe wine, loaded with flavors of black cherry, plenty of barrel toast and chocolaty tannins.
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, from designated rows at Pepper Bridge. Juicy and packed with flavors of strawberry and black cherry fruit, it adds interest with aromatic hints of tomato sauce, and flavors of leaf, cedar and graphite. Tannins are firm and dry, and finished with a generous burst of smoky, toasty oak.
Lovely concentration and texture make this a standout and the best wine yet from newcomer Adamant Cellars. Berries and cassis fruit flavors are crisply defined and annotated with smoke and earth; the wine has grip and length.
Rough, round and ravishing, this is a rock ‘n' roll red that takes no prisoners. The Klipsun/Red Mountain tannins and power are there in abundance, but the edges have been smoothed, the balance is perfect, and the fruit is pure and expressive. This wine resonates out from a core of pure cherry/berry; it lingers and expands into a lush rainbow of strawberry and earth.
Shows unusual intensity for a Marlborough Pinot Noir, revealing powerful cherry fruit, slightly herbal underpinnings and a subtle frame of spice and vanilla shadings. The structure is firm without being hard, the tannins soft and welcoming. Drink now–2015.
This classic Austrian red wine blend, a specialty of the Gols region north of the Neusiedlersee, is here shown at its best. Peel away its tight, mineral outer shell, and the wine inside shows richly dark tannins, juicy fruit and an appealing red and green pepper vitality that contrasts freshness with the serious structure. Age for 3-4 years.
Befitting the historic nature of the estate, this is wonderfully structured and aristocratic auslese, featuring apple, apricot and citrus seamlessly fastened to a bedrock of firm acidity. Finishes long, with a hint of citrus rind. Should easily age 20 years or more.
This is made in a full-blown style, with ripe peaches married to grilled nuts and plenty of toasty oak. Yet despite all of the fruit and oak intensity, there's crispness and structure as well, giving a sense of balance and elegance to the lingering citrus and cashew finish.
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from DeLille's estate-owned vineyard. Pure, focused and expressive, it is both tightly defined and bursting with bright, spicy red and black fruit. What is given away in terms of breadth (from a lack of blending grapes) is gained in terms of depth; this really shows the varietal character (in Washington) as well as the character (rock, streaks of iron) of the Red Mountain AVA. This lovely bottle from a young vineyard has the muscle and character to develop in bottle over 15–20 years.
Striking and sincere Sauvignon Blanc. One whiff, one taste and one swish across the palate and you'll know that this is elevated stuff. For starters, the bouquet delivers honest bell pepper, melon, passion fruit and apple aromas; and along with the fruit there's nuance, structure and balancing herbal notes. Full, long and regal. Drink now to capture this wine's powerful essence.
The Bully is a stiff, tannic, earthy and tight young wine, chewy and cherry-flavored; deep and hard and dense. Young as it is, the wine tastes of cassis, cherry, tobacco and oak. It mostly just needs a lot of time to breathe and a couple more years of bottle age.
With only 56 cases imported, it may be a challenge to track down some of this full-bodied, slightly chunky Pinot Noir. The oak is a little too evident at this early stage, with toast and vanilla notes laying atop deeper notes of black cherries and spice, but give it 2–3 years and it shouldstart to sing.
A lush and enormously fruity auslese, this offering features layers of appealingly ripe fruit, ranging from honeyed peaches to tropically luscious mangoes. If it's a bit fat and lacks a touch of zip, it makes up for it with sheer deliciousness.
Smoke and petrol notes lead off, followed up by hints of dried apricot and fresh peach. This is a thick, viscous dry Riesling, oozing with minerality that persists through the long finish. Although most German producers insist wines like this will age, why wait? Drink it over the next few years.
Asphalt, leather and paint aromas are present on the scratchy bouquet. It feels clacky, with pushy acidity and flavors of tomato, saline, herb plum and raspberry. It's lively, with a bite to the finish.
This is flat and lemony on the nose, with a hint of asparagus. It feels zesty and tastes of tart lemon-lime and green bean. Tangy but not edgy or razor-like on the finish. This is a classic cool-climate white with citrus and green elements running the show.
This starts out with cranberry and dark cherry flavors, with a hint of blackberry. It has good tannin structure but not much depth. Simple, it's ready to drink now.
The nose is leathery and mulchy, with earthy berry aromas. It feels raw and choppy, with stalky, leathery, burnt flavors, plus pinches of green and mint. Ultimately it doesn't have much berry power or clarity.
A light rhubarb flavor with a dash of pepper can be found here, but the mouthfeel seems flat and the wine dries out quickly. Drink up.
This wine has plenty to offer, from brightly fruity and peppery aromas to flavors of cherry, leather amd spice. The tannins are silky in texture, and the lengthy finish develops hints of cocoa and clove.
This wood-aged wine shows equal notes of toasty spice and ripe fruit. On the palate, it's full and round, with pear and apricot flavors giving it richness. This is concentrated and worth aging for another 2–3 years.
Round and smooth, this has a weighty, full-bodied structure, with the Alvarinho adding a more crisp character. Pear and melon fruits are balanced by citrusy acidity.
A touch scratchy on the bouquet, with a red berry aroma and a wild herb note. It feels fresh and decidedly “red” in style, with red plum and red currant flavors. More easygoing than brooding, this finishes light. Drink now through 2015.
Rich and fruity, this is rounded as well as concentrated. It's on the sweet side, yet its acidity and blend of black and dried fruits are finely balanced. Like all LBVs, it can be consumed now, but it can also age over several years.
At only 10% Syrah, this is quite different in composition from most of Delas's wines. The rest is Grenache, and in 2009 the result is slightly pruny, with touches of coffee, chocolate and Christmas spice. It's full bodied and creamy in texture without being soft, thanks to the crisp acids and silky tannins on the finish. Drink it over the next few years.
For a Vacqueyras, this is rather charming and supple, with slightly jammy black-cherry notes balanced by mouth-watering acidity. Hints of leather and anise add a welcome note of complexity. Drink it over the next few years.
Coming from the Radian Vineyard atop the Sta. Rita Hills, the appellation's veteran Bryan Babcock delivers aromas of pineapple cake, fresh apricot and lemon butter. The wine is well oaked, so expect vanilla and baking spice, but there's a lemony acidity as well, creating a well-balanced wine.
Sourced from estate vineyards, this is aged in a mix of new and neutral French oak. Baking spices, gingerbread, cassis, earth, umami, soy and balsamic elements combine in a complex, distinctive and powerful wine with another decade of development ahead. Decant if drinking soon, or cellar until 2025.
Dark purple in color, this is a fully realized Pinot Noir, aged longer in bottle before release, to great effect. Spicy and earthy, it offers a density that's not overwhelming but gives the wine an ideal combination of style and substance, complex in cherry and vanilla.
Gorgeously aromatic, this racy, light-footed wine wafts of lavender, peach and honeycomb. The palate is juicy with sweet, ripe grapefruit and apricot, yet zesty with acidity and minerality. Enamel-stripping acidity feels jagged on the finish now, but should meld out beautifully from 2019 on.
Dusty, smoky earth tones fade to reveal a rich, fruity palate of sweet white peaches and tangerine. Despite its light-footed nature, there's a lusciousness in mouthfeel, cut with spine-tingling acidity on the midpalate. Enjoy from 2018 to allow its honeyed mineral notes to develop.
While lithe and delicate in mouthfeel, this dazzling wine packs a punch with sun-kissed peach and apricot flavors. High-toned lime notes cut through the palate like a razor, leading a long, honey-kissed finish. Impeccably balanced, it's full of vibe and refreshment.
This is top-notch Argentine Cabernet Franc. Savory, exotic, oaky blueberry and blackberry aromas set up a bold palate with ample acidity and modest tannins. Berry flavors and oak spice are the key flavors, while a buttery oak note and a pinch of salt rise up on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Surprisingly smoky and toasty upfront, but balanced by ample apricot fruit and hints of honey, pineapple and citrus zest. Despite its ripe, oaky nature, there's plenty of crisp acidity to provide structure and prolong the finish. Drink now–2016.
King Estate makes several different versions of Pinot Gris, but this belongs at the very top, with pitch-perfect pear fruit at its core. Fresh, textural and brightly racy, it's an elegant and generous wine with a crisp, lingering finish that suggests it will continue to improve through 2020.
This iconic bottling, a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, features aromas of ripe black fruit, violet, grilled herb, toast and espresso. The palate delivers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, vanilla and mocha alongside firm but refined tannins. It closes on a licorice note. Drink 2015–2023.
Vibrant and savory, this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Colorino boasts juicy black cherry, blackberry and raspberry flavors, while notes of white pepper and cinnamon add depth. It's balanced and delicious with fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2016.
The 4% Petit Verdot in this dark, inky Cabernet Sauvignon is doing its job in terms of color and structure, adding much of both to the mix. Overall the wine is savory and full-bodied on the palate, with bits of spicy clove and sage around black cherry and toasted oak. Enjoy through 2030.
With a handful of Viognier blended in, and nine months spent in new French oak, this wine offers deep layers of melon and peach surrounded by a wall of floral aromatics. Delicious and ripe, the wine holds enough structure to hold well for another couple of years.
A pleasant minty character, somewhere between purple Thai basil and toothpaste, emerges from this 60% Zinfandel and 40% Syrah blend, along with strawberry pie aromas. It's still tightly wound and tart on the palate, with hints of red and black licorice that will emerge over time.
There's considerable earthiness to the nose of this Malbec, grown in Zin-heavy Rockpile. Soft and wrapped in cinnamon spice, its sizable tannins are offset by just enough acidity to keep the wine mouthwatering and mellowed.
Sonoma Valley stalwart Sam Sebastiani returns to the winemaking fold with this small-production Sangiovese. A juicy study in robust, powerful tannins and fresh plum, it has a trace of anise on the back of the palate. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Malbec, it spent a year in older French oak barrels and is a delicious California version of the Italian classic.
Smoke and leather aromas are matched by dried red fruit and spice tones. This is racy on the palate, with a fairly full body. Vanilla and caramel flavors turn darker and toastier with airing, while the fruit on this older Rioja favors cherry and currant. Cocoa, tobacco notes with a juicy length define the finish. Drink through 2024.
Vibrant and savory, this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot delivers succulent black cherry, crushed plum, black pepper, grilled herb and mocha flavors alongside firm but velvety tannins. It's well balanced with surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage. It's already drinking well but will be even better after 2016.
As with all Beresan reds, this tilts sharply in the direction of dark fruits, earthy tannins, and streaks of iron and herb. The plum and berry flavors are framed in sappy acids, and the purity of the single-varietal wine is impressive. It's a fine alternative to Cabernet with that thick steak.
This inky purple dessert wine delivers high-toned fruit flavors of blueberry, blackberry jam, cinnamon, mocha and vanilla. Chewy tannins offer support and close on a nutmeg note.
This estate-grown Pinot Noir artfully blends seven different clones, capturing the nuances of each, and melding them into a fascinating wine. Dig in—you'll find plenty of black cherry and cassis fruit, streaked with iron, espresso and licorice. The texture and length add more subtlety, with a delicate hint of sandalwood at the very end.
Charred oak characterizes the nose of this wine from an estate just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, but chopped dill takes the place of overpowering butter aromas. The herbs show up on the palate, hovering on pine needles, sandalwood and oak toothpicks, with lime pith keeping it fresh.
Earthy aromas of leafy underbrush, leather, ripe blackberry, savory herb and baking spice lead the nose on this warm, full-bodied red. The lush, juicy palate offers ripe black plum, fig, black pepper and graphite alongside velvety tannins. A licorice note signals the close.
Ripe, deep aromas of cassis and marzipan evolve to show minerality. A big, chunky palate features flavors of baked blackberry, cassis and chocolate, while a mild, somewhat languorous finish is chewy and leaves a lasting taste of prune. Drink now through 2018.
Crème brûlée informs the creamy backbone of an otherwise high-toned Chardonnay, the acidity brisk on the palate without veering over the edge. Layers of apple and pear give additional lift in between a yeasty texture.
Fresh apple and white floral aromas are dusted with caramelized sugar and smoke on this dry, mineral-tinged wine. Edgy and lean on the palate but supple in grapefruit flavor, it's a honed, steely white with polish and elegance.
Ripe flavors suggest vanilla banana custard, along with sweet apple and smooth caramel. Some time spent in French oak brings up a finish with highlights of toasted nuts.
Dark cranberries, violet and sagebrush form the core aromas, with a bit of buttery crust on the edges of this blend of four clones. The flavors are black and bitter, with strong, plum-skin tannins currently hiding the riper fruit and spice rack that will emerge with more time. Pop this for Thanksgiving 2016 or 2017 to impress the table.
This bottling occupies the middle step between Ponzi's Tavola and reserve-level Pinots. The exceptional 2012 vintage delivers a wine with unusual concentration for its price. It presents a refreshing mix of briary berry, mineral, hints of chive, pepper, chocolaty barrel notes and a suggestion of yeast, and is finished with fine-grain tannins.
Journaux, the winery notes, is an old Burgundian term for the amount of land a person could plow by horse in a single day. The Azana vineyard is the source for the fruit, and is about four journaux in size. It brings flavors of strawberry candy, raspberry soda, and a bit of Dr Pepper. At first a forward, fruity, charming wine, it turns brambly and herbal in the well-balanced finish.
This screaming deal is majority varietal, with small amounts of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It works deliciously, thick and concentrated in cherry, cranberry and a tease of orange peel, staying crisply intriguing and amazingly light bodied on the palate. This is well worth case-stocking in one's home.
The aromas of blue fruit, herbs and spice are initially under tight restraint. The flavors are full, with the tannins simultaneously firm and fine grained. It shows good length.
Damp sagebrush, dark cranberry, buttered black cherries, fresh plucked marjoram and wet stone show on the nose of this bottling. The tip of the sip shows great thyme, bay leaf and anise character, then settles into rich cranberry fruit, all held together by a decent tannic grip. The dark fruit flavors linger deep in the finish.
Tire rubber, herb and locked-up barrel spice notes are followed by bountiful yet elegant black fruit flavors that show a spot on sense of balance along with exquisite length. There's no hiding the warm vintage it comes from but it shows the year well.
Aromas of jammy red raspberries, cranberries, dried herbs and peppery spices are followed by a silky soft palate that is elegantly styled and well-balanced. Fruit tones blend with savory flavors, with coffee notes providing accents. A peppery, meaty finish rounds it out and keeps the attention high.
Luxuriously honeyed, this wine sings in rich hazelnut but also remains crisp on the palate, relatively light-bodied in fresh pear and lemon. Staying lithe as it goes down, it has subtle power and integrated oak, finishing creamy and bold.
A blend of Cabernet from Grand Ciel (31%), Ciel du Cheval (30%), Upchurch (28%) and Klipsun (11%) vineyards, wood spice aromas start out up front. The cherry flavors are light and elegant, with the tannins bringing some grip.
Produced from three vineyards in the north of the Sancerre appellation, this is a crisp, ripe wine. It offers a blend of green plum and lime with a touch of white peach. The acidity, still young, will soften over the next few months when the wine will be even better. Drink from 2017.
Entirely sourced from this Sangiacomo family-farmed vineyard, which is planted entirely to the Old Wente clone, this wine offers fleshy and tropical juiciness and texture. Aged in French oak, the vast majority of it neutral, the wine lets the fruit and acidity speak for themselves.
Here's a big, hearty wine that opens with aromas of underbrush, tilled soil, truffle, stewed black-skinned fruit and a whiff of menthol. The palate offers blackberry jam, cherries marinated in spirits, coffee, mocha and a confectionary note alongside the warmth of evident alcohol. It's already rather evolved and accessible, with velvety tannins. Drink soon.
Layered aromas and rich but vibrant flavors help this medium-bodied wine stand out. It has a medium color with a brickish rim, while aromas suggest black tea and black cherry. A dry, tangy, but ripe fruit expression on the tongue lingers on the finish.
Aromas of roasted coffee bean, ripe plum and dark kitchen spice waft out of the glass. The forward palate offers mature wild cherry, licorice, sage and espresso that carry through to the firm finish. Drink through 2019.
This Cabernet Franc from Hungary has aromas of tart cherry, black plum and purple flowers. It is a medium- to full-bodied wine with flavors of tart cherry, pomegranate and cranberry juice. The tannins are soft and the finish is persistent.
A blend of 60% Prokupac and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon this Serbian wine smells of red cherry and blackberry. It is full bodied, while tasting of black cherry and blackberry. The finish is fruit filled with a touch of leather.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, baked plum and a whiff of vanilla unfold on this ripe, brawny red. The densely concentrated palate shows dried berry, oak, vanilla and the heat of evident alcohol while close-grained tannins grip the finish. Give the tannins a few years to loosen up then drink sooner rather than later.
Big and chewy, this starts with aromas of grilled porcini, underbrush, ripe dark fruit, dried herb and clove. Tightly packed tannins frame dried black cherry, prune steeped in spirits, ground pepper and licorice. You'll also feel the heat of evident alcohol on the midpalate that throws it somewhat off-balance.
A stalwart, sturdy rendering, this smells like ripe plums and dark spices. It tastes full of fruit but is shaded nicely by slightly smoky, peppery notes. The body is full and the texture firm with tannins and acidity. Best drink this after 2018.
The aromas of lemon, soil and flowers are quite subdued. The flavors are restrained with impressive balance and the variety's often burly tannins well tamed.
Dried apricot, citrus and brown sugar aromas provide allure. The flavors are sweet but never over the top, showing good balance except for the alcohol, which pokes through on the finish.
Deep pink and nearing mauve in color, this juicy blush shows watermelon Jolly Rancher candy, warm strawberry, and lemon butter on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and voluptuous, with lime-laced pomegranate fruit, a touch of brown spice and a consistent acidic sizzle that rides the whole sip.
White flowers, dried lavender and vanilla bean scent this wine. Pleasantly acidic on entry, it tastes of lemon curd, pineapple juice and white peaches. The finish is zesty and long lasting.
The aromas of red currant, raspberry and cranberry are quite ripe, with cedar notes providing an accent. The palate is high octane with the fruit not quite having the intensity to match.
Toast, oak, coffee, underbrush and baked plum aromas unfold on this extremely ripe, full-bodied wine. The densely concentrated palate delivers blackberry jam, licorice, oak roasted coffee bean, coconut and a vanilla note alongside astringent tannins. Give the tannins another few years to soften then drink sooner rather than later.
A straightforward, modern dry Riesling, this wine shows a slight hint of gasoline, citrus blossoms, wet river stones and apple skin on the nose. The mouthfeel is more full than Mike Callahan's other bottlings, with waxy citrus skins, lime pith, sour apple, alkaline elements and a touch of white jasmine.
This provides a very good example of the varietal in a velvety-smooth style. It tastes dry but generous, nicely balanced and just tannic enough to be appetizing. Flavors are a warm combination of berries, light spices and a touch of oak.
This is an attractive, floral and fragrant wine. Good acidity is well integrated into the fresh citrus and apple flavors. With poise and balance, the wine is fresh, ready as an apéritif.
A blend of fruit from near equal parts Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel and Boushey vineyards, this wine is aromatically brooding at present with notes of coffee, mineral, boysenberry and clove. The palate is more generous, with fruit and barrel flavors that walk hand in hand through the finish.
Flavorful and harmonious, seductive notes of soft toast and walnut shell add dimension to the honeydew, red apple and orange zest notes. Medium weight, with good acidity and a lasting finish, this is balanced and approachable now, with all of the elements working together.
The name is derived from the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden. Off dry, ripe and round, it's lightly honeyed, with tempting flavors of peach and pineapple. Screwcap.
Herb and strawberry flavors shine through this rich, southern-feeling wine. It is ripe and smooth, with a bright, lively aftertaste.
Castle Rock does a fine job with this value Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth and supple, the very pretty fruit flavors range from cranberry to black cherry. Delicate suggestions of mushroom, cocoa and dusty earth add welcome complexity.
Inviting aromas of tobacco, earth, cedar and bacon give weight to racy berry scents. It's stripped and tight as a drum on the palate, with fiery acidity creating tangy raspberry and plum flavors accented by notes of tobacco, wood spice and citrus. This is best enjoyed with food; on its own it's a bit sharp.
It's only medium bodied, but this wine displays charming notes of wild herbs that make it irresistible. The floral and herbal notes wrap seamlessly around the core of ripe cherry fruit, which picks up a touch of chocolaty richness on the finish. Drink now–2014.
Hailing from the very hot 2003 vintage, this wine is baked and full, with mature yet rich aromas. It feels thorough and weighty, with sweet berry flavors that are at their peak along with a chocolate note. This is warm, full and under control on the finish. Drink now.
A whiff of leather introduces a wine with a strong savory character; the leather and earth flavors start to bury the sweet berry fruit, and the tannins take on a chalky texture.
There's a strong herbal backbone to the core of this wine, surrounded by fleshy notes of melon and white peach. The earthy notes mix with a lime rind freshness on the palate, with a nice tropical fruit flavor that stays well into the close. Drink now.
Floral highlights accent the nose, leading into a crisp and textural wine with pear skin and citrus dominating. This falls on the steely side of Chardonnay styles, offering texture and accents of mineral for added interest.
Made in a traditional style with no evident new oak, leathery, meaty notes balance dusty earth and sour plums on the nose, while the palate is full, round and richly textured. Finishes with dark, savory notes of coffee and black olives. Drink now–2017.
From selected parcels at Sainte-Roseline, this is a concentrated and serious rosé. It has weight and rich strawberry fruit, balanced by attractive acidity. The aftertaste brings in ripe fruit and a touch of spice.
Another delicious Mourvèdre from Fenestra's estate that's invitingly earthy, spilling over with dark plum and sweet blackberry aromas and a taste of spicy cardamom. Very bright and light in taste, the wine's body has enough heft to pair with big-boned meals and a lot of spiciness. Drink now.
Young and bright, this is loaded with fresh boysenberry and tart cherry flavor. At first sip, it seems concentrated with excellent structure and length; as it breathes some green tannins begin to show in the finish. Overall a good effort.
This is a firm blend that brings out more the black currant flavor and tannic structure of the Cabernet, more so than the spice of Blaufränkisch. The wine has an austere edge, with a mineral character and a taut aftertaste. Screwcap.
The bouquet is dosed with resiny oak and vanilla aromas, but there are herbal notes, leather and red fruit scents as well. It feels good but slightly sticky, with flavors of vanilla, coconut, tomato, red plum and herb. This feels good on the finish, with tobacco, vanilla and oak flavors. Drink now through 2015.
Toasty oak frames dark, earthy flavors in this Cabernet from Western Australia. Despite being medium to full in body, it turns crisp on the finish, an enjoyable contradiction highlighted by tart plum notes and hints of tapenade. Drink now–2018.
Gritty on the nose, this has baked bean, mushroom, roasted plum and earth aromas. It feels blocky and tannic, with some cushion to the palate. Oaky tasting, with prune, vanilla and buttery notes that settle on baked fruit and chocolate. It comes on forceful and heavy and is arguably a little overripe.
A full-bodied, ripe wine, showing flavors of pepper and apricot. It feels rich and smooth, with a full texture and a good depth of green and yellow fruits. The finish has a fine lift of acidity. Screwcap.
Baked and rubbery up front, with asphalt, roasted peanut and black fruit aromas. In the mouth, it's solid and stately, with black plum and raspberry flavors, good balance and a taught, muscular structure. It tastes bright and mildly complex. Drink now through 2014.
The aromas of wet clay, mild chili peppers, cedar and sweet berry mesh nicely. On the palate it is plump and a touch greasy, with richness in spades along with plum and berry flavors. It feels weighty on the finish, with a licorice note. A very good wine from the little-know Vidadillo grape.
Impressively rich and food-friendly, this has green apple and peach flavors along with intense acidity. The mouthfeel has a pepper edge to contrast with the fine crisp finish. Glass stopper.
Intensely herbaceous with a woody characteristic and touch of green olive, this estate-grown wine offers tight-grained tannins and a lift of acidity around deeper notes of cassis and chocolate. From a vineyard in St. Helena, it shows the relative coolness of the vintage.
Smoky tea leaves and vanilla permeate throughout this blossomy, perfumed blend of white grape varieties (Muscat, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc). It's lusciously full bodied, yet spry, boasting concentrated stone fruit flavors framed squarely by savory tones of earth, wood and bitter tannins.
This is a perfumed, rich and balanced wine, with yellow fruits cut by fresh lemons. A light tangy texture gives an attractive lift. Drink now, although the wine will be better from late 2016.
Pale in color, this is a delicious, ripe and also fresh rosé. Crisp, bright acidity comes from the raspberry flavors that are light and perfumed. The wine has structure as well as a mineral texture. Drink now, although it will be very enjoyable until 2017.
Boysenberry, black pepper, concentrated purple flowers and a touch of asphalt gather for a delicious nose on this blend of 47% Petite Sirah, 45% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre. Flavors of purple fruit and flowers are elevated by boisterous acidity and peppery spice that singes the palate and makes the eyes water.
This is a rich, juicy and full-bodied wine. Despite its high alcohol, it has a freshness from the berry fruits that are balanced by acidity. It has softened and broadened out enough to give a sense of its excellent potential. Drink from late 2016.
This rich, creamy, juicy wine is full of strawberry fruits and ripe tannins. It has weight and density as well as powerful structure. A fresh black-cherry character comes through, giving acidity and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Bright and bursting aromas of pomegranate and very ripe cranberry mesh with rose petals and hibiscus on the nose of this blend of 52% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 21% Mourvèdre. The palate shows a fresh vibrancy and interesting complexity, with Indian spice giving nuance to a red-fruit frame.
Inviting notions of damask rose signal richness and aromatic opulence and continue on the rounded, plush and almost oily palate. It provides a textbook example of rich Alsace Gewurztraminer that shows rose-petal richness tamed by fresh orange-peel zestiness.
Distinctive elements on the nose of this wine from the Buellton-based winery include dried peach, lemon ice and a touch of yogurt and sour cream. There is a dairy tang to the palate and only the slightest touch of green, with aged lemon peels, sour nectarine and tart plum-flesh flavors.
Smoke meets game on the nose of this wine from a vineyard named after Fess Parker's late son-in-law, along with blueberry and asphalt aromas. The flavors are rich and dense, with blackberry, tart boysenberry and more smoked meat, proving the perfect pairing for hearty fare.
There's a subtle flinty character to the nose of this Chardonnay, supported by more assertive notes of toasted apple, tangerine, pear and lime rind. It's a well-balanced selection, with a bright finish that offers a soft toasted spice accent on the close.
This wine is made in a full-throttle style, with aromas of toast, melted butter, spice and vanilla—the latter from the 100% new American oak aging. It's creamy in feel, with citrus and stone-fruit flavors on the finish. The barrel influence is a bit obvious but it's hard to deny its appeal.
Bright on the nose with purple fruit, black raspberry and dried strawberry, this blend holds 34% Syrah, 33% Grenache and 33% Mourvèdre. Aromas gain complexity thanks to asphalt in the background and a lifting dried-mint scent. Tar, dried cherry, tart pomegranate and cranberry show on the palate, along with floral elements of hibiscus and rose.
Freshly cut Conference pear turns fleshy on the palate, juicy and full of life and fruit. Despite the juiciness the wine is just off dry and toothsome with structure, poise and a lastingly satisfying pear finish.
From the producer's line of wines meant to showcase higher-elevation sites, this one is almost all varietal, with small percentages of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aged in both French and American oak, it impresses from the get-go, with intense notes of blackberry, black licorice and dark chocolate. It's dense yet balanced on the finish.
Aromas of peach and freshly cut apple peel turn into rounder notes of ripe, yellow plum on the palate. Citrus freshness brightens and highlights the fruit that finishes dry. The citric linearity lingers and finishes with layered apple notes.
Crisp and appetizing lemon and grapefruit flavors do their job very well in this vivid, refreshing and medium-bodied wine. Its bright acidity makes the mouth water and will help it pair beautifully with a wide variety of foods.
This 100% varietal wine is instantly compelling, ripe and juicy in all the right ways, a mix of black and red fruit with an herbal underbelly and hits of peppercorn. Chalky tannins and a dry finish complete the picture, while the high amount of alcohol distracts. Drink now and beware its potency.
Made by Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch in Paso Robles, this boutique bottling shows red apple flesh, yellow pears, salted lime skins and scratched lemon aromas. There is bright energy to the sip, with flavors of stony chalk and apples drizzled with pink lemonade.
A young, 100% varietal and estate-farmed wine, this is a soft, thick and dusty gathering of chocolate and blackberry jam, filled in with wild game and leather. Robust and still tightly wound, it needs to open in the glass to unveil further complexities of texture and black pepper.
This offers aromas of candied cherry, cake spice, charred earth, cured meat and a whiff of underbrush. On the rich palate, notes of vanilla and black pepper accent chocolate covered cherry, raspberry and raisin accompanied by velvety tannins.
Despite its unoaked nature, this wine reveals elements of baked and dried fruit, and an unexpected voluptuousness of full-bodied richness. Pear, apple and lemon interplay on the palate, while tangy acidity provides a satisfying end note.
One of the champions of the old Mission grape varietal, this winery continues to make strides in showcasing its potential in modern winemaking, This blend of 75% Mission, 15% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 4% Zinfandel and 1% Cinsault shows classic watermelon and bubblegum aromas on the nose, leading into a well-balanced palate of strawberry fruit, lime tang and a chalky minerality.
A quite dense and brooding nose of boysenberry jam, caramel whiskey and black plum opens this powerful bottling. The palate is also composed of dark, nearly syrupy fruit, with solid grip, bright acid, crushed herbs and a peppery spice holding it all together.
Cocoa, coffee, spice and dark fruit aromas are followed by smooth fruit flavors. The barrel influence is primary but this still brings plenty of enjoyment, with good balance and depth of flavor.
From century-old grapevines found on Santa Cruz Island, this bottling offers concentrated raspberry and a touch of strawberry, lifted by eucalyptus and lavender notes. The palate is enlivening, with tight cranberry fruit, elderflower and pencil-lead flavors.
Extended time in the bottle, as well as 18 months in French oak, lend gravitas and elegance to this Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of maturity—whiffs of truffle and wet soil—lend delightful complexity to sweet-tart black currant and cherry flavors. The finish is bristling and bright, lingering long on a puckering cranberry tone.
Bright, friendly and pure mandarin flavors make for a very appetizing, fruit-forward wine. The same friendly, sunny mandarin fruit fills the palate with its tension between citrus tartness and luscious sweet freshness. Bruised apple peel makes an attractive appearance on the lasting finish that concludes with lots of freshness.
The nose gives little away but the palate shows plump, rounded, ripe pear, edged with pleasantly phenolic bitterness. The balance is beautifully held. At the basis, something clean and poised leads beautifully to the dry finish.
Ripe yellow apple and peach abound in this bold, big-bodied Pinot Gris. Yielding acidity and a plush, creamy mouthfeel augment its lusciousness, but a bristle of tannins lends structure to the finish. Enjoy while young.
Leathery, scratchy black-fruit aromas are striated and minty, with a note of oak. This Monastrell feels grabby, hefty and on the bold and bulky side. Jammy blackberry flavors come with minty green notes, while this tastes mildly grassy and feels a bit hot on the finish.
Soft red fruit adorns this light-bodied take on the variety. From the heart of the appellation, it has moderate acidity and a flavor profile characterized by rose petal, orange and cherry.
This Carmel Valley-based winery has modernized its label without losing its classic appeal. It's reserved on the nose at first, with tightly wound seared lemon peel, Gravenstein apple and marmalade aromas. Rounded lemon curd, browned butter and orange cream flavors show on the palate, with a strong honeysuckle element and a caramelized finish.
Forward with pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, this delightful, easy-drinking wine has a pleasantly earthy underpinning. It's young and tart, immediately enjoyable but can cellar through 2021.
Fairly reserved on both the nose and palate, this bottling begins with roasted apple, peach and chalk scents. The palate offers lemon and grapefruit peel and Gravenstein apple flavors.
Slightly browned apples, crisp nectarine and salted white peach aromas show on the nose of this easy-to-like bottling from the Wagner family. Apple, peach and guava flavors arise on the palate, where they're lightly spiced with clove and nutmeg. A very approachable wine.
The age on this bottling is starting to show, so drink up. Slightly sour plum scents meld with rose petal, violet and dried blueberry notes on the nose. The palate is quite interesting, with dried strawberry, mocha and cappuccino flavors, culminating in a caramel-inflected finish.
Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There's enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.
A strong hazelnut aroma meets poached pear and cotton candy on the nose of this bottling, giving a rich yet tightly woven impression. The palate is oily in texture, with walnut, dried apricot and browned apple flavors.
This wine opens with aromas of ultraripe grapes, despite the relatively moderate listed alcohol. Baking spices, Christmas cake, plum pastry and almost Port-like flavors (without the alcoholic heat) suggest that very ripe grapes were included in the the mix of fruit. Drink up.
This very good, well-balanced wine combines savory, smoky elements with tasty, bright fruit flavors recalling red cherry and plum. It's medium bodied and has enough concentration to be interesting.
Made entirely with Ribolla Gialla, this has aromas of Abate Fetel pear and white spring flower. The fresh savory palate offers yellow peach, lemon zest and a pleasant note of bitter almond alongside bright acidity.
This is a three-barrel reserve, principally Pommard clone, and vinified with minimal handling. Cherry/berry fruit comes with ample acidity. The alcohol, though just at the high end of moderate, seems to mute some of the details. Notes indicate that no additions were made, but the finish remains a bit chalky.
Oaky butterscotch and baked pear notes give this lushly composed white equal parts heat and body. The apple flavor seems baked and warming on the palate, lending additional richness on the toast-laced finish.
This is done in a wide-open, instantly drinkable style that makes it an excellent, everyday quaffer. Young Oregon Pinots often need more time, but not this one. Strawberry, coffee and cola flavors combine into a broad and flavorful midpalate, fresh and inviting.
Soft and fruity, this tastes like cherry candy, with a slight suggestion of burnt toast. It's smooth and pleasant, a good everyday pizza red.
Bramble and savory herbs add a green, earthy character to preserved black cherry and plum flavors in this dry, full-bodied Merlot. The tannins are penetrating, but velvety in structure, and extend long on the cherry-kissed finish.
This is a Cab made unabashedly to appeal to a broad range of palates. It's medium in weight and texture with layers of vanilla and cherry that are persistent enough to stand up to all kinds of food. A perfect burger wine, especially for a crowd.
This blend is crisp and reasonably well focused on the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine is rubbery and tannic feeling, with mild astringency and flavors of generic berry fruit, oak and herbs. Good for basic occasions.
This is a fruity, ready-to-drink wine, with acidity cutting through the juicy black currant fruits. This is attractive and bright, yet structured.
A strongly wood-aged wine, very dark and brooding. It has high extract and concentration, with a flash of black pepper on the palate. Tough and finishing hard.
A softly juicy wine, this is missing structure while it has plenty of fruit. It's ripe, rich and juicy; a pleasure to drink in 2–3 years.
Sourced from the Bacchus vineyard, this is an oaky, buttery Chardonnay that's fine for an every day quaffer. The oaky flavors quickly overtake fruit that is simple, clean, and apple flavored.
An easygoing, savory wine with penetrating tannins and a pronounced flavor of cranberry. A good go-to pick for a crowd.
Wallulla Vineyard provides the majority of the fruit for this Chardonnay. The lemon verbena and floral aromas and flavors are dialed way down here, with full malolactic fermentation providing a creamy feel.
This is a clean, basic wine with white-fruit aromas of peach and apple. The palate is well balanced, and there's a good level of citrus flavor along with green herb accents. On the finish, it's more tropical, with a hint of banana.
Minty aromas go along with firm, barely bitter tannins. They dominate the wine, smothering the fruit and lending a burnt quality to the palate.
Attractive aromas of fresh raspberry and strawberry lead the bouquet of this wine, with secondary accents of mocha and earth. Bright and lively on the palate, with tart red-fruit flavors of currant and rhubarb that carry through to a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
This single-pago wine is earthy, rooty, herbal and almost grassy smelling. The mouthfeel is clampy, with dried berry, herbal shadings and a chunky, earthy finish. As a whole there's a malty character to this wine, but it has elements of quality and character.
A good-value Cabernet Sauvignon that's straightforward in texture, body and structure. Its dark cherry and herbal tones are just right for meaty mid-week dishes, including that old standby, roast chicken.
This is punchy and angular up front, with herbal red-fruit aromas. The palate feels fresh, a bit acidic, with peppery, mildly oaky flavors of plum and berry. This is a standard wine with ample body and some oak.
This wine smells hard and lemony, and thus it's not surprising that the palate feels citric and tangy, with hard tannins. The flavor profile includes lemony oak, rubbery red fruit and mild earthy flavors in front of a drying finish. Drink now.
Herbal notes of bark and soft spice mingle with red cherry and plum fruit aromas and flavors. This is bright and accessible now thanks to approachable tannins and a clean, easygoing finish.
Austere and tannic, this savory Primitivo tastes of black cherry and blackberry, with leather overtones.
This well-priced, light-bodied Pinot Grigio provides flavors of stone fruit—mostly apricot—with a tiny trace of petrol. It would make a fine apéritif, particularly alongside oysters or shrimp.
Briary spice and wild berry aromas set up a palate with a core of raspberry flavor mixed with a mild dose of greenness. The finish is clean and standard—fruity and not bashful.
A large-production wine that's simple and straightforward in its dark cherry flavor and soft texture, this wine is a crowd-pleaser. It finishes quick but satisfying.
In this rich, earthy wine, plum and licorice flavors combine with a core of tough tannins. It is rich, fruity and ready to drink.
A blend of Portuguese grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon, this is attractive and softly fruity. Its black fruit and gentle tannins make it completely ready to drink.
There's a chalky minerality that carries from the nose to the palate of this bone-dry Hungarian rosé, adding a touch of elegance to the fresh red cherry and raspberry flavors. It is easy drinking and balanced in structure. Drink now.
This soft, balanced selection has warm, ripe red fruits that are laced with acidity. With its spicy edge and open texture, this is ready to drink now.
Bright and fruity, this has a ripe applesauce flavor that's cut with citrusy acidity. It's a great apéritif, with a soft texture and refreshing finish.
Except for some resiny oak, this wine is limited on the nose. It feels fleshy but balanced by citric acid, while the flavors include melon, pear and oak-driven spice. It's not too fruity, exact or minerally, but it will likely please fans of basic, casual Chardonnay.
On the nose, tropical fruit aromas are cloaked in creamy, toasty oak. It feels full and round, with flavors of sweet pear, banana and a lot of resiny wood. The finish features walnut, vanilla and cream flavors.
This opens with mildly leafy, murky aromas of iodine and latex, with hints of black fruit. The palate feels a bit choppy and hollow, with an herbal mix of tomato and red plum flavors. It's solid, but herbal and scratchy feeling as a whole.
The historic Port house of Delaforce has now launched its own Douro table wines, and this Alvarinho is soft and fruity. It has a creamy initial texture followed by touches of vanilla and quince. This is not for aging, so drink it now.
Fragrant, with a grapy appeal, this pure Gamay Noir comes on like a fresh Beaujolais. The cherry candy flavor is fruity and fun, but the wine thins out rapidly onto a quick finish.
Estate-grown from one of the family's oldest Zin blocks, this wine is hugely toasty and oaky, with hits of bacon and dark coffee overshadowing an underlying layer of blackberry flavor.
This is a huge wine—almost too much so—with superripe tannins and fruit. It tastes concentrated, its black fruit sweet and rounded. A pepper note comes from the alcohol and gives it a bitter edge.
The rich soils of the slopes of the Wagram give full-bodied wines. This Grüner Veltliner mixes white pears and peaches with spice, green herbs and red apple skins. It's fruity in the extreme, keeping its elegance and freshness in a cut grass aftertaste. Screwcap.
Loimer's classic Grüner is delightfully cool, a green apple- and pear-flavored wine, very pure, crisp and layered with intense acidity. The edge is decidedly green, but there is plenty of creamy texture along the way. Screwcap.
This 60/40 Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon offers a beguiling mix of flavors ranging from pineapple to citrus and melon. Streaks of wheat cracker and honey add interest to the finish. Despite its youth, this is probably best enjoyed in the near term.
Definitely on the dry side, showing the tannic face of Pinot Noir. This is a serious wine that reflects its status as a premier cru, a powerful mix of cranberry fruits and dark tannins, but marked by a hot, hard aftertaste.
Brambly wine, with hedgerow red fruits and bitter black cherries. It's very floral, crisp, the tannins suggesting some aging potential. To finish, the acidity is fresh and lively.
Full, soft wine, mouth-filling with its ripe quince, pear and white currant flavors. It shows some young structure, suggesting ageworthiness, while at the same time giving a delicious aperitif style of lifted freshness. Screwcap.
This rich and round, Rhône Ranger red is loaded with fruit. The flavors pile on, one after another, beginning with citrus, banana and orange, and moving into berry and cherry and currant. It's underscored with moderate acidity and hints of pepper and tea.
This is Torrontes in its pure, true form. Trapiche has captured the light, floral essence of the grape and wrapped it in an oily but smooth package that houses lovely green apple and papaya flavors. With structure, flavor and balance, this wine will go well with a wide range of summer foods.
A dancing, opulent nose of citrus and flowers precedes crisp, refreshing flavors of lemon, orange and spice. Its acidity makes it a food-friendly choice, but it has enough complexity and body to be enjoyed on its own before or after dinner. Zippy but elegant from start to finish.
Intensely spicy wine, all pepper and almonds, with tropical fruits and a mineral-like concentration of apple skins, taut but also creamily rich. Screwcap.
A complete Argentinean Merlot with aromas of light oak, fresh berries and spice that all come together in harmony. The palate is a little chewy and grabby, but it tastes and feels real and full, with good tannins. For a ripe wine it isn't conflicted, over the top or challenging. Drink now through 2009.
With 12% alcohol, you might expect this to be on the dry side, but it's not. Instead, it's sweet and oily, with ripe apple, pear and peach fruit vying with notes of crushed stone. Lingers a bit stickily on the finish.
By far the best wine in the El Fogón lineup is this Torrontes. The nose is clean and harmonious, with light flower blossom scents. A citrusy mix blends with both apple and pear fruit on the palate, and the finish is clean, if a bit sweet (residual sugar?). Drink as soon as possible.
Caramel and soft berry fruits characterize this pleasant and fresh wine. It has flavors of red berries along with vanilla  to round it out. Easy Pinot, drink now.
Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.
This wine is clearly shooting for the modern style of Rioja; it's dark as night, soft and meaty. But it also has a lot of gaseous sulfur on the nose and hard tannins. Expect a chewy, broad Rioja that's hedonistic but on the cusp of overripe. Decant before drinking within the next two years.
Merlot has long been Waterbrook's strong suit, and this offers the expected seamless blend of cherry/berry fruit, softly polished tannins and toasty barrel flavors. What are missing—at least for the moment—are the grace notes. Give it plenty of breathing time and you begin to detect traces of spice and earth, finishing with a lick of chocolate.
Not as forward and lush as the appealing 2005, this all-purpose red, tasted a few months prior to its official release, is still knitting the components together. What is in place is plenty of tart, ripe raspberry fruit, precise and clean, and a soft backdrop of lightly chocolaty tannins.
This is spicy and complex; wonderfully aromatic with a mix of Meyer lemon, pineapple and peach. Along with the fruits there are minty streaks and what might be called minerality. It turns a little bit chalky and soapy in the finish.
Starting with green acidity, this wine opens up well to give cool lemon and mineral flavors. These are followed by a creamy texture that softens the acidity, giving a ripe, full finish.
Roaring Meg is Mt. Difficulty's entry-level Pinot, offering authoritative if somewhat chunky flavors. Plum and cola notes predominate, filling the mouth and showing plenty of persistence.
The blend is 59% Shiraz, 41% Grenache in this medium-bodied, low-tannin red. The aromas are dark—black cherry and plum—but the flavors are redder and juicier, with raspberry notes backed by cinnamon and clove. The label may be a bit polarizing, but the wine inside is well made and a solid value.
This Cabernet opens with lush mocha and coffee scents, and is a soft, well-rounded wine with well-rounded fruit flavors. Small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot are included in the blend.
Cabernet Franc seems to be a strength in the Rogue Valley, as the fruit expression is good and the aggressive herbaceousness of Cabernet Sauvignon is somewhat tamed. Here the aromas are blackberry and cassis, and those fruit flavors are threaded with smoke and coffee. Balanced into a light, herbal finish.
Waxy on the nose, with buttercup, creamy yellow-fruit scents and white flowers. The palate is wet, racy and a touch like soda, with sweet, candied flavors of peach and melon. Plods along with good enough acidity to support the wine's core sweetness and candied qualities.
Soft and somewhat rustic, this is a flavorful Pinot Noir, with herb, earth, citrusy acids, leather and quite tart cherry fruit. It would not fit into a textbook definition of classic varietal flavor, but it feels handmade, and it is light years beyond much of the corporate plonk being labeled Pinot Noir these days.
Wonderfully frothy in the glass, this round, rich sparkling wine smells sweetly of apple cider and buttered toast. This Pinot Noir/Chard blend has plenty of toasty, nutty flavors on the palate as well. Fresh apple and lemon notes make this a refreshing, uncomplicated sip with a pleasant walnut skin astringency on the finish.
Medium intense notes of sweet grass, fresh red apple slices, green melon and lime citrus on the nose and mouth. Medium weight with moderate, supporting acidity and a clean finish. Drink now.
A medium-dry Vinho Verde, this is light and fresh without being quite crisp enough. Well chilled, though, it makes a lively and fresh apéritif.
Spicy, sweet red plums and charred oak marry well in this limited release wine from Sherwood House. There are hints of tobacco leaf and green grass throughout, but soft, supple tannins and a dark, smoky finish make this a pleasant sip.
Attractive fruits with a good, juicy flavor characterize this easy, fresh wine. Black berry flavors and vivid acidity make it ready to drink now.
Dusty and nuanced with soft aromas of cocoa, dried raspberry and cherry, reminiscent of a chocolate cherry latte from Starbucks. Light weight in the mouth with approachable tannins and a clean, dry finish. Drink now.
For the vintage, this is an austere style of wine, emphasising tannins over fruit. The fruit is certainly rich, and the tannins are dusty rather than dry, but it is a wine which is developing more slowly, suggesting it is also a wine for long-term aging.
This is a powerful statement of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. It has rich concentrated fruit, with ripe but dry tannins and considerable wood flavors. It is stylish, with layers of acidity and wood complementing the fruit.
The Becots, Gérard and Dominique, have produced a stylish, modern wine that powers black, sweet fruits through the deceptively soft tannins. Tarry flavors and layers of new wood give the wine a new world character. How long it will last is open to question at this stage. It is certainly developing quickly.
This is initially a somewhat austere wine, but that derives from the tannins of Saint-Estèphe. Underneath those tannins are solid, chunky fruits and a great generosity and richness.
This is a big, powerful, firm wine, with a top layer of ripe, glamorous fruit flavors. Blackcurrant jelly fruits are shot through with ripe acidity and soft tannins. It should develop relatively fast, but then last well.
Under any new classification, this should certainly be a classed growth. Today it is among the leaders of the crus bourgeois. The 2000 is opulent, generous, stylish. The tannins are ripe and sweet, the fruit is finely balanced. It will develop well over the next 10-15 years.
There is a sense of pent-up energy with this wine. It has powerful fruit along with flavors of chocolate, but it is all masked and repressed by tight firm tannins. A wine that will develop slowly.
A modern, smooth wine, with polished fruit and a dark purple color. The wine is full of new wood, but still dominated by liquorice and dark chocolate flavors. It should develop relatively quickly, over the next 10 years.
A hugely concentrated wine showing chewy, but ripe tannins. Smooth, polished fruit combines with well-balanced wood and suppressed power. This is certainly a wine that will develop well, making it drinkable in five years and mature in 10-15 years.
The wine is rich and ripe, revealing purity of fruit as well as prominent new wood flavors. Otto Rettenmaier, whose cellar is full of wooden cuves named after opera stars, now operates in a biodynamic way and that seems to give an intensity of flavor as well as lusciousness and opulence. Drink from 2010.
Under new ownership, Prieuré-Lichine continues its rapid quality improvement. The wine is concentrated, with dark tannins and brooding fruit, dominated by new wood. It is rich, but also structured for a steady development over 10-15 years.
This is a very new-wood dominated wine, that will appeal to lovers of California Cabernet. Blackcurrant jelly fruits are there as well, very modern, very polished. It is a fine wine, but maybe not Bordeaux.
A fresh, bone-dry rosé, packed with acidity, red currants and a touch of caramel. The wine is light, summery, good for apéritif or food.
A sweetish nose of cherry, plum and berry tinged with spice leads on this pleasant wine from Mythic River, a Syrah and Agiorgitiko blend. On the palate, it's dry and assertive, displaying flavors of plum, forest fruit and pepper. Simply good and a natural with grilled, spicy meats.
A tight, freshly acid wine, with stalkiness but also good juicy fruit. There is a green pepper element, leaving a wine that is light, simple.
Early sulfur and rotten-egg aromas are none too attractive, but in the mouth the wine is better. While sweet as sin, the soft, lush palate is a chocolate-lover's dream, and the finish is like mocha ice cream. Low acidity makes the structure sort of weak, but drink it now and that may not matter.
This wine lacks a bit of intensity, but otherwise shows reasonably complex flavors of dried cherries and old wine barrels and a supple, creamy texure. Turns a bit tart and astringent on the finish, limiting its appeal.
Cherry and dried cranberry aromas along with the magenta color give this wine a “red” personality, which is confirmed by the crisp red-fruit flavor profile. Fairly light in weight, but juicy and fresh, with cleansing acidity and some sharpness.
Chunky spiced apple and saline aromas get the wine off on so-so footing, and the apple and grapefruit flavors come with weight. Citrus takes over on the finish, but it's kind of pithy. Doesn't seem as fresh as it should be for a brand new '08.
This is a featherlight red, full of berries and bright acidity, but with a texture that just coats the palate. This is one of those rare reds that works as an apéritif, fresh, clean and fruity. Screwcap.
It takes a while for the taste of this light, fresh white to come through. Then, it is soft, creamy textured, flavored with pear juice and lemon zest. It is simple, easy, cleanly made.
A light, fruity, high-acid wine with strawberry flavors and a hint of leaf and herb.
Neutral aromas of apple and peach kick it off, then round citrus and a mild hint of pickled vegetable and apple carry the palate. This is a fleshy, basic Chardonnay with youthful bounce and a touch of additional pickle on the finish. Drink soon.
A soft wine, creamy and ripe. The flavors are open, with white fruits, green plums, a baked apple character. There is acidity, but with the gentle, ripe fruit, this blends in easily. For early drinking.
Stemmy on the nose, with aromas of rhubarb, pie cherry and sucking candy. The palate is also candied, with a lean, fresh mouthfeel and floral, red-fruit flavors. Not a lot of darkness or concentration, but it does seem floral and refreshing. Shows some heat and scour on the finish.
Hints of wisteria and lemon blossom give this dilute Chardonnay a respectable bouquet, while the palate is mild and tastes like bites of lemon, apple and orange. There's not much weight or stuffing to it, but it's generally clean and inoffensive.
This Roditis-Sauvignon blend starts with a soft, floral nose of lemon and peach and leads into crisp but rich flavors of citrus and flowers. Simple but a good everyday white, especially with light meals.
Soda-like on the nose, with bready, toasty accents. It's rough and foamy on the palate, with cider and dry citrus flavors. Lasting on the finish, but still it's pithy and grapefruity.
Hard and tough to penetrate on the nose. The palate is crisp and a bit raw in feel, with narrow, dry plum and berry flavors. Finishes with buttery tasting oak and a crisp, acidic fade-away.
A red fruit flavored wine, light and packed with acidity. The wine may not have the richness of the vintage, but it does have a fine line in red cherry flavors. Drink now.
Wide aromas suggest earth and compost, rubber, strawberry and green. It's got the size and hits hard, but the flavors are a bit too leafy and green. Toasty and oaky on the finish.
A full-out charge of vanilla aromas is strange for a rosé, but that's what you get along with cherry candy notes. The palate is full and chunky, with stalky berry fruit flavors. Acidity is the wine's saving grace; it keeps things moving.
Prickly aromas of vinegar, pickled rhubarb and bramble don't exactly roll out the red carpet. The palate has a decent feel, but it's thick and borderline cloying. Tastes both green and sweet, with creamy vanilla and carob flavors. Burnt tasting on the finish.
Soft black raspberry and cherry notes struggle for expression on the nose. Light and easy in the mouth, the wine is balanced but lacking a bit of heft and structure.
Applesauce aromas are sweet and dusty. Then in the mouth it's weighty and cloys, with candied white fruit flavors, vanilla and a sugary aftertaste. Hints of lemon and proper acidity give it some quality.
An oddball blend of many grapes that offers a spicy oak cover and sweet, earthy notes from front to back. But it's hard as nails, with blazing acidity, the result of which is a clacky, rough wine. On the plus side it has interesting flavors with tobacco and citrus notes.
It's difficult to see how this wine can register alcohol almost 15%. Flavors are thin, green and tannic, with hardly a hint of fruit.
Hard and herbal on the nose, with cherry and a note of wet cement or chemical. Narrow and fairly choppy and tannic in the mouth, with forceful cherry, plum and buttery oak flavors. Sweetens up with time but remains tannic and hard.
This Temecula Valley producer designated this bottling California but it's just as good as many of its single-vineyard designates and Temecula Valley appellation Syrahs, perfumed with violet and blackberry jam and fleshy in mouthfeel with tastes of plum and tobacco.
From this Temecula producer, a barrel selection of plum and black cherry Zinfandel with good depth and structure that's still got some tannins to work out but is ready to drink now.
Pure fruit flavors are fresh, but still show the ripeness of 2009. This is a fruity, ready-to-drink wine that has citrus, green plums and fresh acidity.
Dusty plum and black cherry aromas feature a touch of dry oak. Tight, snappy and properly tannic in the mouth, with full berry, baked plum and background spice flavors. Finishes with control and power; good red wine for the price.
A lean, crisp style of Chardonnay, with citrusy flavors and a touch of honeyed development. Drink it over the next few months.
Smells big and full but also soupy, stewed and herbal. The texture and feel are commendable, while the flavor profile includes candied red fruit, herbal notes and stewed meat. Feels choppy on the finish, with chewiness and flavors of chocolate and herbs.
A fruit-driven Cabernet, with cheerful, bright cherry-berry flavors. Tannins are firm but ripe, accenting the cassis-tinged close with a slightly dusty texture.
An attractive, red-fruited wine, lightweight with acidity and smoothed with wood. It is fresh, with coffee and black cherry flavors, now ready to drink.
Smelling of fig, sweet plum, raspberry syrup and vanilla, this is a meaty, thick Syrah.
Light, minerally and fresh smelling, with a note of lime and cured ham. Feels and tastes like pure citrus, with hits of pear, honeydew and ripe apple poking through. Juicy and fresh stuff.
Although it does have attractive structure with some dry tannins, the wine is ready to drink. Its attractive berry fruits are layered with acidity and a touch of coffee. Balanced and fresh.
A still-closed, tannic, mountainous Zinfandel giant from the great grower, Deaver. It's marked deliciously by tobacco and dark plum.
There's a strong floral edge to this wine, with assertive aromas of peony and carnation dominating the rich and jammy cherry and strawberry fruit center. Lightweight with low tannins, it's an easy drink with good balance and versatility.
A rich wine laden with juicy blackberry fruits and wood tannins, lapping up the ripe vintage. Soft and ready to drink.
Oak is apparent on the front end, where milk chocolate and vanilla aromas vie with red berry scents. Feels full and forward, with standard, appealing berry fruit and cassis-like flavors. Toasty and a touch bitter on what amounts to a solid finish.
This wine has aromas of currants and strawberries and tastes fruity but dry, with supportive tannins and acidity that make it appetizing. Full bodied but not overpowering, it is very versatile with food.
Wakefield (known as Taylors in Australia) was founded in Clare with the goal of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, so it's no surprise this wine is a solid effort. Cassis and black-tea notes are carried easily by the medium body and dusty tannins that turn silkier on the finish. Drink now–2025.
Zaca Mesa was the first winery to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. This wine comes from that 3.5 acre block planted in 1978, and shows deep plum fruits, sweet tar and cedar on the nose. The palate offers asphalt, black rocks and cracked pepper that spice up a sour plum-skin fruit profile.
Blending Encruzado and Malvasia Fina, this lightly wood-aged wine is rich, stylish and full of young fruit flavors. Green plums, apricots and a squeeze of lemon all give their bright character to the palate. There is a firm, mineral texture that promises some aging; drink from 2017.
Easy drinking and loaded with finesse, this delivers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, ground black pepper and grilled sage sensations. Firm, polished tannins support the primary flavors while a licorice note signals the close.
This exuberant white opens with aromas of Spanish broom, tropical fruit, ripe Bartlett pear and wild herb that carry through to the round, full-bodied palate. Fresh acidity brightens the rich flavors while a mineral note closes the finish.
This refreshing white opens with aromas that recall honeysuckle, citrus and ripe orchard fruit. On the palate, rich flavors of white peach, yellow apple and pear are balanced with fresh acidity. A note of bitter almond closes the finish.
Fresh and fruity, this offers well-defined flavors of apple, white peach, apricot and papaya. It tightens up through the finish with some phenolic bite.
Dark, smoky black-fruit aromas include graphite. This is round, chewy and balanced on the palate, with ripe but standard flavors of cassis, blackberry and black pepper. Notes of burnt toast and char appear on a solid, ripe finish.
Dried blackberries, tar and pressed purple flowers decorate the extracted nose on this top-end bottling from one of Temecula's shining star producers. Dark chocolate and olallieberries flavor the palate, which is framed by decent tannins and offers vanilla-cookie warmth on the finish.
Heavy, concentrated aromas of raw oak and related vanilla compete with blackberry and cassis scents. This is full in body, with pushy, grabby tannins. Toasty, creamy blackberry flavors are woody and inky, while the finish tastes baked and blackened. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of jasmine, baked apple and a whiff of apricot come together in the glass. The aromas carry over to the round, ripe palate energized by a mineral vein. Bright acidity supports the juicy fruit flavors.
The color is deep, the aromas thick with wood smoke, bacon and dried plums, and the flavors are ripe, like blackberry syrup but dry. This is full bodied and very firm in texture due to mouth-coating tannins that are nearly matched on the finish by persistent and bold fruit flavors. Tasty now, it should age nicely through 2020.
The subdued aromas might indicate a bland wine, but this turns out to be a rich and fairly full-bodied one. Flavors come on strong with vanilla, butter, fig and marzipan. The texture feels nicely thick, carrying along all those flavors to a lingering finish.
Lots of black rocks and turned earth gives depth to the dark black-cherry core elements on the nose of this blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dried cherries, asphalt, espresso bean and chopped herbs arise on the palate.
Punchy red fruit aromas and plum notes give this Malbec energy up front. A ripe, round palate feels good and right. Spicy plum flavors with an herbal note finish woody, salty and with rubbery, lively tannins. Drink through 2019.
Toast, mint, red berry and leather aromas come together on this firm red. The palate offers up ripe wild cherry, grilled herb, clove and anise while assertive tannins provide the framework and leave an astringent finish.
Inviting aromas of buttered vanilla bean, caramelized apples, honey and yellow cake introduce this single-vineyard wine from one of the region's most reliable producers. This is a great way for Chard lovers to break out into new territory, with flavors of buttered apples and almond oil.
Behind the main slope of the Côte de Beaune, Saint-Romain produces some delicious white wines that have extra freshness. This wine, all fruit and light mineral texture, offers apricot and peach flavors that are cut with acidity. The aftertaste adds a more mineral element. Drink from 2016.
This wine from a family-owned and -run vineyard in the sweet spot of the appellation is shy at first on the nose, eventually offering fresh lime peel and white rock aromas. It's rather straight ahead on the palate, with lemon juice, nectarine and yellow apple flavors.
An extremely pale pink, this Randall Grahm-ified blend of 35% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 16% Grenache Blanc, 12.5% Roussanne, 8% Carignane, 8% Cinsault, 1.5% Marsanne and 1% Counoise shows pink strawberry doused in lime juice on the nose. The palate is quite grippy, bitter and tense, and leaves the tongue singing with tight lime pith-inflected flavors of watermelon and nectarine.
Garnet to the eye, this wine has a zippy nose of cherry and cranberry. Flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and tart cherry are nestled into well-structured tannins that seem to dissolve in the palate as the bright finish takes hold.
The color of light straw, this wine has fragrances of white flowers and citrus blossoms. Quite linear in the mouth, it offers pure flavors of green apple and ripe summer peach with a touch of lemon zest that makes its presence known on the zippy finish.
Very dark in the glass, this is a blend of 86% Syrah and 14% Petit Verdot. Distinct brandy, cognac, cherry cough syrup and chocolate-balsamic reduction sauce notes characterize the nose. The wine coats the mouth with a viscous density and heavy weight, offering deep flavors of blueberry extract, scotch and vanilla extract. It would work as a dessert wine.
A blend of 90% Carignano and 10% Syrah, this vibrant, spicy rosato delivers juicy strawberry, wild cherry, orange zest, anise and white pepper. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, quenching finish.
This structured white opens with aromas of orange zest, Mediterranean brush and a whiff of oak-driven spice. The aromas carry through to the round palate along with ripe apricot, toast and candied lemon drop. Moderate acidity brightens the rich flavors.
Sweet, juicy blueberry scents are elevated with teriyaki, beef jerky and vanilla-bean aromas on this dense blend of 45% Petite Verdot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Malbec. It's thick and rich on the palate, as the nose indicates, showing dark purple fruits, charred beef and a bit of pepper spice.
An eiswein that's different—and affordable. Made from Gewürz, it boasts aromas and flavors of caramel or butterscotch, maple syrup and caramelized peaches. It is sweet, without the crispness of a Riesling eiswein, but enjoyable nonetheless. Drink it over the near term.
This is a beautiful Bordeaux blend, offering the kind of classic poise and exotic flair that South Africans are so good at delivering. On the nose, soft mint, chocolate, cedar and black currant beckon, and on the palate, spice and minerality mingle with the earthier elements. The structure is good, and there's ample complexity, but the wine is still approachable.
An elegant, understated wine that shows balanced red fruits, vanilla and touches of chocolate. Its attractiveness lies in the balance, with structure and acidity keeping the exuberant fruit flavors in check. Worth aging for 1–2 years.
Soft mint, spice, cocoa and smoke on the nose lead into like flavors on the palate, creating a smooth, integrated combination of elegant and structured components that are assertive but friendly. The finish is lingering and the wine has aging potential.
The juiciness of Alicante Bouschet shows well in this full-bodied wine, packed with black berries and soft tannins. The dry finish suggests some aging—maybe 1 year.
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 medium-bodied wine takes all the elements you might find in a tack room—liniment, bandages, sweaty leather—and adds red cherry fruit and a silky texture. It's interesting, complex and enjoyable, ready to drink now through 2020.
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.
The aromas are all high toned, with barrel notes of exotic spice, vanilla and medicine cabinet. The red-fruit flavors bring a sense of elegance and distinction.
This wine is one-third each Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Aromas of game, medicine cabinet, barrel spice and herb are followed by barrel-forward flavors. Game notes persist on the finish.
This is a good, solidly made wine with medium body and a pleasant mix of spicy oak and juicy fruit flavors. The texture goes easy on the palate.
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.
Smoothly textured, this wine is thick and generously layered in flavors of blackberry coffee cake and coffee bean, the two combining nicely into one. Grippy on the finish, it's full bodied and brawny, as well as dusty in old-vine character.
Colombo is based in the northern Rhône, but ventured down to the south to make this wine, a blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. Leather, dark-skinned plums and mocha mark the palate, which is firmly tannic yet without much hidden richness. Drink it with rare meats over the short term.
Exotic fruit, pineapple and honey on the nose leads to a palate of pear, jasmine and citrus fruit in this Roditis/Sauvignon Blanc blend. It has a generous overall character with ripe white fruits and spice.
An earthy, leathery aroma and flavor dominate this light-bodied, smooth-textured wine. It brings on modest plum, tea and forest-floor flavors to broaden its appeal on the palate.
Familiar Rioja aromas of cigar box, baking spices and dried cherry introduce a dense, sinewy palate. Flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate include peppery spice notes, which are balanced on the way out.
This wine is a unique blend of 50% Petit Verdot, 25% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a mixture of 59% new French and American oak. Unusual aromas of lemon twist, vanilla, white pepper, herb and green wood lead to high-acid elegant fruit flavors backed by coarse gritty-feeling tannins. It doesn't stand up by itself but has a place at the dinner table.
Light in color, aromas of vanilla, caramel, toast, char and wood spice lead to wood-forward fruit flavors backed by tart acids. The oak seems out of check but it still brings some appeal.
A standard Riojano red with crisp cherry aromas followed by a zesty, slightly tart palate that carries punchy cherry fruit, acidity and little nuance or character. Tastes a tiny bit sour by today's measurements, but it's still pretty good for being crisp and acid-driven.
There is a horsey, leathery scent as you first experience this wine. It penetrates into the mouth, a stand-off against the sweet/tart boysenberry fruit. Suspect it will be a love it/hate it type of wine, depending upon your appreciation of leather.
For an '04 reserva, this wine is more edgy, grabby and high in acid than expected. The nose shows old world leather, spearmint and smoked meat more than vibrant fruit, yet the palate is tangy, citric and tastes of red raspberry and plum. Slightly more creamy on the finish, but still it remains scratchy.
Light, soft and fresh, an easy-drinking Pinot Blanc, with pear and fresh apricot flavors. A great apéritif style, ready to drink. Screwcap.
Classic spice and lychee aromas lead to a wine that is medium sweet, attractive but one-dimensional. It has perfumed, candy shop flavors, almost exaggerated. Screwcap.
Young, yeasty, almost to the point of being beery, this thin Sauvignon Blanc recalls a Vinho Verde. Cucumber and fennel flavors dominate, along with plenty of acidity.
Despite the presence of Shiraz and Mataro in the blend, this shows some of Grenache's shortcomings in its straightforward, almost confected red berry aromas and flavors. It's a bold mouthful of fruit that's a bit syrupy in texture.
From the Columbia Valley AVA in Oregon, this is quite different from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It's a warmer, drier climate, and the wine has tighter flavors, with sharp tannins. There's cherry fruit and chocolate from barrel aging, with a hard, slightly bitter finish.
Known more for its red wines, Wolf Blass nevertheless makes a creditable Chardonnay for $12. hints of vanilla and toasted almond mark the nose, while the fruit flavors veer toward citrus and stay there, turning lemony on the finish.
Comes across like a straightforward warm-climate Viognier, meaning it's full and waxy, with peach and nectarine aromas and flavors, a touch of searing heat, and pithiness to the back palate and finish. It's also juicy and zesty due to plenty of acids.
A medium-sweet, spicy wine that offers good fresh guava flavor to balance the ripe texture. The finish is fresh. Screw cap.
Opens with burnt, rubbery aromas that eventually cede to asphalt, roasted peanut and leather. The palate is soft and a bit hollow in the middle, with earthy, rubbery flavors of black plum and berry. Finishes with cola, bitter coffee and root beer flavors. Decent and full overall, but rubbery.
Basic and aromatic, but not what you'd label complex. This is easygoing Gewürz with a sweet, honeyed set of flavors that offer a modicum of spice. Honeysuckle and spice notes work the finish, and as a whole it's a nice wine for simple occasions.
Mildy green tobacco aromas lead the way along with forest floor, fern notes and standard berry aromas. The palate opens with forceful acidity, while the flavors are a bit underdeveloped as they lean toward blackberry. Mild bitterness is also part of the picture as the wine flattens out on the back side.
With its earthy aromas and soft palate, this is a rustic wine, the sort designed for pairing with grilled meat. It has black plum flavors along with spice and bright red fruits. Drink now.
Pineapples, pears and citrus fruits fall over each other in this soft, fruit-driven Chardonnay. It's medium in body, with just enough citrus on the finish to keep it together. A solid effort, especially for the price.
Alicante Bouschet gives a definite farmyard character to this wine. It also offers juicy berry fruits and balanced acidity. The two characteristics put the wine firmly on a food friendly side.
Earthy and rubbery on the nose, and rather dark for a $10 Rioja. The palate is jammy and solid, with berry flavors, a hint of toast and heat. The finish is somewhat burning, but overall it's a legit blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha that fits the “value” mold.
Opens with aromas of burnt leaves and gritty berry fruit. The palate is fleshy and simple, with herbal roasted-berry flavors. Finishes with more herbal flavor and a lightly scratchy feel. Good enough for the money, but a little short in ripeness, character and structure.
A typical medium-bodied Côtes du Rhône, the 2007 Bastide de Beauvert features aromas of cherry, clove and sweaty leather, and flavors that run along similar lines. Mature; drink now.
Citrus and pear notes lead the way in this bargain-priced Chardonnay from Down Under. It's reasonably tight and crisp for a wine in this bracket, carrying hints of well integrated vanilla through the lemony finish. Drink now.
Cherry cola, vanilla and chocolate perfume this spicy, plush blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a tinge of green on the pulpy, dark-cherry palate, but the finish ends with a twist of tar, granite and spice notes.
Slightly mulchy at first, with coffee grinds, leafy notes and mildly soupy red-fruit aromas. Airing helps it out, and it evolves into a sweet, herbal wine with baked berry fruit flavors and olive accents. Standard Chilean Cabernet that's a touch syrupy and herbal.
Tomato, savory spice and earthy, mildly stewed red-fruit aromas lead to a crisp palate with firm acids and flavors of tomato, raspberry, herbs, vanilla and dried cheese. Lasting but light on the finish. Contains 30% Gracianio, which helps explain the sheer, red-fruit character.
With its straw color and wood aging aromas, this is rich, bearing yellow peach and pear fruits, along with a toast note and juicy acidity. It's already impressive but should drink well for another three years at least.
With its intense red fruits and acidity, this initially seems so fruity. Slowly the powerful structure comes into play, yielding a concentrated, cellar-worthy wine.
More traditional than modern in style, this has aromas of citrus, herb, dry oak and medium-weight fruit. It feels crisp and tightly focused, with a complex palate that offers notes of berries, chocolate and herbs. It finishes long, with a leathery, meaty element that lends gravitas to the wine. Drink now–2016.
Charred and smoky on first take, this has plenty of upfront oak that adds a toasty quality to the core plum and berry aromas. It feels full, round and pure, with dark, slightly balsamic-like flavors of baked berry and earth. It's smooth, mild and unobtrusive on the finish. Drink now–2016.
While buoyantly aromatic with aromas of superripe tropical fruit, honeysuckle and waxy honeycomb, this top-notch ice wine is remarkably elegant in profile. On the palate, concentrated honey and tangerine flavors are matched with steely acidity that reigns the palate in toward a dry, crisp finish.
While Equifera, produced by Inniskillin co-founder, Donald Ziraldo, may still be an unfamiliar name, one sip of this Riesling ice wine is proof of its impeccable pedigree. Intensely aromatic with loads of fresh apple, honey and white blossom aromas, it balances luscious sweetness with bracing acidity and a long, undulating floral finish.
This much-sought-after, estate-grown Viognier is in short supply in 2011, but it's exemplary for its structure and class. Flavors of lime skin and grapefruit, wet stone and citrus abound. The cool vintage led to low yields—under two tons per acre. All neutral oak was used.
Smooth and lightly roasted on the bouquet, this has tobacco, cola, fine oak and earthy berry aromas. It feels generous but a little soft and syrupy, with raisin, licorice and savory baked-fruit flavors. The finish is long and continues to be savory tasting. Drink now–2014.
This opens with enticing aromas of toasted hazelnut, Key lime and white peach. The firm, controlled palate is concentrated and long, offering vivid, precise fruit and a tasty hint of skin phenolics.
Concentrated and rich, with some wood influence, this has ripe yellow fruits that are balanced with an intense streak of acidity, lending a sense of tension. It's very full, round and already a delight to drink.
There is a touch of wood here, partnering with the wine's weight, minerality and crisp character. White fruit flavors of apple and pear lend further brightness.
Leesy and nicely textured, this has lime and green apple notes that rest on a bed of bracing acidity. It has length, focus and detail, all without intrusive new oak—just a small percentage of the wine was barrel-fermented.
This is tight and sturdy as a rock up front, with licorice, hard spice, leather and black cherry aromas. It feels round, chewy, tough and healthy, with flavors of baked black fruit, chocolate, molasses and hickory. Roasted and oaky, but cool and collected. Drink now through 2016.
Round and rich, this has streaks of lemon and orange zest that cut through the vanilla and creamed apple texture. A note of spice makes the wine complex and rich. This is worth aging for several years.
While this is currently firm and closed, it promises fine things to come. Weight and richness combine with a solid core of tannins. The intense, refreshing acidity is a counterpoint to the ripe black-plum flavor. With all of this concentration, this should age for over 5–6 years.
This is a very mineral driven wine—the ripe fruit is cut with acidity, green fruits and herbs. Textured and ripe, its freshness is a counterpoint to the full fruit flavors.
The tannins are already finely integrated into the rich, ripe fruit. It has a smoky character along with a note of wood spice, and the black plum fruit serves as a juicy underlay. Given its weight and structure, this should for age five years at least.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, this remains quite youthful, with its flavors of barrel aging still prominent. Substantial, brambly berry fruit is bolstered by stiff tannins, streaked with notes  of loam, graphite and smoke. The structure, depth and balance are all in place, it just needs more time to consolidate.
The nose is deep and dense, delivering pure blackberry and blueberry aromas along with toast and herb notes. It feels balanced and pure as a cloudless night, with controlled blackberry, spice and chocolate flavors. Strong on the finish, with bitter notes of chocolate and espresso, and narrow tannins.
This is pure Merlot from the StoneTree vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA. It's been aged almost two years in new French oak barrels, and has the delicious mix of fruit and barrel flavors to prove it. Supple, succulent, smooth and spicy, it's a showcase for cherry and cassis fruit, accented with pungent, almost piney herb. Excellent texture and mass shows good winemaking.
Rock solid and dense, with aromas of black cherry and cassis along with a whiff of aged cheese. The palate is tight, tannic and rubbery, with grabby black cherry and blackberry flavors along with toasty, dark shadings. Finishes firm, with a touch of black olive and herbs. The best MC to date; drink now through 2017.
Excellent Syrah for the price. The dry, balsam wood nose includes earthy berry fruit aromas, olive and herbs. It's herbal but ripe in the mouth, with a lively feel and driving flavors of cherry, blackberry, olive and dry herbs. Fold in some cedar, bitter chocolate, heat and tobacco and you have the total package. Drink now through 2012.
The best yet from NxNW, this deep, earthy, loamy Cabernet is sourced from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills—top Walla Walla vineyards. Tight raspberry and huckleberry fruit is coated with dusty chocolate, coffee grounds and a lick of tobacco. Tannins are still a little chalky and unintegrated, but a little breathing time smoothes them out.
A beautiful, fruity wine that also has good structure to balance its black plum fruits. The acidity is important, although the wine as a whole is on the dry side, with spice and dominant final tannins.
Dominated by acidity and a smoky character, the wine has great balance, with flavors of caramel, red cherry and sweet fruits. It shows a generous character that is attractive for early drinking.
This Meritage red is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Petit Verdot. There are noticeable high toned aromas hinting at nail polish. The fruit is bright cherry and darker black currant, with milk chocolate coating the finish. The wine is still tightly wound and opens very slowly, so decanting is recommended.
Another fantastic bargain wine from Cramele Recas, the Dreambird is a delightfully fresh, floral Pinot Grigio that's zesty with lemon and just a hint of steely minerality on the finish. Bright, clean and refreshingly easy quaffing.
A very herbaceous, aromatic wine. The acidity cuts through the grapefruit flavor, giving a touch of minerality at the end.
Opening with a pretty honeysuckle nose, this Viognier is completely in balance, with layers of lime and pineapple and restrained weight. Enjoy with Thai papaya salad or ceviche.
Pear and kiwi aromas are a bit richer here than in many Albariños. In the mouth, this mature wine is fleshy and melony. Flavors of pulpy citrus, pear and apple finish pithy, with a touch of lasting minerality. This wine seems to be slowly fading; drink now.
Cigar box, green olive, herbal notes and field scents define the bouquet on this single-vineyard Cabernet. With bright acidity, the palate displays raciness along with oak-driven flavors of chocolate, mint, vanilla and herbal berry fruits. A lasting finish is spicy, herbal and mildly green in flavor.
After an opening of tomato, red plum and berry aromas, this shows a smooth texture and a full body. Berry, ripe plum and cocoa flavors finish with medium tannins and good length.
An intensely spiced, aromatic wine, packed with classic lychee fruits and offering good concentration. The wine is rich, weighty and just hinting at acidity. Full-bodied and young, it could age 1–2 years.
A wide, jammy nose is the greeting on this fleshy, full-bodied Cab. Additional aromas of rubber, latex and smoke give it weight and masculinity. This runs spicy and lightly herbal in terms of flavors, while wood spice, cinnamon and herbs compete with mocha and chocolaty black-fruit notes on the finish.
This warm-climate Chardonnay displays aromas of baked apple, toast and spice. It's resiny and heavy in the mouth, but there's enough acidity to maintain balance. Flavors of honeyed peach, baked apple, cinnamon and white pepper finish in tropical fashion, where banana is the lasting fruit note.
This is a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura, a lively, fruity wine that has just a hint of a prickle on the tongue. It has apple and grapefruit flavors that are fresh and deliciously crisp. The wine is ready to drink.
Aromas of ripe berry, sunbaked soil and a hint of game lead the nose. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, clove and a hint of tobacco alongside supple tannins. It's already accessible so enjoy soon.
Oregon Pinotage? Only one other example shows up in the database. This is estate-grown, fruit-powered and quite pleasing, with plum and purple berries pushing it along the palate. It also offers a gentle touch of baking spices and a full, round mouthfeel. It's ready to enjoy immediately.
Soft, ripe and round, this has a slightly liquorous bite to the aromatics. Pear and nectarine fruit is accented with a dash of cinnamon. The wine was 20% barrel fermented.
Light notes of cherry cola, rose petals and cinnamon show on the nose of this bottling from an iconic vineyard in the middle of the appellation. The palate is more complex, with cranberry and raspberry juice notes spiced up by peppercorn, bay leaf and tangy orange peels.
This hearty red opens with aromas of wild cherry, black raspberry and chopped mint. The solid, monolithic palate offers dried cherry, star anise and coffee alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2019.
Intriguingly unique scents and flavors highlight this wine from the estate started more than a century ago by the legendary Paul Masson. Aromas of pomegranate juice, sour plum and elderberry jam meet with juniper, wet tobacco and spearmint on the nose. The palate packs black plum and blackberries with rose hips, black tea and more tobacco.
Calm, cool, collected aromas of herbal blackberry and plum set up a plump palate with integrated, mild tannins. This tastes dark, toasty and mostly of roasted berry fruits, while it finishes on oaky spice notes and a hint of chocolate.
Another fine effort from Sidewood, a winery in the Adelaide Hills that is making some solid wines at realistic prices. Although this wine sees six months of French oak, the oak flavoring impact is minimal, and the wine shows ample fruit, ranging from pear and melon through peach and pineapple. It's a reasonably rich, fruity quaff for summertime drinking.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc offers licorice and soft layers of red and black fruit. Intense and full bodied, veering into a leathery texture, it finishes long and ripe, dusted in mocha.
A ripe, tropical fruit flavored wine that is both fresh and rich. While produced in an area of Vinho Verde that is predominately dedicated to the Alvarinho grape, this dry wine is a refreshing, bright blend of many of the local varieties. It is juicy, crisp and ready to drink.
Refreshing lemon and fragrant floral aromas with a touch of mint distinguish this fuller-bodied white from an excellent producer. Softer on the palate with complex and integrated flavors of citrus and mineral, the wine is a good choice for fans of Chardonnay.
While initially quite closed, aeration reveals pretty floral notes against a backdrop of apple, tangerine and lemon flavors. It's a straightforward but refreshing dry Riesling with wide appeal. Drink now through 2018.
Stewed prune, scorched earth, leather, menthol and leafy underbrush aromas set the tone. The ripe, jammy palate offers dried black cherry, clove and anise framed in densely packed, dusty tannins that leave an astringent finish. Give the tannins another year or two to unfold but drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Significantly riper than the winery's two other Pinot Gris releases, this seems a bit flat in comparison. It's got plenty of ripe pear and apple-butter flavors, along with a touch of cinnamon. The overall ripeness and weight suggest drinking it up over the next year or two.
For a large-scale offering at this price, this wine hits it out of the park. It honors the winery's early days with the variety and shows off a great vintage. Grapefruit, peach and tangerine spark atop a subtle minerality and crisp mouthfeel.
This three-vineyard blend is still quite tight and tannic. Flavors of green tea and lemon oil abound, with lighter flavors of pie cherries. Drying tannins wrap it up.
Dry and spare, this offers stem and herb flavors ahead of a tight core of raspberry fruit. A Pommard and Dijon 114 clone mix, it spent 19 months in 27% new French oak. It seems to need another year or two of bottle age to come together.
Apple and stone-fruit aromas are clean and presentable. This is fresh and spritzy, with flavors of lemon-lime and quince. A crisp, minerally finish runs long courtesy of pumped-up acidity.
This is a clean, fruit-driven effort, with light fruit flavors of pear and apple. It's fresh and zippy, with hints of orange peel and citrus.
French oak, menthol and plum aromas waft out of the glass. The taut, rather light-bodied palate offers tart red cherry, star anise and coffee bean alongside grainy tannins that leave a grippy, astringent finish.
The invigorating freshness of Villa Wolf's Gewürztraminer is an unusual change from often duller, flabbier versions. While not deeply complex or concentrated it's floral exuberance and crisp peach and pear flavors are refreshing and quaffable. Drink now through 2018.
This bold, round and supple wine manages to remain bright and light, offering supple streaks of cranberry and cherry that take on some of the appellation's inviting cola spice. Brick tar in color, it gets better in the glass and offers good value.
This wine has a vivid spicy, oaky aroma and the same powerful woody character dominates the flavors. It also has full body and enough blackberry flavors to complete a tasty picture, along with a very reasonable price tag.
Named after a traditional Douro dance, this wine is ripe and spicy, with new wood flavors. It has a soft structure that allows the vibrant berry fruits to come through strongly. Both the fruit and the wood aging say this wine is too young, so drink from 2017.
The majority of this wine was stainless-steel fermented, with just 20% given time in new French oak. Together it makes for a taste of apple with a twist of caramel, a fresh, medium-bodied style with vibrant, lengthy acidity and an edginess of bread and honey.
Dusty aromas offset by lime, nettle and snap pea scents get this off to a good start. A direct, stony, minerally palate with tangerine, bell pepper and jalapeño flavors finishes with a controlled level of pyrazinic bitterness.
Sunbaked earth, black plum and dark baking spice aromas unfold on this vibrant red. The taut palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, orange zest and a hint of tobacco alongside youthfully austere tannins that leave a firm finish.
Hot, earthy aromas settle on leather and tomato, while the palate is gritty and tastes of dark, smoky, chunky black fruit. More tangy and angular on the finish than desirable, with limited depth. Standard stuff on its best day.
Snappy, prickly, red-currant aromas fail to improve with airing. The palate is high in acidity, creating a sheer feel to the cherry and raspberry fruit that drives the flavor profile. Drying and hollow on the finish. Very regular wine, with bramble and tartness.
Dark, crusty aromas mix with sweet coconut on the nose, while the palate seems lactic and oaky despite fairly pointed acidity. Berry and plum flavors are entirely regular, and the finish is sharp due to the aforementioned acidity. A bit leafy tasting as well.
Dull and dilute, but painless. The palate is chunky but with enough acids to stay lively, and the flavors of green apple, lemon and pineapple are decent enough. Tangy and slightly bitter on the finish.
A dry rosé, dominated by caramel and raspberry fruit flavors. It has attractive acidity, but the texture does feel heavy, leaving a dull aftertaste.
Chunky and generic smelling, with a nutty, oily palate that isn't purely focused or clean. The palate has some bitterness and excess weight along with fading lychee and melon flavors. Not a terrible wine for $9 but the low price doesn't erase its flaws.
From estate-grown fruit, this adds Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah to the Cab. The net result is a diffuse wine with no varietal character. Tannins are hard and bitter, and the fruit seems to be hiding.
Hot and rubbery on the nose, and while it doesn't smell bad it doesn't persuade you to go further. The palate has size, but it's not smooth as the acids dominate. And the flavors of berry and cherry are generic and almost impossible to identify as Syrah. Forgettable wine with tartness.
This soft, high-toned wine is more than a little sweet— either a stuck fermentation or intentional residual sugar. Strawberry candy, cracker, and a hint of sweat in the finish.
Bland and chunky, with aromas of talcum powder and apple. The palate feel is a mix of spritz and heft, and the flavors of melon and peach are pithy and lean toward bitter. Dusty and heavy on the finish, an indication that it won't last long and has already seen better days.
Roasted, oaky and resiny on the nose, and then the palate delivers a bolt of acidity that makes the wine feel pointy in the mouth. The flavors are herbal and resiny, with foresty black fruit at the core. Creamy and sticky on the finish, and overall it struggles to present a pure, balanced picture.
Flat on the nose, with neutral, slightly floral aromas. The palate is zesty and tart, with midland flavors of lemon, sour apple and lime. Chalky but o.k. on the finish. A one-dimensional white with hardly any lasting potential.
A soft wine, full of cherry preserve flavors, along with a bright, fresh waft of acidity. It is just spoilt by the banana flavor from the vinification.
Warm and smelling of menthol, cough syrup and sweet, jammy berry fruit. The palate is also fairly medicinal in terms of flavor, while the feel is a bit hard and underdeveloped. Turns more tart and herbal the more you get to know it.
Aromas of raw oak, eucalyptus and gritty berry fruits are hot and leafy. This Tempranillo-based blend feels choppy with aggressive grating tannins. Flavors of baked roasted berry fruits are also herbal, green and leafy, while this finishes crisp, raw and tomatoey in flavor.
This fresh wine shows fruit tones balanced by a light mineral note. It is bright with acidity and grapefruit flavors alongside a crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
This is an unusual white made from red Touriga Nacional and white Tamarez. Bright lemon flavors are balanced by notes of apricot and richer fruit tones. Drink now.
This is a bright lemon and grapefruit flavored wine that has lively acidity and the lightest touch of mineral texture. It's crisp, refreshing and will be ready to drink from mid-2016.
A lemon flavored wine that's crisp and fruity. The texture is soft with fruit and fresh acidity dominant. With its refreshing aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink now.
Fresh and informal, this lean, easygoing red offers aromas and flavors of crunchy sour cherry, ground pepper and a hint of star anise. Brisk acidity gives it a racy feel.
Herbal raspberry and strawberry aromas are raw and a bit green. This feels scratchy as well, with tomatoey flavors of red currant and plum skins. A modest finish is racy in feel but mild in flavor.
There's a simplicity to this medium-bodied wine, which is high in acidity and basic in its fruit. Ripe black cherry and dried herb are along for the ride, atop leather and cola. A small percentage of Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah is blended in.
While this wine is packed with red-berry flavors, it is still too young with its stalky edge. Tannins and smoky flavors are there along with intense acidity. Keep it until late 2016 for it to be at its best.
This wine is soft, creamy and light. Attractive acidity along with a fresh apple character gives a fresh aftertaste. Drink now. This is one of the first vintages since Labouré-Roi, which was hit by scandal in 2012, passed into new ownership.
Light cherry and raspberry aromas come in front of a grabby rubbery palate. This tastes like salty plum, with little variation of that theme. A solid finish tastes exactly like what came before.
Aromas like brown sugar and bourbon meet bold oaky, spicy flavors in this medium-bodied wine. This will be good for fans of those exotic oak flavors.
This is smelling a bit oxidized and wayward. Spritzy in feel, this blend of 70% Albariño, 15% Loureira and 15% Treixadura tastes pithy and like citrus skins. Pithy, borderline bitter flavors of white grapefruit drive the finish.
Canned pears and plumeria show on the nose of this bargain-priced offering, worthy of a weeknight dinner or later in the evening. The palate shows lots of ripe stone fruit, apple syrup and tangy citrus, the finish delivering a lasting acidity.
This is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine, a blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires. Bright and fruity with plenty of citrus freshness, it is lightly crisp and fresh at the end.
Almost completely transparent, this wine is lightly fruity and perfectly pleasant; there's just not much to it. Traces of apple, pear and white melon come up, quickly running into a short, thin finish.
The wine is soft, ripe and fruity. With a smooth line of tannins, it is open and full of black currant and berry flavors. The acidity gives a fine lift at the end. Drink now.
This wine is appealing for its smooth mouth-feel, mildly spicy aromas and dried-fruit flavors. Medium to full bodied, it also tastes mellow and mature, with no rough edges poking out.
Flat cherry and clay aromas set up a scratchy, almost citric palate with short but bright plum and raspberry flavors. This is basic Malbec with a tart hollow wiry finish.
Smoky with a heavy dose of char, this wine is a mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller drops of Petit Verdot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Merlot. Perfumed in black olive and black currant, it offers soft layers of blackberry and leather ringed in vanilla.
This is a soft ripe wine that has yellow fruits alongside crisper red apples and touches of grapefruit. That makes for a balanced light wine that has a fine texture and a fresh aftertaste. Drink now.
This offers earthy aromas of prune, scorched soil, pressed violet and a whiff of game. On the simple, informal palate, hints of black pepper and coffee add interest to the core of dried black cherry.
Briny, leesy aromas are funky and sweaty, not clean and lean like most Txakoli. Snappy, citric and decidedly not spritzy, this tastes of lemon, underripe nectarine and tart green apple. A cleansing seltzer-like finish is the closing act.
For the price, this is a remarkable achievement. It's a varietally correct, properly lightweight Pinot Noir imbued with attractive black cherry fruit. There's a charred-stave character that adds vanilla and a tinge of mocha as well. Drink now.
Dusty, citrusy aromas of pineapple turn more tropical with airing. This is 60% Garnacha Blanca, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, and it's a bit flat on the palate. Flavors of white fruits are candied but also bitter, while this finishes with honeyed sweetness offset by pithy bitterness.
This wine has a slightly lighter color than usual, aromas that resemble black plums and red cherries, and similar flavors. It is medium bodied, moderately tannic in texture and a good choice for a large crowd.
Quite pale, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is soft, fruity and ready to drink. Attractive red fruits and light acidity give a tangy, fresh aftertaste.
This Tempranillo-Cabernet blend begins with scratchy, earthy aromas of moss, leather and herbal red fruits. It's alert and lively in the mouth, with strawberry, plum, raspberry and citrusy flavors. The finish hollows out and shows good length and a light structure.
Faint suggestions of fynbos and asparagus mingle with bright notes of orange peel, green plum and melon rind. Lively and easy, with good cut to the melon and plum flavors on the palate that end quickly but cleanly.
This Cava is mustardy smelling, with apple in tow. The palate feels fresh and solid, while flavors of yeasty, dry apple and white pepper lead to a toasty, firm finish. A likable sparkler but regular as a whole.
Whiffs of toasted wood and cardamom lend a warm, spicy tone to concentrated black-fruit notes on this boldly tannic, structured Cab. Brisk acidity adds balance to fruit and body, highlighting delicate herb notes on the finish.
This Tempranillo is forward in style, with leather, cherry, plum and smoky aromas. It feels racy and healthy, with buttery oak, vanilla, herb and mild raspberry and red plum flavors. This is good as a whole, with no one characteristic sticking out.
Apple, lime, lemon and natural vanilla are the aromas one gets from this blended Catalonian white. The palate is bright along the edges, a bit soft and jumbled in the middle, and in terms of flavor the wine offers generic apple and lime in front of a fresh but fleshy finish. Drink immediately.
Sour cherry aromas meld with notes of spice and briar on this bold, structured Pinot Noir. The palate boasts bright red-fruit notes with rustic hints of earth and brine, and a coating of grippy tannins that linger on the finish.
Baking spice and toasted wood add warmth to preserved black cherry and plum flavors in this bold, lushly textured Cabernet Franc. The tannins are quite soft, but the dense fruit profile gives it weight and body.
Varietally correct Syrah from Washington can be difficult to find in this price range but this wine brings it with notes of blueberry, mesquite and vanilla along with a soft, subdued, citrusy feel. Finishes a touch ripe.
This small-production blend from Ribeiro is fragrant, with vibrant red-berry and floral aromas. In the mouth, it's tangy and lean, with more acidity than body. Flavors are mostly generic in nature, leaning towards cherry and plum, while the finish is raw. This is more of a food wine than a sipper.
This features clean, straightforward apple-flavored fruit, a mix of both barrel fermented and tank fermented. The finish is lightly toasty and buttery, with a hint of warmth.
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot along with a dash of Malbec and Syrah, this red blend is on the lighter side of medium bodied with notes of tobacco, chocolate, cherry and fresh herbs.
This is a spicy, lushly textured wine with concentrated aromas and flavors of black berries, bramble, chocolate, chicory and coffee. Ripe, dark fruit and berry flavors linger into the medium-length finish, with a soft note of  earthy spice on the back.
Fresh but earthy aromas of apple, fig and pepper give this intriguing wine extra draw. On the palate, a robust herbal character backed by an appealing slatey spin and balanced acids offer elegance and personality. Ends with a clean, lingering finish.
This is different in style from the kabinett bottling, being less fragrant and charming yet broader and more powerful. It's minerally right up front, like smoky quartz, then plump and slightly creamy on the midpalate before ending in a dusting of crushed stones.
This wine provides plenty of drinking pleasure for a moderate tariff. Smoke, toast and vanilla aromas speak to barrel fermentation and aging, while the apple, pear, pineapple and citrus flavors show off top-notch fruit. It's all put together in a balanced, medium-weight package that finishes clean and fresh.
At only 7% alcohol, this packs plenty of residual sugar, but it's well balanced by crisp lime notes. Strident—almost crystalline—green apple and lime flavors dominate. There's tons of refreshing fruit in this wine, not as much minerality.
A bright, minerally nose and clean, elegant flavors give this wine from cool-climate Elgin a sophisticated edge. Though the wine has a refined character, there's still an abundance of rich tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The finish is refreshing and subtle.
Bright, fresh fruit mingled with a spicy toast give this wine a joyous but serious edge. Fresh but complex, with ripe fruit and spicy flavors and a lingering finish. Pair with richer seafood dishes, poultry.
Light, delicate and dry, this shows Ernie Loosen's Mosel touch. Lime, peach and melon notes add airy nuances over the underlying briny minerality of the Pfalz. Finishes long and slightly peppery-spicy.
This wine has a fresh, spicy green character on the nose: green pepper, mint, plum, cherry. Dark fruit flavors mingled with mint and smoke offer complexity on the palate. The wine is assertive but pretty. Pair with tangy grilled meats or stew.
Juicy, bright, loaded with young, grapey, berry flavors. Bright and polished, with a Grenache-like character, though it is 100% varietal.
A bit confected and rather sweet-tasting for a kabinett (38 g/l residual sugar), but there's no denying the prettiness of the fruit. Green apples are joined and rounded out by melon notes and finish on a drier, minerally note of crushed stone.
This exemplary Chenin starts with aromas of peach, pineapple and vanilla, rolling into juicy flavors of melon, honey and rich fruit. Balanced and with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, the wine is elegant but approachable enough for every day. Pair with salad, seafood. Imported by GBW, LLC.
This solid Merlot begins with savory aromas of cloves, black cherry, and smoke, leading into like flavors in a structured, spirited package. The wine could continue to age, but makes for a good sip now. Pair with smoked meats, roasted duck.
This wine starts with a combination of white flowers, spice, tropical fruit and green notes, with dry, crisp flavors of citrus and mineral on the palate. A good wine for fans of more angular whites, the wine will pair well with spicy Asian cuisine, grilled spicy fish or chicken.
This wine offers assertive aromas of plum, mint and cherry, and on the palate, easygoing red berry and vanilla flavors. Tannins are smooth and the mouthfeel velvety. A friendly, tasty red with class. Pair with stew, grilled lamb, robust cheeses.
Under the ownership of American Stephen Adams, this estate is showing promise. The wine is finely structured, a smoky bacon element mingling well with fresh red plum and firm tannins. The core is dry, solid, showing wood, finishing with vivid minerality and acidity.
The aromas are the thing here, as so often with Touriga Nacional, keeping the soft tannins and ripe, sweet fruit buoyant and lively. There is acidity, but there's more, maybe too much, of blackberry jam flavor.
This catchy named, three-grape blend is a nice wine that's sinewy and leathery; overall it ranks as a natural and controlled reflection of Jumilla. The nose is forward and fiery, while the palate has berry-driven ripeness and plenty of oak. Better with food; the tannins are kind of scratchy with nothing to absorb them.
Superripe Grenache gives this fortified dessert wine (16% alcohol) distinctly chocolaty overtones, but there's also an overripe note of prunes. Despite that, it doesn't pack the alcoholic punch or massive weight of Port, making it relatively easy to drink, with an affinity for chocolate desserts.
Superripe, with sweet black fruit, and ripe, soft tannins. The structure is here, but the acidity seems to have missed out with such richly ripe black fig flavors.
This light, fresh-tasting sparkler tastes something like a still Riesling from the Mosel, with zesty lime and lemon zest flavors enlivened by bubbles and a bit of underlying minerality. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Leathery plum and berry aromas are also jammy and floral on this full and round wine. Roasted berry flavors come with a bacon-like note, delivering similar flavors on the finish.
This crisp wine brings out good flavor depth from the cherry and red-berry fruits. It is concentrated for a simple Beaujolais, ripe and fruity, Drink now.
Layers of toast, char and dill abound on this oak-driven, full-bodied Chardonnay. There are glimpses of fresh apple and lemon on the palate as well, but they peek through a bit shyly behind a curtain. Further cellaring may help to integrate the oak.
This big soft wine smells and tastes a little sweet, as an aroma like maple syrup leads to flavors of blackberry jam, cinnamon and butter.
This wine shows a ton of oak influence, from the smoky charred aromas to the sweet-seeming maple syrup flavors to the velvety clinging texture. It is medium bodied, lush in mouthfeel and high in spice content that dominates the fruit flavors underneath.
There is an attractive orange-zest tang to this rounded wine. It brings out ripe yellow fruits that have acidity to add to the mineral texture of this balanced wine. It is ready to drink.
This is a soft wine, ripe with apricot and melon flavors. It shows the warmth of the vintage, round and gently fruity. Almonds and a tangy aftertaste give a crisp finish.
This has dill, minestrone soup, toast and chopped celery aromas. The lean, assertive palate shows oak, raw red fruit and a green note of powdered sage. Grainy tannins leave an astringent finish.
Dry apple and pine-needle aromas are punchy on this blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Macabeo. An uneventful palate is fresh but simple. This wine tastes mostly of bitter grape skins and almond skins. Modest apple and grapefruit notes show on the finish.
Restrained at first on the nose, this wine eventually reveals black fruit, cooking spice and underbrush aromas. The simple palate offers dried blackberry and tobacco hints while smooth tannins provide easygoing support. Drink soon.
Pungent notes of cocoa, herb, medicine cabinet, vanilla and cherry liqueur mark this wine's nose. The palate is full bodied with firm, dry tannins and dried out fruit flavors.
Stalky, herbal berry and plum aromas are gamy as well. This blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Garnacha feels clipped, with tomato-like acidity. Herbal plum flavors come with a note of oregano and a dash of salt.
This bold wine has a charred oaky aroma, flavors that are almost sweet and also plenty oaky, along with ripe and concentrated berry flavors that peek out from under the smoky toasted layer after a few moments.
Crisp and lively, this is a tight and mineral wine. Baked-apple fruitiness is balanced by bright acidity and a tangy aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Earthy, herbal black-fruit aromas include notes of pencil shavings and lemony oak. This is full in body, bulky and choppy, with hard, youthful tannins that could use some time to soften. Roasted flavors of blackberry, hickory and baked plum finish with heavy notes of chocolate, molasses and brown sugar. Drink this ripe, meaty Rioja from 2017 through 2025.
Aromas of vanilla, coffee, cranberry, fresh herbs and licorice are out front on this Syrah (38%), Petite Sirah (38%), Mourvèdre, Grenache and Roussanne blend. The coffee flavors are tart and spritely yet full, showing a good sense of balance and an acid-driven finish.
This is an impressive wine at any price, but it would be hard to find much in the way of a better deal for Napa Cab. Smooth, rounded edges surround a full-bodied expression of dense black fruit, cedar and clove. The wine finished with plenty of length to age. Drink now through 2021.
From one of those rare properties in Pauillac that are not classified growths, this wine is ripe, dark, still smoky and very structured. It has some of the weight of the vintage although in a restrained way, giving juicy black currant fruits behind the tannic structure. Drink from 2017.
Intense aromas of pressed blackberries and blueberries show on the nose of this dessert wine that leans way more fresh than pruney. The palate is loaded with rich, full flavors of fudge, blueberry jam and a long-lasting licorice note. Strong acidity and judicious alcohol give it structural backbone, and makes it the perfect foil for an end-of-night cigar.
Intense aromas of chopped mint, baking spice, graphite and red fruit emerge in the glass. The firm, elegant palate displays ripe black cherry, raspberry confiture, licorice and ground pepper framed in velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018– 2028.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot. Fragrant aromas of fresh herbs, flowers, pencil lead and black currant are followed by sweet, supple, concentrated red and black-fruit flavors backed by well-integrated tannins. Especially considering the warmth of the vintage, it shows a lot of finesse along with a long finish.
This opens with aromas of underbrush, woodland berry, exotic spice, sage and a balsamic note. The palate delivers black cherry, spiced blueberry, licorice and white pepper framed in firm, close-grained tannins. Drink through 2020. A coffee note closes the finish.
This is a strong showing for Nalys, surprisingly full-bodied and creamy-textured for the estate. Hints of wood char and roasted meat mark the nose, while the flavors of mocha and brown sugar carry through the plush, velvety finish. Drink now–2023.
Savory herbs mix with clove and barrel spices on the aromas. The palate is full bodied and decadent, with a palate-coating feel.
Blended with a whopping 15% Petit Verdot, this wine offers locked-up aromas of pencil lead, floral notes, plum and dark fruit. The palate is packed with fruit and herb flavors that intertwine through the lingering finish. The tannins provide some serious grip.
This thoroughly delicious, acid-driven wine opens with aromas of passion fruit, oyster shell, herbs, wet stone and citrus. The flavors are sleek yet generous with electric, mouthwatering acidity. It demands oysters alongside it.
Vibrant acidity envelops lively yet dark, brooding baked plum and cherry notes in this smoothly made, velvety-textured wine from estate vineyards. It excites as much on the palate as on the nose, transitioning smoothly into the medium-length finish.
Salty pretzel gives way to a thicket of texture and ripe apple and Bosc pear. A rocky minerality adds complexity before a refined finish adds length. Allow this wine to open in the glass.
All Syrah, this pale copper-colored wine offers very pretty aromas of watermelon, pear and cherry. The palate is elegantly styled, dry, fresh and vibrant with spritely acidity and a drawn-out, citrus-filled finish.
Muscular but not overpowering, this concentrated and full-bodied wine is packed with both lavish fruit flavors and layers of fine tannins that seem to coat the tongue. It's astringent, but this aspect is balanced by almost sweet blackberry flavors and a luxurious and spicy vein of oak.
Charred, minty black-fruit aromas include shoe polish, leather and earth notes. At first, this is plush in feel, but in no time it becomes hard as stone, with fierce tannins. Minty, oaky flavors of mixed spices and herbal blackberry are earthy and brawny on the finish, with punishing tannins. Drink 2018–2035.
One of the producer's top wines, this wine is named both for Francis Ford Coppola's uncle and for the famous mathematician of ancient Greece. It does the men proud in its structured and refined components marked by black pepper, cinnamon and clove, as well as precision of tannin and grip, a powerful wine that's also sleekly smart.
Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) takes the lead on this wine, with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of high-toned herbs, wood spices, cocoa, cassis and a mixture of maraschino and dark cherries are followed by a full palate, overflowing with generous fruit flavors.
This wine is mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc (42% each) with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It's redolent with aromas of flowers, raspberries, herbs, coffee and barrel spice that lead to tightly wound focused fruit flavors. There's enough tannic heft to reward cellaring.
A blend of Cabernet Franc (60%) and Merlot, this wine offers high-toned aromas of dried herbs, milk chocolate and cherry, along with an undertone of green pepper. The chocolate and cherry flavors are silky and linger long after the last sip.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of coffee, dried herbs, green pepper and smoke are followed by creamy-feeling cherry and café au lait flavors. It brings a whole lot of appeal.
This medium-bodied, small-production red was given a light touch of oak, only 25% of it new and French, allowing the other characteristics to speak louder than the wood. Compact tannins support a juicy, youthfully grippy frame of pomegranate and orange that opens further in the glass.
Made from very ripe grapes harvested as late as November, this Grüner shows us depth despite its light, fresh palate. Creamy notes of yellow plum have the softest touch of vanilla. This has a pliable, sinuous body and is a more thoughtful, rounded but still very fresh rendition of this enduring Austrian favorite.
Produced from a selection of 80-year-old vines, this is a dense, smooth wine. It has a dry core although this is surrounded by such rich fruit and spice. The wine is now almost mature, ripe and full with a great shot of final acidity.
Still firm with tannins, this is also a rich, generous wine. It has mint aromas that follow through on to the palate with wood-aging flavors. Bold blackberry fruit and juicy acidity balance the structure and give the wine a ripe character. The wine will be ready to drink from 2018.
This will turn into a smooth, ripe wine as it ages. It already has concentration and power as well as generous rich Merlot fruits. Dark berries and firm tannins are balanced and shot through with acidity. Keep this wine at least until 2020
Made by the Abeille family of Château Mont-Redon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this striking, peppery, spicy wine is rich with a fine texture as well as plenty of red berry fruits. It is a concentrated wine, very dry and likely to be much better with food.
While demure on the nose, this dry Riesling offers a palate that is surprisingly bold in both flavor and textural intensity. Bursts of ripe grapefruit and tangerine flavors are accented by a kiss of rose-petal perfume. Zesty orange-peel notes lend a touch of astringency to the finish.
Creamy aloe vera, white pepper, green pear and lemon zest create an irresistible nose. The palate is equally creamy but also comes on light, tiptoe feet. There is a pleasant, slightly bitter zesty edge to the slender palate which belies all the charm. An intriguing, arresting Grüner.
This Chardonnay is fairly oaky, as evidenced by savory BBQ and resiny aromas that run heavily over the top of apple and citrus scents. This is plump, resiny feeling and woody on the palate, with a mix of banana, tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The finish is oaky and tastes sweet.
There is obvious wood here, a toasty, dry character that shows through the fruit. The wine is young and with the sufficient weight of juicy black currant fruit, it should integrate well to give a solid, chunky wine in two years.
Crisp, lightly herbaceous wine with a delicious creamy apple and pear character. This is finely balanced with a lively, crisp aftertaste. Screwcap.
A green, herbal wine, very crisp, still young with acidity, mineral acidity and a bright, lively aftertaste. The wine is tangy with citrus at the end. Keep for six months to a year. Screwcap.
A bright, herbaceous and fresh wine, showing green fruits, lively acidity and and a steely edge that adds a fine texture.
A fruity, strawberry flavored wine with some depth and structure. It has richness as well as a fresh citrus character. It could benefit from some aging although it's certainly ready to drink this summer.
Dusty apple, banana and a touch of lemon comprise the nose. The palate offers good acidity and roundness, the right foundation for friendly apple, apricot and citrus flavors. The finish is fruity and juicy, with good vitality. This is nice Albariño for the money.
Peppery and tasting of freshly picked blackberries, Haraszthy's old-vine Lodi Zinfandel has a gamy, austere, dusty quality, and is more restrained than in some years past. Pair with anything grilled.
This is a bit old fashioned on the nose, where vanilla, dried fruit and dill aromas hold court. A dry, traditional type of palate delivers spiced plum, red cherry and mild herbal flavors in front of a light-bodied, slightly oaky tasting finish.
This mature blend of Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Macabeo is oily, plump and fragrant, but also blocky, chunky and on its last legs of freshness. Flowery peach, melon and papaya flavors end short, with an oily mouthfeel.
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with four other Bordeaux varieties in the mix, this wine brings an aromatic medley of cherry cola, dark chocolate, and light medicinal notes. The flavors don't entirely meld with the oak showing a bit too prominently, offset by grainy tannins.
The nose on this regularly solid Verdejo is mild, with aromas of apple, pear and melon. The palate is round and a touch fleshy, with modest acidity pushing pithy peach and pear flavors. The finish tastes of almond skins and apple.
This is the first table wine to come from this Cava producer and it has its ups and downs. The bouquet smells like Sprite with peach, while the palate is crisp, citric and pointed, with orange and lime flavors and an oxidized, stalky note to the finish. This is good but middle of the road as white wines go.
For its bold footprint (and the amount of wood aging it went through) this rich Zinfandel offers a depth of pleasant berry flavor and a measured texture, with a savory edge on the finish.
This is a broadly fruity, wide open style with fresh melon, pink grapefruit and orange marmalade flavors criss-crossing the palate. It's ready to enjoy right now, low in alcohol, with a touch of marshmallow sweetness to cut the acid.
One of two grapes found exclusively in Thermenregion (the other is Rotgipfler), Zierfandler, as here, produces floral wines with intense acidity. This wine is bright, lemon and pear fruits cutting the texture. There is just a touch of sweetness to balance all the acidity.
This is a light, streamlined Syrah, boasting brown sugar, baking spice and bramble berry notes over a stream of red currant and white pepper.
This open, fruity wine is ready to drink. It offers some spice as well as a light smattering of apple and toast flavors. The aftertaste is all about fruit and acidity.
Jammy, stewy berry aromas are accented by brick dust and sweet oak that smells like plastic. Saturated, jammy and clumsy in feel, this tastes of baked, peppery black fruits and oak. Finishing notes of chocolate, herbs and licorice are chunky and a touch hot.
Earthy aromas of plum, leather and corn tortilla are sketchy. This feels full but sort of flat, with soupy, herbal berry flavors. Olive, weedy notes and saucy berry flavors control the finish.
This lush wine leads with rich aromas of vanilla-infused blackberry, raspberry preserves and plum sauce. The medium-weight palate is plush and velvety in texture, with supple blackberry and plum flavors that carry through to the medium-length finish.
Pineapple rind, steely lemon and white flowers carry the notes of this blend of Roussanne, Chardonnay and Viognier. The palate is broad and buttery in feel, with a string of acids that cut the finish short.
Aromas of yellow melon and flowers form the core of the bouquet, with additional hints of straw and grapefruit peel in the background. The light-weight palate offers good balance, with rich tropical-fruit tones of pineapple and mango that finish clean and mouthwatering.
This opens with aromas suggesting weedy forest floor, stewed prune, leather and grilled porcini mushroom. The palate is on the raw side, offering tart sour cherry and a hint of dark cooking spice alongside raspy, grainy tannins that dry out the finish.
This offers a bouquet of peach and honeysuckle. It is lightly sweet, with flavors of white peach, apricot, orange rind, and honeyed herbal tea and a nice flash of lemon candy on the finish.
Produced in the Lima Valley, in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, this is fruity and crisp. It is medium sweet in character, the sweetness balanced by the refreshing acidity and citrus flavors. Drink now.
This is ripe, fat and with melon and green-plum flavors. It has a spicy edge along with ripe acidity. The wine, with its full fruitiness, is ready to drink.
One of the better examples in this category, this is crisp and clean. It has a hint of tannin and a green edge from the only just-ripe grapes. The strawberry flavor at the end does bring an attractive aftertaste.
At the moment, this is a tight, young wine with fruit that is masked. There is some potential that will give a wine with apple flavors. Wait to drink this until 2017.
Soft and warm, this is an apricot and pear-flavored wine. It has a soft texture, with a ripe feel that is just lifted by acidity. The aftertaste, with a more citrus character, adds the freshness.
This is an attractive, lemon and lime-flavored wine. Riper yellow fruits also show through the crisp acidity and the lightly mineral texture. The wine is ready to drink.
This blend of the white Trincadeira das Pratas and Arinto is soft and perfumed. It has some ripe acidity and an open texture. The aftertaste brings in some attractive melon flavor. Drink now.
Murky aromas of earth and black fruits introduce a hard, grabby palate. Heavy oak creates a hickory flavor to go with roasted, herbal black-fruit notes, while this finishes sticky, resiny and oaky, with heat and grabby residual tannins.
Gamy and mildly concentrated, this Tempranillo from the Hill Country brings to mind pork fat and peppercorns on the nose. The soft palate brings more fruit, with juicy red berries giving lift to additional notes of game and spice.
Grilled porcini, camphor, forest floor and oak aromas lead the nose. The evolved palate has largely dried up, showing suggestions of dried cherry and powdered sage set against bracing tannins that leave a raspy finish.
Green beans and grapefruit mark the nose; nectarine, pineapple and beans appear on the palate. At just 12.6% abv, it's reasonably plump and a bit sweet-tasting, making for a slightly disjointed package.
Crisp, minerally aromas are low on fruit. Zesty, lively and citric on the palate, this tastes lean, linear and sharp, with orange notes and a salty aftertaste. A briny tasting, tangy finish fits the bill.
Saucy aromas shadow cassis and plum scents. This feels big and chunky, but the flavors are not fully ripe and are instead slightly green and mulchy. A stewed character spills over onto the finish.
Moderately stalky aromas of tomato and horsey plum lead to berry and plum flavors that are herbal and stalky, much like the nose. A roasted, stalky character is maintained on the finish.
This producer, based in the eastern edge of Saint-Emilion, has these vines in the flat plain that leads to the Dordogne river. The wine has richness that comes from the vintage while also having structure and power. The juicy acidity and blackberry fruits are still developing, so drink from 2019.
The wine is structured and firm with considerable wood flavors. It also has the fruit weight that will develop as the wine matures. Give this wine, with its potential, until 2019.
Red-berry fruits and a core of tannins make up a wine that has structure and the potential of some fine fruits. It is juicy with plenty of acidity at the end to give the wine a lift.
This 65% Merlot wine is ripe, fruity and soft. Coming from a light vintage, it is ready to drink with its blackberry fruits and supporting tannins.
Savory black pepper and cooked blueberry show on the nose of this bottling. Cracked pepper also gives a savory touch to the sip, adding depth to the blackberry and plum flavors. The tannins are fairly sticky into the finish.
Red raspberry and cherry offer a depth of fruit flavor in this full-bodied, robust wine that's buoyed by moderate acidity. The cherry is seasoned in baking spice and black tea, as accents of toasted oak lean into rich vanilla.
Kiona Vineyard makes up the majority of the fruit for this wine, with the balance coming from Olsen. Aromas of char, plum, wood spice and sliced red apple lead to full-bodied fruit flavors. The tannins show some grittiness.
Unusual but intense aromas suggesting medicinal herb, rose and camphor lift from the glass along with a slightly chemical note and a whiff of pine. The rather evolved but solid palate offers cherry cola, cinnamon and spiced cranberry framed in robust tannins. It surprisingly accessible but will age for several years or more. Drink through 2023.
This rich and strongly aromatic bottling shows marshmallow, cotton candy and banana cream on the nose. The palate picks up a freshness and flinty character, with rounded, ripe flavors of honeysuckle and lemon cream. The strong acidity and grippy texture keep the wine in line.
Aromas of menthol, espresso and pressed rose take center stage. The medium-bodied palate shows spiced cranberry, pomegranate, roasted coffee bean, anise and a rather green note of powdered sage. Assertive close-grained tannins clench the finish. Give the tannins a few more years to unwind then drink.
This wine is tannic and slightly carbonic on the palate, offering a fresh, spritzy taste. Stemmy, it shows a distinct presence of forest floor, black tea and cranberry flavor.
Vivid aromas of toasted bread, butter and white pepper lead to more oak-related notes on the palate, where flavors reminiscent of vanilla and nutmeg are backed by light lemon and apple notes. This bold, dry wine offers plenty of oaky character.
This blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Carignan is bright and fruit-driven, with rich notes of plum, cherry and boysenberry on the nose and mouth. It's medium in weight, with accessible tannins and good balance, finishing fresh and fruity, with just a subtle hint of earthy spice.
The lighter-styled aromas bring notes of herb, plum and raspberry, with the fruit seeming ever so slightly dried out. The red-fruit flavors are stretched out, backed by dry lightly tacky-feeling tannins. The finish comes up a bit short.
The aromas seem slightly dried out, with notes of dried black raspberry, cigar box, herb, fruit leather, vanilla and barrel spice. The flavors are lightly jammy but at the same time the concentration doesn't all seem to be there. The tannins give a gentle squeeze.
The aromas of barrel spice, herb and cherry are light and elusive. The red-fruit flavors are medium bodied, pulling up short on the finish.
Light sage, thyme and earth aromas top the ripe blackberry and plum flavors of this well-built, rich and fruity wine. Full bodied, it has soft tannins and a touch of candied fruit on the finish.
Aromas of cocoa, red apple, barrel spice, graphite and cherry lead to a full-bodied palate. The tannins brings some grain and grip. It delivers enjoyment but drinks quite young and shows some warmth on the finish.
Red berry, white pepper and dried herb aromas lift out of the glass along with a whiff of espresso. Linear and rather lean, the vibrant palate offers sour cherry, clove, toast and a hint of oak-driven spice. Firm close-grained tannins grip the finish.
There is a very strong petrol touch to the nose of this bottling, as well as intriguing accents of iodine, kelp, salt and lime pith. It is tightly wound on the palate, with grippy tension revealing citrus peel and pith and the same briny, seaweed-like character.
A rich, earthy Pinot bright in red and blue fruit and an herbal note in the distance, Londer's estate-grown Pinot is a marriage of site, style and vintage. Lightly textured with soft edges and complexity to spare, it should pair well with bacon and goat cheese quiche.
This is the best Protos wine I've ever tasted. The nose offers up tobacco, moss and soft berry aromas. In the mouth, it's intense, deep and still tannic, with baked, earthy flavors of blackberry, plum, tobacco and coconut. The finish is stuffed with chocolate, herb, spice and cola flavors along with undeniable density. An excellent wine to drink now through 2020.
Get prepared for another star wine from this Patagonian winery. Fresh berry, graphite, cola and toasty aromas lead to a big and smooth palate with supercharged black fruit, herb, toast and mocha flavors. It's spicy, dry, balanced and not the least bit out of shape. No matter how you cut it, this is an excellent Argentine Malbec to drink now through 2020.
Sangiovese is unusual in the Finger Lakes, but this one is quite intense. Rich cassis and black cherry flavors are accented by a minerally wet-granite tone and brisk cranberry acidity. It's deeply concentrated on the nose and palate, with soft, fine tannins on the finish.
Powerful notes of tobacco leaf and curing spice lead the bouquet of this value wine, with a backbone of cassis, black cherry and plum. Medium tannins offer grip and texture to the palate, while coffee and toasted oak flavors flood the finish.
Crisp, spicy, grassy, citrus aromas are all good. This is acidic and cleansing; zesty flavors of orange and pineapple finish nervy, pithy and a touch bitter. For patio-ready SB, this is ideal.
Scents of white grapefruit and honeydew rind introduce this dry, refreshing Riesling. It's quite delicate in structure but concentrated with fresh apple flavor accented by bright lemon-lime acidity. Finishes on an earthy saffron note.
This is a wine that is lightly touched with a mineral texture while also having rich layers of acidity and green herbs. It is fragrant, perfumed and, on the finish, deliciously light and fruity.
An enticing herbal streak is often identifiable in Thelema's wines, and this is no exception, with hints of menthol, fynbos, tobacco and fig leaf, as well as a gamy accent in the background. There's plenty of fruit to mingle with these earthy tones—flavors of black plum, currant and a touch of fig paste all abound on the palate.
This off-dry Riesling hits 32 g/L residual sugar, though it is not especially sweet. Some skin flavors add a bit of bitterness to the fruit, and the orange pekoe tea and brown sugar blandishments are not entirely integrated. A bit more bottle age should help.
Leather, dry spice rub and crushed green herb aromas start this Limnio/Cabernet blend from northern Greece. On the palate, the wine is spicy and dry, with earthy undertones of spicebox and forest floor. Pair with lamb or robust cheeses.
Red cherry, vanilla, spicebox and a touch of flowers leads the nose on this poised Merlot/Limnio blend. On the palate, the wine is elegant and laced with clove, mushroom and bright berry flavors. A unique wine at an unbeatable price.
This attractive wine opens with intensely floral aromas of white spring flowers accented by whiffs of stone fruit. It has a linear palate, with juicy flavors of peach and lemon alongside crisp, refreshing acidity.
Light gold in color, this rose scented wine has a touch of honey and some richness. There is dryness as well, bringing out walnuts and an edge of bitterness. This is wine to drink now.
Faint aromatically with dialed-high acidity, this Gewürztraminer is subtle with stonefruit and lime flavors, along with layers of Asian spice filling in the mid palate. The finish is dry and lingering. A good go-to pick for Asian food.
Very perfumed in style, this is classic Gewurztraminer. It is full of candy shop flavors and slightly blowsy. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's ready to drink now.
This wine plays tricks on the palate, tasting much lighter in body than its alcohol suggests. Layered with red fruit along with a lift of herb, it is structured and composed, with a long, lingering finish. This is a good one to stock up on if you love big Zin with a smaller footprint.
This opens with earthy aromas of tilled wet soil and black fruit. The juicy palate offers ripe blackberry and cherry, along with hints of white pepper and spice. There's no complexity here but this hearty food-friendly red is perfect for everyday fare—thanks to its delicious fruit and freshness.
Tasting fairly dry at 16 g/L residual sugar, this wine exudes lemon and peach flavors. Made in a fuller style, it's got some meat on its bones, along with a drop of oak on the palate. Pair with full-flavored foods, where it'll shine more brightly than as an apéritif.
This aged blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Montelpulciano opens with black fruit and oak aromas. The dense palate delivers dense raspberry and wild cherry, layered with clove and chocolate alongside dusty tannins.
Hints of mint, cedar and blue flower add depth to the black cherry aromas on this blend of 45% Montepulciano, 45% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Juicy fruit flavors carry over to fresh and accessible palate. Not for cellaring; enjoy now.
Made entirely from Central Itay's native Passerina grape, this has apple and pineapple flavors accented by hints of dried herbs and delicate mineral. Crisp acidity leaves the palate refreshed.
This is heavily oaked, with barrel-driven aromas of raw wood grain, spice and clove. Plump and resiny, with moderate acidity, heavy oak and resin characters dominate the flavor profile.
Firmly structured, this is a rich wine in a style that is rounded and ripe. It has light tannins and spicy acidity to balance the general richness of the wine. Drink now.
Guava/tropical fruit and spice lead the nose on this Cretan white. On the palate, it's direct and fruit-forward with a spicy oak edge. This is an easy introduction into Greek whites and a good everyday quaffer for myriad meals and flavors.
Red cherry, crushed gravel and a defined oak scent show on the nose. The sip starts with fresh yet dark red fruit, leads into a vanilla-laced, slightly sweet midpalate, and finishes on a touch of charred beef.
This wine, bottled with minimum sulfur, is ripe with concentration and firm tannins. It is fruity although there is also a bitter edge to the ripe cherry flavors. The wine is ready to drink.
Made with organic grapes, this rosé is a blend of 30% Grenache Gris, 30% Grenache Noir, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It's a dainty and floral selection, with forward scents of sweet pea, lavender, laurel and white tea. The palate offers some tart white cherry and currant fruitiness, with medium acidity and a subtle sweet-spice accent on the close.
Made from 100% grenache Gris, this soft rosé opens with scents of powder, sweet pea, white cherry, watermelon rind and Anjou pear. The light-weight palate is direct and easygoing, with subtle flavors of cherry and melon flesh that finish abruptly.
This medium-bodied wine is easy-going and easy to drink. It smells and tastes like raspberries and red grapes, feels soft in texture and has a mellow fruitiness.
The subdued nose leads to a fresh, bright, easy-drinking palate dominated by lemony acidity. This is clean and refreshing. Drink soon.
While initially a bit smoky, or even slightly sulfurous on the nose, time and air restore prettier notes of berry and cherry to this zesty dry rosé. Sprightly and crisp, it offers a refreshingly breezy finish.
Standard Pinot aromas of cherry and earthy spice are basic but sound. This feels snappy, tight and edgy, with plum and currant flavors. A mild but lasting finish shows a touch of hickory and smoke.
This is a fruity wine with crisp red fruits and acidity that are balanced by gentle tannins. With its warm feel, it is an easy wine that is ready to drink.
This estate-grown wine has a really fresh character. With red-currant and red-cherry flavors, it has a juicy fruity style that is ready to drink. Light and perfumed, it is delicious now.
A subdued nose of earth leads to an off-dry palate with a core of ripe, yellow plums framed by pithy citrus. It is pith rather than freshness that defines this rounded wine.
Made in a rather ripe style, this bottling hits the nose with yellow-apple custard, banana chips, bubblegum and mango-candy flavors. The palate is also quite ripe and a tad sweet, with apple blossoms, tropical candy and apple-soda flavors.
Delicate aromas of wild berry, blue flower and a hint chopped herb lead the nose. The soft, easygoing palate offers black cherry and a hint of baking spice. Round tannins and vibrant acidity make it ready to drink now.
The estate, created at the beginning of the last century, has produced a soft wine that has generous tannins, black currant, and red fruits. The acidity and the spice both leave a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
With partial aging in wood, this is a spicy, smoky wine that is also full of ripe red fruits. Its well-integrated tannins give shape to this wine. A crisp finish and the wine is ready to drink.
This ripe wine is smooth and rounded. Its melon and pear flavors give a generous, fruity character. Clean and crisp at the end, finished with acidity, it is ready to drink.
The aromas of apple and petroleum jelly are light and lead to sweeter-leaning off-dry fruit flavors. It provides easy drinking appeal.
Made from 74% Flora, 16% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, this is a light, semi-sweet and broadly structured sparkling wine, with subtle aromatics and flavors of citrus pith and stone fruit. Medium bodied, it's a good choice for spicy food, but may not work as well on its own.
This full-bodied wine has a juicy texture, fully ripe red and black-cherry flavors, and hints of chocolate. It is rather light on tannins, and feels more soft and sweet than dry and firm on the palate.
This wine's dark-pink color borders on mauve, indicative of the darker style that ensues. Aromas of dried cherry, kirsch and orange peel are a tad boozy. The palate offers brown spice, cherry, black plum and nutmeg flavors, proving flavorful though not as refreshing as many other pink wines.
There's a subtle hint of toasted brioche to the ripe peach and baked apple core of this medium-bodied wine. Ample acidity keeps the palate fresh, while accents of citrus rind, peach pit and baking spice carry through to the close.
Most of what this is showing on the nose, palate and finish reflects the patchy ripeness of a tough vintage. Saucy, savory, roasted berry and earth aromas precede a high-acid palate with flavors of tomato, red plum, vanilla and lactic oak. Its dry, jagged finish is wiry and raw.
Briary and rubbery smelling, this also shows aromas of leafy herbal plum. Fairly pinched and tannic, this delivers a raw mouthfeel. Skins-based flavors of plum and currant are slightly bitter, while the finish pinches like the palate.
This stellar unoaked version of the variety, nicely priced, opens with sweet aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine. From there, bristling acidity leads down a road of stone fruit, apple and quince, with a savory twist of ginger on the finish.
Herbal, peppery berry aromas are spicy and push up against green. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Petit Verdot feels gritty and choppy, with hollowness in the midpalate. Flavors of lemony oak, vanilla and tangy red-berry fruits finish herbal and oaky, with a lasting note of vanilla.
Enticing aromas of white flower, ripe orchard fruit and a hint of slate mingle in the glass. The round palate offers juicy white peach, creamy green apple, tropical fruit and almond alongside fresh acidity. A mineral note signals the finish.
Soupy, stewy, savory aromas are herbal and funky. This is dense and tannic on the palate, with herbal, gamy, briny berry flavors that come before a peppery, dry, tannic finish with modest heat and burn. This wine has good qualities but also cool-climate green notes.
Aromas of green apple and Bartlett pear lead the nose on this attractive blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon. The creamy palate offers juicy white peach and tangerine brightened by fresh acidity.
Here is a well-made Oregon Pinot Noir from the people who know the grapes fully—vineyard manager Dai Crisp and his crew. Purple fruits, tart acids and a lively mouthfeel with young, fresh mixed berry fruit flavors are all on display. This is not a typical 2012 fruit bomb, but compensates with some tannic, herbal muscle.
This medium-bodied wine has aromas of white flower, apple and toast. The palate offers dried apple, vanilla, lemon drop and oak-driven spice. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
Hints of pastry and almond lend richness to fresh white grapefruit and peach flavors in this dry, delicately textured wine. Perfumed and pretty, it's a delightful quaffer with a brisk, blossomy finish.
Earth, currant, tomato, spice and cocoa aromas are lively and loud. This Pinot has a cushioned feel with moderate but present acidity. Toasty oak, dry spice and chocolate flavors end with woody dryness and forward oak that could use until 2016 or so to get better absorbed.
Dusty minerals and subtle black cherry and bramble notes lend delicacy to this elegant, but slightly fragile, wine. Fresh cranberry acidity is brisk and cutting on the palate, leading a moderately long finish framed with soft, chalky tannins.
Mar de Palha (seaweed) is a reminder of the closeness of the ocean to the Chocapalha estate. This is a rich, wood-aged wine, full of dark plum and berry fruits with almost-sweet tannins. It's ready to drink in a rich, young fruit way, although it will be even better from 2016.
A combination of 76% Zinfandel and 24% Petite Sirah, this vineyard's lineage traces back in stages. The core six acres of Zinfandel was planted before 1892, the other acreage much more recently. Still, the wine retains an old soul of leather, tobacco and baking spice, wrapped around a ham-fisted swath of toasted oak.
This is one of the rare dry Australian Rieslings that's not so taut that it demands cellaring, and might just be at its best now. Aromas of beeswax and petrichor give way to flavors of honey, apple and citrus on the palate, while the finish boasts a rich, gravelly texture.
Cherry and plum aromas are lean and citrusy, while the palate on this high-reaching Garnacha is loud and raw, with punishing tannins. Plum skin, cherry and oaky coconut flavors finish with heat and aggression. This is not easy to drink at this point; give it until 2016–2017 and revisit.
Made with 95% Schiava Grossa and 5% Lagrein, this bright wine conveys aromas of red currant and violet. The savory, easy-drinking palate doles out crunchy red cherry and baking spices. It's balanced with crisp acidity and soft, smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
This is the winery's wine club cuvée, a five-vineyard blend with an emphasis on pretty, tart, cherry fruit. It's not a complicated wine, but the fruit/acid balance is just right, and any new oak was applied with a very light touch.
This opens with varietal aromas of strawberry and pressed wild flower. The bright, silky palate doles out crushed cherry, raspberry and white almond. It's balanced with bright acidity and lithe tannins. Enjoy soon.
Aromas of candied fruit, vanilla and toasted oak lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried yellow peach, mature yellow apple, lemon drop, toast and vanilla alongside soft acidity. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
This wine incorporates aromas of the barnyard, along with spicy cinnamon and pepper candy. Roundly fruity with abundant cherry flavors, it's well-woven and forward, giving every indication that drinking it sooner rather than later is the right approach.
This ultrayoung wine is all fruit. It is textured with minerality and a chalky character that is keeping the fresh green fruits in balance. The wine is delicious, although really not ready. Better to wait until 2016.
This wine reflects the fresh, cool character of Lisboa, with its ocean influence. A tangy, steely edge brings out a mineral character to top up the crisp citrus and apple fruitiness. The wine needs until 2016.
A blend of Teroldego, Lagrein and Merlot, this deeply colored, informal red doles out crushed blackberry and mature black cherry flavors backed up by notes of ground pepper and espresso. Round tannins and tangy acidity provide support.
Actress Drew Barrymore's project with Carmel Road shows aromas of sliced golden and red apples, wet cement and freshly cut grass. It's slightly salty on the palate with a tremendous amount of apple cider-like zing that runs through the whole sipping experience, showing both the floral and bitter flavors of ruby-red grapefruit pith.
Creamy vanilla and pear give this white a decadent edge, brought back to earth by its integrated acidity. The use of oak is not overdone and there's body and structure to spare, along with tropical-leaning flavors of papaya and pineapple.
White flower, citrus and exotic fruit aromas follow through to the juicy palate along with notes of toasted almond and mineral. It's vibrant and balanced, with brisk acidity.
Darker tones of spice and crushed minerals lend complexity to pretty white blossom, lemon and stone fruit flavors. A streak of lime and lemongrass adds refreshment and vibe to the midpalate, leaving the finish brisk and bright.
Mushroomy damp earth and a streak of black currant open this wine that's also juicy in blackberry and high-toned acidity. Tingling spice rounds out the flavor profile in this not overly extravagant or extracted Cab, which is ready to be enjoyed now.
This is attractively fruity in aroma, accented by smoke and spices. It smells plummy and tastes a bit like wood smoke and black pepper. Medium to full bodied, it is well balanced and just tannic enough to keep the texture firm and appetizing.
Raspberry, plum and schisty mineral notes make for an easy-to-process bouquet. This feels flush and fruity but not overly exact or distinct. Raspberry, red plum and a mineral note are the key flavors. The wine finishes peppery, dry and focused.
Jammy, gritty berry aromas set up a rubbery, full-force palate that doesn't tread lightly. Roasted, almost burnt black-fruit flavors finish firm. Overall, this feels right, while the flavors run a touch baked, rustic and stalky.
Unlike many an Australian Shiraz, this one sees only French oak barrels for aging. The result is a dense, blueberry-filled wine, supported by hints of toast and espresso. It's full-bodied but not tiring to drink, thanks to an enlivening burst of black pepper on the finish. Best Buy. —J.C.
This new Walla Walla winery premieres with a toasty, soft, barrel- fermented Bordeaux blanc blend that's 70% Sém, 30% Sauv Blanc. The fruit is ripe and packed with rich flavors, without being too fat and tropical. Its lightly herbal, grassy nuances combine with plenty of well-managed, pleasantly spicy, toasty oak.
Soft vanilla flavors counterpoint pretty cherry/berry fruit. This is a well-balanced, complete effort, with no hint of weediness despite its everyday price. Best Buy. —P.G.
A limited-production wine, made in a bone-dry style. It is at once searingly tart and loaded with fresh, tangy lemon and citrus and green apple fruit. It shows terrific concentration and focus, and lingers in the back palate, begging for some spicy food to wash down.
This is a soft, creamy Chardonnay that's reminiscent of baked apples loaded with cinnamon and perked up with a few curls of orange zest. Finishes long, with creamy vanilla supported by orange echoes. —J.C.
Forward and fruity, this medium-bodied wine shows good balance and varietal spice—white pepper and roasted coffee—along with delicious cherry/berry fruit. —P.G.
Fairly tannic, this Merlot has some ripe, even sweet, cherry fruit. It's done in a light style, but it feels and tastes ripe, which means the winemaker knew what he was doing. A lovely effort that takes full advantage of the character of the region's fruit. —P.G.
The fruit comes primarily from Ciel du Cheval and Boushey vineyards, and delivers intense, spicy cherry and pungent grape scents and flavors. There are hints of tobacco and wild fruits, too, and the forward style favors early drinking. —P.G.
This is light, with fresh berry flavors. It's pretty, forward, fruity and bright; perfect for light grilled foods. —P.G.
Ripe, forward scents of plums and apricots. This is concentrated but not syrupy, fleshy and ripe but not cloying or too sweet. Delicious sipping wine.
Subtle black-pepper notes add an extra layer of complexity to smoke, earth, plum, blackberry and dried spices. This full-bodied, sturdy wine finishes with firm tannins and some lingering coffee notes. Should improve over the next 2 - 3 years. —J.C.
This has sharp, cedary oak dominating the fruit right now. The fruit is good, solid black cherry, but it is not quite big enough to tackle all that new oak, though some bottle time will help. Good, ambitious winemaking. —P.G.
This is quite dry, as the label indicates, and nicely scented with light floral notes. Citrus fruit flavors run through an elegant, textured wine that definitely wants food to go with. Best Buy. —P.G.
This big and broodingly dark wine is packed with grapey fruit and vanilla. The tannins on the finish are dusty but ripe and should preserve the wine for up to 10 years in the cellar. Still, why not drink it now with barbecue and savor the youthfully lusty fruit? —J.C.
Big, friendly and wrapped in a lot of chocolatey oak. The fruit is forward and light, and it is just big enough to hang in there with all the barrel flavors. —P.G.
Harsh aromas are devoid of fruit. The mouthfeel is heavy and oily in texture, while the flavors are flat and suggestive of bitter melon.
This extravagantly perfumed wine has great juicy, ripe fruits. The tannic structure is almost secondary in the welter of ripe fruits, but it is enough to promise aging. Acidity and rich fruitiness partner each other to give a wine that is both fresh and powerful. Drink from 2020.
This wine has great power along with magnificently rich fruit. Wood aging provides a judicious support to its fullness and opulence. Acidity, black cherries and red berry fruits come together with firm tannins. Combined they are already in balance, but the wine needs to wait. Drink from 2018.
This most powerful of Grand Cru vineyards has yielded another blockbuster. Even in the 2011 vintage, the wine is a massive statement, packed with rich fruits, dark tannins and layers of blackberry and juicy acidity. The wine has a dry texture, that will soften slowly over many years. Drink from 2019.
Spice and mint dominate this intensely aromatic wine. Solid and very structured, it is still showing its wood aging and extraction. But its bright future is certain, with the weight of black fruits, the firm tannins and the mineral texture. Guard this wine and don't drink before 2020.
One of Portugal's top reds, this is a richly endowed wine. Ripe fruits are cut with fresh acidity, dark tannins and signs of judicious wood aging. It shows elegance, style and a rich aftertaste. Drink this great wine from 2018.
This is a great vintage of Le Cèdre. With dark tannins and impressive structure, it is big and fruity while never overwhelming. Dense black fruits, bitter cherries and dark chocolate combine with mineral, juicy acidity. It's a wine to age for many years, don't drink before 2018.
This stunning single-vineyard selection is one of Italy's most iconic whites and helped kick off Soave's renaissance. It delivers pressed yellow flowers, golden apples, citrus, melon and mango alongside mineral and toasted almond notes. Already delicious and well balanced, it will age beautifully and develop more complexity for several years at least. Drink through 2021.
With just a touch of bottle age giving a toasty character, this impressive wine is already showing some maturity. That said, the apple and citrus character, the mineral tight texture and crisp acidity promise some aging. The wine conveys a sense of elegance, intensity and richness. Drink now, but the wine will also age.
Rich black fruits are supported by a dark structure and intensely juicy, youthful acidity. It is powerful, ripe and full of potential. Definitely young with its exuberant fruit, it is going to need serious aging. Drink this wine from 2020.
Stunning and sophisticated, it leads with intense aromas of elder flowers, tropical fruit, spice and hay. The structured but elegant palate delivers creamy peach, melon, and exotic fruit accented with notes of spice and energizing mineral purity alongside vibrant acidity. Throughout, it shows impeccable balance and depth.
Raspberry and milk chocolate aromas are simple and come across a bit like plastic. The wine is narrow on the palate, with herbal plum flavors, while the finish is short and doesn't elevate things. Even at $9 this is regular in overall quality.
Noticeably herbal, this Cabernet, a good deal at its price point, is rich and the right call for midweek pizza or other casual fare.
This is an easy drinking Cabernet tasting of red cherry and cranberry with a slight layer of herb that would suffice for a midweek meal.
There's a cinnamon and clove sweetness in aroma of this Sangiovese, which would be a fine accompaniment to pizza or pasta during the week.
A fresh and fruity wine, with black currant notes, yet somewhat stalky in character. The aftertaste is bright and light.
High acidity cuts through this wine from the get-go. The tannins also show a hard edge. This is a wine for the future, always with a sense of austerity and minerality.
Burnt, stalky, toasted aromas dominate this inexpensive Garnacha, and there's not much freshness to the nose as a result. In the mouth, it's more of the same; things are heavy, with fully oaked flavors of medicinal berry, hickory and barbecued meat.
Very pale in color, this is a lightly aromatic Merlot with notes of raspberry, cherry, ash and tobacco. The palate is tart with dry, chalky tannins.
Maderized in color, this wine has a yeasty, creamy nose with baked white-fruit aromas and caramel. It's OK in feel, with pickled, mildly briny flavors of apple and apricot. The finish is showing some oxidization, leading to a chunky, fleshy feel.
This Chardonnay is slightly metallic and briny on the bouquet. It feels plump and chunky, with citrus and pineapple flavors coming in front of a quiet finish.
This Grigio opens with mild lemon and apple aromas that transition into a flabby palate and dull flavors of buttercup, banana and apple.
This is light on the nose, where minerally lime scents are barely detectable. The mouthfeel is fresh but dilute, while flavors of lemon, green apple and tarragon end in simple fashion.
Meaty and full-bodied, with molasses, roasted blackberry and cola aromas. This is a fine example of affordable Toro; it's rich and balanced, not overripe or raisiny, with tannic grip, a chewy texture and lasting flavors of prune, blackberry and chocolate. Drink now through 2013.
Classic Priorato aromatics of raspberry, cherry, schisty mineral and smoke are welcoming. Elegant and firm in the mouth, with drying tannins and staunch red fruit flavors of cherry and tomato blended with wild herbs and reeds. Earthy and dry on the finish, and not overpowering or overripe.
Griottes are a type of bitter cherry used in cooking, and this wine shares some of that character. It is firmly structured with acidity and an edge of attractive lightness. Age for 2–3 years.
Comes on solid and strong with smoky aromas of black fruit, coconut and shoe polish. Stout and layered in the mouth, with full tannins and a nice mix of bold berry flavors, tobacco, herbs, spice and lemony oak. Tastes similar on the finish, with tobacco and spice lasting the longest. Complex and healthy; drink now through 2018.
Smoky wine, rich as well as structured. The acidity of the year is integrated into the structure, the firm tannins and juicy red berry fruits a balanced pleasure to taste.
Rubbery and gaseous on first sniff, and then upon airing it shows pretty black fruit scents and richness. Forget about minerality and llicorela here; this wine is modern, lusty, big and dark, with licorice, blackberry and chocolaty flavors. Finishes thick, long and tasty.
A single-vineyard wine that displays creamed pear and apple flavors, softly touched with wood. It's an elegant wine, although whether wood aging and Grüner go together is a debateable point. Let the wood soften and it will show more of the ripe fruit. Screwcap.
From old vines that offer more texture, steely minerality and nuance than young vines can deliver. You might find less fullness to the fruit, but this more than compensates with its robust depth. Lemon polish, Key lime, a bit of grapefruit and much more.
Hard spice, blackberry and leather form a firm opening salvo, then oak, mocha and chocolate notes take over on the bouquet. The palate is firm and healthy, with minerally berry, spice, leather and chocolaty flavors. Long, alert, pure and driving on the finish. Drink now through 2016.
Reedy, attractive, classy aromas of red fruits, tobacco and fine herbs are like a red carpet entering the gala. The mouth is structured and tannic but not hard or biting; flavors of red berry, plum and cherry lean towards sweet, while the finish is long, medicinal and on the money. Drink now through 2014.
Strongly flavored by the barrel fermentation and extended lees contact, this rich and textural Chardonnay opens with toasted coconut, banana cream pie, pear tart and other pastry-like delights. It is not fruit-deficient, however, and there is plenty of snappy acidity under all the goodies.
A bit rubbery and earthy at first but with time it develops, yielding syrupy berry aromas, woodsy oak notes and dried cheese. The palate feel is deep, lush and silky smooth, while it tastes of ripe berry, coconut and vanilla. Softer than some, with a lush texture that will allow for near-term drinking.
A bit hard and sharp on the nose, but on the plus side it's clean and direct. The palate follows suit; it's reasonably balanced, with forward strawberry, raspberry and mocha flavors. Dry and quick on the finish, with a mild resiny leftover oak character.
A medium-bodied Bordeaux blend with sweet aromas of cherry pie and a hint of fresh sage and tarragon. Simple and straightforward with a ripe, red cherry palate, it's a touch soft with a slight green undertone, but there's nice bright acidity and soft tannins that carry through the finish.
This wine is dominated by sweet oak aromas of mocha and spice alongside fruit flavors of wild strawberry and ripe red cherry. Lightweight and easygoing; drink now.
Fresh apples with hints of butterscotch, toast and smoke perfume this lovely Chardonnay. While a tad short in concentration, this medium-bodied wine is wonderfully fresh and clean on the palate, with beautifully balanced oak and bright acidity on the finish.
Beautifully aromatic with dainty white peach, apricot and grapefruit notes, Ventosa's Tocai Friulano is a luscious, fruity white perfect for casual spring entertaining. On the palate, ripe honeydew flavors are balanced by hints of freshly cut herbs and grass and a pleasant minerality.
Whiffs of black cherry and delicate violets make this full-bodied Long Island Cab Franc wonderfully aromatic. The palate as well is rich with red fruit, dark brambly notes and soft supple tannins, but the tomato leaf flavors that linger throughout are a distraction.
Rich and ripe on the nose with dark black fruit and olives, this is an easygoing blend of Syrah, Cab and Merlot. Medium-bodied in style, it's soft on the palate with plush tannins and flavors of cooked plum compote accented by darker hints of olive and sage.
A floral, heavy style of blended white made from Macabeo, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay. It has an exotic streak to the aromas along with smoked ham, fennel seed and gardenia. The palate is thick and tastes of papaya, salami and baked apple. It's a hodgepodge of abnormal aromas and flavors, but all totaled it works pretty well.
This seems to be a little on the watery side; it does not have the floral highlights that Chenin can sometimes show, nor the fruit concentration that would elevate the score. It's clean and quaffable, with very light citrus and apple fruit flavors.
Opens with sharp cherry, cola and mint aromas. The palate is fairly acidic and sheering, but it's also zesty and fresh, with clean berry and mild raisin flavors. Offers reasonably good length, with an acidic choppiness balanced by good fruit flavors.
This Mevushal Cab offers tons of dark fruit flavors matched with milk chocolate and whole tobacco leaf spice. Straightforward and fruit- driven in the mouth with strong black plum and cherry flavors. Very drinkable with a round, soft structure and low tannins.
Pure Malbec, estate-grown, this has a slightly green edge around tart, light red fruit. Sour cherry and dried herb components interplay, with some bitterness in the finish.
Solidly in the big fruit, big tannin, high alcohol style of past Barrister reds, this has a pruney quality that hints at almost-too-ripe fruit. The astringent, blocky tannins are somewhat mitigated by sweet baking spices from aging in 90% new French oak.
A composed bouquet of field notes, nettle, tangerine and passion fruit is almost like Sauvignon Blanc. The palate feels lifted and tangy, while flavors of lime, pie cherry and plum skins set up a long, pure, driving finish with cleansing acidity and lasting citrus flavors.
Tropical aromas are typical for basic Chilean Chardonnay. This is plump in feel, with cantaloupe, honeydew and chunky apple flavors. The palate feels balanced and the wine is just focused enough on the finish, which shows a spot of bracing acidity. Drink right away.
Blended with 15% Barbera, this is an aromatically intriguing wine with notes of rose water, sour cherry, and dried flowers. It's tart with brawny, firm tannins and cranberry-like acidity. Serve it at the dinner table to see it at its best.
Heavy, baked aromas of black plum, berry and rubber are dense and chunky. This is big, grabby and tannic in feel, with grapey flavors of blackberry and earthy tobacco. A minty, round, soft finish is plump and grabby.
Piercing sour raspberry aromas introduce an edgy, scratchy feeling wine with a combo of minty, herbal pie cherry and red plum flavors. This dries out and finishes modestly, but always with true Pinot Noir character.
A straightforward Pinot Noir from Mendocino's inland Potter Valley, the wine is dominated by a layer of spearmint that overcomes the more nuanced flavors of cherry and raspberry.
This is a fresh and easy selection, with low-intensity aromas and flavors of tart gooseberry, lemon-lime citrus and soft grass. The mouthfeel is light and breezy, and the finish is clean and brisk. Drink now.
A very crisp wine, with a fine mineral texture, this pulls in the direction of green fruits, citrus and a tangy, zesty character. Brisk and fragrant, it needs another few months to be at its best. Screwcap.
There is just a touch of sweetness here, with apricot and nut flavors offering ripeness and a soft, full-in-the-mouth character. The wine has a light touch, and should be a delicious apéritif wine, or try it paired with Chinese food.
Tightly herbaceous and very crisp, grassy and citrusy, this is the epitome of cool, fresh Sauvignon Blanc. It's a light, bright, easy-drinking wine that's ready to go now.
This bargain-priced offering boasts cool, restrained Cabernet aromas of cassis and mint, with just a touch of tomato creeping in. It's fairly weighty, with bold flavors of Ribena on the palate and soft tannins on the finish. Drink now.
A scratchy, fiery opening of juniper, cheesy leather and berry fruit aromas settles with airing. This is tannic as a bag of rocks, with toasty, herbal, dark-fruit flavors. Throughout this feels abrasive, hard and blocky, with a finish of spice and chocolate flavors roughened by hard residual tannins.
Spiced plum and raspberry aromas are on the full and dark side. This offers good volume and a medium-plus body with black cherry and black currant flavors. A dark-leaning, peppery finish tops off this full-fruited Pinot.
Smooth, soft creamed fruits and fresh acidity combine easily here in this purely fruity wine. Lightly aromatic, it's a buoyant wine that's ready to drink now. Screwcap.
This Cabernet opens with a light whiff of green leafiness, then cola, berry and rhubarb notes appear. The mouthfeel is lively and crisp, with a shot of acidity in the midpalate sticking out. Slightly tart flavors of berry and cassis are spicy and herbal, while the finish is quick.
A simple, fruity wine, this offers lime and green-apple flavors giving complete freshness. It's a light, aromatic wine with a touch of pepper. Drink now. Screwcap.
Rough around the edges, this is a dry and tannic wine. It has mint, red currant fruit and a dry center. It needs a year or two, but is likely to remain rustic.
This all-Sangiovese Chianti offers black-skinned fruit and new leather aromas. The firm palate delivers prune and ripe tangerine fruit, framed by smooth tannins.
This blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with bell pepper, cassis and grilled herb aromas. The palate offers ripe black currant, anise, sage and mocha flavors, buttressed by crunchy tannins. Drink through 2020.
Reserved at first, this Brunello gradually reveals tilled soil and black-skinned fruit aromas. The dense, straightforward palate displays ripe plum and clove notes with a hint of licorice and closed-grained tannins.
Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and leather aromas lead the nose. The palate is firm, offering plum, toast, mocha and tobacco flavors, while assertive tannins leave a taut finish.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this juicy wine opens with red cherry and white pepper aromas that carry over to the easygoing palate. They're joined by raspberry notes and fresh acidity, smooth tannins providing the framework. There's lots to enjoy here, but drink soon.
A sweet succulence of white peach stars in this full-bodied, well-built and ripe wine. Plush on the palate, it rewards in a freshness of acidity that balances its richness.
Made of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Ciliegiolo, this has blue flower and underbrush fragrance. The earthy, straightforward palate delivers black cherry, thyme and white pepper flavors, held together with smooth tannins. There's lots to enjoy here, but drink soon.
Fruit filled aromas of fresh plum, herb and blackberry lead to forward, plush dark-fruit flavors. The tannins give a light squeeze, with a touch of sugar sweetening the finish.
Aromas of wet cement, plum, blueberry and cherry come with moderate oak. This feels wide and grabby, with no definitive focal point. Spicy earthy slightly exotic berry and plum flavors finish with grabby tannins and juicy acidity.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this offers scorched earth, chopped herb and black-skinned fruit aromas. The dense palate delivers ripe black plum, mocha and a hint of clove, with firm but rather evolved tannins. Drink 2019.
This blend of 60% Chardonnay with 40% Viognier opens with buttery popcorn aromas that lead into lithe, silky apple and apricot flavors. Restrained in its oak use, just hinting at vanilla, it has a tangy finish.
A flintiness mixes with lemon peel in this full-bodied, oak-driven white with aspects of freshness that balance the more concentrated flavor and texture.
This vintage-dated Pinot Noir is the newest addition to the Evolution lineup. Tart and tangy, its light and lively pomegranate and raspberry flavors come from grapes principally fermented in stainless steel. In your wine-drinking pantheon, it might find a comfortable place alongside a cru Beaujolais.
Production volume is up, but the concentration does not match the excellent 2014 edition of this reserve-level wine. There are modestly ripe melon and green apple flavors, along with a touch of buttered toast.
A common thread among the 2015 Soléna Pinots is a stiff herbal beet flavor rather than fully ripe berry fruit. This tilts into cranberry and very tart raspberry, but finishes astringent and hard. Give it plenty of decanting (two or three hours) to help it open up.
Made of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with violet and redcurrant aromas. The straightforward palate delivers ripe black cherry and underbrush notes with a fine layer of smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Purple flower, dark-skinned berry and brown spice aromas lead the nose of this young wine. The straightforward palate shows dried black cherry, powdered sage and a hint of espresso with lithe tannins. Drink soon.
Earthy truffle, porcini mushroom, herb and game scents fill the glass. The palate is robust with rustic appeal, offering dried cherry, cured meat, sage and a salty finish. Grainy tannins provide support, while alcohol leaves a warmth on the finish. Drink after 2020.
Slightly herbal aromas veer off in the direction of grassy and rooty. This feels jagged and a bit choppy, with gritty roasted berry flavors. On the finish, that same gritty character persists and is joined by a tarry note.
Slightly briny and pickled on the nose, this Godello could benefit from being more fruity up front. Lemony acidity and a stony sensation define the mouthfeel, while this tastes lemony, briny and a touch bready from lees stirring.
This full-bodied wine spent 18 months in French oak barrels and has a lightly smoky aroma, vivid red cherry and raspberry flavors, a sleek texture and good concentration.
Tannic and savory, this is more in the house style than a reflection of any European Dolcetto you may have experienced. Dark fruits, espresso and astringent tannins comprise the palate, with those tannins overtaking the fruit as it fades at the finish.
This wine is spicy in forest floor and sage. Strawberry hull and cranberry notes mark the light-bodied palate, with a tightly-woven tapestry of subtle tannin.
This is a bright fruit-driven wine, with clean and refreshing flavors. All stainless fermented, it's got a sharp, tangy finish, that will cut through rich creamy sauces.
With a touch of reduction, this is a rustic, complex and light-bodied wine. It's soft on the palate, layered with gunpowder, meat and lavender notes. Used French oak plays a supportive and unobtrusive role.
Made of 70% Syrah, 15% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this opens with ripe black plum and tilled earth scents. The dense palate doles out prune, clove and game flavors, pulled taut by assertive tannins. Drink through 2018.
Faint cranberry and incense aromas show on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers more flavors, including coffee, black tar, pomegranate and peppercorns.
Rose, violet, sour berry and tilled earth aromas take center stage in this young red. The easygoing palate offers rounded tannins and wild cherry, black raspberry and clove flavors. A mineral note signals the finish.
Aromas suggesting French oak, coconut and spiced plum carry over to the austere palate, which is marked by grippy tannins and dried cherry, espresso and a raisin flavors.
Deceptively silky and elegant in texture, so much so that its power is easy to overlook. Cassis and tobacco flavors are typical, framed by touches of brown sugar, while the finish turns a bit lean and herbal, with tea-like tannins. 70% Cab Sauvignon, 25% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot.
Chakana strikes again with this excellent value-priced Malbec. The nose hits firmly with smoke and rubber before settling on ripe black fruit notes. Then the palate holds form, with blackberry making its mark before chocolate fills the void. Great depth and purity for a wine not meant to be complicated.
Taylors (exported under the Wakefield Estate label) is a top-notch source for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2004 boasts a big nose of cassis, mint or eucalyptus and a touch of roasted peppers. It's mouthfilling, with plenty of soft tannins, then finishes with more cassis and a hint of coffee.
The fruit comes from the Seven Hills vineyard, on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA. The fruit flavors are an intriguing mix of black cherry, plum and bourbon-soaked fig; there's nothing shy here. What is especially noteworthy is that winemaker Ken Wright has crafted a Syrah that is distinctively different from others that are using this fruit; it's more stylized, the fruit more precise, the barrel flavors more advanced.
There's a fine balance here between minerality and rich toast. The result is a very pure but ripe wine, dominated by a good mix of ripe white fruits and honey.
There's plenty of vanillin and cedary oak in this wine, but it's easily balanced by impressive levels of cassis and blackberry fruit. The texture in the mouth is creamy and supple, and the finish is long and vanilla-laden but silky, without any harsh wood tannins. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec, with bits of Petit Verdot and Merlot.
The goal here, says the winery, is to craft a wine that embodies the essence of Pinot Noir. Whatever that means, this is their priciest Pinot and the one that they have designated Reserve. It's got bulk and power, and I like the way it gathers strength in the mid-palate and on through the finish. It has pretty cherry fruit and good concentration; it does not have the textural detail of the single vineyard Corral Creek.
A big, toasty wine, full of ripe, delicious fruit, veering toward opulence. There are open yellow fruits along with toast and butter tastes. This is almost ready to drink now; only the acidity promises some aging.
A rounded, fruity wine, packed with yellow peaches and apricots, but held in check by freshness, green herbs and a firm, steely character. It's not a wine to age for long, but it is delicious, and very seductive now.
This wine starts off dark, laden with prune, cola and coffee notes, but it really freshens up with some air, developing a lively interplay between bright red-plum fruit and darker notes of earth and tobacco. It's richly textured with velvety tannnins that impart a slightly chewy feel at this stage; best from 2010–2018.
Made from young vines from the Vaulorent portion of the Fourchaume vineyard, this is an open, rounded and lively wine with white fruits and weight, just lifted by acidity.
This is a big, fat, almost sweet-tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, with ripe fruit framed by lavish French oak redolent of cedar, vanilla and toasted coconut. Cassis and tobacco flavors wear the oak well, with berry-cherry flavors coming through on the finish. A good choice for steak, and it won't break the bank.
Initial aromas of clove and cinnamon suggest a lot of barrel action, but give it a few minutes and the wine settles on ripe black fruit, dark spice notes and richness. It's big-boned but not overly tannic, and it exhibits Shiraz's bacon and espresso character in a good way.
Presumably unfiltered, this wine is slightly cloudy, which leads to a nicely creamy mouthfeel. But first come aromas of blistered cherry tomatoes, fennel seeds and green olives, followed by flavors of soft strawberry, tart cranberry and a tongue-tantalizing finish of cracked peppercorn. Serve with roasted pork.
This straightforward, inviting Barolo boasts classic Nebbiolo aromas of rose, leather, berry spice and tilled earth. It's not loaded with complexity, but the sour cherry, black pepper and clove flavors are delicious. It closes on a note of subtle oak alongside a drying, tannic finish.
Sourced from all three estate vineyards, this offers the same fine structure and impeccable balance as the individual cuvées. Berry fruit flavors are firmly perched on a frame of iron, with polished tannins and a streak of fresh ground coffee running through the finish.
Very mineral and textured from the limestone soil, this is a concentrated and complex wine. It boasts considerable acidity and very crisp fruit, with grapefruit and juicy lemons coming through strongly. Age until at least 2016.
The tannins of this refined yet full-bodied Cabernet come across as sinfully silky in texture, giving the wine a sense of softness while still providing structure. Smoke, maple syrup and cassis notes gracefully intertwine on the nose and palate, then end on a long, cedar-laced finish. Drink now–2020.
This big, tannic, compelling wine needs aging and/or a robust dish like roast beef or grilled lamb chops to show its best stuff. It has a deep smoky red color, intense aromas of wood smoke, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce, with flavors of black cherry, cinnamon, clove and cassis.
Tropical scents of guava and cherimoya with the mineral edge of concrete lead the aromatics on this Carmel Valley wine. Sharp acidity at first sip massages into softness soon afterward, upholding the nose's rocky promise as well as delivering lime-zest tang throughout.
There's extra richness across the palate of perfectly ripened apple, pear and melon fruit. The weight of the wine in the mouth is substantial but maintains a sense of lightness and proportion, and the finish extends out gracefully as long as you can wait for that next sip.
This is one of Laetitia's strongest Pinots of 2012. Aromas of spiced plum jam and graphite lead into an elegantly soft mouthfeel, with raspberry fruit flavors enhanced by the savory bitterness of eucalyptus.
Sourced from the Hop Kiln Vineyard on Westside Road, this crisp, creamy white is seductive and balanced, a refreshing sip of white peach and almond. Aromatic in honeysuckle and orange blossom, it leaves a suggestion of exotic spice on the finish.
Alluring aromas including crushed flower, underbrush, espresso and subtle oak carry over to the palate along with raw cherry, roasted coffee bean and dried sage. It's still austere, with astringent tannins that give a drying finish. Drink 2018–2030.
With intense, mineral aromas, this is a complex, tight and nervy wine. It has great concentration, serious amounts of acidity and a final series of herbaceous flavors that give a totally dry, steely aftertaste. Age until 2015 to round it out.
A lesson in elegant restraint, it offers a subtle nose of eucalyptus, rhubarb and roasted root vegetables, followed by reticently emergent flavors of cherry, blackberry and wet dirt. Extremely delicate with vibrant acidity, this wine only comes out of its shell when paired with a good meal.
This opens with aromas of underbrush, violet, black cherry, plum and allspice. The palate is austere at this stage but it still offers sour cherry and crushed raspberry accented with notes of black pepper, espresso and sage alongside tightly packed tannins and brisk acidity. Drink after 2022.
Generous in spicy clove and dark cherry fruit, a mark of its Middle Reach Russian River Valley clime, this wine is full of life and minerality. It offers good value for Russian River Valley, and the finish boasts a zesty pepper accent.
After this opens with charred, roasted aromas, things settle on smoky black-fruit scents and savory notes. The palate is big and concentrated, with fine balance for such a modern, full-fruited wine. Flavors of ripe blackberry, toast, coffee, chocolate and spice cover the spectrum of what you want from a crowd pleaser such as this.
Estate grown and bottled, this Pinot comes from a cool, organic vineyard planted to several different clones. Sultry and spicy in dark cherry and berry fruit, the spice is all clove with a touch of orange zest, completely pleasurable and smooth drinking.
This clean and sleek rosé comes from the Santa Maria Valley-by-way-of-Louisiana Murphy family. Watermelon candy and juice on the nose come with a touch of peach. These are followed by nice tension on the palate between strawberry fruit, bright acidity, chalk minerality, and quite a noticeable tannic grip for a pink wine.
Always one of the best quality-for-value wines in Italy, this classic Barbaresco delivers quintessential Nebbiolo sensations of rose, black cherry, red berry, cinnamon and a hint of leather. It's friendly, with firm, round tannins and just enough fresh acidity. Drink now–2020.
Spiced plums and purple flowers such as violet make for an appealing aromatic profile on this well-priced wine, a blend of 57% Syrah, 23% Petite Sirah, 17% Grenache and 3% Viognier. The palate is soft with flavors of ginger and red currant, tasting elegant though not exactly restrained. The strong tannins could use until 2016 to mellow out properly.
Initially this smells like bell pepper and green bean more than ripe berry fruits, but with time in the glass it rounds into spicy, herbal form. A tight, reedy palate is bolstered by tomatoey acidity, while flavors of herbal raspberry and red currant finish with ripped tannins and plenty of residual acidity. Drink through 2024.
Rugged scents of wild berries and forest woods blend into intriguing aromas on this wine from the highest Pinot Noir vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It unleashes a rainbow of flavors, from acai and red fruit to rum cake and brown spices to mocha, tea, tobacco and Dr. Pepper.
Virtú is the winery's white blend, this vintage partnering 56% Sémillon with 44% Sauvignon Blanc. The combination is explosive, briny and flowery in the best ways, a taste of apple and fresh-squeezed lime vibrant on the palate, followed by savory herb and a nuanced taste of toasty oak. The aroma conveys a sense of fresh salt air.
While savory on the nose with pungent whiffs of smoke and dried herb, this full-bodied Chardonnay is surprisingly forward with ripe, sunny peach and apricot flavors. Straightforward in style yet juicy and enjoyable.
Modest apple aromas are a bit sweaty. This feels standard, with acidic lift. Flavors of apple, peach and nectarine are jumpy and citric, while the finish is zesty and citrusy in feel but short on flavor and complexity.
Whiffs of popcorn and smoked nuts lend a savory tone to fresh apple and lemon on this dry Chardonnay. Bold in body and alcohol, it's a bit brawny on the palate. Flavors of pressed apple and pear are brightened with a welcome spritz of lemon acidity.
The vintage was notoriously cold in Chile, and this wine reflects that. Green, herbaceous flavors of grass and alfalfa blend with citrusy notes, while the finish is pyrazinic and borderline bitter.
This is on the lean side, with tomato-leafy—almost ashy—notes that impart a dry, austere quality to the white grapefruit flavors.
An opaque purple Pinot? Yes indeed. This wine from southerly Bío Bío looks like Malbec and smells extracted and heavy. The palate is tannic, while intense flavors of grapy berry and black fruits finish peppery, then loamy, then hot.
Citrus and sweaty aromas require patience. This is juicy and citrusy in feel, with flavors of green fruits, lime in particular. A lightly vegetal finish offset by candied sweet notes makes this unfocused.
The nose is gritty, with woodsy notes. In the mouth, it's highly acidic and crimped in feel. Oak and tart plum define the flavor profile, while the finish offers an oak-based flavor of tobacco but also sour plum, tomato and herbal notes.
Dusty mineral and bramble notes lend a savory, slightly rustic feel to this dry-style Riesling. It's delicate in body and concentration, but refreshing and zesty with lime acidity.
Bouncy, rubbery berry aromas come with latex and Band-Aid scents. A wiry, crisp mouthfeel sets up limited but spunky red-fruit flavors that are also a bit herbal and stalky. A briny finish shows juicy acidity but mediocre flavors.
Curious spice notes accent this savory, apple-scented Riesling. It's dry in style, with flavors of pressed apples and pears that are brightened by a shower of lemon and lime.
Pronounced wood and toast notes open this rich, oaky Chardonnay. The palate boasts bright lemon and caramel-apple flavors, but hints of unripe stems and leaves distract.
Punchy citrus aromas have a tropical accent. This is soft on acidity, with flavors of grass, green fruits and bitterness that end in a swirl of green herbs and pepper. Overall, there isn't much fruit.
Gritty apple and matchstick aromas are not overly stable. This feels plump and sticky, while flavors of ripe citrus turn soft with time in the glass. A chunky, melony finish lacks the resolve and acidity Sauvignon Blanc is known for.
There are woody aromas to the nose but little fruit. This is fresh but empty in the mouth, with woody flavors of barbecue and hickory but, once again, minimal fruitiness.
Reduced, green aromas are wiry and suggest blueberry and black currant. A creamy, thick mouthfeel winds up soft, while flavors of oaky, green berry fruits are sweet and lack cohesiveness. Mint, alfalfa and soupy berry flavors control the finish. The blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah.
Funky aromas that recall game and farmyard carry over to the palate along with sweet vanilla and toast. Warm and forward, it ends on an overripe, overly sweet note.
Melon and apple aromas are simple. This has a soft, melony mouthfeel and flavors of tropical fruits and honeydew. The finish is chubby, sweet-tasting and tropical-leaning.
This SB smells neutral except for a pinch of grassy green. The palate is tangy, while citrusy flavors are not specific. On the finish, this is zesty at first and then falls off.
This balanced, fruity wine has gentle tannins and juicy red fruit flavors. It's fresh with acidity and a floral character that makes it already drinkable.
This blend of 65% syrah, 30% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre comes across as slightly confected in style, featuring bright, raspberry pastilles accented by herbal notes. It's bouncy and fresh, and resembles Beaujolais stylistically, including the faint tannic structure and crisp finish. Drink up.
Made from Malbec, this lightly structured wine tastes rich while also fruity. Caramel flavors go over the red berry fruits and give a rounded, still fresh aftertaste.
With Encruzado and Malvasia in the blend, it is no surprise this wine is deliciously perfumed. It has fresh acidity as well as ripe apple and pear flavors. The wine is fruity, crisp and ready to drink.
On the lean, mineral side, this is a firm, extracted wine. It has a dry core that is masking the hints of juicy berry fruits. Give the wine a year to allow it to soften and drink from 2016.
Coffee-rubbed red berries and plum pervade on the nose, with a similar character following through to the palate. Ample in weight, with mild tannins, the oak character of this wine dominates from entry to finish.
The soapy, flowery nose is not uncommon for this variety. The palate, meanwhile, is pointed and direct, with extracted citrus and white-grape flavors. Similar citric sharpness carries onto the finish.
Gaseous, rubbery aromas are a fair introduction to an edgy, bouncy type of Malbec. Cherry and plum flavors finish candied and also a little spicy. There's also some heat to this jumpy style of wine.
Young and fruity, this is a smooth, lightly textured wine. It has just enough acidity to give a fresh edge to the ripe quince and Rocha pear flavors. Drink now.
Neutral white-fruit aromas of peach, nectarine and melon are welcoming. This quaffer is juicy like orange juice, while flavors of mixed citrus fruits and nectarine finish peachy and lively, with a slight bitterness coming on late.
This old-vine Zin contains a dash of Petite Sirah. It smells like bacon and wood smoke and tastes like smoked beef. It's an extreme version to say the least, and will not be for everyone.
With the classic tongue-tickle of young Vinho Verde, this fresh, crisp and off-dry wine is immediately drinkable. It has ripe orange and sweet citrus fruitiness, and plenty of acidity.
This juicy wine boasts lemon aromas and bright citrusy acidity, resulting in a light, crisp and bright sip. It has a frest lilt, with an attractive zesty texture. Drink now.
Aromas of white flowers lead into crisp lemon and grapefruit flavors. This has a fresh tang from the light prickle on the tongue, along with ripe peach and apple skin flavors. Drink now.
This just off-dry rosé is crisp, packed with strawberry fruits and balanced in acidity. Made from the Padeiro grape, one of the many Vinho Verde red grapes, it is an attractive wine, finishing with a bright, light aftertaste.
Raspberry and plum aromas set a forceful tone for this tannic, pinchy Malbec. Flavors of plum and mixed berries are generic, while this finishes grapy, tannic and with a note of clove.
There's plenty to enjoy aromatically and texturally in this wine. It offers floral and citrus refreshment and intrigue around deeper, richer elements of melon and kiwi. Oak surrounds the big finish.
The blend of Fernão Pires and Arinto gives a fruity, fresh and fragrant wine, with lively bright acidity. A lemon edge is filled out by ripe apricot flavor, resulting in a rounded finish. Drink from 2016.
The odd but endearing Riesling trait of petrol stands out in the aroma of this light-bodied and dry wine, while the flavors are more like apple juice with a touch of honey and earthiness. The mouthfeel is smooth, and a little richness lingers on the finish.
Aromas of tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla lead the nose. The easygoing palate offers peach and apple alongside soft acidity. Soft and simple, pour it for informal parties or picnics.
This pure varietal wine is finished completely dry. Lightly spiced, with fruit flavors of waxy lemon, it seems to fall a bit flat once it hits the tongue. Drink up.
Despite the relatively high alcohol and scents of slightly cooked, raisined fruit, this comes across as rather thin and stiff. The fruit lacks any sweetness, and the tannins turn chalky in the finish.
This is a soft, round and fruity wine that is ready to drink. Spice, red berries and a tight layer of acidity bring balance to the soft, open structure. The aftertaste is fresh and full of fruit.
This medium-weight, slightly creamy rosé opens with soft aromas of white cherry, peach, cantaloupe and cranberry. The melony flavors continue through to the palate, while the finish offers an astringent citrus-pith flavor. Drink now.
Fresh fruit with apple acidity gives this wine a ready-to-drink character. It has an attractive lift of citrus and a light, crisp and fresh aftertaste.
Apples and crisp pears give this wine its intensely fresh character. It has bright acidity that shoots right through the wine, resulting in a tangy texture. Drink now.
There are not many village wines made in Vougeot with the large areas devoted to Premier and Grand Cru. This wine has reminiscences of the structure of those top wines although it is delicious in its fragrant strawberries, full and with just the right amount of acidity. The fruit comes from the Clos du Château. Drink from 2018.
A standout amid a number of excellent red wines from winemaker Anthony Nappa, this unoaked Cabernet Franc (made with indigenous yeast) shines a spotlight on Cabernet Franc's raw, somewhat vulnerable expression. It's unabashedly herbal and green, almost minty, yet simultaneously luscious and berried in flavor. It's fleshy in its suppleness, yet elegantly framed within a structure of taut tannins and acidity.
Very light in the glass, this vanguard blend of 9% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Blanc and 32% Pinot Gris shows tight aromas of wet cement, sliced apple, Key lime sorbet and kiwi popsicle. There's lots of brisk, apple- and pear-driven energy on the palate, which also offers a very stony character and white-rock minerality, all dancing across the tongue with panache.
Made with Teroldego from three different vineyards, this offers aromas of truffle, leather, scorched soil, black plum and a whiff of game. Aged and fermented in wood, the savory palate offers ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, earthy notes of Mediterranean herbs and dark cooking spice. Firm but fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2016–2026.
Always a dense, dark and concentrated selection, La Forge is a wine that is immediately attractive but would be best after a few years of cellaring. Notes of dark berry preserves, muddled boysenberry, raspberry sauce, cocoa, leather and truffle abound on the nose and palate. The mouthfeel is plush and creamy, with medium tannins and a texture like crushed velvet. The finish is long and spicy, offering notes of black pepper and charred oak spice.
One of the most ripe, opulent and unctuous of the Anderson Valley wines, this full-bodied bottling smells and tastes like cinnamon, cherries, milk chocolate and brown sugar, but not as sweet as that sounds. The texture is very broad and mouth-coating and the alcohol feels on the high side, giving a feeling of power with polish.
Aromas of flowers, graphite, licorice and high-toned herbs are followed by red- and black-fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end. This has an extremely high yum factor that demands another sip.
Like all wines from Les Baux, this is made from organically grown grapes. It's rich, packed with dense black fruits and tannins. With Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend giving structure, this concentrated wine will repay aging. Drink from 2017.
Ripe Williams pear with grapefruit overtones segues into a creamy, almost buttery rounded palate that nonetheless has the tautness and verve of pure citrus zest. There are mellower tones here, too, of wet earth, pear juice and balm. This shows impressive elegance, length and personality. Drink now until 2025.
Fully ripe, juicy pears glow from the core of this balanced, rounded wine, with an edge of marzipan, bitter almond and a wonderfully textured center. The palate is rich but dry and stays on the side of restraint, despite the fullness.
Concentrated but fresh aromas of black cherries and blueberries mesh with hot black gravel and nose-tickling lilacs on this wine by the Fess Parker family. Dark chocolate, peppery spice, black cherry syrup and mocha flavors shine on the robust, rich and delicious palate.
Named after the creation of the estate in 1610, this is a big, rich and extracted wine. The tough tannins need to soften further, with a powerful core of dryness. As it develops, the wine will reveal more of the rich red fruits and juicy final acidity that are there. Drink from 2017.
From the top range produced at the estate, this rich wine is kept refreshing by the acidity. Peach and pineapple fruits balance with a squeeze of lemon giving the wine a light touch. There is a tangy, orange zest accent in the crisp aftertaste.
Deep gold in the glass, this sweet Furmint has scents of apricot, canned peaches, and honeycomb. Peach and apricot continue on the taste buds, along with gratifying accents of toffee and clover honey. It is marked by bright acidity that is enhanced rather than diminished by a fresh caramel finish.
Hearty aromas of plum and dried black cherries are bolstered by warm cedar tones, a touch of tar, crushed peppercorns and chopped garden herbs. The palate is complex, with lots of acidity and peppery spice, showing flavors of oregano and marjoram on a base of plum fruit. It's dense with flavors but medium in body, and very lively.
A pure and distinctive fruit flavor, like a blend of rhubarb and blackberry, distinguishes this full-bodied but elegant and velvet-textured wine. There is little or no new oak influence to get in the way of the melody of the grapes themselves. While the wine is lush and broad in mouthfeel, a nice boost of fine tannins and fresh acidity keep it lively.
Mike Sinor puts most of his Bassi Ranch fruit, which grows just 1.3 miles from the Shell Beach seafront, into this bottling, which shows ginger snaps, iron, cinnamon, strawberry fruit and black slate on the nose. The palate is tight, focused and driven by rocky minerals, offering just enough cranberry juice to keep it delicious.
More flavorful than the rather light color might indicate, this sophisticated wine has wonderful, complex aromas like leather, tea and chocolate. Vibrant flavors of raspberry and pomegranate partner with an appetizingly dry and slightly tannic texture. It is medium to full bodied.
From high-elevation blocks once devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, this exceptionally crafted wine reveals a worthwhile trade-off, flavors celebratory in pear and peach. Fragrant and floral, it offers zesty acidity in Meyer-lemon form, finishing in lasting waves of more lemon.
This is a concentrated, dark and brooding wine. Its complexity comes from the interplay of tannins and rich red fruits, laced with tight acidity. Serious and dense, it is a wine for long aging. Drink this impressive wine from 2019.
Aromas of shaved balsam wood, aged cheese and spice accent berry tones on a nose that's far from blowsy. In the mouth, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Carmenère is ripe, rich and a touch soft. Heady, toasted dark-fruit flavors of blackberry and plum finish spicy and ripe. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of beeswax, honeysuckle and mineral charm the senses. The flavors are palate-coating and creamy in feel with an extended finish—extremely impressive stuff!
This wine is 100% varietal, all aged in once-used French oak. It's packed to the brim with black fruit, herbs, licorice, jalapeño pepper and barrel spices, with crystalline clarity to the aromas. There's plenty of depth and richness to the full-bodied flavors, with exquisite balance and a finish that lingers.
Tender notes of ripe, juicy pear with more golden inflections of ripe yellow plum and peach on nose and palate close into a central seam of bright, sprightly and immensely toning acidity. Lightness, concentration and lip-smacking freshness are framed by rounded fruit. Structure and grace signal ageing potential. The finish is wonderfully dry and full of verve.
Because of such small harvests in 2013 because of hail, Alex Gambal decided to make one wine from all his premier cru parcels in Savigny-lès-Beaune. This wine is rich and ripe, full of sweet crushed strawberry flavors as well as a dry core of structure. Age this fine wine and drink from 2017.
A well-named wine from vintner Steve Anglim, this blend of 33% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier is indeed great, with aromas of licorice, pencil lead, iron, black raspberry, black pepper and a touch of tobacco smoke. The palate is powered by boysenberry, cracked pepper, a touch of asphalt and then a very lifting wild-mint character.
Big, and bold, this achieves full flavors and body with good balance at the same time. Aromas are like grilled bread and baking spices, flavors resemble Bing cherry and cassis, while the texture is smooth and lively at the same time. Fine tannins mingle with good acidity and persistent flavors for a lingering finish.
This is a stunning selection, with layers of aromas and flavors that unfold with each passing moment. Concentrated primary notes of blackberry, plum and boysenberry lead, with accents of sweet spice, licorice, soft char, tobacco leaf and menthol following shortly after. The palate is intense and lush, with a full weight and a gripping, thick texture. Hints of oaky spice and cocoa powder linger through the endless finish. Delicious now, but should continue to develop well through 2018.
This beautiful Amarone has intense and earthy fragrances of tobacco leaf, plum, licorice and raisin. The opulent palate delivers concentrated black cherry extract, fig, nutmeg and almond flavors. Its big and round but also has depth and complexity.
Lovely aromatics introduce this single vineyard Syrah with a snootfull of raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and rock. There's an elusive whiff of diesel also, lifting the palate of this very young, very compact wine. This could easily go 8–10 years in the cellar.
Here's a beautiful Amarone with aromas of black cherry layered with leather, underbrush, carob and sandalwood. The palate delivers a core of ripe blackberry flavor, along with raisin, chocolate, mint and hints of coffee and vanilla. This is brawny but it also has complexity and depth.
This is a mix of four different clones of Syrah, aged in 30% new Burgunday barrels. Rich aromatics suggest coffee liqueur, vanilla and raspberry compote. Flavors are comparable, deep and sappy, with exceptional length. Mark McNeilly (Mark Ryan Winery) is the hand at the helm.
This has the excellent acidity to support the ripe, super-concentrated fruit. Dense raspberry, cherry compote, baking spices, cola and licorice all come into play, with a streak of dried tobacco adding further interest.
This is a honeyed wine, with a strong showing of ginger marmalade and bright acidity. It's full in the mouth and layered with acidity and lush, unctuous flavors. It shows great aging potential; drink from 2015.
Entirely estate-grown, 100% Merlot from old vines, this unfined wine is labeled vegan. Plush, briary, brambly fruit from the 30 year old vineyard brings an extra dimension to the wine, which shows a lovely balance of cranberry, raspberry, pie cherry and baking spice flavors. There's a hint of pastry crust in the finish, which is seamless and long. An absolute delight.
Dark and dense, without turning fat or heavy, this excellent Ruckus captures the underlying minerality of Red Mountain grapes. There's boysenberry and black cherry fruit, black coffee and wet rock. This is built for aging.
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao and Souzao, finished at 19% alcohol. With sensational concentration and fruit power, this rich and delicious wine is amplified with a sweet array of baking spices, vanilla, coconut and white chocolate.
A solid and structured wine from this premier cru vineyard which is a Rodet monopoly. Dense and full in the mouth, the wine has delicious juicy fruits as well as powerful tannins and layers of acidity over the red fruit. Keep for 6–8 years.
A very rich wine, spicy and complex. Dark fruits, rich tannins and layers of berries, exuding power and density. There is a sense of fine tannin as well, suspended in the texture of the wine. Firm and solid and with a great aging potential. Drink from 2019.
A heady and rich wine right from the start, this opens with seductive notes of brambly blackberry, wild raspberry, sweet spice, licorice and toast. It's full and weighty, with a texture like crushed velvet and a deep palate that continues to provide additional layers of flavor with each sip. Sweet spice, cocoa powder and mocha flavors linger on the evolving finish. Drink from 2017-2020. Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd, Dalbavie Selection LLC.
An ethereal Pinot from high atop Mendocino Ridge, sourced from just one block of the Signal Ridge Vineyard, this wine is a gorgeous glass of strawberry and cherry compote, with a pungency of pomegranate. Soft, well-integrated and zinging with acidity, this unfined and unfiltered Pinot is well worth seeking out.
Hugely black and darkly dense, this wine, which recalls the medieval practice of heating the must for concentration, is a massive construction. It has weight and dark tannins, serious black fruits and intense final acidity. Drink from 2017.
Made with Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in equal parts, this opens with aromas of red berry, leather and tobacco. The juicy approachable palate doles out black cherry, vanilla, toast and graphite alongside fine-grained tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon meets Malbec and Petit Verdot in this hearty, big-boned red. Dark and stormy, it offers a wealth of juicy black fruit, leather and tobacco wrapped around sizable tannin. Peppery clove and chocolate round out the finish. It will drink best 2018–2023.
Italian varieties do well in this warmer Southern California region, and this obscure grape is on that path. Baked blueberry, intriguing chocolate spice, sandalwood and a touch of vanilla show on the nose. Flavors are hearty, with blackberry, nutmeg, espresso bean and melted chocolate set upon a chalky structure.
From a site on Westside Road, this vineyard-designate boasts a rich experience aromatically and flavor-wise, revealing graham cracker, peach, lime and green apple alongside salty acidity. The oak (34% of it new French) plays a pleasant, supportive role, adding a note of brioche.
A solid, structured cru wine with a fine line in tannins and black-cherry fruits. It is dense with a firm, dry core. Surrounding it are ripe fruits and acidity. A wine to keep a few more months, so drink from late 2017.
Rustic aromas of blackberry, leather, pepper, dried violet and a light tar show on the nose of this appellation-blend bottling. Cocoa and dark elderberry appear on the sip, along with dried herb. It's a light style of Syrah, but vibrant and versatile.
Caramelized oak finds a companion in tangy acidity in this full-bodied, lushly concentrated white from various vineyard sources. A taste of baked pear gives it a richness that veers on sweet upfront before it opens and expands on the palate into a broader spectrum of rounded texture and a lilt of anise.
Plum, white peach, pineapple and mango show on the nose of this wine that is quite tropical in aromas. The palate offers yellow pear, buttered toast and salty acidity that come together in a delicious package that is affordable and widely available.
Gérard Charvet took over Rosiers from his father in 1983 and remains focused on the art of vinification. A percentage (30%) of wood aging has give this ripe wine its dense texture. That contrasts with the generous black fruits that are still developing. This is a serious, dense wine that will age. Drink from 2018.
A hint of honey on the nose immediately gives the impression of richness. The palate obliges with mellow softness and generous vanilla and yellow plum notes. The texture is soft: lovers of creamy Chardonnay will be in heaven.
Dark, chocolaty, juicy and rounded blackberries and blueberries take over completely on nose and palate. This is sumptuous, but not heavy and really vibrant with dark aromatic fruit. There is a hint of cinnamon and a touch of pepper on the mellow palate. Enjoy the rich exuberance.
A new offering from this producer, this wine blends 55% Malbec with 15% Zinfandel, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 8% Merlot. It satisfies in rich, rounded flavors of blueberry pie, cranberry and clove, with an underlying streak of dark chocolate. Medium acidity supports an appealing full-bodied juiciness.
This Merlot is dark in the glass, with lots of oak, vanilla and caramel aromas against a black-cherry and chocolate-cake backdrop on the nose. Soft and chalky tannins frame the sip, where blueberry, vanilla and chocolate-cream flavors prove lush and inviting.
Leather, aromatic herb, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note take center stage. The full-bodied palate shows ripe wild cherry, black raspberry, mint and anise framed in enveloping refined tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Aged in all-new American oak, this vineyard-designate is light bodied and restrained, a nice surprise for the variety. Soft, simple and bright, it shows a warmth of plum cake and Christmas spice, ending in a rainfall of black pepper. A nuanced, quiet wine, it should be enjoyed in its youth.
Full-bodied and richly textured, this isn't a prototypically delicate Côte Rôtie, but it's still very enjoyable. Clove and black olive notes are backed by plummy fruit, capped off by a long, dusty finish. Drink now–2025.
This big, brawny red has a baked quality to the fruit, a richness of blackberry, blueberry and tobacco leaf that's surrounded by lush, velvety and integrated tannin. Subtle in oak, it speaks to power and concentration of the grape itself.
Despite Christophe Delorme's untimely passing before the 2015 harvest, this Tavel stands as a fine testament to his family's perseverance. It's full, round and rich, with cherry-berry fruit and hints of peach and crushed stone. Drink it over the rest of 2017.
This contains a higher proportion of Roussanne than Nalys's regular white cuvée, and more barrel influence as well. Toast accents pineapple, melon and honey flavors, finishing clean and pleasant.
For this well-made, robust wine, the producer taps into multiple vineyard sources, including William Hill and Monte Rosso. Hung around a focused structure, it offers classic elements of dried herb, clove and graphite, with significant tannin that persists through a lengthy finish of toasty oak.
More restrained—and therefore more versatile with food—than many other Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, this wine combines hints of cut grass with citrus on the nose. Grapefruit and nectarine take over on the palate, while a hint of bitter greens emerges on the finish. Drink now.
Powerful fruit flavors and a firm, high-octane feeling on the palate make this a big, imposing wine. It offers tasty, ripe boysenberry-jam flavors, moderate tannins and a lip-smacking finish.
Aromas of black currant, French oak, coconut and espresso lead the nose on this polished easygoing Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah blend. The soft accessible palate doles out black cherry, mocha and black pepper alongside supple tannins. Enjoy soon.
For many consumers, Guigal remains a reference point for Rhône wines. This Saint-Joseph is a fine example, showcasing black-cherry fruit, earth and leather notes. It's firmly structured, with crisp acids as well, and should drink well for up to a decade or more.
Aromas of black-skinned berry marinated in spirits, dark spice, chopped herb and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. The robust assertive palate offers dried sour cherry, powdered sage and star anise alongside a backbone of bracing, mouth-drying tannins that grip the finish. Give this a few more years to soften, then drink up to capture the remaining fruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc meet up with smaller amounts of Syrah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot in this soft, silky blend. Mild tannin and a robustness of ripe black currant and cedar are seasoned in a strong whiplash of eucalyptus, as the finish touches a theme of black tea.
Made entirely with Malvasia Nera, this has subtle aromas of red berry and baking spice. The fresh palate delivers juicy red plum and white pepper along with a hint of cocoa framed in round tannins.
With its high elevation, it is logical that Chiroubles produces some of the coolest Beaujolais cru wines. This is fruity with a tang of acidity and a mineral texture that is enhanced by a crisp character. The wine has light tannins and a final juicy finish.
Soft stewy raisiny aromas are not problematic but they do suggest a wine that's a bit overripe, which isn't surprising for 2012—a notoriously hot year. A heavy palate is a touch mushy but also tannic. Candied flavors of cherry and cassis are raisiny, while this is plodding and chocolaty on the finish.
Generously ripe yellow plums are ample on the nose and turn into fleshy, broad fruit on the rounded palate where welcome grapefruit spice adds direction and some drive. The finish is gentle and full fruited.
This is a unique, oak-aged Finger Lakes ice wine made by Long Island winemaker, Anthony Nappa. Fermented spontaneously and intentionally oxidized, it juxtaposes silken caramel with sea salt and bitters. It's a fascinatingly funky wine worthy of some contemplative sipping.
A blend of 54% Malbec and 46% Petit Verdot, this lithe, medium-bodied wine makes an interesting contrast to Cullen's Mangan Vineyard Merlot-Malbec-Petit Verdot. It's a leaner wine, with modest cherry-berry fruit and ample accents of cinnamon, cedar and vanilla.
Light, balanced and elegant, this lilting wine offers flavors of yellow apple, pear and lemon custard, the acidity holding up through the finish.
This is a gutsy wine, with firm tannins, making the texture slightly astringent while tightly holding in the fruit and oak flavors. It needs rich food alongside, or hold it until 2017 to mellow.
This is an enticingly fragrant wine with notes of pear and melon. It drinks off dry with sweet fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
The small region of Buzet halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse produces fruity, ripe and full-bodied Bordeaux-blend wines. This rich example has soft tannins and a smooth texture. Blackberry fruit flavors are right up front with a light amount of juicy acidity at the end. It is ready to drink.
Peach and other stone-fruit aromas show a note of chlorinated pool water. This is fairly full in body and creamy in feel. Flavors of melon, honey and creamy oak lean toward sweet, while the finish offers tropical fruit flavors and some excess weight. Drink immediately.
The winery's annual unoaked Chardonnay, this is estate-grown and then fermented entirely in stainless steel. There's a lot to like about this wine, specifically the aromatics, which range from honeysuckle to lemon and lime. On the palate it's plenty crisp, vacillating between sweet and sour.
Brick red in color, this vineyard-designated Pinot offers aromas of rose geranium before delving into soft, earthy notes laced in strawberry and oak. The wine is not overly ripe nor tannic, and finishes with a medium length.
This is pleasantly savory for such an inexpensive wine. Earthy notes of asphalt and black olive combine with plummy fruit on the palate, while the finish is firm enough to serve alongside fatty dishes like burgers or pizza.
Dusty, yeasty citrus aromas show some grit and harshness. The palate is chiseled and acidic, with tart flavors of orange, lime and green herbs. Fresh and highly quaffable, this is the kind of wine to drink with shrimp salad or raw oysters.
Smooth and succulent, this easy-drinking wine offers aromas of violet, wild berry and dark cooking spice. On the palate, gripping but fine-grained tannins support the dark cherry, black raspberry and white pepper flavors.
Nicely balanced and firmly tannic, this appealing blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc has personality and mouthwatering structure. A spicy, tamarind aroma leads to bright red cherry flavors, well-polished tannins and a clean finish.
This has a brownish color at the rim and is marked by an earthy, leathery aroma. The wine has flavors like roasted tomatoes and black olives and feels soft and easy in texture. It's full bodied, but very mellow, mature and easy to drink. The blend is 85% Sangiovese, with Syrah, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Earthy, loamy, baked berry aromas shout out “hot vintage,” while this is soft and chunky on the palate. Flavors of baked plum and earthy raspberry are heavy and finish with notes of molasses and leather. Drink now to get the most out of this weighty Pinot.
Made from dried Negroamaro grapes, this robust wine opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, hay, leather, game and mature black fruit. The palate delivers dried date, bitter prune and licorice alongside astringent tannins.
Smooth in texture and layered in flavor, this is well-balanced. The color is not too dark and the aromas and flavors recall red cherries and flowers. Mild tannins and fresh acidity help hold everything together.
This medium-bodied wine has a surprisingly firm texture from crisp acidity and a relative abundance of tannin. It shows tasty, tart cherry and cranberry flavors, and an astringent finish. A little age should smooth it out by late 2015 and beyond.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this has aromas that recall weedy underbrush, black plum, resin, nutmeg and toasted oak. The dense palate offers mature blackberry, dried black cherry, fig and clove alongside angular tannins. It's reached its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
Round and ripe, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla, mocha and earthy note of tilled soil. The one-dimensional palate doles out rich blackberry, plum and espresso along with a confectionary note.
Aromatically alive with the smell of anise and salumi, this is a soft, layered expression of the grape. Blended with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Syrah, it's expressive in blackberry and blueberry fruit.
Bell pepper, jalapeño and brined bean aromas straddle the line between snappy/citrusy and vegetal. This has a round palate with weight and punch. Flavors of grapefruit, tangerine, lime and bell pepper hint at vegetal, while the finish is plump and feels fresh.
After starting out reduced, this cool-vintage blend of Merlot (43%), Cabernet Franc (32%), Malbec (33%) and Mourvèdre offers cranberry, herbs and chocolate. It's soft and easy drinking—a surprise given the structure often seen in this appellation—with chocolate and cherry flavors taking the lead.
This is a fresh, almond and apple-flavored sparkling wine. With crisp acidity and some attractive bottle aging, it's ripe but cut by a steely aftertaste, and is ready to drink.
Very lifted notes of camphor precede a light-bodied, refreshing white and remain within touching distance throughout. This is a fresh, if unusual, Riesling.
Only red wine can be produced under the Cahors appellation, so this is released as a Côtes du Lot. It does however come from the Château de Mercuès vineyard, producing a floral, fresh and creamed-apple flavored wine. It is now ready to drink.
While aromas of smoke, char and plump black cherry lend a sultry tone to the nose, this light-footed wine is surprisingly refreshing on the palate. Brisk and spry, it finishes with an electric jolt of tart red raspberry and cherry acidity.
Made by Pierre Clément at Domaine de Châtenoy for the Xavier Flouret range, this is smooth, rich and soft. Generous and ripe with red berry fruits and gentle tannins, it could age until late 2015 before drinking.
Waxy lemon peel accents savory apple and quince notes in this dry, zesty Riesling. While expansive on the palate with bold, voluminous body, it finishes brisk and tart.
This opens with a floral fragrance of honeysuckle and lavender, with hints of stone fruit and smoke. The palate offers flavors of white peach, citrus and dried apricot, with touches of butterscotch and oak on the close.
Steely and crisp with lemon and lime, this Riesling would be ideal to sip while making a meal or at a picnic with friends. It's long on the finish with a texture that's weighty enough to go mano-a-mano with spicy sausage or seafood.
This blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino opens with a fragrance of tropical fruit and cantaloupe. The fresh but creamy palate offers rich flavors of green melon, pineapple and green apple, brightened by citrus notes and refreshing acidity.
This new entry into the value-wine sweepstakes is a pretty rose color, offering clean, light scents of wild berry and milk chocolate. Flavors are gently spicy with a malty finish.
Layered with oak, leather and cigar box, this is a smooth, structured Zin. The palate retains some perfume of red raspberry and dark cherry, but it's quite masculine in its approach and taste.
Made from a blend of organically farmed Grechetto, Procanico and Sauvignon blanc, this charming single-vineyard selection offers up a floral fragrance of acacia flower accented aromatic herbs. The palate delivers ripe pear, mint and thyme flavors, with crisp acidity.
Savory aromas of spiced meat and bacon grease come with familiar roasted berry scents. The palate is linear in feel, while flavors of generic berry and oak are a touch raspy. On the finish this is juicy, fruity and fresh in style.
Pinot Blanc gives this wine a classic, yet soft and creamy character. There is just a touch of smokiness adding interest to the ripe red-apple flavors. It's a luscious wine that's ready to drink now. Screwcap.
This is mellow on the nose, with a mix of minerality and standard apple aromas. The palate feels fresh due to cutting acidity, while apple, peach and melon flavors lead to a mild, healthy finish. Frankly, there's not much difference between this and Trivento's basic 2012 Reserva Chardonnay, which costs $10 less.
This offering opens with aromas of melon and tomato vine. The palate delivers creamy white peach, cantaloupe and lemon drop flavors, brightened by a crisp, acidic streak.
A mineral, textured wine, this is full of grassy gooseberry and grapefruit flavors. Fruit on the palate is accented with a chalky character and strong, very present acidity. Drink in six months.
With its fresh black-currant fruits and ever-present acidity, this is a wine that sums up the vintage. The tannins are there, giving a sense of dryness to this fragrant wine. On the finish, there is also an attractive juiciness.
This is a perfumed wine with eucalyptus aromas and new wood flavors. The wood element is held in balance by flavors of ripe berry fruits and delicate acidity. Keep this wine until 2015.
At first blush, this comes across scratchy and raw on the nose. In the mouth, it's more jammy than lively, with saturated, reduced flavors of blueberry and prune. On the finish, this feels big for its britches and tastes mildly bitter.
This blend of Montepulciano, Syrah and Sangiovese offers aromas of wet earth, black fruit and oak. The palate is a bit closed but reveals blackberry and cherry flavors, with a hint of licorice. This already drinking well so enjoy soon.
Here's a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that offers aromas of ripe black fruit alongside toasted sensations of espresso and oak. This easy-drinking, enjoyable style delivers juicy plum, blackberry and spice flavors alongside velvety tannins.
This intensely juicy, fruity wine is high in acidity. It's dominated by fresh black currants as well as spice from wood aging. It has fruit concentration, but needs time to round out and soften. Drink from 2015.
While ripe and fruity on the nose, with notes of red berries and tropical fruit, this full-bodied Riesling is quite dry on the palate. It's a bit cloying in its fruity, floral perfume, but refreshing nonetheless, with a bright grapefruit finish.
This Shiraz-based blend—with splashes of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier—is lush and rich, with notes of ripe blackberry, cherry and strawberry preserves backed by hints of fruit-cake spice and black pepper. The plush mouthfeel boasts similarly concentrated dark-fruit flavors, and the finish boasts a decadent fudgy chocolate note that shows good staying power. Drink now–2016.
This is an elegant wine that shows that Argentinean reds can improve with time. Tobacco, clay dust and dry spice comprise the bouquet. It's tight and well structured in the mouth, with chocolate, herb and baked berry flavors. A chocolaty aftertaste completes the picture. Drink this blend of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc now through 2015.
Densely tannic while also fruity, this is a product of ripe fruits that give a black currant flavor as well as a solid structure. The acidity gives great lift to the end of this finely made wine.
This is a very complete wine, with all the fruit and tannin elements in place. There's a fine and rich character here as well as a more austere, mineral side. The combination results in supporting tannins, dark fruits and good aging potential.
Eenzaamheid—Dutch for solitude—is named in honor of the isolated vineyard that the grapes for this wine are sourced from. It leads with forward aromas of brambly forest berry, game and tree bark, alongside soft hints of cocoa and coffee. Medium weight with a ripe, fruity mouthfeel and earthy pepper notes that remain through the finish. Well balanced and structured; drink now–2016.
This blend of Syrah and Cabernet from Manchuela is earthy, baked and mature, with an intriguing mix of peppery spice aromas, leafiness and stewed fruit notes. The palate is rich in feel, with baked berry, dark spice, tobacco and licorice flavors. Overall, this is a rooty, earthy wine to drink now.
A pretty Pinot, earthy and complex, that's perfumed with strawberry jam, violets and candied orange. It's delicate in personality, yet retains plenty of heft and backbone on the palate. Aromatically memorable, pair it with spiced Moroccan lamb in cardamom and cinnamon spices.
Named for the soil layers important to wine's terroir, this Pinot is sourced from a variety of sites and multiple clones, providing a complexity of wild strawberry, high acidity and an herbaceous, oaky backdrop. A teasing kiss of toffee and chocolate on the finish is deliciously intriguing.
A heady but attractive bouquet of marzipan, balsam wood, blackberry, cassis and raisin introduce a loaded but well-balanced, full-bodied palate. Toast, chocolate and black fruit flavors finish with additional spice, chocolate and lustiness. Drink through 2019.
This is a lush and fragrant wine, instantly appealing with aromas of orange blossom and sweet pear. Quite dry and concentrated, it brings further flavors of citrus, grapefruit and lemon rind as it plays out in a lingering, refreshing finish.
The nose on this wine from veteran vintner Eric Ogorsolka is reminiscent of an old-time closet, with pipe smoke, cedar and plum perfume. It's quite woody and elegant on the palate, with well-integrated fruit, spice and herb characters suggesting savory plum jelly and prune reduction sauce.
Cedar, char and blackberry aromas are full and ripe on the nose. Given the wine's age, its structure and tannic weight are just right. Earthy, lightly roasted flavors of spiced raspberry and plum finish peppery and dry. Drink through 2020.
Revancha is a new line of wines from esteemed winemaker Roberto de la Mota. This blends Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. On the nose, it is spicy, lightly herbal and deep in fruit. A tight palate shows raw tannins and flavors of wild berry and oak-based coconut. Dry, flashy and a bit rough on the finish, this will benefit from a few more years in bottle. Drink through 2020.
Blackberry, charred sage, beef crust and cedar notes introduce this blend of 48% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It's lively on the palate, with a lingering finish of dried cherries.
There's diamond-like precision on the nose, with white peach, salinity and croissant aromas. The flavors are very even and still unraveling, with tight lemon, apple and salt on the front and pineapple emerging on the finish.
The lovely wines from this pioneering estate, now in the capable hands of second-generation winemaker Jason Lett, are generally priced well below any comparable efforts. Here the texture and minerality evoke surpassing elegance. Lime, grapefruit, a bite of pineapple all come into play, with the depth and balance that suggests several years of life ahead.
This stylish wine opens with a floral, perfumed, high-altitude bouquet that shows red currant and raspberry aromas. Like the nose, the palate is fresh and not ponderous. Crisp raspberry and cassis flavors finish with freshness and elegance. Drink through 2020.
Lush black-fruit and marzipan aromas show notes of tobacco, cedar and leather. This is a ripe, layered Malbec with serious depth and balance as well. Intense currant and berry flavors are spicy and finish with muscular framework and length. Drink through 2019.
King Estate makes several different versions of Pinot Gris, but this belongs at the very top, with pitch-perfect pear fruit at its core. Fresh, textural and brightly racy, it's an elegant and generous wine with a crisp, lingering finish that suggests it will continue to improve through 2020.
This iconic bottling, a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, features aromas of ripe black fruit, violet, grilled herb, toast and espresso. The palate delivers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, vanilla and mocha alongside firm but refined tannins. It closes on a licorice note. Drink 2015–2023.
Vibrant and savory, this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Colorino boasts juicy black cherry, blackberry and raspberry flavors, while notes of white pepper and cinnamon add depth. It's balanced and delicious with fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2016.
This reserve bottling spent 20 months in 50% new French oak. Spicy and complex, it deftly moves from pretty scents of lavender and blueberry into a firmly knit wine nuanced with nutmeg, star anise, ginger, citrus and tobacco. Drink now through 2020.
While lithe and delicate in mouthfeel, this dazzling wine packs a punch with sun-kissed peach and apricot flavors. High-toned lime notes cut through the palate like a razor, leading a long, honey-kissed finish. Impeccably balanced, it's full of vibe and refreshment.
This is top-notch Argentine Cabernet Franc. Savory, exotic, oaky blueberry and blackberry aromas set up a bold palate with ample acidity and modest tannins. Berry flavors and oak spice are the key flavors, while a buttery oak note and a pinch of salt rise up on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Surprisingly smoky and toasty upfront, but balanced by ample apricot fruit and hints of honey, pineapple and citrus zest. Despite its ripe, oaky nature, there's plenty of crisp acidity to provide structure and prolong the finish. Drink now–2016.
Honey tangerine and jasmine notes perfume this intensely aromatic, complex wine. While dry in style, it's surprisingly rich and honeyed on the palate. The midpalate tightens with pineapple acidity, followed by a brash mineral finish.
Underbrush, violet, moist soil and spicy blackberry aromas unfold in the glass of this refined, full-bodied wine. The delicious palate offers crushed dark cherry, raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside supple tannins. It ends on a mocha note. Drink through 2018.
Polished and spicy, this structured wine features aromas of leather, truffle, blackberry and savory herb. The juicy palate delivers layers of fleshy black plum, black cherry, freshly ground peppercorn, tobacco and thyme alongside big, velvety tannins. Drink 2016–2024.
Coming from the Radian Vineyard atop the Sta. Rita Hills, the appellation's veteran Bryan Babcock delivers aromas of pineapple cake, fresh apricot and lemon butter. The wine is well oaked, so expect vanilla and baking spice, but there's a lemony acidity as well, creating a well-balanced wine.
Sourced from estate vineyards, this is aged in a mix of new and neutral French oak. Baking spices, gingerbread, cassis, earth, umami, soy and balsamic elements combine in a complex, distinctive and powerful wine with another decade of development ahead. Decant if drinking soon, or cellar until 2025.
Inchinnan, the winery explains, is a Scottish word that means some little special place. Special indeed is this fruit, a three-clone estate vineyard selection. Blackberry and black cherry dappled with cinnamon is at the heart of it, supported with balanced natural acidity. A bit darker in color and flavor than the estate bottling, it's immediately enjoyable and structured for medium-term cellaring.
Veteran winemaker Dennis Martin's take on the Miller family's famous vineyard presents pretty aromas of violet, red rose and black raspberry, along with turned earth and wet mushroom. It's soft on the palate, with pomegranate and beet juice, anise and shiitake.
The least-expensive designate is also one of Sokol Blosser's best in 2012. After opening with a whiff of funk supported with a flinty hint of clay, it moves into a complex palate with both grip and definition. The acid component brings flavors of sweet citrus and orange peel, while the overall structure and pretty red fruits suggest that this is a wine to cellar. Drink now through 2024.
An immaculate wine, showcasing the grace and elegance of which this variety is capable. It's a delicate, perfectly balanced mix of green fruits—apple, gooseberry—fresh herbs and a crisp bite of celery. It's just rounded off enough to warm up the acidity and provide a hint of white peach as it rolls through an extended and detailed finish.
Aged just three months in French oak (28% new), the wine focuses on the fruit, with rich notes of apricot, pear and tangerine. It's full-bodied with sweet fruit flavors and a long, lingering, exquisitely fruit-filled finish.
A vibrantly aromatic wine with notes of apricot, toast, nutty spices and cream displaying both detail and complexity. The palate is full-bodied yet still shows restraint with fruit and smoky flavors that keep the interest level high through the lingering finish.
Feral and wild, Spring Hill Vineyard lies in the Petaluma Gap where it is regularly enveloped in fog and cooling coastal winds. The result here is a soft, slightly stemmy, earthy wine with balanced layers of cherry, raspberry and vanilla.
Among the four different single- vineyard selections tasted, this showed best. Strawberry/cherry fruit is spiced up with dark chocolate and a thread of pine sap. Long and layered, this offering shows enough vineyard character to make a designate compelling.
Dark yellow honey in color, this fine blend of 52% Sémillon, 48% Sauvignon Blanc is a nice ode to white Bordeaux, very French in its austerity, with plenty of creaminess and barrel richness, too. Its layers of lemon, peach, honeysuckle and butterscotch unveil themselves slowly, the wine's depth opening over time.
This 100% Chenin Blanc is a beautiful exaple of what the variety can express: soft florals loaded with garrigue notes alongside tropical fruit aromas of mango, guava and pineapple. It's vibrant in the mouth, with moderate acidity and a lifting backbone of lemon verbena. The finish lingers gracefully, and overall the wine is ripe and attractive without being sweet or cloying.
Named after the dry wind that blows through the Jurançon vineyards, this light, poised sweet wine has typical freshness, the botrytis never cloying but immersed in currants, fresh apricots. The wine has a lively, buoyant, sweet character.
This wine immediately wows the palate, bursting into full flavor with an explosion of apple and pear fruit. There's a light yeastiness as well, just enough to suggest a young, fresh, exuberant wine, and it simply grabs hold of your taste buds and never lets go.
From young vines, this is a sweet, slightly simple, but nicely balanced wine, displaying plenty of ripe apple and citrus flavors. The lingering, honeyed sweetness is balanced on the finish by just a trace of astringency. Drink now-2020.
Estate grown, crisp and nicely defined, with a pretty mix of apple, pear, peach and apricot flavors. The fruit is framed with citrus rind (orange and grapefruit) and keeps the wine tight and focused through a clean, lingering finish.
Great ripe fruits here, peach and apricot flavors layered with intense white currant acidity. The wine has an edgy feel to it, its acidity bright and taut. Give the wine a year for its elements to blend together.
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, red currant, clove, tobacco, licorice and cedar all unfold in this sleek, polished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Silky tannins provide the elegant framework, while a mineral note closes the finish. Drink through 2021.
Made from Cabernet Franc, this opens with scents of purple flowers, toasted oak, exotic spice and red currants. The firmly structured palate doles out blackberries, black cherries, ground black pepper, clove, vanilla and mocha alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2020.
The top-level bottling from the ambitious, sprawling property originally planted by the Mondavis, this vintage-varying blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah and 4% Malbec offers licorice, German chocolate cake, blackberry jam, violet extract and night jasmine on the detailed nose. It's visceral once sipped, with thick jammy blueberry and plum fruits, bloody meats, leather, dark chocolate and coffee grinds.
This full-bodied wine has a dark red color with purple rim, very grapy, cherrylike aromas, rich fruit flavors and an almost thick texture. The lingering, jammy finish goes to dried plums and raisins because it's so ripe. Nuances of cedar, cinnamon and anise develop with more sips, and the wine ends up more complex than it starts.
Another fine proprietary red blend from this producer, this one holds a majority of Cabernet Franc with a sizable proportion of Merlot and smidgen of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Aaron Pott makes a statement in caramel and dark chocolate at the entry, followed by a structured, juicy and brooding palate of well-integrated tannins and firm, earthy red fruit.
Aromas of scorched soil, truffle, ripe black-skinned fruit and cedar lead the nose of this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The concentrated palate delivers ripe black cherries, blackberries, orange zest, grilled herbs, clove and tobacco, while firm, velvety tannins provide support. A licorice note closes the finish.
Welsh winemaker Damian Grindley has turned out a winner from north of his Paso Robles winery. Aromas of black cherry, toasted vanilla, fudge and cigar ash lead into a palate that's juicy and jammy with black fruits at first, but then edged with dark flavors of coffee grinds and charred meat.
Made from organic grapes, this wine blends every variety grown in Gaillac. Everything gels together to give a concentrated wine that is both solid and powerful with a dry core. Rich berry fruits are complemented by a stream of acidity. It's a wine to age; drink from 2017.
While there are powerful tannins at work here, this wine is mainly full of rich black fruits that have a juicy side from the acidity. The addition of Tannat brings even more tannin to the wine while also giving it density and longevity. Drink from 2019. The wine comes from a long-time wine family that tended the few remaining Malbec grapes that survived phylloxera of late 1800s. Alain Gayraud is the current owner.
Blackberry, black currant and toasty oak make for a dark, charred, manly nose. This is full but not heavy, with racy acidity and firm tannins. Blackberry, baked plum and savory flavors finish with notes of prune and leather as well as salted cured meat. Drink through 2022.
Though Syrah is not new to Southern Oregon, the recent rise in quality may surprise you. DanCin's Danseur is estate-grown in the Applegate Valley. It's an aromatic, tightly woven gem, loaded with plum, berry and kirsch, highlights of herb and bramble and a finish streaked with chocolate, espresso and licorice. Tannins are polished and the flavors linger delightfully.
Serious wood aging has given this concentrated wine power and great aging potential. For now, it is firmly tannic, but rich black fruit tones and juicy acidity are there, waiting to develop. It will be an impressive wine after 2018.
A wonderful array of aromas wafts up from the glass, resembling pencil shavings (a good thing!), cigar box, touch of earthiness and cherry compote. The mouthfeel is luxurious; layered flavors of black currant, black cherry, chocolate and clove stay lively through the long finish. It drinks well now, but will improve through at least 2019.
The old vines at the heart of this wine date back decades. Finely threaded herb and mineral highlights peek through a solid frame of berry and plum fruit. The barrel flavors, from 10 months in French oak, are balanced and persistent. Put this one away for drinking from 2020 to 2030.
Sunny yellow peaches and cherries open this intensely concentrated, fruit-forward auslese. It's lush and lively, yet dazzling with minerality and fresh, cutting acidity. An impeccably balanced wine that's fully approachable now, but structured enough to withstand at least another decade.
This vintage of Mirabai is open and full-throttle fruity, with appealing cherry scents and flavors. It's a lovely, delicate shade of rose, with a floral component to the bouquet. It's a subtle, elegant wine that offers immediate enjoyment and the prospect of cellaring well through 2020 or longer.
Fermented in stainless steel and one neutral barrel, this aromatic and compelling wine is clean, fresh and full of delicious fruit. Meyer lemon, satsuma orange and fresh pineapple are in the mix, with supporting acidity. Tasted a full day after being opened, it remained vivid and expressive.
This is very crisply defined, with sculpted fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry. The wine was aged for 15 months in once-filled barrels, which still add a touch of toast to the flavors. The acids are proportionate and immersive, meaning that they do not intrude, but they support the overall structure beautifully.
The 18-month wood aging has made this both a rich wine and a structured one. Black fruits are beginning to emerge from the dense texture. It is serious, complex and worth aging. Drink from 2018.
This standout wine has enticing herb and mineral aromas, plus rich, unorthodox flavors that resemble fresh fennel bulb and crisp white peach along with racy acidity and a good, substantial mouthfeel. It tastes concentrated, though not overly full bodied, but most of all it has a memorable personality.
Purity and concentration are the hallmarks here, with the forward, instantly delicious character of the 2012 vintage. This has the intense purity of summer fruit, lightly spicy and perfectly balanced.
A stablemate to the Richard's Cuvée, bottled under the winemaker's Matello label, this is a creamy, juicy wine with a lush mix of apple, pear and banana fruit flavors. There's a suggestion of mineral underlying the creamy mouthfeel, which adds an extra bit of freshness.
Woody aromas of vanilla, blackberry, black plum and cassis are lactic and creamy. Concentrated and huge on the palate, but with enviable balance, this powerful, ripe Garnacha deals blackberry and dark-plum flavors prior to an oaky, spicy, chocolaty finish with peppery, blackened spice notes. This is a monster wine with 16.5% abv, but it can handle it.
Jim Clendenen may be the only West Coast vintner making this blend of 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligoté, but more should copy. Aromas of musk melon, orange rose petals, crushed chalk and candied peaches lead into a palate powered by sea salt-laced nectarines, ripe red apples and honeydew, all tied together with proper acidity.
This patiently aged wine kicks off with a tremendous nose, blending blackberry, blueberry and dried black cherry with dark chocolate, hearty tobacco, dill, mint, lemon pepper, lavender and raw lamb aromas. The smooth and lasting palate is laced with licorice that carries through flavors of elderberry and dried sour cherries, with chopped sage, exotic dark chocolate and a woody berry element.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cedar, violet, underbrush and dark berry. The elegantly structured palate delivers black cherries, red currants, black pepper and anise alongside smooth, integrated tannins. Drink through 2018.
Rich aromas of cassis, blackberry jam and black raspberry are lifted by cracked chocolate and chopped mint on this wine from attorney David Hardee and winemaker Joey Tensley. It's a very big, juicy and rich wine once sipped, with luxurious fudge, black cherry compote, fragrant plums, mission figs and even dates on the palate, but with acidity and ample tannins to match.
Whispers of saffron and pollen lend mineral intensity to succulent yellow peach and cherry notes in this juicy yet revitalizing Riesling. It's semisweet in style with a dancing, lacy sugariness that lingers gently on the palate.
With patience, the appellation's seminal vineyard reveals layer after aromatic layer of of damp wood, hot raspberry syrup laced with cardamom cream, and a bit of anise. Fresh cranberry hits the palate first, then picks up tobacco ash in the mid palate along with recently plucked oregano, thyme and marjoram.
This rosé seems elegant all the way through. The color is a light salmon, the aromas are slightly earthy, with touches of baking spices, jasmine and fresh baked bread. A grand blend of rich flavors spreads across the palate while fresh acidity and lively bubbles give a vivid mouth feel and carry the mild cherry and cinnamon flavors to the finish.
Ripe yellow fruits give this wine a soft and rich character. With a tangy, citrus edge it is also crisp and fresh. The combination makes for a lively, light wine that is ready to drink.
Sourced from grapes grown in the Côte Chalonnaise, this is a soft, red-fruit-flavored wine, with a ripe, jammy character that makes it almost sweet. It is ready to drink.
Familiar varietal aromas of lychee and scented candle come with a hint of petrol. Punchy and crisp in feel, this tastes of garden variety lemon-lime, banana and lychee. A crisp but rudimentary finish closes things out.
Quite light in the glass, this bottling still shows a vast array of tropical-leaning aromas, from jasmine and honeysuckle to ripe Gala apples, orange juice and key lime pie. Crisp stonefruit shows on the sip, as do more powerful white flowers, like tuberose.
This is a ripe, red fruit and caramel flavored wine. With its strawberry flavor, balanced acidity and touch of spice, it is soft and rounded yet finishes with a fresh touch.
Savory but also stewy on the nose, this Malbec offers muddled berry and spiced cherry aromas. In the mouth, this is flush and jammy but not all that exact. Spicy, herbal, peppery plum and black-currant flavors finish with heat and roasted notes.
Ripe and soft, this is a smooth wine. With its attractive black fruits and the lightest touch of tannin, it is fruity with a hint of toast. Drink this wine now.
Light floral aromas and more rich and savory flavors make this wine satisfying to drink. It's light-bodied, fairly soft in texture and has a light sugary finish.
This sweet wine smells like ripe plums and tastes fresh, grapy and sugary, with a little sparkle in the texture. It's quite sweet on the finish, too.
Ripe ruddy flavors of black-cherry pie and plum preserves are concentrated in this straightforward fruity wine. While semisweet and a touch jammy on the palate, its delicate abv and juicy style make it a pleasant summer sip.
This wine has wood acidity more than fruit freshness, but its citrus and apple flavors show potential. Although spice and toast dominate for the moment, a crisper character comes through at the end.
Strong wood flavors dominate this wine. While there are hints of the juicy red fruits, the burnt toast is too strong. While that will soften, it seems likely that woodiness will be with the wine a long time.
Muddled peach, apricot and vanilla cream carry the nose, while the palate is a bit more savory in character, with almond notes pervading over lilting flowers and tart apricot. There's a nice roundness to the palate and proper acidity to match. A Fuzzy white-tea tannin texture carries the nutty finish.
There is the faintest prickle on this dry, ripe and creamy wine. It has ripe acidity with crisp apple and green plum fruits. There is just the edge of minerality to give this wine texture. Drink now.
Aromas of sawdust, weedy underbrush and a hint of licorice lead the way and carry over to the palate. It lacks fruit richness, and you'll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the midpalate.
This opens with aromas that recall underbrush, sage, dried tobacco leaf and cherries marinated in spirits. The lean, tannic palate offers coffee and grilled herb but not much fruit richness.
A deep purple color, this ripe selection leads with lush aromas of raspberry jam, blueberry and boysenberry, all of which carry through to the fruit-forward palate. Medium tannins and ample acidity provide good framing to the fruity richness, resulting in a crushed velvet texture. Drink now.
This cuvée is a barrel selection, aged in 35% new oak. It's a mix of cola, beet root, stem and earth flavors, but lacks the presence of ripe fruit. In fact, it feels a bit green through the finish.
This is a crisp wine, tight with minerality. It has apple fruits as well as citrus, although the wine tends to a tight texture. There is potential and the wine will soften from 2016, but it will always have this tension.
Aromas of vanilla and Animal crackers are light on fruit. Delicate on the palate, this offers lychee and tropical fruit flavors that suggest Torrontés. A pithy finish is braced by bright acidity.
This smooth, almost soft, medium-bodied wine features tasty blackberry flavors, light tannins and a nice feeling of richness. It has a lot of flavor and an easy-drinking style.
Aromas of blackberry and thyme lead to flavors of slightly sour cherry, strawberry, thyme and oregano. Soft tannins provide a backdrop for refreshing fruit and savory flavors that are notably tart from start to finish.
Oak, leather, menthol, blue flower and stewed prune aromas lead the way. The tart, taut palate offers dried cherry, raw cranberry, clove and a green note of powdered sage while astringent tannins clench the finish.
Rubbery red-berry aromas carry to the medium-bodied palate. This Cabernet Franc is juicy and soft in feel, making it a good everyday red.
This is a dense, ripe and fruity wine, with forward aromas and flavors of black plum, cherry and muddled berries that are kissed by sweet spice. Medium acidity and supple tannins result in a plush yet accessible and well-balanced palate. Drink now.
Still young, this crisp wine is at the beginning of its development. Time will bring out the ripe apple fruit and the touches of spice that are just hints now. Drink from 2017.
The color of soft pink, this wine has a nose of grapefruit and lemon rind. It is bright at first sip, with refreshing flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon sorbet, peach and jasmine.
Aromas of hard spices, licorice root and earth override any berry fruit notes this Cabernet blend shows. Round on the palate, with juicy acidity, this tastes of plum and spicy oak. A long, woody, spicy finish brings it home.
Toast, oak, menthol and coconut aromas carry over to the bracing palate along with mocha and mint. It lacks fruit richness while raspy tannins generate an astringent close.
The Harrison Hill vineyard has some of Washington's oldest Cabernet vines. Here the blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot offers a distinctive flavor profile, clean, sharp and herbal, with an interesting, earthy note. Flavors mingle beautifully, and carry through from the tart, tight-knit red fruit into the polished and lightly slatey tannins and a chewy, lightly peppery finish.
There are three benches at the estate vineyard —west, north and south-facing. This 100% Syrah is a blend of two of them. You get the more earthy Northern Rhône attributes; exotic scents of herb and cured meat—not bacon fat from the barrel but legitimate flavors from the terroir. In 2006 it's tight, edgy and still youthful; this is an ageworthy Syrah that will expand and develop over the next 6–8 years. For the moment, it needs decanting to show its best. After breathing, as the wine opens, new layers of flavor emerge: soy, vanilla, raisin and buttered nuts.
Better known for its red wines, Penfolds has turned out a lovely Bin 51 Riesling in 2007. An alluring nose of orange sherbet and petrol leads into a medium-weight wine that manages to be both broad and mouthcoating and yet long and racy on the finish. May not be a long-lived Riesling by Aussie standards, but it should still drink well over the next 7-10 years.
Merlot comprises 53% of the blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, and Cab Franc fills in the final 7%. Well built and satisfyingly complete, this tribute to grower Dick Boushey uses fruit from his oldest (25-year) vines. Scents of toast, mint and moist earth introduce varied fruit flavors of boysenberry, purple grape, cherry and plum. It's a big, bold wine that segues neatly into a finish of chocolate and butterscotch.
From the Moncão region, heartland of Alvarinho, at the north of Vinho Verde, this is a delicious wine, its green flavors bursting out of the glass. It is fresh, very crisp, edged with yeastiness but then boosted by its tight acidity.
This is the top wine from Château Haute-Serre, a powerful expression of Malbec, very dense and solid, but certainly not overpowering. It has ripe fruit that is held in check by brooding tannins and a firm structure, giving it weight but also surprising restraint. Age for 4–5 years.
This classic Bordeaux blend—67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 17% Cab Franc and 6% Petit Verdot—is crafted from 100% Sagemoor vineyard grapes. It's chewy and herbal, with substantial tannins. It probably needs some time to smooth out the rough spots, but it's got character and a mix of Bordeaux-like cassis and herb flavors, all in good balance and finished entirely in older neutral oak.
Bright and spicy, this delightful Syrah has the cherry and boysenberry flavors, and the spice and lift of Washington fruit, with a finish that leads gracefully into pepper and coffee grounds. It's lively and palate-cleansing, with a finish that mixes citrusy lemon with dry, herbal tannins.
This herbaceous Cabernet shows off the strengths of Western Australia: refined tannins, complex flavors and elegance galore. Tobacco and mint lead the way, followed by cassis, cigar box and hints of coffee. It's not a big powerhouse, but a classy Cabernet, with a long finish. Drink now-2015.
A very sunny, New World style of wine, all exuberant fruit and flavors of milk chocolate, made richer by blackberry and caramel tastes. Approachable, very drinkable.
The Frederick—a Bordeaux blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot—is entirely estate-grown, as are all of the Spring Valley wines. Located north of Walla Walla, in rolling wheat country, the vines attain a different set of flavors than anywhere else in the valley. It's an unusual combination of power (15.5% alcohol) and breed. Supple, sleek, mixing its black fruits with streaks of gun metal, iron and pencil lead, this is a wine that wants to tackle a prime rib, mano à mano.
Three years ago Trapiche started making three high-end single-vineyard Malbecs; Aciar's seems a little more closed and flat than its cousins, but it does pump forward with rock-solid blackberry and cola flavors. It's better on the attack than the follow-through, but the flavors are excellent and the balance is proper even if the length is short.
Here is a broadly appealing, instantly approachable white wine with mouthwatering flavors of melon, white peach, pineapple and still more exotic tropical fruits. The wine is round and full, forward and just a little tart, but nicely supported with sweet, spicy barrel flavors.
Chalky oyster shell and saline notes accentuate the brisk, brash feel of this light-footed Chardonnay. On the palate, fresh apple and lemon flavors are accented by whispers of vanilla and spice. The finish is cutting and crisp.
Earthy, rustic, almost nutty aromas are suggestive of the difficult 2013 vintage. On the palate, this blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is direct but high in acid. Earthy black-fruit flavors finish quick, with a lasting salty note.
Coming from Red Willow and Alder Ridge vineyards, this wine brings aromas of rose petal, coffee, cranberry and sour cherry. The palate is full of tart fruit flavors with high acid and tannins and a lingering finish. It keeps the interest high.
This wine is dry, packed with acidity at this young stage. It is crisp and lightly nutty in character, perfumed and still tangy with orange zest. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and juicy, this attractive offering from winemaker Marie-Dominique Watrin has a rich seam of blackberry fruits and balanced acidity. The aftertaste with its fresh character shows that the wine is nearly ready to drink; enjoy from the end of 2016. The 20 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines are hand picked; no herbicides are used.
Pretty aromas of blue flowers, red berry and dark cooking spices lead the nose on this straightforward red. The bright, savory palate doles out wild cherry, cassis, clove and a dash of white pepper alongside silky tannins and fresh acidity. It's easygoing and made to be enjoyed young.
A spray of lemon-lime acidity casts a spotlight onto lush, easy peach and apricot flavors in this bright, juicy semidry Riesling. Delightfully quaffable, it's certainly a straightforward wine, yet subtle touches of blossom and bitter apple skin lead to an elevated finish.
Herbaceous on the entry, this Cabernet Sauvignon-majority blend has traces of each of the other red Bordeaux varieties. Blackberry and tobacco follow suit, building to a full-bodied experience of highly walled tannins that mellow to a smooth finish.
Earthy and light in color, this shows well for the appellation, displaying elegant and ethereal tendencies that veer into the rustic. Dark cherry is the high note on the fruit component, seasoned by cinnamon and clove.
Leafy, earthy aromas of raisin, baked plum and leather are oaky but also a touch green. High acidity creates an upright, juicy mouthfeel, while shrill, acid-driven flavors of plum and berry fruits end with a green reprise as well as flavors of tobacco and citrus peel. This will last a long, long time; drink through 2030.
Aromas of blackberry, underbrush, blue flowers and a whiff of coffee lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, raspberry and white pepper alongside firm acidity. Drink through 2016 to capture the combination of fruit and freshness.
Cherry pie and cinnamon dominate the aromas. Sweet oaky influences like baking spices and brown sugar come out in the flavors, as a lush texture soothes the palate. This tastes mild in terms of acidity and tannins so it comes off as soft and almost sweet.
With fruit mostly from Northridge Vineyard along with Katherine Leone and Clifton Hill, this wine displays aromas of herbs, vanilla, mocha and green wood. Coffee and cherry flavors are sweet and high octane with light squeeze of tannins.
This sleekly styled wine displays aromas of citrus peel, green apple and Bosc pear. The citrus flavors are lightly spritzy, bringing a sense of lightness and freshness. It's perfect for a summer day.
Structured and vibrant, this opens with aromas that recall rose, iris, woodland berry and cake spices. The firm palate offers black cherry, red currant and licorice alongside bright acidity. Drink through 2017.
Cool, earthy aromas are more brooding than loud and fruity. This organic blend of Garnacha, Syrah and Monastrell features grabby tannins that stop short of being grating. Flavors of baked plum, raspberry and cherry end with medicinal notes and a dose of minty heat. Drink now.
Spiced plum, dried herbs, underbrush and toasted oak aromas waft out of the glass. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, the palate offers up ripe black currant, crushed mint, espresso and tobacco accompanied by fine-grained tannins.
Rose, red berry and a whiff of cake spice aromas meld in the glass. The bright, easy-drinking palate doles out Morello cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon and ground green pepper while vibrant acidity provides backup. There's no complexity but it is savory and refreshing.
Larger than life in terms of oak and tannin on the entry, this wine is elusive in fruit. Medium-bodied, it feels weighty and sharp-shouldered, while being clearly well-made and expressive of its appellation and variety. A cherry-vanilla note rings on the finish.
This wine is initially soft and rounded. Only as it opens does the tight, crisp texture becomes apparent, bringing out crisp, green, citrus flavors as well as hinting at warmer apricots. The wine is still young; drink from late 2016.
The winery's top-of-the-line Cab, this offers a depth of toasted oak and plum surrounding barbecued meat aromas. Soft and approachable, the fruit is ripe and seasoned by jolts of black pepper on the finish.
Mocha, vanilla, woodspice and cherry aromas are at the front of this barrel-forward wine. Flavors display a mixture of fruit and barrel, with the latter winning out on the finish. The variety seems a bit lost but it provides plenty of pleasure.
This estate-grown wine conjures up thoughts of pepper steak in a glass, so spicy and tannic on the palate that it begs for succulent meat with which to pair. Full bodied and roundly soft, its burst of blueberry fruit is juicy and expansive, mellowing on the finish.
Green apples and soft apple blossom scents mix with cut-grass aromas on this wine, which comes from rows near the entrance of the iconic estate. There is lots of apple-skin-driven grip on the palate, which also shows pears, more grass and a slight hint of passionfruit.
While intensely peachy and floral, this plump, fruity Gewürztraminer has a lingering trace of earthiness that distracts. Nonetheless, it's buoyant and juicy on the palate, with sunny tangerine acidity that lingers refreshingly.
Cocoa, herb, raspberry, vanilla and spice aromas are out front on this wine. The blue and red fruit and barrel flavors are creamy in feel and carry through the finish.
In this wine aged 26 months in new and used American oak, the barrel aromas show themselves first, with notes of vanilla and coffee followed by spice and dark fruit. The coffee and cherry flavors are medium bodied, with well-integrated tannins backing them up.
Hot, baked, rubbery aromas of black cherry and blackberry feed into a racy, pinched palate with astringent tannins. Herbal plum and berry flavors finish spicy and oaky, with a note of brown sugar. Drink through 2018.
At 1,100 feet, this high-altitude vineyard yields a crisp and tangy wine. The brothers, whom Becky Wasserman lists among the Fuissé “revolutionaries,” employ biodynamic practices. The wine has great swathes of bright acidity and a tight, mineral texture. With lively acidity, it is a bright, fruity wine to drink now.
This is an aromatic wine, one of a series of four wines featuring the major red grapes of the Dão. It is ripe, fruity with soft tannins and juicy acidity. Red berry fruit and a balanced structure give a fragrant wine that is ready to drink.
Think of Subsídio as a contribution rather than as a subsidy, says the producer—in this case a contribution to a meal. The wine is soft and fully ripe. It has generous tannins and black fruits. The rich wine, with its juicy aftertaste, is ready to drink.
Smoky, gritty black cherry and blackberry aromas are herbal and smell a bit like road tar. This is flush on the palate at first, then more tight and tannic. Flavors mostly reflect the nose, meaning this tastes gritty, peppery, toasted and herbal, with spicy berry flavors rolling out over the finish.
Vibrant lavender, as well as the flowering tips of rosemary and thyme, meet with blueberry on the floral nose of this wine that shows little of the tarry harshness that often comes from the grape. Lavender also marks the sip, as does white pepper, crushed thyme, dried mint, sage and even tarragon, atop a dark purple-fruit backbone.
Crisp and tight, this is a steely, mineral-driven wine. The texture is taut and nervy, lively with acidity and just hinting at a more creamy future. The toasty edge is attractive and fills the wine. Drink from 2017.
Light-apricot in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Fuji apple and orange peel. It has flavors of clementine, orange, hazelnut, leather and smoke. Strong tannins are counterbalanced by bold acidity, and a finish marked by clementine and orange rind flavors leaves a pleasing tannic halo on the tongue and gums.
A single barrel is all that is made. A burst of pure ripe strawberry and cherry fruit resonates across the palate, flavors glowing like light from a candle. It's lovely but ephemeral, without much weight or complexity.
For some tasters this will seem too ripe, with its liquorous aromatics and burn in the back of the throat. That said, it's loaded with dense fruit flavors of peach and pear, and buoyed with sufficient acidty to keep from feeling at all flabby or fat.
This has a mineral character that shines through the crisp, fresh citrus and green plums. It is immediately attractive and is delicious to drink now.
This is a big, tasty and very oaky wine. Smoky, peppery, bacony aromas, and flavors drenched with blackberries find a good fit with the full body, smooth but firm texture and lingering berrylike finish.
This winery's workhorse blend of 45% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 8% Counoise and 7% Mourvèdre shows aromas of boysenberry, asphalt, peppercorn and lilac on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft yet the palate is still wound up nicely, offering tart plum, black raspberry, black pepper, chipped slate and earthy flavors.
Fermented and aged in French oak, this is a forward, fruity wine which retains a bit of youthful yeastiness. The principal flavors are creamy banana, buoyed with a splash of fresh lime. It's broad, smooth and immediately enjoyable.
This opens with aromas recalling camphor, iris, cherry marinated in spirits and a whiff of coffee. The ripe, uncomplicated palate offers cherry pie, leather, star anise and white pepper alongside velvety tannins.
Philip the Bold was Duke of Burgundy in the 14th century and owner of this estate. This wine that comes from vines next to Saint-Aubin is cool and fresh, emphasizing red currants and acidity. It needs to broaden out, which will happen in the next two to three years. Drink from 2019.
This vineyard selection brings a bit more concentration and complexity than the other Coelho Pinots. The mixed fruits offer flavors of red candy and Orange Crush, with a touch of the region's earthy tannins. Just 20% went into new oak.
This wine has good richness, with a sense of heft in the texture. Warm and dark fruit flavors suggest black plum and blackberry, with very full body and a touch of sweetness that lingers on the finish. This wine can be enjoyed like a Port after dinner.
Warm, roasted aromas beckon and engage your interest, while in the mouth, the wine puts a tart citrus frame around blue-plum and black-cherry fruit. Streaks of cola, earth and coffee bring further highlights.
At this stage, the wine seems to have too much wood. Hopefully this will dissipate because round yellow fruits are all there, along with fresh, crisp acidity. It is a wine with potential and will be better from 2017.
Menthol, blue flower, oak and a whiff of exotic spice emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers raspberry compote, mocha and a hint of cake spice alongside bracing tannins that clench the finish.
Full-bodied and fudge-like, this is a big black chocolaty Shiraz. Hints of cracked pepper and dried fruit run through this rich, thickly textured wine. It's ready to drink now.
Fruity red cherry, cocoa dust and crushed graphite combine on the nose of this cleanly made wine. The relatively lighter-bodied palate shows tart Montmorency cherries, pencil lead, black tobacco and a peppery spice. It's quite easy to quaff.
Leather, truffle, wild berry and scorched earth aromas take center stage along with toasted oak. The firm, one-dimensional palate delivers dried black cherry, raisin and clove alongside assertive tannins that leave a drying finish.
This inky-violet wine has a nose of raspberry, violet and herbes du Provence. It is soft in the mouth, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, mountainside herbs and smoke, and a bright splash of cranberry on the finish.
A sustainably minded, fairly priced bottling from veteran producers in the appellation, this vintage works well. Black cherry and smoked pork mark a very oak-driven nose that's prominent but not overdone. The smoked-fruit aspect carries to the palate, where cola, pomegranate and bramble are quite flavorful and dusted by crushed fennel seed.
This light refreshing wine spent 16 months in 20% new French oak. The pretty berry fruit is elegantly set in complementary acids, with a streak of blond tea threading through the finish.
Strawberry, leather, menthol, truffle and tilled soil aromas emerge in the glass along with whiffs of blue flower and thyme. The approachable palate offers mature red cherry, licorice and a marked medicinal note while firm, refined tannins provide support. It's a bit shy on freshness so enjoy soon.
A flagship wine for this producer, this is rich and seductive, opulent even. Bold yellow fruits, ripe apples and pears are surrounded by a youthful texture that will allow it to age. The fruit and the touches of wood are still present, but will integrate beautfully. Drink this wine from 2023.
Enticing aromas of balsamic, leather, menthol, crushed herb, blue flower and dark culinary spice unfold on the nose. The focused palate boasts wonderful, nervy energy, showing red cherry, cranberry, white pepper, cinnamon and clove flavors framed by firm, elegant tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2022–2032.
From one of the high-quality Premier Crus that have much of the reflected glory of the Vosne-Romanée grand crus, the beautiful wine is ripe and packed with great red fruits. Its wood aging is a rich support to this opulent wine with considerable potential. Drink from 2025.
Ripe, warm and with delicious strawberry and red-plum fruits, the wine is generous and full of fruit. The tannins are also there, a structure just to support all this fruit. It will be an opulent and beautiful wine as it ages. Drink from 2025.
Extremely alluring aromas of black plum and blackberry meet with touches of caramel, vanilla and fresh rose on the nose of this bottling. Raspberry and cranberry pop on the sip, but it's the garrigue character of black sage and thyme, plus a bit of white pepper, that rounds out the seamlessly integrated palate.
Plump aromas of black cherry, mulberry, vanilla and star anise rise on the rich but not overbearing nose of this wine. There is dark-fruit ripeness on the front, but then comes a heavy array of spices, from allspice and clove to thyme and dried sage. The texture is soft, yet the tannins are noticeable and the acidity is buoyant.
This is Burgundian opulence, with generous, rounded black-fruit and -berry flavors. Supporting this richness are the tannins that will allow the wine to age. From Louis Latour Domaine vineyards, it has a solid, dense structure that needs plenty of time. Drink from 2027.
Cinnamon and clove aromas stick out on a nose with light red-fruit scents. Power with restraint describes the palate on this varietal Garnacha from old vines. Dark, slightly baked flavors of brandied cherry and mulled berry fruits finish with a touch of oak and a recurrence of lightly baked fruit notes. Drink through 2026.
This wine from the Corton Grand Cru vineyard is packed with tannins as well as smoky fruit. It is richly structured and firm, yet the fruit is equally powerful, showing bold black fruits struck against bright acidity. The wine will need considerable aging; drink from 2025.
This structured wine comes from one of the lesser-known Grand Crus of Vosne-Romanée. But it does have the structure and density of the wines from this run of grand crus, with bold tannins over the red-cherry fruits. It is likely to be a structured wine for many years. Drink from 2027.
Aged for a year in new wood barrels, this powerful, concentrated wine shows both richness and considerable aging potential. It is a powerhouse of ripe damson fruits and impressive tannins. Structured and intense, it needs to age for many years. Don't drink before 2026.
Ripe and rounded, this softly textured wine has swathes of yellow fruits that are deliciously cut with lime and lemon acidity. The wine, with its touches of toast is balanced, promising a fine future. Drink from 2021.
From a beautiful vintage on the relatively cooler end of the valley, this wine combines 89% Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Cedar, herb and savory sage open into a strong element of forest floor and rose garden. Tight firm tannin wrap around a robust ripeness that finds balance in accompanying acidity. Enjoy from 2024–2034.
This special waxed-top reserve bottling shows deep aromas of cedar and sandalwood along with black plum and allspice on the nose. Black cherry pops on the sip with lots of nutmeg spice, but it's the evenly distributed acidity and firm tannins that ensure a long life. Drink now through 2029.
Hailing from old plantings in the Rocks District, this brings unique sagebrush, violet, blackberry, smoked meat, black pepper and wet stone notes. The palate is exquisitely pure and fresh, with abundant, layered blackberry and kirsch flavors. With its peppery finish and plush mouthfeel, it's swoon-worthy.
This wine is a classic of the type that can only improve with time. The aromas show tightly packed spices, superripe fruit and cedar. Dense blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate flavors fill this full-bodied and lavishly tannic wine to the brim. The color is black, except for a slim ring of deep ruby at the edge. Best after 2025.
This is a rich wine with great potential. Its juicy spice and acidity are balanced with the red fruits, the generous texture and the fine structure. It is a wine that sums up the ripeness of the vintage. Drink from 2024.
The nose on this bottling from the iconic vineyard co-owned by the Pisoni and Franscioni families is quite sultry, with lots of violet and purple-flower aromas as well as mulberry, black raspberry, forest floor and grilled meat. The earthy fruit flavors of mulberry are strong on the sip, playing well with the loamy soils, dusty minerality, stiffer tannins and persistent acidity. A deep and layered wine.
This blend of fruit from Joey Tensley's home vineyard as well as his more recently acquired Colson Canyon Vineyard is a dark and brooding monster, with blueberry, black pepper, chocolate, tar and caramel on the nose. It's very full on the sip but not overripe, with flavors of seared meat, blackberry, pepper and purple flowers.
From Joey Tensley's home vineyard near Los Olivos, this bottling shows very dark and tarry aromas at first but then opens up into cassis, blueberry, black pepper and wild herbs, making for a beautiful and cohesive nose. The tannins are a bit firm and could use a little more patience to soften, but the flavors of tangy black plum, leather, game and pepper are ready to rock.
One of the state's best bottles year after year, this delivers herb, blackberry, woodspice and vanilla bean aromas. The palate is tightly wound and impeccably balanced, with a mixture of fruit and barrel flavors that show depth. Made with the future in mind, it will be best from 2025–2032.
A very awesome array of burnt bacon, dried violets, chipped asphalt and tart elderberry show on the nose of this bottling from a remote vineyard north of the Santa Maria Valley. A strong pepper spice starts the sip, followed by charred berries and black currants, tons of purple flowers and a persistent acidity.
An oil-like shade of yellow in the glass, this is still a baby, showing aromas of walnut, seared lemon, yogurt, white flowers, oak and smoke. The acidity is pure and strong, cutting through the nutty flavors and savory richness. Sea salt, browned butter, Meyer lemon peels and orange marmalade flavors will only grow more cohesive with time.
A rich gold color and spicy, complex aromas get this wine off to a great start. It follows with ginger, cinnamon, baked apple and lemon on the palate, which sets up a layered flavor profile supported by fine bubbles and fresh acidity. The finish lingers on slightly nutty and doughy notes. Enjoy through 2022.
This clonal selection shows powerful aromas of cinnamon, mace, sandalwood and plump boysenberry on the attention-grabbing nose. There is a refreshing black-plum-skin tartness to the sip, which is decorated with potpourri, sagebrush, bay leaf and eucalyptus flavors. The mouthfeel is soft, yet zesty acidity and firm structure hold it all together.
This wine is firm yet ripe, with a bold yet tight character that foreshadows a rich wine in the future. The cherry and red plum flavors are lush and generous. It is going to be a delicious wine, full of concentration. Drink from 2023.
There are elegant aromas of potpourri, purple flowers, rose hips, fennel, wild mint, blackberries and plums on the nose of this top-end bottling from the Hahn family. Hearty black plum and elderberry mix with black sage and bay leaf on the palate, where a chalky texture and soft mouthfeel complete the experience.
Charred lamb, lilac and freshly paved streets make for a very savory entry to this excellent bottling—a partnership between longtime Santa Barbara County viticulturist Jeff Newton of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates and Villa Creek winemaker Cris Cherry. Tangy elderberry, black peppercorns, rosemary and lavender show on the sip, where gritty sticky tannins make for a memorably tarry expression from a new vineyard.
This is a generous wine, although one that will need some serious aging. It is rich in tannins and powered by a firm structure. The fruit offers the weight to counter the tannins. It just needs time. Drink from 2024.
Soft, rich and fruity, this is the epitome of an accessible Alentejo. With ripe fruits and a sense of warmth, it is made to drink young. Red-stone fruits and acidity are in fine harmony. Drink now.
Though quite light in the glass in color, this is a very and tropical take on the grape, with honeysuckle, jasmine, pear and apricot aromas leaping from the wine. There is a nicely wound tightness to the texture of the sip, and then come the white peach, guava, melon and papaya flavors.
Aromas of Spanish broom, ripe pear and a yeasty whiff of toasted bread crust come together in the glass. The savory palate offers mature yellow apple, bitter almond, white pepper and a saline note framed in tangy acidity.
Delicately scented, this has aromas of hawthorn, beeswax and a whiff of white stone fruit. The savory palate doles out white peach, yellow apple and bitter almond while a dollop of honey signals the close.
Chocolate and blueberry highlight a high-octane experience of soft, candied flavor in this leathery, juicy wine from the producer's estate. Full-bodied and ripe, it displays the bold rusticity of the variety.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc make up the majority of this blend. Aromas of blue fruit, herb, pencil lead and barrel spice are followed by smooth plum flavors. Milk chocolate notes persist on the finish.
Made entirely with native grape Zibibbo, this opens with aromas of sage, tangerine zest and Mediterranean herb. The aromas follow through to the lively palate alongside brisk acidity and a saline note.
This wine is equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, topped off with Petit Verdot (4%). Hailing from Dineen, Olsen, Stone Tree, Sheridan and Kiona vineyards, it offers aromas of herb, vanilla, and slightly raisinated-seeming fruit. Plush, rich flavors cap it off.
Bright and fresh on the nose at first, this offers citrus spray and then delves into drying apples and pear. There is solid grip on the palate, offering flavors of sour orange, lime Granny Smith apple and a bit of grassiness.
This 100% varietal wine offers predominant aromas of wood spice along with herb and dark fruit. The palate is medium bodied, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel.
The aromas are light, with notes of herb and stone fruit that don't seem to have fully ripened. The palate is full and broad but seems to lack a sense of clarity.
One of Oregon's best-kept secrets is this well-made budget-priced Pinot from Eola Hills. Aged in French and American oak for just under one year, it's labeled as a plain Oregon AVA, but it's 95% Willamette Valley fruit. That brings an extra dimension to the wine, with some tannic muscle and a streak of dried leaf and forest floor flavors along with ripe strawberry fruit.
Acacia, honeyed nut and yellow stone fruit aromas lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows surprising depth for the cool wet vintage, offering yellow apple, pear and bitter almond alongside zesty acidity. A mouthwatering saline note wraps up the finish.
Strong scents of cola and chocolate come up quickly from the glass, and those flavors notes override the light strawberry and cherry fruit. With a bit of breathing time they all combine gracefully, crafting a full forward wine with a pleasing creamy texture.
This opens with enticing scents of white spring flower and white orchard fruit. On the bright palate, a hint of bitter almond underscores green apple and nectarine while bright acidity and a saline note provide a mouthwatering finish.
This is high-octane and boldly ripe wine from the wilds of Calistoga, offering bacon char, cranberry, plum and a richness of milk chocolate.
This is a voluptuous sparkling blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay that is made methode Champenoise. Spritzy on the palate with a freshness of acidity, it offers a balanced blend of green apple and strawberry.
Dark berry, herb and blue-fruit aromas lead to silky fruit flavors. The tannins bring a slightly sticky feel to the finish.
Beautifully smooth, this medium-bodied and easy-drinking wine seems to melt in the mouth. Black cherry, blueberry and light smoky aromas segue to more cherry and chocolate flavors on the palate, where the texture is soft and appealing. It's a harmonious blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Candied black cherry, crushed thyme, marjoram, peppercorn and smoked meat show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is very sweet, nearly treacly by sip two, showing concentrated strawberry juice and hoisin spice against a thick mouthfeel.
This is the inaugural release from this winery, which dedicates itself to the production of Grenache. A blend of fruit from Alder Ridge and Upland vineyards, it brings aromas of red plum, herb and spice that are followed by elegant, mouthwatering red-fruit flavors. It shows the variety's more delicate side.
This is a blend of 46% dry-farmed Merlot, 45% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot from the Lamonica Vineyard south of the Stags Leap District. Cola, leather and coffee ride a smoothly tannic, medium-bodied offering of likable approachability.
Soft, layered and reasonably complex, this red blend showcases juicy black cherry, cassis and a wealth of dried herb. A good value for the quality, it'll serve a gathering well, or do its job as a weekday wine.
Layers of plush yellow peach and apricot flavors highlight this easy, crowd-pleasing kabinett. Sunny lemon acidity lends refreshment to the midpalate, cutting through all the ripeness and leading to a brisk finish. Drink now through 2019.
Aromas of gasoline and white grapefruit skins lead to tangy palate with good grip and weight. This tastes waxy, bitter and citrusy, with a hint of tropical fruit. Zesty acidity livens up the finish, which runs fairly long.
Cocoa, vanilla, and cherry aromas are followed by abundant black-cherry flavors supported by grainy slightly astringent tannins. It needs some time to settle in.
Bright and delicious, this sleek, easy-drinking red delivers crunchy strawberry, sour cherry and savory herb. Silky tannins and fresh acidity balance out the juicy palate. Drink through 2016.
Chalky, mineral tones infuse the clean apple, Asian pear, white peach and melon rind aromas on the nose of this wine. It's pure and focused, with ample acidity that cuts through the ripe fruit flavors on the palate. Hints of orange blossom and clove-spiked citrus unfold on the finish. Drink now–2017.
Plump, supple and a joy to drink, this wine features a complex mélange of aromas and flavors, ranging from menthol and cracked pepper to mocha and roasted meat, all wrapped around a core of red berries. Drink now–2018.
Crisp and compact, the 2011 Diana Madeline undoubtedly needs at least another couple of years in the cellar. The nose is leafy and herbal, but the flavors show cherry fruit framed by subtle shadings of vanilla. The tannins are firm, imparting a drying sensation to the long finish.
Made from 100% Syrah sourced from the cooler climes of Oak Knoll, this light, easily quaffed wine offers lots of personality and complexity. Luscious watermelon, strawberries and cream are bound within a dry, balanced body. Aromas tend toward the rose garden, with the tiniest, worthwhile suggestion of dried herbs.
Made for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, this bottling is the winery's first release from this vineyard, set near the town of Petaluma. The barrel imprint is significant, rounded out by plum, earthy mushroom, fennel and ripe strawberry. Brooding, this wine offers a dark and dense underbelly of bittersweet chocolate.
The style of this young wine is for ripe fruit as well as really crisp acidity. Bright lemon flavors are combined with yellow fruits and only the slightest hint of herbaceousness. This is already well balanced, although it will be even better from the end of 2015.
Cheesy oak, vanilla, licorice and herb aromas accent an otherwise ripe-fruit bouquet. Like many of Chile's top 2012s, this is a heavy, ripe wine with a jammy wall-to-wall feel. Raspberry, cassis and herbal olive flavors finish earthy and loamy, with a warm tobacco note. Drink through 2018.
This is all about juicy, ripe fruit, tempered by freshness and a velvety tannin structure. Fleshy, ripe red and black cherry is expansive and open on nose and palate. A joy to drink and ready now.
The producer adds a small percentage of Pinot Blanc to the wine to great effect, combining seamlessly with the Sauvignon Blanc and resulting in notes of honeydew, green fig and subtle herb. The blend offers layers that are both fresh and fruity.
Though not labeled as such, this thrilling Riesling comes from the Ancient Lakes appellation and brings aromatic notes of peach, orange blossom and pear. It drinks medium-sweet with abundant stone fruit flavors.
Oaky and full bodied, this conveys a strong impression of big berry fruit. Spice and herbal components are underplayed, letting the fruit come forth in all its glory. This is an attractive and ready-to-drink wine.
Very ripe, almost overripe berry fruit greets the nose. Black cherry is in abundance on the palate. This is juicy and full, with notions of compote fruit. The tannins are velvety and ripe, and there is a focusing ray of acid down the middle.
A light golden hue, this richly aromatic wine offers notes of toasty barrel spices, apricot and dried mango. It's full bodied, almost unctuous in feel, with abundant, sweet stone-fruit flavors and a lingering finish.
Initial scents of cedar, wood-grilled apple, popcorn and orange creamsicle are intensely decadent, promising a lush and textural wine. Those notes carry through to the opulent palate, with supporting accents of orange zest, toasted brioche and hazelnut that unfold on the medium-length finish. Drink now–2016.
Blackberry and spice aromas are earthy, leathery and stalky. This is youthful and tannic at this point, while oaky flavors of clove and wood spice ride heavily atop blackberry and dark plum fruit. Oak notes and firm tannins indicate that this will be best from late 2015 through 2018.
On the big and bold side, this has abundant fruit flavors surrounded by equally abundant lip-smacking tannins, great acidity and a long finish. Not very oaky, it has a vibrancy and fruit focus that is mouthwatering and compelling. It's tasty now, but will also improve through 2017.
Bold and full bodied, this offers aromas of steeped plum, prune, clove and blue flower. The concentrated, savory palate doles out mature blackberry, raisin, clove and licorice. Big but velvety tannins and just enough freshness give this a surprisingly drinkable quality that belies its heft.
The aromas on this wine by Bryan Babcock find an intriguing balance between ripe nectarine flesh and tart stonefruit skins. It's a bit more lush in style than other Pinot Gris of the vintage, quite broad on the palate, with apple-pear flavors, lingering lemon skin bitterness and an acidity that soaks into the tongue.
As the Riverside County region finds its way, this grape may make a good white option. This winery, which was founded in 1969 by the golf magnate, delivers aromas of salted and honeyed apples, following by a balanced, precise and mineral-driven palate of apple, lemonade and grapefruit.
Rich and ripe, this wine smells sunny like plums and cherries pulled from the tree. It offers a broad and supple texture, with mellow spice and cherry flavors. All that flavor is wrapped in a soothing blanket of fine tannins and just enough acidity to keep it fresh.
An unusual yeasty smokiness plays in the ripe apple fruit here. The midpalate is textured and shot through with lemony, bright acidity. The smoky glimpses pop up in numerous places, sometimes even with a caramelized edge. Very interesting and unusual
With its big, fat mouthfeel, but very little fruit to back it up, at this stage this wine seems to be about wood, spice and richness without balance. The Reserva from the property seems to have a better focus.
This is an intriguing red, with its nose of dried fennel, eucalyptus, and rosemary, and on the palate, pretty flavors of cassis and anise. Though gentle, the wine has balance and character. Imported by Wine Emporium.
A real South American take on this French grape. The nose is savory and smoky, with deep berry and vanilla aromas. So far so good, but the palate turns tannic and astringent, with black fruit and fig flavors getting run over by the grating mouthfeel. A take-no-prisoners wine with a coarse edge.
A light-bodied rosé with plenty of freshness on the finish, this is very clean and fruity in a slightly confected style. The delicate strawberry and cherry flavors are pleasant enough. Best served well chilled.
Cranberry and other red-fruit aromas are sort of raw, and the oak treatment on this wine is domineering and resiny. Amid the wood chips there's plum and boysenberry flavors, but as soon as you center in on those you also get dry tannins and a veneer of oak flavor.
From the producers of Domaines Ott, this is an attempt at an entry-level rosé. It's plump in the mouth, delviering round, canteloupe and citrus flavors, but finishes a bit soft.
Lively on the nose, with a strong whiff of Pine Sol but also some mulchy leaves. The palate is chunky and solid in terms of feel, with short berry and plum flavors mixed with green, mossy, drying tannins. A bit funky but not out of the realm of what's normal for Carmenère.
Dusty cherry and raspberry aromas taste candied and friendly. The palate on this reddish-colored wine is round and plump, with good texture. It tastes sweet but clean, with flavors of strawberry, cherry and pepper on the finish. 80% Garnacha and 20% Graciano.
This Proprietor's Reserve Grenache is one of a handful of Maryhill's 2010 reds that improves upon the previous vintage. Sappy and relatively substantial, this has a core of Bing cherry, along with chewy tannins and an earthy finish.
Firm tannins and notes of fresh dill and toasted coconut brood against the delicate backdrop of the crisp notes of black-plums and violets. It's an elegant wine, but slight and understated in structure.
This is initially a serious and structured wine, which subsequently rounds out but always keeps the firm structure of its vintage. It hints at wood aging, plus black currant freshness and tight acidity on the finish.
This is a big, weighty tannin- and wood-dominated wine, with a structure that is firm, dry and concentrated. It shows the firm structure of the year, and the juicy black fruits are still waiting to show. Give it 2–3 years.
This soft, fruity wine is lined with acidity and gentle tannins. It has a ripe red-berry flavor, with a touch of cherry and some dryness toward the finish. Not for long-term aging.
This heavily wood-dominated wine features a dry and tannic texture. It seems lean for the vintage, giving the impression of severity. The fruit shows only in the acidity at the end.
A rich but well balanced wine, this features ripe flavors and integrated tannins. A juicy black-currant note sits with the dusty structure, with fragrant acidity on the finish. The Château Sainte-Barbe is at the end of the promontory that lies between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers just before they meet.
Made using 50% Barbera and 50% Alicante Bouschet, this wine is fragrant and full-bodied, with notes of toasty oak and leather. The blend spent more than a year in new French oak, and it shows, both in terms of taste and structure. Should be an interesting wine over time.
Abundant layers of char and smoke threaten to overtake the bright black-cherry and green herb flavors on this premium wine. Aeration brings the fruit to the forefront, but hints of toasted wood and dill linger on the finish.
This open, soft wine brings out some of the ripe fruit flavors of the vintage. It has attractive melon and apricot fruit along with a tight streak of mineral acidity. It's ready to drink now, although it will be better from 2017.
Fresh, minerally lime aromas set up a zesty palate with lemon-lime, pineapple and apple flavors. There's nothing complicated about this snappy white, which finishes with some bitterness and lasting acidity.
While this Cab may be a touch soupy and heavy on the nose, aromas of coffee grounds and berry fruits are good. A full, blocky palate features cheek-rubbing tannins, while this tastes of coffee, chocolate and herbal berry fruits. For everyday purposes, this makes the grade.
While not overly intense in grapefruit, gooseberry and pea-shoot aromas, the palate brings a bit more frivolity into play, with guava, peach and flint. There's some weight behind this wine, which takes it beyond a simple apéritif.
A shade off dry, this approachably fresh fruity Riesling offers a bounty of juicy peach and tangerine refreshment. Sunny lemon acidity and blossom notes extend through a moderately long finish.
Punchy raspberry and strawberry aromas mingle with darker shades of blueberry, with tarragon and anise in the background. Soft and silken on the palate, the flavors mimic the nose, supported by a gentle dusting of tannins. This is a perfect light-bodied summer red, great alongside grilled fare.
Citrus fruits shine in this wine that offers attractive acidity along with lemon and crisp apple flavors. Bright, fruity and ready to drink soon, the wine has a nervy texture that will be delicious. Drink from 2017.
The wine is ripe and soft with black-currant acidity and gentle tannins. There is a firm structure behind the jammy fruit flavors, enough to give the wine support. It is ready to drink.
This is a good vintage for inexpensive Oregon Pinot, as this fresh and flavorful effort proves. Hints of toasted marshmallows and coconut adorn light strawberry fruit. Drink it chilled for optimum enjoyment.
This is one-third Cab Franc, one-third Merlot and one-third split between Syrah and Malbec—a who's who (or what's hot) of Southern Oregon viticulture. In the glass it's aromatically interesting, with citrus, leather and berry scents. In the mouth it's quite dry and leathery tasting, though with ample breathing time the fruit comes up.
From vines grown below the Roche de Solutré cliff, this is a tight wine with a mineral texture and steely acidity. The structure will soften to give a wine that is full and concentrated, with plenty of acidity as well as citrus flavors. Wait until 2017.
Medium-gold in the glass, this wine has aromas of apricot, melon and orange blossom. There is a soft sense of coolness on the palate, with flavors of apricot, marzipan, orange zest and guava.
Tight and mineral, this crisp wine also is ripe with apple flavors and lime-juice acidity. It has a zesty quality and is lively and bright at the end.
This fresh and fruity wine is made with without wood. Citrus crisp and with lively acidity, it refreshing, and perfumed. Drink now.
This taut and structured wine has weight as well as ripe fruits, with a strong mineral character that gives it tight texture. The acidity and the fruit are developing. Drink from 2017.
Strawberry, chopped herb, oak, camphor and grilled Porcini mushroom aromas lead the way. The tight palate shows dried black cherry, sour cranberry, leather, espresso and clove set against a backbone of unripe tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Truffle, underbrush, scorched earth and grilled herb aromas lead the nose. On the warm, ripe palate, toast and oak-driven spice underscore raspberry jam and dried black cherry while aggressive tannins clench the finish. Give the tannins another year or two to soften then to drink to capture the remaining fruit.
Deep-salmon to the eye, this wine has a nose of strawberry and cherry. It is a nicely made rosé with flavors of strawberry, cranberry and honeysuckle and notes of lingonberry on the refreshing finish.
Stewed aromas of raisin, prune and a hint of Asian spice lead the nose. The dense, one-dimensional palate offers baked dark berry, toasted hazelnut and a hint of dark spice while astringent, somewhat unripe tannins clench the finish.
A 100% Alvarinho wine grown outside its classic area in the north of Vinho Verde, this one earns the Minho regional designation. This wine is in a light style, fruity with green plums and tangy with orange peel. Drink now.
Forward and bright, with spicy berry fruit, this carries plenty of citrus and a hint of pepper as well. It's done in an easy-going, quaffable style. Give it a slight chill to compensate for the somewhat dull earthy finish.
This wine is much more easy-drinking than its pedigree might suggest. Made in Israel from an indigenous grape that is grown in a Palestine, it has aromas of apricot, jasmine and strawberry. It is very soft in the mouth, with flavors of guava, honeydew melon and lemon. The finish offers a light dose of bright citrus.
Medicinal, earthy aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum are encouraging. This blend of Malbec and Cab Franc is tight and sinewy, with good acidity. Cherry, plum and chocolate flavors rest comfortably in front of a ripe, full finish.
The Auxerrois grape, closely related to Chardonnay, is obviously at home in the Auxerre region of northern Burgundy. This wine is a lighter, more perfumed version of a Chardonnay, with a tangy, mineral texture. It is crisp with white fruits and acidity. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of chocolate, licorice and ripe red berry that carry over to the straightforward, jammy palate along with espresso and a toasted note. Astringent tannins grip the finish.
A textured, tight wine, this offers some firm fruits. Berry flavors, plenty of acidity and a touch of minerality add to a wine that will need time to develop. Drink from 2018.
Weighted in tannins and oak, this wine is also perfumed in ripe berry and chocolate, along with dried herb. Bittersweet tobacco marks the finish, complemented in vanilla.
Full body and savory flavors set this apart from the crowd, bringing a melon and almond aroma and subtle flavors like fig and butter. With a dry feel, creamy texture and lingering finish it tastes more serious than the name suggests.
Crushed herbs, a whiff of barrel smoke and rustic elderberry aromas arise on this nose of this wine. There are plenty of dark elements to the palate, from bittersweet chocolate, black cherries and blackberries to charred beef and dried anise, all held together by sticky tannins.
This hearty, sturdy and flavorful red tastes dry, with firm tannins and good acidity. The aromas are a bit like wood smoke but not in an over-oaked way, and the flavors are like pomegranate and cranberry juice.
Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and apple lead to full-bodied, sweet tropical fruit and lees flavors that linger.
Aromas of toasted oak, coffee and scorched earth lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. The palate offers black pepper, blackberry extract and espresso alongside polished but rather fleeting tannins. It's already quite evolved and the fruit is fading quickly.
The touch of pink in the light gold color is natural for a Pinot Grigio, reflecting the color of the grape skins. This has light white cherry aromas, pear flavors and a crisp hint of lemon that brings a tangy touch.
Grassy, reedy aromas accent core plum and berry scents. This feels tight and juicy on the palate, with a mix of raspberry, plum, savory spice and chocolate flavors. The finish is varietally typical, with herb, mint and olive notes.
Pale in color, this is a bright, fresh rosé with delicious strawberry fruits and a ripe, spice and pepper character. Fragrant, fruity and fresh, the wine is ready to drink.
Aromas of lees, honeycomb, butter and biscuit are followed by full-bodied flavors with lees notes dominating. It's a stylistic expression of the variety.
Aromas of banana, melon and pear show the slightest bit of slate-driven minerality. This is mostly fresh in feel, with ample weight. Pithy citrus and stone-fruit flavors are a little green and pyrazinic, possibly a reflection of the cold, rainy 2013 vintage.
Young and fruit-driven, this straightforward wine opens with aromas of ripe black and red-skinned fruit accompanied by a whiff of spice rack. The chewy palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, star anise and orange zest alongside vibrant acidity. Enjoy through 2016.
Aromas of underbrush, baked earth, espresso and dried berry lead the nose along with a whiff of blue flowers. The straightforward palate offers mature black cherry, licorice and a hint of clove alongside fresh acidity.
The volatiles are quite amped up on this wine, along with aromas of cola, dried cherries and cranberries. The dark cherry flavors are sweet and rich showing persistence.
Here's a wine made with an unusual blend of Sangiovese, Syrah, Alicante and Carignan grapes. It opens with aromas of toasted oak, espresso and charred earth. The dense, extracted palate offers dried blackberry, baked plum, tobacco and licorice alongside a backbone of firm tannins. The fruit is drying up so drink soon.
Tropical melon and mango notes are wild and effusive on the nose, striking a contrast to a palate that's surprisingly smoky and mineral. Vivacious and zesty on the palate, it's a uniquely composed, enjoyable wine.
This wine has a foundation of 57% Merlot, followed by almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, then smaller percents of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Perfumed, it expresses itself in tight, chewy tannins before revealing cedar, pencil shavings and cranberry in a medium-bodied package.
This is a smooth, easygoing wine, straightforward in red and black cherry, full bodied in style and veering on concentrated. It lacks the nuance of many others in its category, but delivers full flavor.
Aromas of rose, forest floor, toast and dark berry lead the nose on this straightforward, vibrant red. The racy palate delivers tart cherry, fresh raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside brisk acidity. Drink through 2016.
Briar fruit aromas show notes of moss, leather and herbs on the nose. This is solid, chewy and tannic, with blackberry flavors that are herbal along the edges and a bit green in the middle. A spicy, dark note marks the finish, with a hint of coffee.
Sweaty feline aromas of citrus and pyrazines introduce a minerally palate with acidic cut. Sassy green-fruit flavors of lime and gooseberry hold firm on a juicy, citrusy finish.
Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, clove and anise come together in the glass. The straightforward, tangy palate delivers red cherry and ground pepper alongside vibrant acidity and soft tannins.
With all of the fruit coming from Gamache Vineyard, this wine brings aromas of lees, butterscotch and butter. It's elegant in style with a lightly creamy feel and flavors that linger.
This wine is mostly Pinot Gris and Viognier along with a pinch of Orange Muscat. It's easy drinking, with flavors of peach and the underside of a pineapple plus a touch of sweetness and a crisp finish.
Spicy oak aromas waft from this concentrated and full-bodied wine. It smells like clove, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla, and tastes dry, firmly tannic and as spicy as it smells. While the oak is strong, enough rich fruit flavor and firm structure counterbalances it.
This wine has classic smoky fruit, with a delicious layer of ripe raspberry flavors. It is is stalky, although that is a function of youth rather than underripe fruit. It needs time to fill out, so drink from mid-2016. Think about serving it lightly chilled.
Bold, grapy aromas are big-time fruity but easy and uncomplicated. Tight and powerful across the tongue, this delivers blackened flavors of mixed berry fruits that run short before a peppery, toasty, slightly hot finish.
With no oak for makeup, this smells natural and a touch stalky, with melony fruit scents. The full, healthy palate is naturally creamy but also braced by bold acidity. Fresh flavors of citrus, apple and melon finish a bit salty.
Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this is a somewhat reduced, concentrated wine, copper-orange in color, that's intensely meaty, with a suggestion of hazelnuts and earth. Despite its powerful palate, it finishes lean and dry.
Very soft, not quite dry, this red wine is ripe and full. It has a gentle structure with some stalky black fruits and ripe tannins. It's very ready to drink.
Spicy plum and currant aromas have an earthy note about them. This feels raw and lean. Berry and plum flavors are candied, with oaky/spicy accents. On the finish, it's peppery tasting then bitter once the fruit fades.
There's no oak influence to be found on this wine with its notes of plum, green pepper and raspberry. It's off dry, with chalky tannins.
Funky aromas that recall game and farmyard carry over to the palate along with sweet vanilla and toast. Warm and forward, it ends on an overripe, overly sweet note.
A strong earthy aroma and flavor dominate this medium-bodied red, muffling the fruit character and keeping it rather one-dimensional. The texture is on the soft side. 55% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah.
Melon and apple aromas are simple. This has a soft, melony mouthfeel and flavors of tropical fruits and honeydew. The finish is chubby, sweet-tasting and tropical-leaning.
Two profiles emerge in this deep-colored, ripe-tasting and very dry Barbera. It smells and, at first, tastes almost overripe and pruny, with a soft, broad texture. Then the firm acidity and slightly tough tannins kick in on the finish. Not an ideal balance, but it will be good with especially rich dishes.
Agreeable and smooth, this tastes pro-actively flavored with oak. The wood character comes out as flavors of maple syrup, vanilla and clove in addition to the plum and raspberry notes from the grapes. It's good, commercial-quality red wine.
Honey, melon and cider aromas precede a juicy palate with no real texture or body. This is citrusy, tart and green tasting, with briny saltiness to the finish.
This begins with earthy, meaty, slightly smoky aromas. Moderate plum and pepper flavors convey a savory character rather than a fruity one, and the wine has a smooth texture. It starts out interesting and complex, and then closes down on the palate and finish.
A very faintly aromatic wine that has you leaning far into the glass searching for something. The palate drinks medium sweet with tropical flavors, but lacks the acidity to hold them together.
Bland, oaky aromas register as resiny. This has a heavy, syrupy mouthfeel. Flavors of canned pineapple and peach finish heavy.
Jumpy, spunky aromas of red berries and latex feed into an astringent, tannic palate with tart plum and raspberry flavors.
Bright cherryade flavors give an attractive, herbal character. It's not sweet, although there is a suggestion of this. It finishes soft and round, and the wine is not likely to develop further.
A late release from this cool vintage, this wine is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It explores Cabernet's greener side, with aromas of jalapeño and bell peppers, green herbs and cherry. The tart cherry and pepper flavors are elegantly styled, backed by light baking spice and vanilla accents.
Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach lead the way to flavors of apple and peach. There's a nice level of minerality and a crisp finish.
Deep salmon in color, this wine offers a bouquet of cantaloupe and nectarine. It is bright on entry, with full mouthfeel and flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and white peach that culminate in a bright citrus finish.
Aromas of acacia, nut and yellow stone fruit lead the nose. It's ripe and round, offering dried apricot, bread crust, golden apple and a note of bitter almond.
Berry and plum aromas are good but common. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère blend feels jacked up and tartaric. Flavors of plum and berry fruits are a bit raw, herbal and spicy, while this feels scrubbing and scratchy on a lively finish.
Vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, mandarin orange and petroleum jelly lead to just off-dry, lightly spritzy fruit flavors. Tart, lively acidity keeps the interest high.
This big, brawny wine slathers its rich pear syrup and orange marmalade flavors with toasty oak and butter. All that oaky richness dominates the taste from the first whiff to the lingering finish, so pair with an equally bold dish.
The baked berry, raisin and vanilla aromas in this Tempranillo and Garnacha blend are a touch soupy. It's tannic and firm on the palate, with tomato, berry and mildly oxidized flavors.
Crisp nectarine and apricot aromas meet hints of butter and lime in this clean and easy appellation blend from seven vineyards and four counties. The flavors are also familiar and pleasant, with key lime and lemon peel and a building acidity that carries those flavors deep into the finish.
Here's a fragrant white that opens with aromas of spring blossom, orchard fruit and a whiff of brimstone. On the bright juicy palate, a savory saline note energizes yellow apple, Bartlett pear and lemon zest.
Big and flavorful, this full-bodied wine boasts butter, toast and smoke nuances layered over ripe pear and marzipan flavors. Fermented in stainless steel but aged in French oak, it has a rich texture and overt sweetness without going to extremes.
This is a pretty wine, forward and fruit-driven, with orange-juice highlights around cherry fruit. It's as fresh and flavorful as a Cru Beaujolais, ready for immediate enjoyment and best consumed sometime this decade.
Medium weight with soft, dusty tannins, this wine is easily approachable now. Juicy and jammy flavors of red berry preserves are complemented by nuances of iris. A straightforward wine that will pair nicely with most game-based dishes.
Quelat is Ventisquero's highest-reaching SB, but it seems narrow and ultra tight, with match stick on the nose and not a ton of fruit. As it unwinds, more aromas and flavors come out; but always is it slightly vegetal. Alongside that dominant “green” character, look for pineapple and plenty of acidity.
Round on the nose, with green-apple aromas. There's no angularity or sharpness to this SB despite full acidity, and the flavors of orange and grapefruit are alert but pithy. A good but regular effort, especially for warm-climate Colchagua.
Classic spicy Blaufränkisch, with flavors of fresh red plum juice, tense acidity and a dark, dry core. This is pure fruit, the tannins deriving from the lightly astringent character of the grapes. Drink now.
This smells like a typical Mosel kabinett, offering up hints of crushed stone and fresh flower-shop greenery. It's styled appropriately, with modest alcohol and a hint of residual sugar. It just lacks the extra flash of fruit and acidity needed to raise it to the next level, leaving it a good if somewhat commercial effort.
A pretty tropical fruit nose leads on this Sauvignon Blanc from a consistently good producer. On the palate, the lush fruit falls a little flat, but the wine has a simple and dependable character that makes for good everyday sipping. Crisp and with a touch of delicate fruit, it has character and charm.
From old vines planted in 1975, this is one of the last of the Lemberger plantings from the early days of Washington viticulture. Nice blackberry fruit is washed in tannins and lightly oaked; a simple, satisfying pizza wine.
A fresh, fruity branded Bordeaux from the producers of Château Patache d'Aux. It has friendly, approachable fruit, with light wood, good ripe plums and berries and a firm, but juicy finish.
A readily available Corbières that offers ample black cherry and boysenberry juiciness supported by notes of earth and spice. The mouth is as ripe and juicy as the nose promises, with moderate weight and tannins. The finish  falls a bit short and is a touch confected.
The high alcohol (15.5%) and pruney character suggests that this was picked late—a bit too late to retain any elegance. The acids are sharp and citric and not well integrated, leaving the fruit almost invisible. Decanting opens it up a bit; this is an excellent vineyard, but it has not been all that well served here.
An excellent selection for the price, but this is not a wine for those who do not enjoy the flavors of malolactic fermentation and oak aging. While the nose offers aromas of pear, peach and citrus zest accented by notes of brioche, the palate offers up more pronounced oak contributions like a tub of buttered popcorn.
Stainless steel fermentation has yielded a yeasty, beery wine. There's plenty of fruit, a bit too reminiscent of canned peaches, and a finish that seems constricted and short. Residual sugar is right around 2%.
This is a perfumed wine that has the crispest fruit, lively acidity and a light, ethereal character that reflects the Riesling well. It could age a year, but is ready to drink now.
Wild berry and spice aromas are herbal. This is not that lively in feel, with herbal blue-fruit flavors of blackberry and juniper. This is more green on the finish, which is modestly structured.
This opens with delicate floral and citrus aromas, while the palate offers lemon drop and juicy yellow-apple flavors alongside crisp acidity. Pair this with linguine topped with clam sauce. Terroir Society, Potomac Selections.
This is a delicate, aromatic wine that's light as a feather. It has crisp citrus flavors along with notes of apricot and berries, along with a pure line in acidity. The aftertaste is pure refreshment.
A hint of butterscotch mingles with apple, banana, tangerine and lemon sensations. The brisk acidity would lift hearty accompanying fare; pair this with fish stews or pastas topped with creamy clam sauce.
This is a gently spicy wine with notes of ginger and cinnamon as well as ripe tropical fruits. It is not a complex wine, but very approachable even at this stage and touched with some acidity on the finish.
This red blend has ripe tannins and a dusty core of leather that frame rich red fruit on the palate. A partnership between singer Dave Matthews and winemaker Steve Reeder of Simi Winery in Healdsburg, it's fairly priced and accessible, with moderate alcohol and a soft, medium-weight body. It contains mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
With 100 g/L residual sugar, this is a pleasantly sweet Moscato, with opening aromas of rose water and jasmine that delve into sweet peach and apple on the palate. Light and soft, it will satisfy as an accompaniment to strong cheeses or salumi.
Dark fruit-skin notes of plum and cherry lead the nose of this wine, with additional hints of black licorice, tobacco and fudge. Brambly fruit flavors dominate the medium-weight palate, with secondary hints of toasted wood and cocoa powder that hang-on through to the finish.
Just lightly peppery, this is a rounded, smooth wine. It has a creamy texture with baked apple and spiced pear flavor. The acidity is just right, with juiciness on the finish. Drink now.
This is a softly spicy wine that is understated and light. With its brisk acidity and flavors of citrus and lychee, it is an easy, gentle wine that is ready to drink now.
Neutral aromas are clean but devoid of specific fruit scents. This is regular in feel, with a bit of chunky weight. Baked, earthy flavors of black fruits and cocoa lose steam on a finish that turns soft and a little sticky.
Earthy, berry and oak aromas take center stage in this approachable 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The palate offers plum, chocolate and light oak sensations, alongside ripe, round tannins. Accessible and one dimensional, this is ready to drink now.
This opens with leafy underbrush aromas accompanied by whiffs of blue flower, rubber and toasted oak. The palate's oak-driven sensations of chocolate and coffee muffle the restrained blackberry and black cherry flavors. Polaner Selections, Ambrosia Wine Group.
Tropical fruit aromas come with nutty, oily grittiness. The palate is full and oaky, while core tropical flavors are barrel driven, honeyed and warm. This comes across as a warm-vintage wine, one with extra sweetness and an oily character.
Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah form the core of this wildly successful red blend from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Soft and juicy, it's packed with flavors of vanilla, pipe tobacco and cola, while keeping the stuffing and structure of a substantial wine. An appealing red blend, especially for consumers new to wine.
Made from yet another up and coming white grape from Central Italy, this opens with a pretty floral fragrance of wisteria and jasmine. The linear white peach, pear and citrus flavors are balanced by bright acidity.
This approachable, bright blend of Sangiovese and Montelpulciano, has forward sensations of black cherry and black berry, with a hint of white pepper. Supple, round tannins make this very drinkable now.
This young Chardonnay still shows plenty of yeasty scents and flavors, turning it almost beer-like. Light lemon and tea flavors, with a dash of baking spices, complete the picture.
Dusty mineral notes mingle alongside pretty floral and apple aromas on this softly effervescent sparkling. A blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, it's strikingly high in acidity but has pleasant lemon and apple flavors.
This smooth, tasty, very well-balanced wine glides over the palate and tastes like Bing cherry spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Fresh acidity and fine, firm tannins support the flavors well and keep the wine appetizing and mouthwatering, even in the aftertaste.
The fruit shines brightly in this all-stainless cuvée. Ripe golden apples are at the core, with hints of peach and papaya. It's a lovely, forward, ready-to-drink style that brings extra concentration and detail that is all too rare in unoaked Chardonnays.
In perfect proportion, this estate-grown, biodynamically farmed wine brings a sweet-tart fruit intensity to bear. Citrusy flavors of pith and skin are skillfully wedded to ripe, substantial apricot and melon fruit, with none of the bitterness this grape can sometimes display. The purity is impressive.
Hailing from a hot, dry year, this single-vineyard Rioja smells grapy and like cassis and fresh herbs. In the mouth, it's loud on the attack but doesn't sport the structure of previous vintages. Short black-fruit flavors pick up complexity and depth with airing, but a quiet, jammy finish confirms that this is up to par but not one of Artadi's standout wines. Drink through 2022.
Hot gravel and blackberry fruit combine for straightforward, light-on-the-feet aromas on this bottling from a small estate near Happy Canyon. Cherry and blackberry pie flavors show on the palate, with tart, fresh berries framed by a buttery crust.
Made with organically farmed Pinot Nero, this vibrant wine delivers pure strawberry, cherry and cake spice flavors backed up by mineral and a hint of pastry. It's framed in an elegant, lively perlage while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance and a crisp finish. Delicious!
From the famous Morgon hillside of Côte de Py, this is a firm and structured wine. It shows the aging possibility of a Beaujolais, rich and full of firm tannins that come straight from the granite soil. The wine will develop well, packed with dark plum fruit that has a great shot of acidity. Drink from 2017.
Fragrant and refined, this offers scents of white spring flowers, citrus peel, yellow orchard fruit and a whiff of bread crust. The creamy palate doles out candied lemon drop, ripe golden apple and toasted almond alongside an elegant perlage.
From a fantastic vineyard site in the heart of Yountville, this 100% varietal wine is from Block 2, Clone 2, which is why the label refers to it as C2B2. Brick, tar and smoke take the lead before restrained and concentrated red fruit enters the frame. Generous tannin suggests cellaring, through 2022.
This is a ripe and dense yet well-balanced wine, offering forward aromas of boysenberry and deep, juicy red plum that are accented by notes of cocoa nib, roasted espresso and char. The palate boasts a plush texture, like crushed velvet, with gripping but not overly firm tannins and concentrated fruit flavors. Notes of licorice and earthy tobacco grace the long finish. Approachable now, but should evolve well through 2021.
The wine is firm and dry, with concentrated tannins that are still masking the fruit. There is considerable structure here, along with acidity and a fresh layer of black currant. This is a wine that needs aging, drink from 2019.
Boysenberry, dark cranberry and damp garden herbs show on the nose of this wine made in Santa Barbara's urban Eastside neighborhood. Dark red, bordering on purple fruits are lifted by a nice peppery spice along with a bit of sweet tar, combining for a thorough sipping experience.
Fresh dill, dewy herbs and a seared lemon-syrup scent makes for a dense but not treacly nose on this wine by a producer on the fringes of Gilroy. A chive accent holds attention once sipped, with a chalky minerality and a white-pepper finish, altogether proving brisk and elegant.
The producer is elevating its game with this deliciously constructed wine, much of it from the Schug Estate. Light bodied and integrated in terms of oak, it's exuberant in pear, apple and fennel, finishing clean and lean.
This is a muted, age-worthy and densely concentrated wine, with small amounts of Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot blended in, given almost two years in French oak, 75% of it new. The vineyard is on Howell Mountain and the imprint of mountain blackberry, black plum and dark chocolate is strong, with a touch of vanilla on the finish. Cellar through 2021.
Concentrated in rich reserves of tobacco and tar, the fruit in this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot is elusive at first. In the glass it develops into a nuanced expression of blackberry jam and dark chocolate, a sprinkling of cinnamon in there, too. Cellar through 2022.
With 80% of the blend comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by every other major red Bordeaux variety, this wine offers dusty tannins around soft, integrated oak, sharp black fruit and dried herb. Robust and ripe on the finish, it should mellow in the cellar, through 2022.
The richer of this vintage's appellation blends from this longtime producer, this bottling shows root beer, mint and black cherry on the nose. The flavors are nicely rounded, with earthy sagebrush and tight graphite elements surrounding a line of black raspberry fruit, with the slightest hint of juniper.
Excellent concentration impresses here, with a full-throttle mix of citrus, apple, pear and peach fruit. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this spent five months on the lees and offers length and balance.
Mistral is 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, aged two years in 20% new French oak. A pleasing hint of funk envelops the ripe purple berry and cassis fruit. Savory herb and pepper highlights come into play, and the long, smooth finish shows clean earth and a pat of butter.
Add Jaxon to the growing list of Southern Oregon wineries making exceptional Tempranillo. Plump and polished fruit flavors emphasize huckleberry, plum and black cherry. The aging for 21 months in French oak (one new barrel out of six) adds nuances of toasted walnuts, smoke and butterscotch. This is one of those surprising bottles that you just can't stop hitting on.
Some whole-bunch fermentation is reflected in a vegetal hint on the nose, but otherwise this is a fruit-driven youngster, bursting with lively red berries. Hints of toasted coconut, vanilla and mocha from French oak add complexity to this medium-bodied, supple wine. The tannins firm up on the finish, suggesting mid-term cellaring; drink 2017–2023.
Though not indicated on the label, this is sourced from a single vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. Cool-site flavors abound, from the lemony fruit to the snappy acidity. The wine did not go through secondary malolactic fermentation, yet shows a tasty streak of butterscotch running through its core.
Dynamic on the nose, this late-harvest wine, which was subjected to botrytis, shows concentrated honey syrup, cement-like minerality, Key lime pith and a petrol character. The palate delivers a lot of energy and tension, with lime zest cutting across concentrated apple flavors.
Light aromas of the barnyard don't impede the impression of pretty strawberry-pastry fruit flavors. The aging in 20% new French oak adds streaks of vanilla, cocoa and mocha to the finish.
This dense wine starts with aromas of blue flower, black berries, vanilla and toasted oak. The palate delivers ripe black cherry and raspberry accented with clove and white pepper alongside astringent wood tannins that dry out the mouth. Drink 2015–2020.
This is the best vintage of Delaforce table wine so far. It has weight, density, great red fruits and a final freshness. A ripe wine, with some spice and hints of wood aging, it is ready to drink but can be enjoyed until 2020.
With some tannins and a good balance between acidity and ripe red berry fruits, this is already an attractive, fresh and young wine. A light of touch of tannin keeps it well in order. Drink now until 2016.
This bright and delicious wine is everything a young Morellino should be. It delivers juicy black cherry, white pepper and clove flavors alongside firm but ripe tannins and soft acidity. Made for everyday pleasure, this isn't an ager so enjoy now.
Berry, plum and cassis aromas, what many would call the usuals for CS, are present and accounted for. This offers good weight and nice tannins; flavors of red fruits are fairly oaked, while wood spice, plum and apple-skin flavors finish things off.
This medium-bodied wine opens with aromas of meat juice, tobacco leaf, plum and blackberry. The warm, forward palate offers juicy black cherry, thyme, espresso and toasted notes alongside round but present tannins. This is already extremely approachable, so enjoy soon.
Soft and earthy up front, this Malbec deals jammy, raisiny aromas and a note of charcoal. The palate is cushioned in feel, while flavors of prune and blackberry are ripe but also minerally. Blackberry and raisin flavors are at the center of a lightly herbal,  persistent finish.
Mint, leather and cherry notes form the bouquet of this crisp, medium-bodied Shiraz. It's smooth-textured and elegant, with flavors of espresso, chocolate, cherry and a hint of cracked pepper on the finish.
The iconic Periquita brand has expanded into a range of wines, from which this is an ageworthy example. It has smoky wood flavors, a rich texture and warm, rounded fruitiness. The density, tannins and final acidity all promise aging, so drink from 2015.
Made entirely from Sangiovese and aged in French oak, this wine opens with aromas of oak, coffee, black fruit and spice. The dense palate delivers delicious black cherry along with sweet vanilla, oak extract and espresso alongside drying wood tannins.
Made predominantly from Sangiovese with 8% Canaiolo, this wine begins with aromas of toasted oak, spice, mature black berries and just a whiff of rubber. The palate offers black cherry, white and red pepper, espresso and roasted coffee bean alongside youthful, astringent tannins that need a few years to unwind.
Very perfumed, this is a wine torn between oxidation and freshness. The aromas are nutty and smoky; when tasted, the wine is ripe and fruity, full of apricot and spice. To bring the two sides together, it should age, so drink from 2015.
The wine has toast, vanilla and pear flavors, still young and tightly closed. It needs several months to begin to open up and to show its intrinsic fruitiness and potential richness. Drink from 2015.
A testament to coolness—cool place, cool year—this Marin County Pinot is earthy, round and tight, suggesting it could use a little more time to develop. Cranberry and spice rule the roost and the wine's lightness of being would pair well with fresh-caught salmon not looking to be overwhelmed.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante and 5% Ciliegiolo, this wine has earthy aromas that recall wet soil, leather and pressed blue flower petals. The juicy palate delivers fleshy black cherry and raspberry. Notes of black pepper, espresso and Mediterranean herbs add interest.
A thick, concentrated wine with a softness on the palate, this traffics in ripe black fruit and substantial tannins. Rustic, it recalls the days of The Count and the early wines enjoyed in Sonoma County during the state's first golden age of wine.
Aromas of apple, pear and lees lead to a medium-bodied palate with a rounded feel. It's a very varietal example.
This is an unusual blend of 41% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 6% Mourvèdre from Phinny Hill and Rock Garden Estate vineyards. Aromas of green pepper, orange peel, earth, dried herbs and cherry lead to plump, mouthwatering savory flavors.
Plum and berry aromas are a bit grassy on the nose. This is plump and full in body, with herbal notes held in check by ripe black-cherry and black-plum flavors. On the finish, the flavors are mild and easy.
A blend of fruit from Boushey, Red Willow and Alder Ridge vineyards, this has aromas that seem unsettled. The cranberry flavors are tart with grippy, compact tannins.
One-third each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine offers aromas of savory herbs, red cherries, vanilla, smoke and dill. The cherry flavors are sweet, with tastes of oak (33% new) and mesquite taking the lead on the finish.
This fortified wine made from Tannat certainly has the grape's tannins. However, these are surrounded by sweet plum flavors and contrasting acidity. It is a sweet wine while fresh and fruity, and can be drunk now.
This wine is ripe, full of blackberry fruits as well as layers of wood aging. It has spice, juicy fruitiness and fresh acidity at the end. Balanced and ripe, it merits waiting to drink from 2017.
While the tannins are still young, enough fruit gives balance and potential to the wine. It has structure and a dry texture sustained by the black currant fruitiness in the background. Drink from 2017. Joseph Arbo bought the property in 1988 and installed a new winery in 2011.
This blend of hand-picked 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is still tough with dark tannins and a black plum-skin texture. It has a lean side, with a severe character that seems likely to remain part of the wine. Drink from 2016. The d'Arfeuille family is now in its fifth century on Bordeaux's Right Bank.
Ripe and smoky, this has attractive acidity to balance the warm, red fruits, with a layer of supportive tannins. It is light, fruity and will be ready to drink from 2016.
This wine has pleasing aromas of pear and melon followed by medium-sweet fruit flavors. It's not particularly serious but it goes down easy.
The Savagnin grape is rarely found outside the Jura. Here it gives an unusual wine, like a dry Sherry, yeasty and with intense acidity to go with the dry, tangy texture. Drink now.
There's a dusky walnut edge on the deep color, and aromas are lightly floral and strawberry-like with a slight smoky note. However, the flavors are quite savory, smoky, earthy and meaty, building a wild taste profile. These accompany a medium body and firm texture with light tannins and acidity.
Ripe and delicious, this offers vanilla, milk chocolate and dried fig aromas that continue in the flavors and last on the finish. Medium bodied, slightly sweet and definitely rich in texture, it is easy to like.
Fresh and friendly, this medium-bodied, no-frills red delivers layers of blackberry, black currant, ground black pepper and a note of dried sage. It's easy drinking, with bright acidity and round, chewy tannins.
Subdued aromas of dried berry, toasted oak and scorched earth eventually emerge in the glass. A blend of Sangiovese, Colorino and Cabernet Sauvignon, the palate offers dried black cherry, anise, tobacco and roasted coffee bean alongside ample tannins. The fruit is starting to dry up, so don't hold on to this too long.
Although this wine is labeled Vin de France—meaning the grapes can come from all over France—in practice this is Loire Sauvignon Blanc. It is grassy and herbal with gooseberry fruits and a tangy citrus edge. In its intensity and ripe aftertaste, it reveals lessons the Bourgeois family has drawn from its New Zealand vineyard.
This is a fresh and bright white wine, with scents of lemon-lime, green plum and green apple that jump from the glass. The palate is easy and refreshing, as lively acidity lifts the fruity flavors of firm pear and citrus. Drink now.
A very uncommon California version of a grape originally from Southern France, this shows broad and welcoming aromas of cranberry-raspberry juice, light purple flowers and cola. Served with a slight chill, it goes down easy, with plump plums and root-beer spice.
Perfumed aromas of flowers, dates, maple and dark berries lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors that narrow on the finish.
Aromas of exotic spice, blue flowers and withered dark-skinned fruit waft out of the glass. The firm palate delivers fig, nutmeg, coffee, licorice and toasted oak alongside firm, fine-grained tannins, but the fruit is starting to dry up.
Aromas of peach, nectarine and pear lead to dry, fleshy stone-fruit flavors that decline toward the finish.
Made entirely from Grenache, this wine is a pretty pale-salmon color. It drinks off dry, with strawberry flavors and well-balanced acidity, showing some warmth on the finish.
Lavish streaks of butter, vanilla and baking spice fatten this opulent Chardonnay. It's unabashedly oaky in style but fresh lemon acidity lends elegance to the midpalate. Finishes briskly.
A slightly tawny or pink color, characteristic of this variety's grape skins, helps this wine stand out. Aromas like ripe pears and apples lead to vivid, tangy apple and apricot flavors and rather light body.
Rose-petal aromas and green-apple flavors bring a distinct personality to this light-bodied, snappy-tasting wine. While the first impression is floral and openly fruity, an underlying crisp acidity comes through on the finish and keeps it refreshing.
Rose, baked earth, grilled herbs and dark berry aromas lead the way. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, licorice, toast and a vegetal note alongside soft tannins. The freshness and fruit are starting to fade so drink soon.
Hogue's Late Harvest Riesling is an odd duck. In most usage, late harvest indicates a dessert-style wine with considerable sweetness. Here it seems more like a mass-market, tasting room wine. It's simple, off-dry, and a little papery in the finish.
Heavily roasted at first, and then comes a distinct wave of root beer, olive and barbecue sauce. The palate is decent in feel, maybe a little astringent, with flavors of creamy plum and berry along with sweet, candied oak. Finishes minty and dry, like the dust from the gum that used to come with baseball cards.
Dry, brambly raspberry and cherry aromas lack much varietal character, while the palate is lively with acids but the flavors are drying, herbal and peppery, with basic plum and berry at the base. Decent wine but that's about it.
Starts out strong with lemon, apple and other fresh-fruit aromas. The flavors are more mealy and warm, and the palate feel is oily. Citrus, apple, lemon and tropical fruit all make appearances, but overall the wine fades into mediocrity and pithy bitterness.
A bit muted and simple but easy to drink with a lightweight mouth and soft aromas and flavors of red plum, cherry and currant along with hints of spice on the finish.
Lightly citric and mildly tropical, but mostly it's just a simple, easygoing wine with cantaloupe and peachy flavors along with a mild, cleansing finish. Nothing special but nothing wrong, and therein lies its virtue.
A solid, regular, generic style of SB with white fruit aromas and apple, nectarine and pithy citrus flavors. Mildly tropical and sweet, with a finish that holds steady. Resonably good at this price.
Dry, smoky and rubbery on the nose, with olive notes. The palate is a bit sharp, with plum, berry and herbal flavors. Finishes mildly leafy, with solid overall fruit and common Chilean herbal-green notes.
A clean, basic red wine that's focused on standard berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Fresh but simple, with limited raspberry and cherry flavors along with a touch of vanilla. Competent but entirely regular.
This Merlot smells warm and inviting with strong aromas and flavors of black plum, jammy berry preserves and a touch of almond paste. Medium weight with good balance and a solid finish.
Granular, baked-fruit aromas are dominant, while the palate is soft and a bit hot, with sticky plum pudding flavors. Turns more sweet, candied and medicinal as it opens, while the finish is peppery and herbal.
Formely known as Winemaker's Selection, this base-level Malbec is ultra purple and dark, with gritty, grapey aromas that are big but not all that well formed. The palate is heavy and tannic, with juicy, semi-green flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. Has power, color and size but not all the parts fit.
This Merlot-heavy blend adds an additional 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Malbec to its mix, all from a single vineyard high atop Sonoma Mountain. Dill, cucumber and cranberry combine intriguingly, before a core of juicy acidity adds buoyancy to the mix.
Made with organically cultivated grapes, this opens with aromas that recall game, scorched earth, leather, grilled herb and a whiff of barnyard. The dense, concentrated palate delivers mature black cherry, plum, mocha and a confectionary note alongside round tannins.
With subtle wood aging, this is a smooth wine that has hints of toast over its delicious white and apricot fruits. Orange zest tang gives a delicious bite and texture, suggesting how well the wine will age. Drink this fruity wine from 2017.
Made with organically grown grapes, this juicy Rosso boasts sensations of tilled earth, violet, crushed black cherry, red currants and graphite. It's savory, fresh and unpretentious.
Lighter in color, this wine displays appealing aromas of huckleberry, sugared plum and cigar box. It's elegant in style, silky in feel, with a sweet finish—an immediate crowd pleaser.
From Vine Hill Vineyard, this wine is juicy in raspberry and vanilla, made in a fuller-bodied style with pronounced tannins on the finish. Let it open to express itself fully.
This wine has aromas of coffee, toast, cherry meats, herbs, mocha and barrel spices along with a lightly green edge. It's tart and flavorful, with a supple feel and chalky tannins.
Made with Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this features earthy aromas of underbrush, ripe berry and a touch of Mediterranean scrub. The lively palate offers black cherry, cedar and white pepper alongside fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, game, scorched earth and exotic spice lead the nose. The tight palate offers dried black fruit, toasted oak, roasted coffee bean, grilled sage and a smoky note alongside extremely astringent tannins that dry out the mouth.
The Crossings is based in the Awatere subregion of Marlborough, where ripening is more difficult than the main valley because of cooler temperatures. That evidently wasn't an issue in 2013, as this wine features ripe black-cherry fruit and a creamy texture. Hints of herb and cocoa chime in on the supple finish.
Pristinely ripe, juicy black plum and cherry flavors mark this fresh, fruity wine. Rich and full bodied, it's straightforward in its fruitiness, but touches of pine and bramble lend elegance and nuance to the finish.
This structured white opens with aromas of oak, citrus, baking spice and dried tree fruit. The full-bodied palate delivers nectarine, dried apricot, toasted almond, oak-driven vanilla and a candied ginger note. Fermenting 40% of the wine in oak casks gives it depth.
Made from a 50-50 split of Pinot Noir and Syrah, this pinkish wine is medium bodied and intensely electric in acidity, a taste of wild strawberry and waxy apple at its core. Lemony, it remains dry on the palate throughout, with some girth on the finish.
This is clean and lively, with soft aromas of fresh grass, gooseberry and green melon rind that carry through to the palate alongside hints of underripe mango and kiwi. The acidity is bright and refreshing, resulting in a mouthwatering finish.
This nano-produced wine all comes from Stillwater Creek vineyard. It offers aromas of ripe red apple and red raspberry along with light barrel accents. The elegant, velvety texture steals the show, with the red fruit flavors lingering.
This is slightly Syrah-like in its aromas and flavors—which call to mind red cherries, cracked peppercorns and roasted meat—yet it's all Pinot Noir in terms of its weight and texture, finishing light and silky. Drink now.
This light, lean beauty is a blend of three vineyards in the appellation, including two that are vineyard-designated by the producer in other wines. It highlights wild strawberry, blueberry and forest floor, all fresh, bright and velvety on the palate. The finish offers a taste of oak.
A beautiful yet rustic complexity always makes Bloomer Creek Rieslings stand out within a blind tasting of peers, and it's particularly prominent here. While bright and citrusy, it's also waxy and phenolic, touched with a hint of tannin and lingering earth tones. Dancing and delicate in texture, it's a fascinating wine to ponder.
There is a port-like character to this take on a once popular, now rare grape, grown in a historic corner of the Santa Clara Valley. It shows raisins, prunes and dried fig aromas, but not in a treacly way. Heavy and tannic on the palate, it's quite interesting though not entirely smooth, with more prune and rose-hip tea flavors.
This certified organic and biodynamic wine has no sulfites added. It offers deep color plus bold black cherry and smoke aromas. Rich but dry flavors are both fruity and meaty, while a high level of fine tannins make it firm and almost chewy in texture. Not quite full bodied, it feels well balanced despite the intensity. Drink now through 2020.
Not a cookie-cutter wine, this tastes very alive and exuberant. It offers an aroma like fresh-baked scones, with very tangy flavors like orange and pineapple. That also makes it lively in texture, with lots of bright acidity derived from the grapes. Slightly nutty nuances develop on the finish, which is exceptionally long. It's a rare wine that has no added sulfites.
Quite ripe in style with aromas of raspberry, green herbs, cocoa and red apple, this powerful wine has jammy, luscious fruit flavors, with the alcohol riding high.
This concentrated red conveys aromas of menthol, mint, dark-skinned fruit and espresso. The dense palate delivers dried black cherry, mature blackberry, oak, vanilla, anise and mocha alongside assertive tannins.
Prolific winemaker Andrew Murray crafted this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah for the Petras family, and it shows aromas of boysenberry, dark chocolate, coffee and dark licorice. The flavors are a bit wound up, dense yet not thick, with espresso and bitter chocolate most prevalent. This will improve with time.
Northern Italian red grapes don't often turn up in Virginia. Electric pink in color, this saignée of Nebbiolo is all fruit. Fresh peach and strawberry mingle with juicy watermelon on a palate of ample weight and structure. While easy enough to be enjoyed on its own, this wine can pair with barbecue on a hot summer day.
Ripe, ruddy cassis and blackberry are threaded with woody tones of briar and tobacco in this lush Pinot Noir. It's rich and silky on the palate, but marked by pert acidity and a long, velveteen finish.
Grilled peach meets exotic yuzu citrus on the nose. Lively yet rich, the palate houses bright notes of white cherry alongside buttered popcorn. The lightly textured finish is reminiscent of supple white tea.
Earthy notes of licorice, bark and bramble are prominent on the nose of this wine, framing the black berry, plum and boysenberry core. The mouthfeel is lush and ripe, with a subtle creaminess that's complemented by notes of baking spice and cocoa powder on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Hailing from Sagemoor, Oasis and Canyon Vineyard Ranch, this wine has aromas of toasty spices, peach, butter and corn on the cob. The flavors are lighter in style with a creamy feel and a pleasing sense of balance.
Rondinaia means “swallow's refuge,” but you're going to want to swallow lots of this unoaked wine as proof that great Chard does come from Italy, and that it can be terrific without wood. Emphasizing fragrant apple and pear aromas, it has a wonderful natural texture and a smooth, stony finish.
A rich, full-bodied Riesling that's soft on the outside, but whose inner core of acids comes through on the powerful citrus-and-spice finish. Starts off with apple blossom, peach and guava aromatics that give way to ripe apple and pear flavors, layered with dried spices. Tastes good now but don't be afraid to age it—it should last easily through 2008.
In 1998 Capezzana eliminated its “reserve” wine, thereby bumping up the quality of its DOC Carmignano by leaps and bounds. And the '99 is something to behold. Rich, extracted and jammy it is, with nuances throughout of crème de cassis, coffee, maple and most of all, chocolate. With a finish that coats every corner of your mouth, this Sangiovese (with 20% Cabernet) scores big.
Builds complexity through skillful layering of ripe black cherries, fresh greens (ferns or parsley stems), leather and earth. The mouthfeel is spot-on, rich and plush without seeming heavy. Tart cherry and dusty cocoa notes on the finish and a fine sense of balance make it drinkable now or in several years.
Year in and year out this estate leads the way with so-called Baby Brunello. And this version may be one of the best yet. A pure-fruit nose sets things up and the palate, redolent with fresh raspberry, leather and spice, doesn't disappoint. It's both deep and light, medium-bodied but still pretty full.
Flavio Fanti's tiny 12-acre vineyard is treated almost like his backyard, with a scrupulous attention to detail and now a dense planting that has definitely improved the quality of the wines. The 1997 shows modern, spicy wood, violet and rose aromas. The palate is rich, firm and dry, but with attractive bitter chocolate and licorice flavors. The new wood shows through but never throws the wine off balance.
If you prefer older-style Brunello with its firm tannins and solid backbone of dry fruit, then this is the one for you. Aromas of wild cherries and chocolate are followed on the palate by powerful, brooding fruit and a solid structure on the palate. It leaves a dry aftertaste that should pair well with rich foods. Cellar for at least 10 years.
A finesse style, elegant and soft. Smooth, fruit forward, and perfectly balanced. Nothing out of proportion, no hint of stem or harsh or bitter tannins. There is a lovely purity of fruit, mixed red fruits, plum and cherry. A mere hint of chocolate shavings, but the oak is minimal, perhaps too minimal.
The undesignated Pinot from Felton Road is normally a pretty approachable bottling, but in 2000, it's a big, brooding wine that needs time to unwind. Complex aromas of chocolate, dark plums and smoke are complemented by a hint of root vegetables. Finishes with notes of coffee and tart cherries.
Like many wines from this producer, it excels because of its sheer drinkability. They are using more new wood flavors than in the past, but the beautifully perfumed, vibrant fruit, deep acidity and light elegance reveal a wine that will age well, as well as being drinkable now.
Intense, spicy and richly fruity nose. Already meaty, bloody and gamy; this really hits the mark for this variety. Good acids, weight and balance. It's a very sexy wine, with a long, concentrated finish that shows extracted berry fruit and layers of mineral and earth, with just the barest hint of roasted barrel.
Very much a baby, this is one big, bold, burly Cab-Merlot-Syrah blend that's filled to the brim with extracted plum fruit, bitter chocolate and earth. It takes a long time in the glass for it to lose its youthful, funky aromatics, and on the palate things are still a bit scattered. But in due time things will settle and integrate
Musclebound with an earthy, spicy character to the nose. The body is fleshy but pure, offering black cherry flavors accented by tar and licorice. It finishes smooth, with just the right touch of vanilla oak. It's a polished Brunello, good for near-term drinking, but also a candidate for the cellar.
This is no simple red; deep black fruit and leather aromas suggest an intense, young untamed wine. It's rugged and muscular, with an opaque color, tight tannins that starch the cheeks, and a powerful, multilayered finish. Baby Brunello? Hardly. This is a full-grown wine all its own, and it still needs several more years to open up.
Scents of hay and alfalfa open into an elegant, stylish wine with lovely textures. It is lightly citric, with pretty nuances of grass, hints of honey and tea. The winemaker has a gentle, delicate touch with all his wines, but this is the best of the best. Just 100 cases were produced.
Rather restrained, this is a dark, concentrated wine built for some time in the cellar. It's got Bordeaux-like structure in its crisp acids and firm tannins, but clean, New World cassis flavors tinged with vanilla and cedary oak. Drink 2010–2015.
For simple Chablis, this is impressive, rich, fruity, with wood as well as lively, fresh acidity. Nosings find toast and butter, with a hint of light honey.
Lush and oaky, this is a full-bodied mouthful of coffee, chocolate and loam flavors. The fruit is so ripe it presents as chocolate, framed by toasty oak and buttressed by incredibly soft tannins. The softness suggests pairing with roasts or braised meats; drink now–2012.
This has a lively presence in the mouth, with a generous dollop of cinnamon spice. The cranberry/raspberry fruit flavors are supported with tangy acids, and lead into a lingering finish that carries suggestions of metal and stone. Quite different from the 2005 Wyeast, this new release reflects a different vintage with equally fine character, a mark of true terroir.
Even Jim Barry's entry-level Cabernet—The Cover Drive—is a hit. Blending various South Australian sources, it takes jammy blackberry fruit, backs it with darker notes of chocolate and layers atop a briary, herbal component, all working together to ably conceal its 15% alcohol. Drink now–2012.
This still tastes impressively young for a simple Chablis. In fact it isn't simple at all, showing all the intensity of a premier cru with its minerality, fresh lime and other citrus flavors, hints of honey and white fruits.
A dark, earthy take on Cabernet, without the obvious cassis character that often overtakes Australian Cabs. Instead, the aromas and flavors lean toward black olive and tobacco. Tannins are fully ripe and soft, making it easy to drink now, although there's enough tart acidity for balance.
Garnacha is the lead in this five-grape blend, and overall it shows almost all of what's good about Catalonian wine. The nose offers sweet cherry and a whiff of hard dried cheese; the palate is racy at first and then thickens as blackberry, red licorice and fig flavors take over. A steady wine.
Although this is a rather light and tart wine, it has unusual flavors of cured ham and lots of herbal power in the finish, which is leafy and tannic. It might be better as a component in a blend, but as a stand-alone it shows some genuine terroir.
A soft, ripe, open wine with yellow fruit flavors. There is opulent concentration, velvet in texture. Only on the finish is there freshness and real acidity. Screwcap.
One of Australia's most expensive and sought-after Cabernet blends, Mount Mary's Quintet has failed to impress more than one American critic. It's an appealing, well-crafted wine that combines leather, cherry and dried herbs in a somewhat lean, crisp style that delivers a long, mineral-and-cedar finish.
Strong minerality with crisp, clean almost mouth-puckering green fruits that show structure. It is full-bodied and rich, but also with an edge of austerity.
Forced woody aromas and flavors are a persistent theme on this Uco Valley Malbec, which smells a bit horsey and stewed. Dense black-fruit flavors are roasted and peppery, while wood and related resin notes rise up on the back palate. Rustic power and fiery heat are loud elements on a fully oaked finish.
Aromas of underbrush, Porcini mushroom and a hint of toast emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and mocha alongside assertive tannins.
Honeylike aromas, ripe peach and apple flavors and rather full body give this wine good depth and breadth. It seems like just the thing for a picnic or to serve with cheese at a party.
Aromas suggesting dried rose petal, woodland berry, chopped mint and kitchen spice come together on this. The tight palate isn't quite as expressive as the nose, offering sour cherry, tart cranberry and a hint of clove alongside bracing tannins that grip the finish.
Beyond a hint of stuck flint on the nose, this offers clean, varietally correct aromas and flavors of white nectarine, grapefruit and gooseberry. It's nicely balanced in the middle of the spectrum, offering a harmonious mix of stone fruit and citrus.
Underbrush, singed earth, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. The ripe, firm palate shows mocha, black raspberry and licorice as well as a slightly green note of raw sage. A backbone of bracing tannins provides the tight framework.
This opens with aromas of oak, toast and espresso that carry over to the firmly structured palate along with herb and dried black cherry. Austere tannins clench the finish.
A rich full wine that has swathes of black fruits. It has a dry core around which there are generous fruits and the right amount of acidity. Perfumed, ripe and concentrated, this is ready to drink now.
This tangy wine has attractive acidity and a tightly coiled mineral texture. Apple and lemon flavors shoot right through the bright, crisp texture. Drink from 2017.
From a winery that specializes in this rare variety, this single varietal Papaskarasi has a nose of cherry, strawberry and freesia. It is bright on entry, and then smooth tannins and a sense of coolness take over the palate among flavors of cherry, menthol, cranberry and juniper berry.
From vines in the northern part of the appellation, this ripe wine conveys peaches and apricots laced with lime. A vibrant, mineral wine with swathes of fresh acidity, it can be drunk now.
This rich wine is full and has a good balance of acidity and fruit. The lightly mineral texture gives bite and crispness. It is still a young, tight wine needing another few months. Drink from 2017.
This soft wine is minimally oaky and combines quite ripe, figgy, almost honey-like fruit flavors with a vein of butter and almond. Fermented 90% in steel vats and 10% in oak barrels, it has a creamy texture and full body.
After Verdelho, Loureiro is the other fine Vinho Verde grape. Here it gives crisp lemon acidity that goes with a bright fruitiness and a tight, mineral texture that comes from the granite soil. Drink this fresh wine now.
The blend is 71% Marsanne, 20% Viognier and 9% Roussanne. The result is a medium-bodied white that offers straightforward, fruity notes of pear and melon. It's clean and refreshing on the finish, with just a little hint of tannin.
The grape gives a pale rosé color and a fine perfumed jasmine aroma that follows through on to the palate. The aftertaste has just the right amount of crisp acidity to balance. This rare grape is planted in the Setúbal vineyards of José Maria da Fonseca.
This pale-straw-colored wine offers aromas of apricot and almond. It has good mouthfeel, smooth tannins, flavors of soft peach, toasted almond, vanilla and freesia, and a finish marked by flavors of almond paste and lemon zest.
Whiffs of smoke and crushed stone on the nose of this off-dry Riesling foretell the intensely mineral nature of its palate. Sheer and spry, it's a delicately honeyed crush of bristling apple, lime and lemon flavors with a lingering mineral finish.
Fresh melon and fragrant apple blossoms make for a ripe nose on this white grae that's rarely used in California, but there is also a pomelo pith character that keeps it grounded. The flavors are also broad at first and ripe with green and yellow fruits, yet a slow sizzling acidity provides tight freshness.
The appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise only produces white wine. This wine has a smooth and creamy character with attractive acidity and bright acidity. It is a perfumed wine just hinting at a more mineral texture. Drink from 2017.
Underbrush, camphor, balsamic notes, game, French oak and oak-driven spice lead the nose. The tight, firmly structured palate shows oak, mature plum, baked fruit and a hint of vanilla alongside assertive, grainy tannin that dry out the finish.
Sourced from Folie Hill and Winter's Hill vineyards, and 15% whole-cluster fermented, this offers intriguing complexities. Start with tart, lemony fruit flavors of rhubarb and raspberry, toss in a sprig of lemon verbena, some grippy acids, then smooth it out with a year in older cooperage. The wine is soft around the edges and showing signs of early oxidation, so drink soon.
Toast, berry and espresso aromas lead the nose and follow through to the palate along with sour cherry, bitter chocolate and a hint of licorice. Astringent tannins leave a firm finish.
Camphor, menthol, toast and espresso aromas lead the nose. The firm, tightly wound palate shows roasted coffee bean, dried cherry and licorice alongside bracing tannins.
Aromas of toast, sawdust, raspberry jam and menthol lead the way. The firm palate offers cherry liqueur, espresso and a hint of licorice while close-grained tannins provide the framework.
Here's an earthy expression of Nebbiolo that opens with aromas of game, rose water liqueur, underbrush and a vegetal note. The solid palate shows a rustic charm, offering dried black cherry, raspberry, clove, leather and a hint of cured meat.
This is initially very closed and a little funky, but it soon opens up in the glass to reveal ripe black-skinned fruit, raisin and a whiff of kitchen spice. On the solid, no-frills palate, notes of fig and grilled sage back up a core of dried black cherry while close-grained grip the finish.
This wine shows its youth in its thick, concentrated fruit and viscous and dry tannins. Dark cherry and tobacco interweave themselves across a broad, full-bodied palate that's flavorful and cola-defined.
Suave and subtle, this medium-bodied wine will be fun to sip through an evening and see how it develops. It emphasizes moderate fruit flavors, subtle oaky spices and a lush texture that keeps the flavors lingering on the finish.
Light red-fruit flavors are spiced up beautifully with cinnamon and sweet toast. This is an elegant, peppery wine that's well defined and still showing some youthful sharpness. It will reward additional bottle age and should cellar well for up to a decade.
This is a rich success. It has concentration, spice and juicy fruits as well as layered tannins, acidity and a dark, brooding structure. For aging over several years. Screwcap.
Crisply fruity, this is delicate, with clean lines of acidity. It shows delicious flavors of green apple and bitter orange, with a tangy, zesty texture. The finish is dry and taut. Screwcap.
An intense pepper and spice-influenced wine from the Gebling Vineyard above Krems. It is rich, weighty and intense, with the spirited acidity lending a refreshing edge. For aging over several years. Screwcap.
This dense, full-flavored Chenin exudes ripe fruit aromas and flavors of red apple flesh, wood-grilled peach and sweet orange oil. The mouthfeel is round but not fat, with good acidity and a spicy but clean finish. Drink now–2014.
Red plum and grapefruit flavors lead the wine down a crisp path. As it develops, it shows some weight and richness, with a hint of truffle, spice and caramel.
This tastes light and fruity. Its great swathe of acidity cuts through the orange and red fruit flavors, lending crispness and a fresh finish.
Exceptionally smooth for such a young wine, this deeply-fruited red blends pretty raspberry and cherry flavors with seductively-delicious milk-chocolaty barrel notes. Happily, there is enough natural acidity to keep it lively and fresh.
This Cabernet is built for current consumption, boasting a savory, complex blend of meat and herb elements nicely balanced by just enough dark plum fruit. The tannins are soft to the point of creaminess, letting just a bit of warmth show through on the lingering finish. Drink now–2016.
Élevage in one-third new oak has imparted toast, vanilla and cedar aromas and given the texture of this wine a plush edge, but the quality of the underlying fruit and the length of the finish are undeniable. The primary blackberry fruit should develop hints of coffee and black olive in short order; drink 2013–2019.
Impressive for a 2008 Tempranillo. This opens with aromas of balsam wood, spice, blackberry and plum. The feel is grippy and intense, with notes of roasted berry, black olive, leather and a mildly-salty flavor. It finishes meaty, lightly herbal and slightly salinic, with a firm feel. Drink now through 2014.
Gigondas is Meffre's home turf, and this cuvée is impressive, boasting ample weight, rich tannins and massive extraction. It's dense and dark, combining asphalt, coffee, chocolate and licorice with black cherry preserves. Ultimately it leaves one wondering if it isn't trying too hard, but it seems worth putting a few bottles away until 2015 and seeing how they turn out.
A supple, welcoming Côtes du Rhône, this offering from Flemish former race-car driver Dirk Vermeersch starts off spicy and herbal but adds ample cherry fruit on the palate. It's harmonious and easy to drink, without any excessive extraction or weight.
Rubbery aromas of pencil eraser are also smoky and odd, with the suggestion of clove. In the mouth this is pinched at first, then more oaky and creamy, but also rubbery. Roasted plum and stewed berry flavors finish tannic, with latent berry and cherry notes.
This wine reflects a fruity, young and fresh style. It's packed with bright red fruits; a soft texture hints at minerality and great acidity. It's made to be drunk young, without any wood aging, so drink now and until 2017.
Interesting and complex aromas suggest new oak, tea, leather and red cherry. Tangy cranberry flavors and a crisp feel in the mouth make this wine enjoyable in a lean style.
Aromas of cardamom and clove as well as heat make for a challenging nose. In the mouth, heavy fruit combined with chippy tannins create a clipped feel. Ripe berry flavors are a bit jumbled, with oaky spice notes stepping up. A flat chunky finish is missing skip in its stride. This is 85% Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
From vines in the northeast corner of the Gers, this wine is fruity, fragrant and crisply perfumed. It is light on the palate, dancing with fresh acidity and a lightly herbal character. Drink now.
While the wine is very ripe in character, it is also finely structured and generous while still keeping a sense of proportion. It is dense, full of blackberry jelly flavors that are balanced by a final burst of acidity. Drink now, although better from early 2017.
Rounded, smooth and fruity, this is an attractive wine. With its light texture and acidity that balance the juicy black fruits, it is ripe while also poised. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity.
This is a ripe wine that includes Chardonnay and Viognier in its blend. It has yellow fruits that are cut with plenty of acidity. A cool, crisp element reminds that the vineyards are close to the ocean. The wine is ready to drink.
There's a hint of a sweaty, earthy undertone in the nose, and this wine shows a fair amount of stem and earth flavors. Sour cherry fruit adds a lighter layer, with notes of cement and bark. It spent time in 11% new oak.
This ripe wine is intense and full bodied, with sultry layers of baked apple and peach. A flinty note marks the finish.
Very little of this bottling was made. It's an experiment in making a white wine the way one would a red, fermented with skins and seeds, then aged eight months in new French oak. It's not for everyone. Cloudy and funky, it's teeming with acidity and yet somewhat dense on the palate, the fruit muted in favor of a taste of flowers and clay.
Fresh and easygoing, this bright red opens with subdued aromas of red berry and a whiff of cooking spice. The lively, informal palate offers black cherry, ground pepper and a hint of anise alongside brisk acidity.
While intense aromas of mango, honey and blossom are appealing, this unusually structured Gewürztraminer seems at the same time quite tart and caramelized. It's lithe and lean with moderate concentration of peach and tangerine flavors.
Aromas of baked plum, charred earth, melted chocolate and Asian spice lead the nose. The evolved, extracted palate offers raisin, a hint of exotic spice and a green note of powdered sage that leaves an astringent finish. This has seen better days so drink soon.
This is a refreshing, lemon-flavored wine. Attractive crispness comes out of the mineral texture and perfumed acidity. Light and still young, this will age to be ready to drink from late 2016.
Ripe yellow fruits dominate this full wine. Balanced by apple freshness, it offers rich apricots and creamed pear, backed by acidity. It's simple, fruity and delicious now.
This opens with aromas of new oak, burned rubber, raisin and vanilla. The one-dimensional palate offers candied date, fig, mocha and licorice alongside bracing, grainy tannins that leave a mouth-puckering finish. It lacks the fruit richness needed to stand up to the oak spices and astringent tannins.
Match stick and sulfur notes fade into citrus and kiwi on an O.K. nose. Kind of late in its life already, this smells big and pulpy. Apple and bitter-melon flavors finish citrusy. Drink immediately.
Vivacious notes of yellow plum and pear are shaded in tones of savory herb and earth in this dry light-bodied Riesling. Lemon and tart tangerine acidity jolt the midpalate into a brisk finish. Drink now.
Renowned winemaking consultant Larry Cherubino lent his deft touch to this reasonably priced offering. It's a very ripe style for Pinot Noir, combining ample weight with plush tannins and superripe dark cherry-berry fruit. Drink now.
Untamed plum and cherry aromas are a bit strained. This everyday Garnacha is fresh and fruity in feel, with good but standard plum and cherry flavors. An edgy grating finish with a spot of oak character wraps this up.
This easygoing red offers fruit-driven sensations of wild cherry, plum and accents of black pepper. On the palate, bright acidity supports the juicy fruit flavors. It's direct and clean, and will work nicely for informal occasions.
Citrus and peach pit aromas are mild. This is clean but basic on the palate with citrus, nectarine and lime flavors. A clean refreshing finish is a nice way to wrap things up. This is Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo.
Despite its naturally tannic character, Malbec makes delicious rosé, like this, that allows the red fruit and fresh acidity free rein. The wine has a slight structure, although it is more about deliciously fresh fruit. Drink now.
Initially closed, this eventually reveals subdued aromas of scorched earth, leather, overripe berry, a hint of sage and a whiff of cured meat. The bracing palate offers raisin, licorice and a note of dried black cherry while raspy tannins leave and astringent finish.
Roasted berry aromas are stalky at first but come around. This feels round but only marginally structured. Creamy ripe generic flavors of berry and cherry finish solid with some heat.
Savory aromas of beef jerky blend with raisin, grainy oak and sauciness on the nose of this Syrah-led blend. An exceedingly ripe palate feels inky with low energy. Prune, raisin and cassis flavors are encumbered by heavy oak, while the finish tastes both chocolaty and like stewed plum.
Tasty plum and red cherry flavors and an easygoing texture make this medium-bodied wine a pleasure to drink. The aromas are quite fruity and fresh, accented with oaky, spicy notes, and the flavors seem generous. A touch of tannin provides welcome structure.
A velvety texture and ripe cherry aromas and flavors form a soft impression. While the wine is full bodied it's not so tannic as to be out of balance. It turns soft and easy on the aftertaste.
While smoky and mineral on the nose, the palate of this semidry Rieslaner, a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner, is boldly fruity. Fresh tangerine and berry notes are a bit candied on the palate but balanced neatly by a racy streak of acidity. This light-bodied sip finishes with sweetness.
This fresh Mencía's bright red fruit aromas exude rocky mineral tones. Raw, popping red plum and cherry flavors finish herbal and tomato-like, with a bit of tannic bite. Drink now or any time through 2021.
A campfire smoke scent kicks off and dominates the nose of this wine, along with dried lemon peel, toasted cashew and a tangerine rind touch. It's very familiar and easy to enjoy with its dominant citrus- and stonefruit-laced smoke flavor.
Classic varietal aromas of crushed tomato vine, grapefruit and a whiff of aromatic herb take center stage. The grapefruit note carries over to the medium-bodied palate along with honeydew melon and a hint of mineral.
Bright aromas of toast, spice and pear are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors that persist on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (34%) make up the majority of this blend, with the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas are light and high-toned, with notes of savory herb, cherry and cedar. Elegant in style, the palate is backed by tart acids. The midpalate concentration at times seems a bit wanting, with cranberry flavors lingering on the finish.
Already five years old, this wine still doesn't hasn't opened up, seeming fairly muted aromatically. The flavors are medium bodied, round in the middle and tapering toward the finish.
Leathery cherry aromas lead to a fresh medium-bodied palate. Flavors of spiced plum, cherry and herbal tomato finish with tea notes along with dry spice. Overall, this is balanced and succeeds by keeping things simple.
Tart and tight, this puts a sharp focus on cranberry and raspberry fruit. There are ample acids and a hint of milk chocolate around light tannins.
Barrel aromas are up front on this wine, with notes of char, smoke and coffee bean ahead of herb and cherry. On the palate, the barrel influence also seems to overwhelm the fruit, which doesn't quite have the strength to stand up. Additional time in the bottle might bring it around.
This barrel-aged wine brings bright aromas of ginger, spice and lychee. It's rich and full bodied, showing some warmth on the finish.
Amber to the eye, this wine features an enticing bouquet of almond blossom and toffee. It is slightly chalky on the palate, with a sophisticated mélange of baked apple, peach, smoked meat and pencil-lead flavors. A touch of brightness marks the soft finish.
This hearty blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot is a great go-to wine for a crowd. Cabernet leads the way with cedar, cranberry and tobacco notes, clipped by sizable tannin. As it opens, layers of dense raspberry and vanilla flavors unfurl.
On first take, this smells a bit green and grassy, while the feel is grabby. Airing and time in the glass help things along, while the flavor profile is a bit salty and oaky, with plum and red-currant notes. A dry earthy peppery-tasting finish closes this out.
This wine's tart, high-pitched acidity greets the palate with a youthful splash of lemon and lime before revealing its true concentration of rich toasted oak and baked apple flavor. Fulsome on the palate, it ends on a taste of the tropics.
Aromas of orchard fruit, chopped herb and a whiff of toasted nut emerge on this medium-bodied white. On the bright palate, bitter almond adds interest to Bartlett pear and lemon zest.
Austin Hope's team puts a lot of love into this widely available bottling that's a steady leader in its price category. Dark in color, it shows clean blackberry, black pepper and dark chocolate aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers dark berry fruit, dried herb and baking spice flavors.
This wine is rich, full of black fruits. It has the typical Dão mineral texture that comes from the granite rocks of the region. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrocheiro, it is ripe while remaining balanced and with a crisp edge of acidity. Drink the wine from late 2017.
Punchy and prickly up front, this has sharp aromas, which signal that the grapes were picked early in a hot vintage. Flavors of nettle, white pepper and jalapeño rest on a zesty palate. This wine finishes with snap and freshness.
Firm and rustic, this has red plum and berry flavors that mingle with a barnyard note. The tannins are forceful, so age it for another year.
For a wine meant to be consumed now, this is almost too tannic. It has bright fruit and a flavor of black currant skin, plus a dry, tannic core.
Crusty aromas of herb, tar, black olive and baked black fruit set up the jumpy, high-acid palate, with flavors of herbal berry fruits, accented by green bean and pepper. Overall it's a hard, baked and oaky wine, with a strong herbal tilt.
A Barbera offering dark plum and handfuls of meaty brawn, it has rounded tannins and plenty of intensity. Pair this with spicy sausage and risotto to help it mellow.
Firm, dark and finely tannic, this has weight and richness, with a severity that dominates the fruitiness. It's dry and tough, and it's aging potential is questionable.
This is a smoky, wood-aged wine, with a bitter toast flavor that smothers the fruit. It does have the fruit weight, so that toast flavor will certainly soften. But to judge by the intense wood character, this bottling will likely always have a severe edge.
Light, juicy and fruity, this is classic Beaujolais. A red cherry flavor and a burst of acidity come with gentle tannins. Ready to drink.
A Chardonnay with noticeable barrel influence, this is creamy and thick, with a baked apple flavor. Pair it with chicken in cream sauce or lobster and butter.
Dusty, citrusy aromas form the greeting, while the palate is juicy in style, without much definition beyond zestiness. The flavors offer notes of papaya and nectarine. The finish sizzles for a moment, then fizzles.
The oily popcorn aromas are not a turn-off, but they do hint at the resiny, sticky palate. Flavors of honeyed white fruits, oak resin, vanilla and toast lead to a short finish with a sugar-like sweetness. Good, but confected and a touch mealy.
The nose on this Muscat is flat and smells like applesauce and peach syrup. Surprisingly, the palate is bright in feel, with ample acids and flavors of tangy peach, apricot and honey.
Silky and delicate in texture, this nearly weightless Pinot Noir offers red cherry-berry aromas and flavors, laced with hints of blossoms and herbs. The tart finish lingers sweetly in an intriguing, paradoxical juxtaposition. Drink now–2025.
Aromas of spiced blackberry, tar, wood smoke and herbs are complex and on target. This Syrah (with 10% Cab Franc) feels big and wide, with screechy acidity and rubbery tannins. Dark peppery berry flavors are a bit salty, while this is compact on the finish. Drink through 2022.
Deep strawberry, blackberry, black olive and oregano show on the nose of this bottling that comes from a vineyard 1,100 feet above the town of Saratoga. The 100% American oak treatment makes for a savory sip, with bay leaf, white pepper, cracked peppercorn and olive, all bone dry and mouth-drying in tannins.
A very slight notion of hazelnut hovers on the fresh nose. The palate comes with wonderful citric intensity of ripe lemon and a dash of lime. That same smoky hint stays on the palate throughout, adding an extra dimension. The finish is pleasantly long and refreshing.
Aromas of cocoa, dark cherry, baker's chocolate and graphite rise up from the glass. The flavors are dense and full, with firm chewy tannins backing them up. It should only improve with additional time in bottle. Best after 2020.
From vines of this German grape planted by German ex-pats many years ago, Brian Loring makes a delicious wine. Dark and inky in the glass, it shows aromas of concentrated blueberry, vanilla, mint and grape candy on the nose. The palate is surprisingly medium bodied for such a dark wine, with a decent dollop of acidity along with lots of dried blueberry and juniper flavors.
There's a subtle oak component to this wine, hinting at toast and vanilla, but the main thrust of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc remains intact, driving forward with sweaty, pungent notes, prickly pear and pink grapefruit. Drink it over the next couple of years.
Done in the classically savory Santa Cruz Mountains style, this bottling shows black and red licorice on the nose along with blueberry and blackberry fruit. It's brisk on the palate and still wound up tightly, with blackberry, peppercorn and black-olive flavors lifted by dried herbs.
From a vineyard just below Mt. Madonna, this bottling offers deep blackberry and black-pepper spice, with herbal oregano, thyme and touches of pasilla chile on the nose. It's quite herbaceous in that typical mountain style, with bay leaf and dried basil set against dry elderberry fruit.
Plum, dark spice, aromatic herb, blue flower and tilled earth are some of the aromas you'll find on this smooth full-bodied red. The structured, already approachable palate delivers black cherry, raspberry, star anise and coffee alongside ripe, polished tannins. Drink through 2022.
Earthy balsamic aromas become more tarry and oaky the longer this sits. In the mouth, the tannins are fierce and extremely dry. Flavors of toast and raw wood are big players, while minty, chocolaty berry notes are also in play. This seems more woody than fruity, with dry rough tannins pushing the finish. Drink through 2026.
This is a blend of two vineyards, Pratt Vine Hill Road and Gap's Crown, enviable sources for both red and white grapes. The end result here shines in honey and a sublime hint of lemon candy. Bright, floral acidity lines a foundation of fresh tangerine and lime, finishing with an intensity of salty, spiced oak.
There is an exuberance to the nose of this bottling, with peach and apple blossoms, honeysuckle, cherimoya and nearly a tropical, banana-like scent. Yet it tightens up nicely on the sip, where pithy apple flesh, Meyer lemon tang and Asian pear flesh combine for a zesty palate.
Cranberry juice, touches of juniper and muddy-soil notes arise on the nose of this bottling from a popular vineyard in the region. The earthy palate combines a line of beet juice with clay, turned earth, black plum and dried pine needles, framed by chalky tannins.
This pure varietal bottling spent 18 months in oak, emerging perfectly proportioned with deftly integrated flavors of berry and herb, and a touch of fresh snap peas. The tannins carry the characteristic green olive notes, and the finish offers the scent and flavor of ground coffee as well. Overall a very fine effort.
An unusual level of flavor concentration and density of texture make this wine substantive in mouthfeel, intriguing in depth, and a good wine to age for a few years. It has touches of sage and sweet oak in the aroma, plus full-bore flavors of blackberry and black cherry on the palate. With great structure due to firm tannins and acidity, it will be best to drink after 2019.
A touch of roasted coffee clings to the nose, otherwise it wants to give little away. The taut palate barely shows the dark fruit, so tight is it with a fine-grained tannin structure. This is dense and sumptuous, but has ample freshness as a counterweight. It still needs to mellow and show its fruit. Drink 2018–2025.
Gentle hints of smoke and pine wood hover on the nose. The palate has the same spicy glint of pine and some oaky smoky spice. The fruit underneath is lovely and pure: tart cranberry and raspberry are expressed beautifully. The body is soft and fresh, undeniably supported by lots of oak but it manages to achieve an elegant poised balance. It is on the finish that vanilla makes another appearance.
Sour-orange juice, yellow-grapefruit flesh, citrus pith and wet-riverstone aromas make for a dynamic, tangy nose on this bottling. There is fresh crispness to the palate, with rounded nectarine flesh, a sizzle of lime-led acidity and gravel minerality.
This hits the herbal side of the grape gently, with a solid base of black cherry. There's a nice suggestion of orange peel also, and the overall impression is of a complex, sophisticated, well-balanced but relatively light style, in keeping with the strengths of this northern climate. Drink now through 2025.
With vineyards spread across the top sectors of the Fleurie cru, this wine is fruity and structured at the same time. It has a dry core that is surrounded by ripe berry fruits that also hint at black cherry. The wine needs time to soften, so drink from 2018.
This single vineyard wine comes from a steep parcel that is wedged between crus Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent. It is deliciously packed with crisp cherry fruits and fine acidity. At the same time, it is structured, solid and with a core of tannins. It is a wine that will age for a while longer, so drink from late 2017.
The Descombes family has farmed vines in this appellation since the French Revolution and Jean-Ernest Descombes supplied one of Georges Duboeuf's first Morgon wines in 1968. The latest generation has produced a ripe and fruity wine with a balanced structure. It is dense in tannins that will soften over the next year. Drink from 2018.
From the winery's Bordeaux study series, this Merlot-based blend shows roast beef, smoke, lilac, violet, lavender and shy black-cherry fruit on the nose. There's more fruit on the palate, with blackberry paste. However, the rigid tannins don't open up easily. Notes of crushed volcanic rock, espresso, dried herbs and leather are subtle.
Enviable structure marks this lovely wine that appears to have been made in a slightly reductive style. Light oak, a bouquet of dried herb and vanilla ride along a medium-bodied texture that's soft and silky, with a panache of juicy blackberry and currant on the finish.
Hints of fresh and dried white currant chart their course along a fault line of freshness. This Zierfandler, a real Austrian rarity, is a lip-smacking wine of great personality. The palate is both slender and generous. Savor this slowly and wisely.
Hailing from the oldest vines on the Castello Nipozzano estate, this offers enticing aromas of fragrant violet, iris, perfumed berry, aromatic herb and baking spice. Made with Sangiovese and small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Colorino and Canaiolo, the silky, linear palate offers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and a hint of licorice framed in smooth tannins and fresh acidity.
This wine doesn't try to conceal what it is, a 100% varietal exploration of a hearty grape, though in this case, from a relatively cool area. Black-purple in color, it offers structure and tension atop developed flavors of mocha chocolate and plum.
With its name going back to 16th-century stag hunting by King Francis I, this chateau offers a perfumed, deliciously ripe wine that is light and poised at the same time. An herbal touch partners with the red fruits for extra freshness.
With vineyards at Maures in the heart of Côtes de Provence, this château has produced a rich, sunny style of wine. With ripe strawberry flavors and a soft texture gently cut by acidity, the wine is made for apéritif.
One of the Côtes de Provence classed growths, this wine is soft and rounded. Its fresh, lightly candied character is offset by the firmer tannins from Syrah and Mourvèdre in the blend. Ripe and full and fruity in the mouth, it has only light acidity at the end.
A very light color and reserved aromas and flavors make this dry wine appetizing in a subtle way. Made from Malbec grapes, which is unusual for rosé, it should pair well with seafood or almost anything you would serve a dry white wine with.
Flat aromas of coconut and toasted oak give way to smoky chocolate mocha, red currant and black pepper. A touch soft on the finish, it otherwise drinks full-bodied and powerful.
This is a simple, straightforward combination of apple and caramel, light-bodied with layers of texture and complexity. A great midweek wine that works for larger gatherings as well, it's a great example of cool-climate fruit that isn't overdone in oak or ripeness.
Aromas of white spring flower, exotic fruit and an herbal note waft out of the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers white peach, pear, vanilla and toasted oak alongside modest acidity. A citrusy note closes the finish.
This is a softly layered wine with just the right amount of tension to give credence to a lifted minerality, accented by well-crafted clove and baked strawberry. The finish is spicy in more clove and nutmeg.
The nose isn't very expressive but eventually suggests aromas of toast, espresso and chopped herb. The tight palate offers oak, baking spice and the heat of alcohol but not much fruit richness. Astringent tannins grip the finish.
Aromas of straw, dusty apple and mild citrus are clean as a whole. Citric acidity lends zest to an otherwise chunky, pithy palate. Flavors of citrus fruits and apple finish fresh, pithy and with a note of orange peel.
Basic aromas of white fruits and pumpkin precede a sharp palate with a high malic acid content. Tart apple, gooseberry and salty flavors run long due to blazing acidity.
Squeezed lemon rinds and pith, wound up wet concrete notes, a touch of toasted almond and a slight show of nectarine flesh comprise the nose of this bottling. Classic Cali Chard buttery notes lead the sip, with ripe stonefruit, sea salt, caramel and jasmine, uplited by a decent acidity.
This is an affordable and refreshingly light-bodied Zin, bright and fresh in red berry and well-put together in terms of tannin and oak. Stock up for parties.
Aromas of yellow flower and acacia honey take center stage on this bright wine. The zesty palate offers pineapple, peach and citrus alongside racy acidity that gives it a tangy finish.
The richness of this wine reflects the warmth of the vintage. Ripe and full, it balances intense acidity with generous red fruits. A hint of pepper gives the wine a lift. Drink with food.
This wine has a rich background to support its perfumed red fruits. Raspberry and mandarin-orange flavors roll around the mouth easily, with only the lightest sense of structure. It is an immediately attractive, balanced wine.
Visually, this is a pale version of a Creamsicle. It has citrus yellow fruits and soft acidity. With its spice, it is well balanced, ending with a refreshing burst of bright red-currant flavors.
This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc tastes more of the crisp and herbal Sauvignon. It is floral, with spice, apple and lime flavors. With its bright aftertaste the wine is ready to drink.
A density of grapey plum surrounds dusty, chalky tannins that soften on the palate to further reveal red cherry, anise and soy. The wine possesses a distinct herbaceous character throughout.
A vibrant yellow-gold color and a good blend of delicate citrus and butter in the aroma and flavor give this understated and medium-bodied wine the balance and interest to satisfy.
White spring flower and citrus fruit aromas lead the way while the bright palate offers juicy nectarine and a hint of papaya. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy finish.
Aromas recalling chamomile flower and acacia honey lead the way. The medium-bodied palate offers candied lemon drop, grapefruit and toasted nut alongside vibrant acidity. Drink soon.
Peppery spice, tart goosebery and white grapefruit notes shine in this varietally characteristic Grüner Veltliner. It's delicate in concentration but cutting and fresh, finishing on a refreshing mineral tone. Drink now through 2018.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this discloses weedy, leafy aromas. The one-dimensional palate offers toast, coffee, sweet chocolate and dark berry. It's not an an ager so enjoy soon.
This barrel-aged Soave conveys aromas of candied citrus, pineapple, and toasted oak. The palate delivers butterscotch, sugary vanilla and lemon drops in a low-impact, muted style.
Crisp aromas of zesty citrus fold in touches of brine and bitterness. Fresh and peppery on the palate, it has pyrazinic flavors of bell pepper, arugula and passion fruit. A juicy, briny, mildly bitter finish is typical for Leyda SB.
Pineapple and mango dominate this full-bodied, ripe wine. Soft and given a lift by lime juice, it is a well-balanced blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity.
This light wine has vanilla flavors from wood aging, fresh red fruits and soft tannins. Acidity gives wine poise and an elegant touch. Drink from 2015.
Scents of lime and orange flower are pretty on this off-dry Riesling, accenting flavors of savory apple and preserved yellow peach. It's zingy in acidity, finishing moderately long on a dried herb note.
Subtle aromas of yellow peach, golden apple and honeydew melon lead off. However the palate is rather lean, with citrus and mineral notes alongside bracing acidity but not much fruit richness.
Aromas of grilled bell peppers and soy sauce accompany whiffs of tire rubber. The palate shows muddled flavors of caramelized onion, espresso, and ripe black currants and blackberry alongside fleeting tannins. It finishes on a sugary note.
This fruity blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc offers aromas of red currants and raspberry along with whiffs of bell pepper. The palate delivers vibrant blackberry and black cherry along with hints of black pepper. It's straightforward and made to be enjoyed young.
It offers linear apple, pear and juicy white fruit flavors alongside a subtle smoky note. Crisp acidity leaves a refreshing finish.
This is a bright-fruited wine with lively acidity and apple flavors. It has a creamy texture, a touch of spice and a lemon zest aftertaste. Drink now.
Subtle floral aromas and whiffs of tropical fruit lead to a lean palate that offers peach, papaya and mango alongside bright acidity. Pair it with lightly seasoned seafood dishes.
This soft, round and fruity wine is styled for immediate consumption. Light fruit flavors of apple and Asian pear are finished with a lick of lemony acid.
Aromas of toasted oak, vanilla and butterscotch carry over to the palate together with red apple skin and pear alongside fresh acidity. Not much fruit richness, but it's crisp and linear.
Dull and dusty on the nose, this burly Zin opens up in the glass, offering a slight sweetness of blackberry and vanilla amid its soft texture and structure.
Subtle aromas of smoke, Bartlett pear and Granny Smith apple carry over to the palate along with a citrusy note and a hint of raw almond.
Scratchy, spicy aromas and a touch of juniper accent red-berry scents on this everyday Cabernet. The mouthfeel is dry, fresh and shows tangy acidity, while racy, edgy flavors of plum, spice and green herbs finish zesty.
Clean and tart in lemon flavor, it has a bright streak of acidity throughout. Refreshing, it'll work well as an apéritif, a hint of pear lingering on the soft palate and finish.
Made from Garganega grapes, this wine has intense aromas of stone fruit, crushed tomato vine and cantaloupe reminiscent of a Sauvignon bianco. The straightforward palate offers pineapple, peach and mint alongside fresh acidity. Peter/Warren Selections, Haw River Wine Man.
Smoke seeps throughout this deeply earthen Auslese, lending a savory, mineral tone to the bright lemon and tangerine flavors. The palate is honeyed and concludes deftly with a tea-leaf astringency that lingers on the finish.
Vanilla, cedar and plum notes benefit from a dusting of cracked pepper in this medium-bodied dry red. The tannins are supple to the point of creaminess, and the finish warm and spicy. Drink now.
Pommard and Wädenswil clones make up this cuvée. Chunky fruit flavors of sour plum and cherry are on display, with decent penetration and moderate length. Drink now through 2022.
Opaque and thick, this wine is robust, yet balanced—a study in cedar and pencil lead that drives into a dimension of dried herb. The savory components find companionship in fruitier notes of cherry and blueberry, before a tannic, oaky finish closes things out.
Leathery, clipped, briary black-fruit aromas are heavily oaked and smoky. This feels like a bag of nails, with a sucking texture. Barrel-heavy flavors of charred blackberry and cassis are resiny and dry, with clove notes and pounding tannins. Hold as long as you wish; this can only benefit from more time in the bottle.
This Slovenian sparkling wine is made from 100% Ribolla Gialla in the Charmat method. It has aromas of green apple, brioche, toast and hazelnut. In the mouth, the bubbles are pleasant and prepare your palate for flavors of apple, hazelnut and toasted almond.
Subtle but alluring aromas of yellow spring flower and white almond lead the way while the fresh palate shows mature apple, sage and mineral alongside bright acidity. A tangy saline note signals the close.
A very light yellow-plum fruitiness colors nose and palate of this fresh, easy and soft white. Plummy friendliness is matched by equally sunny lemon freshness, resulting in a balanced, fruity, easy-drinking wine.
This family estate, established since the 14th century, has produced a light, beautifully fruity wine in the difficult 2013 vintage. With red fruits and soft tannins, it is fully of ripe berry flavors cut by acidity.A light structure in the background will allow the wine to age, although it is ready to drink now.
From vines that are at least 25 years old, this wine is rounded and soft. It has red fruit concentration, a lively wine that is also full in the mouth. It is a wine that could age a few more months and will be better from late 2016.
Notions of baked Mirabelle plums lend their full-fruited aspect to nose and palate. Their softness is countered by fresh, lively crispness. This is friendly, refreshing and fruit-driven.
This opens with delicate aromas that recall pear, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of almond. The juicy palate presents yellow peach, citrus and a hint of hazelnut alongside fresh acidity.
Made with Zibibbo, this refreshing white offers floral and fruit aromas suggesting white rose and yellow stone fruit. The lively palate tastes of apricot, lemon zest and a hint of aromatic herb alongside bright acidity.
A new effort from DDO, this drops Domaine Drouhin from the name, and puts the vineyard name front and center. It's young and well-crafted, with strawberry and cherry fruit. The potential is evident for an impressive site once the vines get some age under them.
Extremely ripe fruit flavors fuel this full-bodied, no-holds barred wine. The aromas are like blackberry jam and raspberry syrup, and the flavors are almost that extreme, but the wine is technically dry. A very viscous texture wraps it up.
Despite the low alcohol, this is completely dry. Crisp and steely, with fruit rather than flower flavors, it's accented with mineral and a whiff of petrol. The finish stops short, but more time in bottle may fix that.
Familiar berry aromas blend with hard spice notes and a hint of blueberry. Like many 2013s, this is showing a clamped-down mouthfeel along with flavors of peppery black fruits. A limited finish is hard and compact. Drink or hold for another five or more years; this isn't going anywhere.
Can't-miss aromas of petrol, wet stones and lime will have you thinking this is Riesling, but the blend is two-thirds Garnacha Blanca and the rest Macabeo. Tight and well cut on the palate, this tastes of melon, lime and peach pit. A quick, lean finish works.
This wine is ripe with generous strawberry flavors and perfumed acidity. A smoky edge accompanies tastes of red cherry. The wine is rounded and light with attractive final acidity.
Clean, ripe apple notes glide across nose and palate in a fruity, refreshing, balanced and easy-drinking white. Drink soon while aromas are at their peak.
Light peach and apricot aromas meet richer, riper pear and vanilla flavors and a creamy texture for a medium-bodied, palate-pleasing taste.
Faint pear notes on the nose lead to a savory, earthy but crisp palate. The finish is very clean, even cleansing. This will shine with food.
A soft and subdued nose leads to a very gently but freshly fruited palate. Cut pear and apple abound, as does their brisk, friendly freshness. This has the same tart and juicy feel as a perfectly ripe apple. The finish is dry and clean.
This is a rich, soft wine with jammy black fruits and ripe tannins. The acidity will hold the wine together and allow it to age. A mineral edge comes from the caillou (stones) in the soil—hence the wine's name. It will age, although quickly, so drink from 2018.
There's a slight reductive quality to the nose of this otherwise fresh, medium-bodied white that's decently concentrated in a brightness of lemon and apple. With integrated oak and texture, it's a nice choice for the table or by the glass as an apéritif.
Fragrant, soft and fruity, this has weight and firm tannins, which meld with the juicy blackberry flavor. The result is a forward and ready-to-drink wine.
The 11th vintage of Abacela's Albariño is a racy wine, with excellent varietal character. Fruit flavors suggest a mix of cucumber, apple, citrus and melon. There's a trace of oyster shell minerality and a bracing whiff of sea breeze on the finish.
This is a fine effort from first-year fruit that was cropped way down for extra concentration. It's a vibrant wine with a bright raspberry flavor that has a pretty, lightly candied quality.
Bold cherry and berry notes show herbal, reedy nuances, with a palate that's deep and tight as nails. Flavors of toast, chocolate and spice ride on a core of dark berry, and the finish is equally toasty and chocolaty, but also a tad hot.
Full and ripe, the wine's lush texture demonstrates the dominance of Merlot. It also has a dense, tannic character that pushes through the rich fruit, lending balance and aging potential. Keep this for at least five years.
On the austere side, with a firm and dry tannic structure, this represents the classic style of Bordeaux. It has black currant fruit and a mineral edge, with a severe structure that demands to be aged.
A mint- and spice-flavored wine, this has concentrated tannins that structure the black plum and berry fruits. The flavors are rich, and the dense texture promises several years of aging.
This is a tight, substantial effort, with scents of bark, earth and herb running through the tart raspberry fruit. It's less accessible than many of Oregon's 2009 Pinots, but with decanting or further cellaring, it's a wine that should open nicely.
Sharp and tangy, this assertive wine shows a well-integrated mix of berry, cherry, sassafras and herb. Lightly dusted with fresh earth, it does a gentle fade through the finish.
Fruit sourced from three vineyards—Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Yamhill—has been artfully blended into an aromatic wine, showing a pleasing mix of black cherry, cola and cocoa flavors. Open and broadly accessible, this is a balanced and quite delicious drink which will be best enjoyed over the next few years.
Dry raspberry and strawberry aromas come with a touch of vanilla. The mouthfeel is lively and jumpy, with ample kick to bolster the woody, toasty flavors of berry and vanilla. The finish deals toast, woodspice and resin notes.
A pepper- and spice-dominated wine, this has a background of citrus and green plum flavors. The palate is textured and full. The Rotenpüllen is made up of glacial deposits.
Medium bodied, this fruity vineyard-designate has a peppery spice note. A touch of dried herb and a hint of earth carry onto the finish.
This is heady for Chilean Chardonnay, with baked apple and no shortage of toast on the bouquet. It feels fresh but full, with polish and elegance to the mouthfeel. Flavors of apple and spiced squash end in a whirl of cinnamon and mild oak-related resin, while a final touch of acidity keeps things lively.
There's no denying this wine's greenness: It's draped all over the nose, palate and finish. But that doesn't mean it's not a classy, structured, tangy wine with length and clarity. It's a food wine for sure, with pickled, briny notes on the finish. Drink with ceviche, crudo and raw oysters.
A blend of Braucol and Merlot, this exotic wine features ripe juiciness and tannins. It is full in the mouth, with intense acidity running alongside the fruit and strong herb flavors. It has firm structure and concentration that promise good aging.
Made using fruit that was sourced from 100-year-old vines, this has a dark color, firm tannins and minerality, plus a solid black-plum flavor. This will age for several years.
Firmly tannic, this has has a dark plum flavor, layered with considerable density and dryness. With its juicy acidity and firm structure, this needs to age.
Although the 2011 vintage was difficult, Foris did particularly well with this lightly spicy, fruit-laden Pinot Gris. True varietal flavors of pear and apple are perfectly set against vivid acidity.
This is firm, concentrated and, as its name suggests, it's ready to pair with hearty fare. It has structure, followed by red cherry and blueberry fruits, and it's finished with acidity and a dry edge. Age for 3–4 years.
This is spicy and soupy smelling, but in a good, savory way. The mouthfeel is creamy and chewy, with plenty of extract and soft tannins. It tastes herbal and a touch foxy, with spice and berry flavors that lead to a sizable, chocolaty finish that's weighty and round.
Savory tones of saffron and pollen permeate through this brisk, dry Riesling. Hints of white blossoms and lemon brighten the midpalate, leading a crisp, clean finish. Enjoy young.
This has overt floral and fruit-salad aromas, sugary flavors of fresh apples, grapes and pineapple, a soft texture and sweet finish. While rich enough for dessert, this might also be a good brunch wine and will work well as a complement to a cheese plate.
This is dilute to the point of being thin, showing pale flavors of apple and underripe peach. A plastic note runs through it also. Tasted twice with consistent results.
Made by Marc Mondavi of the Charles Krug-making Mondavis, this is a majority varietal wine, with splashes of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Juicy and thick in oak, it offers tastes of dried cherry and blackberry woven around tightly grained tannins.
The deep black color of this wine suggests that it spent a lot of time on the skins, and 20 months in American oak added further grip and grit to the tannins. Cherry tobacco, espresso and plenty of oak flavors lead into a chewy finish with some residual bitterness.
This is 100% varietal, and 10% was barrel fermented. That seems to have put a light layer of toast over lemon-drop fruit. There's a touch of grapefruit and some aromatic notes of candied orange peel.
Jam and vanilla aromas and ripe raspberry flavors make this plenty fruity, while crisp acidity lends just a touch of grip to the silky texture. It's medium bodied and easy to drink.
This is a soft, lightly aromatic wine with fresh apple and quince flavors. It has light spice, balanced acidity and a mineral streak that gives the wine shape and texture. It is ready to drink, although it will be even better from 2016.
Cranberry and blackberry sauce aromas take on spiced notes of nutmeg, clove and anise on the mildly aromatic nose of this Bordeaux-style red blend. The full-bodied palate is dark and spicy, with toasted vanilla leading to a hot, alcoholic finish.
Fermentation in oak has given this wine both a toasty aroma and a palate that is spicy in burnt caramel flavors. Yellow fruits are there as well, giving promise for a more balanced future. Drink from 2016.
Rhubarb, turned earth and a touch of juniper show on the nose of this wine, made by the Terravant facility in Buellton. It's decently juicy and relatively complex on the palate, with licorice, crushed herbs and a long-lasting acidity.
Waxy apple aromas are chunky, dusty and a bit choppy. Ditto the palate, which is thick and on the full side, with moderate acidity. Apple, savory oak and spice flavors finish with a briny, saline note.
This is a smooth blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto, with a shot of Alvarinho. It is bright and fruity yet also somewhat creamy. There is a lemon tang to this still young wine. Fresh and fruity at the end, drink from 2016.
This wine is jammy blackberry and blueberry forward on the nose, with sweet baking spice notes rounding it out. The juicy palate boasts zippy red currant acidity balanced by soft, stone-ground tannins. Drink now for immediate enjoyment.
Tart, barely ripe fruit flavors echo rhubarb and salmonberry. This acidic wine has some spice and lift, and finishes with scents and flavors of fresh pine needles.
Dusty mineral and bramble notes contrast sunny, sweet yellow peach and melon flavors in this brisk semidry Riesling. It's forward and fruity, finishing with a lingering, lacy sweetness. Not likely to improve, so drink now.
There's size and power to this generous, slightly tangy wine, the robustness of its fruit and tannin representative of a ripe year. Black cherry and vanilla highlight the proceedings, with leather on the finish.
Oak notes of dark-roast coffee, rubber and cured meat dominate on the nose. Utilizing 50% new French barrels, the medium-bodied palate shows a bit more fruit, with red cherries and dark bramble berries taking on a charred character. Burnt cinnamon rounds out the finish.
Deep straw in color, this blend of 60% Viognier, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay reveals little more than aromas of citrus. It is somewhat stiff on the palate, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, guava and walnut. There is a touch of slivered almond and a quick splash of lemon that help to brighten up the finish.
Juicy and oaky, this ripe, fleshy wine dances in black fruit and tea. Medium in weight and length, it finishes in a burst of toasted vanilla.
This is an extracted wine, with licorice and dark chocolate flavors as much as fruit. It is tough at the moment, with dry tannins dominating the black plum flavor and the acidity. Leave until 2016 in the hope it will soften.
In this generous, fruity wine, rich flavors are cut by grapefruit acidity and aromatic herbs. The texture is full in the mouth with good refreshing flavors as well a juicy, aftertaste.
Aromas of cantaloupe, tropical fruits and rubber lack continuity and seem a bit tired. On the palate, this rosé is chunky and lazy, with low acidity. Flavors of orange peel and stone fruits finish with sweet, citric lift and moderate zest.
A sweet, syrupy aroma and candied fruit flavors, sprinkled with baking-spice notes from oak aging, make this wine attractive in a bubble-gum way. It is fruity, medium bodied, fresh and frothy.
Toasty aromas fold in baked apple notes. Sharp, sizzling and high in acid, the palate is citric and tough to navigate. Flavors of orange, lemon and sour apple are no shock given the palate.
Quite light in color, this shows an intriguing, citrusy nose of sweet lime juice and tropical passionfruit. A bubblegum ester flavor shows on the bright palate, with lemon juice and minerality. It's a quaffable wine, just not typical for the varietal.
This is a light, crisp and fresh wine, with tight acidity and a mineral texture. It has black and red currant flavors, and needs a few months more to age; drink from the end of 2016.
Here is a brisk and fruity wine that has bright acidity and a fresh raspberry flavor. There is an attractive crispness to the finish of this bright rosé.
From the In The Rocks vineyard, this Rhône white is two thirds Marsanne and one third Viognier, whole cluster fermented in neutral barrels, with no fining or filtering. It's richly textural, aromatic, scented and flavored with lemon verbena, peach, caramel and marzipan. Big and luscious in every way, this is a wine to enjoy while it's in the bloom of youth.
Big, bold, savory and herbal, this complex Cab starts with aromas of black cherry, cedar and vanilla, rolling out into rich waves of cedar, blackcurrant, herbs and spice.  Masculine and ageable, the wine has a stylish but strudy character and a lingering pepper finish. A wine for the cellar, or to drink now with a juicy steak.
From longtime Catena winemakers Mariano de Paola and Pepe Galante, this is a deep, black-fruited Malbec with a cushioned bouquet, violet notes and delightful blackberry character. The palate is deep, juicy, healthy and balanced, and the finish is smooth and offers a whiff of coconut. Solid, serious and good now through 2013.
This wine tastes very tangy and crisp. Medium bodied, with lemon and green-apple flavors, it's refreshing and mouth-cleansing.
Typical Moscatel aromas suggest lychee and pineapple. This feels regular in every way, with no spritz or anything of interest in terms of texture. Flat lychee and tropical-fruit flavors finish with modest citrusy kick and a note of grape skins.
Cherry and black plum aromas are oaky and smoky. Full, blocky and a bit awkward on the palate, this Garnacha tastes of minty, oaky clove, roasted plum and black currant. A saucy, semi-oaked finish is solid enough.
This wine is both intensely ripe and veering on sugary, while not offering much in terms of body. It becomes somewhat flat on the finish.
This is a superripe wine. With its apricot and mango fruit flavors it is exotic and far removed from traditional white Bordeaux. A blend of Sauvignons Blanc and Gris, it has light signs of wood aging that add some spice to the very rich character of the wine. Drink from the end of 2016.
This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah offers restrained fruit and medium body. Struck flint marks the nose, while the palate is slightly ungenerous, dominated by underripe stone fruit flavors. The finish is clean and dry.
This is a young wine with still firm tannins and stalky fruit. It has black-currant flavors that are balanced by fresh acidity and a dry core. The wine has all the freshness of the vintage, drink from 2017.
Black-currant flavors are right up in the front of this wine. With some youthful stalkiness, it also has the potential for a really juicy character that is bright, almost crisp. A touch of perfume gives the wine a lift. Let it smooth out for a few months, so drink from early 2017.
Tight aromas of yellow apple, green pear, lemon sorbet and slate are sharp and wound-up in this bottling. The palate is light without much complexity, just simple flavors of apple and lime.
Dusty, generic berry aromas are light and simple. This feels highly regular and juicy, while salty flavors are clean but largely fruitless. A fresh, basic finish is perfectly adequate but unexciting.
Petite Sirah and Syrah are included in this intensely fruity wine, aged for one year in French and American oak, 25% of it new. Aromas and flavors of barbecue smoke provide a hint of char, offset by the background sweetness of vanilla.
This kitchen sink-style blend has aromas of baking spice, dark plum and herb. It drinks off dry, with smooth currant and plum flavors that linger.
Medicinal and saline aromas lead the nose. The medicinal—almost chemical—sensation carries over to the lean palate while raspy tannins leave a grainy finish.
A pretty peach color, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (79%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of dried herbs, bell pepper and spice lead to dry cherry and green pepper flavors. There's interest but the bell pepper notes take over.
Hints of white blossom and lemon are pleasant in this zesty, full-bodied wine, but are accompanied by savory tones of dusty mineral and white button mushroom. The finish is brisk but clean.
Sugared plum, spice, vanilla and herb aromas are followed by off-dry, soft blue-fruit flavors in this wine. It provides easy-drinking pleasure.
This is dry and full bodied, with a light smoky aroma and modest, unusual flavors like fennel and green peach.
Aromas of smoke, matchstick, mineral and red fruit are followed by lightly styled cranberry flavors that winnow toward the finish.
The aromas seem a bit muddled, with notes of wet copper penny, herbs, tobacco and spice. The red-fruit flavors are subdued, with an elegant styling.
Rustic aromas of barnyard, game and overripe fruit follow through to the brawny palate along with powdered sage, violet and a hint of game. Full-bodied but lacking fruit richness, it and ends on a bitter note.
Funky aromas of underbrush, game and a hint of barnyard follow over to the tannic palate. It lacks fruit richness and has an astringent finish.
Off dry and a bit sugary in style, this easygoing rosé offers intensely ripe, slightly ruddy strawberry and cherry flavors. The finish is brisk and clean.
This wine is as light as a feather. It's crisp with citrus acidity and is totally ready to drink. It is clean, perfumed with an attractive, fruity aftertaste.
Cut grass, crisp green pears, honeydew melon, lime blossoms and a touch of passionfruit combine for a complex nose on this rarely seen grape. The palate is much more simplistic and flat though, with apple and pear-juice flavors enhanced by hints of brown sugar and spice.
The aromas bring notes of vanilla, baking spices, Craisins, asphalt and raspberries that seem a bit evolved. The palate drinks off dry and full, with almost port-like flavors.
This is a very ripe wine with lots of tropical fruits, from banana to cherimoya, as well as tuberose and bubblegum scents on the nose. Made from an atypical blend of 36% Marsanne, 33% Roussanne, 25% Chardonnay and 6% Viognier, it has a palate that is a tad cloying in its tropicality, with baked bananas and baked apples showing most prominently.
The wine is fruity with a stalky edge and bright black-currant fruit flavors. It is soft in character, fruity rather than structured, yet its acidity finishes the wine with a fresh lift.
A mellow, mildly fruity nose is like a cypher. This feels limited but healthy and compact. Cherry, plum and spice aromas are basic, while this tastes of generic berry fruits on the finish. Garnacha with some Tempranillo is the blend.
Plum and candied berry aromas come with a touch of horseradish and chemical harshness. Chunky, plump and short on crispness, this tastes of plum, berry and salt. A bready tasting finish runs low on acidity and fruit.
What separates the Orchard Block in terms of taste is a certain saline quality that underscores pretty plum and blackberry fruit. It's youthful and fresh, with balancing tannins and sufficient acidity for aging through 2020–2022. A gentle  hint of chocolate weaves through the finish.
Aromas recall honeysuckle, green apple and aromatic herbs. The elegant palate offers concentrated yellow peach, apricot, lemon zest and a vein of pure minerality alongside crisp acidity. It's nicely balanced with a lingering finish.
Firmly tannic, with a peppery flavor, this accents its tart berry fruit with flavors of brown spices and hints of dried leaves. Its power lies in the interplay of such details, as well as the overall balance and precision of the winemaking.
Pomegranate and raspberry fruit are highlighted with sharp scents of orange flesh and peel. The buoyant acidity and overall tightness suggest that this will continue to evolve and improve over the next several years. It's lightly spiced with a well-managed touch of new oak.
Succulent and leesy, it blends juice from five different sites, including the King Estate vineyard. Soaked in minerals and alive with pretty fruit flavors of citrus, pink grapefruit and Key lime, this reserve-level bottling is one of several limited offerings by the leader in Oregon Pinot Gris.
Delicious in fruity perfume, this is a blend of 45% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 19% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise and 6% Cinsault. Heady in rosewater, violet and wild strawberry, the wine is finely textured and meaty in body with a lengthy, herbal finish. It makes a delectable pairing with almost any meal.
An elegant debut for this new Oregon winery, the Winemaker's Cuvée opens with lovely floral and herbal scents, moving into a detailed, precise and well-configured palate, with pretty raspberry and cherry candy fruit. It's set in a sturdy frame of acid and tannin, and seems to gain concentration through the long finish.
Fresh apple and lemon aromas are subtly accented with hints of saffron on this spicy-sweet Riesling full of ripe yellow-cherry and nectarine flavors. Piercing lemon-lime acidity lends a nervous, dancing quality to the palate. It finishes with a murmur of jasmine-tea astringency.
Succulent scents and flavors of cherry liqueur, laced with marzipan and a whiff of earthy funk define this new single-vineyard selection. Tannins are thick and offer suggestions of tanned leather.
Year after year this Syrah-led blend excels. This version is bright, clean and polished. Cherry and plum aromas are racy, with distinct minerality. Flavors of chocolate, leafy spice, earth and berry fruits finish with a final blast of vital berry flavors before fading in long, pleasurable fashion. Drink through 2020.
Another stunning Sangiovese from La Folia, it's fruity and soft. A smooth, velvety juiciness lingers through the midpalate and into the finish. Balanced in richness and texture, this is a beautiful fulfillment of what many have hoped for years could be possible with the grape in California.
Loamy, dark, rich aromas of pastry, blackberry, blueberry and turned earth scream “ripe.” In the mouth, this is bulky but focused. Flavors of black fruits, chocolate, fig, herbs and spice finish with notes of tobacco, raw oak, mint and bright acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Pleasing aromatics send up a mix of cherry, black tea and clean earth. The wine is tannic and substantial, with ripe black cherry fruit and a streak of caramel.
Stunning and sophisticated, it opens with intense aromas of stone fruit, tomato vine, pear and nut. The creamy palate offers juicy white peach, green apple and mineral accented with notes of bitter almond alongside fresh acidity. Drink now or hold a few years for more complexity.
Terre Rouge's annual best of the best barrels is luxurious in leather and smoky oak, grippy tobacco flirting through the midpalate through to the end. Concentrated in brambly black fruit and a core of gamy meat, it'll expand its world in due time, the layers of complexity like an Escher sketch, with no discernible end.
Less aromatically forward than its peers, this suggests slightly riper fruit. A welcome mineral focus comes on the concentrated, textured palate that boasts zesty citrus peel and a wonderfully straight, upright backbone. This will come into its own by 2015–2016.
A five-grape, Bordeaux-style blend, this young wine is still pulling itself together, but already shows ripe, substantial, nicely textured components. The crisp black fruits are etched with ripe tannins, and aging in 75% new French oak adds chocolate and espresso tones.
Full of tannins at this stage, it shows power and density. It's a blend of more than 10 varieties, giving complexity as well as structure. There is acidity as well, bringing together the rich texture and a solid, wood and dark fruit combination. It needs to age a few years, so drink from 2016.
This rich and fruity wine shows the natural richness of the Douro, with dense and firm tannins that will allow the wine to age. Black plum fruits are powerful and concentrated, giving fruit and acidity. It needs to age for several years, don't drink before 2017.
The classic Douro blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz has created a solid, dense and very structured wine. Black plums dominate on the fruit spectrum, supported by dry tannins. Fragrant and fresh, it's a wine to age. Drink from 2017.
Deep, alluring aromas of blackberry and cassis are youthful and thus a bit animal and wild. In the mouth, this young CS is chunky, rubbery and dense. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and black coffee are on the dark side, while the finish offers a meaty, substantive feel, tons of lasting fruit flavor, and a touch of heat and burn that will fade away with more time in bottle. Best from 2016–2022.
With a firm, almost granite structure, this is a terroir-driven wine, from a quinta named after the River Mondego that flows through the Dão region. It has a dense, tannic character based on ripe berry fruits and concentrated juicy black currants. The wine is intense and still needing to age. Drink from 2018.
This blend of 71% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier and 6% Sauvignon Blanc offers good concentration and ample richness, with pure yet powerful aromas and flavors of wood-grilled apple, peach pit, beeswax and yellow melon rind. Accents of toasted challah and pressed yellow flowers add depth to the bouquet, while finishing touches of orange oil and sweet spice unfold on the round, lush finish. Drink now–2018.
Initially earthy in character, this is a powerful blend of Touriga Nacional with Bordeaux grapes. It is still young, but is showing a great intensity and concentration. It has weight and a firm core of very dry tannins interwoven with black, juicy fruits. It should develop into a complex, rich wine. Drink from 2017.
Made of 85% Sangiovese and small amounts of Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo, this opens with subtle Morello cherry and underbrush aromas. The palate delivers black plum and tobacco flavors, bolstered by dusty tannins. Enjoy soon.
Produced from organically grown grapes, the wine is fruity, lightly structured and developing quickly. It has generous black currants and black plums that are already attractive and crisp. There is a firm back drop of tannins. Drink from 2019.
A slightly funky lift precedes a very crunchy light palate. There is freshness and frank up-front red-cherry fruit along with ample juiciness. This picnic-style wine will benefit from being served chilled.
Very gentle notions of ripe pear color the nose. The palate is more toned down, with an earthy edge. The body is light and fresh. Drink while aromas are at their height.
Jumpy berry aromas are offset by notes of clove and wet dog. This feels thick, chewy and creamy, while foxy berry and plum flavors are bolstered by heavy oak. On a creamy feeling finish, a chocolatey note rises up along with herbal hints.
With attractive red fruits and soft acidity, this is a fruity wine. It is ripe with a lively crisp texture. Produced by the daughter of Jean-Luc Thunevin of Saint-Emilion's Château Valandraud, the wine is bright and ready to drink.
Oak, licorice and grilled rosemary aromas lead the nose. The palate offers espresso, toast, dried cherry and sage flavors, pulled taut by close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish.
A touch of smoke and walnut in the aroma make this wine stand out, while apple and butter flavors fill in the palate. It's medium-bodied, dry and attractive in an Old World, slightly austere style.
This wine combines oaky sweetness with good, plummy fruit flavors and a lightly grippy texture. It's tasty and approachable in style.
Heavily herbal spicy leafy aromas are green like cool-climate Cab Franc, and then a massive bolt of oaky char takes over. This Cabernet Sauvignon is hard, drying and tough on the palate. Herbal roasted black-fruit flavors are smothered in burnt oak, while this is blackened but green tasting on the finish. Ripeness of fruit was clearly an issue in this cool vintage.
Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling offers lemongrass, lime peel and kiwi scents, with floral jasmine undertones. The palate delivers loads of zing—an almost effervescent energy and verve—with Bosc pear, apple and honeysuckle flavors.
Grilled herb, dark spice, toast and leather aromas lead the nose. The palate is vigorous, marked by orange zest, dried cherry and thyme notes held together by tightly wound tannins.
You'll have to look in the very lower left hand corner of the back label to spot the vintage on this bottle (2014). The soft cherry fruit has a buttery mouthfeel. The wine is lightly toasty and eminently accessible. Drink now through 2020.
Subtle stewed black-skinned fruit, grilled herb and licorice aromas lead the nose. The subdued, lean palate offers raw cherry and espresso notes framed by close-grained tannins that grip the finish.
Besides the Malbec, there is also 12% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The grapes are from the Gold Vineyards in the Rogue Valley. Aged 13 months in French oak, it's showing a big burst of vanilla in both nose and flavor, along with cranberry fruit and some rugged dusty tannins. Another year of bottle age would help to integrate the oak a bit further.
The peel of Bosc pear and riper stone fruit are the chief aromatic markers of this wine. The palate is light, slight and crisp with an earthier, slightly bitter edge. Drink soon while aromas are at their height.
Dusty earthy cherry and plum aromas are a bit spicy, while this feels blocky, with rubbery tannins. Spicy herbal plum and raspberry flavors show a mild green note on the finish.
Warm dusty oaky aromas come prior to a citric palate that's high in acidity and thus austere. Salty citrus flavors are monotone and fail to alter path on a salty woody finish.
Aromas of jammy berry fruits, licorice gum drop and warm earth are scattershot and precede a palate that's chunky but flat in feel. Buttery oaky berry and raisin flavors are solid but not direct or focused on the finish.
Spiced plum aromas come with a note of iodine and Band-Aid, nothing that's strange for the Monastrell-Syrah blends of Jumilla. An aggressive palate with fiery potency tastes of salty plum and currant. On the finish, this is high in energy, juicy and bold.
For a basic Spanish white, this rises above the norm. Lightly candied white-fruit aromas and a medium-bodied palate help this Macabeo (Viura) and Chardonnay blend get going. Flavors of green banana and pithy lime end with tropical overtones and controlled pyrazine-based pepper notes.
Lush blackberry, vanilla and baking spices entice the olfactory. These aromas carry through to the palate, where a clove flavor becomes more abundant. It offers grippy tannins and decent acidity, with a long, dry and spicy finish.
This easygoing red opens with black-skinned fruit and baking spice aromas. The straightforward palate displays red plum and leather notes, with a hint of black pepper and pliant tannins. Enjoy soon.
Meyer lemon pith and grapefruit scents meet with sliced pear, chalk and wet slate on the nose of this bottling. The palate sizzles with acidity and tension—almost too much so—with lemon peel and tart kumquat flavors.
This is already showing the changes in aroma and color that usually accompany a much older wine. It's drinking quite well, with mature flavors of strawberry fruit pastry, lightly dusted with baking spices. The score reflects its limited aging potential, as the window for enjoyment seems already to be closing.
Made from organically farmed Sangiovese grapes, with no added sulfites, this opens with black-skinned fruit, tilled soil and herb aromas. The lively palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors over a smooth tannic frame. Enjoy soon.
Sprightly, fresh Mirabelle plum mixes with headier notes of rose to present a full-fruited but fresh array of juicy, sweet pear, more plum, mandarin and tangerine. The mouthfeel has that typical Gewurztraminer oily richness but also a welcome slick of 2014 acidity.
Leather, cherry, plum and asphalt aromas are rustic but solid. This coastal Pinot is racy on the palate, with good overall balance. Flavors of tomato, stewed plum, cola and pepper finish with a touch of sea brine and tomato sauce.
An engaging bouquet of green apple, peach and white flowers brace the palate for flavors of white peach and apricot with a hint of rose petal. This wine is clean in the mouth with an invigorating finish.
This wine is structured and full of tannin. It is dry, firm, the fruit still buried behind the dense texture. Hints of potential juiciness show the potential of the ripe wine that will come. Drink from 2018.
Red and dense in color, with plum and raspberry aromas supported by a strong scent of barrel char, this is a generous, plump Pinot showing a mix of plum, berry and herbal flavors. A long-lasting, oaky finish concludes this oak-rich, fuller-bodied offering.
This opens with aromas of ripe black currant, toast, exotic spice and a whiff of roasted pepper. On the concentrated palate, notes of coconut, licorice and black pepper accent a core of dried cherry. Tightly knit, close-grained tannins provide firm support.
This wine is ripe and concentrated. It's packed with red fruit while also having solid tannins that give a firm structure. Acidity shoots through at the end to give a fresh lift, although the wine needs to age. Drink from 2017.
An intriguing blend of juicy pear and tart but ripe apple perfumes the luminous palate that shines with fruit. The apple tartness, boosted by a little citrus, creates a lovely balance on this easy-drinking, little fruit bomb.
Charmingly ripe and aromatic notes of juicy, yellow pear on nose and palate make for an ultrafriendly, easy-drinking and utterly fruit-driven wine. Drink soon to enjoy the amplified pear aromas while they're at their peak.
This is an impressively priced and made new wine, offering a compelling mix of tart cherry and sublime earth around streaks of exotic cardamom. Pretty and inviting, it's tight in crisp cranberry and raspberry, finishing swiftly and with purpose.
Crushed violet, iris, spiced plum and raisin aromas come together on this. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice and nutmeg alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of roasted coffee bean.
Mandarin orange and orange-blossom aromas leap up from the glass. It drinks sweet with abundant orange flavors that linger.
Coffee tones along with floral and vanilla aromas pervade on the nose. The tart-cherry palate is supported by mouthwatering acidity and chewy, slightly dry tannins. Pair alongside a juicy steak.
Gooseberry and lemon peel mix with a wet cement, stony character on the nose of this crisp sipper from the middle of Monterey County. It's light, bright and tart on the palate, with lime peel, grapefruit peel and grassy tones, all laid across a zesty energy and cement minerality.
Light straw in the glass, this wine offers green herbal aromas on the nose, complemented by floral notes and a whiff of sandalwood. Its green apple flavors and strong minerality make for an enjoyable quaff.
This wine has a nose of lemon peel, lemon grass, and a freshly cut lawn. It is clean in the mouth, with flavors of lemon, lime and Seckle pear that wind down to a mineral-laden finish.
This six-grape blend with large amounts of Syrah and Carmenère smells fruity and jumpy, like wet dog fur and candied berry and cherry. The palate is solid, tannic and rubbery, with dark, exotic, offbeat flavors of herbal plum, blackberry and cassis. A toasty finish is solid in feel and gets a boost from residual acidity. Drink through 2020.
Petrol, sliced tennis ball and fresh-cut grass show on the nose of this bottling that is boosted in the suavity category by 13% Sémillon. It's immediately lively on the tongue, with soda and lime-pith energy giving tension to the Anjou pear skins and kumquat fruit.
Buttery warmth shows on the nose of this wine by vintner Travis Proctor, alongside poached pear fruit and an iodine edge. Featuring original artwork by James Caprell on the label, the wine offers pan-seared golden apples, tart pear skin and more of the iodine edge once sipped.
A complex nose of cherry, leather, anise and tobacco leaf set the scene for flavors of ripe cherry and fresh raspberry with notes of vanilla and spice. Despite the depth of aroma, this wine is medium bodied in the mouth and culminates in a fresh finish.
Earthy tones envelop orange-flesh flavors on the nose. On the palate they seemingly coat a lovely core of fresh, lemony verve that occasionally peeps through the rounded, fleshy mouthfeel. This is a restrained Gewurztraminer but not without intrigue.
Roses, raisins and even notes of banana mingle with the peachy richness. This aromatic headiness is cut beautifully by the focused freshness of the palate, reminiscent of freshly cut mandarins. This shows beautiful balance in aroma and body.
Fragrant aromas of Anjou pear and green apple skins make for a fresh and fruit nose on this wine that is cut with lime-peel bitterness. It's delicate at first on the palate, with a slightly sour yellow grapefruit-peel flavor that leaves an energetic zing in the mouth.
This is a dry version of a grape that is more frequently utilized in sweet Tokaj wines. Enticing aromas of tropical fruits and pineapple upside down cake give way to flavors of green apple and guava that persist into the creamy finish.
Textured and beautifully balanced pear fruit shows glimpses of marzipan and candied peel on a palate guided by sheer, zesty citrus acidity.
The Paso producer heads a bit north to produce this wine. Aromas suggest browned butter, lemon slices, pan-seared peach and a bit of smoke, with some steely aromatic backbone. The palate is consumed by lemon blossoms and buttered toast.
Sharp cinnamon and squeezed pomegranate aromas mix with strawberry blossoms and dried cherries on the nose of this wine from the longtime regional producer. The palate is driven by chaparral aromas of wild sage, coyote brush and juniper, spicing up the red-fruit flavors.
From Aegerter's own vineyards, this is an initially soft wine. It's only when the background tannins kick in that it becomes firmer, giving a dry, still-young core to this ripe wine. Red fruits dominate, balanced by acidity and a stylish, while firm, aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Powerful, hard-driving aromas of herbal red-berry fruits and spice are enticing. This feels juicy, firm and full, with chewy tannins. Toasty flavors of plum, cassis and pepper show an herbal side in front of a racy, spicy, finish that emphasizes olive and eucalyptus.
This elegant wine is spicy and aromatic, with pretty floral highlights. Orange peel, rosewater, cherry soda and clean, refreshing acidity are all in play. The lingering finish is a bonus.
From a 1,400-foot-high site, this wine combines 86% Zinfandel with 14% Petite Sirah, which deliciously exude blackberry, blueberry, kirsch and leather. Smooth, soft and juicy, it adds nutmeg, chocolate and oak as it goes, finishing with structure and length. Drink now through 2021.
Bold and delicious, this opens with earthy aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, truffle, scorched earth and a whiff of game. The savory, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, licorice, and baking spice alongside bright acidity and refined tannins.
Aged on its lees for 30 months and bottled in March 2015, this is an exceptional Muscadet. It still has plenty of freshness along with a tight, mineral texture and lightly smoky flavors. The concentration gives the wine richness while it remains bone dry and crisp. It is ready to drink.
From a storied site, this wine opens in aromas of syrupy kirsch and baking spices, inviting and full bodied, with a marked intensity. On the palate it delves into richer notes of wild strawberry, cinnamon and rose petal, along with a strong reminder of pine and forest floor. It remains soft through the finish.
Dark berry, tilled soil and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the solid palate offers juicy black cherry, mocha, espresso and licorice. Firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink 2018–2026.
A complex mélange of briny, preserved lemon, apple crisp and caramel brittle, this wine is deceptively elegant and refined, with a dark, brooding finish.
This is a pretty wine, resplendent in jasmine and honeysuckle, with a light-bodied, integrated approach to highlighting fresh layers of apricot and peach. The viscosity is just right, focused and restrained, while the finish puts an exclamation point to the freshness of fruit.
Wild berry, grilled herb, violet and rose aromas come together in the glass. The full-bodied, savory palate doles out ripe, red cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, sage and mocha accompanied by velvety tannins and surprising freshness for the vintage. An orange zest note bolsters the finish.
Since the Baumards began bottling all their wines with screw caps, it is noticeable how much more slowly they age. This pale gold-colored wine is still so full of freshness and ripe mangos, meaning that it will age for many years yet. Honey, lemon jelly and a crisp texture add to the continuing potential of the wine. Drink from 2017.
This is a solid, sharply defined, taut wine with a refined core of cherry fruit. The through-line is straight and true, finishing with a lick of citrus. Give this one a little more time to smooth itself out, and drink with pleasure after 2018.
This well-made wine brings briary, brambly notes to its core raspberry fruit. The impression of light herbaceousness continues through a medium-long finish, with a hint of thistle and wet stone. The wine spent 10 months in 50% new French oak.
Enticing scents of wild rose, violet, perfumed berry and a whiff of aromatic herb unfold on this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, clove and anise framed in assertive but ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Better after 2019.
This is a powerful wine, perfumed and ripe. Its aromas come from the Touriga Nacional in the blend that also includes Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. It's a dark and dense wine, very rich with enough juicy black fruit to balance. The concentration and tannins suggest long aging, so don't drink before 2019.
This is a ripe oaky specimen with smoky aromas of hickory along with licorice, pencil lead and jammy blackberry. In the mouth, it's huge and spreads out like a blanket. Flavors of baked black fruits are fully ripe, while oak-driven toasty, blackened, chocolaty flavors push the finish. Drink through 2018.
Quite youthful for its advanced age, this bottling shows crushed herbs, ground coffee, dense blueberries, leathery smoked meats and tobacco on the nose. The palate conveys tangy boysenberries with black pepper and crushed herbs, laid across a smooth tannic structure.
Blackberry fruit makes friends with black earth, coffee syrup, dill and dried garden herbs on this nuanced bottling. The palate blends cherry cola with milk chocolate, and boisterous acidity with black rock minerality, finishing on a cream-soda spritz.
A vintage leader in this Zin house's series of site studies, this shows rose petals, violets, black tobacco, crushed anise and black sage on the delicately complex nose. Presenting great tension between the tannins and acidity, the palate offers candied blackberries and red cherries, cut by spearmint and green tea.
Named in homage to a Marquesa de Alorna who was a poet in the 18th century, this wood-aged rich wine is serious and complex. It has ripe yellow fruits that balance with the spice from the wood aging, giving a ripe creamy wine that will still age. Drink from 2017.
Roasting meat, raspberries, sagebrush, cola, crushed coffee, red roses and a Dr Pepper scent show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard that overlooks Highway 101. The palate shows lots of chipped slate and pencil lead, yet surrounds a black raspberry and tart pomegranate core, clinging to citrus-rind elements on the edges.
Penetrating strikes of honey, peach and chamomile charge through this light-footed yet powerful Kabinett. It's blossomy and perfumed from start to finish, lifted by a dazzling spray of lemon-lime acidity and lacy filigreed sweetness. A lovely wine to drink now, but will hold nicely, if not improve, until 2020.
Aromas of rose petals and fresh-hoed earth come to the fore as this wine opens, followed by fine-grained, intense tannins and savory wooded notes. Black pepper, red cherry, sea salt and dried herb pop at different times. It's still tight, so let this wine open in the glass or decant; better yet, cellar through 2023.
Stylish and detailed, this exemplary effort showcases a subtle and elegant approach to the grape. Rather than fleshy fruit flavors, it offers focused notes of pear skin, citrus rind and an overriding minerality. It's drinking quite nicely already, and seems built to continue to evolve through 2020.
Co-fermented Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel from the Mounts Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley were all picked the same day for this blend that's tight, sinewy and smoky in sanguine notes of baked plum, cranberry and baked bread. It comes together in a softly layered package, drinking well now.
Intense rose aromas recall the fragrance found in many cold creams. The floral sensation carries over to the palate, along with candied fruit and baked pineapple, uplifted by a mineral note. Pair it with ripened cheeses.
This rich wine has peach and quince flavors along with spice and hints of toast. It's full in the mouth, very fruity and fresh, a warm wine that does manage to keep a fresh burst of lemon acidity at the end. Drink now, but better at the end of 2014.
Dusty chalk notes add a mineral tone to lavish floral and stone fruit aromas on this brisk, easy-quaffing Riesling. It's dry in style, with fresh apple and blossom flavors that finish on a lingering, waxy note.
Only lightly wood aged, this is a fruity wine with a touch of spice, some peaches and fragrant acidity. It is delicious wine and ready to drink.
This, like the winery's other wines from this remote northern region, carries a soupy, stewy, leathery set of aromas. In the mouth, the acidity level is high. Rustic, earthy flavors of beef stew, leafy berry fruits and marinara sauce finish blunt, oaky and herbal.
Like any good Leyda Valley SB, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, sea foam and minerality. In the mouth, it is juicy and stony, with washing acidity. Flavors of honeydew, lime and jalapeño finish firm, with good backbone. Drink this with salads, shellfish and ceviche.
Supple and alive in spice this is a softly rendered Zinfandel with plenty of density that's balanced by tastes of bright berry. It's well priced and from good land, a hearty accompaniment to meaty meals, laced with enough acidity to offset its big flavor.
This is a big and ripe wine, with flavors of chocolate and blackberry. Dense tannins dominate, although the rich berry fruits and acidity promise a more fruity future. It's worth waiting; drink from 2018.
While this is currently a tough proposition, the inherent fruitiness of this structured wine augurs well for its future. With berry fruits under the dark tannins and some slight bitterness from wood aging, it needs time. Drink from 2017.
The nose is earthy and savory, with brash mineral and lemon tones, but the palate on this dry Riesling is surprisingly pretty, with dashes of blossoms, tart stone fruits and fresh herbs. It's a bit demure in concentration, but an elegant, refreshing quaffer.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Syrah, brooding aromas of ground stone, herb, brown stem and black fruit give way to dense layered blackberry flavors. It shows great focus, poise, texture and exquisite length. Best from 2021 to 2027.
There is impressive depth to the nose of this bottling, with concentrated black cherry, black plum and blueberry fruit enhanced by white pepper, roasted meat, licorice and hot asphalt. The palate is awash in savory flavors, with soy, charred beef and tobacco followed by waves of blueberry and leather and a wash of vanilla, plum skin and mocha, all atop perfectly polished tannins.
This wine is made to highlight the vintage and best vineyards, relying heavily on the producer's top-end site, Sacrashe. A hugely constructed wine, bold and brawny, it also manages to be soft and velvety, allowing for a greater contribution of savory elements than sweet, from leather to black pepper to Mexican chocolate. It pushes the boundaries on decadence in mysterious ways.
Fragrant and perfumed, this wine is the epitome of great Cabernet Sauvignon. It is fruity, juicy yet with serious concentrated tannins. There is spice from the wood aging along with a dash of pepper, all the while just bringing out the beautiful black-currant flavors. Drink this wine from 2024
This wine employs 73% Spottswoode Estate Vineyard fruit, but also ventures to other sites, including Young Inglewood, Oakville Ranch and Darms Lane. Dusty cedar, blackberry and pencil shavings dot a structured, classically stylized landscape, additionally seasoned in black pepper and clove. It has length for miles; enjoy best 2023 through 2033.
Extremely ripe aromas of prune, blackberry, cassis and cinnamon announce a jammy loaded palate that weighs nothing short of a ton. The flavor profile is a black-fruit bonanza accented by graphite and blackened toast. Drink this monster wine from a dry, hot vintage from 2019–2034.
Dark yellow in color, this wine shows tangy green apple and a richer, more concentrated element of apple-spice cake, with supportive, balanced acidity. With a bright, lifted finish, this less-expensive offering compared with many of the producer's single-vineyard designates never lets up on complexity or deliciousness.
Dark, toasty aromas suggest creosote and chimney smoke; throw in black olive, blackberry, dark plum and mocha scents and this is one hefty package. Fully tannic, with toasty chocolaty flavors of black fruits and oak-based spice, this finishes full and fierce, but not mean. Drink from 2019–2035.
Sineann's Wy'east designate continues on a roll in 2015, and is simply one of the finest values in any Oregon Pinot Noir. Streaked with black tea, leavened with rose petals, dusted with cocoa and spiced up with a hint of anise, it's a wine of stunning complexity and length. Vivid berry fruit flavors bring pinpoint focus throughout a seemingly endless parade of flavors.
This wine is made from the same barrels as the producer's Finch Hollow offering, using the wine from the top of the barrels and left unfined and unfiltered. The result is an ethereal experience, creamy and crisp in golden apple and nectarine, its body rich, round, lush and delightfully satisfying.
It's hard not to jump up and down about the outstanding value represented here, a wine made from Dutton Ranch fruit that's juicy and generous in baked strawberry, earth and rose petals. A grippy structure provides weight around nuanced, spicy cherry-pie flavor and plenty of body to satisfy.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just under three-quarters of this wine with the balance Syrah. A blend of fruit from River Rock and Jack's vineyards, it's aromatically reserved, with notes of flowers, green herb, cherry and moist earth. The tart fruit flavors are silky and full in feel, bringing a lovely sense of presence to the mixture of fruit and savory flavors. The finish lingers.
This wine starts with aromas of macadamia nut, Meyer lemon, yellow roses, banana flambée and an underlying stony character. It's soft on the palate, showing sea-salt caramel, seared banana, creamy white fruit like cherimoya and tons of depth.
Dried fennel, wet black clay and loam, minty tobacco, exotic cinnamon, pressed hibiscus and rich raspberry show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard planted in 1998. The palate offers lots of fruit, with more raspberry, tart strawberry, candied red apple and pomegranate. Tons of graphite minerality and herbal backbone keep it savory and elegant.
This is a northern Rhône-style blend, with a touch of Viognier in the Syrah that softens the considerable dark, tannic power of the wine. Along with this solid structure, the wine also has ripe black-plum-skin and blackberry flavors. A concentrated wine, it still needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Young and with great potential., this is a powerful, firmly tannic wine, full of wood-aging flavors. It is The dark tannins are lifted by a juicy edge that will be attractive as the wine develops although the wood needs time to soften. Drink from 2021.
This outstanding vineyard, matching mature vines to biodynamic farming, really shines in 2014. A toasty nose sends up coconut and vanilla notes, leading into a full-bodied full-flavored wine with the structure to age another decade or more. It's the perfect balancing act between immediate accessibility and long-term cellaring potential. Drink now through 2030.
Named for Bob Biale's father Aldo, who maintained head-trained, dry-farmed vines planted in 1937, this red is as mighty as the man, with a length of powerful acidity. Cherry, blueberry and vanilla play against dried flowers and smoked meat, with a tanginess of Asian spice.
Smoky blackberry, black cherry and leather ride a wave of sumptuous, soft and seamless texture in this lovely wine, blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Focused acidity buoys the fruit of this full-bodied wine, structured and luxurious in a finish of chocolate.
Velvety, lush and bright, this wine celebrates a warm, wonderful vintage in its exuberance of clove, currant and chocolate-covered cherry, yet the acidity is focused and tense. Lengthy and built to last, the rounded palate is seasoned in black pepper.
The producer packs a powerful punch into this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, aged two years in 70% new French oak. Big, hearty tannins wrap around curls of smoked meat, clove, sage and black pepper, finding common purpose in layered complexity. It should be best between 2022 and 2026.
The wine is concentrated with tannins that come from both the firm fruit and the wood aging. It is packed with blackberry flavors that come through the structure strongly. The velvet texture (that is just a hint at the moment) is going to bring out the richness of this wine produced with consultation from Michel Rolland. Drink from 2024.
The initial wood flavors in this wine rapidly give way to rich fruit. Spice and black-plum flavors are built by a firmly tannic superstructure. The aftertaste brings out the acidity. This wine should develop well over the long term. Drink from 2023.
From an organically grown, seven-acre vineyard that was planted nearly 40 years ago comes this savory, cooler-climate-styled Syrah. It's redolent with cracked black pepper, soy, charcoal and tar on the nose, plus an underlying lavender and black-currant sweetness. The palate is very tarry and peppery, with flavors of dried elderberry and roasted lamb with a rosemary touch.
This study of darkness that puts 76% Petite Sirah together with 16% Tannat and 8% Tempranillo shows blackcurrant, brown sugar, scarlet-red roses and herb-crusted roast beef on the nose. Ripe olallieberries and dark meat flavors show on the sip, where soft but grippy tannins are laced with spicy acidity and crushed herbs.
Aromas of blackberry, dark spices and herbs are intriguing but oaky and closed right now. An intense, tannic, drawing palate is home to coffee and smoky dark-berry flavors. A massive, highly tannic finish tastes of espresso, bitter chocolate, savory berry and plum. Drink from 2020–2036.
Intriguing lemongrass, Asian pear, chamomile, jasmine and pink grapefruit aromas arise on the nose of this dynamic single-block bottling. Tons of energy show on the sip, which is light and yet offers lots of intriguing flavors, from white sesame and chalk to lime peels and grippy yellow grapefruit pithiness.
Tart Montmorency cherry, cranberry and pomegranate show first on the nose of this bottling, yet the black tea, cinnamon and ginger spice touches add richness as well. The palate intrigues deeply with Earl Grey tea, potpourri, dried rose petals and licorice enhancing the mulberry and other exotic red fruits.
Aromas of ripe red cherries, licorice and vanilla extract emerge from this wine by the longtime estate across from the township of Santa Ynez. Blackberry and blueberry fruits power the palate, but there's a black dirt earthiness and some meatiness too. Tannins are still quite strong.
This wine offers dark coffee, green olive, savory notes and barrel spices. The flavors are lighter in style but with good concentration backed by firm, lipsmacking tannins.
Berry and cherry aromas are fruity and clean. This blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is big on the palate but also tannic, acidic and fierce. Black plum, blackberry and tomato flavors finish crisp and firm.
Aromas of pink peppercorn, dried herbs, chocolate and jalapeño are light and subtle on this 100% varietal wine. It's soft and pure in feel, tapering toward the finish.
Crisp, minty, herbal aromas of berry and plum lead to a bright, rumbling, tannic palate with energy. Blackberry and chocolate flavors are good and earthy, while the finish is plump but braced by lively acidity. This is well made and satisfying for a basic roble wine.
Jammy, soft blueberry aromas are a touch green. This is syrupy, heavy and sticky on the palate, with chocolate, prune and peppery flavors. Tannic and heavy on the finish, this is an overweight Malbec that's lush to the point of being fat.
This concentrated wine offers warm-climate aromas of stewed plum and scorched earth. The dense palate offers prune, baked black cherry, nutmeg and clove alongside velvety tannins. It's already accessible so drink soon to capture the remaining fruit flavors.
Damp earth and forest floor mark this wine, a blend of various clones, the majority of which are Pommard. Red raspberry and cherry compete for attention aromatically and in taste, followed by a spiciness of Christmas clove.
There are a lot of varieties in this blend, from Merlot, which makes up the majority, to handfuls of Syrah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. Sizable tannins wrap themselves around flavors of tobacco, juicy plum and oaky vanilla, finishing dry and ripe.
A kitchen-sink blend of nine different varieties with Merlot (40%) and Syrah (25%) taking the lead, this wine brings an assortment of herbs, blue fruit and woodspice along with light volatile notes. It's full bodied and sweet with abundant cherry flavors backed by grainy tannins.
Fresh apple aromas and lively citrus flavors make a good combination in this light-bodied, tangy-textured wine. It tastes slightly rounded with sweetness, but comes off clean, crisp and appetizing. The two main components are Sémillon and Chardonnay, with dashes of Sauvignon Blanc and Orange Muscat.
This wine is predominantly Merlot (83%) along with Cabernet Sauvignon (9%) and Syrah (2%) all from Anna Marie Vineyard, with Cabernet Franc from Minnick Hills and Petit Verdot from StoneTree Vineyard. Pleasing aromas suggest blueberry, milk chocolate and high-toned herbs. It's elegantly styled with light blue-fruit flavors, at times seeming a bit faint.
This aromatic wine offers notes of jasmine, quinine, flowers and peach. It drinks medium sweet with lightly spritzy stone-fruit flavors.
Wood resin, raisin and briny berry aromas turn a bit flat with airing. The wine is full and ripe in feel, with blackberry, black cherry and toasty flavors. A long, meaty finish delivers satisfaction.
Dark-berry aromas are crisp and show a note of minerality as well as barrel char. This is firm, juicy and modest in structure, with flavors of blackberry and cassis touched up by some oak. A non-pushy finish with a hint of mocha is a good close.
There's a slightly sour, forest-floor funkiness to the nose of this wine from an historic appellation near Hollister. Not boasting much ripe fruit on the palate, the flavors lean toward leather and earth, with fine tannins, nice acidity and hints of licorice.
Leesy aromas of pear and melon are friendly and fresh. This Verdejo is lean, citric and drawn on the palate, with lemon, white pineapple and green apple flavors. A tangy, tight, juicy, acidic palate ensures that this ends with crispness and snap.
While the nose is delicate with faint hints of yellow plum and pear, the palate is surprisingly brawny and bold. Rich, buttery and voluminous, this wine showcases ripe citrus and apple flavors, but falls a bit short on the finish.
Aromas suggest stewed plum, grilled herb and mint. The palate offers dried cherry, grilled herb and bitter apple skin alongside dry, astringent tannins. Tried twice with the same notes.
Very rich aromas of cherry, blueberry syrup and hot blackberry jam-filled pastry greet the nose. So the sour cherry and tart cranberry flavors are surprising on this medium-bodied wine, which also picks up interesting peppery notes into a lingering finish.
With 5% Viognier giving it an extra boost, this richly aromatic wine suggests apricot and dried mango. It drinks quite sweet with abundant stone-fruit flavors. Enjoy as an apéritif or digestif.
Waxy white florals and lifted apple aromas add freshness to slightly cider-like flavors of pressed apple and mulling spice in this dry Riesling. Delicately light bodied it has a brisk, refreshing finish.
This biodynamically farmed wine comes from Steep Creek Ranch next to the winery facility and Nelson Vineyard on the shores of the Columbia River. It shows lots of intrigue, with pure notes of herbs, mulberry and mineral that are enjoyable yet elusive. It's clingy in feel, with elegant yet rich fruit flavors.
Aromas suggest mature black berry, savory herb and a balsamic note. The palate displays baked plum, black pepper and anisette alongside bracing tannins.
The oak—85% new French—plays a large role, with aromas of cocoa, vanilla and woodspice playing off plum and red fruit. It's sleek and sultry in feel, with the wood getting out in front of the tart fruit flavors.
The perfect summer apéritif, this light, fresh, crisp wine tastes just drier than previous vintages, allowing the apple and lemon fruits to shine even more. It has a tight, taut aftertaste, leaving the mouth clean and refreshed. Screwcap.
Fairly intense for a rosé with aromas and flavors of bubble gum, red cherry, banana, and peaches and cream. Medium weight with appropriately prickly acidity and a solid, refreshing finish.
100% Merlot from Hedges North Block on Red Mountain. It's light, spicy and simple, without the muscle and verve of the state's best Merlots. The fruit is forward, crisply defined, and tastes like fresh raspberries, with some sharp-edged tannins.
Herbal aromas come with bell pepper and berry fruit notes, while the palate is solid in terms of feel but shows classic Navarran flavors of jalapeño and green pepper. Good texture and mouthfeel, but probably too green for a lot of people. Tempranillo with Merlot and Cabernet is the blend.
A refreshing rosé that's well worth the price. Wild strawberry, bubble gum and cherry are supported by tangerine-tinged acidity. Balanced and refreshing, an excellent summer quaffer.
Delicious citrus and grape juice aromas, with a vivid, lively dry style that explodes with white fruit and lime flavors. The wine is a great apéritif, or with shellfish.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Touriga Nacional, crisply flavored with raspberries and fresh acidity. A dry rosé, which finishes with a bright lift.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kiona. Though a bit light for Red Mountain fruit, this is flavorful and shows some complexity. It marries tart red berries with streaks of tar, iodine and licorice, then moves into barrel flavors of mocha and butterscotch. The acids are sharp and feel adjusted, but may smooth out with a bit more bottle age.
A long with aromas of dried cheese, earth and rubber, there's enough clean black fruit to bring it home. The palate is snappy and fresh, with edgy, lively plum and berry flavors. The finish is short but offers some flashes of quality. Basic but solid Cab.
A crisp, fresh white wine, with clean acidity and a forward, easy lemon and melon character, with a hint of honey from the Malvasia Fina grapes in the blend.
Shows decent complexity, with smoke, leather and spice notes dominating over modest levels of cranberryish fruit. Either this is beginning to dry out, or it was never all that lush to begin with. Drink up.
A big step up from previous failures, this vintage shows tropical fruit aromas and some sea breeze. The flavors are of pineapple and tangerine, and the acidity is nice. On the finish, the fruit holds and the feel is right. Drink soon to capture the wine's perky freshness.
Light and oxidative, with soft, toasty buttery flavors. The fruit is hidden behind all the buttered popcorn flavors. It's drinking well enough at the moment, but aging very quickly.
A gamy, slightly stemmy and rubbery style of Bonarda that reflects the variety, Mendoza's terroir and the vineyard. Which doesn't mean that it's great; far from it, the wine is good but stemmy, with green-ish notes and reedy accents infiltrating the red-fruit flavors that control the palate. Solid and structured, but still it leaves something to be desired.
Sort of sweet and gaseous to start, with rubbery, medicinal aromas. The palate is tight and closed, with warm, crusty dark-fruit flavors, an herbal influence and heat. Thus the finish is a little fiery and peppery, and there's chop and bite to the overall feel. A kitchen-sink blend of Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah.
Chandler Reach vineyards supplied the fruit. This is tart, opening with sharp berry flavors and lots of citrus, then settling into a moderately long finish that brings in a mix of strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit. It's simple but ready to go.
Pretty good and solid for an uncommon blend, but the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio thrown together results in nice buttercup aromas along with some apple pie and pear. The palate runs sweet but maintains its freshness, and the flavors of apple, pear, melon and powdered sugar come together. A novelty wine that shows the right signs.
A firm and very structured wine, this is for long-term aging. At this young stage, the fruit seems extracted, but this will pass as the weight of the dense damson skin and tannic character shines through. Complex and finally ripe.
This is the first vintage for this wine, made by Syncline's James Mantone. A delectable blend of 48% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache and 24% Syrah, aged in 100% neutral oak barrels, this is a sappy, concentrated, mouth-pleasing blast of plum, cherry and spice. As it rolls across the palate, the distinct impression is of chocolate-covered cherries.
Ebullient floral and honey notes bolster the intense, ripe, fleshy mango and peach flavors in this powerful Riesling. Full bodied and remarkably dry in style, with a richly textured, almost feathered mouthfeel. It finishes exceptionally long, with a bristle of lemon-lime acidity.
A strong whiff of new French oak hits the nostrils when this is first opened, but with some airing it develops into an excellent, deeply concentrated Chardonnay. Apple, pear, melon and papaya flavors are all in play, with enough natural acidity to keep the wine lively and fresh. The finish has ample toast, and rolls along through a smooth and satisfying conclusion.
This refined, gorgeous and integrated Cabernet features ripe raspberry and cassis flavors, with a subtle swirl of cinnamon and a wall of supple tannins. This wine will age another 5–7 years. Pair it with a steak.
The 2007 St. Henri remains broodingly dark in both color and flavor profile. Blackberry and plum notes are accented by roasted meat, leather and mocha in this full-bodied, densely packed wine. The tannins are a bit chewy right now, but the finish is long and reveals promising glimmers of fruit that portend well for aging. Drink 2018–2025 and beyond.
Powerful tannins give this wine its dense, concentrated character. It is dark and dense, very dry at this stage and needing at least 10 years to round itself out. However, the presence of fruit promises a good future.
With firm, smoky tannins and a dark bitter-cherry flavor, this is a dense wine. It is fully ripe and rich, with a firm kick at the back. Tough and age worthy, it expresses the schist soil of the region.
Fine and ripe, this is a sweet—while also complex—wine from Graham's flagship estate. Its tannins lead easily to ripe flavors of black plum and berry juice, resulting in a wine that is firm, full bodied, fruity and generous. It needs to age.
The Menzies is Yalumba's top Coonawarra Cabernet, and its quality has improved tremendously over recent vintages. The 2008 is pure and ripe, with great black-cherry and cassis flavors, framed by an elegant vanilla-oak note. It's full bodied and plushly textured without being unstructured, and it should drink well over the next 15 years.
Jaboulet has been investing heavily in recent years, and the terrific 2009 Terre Ferme is one of the payoffs. It's meaty and plummy on the nose, with an expansive, plush mouthfeel. Plum and black cherry flavors work well with the leather and cedar notes, while the finish lingers, picking up hints of cinnamon and licorice. Drink 2015–2025.
This wine is absolutely what fans of traditional Rioja should be on the lookout for. It's smooth, elegant and complex on the bouquet, the perfect introduction to a firm yet classy palate, with berry, plum, spice, tobacco and vanilla flavors. Dry, toasty and just right on the finish. Drink now–2020.
This blend of Tempranillo, Mourvédre and Cinsault yields a rosé that melds red fruit and herbal tones: strawberry hull, white pepper and fresh tarragon mark the aromas, with pink grapefruit and chalk adding additional verve to the medium-bodied palate. While slightly hot on the finish, this is still quite enjoyable as an apéritif.
Aromas of scorched soil, toasted hazelnut, dried black cherry and an earthy whiff of game carry over to the palate along with a note of bitter sage. Firm tannins provide support.
Aromas of toast and licorice lead the nose along with a hint of roasted coffee bean. The palate offers anise, bitter dark chocolate and dried sour cherry while bracing tannins grip the finish.
A tidal wave of toasty char hits like a hammer and dominates the nose. Plump but also jammy and heavy, this tastes oaky, herbal and like candied raspberry, currant and burnt toast. Savory, toasty oak rides high on a finish with residual herbal flavors.
A short time in wood has given this wine some extra richness without taking away the fruit. It is a ripe blend of Códega do Larinho, Gouveio and Viosinho, smooth and rich. Acidity, minerality and a fine dash of lemon keep everything fresh.
Toast, oak, coconut and mocha aromas take center stage and carry over to the palate along with star anise and baking spice. It lacks fruit richness while bracing tannins grip the finish.
This wine is smooth, softly balanced with attractive, tangy lemon-zest flavors. White fruit dominates giving freshness, while minerality adds texture. A full wine, it is ripe and ready to drink.
A ripe, softly round and full-bodied wine, this features robust characteristics of berry pie, vanilla and cola spice, showing only moderate acidity.
Aged for 14 months in wood, this wine is perfumed and soft. Red fruits and attractive acidity give a wine that is ripe and almost ready to drink. It comes from the village just north of Gevrey-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits. Drink from 2017.
This wine features a bouquet of blackberry, toffee and mocha. It is very soft in the mouth, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry and vanilla and a nice tart finish.
This is a tight wine, packed with acidity and strong citrus flavors. A touch of toastiness gives the wine its core of spice. The wine is refreshing, crisp with a good depth of fruit. Drink now.
Much like the winery's Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a dark, dense, oaky effort, pushing the alcohol to near 15%. Dark veins of espresso, vanilla and Kahlua capture the core flavors.
Vanilla, plum, clove and leather wrap around softy layered tannin and oak in this simple blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo and Carignane.
This flavorful, medium-bodied, oaky wine smells almost like apple pie, tastes ripe and round, and has a lingering buttery finish. Nuances like nutmeg and vanilla add to a baked apple character.
With all five of the Bordeaux red grapes in this blend, this shows a good concentration of dark bramble and spice on the nose. Medium-bodied in feel, with grippy tannins, dark shades of currant and plum meet a zippy core of granite on the palate. Specks of tarragon and black pepper mark the finish.
Named after the winery's cellar master, the nose of this wine is deep and brooding in black cherry punch and spicy blackberry, accented by sawdust and anise. Velvety tannins frame the medium-bodied palate, offering substantial grip to a mix of tart mixed berries, with coffee and violet on the finish.
The aromas are completely dominated by oaky tones of toast, yet the palate shows the true character of this wine: juicy red-currant and blackberry flavors pop against a veil of lightly grilled herbs. Medium in weight and round in feel, the palate shows an appropriate balance of tannin and acid. While this is a late release, it still needs a few more years to integrate. Drink from 2017.
With grapes coming from southern Burgundy, this is a ripe, full wine. Its fruits are right up front along with almond and light toast flavors. Pineapple and peach fruits show the warmth of this rich wine. Drink now.
This is a medium-bodied wine, with standard apple and pear fruit flavors. There's a touch of minerality, and the wine remains clean and fresh as it gently fades away.
Crisp and edgy, featuring tart cherry fruit and hints of green peppercorn. It's fairly big in the mouth, but lacks a bit of generosity.
This wine is closed, tight and steely, but the hints of apricots and balancing acidity are there. It needs time, so wait until 2017.
A grape known for its rough and tumble tannins lives up to that reputation here. Cassis and espresso flavors dominate, with heavy toast and chalky tannins. This really needs food to come into focus—preferably your biggest, fattest, juiciest roast or prime rib.
There's a density to this Tempranillo that teeters the line of being almost too rich. The nose is all about stewed red and black berries, with cedar, anise and warm vanilla. The palate is almost thick in feel, yet maintains balance with crunchy red berries and fresh herbs lightening it up.
This wine tastes relatively light and easy despite full body. It has aromas like raspberry jam, flavors that are exuberantly fruity, and a feeling of freshness and brightness.
This nearly 50-50 blend is restrained and grassy, reflecting the French ownership and philosophy well. Grapefruit and cut grass will marry well with food or be pleasant on its own, even picking up a hint of stoniness on the fully dry finish.
Orange in hue, this is a sublime and simultaneously hearty wine, presenting itself as fuller-bodied in style on the palate and expressive of time on oak. The finish features a tanginess of grapefruit.
Aromas of toasted hazelnut and citrus pith lead the way to flavors of apple and pear. It's direct but clean.
Blueberry and red currant fruit flavors, augmented with streaks of gravel and pencil lead, give this Malbec a firm spine. The tannins are hard and firm, suggesting that more bottle age (or generous decanting) will open it up further.
There's no shortage of spice in this value Minervois, with strong notes of pepper and garrigue herbs backed by notes of orange rind, red cherry and young raspberry. Medium-light in the mouth with moderate acidity and soft tannins; drink up now.
This is a 50-50 blend of estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in neutral oak. Dark, plush, well-ripened fruit is the focus of a wine still a bit stiff and steely. It's classic in the way a Bordeaux is classic, firm and confidently blended.
Bright and concentrated at the same time, with strong notes of black berries and cassis backed by softer notes of yellow flowers, almond skin, rosemary and pepper. The mouth is lightweight but full, with soft acids and a short but clean finish. Very approachable; drink now.
A soft wine, holding its freshest fruit back. At this stage, it is creamy and rich, hinting at yellow fruits, but still very reticent. Some sulphur remains on the palate but should blow away in the next few months.
A lovely blend from the Languedoc comprised of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Syrah and 10% Merlot. The nose and mouth offers loads of menthol and garrigue herbs (especially lavender) along side bright small red berries and sweet green pepper. Medium weight and well structured with a lengthy finish.
This series of wines, under the Badger Mountain label of Powers winery, uses grapes that are organically grown. Minimal sulfites are added. This a fresh, forward, deliciously fruity Chardonnay, loaded with a classy mix of apple, pear and peach fruit. A great springtime sipper.
All five Bordeaux grapes go into this light, fruity blend. It has the color and mouthfeel of Grenache—light and open, with pretty red fruits. The only distraction is a chalkiness around the acids.
Very perfumed wine, just on the right side of green. The tobacco and dried fruit flavors cut through with intense acidity, breaking out of the dry tannic core.
Sweet blackberry and black cherry aromas are accented by mint leaf and woodspice, while the palate is slightly more narrow and snappy than you might expect, with cherry, raspberry and cough drop flavors. A little high in acidity and snap, with medicinal cherry on the finish.
Opens with floral berry aromas and standard-issue black fruit notes. The palate has moderate weight and stickiness, while the flavors of cassis, berry and rubber are smoky. Juicy and alert enough, but also dense and rich, with caramel and berry syrup on the finish.
Ste. Michelle's Dry Riesling carries a special, gold-colored label, and the word ‘dry' is prominently displayed. Dry it is, tart and bracing, but not so sour as to demand only oysters as an accompaniment. This is an all-purpose Riesling, great with spicy noodle dishes and other palate-burners.
A wonderfully firm, concentrated wine that walks a fine, balanced line between richness and poised structure. It is classic in the best sense, showing all the shape of a fine Bordeaux, while adding the extra dimension of the freshest of black fruits, complexity from a few hints of wood, and a dark, brooding, long-lasting aftertaste.
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.
Impressively dense, dark flavored wine, very rich and quite extracted. But it still keeps the elegance and some of the freshness of 2004, and there is plenty of blackberry flavor to push the wine along. Heavier than many 2004s, it still shows that great acidity.
This is massive, hugely concentrated, topped with wood and intense tannins. Flavors of bitter chocolate are dominant, heavy fruits, blackberries and texture that fills the mouth with dark, dense flavors. Big in all senses.
There is a great link here between the tannins, delicious red berry fruits and blackcurrants and the almost architectural structure. The wine certainly has fine fruit, a great balance, very complete, finishing gently, ripe and soft.
A harmonious balanced wine, showing fine, fresh acidity. The tannins have closed in somewhat, but you can taste the chocolate, and the sweet character of the ripe fruit. At the end, the acidity gives a fine lift.
Although it is relatively soft, this wine still has everything about it. There is ripeness, but it is balanced with fresh acidity still with an aura of youth. In the core, there are solid blackcurrants, structure. It will certainly age, but drink over 10 years.
Sweet, rich, dense, very much of its year. At the same time, there is the Barton touch that leaves some fine elegance, to go with the smoky fruits and richness, while acidity gives it a fine lift.
So incredibly thick and sweet it's almost chewy in texture, with aromas and flavors that feature a fascinating interplay of fresh and dried apricots, peach and citrus, kept lively by healthy acidity. The finish lasts for minutes; the wine should age well for decades.
The wonderful minerality imparted by the Doctor vineyard is somehow able to keep this intensely sweet, rich wine from being heavy or cloying. Dried apricot notes mark the nose, followed by scents of mango, peach and pineapple; this wine virtually gushes with sweet tropical fruit and honey, yet maintains a wonderful sense of balance throughout.
This winery has turned out a couple of terrific BAs in 2006 as the family focuses its efforts on its estate wines. Pear, peach, pineapple and spice notes lead the way, garnished by hints of dried apricots in this rich, viscous offering. Finishes long and mouthwatering, not cloying at all—a remarkable achievement in a wine this sweet. Drink now–2040 or beyond.
Slightly muted tones of black cherry and plum preserves are accented by wet soil, mushroom and coconut in this rustic yet elegant Cabernet Franc. Ripe fruit is contrasted by vibrant acidity, rigid tannins and a pleasant bite of astringency that persists through the finish. Drink now through 2022.
Fig, black plum, dried cherry and chai spice show on the nose of this bottling from River Road south of Salinas. Heavy flavors of dried black cherry and dried cranberry show on the sip, lifted by eucalyptus oil, juniper and black-tea elements.
Made with 60% Sangiovese and 40% Vermentino, this offers delicate aromas of red berry, white peach and a hint of Mediterranean scrub that carry on to the palate. It closes on a refreshing citrus note.
This is a romantic conjunction of names. The cru wine is silky and smooth, with integrated tannins and red-cherry fruit. It is bright and crisply textured, ready to drink from mid-2017.
This cru wine comes from a 44-acre vineyard with 50-year-old vines supplied by one of Duboeuf's regular growers. It is structured and dense, perhaps too dense with its heavy dry tannins. The wine will need time. Drink from 2019.
Full of crisp fruit, this cru wine is bright with red-berry flavors. It is light and with a cool character that comes from the high altitude of the vineyards. There is an edgy texture that keeps the wine together. Drink now.
A floral wine, full of ripe black-cherry fruit and with a firm structure that sustains the wine. This cru wine is rich, still developing, still with enough tannins and acidity to allow it to age further. Drink this attractive wine from mid-2017.
This wine draws a lot of its flavor power from oak, which is evident from the spicy, cinnamon aroma to the lightly sweet maple flavor and finish. Not too full bodied, it is also light in tannins and rather easy on the palate.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this opens earthy aromas of game, ripe black-skinned fruit and scorched earth. The mature palate displays dried black cherry, prune and leather alongside grippy tannins that leave a firm finish.
This medium-bodied wine blends lively citrus and crisp apple aromas with just-rich-enough pear, apple and butter flavors for good balance. Satisfying and refreshing, it will be great with many different dishes.
The flower and peach aromas are quite subdued for the variety. The stone-fruit flavors provide more generosity while still displaying elegance.
Made with 45% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has a restrained nose that eventually reveals aromas of cassis, toast and leather. The polished palate shows mature red plum, tobacco and vanilla alongside assertive, fine-grained tannins and somewhat soft acidity.
Cantaloupe and spice aromas are followed by light tart fruit flavors that linger. The flavors are quite elegant but it shows a lovely sense of balance.
Made with 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this offers aromas of underbrush and prune. The dense palate delivers dried black cherry, espresso and a hint of licorice alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2018.
This is a crisp, creamy white wine, with lingering acidity that offers a tartness of preserved lemon and stone.
This is a well-behaved, medium-bodied, dry wine. Good doses of ripe fruit and oaky spices in the aroma and flavor are carried on a firm structure of supportive tannins and fruit acidity. Everything balances out well and the price is right.
Dark gold in color with a waft of cologne, this aromatic white pushes on tartness despite its medium-bodied, okay underside. Wet stone and dried flowers provide additional complexity.
A well-rounded, five-grape Bordeaux-style blend, the emphasis here is on forward-fruit flavors that mix tart berry with lemon and orange-tinged acids. It's made for near-term drinking, a most pleasant wine, though without the gravitas for long cellaring.
Made with 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Syrah this has aromas suggesting black cherry and Mediterranean herb. The round palate offers black currant, licorice, white pepper and a note of espresso alongside smooth tannins.
This 70-30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah brings fruit-filled aromas of plum, herb and cherry. It packs a mouthful of fruit flavors, with firm lightly astringent tannins providing support. It needs some time to stretch its legs.
This estate has been producing wine in Morgon since the 11th century. The wine comes from structured granite soil in a blend of different parcels. It has a strong mineral elements as well as layers of ripe black-cherry fruits. There is just a hint of banana that does spoil the full effect of the wine and hopefully will blow away as it ages. Drink from 2018.
Concentrated oak aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this medium-bodied, full-flavored and attractively priced wine. Lush plum and black-cherry notes vie for attention, but oaky accents like cedar, nutmeg and cinnamon stay in the forefront from the aroma through the soft texture to the finish.
Emerging winemaker Spencer Daley makes a very light expression in this bottling from Curtis Vineyard. Delicate lime-peel aromas show on the nose. Flavors of yellow apple, grapefruit pith and concrete arise on the sip, making for easy drinking though nothing too complex.
Made with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with aromas of raspberry jam and underbrush along with whiffs of coffee and vanilla. The medium-bodied palate delivers mature plum, vanilla and white pepper alongside smooth tannins.
Fleshy black-plum and cherry flavors are cloaked in layers of dark toast, smoke and spice in this boldly structured red. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it neatly balances Merlot's softness with crisp refreshingly herbal expressions of Cabernet. The finish is marked by bramble and elegant fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2022.
Made entirely with Ciliegiolo, this opens with aromas of red berry, violet and allspice, while the approachable palate doles out morello cherry, raspberry and baking spice. Supple tannins and fresh acidity provide balance. Drink soon to enjoy the juicy fruit flavors.
Slight spritz and a near-neutral nose lead to a light-bodied, fresh white with hints of spice and that lovely phenolic, yeasty edge of Grüner. Yellow plum comes through on the palate, a hallmark of this vintage.
Smoky, toasty oak aromas and flavors give a flamboyant personality to this full-bodied wine. It smells literally like wood smoke and toasted French bread, while flavors recall jam spiced with cloves and cinnamon. These are all tasty elements, and this wine will be a hit with oak lovers.
Ripe black-skinned berry and black plum aromas take center stage in this wine, along with a whiff of toast. The dense palate shows black cherry, licorice and mocha touches framed by firm tannins. Drink through 2020.
This wine offers light pear, citrus, cream and lees aromas. The palate is broad and lightly creamy in feel, lacking only a bit of concentration.
Black cherry, crushed lava rocks, anise, turned loam and a hint of vanilla show on the nose of this bottling. It's rather light and easy on the sip, with a lighter body presenting flavors of candied red fruit and sagebrush spice.
This leads with blue fruit aromas and follows with baking spice notes. The flavors are sweet, plump and undeniably appealing.
Like all of Raul Bobet's Castell d'Encus wines from the Pyrenees, this Pinot Noir displays a personality all its own. Raspberry and strawberry aromas are floral and herbal, but feel chunky and a bit obtuse. Tea, herbal plum and Asian spice flavors end with notes of wild flowers and black tea.
Extremely woody aromas of cedar meet with prunes, tobacco leaf and nutmeg on the nose of this bottling from a property south of San Jose. That woody character also plays powerfully on the palate, mixing with baked blueberry flavors to achieve a sort of balance. The tannins makes for a squeaky texture on the finish.
Smooth textured, this wine is packed with ripe fruits that are touched with spice. Rounded and laden with apricot and mango flavors, it's ready to drink.
This ripe, warm wine is balanced between rich fruits and acidity. A lightly toasty edge accompanies ripe apricot and pear flavors. The acidity is just in balance, giving an attractive edge. Drink from 2018.
This single-vineyard village wine comes from a small parcel close to woods on the western edge of the Mercurey appellation. With soft red fruits and attractive acidity, the wine is fruity, easy and with a crisp aftertaste. It will be ready to drink from 2018.
Brisk lemon peel and crushed mineral tones lend vibrance to this dry, full-bodied Gewürztraminer. Bright tangerine and lychee on the palate linger with a touch of earth and pollen on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
Aroams of high-toned cherry and berry lead the nose of this wine, with secondary scents of tar, balsamic and leathery spice. Medium weight and smooth in body, the satiny tannins provide a subtle, accessible structure, framed by juicy  black-cherry and -raspberry flavors. Drink now.
Perfumed spice aromas give this wine its toasty character. The wood aging dominates the fruit. The fruit, though, is ripe and will develop. Give this wine until 2024.
Intensely ripe blackberry and cherry flavors burst throughout this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. It's lush and juicy on entry but anchored tightly by crisp acidity and a pretty violet undertone. Pillowy tannins cushion a gentle finish. Drink now through 2021.
Smoke, mineral, dark berry and vanilla aromas are followed by lighter black fruit flavors in this wine. It tapers off on the finish.
This wine's aromas are quite generous, suggesting herbs, vanilla, baking spice and purple fruit. Its cranberry and cherry flavors are both tart and ripe, supported by soft tannins and a lingering café au lait note. The oak influence gets in the way of the fruit at times, but it's pleasant all the same.
This easy-drinking blend of 33% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah and 17% Merlot opens with blue fruit, herb and spice aromas and leads to sweet, plush fruit and barrel flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide structure.
Made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, with detectable residual sugar, this wine is moderately complex in its mix of peach, cherry and citrus flavor. The acidity is simple and direct. The palate is thick and creamy.
This leads with black-skinned berry, violet and eucalyptus aromas. The solid palate doles out blackberry jam, clove and black pepper notes alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Raspberry, plum and rose-petal aromas are dusty, floral and elegant. In the mouth, this wine is fit and spry, with crisp, pulling acidity. Herbal red plum and raspberry flavors finish with spice, mint and unabsorbed oak notes.
This firm, powerful and structured wine is rich with tannins and dark fruits. Spice and wood flavors compete with the ground coffee and juicy fruitiness. A concentrated wine for the long-term, it needs to age, . Drink from 2017.
Deep and rich in this landmark Oregon vintage, this Pinot Blanc abounds with flavors of buttered pears, toast and vanilla custard. The texture and balance are spot-on, and the wine is flat-out delicious.
Amidst a stunning line up of 2012 Spätburgunder, even Thörle's ready-to-drink, entry-level bottling offers remarkable elegance and power. The palate is succulent and ripe, bursting of black cherry and plum flavors. Nuanced tones of herb and smoky mineral lend depth and complexity. It's an approachable yet very sophisticated wine.
Bursting with boysenberry and olallieberry, this wine by Steve Martell gains complexity with aromas of slate, asphalt and dark chocolate. A sizzle of acidity entertains the tongue, along with dark flavors of dried berries, black peppercorns and purple flowers. A tart plum-skin element leads the finish.
With the goal of adding subtle aromatics and structure, this wine was given eight months in 50% new French oak puncheons, with the other 50% in neutral. The wine intrigues as much as refreshes, with crisp acidity and bright sparks of citrus prominent. Medium bodied, it has a complexity of baked apple and pear lurking in the background.
A powerful wine that has licorice and black coffee flavors as well as ripe plum and berry fruits. The balance is there, along with a solid structural base and acidity. The dense wine has power, rich and ripe for development. Drink from 2018.
Perfumed notes of tart morello cherry and cassis permeate throughout this lively rousing Spätburgunder. It's buoyant and primary in red fruit, yet tinged by complex intertwining layers of fine, bitter tannin, smoke and savory nuts. It's a powerful wine that calls for cellaring, but should drink beautifully from 2020 until 2025.
This impressive wine dances in hearty clove and cinnamon sparked by a floral bouquet of rose. High-toned, structured and elegant, it has subtle power and concentration but remains fresh in the glass. Drink now through 2020.
This opens with earthy aromas of ripe dark fruit, scorched earth, game and truffle. The concentrated palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, sweet cake spice, tobacco and herb accompanied by firm, fine-grained tannins and a vein of fresh acidity.
Mature dark-skinned berry, leather, forest floor, eucalyptus and dark cooking spice aromas come together in the glass. The delicious palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, white pepper, clove and licorice alongside round, chewy tannins.
Dark and brooding, this Cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec opens with spicy acidity before it delves into mouthcoating layers of mocha and black licorice. Nearly black in color and definitely full bodied, it finishes with length and a strong seasoning of cinnamon.
Enticing aromas of rose, violet, perfumed berry, baking spice and mint waft out of the glass while ripe black cherry, licorice, crushed herb and a hint of tobacco drive the full-bodied, structured palate. Firm, velvety tannins provide the backbone. Drink through 2026.
Perfumed notes of plum and cherry blossoms abound on this silky, supple wine. It's ripe and full bodied, clinging lusciously on the palate, yet balanced by a revitalizing spray of acidity and minerality. It's an approachable yet refined Pinot Noir that's ready to drink now.
Savory smoke and nut tones contrast richly with extracted black cherry and berry flavors in this full-bodied Spätburgunder. While fine-grained tannins and a shock of cranberry acidity lend balance and grace, shades of toast and spice are still quite prominent. It's a powerful wine that should benefit well from cellaring until at least 2020.
Thick blackberry syrup and loads of black pepper meet with dashes of asphalt and dried violets on the nose of this wine from a vineyard near Los Alamos. The palate combines plum-skin tartness and rustic elderberry with cedar and juniper berries, a pleasant blend of wood and fruit.
Violets and white pepper intrude pleasantly on the nose of this estate-grown wine, accented by 10% Zinfandel. Layered and mischievously elegant despite its size, it's drinkable now, as satisfying as a piece of blueberry pie, and yet structured. It's a fine wine to lie down, through 2022.
Blackberry paste and a slightly more tangy red fruit mix with cocoa dust, Middle Eastern spice, leather and black rocks on the nose of this blend of 83% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Tangy but ripe plum juice mixes with lifting spearmint and dill herbals on the palate.
This is an impressive still young wine. With its dense texture and powerful tannins it is concentrated, packed with ripe berry flavors and juicy acidity. It is bold, certainly not reticent, made for some long-term aging. Drink from 2018.
The cool, crisp nature of Pernand is well expressed in this tight, mineral and tangy wine. It has fine acidity along with fresh apple and citrus fruits. The good texture will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2018.
The less expensive of the winery's two Pinot Gris, this is in some respects the better wine. Excellent focus pulls crisp flavors of pear, lemon curd and flinty mineral into sharp resolution, and appealing minerality gives the acidity a resonant texture. It all resolves in a lovely, creamy finish.
Rose, violet, mint, sun-baked earth and red berry aromas emerge on this elegantly structured wine. The firm palate offers mature wild cherry, white pepper, chopped herb and star anise while tightly wound but polished tannins provide support. Let the tannins unwind then enjoy. Drink 2018–2026.
This is a lovely vineyard-designate, floral and crisp in tangy grapefruit and tangerine. With plenty of complexity to its breadth and depth, it maintains effortless acidity throughout, finishing with just the right twist of lemon peel.
This is a rich, beautifully textured dry wine. It is terroir-driven, with the volcanic soil of Savennières underlying the tight texture. By contrast, it offers hints of honey and flavors of yellow fruits balanced with fruity lemon flavors. Drink from 2017.
Close to the slope of Grand Crus, Fourchaume is one of the best known of the premiers in Chablis. This ripe wine with its touches of vanilla as well as yellow fruits and acidity has a lightly honeyed character typical of the vintage. It is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2017.
This is the personal project of Archery Summit winemaker Chris Mazepink. It's named for the bees that buzz around the vines. Rich gold in hue, it marries the flavors of ripe apples to bee pollen and lemon curd. The flavors fold into a well-developed finish, bringing up highlights of citrus peel.
A juicy and smoky nose of black cherries, vanilla, smoked pork and teriyaki is lifted aromatically by pretty violet elements on the nose of this bottling. The palate centers on a blackberry-jam character, with roasted fennel and black-licorice candy adding quality spice.
The full juiciness of Castelão is balanced by spice and structure from wood maturation. The result is a smooth, textured wine, firm with tannins for aging. It is rich, smoky, dry and edgy at this young stage. Drink from 2016.
This is a firmly structured, dark wine. It has black cherry and berry fruit, a solid core of tannins and tight acidity. With its dense character, there is every chance of this impressive wine aging well, yielding a more rounded wine. Drink from 2016.
Brut Milledì is an elegant sparkling wine made from Chardonnay. It offers aromas of yellow spring flowers and crisp zesty citrus flavors. This has nice length, and finishes on an almond note.
This is a ripe, wood-aged wine that shows the richer side of Meursault. It's generous with ripe yellow fruits, but balanced and complemented by crisp acidity and hints of toastiness. A fine wine with impeccable structure, it will age well, so drink from 2015.
Full-bodied and ripe, this is a rich, generous wine that shows complexity as well as subtle fruitiness. A blend of Viosinho and Verdelho, it's full of tropical fruit flavors, with ample weight and concentration. Spicy accents, a dense texture and a fine, long-lasting finish are all part of this stylish wine.
Amber in color, this eiswein boasts a rich, caramelized palate full of sweet pastry, honey and baked-apple flavors. Hints of pollen and wax, along with a burst of intense orange-like acidity, add complexity to this intensely ripe, yet delicately textured wine.
Made with Sangiovese, this shows ripe berry and black pepper aromas with a whiff of tobacco leaf. The bright palate delivers a tight core of black cherry accented with mint, white pepper and a hint of cocoa. Pair this with barbecued meats and grilled vegetables.
This is a dark and dense wine, serious with its firm tannins and solid black fruits. It has spice, blackberry and currant flavors, along with a pure line of acidity. With its firm structure, this dry, concentrated wine needs to age. Drink from 2015.
This alluring rosé sparkler has a heady fragrance of wild flowers and pressed, white roses. The palate is focused and precise, delivering creamy strawberry, white cherry and pink grapefruit flavors, along with a fine perlage.
White seems to be the new black when it comes to Oregon Pinot Noir, as more and more winemakers give it a spin. This is one of the better ones, at a very modest price, mixing sweet grass and fresh pear and stone fruits. It would be difficult to identify it as Pinot Noir in a blind tasting of mixed whites, but that's not the point, is it?
This is a smooth, wood aged wine that comes from the Mouchão estate. It has rich red fruits, finely integrated tannins and a solid structure. It has an open, generous feel to it, given shape and aging potential by the dry core and fruity acidity. Drink from 2015.
This is a deliciously fresh, yet also rounded and rich wine. Creamed apples and soft pears go with a lime juice crispness, resulting in a wine that is ripe, fruity and delicately acidic. Drink now.
This wine has a layered fragrance of beeswax, acacia flower and smoke. The palate offers apricot, tropical fruit and bread crust and a hint of honey. It's elegant, but also has the structure to accompany most entrees as well as cured meats and cheese.
This rich, amber colored dessert wine from Tuscany offers aromas of dried figs, nutmeg, clove sage and balsamic notes. The dense palate delivers maple syrup, candied fruit, dried apricots, honey and spice. It's concentrated and smooth with great length.
A light, ethereal wine akin to Gamay Noir, made in an easy-to-consume-often style, with beautiful aromatics of just-ripe cherry and raspberry and a rose garden in bloom. Juicy and soft, the wine is balanced and appealing in every way and makes for a fun introduction to a rare grape in California.
A big, ripe and rich wine, whose tannins are so well integrated into the bold, black fruits. The wine has weight, concentration and dark plum flavors that are spiced from wood aging. It's a wine that is ready to drink but will age, so drink until 2019.
A finely made wine, full of firm tannins and rich fruit. Structured and dark, it has weight, black fruit and great potential. With wood aging smoothing the bold fruit, it can be drunk soon, but will age well. Drink from 2014.
An elegant wine that has some maturity, even though the tannins are still firm. It shows considerable fresh acidity, giving a fresh feel to the black currant fruits. Light spiciness adds extra interest. It's ready to drink now and until 2022.
A lightly spicy wine, this mixes rather thin red-currant and raspberry flavors. It's pleasantly juicy, clean and fruity, with a quickly fading finish.
A fine, ripe and soft blend of Duras and Braucol, this is a wine that's made to drink young for its fruit. There is a dry background to the fruitiness although it is the red-fruit flavors and balanced acidity that shine. Drink from early 2018.
Fleshy plum and bramble aromas meet crushed riverstone and dust notes on the nose of this appellation blend. Cooked berry, black plum and soil touches arise on the palate, making for a good weekday quaffer.
As a 100% varietal wine, blue fruit, vanilla and herb aromas are followed by abundant cherry flavors, with lightly dry tannins backing them up. The oak plays a prominent role.
This wine combines smoky, baked blackberry fruit with sweet vanilla accents. It's full bodied, soft and smooth on the palate, proving likably approachable.
Fleshy, easy and ripe notes of plum and black cherry appear immediately. The easygoing palate showcases the same fruit, delivering uncomplicated juiciness. This would also be good chilled.
Fleshy cherry defines this wine's nose and palate. It's easy-drinking, juicy and bouncy, with a light body, a little heat on the finish and more of that fleshy cherry fruit.
Toasted oak, citrus and yellow apple aromas lead the nose. They follow through to the medium-bodied palate,. along with a hint of candied lemon. A bitter almond note marks the finish.
Neutral, slightly briny aromas are fresh but low on fruit. This has a slightly plump feel but not a lot of length or depth. Short basic white-fruit flavors match the nose, while this Xarello finishes dry in feel and mildly briny in flavor.
This wine's nose promises fleshy, ripe, red cherry fruit, and its palate delivers, with ample juiciness and uncomplicated freshness. This is made for summer and will do very well when chilled with its light body and fresh cherry notes.
Sun-dried raisin and plum notes give this full-bodied and soft-textured wine an easy, ripe and very fruity flavor. Brown sugar and vanilla hints lend a sense of sweetness, making it a great match for chocolate or aged cheeses.
This soft, easy-going wine smells like chocolate and tastes like plums. Though full bodied, it's very light on tannin and acidity, so the mouthfeel is smooth and rich.
Whiffs of savory spice and terra-cotta pots lend rusticity to this unusually earthy Chardonnay. Partial fermentation on grape skins gives the palate grip, accentuating softer tones of bruised apple and pear. Brisk acidity lengthens the finish.
Rubbery generic berry aromas are more damp than bright. This feels drying and scrubbing due to rough tannins. Toasty black-plum flavors are short and foresty, while this tastes toasty on a dry finish.
Roasted smoky plum and berry aromas are slightly oaky. This feels flush, with grabby tannins. Plum and mixed-berry flavors grow more appealing with air, while this tastes roasted and savory on a rugged and tannic finish.
Smoke and burnt rubber are prominent aromas. This PV feels grabby and pushy, with hard tannins. Creamy candied-berry flavors are sweet and chocolaty, while this tastes of oak, caramel and vanilla on the finish.
This 100% varietal wine shows aromas of herb and cherry, along with whiffs of tire rubber. The palate is both sweet and tart, pulling up on the finish. The tannins bring some grip.
This opens with subtle scorched soil and black plum aromas that continue on the straightforward palate. It's easygoing, with smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Apple blossom, pear, honeysuckle and gin botanical aromas show on the nose of this bottling from eastern Paso Robles. The flavors are very floral and ripe, evoking honeydew melon, candied pear and vanilla.
Coming from Two Blondes Vineyard, aromas of baking spice, barrel spice, herb, mesquite and cherry are followed by elegant smooth-feeling fruit flavors. Light bacon notes provide unusual accents. It's intriguing, though the variety is hard to find.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, the aromas of herbs, apple and spice are light. It's medium bodied and creamy in feel with a lemony finish.
This is still surprisingly fresh considering the age of this wine. It's simple and enjoyable, with mouthwatering cherry flavors layered with mint and white pepper accents. Pair it with rich pasta dishes.
This has aromas of overripe black cherry and spice. The palate reveals mature black fruit, raisin and pepper notes. This is very warm and shows the heat of the vintage, so drink soon.
Boysenberry, blueberry and black cherry aromas lead on the nose of this wine, with a touch of warmth and chocolaty sensation following behind. The palate veers more towards red-fruit flavors, with a thin midpalate and an astringent close.
A light and fruity wine with attractive red fruits and acidity. There is just a touch of tannin to hold the friendly fruitiness together.
Here's a pretty and bright Pinot Grigio with sensations of green apple and pear. This is simple but well made, and while it makes a refreshing apéritif, it will also pair nicely with pasta al pomodoro or lightly seasoned fish dishes.
Herbal garrigue notes take centerstage in this blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Marselan and 25% Mourvèdre. The palate is lifted and bright, with flavors of tart blackberry and plum. Not an ager, so enjoy it now.
Tropical fruit and citrus aromas turn toward air freshener and bath soap upon airing. This feels standard for Torrontés, maybe even a bit flabby, with lychee and melon flavors that finish chalky.
This is a bit of a disappointing follow-up to the outstanding 2009. It moves past flavors of ripe berry and on to scents and flavors of raisins. Tannins are stiff and drying, and the high alcohol carries heat through the finish. It's a bold style, but drink soon as it's not likely to age.
Hailing from the newly approved Ancient Lakes appellation, this wine has notes of lime, peach and minerality. It's frizzante, drinking medium sweet with a tart lick of acidity.
This blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache has some pretty raspberry, pomegranate and Bing cherry fruit flavors. Dried herbs add a nice grace note, but the finish brings a darker, roasted character that turns slightly burnt and bitter.
It's labeled Merlot, but the blend includes Syrah and other grapes, and the result comes across as a rather generic red wine. Soft and very buttery, it has light red fruits and some green tannins.
The residual sugar is a hefty 54g/L. Soft flavors of canned peaches and apricots fill the mouth immediately, then turn watery as the wine quickly slides into a lighter finish.
A small wine region close to the city of Lyon, Coteaux du Lyonnais produces the wine for the city's bars. This is soft, rounded, a delicious cherry flavored wine. It has a light structure and attractive final acidity.
Ripe, rich and fruity, this is Gamay from old vines that give extra concentration. The wine is full of bitter cherries, tight acidity and a light texture. Drink now.
Produced by the Château de Bligny close to Beaune, this soft, perfumed wine has stalky red fruits, laced with a dry core of tannin and fragrant acidity. It could age for another year.
Coming in at 47g/L residual sugar, this is quite ripe and aromatic with notes of peach and flowers but doesn't have the acid to hold it together.
This medium-bodied wine shows an array of smoky, meaty aromas, along with ripe plum and tart blackberry flavors. Not at all overripe, but made with some restraint, it allows savory flavors like tarragon and anise to peek through. The blend includes 9% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dried strawberries, wild berries, cloves cinnamon and cocoa powder power the nose on this bottling from a vineyard named after a famous composer who once owned the property. There's not much fruit on the palate, just a touch of dried black cherries, but plenty of dried herbs, milk and dark chocolate and mocha-cappuccino flavors. It's a touch hot.
Staunch berry, cassis and spice aromas are friendly and congruent. This Malbec-led blend is jammy in feel, a bit hollow in the middle, and easy to like as a whole. Blackberry and blueberry flavors finish fleshy, with soft tannins.
Crystalline in appearance, this wine offers ripe fruit aromas of nectarine, kiwi and crisp Pink Lady apples, without being too flowery. Lots of minerality and lime pith appear on the lively palate, showing just a touch of tropicality but honing in on the grassy lemon-peel line. Ripe apples show on the finish.
This medium-bodied wine is fresh and fruity, but also polished and sophisticated. It smells like raspberries and black plums, then adds chocolate and blackberry in the flavors. Rich and flavorful it also has welcome firm tannins and fruit acidity to keep it lively. Grenache is the leading grape ingredient.
This offers that tempting aroma of toasted baguette with a dab of butter, then the flavors flow fresh and peachy, while the texture feels smooth and the body not too full. Well balanced between flavors, acidity and body, it brings refreshment to sip after another.
The Riesling remains the highlight of this value-oriented lineup, and it's now in a pretty floral package. Bright fruit flavors of orange, tangerine and apricot jam abound, with a clean and fresh mouthfeel. There's a hint of sweetness, but not enough to render it incompatible with most foods.
Reflecting the vintage, this Pinot is light and lithe in style. It shows tart cherry fruit and suggestions of chocolate, with bright acidity and a thin finish.
Aromas of leather, cherry and plum lead this balanced red from Boutari. Ripe cherry, cedar and cinnamon flavors carry the palate, with soft tannins giving a sultry feel.
Warm berry-rhubarb pie notes mix with black pepper and an appealing, shy layer of green bell pepper on this blend of 50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot from three vineyards. Stewed plums, cherries and strawberries dominate the tasty palate, with a proper acidity and woody bitterness as balance.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas of underbrush, cedar, bluish-black fruit, spice and a whiff of scorched earth. On the palate, notes of licorice, tobacco, grilled herbs and menthol accent black currant and dried black cherry. Bracing, raspy tannins provide the framework.
Produced from a selection of small parcels, this perfumed wood-aged wine is big and concentrated while also keeping style and balance. It is dark, firm in the center with tannins that are surrounded by juicy acidity and black currant fruits. Keep for a few more months and drink from 2016.
This is a ripe, perfumed wine with smooth, generous texture and broad black fruits. An earthy, leathery edge gives extra character, and the suggestion of maturity comes from the wood aging and the ripe berry fruits. Drink now.
Structured and firm, this is a dry wine with the potential of fine fruit in the future. Acidity cuts through the texture promising the freshness of black currants and berries. It's a perfumed wine that can still age. Drink from 2016.
Despite the name, this is the value offering, not the reserve, from Soléna. Young, tart and tight, it displays primary fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry, with sharp, lemony acids. Holding until 2016–2017 may help to smooth it out, but it's perfectly delightful already.
Sweet-seeming aromas and flavors dominate this full-bodied, ripe-tasting wine—not unusual for a Rhône-style blend that leads with  Grenache. A spicy, smoky influence is delicious in its own right, but has a tasty component of fresh blackberry and boysenberry to back it up.
Briary, dry, lightly oaked aromas of plum and berry lead to a bright, forward, juicy palate with fresh acidity and racy flavors of cherry and plum. This is short but clean on the finish, and overall it's the type of simple, drinkable, affordable Ribera del Duero that fans of the region don't come across often enough.
Anise, red berries and warming spice tones lead the aromas and flavors of this wine, giving it a complex but overall fresh and easy character. The sturdy backbone is layered with bright red fruit and mineral notes. Pair with roasted meats and cheeses.
Dense, tarry aromas of asphalt and rubbery boysenberry are hefty but also a bit flat. This has a tannic mouthfeel to go with blackberry, prune and raisin flavors. Toast, bitter chocolate and full-bodied weight push the finish on this oaky, ripe Rioja. Drink through 2020.
Showing just a hint of sweetness, this well-rounded effort offers a ripe and tangy mix of lime, grapefruit, pineapple and white peach fruit flavors. There's a touch of honey running alongside and trickling out through the finish. It's drinking at or near its peak.
This is a balanced, peppy Assyrtiko with sea salt freshness, crisp white and tropical fruit and a clean finish. A great go-to food wine, enjoy with summer fare of grilled octopus, oysters or chicken.
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah come together to offer scents of red currant, toast, cedar and spice. It's firm and savory, with notes of white pepper, aniseed and dried aromatic herbs alongside assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
Pleasant red-fruit aromas of cherry and raspberry are low in octane for Toro. A fresh but not overly dense palate is lively and vital, with wild berry, plum and brown sugar flavors. A warm, heady, generous finish is fruity and bright. Drink through 2018.
Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes team up to produce this firmly structured but accessible red. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, red currants and tobacco lightly accented with oak-driven spice. It's balanced with firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2016.
Almost completely clear and crystalline as ice-cold water, this wine from a Santa Lucia Highlands-based producer shows apple blossoms, Asian pear flesh and white rocks on the clean, fresh nose. It's focused and tight on the palate, suggesting apple and pear peels with pomelo pith.
Clove, bay leaf and black cherry aromas burst from the glass, followed by flavors of dark cherry and cocoa. The tannins are supple, the mouthfeel ample, and the finish ends with a refreshing lift of acidity. Drink now–2018.
This ripe, tasty wine smells like smoke and black pepper, tastes like blackberries and pomegranate juice and has a hint of sweetness to round off any sharp edges. This is medium bodied, deep in color, firmly tannic and well concentrated in flavor.
This affordable, straightforward white wine is fresh and crisp, buoyed up with tart acids and flavors of citrus rind, pears, and green apples. It has a bit more concentration than its budget-priced Washington competitors, and the vibrant, clean fruit flavors match well with a wide variety of summer dishes.
Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah have been added to the blend, perhaps to amp up the color and cut the acids. This has pretty toast and strawberry tartness, light and lively. The finish hints at green pepper and herb.
This is a sweet and round and forward Merlot, at least upon entry. Then it takes a right angle turn, adding more astringent flavors of rock and earth and green tea. It's not quite Jekyll & Hyde, but it's not entirely pulled together. It needs a substantial piece of grilled meat to help soften those finishing tannins.
Surprising scents of clover and mint rise up from the glass, leading into a round, fruity, substantial wine with good cherry fruit and some earthy tannins from the 5% Cabernet Franc in the blend. The wine has not completely knit together, but a good steak could fix that.
Plenty of charcoal, toast and resin work the bouquet, while the fruit seems a little candied. There's a mix of black berry notes and oak, which results in a creamy mouthfeel and lingering vanilla and sweetness. A complete Malbec, but one that's neither unique nor overly special.
Very fruity and fresh but also smooth and supple, this full-bodied wine smells like ripe raspberries. Likewise, tastes recall raspberries and red cherries. and feel firm and grippy enough to counterbalance the ripeness and body. It's a very sleek but very big mouthful.
Aromas of stewed fruit, leather, tilled soil and a whiff of game take shape in the glass. The austere palate shows bright red berry, ground white pepper and menthol alongside chewy tannins and brisk acidity. It has the breeding to evolve and improve through 2025 or so.
Threads of dark char, nuts and spice meander throughout this rich, deeply concentrated Bordeaux-style blend. Plump black cherry and cassis flavors are luscious on the palate, but invigorated by a bright flash of acidity and spice on the finish.
Ripe berry, clove, espresso and menthol aromas lead the nose on this hearty wine. The dense, concentrated palate delivers dried cherry, steeped plum, coffee, vanilla, licorice and toasted oak alongside bracing tannins. The heat of evident alcohol throws this wine off balance.
Lighter in color, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco leaf, spice and red fruit. On the palate, it shows a pleasing mixture of fruit and barrel flavors.
This takes a rich, complex approach, with spicy, honey-like and almost meaty aromas, ripe Bosc pear and almond flavors and a hefty texture. Medium to full bodied, it has some crisp acidity in the background and a sense of luxuriousness to drinking it.
Aromas of toasted oak, dark-skinned fruit, leafy underbrush and roasted coffee bean come together in the glass. The palate offers dried black cherry, espresso, mocha, licorice and powdered sage alongside astringent but not very persistent tannins. Drink through 2020.
Under the same ownership as Château la Dominique in Saint-Émilion, Clément-Pichon has produced a richly juicy 2012. Firm structure underlies the generous fruits, while the acidity and the dry core of tannins promise good aging. Drink from 2017.
Rich, juicy and structured, this firm wine has great power and concentration along with a dark, dry core. It's almost too much of a good thing, very flamboyant and ripe. It still needs to age to be fully balanced.
Often richer than its stablemate, Château Fonréaud, Lestage in 2012 also has more obvious wood aging flavors. It's big and concentrated, dominated by smoky tannins. It's going to develop into a rich wine, packed with blackberry flavors and always a dry core.
This is a smooth, wood-aged wine. Ripe black fruits are soft, with a contrast of toast and spice. It's juicy, with just the right amount of tannin. Although it's almost ready to drink, the wine will also age because of its structure. Drink from 2016.
Nicely textured and balanced, this white from a cooler subsection of the larger Napa Valley is more austere than not, a taste of lemon and licorice combining in a medium-bodied package of refreshment. The mouthfeel works consistently from start to finish, the end note smooth and swift.
Zesty lemon peel and blossom notes are invigorating and fresh on this dry, delicately framed wine. It's concentrated with tropical mango and melon flavors, yet zippy with lime acidity. It finishes long with an elegant mineral touch.
Still rather closed, this eventually reveals aromas of cured meat, tilled earth, dark berry and a whiff of cellar floor. The firm palate offers up dark-skinned fruit, licorice and a hint of mocha alongside tightly wound tannins that for now leave a mouth-puckering finish. Give it time to open and develop. Drink 2018–2025.
Aromas of mature plum, underbrush, coffee and toast lead the nose. The ripe palate offers dried cherry, coffee bean, and a hint of mocha while bracing tannins provide support. Drink through 2019.
This appealing blend of Merlot (69%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Petit Verdot conveys dark roasted coffee along with red and black fruit with barrel accents. Abundant vanilla and coffee flavors partner with grippy tannins that need more time in the bottle to settle in.
The 2011 vintage was challenging for Washington in general and for the Walla Walla Valley in particular. This wine puts that aside with notes of dried cranberries and cherries along with vanilla and dry chocolate accents. The tart fruit flavors are elegant, with dry, grainy tannins along with vanilla flavors that carry through on the finish.
Argyle sets the standard for Northwest sparkling wine, and this wine beguiles from the beginning. The massive bead, citrus-scented bouquet and perfect fruit is balanced elegantly by palate-clearing acids and just a hint of toast. The wine is a 100% barrel-fermented blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.
A reserve selection that’s seen some barrel aging, but not too much. The toasty, chocolaty oak is hardly noticeable under a firm wallop of cherry-berry fruit that turns velvety on the palate. Some softly bitter tannins creep in on the finish, letting you know that the best is yet to come. Pick up a few bottles and drink them over the next couple of years.
Blueberries and blackberries are the dominant themes here, with some smoky notes playing a supporting role. Bright, tart and fruity, this doesn’t appear to have the depth for aging. But it is an immensely attractive wine for early quaffing. There are some slightly drying tannins on the finish, so try it with rich or fatty foods for best effect.
This intriguing wine displays an almost fumé-style smoky minerality on the nose, followed by flavors of pear and toast. It's a focused, medium-bodied blend of 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne, with a finish that won't quit.
A rich, savory style of Shiraz, with bold blackberry and black olive flavors that work easily together, framed by vanilla and soft, dusty tannins. Drink it over the next few years.
Stainless-steel fermented, technically off-dry but still quite citrusy and bracing, this continues a string of excellent Rieslings from Anam Cara. The fruit flavors blend seamlessly, invoking apples and pears, melons and peaches. A sense of Meyer lemon custard permeates the palate, concentrated and delicious.
The wine has developed well, with plenty of weight, but the fruit seems a little diffuse, soft, open in character. It's masking the tannin core, a wine that opens slowly and carefully.
There is good density here, with impressive tannins and very dry core of structure. The wine has weight, with cranberry and red berry flavors shining through. Always, the freshness is right up front.
Aged in a combination of one- and two-year-old oak and stainless steel, Guigal's 2007 Saint-Joseph is round in the mouth yet minerally at the same time, with graphite notes supporting the voluminous pear and melon fruit, right through the lengthy finish.
It's pronounced tung-GEE and was formerly known as Chehalem Mountain vineyards. As is often the case with this AVA, it has substantial tannins and a firm, compact structure that bodes well for cellaring. The fruit mixes cherry, pomegranate and hints of banana, while the barrel flavors add some toast and butter.
Though relatively young (planted in 2001) this Dundee Hills vineyard can deliver the goods. This is full, juicy, packed with ripe fruits, moderately deep in color, and limned with sharp, herbal, astringent tannins. It could profit from a bit more bottle age, to take the edge off the green tea in the finish.
Aragonês (Tinta Roriz or Tempranillo) is given intense power in the Alentejo. It has sold fruits, black cherry and spice flavors, with a big shoulder of tannins and vivid acidity. A wine for aging—3 to 4 years.
An impressively intense wine, concentrated and solid. The fruits are firm and tannic, with a new wood element that seems well in balance. A good success for the year.
A subtly wood aged wine, the white fruit flavor giving an extra dimension with a touch of honey. It has all the direct, delicious fruit of 2007, the wine then rounded out with nutmeg and soft acidity.
A smooth, polished wine, with acidity, sweet fruit and a range of dusty tannins, with acidity. This is an accomplished, delicious wine that is developing fast, and seems only for medium-term aging.
A noteworthy effort made in widely available commercial quantities, Guigal's '07 CdR Blanc offers scents of pineapple and pear, flavors that include hints of white chocolate, a reasonably rich mouthfeel and a long, dry, concentrated finish with just a hint of honey.
This wine showcases the native Greek variety Robola beautifully, with its crisp, clean citrus aromas and flavors and minerally/sea salt spin. The wine has a fresh quality but offers layers of lemon and orange. The finish is like a spray of the sea on the palate. Pair with seafood and light salads.
A lovely counterpoint to Phelps Creek's estate reserve Chardonnay, this comes from just across the river, sourced from a vineyard on the Washington side of this two-state AVA. It got the full malolactic, fermented in French oak treatment, and shows plenty of pleasing barrel toast and spice. The fruit mixes hints of peach and melon with a lemon drop core, and finishes with a lick of butterscotch.
90-92 Barrel sample. A very smoky character, with an attractive lightness. The fruit is bright, even though there is richness. The tannins give a dark, dry aftertaste.
A beautiful wine, this has fresh acidity, crisp fruits and zesty mineral texture. Apples, citrus and hints of apricots are all there along with an intense tangy character that bursts in the mouth. It's still so young and needs to age; drink from 2018 at the earliest. The Special Club is a group of growers who rate and taste each other's wines before release.
Beginning with a velvety texture and inviting bouquet of strawberry and rose, this classic blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot is grown on the winery's 845-acre estate atop Spring Mountain. Kirsch, black pepper and chocolate combine atop a smooth, integrated palate that's elegant from start to finish, the oak tempered to good effect. Drink now through 2027.
Shades of cedar, dried herb and bramble lend complexity to this intensely concentrated Spätburgunder. Rich black cherry and berry flavors flood the palate, accented by staccato drumbeats of acid and fine bitter tannin. It's a powerful wine that needs time to smooth and meld, but should drink beautifully from 2018 to 2025.
Loaded with finesse, this luminous, structured wine opens with enticing aromas of pressed rose, wild berry, clove and a balsamic note. The polished, delicious palate smacks of raspberry jelly, wild cherry, cinnamon and star anise alongside bright acidity and lithe tannins. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2029.
Top of the range from Eugénie, this pure Malbec is huge, firm and very concentrated. Wood aging has added spice and emphasized the dryness that comes from the fruit and wood tannins. But the fruit is all there, a juicy background that will come out as the wine ages.Drink this impressive wine from 2020.
Bold and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of mature berry, eucalyptus, baking spice and a balsamic note. The powerful palate doles out ripe black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice, menthol, mint, clove and pipe tobacco. Closely-knit, polished tannins provide support and an almost velvety texture. It boasts muscle and finesse.
Here is a powerful young wine with concentrated plum and cherry fruit. It's beautifully built around perfectly ripened tannins that provide solid support without being intrusive. Compact and well proportioned, it lingers with highlights of espresso grounds, dark chocolate and black tea.
Aromas of forest floor, mature berry, dark culinary spice, wild mint and a whiff of violet come together on this impressive wine. The full-bodied palate displays layers of mature black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and chopped herb framed in bracing tannins and fresh acidity. Even though it seems inviting, give it time to settle down and come together. Drink 2020–2030.
Right away, this comes across as a wine that's on the money. Pure concentrated aromas of blackberry, licorice and lemony oak introduce an intense palate with baked blackberry and cassis flavors. A toasty dark spicy finish exhibits notes of coffee and bitter chocolate as it slowly fades away. Drink through 2025.
This is an impressive wine that is rich and generous while also being firm and structured. It has a sense of concentration and power that doesn't take away from its elegance. A fresh black currant tone is balanced by tannins and a lingering flavor of oak. Already showing good integration, this wine will be ready to drink soon. Drink from 2017.
Enticing scents of wild berries, violets, grilled herbs and white pepper take center stage in this structured wine. The taut palate offers succulent red berry, clove, cooking spice and licorice flavors alongside a network of firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2031.
From a single vineyard source, this wine offers sinewy blackberry and black currant, as well as a pleasant note of soy, across a fine-grained background and integrated use of French oak. Clove and black pepper star between the layers of fruit, finishing harmoniously.
Alluring aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, cooking spice, eucalyptus and a whiff of game emerge on this full-bodied, earthy wine. The palate demonstrates structure and elegance, delivering mature black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice, pipe tobacco, clove and balsamic notes alongside firm, velvety tannins. While this is already almost accessible it will offer years of drinking pleasure.
A classic Nebbiolo fragrance of perfumed berry, rose petal, tilled soil, chopped herb and a whiff of baking spice pervades this firm, full-bodied wine. The chewy palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anise and a hint of tobacco framed in firm, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2019–2026.
Vigneto annually honors a single grower from among Ponzi's suppliers; here the spotlight is on Bieze vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The sweet raspberry fruit brings overtones of spiced orange peel, clove and marzipan, and the wine has sustained length and power, with exceptional purity throughout.
The top wine from La Rosa is produced out of selections from the vineyards and the cellar. Wood aged and with serious concentration, it is packed with dark fruits and dense tannins. They contrast with the generous texture and acidity. The wine should really age for several years. Drink from 2019.
Zesty white grapefruit, green apple and lime form the core of this lithe, racy Riesling. Dry in style, it's feather light on the palate yet penetrating, honed by an edge of steel and minerality. The finish lingers long, yet refreshes thrillingly.
Planted in 1965, these are the oldest examples of this variety in the entire country. Splendid texture is a defining characteristic, with a yeasty, creamy mouthfeel. Ripe apples and toasted grains come through, as the wine extends through a long and powerful finish. Try it with grilled shrimp and a wine and butter sauce.
Powerfully built, this opens with a potpourri of aromas including pressed rose, violet, mature berry, baking spice and a whiff of leather. Dried black cherry, licorice, pipe tobacco, nutmeg and a balsamic note wrap around the gripping palate alongside a backbone of ripe, assertive tannins. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2020–2032.
Dark berry, pressed flower, iron, leather and spice aromas come together on this firmly structured wine. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy black cherry, eucalyptus, anise and clove alongside big, velvety tannins. A licorice note closes the lingering finish. It's already almost approachable but hold for more complexity. Drink 2018–2028.
Aromas of dark berry steeped in spirits, baking spice, crushed flower, mocha, eucalyptus and pipe tobacco come together on this stunning wine. The firm palate boasts more fruit than many from this vintage, delivering juicy dark cherry, ripe raspberry, vanilla, cake spice and licorice alongside firm but refined tannins and bright acidity. It's youthfully assertive but balanced, with serious aging potential. Drink 2021–2041.
One of a pair of single-vineyard, reserve-level Chardonnays, this seamlessly pulls together yellow apple, lemon panna cotta, white pepper and a suggestion of wet rock. Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Aurora fruit is fermented with wild yeast all the way through malolactic, and aged in one-third new and two-thirds neutral French oak. The wild yeast adds detail and texture, and the wine makes a soft, buttery, graceful, prolonged exit.
Classically crafted, this impressive wine opens with alluring Nebbiolo aromas of mature dark berry, pine forest, leather, aromatic herb, baking spice and an earthy whiff of game. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice, clove and tobacco alongside firm, refined tannins. It's already tempting but hold to let it fully develop. Drink 2018–2031.
Luminous and linear, this structured wine is delicately perfumed with notes of violet, rose, fragrant berry and a whisper of dark cooking spice. The young, radiant palate offers juicy cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside bracing but ultra-fine tannins. It boasts great energy and needs several years to unwind. Drink 2021–2036.
A classic Nebbiolo fragrance of red rose, perfumed berry, baking spice and a whiff of earth emerges on this stunning wine. Firm, polished tannins weave through the elegantly structured palate, effortlessly supporting juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise while bright acidity keeps it fresh. It's still young and needs to unwind before it can fully develop. Drink 2019–2032.
Longbow is a blend of several vineyard sites otherwise vineyard-designated by the producer, a chance to showcase winemaker Matt Courtney's way with fruit. In his first vintage at Arista, he excels in crafting a wine exuberant in high-toned black cherry and structured, silky tannin, lengthy and fresh in aromas of rose petal and cinnamon.
An waft of leather saddle opens this release from an historic Diamond Mountain site celebrating 40 years of wines with this vintage. Soft and refined, it's a complex expression of cassis, black currant and mountain tannins, well integrated and age-worthy. The finish is lengthy in a touch of coffee. Drink now through 2022.
Almond and anise open what evolves into a concentrated expression of a stellar vineyard site in a great vintage in good winemaking hands. Honey and baked peach initially fool the palate into anticipating that this wine might head into full-blown hedonism, but subtle layers of lemon, grapefruit and pear keep it crisp, fresh and ultimately complex. Creamy, it retains plenty of acidity for balance.
Quite approachable for such a heady blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, this wine shows blueberry, black cherry, turned loam and toasted sage on the dense nose. Though driven by ripe purple fruit and purple flower flavors, the palate is lightly spiced with cedar, juniper, tobacco and turned earth.
Plum, cassis, herb and spice aromas make for a full, pleasant bouquet. This shows a thick tannic plodding palate along with quick-hitting berry and cassis flavors. Lasting acidity on the finish creates welcome freshness and length.
This supple medium-bodied Pinot Noir is ready to drink. Predominantly earthy notes of leather and dried spices are harmonious and complex without being overly demanding.
Currant and spice aromas are subdued and solid. A strapping tight palate with strong tannins delivers roasted plum, cassis, spice and chocolate flavors prior to a dry spicy finish that holds its own.
This elegant red offers aromas and flavors of toast, raspberry, sour cherry, espresso and white pepper. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2019.
Lime zest and freshly cut grass lend a particularly invigorating cool to this dry, delicate Riesling. It's brashly mineral on the palate, finishing tightly with a bracing shower of acidity.
Macho grapy aromas are offset by spunky raspberry scents. Fruity and a bit narrow and grabby across the palate, this delivers Mendoza's patented black-fruit flavors wrapped in chocolaty oak. Spice and oak remain present on a full finish.
An intense, mineral-driven wine, this is tight and very textured. Its dryness is mitigated by hints of riper mango and apricot that fill out the palate. The structure and the tense acidity show this wine is still young. Drink from 2017.
The spritz you see in the glass translates into a tongue-tickling experience in the mouth. Fresh flavors of orange, grapefruit and pineapple are supported with moderate acidity. This is not a sparkling wine, but you'll want to drink this while it retains that refreshing hint of fizz.
This is a full and spicy wine that is rich with black plum and berry flavors. The wood comes through strongly with its cedar and pepper character. The contrast with fresher acidity gives this wine its balance. Drink now.
This is a warm and rich wine from the southern Mâcon region. It is ripe with yellow fruits, crisp apples and a touch of minerality that gives the tangy texture. Packed with fruit as well as structured, this wine can be drunk now, although better from 2017.
Zesty aromas of just-cut apple, lemon-lime soda and tuberose meet a stony quality on the nose of this popular wine from the Edna Valley producer. It's fresh and crisp on the palate, with ripe apples, kiwi and sea-salt flavors.
Soft and buttery, this drink-now style is as smooth as a polished stone. The fruit is fairly generic and light, but the penetrating punch of popcorn and nut oil carries it along nicely.
Petit Chablis is planted on the plateau above the Serein river valley, the heart of Chablis. This attractively fruity wine offers white fruits and crisp acidity. Light and refreshing, it is ready to drink.
Aromas of black cherry, ground pepper, clove and chopped herb jump out of the glass and carry over to the vibrant, easy-drinking palate. Racy acidity and round tannins support the juicy fruit. It's made for sheer drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
Aromas of plum, blackberry, violet and exotic spice jump out of the glass. The bright, polished palate offers black cherry, raspberry jam and black pepper alongside fresh acidity. It's made for immediate drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
Spiced blueberry, ripe plum and tilled earth aromas lead the nose on this hearty wine. Made with no added sulfites, the big, chewy palate delivers juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry and licorice alongside the warmth of evident alcohol.
It has been a while since we've reviewed Cuatro Pasos, but eight vintages later it's basically the same wine, which, for the price, means good value. This opens with earthy warm muddled berry aromas. The palate is flush and plump, reflective of a hot vintage, while blackberry and cassis flavors finish hefty. Drink now.
The ample alcohol in this wine imparts a rich slightly syrupy feel to this wine that's not particularly Pinot-like, but still satisfying. Strawberry and raspberry notes carry a hint of tomato leaf, then finish with crisp acids.
Waxy aromas of lanolin, dried apple and cheese set up a plump well-balanced palate, with plenty of body weight and adequate acidity. Peach, apple and melon flavors are moderately stony and minerally, while this varietal Garnacha Blanca finishes with good length.
While delicate and demure, this light-bodied Pinot Noir rosé revitalizes the palate with a crush of mineral intensity. Whispers of blossom and strawberry peek through a moderately long finish.
This medium-bodied red offers aromas of stewed black-skinned fruit, pressed blue flower, menthol and clove. On the forward, chewy palate, notes of licorice and ground pepper accent a black cherry core while fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2019.
A touch of smoky minerality lends intrigue to this otherwise peachy-keen dry Pinot Blanc. It's primary and fruity with a rich full-bodied palate, but wraps up tight and crisp on the finish. Drink now.
This is an eclectic collection of white Rhône varieties, beginning with equal parts Roussanne and Viognier, supported by Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc and Marsanne. A combination of honey and dried apricot are the standouts, aligned with a lilt of fresh peach and salty caramel.
Brambly berry flavors carry a streak of cola throughout this wine, 80% of which was whole-cluster fermented. The pleasant fruit is somewhat offset with chalky acids and drying tannins.
This is a pretty, light-copper hue, from a small percentage of the grapes being kept on the skins. Fruity flavors of pear and apple dominate, while the acids conjure up suggestions of orange juice.
This wine is a blend of De Ponte, Schindler and Kalita fruit, smooth and supple, though falling a bit flat in terms of mouthfeel. Leafy herbal components come up soonest, followed with sweet barrel notes, from 15 months in half new French oak.
Quite a solid deal from an expert Zin house, this wine shows aromas of candied cherry and pomegranate, with cinnamon, a hint of tar and a little crushed espresso bean. Dried blueberries enliven the palate, along with mineral tones and more cinnamon-based baking spice.
In this soft, elegant mix of almost 75% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, briny black olive finds balance against softly restrained layers of black cherry and cassis. The finish is dusted in cinnamon.
Warm, rubbery berry aromas mixed with smoked meat and herbal accents make for a solid nose, and while the palate has clampy acidity and herbal notes, there's ample body, roundness and berry fruit to bring it home. Both leafy and candied on the finish.
Clean and ripe, with apple, pear and zesty citrus aromas. The palate runs more round and candied than linear and sharp, with sweet, welcoming flavors of white peach and dried citrus fruits. Fuller-bodied and inviting, but still fresh. Drink immediately.
This edition of the Spinner is 50% Merlot, 37% Syrah and 13% Malbec. It's scented with leaf and raisin, streaked with smoke and baking spices, and offers up a medium-bodied midpalate with a mix of black cherry, currants and pomegranate. Fine for near-term drinking.
Elegant and feminine on the nose with lovely cassis, toasted oak and violet notes, this medium-bodied Cab is another excellent bargain from Romania's Prahova Valley. Sturdy tannins and a pleasant astringency add structure to the luscious, ripe red fruits on the palate. It's high in acid, but well balanced, ending in a puckery, sour cherry finish.
Dark, fruity and common in every way, but sometimes that's all you need. The wine has a clean, ordinary cassis and berry nose followed by a juicy palate with dark fruit flavors that show accents of vanilla, spice and chocolate. Totally drinkable and likable.
Thick and meaty on the nose, with aromas of cola and spice. The palate has a tight structure, some sharpness and spicy, braised-fruit and tobacco flavors. Finishes mostly in the spice zone, with dried fruits and a spot of leftover acidic bite. Good for a basic Cabernet-Carmenère blend.
This bargain Pinot Noir is a pleasant surprise from Romania's Prahova Valley with pretty aromas of black cherries, bark and menthol. Concentrated plum and cherry flavors are countered by darker notes of coffee grinds, earth and bramble. Medium bodied with balanced tannins and acidity, it's a straightforward, everyday kind of wine, but a promising start for Romania's wine industry.
Aged 24 months in a combination of French and American oak, it's brooding with notes of baking spices, dark fruit, coffee and chocolate. There's a pleasing sense of balance save for some grittiness to the tannins that distracts.
This structured, dense and smoky wine features dry tannins and a mineral texture. It has blackberry fruitiness to go with this scaffolding, so it will develop well to give a ripe, full, rich wine. Wait until 2015.
Savory as a weathered leather chair, this vintage of Fenaughty is all spice, smoke and meat, smooth and structured, and remarkably low in alcohol, a feat that's probably pretty challenging to achieve in the Foothills. The firm tannins should keep this fine specimen going for a while in the cellar.
Friendly aromas of apple and stone fruits are inviting and clean. This is cutting on the palate, but not overly so, with a good feel and cleansing acids. Apple and lime flavors finish bright and uncomplicated.
It shows an altogether riper aspect of Grüner. Yellow pear, yellow plum and notions of peach appear and give way to a rounded, generous palate with lots of phenolic backbone and structure. It can definitely shine with substantial food.
This is a Captain America-sized Zin, muscular and strong in walls of huge, dusty dark fruit. Firm in tannins, juicy and swirling in vanilla and cinnamon toast flavors, it spent 22 months swaddled in French oak, an imprint that lets itself be known in the wine. Lay this baby down until 2015 or so, or let it breathe before enjoying with racks of ribs.
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.
This soft and fruity wine offers pleasant flavors of apple and melon. It's smooth and approachable, lightly buttery, and ready to go.
Herbal, green aromas suggest bell pepper and salad. This feels jagged, with zesty acidity and hard tannins. Flavors of herbal berry are pushed by racy acids, while the finish offers tobacco, green notes and a healthy-feeling fade.
The bouquet is like sticking your nose in a bag of pencil shavings and shiitake mushrooms. The palate gets more expansive, offering cranberry as well as a hint of softer fruit like strawberry, with some crushed rock as well. This is a very affordable expression of Pinot Noir in what was a tough vintage, showing that the new energy BV is placing on this series of wines may just pay off.
A perfumed wine with crisp acidity and light acidity. Lemon and pear fruit are allied with an intensely tangy orange zest character. Lively and fresh, it is ready to 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.
This is the flagship Chardonnay from Thomas Fogarty Winery, a one-barrel lot that comes from a third-acre vineyard. And yet, from the winery's excellent 2011 line-up, it brings the least to the table. A zesty, grassy lemon-lime soda nose lands on the palate with Key lime and very little complication, making it pleasurable, but fairly breezy for the headiest of the Fogarty lot. Pair with halibut or seared scallops.
This wine offers concentration in spades, a toasty rich bevy of heavy, black fruit flavors that sit with purpose on the tongue. From a Green Valley-area vineyard the grapes hung long until profound ripeness, resulting in this big boy wine.
Ripe and round, it opens with a fruit fragrance of mature pear, white peach, and nut that all carry over to the palate along with green apple and a hint of candied lemon. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
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.
Crisp, lemon fresh and fruity, this is an attractive wine to drink now. It has some richness from the mineral texture and the tangy orange edge. The aftertaste continues the fruity theme.
There's been a huge jump in production of this wine since the past vintage, which may signal some surge of interest in white Pinot, which has lately become a bit of a trend in Oregon. The wine is simple, neutral and perfectly quaffable, but carries no hint of varietal character.
Boysenberry, cherry and a touch of minerality take over the nose on this wine from Mike Rennie and Gary Winder, who are pioneering grape growers of the Temecula Valley. Tar and tobacco pair up with bright acidity and smooth oakiness on the palate, making for easy drinking.
Dr. L has developed into the sort of consistent, large-production wine consumers can depend on when faced with an otherwise unknown array of wines. The 2009 is off dry, with crisp acidity, lime and pineapple flavors and a mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next year or so.
Inky and tight smelling, with rubbery black-fruit aromas. The palate is full, tannic and a little choppy, but the flavors of olive, blackberry, black cherry and herbs are good. Finishes rustic and a touch salty, with good bounce and verve.
Spicy and dry on the nose, with red cherry, plum and candied sweetness. The palate has good body and feel, with medicinal plum and berry flavors along with an olive accent. Juicy and forward, with a lightly herbal finish.
With a hint of minerality, this wine has structure to go with its soft, generous fruit. There are almonds, toast, peaches and an attractive rounded texture.
Scents of smoke and ash dominate and obscure the fruit when first you open the bottle. Swirl it around and the light cherry and cranberry fruit emerges, along with a lick of milk chocolate. But the scent and flavor of smoke lingers, presumably from barrel aging, and ultimately your opinion of the wine may hinge on your personal preferences in that regard.
Sweet and floral with assertive aromas of crushed violets, dark berries and a touch of milk chocolate. Easy in the mouth with a medium weight, round texture and soft tannins. The finish is loaded with juicy black fruit flavors. Drink now.
Herb, toasty oak, mineral and berry aromas precede a snappy, crisp sort of palate that's showing mostly herbal, toasty flavors of red berry and plum. The wine is good but regular in its approach, with a dry, peppery finish.
Though the nose is a bit muted, assertive juicy black plum and muddled mulberry unfold in the round mouth. Firm tannins follow through to the dry, waxy finish. Try in another year or two, or give it a good long decant before drinking now.
Vanilla, spice and citrus aromas start this dependable Greek Chardonnay. Spicy citrus, vanilla, fresh white fruit and flowers on the palate are balanced and easy to love. Pair with richer seafood or salads.
Starts out mulchy and a little horsey before fine leather, floral and sweet berry aromas take over. The palate is jumpy and lively, with boysenberry, raspberry and earthy flavors. Ripe and fruity, with snappy freshness and candied, sappy red-fruit length.
This bottling is still a bit disjointed, the acids stick out and the fruit seems confined to a tight corner. The raw materials are good enough—berries and watermelon, a whiff of tomato, moderate tannins and more than a hint of new oak. Give this one another year or two to smooth out the wrinkles.
This is on the big side for a Mosel Riesling, at 12% alcohol, and the warmth shows through just a little bit. Still, the scents of wet moss and stone and chunky flavors suggesting melon, peach and citrus are undeniably attractive. Drink now.
The dark and moody bouquet is loaded with heady black fruit, coffee, smoky leather and cigar box aromas. Unfortunately, the soft mouth offers far less of that intensity, with fading notes of cherry and plum skins. Drink now.
An alluring nose of deep pear and peach lead this exciting variety from Axia. On the palate, the curvy, creamy waves of peach and citrus are followed by a clean finish. A tasty white that will pair well with fish, chicken salad.
A dark-golden SB from the Sierra Foothills with a nose full of honeysuckle and mango, this wine's got significant depth and concentration but also a healthy dose of alcohol (14.7%) and is a tad sweet on the finish. A small amount of Sémillon is blended in for body and texture. Pair with seafood.
Herbal and fruity all at once with clean aromas of gooseberry, hard mango and green grass. Ctirus flavors dominate the lightweight mouth with crisp lime acidity charging through on the close.
Campuget has been a reliable source of rosé for at least a decade, and the 2013 is even better than usual. It's now made in a pale copper hue, light, crisp and lean, with aromas and flavors of wet stone, citrus and underripe peach highlighted by a long, lime-driven finish.
From a Lompoc-based producer comes this Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, pungent in rich, ripe pear puree. Softly textured it goes down easy and is a nice, small-production find.
It's all here—the viscosity, the rounded sweetness, the overtones of musk and the hints of dark, almost bitter honey, shot through with fine acidity. This TBA fully lives up to its billing.
An appealing wine with notes of coffee, blueberry and plum, with the aromas giving a suggestion of confection. The palate doesn't hang together end to end but it still provides plenty of enjoyment.
Red fruits and a soft tannic profile give a ready-to-drink feel. It's generous, balanced, the black fruits giving a sweet, jammy feel. Pepper and spice at the end are paired with juicy acidity.
The wine has firm, smoky tannins as well as ripe berry fruits and acidity. Put the elements together and it adds up to a satisfying, full wine with a good sense of structure and a medium-term future. Drink from the end of 2014.
Bold and velvety, this delivers savory sensations of black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and dried Mediterranean herbs. You'll also detect a hint of alcohol on the warm midpalate.
Mostly Merlot, this Bordeaux-style blend is aromatically thick and heavy with vanilla, pipe tobacco and cherry fruit components. It's a big wine, with ripe tannins and a streak of cola. More bottle age may help to soften the aggressive new-oak flavors.
This is a soft, silky-textured version of Crozes-Hermitage. Hints of cedar accent black cherry and licorice aromas, while the flavors are super ripe, verging on jammy. It's already approachable, and should drink well through 2020.
This nose features much more nuance than a typical Sauvignon Blanc, with chalky minerality, bright stone fruit and barely ripe tropicality. It's a bit tight at first on the palate, but poached pear and papaya flavors emerge, then open to candied guava in the midpalate.
Minerally notes accent bright berry aromas. Next up is a racy, high-acid palate that's so juicy it's almost citric. Lead flavors of boysenberry and raspberry are snappy, while pepper and a dash of cocoa come later. The finish is more cleansing and fresh than complex.
The Evil Twin is 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged entirely in new French oak. Tasted just ahead of its official release, the wine seemed to be still in the process of pulling itself together. Barrel accents are particularly strong, with sweet baking spices overwhelming the aromatics. The blackberry fruit turns a bit chalky in the end, with a tart, citrus-flavored finish.
Violet, mature plum, black cherry, vanilla and espresso jump out of the glass of this savory wine. The juicy palate is balanced with supple tannins and remarkable freshness for the vintage. Enjoy it now to capture the succulent fruit.
Aromas of dark berries, citrus zest, grilled herbs and espresso lead the nose and continue to the robust palate. It's round, with firm tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the fresh fruit sensations.
Leather, earth, wild flower, cedar, red currant and wild cherry aromas lead the nose on this robust wine. The ripe, simple palate doles out rich black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and clove alongside big, velvety tannins. Drink soon for freshness.
From one of the cooler climate vineyards for Sauvignon Blanc on the Central Coast comes this intriguing wine. Aromas of petrol, tar and crushed sea shells are set alongside a background of green apple and pear. There is nice zing on the palate, with the petrol elements continuing with roasted bell pepper and crisp apple.
Cherry and baking spices are the key flavors in this medium-bodied, juicy and delicious wine from little-known Solano County, which neighbors Napa Valley on the east. With good balance between the abundant fruit, moderate oak influence and crisp acidity, it's an all-around pleasant experience to drink.
Light in color and weight, this is a nicely composed Pinot Meunier. Old world in style, it's integrated in raspberry fruit and a hint of mint, making it soft and easy to drink.
This pale salmon-pink bubbly opens with frothy bubbles and an inviting note of hard candy. A rounded strawberry flavor unfolds on the palate and finishes dry, making this a lively, ideal party wine that will please many.
A pale straw-yellow in color, this take on a relatively rare grape delivers a nose of lime spritzer and grapefruit pith. Lively acidity shows on the palate, with flavors of poached pear and citrus rind. A brisk minerality makes this a perfect pairing for a wide range of foods, from shrimp paella to seared salmon to a BLT.
Whiffs of lemon and honey brighten notes of savory pressed apples on this tart, zesty Riesling. The palate is fruity with elegant tones of fresh peach and apricot, and finishes long with hints of lime and herb on the finish.
Autolytic notes of nuts and earth lend complexity to this striking, citrus-scented sparkling. The blossomy palate is touched with sweetness extended by a rich, foamy mousse that blankets the mouth.
A blockbuster style of Zin from three vineyard sites, all relatively old vine, this is zesty on the palate, a mix of berry compote and cinnamon and black pepper spice. Not too dense, it is hearty and big-shouldered.
Juicy cassis fills the palate in this balanced wine, blended with small percentages of Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. With a leathery texture and earthy underbody, it's mellow with supple finish.
Straightforward Pinot Noir scents of red fruit, deep raspberry, fennel and menthol make for an uncomplicated but alluring nose on this wine from an historic vineyard. The  palate ranges widely, soft and expressive with pomegranate, tart raspberry and a touch of clove.
Delicate toast and smoke accent pretty apple blossom and pear notes on this delicate, supple Chardonnay. Judiciously oaked, the palate showcases sweet-cream butter and fresh yellow-cherry flavors that linger long on the finish.
Backed by the winery's well-earned reputation for dry Riesling out of the Napa Valley, this offers pretty aromatics of orange blossom and honeysuckle followed by rich layers of peach, pear and a streak of honey on the finish.
An earthy, foresty nose lacks lift but delivers balsamic notes in spades. The palate is wide and not showing much definition. Black-fruit and licorice flavors are more general than specific, while the finish is jammy and doesn't deliver much structure. Drink now.
That 40-year-old Colombard even exists in the Russian River Valley is quite remarkable and so it's a worthy exercise to taste this wine for the sake of history and diversity alone. Happily it's also quite fresh in pineapple, pear and exotic lemongrass, textured throughout, dry and steely on the finish.
This cherry pink rosé is a mix of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and offers plenty of pretty strawberry and cherry candied fruit. There's a sense of cotton candy also, as it wraps into the finish.
This shows notes of prune and chocolate, but not much complexity or finesse. It has delicious fruit and an approachable palate, but it's a bit one dimensional.
Two thirds Chardonnay, and one third a Viognier/Roussanne blend, this young wine has a definitely spritzy mouthfeel and a yeasty finish. The fruit flavors are fresh and lively, suggesting lemon and pineapple, with finishing hints of honeycomb.
100% Malbec, it's redolent with dark plums, wild blueberries and peppery spices. The soft, silky flavors are light but have good concentration with the oak (80% American) seeming quite dialed back.
Here's a golden-colored wine, with floral and fruit aromas of Spanish broom, peach blossom and whiffs of apricot. The palate offers ripe white peach and lemon zest flavors, with a hint of mineral supported by crisp acidity. The finish is dry and clean.
A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.
Structured and fruity, this is a wine that shows the delicate perfumed character of the Hautes Côtes. The wine has bright raspberry fruits, balanced acidity and just the right amount of structure for aging for a year.
This blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is oaky and minty up front, with pencil lead and exotic blueberry aromas. In the mouth, this has a fast pulse, while flavors of Middle Eastern spices, cassis and blueberry finish briny but short.
Though aged in just 40% new French oak, the barrel notes of mocha and roasted coffee bean take up much of the stage with dark fruit and herbs fighting for attention. The flavors are ripe and lush but seem a bit clipped.
A vibrantly aromatic wine with notes of freshly peeled tangerine, sliced apricot and white flowers. It's off-dry (23g/L residual sugar) with zippy acidity keeping it all together.
This straightforward selection has blackberry aromas and a whiff of bitter almond. On the palate, this delivers black cherry, fig and white pepper flavors, with a hint of mushroom. This would pair well with mushroom risotto or cured meats.
Berry, asphalt, leather and jammy notes pour off the bouquet on this full-bodied but fairly basic Tempranillo. Baked blackberry flavors are touched up by peppery spice and carob notes, while the finish is toasty and bitter like espresso.
This Amarone has aromas of ripe fruit and evident oak. On the palate, it's a bit lumbering, with mature plum, toasted oak, espresso and chocolate notes. Drink now and over the next few years.
A very perfumed, fragrant and refreshing wine. It is full in the mouth, ripe, smelling of hedgerow blossoms and having a touch of spring in its fruits. Ready to drink, but also keep until 2016.
This is dark and brooding, showing earthy aromas of tilled earth, leather and farmyard. The palate is big and ripe, with black fruit, nutmeg and white pepper flavors.
This wine was aged for 32 months in 85% new French oak but you'd never know it based on the vibrant aromas of iron, earth, bacon fat, black olive, garigue, orange peel, dried flower and purple fruit. This leads to a mouthful of fruit and savory flavors that coat the palate from end to end, finishing savory with abundant black olive notes. The sense of balance is exquisite as is the delicacy.
Power and elegance come together in this beautifully proportioned, flavorful and pure-tasting wine. It has depth, concentration and a luxurious but structured texture that pulls the pomegranate, black cherry and cranberry flavors through to a lip-smacking, lingering finish. This can only get better with time; best after 2022.
Smoky, toasted oak is met by brighter elements of cassis and red currant in this 100% varietal wine, blessed by substantial density and ripeness. Dusty tannin rides along the palate with a smooth edge, finishing in rich caramel toffee.
Based on a blend from the era of Charlemagne, Jim Clendenen's annual combination of 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligoté aged in all new oak shows intriguing smoked stone fruit, sea salt, buttered toast with orange marmalade and a touch of crème brûlée on the delicious nose. The palate offers burnt lemon peels, Marcona almond paste and a touch of buttercream.
A lengthy, plush and full-bodied expression of the variety, this wine is sourced from the producer's estate, Stanly Ranch, as well as Hyde and Poe vineyards. Salty caramel and toffee are complemented by bright orange and lemon accents. It's well balanced and attractive now.
This balanced wine is rich in velvety texture, with a backbone of structured tannins and a hint of earthy minerality. The fruit takes on a compelling tone of linzer torte, with layers of juicy blackberry and black cherry, but never veers too far, pulling back on the ripeness to find complexity, harmony and grace.
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux, Palengat and Wallula vineyards, all located with the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. Aromas of incense, dark fruit, licorice and barrel spice rise up from the glass, which also reveals penetrating cherry and anise notes. The flavors are rich and concentrated but far from over the top, with expertly integrated tannins. It brings a very pleasing sense of texture. Just a baby now, but it has the stuffing to go the distance. Best from 2027–2033.
Truffle, new leather, wild berry, forest floor and balsamic notes are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant, fantastic red. Fresh and juicy, the palate doles out Marasca cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and pipe tobacco set against a tannic backbone and fresh acidity. It's firmly structured but also boasts balance and elegance. Drink 2023–2043.
Pine needles, rhubarb and strawberry wrap around a depth of fresh earth and rose petals in this medium-bodied and well-integrated wine. As it reveals fully developed layers of fruit and nuanced texture, it sizzles in white pepper, a twist of intrigue that differentiates this wine.
This is a classically ripe Paso Robles Syrah, delicious and hedonistic from front to back. Vivacious blackberry and black currant meet with dark chocolate, violets and caramel on the approachable nose. The palate's neatly integrated flavors include blackberry pie in a flaky vanilla crust, tart black plum and a dusting of pepper. The finish is very long.
For lovers of the rich and ripe Paso Robles style, this is a high-value wine. Aromas of candied black cherry and vanilla pudding meet with roasted game and crushed gravel on the nose. Vanilla holds strong into the palate, where it blends with blueberry syrup and blackened caramel. Well-measured acidity and chalky tannins complete the experience.
Gritty, grippy and full of life, this full-bodied wine exhibits a generous swath of extracted cherry, plum and cedar flavor, with additional notes of graphite and oak. Well integrated and big-boned, it has structure and an underlying brightness that make it balanced and elegant within its size.
A shy nose hints at crushed autumn leaves, fresh red fruit and soft vanilla. The palate has that same interplay of earthiness and red-berry fruit, supported by a gentle nudge of oaky vanilla. Slender and layered, the body shows a firm grip of very fine tannin. Freshness is evident on the finish. While lovely now, this elegant, poised wine will blossom over the coming years: the fruit is pure and ample; the structure firm and lasting. Drink 2020–2030.
From the great site in Occidental, this white shines in pear, peach and pineapple flavors, while an inviting floral aroma of honeysuckle permeates the nose. Integrated oak and a creamy palate make for a fulsome, voluptuous experience, balanced and complemented by the wine's crushed-gravel minerality.
Honey and barley sugar dance on the nose. They also vie for attention on the unctuous palate where their rich and decadent sweetness is revealed. This, however, is countered by an acidic thrill of pure lemon, suggesting candied lemon peel in a sea of rich caramel. A touch of passion fruit can be glimpsed, too. The interaction between these opposing poles creates tension in this lip-smacking, lemony- bright wine.
Richness and depth meet vibrancy and precision in this multi-layered and multi-faceted wine. The aroma combines mild spices with gentle red fruits. Flavors go deeper to black cherry and cinnamon, while a broad, gentle texture with mild tannins seems to fill the mouth. Best after 2021.
Alluring aromas of pressed rose petal, menthol, woodland berry and a whiff of cedar follow over to the succulent palate along with crushed raspberry, tobacco and a sprinkling of white pepper. Fine-grained tannins provide an elegant structure while a licorice note wraps around the finish.
Sizable oak presents itself in this wine, before more delicate nuances of cedar, pencil shavings and firm, integrated tannin make themselves known. Full bodied and robustly built, this wine also has balance, offering a cooler-climate sensibility to the fruit and savory touches. Enjoy best 2024–2030.
Sanguine in pomegranate and red currant, this dark, effusive wine is generous in body and flavor, a tangle of vanilla, blueberry and cassis liqueur. Integrated in oak, the tannins take on a pillowy, plush quality that provides polish and focus to the wine. Enjoy from 2024–2034.
Young but already impeccably balanced and extremely elegant, this vibrant wine offers alluring scents of pressed rose, red berry, dark spice and a whisper of menthol. The firmly structured palate delivers cherry, juicy cranberry, licorice and crushed herb framed bright acidity and taut, noble tannins. Drink 2023–2038.
Light and earthy, this wine's secret weapon is its sizzling tease of white pepper that explodes quietly on the palate as it develops. Further spiced in forest and pine, it dances along an elegant focus of integrated power and tannin to reveal elements of cranberry, pomegranate and wild strawberry.
This expertly woven wine proves very cohesive and well balanced, despite its intent to compete with the bigger, often richer wines of the luxury category. Blueberry and blackberry aromas meet with charred wood, graphite and chocolate on the elegant nose. The ripe berry flavors are wrapped in cocoa and light cedar spice, laced together with buoyant acidity.
This reserve level wine brings high-toned aromas of herbs, violets, bittersweet cocoa, mint and dark fruits. The palate displays layered, full-bodied cherry and chocolate flavors that show density and depth. It's an impressive display that captures the senses with its seamless feel.
Fragrant spring flower, white stone fruit, citrus and baked bread aromas lift out of the glass. Creamy and crisp, the vibrant palate delivers juicy Bartlett pear, Gala apple, vanilla and pastry cream. It's all framed in an elegant continuous perlage.
This is a late-disgorged sparkler made from 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. Low in sugar, it shows glorious Granny Smith apple flavor around salty oak. Dry as a bone on the palate, it offers a wealth of lifted acidity and lemon peel that provides complexity and deliciousness.
Fresh cranberries and mulberries meet with crushed thyme, peppercorn and chaparral on the elegant and subtle nose of this bottling, from a vineyard on the southwestern edge of the appellation. The palate is dry and redolent of wild mint, sage and bay leaf, spiced by black and white pepper, which all lead into the black plum-flavored finish.
From the producer's beloved Atlas Peak planting, M is a powerhouse of brawny flavor and earthy minerality, a mix of chocolate, coffee and blackberry jam that's burly in size and scope. Spicy, it layers on savory elements of tar, leather and tobacco, complementing with ease the forceful fruit and supportive oak.
A 100% varietal wine from a tiny site, this is dark yet approachable in its wild characteristics of raspberry and gravel. Expansive and juicy on the midpalate, it offers lengthy clove and dried herb tones between layers of blueberry and blackberry. The leathery texture is satisfying and complex.
Blended with 19% Merlot and 3% Malbec, this Cabernet Franc is richly round and structured, offering a length and breadth of bright flavor and complexity. Black cherry, leather and white pepper compete with classic notions of dried herb and violet, the layers intertwining on the lengthy finish. While it's enjoyable now, it will cellar well through 2024–2030.
Jammy berry aromas are baked, horsey and fold in a note of cherry. A gritty palate with full tannins scrapes at your cheeks, while plum and cherry flavors are loud at first then fade away on a raisiny, sweet finish. Tasted twice, this note reflects both tastings.
This is a soft wine that has some attractive acidity and fresh apple flavors. It is a style of wine that is open, ripe and ready to drink.
This opens with aromas that recall weedy underbrush, crushed dill, camphor, saline, hay and a hint of orange rind. The evolved palate offers roasted coffee bean, licorice and a confectionary note but it lacks fruit richness. Astringent but fleeting tannins dry out the finish.
Toast, coffee and French oak aromas lead the nose and carry over to the one-dimensional palate along with dried cherry and a hint of dill. Soaring alcohol throws it off balance. Give the raspy tannins another year or two to soften then drink before the fruit dries up completely.
Raw oak, coconut, roasted coffee bean and oak-driven spice sensations dominate the nose and the palate. It lacks the fruit richness necessary to support the raspy tannins that leave a rough, astringent finish.
This is classic wine drunk in the bars of Nantes with oysters. It is so crisp, light with an almost shocking amount of acidity. It is very fresh, with strong citrus fruit and just a light prickle on the tongue. Drink now.
A bit weak on the nose, this shows more cement and mineral notes than fruit, though peach and red apple do arise with patience. The light red-fruit character shows on the palate, as does orange rind, orange blossom and a decently chalky grip.
A hearty 80% Sauvignon Blanc finds companionship in 20% Sémillon, barrel-fermented sur lie and left light in the glass. Lean hints of lemon and quince ride dry, simple waves that come off as slightly diluted.
There's an abundance of ripeness and tropicality on the nose of this bottling, with aromas of apple-pear custard, mango, banana, yellow melon and even a touch of caramel. A strong upfront acidity flattens quickly into somewhat overpowering bubblegum and apple flavors.
The wine relies entirely on its ripe fruit without any oak aging. That gives a fresh and fruity character, typical of the vintage, with red-fruit flavors and a fine line of acidity cutting through the gentle tannins. Drink now.
The classic Bordeaux white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon has produced a light and fruity wine. It has some attractive green plum and currant flavors that are lined with clean, pure acidity. Drink the wine now.
Aromas of field brush and citrus are a touch funky. This Monastrell rosé feels round and pulpy, but with decent acidity. Citrus flavors, both pulp and peel, lead to a briny-tasting finish.
Aromas of tire rubber, herb and red fruit lead to soft, plush cranberry and cherry flavors that linger.
This wine offers aromas of herbs, black cherry and spice, showing a bit of heat. The dark-fruit flavors have good intensity, with dry, astringent tannins backing them up.
A soft, almost off dry wine that is full in the mouth. It has caramel and spice flavors as well as light acidity. The wine feels weighty and definitely needs food.
A light and fruity wine that has bright black fruits and an edge of tannins. The black currant and acidity give the wine its fruity character, typical of the vintage. Drink now.
A soft, ripe and rounded wine that is full of fruit. It has a generous feel to it that is balanced by a more tangy citrus edge. Apricots show as the wine opens up to reveal its ripe side. Drink now.
There are ripe yellow fruits here in this generous, full wine. Touches of spice add to the general feeling of richness. There is enough concentration to give a wine that is dense and with a pepper aftertaste.
Small production from five acres with biodynamic techniques, the wine is perfumed, full of candied flavors. It has acidity and a zesty texture with a juicy, green plum character. The aftertaste is ripe and full-bodied. Stéphane Derenoncourt consults for owner Pascal Collotte.
Dominated by its 86% Merlot, this is a fruity wine that is surprisingly light for the vintage. It comes from the plain between Saint-Émilion and the Dordogne River, giving a soft style with just a touch of tannin. Drink from 2017.
A peachy nose includes the botrytis aromas you get in late-harvest Alsace whites and Sauternes. Linear and still lively on the palate, this tastes a bit woody but also of muddled stone fruits. A chunky finish is peachy tasting.
Pierre Lurton runs Cheval Blanc and d'Yquem and this winery, his home château. This is a smooth wine, full-bodied and with a soft texture. It is ripe with apricot and pear flavors, cut with sliced apple. A touch of spice adds interest. With its ripe, full aftertaste the wine shows the plumper side of the vintage. It is ready to drink.
It's the smoky flavors and acidity that dominate this fresh wine. It has hints of black-currant flavors that may develop although the wine is light and shows more dry tannins than fruit at this stage. Think about waiting until 2018.
Bruno Mottet's 2013 purchase of Right Bank Château Seguin now delivers a ripe, smooth and soft wine. There is plenty of fruitiness, citrus, green plum and apple, all integrated into the rich texture and final acidity. Drink now.
Squeezed lime, pear shavings and poached apple arise on the nose of this bottling. There is a tingling and tactile acidity on the sip, but only very light flavors of green pear and lime rind.
This is a straightfoward, plummy, grapy red wine. It's medium in body but rather simple, ending on a slightly astringent, chalky note. Ecocert.
With a notable orange tinge, the aromas offer notes of flowers and orange peel, seeming to show a touch of oxygen exposure. It drinks off dry, with abundant orange-rind and smoke flavors.
There is considerable power in this rich wine. With its dark plum and chocolate flavors it is dense and extracted. The alcohol shows in the pepper edge. It is probably too ripe and bitter for its own good.
Jammy aromas, tangy raspberry and blackberry flavors and a firm vein of tannin make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy and firm enough to pair with big proteins.
A finely balanced wine, its tannins showing the influence of Cabernet Sauvignon along with its signature black currant flavors. There is also weight and an attractive plumper character that broadens the wine, surrounding the tannins with sweet berry fruits.
From Minick Family estate vineyards, this intense and thrilling Riesling has a Germanic 8.5% alcohol and 5.5% residual sugar balance, yet with acids so vivid and juicy that its sweetness is completely counterbalanced. Loaded with spicy pear and tart tangerine fruit flavors, it's a penetrating, dense and highly refreshing wine that explores a style that is both complex and user friendly.
Lemon rind and prune are the primary aromas, but there's also a hint of green bean in here. The palate is dark and concentrated but not exactly high voltage in terms of power. Flavors of raisin, cassis, fig and chocolate are rich and ripe, while the finish runs dark. Almost overripe but seemingly more jammy than overdone. Drink now through 2012.
This succulent effort proves once again that a hot site can make excellent Riesling in Washington state. The Cold Creek signature minerality provides the base, and the fruit, vibrant and fresh, brings juicy acidity as well. The wine sails into a creamy finish that demands a glass refill.
A touch raisiny but lusty and rich, with licorice, mint, black plum and fruitcake aromas. The palate is mouthfilling despite rather pointed acidity, and thus the flavors of juicy blackberry, cherry, pepper and coffee are accurate and appropriate. Long, toasty and yet again slightly raisiny on the finish. Drink now; 300 cases made.
Columbia Crest makes a limited number of single vineyard reserves. This Zinfandel comes from what is emerging as the best site for that grape in Washington. Bright, tart, and full of sappy raspberry and red fruits, this young, ageworthy Zin has great penetration and punch. In style, it is closest to classic Dry Creek Zins from such producers as A. Rafanelli and Doug Nalle. Though labeled simply Columbia Valley, it's actually the Wahluke Slope AVA.
This 100% Grenache is young and grapy, flavorful and forward. This has more muscle and depth than might be expected from such young vines. There is a strong streak of grapefruit/ pineapple citrus that elevates and adds some nervous energy to the finish.
Nine Hats is a recently-introduced second wine from Long Shadows. Clearly this is great juice, though it is, inevitably, a bit of a mishmash blend. Tannins are a little rough, but as a $25 red this has plenty of high-priced flavor.
Heavy and dark, with licorice, fruit syrup and blackberry pie aromas. The palate is lush, deep and chugging along at max ripeness, while the flavor profile pushes blackberry and prune flavors. Roasted and coffee-laden on the finish, with a ripe, ready personality. Drink now.
Far and away the best yet from this five-year-old site, Syncline's 2009 GV is a remarkable wine. While retaining clear varietal character—light pepper, green herb, and a floral/citrus palate—it brings the vivid brightness of Washington fruit into play, along with a searing acidity and surprising body. All this and low (12.5%) alcohol.
This vibrant white offers aromas suggesting elderflower, chopped herb, citrus and a whiff of tomato leaf. On the tangy palate, zesty acidity underscores grapefruit, apricot and nectarine zest while a flinty note seals the crisp finish.
Fruity, ripe and yummy, this wine offers aromas that are spicy and slightly oaky from 14 months in mostly American barrels. The flavors are packed with ripe cherry and blackberry. Despite very full body in terms of alcohol, the texture is smooth, tannins are light and the finish lingers.
This Randall Grahm wine, which also includes 9% Mourvèdre and 2% Syrah, hits the nose with tight raspberry juice, hibiscus, cola and iron aromas, proving tight and mineral-driven. Pencil lead leads the lighter palate, which also shows brisk pomegranate, black and white pepper and a menthol-like Sichuan-peppercorn sensation on the finish. It's a tremendous wine for the price.
Delicate aromas of both toasted nuts and pear waft out of the glass. On the lively palate, a mineral vein enhances rennet apple, citrus zest and bitter almond while zesty acidity leaves a tangy finish.
This ripe, wood-aged wine comes from the plateau above the Douro Valley. It has a cool, mineral character that suits it well. Fresh with acidity and tight with its chalky texture, it's a delicious wine to drink now, fruity, tangy and complex.
This opens with a creamy, fresh texture underscored with light minerality. Lime and pineapple sparkle among a wealth of citrus highlights. This almost screams out for Thai food.
The sweet peach fruit on nose and palate almost borders on over-ripeness, so fleshy, so decadent is its richness. It is on the palate that orange zest provides some offset and more perfume. Decadent in its truest sense.
This wine may not be quite as rich or expressive as the other Viogniers in the Yalumba stable, but it's still an attractive effort. Pineapple and apricot flavors pick up hints of gingery spice on the vibrant finish. Drink now.
Grown in the winery's Nellaserra greenhouse vineyards, this Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend achieves warmer climate ripeness in one of Michigan's northern AVAs. Aged 24 months in barriques, inital oak aromas of toasted brown spices and vanilla pervade. The palate is round and silky yet structured by grippy tannins, with rich dark berries meeting specks of black pepper and rooibos.
This wine opens with an assertively spiced bouquet of gingered white-peach tea, orange blossom, honeysuckle and toasted almond. The palate offers more fruity character in flavors of ripe stone fruit and citrus, but it's still dominated by spicy notes of ginger, clove, anise and honeycomb. Drink now.
Lemon shave ice and hints of white peach make for crisp, clean, and pinpoint precision on the nose, which trends toward ripe with a butter element in the background. The palate shows citrus energy, from salty lemons to lime zest, with a touch of browned butter and cream throughout the sip.
Aromas of fragrant yellow flower, apple and a whiff of hazelnut come together on this structured white. The bright palate offers Kaiser pear, nectarine zest and a honeyed note alongside vibrant acidity.
Heady aromas of cut grass, yellow stone fruit, dill and a hint of tomato leaf are showcased on this fragrant wine. The bright, focused palate delivers yellow peach, yellow apple, sage, saline and mineral note. Toasted almond signals the finish.
Vanilla, dill, pickling spice and dried-cherry aromas are followed by full-flavored black cherry and licorice notes, backed by grainy tannins. The wood and fruit tussle at times but there are still lots of good things going on.
This blend of four grapes, partially fermented in wood, is an immediately attractive wine. Fresh and fruity with only the lightest toasty hints, the wine has citrus acidity, crisp pear and green plum flavors and a zingy, mineral aftertaste. Drink from late 2016.
A solid effort in 2014, this bottling has aromatics of rhubarb, cranberry, pine needle, cocoa and vanilla. All those elements can be tracked across the palate as well in a well-defined, though fairly light style.
Notes of yellow mirabelle plum compote make for a fruit-laden opening. The purity of that ripe, soft mirabelle fruit pervades the entire palate and also providesthe natural, enlivening freshness that illuminates a more citric edge. This is full of joyous fruit and just off-dry.
This textural wine offers berry, plum, black pepper, mushroom and baking spices. The time spent resting in barrels has put a pleasing hint of toast around polished tannins.
Inky, dark and smoky on the nose, this bold Malbec also shows aromas of rubber and turned earth. A blocky, chewy, raw mouthfeel and saucy, herbal flavors of plum and boysenberry combine into a tough, gritty, tannic whole, while the finish is saucy, with oregano and thyme flavors that suggest ragù.
Baked vanilla entirely dominates the nose, underneath lurks a citric, lemony freshness that pervades a rich, vanilla-scented and almost unctuous palate. This is an unusual blend of Pinot Gris and Riesling—perfuming the roundness of the former with the freshness of the latter.
Dusty rocks, smoke and spice notes cast an intensely mineral haze to this dry Riesling. It's a sharp revitalizing wine, brightened by zesty lime and lemon flavors that shimmer through a long finish. Drink now through 2020.
With 12 months in wood, the wine has a smooth, ripe character. The tannins are well integrated into the spicy black fruits from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Trincadeira. Juicy acidity and fresh black currant fruits give the wine a lift at the end. Drink from late 2016.
This young wine offers a potent mix of brambly berry and citrus-rind flavors. The tannins are a bit on the rugged side, but the wine packs in plenty of flavor and raw power. Another couple of years in bottle should help smooth it out.
With an extra year in bottle compared to the regular bottling of this wine, the wine has gained some extra depth and richness. It has spice, firm tannins and a juicy background of berry fruits. It's developing well and will be ready to drink from 2017.
Tomato leaf, cut grass and tropical fruit aromas lead the nose on this racy, linear wine. The vibrant, savory palate doles out juicy yellow grapefruit, yellow peach and a mineral note while lively acidity leaves a crisp, clean finish.
A few swirls of the glass release subtle, refined aromas of yellow stone fruit and hazelnut. The lively palate offers yellow apple, sage, mineral and bitter almond alongside bright acidity.
Elegant lilacs and other purple flowers meet with cola and licorice elements on the nose of this Mourvèdre-led blend, which also included 30% Syrah and 10% Grenache. The versatile palate is bright with tart cranberry and savory with vanilla-bean shavings.
Intense aromas that recall tomato vine, hay, stone fruit and dill lead the nose. The vibrant palate shows honeydew melon, grapefruit and mineral alongside zesty acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Bright, lively notes of yellow peach, apricot and melon adorn the bouquet of this attractive white, while hints of spiced orange, ginger and fresh herbs mingle in the background. It's medium weight and well balanced, with ample acidity and final touches of rosewater and sweet spice that grace the finish. Drink now.
Herbal, jammy aromas of raspberry and plum are spicy but reedy. This feels a bit heavy and out of shape. Stewy, baked blackberry flavors are interwoven with herb and spice notes, while this Malbec-Cabernet blend tastes mostly of chocolate, prune and herbs on a chunky finish.
Minerally lime and peach-pit aromas set up a crisp, stony, elegant palate with lees-based flavors of vanilla that are softly matched by melon and papaya. Fresh and not too demanding, it's made from 70% Garnatxa Blanca and 30% Macabeo (Viura).
Creamy pear with overtones of mint presents an inviting nose for this soft but streamlined wine. Ever-so-slight fizz lends additional freshness.
Starting with the strawberry syrup nose so common in Pinot Noirs from the Santa Maria Valley, this tasty, approachable wine quickly comes across as more fun than pensive, with aromas bordering on Hawaiian Punch. It's very smooth once sipped, showing a bit more raspberry than strawberry on the palate, with some yeastiness and zing as well.
Given 10 months in new French oak, this Dolcetto is firm and lush, imparting mouthwatering raspberry cobbler and smoky, cinnamon-cola aromas. Featuring resolved acidity, the texture is smooth and satisfying. It finishes leathery with a taste of earth.
The aromas are subtle, but the palate is more expressive, with green apple, white peach and lemon zest taking the lead. Crisp acidity gives this a clean, refreshing finish. Sip as an apéritif or enjoy it with starters and lightly seasoned pasta dishes.
Very little of this dry, lightly fruity wine is produced. It's fruit more than flower that you'll taste here—melon, peach, and a suggestion of guava. It's fresh and ready to drink right now.
This savory wine begins with aromas of peach blossom and citrus. The linear palate delivers golden apple, lemon zest, nectarine and almond alongside bright acidity.
Aromas include pear, smoke, flint and citrus peel. The palate has ripe apple, lemon drop, mineral and bitter walnut alongside a note of medicinal herbs.
Floral aromas are reminiscent of peach blossom and wisteria. The palate delivers green apple, Bartlett pear, passion fruit and a light vein of mineral alongside soft acidity.
Aromas of vanilla-baked apple makes for an inviting, mellow white wine whose richness is tempered by a structured, almost phenolic palate. Made from an indigenous Austrian variety, it's versatile and will shine when served with hearty, rich foods.
With a small percentage of whole-cluster fermentation, this tight, cranberry-infused Pinot offers bright layers of cherry and citrus that are savory and well-adjusted in acidity. Softly textured it's a good one to enjoy with pork tenderloin adorned in dried cherries.
Fermented and aged in barrels, this wine leads with wood and butterscotch sensations that carry over to the palate, along with yellow apples and pear. The dense, buttery palate is brightened by fresh acidity. If you appreciate wines with evident oak influence, you'll enjoy this.
Tropical hints of passion fruit join freshly cut pear in the aroma stakes. The palate is zesty, fresh and ever so slightly spritzy, making for easy, very enjoyable drinking.
It would be a shame to drink this lightly sweet wine now, even though it is delicious. Rather wait to bring out a more honeyed character, attractive almond and sweet pear flavors and a fuller texture. Drink from 2016.
Floral and fruit fragrances suggest lemon blossom, stone fruit and citrus. The fresh palate offers juicy peach, creamy apple and lemon zest accompanied by firm acidity. It closes fresh and clean.
Aromas include white flower and pear. The bright palate delivers yellow apple, Bartlett pear, lime zest and bitter almond alongside crisp acidity that leaves a pristine finish.
A juicy blend of 86% Mourvèdre and 14% Grenache this is a bang-up value for subtle blueberry and crushed blackberry layers amid a sanguine, earthy core. Soft and medium-bodied, it has a distinct suggestion of licorice on the finish.
Rich and bold, it's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tinta Roriz, both giving a floral character as well as some concentrated tannins. The dry structure and the intense acidity at the end suggest some aging. Drink from 2015.
Slightly savory with tones of pressed apple and pear, this medium-sweet Riesling balances ripe yellow-peach and quince flavors with an earthy minerality that's intriguing. Bright tangerine acidity drives a long, sunny finish.
Tart passion fruit and spritzy citrus destine this for hot summer days. It's full of refreshing zing, packaged in a light, sprightly but concentrated body.
A ripe, spicy and juicy wine that has good acidity and balanced tannins. It's a blend: the smooth character of the Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) combines with the more tannic firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon. Together, they produce a fruity, structured wine that is ready to drink.
Apple and nectarine aromas are clean and snappy, with a hint of yeast-based vanilla. A fresh, citric palate delivers lime, green apple, pineapple and nectarine flavors, while the finish is clean as a new razor, with nothing off, bitter or pithy.
A plush, lush, value-priced Merlot, this is herbal and rich in truffle mushroom, fierce black-cherry fruit and oak. The generous finish suggests a measured helping of spice.
A wisp of smoke accents subtle aromas of lemon and apple on this off-dry Riesling. While diminutive in body, touches of honey give the palate roundness and richness, as well as adding delicate sweetness to flavors of fresh apple and pear.
Floral aromas of jasmine and hawthorne take center stage. The palate offers mature Bartlett pear, juicy exotic fruit and sage alongside notes of candied ginger and bitter almond.
Done in a clean, quaffable style, this brings a mix of beet root, sassafras, amaro and brown sugar flavors into play, with a round, pleasantly fruity midpalate. It's a country wine, great for glugging.
The nose is subdued and rounded, while some green pear aromatics play on the palate of this mild wine. It still takes time to come out of its shell, but will become full-fruited and open up by 2015.
Dark, rustic and plummy with layers of earthy meat and licorice, this medium-bodied wine is sourced from Tracy Hills and Lake County. Smoothly textured it's ready to go with cured meats and cheese.
Light and fruity, this has a red cherry flavor that's filled with refreshing acidity. The banana flavor from the fermentation is a little too prominent, but this is still a bright, ready-to-drink selection.
Light in color, this has a nose that's defined by a leafy, herbal red-fruit aroma and a rubbery scent. The palate is light in feel and drying, with a spicy, dry red-fruit flavor and a buttery oak tone. Mellow and leafy on the finish.
A dilute wine with a touch of pale cherry fruit. It turns woody on the finish.
This is a fairly lean and acidic wine, with dry cranberry and herb aromas. The palate is drying and wiry, with a peppery, herbal red-fruit flavor, plus a bit of rubber on the finish.
Melony and green on the nose, with an asparagus note. The palate sports enough acidity to keep it afloat, but the flavors shift quickly from lime and melon to peas and asparagus.
Very light strawberry fruit competes with a powerful flavor of damp earth. The wine seems thin and on the green side.
This smells sort of gaseous and mealy. It's soft and fleshy on the palate, with green banana and melony flavors. The finish is mild, green-leaning and bitter, with a flabby structure.
This seems like it was probably better earlier in its life. Now, it's kind of wan and fading, with a maderized note of vanilla, plus white fruit.
This is dry, scratchy and peppery smelling, with a soft, plump mouthfeel, plus leafy, herbal flavors of baked berry and plum. Plump and solid in terms of feel, with modest fruit and carob flavors that control the short finish.
Mild raspberry and oak aromas make for a timid bouquet. The palate feels edgy and acidic, with herbal, oaky flavors of bramble and red fruit. It tastes resiny on the finish, with high acidity that creates an impression of sharpness.
This wine is rubbery and gaseous on the bouquet, with compost, creamy oak and milk chocolate scents. The feel is full but jumbled with jammy black fruit flavors.
This Merlot has small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah. It's fairly tannic, with a trace of stewy greenness in the background.
This simple and sweet wine has a light peach flavor with a sugary—not syrupy—finish. It might be a good wine to soak fruit in for a light dessert.
Spicy aromas of olive, briar patch and raw red fruit set the stage for this punchy, drying wine. This is more fresh and sassy than substantive, with overtones of herb, hard spice and modest peppery fruit.
After a sugary start, this thin and simple wine turns a bit sour. The blend is a mix of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
This is a light wine, and the fruit is dominated by acidity. It has a tart red-currant flavor, with a hint of banana.
Direct and fruity, this Chardonnay is loaded with lemon.
Rubbery, plastic-like aromas of black fruits come with a burnt, smoky edge. There's grip and acidity on the palate, but the mouthfeel is jumbled, and the wine's flavors come across like wiry plum mixed with herb. It finishes hard, candied and herbal.
The see-through strawberry color announces the lightness of the vintage. But it smells attractive and pleasant, with cedar and briar. In the mouth, it runs along a tart, lean line, again a reflection on the year. There's some Burgundian elegance, but only minimal depth of fruit. Overall a pretty wine best for drinking with food.
A good value in Oregon Pinot, this wine features fully ripe cherry aromas with some chocolaty overtones allied to a smoked-meat note. The fruit really sings on the palate, where some cranberry and cocoa flavors chime in. Best Buy.
Beets, mint and cola mark the aromas of this robust offering from the southern part of the state. It’s rich and corpulent—almost Port-like in its dimensions—and although it lacks a bit of elegance, it certainly possesses plenty of mouth-filling flavor.
Grapey, with an off-putting scent of alcohol mixed with tire rubber. Beyond that, the cola and menthol aromas are pleasant, with chocolate and orange peel underneath. It’s hefty, chunky and plummy in the mouth, with lots of sweet oak running onto the finish, leaving a long and lasting woody impression. 164 cases made.
The overtly fruity nose features some perfumed cherry fruit, flowers akin to violets and graham cracker. The sharp, chiseled palate has tart touches similar to raspberry coulis. The mouth is simple and smooth, with nothing but red fruit at the foundation.
This pioneering Oregon producer makes a fine, fruity, yeasty sparkling wine from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It’s crisp and lively in the mouth, with medium bubbles and a fresh, citrusy finish.
Plenty of toast and menthol aromas let you know this has seen new oak; it also masks some pretty black-cherry notes that you now have to ferret out. Finishes with some bitter, woody tannins and juicy cranberry fruit. A wine with promising raw materials that’s fighting to find itself.
Very pungent aromas, with piercing red fruit and light touches of citrus on the nose. At first it’s shockingly tart and tight, so much so that it might throw you for a loop. After lots of time it breathes itself to life, where raspberry essence rises up. Time may allow it to shine, but now it’s hard and astringent.
Rather mute and compact in the nose, but don’t judge it solely on that. In the mouth, it remains a bit closed, but it opens up to show grip and solid black fruit. A sturdy, full mouthful is what you get in this good effort from a southern Oregon producer.
Rather full and deep in the nose. Some black fruit come across as being chunky but fresh. It’s quite the mouthful, with lots of oak in the backdrop providing a big serving of vanilla. Long, dry and oaky at the end. Interesting, though not overly complex or layered.
This may be dry Chenin Blanc, but there is this tantalizing touch of honey that goes with the crisp apple and fresh quince fruits. The wine has delicious, refreshingly crisp acidity that counterbalances its natural richness.
Apple and other white-fruit aromas are appealing. The palate on this well-priced wine is nice and juicy, with a typical blend of green apple, peach and citrus flavors. This is fresh, minerally and linear on the finish. Drink now.
This mature wine is a touch gritty and baked on the nose, and the palate has some scratch and choppiness to the mouthfeel. But core flavors of stewed berry, baked plum and cherry are good, and the finish of molasses, brown sugar and ripe berry fruit has its merits. Drink now.
This medium-bodied Syrah boasts baking spice, brick dust, brandied cherry and cassis aromas along with some stalky green. The palate is tight and bouncy, with firm tannins and herbal flavors of licorice root, spice, coconuty oak and black fruits. On the finish, it's all about coconut and chocolate.
One sniff and you will be able to peg this as cool-climate SB. The nose is full of nettle and gooseberry aromas, while the palate feels trim and citrusy. Flavors of gooseberry, nettle and green bean leave a tropical note on the finish. This shows fine acidity but narrow, raw flavors.
Earthy aromas of root beer, baked cherry, roasted plum and vanilla are deep but come up a bit short on the freshness factor. This is a ripe wine with a dense mouthfeel and syrupy flavors of molasses, brown sugar, chocolate and baked berry fruits. Given its warm Manchuela roots, it's in good shape and should be opened and consumed now.
Given a year's aging, this Chenin Blanc has lost its initial fruitiness while gaining a more nutty, complex series of flavors. It is rich, full and packed with both acidity and baked-apple fruit flavors. The wine has potential for aging over 2–3 years.
In a style that is reminiscent of neighboring Jurançon, Pacherenc produces fruity, fragrant and fresh sweet wines. There is a touch of honey and tropical fruit that balances the acidity and the crispness. A wine for pâtés as well as desserts.
Fragrant in game, lavender, herb and red berry fruit, Terre Rouge's only California appellation Syrah is dusty, savory and reasonably light, approachable from beginning to end. On the finish, enjoy handfuls of peppery spice.
Strawberrry and rhubarb aromas open the bouquet of this Merlot, with hints of cinnamon, bark and raw cocoa nib unfolding shortly after. Medium weight with soft, approachable tannins, this has a clean, cherry-flavored finish.
Notes of light grass, green melon rind and a touch of green pepper unfold in the bouquet, while the palate boasts more citrus-based flavors of lime and tart gooseberry. This is bright and lively, with a short, mouthwatering finish.
Mocha, raspberry, sour cherry and spice are the focus of this plucky red from Skouras. The wine has focus and a masculine edge, and should pair well with dried meats, spicy pasta sauces and salty cheeses.
A solid effort, with cherry and red currant aromas. The palate bears scratchy tannins and flavors of raspberry and red plum, with mild, dry and crisp finish. This should pair well with basic foods.
This is charred smelling, with herbal, jammy, heavy aromas of mocha, coffee and berry fruit. It feels syrupy and cloying, with heavy extraction, borderline overripeness and sweet flavors of brown sugar, mocha, baked blackberry and oak. Warmth and a note of carob dominate the finish.
With red berry fruitiness, this is an attractive wine. It has a light texture, some juicy acidity and it's ready to drink.
Herbaceous and aromatic, this is a crisp, green-fruit- and citrus-flavored wine. Grapefruit and green apple dominate the texture with its zesty character. Not for aging.
Attractive notes of dried red berry and bramble mingle with hints of savory herb and soft peppery spice on the bouquet of this blend. Skin-driven fruit flavors dominate the palate, followed by a clean finish. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon; Mevushal.
With some structure to go with the blackberry fruit, this is fruity and still light-bodied. With soft tannins and acidity, it is ready to drink.
This is crisp and tangy, with a slightly beer-accented nose. Cucumber and apple flavors are found, with a touch of canned asparagus.
Initially austere, this wine is driven by notes of bitter chocolate and lean fruit. The fruit weight promises some attractive aging, but for the present, it is firm, dry and solidly tannic.
Despite an overlay of dried apricots and caramel, what is striking about this stickie is its intense essence of lime. The flavors of candied lime and pineapple are bright and fresh, finishing long and balanced, without an excess of sugar.
This is a broad, sweet, full-bodied dessert wine that lacks the crisp acids necessary for a higher degree of balance. Instead, it delivers intense honey and pineapple flavors that stick stubbornly to the palate. Probably best with sweet desserts.
Ripe and fully oaked, with char, mineral, cola and black-fruit aromas. In the high-flying world that is premium Priorato, this wine is serious and tough. It displays berry, plum and herbal flavors and then a thick, broad, tannic finish. Shows a tiny bit of green at its heart. 750 cases produced.
A softer style of Xinomavro, with savory spice and cherry/strawberry fruit aromas. On the palate, an integrated blend of elegant berries and spice offer smooth, everyday sipping with dimension. Structed and ageable, the wine is a versatile food pairing choice—think pasta dishes, pizza and chicken.
Lemon-lime, dry talc and mineral make for a clean, no-issues bouquet. This is a fruity, steely wine with pineapple, orange, green apple and lime flavors. The feel is like a kiss of the razor, while the finish is fresh and persistent.
An intriguingly savory Shiraz, laden with meaty, leathery aromas and flavors of pepper-cured meat and coffee. It's full-bodied and creamy in texture, with a lushness that persists through the finish. Drink now.
Very nice red wine but for $112 we want to be forced to take notice, and frankly that doesn't really happen here. Still, the wine goes snap, crackle and pop on both the bouquet and palate. It's a crisp one, with live-wire cherry, cola and spice flavors. Not at all flabby, and instead runs lean and fresh. Good now and maybe better in a few more years.
The winery calls the 2007 Tikka's “less exuberant” than previous vintages; that is not necessarily a bad thing. The fruit is crisp and powerfully focused; layered with flavors of melon, green apple, Asian pear and fresh peas. Whole cluster pressed and fermented in a combination of tank and neutral barrels, this textural wine finishes with crisp, mineral accents.
A full-bodied rosé reflective of the cherry and berry Agiorgitiko character. The nose offers a fresh, fragrant but earthy strawberry, rhubarb and floral element, and flavors of lush cherry mingle with a clean acidity, giving the wine dimension with a light touch.
This wine is restrained and wound a little tight, but it has great grip and nervy flavors. Note the woodsy and rhubarb aromas, tight cherry and cranberry flavors, a lean texture due to firm acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Very tentative hints of earthy red fruit are all that can be discerned on the nose. The palate is lithe and soft and slightly edged with fine sprays of white pepper amidst very tender red fruit: is it cranberry? Red fruit just shimmers through and wants to be coaxed out. The delicate aftertaste of forest floor, cranberry and pepper is a joy.
Savory touches of herb-crusted poultry, leather and turned earth show on the nose of this bottling from East Paso. Dried red fruit, rich leather and smoked pork elements and a touch of coffee on the finish show on the palate, where the tannins are a touch firm right now.
Muted aromas of toast, oak, crème caramel and a hint of aromatic herb lead the nose. The full-bodied palate doles out acacia honey, dried fig and vanilla. It's rather shy on freshness and very sweet but not quite cloying.
Enticing notes of ripe, red apple and a hint of fine marzipan lead onto an apple-fruited palate of immense fruity freshness. This is unusual, sprightly and full of life: a Zweigelt vinified as a white wine. Drink as soon as possible to make the most of the alluring primary fruit aromas.
Creamy, lemon-scented apples offer a harmonious, easy to enjoy and friendly palate on this aromatic, bright and fruity white. With a slender, scented silhouette, this is designed for easy, lightweight summer sipping. Drink soon while flavors are in their prime.
This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard at the 33rd degree north latitude shows blackberry jam with vanilla bean, shaved cinnamon and plump purple flowers on the nose. Red currant and red cherries pop on the palate alongside lots of earthy flavors of wet clay. The tannins need a bit of mellowing still.
This wine is an extrovert, boasting powerful jammy and smoky aromas, very ripe blackberry and maple syrup flavors, a dry impression and a good, thick layer of tannin.
This wine is silky and medium bodied. An attractive array of rose-like notes mingle with hints of cola, cinnamon and damp earth on the nose. Cherry flavors on the palate fade slowly on the elegant finish.
Delicately scented, this refined white opens with a fragrance reminiscent of white flower and orchard fruit. The svelte, linear palate offers crisp green apple, pear and mineral alongside racy acidity.
Yeast and mint mingle with green pear. This insistent freshness, amplified by zesty lime notes, pervades the entire wine and delivers one tidy bundle of pure refreshment.
Concentrated yet supple, this dark Pinot should be true to its name and evolve nicely for up to 10 years. Cedar, cola and vanilla notes frame black cherry fruit that slowly fades away on the finish.
Subdued aromas of scorched earth, dark cooking spice, black currant and a whiff of game emerge in the glass. The ripe palate offers mature dark-skinned berry, vanilla, tobacco and toast alongside mellow tannins. Drink through 2018.
This wine does a great imitation of a Port at a lighter alcohol level. The color is deep and inky, the aromas are concentrated and uberripe, and the texture is thick, nicely tannic yet smooth. Bring on the chocolate or cigars.
Violet, rose, wild berry, chopped herb and dark spice aromas float out of the glass. The friendly, robust palate doles out black cherry, ground pepper and rhubarb alongside fresh acidity and round tannins. Enjoy soon.
Aromas of ripe black fruit, tilled earth and grilled herb unfold in the glass. The straightforward, already accessible palate delivers sour cherry, licorice and white pepper accompanied by rather firm tannins. Drink through 2018.
This opens with aromas suggesting dark-skinned berry, ground pepper and a whiff of flint. The solid, chewy palate shows mature plum, espresso and vanilla alongside ripe, robust tannins. Drink through 2018.
Very light-bodied, slight but textbook Grüner with green pear fruit on nose and palate and an almost fizzy, refreshing and utterly appetizing hint of white pepper. Gives a superclean, pear-drop finish.
Peppery notions of green pear, along with zesty lemon notes, add focus to this fresh, joyful and pliantly soft wine. Very easy to drink with its light body and subtle charm.
Crisp lemon, lime and mineral tones are restrained on the nose of this dry Riesling, but accumulate in power on the palate. It's a surprisingly peachy, fruit-forward wine, but it maintains deftness of body along with a long, steely finish.
The freshness of ripe lemon and crunchy, green apple pervades everything: the nose and palate sing with light-footed, unfettered freshness. This is crisp, light and spritzy and just the thing for a sunny, summery mood where refreshment is supposed to come on tiptoe but have a lasting effect. Full points for joy and ease. Drink soon.
Aromas of banana, apricot, honeysuckle and tropical fruit lead the nose. The round, medium-bodied palate offers creamy white peach, green apple, tangerine and a hint of honeydew melon. Fresh acidity brightens the rich flavors.
Lovely, homely notes of earth and forest floor are enveloped by red cherry. These are joined on nose and palate by soft vanilla and a touch of cinnamon. A very friendly, rounded, smooth and soft Pinot Noir with ample charm, made for drinking now and through 2018.
Cinnamon-scented plums are written all over this. This was made to be smooth and mellow and the pliable, soft, plummy fruit notes achieve this wonderfully. The palate remains medium-bodied and balanced on this easy-drinnking red.
Slight spritz accentuates the light-footed freshness of this subtly citric wine. There are notions of ocean spray and the softest lemon scent. There are hints of peach and plum at the very slender core.
Buttercream, sea salt, caramel and lemon candy aromas show on the nose of this solid bottling. The flavors are full but not overly ripe, with yellow apple, poached pear, white peach and a sea salt character that keeps it mouthwatering.
Aromas of violet, blueberry and baking spice almost explode from the glass. The medium-bodied palate tastes of raspberry, cassis and clove while round tannins and fresh acidity give it balance. It's made for sheer drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
Luscious blackberry and cherry flavors take center stage here, showing just a glaze of nuttiness and roundness from judicious oak aging. Tart cranberry acidity and fine but slightly puckering tannins frame the palate squarely.
This 16–acre estate is run biodynamically, producing intensely flavored, honeyed, ripe wines. This is succulent from ripe fruit, with the acidity bright and vivid, finishing with sweet pineapple and apricot flavors.
Fine fresh fruits, bright with good acidity and a lively fresh character. There is a strong apple skin and grapefruit texture, finishing fresh and full.
This captures the gamy, herbal, earthy complexity of Washington Syrah, but mutes it somewhat behind a wall of raspberry fruit. Not a bad combo by any means! This one carries some stemmy flavors into the finish. Just enough to put a hard edge on it.
Nice and fresh, and definitely the best vintage of Analivia we've tasted to date. The nose bursts with floral aromas, apricot, apple and minerality, while the palate is clean as a whistle, with apple, tangerine and pineapple flavors. Slightly pithy on the finish, but that's normal for Verdejo from Rueda.
With 50% fermentation, this is a ripe, toasty wine, the wood balanced by a great citric swipe. Bright white fruits and wild flower perfumes give the wine a great lift.
Smooth, tropical and melony, with an easygoing palate that comfortably houses green melon, lime, grapefruit and other tropical fruit flavors. The finish is mildly pithy and bitter, but overall this is a clean, well-crafted wine that genuinely captures the essence of Torrontés.
Some fine wood and fruit aromas are followed by fresh grapefruit, pear and bright lemon flavors. The whole is held together by a fine touch of honeyed wood.
A piercingly citrus wine, the fruit as fresh as can be, rounded by the wood aging. There is a really bright character here that is appetizing and fresh.
Compact on the bouquet, with a pointed combo of boysenberry and blackberry aromas. The palate is full, with plenty of acidity and stuffing. Flavors of blackberry, olive, fig and chocolate are likable and the finish is loud and powerful in typical South American style. Better value than the higher-priced Kinien Cab. Drink now through 2012.
While the wine is toasty, burnt almost, the freshness of the fruit is very present, giving a light, lively touch to the weight. Give it six months to finally integrate.
Smooth-textured, spicy wine with rich tannins and red berry fruits. Its structure is well integrated, sweet jammy flavors surrounding a dry core, with delicious juicy final acidity.
Dense color is the character of the Sousão grape, and this wine—almost black—exhibits that character very well. For taste, cherry juice, cranberry and chewy tannins are sharpened by acidity.
Sweet, forward aromas of mocha, blackberry, cotton candy and vanilla signal a rich wine. The palate is round and chunky, with a spot of elegance but more size and force. Flavors of chunky blackberry are slightly salty and salinic at the edges, while overall it's thick, fruity and black in nature. Drink now through 2012.
Drier than the 2008 at just under 1% residual sugar, this offers lime-driven citrus fruit flavors, wrapped in puckery acidity. It opens with pleasing aromas of blossom and sweet pea, and has the grip and finish of some Austrian or German trocken-style Rieslings. It would be interesting to cellar it for 6–8 years, but it's drinking well already.
Inviting aromas of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and rooty blackberry are a high point on this slightly hollow Rioja reserva. Plum, blackberry and citric flavors are short and tart, while the finish is light in step, with juicy acidity. This is solid for a 2008, a notoriously difficult vintage. Drink through 2024.
Minerality and raw citrus aromas create a true Verdejo bouquet. This is properly acidic and fresh, but a touch round and pulpy as well. Briny, borderline bitter flavors of grapefruit, lime, tarragon and scallion finish pithy. Drink now.
Delicate but pretty aromas of violet, dark berry, brown spice and a whiff of sun-baked earth emerge in the glass. The firm, forward palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, mint, clove and tobacco alongside tightly knit but refined tannins.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this opens with aromas of sun-baked earth, ripe plum, blue flower and a whiff of oak-driven spice. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, anise, coconut, mocha and grilled sage alongside dusty tannins that leave a slightly astringent finish.
Varietal bottles of Malbec are an extreme rarity in this appellation. This one, which hails from Frazier Bluff Vineyard, offers light aromas of dried herbs, plum, pepper and tobacco. The blue fruit flavors are sweet and lithe, with the texture upping the enjoyment.
This full-bodied red opens with aromas of ripe plum, crushed violet, leather and dried aromatic herb. The firmly structured palate delivers dried black cherry, aniseed, tobacco and clove accompanied by tightly knit, assertive tannins. Wait a couple of years for the tannins to unfold then drink up to capture the remaining fruit richness. Drink 2017–2021.
Aromas of ripe blackberry, ripe plum, toast, espresso and a whiff of coconut lead the nose. The brooding palate offers dried black cherry, mocha, licorice, tobacco and a hint of oak alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2018.
Intensely concentrated and nuanced with oak, spice and citrus rind, there's a whole lot more than insipid quaffing in store for this Pinot Grigio. Lithe, lean and deeply mineral in style, it's a wine meant for slow sipping and pondering.
A blend of Sangiovese and 7% Canaiolo, this bright red opens with pretty aromas of violet, woodland berry and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant palate offers tart cherry, black raspberry and anise alongside sleek tannins and fresh acidity.
This pure expression of Sangiovese offers alluring aromas of ripe plum, blue flowers and baking spice. The straightforward palate delivers black cherry, licorice, toast, espresso and ground pepper alongside polished tannins.
This opens with aromas of blackberry, truffle and forest floor. The firm palate offers ripe black cherry, plum, espresso and clove alongside round, chewy tannins. It's already accessible and will also offer lots of near and mid-term enjoyment.
Ripe, rounded peach flavors with an earthy edge on the nose give way to a tingling, peppery, grassy and grapefruit-driven palate full of zing and crispness. This is tingling and fresh. Drink soon.
A blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this round, medium-bodied wine offers aromas of dark berry, blue flowers and a whiff of cedar. The friendly, accessible palate delivers juicy black cherry, tobacco and a hint of licorice alongside soft tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2017.
Less defined notes of ripe pear or plum framed by earthy, yeasty notes are toned by citrus freshness. This is concentrated,         punchy and finishes with lip-smacking citrus.
Aromas of toasted white bread and baked apple are yeasty. This feels good on the palate, with mature flavors of apple that steer clear of being too snappy or citric. On the finish this is like the nose: bready and tasting like baked apple.
Totally lemon-focused but very textured Pinot Blanc with a mineral dimension. Its slender palate with pointed, brisk acidity that is very typical for the vintage. The lemony freshness on the finish destines this for the table.
This is the first offering of this wine where Cabernet Franc (37%) takes the lead, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot (23%), Malbec (7%) and Petit Verdot. It's drinking young now, with wound-up herbs, cherry, chocolate and cranberry flavors backed by firm, gripping tannins. It will be best after 2021.
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, spice rack, grilled herb and a whiff of leather lead the nose of this blend of 85% Sangiovese, with 15% Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot. The taut palate offers dried black cherry, espresso, aniseed and tobacco alongside bracing tannins that leave an astringent finish. Even though the tannins need to unwind, drink sooner rather than later to enjoy the remaining fruit richness.
Aromas of ripe plum, violet, vanilla, toast and leafy underbrush come together on this is full-bodied red. The palate offers black cherry marinated in spirits, grilled porcini mushroom and dried aromatic herb alongside assertive tannins that leave a somewhat drying finish.
One of the annual blends from the historic West Paso winery, this mix of 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Mourvèdre shows black cherry extract, elderberries, concentrated rose petals, marjoram leaf and a gamy touch of bloody organ meat on the nose. The flavors prove more slate-driven, with a bit of bacon fat and crushed herbs.
Aromas of scorched earth, grilled porcini, black plum and a confectionary note lead on this robust red. The hearty palate offers dried black cherry, espresso, toasted oak, anisette, coconut and oak-driven spices alongside the heat of evident alcohol. Velvety tannins carry the warm, ripe flavors.
This 100% Sangiovese opens with aromas of dried black-skinned fruit, menthol, pressed flowers, allspice and leather. The palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, espresso and tobacco alongside tightly knit but refined tannins. Drink now.
Elegantly structured, this opens with aromas of blue flowers and perfumed berries. The savory palate offers wild cherry, plum, dried herb and a licorice note alongside fresh acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins.
Yeasty, bready notes blend with nectarine and baked apple aromas in front of a round, layered palate. This offers a complex set of flavors that include yeasty bread, baked apple and citrus fruits. On the finish, leesy richness is cut by a streak of sea brine and nectarine.
Made with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this offers aromas of ripe plum, wild berry, underbrush and espresso. On the palate, notes of mocha and grilled herb add depth to the core of dried black cherry while fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Reflecting the heat of the vintage, it's evolving quickly and is already accessible.
This light-bodied Merlot rosé is a summer delight. Hints of strawberry blossom and citrus mark the nose, while the palate features berry shadings set against a backdrop of citrus, something like a dry, adult version of pink lemonade.
A lively and fresh nose of blackberries, black cherries, black pepper, turned earth and fresh fennel greet the nose on this wine that's made by Mike Roth for Greg Martellotto. There are flavors of blackberry-filled licorice spice cake on the palate, though the tannins could use a bit of mellowing.
Dusty peach and apple aromas fold in stony mineral notes as well as leesy scents. This feels solid, properly acidic and a bit pulpy. Flavors of apple cider and peach pit finish with citrusy acidity.
The most pure Riesling imaginable, with hedgerow flowers, white currants and waft after waft of fresh fruit. It's a vibrant, vivid wine, with a lift and total crispness. Screwcap.
The ever-creative Charles Back scores again with this blend of Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Barbera and Primitivo. The nose offers red currant, cinnamon, cherry and vanilla, and on the palate, friendly fruit flavors are finished with a blast of fiery spice. The wine can age but is good today with spicy ribs, beef and assertive flavors.
The Grand Estates Merlot has to be considered one of the best—if not the best—budget Merlots in the world. The color is pure and deep, there is a strong tannic spine, and the flavors of cassis and coffee, boysenberry and chocolate could be coming from a much more expensive bottle.
Beautiful, brooding and with a bit of an edge, the Gravel Hill starts with aromas of smoke, cloves, black currant and pepper, leading into a layered, savory array of rich spice and black fruit. Elegant but assertive, the wine has a distinctive South African character, with a touch of Old World minerality and restraint.
A blend of old-vine Cariñena (60%), Syrah (25%) and Merlot (15%). The color is impressively dark and so is the fruit—mainly plums and blackberries. Toast and dried spices from new oak give an additional impression of opulence. But even more impressive is the balance. This is no low-acid, fruit-and-oak wonder; the natural acidity of the Carignane shines through, giving lift and definition to the flavors. Easy to drink now, but should easily hold a few years.
Makes a strong statement for the potential of Chardonnay in Chile, with powerful toast and hazelnut aromas playing opposite fruit comprised of peaches and Granny Smith apples. It's barrel-fermented and aged, but stayed only a relatively short time in wood, so you can still taste the fruit and all of the nutty, leesy complexities. Editors' Choice.
A powerful, solid wine, packed with luscious fruit. The perfumes and the ripeness of the fruit are currently covered with a firm tannin layer, but this should develop well as a medium-term wine.