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.
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.
Deliciously crisp, this is full of citrus and fig, medium in body and high-strung in acidity. Dry, crisp and balanced, it's focused and linearly conceived. An enjoyable glass from start to finish at an unbelievably fair price.
Densely tannic, this is a dark, rich, intense wine. The mature dusty tannins are balanced by acidity, black currant fruitiness and finished with a dry core. It's ready to drink.
Cherry cola and cardamom scents start the experience with this blend. A boost of Petite Sirah contributes licorice flavor to the midpalate, and a chocolate cake with mocha frosting flavor to the finish. There's ample grip to the strong tannins, so even though it's already five years old, it will continue to smooth through 2016.
Subtle aromas of acacia and white spring flowers are accented by hints of stone fruit. The palate offers mature Bartlett pear and tart green apple alongside crisp acidity. It closes on a distinctly nutty note of bitter almond.
Exuberant aromas suggest tropical fruit and tomato vine. The palate is more restrained, showing subtle yellow peach, citrus and mineral alongside fresh acidity.
Citrus and apple aromas are straightforward. This feels mostly good on the palate, with some flab and grab. Citric-leaning flavors of grapefruit and orange are softened by nectarine notes, while the finish is clampy like the palate.
Half of this wine was barrel fermented in mostly new French oak; the other half done in stainless. Peaches and butter are the main flavors, with a soft, pretty finish that brings a streak of caramel.
Partly fermented in oak casks, this full-bodied Pinot Grigio opens with floral aromas of Spanish broom, white spring flowers, vanilla and apple. The palate offers pear, apple, lemon zest and a note of bread crust alongside bright acidity.
A blend of Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla, it has aromas of hawthorne, stone fruit, pear and almond. The palate offers green apple, yellow peach, bitter almond and a hint of menthol alongside bright acidity.
This Elqui SB delivers green-fruit aromas of underripe melon and pea along with passion fruit. In the mouth, it shows good body and acidity, while grassy flavors blend with tropical notes. A green but not vegetal finish provides a good ending.
Soft, light and layered in raspberry spice, this is a refreshing take on Petite Sirah, less about intensity than enjoyment. A fine food-pairing wine, it won't overtake the table, complementing peppery steaks and roasts with its own measured seasoning.
Comprised of 57% Zinfandel, 31% Syrah and 12% Petite Sirah. McFadden's Coro blend is the lightest of the 2010 bunch, floral in bright red fruit. Soft, still grippy tannins weave well into the midpalate and finish, signaling it as a match for roast chicken or barbecued pork ribs not too swaddled in sauce.
A blend of 54% Roussanne, 29% Marsanne and 17% Viognier from the sought-after vineyard site Alder Springs, this is an estate wine made in small quantities, gorgeous in apricot and white peach aromatics. Completed by a mouth-coating texture and crisp acidity on the finish, it offers balance and effusive minerality.
Passion fruit and canned pea aromas are typical of Leyda, especially in a cool year like 2013. This is consistent on the palate, with zesty acidity. Flavors of passion fruit, mango, lime and green herbs finish citrusy and fresh.
This is a young, meaty Pinot, a bottle of substantial red cherry, earthy mushroom and soil that's bright and layered with a heartiness to the texture and finish. The back label mentions that the grapes were sourced from Bacigalupi Vineyards, a longstanding star in the Russian River Valley.
Made from grapes sourced from the Gebling Vineyard, this has broad, ripe yellow fruit and a touch of spice. With its rich mouthfeel, it is a serious wine, both complex and intense. Age for at least a year. Screwcap.
This is a very closed, terroir-driven wine with a mineral character. With its tight structure and flavors of green fruit and spice, it is a wine for aging. Screwcap.
This is complex, ripe and full of sweet raspberry fruit. Impressive and dense, it's balanced with acidity and a tense tannic structure.
This is a delicate, beautifully-poised wine, so crisp and lively. The ocean-influenced vineyard site helps to keep the wine light. This is what summer rosé is about.
Punchy and pure on the bouquet, this has nicely presented blackberry and cassis aromas that are offset by a whiff of dried cheese and leather. It feels snappy, fresh and firm, with toasty, mildly-spicy plum, berry and toasted flavors. Lengthy, juicy and healthy on the finish. Drink now through 2015.
This reticent wine takes a bit of airing to come around, but once it does it shows impressive depth of melon fruit accented by crushed stone. It's medium to full in body, with a slightly oily texture, while the finish has a drying, tactile quality to it that's a bit like chalk dust.
Aromas of kirsch, licorice, mineral and blackberry are strapping as they lead onto a balanced, flowing palate with flavors of black fruit, spice and chocolate. Easygoing as a whole, with a smooth fade to the finish. Drink now through 2017.
Full-bodied and lushly textured, this delicious Gigondas is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. It's fragrant with hints of wildflowers and black cherries, but adds enough savory hints of black olive and coffee to avoid being a simple fruit bomb. A bit warm, but impressive; for early drinking.
A fine effort, with an inviting swirl of earthy components. Citrus, spice, earth, compost, coffee grounds and cinnamon comprise this detailed, aromatic wine. It sits squarely in the classic mold of the better Walla Walla Syrahs.
Smooth and chocolaty, this palate-coating Syrah brings ripe black-cherry flavors into a lush and compelling core. Just a hint of leather does not detract from the powerful fruit.
Seductive and forward, the Avec Chêne (with wood) boasts intense aromas of vanilla, butter and cream that frame the superripe peach and guava fruits. A touch of honey and sweet spice add depth to the round, creamy-textured palate. Rich but not overdone, with a sweet orange oil lift to the long, evolving finish. Drink 2013-2015.
Full bodied and richly textured, this is a terrific value in Barossa Cabernet. And it's no simple fruity concoction, either. Instead, it delivers complex notes of grilled meat, coffee and black olive layered easily over a base of dark plums. Finishes long, velvety and mouthwatering; drink now–2020.
Beautiful aromas of forest floor, dusty berry and smoked meats lead to a huge, tannic but tolerable mouthful of toasty blackberry, cassis, chocolate and additional darkness. It's toasty and really long on the finish; almost syrupy but not quite. A tannic effort, like all Griñon wines.
This is an intense expression of steely Riesling, with a complex structure and excellent aging potential. It is full of citrus, pear and crisp pineapple flavors that are laced with concentrated acidity. Age for at least five years. Screwcap.
Elegant, taut and poised, this has enough texture to suggest it needs a few more months of aging. It has a finely wrought character that comes from the mix of zesty acidity and sweet fruit.
With a dominance of Mourvèdre, this is big and rich. It has weight, with intense fruit flavors and a dense texture. Structured and concentrated, this is a food-friendly rosé.
Woodsy and smooth smelling, with integrated spice and black-fruit aromas. It feels like a padded vise grip, with demanding tannins and blackberry, toast and coffee flavors that narrow down due to tannic astringency. Incredibly flavorful and potent; drink or hold.
Spicy, peppery and still a bit sharp, this Merlot-dominated blend includes fruit from both estate vineyards—Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge. It shows the seamless polish that marks all of Jean-François Pellet's wines. The finish is focused and long, with delicious highlights of cinnamon and dark chocolate.
Quite inky in the glass, this bottling shows black currant, black cherry and hearty violets on the nose. The palate is quite dark with a strong core flavor of black coffee, enhanced by loamy soils, crushed lava rocks and a touch of tarragon. A thick palate is sliced by bright acidity.
Aromas of apple, berry, pastry cream and bread dough delicately carry over to the crisp, creamy palate, along with Rainier cherry, citrus and a hint of baking spice. It's lovely and balanced, showing an elegant mousse and bright acidity.
Produced from selected parcels of fruit in top vintages, this is the flagship wine from this Jorgensen family estate. Aragonez and Syrah dominate this ripe still-young wine. It is rich and concentrated with powerful tannins and layers of acidity, dark chocolate flavors and generous black-plum flavors. It will certainly age further and this fine wine will be best drunk from 2019.
This cooler-vintage Le Dix, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of the best on record. Dry, lightly oaked aromas of ripe berry and cassis include a hint of vanilla. A compact palate delivers blunt-force red-berry and black currant flavors. On the finish, this simmers with modest heat as well as oak and café mocha flavors. Drink through 2026.
Produced in the small white-wine enclave within the Madiran appellation, this wine is a blend of the two emblematic grapes of the region. It's rich and full bodied, hinting at the ripeness of the sweet wines that are also made here. It has style, along with intense acidity, apricot and pear flavors and smooth fruitiness. Drink now.
Potent aromas of road tar and black pepper meet very concentrated blackberry jam flavors and a sweet but not syrupy mouthfeel in this very dark-colored and full-bodied dessert wine. Made from traditional Portuguese grape varieties, the wine's density and richness of fruit is impressive, and everything tastes in balance.
Dramatic in aromas and opulent in flavors, this rich and gorgeously fruity wine has a great sense of layering and concentration, and a moderately tannic texture that feels layered and supple on the palate. Light spicy nuances dress up the focused black cherry and blueberry flavors.
Lovely golden color highlights a balanced, floral and pretty late-harvest expression of apricot jam in this nuanced wine, which is relatively low in alcohol with 12.3% residual sugar. It offers viscosity that doesn't overpower, making it ideal for pairing with hard pungent cheeses or vanilla ice cream.
Concentrated aromas of violets and rose buds meet with black raspberry on the nose of this bottling. Quite light in the glass, it's full of tart red-fruit flavors, from cranberry to red-plum skins, with herbal tones on the midpalate: oregano, marjoram and dried lavender. The finish is grippy and driven by menthol.
Showing great restraint and structure, this wine is complex, savory and brings a welcome change from the usual fruity soft California wine. It smells lightly spicy, beefy and earthy, tastes mild but deep, with fascinating flavors like smoked meat, tea, raspberry and cola.
Robustly concentrated, this is a rich rewarding wine exuberantly layered in black raspberry and blackberry flavor. Boldly structured, with depth and length for days, it hits the palate with pleasing jolts of cinnamon, clove and black licorice.
Waxy plum, cherry and a thread of oak accent a full-bodied warmth of soft tannin in this lovely wine, which also unfurls savory elements of cedar and graphite. Succulent, it shows the remarkable acidity for which the site is known.
Steeped plum, exotic spice, crushed mint and underbrush aromas take center stage. The palate is still youthfully austere, offering dried cherry, star anise and pipe tobacco framed in firm fine-grained tannins. Give it time to fully bloom. Drink after 2022.
This blend of four vineyards, which spent 34 months in older French oak, shows cranberry, pomegranate, cherry pie and exotic Turkish spices on the nose. It's light and easy on the palate, with hints of plum, violet, rosewater and white pepper—much like drinking a bouquet of flowers.
Tangy aromas of lemon curd meet with warmer touches of Marcona almonds and cider-laced popcorn on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The palate starts with a melted butter richness before tangy citrus peels and savory sea salts combine for a long finish, where both butterscotch and vanilla also make an appearance.
Rose, underbrush, dried berry and balsamic notes lead the nose. The taut structured palate evokes juicy strawberry, crushed cherry, star anise and cake spice framed in tightly woven fine-grained tannins. It's elegant and well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
This is an impressive Touriga Nacional from its home region. Aged for 12 months in wood, it has mint and eucalyptus flavors to add to the dark tannic fruit. Blackberries and juicy acidity are combined with the core of tannins to deliver a powerful statement that needs some more time to mature. Drink from 2019.
This beloved annual bottling by Randall Grahm blends 39% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 2% Cinsaut to create a very savory, Old World-style expression, with aromas of roasted game, pencil shavings, dried red fruits and blood. The palate is very iron-rich and rustic, with uncrushed black peppercorns and raw and dried meat flavors.
Dried blackberry aromas include welcome notes of cigar box and tar. This moderately complex Tannat is lush, round and smooth. Flavors of black plum and blackberry are supported by toasty oak, while this tastes blackened and spicy on a silky smooth finish. Drink through 2022.
Classic and compelling aromas of rose petal, candied boysenberry, hibiscus reduction and vanilla brioche show on the nose of this wine from a rugged appellation east of the Salinas Valley. The firmly structured palate shows rose petals and tart berries, dusted by fennel pollen, white pepper and chaparral spice.
The second wine from the Saint-Julien estate, this is every bit as elegant as the grand vin, its black currant fruit developing to envelop the fine tannins. There is fine fruit, plenty of acidity and a rich texture. It needs time, so drink from 2020.
A mineral texture gives this ripe wine an edge while its full, red berry fruit offers some solid tannins and concentration. It's smoky and full-bodied and will be ready to drink from 2019.
Maturity comes slowly to a Sauternes, but this wine is almost there. Its fine sweetness is balanced by a lemon curd-like acidity while its rich botrytis is finely integrated with the opulent texture. Drink now.
Rich and dense, this generous wine has considerable botrytis as well as perfumed apricot and bitter orange flavors. It's ripe and full of fruit and honey. Drink from 2020.
The Loin de l'Oeil grape lends itself easily to creating this rich, honeyed wine. It's intense, with a viscous texture and opulent apricot and bitter marmalade flavors. Drinkable now for its concentration, it will get even better from late 2018.
Menthol, licorice and woodland berry aromas follow over to the luminous, elegant palate, along with white pepper and wild cherry. Bright acidity and firm, refined tannins lend both balance and finesse. Drink 2020–2033.
Every wine from this house has exotic aromas and flavors that aren't matched elsewhere, which isn't to say that Valdelana's wines offer fool-proof likability. This wine smells funky and tastes of tobacco, butter and cumin. Lean on the finish, but interesting for its unique character, aromas and flavors.
Opens with a warm, baked nose of raisin, roasted plum and tobacco. The palate is scouring and crisp due to sharp acids, and thus the flavors follow suit in that they're lean and tart and focus on pie cherry and red plum. Lean, zesty and lively Rioja to drink now.
Cherry and leather aromas show a stemmy, brambly element. The mouthfeel is sharp and scratchy, while the flavors are a mix of reedy tobacco, raspberry and cherry. Choppy but juicy and lively on the finish. A blend of Mazuelo, Syrah and Garnacha.
Warm, plummy and inviting, with plum and black cherry fruit framed by crisp acidity. The combination makes for a juicy, mouthwatering finish in this fine everyday red.
Aromas of sweet black cherry and dark plum form a good bouquet. The palate has smack and acidic bite, but the flavors are forward and clean, with a focus on plum and black cherry. Finishes full and long, with licorice as well as leftover acidity.
Forward berry aromas are regular but solid. The palate has a ripe but choppy mouthfeel and juicy, firm flavors of blackberry and dark toast. Burns a bit on the finish, with extended toasty flavors and peppery accents.
Reddish in color and big on the bouquet, with sweet berry and cherry aromas. The palate is full and fun, with acidity and heavier, sweeter flavors of strawberry, raspberry and sweet plum. Handles its size well. Made from 80% Garnacha and 20% Graciano (for acidity).
Standard-issue berry and plum aromas turn warm and leathery with airing. The palate on this Malbec-Bonarda-Syrah blend is juicy, but it comes with a choppy feel. Tastes brambly and wild, with red berry fruit and a briary, leathery finish.
Chunky and oily on the nose, with basic white fruit aromas of peach and apple. The palate is full and balanced, with nectarine, pineapple and lychee flavors. Pithy and citrusy on the finish. Ripe and good in a regular way.
A veritable bouquet of jasmine and orange blossoms, this off-dry Gewürztraminer hits the tongue with a delightful prickle of effervescence. Soft and rich with juicy melon and peach flavors, it finishes on a sweet, spicy iced tea note.
Pear and melon flavors are buttressed by ample acid in this medium-bodied white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. For a 2009, it lacks richness but remains a tasty, easy-drinking wine that finishes with a touch of anise.
Opens with air freshener, chemical notes, lime and pastis aromas. Overall it doesn't smell light and ethereal like some Moscatels, but it's honest and varietally correct throughout. Tastes of honey, candied mango and anise, with bitterness on the finish. Stirs some interest but has its weaknesses.
This is a soft, ample wine, with an attractive tang of black cherry and ripe acidity. The wine has just the right juicy fruitiness.
Berry aromas are jammy and show a pinch of green. The palate matches the nose; it's jammy and soft, with blackberry and spiced plum flavors. Tastes good and rich but feels heavy and a little flabby.
Quite minty and herbal on first take, with a hardness to the bouquet. The palate is racy, herbal, roasted and very much tastes different than most Argentine wines because it's from Cafayate in the north; look for spice, tomato, herbal waves and meaty notes.
Fresh and clean, with very tart and herbal flavors, and lighter suggestions of pear and lime fruit. The zippy acidity defines the wine; it's clean and bracing.
Pretty and forward, this lovely wine bursts forth with raspberry and sweet cherry tomato fruit flavors. A slight mintiness can also be detected, all within the context of an impeccably balanced, firm, pleasingly acidic young red wine.
Perfumed and a touch exotic for Rioja, with coconut and floral berry aromas. Definitely full and ripe in the mouth, with sweet flavors that go back and forth between baked and sugary and rich and rewarding. A sweet, mature wine at its core, with molasses and brown sugar.
Cedar, cigar box and earth notes blend with ripe berry aromas to give a subtle, charming bouquet. Rich and full-bodied, with roasted berry, chocolate and coffee flavors. Finishes dark and sweet, with chunky ripeness all the way to the end. Drink now through 2013.
Another fine Syrah from Otis Kenyon Winemaker Dave Stephenson, this full-flavored wine shows clear varietal character. Tasty fruit flavors of blueberry and boysenberry are highlighted with baking spices, moving into a smooth finish with a milk chocolate kick.
Firm and tartly wound, with cassis and black cherry at the core of a young, stiffly tannic, Cabernet-based blend. Black fruits are nuanced with earth and olive, smoke and graphite, all subtle but definitely in view.
This is an excellent value Pinotage, offering superb expression of the grape in a modern style at an attractive price. Rich and forward with opulent aromas of cocoa butter, raspberry sauce, freshly ground coffee and berry preserves. Dusty tannins provide a solid frame to the mouth while medium acidity keeps things lifted through the elegant finish.
The rarest of the Spring Valley wines, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe plum fruit flavors, wrapped in baking chocolate and licorice. It finishes with accents of sandalwood and citrus.
A big, modern, lusty style with dark aromas of cola, chocolate, licorice and immense berry fruit. The palate hits with a wall of tannins, but there's also full-flavored blasts of blackberry, fudge, espresso and licorice. Finishes in form: it's blackened and toasty.
Among barrel-fermented Verdejos from the Rueda region, this one is at the top of what is a small hierarchy. Lemon and toasty oak are the key aromas, while the palate is not whacked out with wood or resin as it offers oaky support to apple and citrus fruit. Long and focused on the finish.
An excellent value, Gassier's 2010 Réserve from his Château de Nages blends 60% Grenache with 40% Syrah. The result is a wine that combines leathery, cedary notes with touches of spice and red fruit. It's supple, creamy and inviting, with a long, softly tannic finish. Drink now and for 3–4 years.
The price on the Ethos Reserve has dropped significantly, making it an especially good value for a full-on, toasty and buttery Chardonnay. A harmonious mélange of tree fruits and tropical nuances—papaya and banana stand out—with a smooth and luscious mouthfeel.
Sweet blackberry aromas come with floral edgings, and the whole is impressive. Full-bodied and balanced, with healthy, ripe black cherry and dark plum flavors. Finishes spicy, with a note of bitter espresso. 90% Tempranillo with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the best wines from Valencia.
Underbrush, oak, mint, blackberry and licorice sensations all come together on this full-bodied Rosso. Showing the warmth of the vintage, it's forward and very accessible so enjoy now with hearty first courses.
Aromas recall underbrush, truffle, violet, tobacco leaf and black berry. The palate offers up red cherry, white pepper, clove, licorice and espresso alongside angular and drying tannins.
Wisps of smoke and toast accent fresh, juicy black cherries and berries in this unusual sparkling wine made from Teroldego grapes. The palate balances fresh, primary black-fruit flavors with warm hints of caramel and spice. The mousse is a mouth-filling blanket of thick, rich foam but dissipates into an elegant finish.
There is plenty of red cherry and currant in this Cab, blended with a quarter's worth of Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. The thin, balanced layers also recall anise and vanilla.
Well-rounded pear and apple aromas get a fresh squeeze of lemon in this good-deal Sauv Blanc. It's easy to drink, with apple popover flavors (whose toasty elements come from the 20% barrel fermentation) and a brisk acidity.
Elderflower scented freshness dominates this light-footed, soft sparkler. Balance, a dry finish and an easy-drinking style make this a light-hearted party-wine of welcome freshness.
Scorched earth, forest floor and roasted coffee bean aromas open this wine. The palate is on its oak, delivering toast, vanilla, mocha, cooking spices and plumcake. It has a warm midpalate and not quite enough fruit richness.
Aromas of mature black plum and baking spices take center stage on this young red. The ripe palate offers graphite, licorice and red cherry but it's a bit limited on freshness so enjoy it soon with savory first courses like pasta topped with ragù.
One would like to see more aromatics, considering the variety, but it remains enjoyable with a lightly spritzy palate with off-dry red-apple and stone-fruit flavors. A straightforward, easy drinker.
This is a solid, structured wine that is still young. Firm tannins go with the berry fruits and acidity. Today, it's still tight and closed up, so it needs time to open out. Wait until 2016.
Black cherry, red currant and coffee aromas take center stage and carry over to the palate, along with notes of espresso and black pepper. Dense with firm tannins, it will pair well with hearty Tuscan soups.
Apple juice, pineapple and honey provide the central aromas, with a bit of citrus on the edges. It's lean and mean on the palate, with fresh apple and pear cider flavors picking up some lemon before showing off a greener, tarter, slightly unripe side.
This 100% Tempranillo was sourced from the Stonetree vineyard. It's soft on entry, with brambly red fruits, a wash of milk chocolate (from aging in 50% new oak) and a hint of leather.
Strong oak aromas and flavors wrap around this full-bodied, rather tannic and bold Merlot. It shows ripe fruit flavors and a gripping texture that makes it appropriate to match with red meat. Blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Highlighted in Rainier cherry and cassis fruit, with a core of high acidity, this is a drinkable, affordable red wine worth looking for.
A bit of apple, a bit of citrus, a bit of toast—things are just hinted at in this frothy sparkler which would make an ideal, dry-finishing but lively party wine.
Appealing aromas of blueberry and vanilla make for a very solid Bordeaux blend. Flavors of plum, cranberry and pomegranate lead into a licorice finish.
Confusingly labeled as Pivot Blanc (not Pinot Blanc), this is actually a Riesling! Off dry, lightly fruity, with pleasant flavors of lemon and breakfast tea, honey and chamomile, it's best consumed young and chilled.
This brings an intriguing assortment of dried fruit including pear, spiced apple and apricot. It drinks off dry, with abundant stone fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
The 14 Hands Cabernet is more tightly wound than its companion Merlot, but the flavors follow the same winning formula, with a heavy emphasis on coffee cream and cherry tobacco. A generous streak of kahlua runs down the spine.
Aged in just one-third new French oak, this mostly shows the fruit, along with notes of green herbs, plum and currant accented by vanilla. The palate is medium bodied, slightly viscous in feel with a tart finish and dry tannins.
Coconut, subtle oak, vanilla and mocha sensations take center stage on this full-bodied wine. The palate delivers plum cake, espresso, toast and licorice but it's short on fruit richness. Drink now through 2015.
Here's a straightforward Rosso with flavors of succulent black cherry, wild strawberry, truffle, white pepper and clove. It's round, ripe and extremely accessible so enjoy this now.
The expected aromas of cut grass and cat pee get a bit of support from peach and herb accents. On the palate are flavors of green apple, oregano, lemon, dill and bell pepper. This is light and refreshing.
This shows the briny citrus and bell pepper aromas typical for Chilean SB. This is tangy and feels good, with snappy cactus, lime and tangerine flavors. A mild but fairly long finish is citrusy and juicy.
Citrus freshness and frothy fizz make for an easygoing, feather-light and uncomplicated sparkler, perfect for informal gatherings. The finish is dry, clean and refreshing.
The notes of barnyard overwhelm the varietal's cherry, floral and herb tones, with the palate quite elegant in its styling. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Rather closed aromas burn off in the glass to reveal mature black berry fruit and cooking spices. The palate delivers stewed plums, espresso and toasted oak alongside bracing tannins. Enjoy soon with four-cheese gnocchi.
A firmly tannic wine, with a woody core. It shows stalky black currant fruit along with tense acidity. At this stage, it is rough round the edges and could use  another year.
Aromatic with notes of petrol, smoke and apple on the nose, this sprightly semisweet Riesling teases the tongue with the slightest tickle of effervescence. The palate balances sweet pink grapefruit with honey, carrying through to an elegant finish.
Firm, earthy and fruity, this is a chunky wine, with a core of tannins to go with the fruit. It is not for aging, its black berry juice demanding attention now. A great barbecue wine.
Smooth, soft wine, very accessible and up-front. The stewed fruit flavors and fresh acidity give an attractive lift to this open wine.
Apple, grapefruit and citrus aromas are neither hard nor pushy, while the palate is fleshy and offers standard citrus, grapefruit and passionfruit flavors. Pithy on the finish but it holds steady. Made for everyday drinking.
Fullish and broad in the mouth without going overboard, this is textbook Chardonnay with mass appeal. Peach and vanilla flavors persist nicely on the finish, pointed up with finely judged acids. Drink now.
The bouquet delivers snap, clarity and a pure Leyda character, which revolves around ocean-influenced notes of asparagus and green bean. The palate has scour and sizzle, and the flavors suggest lime, green apple and asparagus. Zesty and tangy but also green and leaning toward vegetal.
A little soft and showing warmer-climate aromas of passionfruit and tropical citrus. The palate is starting to fade just a bit, but it's still pumping out grapefruit, lime and green apple. Perfectly fine to drink now or wait for the 2010 version.
Honest, citrusy aromas are simple and nice, while the palate is spritzy, zesty and tastes mildly sweet but also correct with mango, lime, apple and orange flavors. Clean, fun and leaning toward sweet. A good value white to drink immediately.
Saturated purple in color and grapy on the nose. The palate is mouthfilling but carries semisharp acidity, and the flavors run in the direction of standard black fruit. Notes of mocha and coconut soften the finish, and overall this is a good but rather generic wine.
Aromas of crusty blackberry are dark and herbal, while the palate is zesty and fresh, with tight acidity supporting flavors of cassis, black cherry, cola nut and pepper. Toasty, herbal and licorice-like on the finish. A good yet common wine.
On the dusty, earthy side of the Rhône spectrum, with hints of cordite accenting cherry fruit. It's undeniably fresh and vibrant, just lacks some of the richness characteristic of the 2007 vintage.
Pale in color, this light-bodied Pinot Noir is appropriately supple in texture and offers modest berry and chocolate notes. The finish is surprisingly long, but a bit lemony. Drink now.
Sweet flower and cherry aromas perfume this dry, berry-tinged Sauvignon Blanc. It's refreshing and quaffable, and it offers bright acidity and just a hint of green that lingers on the finish.
A red-berry-flavored wine, this has juicy acidity and a light touch of tannins. It's full of fresh fruit flavors, and the finish shows a red-cherry-like crispness.
This medium-bodied Pinot features slightly dry tannins, but otherwise delivers attractive aromas and flavors of dark cherries and button mushrooms, joined by hints of earth and spice. Drink now.
A fruity, fresh and crisp wine, this is given some weight by the inclusion of Chardonnay in the blend. It has an attractive texture, and the lemon and grapefruit flavors dominate.
Tart red-berry and savory herb aromas lead the nose of this rosé made from 70% Barbera and 30% Merlot. The palate offers light tannins and red-fruit-skin flavors, ending clean and crisp.
Smoked sausage, mushroom and clove aromas lead this big, spicy red. Chewy on the palate, it offers flavors of smoke, pepper and leathery spice. Pair it with grilled meats, spiced stews or robust cheeses.
Fragrant of baked apple and vanilla spice, this Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc is just a shade off dry. It offers straightforward but easy-drinking apple and flower flavors, and the bright acidity lends a clean, brisk finish.
Despite this estate remaining among the top echelon of New Zealand Riesling producers, Framingham's Pinot Noir is solid but unexciting. It's plump and medium bodied, and it offers modest cherry fruit and a touch of bitterness on the finish.
Light and refreshing in style, this wine boasts slightly confected cherry fruit amplified by bright acidity. It's straightforward and relatively simple; drink it over the next year or so.
This Syrah-Xinomavro blend offers notes of clove and blueberry on the nose, followed by flavors of smoked meat, black fruit and cedar on the palate. It feels big, and it finishes with a clean, spirited flourish.
An upfront, strawberry-flavored wine, this is ripe and immediately fruity. There are enough tannins to hold the palate together, but it is ready to drink now.
Fully mature, this light- to medium-bodied wine shows an evolved color, modest cherry fruit and prominent notes of rusty iron and dusty earth. Drink now.
Mint, cedar and clove aromas are followed by pepper, clove and black fruit flavors. It's not overly complex, but it offers distinctive indigenous character, and it will pair nicely with grilled meat.
While the wine is fresh, it also has a bitter, cheesy character that is more funky than fruity. The acidity is very present, giving a crisp edge. Drink now.
This is tan in color, with a flat, murky nose of stone-fruit aromas and chemical harshness. A round, oily textured palate tastes of briny nectarine and pithy bitterness. In many ways, this is like sucking on a peach pit.
Hard, rubbery cherry and berry aromas lead to a raw, underdeveloped palate. This wine made from the local Valencia-region grape variety Forcallà is outright tart and tomatoey, with a touch of red-plum flavor. An herbal, rubbery, tannic finish tastes saucy.
It is the Fernão Pires that gives this wine its class and freshness. The Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, with its herbaceous character, seems to clash. The wine is crisp with lemon flavors and brings an intense final acidity.
Damp, earthy cherry aromas and saucy plum notes amount to a rocky opening. A grabby, drying, tannic palate and wiry plum flavors end with burnt overtones, a drawing feel and bitterness.
Sour blackberry and smoked meat aromas greet the nose on this bottling from a small, relatively unknown appellation in Monterey County. The flavors are a tad flat, with some sour cherries and tar.
On the nose, this is fully oaked, charred, spicy and familiar. In the mouth, however, it takes a dive; brutal, scouring acidity and killer tannins create a rugged, lemony mouthfeel. Flavors of toasty oak and sour black fruits devolve into a pool of tartaric acidity on the finish.
Leafy aromas of tomato and green herbs pile on the pyrazines. This distinctly herbal Cabernet is full and chunky in feel, with flavors that follow the nose: bell pepper and spicy tomato lead the way. A peppery finish is herbal to the last note.
Cherry, plum and spice aromas are lively, but the palate is highly citric and acidic. Short, drying sour cherry and plum flavors turn hot, peppery and ultimately bitter on the finish.
A bright cranberry color, this is fruity and dry, simple and ready to drink immediately. It brings some slightly bitter tannins into the finish.
Tight, clean and fresh but reluctant aromas of apple greet the nose on this boxed wine. The palate lacks discernible flavors, with just a touch of steely apple flesh.
Mint and jammy plum and raspberry aromas are a touch spicy. This is astringent in feel, with dry, oaky red-berry and tomato flavors. An angular, tart finish fades quickly.
Rustic, rubbery, leathery aromas are highly suggestive of animal hide and stalky berry fruits. This is hard as rocks on the palate, with an astringent mouthfeel. Briny, leathery berry and plum flavors end with a stalky aftertaste.
With light tannins and herbal fruit flavors, this is a crisp, tight wine. Red-berry flavors show through along with a greener character and tannins that are not quite ripe. Drink now.
Rooty initial aromas veer toward animal and stalky berry fruits as this unfolds. Raw, hard and leathery in feel, this turns out to be low on ripeness as leafy, stalky flavors take over before ending salty, with firm tannins.
Aromas of apple cider are oxidized and grassy. This offers mealy peach flavors that, like the nose, seem oxidized. A bland but not bad finish sends this Viura-Verdejo blend on its way.
This waxy, petrol-infused wine underwent both barrel and stainless-steel fermentation. It's dark in color, exhibiting a majority of barrel-induced flavors like caramel and toast with any hint of fruit remaining elusive.
The nose on this appellation blend is kind of sour, with gravel, blackberry and blueberry. The palate is also a bit sour and bitter, with beet juice, juniper and eucalyptus notes.
Leafy, earthy red-berry aromas are backed by a grabby, drying, tannic palate. Lightly herbal black-fruit flavors are followed by dry, rubbery cherry and plum blandness.
Dry, saline-like overtones on jumpy plum and berry aromas and a hard, tannic palate make for a tough beginning. Equally tough berry fruit flavors have skins and bitterness issues, while the finish is peppery, acidic and hard.
Stewy, muddled, herbal aromas come prior to a chunky, chewy palate. Flavors of compost, nutty berry fruits and turned earth lack freshness, while a stewed finish tastes mulchy and feels tannic.
Bright pink in color, this 100% Touriga Nacional rosé is ripe with caramel and red berry flavors. It misses out on acidity, leaving the wine flat at the end.
This forceful Mencía blend pounds away with heavy oak, lemon and violet aromas. The palate is scorching, scouring and short on balance. Inky berry and bitter flavors come with overpowering oak-based clove notes in front of a short finish.
This smells like beef broth and tastes savory, vegetal and smoky. The impression is rustic, earthy and lean.
This earthy Chardonnay from a limestone plot has more to do with texture and tight acidity than fruit. It presents a sharp, too-crisp edge.
Yeasty, bready aromas of cantaloupe and citrus feed into an undefined palate that foams up on tongue. Citrus and melon flavors are bland, with powdered sugar and orange notes on the finish.
Apple and lime aromas are basic and distant. This is light on the palate, while green melon, lime, apple and green-bean flavors finish grassy, leesy, tart and bitter.
Deliciously fresh and fruity, this is a wine full of ripe apples and crisp pears. It's full bodied, but bright with intense acidity. The characteristic pepper touch of Grüner shows at the end of this full and concentrated wine. Screwcap.
Green, herbaceous notes add dimension to flavors of sweet pineapple and peach preserves in this refreshing, brisk spätlese. Intensely nervy with stark, lemon-lime acidity, it would pair exceptionally well with creamy, soft cheeses.
Although not nearly as flashy as many of its brethren, this is a well balanced Barossa Shiraz that could cellar well. Hints of mint accent the nose, bolstered by toasty oak, while the flavors feature red currants and raspberries. The acids are reasonably crisp given the context, lingering nicely on the finish. Fine to drink now, but try to save a few bottles until 2020 or so to see how it develops.
Here's a delicious blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino. It delivers high-tone aromas of pressed violets, red berry and spice. The palate offers succulent black cherry and creamy raspberry flavors that are brightened by white pepper and cinnamon accents.
Whiffs of spice and orange blossom lend an exotic air to this intensely concentrated Riesling that's full of sweet yellow cherry and berry flavors. It dances briskly on the palate, but finishes long and steely, with a lingering minerality.
Dry earth, baked berry, tobacco and vanilla aromas are harmonious and true to Rioja. A forceful palate with rubbery tannins features savory oak, raspberry and plum flavors, while the finish tastes saucy and shows intensity.
Roasted, savory, earthy berry ?aromas come with a spot of leafy green on this Malbec. The palate is saturated and a touch narrow in feel, while flavors of black cherry, cassis, baked blackberry and cured meat finish with creamy oak notes and a strong hint of bacon. Drink through 2018.
This perfumed wine shows a floral character. Berry fruits add juiciness, complexity and structure. Density on the finish adds interest.
This is a wood-aged wine with spice and vanilla flavors, fine berry fruits and a rich texture. It is firm, while also rich and generous. The weight, the ripeness and the structure all promise aging. Drink from 2015.
Ripe and toasty, this is a rich, full-bodied and juicy wine. It has ripe berry fruits, touches of black currant and balancing acidity. Wood aging supports the palate and adds considerable potential. Drink this fine wine from 2016.
This dense dessert wine opens with subtle aromas of black fruit, prune, leather ?and spice. The palate delivers concentrated notes of black­berry, dried cherry, cinnamon and chocolate alongside firm, drying tannins that need a few more years to soften. Sip it on its own as a mediation wine or pair with tarts made with dried fruit. Drink 2016–2028.
This high octane offering opens with aromas of mature black fruit, spice and orange peel. The palate expresses lush black cherry, blackberry and clove uplifted by a note of thyme alongside a seriously tannic backbone. It's shy on fresh acidity and you can definitely detect the alcohol, but it's still delicious.
Dry, with dusty tannins and ripe fruit, this is a wine with considerable potential. The berry fruits have a balanced, juicy element, fine acidity and a strong texture. The wine is rich and full, while remaining fresh. Drink from 2015.
This could be labeled Cabernet Sauvignon; the only other grape is Cab Franc (11%). The vineyard's characteristic lush black cherry fruit is surrounded by even darker components: earth, balsamic, baking chocolate, and espresso. There's an interesting walnut flavor (from the barrels?) and the fruit threads through to the very end of a long finish, supported by firm acids.
A relative bargain amid top-quality McLaren Vale Shiraz, the 2005 Top of the Hill Shiraz is beginning to show some softening and signs of maturity, yet remains intensely perfumed and flavored. Coffee bean and black olive notes start it off, backed by enough fruit richness to give it an expansive mouthfeel and long finish. Drink now–2015.
A strong effort from Olsen Estates, this 100% Syrah has fine varietal character, in a rough and tumble style. Cured meats, herbs, earth and hints of sea salt mingle with the wild berry fruit flavors. It's balanced and fresh, with lingering and nuanced flavors threading through the gulpable finish.
There are big tannins here on this rich, powerful wine, warm and ripe. There is a dry core, giving a dark, youthful herbal character, and the tannins along with final acidity. Although it is ready to drink, it also promises many years of aging.
Hugh Hamilton's top-of-the-line wine is the Jekyll & Hyde Shiraz-Viognier. In 2007, it's a full-bodied, richly textured wine filled with raspberry, cherry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Based on its somewhat chewy finish, it should last and evolve through at least 2020.
A big, impressive wine, smoky and juicy, the wood an important element in its youthful state. Blackberries, spice and black cherry flavors are there along with cocoa and broad tannins. It is a beautiful wine, for aging 4–5 years.
A taut, tense fight between the acids and sugars highlight this excellent dessert wine. A strong streak of spicy grain runs straight through the compact citrus and honey fruit flavors. The sweetness is neither cloying nor syrupy—rather, it neatly laces the wine together.
This elegant, refined, ageworthy, pure Cabernet is sourced from the oldest vines at Windrow, which date back about two decades. There is plenty of round cherry fruit in the core of the wine, along with red plum, golden raisin, and Christmas cake spices. Cinnamon and chocolate scents waft up from the glass, nothing overblown, but exotic and compelling.
A well-balanced wine, bringing both rich fruit and sweet tannins to go with dense concentration. There is ripeness from black jam and sweet jelly, followed by a good core of dryness.
Certain Yakima valley vineyards attain a riveting complexity with Syrah—Dineen is one of them. The mix of wild berry, pomegranate syrup, coffee liqueur, composted earth, smoke and chocolate is compelling. This is Syrah that stands apart from most other New World versions, has the acid and balance to age, and the complexity to keep you coming back for another glass.
Winemaker Bill Owen (the ‘O' in O•S) has a knack for making white wines from red wine vineyards. This pungent, ripe, stylish Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend is a fine example. The fruit flavors are thick and juicy— pineapple, golden apple, citrus—and the herbaceous nature of the grape has been transmuted into a sweet grassy streak, supported with mouth-searing acids. It's a roller-coaster ride, and delicious all along the way.
Named after the Citroën 2CV car still sometimes seen on French roads, this lightly tannic wine has black fruits and a stalky structure that serves as a reminder that Malbec can produce structured wines. As a contrast, the fruit and acidity at the end give a lift, so that the wine is ready to drink.
Full-bodied with a hearty presence of oak and tertiary wood flavors, this wine offers plenty of sour lemon and shy acidity.
Great value comes from this light-hearted wine with crisp fruitiness. A touch of tannin gives some shape, but the wine is above all attractive and bright with flavors of red fruits and citrus. It will make a fine summer apéritif.
Lightly citrus aromas open this wine that offers tropical fruit as well as red currant. A lively, perfumed wine, it's bright with acidity and has a juicy, aftertaste.
Peach and honeysuckle aromas lead the way on this lively wine and carry over to the straightforward palate along with citrusy notes. It's simple but well made.
Produced by the Bunan family whose main estates are in Bandol, this light, simple and fruity blend includes Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. It is soft and approachable, fruity with strawberry flavors and totally ready to drink.
This easy, open wine has ripe red fruits and lively acidity. A warmer, rich core brings out a generous character. It is fruity and soft at the end.
While it's not complex this is certainly well composed. It opens with subtle aromas of yellow flower and orchard fruit while the light, easygoing palate offers pear and citrus. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, refreshing finish.
A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, the aromas of wheat and almond are quite light. The flavors are elegant and offer promise but lack the concentration to deliver it.
This wine has quite fruity aromas but more lean flavors as it goes from banana in the smell to light celery and other savory flavors on the palate.
This simple wine is full of fruit. There is no wood aging here, just ripe pear and apricot flavors that are gently textured. The wine, with its crisp final acidity, is ready to drink.
Off dry in character, this wine is ripe, soft and with a buttery flavor. Green plums and apricots combine to give a wine that is round in texture with a tang of citrus at the end.
There's an intensity of apricot and melon in this full-bodied, textured wine that veers on becoming overbearingly ripe, with a ghost-like finish.
Lightly abrasive, scratchy aromas of red fruits include a note of bath soap. A lean, prickly palate holds sweet berry and tart plum flavors that struggle to blend. A medicinal tasting finish is regular in feel and length.
This is a touch stalky and rough on the nose, while in the mouth it's raw, choppy and boxed in. Cherry and plum flavors pick up speed on the palate and taste slightly gamy and burnt on the finish.
With its classic blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this wine is crisp and bright with peach and citrus flavors. The acidity is lively and perfumed with summer blossom. It finishes with fruit and freshness.
This is a mild-mannered, softly one-dimensional version of the variety, robust in chocolate mocha and blueberry jam that finishes easily.
Baked blackberries, purple flowers and a touch of leather show on the nose of this hearty bottling. The palate is framed by extremely strong, hard-to-cut tannins, which hold burned flavors of black coffee and charred berries.
Beefy, savory aromas, and deep, jammy flavors give this wine a lot of personality. It is full-bodied, saturated with fruit and easygoing in texture.
Soft and gently fruity, this has red-currant as well as red-plum flavors lightly cut with acidity. The aftertaste is soft, almost off dry. It is immediately attractive and drinkable.
Lightly scented, this opens with aromas suggesting white spring flower and orchard fruit. The rather lean, racy palate offers unripe apple, a hint of citrus and a medicinal note alongside brisk acidity.
Raisin-baked plum defines this hearty, full-bodied and ultraripe wine, rich in red berry and robust on the finish.
Aromas like dried herbs and flavors like green apple and pear nectar make a colorful combination in this medium-bodied wine.
This wine is soft, gently fruity with light raspberry and red-currant flavors. An attractive zesty lemon character adds to this pale-colored wine.
This wine is quite clear in the glass and a touch tart on the palate, finding its way to a full-bodied, slightly flabby and gummy texture and sense of heaviness.
A blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier, this is attractive, fruity and perfumed. Touches of apricot balance with the green fruits and herbal edge. It's an easy wine to drink, best as an apéritif.
Apple cider, night jasmine, ripe pears and orange cream aromas show on this sweeter bottling. The palate is quite clean and crisp, with rich apple juice flavors and a tactile acidity that fades fairly quickly. It's quite sweet.
This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat, not often found although working well here. The perfumed Muscat nicely softens the herbal Sauvignon to give a wine that is almost honeyed, certainly attractive as an apéritif.
This is a soft wine from a major Rhône valley producer. Attractive acidity gives it a crisp, bright feel. Tangy citrus and clean, light fruitiness are all there, balanced and ready to drink. Drink now.
The nose is initially subdued but eventually reveals inviting aromas of spiced plum, leather, vanilla and a whiff of blue flower. The structured but elegant palate conveys blackberry, dried cherry, mint, savory herb and clove alongside bracing but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. The lingering finish ends on a licorice note. Drink 2016–2023.
Beckoningly ripe, yellow pear with overtones of yellow plum unite in a very juicy, refreshing and lively white which slowly reveals layers of savory, peppery spice. The streamlined body remains toned despite its undoubted concentration. Ready now but will definitely keep.
Ripe pear fruit comes with a spicy, peppery edge that blends creamy aloe vera with zesty grapefruit peel freshness. So easy and pleasant to drink and yet not without sophistication.
This is still young and closed, but pretty aromas of rose, perfumed berry, baking spice and menthol eventually emerge. The palate delivers crunchy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, anise and a balsamic note alongside austere but fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Give it time to open up and develop complexity. Drink 2018–2028.
Not a big wine, but a well-balanced, well-behaved one that's sophisticated enough for any setting. It feels smooth and gentle in texture, tastes quietly assertive in flavor and has a refined personality overall—a classic Anderson Valley Pinot.
Intense aromas suggest violet, rose, perfumed berry, leather and spice, with balsamic notes. The focused palate delivers sour cherry, crushed raspberry, leather, mineral and white pepper alongside polished tannins. It's balanced with nice depth. Drink 2016–2028.
The fruit flavors are plum and blackberry, with warm, meaty notes and hints of mocha and dill. The varietal character shows most in the wine's feel on the palate, which is ample but just slightly austere and restrained. Drink now–2020.
This opens with rich, roasty aromas of blackberry, plum and cassis, with hints of black tea and Violet mints. The medium-weight palate is balanced yet solidly structured, with ample tannins and a cherry skin, pepper and black-tea astringency that lingers on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Dried stone fruit, McIntosh apple and lemon blossom aromas lead the nose on this richly textured dessert wine. On the palate, notes of cinnamon, toasted almond and mineral add depth to candied nectarine zest and Linden honey. Refreshing acidity balances this out.
This wine from longtime Bonny Doon associate Nicole Walsh starts off with strong aromas of rhubarb and rose petals. Flavors trend toward savory elements, with upturned earth, pine tar and mushrooms surround by soft tannins that coat the mouth.
It's not often that you see Charbono in a Cabernet bottling, but it works. This wine boasts aromas of ripe cassis, red cherry and woody chocolate. The tannins are pronounced and chalky, giving a full mouthfeel, with sharp flavors of tart cherry and a strong acidity.
Gritty, herbal, charred aromas of black fruits accented by juniper open this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah. Saturated, tight and tannic, with the potential to age and evolve, this offers flavors of blackberry, anise and both black and green pepper. An oaky, jagged feeling finish closes things out. Drink through 2020.
Strawberry and a rich streak of raspberry liqueur play nice in this fresh, zesty Pinot. Tight with tension on the palate, it also features layers of earthy forest-floor mushroom. Big in style, it comes together nicely and makes for an enjoyable wine.
Jammy aromas of crushed boysenberry and cassis are rich and ripe. This is a direct, fruit-forward Merlot with moderate but noticeable acidity and a generous baked-blackberry flavor that finishes warm, toasty and with ample depth. Drink through 2017.
This aromatically pleasing wine brings notes of black licorice, barrel tones, coffee and green herbs. It's concentrated and flavorful with abundant cherry notes backed by expertly managed tannins. It doesn't shy away from the variety's herbal side but this is cool vintage Cabernet.
From cellars in the heart of the village of Pouilly-sur-Loire, the seventh generation of the Masson family produces this classic Pouilly Fumé, structured and full of ripe fruits. It is a wine for aging, with its tense minerality and tight texture that parallel the fruitiness. Wait until 2016.
Hailing from an esteemed vineyard best known for its Syrah, this 100% varietal wine delivers notes of dried herbs, red fruit and milk chocolate. It displays a captivating, layered mouthfeel showing a lot of subtlety and balance leading to an extended finish.
This young vineyard is starting to make a name for itself with winemakers, and this 100% varietal wine demonstrates why. It's a classically Washington Merlot that shows appealing aromas of milk chocolate-covered raspberries. The feel is supple with sweet, luscious red fruit flavors that linger.
Yeasty and juicy, this is a very savory Grüner where peppery, herbal spice stands in the foreground with lots of citrus freshness. This is lip-smackingly fresh, lively and intense.
Half Syrah and half Cabernet Sauvignon, with 40% new French oak, this wine draws you in with its notes of blackberries, milk chocolate and anise. It's broad and fleshy in feel, with abundant coffee and cherry flavors backed by ample acidity.
Opulent, lush and round in style, this leads with ripe aromas of apricot, yellow apple and mange, laced with hints of clementine oil, marzipan and toasted baking spice. The palate is full and creamy, but balanced by ample acidity, lifting the texture from an overly flabby impression. Flavors of woody spice and peach pit dance on the lingering finish. Drink now–2017.
Aromas include ripe black fruit, spice, savory herb and a balsamic note. The tight palate offers black raspberry, crushed blackberry, menthol and sage alongside a firmly tannic backbone. A licorice note signals the finish. It's still young and a little astringent on the close. Drink after 2016.
Cassis, cherry and coconut aromas are toasty and offer a minerally note. Lively and juicy across the palate, this Maipo Cabernet brings a typical Chilean mix of plum, currant, herb, spice and chocolate flavors. A dry, peppery finish shows some unresolved oak, meaning this has more time to mature. Drink through 2018.
The cranberry and dark raspberry notes dance alongside bittersweet chocolate and spice on this directly appealing, outright delicious wine. It's broad in feel, with rich chocolate and cherry flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Big, bulky, ripe aromas of cassis and blackberry come with a hint of cedar and spice. This Cab shows a clampy, tannic mouthfeel and loamy, ultraripe flavors of blackberry and cassis. Fudge, mocha and blackberry flavors drive the finish on this ripe wine from a hot vintage.
Ripe black-fruit aromas get a boost from dark spice notes. Saturated, heavy and deep in the mouth, this is a meaty wine with blackberry flavors leading herb and leathery notes. On the finish, this remains dark and driven by black fruits and firm tannins. Drink through 2018.
Spicy blackberry, raspberry, mint, tobacco, leather and a whiff of blue flower unfold in the glass. The succulent palate doles out crushed black cherry, espresso, mocha, black plum and savory herb alongside bracing tannins.
Oak and matchstick are the early aromas on this barrel-heavy SB. The palate is smooth, mellow and a bit flaccid. Toasty, spicy flavors lead a mix of green herb, citrus and tropical fruit notes, while the finish offers residual woodspice but not much kick.
Peach, melon, apple and minerally aromas are easy to like. This has a standard Rías Baixas feel and moderate citric acidity. Flavors of melon and nectarine finish nice and a bit sweet. Call this textbook Albariño and enjoy it.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, this structured wine discloses aromas of white fragrant flowers and exotic fruit. The round palate offers yellow apple, pear, almond and vanilla with  a hint of toast.
Comprised of 65% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah, this is a round, juicy and bright blend made from organically grown grapes. Earthy and with a Good & Plenty-like aroma, it's focused and medium in body. The finish provides pepper and spice in equal measure.
Crisp green pear, a touch of lemon and even some of that much-vaunted pepperiness find their way into this unobtrusive but refreshing white, which also boasts some welcome spritz.
Aged partly in large casks, this has aromas that recall white flowers, stone fruit, chamomile, subtle oak and flint. The palate offers yellow apple, lemon zest, white peach and smoky graphite alongside fresh acidity.
Rubbery aromas of latex are earthy and suggest olive, wet dog and foxy, gritty berry fruits. This is saturated in feel, with prune and stewy berry flavors. Savory notes of prune, carob and rooty spice control a chunky, ripe finish.
Green aromas of lime and gooseberry are true to the winery, region and variety. This is round and not overly chiseled or cutting. Flavors of green fruits, passion fruit and lychee finish green, with hints of asparagus and bell pepper.
This is a lively, fruity wine, crisp as can be, and finely textured. Drink now for its bright, fresh character.
While this wine is certainly dry, it holds a hint of honey in the baked-apple flavor and tight texture. It's still very young and needs to open up until 2015 to give a less shocking, more rounded acidity.
Refreshing and crisp, this is a light, citrus-flavored wine. Great shots of acidity course through the wine to give an intensely fresh and fragrant aftertaste.
Spice and herb notes accent smoke and earth on this bristling off-dry Riesling. The palate boasts pretty floral tones against ripe white-grapefruit and peach flavors, along with an acidic backbone that drives the finish long and steely.
Earthy, savory aromas subside to reveal fresh lemon and lime on this elegant, steely wine. Off-dry in style, it balances ripe pear and apple flavors with a sturdy backbone of acidity. Finishes moderately long.
Blended from Umpqua Valley and Eola Hills grapes, this is forward and fruit-driven, with a pleasant mix of apple and pear. Along with the fruit comes a base of minerality and an unusual streak of spearmint.
Crisp and fresh, the wine is bright and fruity. It has strong green and white fruit flavors that are given a boost by the touch of vanilla. It's a food wine, dry, fragrant and ready to drink.
DTR is Domaine de la Terre Rouge's home site, planted in 1999, and its coolest. Given that, the aromas suggest more ripeness than would be expected, a heady mix of plum and brambly berry, with an undertone of minerality that keeps things zipping along.
This is a fully formed mouthful of a wine, meaty and smoky and brisk in savory fruit. From one of Terre Rouge's higher-elevation sites, it signals mountain fruit for sure, in terms of tannins and structure, but offers finesse in the glass, too.
Tomato, herb, rubber and olive aromas are gritty. This Syrah fits right into the house style for this grape variety; the palate is pointed, acidic and scouring, while flavors of lemon rind, currant, graphite, herbs and pepper finish zesty, with herbal leftovers and lots of oak.
Stony, minerally aromas are a touch dusty and suggest melon and peach. The palate is round and juicy, while flavors of lime, green melon and gooseberry finish mellow and easy, with a touch of residual citric acid.
Dominated by juicy Castelão, this lightly structured wine has fine tannins to propel the berry fruits up to the front. It is rich and full-bodied with a touch of pepper from the alcohol. The aftertaste brings out fresh acidity and softness.
Secure, spicy, dry and woody on the nose, it's firm, fresh and collected on the palate. Flavors of loamy berry and cocoa finish earthy and solid, with balance and length. This offers almost all you want from Chilean Cab priced under $20.
Fresh, clean aromas of lime chiffon, just-sliced nectarine, light jasmine and honeysuckle greet the nose on this bottling from the longtime producer. Limestone and chalky minerality mark the palate, with slightly sour green pear peels and more white flowers.
Only the juice at the heart of the pressing is used to make this attractive and ripely fruity wine. It has a soft, full texture with juicy acidity and generous tannins. The wine is dense, packed with red plum and berry flavors and finished with just the right, fresh acidity. Drink now.
Dense and concentrated aromas of frozen strawberries, blackberry pie, black cherries and vanilla sauce properly predict a very rich wine. Once sipped, the wine is quite thick, with lots of mint, fudge and brown spice, proving quite tasty although not quite varietally familiar.
Calliope is the second label of Burrowing Owl. This tight, toasty blend is comprised of 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec and 6% Syrah. Pinpoint fruit flavors of plum and cherry carry a pleasant saline note.
A distinctive aroma like ripe peaches and fennel and full, almost sweet fruit and spice flavors give this medium-bodied wine personality. The texture is soft and luscious rather than lively, and practically coats the mouth from sip to sip.
An off-dry, organically farmed, 100%-varietal wine, this tiny production offering comes from an appellation better known for other varieties, but that shows finesse here. Fruity and balanced, the sweetness comes mostly in aromatic form, with a bouquet of pungent white flowers. Medium bodied, it shows an abundance of lithe fruit, finishing with a powerful kick of minerality.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this offers aromas that recall beeswax, pressed white flowers and peach. The palate offers ripe yellow apple, pineapple, citrus and a note of toasted walnut alongside bright acidity and firm, vivacious bubbles.
This wine is all about red berries and fresh cherries. Some tannins and an earthy edge to the palate add complexity. Drink this fruity, juicy wine now.
Named after the village of Emeringes where the vineyard plots are situated, this wine offers both tannins and the freshest fruit. A red plum-skin texture gives a tight edge that also adds great freshness. The wine will develop over the next few months; drink from 2016.
This deliciously warm and ripe wine has swathes of red fruit that are full of energy and richness. It offers a touch of perfumed spice and good acidity. Drink now, although the wine will be better from early 2016.
This wine has dry tannins and some concentration as well as the bright, cherry-fresh Beaujolais fruit. That gives it a serious side with structure and potential. The 100% Gamay vineyard is on slopes in the heart of Beaujolais Villages. Drink from 2016.
This is a soft wine with a great depth of red fruits and fresh acidity. The tannins are light, just a hint of dry behind the fragrant, bright fruitiness. The wine, made from old vines, is ready to drink.
Ripe and soft on the nose, this blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah is so easygoing that it lacks pop up front. Plump and fruity on the palate, this is low on structure and acidity. Jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors end in friendly fashion, but with low definition. Drink now.
Organically farmed grapes from an estate vineyard comprise this 100% varietal wine, another unusual offering from the Napa Valley. Dry, as advertised, it's fruity and medium bodied, with a taste of waxy apricot and melon.
From the least-known of the Beaujolais cru villages, this wine is soft and supple in character with ripe, firm tannins to support the fruitiness. Red berries and acidity give the wine its bright aspect while still retaining a good sense of structure. Drink now, although the wine will be better from 2016.
A white Meritage of just over 53% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Sémillon, aged in neutral French oak, this wine has a full body and a balance of crispness and weight. Lemon, lime, pear and honeydew melon highlight the aromas and flavors, finishing with length.
Well made in large quantity, this wine offers fleshy tropical papaya around a structure of toasty oak and vanilla. Medium in body and length, it's balanced with a crisp finish.
Bright and fresh, this is a totally fruity wine with a more serious edge at the end. Red cherries push through the crisp acidity that offers a zingy texture. The touch of minerality in the 40-year-old vines from the Chapoly vineyard granite soil gives an austere, structured aftertaste.
This blend of 27% Mourvèdre, 23% Cinsault, 18% Counoise, 17% Grenache and 15% Syrah by the Fess Parker family shows cherry cola and concentrated plum on the nose. Blackberry and other purple fruits power the palate, with aromatic elderflower elements adding complexity.
Big, dry and tannic wine, this is a dense and structured wine. Black chocolate and coffee flavors suggest extraction shows strongly in the tough texture. The wine will be filled out as the black fruits develop, so wait until 2018.
This is an ambitiously lean style for a widely available brand, showing reserved tension. Aromas of yogurt and freshly-cut apple and nectarine give way to a steely palate of lime pith, flavors much more common on pricier bottlings.
This is a deliciously fruity wine with tropical fruit tones, a light mineral texture and fine, crisp acidity. From vines planted at 1500 feet above the river, it is fresh, cool and ready to drink.
Tons of raspberry, vanilla and licorice, backed by spice, coffee and all sorts of size and depth. The complexity is excellent, but so is the straightforward attitude it shows. Given time, it unfolds in layer upon layer of excitement. A gem of an appellation wine; it makes you wonder just how good the Ponzi Reserve will be.
Intense and earthy aromas of perfectly ripe berries, chocolate and a little natural funk in the form of mushroom. The highlight of this beauty is the cushy, plummy mouth, which is complex, cool and ultimately sublime. A real playboy of a Pinot, which opens up sensationally if given an hour's breathing. Only 116 cases made.
Wild roses and forest undergrowth wrap their persistent tendrils around ripe cherries and just a hint of toast on the nose of this complex and seductive offering. Finishes with enough structure to suggest trying again in a couple of years, once the midpalate has filled out.
Oh yeah! This is the real deal; with a toasty, elegant, wonderfully yeasty complexity. This gives you everything you hope for in a top-drawer Champagne: creaminess, texture, layers of toast, nuts and fruit and a long, racy, satisfying finish.
Earth and cola notes accent a true Burgundian nose of rustic raspberry and herbs. This is a stylish, reserved wine—one that sits nicely on the palate and glides down smooth while still holding its cards tight to the vest. It should blossom and soften in about three or four years; now it has everything going for it.
An atypically oaky wine for Siduri, with a rich veneer of French oak overlying black cherries, cola and spice. The intensity builds on the palate, where root beer and black cherries culminate in a long, smoky-spicy finish. Needs a couple of years to pull itself together, but the raw materials are all there.
Tree bark and pine needles mark the aromas, adding woodsy complexity and weight to ripe black cherries. Full and somewhat backward, this needs a few years to sort itself out and fully express its generous nature, but you can sense the future now in its power and velvety texture.
An ultrapure nose and tons of polish and precision define this tasty reserve-style blend of several vineyards. Pretty much an easy-drinker, with an undercurrent of sweet cherries and vanilla. It hits all chords and fades away smooth. Style and power come in proper proportions. Will age nicely for at least five years.
Earthy and engaging, and a little bit rugged. Aromas of barnyard and Middle Eastern tahini set up a palate full of spiced-up curranty fruit. Light oak shows itself early in a finish that unfolds in layers, revealing complexity and class.
Very youthful, so the first aromas are of a wild field, with some cranberry. It’s a full-volume wine, with an appealing chunky forwardness but also bright acidity, style and character. In a word, it’s “balanced.” Will go with almost anything, from baked salmon to dark chocolate. A real pleaser, especially at this price point. Best Buy.
A richly opulent blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. It is rich, almost too rich due to its low acidity, but with some attractive melon, green plum and peach fruits. The spice from wood adds interest.
Lean and crisp, with lime and green apple notes that finish clean and refreshing. Devoid of much sweetness, this is a relentlessly dry Riesling, linear in profile and sharply focused.
Zucca has made a fragrant and floral Sangiovese Rosato here, dry like cherry jam on toast and a nutty finish. Pair it with tropically seasoned seafood.
For Torrontés, this is a juicy, solid example. Smells of orange blossom and lychee, which is backed up by a thorough palate with lime, lemon and tangerine flavors. Shows balance, verve, modest depth and clarity. Drink now.
Citrusy in style, with aromas of orange, passion fruit and grapefruit. Feels flush and full-bodied, with basic tangerine and navel orange flavors. Fresh on the finish but hollow in terms of depth, with a light fade.
A blend of Malbec, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with lightly herbal red fruit aromas that come across reedy and foxy. Lively and a little scratchy in the mouth, with raspberry and buttery plum flavors. Shows more than adequate freshness and pulse, but breaks apart when held up to higher scrutiny.
Exhibiting stalky blackberry fruits, this wine is on the austere side, promising some good aging. The fruit, acidity and tannins are in fine balance.
A fresh and white-fruited wine. It has the crispest acidity along with open melon and peach fruits, moving to a soft, ripe aftertaste. A great apéritif wine.
Cherry flavors turn a bit syrupy, with a sour cherry candy appeal. Acidic and slightly volatile, this tight, chewy wine spent 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
Dark and sweet smelling, with marzipan, coconut, licorice and black fruit aromas. Surprisingly clacky and tartaric feeling, with oak-slathered berry flavors that are both baked and racy. Shows flashes of quality flavors, but the mouthfeel and overall balance are just o.k.
Though two years older than the widely available Oregon bottling from Firesteed, this wine is almost its twin. Elegant and balanced, with light flavors of wild berry and an herbal underpinning.
Salty is not a common descriptor for Pinot Gris, but appropriate here. Crisp apple, Asian pear, unripe peach, a dusting of cinnamon, and some slightly bitter skin flavors combine here; the acids rule.
As prices for Argentinean Malbecs climb, this is a really good value. It's earthy and full, and slightly rustic on the nose. Feels ripe and rugged, with scratchy tannins supporting red berry and oak-based vanilla notes. Feels fresh and good for a large-production Malbec.
This is complex, delicious, bold and tannic, bringing the big structure that is expected without being heavy handed. It offers concentrated blackberry and fig aromas, richly jammy flavors that stay dry and a tannic but not tough texture.
Delicious, rich black cherry aromas lead to a very firm and moderately tannic texture and medium to full body that frames abundant fruit flavors. It's mouthwatering, intense and complex, but is still wound up tight, so it's best to drink after 2016.
Well structured, this ripe and fruity wine is impressive in its structure. It has smoky flavors, acidity from the red fruits and a firm lining of tannins. Aromatic and rich, still firm and dry, it should age but can be drunk now.
Fermented only once in bottle, this wine is made in a traditional way used before Champagne was created. It's full in the mouth, nutty and rounded. It has ripe white fruits, greengages and a mineral texture. Ready to drink, it is rich and full-bodied.
Produced from a parcel of old vines, this wood-aged wine has spice as well as white fruits and a touch of honey. It's a generous wine with its toast, almonds and rounded texture. The lightest touch of minerality gives structure and the potential to age. Drink now and until 2020.
The nose is rather shy but reveals ripe black fruit, plum cake and baking spice. The densely concentrated palate doles out mature blackberry, crushed raspberry, allspice and licorice alongside smooth, velvety tannins. There's also the heat of alcohol.
This is an earthy, chalky wine, medium bodied and silky in wild strawberry, garden herb and fresh mint notes. From estate-grown Pinot, it is a balanced, accessible selection to drink now.
Lurking, low-impact aromas of tropical fruits and honey set up a fairly sophisticated palate with papaya, apple, banana and oaky flavors. There's ample core acidity to this Chardonnay from Chile's south, while honeyed weight and tropical flavors on the finish push it to impressive heights.
Full bodied but smooth textured, this is ripe and enticing. The color is like garnet, while the aromas resemble black cherry, black currants and rosemary. Flavors are complex, autumnal and inviting, making this a great discovery.
Given more than two years in all-French oak, this 100% Cabernet impresses in balancing juicy red currant and cherry fruit against more savory tannin and herb. Structured, it should gain traction and mellow in severity through 2020–2025.
This 100% varietal wine, which saw 30 months of oak aging, is lightly aromatic with notes of cherry, anise, berry, vanilla and woodspice. It's quite restrained in feel—a very pretty wine—with elegant, sumptuous cherry flavors and a lingering finish.
This is a nice Bordeaux-style blend with pretty cherry and currant fruit and some cedar shadings, but lack the complexity of others in its style. It's straight forward, polite and restrained.
This wine is big, very full bodied and very lush in texture. Super-ripe in flavor, it rides at the place where plum notes segue to prune, and black cherry to cherry syrup, which is a very tasty place to be. Plenty of fine tannins frame all that concentration, yet the mouthfeel stays soft.
This is complex and compelling. A spicy, minty, thyme-like character comes out in the aroma and continues in the flavor, most likely from some new barrels used in aging the wine. It's an attractive characteristic, and complements the bright cherry flavors, medium body and quite firm tannins.
Full-bodied and firmly structured, this smells a bit peppery and roasted, then gives up dried cherry and blackberry flavors that fill the mouth and taste generous and soothing. It has benefited from the extra age since bottling, and is ready to enjoy.
This aromatic wine conveys notes of Mounds Bar and dark cherries along with a whiff of volatility. It's full bodied with semisweet fruit flavors along with abundant vanilla accents.
Globe-trotting Laely Heron's take on roughly 16-year-old vines in Monterey reveals aromas of Coca Cola, black cherry, ripe plum, sweet beet juice and a bit of tree bark. The palate is powered by anise-spiced cherries and pomegranate, fairly straightforward but quite quaffable.
Hints of wet earth marry lemony flavors with ripe and generous overtones of peach. The lemony center lends structure to the entire wine and makes for a bracing but ripe and earthy mouthful.
Grapefruit peel, ripe apricot and zingy lemon spell freshness, while the palate is focused and precise, exhibiting some of the expected peppery notes. Very tangy with a clean, almost lip-smacking finish.
This 100% varietal wine conveys notes of mortared green herbs, plum, cherry, medicine cabinet and vanilla. It's medium bodied with a supple, enticing feel. Baking spice, cherry and coffee flavors linger on the (very, very) long, coffee-filled finish. The aromas don't all come together but this wine is worth exploring for the remarkable finish, which is about as good as it gets.
Lactic notes of curd and buttermilk appear before yeasty, rounded citrus hints take over. This is a Pinot Blanc for those who love rich and rounded Chardonnays. Its creamy palate texture calls out for food.
Tannic and astringent at first taste, this wine opens up into a more complex and interesting play of dark fruits and darker flavors. Smoke, earth, char and espresso components are set against tight blueberry fruit, with lead pencil tannins. Those tannins might need a juicy steak to put them back in their cage.
The intriguing nose suggests blue flower, scorched earth, smoke, spice and ripe dark fruit. The palate is subtle and reserved, revealing mature black cherry, ground black pepper and allspice alongside tightly knit, velvety tannins, with a decadent licorice note on the finish.
Aromas of ripe blackberry, brown spice and fragrant blue flower waft from the glass. A blend of 50% Negroamaro, 25% Primitivo and 25% Malvasia Nera, the savory, approachable palate delivers black cherry, cranberry, nutmeg and mineral alongside firm tannins.
Easy-drinking and intensely structured, this is marked by streaks of red raspberry fruit that also reveal cedar and herb. Slightly floral on the nose, the wine has a softness despite its size.
Subtle aromas of grilled bread, citrus curd and peach set the stage for a plump, medium-bodied wine that boasts restrained flavors of white peach, pineapple and lime. Drink now–2016.
Prominent mushroom and forest floor notes take center stage on the nose of this wine, with supporting notes of ripe muddled berries, cherry and licorice. Tightly wound tannins and flavors of small red berries develop on the palate, while notes of game, mocha and black pepper appear on the finish. Drink now–2016.
A smooth mint- and eucalyptus-flavored wine, with burnt-tannin flavors and a hugely dry core. The wine is very firm, the juicy acidity and fruit underneath just a whisper for the future. Give the wine at least 6–7 years.
A solid, fruity wine supported by ripe tannins. The wine has a good sense of its rich self, a fine presence of ripe plum fruit flavors and a warm texture. There is a fine juicy aftertaste.
A wine that's straight down the line, firmly structured and with solid fruit for the future. There is weight and richness, a sense of power waiting to show in the future. With its density, anticipate aging this wine for at least 6–7 years.
A classically structured, stalky Bordeaux, with added superripe fruit. The result is a wine with firm, young tannins that merge with the juicy sweet black currant and intense fruitiness to finish. For medium-term aging.
A solidly based wine that offers both rich black fruits and fragrant acidity. It has weight and great concentration, with a long-term future. Keep for 4–5 years for the best effect.
A soft, rich wine with delicious flavors of pear and red apples, lifted by pineapple acidity. It is ripe, but still young, with touches of yeast and almond. It will age well over the medium-term.
Prestigio is dense and plush on the bouquet, with concentrated blackberry, cassis and cumin aromas that come across entirely positive. The palate is ultra ripe and packed with earthy, baked flavors of raisin, black plum and Middle Eastern spice notes. Things turn meaty, rich and a bit soft on the finish. Drink now through 2015.
Notes of cocoa and oak-derived spice add depth to the ripe, dark fruit core of this wine. Black berry, cherry and plum flavors abound on the plush palate, framed by firm tannins and a thick, supple texture. Gripping plum-skin and cigar-box notes linger long on the finish.
A Bordeaux-style blend of 56% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the Z is typically more immediately approachable than the Fusion V. The structure is still firm and supported by medium tannins, but the black-fruit core is the star all around, with lush notes of boysenberry, crème de cassis, blackberry, fig and damson plum throughout. Hints of cigar-box spice and leather add depth and intrigue.
This blend of 66% Touriga Nacional and one-third Syrah is unique for Spain but qualifies as “international” in style. Cola, blueberry and floral aromas dominate, giving way to an easy feeling palate with cola, molasses, brown sugar and blackberry flavors. It's flavorful and rich but not overly complex or layered; drink this magnum now through 2017.
A stand-out wine among Keuka Lake Vineyard's many excellent Rieslings, the Falling Man is brisk with pineapple and grapefruit flavors accented by lime zest and a distinct crushed-stone minerality. While dry in style, it's supple on the palate with a lingering mineral slick.
This multigrape blend opens with spicy aromas of baked plum, tomato and cumin. The mouthfeel is fresh and dry, with focus. In terms of flavors, it's earthy, with baked berry, baking spice and licorice notes. The finish is smooth and earthy tasting, with roundness. Drink now through 2016.
From one of Champagne's less ageworthy vintages, this is already deliciously drinkable. It has fine acidity that cuts through the mineral texture, shaping the rounded fruitiness. It's dry and crisp at the end. Drink now and over the next 4–5 years.
This is a light, bright, nearly clear bringing together of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay, just barely pink in color. It accentuates the beauty of both varieties, from Pinot's mix of cherry and watermelon to the Chardonnay's ability to bring out notions of crisp green apple.
Equal parts Heart of the Hill and Red Heaven fruit, this wine opens with barrel aromas of vanilla and shaved coconut in front of dark fruit. The flavors are full in feel but retain a sense of elegance, with cranberry and vanilla flavors intertwining on the finish. The barrel notes are quite prominent but overall it works.
Syrah (37%), Grenache (24%) and Mourvèdre (19%) take the lead on this blend, with the balance Cinsault, Counoise, Cabernet and Viognier. Perfumed aromas of flowers, blue fruit and herbs lead to sweet, plentiful blue and black-fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end. The finish lingers.
Mourvèdre (42%) takes the lead on this blend followed by Syrah (38%) and Grenache. Oak aromas are initially in the lead, with notes of vanilla and barrel spice that are followed by lighter-styled cherry, cranberry and spice flavors. There's plenty to hold the interest.
From the heart of the Napa Valley, this opens in wafts of baked bread, cedar and herb, additionally exhibiting classical varietal notes like currant and pencil. Full bodied, round and ripe, it lingers in jolts of black pepper.
Legend has it that those who listen closely to the well of Château Côte Montpezat can hear the pilgrims on the way to Compostella who drank here. Drinking the wine today offers light spice and wood aromas that give it an extra dimension. Initially, they seem to dominate the fruit, although this passes over as the herbal and green-fruit character of the wine shows through. It does mean that the wine should age a little in bottle, so wait until early 2017.
This is a ripe, full-throttle wine. It has layers of blackberry and firm, dusty tannins. They are balanced by the juicy texture that gives the wine both freshness and the promise of some further aging. The wine is complex, rich and with good potential. Drink from 2018.
Barrel aromas of vanilla, cocoa and coconut are at the fore. The black-fruit and barrel flavors provide a lot of appeal.
Luscious watermelon and berry aromas perfume this buoyantly fruity dry rosé. It's robust in body and amped with concentrated red-cherry flavor but maintains deft balance. Lingering raspberry notes finish brisk and bright.
Tight and tannic, this opens with aromas of Amaretto, ripe berry, Alpine herb and a balsamic note. The firm palate offers black cherry, licorice, white pepper and cherries marinated in spirits. Firm but refined tannins provide structure.
The wonderfully peppery nature of Blaufränkisch makes itself felt here: this is appetizing, honest and fresh-faced. On the palate aromatic blueberries join in while freshness and pepper give verve and energy. This is lovely, honest, refreshing and utterly moreish.
Aromas of ripe red berry, fragrant blue flower, cake spice, menthol and an earthy hint of truffle emerge in the glass. The juicy palate offers fleshy cherry, raspberry, licorice and chopped mint alongside firm, velvety tannins. Drink through 2022.
Earthy notes are interspersed with very fresh, friendly and pure lemon notes. There also is an overtone of chamomile. The palate is zingy and fresh, has a concentrated core and comes with disarming honesty: dry, fresh and linear.
Aged in large oak barrels, this opens with aromas suggesting toast, espresso and baking spice. The firm, concentrated palate offers tart cherry, licorice and ground clove alongside a backbone of bracing tannins.
Rugged, rustic, stalky aromas are a bit challenging. In the mouth, this is stout and tough, with hard tannins. Toasty blackberry flavors are mildly stalky and earthy, with peppery bitterness, while a firm, tight, tannic finish tastes of black peppercorn and blackberry. Drink through 2028.
Aromas of moist underbrush, saddle leather, dried herb, menthol and a whiff of game take shape in the glass. The firm palate offers raw sour cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and a hint of tobacco while close-grained tannins provide the framework and leave an astringent finish. Give the tannins a few more years to unwind then drink.
The estate belongs to the Borie family, one of the grand names of Bordeaux, with the wine making done by the team of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien. The result is an aromatic, balanced wine that is both structured and fruity. It has fine tannins, black currant fruit and a perfumed aftertaste.
A very pretty shade of pink, this blend of 89% Grenache and 11% Syrah shows crisp nectarine and peach, squeezed lime, fragrant honeydew, jasmine, strawberry ice cream, sweet onion and a green-mint twist on the dynamic nose. The palate is nicely tense, with lime rind leveling the riper peach, strawberry and watermelon flavors.
Hints of smoke on the nose dissipate with aeration to reveal a bright raspberry perfume. Full bodied and expansive on the palate, it offers up plenty of concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors. Zesty acidity leads a brisk, clean finish.
Aromas of apple, crushed stone and thyme come together on this vibrant white. The medium-bodied palate offers green pear, juicy nectarine, dried herb and flinty mineral alongside lively acidity. A note of bitter almond fills in the finish.
Despite the trend for dry rosé, there's something to be said for a bright, berried sip accentuated by balanced sweetness. This wine hits just that spot of pristine, delicately sweet cherry flavor juxtaposed with zesty acidity and a spry, mineral feel.
Pervaded by lively, friendly, zippy freshness, this easy-drinking Riesling comes with a sprightly, fruity balance on its dry palate that is made all the more summery by the faintest amount of fizz.
This is a spicy, flavorful and fairly straightforward vineyard-designate. It's not overly complex, but offers a mix of classic Gravenstein-apple fruitiness with medium-bodied texture and weight.
Notes of red apple and herbal savor lead to an even fruitier, fresh palate of easy lightness. This is all about that fresh, ripe apple flavor in all its honest, fresh-faced appeal. Daringly off dry, the merest suggestion of sweetness boosts all the delicious apple notes and makes this very, very fruity. Drink soon.
Ripe black cherry and currant flavors are spiked by hints of nut, spice and toast in this keenly balanced wine. Firm but fine-grained tannins, brisk acidity and tones of bramble and barnyard lend structure and complexity.
Though reserved on the nose at first, this bottling begins to show dense blueberry, coffee and soy with patience. There are boisterous flavors of squeezed elderberry and blackberry fruit once sipped, along with beef char, black coffee, dark chocolate and purple flowers on the finish. This still needs a little time to open, but shows lots of potential.
Smoky, slightly peppery aromas and good solid cherry flavors help make this medium-bodied wine concentrated and delicious. Plum and baked-cherry notes blend with the spices for a complex taste experience.
Aromas of ripe berry, toast and a whiff of scorched earth emerge in the glass. The palate is more expressive, offering cherry marinated in spirits, roasted herb and licorice alongside firm refined tannins.
Inky, earthy berry aromas come with a hint of animal. This feels grabby but solid, with firm tannins. Standard plum and berry aromas are the slightest bit stalky, while flavors of roasted black fruits and coffee are bolstered by hard tannins on the finish.
Gentle lemon-peel freshness spells summer wine with the first whiff. The slender palate also continues on a friendly, superclean and superfresh lemon theme with just a very slight hint of fizz. Refreshment personified.
A dense, dark-colored wine, this reveals the full power of Tannat's tannins. It also has tarry black-fruit and licorice flavors, with a foursquare chunky character. It's drinkable now, but it will be less stark in 4–5 years.
Full, ripe and juicy, this has a flavor of fresh black-currant juice, which is balanced by the dry, firm tannins that promise aging.
Solid and perfumed, this expresses all the power of Malbec, with a fruitiness that comes through the firm, dry tannins. Notes of new wood and juicy plum combine well in this concentrated, full-bodied effort, which needs several years to age.
Using fruit sourced from vineyards on an eastward extension of the ridge of Castillon and Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux, this finely structured wine shows a judicious amount of oak influence, which supports the ripe blackberry flavor. It's a complex, spicy effort, and its fruit is finely layered with acidity and toast.
Despite the high alcohol level, this is classic Bordeaux, with style, elegance and fine balance between tannin and ripe black-currant fruit. It demonstrates the concentration and rich structure of the vintage, yet the finish has a light, bright, fruity touch.
Concentrated fruits dominate this ripe, juicy wine. Firm tannins lend structural support to this generous, textured selection. Age it for another year.
A blend of Gros Manseng and Camarelet, this fruity effort is packed with flavors of apricot and peach, plus a rich, exotic mango twist. Delicious to drink now.
Using fruit sourced from 94-year-old vines, this is a powerful and concentrated wine. It has a serious, complex mix of fruit and tannin, with notes of leather and spice that lend power and density. Age this for at least another year.
This is sweet and rich up front, with marzipan, balsam wood, berry and kirsch aromas. Expect a full and creamy mouthfeel, with a mix of herb, spice, olive and dark-fruit flavors. Extra spice notes in the form of clove, nutmeg and wood grace the finish of this Carmenère-Syrah-Cabernet-Petit Verdot blend. Drink now–2017.
Delicate and detailed, this balanced Pinot Noir displays a perfect mix of wild berry, mushroom, green tea and a whiff of compost. These threads of flavor, and others associated with them, create a delightful tapestry that continues through the lengthy finish.
The sense of structure that is so evident in 2010 wines is particularly apparent in this perfumed, rich and firmly tannic selection. It shows the hard edges of granite soil, plus juicy red fruit. Concentrated and complex, it needs several years to mature.
This new designation from Rex Hill is a bit reticent aromatically, but full on the palate, with plummy fruit and a light hint of barnyard. Good texture and nicely threaded flavors roll onto the smooth, lingering finish.
This is a firm and stony wine, with dry tannins that give structure to the intense acidity and the red cherry flavor. It's dense and concentrated, with a solid feel that demands several years of aging.
Creamy and leesy, with a complex mix of mineral, fresh herb, citrus rind and pungent botanicals, this is an interesting and refreshing style of Pinot Gris. Give it a good chill and watch it open as it warms.
Picked and vinified expressly for this rosé, the grapes were sourced from the Armada Vineyard. It has a pale, copper-like onion-skin shade, it is aged for a year longer than most rosés, but it has lost none of its freshness. The pretty strawberry note gains complexity and textural interest as it lingers on the palate. Persistent, focused, leesy and long, this elegant rosé looks deceptively light, but offers powerful flavors.
It's not easy assessing this blend of Monastrell and Petit Verdot from a warm vintage. It's fiery and almost citric on the nose, while the palate is ripe as can be, with spicecake and blackberry syrup flavors. It's not missing any potency or ripeness, but the longer you work with it the larger and more medicinal it gets. Think big Zinfandel from California when you take this on.
It's called Assemblage because the wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. This big wine, with its dense structure, texture and superripe fruit, is certainly rich. The tannins and the acidity do hold everything in check. But it's not a wine for aging.
A lush, somewhat soft eiswein, with aromas and flavors of superripe oranges or orange marmalade, balanced by a touch of dry, minerally extract on the finish.
It's impressive how exciting old vine Carignan can be, and what an underrated grape it is. Here's proof that it makes big, perfumed wines, layered with dark tannins and wild flavors of herbs and dark berries.
From small-batch, handcraft producer Stark-Condé, this unfiltered Cab offers personality and elegance. Berry, herbs, fennel and spice on the nose lead into a red that's extremely pretty in the mouth. Good integration of tannins and fruit, and a light minerality throughout give the wine a soft, balanced appeal. Though it will pair well with spiced meat and bolder dishes, the wine is great on its own.
A ripe, smooth wine, dominated by vanilla from wood and by red berry fruits. The tannic structure is subservient to the rich layers of mint and herbal flavors, while the fruit dominates. Finishes with chocolate and firm tannins.
The perfumes are the central theme of this wine, aromas of roses and flavors of spice, cinnamon, going through the ripe fruit and suggestions of wood. It is a superripe wine, but one which manages to keep in balance.
Spicy and smoky, this wine is dark with tannins and dryness. Its dark chocolate and bitter coffee flavors suggest tough extraction. The fruit does not stand a chance.
Minty new wood aromas are the theme in this wood-laden wine. It has a burnt character from high extraction and wood aging, making it hard to discern the fruit, although there is a juicy character at the end.
This wine's strawberry jam aromas lead to a palate dominated by tannins. It's dry and missing fruit.
Even for the rich 2015 vintage, this is an excessive wine. Made from superripe Merlot with high extraction, it adds dark chocolate flavors to its rich, juicy blackberry jelly fruit, feeling too big and over-the-top.
This light to medium-bodied wine follows initially earthy and metallic aromas with decent plum flavors. The aroma clears up with time and the wine's soft texture and fruitiness peek through.
This lightly sweet and simple wine tastes straightforward, very fruity, soft in texture and light to medium in body.
Rustic aromas like earth and dried leaves are followed by rather lean red-cherry and rhubarb flavors in this medium-bodied wine.
This is a simple, somewhat muted wine, with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Sanguine, it shows a touch of red currant, cassis and cedar in addition to a burly full-bodied concentration of ripeness.
Dry, firm and tough, this wine lacks the fruit fruit to come through the structure. It's a wine for those who like plenty of wood.
Prune, grilled herb and a whiff of salted-game aromas carry over to the light-bodied palate along with dried black cherry and a hint of clove. It's über-simple, with loose fleeting tannins.
This is a lean wine with considerable structure and acidity but perhaps not enough fruit. There is a green edge to the fruit although the tannins are ripe enough. It is ready to drink now.
Bread-like, yeasty aromas adorn a simple thickness of smoky char, dark cherry and bold concentration in this wine, which seems heartier than the varietal tends to be.
This wine is flat and simple, with touches of herbaceous earthiness and cedar. Plum and blueberry-fruit flavors are welcoming if lacking in complexity, with the finish offering a hint of cinnamon.
This wine has a smoky char quality and a decadent richness of cured meat and bacon grease. Light, it's dusted modestly in spice, with an herbaceous tease of tannin on the finish.
Firm tannins and overripe fruit dominate this wine. It will not develop well, with those tannins remaining tough.
Heavily wood aged, this wine is tough and dry, with aggressive toast flavors. The concentration is there but is not from fruit.
Overripe, jammy fruit aromas and flavors spoil this wine. It's oddly balanced: soft on the one hand and tough on the other.
Smoky aromas from wood aging show again strongly in the tough wooden plank notes that dominate this wine. It's a shame, because the fruit is there.
Strong spicy meaty aromas and equally assertive oak and char flavors threaten to overwhelm the fruity aspects of this dry wine but it has enough concentration to match the firm tannins. Best after 2020.
This wine is soft and somewhat disjointed, uncertain of its structure. Highlights are caramel-toffee oak and a tease of anise amongst blackberry and black current.
This wine is an oak bomb, from the wood smoke and charcoal aromas to the heavily roasted toasted flavors and woody tannins that make for a drying finish.
Orange blossom and lemon zest perfume this intensely aromatic dry Riesling. Plump yellow cherry and tangerine flavors build on the palate, invigorated by racy zips of acidity and crushed-stone minerality. Buoyantly pretty yet firmly structured to improve at least another decade.
This wine has a distinct personality beyond the normal jammy-fruit flavors of the varietal. A fragrance like sunbaked earth and wild sagebrush meets dried cherry, dried herb and meaty flavors, supported by firm tannins and good acidity for a lip-smacking texture.
The wines from this remote ranch off of Jalama Road combine mossy forest-floor touches with dark hearty aromas, in this case showing pine, rust, juniper, thyme and purple fruit on the nose. The texture is grippy, and there is cranberry fruit in the background, but the palate's attention turns mostly to eucalyptus, dark spice and even tobacco toward the finish.
This firmly structured wine is packed with solid tannins as well as ripe juicy red fruits. It comes from the upper part of the Rugiens Premier Cru, one of the top sites in Pommard. Dense and needing to age, the wine will be ready from 2023.
This blend of 64% Syrah, 26% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre is unabashedly rich and lush, with cassis, vanilla, baked pastry, white chocolate, brown sugar and caramelized pork fat on the nose. Fudge, caramel and vanilla show powerfully on the sip, which will pair with a juicy steak or simply wow everyone at the table, even toward the end of a long night.
Rich and rounded with a creamy texture, this wine is ripe with apricots and has a strongly mineral character. Full of fruit, the wine also has a texture that means it needs to age. Drink from 2021.
Among the most northerly of the run of Beaune premier crus, the wine is structured but the structure is cushioned by the ripe red-berry fruits to give a generous wine. Backed by tannins, the wine will age well. Drink from 2022.
A firmly structured wine, solid with tannins and with structure. The wine is also full of fruit potential, ripe with red berries. It is dense wine that needs to age. Drink from 2025.
Here's another raring red from Bordeaux-born Rivière that needs time to settle. Ripe aromas are all about fruit, while this wine is clamping on the palate, with a sense of skins one hopes will resolve with time. Peppery plum and wild berry flavors finish with cheek-grabbing tannins and lasting toastiness. Drink 2019–2035.
This is a beautifully made, elegant wine that combines classic aromas of toasted bread, ripe apples and almonds with mouthfilling flavors of vanilla, lemon and cream while maintaining great balance from fresh acidity. A lingering finish echoes the spices and toast.
Deep and hearty aromas of blackberry, candied violet and dried lavender are enhanced by a touch of roasted pork on the nose of this red by Adam Lee. The full-bodied palate is framed by soft yet structural tannins and a slow-rising acidity, showing dark berries, charred beef and a hint of licorice.
This bottling from a vineyard owned by the Fess Parker family is extremely gamy out of the gates, with raw lamb aromas lifted up by peppercorns and laid atop elderberry fruit. The lighter-bodied palate is framed by zesty acidity and a zippy pepper spice, with flavors of black currant and wild chaparral herbs.
This bottling from the famously rich wine-making vineyard shows incredible restraint on the nose, starting with the reserved aromas of lavender, white pepper, bergamot, pomegranate and snappy raspberry. The blackberry fruit runs quite deep on the sip, edged by bay leaf, menthol and purple flower touches. Simultaneously elegant and powerful.
Dark red cherry, crushed carnations, rose petals and a hint of nutmeg spice show on the nose of this bottling from an increasingly famous vineyard in this region. The palate's rich expression combines black plum, clove, red-cherry and mace flavors, bolstered by a fresh acidity.
This is a structured wine, dark and firm as tannins meld with the ripe berry fruits. It has the weight to have great potential. The wine, with its concentration and dense tannins, will be ready to drink from 2025.
This is a ripe generous wine with soft tannins and already delicious red fruits. It lives up to the ideal of Volnay, rich and sumptuous, although with an attractive cut of acidity to balance. Drink this wine from 2022.
This suave and sophisticated wine is so smooth to sip that its depth of flavor is a little deceptive. A subtle potpourri of clove, cinnamon, black tea and blackberry aromas swirl around a great core of mild acidity, fine-grained tannins and many layers of concentrated fruit flavor. The texture is velvety and the finish lingers for at least 30 seconds.
Powerful, mouthwatering, concentrated black-cherry and blackberry flavors form the core of this full-bodied, full-flavored and well-balanced wine. Starting with aromas of toasted oak and wood smoke, the wine has a broad rich mouthfeel and moderate tannins that propel the gorgeous fruit flavors across the palate and linger a long time on the finish.
This is a big but balanced expression of Cabernet that is ready to drink now. Layers of black cherry, caramel, vanilla, smoke and crushed black rocks show on the lavish nose. The palate's chalky texture is immediately apparent, with vibrant acidity that carries forth a rich crème de cassis flavor and finishes on roasted coffee and milk chocolate.
This 100% varietal wine delivers mineral, citrus twist, raw meat, raspberry and black pepper notes. The palate is full bodied and packed to the brim with fruit and savory flavors. It brings a seamlessness and length that are absolutely dazzling.
Richness is on full display in this bottling by Steve Martell, with baked black plum, vanilla, allspice and nearly a prune scent on the nose. Caramel flavors of blackened blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream make for a very full and undeniably delicious sip.
This blend of Grenache (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Syrah (13%) explodes with potpourri, peat, white pepper, smoke and earth aromas. The palate is loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide into the extended finish. The texture is absolutely dazzling.
This is a cool wine, with acidity and citrus fruits well in evidence. It comes from one of the higher premier-cru vineyards, giving a crisp and textured wine even in this warm vintage. It needs time. Drink from 2020.
This crisp wine comes from one of upper vineyards of the village. It is packed with apples and citrus, plus a touch of toast. With lively acidity, this wine will age well. Drink from 2021.
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Monette's Vineyard in the Rocks District, and it was fermented using 75% whole clusters. The aromas are fresh and perfumed, recalling red raspberry, pipe tobacco, white pepper, pomegranate, kirsch, herb and orange peel. The palate shows mesmerizing purity in its red fruit flavors, which are backed by fine-grained tannins. A thoroughly delicious interpretation of the variety that is nothing short of dazzling.
This young, textured wine shows a mix of strong minerality and ripe white fruits. The Albert Bichot Chablis domaine has a fine parcel from this premier cru. Refreshing citrus and tight acidity contrast with the warmer vanilla and yellow fruits. Drink from 2021.
Aratás puts more bottle age on their Petite Sirah than most, and the extra maturity shows. Wonderful oak spices fill the aroma and extend into the fully ripe and richly fruity flavors of this big but beautifully sculpted wine. It has a lot of new oak influence and that is perfect to match the big body and monumental tannins that give the wine such impact.
This wood-aged and structured wine is concentrated and dense. It comes from the Premier Cru vineyard just to the west of the village. With generous tannins and juicy ripe red fruits, the wine is broad and going to be rich. Drink from 2023.
Elegantly woven aromas of cassis, sandalwood and truffle show on the nose of this wine, which also includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. The palate also combines that plummy fruit with woody spice, showing cedar and crushed pepper, creating a savory experience that makes the mouth water into the finish.
This new project by wine bar owner Ash Mehta and winemaker Mary Bradley shows much promise, starting with woody elderberry, tar, black pepper and dense lavender on the buoyant nose. The sip starts with powerful pepper and then coalesces around cassis and black-currant fruit, a tarry minerality, dried herbs of thyme and juniper and a cocoa finish.
Simple aromas of lemon and lychee are just fresh enough, while the palate offers good feel and pithy, somewhat bland flavors of the same fruits that appear on the bouquet. The finish is lemony, and overall this is a good, basic Torrontés to drink as soon as you can.
Showing a bit of evolution, The Turk features hints of leather and beef alongside blackberry and cassis. It's reasonably complex for the price, but dries out a bit on the finish, suggesting it may be past its best. Drink up.
Starts out with mildly herbal, salad-dressing aromas, but the palate is fairly full and creamy, with soft tomato, spice and generic berry flavors. Fresh due to adequate acidity, but tastes a little herbal and sharp all the way through. Good enough for the price.
Pineapple, sulfur and matchstick, and finally some woody toast steer the bouquet. The palate is big and blowsy, with toasty baked apple and pineapple flavors. Finishes sweet, with honey and a sprinkle of white pepper. Yet another sweet, resiny, basic Chardonnay from Chile.
Earthy smelling, with black-fruit aromas that sit heavy in the glass. The palate pushes black cherry flavors and outsized acidity, and it only gets sharper on the back palate and finish. Flavorful and true to the variety, but piercing.
Minty and earthy, with aromas of plum, rubber and herbs. The palate is straight down the middle in terms of feel, while the flavors turn brambly and herbal, something the finish matches. Basic and a little strained.
Opens with sharpness along with red-fruit notes and a hint of vinegar. The palate holds onto that acid-driven feel, and there's saucy, herbal berry and cherry flavors. Finishes on the shallow side, with a pinch of bitterness.
Sweet and baked smelling, with foxy core aromas that suggest wet dog fur. The palate is loud and wild, with foxy, unsettled flavors of wild berry and cherry. Runs low on layering, structure and body, but it is lively.
Aromas of red fruits, olive and hard spice lead to a sheer palate with juiciness galore along with red raspberry, cranberry and spice flavors. Very zesty but not harsh. Must have food to handle the acids.
Basic raspberry and plum aromas and flavors are accented by herbal, foresty notes. The palate is grabby, tannic and chunky, with herbal accents to the berry fruit flavors. Finishes with milk chocolate, acidity and tannic bite.
Slightly sharp, reedy and also sweet smelling, with cotton candy, vanilla and caramel aromas. The palate ranks as dry, simple and a bit dilute, with soft, light, buttery flavors and shy, airy red-fruit notes. Inoffensive and a touch weak.
A solid effort, this basic red blend features mint accents layered over slightly herbal cassis aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, with silky tannins on the finish. Drink now.
Burnt, edgy and stemmy/stalky from start to finish. The nose gives off a charred nut and asphalt character, while the palate is edgy, hard and bitter, with briary flavors of roasted fruit and stems. Questionable and compromised for the price.
Baby Bear is a collaboration between Eric Dunham and the actor Kyle MacLachlan, styled as a lighter version of their Pursued by Bear Syrah. This is a most enjoyable wine, with a big yum factor from the generous barrel scents and flavors. Toasty, smoky, a bit astringent, but beautifully streamlined, it displays a full array of black fruits, adorned with lots of dusty, toasty barrel highlights.
Surprisingly full bodied, lush and expansive given its moderate alcohol level, this is a whirlwind of tropical fruit and buttered nuts on the nose. It then grows more refined and understated on the palate, where the flavors are white peach, melon and citrus.
Dineen and Red Willow 'Les Vins de Marcoux' supply the fruit for this complex, aromatic Syrah. A fecund melding of compost, chicken yard and chocolate accents surround a core of berries and cherries. Ripe, round and mouth-filling, it's not at all overpowering, but has the style and complexity to hold your interest through the entire bottle.
This is the finest Cabernet from Gordon Estate in some time; forward and pretty, with a juicy mix of red fruits. The raspberry and cherry and currant flavors are nicely defined and deep, underscored with crisp acidity, and showing the sort of youthful concentration that suggests further cellaring is in order. Nonetheless, it's a wine to enjoy right away simply for its luscious, exuberant fruit.
This classic Barolo reveals ripe dark fruit and earth aromas, and hints of orange peel and herbs. The palate is still closed, but you can detect ripe fruit, spice and mint notes. It has bracing but fine tannins, and promises to open up in a few more years.
A rich wine that shows ripe intensity as well as forward fruitiness. It has a ripe, creamy texture, and hints of spice and vanilla along with a steely acidity. Full in the mouth, it's packed with pepper as well as fruit. This is a dense wine that could age another year. Screwcap.
This is a full-bodied, lushly textured Chardonnay that manages to avoid the sensation of excess weight. Pear, melon and white peach notes are framed by understated toasted nuttiness, while a long line of acid prolongs the harmonious finish. Drink now–2018.
This classic Barolo is fermented with wild yeasts. The fragrance is earthy and floral, suggesting truffle, leather and ripe berry. The palate delivers ripe wild cherries and herbs, and reflecting the vintage, this is already forward and enjoyable now.
This was done half in stainless and half in oak, and the blend is near perfect. Spicy and full-bodied, the peppery fruit is nicely set against a gentle backdrop of barrel toast. Cantaloupe, apple and papaya flavors are in abundance, with a finish of toasted coconut.
This is an elegant Pinot Noir, aromatic in cherry and raspberry with juicy acidity and a memorable finish, understated in alcohol and too-ripe flavors. Earthy, enjoy it with lamb or pork smothered in mushrooms and herbs.
Despite being full bodied, this is a very drinkable example of Barossa Cabernet. It's not very tannic, but instead offers mouthwatering suppleness. Cherry and red currant fruit notes are underscored by mocha shadings.
Named for a Margaret River subregion, Cape Mentelle's Wilyabrup is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It's structured and restrained on the palate, easily blending cherry, cedar, leather and earth notes in a truly claret-styled wine whose dry finish picks up hints of black tea. Drink now–2020.
A firm and authoritative Bordeaux-style blend, the Squall Line is an equal mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with a splash of Merlot to finish. Cherry, plum and cassis fruit anchors the wine, with threads of graphite and roasted coffee running through a long, subtle, satisfying finish.
Intensely smoky, dusty mineral aromas on this Riesling dissipate with aeration to reveal a delightful bouquet of white blossoms and stonefruit. The palate is bright with citrus acidity and sweet yellow cherries. While lively and fresh now, it should develop remarkable complexity over the next 5–7 years.
Whiffs of zesty lemon and fresh herbs lend vitality to rich, honeyed peach flavors on this unabashedly juicy, semi-dry Kabinett. An ideal late-summer apéritif at an excellent price, it finishes with a bracing shower of jasmine tea and lime acidity.
This complement to the Lost Soul Syrah comes from the other end of the Yakima Valley, the Red Mountain vineyards of Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval. Cranberry and strawberry fruit shows good concentration. It's a compact wine with plenty of minerality from the vineyard sources, and an extended finish once it gets some breathing time.
A clever play on words, this powerful wine is rich, complex, and a shade off dry from its ripe fruit profile. It has intense juiciness with loads of apple and pear flavor and just a touch of pepper. Full-bodied and worth aging for 2–4 years. Screwcap.
This single-vineyard Barbaresco offers underbrush and tobacco leaf aromas layered with toast, espresso and oak. The palate is succulent, featuring black cherry, licorice, spice and eucalyptus notes. Nicely balanced, but still young and aggressive; best after 2015.
This straightforward Barolo offers classic Nebbiolo aromas of dried rose petal, forest floor and ripe cherry. The palate delivers bright cherry and berry flavors, with hints of balsamic herbs and a subtle layer of carob. This is still young and tannic, but has surprising freshness for the vintage. Drink after 2015.
This semi-sweet wine is dark in color, full bodied, peppery in aroma, and full of berry flavors on the palate. A thick texture coats the mouth with jammy sensations that slowly recede on the finish.
Perfumed, bold and brambly, this is a full-bodied and fairly-priced rendition of the variety that's big in cherry cola flavor, earthy mint and oak.
Chopped herb, underbrush, truffle and balsamic notes lead the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and polished, offering sour cherry fruit with a hint of licorice. A sage note closes the finish.
Tart cranberry and raspberry fruit comes with a touch of caramel coffee. It's medium bodied and should be consumed within the next two or three years.
Cranberry fruit, sharp and tangy, is accented with darker notes of coffee. Tannins are earthy and finish slightly bitter.
Crisp aromas of celery and lime set up a fresh citrusy palate that's light to medium in both body and weight. Flavors of green-grape skins and lemon-lime finish a bit salty, but with proper acidity and balance.
Incredibly ripe and dried black cherry, strawberry, clove and smoke aromas give this bottling an almost port-like nose. The palate is similar, with prune and raisin touches, with cooked red fruit and baking spice.
Abundant fresh floral aromas such as violet and lilac show on the nose of this bottling, with black plum and candied grape notes. The palate is straightforward, all tangy plum flavors, enhanced by dried herb, soy and reductive tar notes.
This was barrel fermented, and picked up a fair amount of oaky flavor as a result. The barrels overtake the light apple fruit, at least for now, but consider this as a fine, inexpensive alternative to Chardonnay.
This is a sharp, dry, peppery style, with strong suggestions of caraway and grain. Tightly wound fruit pokes at citrus and melon, and there is a touch of bitterness in the finish.
This vineyard, and the AVA it occupies, is often characterized by some sharp metallic mineral-driven flavors. Here it seems just marginally ripe, with beet, black tea and metal dominating the astringent finish.
Finished at 185 g/L residual sugar, this is produced cryogenically (meaning frozen, then pressed). It's on the sugary side of sweet, with simple flavors of lemon tea and rock candy.
Sawdust, oak and grilled rosemary aromas lead the nose. Lacking fruit richness, the lanky palate instead displays espresso, licorice and cured salami flavors, while bracing tannins grip the finish.
This is a well-structured Zinfandel-based blend with a wild streak and significant amounts of Carignane and Charbono. It has spicy, earthy, new-leather aromas, modest fruit flavors and a firmly tannic texture. Dry and grippy on the palate, it will complement rich proteins nicely.
Production is up and the price down on this joven-styled Tempranillo. Though labeled simply Oregon, it's Applegate Valley fruit, lightly aromatic with generic red-wine flavors. What elevates it is a strong sense of underlying minerality, that keeps the finish from tailing off immediately.
Fragrant blue flower, baking spice and wild berry aromas lead the nose. Zesty acidity and taut tannins frame fresh sour cherry, star anise and chopped herb flavors.
Ripe, almost-sweet fruit flavors dominate this full-bodied, soft-textured wine. It's a richer, oakier style of Pinot than most but will make a lot of people happy with its easy-going, welcoming personality.
A blend of 75% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino, this easygoing red opens with subtle black-skinned fruit and tilled soil scents. Smooth tannins frame the straightforward palate, which delivers ripe black cherry and leather notes. Drink through 2019.
Blackberry, cedar, peppercorn and herb aromas come through on the nose of this savory blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dry and tart black plum skin flavor kicks off the palate, followed by potpourri, lavender and pine notes.
Tart and fruity, this mixes strawberry and citrus flavors. There is some indication of stem contact, and the tannins have some grip to them. Drink now through 2020.
Deep, saturated color and chocolate-covered cherry flavor make this wine a treat to drink, but don't expect a traditional dry dinner wine. It's turbocharged with sweetness and has a boisterous but agreeable personality.
This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot displays black plum and baking spice aromas. The straightforward palate offers black cherry and white pepper flavors with a gamy note and smooth tannins. Short on the finish, it's ready for immediate drinking.
The nose of this 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 10% Mammolo wine opens with black cherry and baking spice. The accessible palate delivers red plum fruit, clove spice and smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Stone-fruit aromas of peach and nectarine include a hint of gardenia and bath soap, which is likely attributable to the 40% Muscat that leads Viura, Chardonnay and Verdejo. With a grabby oily texture and flavors of green melon and lychee, this is pleasant and easy to sip.
Made of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this has subdued black-skinned fruit and underbrush aromas. Assertive tannins frame a palate of prune, tobacco and black pepper flavors. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
While this smells almost entirely like a barrel, the palate avoids being resiny and instead comes across as fresh and balanced. Oaky flavors are unavoidable, while melony fruit notes on the finish are dosed up with wood spice and a shot of freshening acidity.
This uncomplicated bottling is delicate and light, making for easy, pleasant sipping. Lime pith, nectarine and wet clay aromas show on the nose, while the palate offers tension and subtle stone fruit and citrus flavors.
As with the other single-vineyard wines from Brooks, this was give 18 months in French oak, and shows strong accents of baking spices and plum cake. The fruit leans toward raisins and figs—just on the edge of overripe—and continues into a finish with vanilla wafer and macaroons. There's a lot going on, but it has not (yet) knit together.
This is a balanced, steely white, showing minimal oak and simple layers of apple, pear and vanilla.
Spicy, peppery aromas yield to tomato but not much fruit. The palate is sour, with tart plum and cherry. And the finish is equally lean and tart. High acids and not much fruit equals a lower-end wine.
Bold and very clumsy. There are leathery elements to the nose and wild, grapy fruit that stumbles onto the palate. A wall of tannins hits you on the finish, and throughout it's untamed and overdone. Very fruity and forward, but devoid of tact.
Heavy and waxy, with overdone varietal aromas that seem oily. Lots of pepper and cumin, but what about the fruit and acidity? Nowhere to be found.
A tartly acidic wine, with some sweet molasses aromas but also hints of decaying vegetation.
Almost no one makes a dry chenin anymore. This is off-dry, fruity and simple, showing nothing of the complexity this grape can achieve if treated right. Citrusy fruit, slightly sugary finish.
A ripe, almost thick, peach-laden wine with big, rich fruit and lots of punch.
Flavors of plum, cherry, cassis, chalky earth, smoke and bell pepper. Still tight and chewy, with suggestions that the fruit from this difficult vintage didn’t attain full ripeness. A good effort from a subpar year, marked by a hint of brett on the finish.
Hogue built its reputation with stunningly fruity, crisp, bright white wines such as this, and no one in America does a better fruit-forward Chenin. Delicious, like a New World Vouvray, with the same sweet/sour seduction and food-friendly acids. Best Buy.
Yellow in color and thick in the bouquet. The nose is hard to peg, but there are notes of mustard and asparagus. The palate offers some orange and apple flavors, but also something similar to canned peas. It seems overripe and past its prime.
A beautifully elegant, focused wine, full of racy, steely fruit, managing to combine fullness with lightness and an intensely dry aftertaste. Hirtzberger's 29-acre vineyard is in the western Wachau village of Spitz, where the Rieslings are aged in large acacia wood barrels.
Bründlmayer, one of Austria's most famed winemakers, finds that the lyre method of training the vine gives significantly more concentration. That's certainly true of this rich, full, intense wine, with its powering acidity and flavors of almonds, white currants and cranberries.
This powerful expression of Riesling blends floral aromas with scents of lime, pineapple and crushed stone, then finishes with great length and intensity. The strident citrus and mineral notes seem to echo on the palate, filling the mouth with their characterful flavors.
Blue fruit and high acidity open this delightful Pinot Noir, from a cool section of the Russian River Valley overlapping Green Valley. The oak imprint is low, yet the wine offers firm structure and elegance, remaining subdued and fresh on the palate in swirls of dark cherry, boysenberry and earthy leather.
A unique personality reveals itself through the subtle but exotic aromas, rich texture and vivid but not overripe fruit flavors. It tastes and feels substantial and full bodied. Vivid acidity buoys up everything and helps the finish linger. A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Picpoul Blanc, it tastes like it will improve with age. Best now through 2018.
This rare varietal offering, blended with 25% Petite Sirah, displays notes of dark plum, herbs and black and green olive. The fruit flavors are sweet, lush and concentrated with abundant olive flavors on the finish.
There is an insane amount of power in this wine, sourced from the mighty Bedrock, where the Zin is interplanted with Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Blueberry, candied orange and rosemary complement one another, while a dustiness and minerality play tricks on the tongue, testifying about the vineyard's rocky soils.
Aromas of tilled earth, spice, leather, blue flowers and Mediterranean herbs lead the nose on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The concentrated but polished palate offers a savory core of black cherry and red currant, while notes of bell pepper, mocha and baking spice provide backup. Supple tannins support the juicy flavors. Enjoy through 2017.
A small vineyard of just over 10 acres in the north of the Margaux appellation, Bellevue de Tayac obviously received serious attention from then-owner Jean-Luc Thunevin of Château Valandraud in Saint-Émilion. You can taste that in the vanilla flavors from the wood aging and the smooth texture. It's a micro-cuvée that shows great richness and potential. Drink from 2018.
This dense and dark wine is full of ripe, richly juicy black fruits. Solid tannins and layers of wood are softening into the rest of the wine. It's going to develop slowly, releasing the fruit into the tannic structure. Wait until 2018.
This 1,000-acre estate with 140 acres of vines is close to Bordeaux and still family owned. With bitter chocolate flavor lying over the fruit, this needs some aging before it can properly integrate. Dark tannins and spice show at the end, along with juicy black-currant fruit. Drink from 2018.
Made by the Château Giscours winemaking team, this wine benefits from their expertise. Skill shows in the velvet textures, the ripe berry fruits and the hidden strength of the tannins and wood flavors. It's going to be a serious, elegant wine. Drink from 2018.
Fonréaud's vineyard is on the highest point in the Médoc (all of 120 feet), at the southern end of the Listrac appellation. This wine, as often with this property, has started out rugged and solid with firm dry tannins. The fruit though is all there and will show with increasing intensity over the next few years. Drink this powerful wine from 2018.
While juicy Merlot dominates this wine, the structure comes from the perfumed Cabernet Sauvignon that brings out the tannins, while the fruit is packed with blackberry flavors. This ripe wine needs to develop over the next few years. Drink from 2017.
This ripe wine shows a good balance between its rich black fruits and the densely tannic structure. It is still young and for now the wine is firm and dry. The ripe fruit will blossom over the next few years to give warmth and richness. Drink from 2018.
This wine is light and fresh, full of crisp and ripe black currant fruits that lie alongside gentle and open tannins. The wine has weight and a rich underlay, although it will develop well and relatively quickly with its bright fruits and acidity. Drink from 2016.
From a famed old site planted to 75% Zinfandel and 25% mixed black-skinned varieties, this wine conveys a minty-eucalyptus quality that tunes the acidity high against a medium-weight body. Austere at first on the palate, it expands as it goes, offering robust, dry tannins and layers of cardamom and coffee with time and air.
Side-by-side, Sheldrake Point's two Riesling ice wines are a fascinating study of how yeast affects flavors in wine. This regular-label ice wine, fermented with inoculated yeast, has a sunny, sweet charm. Notes of pressed apple, warming spice and potpourri perfume lend a cider-like tone. The palate lingers, countering bright, lemony acidity with a long peach kiss.
There's an intensity of cola-cinnamon spice and clove within the aromas and flavors of this single-vineyard designate, intriguing invites to explore further. Pure, crisp and focused raspberry and earth follow, with a subtle use of oak that allows the fruit and varietal exoticness to speak.
This Cab-based blend sources 51% of its grapes from Sonoma County, including small amounts of Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc. Medium in weight, the wine at first is slightly muted, but upon opening it provides Syrah-like meatiness and peppery spice around an intriguingly brooding sense of tar and black currant.
Robust, dense and meaty, this 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot dances around well-concocted swirls of black tea, herb and cedar. Soft and smooth on the palate, the oak is subtle, coaxing out flavors of tobacco and black currant, finishing with purpose.
Lactic blackberry and dark plum aromas suggest a full, ripe wine. That impression is confirmed via a meaty, chunky palate with flavors of blackberry, dried plum, pepper and mixed herbs. A dry, peppery tasting finish with mild residual heat closes this offering.
The winery blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec for this high-end red. Burly in tobacco and cedar, it also offers a floral, high-toned spirit built around juicy cranberry on the palate. With well-integrated tannins and oak, it finishes in a note of bittersweet chocolate.
Bright and elegant, this opens with aromas of blue flower, woodland berry, baking spice and a whiff of toasted oak. The sleek, savory palate doles out sour cherry, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and a hint of thyme alongside polished tannins.
Coming from a vineyard that sits 500 feet above Monterey Bay, this shows crisp green apple and grapefruit rinds on the nose, as well as a sharp, intriguing herbal tinge. It's extremely tight and high-toned on the palate, with bitter lime peels, white rocks and salinity, finishing on toasted apples.
Swathes of tarragon and lavender add lift to this stately Bordeaux-style blend. The palate is bright with sweet-tart black plum flavor, but supple and round, showing well-integrated oak notes and a fine layer of tannins on the finish.
Made with organically grown grapes, this blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante and 5% Ciliegiolo has aromas of underbrush, spiced plum, blue flower, menthol and leather. The palate delivers juicy black cherry, clove, carob, star anise and a tarry note alongside supple, smooth tannins. It's an earthy, intriguing expression from Scansano.
Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, scorched earth, game and a balsamic note lead the nose. The brawny, monolithic palate delivers ripe red berry, steeped plum, licorice and a confectionary note alongside chewy tannins.
Fermented with 35% stems and aged in neutral French oak, this 100% varietal wine brings both hedonistic and intellectual enjoyment. Lighter in color, it offers intriguing notes of flowers, mineral, dried herbs and red and blue fruit. The elegantly styled, creamy flavors suggest smoke and mineral, with an appealing sultry feel.
Walla Walla Vintners wines generally offer a sophisticated blend of vineyard sources and mixed varietals, and this Cab includes modest proportions of Merlot, Cab Franc, Carmenère, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It rounds out into a broadly flavorful bowl of chocolate-covered cherries, with a whiff of tobacco and forest coming through as well. Powerful and seductive, it will please those who love ripe black fruits and plenty of sweet and creamy new oak.
Takes the bold ripeness of the regular Gunn Estate bottling and kicks it up by adding herbal, passion fruit and pineapple flavors to the mix. The rich, creamy texture is balanced by the freshness and minerality of the lingering finish.
Consistent with recent vintages, this lovely Sémillon opens immediately into a creamy, leesy, expressive core. Scents of green apple, lemon and beeswax turn into lush fruit flavors of melon, pear and citrus. It shows far more complex and interesting fruit character than most unoaked Chardonnays—here, the acids are not intrusive, but come up naturally in the back of the throat.
Agressively pungent and herbal without being over the top, this is Sauvignon Blanc that screams of its origins. Grapefruit and passion fruit flavors wash easily across the palate, leaving plenty of grassy herbaceousness in their wake, and a crisp, lingering finish. Drink now.
Powerful wine, structured with apple skin tannins, layers of ripe, spicy toast and a taut, mineral character. There is something of the Meursault richness here, in the full white fruit flavors, but this is also a wine that needs to age.
Australian winemaker John Duval is the winemaker for Long Shadows' signature Syrah. His experience shows in the Oz-like color (almost black), the spicy berry, plum, cherry and currant fruit, and the silky, polished tannins. Interestingly, Duval uses a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, rather than going with Viognier. The wine seems to be holding something back; it's definitely got some years ahead.
This is a powerful, sappy, sensuous and fragrantly fruit-driven mix of Syrah from the Seven Hills, Clifton, Bacchus, Candy Mountain, Willard, Pheasant and Stone Tree vineyards—a true Columbia Valley potpourri. It's blended with 7% Grenache from Stone Tree as well, adding floral/violet highlights. It's a well-made Syrah that reflects the particular Washington profile of floral aromas, tart berry fruit and juicy acids. Excellent focus and definition in a style built for acid lovers.
Chile's first high-profile, high-priced Carmenère has proven itself to be an excellent wine. The '05 has a slight herbal DNA, but there's plenty of oak, vanilla, raw fruit and texture to cover that up. On the palate, blackberry, prune and fine herbs comprise the flavors, while the finish turns thick and dense. With 8% Petit Verdot, Purple Angel continues to press the case for high-end Chilean Carmenère.
Grapefruit, toast and white peach aromas give this wine a great start. It is not powerful but is deliciously balanced with fresh green plum and pink grapefruit flavors rounded out with just the perfect amount of wood. Drink 2010.
This is ripe and pungent, a rich and fruit-driven mix of fig, peach and melon. There are interesting herbal highlights, and more acidity than in the past. The thyme and rosemary streak continues into and through the finish, while the fruit maintains its power and polish, with just the lightest barrel influence perceptible in a kiss of toast.
The 2004 gives some easy aromas of milk chocolate, mint, herbs, olives and eucalyptus. As it opens, the tannins get stickier and the flavors of chocolate, plum, cassis and tobacco expand. On the finish, look for vanilla and good herbal length.
The second of three Syrahs from Betz, this is thick and dark, heavy with still-chewy tannins, this rich and compact wine needs more time in bottle. It's done in a big, toasty style, with lush black cherry fruit set against smoky, chewy tannins. It has a lot of power, but in its current (quite youthful) stage of development it remains stubbornly tight, herbal and hard. Give it plenty of breathing and/or cellar time.
This medium- to full-bodied wine manages to be mouthfilling and round without being excessively soft or syrupy. A savory, meaty, coffee-like note complements the ripe blackberry fruit, which persists a good long time on the finish. Drink now–2015.
Some years Calina makes Bravura and in others it doesn't. This is the best we've tried; it shows asphalt, black olive and tobacco aromas in addition to cassis, blackberry and cola flavors. Ripe, fairly rich and true to both the Chile and Cab blueprint. Drink now–2010.
The blend is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 11% Syrah and a splash of Cab Franc. This is nicely sculpted, with the typical plush midpalate, matching crisp red berries to butterfat. The fruit is sleek and has an underpinning of mineral and accents of fennel. Though the alcohol tops out at a hefty 14.7%, the fruit can handle it.
This elegant effort is 46% Cab Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 18% Cab Franc; still wrapped up tight and showing tart cassis and berry fruit. There is a lot of the classic Ciel minerality underlying the fruit, with hard tannins and lightly peppery herbal details. At just 14.1% alcohol, this is a classic example of how Washington brings bright New World fruit and terroir to a style that retains the elegance of the Old World.
Loaded with smoke, hickory and vanilla, this definitely shows plenty of oak, but there's also plenty of fruit to balance the ledger. Cola and blackberry flavors pick up a slightly tart edge on the long, finely textured finish.
Grapefruit and lemon aromas entice with this mouthwatering Sauv Blanc from respected producer Simonsig. Refreshing, balanced flavors follow and a spin of minerality gives the wine a food-friendly edge. Enjoy with grilled fish or salad.
Young, bright berry aromas lead on this appealing red. Balanced red fruit, minerals and a touch of spice are friendly and appealing, though not terribly complex. A great everyday red.
Gracia de Chile is doing some good value varietals. This SB is one of them; it's peachy and citrusy on the nose, with melon and grapefruit flavors in wait. The palate has just enough weight and zest to be called balanced, and the finish lingers. Nice wine for by-the-glass.
A warm, uncomplicated wine. The nose delivers oak and aromas of balsamic dressing, pencil shavings and chunky blackberry. Chunky is also the best way to describe the palate, which emphasizes blackberry, cherry and plum. Size is both the wine's virtue and bane, and in the final count the 2005 Alcance Carmenère seemed better balanced.
The color and aromas are true to both Pinot Noir and Chile's Pinot-friendly Casablanca Valley. Dried fruit, citrus and pie cherry aromas take it toward a potpourri of red-fruit flavors. The only weakness is that the feel is a bit choppy and the finish goes heavy on the toast and woodspice. A good but imperfect effort at a more serious Chilean Pinot.
Good but limited Cabernet that opens with equal amounts of dark fruit, fine rubber and settled oak. The palate is meaty and thick, with plodding tannins giving support to black plum and berry flavors. Finishes a little short and roasted and without much juiciness. Best to drink soon.
Dry, lean and tight, this is a crisply mineral Sauvignon Blanc that manges to avoid any sense of grassiness or overly herbal notes, instead focusing on a narrow range of fruit flavors: green apple, lime and grapefruit. Fine as an apéritif or with light seafood dishes. Drink now.
There are raspberry flavors, certainly, but raspberry with attitude, as this wine, with its firm tannins and open fruit, attests. The acidity and the dry edge point this wine firmly toward food.
Pinotage's “love it or leave it” character—bright red fruit, plucky spice, a touch of rubber—is in full force here, meaning the wine will pair well with grilled meats and stews and is both fun and exotic. Flavors are balanced, acidity good, and the finish is dry and clean.
A ton of oak aromas hit with force: there's butterscotch, mocha and caramel leading the pack. The palate is pretty jacked up on sweet cassis and berry flavors, so don't expect too much in the way of elegance. Then more butter and vanilla floods the finish. Reasonably good but not as harmonious as the 2005.
The majority of Calina's wines are solid and worth their price, as is this lively Cab. It gets going with forward aromas of leather, cassis and earth. The palate isn't super structured or advanced but it does deliver sweet and smooth raspberry and plum fruit in front of a good finish. From Kendall-Jackson's Chilean winery.
It is amazing that 134,000 cases of this budget bottling can be made to this level of quality. From a classic vintage, it's structured and substantial, overcoming the somewhat overdone vanilla flavors with great fruit and firm acids.
Dark, meaty and mellow on the nose, with blackberry and a distant hint of tomato leaf. It's a fraction candied and scratchy in the mouth, but the mildly herbal plum and cherry flavors are solid. Sweet and slightly smoky on the finish, with fading substance the longer it goes.
Sweet, nutty aromas are akin to banana bread and candle wax, while the palate is creamy and resiny, with oily flavors of baked apple and vanilla. Full-bodied, thick, creamy and sticky; your typical tropical-leaning Chilean Chardonnay.
The slopes below the Stift Gottweig monastery are the source of this attractively crisp, light wine, its acidity and fresh fruit a pure pleasure to drink. There is a twist of minerality here, just to add extra interest. Screwcap.
Rich, oaky and earthy, with char to the bouquet. A little tannic and beefy, but with serious grip and feel. Tastes like savory, herb-infused berry and plum, while the finish is herbal, long and solid. Nice wine with an herbal streak and staunch tannins.
Young and racy, this has aromas of moist earth, red berry and chopped aromatic herb. The tangy, light-bodied palate offers strawberry, sour cherry, orange peel and a touch of clove alongside firm acidity and refined tannins. It cries out for food and would pair well with hearty pasta dishes topped with thick tomato-based sauces and savory soups.
This blend that seems to include every Corsican and Provence red grape works out as a wild and wonderful wine. With acidity, spice, perfume and tannins that bring in a bramble texture, this is a wine for drinking young.
Perfumed, soapy aromas of berry fruits and grainy oak announce a palate that comes up a bit empty. Flavors of chocolaty oak and caramel overshadow generic berry fruit, while this is firm on the finish, with herbal overtones and a note of olive.
With its rich texture, this could almost be a Chardonnay. The acidity and the steely texture makes the difference. It gives the wine an open fruitiness—very citrus and sliced green apples. The wine is fresh and deliciously crisp. Drink now.
This is a new wine from this negociant house that specializes in limited production wines. It is a smooth and rounded wine, ripe with apples and yellow fruits as well as being cut with acidity. The wine is refreshing and crisp at the end with a touch of minerality.
This wine is produced from vines aged 62–88 years old. It has ripe red fruits and soft tannins creating a wine that is generous and ready to drink. It is a blend of grapes from the flat lands beyond the slopes in the Côte d'Or. The wine finishes with acidity as well as attractive fruitiness.
Deep straw in color, this semi-sweet wine made from an indigenous Georgian grape has an aroma characterized by soft hints of apple. It is harmonious in the mouth, with flavors of ripe apple, white peach and apricot that meld into a finish marked by persistent floral sweetness.
This wine is equal parts Viognier and Roussanne. It offers light aromas of peach and apricot that are followed by full-bodied flavors that show some warmth and bitterness on the finish.
Aromas of wild berry, violet and forest floor carry over to the easygoing palate. It's soft and quaffable, with supple tannins and vibrant acidity. Enjoy now with hearty pasta dishes or thick Tuscan soups.
Rocky Point, the second label of Prophet's Rock, sometimes approaches first-wine quality. This vintage of Pinot Gris is a bit sweet and broad, but offers luscious hints of apricot, honey and a dusting of dried spices.
This full-bodied wine has big aromas like baking spices, prunes and figs, while flavors recalling maple syrup and chocolate seem to coat the palate. Although technically dry, it feels sweet and lush.
This is a ripe, fruity wine with attractive acidity as well a tangy character. It is fresh, crisp and ready to go with its apple and lemon flavors. Drink now.
With its stalky edge and red fruits, this crisp red wine has acidity, some tight tannins and a juicy aftertaste. It is ready to drink young, possibly slightly chilled.
Peach, caramel and honeyed aromas turn a bit soapy and powdery with airing. Plump to the point of being a bit flabby, this Semillón tastes of apricot, cinnamon and cocoa, while the finish is sweet like honey.
Intensely floral aromas of violet and iris lead the nose along with a whiff of menthol. The one-dimensional palate offers black cherry, cranberry and licorice alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Despite the hint of evident alcohol on the finish, this is surprisingly easy drinking.
Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, violet, wild berry and a whiff of menthol lead the nose on this bright, easygoing red. The racy, straightforward palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of star anise alongside zesty acidity and smooth tannins. A blast of orange closes the finish.
Lively and crisp, this delicious, snow-fresh wine has apple and melon flavors over aromatic acidity. With its bright texture and lightly herbal edge it is a refreshing wine to drink now.
This easygoing, generously fruity wine has candied fruit aromas, just enough tannin for balance and leaves a nice blackberry nuance on the finish.
Attractive floral aromas and bright cherry and raspberry flavors make a light, refreshing impression. This medium-bodied wine has light tannins and lively acidity in the texture.
An attractively crisp wine, this has fragrant acidity and a lively raspberry-fruit character cut with a tight mineral edge. The wine is ready to drink.
Inky cool herbal black-fruit aromas set up a choppy tight palate with pounding tannins. Flavors of black coffee and blackberry are heavily toasted. The finish keeps that toasty theme while introducing notes of pepper and horseradish.
Inky purple in color, with herbal, minty, toasty berry aromas that suggest a touch of green, this Tannat-Malbec blend tastes of rooty, baked black fruits and black pepper. On the finish, which is hard as rocks, this tastes of licorice and burnt toast.
Aromas of white peach and dusty minerals lead to a chunky palate that struggles to maintain its shape and cut. Pithy, lightly bitter peach and citrus flavors end with the sensation of licking a peach pit.
Sweeter whiffs of milk chocolate, baking spice and graham cracker accenting black fruit on the nose are replaced by more herbaceous tones of herb and bramble on the palate of this red blend. It's a juicy intensely ripened wine with brisk acidity and bold penetrating tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2021.
This zesty red has pretty aromas that suggest small red berry, blue flower and a whiff of moist soil. The vibrant palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of anise alongside zesty acidity and refined tannins.
Violet, raspberry, underbrush and wild herb aromas take center stage on this straightforward red. The lean, racy palate offers sour cherry and orange peel alongside vigorous acidity. This cries out for food, so enjoy it with hearty soups and pasta dishes.
Subtle whiffs of rose petal, spice and earth entice on the nose of this rustic but pretty Pinot Noir. Lush in body, the palate suggests ruddy plum and cherry flavors shaded in tones of leather, smoked meat and balsamic. Finely grained tannins frame a long finish.
A rich pink color, this opens with pretty floral aromas of sweet pea and peony that are framed by red cherry and raspberry tones. It's attractive and bright on the palate, with forward red-fruit flavors and delicate sweet-spice accents that unfold on the close. Drink now.
A sharp, acidic, tight, precisely-defined Syrah with cranberry and sour cherry fruit. This wine has the potential for years of aging; even after being open for many hours, the sharp acids and primary fruit flavors remained, along with inviting suggestions of soy and composted earth. If you are not going to cellar it, decanting is mandatory.
A blended red from Sparkman, sharp and tannic, with good concentration. Tart, spicy and herbal, with hints of tomato and wild berry. It rolls into an astringent finish, with a dark chocolate note.
With buttered popcorn scents and flavors, underscored with pretty, toasty oak, this marries those flavors to a more restrained body, balanced with good acidity and showing fruit flavors of green apple and banana cream pie. Not a complex wine, but forward and flavorful.
Fresh and bright, dominated by its citrus and almond flavors. It has a soft, creamy texture, with highlights of orange zest, green plums and a great burst of acidity.
Fresh, spicy and crisp, this deft Malbec shines with pretty raspberry fruit and sharp acidity. Focused and clean, it's a big step forward for this winery.
Spicy and jumpy on the nose, with pine and juniper notes coming alongside more normal berry and cherry scents. The palate has a severe snappy, citrusy, narrow feel and flavors of cherry, red plum and cherry tomato. Lightly herbal and oaky on the finish, with good length.
Made in a soft, user-friendly style, the 2008 DB Family Selection Petite Sirah offers up a flavorful mouthful of plum and baking spices. It's medium-bodied, with a silkiness to the structure that belies the grape variety, yet that same softness makes it immediately appealing. Drink now.
For the price you can't go wrong with a wine like this. It's flowery and fruity, and beyond that it doesn't pretend to be more than it is. There's a natural creaminess to the feel and full melon and white fruit flavors. Proof that some Chardonnays do better without oak.
Pepper and black fruits comprise this pure Petite Sirah from one of Washington's warmest AVAs. Underscored with herb and earth, it is a far cry from the jammy monsters of California, but nicely made in a light and elegant style.
Ripe wine, pushing its toast, pear and apricot flavors. Smooth, with an English walnut taste, and green herb acidity. Ready to drink now.
Bright and clean with freshly pressed apples and pears on the nose, this is an easy-quaffing, medium-bodied Croatian Malvasia to pair with seafood and other light fare. Luscious on the palate with a rich, toasted hazelnut note, it's balanced by a lemony acidity and a brisk minerality throughout.
Coming in at just under 13% alcohol, this is a dry, Provence-styled rosé marked by crisp strawberry and citrus flavors. Ending on a refreshing, slightly chalky-mineral note, this would make a fun summer sipper.
Quite firm and focused, with a dominating scent of cut tobacco. The black cherry fruit is set against juicy acids, and rolls into a finish with streaks of licorice and more of that cut tobacco flavor.
A deliciously fruity wine, with flavors of pear, quince and sultanas in a full, ripe sauce. Rich, with good concentration, worth aging for 3–4 years.
This reserve-level Pinot from DDO is exceptional in every way. Silky, elegant and deeply-fruited, it marries a plush midpalate of red berries and cherries to compelling grace notes of pine needle, cola and mocha. Delicious and ageworthy; if past vintages are any indication, this can go until 2029.
A complex array of floral tones builds throughout this medium-sweet Riesling. Green notes of iris and lily add refreshment to a backdrop of heady jasmine and orange blossom. The palate is intensely fruity with juicy white peach and apricot flavors accented with a zesty lime acidity that revitalizes. Delicately framed, yet decadent and ebullient.
Generous in brambly wild raspberry fruit and leather, this lush bottling has peppery spice to spare. Aromatically it's as fine as perfume, floral and pretty; in texture, it's soft, but with just the right tension and electricity. Savory and spicy, it will bring out similar characteristics at the table.
One of the strengths of cool Beira Interior is that it produces powerful wines without the attendant alcohol of warmer climates. That's apparent with this intense, dark wine. Blending Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, the dense and brooding wine with its rich blackberry fruitiness alongside dry, mineral tannins is a study in concentration and needs to age. Drink from 2018.
While it's hard to go wrong with any of Fritz Haag's gorgeously sunny 2012 auslesen, the goldkapsels truly exemplify the pristine lusciousness of stone fruit and mango. Lemon acidity sings through the midpalate, highlighting nuanced shades of spice, mineral and earth that linger on the finish. Decadent yet impeccably balanced.
The 30-year-old vines at Canary Hill seem to have ripened well at lower brix, yielding a full-flavored, forward wine with lovely plum and cherry fruit. There also are pleasing details of leaf and cured meat, in a wine that keeps on giving the more you look.
A spine of steel runs through the core of this wine, supporting spicy fruit flavors of cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry. Details of black tea contribute to the length, while the balanced tannins and underlying minerality give it still more structural support.
Exceptionally fragrant, it sends up scents of white peaches and hazelnuts. Savory highlights adorn the crisp, detailed fruit flavors of peach, pear and yellow apples.
La Forge is consistently one of Bertrand's top wines, and the 2011 is simply stunning. The dense, heady perfume offers notes of raspberry, black plum, cherry, sweet spice and cocoa powder, which all carry through to the lush, full-weighted palate. The texture is like crushed velvet, with fine yet gripping tannins and ample acidity to keep the mouthfeel fresh. It's a complex and layered wine, with hints of licorice, tobacco leaf and black pepper that grace the finish. Drink 2016–2022.
This single block selection is a truly pretty wine, with scents and flavors of rose petals, raspberries, brown spices, nutmeg and mocha. It's complex and elegant, with a mouth-pleasing creaminess.
Scents of lemon candy and tangerine accent intense flavors of honeysuckle, peach and mango on this deeply penetrating sweet Riesling. Brisk with acidity, it's delicate and dancing on the palate, but a honeyed richness coats the tongue deliciously. Finishes long with a kiss of saffron and blossoms.
Darker and more brooding than many of Newsome-Harlow's other single-vineyard bottlings in the 2011 vintage, the Shake Ridge is mighty in black pepper and dark chocolate, silky and voluptuous with mellowed tannins. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah, the ranch's Zin clones include Monte Rosso.
This wine is dark, deep and densely flavored with black cherry, cola and coffee. It tastes bigger than its moderate alcohol might suggest, and powers through to a long, lushly fruity finish.
This is an immense wine, seriously ageworthy and still very young. It is powered by the dark tannins and concentrated fruits that come from the old vines at this iconic quinta. Dark, brooding, still with its wood aging up front, this needs to age for many years. Drink from 2019.
Exuberant in perfume, it conveys heady notes of honey, tangerine and mimosa that linger gorgeously through the palate. It's delicate in mouthfeel, yet almost shockingly penetrating with sweet peach and citrus flavors accented with punchy lemon acidity. Finishes long with an elegant swathe of green florals.
Honey and saffron accent pristine peach and floral aromas on this wine from Robert Weil's historic “tower hill” vineyard. It's extravagantly ripe with yellow stone-fruit and tangerine flavors, yet dancing on the palate with zesty lime acidity and a shimmering mineral streak that lingers on the finish. Complex and penetrating from start to finish.
It boasts classic varietal aromas of crushed tomato vine, stone fruit and honeydew melon. The palate delivers white peach, cantaloupe and mineral accented with mint, thyme and rosemary notes that give depth. An elegant, compelling wine.
This vineyard designate, showcasing the oldest vines from the oldest vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, piles on the details of earth, grape and barrel. There's cassis, blackberry and fig in generously layered profusion, along with substantial components of dried herbs, cedar and pipe tobacco. The exceptional complexity, balance and length make this a sure-fire candidate for cellaring until 2024 or more.
Light in color, this delicate wine is herbal and yet bright in Bing cherry, quite nuanced and slight at first, unveiling its concentration and complexity slowly and seductively over time. Made by longtime grape growers, the acidity is lively and the weight slim, traces of restrained oak and garden herb dancing in the background. Only 54 cases made.
These “Original Vines” are in fact the oldest Pinot Gris vines in the country. They deliver exquisite details of earth and stone around a solid core of apple and Asian pear. It's bone dry, with exceptional depth.
Blending distinction with sheer pleasure, the bouquet opens with scents of green, black, and Kalamata olives, sage, forest floor and slate. Those aromas translate remarkably to the palate, which is a potpourri of dried herbs and wet earth. There are barely any overt fruit characteristics, and the savory, sophisticated result is simply delicious.
Aged seven years in French oak, this is made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and then fortified with six-year-old, barrel-aged Cabernet Franc brandy. Very little is made. The experience is stellar, the dark-brown-red-hued wine opulent in red candy apple, chocolate and raspberries with ample acidity and a nuttiness to the finish. The pairing suggestion of a cigar is exactly right, though the wine will dance with nuts and cheeses or a decadent cheesecake too.
This bold Sauvignon opens with classic varietal fragrances of crushed tomato vine, stone fruit and honeydew melon. The creamy palate delivers layers of white peach, apricot, cantaloupe and mineral supported by fresh acidity. Balance and structure seamlessly support the alcohol.
Many wineries source fruit from this exceptional vineyard, but few make a better wine than this. Fragrant, elegant and smooth, it's tight and detailed, with a toasty edge to pretty cherry fruit. It flows gracefully into a finish laden with milk chocolate highlights and a streak of cola.
Blossomy and fresh with apple and pear aromas, this sprightly wine seems to flit and quiver on the palate with its piercing grapefruit acidity. Fresh and fruity with hints of quince jelly and lemon candy, it finishes long with a gorgeously honeyed, floral finish.
A consistent standout among Newsome-Harlow's stellar lineup of single-vineyard Zins, The Donner Party is rich in blackberry liqueur and licorice, finely structured and soft in tannins, with a dusty, mocha-lined finish and just the right seasoning of leather. Blended with 12% Petite Sirah.
Essentially Scott Paul's reserve, this is sourced entirely from biodynamically-farmed, 40-year-old vines at the Maresh vineyard. The Audrey layers cherry fruit with streaks of mineral, and carries plenty of underlying acidity. The wine manages to feel full-bodied without losing a sense of elegant proportion.
This is a powerful wine, with intense scents of pineapple leading a lively interplay of citrus, stone, Asian pear and spices. Thrilling texture, balance and length make this a standout, even in this outstanding vintage for all Pinot Gris.
Mature plum, scorched earth, grilled sage and a whiff of oak-driven spice aromas lead the nose. The soft, easygoing palate offers juicy black cherry, vanilla, clove and a hint of game alongside rounded tannins.
Aromas suggesting mature berry, dried herb, scorched soil and espresso lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate is already evolved, offering prune, dried black cherry, mocha and a hint of licorice alongside soft acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Wild berry, moist soil and a hint of menthol lead the way. The silky, easy-drinking palate shows polish and charm, offering juicy wild cherry, white pepper and a hint of anise alongside sleek tannins and bright acidity.
Dark skinned berry, exotic spice, French oak and crushed blue flower aromas unfold on this. The firm palate displays dried red cherry, coffee, mint and toasted oak but it doesn't have quite enough fruit richness to balance the oak.
Apart from the spectacular Polynesian name and label winemaker Heifara Swartvagher chose to honor his Tahitian mom, the wine is classic ripe Malbec. With firm tannins and solid fruits, it's full of structure as well as blackberry flavors. It has spice, dry tannins at the core and is still young. Drink from 2018.
A candied-cherry nose meets with cinnamon stick, nutmeg and turned earth on the nose of this blend of 78% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. Dried strawberry and dark cranberry show once sipped, with sweet tar, fennel, hibiscus and concentrated cola flavors.
Full of blackberry fruits and ripe tannins, this wine is spicy and with a perfumed character. It does have a dry core of structure to it along with rich fruits and the smoothing effect of wood aging. This is still developing and likely to be ready to drink from 2017.
Matchstick and flint arise out of the bottle before blowing off to show off a mix of herb and jalapeño around a well-oaked, robust white wine. The stronger, more savory characteristics evolve pleasantly into a fresher, rounder taste of tangerine that provides a freshness to the finish.
This wine offers very ripe and vivid fruit in the aromas and the flavors, like blackberries and dark plums picked when they're just beginning to shrivel. The texture is broad and the body full, but the tannins and acidity feel low, so the wine's personality is both big and soft.
This 50/50 Duras and Syrah blend from father and son Jean Paul and Nicolas Hirissou is a ripe, fruity wine that is attractively mature. It is finely integrated with berry fruits that are lifted by the acidity and given a fine shape by the gentle tannins. The wine is ready to drink.
The alcohol doesn't weigh heavily on this rich wine. The wood aging does, at least for now, giving spice and burnt wood aromas. Underneath there are black fruits that are developing into a rich, perfumed wine that will have a smooth texture. Drink from 2019.
This is a fresh and cool wine from the highest of the Beaujolais cru villages. Produced by Céline and Nicolas Hirsch, originally from Alsace, the wine is bright with red cherries and currants. It has some tannins that firm up the structure, giving it shape and the possibility of aging. Drink now and until 2020.
From the mountainous terrain of Stagecoach Vineyard, this wild, concentrated wine is more like Cabernet in many ways. Red licorice, bitter tannin and whiffs of leather saddle commingle against brambly blackberry and clove, finishing with a tease of coconut.
Graceful acidity balances the big flavor and salty oak of this wine, awash in bite-worthy green apple, tart quince and lemon. The body is medium but expertly textured, providing intense length and weight on the finish.
Aromas of wild berry, moist soil, menthol and a hint of dark cooking spice lead the way on this fresh, easy drinking red. The medium-bodied palate doles out juicy wild cherry, anise and herb accompanied by polished tannins.
Black pepper, condensed lilacs, dark chocolate and a bit of tar show on the nose of this straightforward take on the grape from the longtime producer. The palate is standard in a good way, with more pepper plus blackberry fruit, roasted beef and rosemary-crusted lamb notes, framed by proper tannins and acidity.
Light, bright and floral, with bursts of tropical guava and papaya, this is a refreshing quaff and food-friendly wine that'll please a range of palates and budgets, the acidity focused and buoyant.
Tangerine and apple notes are almost ruddy with ripeness in this concentrated spätlese. While off dry in style, vibrant acidity offsets sweeter notes of caramel and honey for a remarkably dry finish. Drink now through 2018.
This is a wine that relishes its dark color, its deep pigment. It's just as dense on the palate with concentrated black fruits and an earthy edge. There's no wood here, just ripe blackberry fruitiness that will age for a year before being ready to drink. Drink from 2017.
A light rosé color and assertive fruit flavors help this full-bodied wine stand out. It lights up with watermelon and peach notes and has a crisp balance and firm texture from being fermented with the skins, in the same way that red wines are made.
This pure varietal wine conjures up apple and pear juice, finished dry and crisply defined. There is no particular nuance to it, but it's well made and quite quaffable.
Lively and straightforward, this opens with aromas of red berry, moist earth and a hint of chopped herb. The tart, easygoing palate offers juicy Marasca cherry and a dash of white pepper alongside zesty acidity.
A mixed bag of varieties went into this soft and fruity wine. It has gentle tannins that are lifted by acidity and black currant fruitiness. With its lifestyle label (a small Vespa motor scooter), it is obviously meant to be an easy-going ready-to-drink wine. And it succeeds.
Smoke and dusty minerals meld into tart, green gooseberry and lime flavors on the palate of this brisk, dry Silvaner. It's a fine-footed wine showing varietally characteristic notes of citrus and fresh herb. Spine tingling acidity leads a brisk finish.
Pretty scents of woodland berry, fragrant purple flower and baking spice float out of the glass. The vibrant, straightforward palate offers crushed wild cherry, white pepper and a hint of star anise alongside bright acidity and sleek tannins.
This vibrant red has red berry, new leather and fresh herb aromas that meld together. The sleek, light-bodied palate offers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon and a hint of star anise set against racy acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Simple and easy drinking, this opens with aromas of red berry and purple flower. The light-bodied palate offers strawberry, cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside zesty acidity. Enjoy soon.
This hugely structured wine is solid with tannins. It has a dark, dry texture that is still masking the potential of the fruits. It is developing those blackberry flavors slowly and will need some time. Drink from 2019.
A vibrant, racy Sauvignon Blanc with concentrated notes of white grapefruit, herbs, and onion peel. It's mouthwatering and richly flavored with mineral notes speckling the finish.
From 62-year-old, dry-farmed vines, the Esola Zinfandel is leathery, full of tobacco and dust surrounded by spicy red fruit. With great structure and savoriness, it's soft with a light, lingering finish and will develop further with grace another 5–7 years.
Raisin, kirsch and leather aromas define the nose on this crianza. The palate is properly dry, with good acidity and clampy tannins. Flavors of dry oak, herbal notes, raspberry and raisin end in a solid but slightly rough finish. This will go better with food than on its own.
Cassis, blackberry, animal hide, herb and olive aromas create a good nose. The palate is thick feeling, with herbal black-fruit flavors, carob and spice. On the back side, it's bold but burns a little with heat, oak and acidity. By and large, this captures the good elements of Carmenère.
Given one year's aging, this fruity wine has blossomed out with pear and peach flavors that go beyond the initial youthful herbaceousness. It has a good depth of flavor, a wine that is both bright with acidity and rich with ripe fruit.
Initially fresh and herbaceous, then exotic with a tropical-fruit note, this wine boasts both a steely edge and a ripe center. It's young and could age, but at the moment it is fruitily delicious.
The maturity of this wine gives it velvetine richness, spice and leather texture. The fruit on this smooth, ripe wine is mellow and offers acidity and red cherries. It's a delight to drink now.
This medium-weight Chard is fresh and mildly dusty smelling, with aromas of pear and apple. The palate is lifted, fresh in feel and offers punchy acidity in front of lime, gooseberry and herb flavors. For under $20, this is nicely made and hints at elegance.
Blended with 20% Petit Verdot, this unusual offering brings notes of mushroom, herbs, smoke and dark cherries. It's tightly wound with a firm squeeze of tannins.
Subtle aromas of grilled bread, citrus curd and peach set the stage for a plump, medium-bodied wine that boasts restrained flavors of white peach, pineapple and lime. Drink now–2016.
This is a nice Bordeaux-style blend with pretty cherry and currant fruit and some cedar shadings, but lack the complexity of others in its style. It's straight forward, polite and restrained.
This wine is big, very full bodied and very lush in texture. Super-ripe in flavor, it rides at the place where plum notes segue to prune, and black cherry to cherry syrup, which is a very tasty place to be. Plenty of fine tannins frame all that concentration, yet the mouthfeel stays soft.
This is complex and compelling. A spicy, minty, thyme-like character comes out in the aroma and continues in the flavor, most likely from some new barrels used in aging the wine. It's an attractive characteristic, and complements the bright cherry flavors, medium body and quite firm tannins.
This 100% varietal wine conveys notes of mortared green herbs, plum, cherry, medicine cabinet and vanilla. It's medium bodied with a supple, enticing feel. Baking spice, cherry and coffee flavors linger on the (very, very) long, coffee-filled finish. The aromas don't all come together but this wine is worth exploring for the remarkable finish, which is about as good as it gets.
Lactic notes of curd and buttermilk appear before yeasty, rounded citrus hints take over. This is a Pinot Blanc for those who love rich and rounded Chardonnays. Its creamy palate texture calls out for food.
Tannic and astringent at first taste, this wine opens up into a more complex and interesting play of dark fruits and darker flavors. Smoke, earth, char and espresso components are set against tight blueberry fruit, with lead pencil tannins. Those tannins might need a juicy steak to put them back in their cage.
The intriguing nose suggests blue flower, scorched earth, smoke, spice and ripe dark fruit. The palate is subtle and reserved, revealing mature black cherry, ground black pepper and allspice alongside tightly knit, velvety tannins, with a decadent licorice note on the finish.
Aromas of ripe blackberry, brown spice and fragrant blue flower waft from the glass. A blend of 50% Negroamaro, 25% Primitivo and 25% Malvasia Nera, the savory, approachable palate delivers black cherry, cranberry, nutmeg and mineral alongside firm tannins.
Easy-drinking and intensely structured, this is marked by streaks of red raspberry fruit that also reveal cedar and herb. Slightly floral on the nose, the wine has a softness despite its size.
An aromatically subtle wine with notes of mortared herbs, flowers and cherry. The fruit flavors are elegantly styled, broadening with time, with a slightly gritty feel to the tannins but with a long finish.
More concentrated-tasting and intense than some of d'Arenberg's other 2011 single-vineyard Shirazes, this is still somewhat restrained. Some tobacco notes add nuance to the Ribena-like fruit, picking up hints of vanilla and earth on the finish.
This rich, oaky selection leads with aromas of roasted almonds, honeycomb, yellow apple and apricot preserves. Those notes carry through to the bold, round palate, partnered with assertive flavors of oak spice, toasted challah and buttered popcorn. Drink now.
Jammy, earthy and baked on the nose, this ripe Merlot is dishing plenty of black plum and blackberry characteristics from front to back. The palate is concentrated and borderline syrupy in feel, while ripe, baked blackberry flavors come with chocolaty oak and vanilla on the finish.
Nicely perfumed on the nose, this Merlot has 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah blended in, giving it a well-rounded composition and bright black cherry around firm, still prominent tannins. It could use some time in the cellar, through 2018, or a decant.
Nicely balanced and smooth, this starts with red cherry and raspberry aromas with hints of spice. It continues to fresh, tangy fruit flavors with a lively, bright texture. A nice touch of tannin firms up the finish.
Ripe aromas, complex flavors and rich tannins add up to a bold and full-bodied wine. It smells like dried plums, tastes almost like blackberry syrup (but not sweet) and has intriguing black pepper and floral accents. Very deep in color, it is tannic but smooth. The generous fruit lingers on the finish.
This opens with tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, mango and melon that are framed by hints of honeysuckle and sweet spice. The medium-weight palate boasts similar tropical fruit tones, but with an assertive mineral and lime-zest lift on the close, ending fresh and lively. Drink up.
Ripe apple flavors are pervaded by yeasty richness. The palate is more slender than the nose at first suggests and is made more lively by tight, spritzy acidity. Yeasty notes give an added earthiness and beautifully long finish.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot, this reflects a pleasing mixture of each, with notes of blackberry, raspberry, plum and fresh herbs. Fruit flavors are plush and up front backed by chewy tannins.
This is a rare, single-vineyard, 100% varietal wine from Red Mountain where Bordeaux varieties reign. It brings appealing accents of tart cherries and assorted barrel spices, including clove and vanilla. Flavors are medium bodied with a pleasing blast of tart acidity. Vanilla flavors speckle the finish.
This is a dry, richly flavored and well-structured wine. A complex, spicy, earthy, cherrylike bouquet accompanies saturated flavors of currant, black cherry and pomegranate spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's not too full bodied and has good balance that comes from firm acidity and tannins.
This vibrant, delicious rosato delivers fruity aromas of woodland berry and cooking spice. On the spicy palate, notes of white pepper and clove accent a juicy core of crushed raspberry. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, lingering finish.
Firm and juicy, this opens with intense aromas of violet, ripe berry and baking spice. The vibrant, delicious palate doles out crushed black cherry, succulent raspberry and black pepper alongside bright acidity and smooth tannins. Enjoy it soon with everyday fare or for informal occasions.
“Open and drink” the instructions should read, as this smooth and luscious wine is best enjoyed young. Half was barrel-fermented, yielding flavors of caramel, almond paste and buttered nuts. Pair with leek, bacon and potato soup, says the winery, which sounds just about perfect.
Violet, scorched soil, spice and mature berry aromas lead the nose. The medium-bodied, elegant palate delivers mature black cherry, crushed raspberry, freshly ground clove and black pepper. Firm but fine-grained tannins provide support.
This starts out with a whiff of earth and compost that transitions to olive, tree bark and herbal berry aromas upon airing. The palate feels good, with midlevel tannic bite and light, woody flavors of mint-infused licorice and berry. As the fruit element leaves the finish, mint, toast and green notes settle in.
Toast, black fruit and herbal aromas are 100% typical of value-priced Merlot from Chile. This feels fresh, wiry and a bit choppy, while herbal plum and raspberry flavors come with touches of licorice, mint, toast and anise.
This is a gravel- and mineral-textured wine that has a very structured feel, with red berry flavors and firm tannins. Still young, it is a wine that should soften, so wait until 2016.
A well-made relatively large production Cabernet, fruity in black cherry with a smoky edge of cinnamon toast and soft vanilla. Pour at your next party.
This has aromas of wood, vanilla and toast. The palate is already evolved and tired, and it lacks the fruit richness to carry off the oak.
Savory oak, mint and leather aromas accent basic blackberry and plum scents. This feels round, full-bodied and oaky, and that character carries onto the flavor profile, which includes minty wood and blackberry. Toast and resiny oak lead the way on a bulky, generous finish.
One whiff says this hails from a warmer region like Maule as opposed to someplace cool and coastal. The aromas are tropical more than zesty, with notes of mango and banana. On the palate, this is round but acidic enough, while flavors of tangerine, grapefruit and lime wind down well.
This screaming vintage of Secreto is the living definition of pungency. Immediately it hits with fierce gooseberry and nettle aromas along with passion fruit and grapefruit. The palate is acidic and searing, with tangy, cool-climate flavors of lime and passion fruit. On the finish, this zinger is firm as concrete.
This soft and fruity wine is crisp, fragrant and fresh. It has light acidity that balances with the forward apple flavor, as well as a dry lime edginess and nervy texture. Drink now. Screwcap.
This is a soft, flavorful wine full of creamy yellow fruit. Hints of wood aging and a delicate mineral texture add depth to the palate, but this wine will age quickly, so drink now–2020.
There's a lot going on here with notes of orange peel, fruit compote, flowers, and chocolate. It's lighter in style, showing the elegance of the 2011 vintage, with tart fruit flavors and a tacky feel to the tannins
Herbaceous, with notes of fresh leaves, green florals and honeydew, this bargain eiswein is ethereally delicate on the palate. It's honeyed in sweetness, but briskly composed, with sharp lemon acidity.
Labeled reserve, this young wine has a bit more heft than the Willamette Valley bottling. Black cherry, cola and Dr. Pepper flavors wrap into an earthy, chalky, tannic finish.
This limited-production Chardonnay has the scents and flavors of just-baked, well-buttered biscuits. The fruit is a mix of peaches and pears, but the barrel influences—fermentation was done in 20% new French oak—have not quite settled into a seamless whole. That raw edge should smooth out with further time in bottle.
With its apricot and ripe pear aromas, this is a full and rounded wine. It has a good balance between acidity and ripe fruit. It is floral, smooth and ready to drink.
This earthy red starts with aromas of cedar, smoke and pepper, followed by flavors of red berries, smoke and minerals. A dry and peppery backbone fishes clean on the tongue. Spunky and fun.
With 80% Petite Sirah and 20% Zinfandel, this is a juicy, lush red with a solid structure, moderate gripping tannins and a long finish. Red plum, cherry and milk chocolate fill the bouquet while sweet spice and vibrant red fruit dominate the palate. Drink now.
Big boysenberry aromas are lively, a bit minty and fresh, while the extracted palate has a fruit-driven personality, ample tannins and dark wild-berry flavors. Young, bouncy and tangy on the finish. Composed for a young, inexpensive red.
From estate fruit, this Chardonnay falls a bit flat in the mouth. The fruit is light and simple, and there is a hint of bitterness that leave a chemical aftertaste.
Restrained in style, with modest pear and honey notes tinged with a toasty, mealy edge. Shows some nice creaminess to the midpalate, then fades gradually on the finish. Drink now.
Full bodied, but perhaps stretched a little beyond its limits, as the flavors of marmalade and honey seem to have difficulty covering the alcohol and bare stones. Drink up.
A little sweaty in the nose, this moves ahead with pineapple and grapefruit flavors, finishing with slightly bitter citrus rind flavors. It's more of a food wine than a sipping wine.
Decent and quaffable but does not compare to the winery's Verdejo. This is prickly and full of pine needle, juniper and other sharp aromas. The palate has a good feel but pickled, briney flavors. Skeletal given its warm-climate origins.
This subtle, elegant sip starts with aromas of spicebox, tobacco and rich dark fruit, followed by flavors of cherry, cedar and cinnamon spice. A softer style, integrated red that will pair well with duck, steak.
A little rusty in color, with earthy, stemmy, baked fruit aromas mixed with a dose of dried leaves. Seems a lot like Cabernet Franc with its herbal, leafy overtones and dry plum and cherry flavors. Finishes short and herbal, but with good feel and flow.
Raspberry and rubber aromas are solid if not refined, while the firm palate is sweet and full of black cherry flavor. Rough, tumble and unsophisticated in the mouthfeel department but ripe and tasty throughout, with dark shadings on the finish.
The second wine of Médoc Château La Cardonne is a light, fruity wine with red berry fruits, acidity and a fresh tannin character. It is pleasingly ready to drink now.
A jammy, tarry wine with aromas of leather, candy, licorice, mint and herbs. The palate has a solid, round feel and herbal flavors that hint at anisette, black cherry and chocolate mint. A bit sticky and thick but nice and generous.
On the bright and crisp side, this is a lively, fresh wine, mingling green fruits with toast and a more opulent richness.
Composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, here's a tasty and attractively priced rosé with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh white strawberry, ripe plum and a touch of mango-infused tropical acidity. The palate is like a strawberry creamsicle, with a balanced richness that fosters the impression of decadence. A full and lush but still vibrant rosé.
There's a ton of ginger spice mingling nicely with the strong floral component of honeysuckle, orange blossom and dried hibiscus flowers in the nose of this wine. Ripe peach and grapefruit oil support the earthy characters and flesh out the full, flavorful mouth, closing nicely with a clean medium- length finish.
The opening of green apple and honeydew melon says Rueda all the way. The feel is cleansing and fresh, with piercing but proper acidity pushing flavors of green citrus, melon and green apple. Stony on the finish, with zest. Solid for near-term drinking; don't let it sit around for long.
Latex, tire rubber, sauciness, mocha and cotton candy all share the nose, while the palate is forward, a touch scratchy and filled with bold black cherry and plum flavors. Shows some toast and burn on the finish, and overall it's a good Malbec with some mild bite and abrasiveness.
For the most part, this is your typical clean, simple, easygoing quaffer. The nose isn't specific but it is pure and welcoming. The palate is good and fresh, with flavors of apple, citrus and a drop of pickle brine. Nothing hair-raising or life-changing, but it's perfect for affordable aperitifs and tapas.
A firm and well-structured Merlot with intriguing notes of woody spice and cigar tobacco woven into the black plum and dark berry flavors. Medium weight in the mouth with gripping tannins and a long, peppery finish. Drink soon and try with braised meats or lamb shanks.
Hints of tropical fresh fuit and flowers lends an exotic touch to this pretty wine, and on the palate, it offers balanced elements of crisp fruit and spicy oak. Not terribly complex but a friendly food wine.
This is a plump Pinot Gris that does show a bit of its 13.5% alcohol. Pleasant smoke and citrus aromas give way to grapefruit and spice flavors that fade a bit quickly on the finish.
Normally grown in the Dão region, this grape needs poor soil to flourish. On its own, it makes a powerfully fruity wine packed with red fruits and some flavors of dark chocolate. The acidity is intense, and needs another few months to settle down.
Dusty and neutral on the nose, with a hint of wild flower and mineral to stir interest. The palate is dry despite having some size and plumpness; flavors of apple, peach and papaya are crisp and lean.
A very appealing nose of earthy spice starts this successful Chard, and leads into a full, rounded blanket of toasted oak and fruit. There's complexity here without heaviness, and the wine finishes big but pretty. Pair with richer seafood—like crab—or creamy poultry dishes.
Matchstick, mushroom and licorice nib aromas add character to this fading but textured wine that struggles to offer peach and nectarine flavors. Expect additional softness with each passing month, and along the way you should only hope to salvage some citrus, white chocolate and melon notes.
Much lighter in weight than many Pinot Gris on the market, this is a pretty, fruit-driven rendering of the variety, blending tropical fruit with ripe apples and hints of pink grapefruit. It's crisp and clean on the finish.
Crisp apples, touched with some sweetness, but finely clean and fresh, this is a great apéritif style of Vinho Verde, finishing with just a sparkle. Screwcap.
A full wine, balanced with an attractive citrus character and some creamy texture. There is also an edge of tannin that makes it a good, fresh, food wine.
Pale yellow in color, this Gewürz has aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear and canteloupe complemented by flavors of fresh peach and light ginger spice. A round, somewhat fat mouthfeel followed by a crisp and peppery finish closes the wine nicely.
Interesting and unique blends get bonus points, but in the long run this conglomeration of indigenous grapes from Mallorca is a touch too resiny and bland to really deserve a call out. But for soft melon and pithy flavors, and the fact that it's made from the obscure Prensal and Muscat, we like it well enough.
Frankly sweet and almost flabby, with plenty of sugar, petrolly minerality and ripe pear flavors, but this wine lacks the buoyant citrusy zest needed for balance and length.
This Pinot Gris offers a distinctive mix of flavors, with apple, pear, pink grapefruit and sweet Meyer lemon all in the tangle of fruit. It's sappy and soft, but runs afoul of some mousy, bacterial flavors in the finish. Except for that, it would score much better.
A dark, oaky Bordeaux blend with loads of cassis, black berries, vanilla and spice. Chewy and a touch herbal on the palate, it will soften when paired with food, especially red meat.
Barrel fermented and aged on the lees for almost a year, this is a nutty, slightly oily wine that shows the influence of the barrel, but lacks the fruit density to match it. The 14% alcohol hits the palate with some heat. High-toned and a bit harsh.
The 16 months in French oak come through with strong aromas and flavors of coffee, chocolate and roasted coconut accented by black cherry, dark berry and cassis. The body lacks the structure to balance out the sweeter core, but the finish remains delectably loaded with mocha and sweet spice.
Magenta-tinted and ready to go; that in a nutshell is this easy, no-oak blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. It's fruity to the max, with aromas of boysenberry and black cherry as well as similar flavors. Ripe and easy to drink.
Fresh toast, wooded spice  on the nose is friendly and appealing. On the palate, it works too, with its playful balance of layered spice oak and fresh acidity. The wine will appeal to fans of both oaked and unoaked Chardonnay, and will make a nice addition to the table.
A warm vintage (2006) may be causing this wine to expire prematurely, but tasted in 2008 it seems to be losing its drive. The nose has wild flower and melon aromas, while the palate shows simple apricot, pineapple and mango flavors. The tropical notes are here, but the texture is watery and as a whole it doesn't go the extra yard.
This soft, young wine is all about red-berry fruits. With a touch of spice and acidity, it is should be drunk quickly while its fruitiness remain fresh.
Aromas of green bean and citrus peel struggle to impress. This feels raw and pinching, with pulling, dry tannins. Herbal red-plum flavors finish green and with an oaky note of carob.
Light earthy raspberry and strawberry aromas suggest leanness, which is backed up on a raw, citric, pinching palate. Flavors of herbal plum and orange peel are austere, while this goes nowhere new on the finish.
A basic, light, veggie-flavored wine, this smells like celery and onion and tastes like zucchini.
Not much of this wine was made, the grapes coming from a vineyard in the heart of the appellation farmed by Phil Coturri. Earthy and light in oak, it struggles to show fruit, remaining more about minerally and compostable aromas.
Ruddy slightly overripe black cherry and berry flavors are juxtaposed with tart green notes in this fruity but rustic Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft, sunny acidity lends a plush, juicy mouthfeel and a brisk finish.
This is a typical sweet rosé from Anjou. A light and fruity blend of Groslot and Gamay, it is sugary but has attractive acidity to balance the sweet wild-strawberry flavors. Drink now.
A lot has been thrown at this Tannat, and thus it's oaky while smelling like dried aged cheese and charred black plum. This is exceedingly tannic and acidic, so mouthfeel is an issue. Saucy, high-toned acid-driven tomato, herb and sour plum flavors finish sharp and tangy.
Rusty to the eye, with a strange but not unpleasant mix of savory tomato, citrus and nutmeg aromas, this feels raw, tannic and drying. Earthy, baked and rooty plum flavors dry out on the finish.
Flat to start, with oaky aromas of mustard and clove, this feels round, with citric acidity and a sense of wood grain to the palate. Barrel-driven flavors of salty melon and mustard end with grainy resiny oak notes.
You can find aromas of purple flower, red berry and a hint of chopped herb on the nose. But the palate is thin and diluted, offering suggestions of sour cherry and a green note of powdered sage alongside fleeting tannins. It finishes on a bitter, acidic note.
This pale-colored soft wine has attractive fruitiness. Red fruits and a touch of spice are linked with gentle tannins. The wine is already gaining maturity and should be drunk now.
Not sure if this is a sparkling wine, a dessert wine or something in between. Grassy aromas of apple juice are jumbled and slightly pickled. This stays unfocused on a fizzy palate, while sweet soda-like flavors of lemon-lime and lychee finish sudsy and candied.
Grapy aromas suggest minerals and iodine along with wet animal fur and plum. It's firm and tannic on the palate, with herbal, rooty plum and berry flavors and a tight finish.
Oxidative in character, this ripe wine has melon, spice and almond flavors. It is ready to drink.
Uncommon exotic blueberry aromas are lean and grassy. In the mouth, this is high in acidity and scouring. Flavors match the nose, meaning this tastes sour and exotic, while the finish is sharp and scrubbing.
Stewed, saucy aromas of grassy tomato and herbal berry fruits are foxy. This feels cutting and rough, while minty green-berry flavors come with a note of animal fur.
A blend of 64% Pinot Noir and 36% Chardonnay, this pale rosé is light and slightly searing, with high acidicy and faint notes of strawberry hull and firm peach on the nose and mouth.
Sappy volatile berry and plum aromas lead to sharp citric palate. This tastes of sour plum and herbs, while oaky spice and clove notes rise up on the finish.
Aromas of freshly picked roses, vanilla and peach entice you into this Moldovan sparkling wine made from Muscat. There are flavors of dried apricot and honeydew melon with a slightly sweet finish.
A heavily oaked nose smells of pencil shavings and creamy berry scents. This feels raw, choppy and highly tannic, while red-fruit flavors are buried by an oak-based covering of milk chocolate. Heavy dominating chocolaty oak is the overriding theme of this underperforming RDD Reserva.
Offering a strong opening aroma of pine resin, this wine feels crisp and crunchy on the palate, with cranberry, pomegranate and red cherry flavors. Both complex and varietal, it has a tannic backbone of power and ripeness beneath its fruit, accented with black tea.
Potent earthy cherry and animal aromas are neither too pushy nor overbearing. This is quite full and concentrated, with a ripe-fruit mix of black plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors. Chocolaty oak is even more out front on a deep finish. Drink through 2024.
Don't be fooled by the low alcohol—this is fully ripened, finished, dry yet packed with delicious pear fruit flavors. Light suggestions of grapefruit and green apple add interest, and the fullness and freshness of the fruit is most impressive.
Very ripe pear plays on the enticing nose. The palate has the same refreshing and appetizing fruitiness. Lemony brightness pervades the light-bodied palate and makes for a very moreish finish.
It is the freshness of mandarin peel and jasmine that draws you in, as well as the lifted scent. The palate is light and dry with rose petal and tangerine making a charming twin appearance. Lovely and light, it's very attractive.
For $20, you could do a lot worse than to sample this wine, which boasts plenty of varietal character and ample quality. Cedar, tobacco, cassis and dark chocolate suggest a fully ripe wine, while the the structure remains fine and linear, with gentle, cocoa-powder-textured tannins that line the finish. Drink now–2025.
A clean-cut nose of green pear leads onto an equally clean-cut palate of fresh pear. There is freshness and lots of lemony brightness on the light but precise palate. This is appetizing and moreish.
Truffle, new leather and plum are some of the aromas you'll find in this taut red. The palate delivers Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and earthy game flavors, set against bright acidity and tightly wound tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
From 40-year-old vines, this Brunello opens with French oak, coconut, spiced plum and balsamic eucalyptus notes. Those aromas carry over to the palate, which is assertive and chewy with licorice and espresso flavor. A backbone of close-grained tannins provides support.
Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and star anise set the tone of this full-bodied red. The palate is juicy and polished, full of ripe black cherry, tobacco, clove and tangerine zest flavors, ribbed with fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
Don Lorenzi is making a strong case for growing cool climate-loving Chardonnay in the hot Temecula Valley. This clonal study delivers honeysuckle, marzipan and lemon curd aromas, while the palate offers richer notes of buttered apple and poached pear. Although ripe in style, it's cut by a zesty lemon-like acidity.
Pinot-phile Brian Loring lends his deeply extracted style to this Rhône grape, delivering concentrated blueberry, black plum, dark chocolate and mint aromas. The palate is hearty, with mint chocolate chip ice cream, eucalyptus, fennel and ripe black cherry flavors.
Smooth cool aromas of cedar, lemon peel and cola accent black-fruit scents on this easygoing Mencía. Reedy blackberry flavors come with notes of herbs and spice, while the finish is mild in acidity and hence soft and friendly. Drink now.
Mellow, suave, complex and layered, this wine blends oaky spice flavors with delicious ripe fruit in a harmonious texture. It's medium-bodied, showing generous oak influence and a mouthfeel marked by firm tannins and acidity.
Single (777) clone, half new French oak, packed with flavor—this is ready to go. Concentrated flavors of black cherry, cola and vanilla, adorned even further with dusty sweet spices, make this a grab-and-go kind of wine. There's a lightly funky umami character to the finish, along with more barrel notes of coffee and caramel.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, baking spice and Mediterranean brush aromas waft out of the glass. The full-bodied yet one-dimensional palate delivers wild cherry, black raspberry, star anise and salty mineral notes made bolder by alcohol warmth and big, velvety tannins. Drink 2019–2024.
Easy-drinking, rich and mouth-filling, this wine is a winner from start to finish. It has red cherry and dill aromas, ripe plum and cherry flavors and a supple texture. Light on tannin and full in body, it's generous and satisfying to drink.
This blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Teroldego opens with violet, cinnamon and Mediterranean herb aromas. The soft, succulent palate delivers raspberry, red cherry and cinnamon flavors, with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2018.
This wine has a pretty honeysuckle aroma that invites from beginning to end, its silky texture met with moderate acidity along the way. Medium bodied and creamy, it offers additional layers of white peach and almond.
The rosy floral overtones of Muscat are very evident on the fragrant nose. The palate, on the other hand, gives us the texture of Pinot Gris and the freshness of Riesling while floral nuances hover and swirl. This is a lovely blend of all that Alsace does well. Friendly and fresh with a dry finish.
This is a dry, relatively austere wine. It showcases aromas of wet stone and lemon thyme, followed by flavors of pineapple and lemon and a long, citrusy finish. Drink now.
This blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot boasts black currant and cedar aromas. The savory palate delivers black cherry, cassis, tobacco and white pepper notes, set against firm tannins. Drink now–2021.
Creamy rose and peach puree notes create a very sensuous and seductive scent. The light-footed creaminess continues fluidly on the slender palate, helped along by a touch of flavor-boosting sweetness. But this is pervaded by freshness to finish off dry. Drink soon while flavors are at their peak.
Released three years ago, this is drinking at or near its peak. The fruit remains lush, with herbal threads tied throughout, and a pleasing scent and streak of tobacco. Black-cherry flavors push into velvety tannins, with a finishing touch of licorice.
Dusty plum flavors meet baked bread aromas in this tightly-wound, tense vineyard-designated wine. It's marked by an undercurrent of pomegranate and rhubarb, the texture taking on more savory tones of forest and black tea as it finishes.
A waft of freshly baked baguette unfurls on the nose of this wine, followed by sautéed mushroom scents, giving it earthy character. Soft and round on the palate, the fruit tends toward darker, lusher notes of blueberry and plum.
This juicy all-Merlot bottling boasts blackberry and green peppercorn aromas. The firm palate doles out black currant, tobacco, clove and licorice flavors, framed by crunchy tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Here is a well-priced example of the outstanding 2014 Oregon Pinots. Black cherry and pomegranate fruits make for a juicy fresh fruit-driven palate. There's a touch of cola and caffè latte as well. It's seen 20% new French oak, to good effect.
Dark spice, forest floor, sun-baked soil and toast aromas lead the nose. The ripe, full-bodied palate doles out raspberry jam, vanilla, licorice and espresso notes, while close-grained tannins provide firm support.
Creamy on the nose with a scent of musk and flowers, this wine from Brotherhood is too angular to fully enjoy. The acidity is good but the overall flavors are lean.
In general O. Fournier gets it right, be it in Spain or Argentina. But this Ribera del Duero struggles from the outset. It's rubbery, damp and lacks clarity of fruit. And the feel is sharp and lemony, seemingly a combo of excessive oak and raw fruit. Imported by Fine Wines from Spain.
Phebus is a new label from Fabre Montmayou, and frankly this wine has issues. It smells a lot like gumballs and a wet, dirty dog. It doesn't have much substance or flow, and that gamy, wet-dog character is persistent, even on the flavor profile.
Fruits, flowers and spice should lead the nose and bathe the palate with this Nebbiolo, but the wine falls flat, with bitter, sweet flavors that are astringent in nature and lack elegance.
The latest release from Salon, this just explodes in the mouth with mineral, steel and flint. The tiny mousse has flavors of yeast and just a touch of toast. It is rich, but so austere and structured. Like many Salon Champagnes, this will age for 20 years or more.
Fermented to a plus-size 15.4% alcohol, this rare wine from one of Washington's oldest and best Cabernet vineyards shows what a gifted winemaker can do with great fruit. The play of flavors, mixing red and purple fruits, toasted nuts, mocha, caramel, bark and earth, is exceptional. The detail is extraordinary for a wine with such high alcohol. The acids and tannins are seamless and fine, and the flavors extend into an unusual finish that suggests menthol and eucalyptus – not generally a character found in Champoux fruit. All in all it's a wonderful voyage, and one of a handful of essential Washington wines.
One of Bründlmayer's specialities is the lyre training system, which opens out the canopy to get the maximum exposure. It gives a wine that has extra intensity, flavors of white currants vying with lychees, almonds, a perfumed aura. The end is satisfying, with acidity adding a lift.
Aromatic, herbal wine, with evocative lavender, a core of dry tannins, fresh red plum juice fruit and flavors of wild thyme. The six years' aging has given the wine just the right amount of maturity to drink now.
A more traditional type of crianza with vanilla, spice, dry berry fruit and a quiet, subtle approach. The mouthfeel is Old World with it's clean, dusty weight and proper acid-tannin balance, and the flavors of spice, cherry, dried currant and earth don't overstep their place. Very nice wine for under $20.
A different breed of blended wine, with earthy aromas of dried cheese, leather, dill and vanilla. The palate is tight and mildly tannic, with sweet cola, roasted berry and earthy tobacco flavors. Not your normal bulky, dark wine; it's complex and based on 85% Garnacha and Carignan.
On the restrained side, with flinty aromas giving way to notes of grapefruit, melon and fig on the palate. Finishes with a touch of leafiness.
Nice, clean and vibrant, with a welcoming set of peach, apricot and citrusy aromas. The wine is 100% correct and fresh, with clarity and flavors of apple, peach and green grapes. Shows just enough body, acid and pith on the finish, but drink now before it starts to fade.
Starts out rustic and leathery, with hints of smoke, leafiness and earth along with baked berry and spice. This four-grape wine has good density and mouthfeel that frames leather, earth and slightly baked berry fruit flavors. Finishes chocolaty and sweet, with just enough acidity to maintain balance.
This 100% Carignan is a great expression of what the grape can do all by itself without any blending buddies. Red cherry and plum mingle with garrigue herbs and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Soft tannins and vibrant acidity lay out the approachable structure, with a lingering finish accented by sweet spice.
A solid, foursquare wine, flaunting its tannins but not forgetting the rich weight of fruit underneath. Mint flavors go with the chocolate and dark plums.
A powerful, dense and still youthful wine. It balances a fresh blackberry fruit character with smoky tannins and delicious, bright and juicy acidity.
Ripe, smooth, rich fruits, juicy strawberry flavor and fresh acidity. The texture is solid and dense, with an obvious potential for aging.
Eola-Amity Hills has a distinctive “voice” in the newly-defined Willamette Valley AVAs. It brings in earth and herb in a round and integrated style, not abrasive or stemmy, but adding Burgundy-like notes to the essential Pinot Noir character. The fruit is light and mixes cherry and citrus, and the tannins are proportionate and supple.
Hearty, rustic and full throttle (at 15% alcohol), this is a bottle full of Sicilian fruits and flavors. Figs and dates, raisins and allspice, coffee and dark chocolate whirl through the palate, with the alcohol leaving a distinct trail through the finish. You might consider this in place of a dessert liqueur, served up with stuffed figs, walnuts and the bitterest of chocolate.
Intense and bright with a wonderfully complex nose of slate and stones, combined with elegantly subdued florals. It's dry, but there's a whisper of lemon drop sweetness throughout. Beautifully balanced with an intensely mineral, steely finish.
An impressive Pinot Noir that brings out plenty of the varietal's characteristics: the strawberry fruit flavors, the structure and the acidity. It is from the region north of Lisbon, which has a cool maritime climate, giving the wine its depth of flavor. Age for two years.
Pungent and precise, with a textbook mix of green aromas, tropical fruits and lushness. Feels lively and juicy, with lime, lychee, green apple and pineapple flavors that settle on passion fruit come finishing time.
Mint and red-fruit aromas dominate this classic Dão wine, with its firm tannins and mineral structure. Spice, toast and dark-berry flavors give a feeling of weight to a wine that demands to be paired with rich red meats.
There is an excellent depth of flavor in this ripe and fruity wine. It is more about rich fruits than it is about structure, giving a full and rounded character to the plum-jelly, spice and mint flavors. Ready to drink in a year.
Marmalade, raisin and a hint of tropical fruit are balanced by the dry botrytis of this rich wine, which is based on the same grape varieties as Sauternes. It is elegant and ageworthy, but is also ready to drink now.
A stunning white with superb balance and layer upon layer of aromas and flavors. An expressive white-flower note accents the solid backbone of ripe red apple and firm nectarine fruit. The medium-weight palate is slightly creamy but not overdone, with hints of toast, sweet spice and almond-flavored nuttiness that unfold on the finish.
Ripe and peachy in style, with accents of brine, honey and cinnamon. It's round and voluptuous in the mouth, then gains focus and crispness on the finish, finishing without an excess of sugar. Try it anytime over the next 6–8 years.
An attractive and slightly hedonistic wine. The intense black fruit core of boysenberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit preserves are spiked with spicy notes of garrigue, violet, faint pepper and soft sweet smoke. Rich and thick on the palate, the creamy mouthfeel is balaned by medium tannins and a long, gripping finish.
A beautiful, bargain-priced blend of Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Alvarelhão. Violet and jasmine perfumed, this wine is so, so pretty with just a stunning nose. In taste, there's raspberry, strawberry and lilting layers of pepper and herbs. An intriguing wine well worth trying, made by Morgan Winery Winegrower Dan Lee.
Tightly wound, but clearly big and bold with massive tannins, this Tempranillo has amazingly dark, brooding fruit and spicy undertones and should develop into a stunner with time.
Hovering easily between red-fruit flavors and a more mature wood-aged taste, this is a smooth Port. It is dominated by a rich texture, both juicy and spicy with a smoky hint.
A big, bruising wine that is bursting with sweet tannins and juicy blackberry flavors. All of its acidity and attractive flavors of up-front fruit, spice and wood are clamoring for attention. Ready to drink with strong flavored food.
This wine is delicious with its fresh, concentrated blueberry and raspberry flavors, and the ripest tannins. The wine has a dark and tannic element, although this is well integrated into its beautiful layers of fruit.
Though just 12% alcohol, this wine is ripe and vibrant, with a thrilling bouquet of violets, cranberries and fresh herbs. Light and delicate, perfectly balanced and complex, with a whiff of chocolate in the finish.
The Shea is a bit of an anomaly at 13.7% in a vintage where the other Ken Wright Pinots float around the 12–12.5% mark. Not surprisingly, the fruit is thicker and the midpalate more full and broad, with pleasing cherry-berry flavors framed in chocolaty oak. Though not as aromatically complex as its companions, it offers plenty of rich fruit flavor.
Cloudy in color, with tart rhubarb aromas. The palate shows some acidity and tang, with pink grapefruit flavors offering a shrill kick. But overall the wine has seen better days and has become limited in scope at this point.
A soft, feminine nose of toasted oak and round fruit on the nose, and a flavor profile of balanced fruit and acid on the palate, make this a good white for both cold weather, serious meals and just sipping on the patio in warmer months. The mouthfeel is a touch light and the wine could use some weight, but overall, a good choice for numerous dishes.
A rush of zippy, fresh fruit and spice aromas recommends this white from New York, offering the kind of clean fruit flavors and minerality that makes this region unique. The wine lacks real complexity and tends toward the austere but the beguiling spice saves the day.
A well structured Cab with plenty of cassis, blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors. Subtly smoky vanilla, herbal and roasted coffee notes complement the fruit on the palate. The mouthfeel is soft and supple and the finish appropriately long.
A classic Portuguese blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, this is a medium-bodied wine with good structure and presence of tannin. Bright fruit flavors of red currant, cherry and strawberry abound on the palate, finishing fresh and clean.
Lightweight, with more dryness than richness, this wine is lightly sweet, hinting at botrytis, with apple and cream flavors touched by honey.
A bit too much new American oak was thrown at this crianza, leaving minty, drying aromas that veer into the butter and dill range. The palate is largely fresh and balanced, with peppery red-fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry. A woody encore smothers the finish.
While this wine shows some of the softness and richness of 2003, it keeps a light touch and the acidity and black fruits remain fresh. There is an edge of astringency that leaves a hard aftertaste.
On paper, this is an interesting blend of Aragonez and Cabernet; however, this fruity wine is much simpler than that. There is a spice element that adds some complexity, but the palate concentrates mainly on red fruits and layered acidity. Drink now.
A light, subtle nose is followed by simple but elegant Chardonnay flavors and a successful play of oak and acid. The mouthfeel is equally appealing, round and supple. The wine could use more complexity but overall, is enjoyable and will be good with a variety of richer poultry and seafood dishes.
This is a sharp, high-toned Cabernet, which begins with nail polishy aromas and some cherry candy flavors, then quickly tails off. It lacks both depth and detail, making it difficult to understand what merits the reserve designation.
Black plum and black currant are jammy on the brambly nose. The smooth tannins take a backseat to the jammy and plummy black fruits on the medium-bodied palate. There is just enough acidity to keep this wine from turning flabby. Black plum, a touch of baking spice and warmth linger on the finish.
This fruity red wine has firm tannins and juicy acidity. Its soft, rounded aftertaste makes it easy and warm.
Aromas of lemon juice and graham cracker show on the nose and carry to the persistantly foamy palate. Additional notes of apple and orange peel offer some depth but fade quickly from unrelenting acidity.
This wine is earthy, with a yeasty edge. It offers plenty of Touriga Nacional's perfumed fruit although this is masked by a barnyard character that needs to blow away. The wine requires another year to show its full potential, so drink from 2018.
Black cherry, tart plum skin and hints of vanilla, caramel and dill show on the nose of this bottling from southeastern Paso Robles. The palate is a tad thin, with black plum, oregano and nettle flavors.
As long as the price keeps creeping up on this wine, we're happy to say that the quality seems better and the oak level lower than in past years. This version of Milmanda offers roasted corn, walnut and other smoky, barrel-based aromas. Throughout the fruit is shy but the mouthfeel and oak are smooth. Finishes with a blast of white pepper and toast.
Solid black cherry aromas distinguish this wine from the competition. It has poise for a Madrid wine, and the mix of Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a saturated palate with natural, full-bodied flavors that aren't too infused with oak. Concentrated and well made, with good size.
Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc aren't often thrown together, but here the marriage works. The nose offers herbal, leafy aromas from the CF, while berry fruit and oak carry the rest of the show. The palate is slightly crisp and racy, but its lightweight character is welcome. This is yet another well-made, interesting wine from one of our favorite obscure Spanish labels.
Savory mint and herbal aromas accent leafy, classic red fruit on the bouquet, while plum, berry, mineral, black olive and herbs work the palate. The wine transitions from one stage to the next without much trouble, and within the folds there are some complexities. A measurable step up from the bargain barrel milieu.
Honey and fresh orange zest aromas and flavors drive this nicely balanced fortified Muscat. There's a pleasing weightiness to it on the palate, and a slightly creamy texture to go with the pristine flavors. Try with blue cheeses or foie gras.
A big, burly rich wine, dominated by Syrah and by wood tannins. It is fruity, full of black plums and boysenberries, low in acidity, but structured with some good tannins. It's a wine to drink now.
Bright and fruity with touches of wood, this is a complex wine with good acidity, a crisp texture and a strong mineral strain. It is rich and will age well. Drink from 2017.
Golden caramel in color, this wine opens in a decadence of creme brûlée, a richness that subsides on the lighter style on the palate, marked by a saltiness of wet stone, pineapple and vanilla oak. Together, the light and heavy balance one another and the wine tastes complete.
Red cherry, kola nut, root beer, brown spice and a touch of smoke pull the nose deeply into this bottling by Blair Fox and Eli Parker. Baked red and black plum, a touch of mulberry and bloody, earthy flavors mark the palate, which is quite complex and bound together with a strong tannic structure.
Aromas of underbrush, menthol, dark fruit, violet and a note of exotic spice take shape in the glass. The chewy palate delivers ripe cherry, pomegranate, white pepper, herb and a truffle note while fine-grained tannins provide support and polish.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a heady bouquet of black cherry, mocha and lavender. It is full in the mouth with supple tannins and a surprisingly refreshing acid backbone. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, espresso, chocolate and anise culminate in a cool, lingering finish with a soft floral lift.
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.
Dark-skinned berry, baking spice and floral aromas float from the glass while the taut palate delivers crushed raspberry, licorice and chopped herb. Firm refined tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2020–2027.
Cherry, berry and sinewy leather make for a memorable experience of fruit and savory accents in this farm-designate that impresses from start to finish. Offering length and breadth, it's balanced despite noticeable ripeness and body.
From Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, this blend of clones 115, 667 and 777 shows deep pomegranate, dried violets, roiboos tea, baked plum and sarsaparilla notes on the nose. Cooked plum fruit also shows on the sip, which is dusted with clove, nutmeg, dried roses and earthy tannins. This plush wine is a mouthful.
Known in Spain as Mencia and found in Galicia, here in Portugal it forms a part of the mix in the mountainous Dão. It is red fruit flavors that are sustained by tannins. Despite its nine years of age, it is still firmly structured, still packed with fine fruit. It is only just now ready to drink.
While not a generally declared year, 2012 has produced some excellent single-quinta wines. This full, ripe wine was fermented in open stone tanks and then kept in old wood for 12 months. It is richly structured with fine black fruit and a powerful aftertaste. Age this until 2024.
Ripe, concentrated blackberry, cassis, oak and graphite aromas set up a burly palate that's stacked to the max. An oak-based note of popcorn sits atop a heavy palate with deep black-fruit and graphite flavors. An oaky finish with salty blueberry and cassis flavors is bolstered by fresh acidity. Drink through 2022.
There are dark tannins here, although they are embedded in the ripe black fruits. This wine is solid and firm, the acidity giving the essential freshness. The fruitiness and the plush texture are taking their time to show. Drink from 2020.
Soft, juicy acidity and texture buoy this wine in wonderful ways, providing a lithe foundation to punches of sassafras and truffled earth. Sourced from the famous vineyard on Westside Road in the northern reaches of the appellation, it shows off a flair of pine along with dark cherry.
The producer's original source of Chardonnay, Sangiacomo grapes have figured into this wine since 1987, this vintage of which is astounding in tropical, fleshy layers of elegance, flecks of freshly cut pear providing further succulence. Richly textured, it's balanced while robust.
Blackberry and cassis aromas are malty and rich, with a lightly charred note of smoke. A smooth palate shows depth and balance, while this tastes of blackberry, chocolate, barrel spice and toast. On the finish, this is toasty, baked, warm and generous. Drink through 2022.
Heady aromas of olive and balsamic blackberry come with touches of rubber and road tar in front of a dense, well-groomed palate that doesn't bite or overpower. Ripe blackberry, toast and baking spice flavors end with warmth and clarity. Drink through 2019.
Earthy notes of olive and leather are part of the bouquet along with licorice and blackberry scents. This Petit Verdot is fully mature but still vital and lively. Tannic and deep on the palate, this tastes of blackberry, vanilla and chocolate. A ripe but not overly demanding finish confirms that this is ready to drink.
Here is a bold, striking wine from the estate vineyard. Black cherries capture the core flavor of the Dundee Hills AVA, with substantial, somewhat grainy tannins. Highlights of coffee grounds add another dark note. Pair this with a thick, wild-caught salmon steak.
Perfumed and juicy, this is already an attractive wine. Fine tannins and plenty of red fruits give a fresh and structured character. With a firmer background, it will develop well. Drink from 2020.
Enticing aromas of rose, iris, berry and leather lift out of the glass. The firm, elegantly structured palate offers black cherry, star anise, clove and white pepper alongside youthfully assertive but refined tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Though not designated, the grapes for this white come from the Dutton Sullivan Vineyard, outside of Graton, planted to a heritage selection of Wente. Wet stone and salty apple make for an inviting beginning, followed by a length of complex Mandarin orange specked in spice. Andrew Berge is the winemaker.
Aromatic herb, leather and camphor lead the nose. The firmly structured palate doles out red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and grilled sage alongside tightly wound tannins and bright acidity. An anise note closes the finish.
Toast, underbrush, fragrant blue flower and woodland berry aromas lead the way. The firm palate offers tart red cherry, licorice and baking spice alongside fine-grained tannins that lend elegant structure. Drink 2018–2024.
Camphor, espresso and black-skinned berry lead the nose while the delicious palate offers crushed black raspberry, orange peel, white pepper, chopped herb and a hint of star anise. It's tightly wound with youthfully firm but elegant tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
This sees less new oak than the Jones Block, so the quality of the biodynamically grown fruit shines. Herbal notes reminiscent of rosemary and thyme accent raspberry and cherry fruit, and while there's ample weight and ripeness, the overall impression is of drinkability and ease.
Ripe berry, underbrush, scorched earth, menthol, baking spice and a hint of leather meld together on this. The ripe, delicious palate doles out crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, white pepper and espresso alongside a tannic backbone. A tobacco note wraps around the finish. Drink 2019–2027.
A light imprint marks this high-toned wine, expressive in crisp green apple, citrus and stone. Fresh in lemony acidity, it builds up to a medium body in the glass, offering impressive complexity and refreshment.
This beautifully balanced, flavorful wine combines vivid watermelon and canteloupe flavors with medium body, a rich texture and lingering finish. It has great concentration without being heavy.
This is a hearty version of the variety for this producer, known for its oft-lighter approach. It reveals skill as well, the grapes from another prime site overseen by brand partner Bill Price. A feral shock of mushroom dominates on the nose before punchy tannins and a medium-body distract slightly in contoured texture, only barely letting in crisp flavors of orange peel and dark cherry.
Intricate, jammy aromas of black cherry, blackberry, flowers, spice and mineral lead to plentiful black-fruit flavors. It shows the warmth of the vintage while bringing an undeniable sense of deliciousness, with lip smacking tannins backing it up.
The aromas of peach, flowers, lemon, lees and barrel spices are alluring and nuanced. The medium-weight flavors are tart and spritely, with a citrus and lees streak running throughout.
This wine is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. It opens with intriguing aromas of graphite, cherry, barrel spice, garden herbs, coffee grounds and dark fruit. The flavors are pitch black and generous, showing density and layering.
There's a lot to admire in this producer's entry-level wine in terms of price and complexity, a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot and 1% each of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. Burnt wood and herb underlie full-bodied, sizable waves of black-fruit flavor, graphite, tar and coffee.
Right Bank employs 72% Cabernet Franc to make a statement, accenting it with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Herbal and pretty, this full-bodied wine remains tight in its youth, the tannins firm and powerful, barely letting in the mouthful of red cherry that awaits. Drink now through 2021.
This wine offers classic Napa Valley richness and fruit-forwardness, while also maintaining an underlying elegance of balance. Apple and honey star on the nose and palate, complementing each other, becoming more developed in the glass as they go.
This is a yellow fruit and spice flavored wine. It is rich, just cut with acidity and with rounded fruit flavors and a generous texture. It is an impressive development from a young, crisp Muscadet and shows how well some wines from the region can age. Drink now.
Bright and showy aromas of olallieberry, packed lilacs and smoked meats make for a very inviting, hearty nose on this bottling. The oak smoke powers the palate, adding savoriness to the plum, cherry and baked-strawberry fruit. A nicely sour herb tension, full of oregano and sage, rounds out the sip.
Aged in Slavonian casks, this opens with classic Nebbiolo aromas of rose, violet, perfumed berry and baking spice. The juicy palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry, licorice and white pepper while fresh acidity and firm, velvety tannins provide balance. It's already approachable but hold for more complexity. Drink 2017–2027.
Plump blueberry, baked black plum, cracked-rock earthiness and bloody meats show in a reserved way on the nose of this bottling from one of California's oldest vineyards. The sip begins with dark strawberry and ripe red-cherry notes but is quickly consumed by chalky tannins and lively acidity that unleash a wave of white pepper and cola into the finish.
This wine is a mix of fruit from Anna Marie and McClellan Estate vineyards. The aromas offer notes of dark roasted coffee, vanilla, herbs, spice and cherry, with the barrel notes initially at the fore. The palate is textured and supple, with the feel and flavors keeping the attention high.
A spicy, almost coniferous fragrance joins the pear notes of this rounded, concentrated Grüner. Layers of green, fruity flavors unfold: ivy and Conference pear, greengage and crushed leaf. Take a little time over this one, it will reward you with countless, spicy expressions.
You are in for a treat with this subtle, fruitful Riesling which reveals its subtle charms rather slowly. The nose is shy but the palate shines with ripe, aromatic apricot fruit, accentuated by lemon freshness and centered around a concentrated core of fruit and zest. This is slender but generous, refreshing and lasting. A wine with utter charm to take time over.
Lifted pear-drop aromas are accompanied by the peppery green of watercress and arugula. The concentrated palate is grounded by earthy, savory yeast notes and framed by fresh lime peel. There is a dollop of riper pear fruit at the core, shining and shimmering with added charm.
Sauvage aromas of forest dominate on the nose of this well-made wine, showing off intriguing notes of clove, black tea and sarsaparilla before unleashing a velvet carpet's worth of cherry and cranberry. Spicy and savory are the coins of the realm here, with bright acidity underlying it all.
Toasty wood and crisp lemon complement one another in this medium-bodied, richly layered and developed wine, complex in green apple and nutmeg. There's lovely structure behind this wine as well, making for a food-friendly pairing that should age well in bottle another couple of years.
Wonderfully zesty notes of lime peel are joined by savory hints of fern and riper notes of juicy, yellow pear. The palate is slender but expressive and adds more green pear notes alongside a lemony, easy freshness. This is concentrated and convincing.
Campfire smoke and meat rise on the nose of this 100% varietal wine, a nearly rustic experience if it weren't for the powerful beauty behind the rest of the story. A soft, dry grip of tannin plays against youthfully ripe notions of blackberry jam on toast, with chocolate and cigar lurking in the background. Drink now through 2023.
Crisp, crunchy apple and pear fruit appears first. This is followed by both more generous apple juice and tarter citrus notes. The midpalate shows concentration and some gentle but determined power. Texture and acidity lend structure to a wine that feels weightier than it is. Wonderfully balanced and dangerously moreish.
Despite the zesty lime notes which abound there is a hint of riper, more generous, almost tropical fruit: both mango and peach come to mind. The palate plays the same contrasting game and draws you in both with freshness and fruitfulness. A joy to drink.
Petit Verdot (62%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The flower, green herb, coffee and barrel spice aromas are brooding, while the palate offers bright acids, firm tannins and a spot-on sense of balance.
Aromas of toast, mocha, dark berry, roasted herb and scorched soil slowly come together. The ripe, concentrated palate offers fleshy dark-skinned berry, clove and tobacco alongside a tannic backbone. Drink 2019–2024.
Black cherry steeped in spirits, truffle, pressed blue flower and cake spice aromas all come together on this along with a whiff of eucalyptus. The palate shows structure and some aging potential, offering dried black cherry, tobacco, clove and cinnamon alongside assertive tannins that leave a firm finish.
Aromas of dark berries and black spices lead the nose on this polished red. The concentrated but refined palate delivers crushed raspberries, licorice and mineral notes framed in velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2024.
The wine is initially light and fruity. It then opens up to give a much richer character that involves ripe white stone fruit and intense acidity. It is dense, with a tangy edge that adds minerality to the complex mix. This is part of a series of wines named after the subsoil in which the vines are planted. The fine wine is ready to drink.
Aromas of beef jerky, oak and black fruits are integrated and attractive. This feels both plush and tannic, while ripe blackberry, cassis, toast, chocolate and spice flavors end long and with good depth and complexity. Drink this ripe but balanced Toro through 2027.
There's plenty of nuance to enjoy, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers, raspberry, orange peel and huckleberry, showing more on each swirl. The palate is polished and flavorful, showing a masterful touch.
From one of the few vineyards in Santa Barbara County to grow this grape, this bottling plays to the savory side. White pepper and raw beef show alongside tight and tart boysenberry fruit. Wild-berry flavors on the sip meet with dried sagebrush, thyme and potpourri elements.
Made by David Ramey, this blend of 80% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante and 9% Petite Sirah impresses in its fruit-forward approachability and all-around likability. Earthy, it teases in dark cherry, vanilla and milk-chocolate flavors, the texture smoothly etched in fine leather.
This bottling from a vineyard west of the Sta. Rita Hills by David and Anna deLaski explores the lower ripeness, exotically spiced range of Pinot Noir. Aromas of tart boysenberry, sour hibiscus, sumac and white pepper show on the nose. The palate picks up a bit more viscosity to deliver cranberry, Kalamata olive and cardamom flavors.
Sanguine in cranberry while offering a velvety smooth, rounded approachability, this well-made, robust wine will appeal to a wide range of palates, expressing a big, leathery backbone of tannin and toasted oak.
This well-made, well-priced wine over-delivers in terms of quality. Smoky cherry and plum accentuate the toasted oak, as a sturdy foundation of tannin gives it power and strength. The savory finish mixes forest and tea.
Grüner Veltliner is an extreme rarity in the state. Sparkling offerings? Unheard of. This one brings appealing aromas of lime pith, white pepper, autolytic notes and citrus. The palate brings a big blast of acid, drinking quite dry. The acid is intense on its own but it will fit in nicely at the dinner table.
An elegant blend of Pinot Nero and Nerello Mascalese, this bright sparkler offers enticing scents of strawberry, raspberry and a whiff of pastry cream that carry over to the vibrant palate along with a hint of Mediterranean herb. It's persistent and refreshing, with a refined perlage.
Clean and crisp lines of sea salt and lemon zest meet with caramelized white peach and pear on the nose of this bottling from the Foley family. The palate's chalky texture delivers richer flavors of baked yellow pears, cinnamon and baking spice.
Deep aromas of kirsch, ginger snaps and leather show on the nose of this ripe and hearty bottling from a vineyard named for the geographic feature that allows ocean air to cool down this region. Dried cherries, clove and star anise show on the palate, which is framed by firm tannins and cut by a steady but not overpowering acidity.
This unique project focuses on one single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon each year. Aromas of vanilla bean and other barrel spices are at the fore at present, with dark fruit lurking in the background. The plum and black-currant flavors are lush and full, showing a bit of warmth on the finish. The oak influence is primary at present but it has good stuffing.
This blend of Roditis and Viognier starts with aromas of fresh lemon blossom, sea salt and jasmine, leading into a nimble and delicate array of citrus and spice on the palate. Clean and focused but with a curvaceous edge.
Bright and savory, this foaming dessert wine comes with the enticing aromas and flavors of ripe apricot, yellow peach, sage and tangerine. Crisp acidity brightens the rich creamy flavors.
Topped with 18% Malbec, aromas of wood spice, vanilla, pencil lead and dark cherry lead to juicy full-bodied dark-fruit flavors that show a lovely sense of balance, despite the wood being forward. It's a very pretty expression of Cabernet.
Temecula vintner Phil Baily is one of this warmer region's strongest proponents for upholding complexity over ripeness. This bottling offers red currant, cedar, leather and minty chocolate on the nose, while the palate conveys lots of herbal influence, from peppercorn, licorice and dill to minty black raspberry and eucalyptus oil. All those elements need more time to integrate. Drink 2019–2023.
This wine is 76% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 9% Grenache. Aromas of black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, coffee, raw meat and spice are followed by smooth black-coffee flavors. It lingers on the finish.
White peach and honey-butter aromas show on the nose of this richly styled bottling from one of the region's bigger producers. Salt and nectarine appear strongly on the palate, which is bound together by a very grippy texture. Waves of caramel pop toward the finish.
This is a one-of-a-kind wine in the state, with 50% of the wine fermented on skins for nine months and the rest aged in concrete and older oak. Pure red- and blue-fruit aromas are followed by bold fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins, without a trace of oak in sight. It's a completely unique interpretation of the variety, but most importantly, it's delicious.
Made entirely with Timorasso, this opens with aromas of acacia flower, lemon peel and a whiff of hazelnut. The vibrant palate offers citrus zest, McIntosh apple and a touch of raw almond alongside bright acidity. Drink 2016 through 2022.
This blends 84% Merlot, 11% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot, the three varieties combining to full-bodied effect. Earthy in mushroom and cedar, its texture is leathery, with the palate dotted in tobacco and black pepper, the character savory and full of spice.
The blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah mixes notes of black cherries with hints of red raspberries to create a delicious tension. Dried spices and mocha add nuance, while the tannins are firm at first, fading to the texture of cocoa powder on the long finish. Drink now–2022.
One hundred percent varietal, this vineyard designated Merlot seems a casualty of the cool 2010 growing season with prominent herbal notes, tart plum flavors, and astringent tannins.
The aromas on this wine are borderline offputting, with petrol and diesel exhaust leading the way. It's a viscous, blowsy offering with 15% abv and powdery, sugary flavors of melon and tropical fruits, particularly banana. Heat and bitterness control the finish.
This is pricey for what you get. It's a blend of 50% Riesling with 40% Albariño and 10% Sauvignon, and frankly it smells a bit oily and stalky, while the palate is soft and the flavors suggest underripe green melon and apple. On the finish, it's a bit green.
The oak on this basic Cab offers a nose that is pasty and lactic, while the palate and finish are resiny. In between, there are rubbery tannins, berry fruit flavors and a lot of vanilla and carob.
Normally I'm a fan of Juvé y Camps. This bottling is bland on the nose, with a cleaning-solution aroma. The palate is foamy in feel and short in flavor, with a strange blend of bitter lettuce, brine and green herbs. Frankly, it's not up to par, a possible reflection of the below-average 2008 vintage.
This inky, unfiltered Merlot is a chore to get through. For starters, the saturated bouquet is murky and less than fresh. In the mouth, expect a blocky, extracted mouthfeel and roasted flavors of herbal berry and raisin. Lastly, there's a tannic grab as well as particles and chunks floating about.
Almost citrusy aromas of candied berry are jammy and unconvincing. The mouth is narrow and pinched in feel, with herbal, wiry berry flavors that finish minty and hot.
Given the $27 price, this “limited edition” Sauvignon is lacking in many places. The nose is challenging, with a strong scent of bathroom cleanser, while the palate delivers acid and citrusy flavors but no middle tier. On the finish, it's like scallions and tarragon, with cutting acidity.
Initially this smells perfumed and powdery, like a grande dame preparing to go out for the night. On deeper inspection, it smells grassy and citrusy, then tastes and feels dilute. At best this is a quaffing wine due to minimal character but good acidity.
A whiff of leather opens this wine, which is well along its aging curve. There's a bitter edge to the tannins, along with some rounded cherry cola flavors.
Very pale, almost transparent, despite alcohol over 14% abv, this very light, citrusy wine carries a background flavor of vitamin pill, and feels a bit flat in the mouth.
Take a cool year like 2010—which is tough to begin with—on a late ripener like Cabernet, and throw in a ton of char and burnt oak, and what you get is a wine that smells like a smoldering campfire. The palate is tannic, while roasted flavors of charred black fruits and burning wood end with molasses.
Smoky and dark, with serious aromas of black licorice, earth and lush berry. The palate has a great feel to it along with huge flavors of cassis, blackberry, black peppercorn, coffee and sweet coconut. It's stellar from front to back, with coffee, mocha and silky tannins on the finish. Composed of 60% Malbec with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Tannat and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2013.
Foursquare, almost chunky, the tannins dominate black fruits, dark chocolate and spice flavors. There is considerable concentration here, along with initial high acidity. Straight from bottling, the fruit is subdued. The weight of the wine, though, confirms that this is going to be a powerhouse.
Regarded as a Styrian Grand Cru, the Kranachberg produces landmark Sauvignon Blanc. In the hands of Wilhelm Sattler, the richness of the fruit, with its almost tropical spice element, is tinged with elegance as well as great concentration. There is a fresh, racy aftertaste.
Big, round and lush, this is the fourth vintage for this wine, one of the best Chardonnays in Washington state. In this vintage it did not go through full malolactic, leaving a nice underlying acidity with a leesy, creamy freshness. Golden apples, stone fruits and a lick of butterscotch add to the luscious, generous finish.
A blend of Shiraz from Eden Valley and the valley floor, this is both amply endowed and impressively complex. The creamy purée of raspberries is dusted with peppery spice and cocoa, leaving a savory impression on the lasting finish. Drink now—2015.
Fruity, floral and calm on the nose, with nothing aggressive or out of place. The palate is deep, flush and offers great mouthfeel, while the flavors run toward big, juicy berry, cassis and chocolate. Like most Catena high-enders, this Cabernet-Malbec blend features a toasty finish of coffee and mocha, and overall it's stylish and impressive. Drink now through 2014.
There's a streak of citrus running down the spine. The lively acidity adds some zip to the blackberry and black cherry fruit. There's a smoky edge to the polished tannins, but those lemony acids keep the wine bright and fresh, penetrating into a lingering finish with sweet cracker and pepper highlights.
A beautiful combination of ripe, tropical fruits with flint, honey and smoke. There is a great steely backbone here, offering a linear character as well as elegant, ageworthy fruit.
A lush mouthful of nuanced fruit, this single-vineyard Viognier is loaded with a rich mix of peach, apricot, papaya and guava fruit. Laced into the hefty fruit core are baking spices and cocoa powder, along with suggestions of curry and cumin. This wine should be mandatory with curry dishes.
As before, this features fruit from Conner-Lee, here with some Lewis vineyard grapes added to bring in more minerality. The result is a well-crafted mix of grapes from these two premier vineyards, with a tight core of chalk-laden citrus fruits. Persistent and resonant, the fruit is edged with citrus skin and brings a pat of butter at the end.
The Nussberg vineyard towering above the western edge of Vienna is famed for its field blend Gemischter Satz (mixed varieties). Fritz Wieninger has produced a wine that perfectly balances opulence with minerality. Rich fruits march with citrus and finish with structure, and the potential to age.
Some richness and heft separate this wine from the pack, as it carries ripe white cherry and peach flavors on its soft but just-crisp-enough texture. Its medium to full body gives it a mouth-filling presence.
This oak-aged Verdejo is yellow in color, with aromas of mustard and apple cider. In the mouth, this is weighty and a bit candied despite offering acidic cut. Outright sweet flavors of peach and melon finish mustardy like the nose, with oaky, resiny notes.
This young release carries strong scents and flavors of cranberry, along with the sharp acidic attack that implies, which qualifies it as a good choice for many fatty dishes. It's rather simple, fruity, with no hint of new oak. Drink up while it's young and fresh.
Full bodied and warm, this is a ripe, fruit-driven style that's made for immediate enjoyment. Grapy, plummy fruit adds notes of baking spices and chocolate on the supple finish.
This is a bright, ripe and fruity wine. With its red fruits, gentle tannins and juicy acidity, everything is in place for an early drinking and food friendly wine. Ready from late 2017.
Tempranillo has become a mainstay red grape in southern Oregon, but it's a rarity further north. Light toasty fruit flavors suggest tart raspberry with a hint of wood from 14 months in 20% new American oak barrels. The low alcohol and high acid suggest that this wine should be consumed over the next two or three years.
Boysenberry aromas and blackberry jam flavors fill this Bordeaux-style red blend to the brim, while a smooth texture and touch of sweetness make it an easy sipper. A great pairing for spicy Korean barbecue.
Subdued underbrush, red berry and culinary spice aromas emerge in this tight, young red. The palate is bright and lean, offering tart cherry, dried sage and clove flavors, bolstered by taut tannins and racy acidity.
This Sangiovese-dominant blend opens with red cherry and dried tobacco leaf aromas. A hint of clove accents the palate, which is full of red plum fruit and smooth but rather fleeting tannins that give it an easygoing framework. Drink soon.
The nose is very shy: The wines still needs waking up and only comes alive slowly with a little air. The flavors on the palate seem subdued but there is customary Riesling freshness. The finish is dry.
Dried berry, plum skin, peppercorn and beef jerky scents show on the nose of this bottling from a large vineyard east of Paso Robles. Woody cedar and pine flavors show on the palate, giving nuance to the floral elderberry jam and leather touches.
The 65% of Merlot in the blend gives a wine that is soft and rounded. With its acidity and fine tannins, it is fresh and fruity. Black currants and berries dominate a wine that will be ready to drink from 2019.
The top of the range wine from this estate is ripe and full of vivid black currant fruits. It does have tannins although these are subordinate to the juicy jammy fruit. The wine is almost ready to drink. Just wait until mid-2017.
This wine with its tight black-currant character, is still also firm with tannins. It has a juicy edge that will develop well as the wine matures. With crisp acidity and structure, it should age. Drink from 2018.
The wine is ripe, weighty and full of fruit. Its tannins are already softening into the blackberry flavors. The sole question about this wine is the excessive wood aging that has given a burnt edge. Hopefully, this blend of 50-50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will assert its natural fruitiness. Don't drink before 2020.
The rich gold hue and the scents of bruised, slightly cooked fruit, suggest that premature oxidation is setting in. Two bottles were tasted, with comparable results. It's lemony, somewhat oily, penetrating and concentrated, but should be consumed now through 2017.
Made of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this opens with delicate black-skinned fruit and tilled earth aromas. The straightforward palate delivers ripe black plum and exotic spice flavors, smoothed out by ripe tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from organic Sangiovese grapes, this opens with floral iris and red cherry notes. The palate is straightforward and lively, marked by raspberry and thyme flavors and solid tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Made of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, this recalls cassis and cooking spice on the nose. The palate delivers ripe red plum laced with vanilla, softly framed by tannins. Drink now–2019.
Made entirely from Syrah, this has a restrained nose that reveals baking spice and licorice aromas as it opens. The palate is more assertive, offering clove, ground black pepper and powdered sage notes, with raspy tannins that leave a drying finish.
The nose of this wine is deep in blackberry and black cherry aromas that mingle effortlessly with cedar. A cedar flavor also comes through on the palate, blending with pomegranate and red plum. Structured tannins and soft acidity lead to a long, dry finish.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate ripe black plum and Mediterranean herb aromas. It's firm and straightforward on the palate, delivering black cherry and black tea flavors. Drink through 2019.
Truffle, blue flower and eucalyptus aromas take center stage in this straightforward red. The racy palate offers tart sour cherry, orange zest and licorice notes, framed by firm tannins and zesty acidity.
Pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon and watermelon candy notes show on the nose of this rosé. There's a burst of vibrant energy to each sip, with lemon, raspberry and cherry syrup flavors. It's lively and fun.
There's no denying the intensity of this 60-40 blend, but could we dial up the ripeness just a little bit? This is tart almost to the point of sourness, with lemony flavors that last a good long time. Pair it with raw shellfish for best effect.
A yellowish tint and woody aromas include a note of baked apple. A somewhat full-bodied palate is endowed with a resiny texture, while this tastes of woody dried apple and papaya. Round and persistently oaky on the finish.
Rubbery earthy aromas include black-fruit scents and a touch of prune. This Mencía feels raw, drawing and pinched. Overt oak notes share the flavor profile with tart plum and currant, while the finish is abrupt.
Just a touch of dried herb adds a surprising element to the intense honey, white flower and sweet tangerine flavors on this beautiful late-harvest Riesling. Striking lemon-lime acidity and a shower of crushed stones on the finish add elegance and balance.
Swathes of green herbs add a blast of freshness to ripe, rich stone-fruit and quince notes on this bone-dry, single-vineyard Riesling. It's remarkably complex, with layers of crushed-stone minerality, lime and lime-pith notes that reverberate on the finish.
Bright, fresh and fruity, this is loaded with citrus—especially grapefruit—goodness. There are layers of pears and peaches, making this a big, fruity, mouth-filling wine.
Notes of sweet quince preserves, lilac and lavender gently perfume this aromatic late-harvest Riesling. Quite voluptuous in body, with rich fruit flavor and a lush, creamy texture, it finishes long, with a hint of sweetness that's balanced by brisk white-tea astringency.
This starts out with textbook aromas of red and black fruits that are pure and easy to get into. It shows kick on the palate, with oaky flavors of coffee and chocolate that accent ripe berry and mild herb notes. It's toasty and spicy on the finish, with a gritty feel.
A light, elegant berry aroma transitions to notes of plum and blackberry with airing. Smooth and nice in terms of mouthfeel, it has balsamic-touched flavors of lightly stewed berry, earth and chocolate. This is a proper Rioja for near-term drinking.
A rich, earthy Syrah from a new Terre Rouge vineyard designate, this exhibits well-integrated dark red and blue fruit amidst tobacco and herb highlights.
A blend of mostly Grenache, with smaller amounts of Tempranillo and Syrah, this is smooth and polished, with dried fruit flavors. It bears a leaf note and a whiff of mint, with a muscular, tannic finish that adds complexity.
A well-crafted blend of estate-grown Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot, this shows the bright-red cranberry fruit of the Cabernet and the spicy, meaty length of the Syrah. Drink this now, preferably with roast chicken.
Quite dry yet intensely fruity, this has loads of fresh strawberry, red cherry and raspberry flavors. This finishes with a touch of sweet fruit and a subtle spray of cherry blossom perfume. It's an unabashedly quaffable rosé that's perfect for entertaining year round. Drink now.
Citrusy and perfumed, with a bit of tomato-leaf herbalness thrown into the mix, this is a light, rainwater-fresh style of Sauvignon Blanc that needs more concentration and intensity before it can be considered top-flight. It's a workmanlike effort, but nothing more.
Broad and slightly too sweet for its modest acid levels (17 g/l residual sugar; 5.3 g/l TA), this wine does deliver oodles of succulent fruit, ranging from red berries to ripe peaches and citrus.
Initially lean, but that's partly due to its youth. There is also fine, juicy fruit, pierced through with acidity, but offering tense tannins and some dark plum aftertaste.
Buttercup aromas give a sense that this wine is right on the edge. And it probably is; it's an '06 with ripe, soft, melony flavors and lots of pineapple and mango on the finish. Big and fruity now, but it's not going to last much longer.
A surprisingly lackluster performance for this well-known Western Australia brand. Lime and grapefruit flavors are clean and pleasant but the wine lacks much in the way of intensity or weight. It's good, but no more. Imported by Blue Water Wine Company. Imported by Howard Park Wines.
There isn't enough fruit on this high flier to give it the unqualified seal of approval. In fact, for $50 it has its issues, namely a nose of boot polish and grainy oak. Seems like the fruit is fading and what's left besides some light raspberry is unabsorbed oak and thin, grabby tannins. Not a bad wine per se but not a big success either.
Good if you like a big-boned red wine with plenty of extract, tannin and depth. The dark color gives this one away: it's chunky and grabby but also ripe, flush and receptive to airing. Hints of the herbals confirm that it's Carmenère.
This is a clean, fresh style of Garnacha with floral black cherry aromas offset by a minty note. The palate has a zingy feel and crisp, fresh plum, raspberry and dry herb flavors. As a whole it's focused and uncomplicated; this is very good Garnacha from one of the Valencia region's better producers.
This big, dark, rubbery smelling Ribera wine is rugged and pushy, with mild volatility on the nose along with a whiff of spent coffee grinds. A clampy, bullish palate with rock-hard tannins sets up rubbery black-fruit flavors in front of a rough and tumble finish. Overall this is very good but hard and tannic. Hold for a year then drink through 2020.
Sourced from old vines at Windrow and the less-well-known (but excellent) Tokar vineyard, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon shows a tight mix of plum, cassis, olive and earth, underscored by sharp acidity. It's young and substantial, with some heat in a finish marked by slightly bitter phenolics.
This relatively snappy SB reflects coastal Chile in a good, true way via minerally and citrusy aromas that include jalapeño notes. The palate is friendly but exact, with passion fruit, grapefruit and lime flavors. The minerally finish is sweeter and less acidic than in years past.
Mint and eucalypt aromas set the scene for a modern, polished wine, packed with wood tannins as well as ripe black fruits. Currently, the tannins are winning giving a wine that is dark, structured and dry. So give it at least five years.
Rich, concentrated wine, with generous fruits and soft tannins. It has super-ripe black plums, a touch of chocolate and spice from wood aging. Powerful, juicy, fruity, likely to age well over the medium-term, over the next 3–4 years.
Smooth, easy to enjoy and crisp in acidity, La Folia's Barbera tastes lighter than its 15.5% alcohol with a mocha kiss on the finish.
Sourced from one of the older vineyards in the region, Mettler has stayed true to Lodi's larger Zinfandel style with Epicenter, a wine that's black as night with notes of dark berry, plum, tar and brick, as well as a hint of tobacco and dark chocolate. Layered and complex, it's full bodied, but retains enough acidity to taste balanced despite its oak and ample alcohol. Enjoy with hearty fare.
Extra fruity, packed with strawberry and crisp red currants flavors, this is all freshness, richness and clean acidity. It has some weight but this just emphasizes the fruitiness.
Trine, named for the three main partners at Pepper Bridge winery, is predominantly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a final 12% of the blend divvied up among the other three Bordeaux red grapes. It shows good balance and complexity, phenolic ripeness, texture and herbal detail. But despite so many good traits, it has less concentration than most wines in its price category.
Sourced from the Dineen vineyard in the heart of the Yakima valley, this cool site in a cool vintage puts the emphasis on botanical aromatics and a  vivid, penetrating palate of citrus skin and flesh.
An aromatic explosion with notes of white pepper, menthol, black cherry, and vanilla. It's medium bodied with citrusy acidity and firm tannins with oak notes fleshing out the finish. A delightful bottle that deserves a place at the dinner table.
Produced at Château Haut-Bailly, this concentrated red show the attractive fruit of 2011. It's tannins are relatively gentle, a fine counter-point to the red berry and currant fruits. It's a wine for medium-term aging over the next 4–6 years.
Rich and smooth, this is a good example of the sumptuous 2009 vintage. It is soft, ripe with blackberry and red plum fruits. It is already developing well. It's a medium-term wine, already juicy and drinkable.
Complex and powerful, this wood-aged red has both elegance and density. Its black plum and blackberry fruits are spiced with an herbal character that gives an edge to the acidity in the aftertaste. Keep for 4–5 years.
Lively, crisp wine from an estate founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. It is full of delicious red fruits, light acidity and a nervy, mineral aftertaste.
A dated but not outdated blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese that brings notes of herbs, green beans, and floral notes. It's rich and sweet with plump fruit flavors and dry tannins.
For Toro, this is earthy and slightly herbal as opposed to ripe and jammy. Aromas of mulch, leather and herbal berry lead into a firm, rocky palate with rooty flavors of burnt leaves, black fruits and oregano. A tight, compact finish with moderate flavors is a bit closed and hard.
Rotgipfler is almost an exclusivity to Thermenregion. This bright, fruity wine is deliciously crisp with spice, pepper and pear flavors. It has a light lemon edge brought out by the refreshing acidity. Screwcap.
Made by Paso Robles-based Ranchero from old vine Carignan grown in Mendocino's Redwood Valley, this still-young rendition of this rough and tumble Old World grape is densely rich and textured with aromas of blackberry and blueberry, clove and tobacco, with a nice kick on the finish. Winemaker/owner Amy Butler also makes the Edward Sellers wines from Paso Robles.
An oak-dominated style of Chardonnay with soft white fruit aromas and a chunky texture. The body is full yet still fresh for a 2007, and the flavors of creamy apple, lemon and woodspice are nice. Oak is the lead agent and it carries over from nose to palate to finish. Drink now.
A sturdy, slightly chunky wine, the 2008 Swan Pinot Noir features ample black cherry and plum fruit, and complementary coffee-tinged oak. With its dark color and assertive flavors, it's certainly trying hard. Drink now–2015.
A touch neutral on the nose, but overall this is a nice, minerally, grassy SB with lots of green apple and freshness. The palate offers depth and clarity, and the flavors of green fruits are good. Falls off on the finish, which seems flat compared to the rest of the wine.
Here's an interesting red that's like a ripe, velvety-textured Merlot. Concentrated fruit aromas of fleshy black plum and cherry are accented by notes of fresh savory herbs. The mouth is full and structured with medium tannins and a pepper-infused jam flavor lingering on the close.
A bit hard and dark at first, yet despite rubbery, leathery aromas this evolves into a fine everyday Malbec. The palate hits with punch and pop; it's jumpy and packed with boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors. A fruit bomb for sure, but one with balance and New World intensity that many people are looking for.
Fine, fresh white Bordeaux from this Entre-deux-Mers property. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, just touched by wood, with spice and melon flavors brightened by citrus.
Well balanced wine, the entry level of the Conceito range. It has lively acidity and red cherry and strawberry fruits packed with underlying tannins. It is a fresh wine, showing the lighter side of the Douro, while retaining great minerality.
Inky dark, with deep berry, sandalwood and sawmill aromas. Color and potency are not lacking in this modern-styled Tempranillo, which hits like a hammer. Feelwise, this is a tough, angular wine that will benefit from another year or two of aging. Now it's very tight and tannic, with piercing acidity.
Superripe, such that it's medicinal and pruny. The nose reeks of reduced blueberry and cassis, while the palate is soft, low in acidity and full of ripe, dark raisin, prune and spice cake flavors. If you like a dense wine, this is it. But expect it to be Port-like and on the liqueur-ish side. Drink now.
Fresh and perfumed, this wine offers great citric flavors, a lively crispness rare in white wines from central Portugal. Pear and some yellow fruits give roundness.
Exciting, fresh and full of spicy, toasted undertones, this wine immediately calls for a food pairing of a richer seafood (think oysters, crab) or poultry. The flavors are balanced and buoyed by crispness, but the wine still offers complexity and a lingering finish.
Draws you in with its brilliant ruby color and assertive bouquet of dark plum, black cherry and berry nuanced with menthol and dirt. A full, round mouthfeel and soft, fleeting tannins showcase the wine's solid balance, and the strong finish is not sweet or overdone.
On the dry side, this medium-bodied kabinett clocks in at 11% alcohol but seems balanced anyway, with peach and pear aromas and flavors given complexity through notes of smoke, clover blossom and mint. Crisp and refreshing on the finish.
An obscure Catalonian wine made from indigenous grapes, this pricey oddball starts with bubblegum and candy aromas mixed with smoke and meat. The color is dark and the wine is a bit rough. But in a country, unusual way it redeems itself with zippy cherry flavors and a fresh, tight mouthfeel. Best with food.
This is soft, fruity and very approachable, with flavors of strawberry jam. Highlights of sassafras and a pleasing spiciness add texture and interest.
This small production (200 cases) Pinot Noir is a mix of older and younger estate vines, a selection of lots given 22 months in 60 and 132 gallon French oak casks. It's still tasting quite young, sharp and chewy, with spicy fruit backed up against earthy tannins. Give it plenty of breathing time.
Tart and forward, with cranberry and raspberry fruit front and center, this is a tasty, acidic and lightly spicy effort that shows some nice precision. It's not a big wine, but balanced and based upon sharp acids that carry the fruit and cut through the finish.
Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt has turned out a Shiraz that seems a bit conflicted. It's only medium-bodied, yet packs in overripe flavors of cooked berries laced with dark chocolate and espresso. The peppery notes on the finish give it enough verve to pair with steaks or burgers.
Fast becoming one of the hallmark blends of Portugal, this 50-50 mix of Aragonez and Touriga Nacional is a seriously structured wine, with great wild fruit and mushroom flavors alongside dark, dry tannins. The acidity is very definite. A good food wine.
A rich wine that shows plenty of berry fruits, supported by some dry but dusty tannins. This is a wine that is going to develop with its firm powerhouse of ripe fruit that is emerging from a tight period in its development.
This grassy, very herbaceous wine is all crisp green fruits. Touched by a creamy texture under a layer of freshness, it shows some good weight and structure. There is light wood that rounds it all out.
Slaty minerality frames bold pineapple and lime aromas and flavors in this medium-bodied, nearly dry Riesling. Fresh and minerally on the finish.
This is Cáceres' bread-and-butter red Rioja, and the '04 is fruity, light and very approachable. The nose shows some cotton candy and other bouncy red-fruit aromas, while the palate is easygoing, fleshy and balanced by a beam of juicy acidity. Along the way, you'll pull out flavors of cherry, raspberry and a finishing note of bitter coffee.
This wine is young but ripe, with spice and blackberry fruits. It has a core of mineral tannins that are a reminder of the hard schist rocks of the Douro. With this dry structure, it needs to be aged, so drink from 2017.
This rosado smells of red apple cider, red licorice candy and cotton candy. It's full on the palate, with helpful acidity. Flavors of grapefruit and orange are limited, but overall this rosé of Malbec makes the grade.
Brandied cherry aromas are a touch stalky and hot, but overall this opens well. Edgy in feel, this Cab shows baked berry flavors and scratchy acidity in front of a stalky, roasted tasting finish.
Jammy, somewhat green aromas are suggestive of tomato sauce with oregano and thyme. This feels full, creamy and thick, with earthy, herbal berry flavors that finish with creamy weight and chewy tannins.
Pale in color with an orange rim, this transparent, very varietal wine offers aromas of strawberry, herb, cherry, sassafras and cola. The flavors are light and elegant but linger.
Freshly roasted coffee, allspice and charred mixed berries shine on the nose of this Cabernet Franc which saw 24 months in Appalachian oak barrels. Silky and generous on the palate, Bing cherry and red plum meet additional warm spice and toasted oak characters.
Nervy cranberry and grainy-oak aromas struggle to achieve cohesion on the nose. Flavors of buttery oak, green herbs and berry fruits finish with herbaceous notes and a flabby feel.
Tight, crisp and fruity, this is a refreshing and bright wine. Lively acidity cuts right through the lightly mineral texture. Full of fruit, fresh and lively, this should be drunk now.
Vibrant, fruity aromas of red cherry concentrate and bubble gum powder ride over a sweet sawdust note on the nose. The palate shows a bit of depth and darkness, with tart black plum and grippy plum skin on a medium-bodied palate. Sandy, yet structured tannins support. A dusty vanilla finish rounds out this approachable red.
This blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied and rather tannic, with dark notes that run the gamut from leather and grilled meat to espresso and mocha. Fortunately, the texture turns velvety on the finish, allowing some mouthwatering elements to shine through. Drink now–2020.
Leafy, herbal aromas of spicy berry fruits lean toward green. An edgy, acidic palate delivers herbal flavors of currant and plum, while the finish is spicy and herbal, much like a good tomato sauce.
Oak notes persist on the nose and palate of this Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend. Heavy roast coffee, burnt toast and charred black-fruit flavors mark the full-bodied palate, while a zip of red currant acidity tries to shine through.
Reduced blueberry sauce hovers around a spiced cherry core. A rich palate of tangy blueberry and blackberry feels thick, yet there's enough acidic kick to keep it in check. The grippy tannins give ample support.
This new vintage of the Zena Crown seems already faded. Light, tart strawberry fruit lacks concentration and carries a bit of bitter herb flavor. Tannins are earthy and the finish abrupt.
Soft, dainty scents of pressed sweet pea, white raspberry and cherry dance in the bouquet, while pithy citrus and cherry-skin flavors unfold on the palate. The midpalate shows a touch of roundness, but brisk acidity and a slight bitterness lifts the close. Drink now.
Inviting floral notes open the aromatics of this wine. These evolve into a thick palate of melon and citrus, the finish light and high in acidity. Straightforward and balanced, it's a quaffer.
This wine is a bit reluctant on the nose at first, eventually showing focused notes of honeysuckle, fresh-squeezed lime and kiwi. The palate is delicate and light, with apple cider and cut-pear flavors.
Campfire smoke punctuates the opening of this intensely dense wine. It veers into jammy, syrupy territory, red and black berry fruit exploding at its juicy core.
Off dry and fruity, this simple wine tastes like peach juice, with a bit of citrus. It's pleasant but one-dimensional.
This opens with aromas of toasted oak, coffee, ripe berry, sage and a whiff of citrus zest. On the palate, white pepper and coconut back up the core of dried cherry alongside astringent tannins, but it lacks fruit richness.
This wine comes from the original, own-rooted, 1965 plantings. It would be interesting to trace the ancestry of these vines, as such things were far less understood 50 years ago. Soft, round and fruity, this offers pleasant flavors of melon and apple. A dash of vanilla cookie coming through as it finishes.
Here is a friendly, fruity, medium-bodied wine with light apple and pear aromas. Off-dry flavors are more melony and floral, and the wine has a relatively soft texture. Made from old vines and fermented in stainless steel, it offers subtle charms.
Damp forest and dried cherry with cranberry combine on the nose and palate in this wine, sourced predominantly from Monterey County. Soft and silky it risks veering off balance once the oak begins to unwrap, becoming quite burly on the finish.
This perfumed and wood-aged wine is so stylish. It is smooth in texture, paced with acidity and shows well-balanced red fruits. The wine finishes with fine acidity and delicious fruitiness. Drink now.
This structured blend of Nero d'Avola, Petit Verdot, Syrah and a small percentage of other grape varieties offers cassis, mocha and underbrush aromas. The dense palate doles out prune, carob, licorice and pipe tobacco notes alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
Pommard and Dijon clones planted in 2001 fuel this tasty wine. Its dusty plum and black cherry fruit carries a touch of dark chocolate, all framed by firm yet polished tannins. Built to age, it can be enjoyed now with a good decanting.
This substantial, powerfully styled Pinot Noir is layered with tart, punchy red fruit. That rich core is laced with brown sugar, coffee, caramel and cola streaks. It was aged in 10% new French oak.
Sourced from the estate's Bayliss-Bower vineyard, this reserve is a barrel selection that saw a touch more new oak (17%) than the regular bottling. It's tannic and a bit chewy, with lush black cherry fruit. Subtle cola and graphite suggestions add complexity.
Ostentatiously ripe, this full-bodied wine hardly hides its richness. It's generous and packed with fruitiness. The acidity and the tighter texture are backdrops to this great burst of fruit. Drink now.
It's hard to believe such a wine can come from the Barossa, a region known for size and richness. But this is part of a new wave of Aussie Shiraz—medium in body and silky in style, with moderate alcohol levels. Healthy doses of oak impart notes of hickory smoke, cedar and vanilla to the plum fruit. Drink now–2025.
A brick red in color, this bottling of an usually blended variety is quite compelling and delicious, starting with the intriguing nose of pine needle and smashed red plum. The palate picks up Mourvèdre's leathery hallmark, which gives rustic elegance to the red cherry and pine needle spice.
Spice and saffron notes introduce this lavishly fruity sun-kissed wine. Pristine stone-fruit and pineapple flavors are delightfully plump but balanced in sweetness and jolted by shocks of lemon-lime acidity. This is gorgeously penetrating through a long lingering finish.
Extracted, grapy aromas suggest raisin and prune but this wine is not overtly overripe. In the mouth, it is grabby and a bit raisiny. Rich, heady flavors of mocha, fig and prune finish with chunky weight. Drink through 2020.
Consistent with the 2014 Confero, this blends multiple clones from five different vineyards. Its details are sharp, framing taut red fruit with a vein of licorice before resolving into dusty tannins. It delivers excellent length, muscle and definition.
Wood-aged and ripe, this is a full, generous blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. Full of rounded black fruits and firm tannins, it needs further aging to bring out the full suppleness and richness. Drink from 2019.
Mature and with swathes of ripe fruit, this is a concentrated wine. Tannins give a firm core to the velvet-textured blackberry fruits. Richness and a sense of power are aided by the spice, pepper and dry aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), this aromatic wine brings aromas of funk, earth, truffle, fire pit, dried peat, herb and cherry. The flavors are soft, silky and refined, showing a sense of grace—a very pretty expression of a Bordeaux-style blend.
Richly rewarding as a berry bramble, this wine is bright and refreshing within a softly layered texture of ripeness and a full body. Cinnamon and leather saddle complement the heady fruit.
This is a powerful Pinot Noir that jumps toward the nose with black raspberry and other dark fruits as well as strong cedar and caramel aromas. Thick raspberry and rounded cherry flavors show on the sip, which enjoys strong and compelling spice notes of clove, star anise and even some licorice. Pair with steak.
This private selection is nicely structured, pitting clean raspberry fruit against tight tannins. Those strong components are accented with touches of cola and earth and a subtle undercurrent of barrel toast.
Prunelard (or Prunelart) is a Gaillac grape that had almost disappeared. Revived by a few enterprising producers, it produces a distinctly fruity, aromatic wine. This bottling's firm edge of tannins and juicy acidity contribute structure and intense fruitiness. Still bursting with youth, it should be aged for another year. Drink from 2018.
This wine comes from a single vineyard on the south bank of the Vienne river. It is ripe, perfumed and generously rich with concentrated blackberry fruit and balanced tannins. Some wood aging has broadened the wine rather than adding flavor. The wine could age another year with noticeable benefit, so drink from 2018.
This is technically a white wine but with eyes closed it could be taken for a big red. The color is orange, the aromas are earthy and extremely citric, while the flavors are laser focused on orange and lemon zest. Acidity and tannins coat the palate and give it a mouth-puckering grip. It's not for the meek, but the adventurous will love it.
This juicy coastal wine offers medium acidity and a lightness on the palate. It is a well-crafted, balanced effort, exuding wet stone, lemon zest, apple and white flower aromas and flavors.
From a site adjacent to the Pines vineyard, this rare Oregon Zinfandel deftly melds toast, sweet spice, buttered nut, espresso and black cherry flavors. It's big, bold, dark and delicious, with more lift than its high alcohol might suggest.
This oak-aged wine is rich and intense. It is a ripe blend of Arinto and Viognier, with a pinch of Chardonnay. Together they give the wine its perfumed character, spiced and with a beautiful streak of acidity. Although ready to drink, the wine is young and will be better from 2018.
A toasty wood-smoke aroma meets firm, vivid and rather tart fruit flavors in this medium-bodied, elegant and cerebral wine. It has firm structure and good balance, as fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity support the red-cherry and raspberry flavors.
The attack on this light-bodied sipper is unabashedly fruity, with loads of ripe peach and nectarine flavors. It balances out quite nicely with zippy acidity and a dry, steely finish. This is a noteworthy addition to the growing line up of Finger Lakes Grüner Veltliner.
This is the winery's fruitier, more accessible Syrah. Full bodied and fruity, it's fine introduction to Terre Rouge wines.
This shows smooth, varietally correct fruit, however, the flavors are a bit muted. The softness is pleasant, but takes the lift out of the wine, finishing with drying tannins.
This is roasted, savory and spicy up front, with solid berry aromas. It feels crisp and fresh, with a blend of cherry, strawberry and herb flavors. It's spicy, lively, fresh and clean on the finish.
This spicy white blend mixes Viognier, Sémillon and Pinot Gris. Notes of green berries and other green fruits—notably banana—all have an herbal underpinning.
Rich, deliciously fruity and ripe, this combines warmth with a more mineral undertow that cuts through the palate, creating a wine that is refreshing and mouth-filling. It would be worth aging for two years or more.
Forward and fruity, with loads of sweet cherry flavor, this tasty Cabernet Franc boasts shades of briar, cracked pepper and savory dried herbs that add subtlety and depth. Ripe and full in body, it's balanced by puckery acidity and soft, rippling tannins.
Forward and fruity, this is a tight, tart wine with a jumble of berry and bramble flavors. It's peppery, spicy, but don't look for too much complexity. Gulp it down for the enjoyable quaffer that it's meant to be.
This is a bit lighter than the previous vintage, offering tart red-berry fruit, accented with a note of fresh herb. The chocolaty barrel accents smooth out the midpalate and lead into a pleasant finish.
Strong scents and flavors of oak and spice mask the fruit. It feels a bit flat on the palate, as if heading toward early oxidation. The oak and butterscotch flavors carry through onto the finish. Two bottles tasted.
A strong streak of pure vanilla highlights the flavors here. The fruit tastes of fresh-picked strawberries. This is 100% Syrah made from estate-grown fruit.
This has concentrated apple, mango and lime skin notes that are shaded with tones of smoke, crushed chalk and white pepper. Round and rich on the palate, with a mouthfilling viscosity, it's balanced with a flash of lemony acidity and a tingling tea-leaf astringency.
The nose is spicy and enticing, with highlights of pineapple and grapefruit. On the palate, the fruit is tart but nicely balanced, with defining acidity and a finishing pat of butter.
Rich fruit aromas of yellow apple flesh, mealy pear and banana lead the bouquet, with a hint of grapefruit pith in the background. The palate is tangier and more lifted than the nose suggests, with bright flavors of green plum and citrus juice.
Exhibiting the roundness of the vintage, this is rich and soft. With notes of almond, yeast and yellow fruit, this is already maturing into a bold, open wine. Ready to drink.
Soft, full and very rounded, this has yellow fruit flavors that are ripe and open, with its acidity emerging slowly. The finish is more focused and fresh.
Earthier aspects mix with the fleshy yellow-plum notes on nose and palate. The medium-sweetness puts the ripeness of the fruit center stage, countered by hints of pith and freshness. Drink soon.
Upfront, ripe pear fruit plays on nose and palate. These fruit notes are boosted by slight residual sweetness that makes this wine off dry, counterbalanced by a pleasantly bitter pith note. Enjoy this with ripe, runny cheese for a successful combination.
Oaky aromas of baked apple and toasted wood are upfront on the nose of this wine, but are grounded by ample ripe peach, apple flesh and orange. The medium-weight palate is lushly textured and slightly round in feel, though ample acidity helps to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant through the spicy finish.
Copper-orange-pink in color, this wonderfully summery wine offers tart citrus and gravelly minerality, a taste of wet stone coated in just the right amount of sweetness.
This wine is pale peach in color. It starts with aromas of strawberry, herb and spice that lead to juicy, just-off-dry, well-balanced fruit flavors that provide a whole lot of appeal.
Chunky aromas of peach and melon are briny and pickled. With high acidity maintaining shape, there's pinch to the palate. Typical Elqui Valley flavors of mustard and briny apple finish full, viscous and muscular, with a pickled citrus aftertaste.
Spicy, minty aromas and rich flavors like dark chocolate and black cherries add up to a bold, full-bodied wine from the Lange Twins. It has a deep color, moderate tannins to add grip to the texture and a lingering finish.
This blends 51% Merlot with 29% Zinfandel, 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Petite Sirah, combining nicely for a full-bodied expression of chocolate and dried dark cherry. On the palate, it becomes dusty and somewhat rustic, with an intensely juicy finish.
A vein of burnt sugar threads curiously from nose to finish in this dry full-bodied Pinot Gris. Sunny tangerine, pineapple and apricot flavors flood the midpalate, brightened by streak of lime acidity. A graceful balance of brawn and restraint, it should drink well through 2021.
Mineral, dried peach, lees and honeysuckle aromas lead to just off-dry flavors. Racy acidity frames it nicely.
Lemony freshness meets earthy, textured glints on this slender Riesling characterized by its brightness and slender body. Underneath it all, plenty of tart, refreshing apple fruit leads to a clean, lively finish.
Earthy cherry and cassis aromas are backed by bacon and generic gritty scents. This Maule Malbec feels chunky, while salty plum and oaky flavors finish with notes of hickory, savory meat and controlled heat.
Notes of freshly peeled red apples are inviting and continue on the soft, rounded and generous palate. It has a lovely midpalate mouthfeel and drinks just off dry, with an accent of vanilla and the merest touch of cinnamon.
Soft notes of honeysuckle adorn mandarin and clementine fruit. The off-dry palate is richer than the nose suggests and its residual sweetness boosts the full-fruited, peachy nature of the wine. It finishes warm, but zesty and citrus-flavored.
Black-cherry and currant flavors are concentrated but restrained in this full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend. Smoky, woody and a bit savory in style, it's abundantly oaky but should balance out neatly from 2020. Bold tannins and brisk acidity mark the finish.
This is a rich dense wine, full of blackberry fruits. With its firm tannins behind ripe fruitiness, it has fresh acidity and layers of wood to give extra density. The wine is still maturing and should be ready from 2018.
Produced in clay amphoras from organically grown grapes, this is an almost honeyed wine even though it's dry. It is richly textured and ripe, with floral and bitter spice tones. Enjoy from 2017.
Forward and fruity yet balanced and composed, this bold red blend is made from a kitchen's sink blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Luscious black-cherry and plum flavors are ripe but keep a shade short of jammy and are highlighted by a bright vein of acidity. Bold, dense tannins on the finish should meld nicely by 2020.
This is an impressively rich wine for a simple Beaujolais. It has plenty of fruit, while it also has a good depth with ripe red-berry fruits and some well-integrated tannins.
This blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon offers fresh blackberries on cold slate and a light herbal character with dill, oregano and tarragon. A minty quality carries into the sip, where black plum, pepper dust and light tar show.
This is a ripe, smooth blend of Alvarinho and Chardonnay. The two complement each other well with yellow fruits touched by a more citrus edge and a rich character. It is fruity, full-bodied and ready to drink.
Named after the Portuguese word for the sommelier's tastevin, the wine is rich with juicy red fruits. It has a firm structure that emphasizes the wine's youth showing that it should develop. Densely textured at the end, the wine will be ready to drink from 2017.
A structured and concentrated wine that is packed with tannins. It does have some black fruit under this dry structure although the wine misses out on richness. It will be ready to drink from 2017.
There are some fine, dry tannins in this wine along the dark cherry fruit and acidity. It comes from a single vineyard part of the 61-acre estate of Jean-Paul Dubost. There is a ripe feeling here; drink this balanced wine now.
At the time of tasting, the nose of this dry white was still quite closed, but its buoyant, almost tropical, expressions of mango, cantaloupe and stone fruit on the palate were already quite irresistible. Penetrating and juicy, it wraps up elegantly with a zesty mineral finish. Drink through 2018 to enjoy its fresh, fruity style.
Clean, reserved citrus and ocean-influenced aromas set up a zesty palate with a common mix of tangerine, lime and green-herb flavors. A lasting finish with peppery snap helps this along.
Amidst layers of bramble, toast, cedar and herb, bright raspberry and blackberry flavors penetrate throughout this full-bodied Cab Franc. Equal parts fruity and savory, it suggests nuances of beet and soil without being earthy or vegetal. Sunny cranberry acidity and whispery tannins lend a soft, easy frame.
Honeycomb and a fruit basket of melon and berry ride a wave of medium acidity and mellowed sweetness, with a touch of green apple. This is a good call for morning Mimosas.
Cleanliness is a fleeting quality on this rosé, which smells compromised and artificial. A modest palate feel and dry, hollow, mostly fruitless flavors lead to a bland finish.
This young, citrus flavored wine is crisp and still with its yeasty and fruity flavors. The wine is fresh and ready to drink.
This is a rustic wine with very ripe fruit that gives a red jelly flavor. It is simple, with a dry edge and acidity, ready to drink now.
Perhaps made in a light-bodied style, this wine comes off as herbal and a touch green, with a dullness on the palate. Aged in 30% new French oak, it takes on a taste of coffee bean that intrigues.
This is a light wine that has crisp, perfumed red fruits and layers of acidity. It is juicy and spicy and finishes with good acidity and a mineral texture. Drink now.
Made from Pinot Noir, this is an orange-tan color and offers dried, oxidized aromas of orange and tangerine. Foamy and coarse on the palate, with a sour-orange flavor, it finishes without much verve.
This light-weight, easygoing wine offers subtle notes of red cherry, plum and currant on the nose and mouth. A hint of fresh mint adds a touch of interest to the nose. Drink now.
This banana-flavored wine is soft and gently fruity. It has crisp acidity as well as a light tangy texture. Drink now.
Delicate scents of white flowers and fresh herbs frame the core notes of green apple and lime zest. Refreshing and easy drinking, ample acidity lifts the melon pith and citrus peel flavors that flesh out the medium-weight palate, finishing clean yet short.
Simple cherry aromas with notes of cinnamon and chlorinated pool open this light-colored but blocky Pinot Noir. It tastes salty and sweet, with generic plum and red-fruit flavors. Very little flavor stands out on a bland finish.
Earth and spice make for a nice entry and flavor profile into this wine. However it becomes thin and somewhat diluted on the palate.
This organic wine was made without added preservatives. After swampy aromas, the flavors are nicely fruity and herbaceous, with a light-medium body and a clean finish.
This wine has a flabby quality that takes away some of its complexity, showing a mix of flavors that lean into green olive and sour lemon.
Aromas of juniper and green herbs are raw and austere. This cool-climate Cab Franc is severe in feel, with tart currant, oak and green flavors. Hard tannins, spice notes and herbaceous red-fruit flavors control the finish.
The wine has structured fruit along with red berry flavors. It is otherwise soft, easy, and ready to drink with a crisp finish.
The nose gives almost nothing away, while the palate discloses only a little pear fruit, boosted by some residual sweetness that makes this wine off dry. It has a gentle, easy charm. Drink soon.
Bland white-fruit aromas are a bit oily and gritty. This has a watery feel and mildly bitter flavors of white grapefruit, the skin included
Dusty peppercorn and a green note of cedar define this simple, somewhat diluted effort that's light bodied and lacking in complexity.
This copper colored rosé is a touch flat, with notes of mushy red berries and melon rind that are hit with a minty accent. The palate is zippy and lifted by ample acidity, though there's a noticeable sweetness to the ripe-fruit flavors.
This is a soft wine just lightly fruity and with a spicy texture. It is ready to drink.
While this wine is dry, its warm strawberry fruit rounds out its character with a softness. Lemon sherbet acidity gives another touch of almost sweetness. Drink now.
Here's a delicious dessert wine made with dried Moscato grapes. It has an intense fragrance of orange blossoms, citrus and herbs. The dense palate delivers honey, lemon drop, sage and mint. Pair this with cream-filled pastries or fruit tarts.
Made with Sangiovese, Locorosso has an intense fragrance of wild cherry and underbrush accented by tobacco and spice. The palate is dense and delicious, delivering black cherry layered with carob, coffee and white pepper notes. It's already enjoyable so drink soon.
A wine strong in personality and yet restrained in taste, rich in green olives, violets and herbs, surrounded by soft tannins and earthy black pepper. Structured, age this baby for 3–7 years and the herbal character should refine in wonderful ways, the texture only get softer.
The winery's 13th release of its flagship Tempranillo has notes of red fruit, savory spices and chocolaty oak accents (95% French, 20% new). The fruit flavors are soft with a velvety texture, surrounded by tightly coiled tannins and tart acidity.
Spiced cranberry fruit highlights this tightly-wound young Pinot Noir. Some hard raspberry candy flavors continue through the mid-palate, with chewy acidity leading into a tight, tangy finish.
Quite tart when it hits the lips, this is nonetheless a dense, flavorful Pinot Gris, tasting of grapefruit, sour orange, apple and green banana. It shows lots of juice and powers through the mid-palate into a fruit-driven finish.
Made from organically grown grapes, this sparkling wine offers a delicate fragrance of white flowers. The palate delivers tropical fruit, white peach, toasted almond and vanilla flavors, and a hint of oak. The frothy palate is supported by fresh acidity.
Bellavista's Gran Cuvée Brut offers a pretty floral fragrance of acacia, orange blossom and beeswax. The creamy palate delivers intense honey flavors, along with citrus and toasted almond nuances. It finishes on a crisp, dry note.
A big, ripe and spicy wine that is full of red fruit notes and gentle tannins. It is open and accessible, its fruit juiciness already a pleasure to taste. There is fresh acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
This Tuscan Syrah opens with aromas of black pepper, plum, blackberry and spice notes with whiffs of vanilla and toasted oak. This is a big brooding wine, with primary blueberry and blackberry flavors accompanied by clove, pepper and enveloping tannins.
The Vila Santa Reserva boasts wood aging as well as lush, rich fruitiness. The touch of woody spice emphasizes the green- and white-fruits that give this rounded wine a full texture. There is a plush feel that promises some aging, although the wine can be enjoyed now.
Rubber and wet cement are elements of this wine's smooth bouquet. In the mouth, lifted acidity cuts through a creamy, oaky texture, while flavors of plum, raspberry, red currant, vanilla and oak finish with lactic notes and pastry flavors. In many ways this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère is like ripe, modern Bordeaux.
A big, generous wine that is full of rich berry and juicy black plum fruits. It has spice and solid tannins from both the fruit and wood aging, dense and with a good depth of flavor. The acidity and the tannins both promise aging. Drink from 2016.
Still dominated by its new wood aromas, this is a fine, structured wine that is only just setting out. It has fine weight, rich blackberry fruits and dark tannins. The spicy wood still needs to integrate, so drink from 2017.
A ripe, soft, generous wine, laden with blackberry fruits as well as spice from wood aging. Rich and full-bodied, it has power and concentration from dark tannins as well as the ripe, opulent black fruits of the vintage. Drink from 2014.
Cabernet Sauvignon in the cool Lisboa region has a similarity to Bordeaux. It gives a structured, black currant flavored wine, with firm tannins, a mineral texture and serious acidity. The wine is tight and should age well. Drink from 2014.
This is an elegant, smooth wine that draws out the freshness of the vintage as much as the fruitiness. It has ripe, soft tannins, juicy red-fruit flavors and an intriguing smokiness. With acidity holding the wine in check, it should age well. Drink from 2017.
This cuvée is billed as the “little sister” to the winery's Evenstad Reserve, and the flavors fit the title. There is a pleasing roundness and an immediate accessibility, with flavors of red fruit and light chocolate in the foreground. Brambly berries are at the core, with highlights of malted milkshake, spice and a hint of finishing citrus.
Here's a structured and spicy Barbera with an enticing fragrance of black fruits, white pepper and exotic spices. The palate is round and smooth, delivering a tight core of black cherry along with black pepper, cinnamon, mint and thyme. It's delicious now, but thanks to refreshing acidity will also stand the test of time. Drink now through 2020.
This Cabernet blend is one of Baja's best reds. Cured meat, dry spice and brandied berry aromas lead to an elegant (by Baja standards) palate with herbal hints, plenty of spice, solid cherry and berry flavors, and modest tannins. This wine has guts and delivers the goods; contains 18% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Drink through 2020.
The label made from cork adds a curiosity value to this big, firmly tannic wine. With its weight, considerable structure and chunky black fruits, it's definitely a wine to age. Give it 5–6 years.
With a heady bouquet of berry and peppery spice, new Edmeades winemaker Ben Salazar is showing great talent with Mendocino Zinfandel, producing a fairly large-scale bottling full of intense spice and soft tannins. Graham crackers and oak play gingerly in the background. This is a wonderful wine and a new beginning for Edmeades.
The Aveleda estate is the source of the fruit for this dry, delicious Vinho Verde. It's a reference for the food-friendly, lemon and grapefruit style, adding minerality and a taut texture to the forward fruitiness. Drink this summer, or hold for up to six months.
A pitch-black color is a good indication of the power and concentration this old-vine Malbec has in store. Aromas of blackberry, fir forest and ink set up an over-the-top-rich palate, with heavy extraction and giant flavors of minty blackberry and chocolate. Pull out the knife and fork to cut through the deep, chocolaty finish. Drink now through 2017.
With many characteristics of the granite-soil based Dão, this is a dense, mineral and dark fruited wine. It has blackberry and plum-skin fruits as well as a firm, tannic core. Even though it's tightly structured now, it is drinkable, but would benefit from another year's aging.
Rich and robust with smooth tannins, this Lake County Cabernet tastes deliciously austere, with leather, cedar and earth layered over crisp mountain berry fruit. More like the Xurus 2007 than the 2008, it should age just as gracefully, with its savory nature strengthening over time.
This is a juicy blend of blueberry-swaddled Carignane, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that's also got cherry and raspberry fruit lurking around the edges. Firm, spicy and delicious, it's an out-of-the-ordinary blend that'll surprise and please, especially alongside Asian-inspired short ribs or anything caramelized.
The 2010 BlackJack is loaded with tart cranberry and pomegranate fruit flavors. There is a streak of iron and darker notes that come through in earthy, slighted roasted tannins. The complexity is intriguing and adds depth to a rather light vintage.
A structured wine, packed with red fruits and delightful acidity. There is a core of dark tannin and a solid structure as well as the bright freshness at the end. Because it has this structure, it's worth aging for 4–5 years.
This excellent wine has good concentration and pretty, fruit-sweet flavors of berry, cherry, and a splash of Dr. Pepper. It brings in elegant details of truffle and more of that pleasant cola character, and lingers through a generous finish.
A nicely made wine at an attractive price, this offers crowd-pleasing elements of juicy black cherry, cassis and cedar around smoky oak and a medium-bodied concentration that remains succulent on the palate.
This wine comes from vines south of the Mont Sainte-Victoire and close to the edge of the Aix-en-Provence region. The cool vineyard site helps the wine keep extreme freshness. Plenty of wild strawberry flavors are lifted by acidity and a refreshing citrus edge.
Coming from two area standouts—Lewis and Phinny Hill vineyards—this wine shows appealing aromas and flavors of shaved coconut, Mounds Bar, cherry and baking spices. The barrel influence is prominent but it largely stands up to it.
This is a simply delicious and assertive wine that smells like roses and lemon zest, tastes like fresh apricots and biscotti and has a tangy, appetizing balance. It will be super as an apéritif for a summer time outdoor dinner.
Voluptuous white peach and lighter butter notes form a classic nose set against a chalky backbone of lemon verbena and pink apple skins. The palate is tightly knit with lime skins, quinine and pink grapefruit pith, proving versatile and tartly acid-driven in style.
Lush red berry and ripe cherry aromas meet with baked boysenberry pie and a suave vanilla character on the nose of this estate bottling. Earthy tones of graphite, turned loam and dried leather enhance the black cherry base fruit and the tobacco leaf spice.
A slight note of pear drop plays on the nose. The palate is juicy and vivid with citrus, green pear and some white pepper. Light on its feet, with an energetic force at its core and lovely concentration of citrus and herb notes, this fizzes away pleasantly. This is far too easy to drink and very, very refreshing.
A new effort from Jigar Vineyards, sourcing some very good grapes, Sedition is light, clear and lingering on the palate in cherry-cola, mint and dried herb. Balanced and on the lighter side in terms of body and tannin, it's ready for the table, with a juicy, persistent finish.
This vibrant, savory white opens with alluring scents of pear, tropical fruit and a whiff of fragrant white flower. The round, medium-bodied palate shows white peach, golden apple and mineral. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while an almond note backs up the finish.
Lime zest and guava notes make for a tropical nose. The palate adds greener tints of grass and midpalate texture that combines a creamy core with spiky freshness. The concentrated core results in a resonant, clean finish. Not your usual Sauvignon Blanc but one worth trying.
Soft, rounded waves of red plum become succulent on the palate without overwhelming, despite a full-bodied style and personality. A heave of subtle tannin plays out to add body and weight as the wine develops in the glass.
A rather closed nose wants to give little away, but the palate is zingy with yeast, grapefruit peel and fresh, greenish leafiness, all held with focus and poise. Very refreshing.
Chocolate, plum and mocha make for an inviting entry to this wine. Cedar and gun flint season a smooth wall of youthful, polished tannin and integrated oak, with a lengthy finish.
This lively, elegant white, made with 100% Trebbiano, opens with heady scents of white spring flower and orchard fruit. The vibrant, linear palate delivers white peach, crunchy pear, tangerine and a mineral note. Racy acidity provides balance and generates a crisp, clean finish.
Light and delicate bubblegum aromas are cut by pink lemonade, a touch of honeydew and a peachy ripeness on this blend of 67% Grenache, 22% Picpoul Blanc, 8% Mourvèdre and 3% Syrah. There is lots of minerality on the sip, with rainy slate and wet cement, as well as rounded watermelon, strawberry and bubblegum flavors, all sliced by lime and tangerine zest.
A tasty tang of toasted oak adds a great top note to this full-flavored and full-bodied wine, so that it seems to build complexity from the bass notes of ripe pear, to the butter and cinnamon in the middle and up to the wrapping of spicy, smoky oak.
Smashed berries, honeyed coffee, leather, beef jerky, cola and black pepper show on the nose of this complex wine by the legendary Hearst family. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with lightly roasted coffee notes, touches of seared caramel, sesame oil and teriyaki and a base of dried black-plum fruit.
This is a concentrated, dark and brooding wine from the producer's well-known property, sparkling in acidity despite its intensity of weight and length. Blackberry and nutmeg sit atop a soft integration of tannin and oak. Drink now through 2020.
From winemaker John Kane, who worked for years with Kent Rosenblum, this wine is dense and decadently rich and concentrated, a jammy, thick flavor explosion of soy sauce, black olive and Dr. Pepper cola. Smooth on the palate, it threatens to overpower in ripeness before pulling back just enough to show complexity.
What a lovely and balanced rendition of Zweigelt: its forest fruit and cherry notes are pure and held in a tight focus on the midpalate. The body is smooth, full-fruited, generous but balanced by vibrant, food-friendly and appetizing freshness. Handled with such bravura, Zweigelt almost attains a Pinot-like elegance—no wonder, since the Reinisch-brothers are masters of their art.
This wine is not aromatic at first, blossoming slowly into shy layers of red berry and subtle cinnamon before taking on a pleasant juiciness and medium weight. The tannins are non-agressive and integrated into the spicy finish.
Cocoa, vanilla and baking spice aromas intertwine with cranberry, black licorice, herb and dark fruit on a wine with a very distinctive aromatic profile. The cranberry and cherry flavors are quite soft for the variety, seeming a touch dried out at times but showing a pleasing sense of balance.
This is a nicely balanced wine from estate-grown vines, a mix of licorice and raspberry that offers luxurious mouthfeel and texture atop surprising acidity. A small amount of Viognier was used in fermentation to provide some additional lift and floral aromas, while a dustiness prevails on the finish.
Citric force creates a pleasant vortex of green pear on this easy, zippy and full-fruited summer wine. Finishes with a lip-smacking fillip of bracing, lemony freshness. Almost like sherbet.
This rich wine is ripe with red-berry fruits, mango and peach. Full in the mouth, it has a touch of spice from the Mourvèdre in the blend. Crisp and lively, the wine could age until 2018, although it will be best from late 2016.
Struck flint and tomato stalk on the nose lead into a medium-bodied wine with strong citrus overtones. White grapefruit and green leafy notes linger on the dry finish.
Stewed strawberries, blackberry jam, maple, brown sugar, black pepper, teriyaki and pork fat show on the lush nose of this bargain bottling. It's soft on the palate, with fruity strawberry and ripe plum flavors, as well as some more serious beef char elements. It's fun, easy and delicious.
A showy but crisp and fresh style of Chard, this offers honey butter, ripe apple flesh, yellow roses, lemongrass and the slightest show of guava tropicality on the nose. The sip begins with that tropical guava and mango character, then tightens on mandarin orange and lemon rind.
Red cherry and wild strawberry suggest themselves aromatically. The light body is fresh and equally aromatic, slender, lithe and elegant. This is a very continental, balanced and rounded Pinot Noir, all the more charming for its unfussy, fresh-faced authenticity.
2012 marks only the second vintage for winemaker Nathan Kendall, but this dry, exceptionally stony Riesling suggests a promising start already. Fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeast, it's exquisitely spry but concentrated in lime, blossom and white grapefruit notes.
Lots of heavily toasted oak sits atop the bouquet, and thus it's no surprise that the flavor profile runs a bit lemony and sharp. But give the wine time to unfold and you'll find a layer of pure blackberry mixed with notes of chocolate and coffee. Arguably too oaky but with good core qualities.
There's a touch of wood to this wine, but the primary emphasis is on citrusy, pineapple-scented fruit. Apple flavors provide roundness, while the wine finishes citrusy and fresh without being sharp.
The Aviator Red is a well-crafted blend that mixes strawberry, raspberry, pepper and stone in an effective balance that seems to draw the best from each grape. For a modest, everyday wine, this works quite well.
This is 100% varietal. It has muscle and mass, with tart purple and black fruits wrapped into layers of earth and slightly metallic tannins. There is a green streak but it adds complexity and is not off-putting. This would be an excellent wine with a simple hanger steak.
After almost losing a finger struggling to remove the rock-hard faux wax “capsule” I found this strawberry/cherry cordial-flavored wine quite pleasant. The fruit, from a Rattlesnake Hills vineyard, has a sweet core, while the tannins add an earthy streak of green tea.
Full and confident on the nose, with a wide range of berry aromas. The palate is medium in weight and power, but the flavors are entirely ripe and juicy, with an emphasis on raspberry and plum. Not overpowering but still it shows Chile's ability to produce wall-to-wall red wines at moderate prices.
A scintillating scent of rose petals opens up this pleasing wine, which continues with raspberry and cherry fruit, accented with light milk chocolate. It is not a heavy wine; in fact, if Franc can ever be called elegant, even feminine, this is how it should taste. The finish falls off rather quickly, but otherwise it is a fine effort.
This pure Cabernet Sauvignon is not a heavy wine, but within its sleek profile are interesting flavors of berry, leaf and earth. Tannins are crisp and proportionate, and the fruit carries through a graceful, moderately long finish.
The name means Tank 26. This is a wine offering fresh fruit, a creamy undertow and crispness. The acidity is prominent, with excellent fresh pepper and lime crispness.
Sweet plum and pie cherry fruit highlights a bright and spicy style. The young vines push all the flavor up front, then hold on for dear life as the midpalate lingers on a note of lightly chocolaty plum. The tannins need some softening; there is a stemmy flavor that slightly mars the finish.
At first high-toned, this opens nicely with crisp green apple fruit flavors. It's balanced and clear. Don't look for big, blowsy tropical flavors or buttery oak, though the barrel fermentation provides some texture to the finish. A great food wine.
A lively, open, crisp wine, ready to drink, with a fresh apple and cream flavor complementing its flavors of pineapple and herbaceous edge. Delicious, easy Sauvignon Blanc.
A solid blast of tropical and green fruits rises from the glass. The palate is sharp and citric at first, and then it opens and evolves to show grapefruit, lemon and tangerine flavors. If you like a crisp, steely style of Sauvignon, then give this refreshing wine a shot.
Aromas of citrus peel, rubber, spice, and iodine lead to a tight, drawing but full-feeling palate. This tastes herbal, spicy and oaky, with carob accenting black fruit and berry flavors. A minty, oaky, resiny finish closes this out.
Nuanced rose water, pink grapefruit, ginger and lychee aromas are followed by off-dry fruit flavors and a floral finish. The feel and flavors win you over but the wine wants a little more acid to pull itself together.
This wine is mostly Viognier (78%) blended with Roussanne. Pear, melon and almond aromas are followed by full-bodied flavors with abundant tangerine and floral accents.
Full and weighty, this vineyard-designate is salty and floral, offering whiffs of orange blossom around lime zest and brine. The minerality shines through despite the size, making for a food-friendly, yet hedonistic wine.
This is a medium-bodied, oak-inflected wine. Initial aromas of sun-warmed lumber and vanilla give way with air to scents of cola, earth and mocha. The overall impression is savory, especially on the long finish, which picks up some asphalt notes. Probably best with herb-crusted beef or lamb.
Stalky, lightly green aromas of tobacco and mountain herbs blend with leathery plum and berry scents in front of a round, full-bodied palate. Loamy, earthy plum flavors come with an herbal covering, while this tastes oaky, herbal and like cocoa on the finish. Drink through 2018.
Few wineries in Central Otago devote much time or energy to Sauvignon Blanc, so it's nice to try one on occasion. This is pungent and boxwood-like on the nose, but the flavors are less aggressive, more white grapefruit and celery stalk. There's ample weight and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Blended with 20% Sauvignon Blanc, this wine starts out somewhat aromatically brooding, with notes of melon and toast. It brings plenty of texture and richness, with a creamy feel and a warm finish.
Ripe and juicy, this full-bodied wine has black plum and berry fruits that are well integrated into the juicy acidity and ripe tannins. The wine will develop quickly, so drink from late 2016.
This is a structured wine, displaying black currant and spice notes. Still young, with grippy tannins and a dusty texture, this will develop quickly into a round and fruity wine. Drink from late 2016.
Slate, plum, red fruits, and baking spices of cinnamon and clove show on the nose of this wine from a longtime vineyard east of Solvang. It's fairly light in body, but with pleasing purple fruit flavors, a touch of coffee and a strong herbal complexity.
There's a touch on barnyard on the nose of this bottling by one of the region's earlier settlers, with aromas of hay and oyster mushrooms adding intrigue to the cranberry fruit. The forest floor and juniper character is strong on the palate, where tart red fruit mixes with pencil lead and bergamot rinds.
Merlot and Syrah make up the majority of this blend. Aromas of cherry, coffee, pencil lead and barrel spices are initially light and elusive while the plum and vanilla and flavors are much more generous.
Pleasing aromas of butter, spice and apple lead to elegant, creamy-feeling flavors. It's a very tasty, very varietally correct wine.
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit and baking spice lead the nose. The palate delivers black cherry, raspberry compote and a hint of ground pepper while close-knit, fine-grained tannins grip the finish.
Very ripe apple aromas mix with light peach and summer melon on the nose of this light and refreshing sipper from the family's Edna Valley property. It's clean and tight on the palate, showing more stone fruit, lime skins and a racy minerality.
Aromas of dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate, coffee and cherry are varietal and lead to abundant woodspice accents. The palate offers lively acidity that frames the lithe yet sweet fruit flavors.
There's welcoming warmth to the nose of this wine, with seared apple and poached pear alongside vanilla cream, brown spice and smoke. The palate is fresh with lemon juice and pink grapefruit, but powered by soft apple fruit and a lot of sea salt.
Citrus plays with pear notes on a slightly out-of-focus palate. This wine is fresh and very light-bodied with zesty lemon and should be marked for early drinking.
Toast, coffee, vanilla, dill and other wood spices are far out-front on the aromas. They vie for attention on the palate as well, never seeming to marry with the fruit while still providing enjoyment.
Bright lime skin, grapefruit pith and soda character show on the nose of this tight and clean bottling from the appellation's vanguard vineyard. The sip is all about texture and energy, with pear-skin flavors that are soft but grippy, plus acidity that is strong but never searing.
Aromas of withered white rose, resin and dried stone fruit mingle with an unusual whiff of paraffin. On the sweet, concentrated palate, orange blossom honey emphasizes the dried apricot and citrus zest.
Velvety tannins underlie a concentrated body of menthol, peppercorn, cedar and blackberry, punctuated in coffee along the way. An estate-bottling from one of the appellation's longstanding resident wineries, this wine is bold and brawny.
This wine checks all the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc boxes. It's medium in weight and ably marries some green, leafy character with white grapefruit notes. The lasting impression is of an herbal grapefruit sorbet that leaves behind a clean, refreshed palate.
An element of menthol-cinnamon chewing gum shows on the nose of this wine, grown at high elevations above the Sonoma Valley. High-pitched acidity buoys velvety red fruit, with a clay-like flavor and texture to the tannins.
Aromas of tire rubber and asphalt are low on fruit. This turns for the better on the palate, which feels creamy despite showing rubbery tannins. Peppery flavors of cherry, plum and raspberry become salty on a mostly smooth, solid finish.
Made with organically cultivated fruit, this opens with scents of ripe red berry, dark spice and an earthy whiff of tilled soil. The smooth, easy-drinking palate offers juicy morello cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of white pepper alongside bright acidity.
Waxy apple and peach open this wine, before deeper hits of vanilla give it a complexity of flavor. Crisp, bright and refreshing, it offers a touch of brine and sour lemon on the finish.
Dried apricot, jasmine, flower, herb and peach aromas are followed by medium, sweet fruit flavors that can't quite sustain their intensity but still bring appeal.
Aromas of vanilla, cocoa and woodspice are at the fore. The palate starts out broadly but then trails as it moves toward the finish. This wine doesn't entirely come together.
Almost clear in color, this wine shows tropical aromas of melon, honeysyuckle and lychee. The light-bodied, high-acid palate is carried by white peach and citrus flavors that finish short but clean.
This cuvée is a barrel selection, fermented with whole berries and aged in 35% new oak. Simple strawberry and raspberry fruit seems almost weightless, and the quick finish carries a strong streak of bouillon.
Raspberry and rubber-band aromas lead to a saturated palate with full tannnins and flavors of plum and plum skins. A mildly hot finish with grapeskin residue maintains the high volume this Malbec is putting out.
Plump red cherry notes meet clove, allspice and dried ginger on the nose of this bottling. Though light in body, there's decent grip on the palate, where candied cherry and cranberry flavors are spiced with anise.
Light in color, this wine offers fresh but concentrated dark berry and cherry flavors and strong black tea and rose petal aspects. The acidity is moderate and supportive.
From a cool site near the town of Graton, this is a highly concentrated, slightly cloudy wine with strong Gravenstein apple and lemon-lime aromas. Wild anise flavors season the rich, bold palate, but the finish seems diluted.
The charred blueberry and graphite notes on the nose of this widely available bottling are layered with marjoram and dill aromas. Charred fruit flavor is also prominent on the palate, where bright acidity and sticky tannins make for a simultaneously rich and sour experience.
There aren't many Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa County at this price point, so this one stands out for its concentration and simple cherry, clove and vanilla flavors wrapped in smoky oak. Perfumed and crisp with acidity, it's food-friendly and ready to be enjoyed.
This special-edition wine carries a striking logo relating to a particular chair that has something to do with the owners. Apart from that, it's pretty standard stuff—black cherry, plum and cocoa flavors with a definite green edge. It finishes tannic and chewy with a bit of alcoholic heat.
Though tart and chalky, this has interesting notes of rose petals and saddle leather, with light berry fruit. It does show varietal specificity, but the wine fades quickly and lacks concentration.
The most recent of Palliser's Great Dog releases, the 2014 Ted is a full-bodied, muscular wine. Cola, cinnamon and thyme notes mark the nose, while the flavors feature dark cherries and plums, drawing to a lingering close with echoes of mocha and Mexican chocolate. Drink 2020–2028.
Wreaths of smoke surround pretty raspberry aromatics. The red and plummy purple-fruit flavors continue, along with some tannic muscle and grip. This is a mix of 667 and Pommard clones—still young and a bit tight.
This dazzling, dry and restrained wine was matured in new French oak but with such a light touch that it feels more lean than fat in texture. It has enough fruitiness—crisp apple and lemon flavors—and spice to make it tempting now, though it will improve with age. Best after 2020.
The aromas draw you into the glass, with complex notes of smoked meat, plum, herb, flowers, orange peel and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is swoon-worthy, showing a compelling sense of intensity and balance. The sense of purity is knee buckling.
This rich, dark take on the cool-climate vineyard delivers all the great Syrah components. Lavish cooked beef, fudge, loam and mint aromas accent its black currant and blueberry base. The palate is coated with soft, polished tannins that present savory beef and black currant flavors, steeped in peppercorn and lavender.
Deep but elegant lilac and rose petal aromas meet loamy soil, river stone and tangy cranberry on the nose of this bottling from this historic vineyard. There is great depth to its flavors—a layering of dark raspberry thyme, anise and dill—while showing plenty of turned earth notes throughout.
Blended from eight separate vineyards, this appellation wine doesn't hold back on quality. It offers a seamless, integrated foundation of juicy cherry, cranberry and orange flavors, dusted with cardamom spice.
Spicy earthy briary aromas include a note of cola along with requisite berry and cassis scents. A slightly choppy mouthfeel and flavors of blueberry, cardamom, herbs and oak define the palate, while this finishes fruity and open. Drink through 2024.
The nose on this ripe Tinta de Toro is dense, bold and brimming with black-fruit aromas. Following the nose, this tastes of blackberry, cassis and various spices, while finishing black-fruit flavors are lightly herbal, spicy and complex. This offers a touch of everything good, and even more when it comes to ripe fruit. Drink through 2024.
Joseph Jewell's 2014s from remote Humboldt County are dazzling. The color off this wine is on the light side, and so are the raspberry, tea leaf and cinnamon flavors, but they make for a pleasant, harmonious combination. Medium body, vibrant acidity and firm but light tannins add to its appetizing character.
Consistent with past releases, this estate-grown effort includes Dijon 76 and 95 clonal material, planted in 1995. It's toasty in both nose and taste, with a tight core of green-berry, apple and banana fruit. As it breathes open there's a dollop of cream, just enough to smooth out the finish.
Bright raspberry fruit dominates here, backed with ample acidity. Give it a little breathing time and it fleshes out and lengthens. At this stage the fruit is clean and primary, but the overall structure suggests giving it another couple of years of bottle age for prime time enjoyment.
This smooth and sophisticated wine from the property formerly known as Breggo has good structure, no rough edges and a solid core of ripe plum and black cherry flavors, seasoned lightly with spicy oak. The texture is moderately tannic, but velvety and polished.
The spicy, generous and almost floral aromas of new oak envelope this wine's ripe, red cherry fruit. The palate is smooth, rich and laced with cinnamon yet balanced by inherent freshness. Elegant now, it will taste better with a little bottle age, when the tannins are smooth. Drink 2019–2022.
This wine's restrained nose just hints at blueberry and cinnamon. The palate comes in with freshness, verve and balance. Crunchy red cherry fruit is at the core, balanced by freshness and a taut structure. An elegant, ripe, medium-bodied red.
Cabernet Sauvignon (37%) and Cabernet Franc (34%) make up the majority of this wine, with the balance Merlot (16%), Malbec (8%) and Petit Verdot. The aromas are quite locked up, with light notes of barrel spice, herb and assorted dark fruit. The palate has light tightly coiled fruit flavors. It needs time to reveal its charms. Best after 2021.
Ripe blackberry and cassis aromas are toasty at first, then charred as this breathes. A big grabby palate is muscled up but welcoming. Toasty blackberry and cassis flavors remain charred on a loaded lengthy finish. This is Malbec and Petit Verdot fermented and aged together. Drink through 2022.
Approachable and jubilant rose petal, root beer, charred meat and ripe cherry aromas show on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The flavors are tighter and more focused, recalling red cherry, rust, tobacco and lava rock minerality. Tannins coat the palate with a delicate grip.
This cool-climate bottling from the young producer shows tons of florality and spice, from violet and lilac to white pepper and dried herb, underscored by blueberry and tar aromas. It's light and lithe in body, with elderberry, potpourri and pepper flavors, but the tannic tension is most compelling, clinging to the palate from start to finish.
Tart but full cranberry aromas meld with sagebrush and cardamom on the nose of this bottling from an increasingly popular vineyard in this appellation. Baking spice and dried ginger mark the palate, which is acid-driven and lively, accenting its core of raspberry and pencil lead flavors.
A touch of smoke is all that appears on the nose of this tight and taut wine. Acidity and slight tannic grip provide a structure and frame its lovely, tart but dark fruit that recalls fresh blueberries tinged with peppery spice. Crunchy, classy and moreish.
Ripe plum, cranberry, pressed violet, tobacco and damp soil aromas lead the nose, along with a whiff of clove. The round, polished palate offers dried black cherry, prune, raspberry jam and licorice notes, alongside smooth tannins. It's already extremely approachable, so drink soon.
Named for the producer's farmhouse and its surrounding vineyard, this offers rich cherry cordial and weedy sage notes—a seamless mix of fruit and earth. Sage, cardamom and spicy white pepper flavors give it intrigue and complexity, wrapped in a thick, velvety texture.
From Verdicchio's leading producer, this is the wine that started the denomination's renaissance into Italy's premier white. The '09 is beautiful, with an intense perfume of yellow flowers and stone fruits. The palate delivers concentrated peach, apricot and creamy lemon flavors, layered with mineral and spice accents. It already has stunning depth, but hold for more complexity. Drink through 2024.
In 2011 the alcohol drops a bit and the fruit comes forward, stepping slightly away from the strongly herbal flavors of the 2010. It's reflective of the vintage, and perhaps more immediately approachable, without sacrificing any of the complexity or structure that typifies Gramercy wines. Strongly aromatic flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cola and licorice are all in play, backed with refreshing minerality. The wine should age beautifully for a decade or more.
Kiona's ice wines are legendary, and this latest is as excellent as any they've done. Butterscotch scents invite further exploration. As the wine coats the mouth, it comes into lush focus with brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, cooked banana and more butterscotch. It's low in alcohol, but maintains sufficient acidity to stay buoyant and lively. Residual sugar is a hefty 170 g/L.
The most floral and lemony of Charles Smith's trio of Viogniers, this received extra time in barrel, yielding a more Burgundian mouthfeel—rich and creamy. Just 10% saw new oak, which seems to be exactly right, adding a hint of toast without clobbering the floral subtleties.
Flinty elderberry and crushed blackberry are the dark-fruited aromatics that pervade the nose and palate of this wine. There is a smoky smudge to the velvet tannins, making this intriguing and elegant. The tannic structure frames this medium-bodied charmer, and its superb balance and aromatic layers make you come back for more. Ready from 2016.
Developing a golden color, this is already a beautifully mature wine with some sweetness and ripe flavors of yellow fruits and lemon. There's also a touch of honey and spice to this blend of Pinot Gris and Riesling. It's ready to drink.
This wine is made from a mix of 13 different grape varieties in a field blend. It's a totally terroir driven wine, full of mineral and gritty textures in its youth. Behind this structure is a wild range of flavors—spice, apples, pears and apricots—waiting to show through. It needs to age, so drink from 2016.
This is a beautifully perfumed wine, that, while rich with fruit, maintains a crisp, steely and tight youthfulness. It's juicy character floods the palate. It's clearly a wine to age, so don't drink before 2016.
As with Dunham's other Lewis Vineyard designates, this is 100% varietal, showcasing the distinct imprint of the vineyard as it impacts one specific grape. Sharp and smoky, with bright flavors of raspberry and cherry fruit, the wine remains deep, pure and focused as it runs through an extended, detailed finish.
Cool berry, light herb and lactic aromas settle nicely and completely. This is a voluminous Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Carmenère. Spice, black fruits and olive flavors precede finishing notes of chocolate, black tea and barbecue sauce. This has an impressive structure and refined acidity; drink through 2020.
Once coaxed out of the glass, there is something ethereal about this Pinot Noir in its compelling, lifted nose of elderberry, wild raspberry and aromatic nettle. It is deceptively light on the surface with translucent veils of silky tannins that draw you in. While there is engaging verve right now, this will come into its own once time has revealed the deeper layers of fruit. Drink from 2016.
A wine that is structured and dominated at this stage by its tannins. The potential is there, showing in the rich, supporting fruit and berry flavors that come through as the wine opens up. Drink this wine with its good potential from 2017.
Incredibly ripe and sweet apricots, candied orange peel, a touch of fresh spearmint and fresh lemon zest all abound on the nose, and are just the first expressions. Balm-like sweetness and clouds of more apricot and peach play on the palate, but electric acidity runs straight through and lends this rich and unctuous TBA the thrilling freshness and streamlined zestiness of candied citrus peel, finishing with long, lip-smacking deliciousness. Unlike treacly sweet TBAs, this has exquisite freshness and is very enlivening, with real citrus lift. Drink from 2016.
This is a very fine wine with sweetness tempered with a great sense of structure and concentration. Lychees dominate the fruit profile but are supplemented with pineapple and pomelo flavors that are sprinkled with pepper. It is rich and full in the mouth. It needs some more time to age, so drink from 2016.
The poised, clean and lifted wild black-cherry fruit mixed with notions of cocoa forms the aromatic theme. A very elegant wine, with medium body and alluring depth, it's currently tight and held firmly by structured, ripe tannins, while the acidity is bright and refreshing. With its youthful primary fruit, this is charming, but even a year or two will make this more pretty than it is right now.
Solid, ripe, perfumed and tannic, this is a concentrated, dark wine. Hints of mint and wood frame rich black fruits on the palate. It is a powerful wine with a good future, so drink from 2015.
With its ripe acidity, this is a wine that is ready to drink. It shows strong Cabernet Sauvignon ripeness, with a structure that is now soft and generous, along with cushioned tannins and an opulent feel. This is a wine to savor.
The sand and granite soil of the Brand vineyard gives an intensely structured wine that's tight and steely. It's rich with apricot and pear flavors made crisp with refreshing acidity. Drink from 2015.
This wine is medium sweet in style with a rich, complex character. It has notes of spice and honey that accent ripe peach and apricot flavors. The richness of the wine comes from it's dense texture. It is ready to drink now, but will also age well.
Breezily aromatic notes of juniper, cypress and lemon zest overlay ripe and juicy peach tones on the nose. The palate is centered on pink grapefruit peel, with a toned, concentrated body that buffers the fresh acidity and delivers a softer style. Everything is tightly held, as in a bud that still needs to open. This is a wine for the long run. Future pleasures are indicated by those multifaceted aromas. Ready from 2016.
Dry and crisply detailed, this delicious, bracing Riesling combines refreshing minerality with delicate yet complex fruit flavors of apple, pear and tangerine. It's full-bodied and drinking beautifully, but has the structure to develop over a decade or more. You decide whether to enjoy it now or tuck it away.
Already balanced, this is a rich wine, packed with jammy fruit and tannins. The concentration contrasts with the intense, fresh acidity. Good depth of flavor comes with a dense texture and a final shot of pure acidity. Drink from 2017.
This Graves estate has vines in nearby Sauternes where it has produced this honey and orange-flavored wine. It is light and fresh while still having a wonderful sweet and dry character. The acidity at the end is delicious. Drink now for its fruit, although the wine will age at least until 2025.
This ripe, juicy and fruity wine has plenty of tannins, although they have easily integrated into the black fruits and fresh acidity. The wine is already surprisingly balanced, so although it will improve with age, it can be enjoyed now.
All about freshness, this wine has crisp red-currant flavors and bright acidity. The tannins are just a background to the juicy, fruity front. Drink from 2018.
What is so good about this wine is its balance. The producer has accentuated the fruit of the vintage, leaving aside any big tannic structure. The result is a black-currant wine that is juicy, fresh and developing well. Drink from 2017.
Rich and concentrated, this blend is mainly Merlot, with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The alcohol shows in the weight of the wine, but the freshness is still very present. Powerful, dark and still young, the wine will be best from 2017.
This well-made, ripe and fruity wine has soft tannins that are already well integrated with the red-berry fruits. Acidity keeps it all fresh and suggests the wine could age over the medium-term. Drink from 2018.
From an estate that claims to date back to Roman times and has been revived by the current owners, this attractive wine features dusty tannins and ripe, juicy blackberry-flavored Merlot. A touch of perfume and plenty of acidity at the end keep it fresh. Drink from 2017.
In this suave and attractive wine, spicy oak aromas lead to rich fruit and more spicy oak flavors, all wrapped in a soothing texture of light tannins and subtle acidity. It's a pleasure to drink.
A fifty-fifty blend of Nero d'Avola and Merlot, this polished wine opens with scents of ripe plum, blackcurrant and exotic spice. The round, creamy palate offers juicy blackberry, wild cherry, white pepper and licorice accompanied by silky, smooth tannins.
Reserved aromas of flowers, anise, plum and barrel spice lead to compact fruit and tannins with mouthwatering acids. Give it time to open up.
Made with 100% Moscato grapes, this opens with scents of dried fruit, pressed white flower and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the full-bodied palate, white almond accents candied orange peel, apricot and a note of dark honey. Just enough fresh acidity prevents it from being cloying.
Lightly herbal, stalky aromas of berry fruits and eucalyptus are classic Chilean characteristics. This Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend feels a bit short on foundation. Chunky, inky flavors of blackberry and oak are a touch green and herbal, while this is tannic and tastes of tobacco and herbs on the finish.
Aromas of black currant, fig, dark spice and tobacco unfold on this blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The round, chewy palate offers a core of ripe black cherry while ground pepper and cloves provide the backdrop. Soft tannins provide a loose knit framework. Drink soon.
Huge in structure and monolithic in flavor, this young, rough-cut wine will need until at least 2020 to show its best stuff. This variety is known for aging well, so it's not much of a gamble. The color is black with a dark, smoky rim, the aromas are like charcoal and blackberry jam, and the flavors seem saturated with fine tannins.
Gossamer-light in texture, this delicate Gewürztraminer seems to whisper tones of apricot, blossom and peach on the nose and palate. A shade off dry, it's an elegant, mineral-toned wine. Drink now to enjoy its ephemeral beauty.
Given the great potential of the 2015 vintage, it's reassuring to see that some big brands have scored successes like this. Explosive aromas of lime, tangerine and pink grapefruit burst from the glass, followed by ample citrus flavors. There's a hint of herbaceousness that grounds it in Marlborough, along with a long, passion fruit finish.
This is a concentrated wine, full of blackberry fruits with acidity and spice. The wood-aging character is balancing out well, giving structure without dominating the fruit. Drink from 2020. Grapes are vinified by variety and plot from the 60-acre vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The property was purchased by Jean-Christophe Mau in 2004.
Yeast and pear combine in a savory body that shows hints of lemon zest and fresh white pepper. With time in glass, a fruitier core appears that holds even more yeasty, herbal spice. More pepper on the finish. Very refreshing.
This estate-grown wine mixes earthy strawberry and raspberries against a tannic backbone that lends plenty of strength. Let it unwind a while in the glass.
Creamy notes introduce an earthier dimension to this lemon-scented wine that has an equally lemon-focused core and a rather slender body. This is slight and cannot make up its mind whether it wants to be sharp or creamy—so it oscillates between these poles.
Fleshy, primary notes of juicy, luscious plum have little shimmers of white pepper here and there. The palate is soft but not without structure, and the nature of this spells playfulness and fruity fun.
Earthy notes blend into hints of pear and yeast on the nose, while the palate puts more force on gentle peach and a concentrated, slender core with fitting, precise freshness. The finish is tangy and lip-smacking.
Waves of crunchy, ripe red cherries on the nose mellow into cinnamon-spiced fruitiness on the palate. This Zweigelt is sumptuously winter-spiced, with soft, ample-fruited generosity and smooth tannins, but it never loses its freshness.
This estate-grown wine comes from one of Livermore's best boutique wineries. A generous mouthfeel and plenty of ripe fruit flavors make this youthful and full-bodied wine easy to taste and swallow. Hints of milk chocolate ride along with solid cherry and blueberry flavors.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is also lightly herbal and shows touches of wood. It is crisp, tangy with its yellow-fruit flavors mingling with the citrus acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from late 2016.
Prickly acidity marks the entry of this wine, blowing off over time to reveal cucumber, dill and a layering of black cherry, clove and tobacco. The thicket of tannins softens in the glass.
Earthy berry, tomato, vanilla, herb and spice notes are textbook Rioja. This is drawing but sturdy in feel, with a mix of dry oak, tomato, plum and currant flavors. A salty tasting, tangy finish is in good shape.
The aromas show notes of chocolate and raspberries, sprinkled with violets and fresh herbs, not seeming to have fully blossomed. The palate is elegant and refined, displaying a lovely sense of restraint. Smoked-meat flavors linger on the finish. It doesn't always come off as entirely varietal but brings a lot of enjoyment.
Aromas of toffee-covered caramel apple, crème brûlée and a touch of petrol combine forcefully to invite one into this otherwise light-bodied, expressive wine, the texture salty and sublime.
Light pink in color, this wine offers aromas of strawberry, bubblegum, cherry and melon. It drinks off dry, with mouthwatering fruit flavors.
Light and straightforward on the nose with squeezed lemon and sharper kumquat, this simple and easy wine shows why this grape can be a great quaffer. The palate offers minerality, touches of dill and other dried herbs, and more citrus-apple fruit.
Crisp and fruity, this is an immediately attractive win from the fourth generation of the Bonhur family. It has bright acidity, a herbal edge and perfumed apple and lemon flavors. The wine is totally ready to drink.
Bordeaux has always had Malbec in its vineyards although it is rare. This unusual wine shows how, in a fruity year, the grape can work well. The tannins are soft, giving a juicy black-fruited wine that is forward and delicious to drink now for its succulent fruit.
Savory, spicy aromas of leathery berry, oak and graphite set up a medium-full palate that's dense, blocky and burly. Dark, peppery flavors of plum and prune finish with a cool, herbal, minty sensation.
Smoky, nutty aromas blend well with rich, baked-fruit flavors and baking spices in this broadly built, velvet-textured and full-bodied wine.
Aromas of toast, ripe berry, clove and mocha lead the nose. The palate shows tart cherry, raw strawberry, anise and a hint of espresso alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that grip the finish.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of stewed fruit, toast, truffle, underbrush and a hint of cooking spice. The palate offers cherries marinated in spirits, espresso and a green note of sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Oak, toast and dark-skinned berry aromas lead the nose. The brawny, one-dimensional palate offers dark berry, espresso, mint, anise, mocha and orange peel alongside bracing tannins. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the finish.
With a high proportion (60%) of Merlot, this is a ripe wine while also being structured. It has a dense character that comes from the still young, firm tannins. Behind these are the ripest black-currant fruits, crisp and juicy, packed with flavor as well as acidity. Drink this wine from 2019.
In 2001, Aliénor and Alexandre de Malet Roquefort bought this property which is 15 minutes southeast of their Château La Gaffelière. From 8.5 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle, this is a rounded, soft wine that promises well. It is going towards the tropical fruit area with its apricot and pineapple flavors. Behind, the acidity is tangy and crisp with a tight, nervy aftertaste.
Fresh and stalky, this is a wine that brings out the smokiness of Cabernet Franc and puts it along with crisp red-berry fruits and acidity. A wine to be drunk young, although with enough concentration to age, it will be ready in late 2016.
This bone-dry, fresh wine is crisp with citrus and apple flavors. There are touches of wood aging that adds spice to the tangy acidity and touches of honey. Perfumed and bright at the end, the wine is ready to drink.
Vincent Lataste's organic wine is light, bright and immediately refreshing. This is a wine that shows a strongly herbal side. It has citrus and green apple flavors that are crisp and tight. With perfumed acidity at the end, the wine is delicious to drink now. It won 2016 Best of Wine Tourism award for B&B in giant wine barrels.
The wine is dry and firm with solid tannins as well as blackberry fruit. It is structured, balanced by juicy acidity and oak-aging flavors. The wine comes from the slopes of the Côtes de Bordeaux about the small town of Cadillac.
From the family estate of Bordeaux wine gurus Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, this is a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend that appeals immediately. Bright acidity, freshly squeezed lemon and a herbal, green edge all make for a wine that is drinkable now as an apéritif as well as with food.
A fully ripe wine, that has black-currant and blueberry fruit, fine acidity and balanced tannins. It is juicy, fruity although with a good structure that will allow it to age longer. Drink from 2017.
Exuberant aromas of cocoa and raspberry with light herb accents are followed by fresh, forward fruit flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins that bring some astringency.
Dense and meaty up-front, this opens with aromas of mulled berry and savory spices. An almost mean tannic bite on a narrow palate offers little cushion or support, while blackberry, chocolate and mint flavors finish like bricks in the mouth due to fierce tannins. Drink or hold.
Juicy aromas of black currant and other black fruits are followed by forward, sweet, lush fruit flavors. Grainy tannins provide the spine.
This is a fine, ripe wine with a good balance between crisp, mineral acidity and tangy lemon fruit. It has a peppery edge that gives a bite to the young fruit. It is ready to drink although it will be better from 2017.
Cherry, cola and cassis form an inviting entry into this wine, its tannins present and persistent on the front of the palate. Secondary notions of dried herb and cedar play into the mix too. The texture softens in the glass and through the finish.
Leather, menthol and underbrush aromas come together on this. The straightforward palate is already evolved, showing dried Morello cherry, licorice and a hint of clove before a rather abrupt, astringent finish.
Vanilla and cinnamon give this fresh, full-fruited red and its notions of plum and ripe cherry a very generous feel. This is easy to drink and easy to like, with a lovely plush mouthfeel and a medium body. Its fresh core is a real bonus.
Leathery aromas of roasted black fruits show on the nose. Solid in feel, cherry, raspberry and a kick of salt house a medium-bodied palate.
A robust structure of tannin and oak in this fuller-bodied wine masks the finer components of black cherry and blackberry fruit that lurk underneath layers of tobacco and cigar box.
Aromas of corn and melon are decent but hardly the stuff of legend. This feels full and round, with flavors of melon and peach, with a candied honey finish.
Some high-toned volatile aromas highlight this wine. People sensitive to this might find that the pungency takes away from the simple, fruity charm. Drink it chilled for best results.
This smells taut, lean and crisp, while the mouthfeel is moderately rich, with mild flavors of pear and melon to fill it out. This wine is not a solo star but a good supporting player for lunch, wine time, or a first course at dinner, especially considering the price.
Spanish producer Vicente Gandia has made a foray into Portugal with this ripely fruity and soft wine. It is fresh, herbal and spicy with attractive red berry fruits. It's been made to be drunk young and it's ready now.
This fruity, aromatic wine is fresh and crisp. It has a strongly herbaceous, citrus character and an intensely perfumed backdrop. Drink now.
Dusty berry and cherry aromas include candied notes of cherry cough drop and marshmallow. Simple and choppy in feel, with some resiny oak character, this tastes like red plum and vanilla, while the aftertaste turns salty.
Grassy and herbal, this might easily be mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc. There's plenty of acid evident, with lemony fruit that finishes short and tart.
Made from a majority of Merlot rounded out by other red Bordeaux varieties, this wine leans savory, featuring mushroom and leather within a suggestion of Martini olive water. The fruit is more shy, revealing black currant at best, with a flat, ghost-like finish.
Dark, mossy, rubbery blackberry aromas are solid. In the mouth, this is punishing, with raw tannins that suggest grapeskins. Dark, chocolaty, savory, spicy flavors of blackberry and black plum finish toasty but bumpy, tannic and rubbery.
This pert, dry red has a nose of cinnamon, clove and red berries while the palate offers dried cherry, plum and pepper. A good everyday red to pair with grilled meats and cheeses.
One of the most commonly seen French rosés in the U.S., La Vieille Ferme's 2013 delivers a mouthful of bold red fruit, plenty of weight on the palate and a pleasant but quick finish. Drink up.
Briary raspberry and tomato aromas open this light-bodied Pinot. The palate is linear in feel, with lightly herbal, currant flavors that finish on accents of resiny oak.
This feels good in a regular sense, with apple-driven acidity and leesy notes of vanilla. A standard, zesty, pithy palate offers briny, slightly bitter flavors of peach and pulpy citrus, while the finish feels citric and tastes briny.
Green apples and citrus flavors dominate this fresh, fruity wine with its finishing acidity. It's light, bright and ready to drink.
Grapefruit flavor is the key to this attractive, fruity wine. Crisp and lightly herbaceous, it is fresh while also having a rounder background. Drink now, but better to wait until early 2016.
Red currants dominate this textured rosé that has a mineral element along with its fresh fruit and tight acidity. The aftertaste is brilliant with crispness.
The first-ever commercial rosé from this producer is dull in color, with briny, pepper aromas. The palate on this Syrah-based wine is chunky and generic in feel, while salty flavors of apple skins and citrus finish salty.
Mild citrus aromas of grapefruit are offset by bready, leesy, yeasty scents. This has a citric mouthfeel with the suggestion of lime. Flavors of orange peel and gooseberry finish briny, with a puply feel.
This crisp, dry rosé is very fresh with delicious acidity. It has a bright character, lively and full of raspberry flavors. Drink now.
This entry-level wine from Lagrézette is certainly purple in color. With touches of wood under the juicy red fruit flavors, and soft tannins, it cries out for a barbecue.
This green, intensely herbaceous wine comes from Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard vines growing on sandy soil. It is full of lemon and grapefruit flavors that give the wine a tight, almost steely texture. It should be drunk from the end of 2015.
Flowery and fresh, this is a classic cool-climate white. Fragrant acidity is balanced by the citrus and pear flavors. Fruity and crisp, it is ready to drink.
Clear and light in color and texture, this offers an inviting floral and citrus bouquet, while the palate flirts with Asian five-spice and black cherry. While the fruit is compelling, the structure is undefined and the finish a tad flat.
This has a barrel-aged style, with a buttery and possibly oaky note in the aroma and a smooth texture. Mostly mellow pear and ripe apple flavors are spiced with a bit of vanilla and nutmeg. Medium bodied, it stays crisp through the finish.
Peppery, herbal aromas are gritty and a touch green on the nose. This Syrah-led blend is lean in body and relatively high in acid, with a scratchy palate. Quickly fleeting flavors of raspberry and currant are mildly complex, while the finish is light and fresh.
Oak, peach and nutty aromas ride on the nose. Dense, creamy and reasonably balanced on the palate, this chunky number offers full melon and peach flavors prior to a briny, long finish.
Named after the range of mountains close to the Roquevale winery, this wine is ripe, soft and offers an attractive series of red fruits and rich tannins. Drink this wine now.
Aromas of French oak, strawberry and coconut carry over to the lean palate along with a note of coffee bean. Firm but fleeting tannins lead to a short, astringent finish.
This producer, based in the Lisboa region, has branched out into the Alentejo to source this rich, generously ripe wine. With its full-bodied plum and spice flavors, it is soft with a light touch of tannin. Drink now.
A blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard from Gascony, the wine has crisp herbaceous flavors and a tight zesty texture. It is light, refreshing and ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this wine has blackberry flavors to balance its soft texture and dusty tannins. The wine has an earthy edge to go with its simple fruit and lively acidity. Drink now.
From organic grapes and bottled without added sulfur, this is a fruity juicy wine with a strangely perfumed, geranium character. It has soft tannins, and hints of red fruits behind the perfume. The aftertaste is the only firm part of this fresh wine, which can be drunk young.
Fruity, soft and rather sweet, this wine smells and tastes like apple and pear juice. It has low acidity, medium body and a sugary finish.
A light and fruity wine that is deliciously crisp with raspberry flavors and is nicely cut with acidity. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, incense and a balsamic note of menthol. The evolved palate has seen fresher days, showing steeped prune, raisin and the warmth of evident alcohol alongside firm but not very persistent tannins that dry out the finish. The fruit has largely dried up.
This wine blends an earthy aroma with plenty of soft, almost sweet fruit character and a gentle, easy-drinking texture.
This is a fruity, perfumed wine with just enough structure to keep it all together. Fresh and with red fruit flavors, it is already drinkable.
Aromas of tire rubber, plum and spice are followed sweet currant and cranberry flavors. The tannins bring some grit.
Aromas of white clover, carnation and lime leaf lead the nose of this crisp and easy white. Fruity tones of underripe peach and melon rind unfold on the palate, coupled with zippy lime-like acidity and a saline streak that lifts the close. Drink up.
This is a highly perfumed, fruity wine with ripe melon and spiced apple flavors. It is crisp, tangy and attractively textured with fine acidity. Drink now.
Bolder and fuller in body than Heron Hill's standard Chardonnay, the Ingle Vineyard boasts delicate hints of blossom, green apple and lime. Savory tones of bramble, smoke and stem tend to overwhelm, but overall, the wine offers brisk refreshment.
This lightly sweet wine has an intense oaky, peppery, smoky aroma and the flavors come out the same way. The beefy, liquid-smoke character should match ribs in barbecue sauce.
Medicinal cherry and red-plum aromas come with a whiff of latex. This feels plump, chunky and grabby. Medicinal candied-berry flavors end with racy acidity. This seems like a full step down from the 2014 version.
Vegetal notes, mild citrus and sulfuric aromas make up the nose of this fresh but limited SB. Herbal, peppery green-fruit flavors are lean and finish with notes of rosemary and other green herbs.
Finely structured, this is a fruity wine with bright cherry fruit and acidity. It has a drier edge that gives it texture and shape. The fresher aftertaste gives the wine a fruity lift. Drink now.
An attractive rosé, made from 100% Castelão, the local grape of Setúbal peninsula. It is crisp with citrus and ripe with raspberry giving a fine balance and refreshing character. Drink now.
This is an easy-drinking, crowd-pleaser of a wine. Light to medium bodied, it has fresh strawberry and cherry flavors and a soft, smooth texture.
This bottling's slightly dank nose recalls the front lawn being cut on a hot summer day, but a warmer, more inviting peach and nectarine fruit component awaits in the background. The palate is tangy with sharp lime peels and a bit tarry.
Gritty, stalky aromas are more muddled and earthy than fruity. This has a medium body and flavors of spiced currant, pepper and chocolate. A chunky finish offers a mocha flavor that helps cover lean core fruit.
A neutral nose announces a fresh but basic palate with briny flavors of citrus, white pepper and bell pepper. A chalky, dry finish is juicy but lacks depth.
Distinct aromas of wood grain and pine crowd out any fruit scents. This feels somewhat flat, with resiny oak flavors resting on top of melony notes. A second wave of wood spice controls the finish.
A light and fruity wine with a slight tincture of tannin and acidity. Red-cherry and banana flavors dominate this readily drinkable wine.
This orange-colored rosado offers aromas of peach flesh, peach pit and sea shell. Dry, pithy, mildly bitter flavors of citrus and stone fruits end pithy. Contains 25% white Viura.
Fully ripe black-fruit aromas are rubbery and edgy. This feels jammy, heavy and simple. Flavors of syrupy blackberry and crème de cassis finish sweet and grapy with a sense of syrupy weight.
This ripe, wood-aged wine is generous and smooth. Spice and toastiness are balanced by the apricot and citrus fruits. One gives richness, the other crispness. It is a wine with a future. Drink from 2020.
This crisp wine is packed with delicious fruit and balanced acidity. It shows some of the richness of the vintage, but goes more in a tangy, mineral direction. With lively acidity, it is refreshing and ready to drink.
Richness in the texture and a buttery vanilla-like flavor make this wine easy to dive into. It has lots of ripe apple, peach and white cherry flavor and an energetic complexity due to those pastry spices, plus a lingering, creamy finish.
Initial murky aromas clear up while remaining a bit gritty and stalky. This crianza has a raw, choppy feel. Gritty, earthy flavors of leathery plum and berry fruits finish peppery and spicy. Drink through 2022.
From 30-year-old vines, this is one of the finest examples of this variety to come out of the state in recent vintages. It delivers citrus, candlewax, lees, apple and pear aromas, the palate sleekly styled with a blast of acidity that makes it a versatile pour for the dinner table.
The wine has a good structure with sophisticated tannins and perfumed acidity. Black cherry and spice from the wood are balanced by the freshness of the acidity and the rounded aftertaste. Drink from 2019.
With its spice and wood flavors, this wine is rich and deliciously concentrated. It has a bold yellow fruit and spice character that is warm and rounded. The wine is ready to drink.
Cheesy oak and raw cherry and plum aromas create a nose that needs time in the glass to show its best. This Rioja feels fresh and tight, with pulling tannins. Zesty plum and cherry flavors carry a peppery side note prior to a snappy finish with similar flavors.
Rich, thick and swimming in youthful tannin, this is a powerful statement from the producer's estate, a broad-shouldered explosion of fruity and savory flavors. Spicy tea, pomegranate and black cherry mingle around a tartness of grapefruit and blood orange, coalescing into a balanced whole.
This blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese delivers bright cranberry, vanilla, coconut, baking spice, raspberry and milk chocolate aromas. Fruit and barrel flavors play off each other nicely on the light, lifted palate. Oak plays a primary role but is well integrated.
A dramatic spiciness infuses this full-bodied wine with complexity from the aroma through the flavors and lingering finish. It has a dominant streak of smoky oak, a generous mouthfeel, mild tannins and plenty of blackberry and black plum notes.
A rounded, ripe wine, this is packed with yellow fruits and touched with melon softness. It has toast as well as a mineral texture that give strong backing to the ripe fruitiness. This is likely to develop quickly, drink from 2019.
This leads with plum, vanilla, barrel spice and herb aromas. The palate is soft and velvety, keeping the vineyard's often burly tannins well in check and providing a lot of textural appeal. Cocoa notes linger on the finish, delivering a yum factor that is hard to ignore.
New leather, underbrush, menthol, dark spice and chopped dill aromas lead the way in this structured red. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam and licorice flavors alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. It's youthfully austere and needs a few years to unwind. Drink 2022–2029.
Blue flower, dark-skinned berry, star anise, menthol and espresso show on the nose. The aromas carry to the palate, along with dried black cherry, licorice, toast and a hint of sage. Firm, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2012–2033.
This Monastrell gets going with roasted plum and berry aromas, with side notes of crushed stones. A full palate with an iron grip shows flavors of black fruits and coffee. A fleshy finish is spicy and dark in flavor. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of wood smoke and grilled meat set up bold smoky, peppery flavors in this complex, spicy and full-bodied wine. The savory beefy aspects are a pleasure to taste and there is a good foundation of mild tannins and solid cherry flavors.
This wine is full of acidity, with a crisp edge that's a delicious part of the riper fruit. The wood-aging spiciness is well judged to give a balanced wine that is generous and ready to drink.
Produced from vines that are up to 40 years old, this is a firmly structured wine. Concentration and dry tannins come from some firm extraction. The fruit though is ripe and juicy, showing red-berry flavors along with spice from the wood aging. Drink the wine from 2019.
Rich and structured, this firm wine has concentration from dense white and yellow fruits plus richness from the wood aging. This intense wine is still developing, so drink from 2018.
Ripe tannins and rich red-plum fruits give this wine a generous rounded character. Bringing out the generosity of this vintage, the wine is a balance between the broad fruits and acidity. In the background, the tannins give the wine extra weight. Drink from 2019.
The lightest touch of wood gives this wine a full, rich character. Weight and density are balanced by the intense acidity. Melon, apricots and citrus are all blended in this ripe wine. Drink from 2018.
This perfumed wine comes from the home vineyard of the producer. With soft tannins and juicy red-berry fruit, the wine is straightforward, delicious and very much in the style of the vintage. It has a crisp end of acidity that gives it just the right lift. Drink from 2018.
This ripe, fruity and perfumed wine is delicious. Juicy red and black fruits ooze from every part of its smoky structure. It comes from vines on a small plateau called Pisse-Vieille in Brouilly. The wine is ready to drink for its fruity pleasure.
Onesta is Jillian Johnson's debut of her own wines; she previously made Cinsault-based reds and rosés for the Phoenix Ranch brand. She is not new, however, to the indelible Bechthold Vineyard and its ancient Cinsault grapes, and her passion and expertise with the site shows gorgeously here. Orange-pink in hue, this beauty shares notes of crushed strawberry that are perfectly in balance with its dry, elegant point-of-view. Sip this one all night long, with food or without.
This estate-grown offering was a standout among several dozen tasted for a feature story. It's loaded with bright fruit flavors of grapefruit and pear, and even in the warm 2012 vintage, it maintains the grape's signature minerality, while moving gracefully into a detailed, focused finish.
Showing signs of maturity, this is a delicious, rich and ripe wine, full of citrus, mineral and perfumed white fruits. Though rich, it is also bone dry, with tight texture and powerful acidity.
A Cabernet Sauvignon from historic Livermore Valley vineyards, including Ghielmetti, Home Ranch and Smith Ranch, all single-vineyard designated Cabernets in their own right, The Premier represents the winery's best of the überbest, aged entirely in new French oak. With aromas of raspberry, currant and coconut, the wine is balanced and relatively austere, light in weight with a long finish. A hint of tobacco and licorice round things out. This is a lovely wine that's ready to age.
Among a small population of varietal Spanish Cabernets, Pago Valdebellón is exemplary. Bold plum and cassis aromas come with a needling of green notes and spice. In the mouth, this is tight and tannic, but not angry. Flavors of herbal raspberry come with a minty aftertaste, while the finish is lively and herbal, with a touch of heat. Drink now through 2020.
This can be a somewhat edgy wine, but the warmth of 2009 has softened it, imparting a rich, velvety texture and flavors of dried cherries, leather, cinnamon and clove. The long finish features a chocolaty note. Drink now–2025.
Leather, blueberry, blackberry and mild herbal notes make for a rich, ribald bouquet. Given the nose, it's no surprise that this Malbec is dense, jammy and a bit oversaturated in the mouth. Flavors of blackberry, prune, mint and graphite finish with lushness. Drink now through 2016.
A solid value in the world of Pinot Noir, this is pleasantly complex on the nose, offering up hints of cola, root beer and green herbs layered over dark fruit aromas. On the palate, it's reasonably full bodied and supple, delivering savory, earthy notes without being inaccessible. Mocha and silk soften the finish.
Light in color this is a delicious Pinot Noir, woodsy and invoking faint red cherry aromas and flavors laced in herb. Softly textured and silky, enjoy on its own or with a roast chicken dripping in rosemary and butter.
Made from Sangiovese selected from top sites in Carpineto's Poggio Sant'Enrico vineyards and aged in barriques, this wine opens with plum, underbrush and coffee aromas. The palate is youthful and well balanced, delivering restrained black fruit, spice, espresso and oak flavors. Drink after 2016.
This savory wine has earthy aromas of truffle, forest floor and woodland berries. The dense palate offers concentrated plum and raspberry flavors laced with accents of chocolate and pipe tobacco. This has a mature palate with tertiary sensations and depth. Drink now–2019.
This delicious Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers an alluring fragrance of blackberry, red currant and thyme punctuated by tarry, leather aromas. The palate shows ample plum flavor layered with chocolate and cinnamon accents, as well as round, polished tannins.
Initially this Rioja seems topped by gritty aromas of tire rubber and burnt leaves, but with airing it gets more earthy and presentable. Tight tannins and a firm structure are the greeting on the palate, while flavors of stewed berries, herbs and oak take things to a warm, lightly baked finish with balance and length. The more this wine breathes, the better it shows. Drink through 2020.
There are few rosé Cavas out there that register this high on the quality meter. This elegant number opens with aromas of wood smoke, citrus and raspberry, while the palate feels lithe and silky, with a fine bubble bead. Flavors of pink grapefruit, tangerine and cranberry finish long and sturdy.
Winemaker Mario Pinheiro worked in South Africa and with the Chenin Blanc grape there. Bringing it to the Alentejo produces a surprisingly similar ripe, warm style of wine that's still fresh and citrusy while also having signs of bright pineapple and minerality. Drink from 2015.
Given the overall high quality of the 2010 vintage in Spain, this oaky, slightly volatile-smelling wine is just average. The palate is slightly stewed and cloying in feel, while ultraripe blackberry and raisin flavors come with a heaping spoonful of brown sugar and an echo of leather and herb stalks.
Bright and fruity on the nose, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot shows notes of ripe red cherry and raspberry. Medium-bodied in weight, there is just enough tannic structure to balance the red fruit intensity and sweet oak undertones. Drink now.
Soft and fruity, this has broad red-fruit flavors. Acidity, light tannins and a ripe, perfumed character from the blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional make it rich and warming.
Well on the way to sweet, this soft, spicy wine has light acidity and a gentle feel, with just a tangy, mineral edge to suggest some potential. Drink now.
Made from organically farmed grapes grown in an estate vineyard, then cradled in American oak, this delivers subdued aromas of ripe, lusty lemon and big oak. Lurching toward the finish are flavors of caramel and bittersweet dried fruit.
Pinched and wiry-smelling on the nose, this Garnacha comes around with earthy red-berry aromas in front of a full, chunky, fairly oaky palate. Flavors of blackberry and vanilla are good but common, while the finish is dense but basic.
Soft and diffuse, this offers light flavors of pear with a hint of spice. Done entirely in stainless steel, it's a good, all-purpose white.
This kitchen-sink blend is made up of 67% Zinfandel, followed by 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and a small handful of Merlot. Aged in both French and American oak, less than half of it new, it's soft and quite tannic, with Zin's rightful spicy red fruit at its core.
Dusty aromas include notes of apple cider, cured meat and cumin. A loosely built palate features slightly mealy, lightly bitter flavors of pithy citrus and mango, while the finish is plump but not terribly complex or precise.
Valtravieso Winery is now run by the international wine consultant Michel Rolland and Javier Galaretta. This ripe, stewy blend of Tempranillo and Merlot shows aromas of animal, cheesy oak and soft berry fruit. The mouthfeel is heavy and somewhat flat, while extremely ripe berry flavors hint at raisin. This is more jammy than structured.
Aromas of oak, toast and espresso dominate the nose. It's lean, with raw red berry, toast, and coffee alongside dry, angular tannins but not much fruit richness.
This blend of Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional delivers aromas of dried cherries, light herbs and graphite. There is a lot of acid on the palate, and the red fruit, lightly spiced flavors are reminiscent of an everyday table wine, just with higher sugar levels.
Yeasty, slightly stalky aromas of melon, citrus and peach are simple yet fresh. This feels solid, pulpy and fleshy, but not flabby; flavors of melon, papaya and white grapefruit finish pithy and slightly bitter. Drink immediately.
This wine has a light color and appealing notes of candied strawberries, herbs, brown stems and forest floor. It's light and airy—surprising given the general power of the vintage—with delicate, mouthwatering fruit flavors.
While this is largely neutral-smelling, it's flush in the mouth, with pithy citrus and green apple flavors. Lasting and steady on the finish, this blend of Chardonnay and Muscat is juicy and alert after initial dull aromas. Maritime Wine Trading Collective, Vintage Wines Inc.
Waxy stone-fruit aromas come with a shot of butterscotch but also a whiff of chemical cleanser. In the mouth, this blend of Viura and Malvasia is full-bodied and braced by sharp acidity. Flavors of walnut, baked peach and citrus peel finish with nutty notes and angular acidity. At six years of age, this is showing some gaps in its fiber.
With good acidity, this is a crisp, dry style of Pinot Gris. Plenty of spice and tropical fruits give richness to this fresh wine.
If you want spicy, lychee-flavored Gewurztraminer, look no further. The wine is laced with bergamot, with a medium-dry fruit character and balanced freshness at the end. It's ready to drink.
This off-dry wine presents a great balance between the spicy flavors and the tropical fruits. It's a lightly textured wine, already accessible, with a touch of pepper at the end along with just enough acidity.
Sweet cherry and vanilla aromas are most noticeable in this soft, juicy Cab, with streaks of cassis playfully integrated throughout. Dry tannins and diesel oak build up steam on the finish, which is medium in length.
Caramel and vanilla wrap around generously ripe flavors of apple, pear and tropical papaya. Entirely fermented in oak, its wood provides a medium-bodied mouthfeel and ample accents of sweetness and spice.
A deep, deep color, lots of spicy, smoky oak aromas and rich, almost sweet flavors add up to a bold barbecue sauce of a wine. Those who love lots of spice, loads of smooth tannins and very full body will be happy.
This is rounded, soft and textured with spice and pepper. Acidity gives freshness while leaving the wine full in the mouth and generous in character. It's for drinking now.
This opens with a gaseous, sulfuric scent followed by aromas of peach pit, apricot, green apple and wet stones. The palate is lean and zesty, while flavors of lemon, tangerine and nectarine finish with a blend of raw acidity and oaky vanilla.
This dense wine opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and a touch of vanilla. The extracted palate offers dried dark cherry, bitter almond and a hint of clove alongside drying, astringent tannins.
Stewed blackberries and muddled cherries pervade over a dried herb tone. The palate is slightly underripe and green up front, but juicy red currant chimes in on the midpalate.
This robust Zin is meaty in Italian sausage aromas, with streaks of cedar and dark plum intertwined throughout. Balanced in terms of acidity and weight, it finishes in a generous helping of leathery tannins and oak.
From a small appellation north of the Pouilly-Fumé region, this wine is lightly fruity. It has creamy acidity and a perfumed character that comes from the lemon and honey fruitiness. Drink now.
This blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache blend is high in alcohol and ultra ripe with fruit. It's pushed well past any subtlety, with dark black fruit flavors, chewy tannins and some heat on the finish.
Black plum, prune and vanilla show on the slightly metallic nose of this bottling. There is decent richness to the sip, with gingerbread spice and black-cherry flavors.
Quite ripe and fruity, this full-bodied wine brings apple, pear and peach fruit in abundance. It's almost over-the-top, with some noticeable heat on the finish.
Made entirely from Pinot Nero, this opens with red-skinned berry and cooking spice aromas. The bright, straightforward palate delivers strawberry and cinnamon notes, with smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.
Black cherry and pomegranate shine through the smoke, licorice and cedar aromas. The medium-bodied palate is lightly smoky, with more notes of cedar and vanilla. Dark fruits persist, supported by soft, dusty tannins and a pleasant lift of acidity on the finish.
Crisp and full of green apple and squeezed lemon juice, this is a fruity wine that has a tight edge of steely texture as a contrast. It is a fine, refreshing and tangy wine, hinting at minerality and ready to drink.
This light, pleasant wine shows ripe strawberry, white pepper and dried herb notes. It was aged for 22 months in 10% new French oak.
This wine's crushed mint, menthol, underbrush and iris aromas carry over to its nervous, racy palate, along with tart cherry and unripe strawberry. Tightly wound tannins and firm acidity provide the lean framework.
The dark-skinned fruit, clove and chopped herb aromas in this wine are delicate. Its polished tannins support raw raspberry, sour cherry and ground pepper notes. Drink soon.
The production of this nationally-distributed wine almost doubled this vintage, making it one of the most visible Oregon Pinots in the country. It's medium bodied and offers good varietal character, but there is a slight off-note on the nose, which carries through the finish, albeit subtly.
This oddly named Cabernet Sauvignon is fine. It has light tannins, a juicy, stalky character, upfront black currant fruit and balanced acidity. Drink now.
This 100% Nero d'Avola has blue flower, black-skinned berry and Mediterranean scrub aromas. It's easygoing and juicy, offering black cherry and white pepper flavors alongside round tannins. Enjoy soon.
From the Sancerre vineyard of this Pouilly-Fumé producer, this is a ripe wine. Packed with apple and rich peppered-pear flavors, it is spicy, shot through with acidity and lightly mineral at the end. The wine is ready to drink.
Clean, fresh, stony aromas are basic but good. A round palate benefits from citric kick, while this tastes of mixed tropical fruits backed by skins-based bitterness.
From estate-grown grapes, this opens with sizable, grippy tannins and strong barrel-heavy aromas. It then settles down into layers of blackberry and blueberry, sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon. This wine will benefit from a decant or a few more years in bottle.
This savory red features aromas and flavors of violet, juicy blueberry, blackberry, plum and a whiff of cake spice. Firm but fine-grained tannins give support. While it's full-bodied, it's also easy to drink. A licorice note signals the close.
The bouquet of this wine takes time to fully open, but eventually reveals a lush mélange of pineapple, honeydew, yellow apple, buttered popcorn and orange creamsicle. Ample acidity keeps the mouthfeel fresh and the palate lifted, giving levity to the ripe fruit flavors. A hint of flintiness lingers on the close. Drink now.
This has an edge, a frame of herb and skin flavors that tightens the mouthfeel. Green pineapple, cilantro, cucumber and lemon verbena are in play, with a penetrating attack and a pleasantly soft finish. The wine has a density that somehow recalls extra-virgin olive oil.
Aromas of scorched earth, underbrush, spicy plum, allspice and graphite lead the nose. On the palate, notes of cracked pepper and clove accent the mature blackberry, raspberry and fig flavors. It's balanced with well-integrated tannins and finishes on a note of bitter almond. Drink through 2016.
Foresty blackberry aromas come with a whiff of mint and herbs. This has a lively, moderately tannic palate that's home to raspberry, plum and vanilla flavors. It's a basic, steady, satisfying blend of Cab Franc, Syrah and Merlot.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this straightforward, savory wine leads with aromas of spicy plum, black cherry and freshly ground pepper that carry over to the palate. Fresh acidity and polished tannins balance the juicy fruit flavors.
A jammy, big-boned Pinot that's soft in blackberry and raspberry on the palate and hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Fans of bigger styles of wine will be pleased.
This opens with funky, earthy notes of blueberry, juniper and animal hide. The palate is chunky and jammy, which is welcome given 2011's cold conditions. Flavors of herbal blackberry, baked plum and spice finish with a note of green and heat as well as with acidic freshness.
This straightforward Barolo opens with aromas of rose, leather and menthol. The palate doles out sour cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, clove and grilled sage alongside velvety tannins. There's not much complexity but it's savory and already enjoyable. Drink through 2019.
Leafy underbrush, dried sage, rose, grilled herb and leather aromas lead the nose. The straightforward palate delivers sour cherry and ground white pepper alongside firm but rather fleeting tannins. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of mature black berries, prune toast and tilled earth lead the nose on this savory wine. The succulent, easygoing palate doles out crushed blackberry, Morello cherry, dried plum and clove alongside supple tannins. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
Bright, tangy, lean and appetizing, this light-bodied wine has mouth-cleansing acidity, lemon and green apple flavors, a zingy balance and clean, dry finish. Time to bring on the oysters or goat cheese.
A slick of wax and lanolin lends a mineral tone to bright apple cider and honey notes in this sprightly semisweet Riesling. Spine-tingling with acidity, it's an elegant, classically styled wine with a pristine, fruit-focused finish.
This balanced wine comes from an Alexander Valley vineyard not far from the Chalk Hill and Russian River appellations. The site is cool enough at night to help the grapes retain  acidity and a juicy, lemon-lime complexion.
Made from 100% Muscat di Canelli grapes, retaining 9.5% residual sugar, this is a perfumed dessert wine, reminiscent of Gewürztraminer in its lychee aromas. It remains balanced and light on the palate, not overly sweet.
Aromas of underbrush, tobacco leaf, leather, wild berry and a balsamic note take the lead. The palate offers juicy Morello cherry, black raspberry, licorice and sage alongside rather astringent tannins.
Aromas of crushed blue flower, plum cake and ripe wild berry lead the nose. The palate offers prune, mature blackberry, vanilla, clove and a confectionary note alongside bracing tannins. It ends on a note of bitter cocoa.
Enticing flavors of juicy ripe pear with creamy, yeasty elements play about nose and palate. A yeasty mouthfeel also characterizes the rounded midpalate.
Tangy citrus and crisp green apple aromas and flavors light up this snappy wine. It smells like lemon and grapefruit with a typical touch of grassiness, and tastes lively, similar to lemon and grapefruit zest, but not too tart. It's medium bodied and finishes smoothly.
Made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine is blue-fruit dominated along with notes of high-toned herbs and chocolaty barrel spices. It's medium bodied with astringent, somewhat bitter tannins.
A whiff of earth under tangy, young, grapy fruit leads into a tasty, easy-drinking Gamay with flavors of mountain berries. Firm, lemony acidity underscores the bright fruit. Drink this over the next couple of years while the freshness remains.
This barrel selection offers aromas of peach, apple and lime sorbet, with a sharper sense of dried herbs as well. The palate delivers high-tone flavors of chopped dill, tart apple, lime peel and cut grass. A lean and focused wine.
Aromas of mature black plum, tilled earth, smoke and cake spice lead the nose on this robust wine. The palate delivers ripe blackberry, black cherry, licorice and peppercorn alongside hearty tannins.
Firm and fresh, this blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera opens with aromas of ripe plum, nutmeg, blackberry and cocoa. The straightforward palate doles out juicy blackberry, crushed blueberry and clove alongside hearty but well-integrated tannins.
Aromas of underbrush, toast, black plum and cooking spice lead the nose. The dense, extracted palate offers blackberry, prune, licorice, mocha and grilled sage alongside velvety but rather fleeting tannins.
This opens with aromas of toast, spicy plum, espresso, leather and mocha. The one-dimensional palate offers dried black cherry, coffee bean and vanilla alongside drying tannins. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of smoke, underbrush, espresso and grilled herb lead the nose on this blend of Nero di Troia and Aglianico. The palate offers dried black cherry, anisette, coffee and toast alongside chewy tannins.
This is a juicy black-currant flavored wine that's ripe in tannin and in fruitiness. It has a hint of bitter extraction and an edge of dark wood aging, which need to soften and become round, so age it for at least five years.
A creamed apple aroma is followed by a creamy palate. It has tight acidity that lends brightness and freshness, with a crisp, fruity finish.
This is a mint- and licorice-flavored wine, with its wood aging prominent at this stage. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, it shows strong signs of extraction that give it a bitter finish. Age this tannic wine for 2–3 years or more.
The nose is slighted lifted and high-toned. But the pleasing flavor of fresh raspberry takes over on the palate, and light touches of cocoa and sandalwood from 18 months in barrel bring a bit of depth to the finish.
A Chenin with 15% Viognier in the mix, this bottling has more depth and fullness than many of Clarksburg's other Chenins. It's creamy yet retains plenty of acidity, it has a tropical fruit imprint and even a touch of grapefruit. It will stand up to all kinds of spicy foods.
A black-fruited wine with a strong sense of structure and wood, it has spice and black-plum flavors that are held together by tannins. This can age for a few years.
Overall this is a full-bodied Cabernet, with full berry, chocolate and creamy oak aromas, followed by a solid palate that features moderate acidity and ample oak influence. The flavors of creamy blackberry and plum are dark and oaky, showing chocolaty heft on the finish.
Stainless fermented and aged, this tart, apple-flavored Pinot Gris is close to fresh cider in flavor. The alcohol is low enough that it is almost invisible. Just pure, juicy, clean fruit comes through.
Even with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the mix, there's no mistaking this is a Zinfandel. It has pepper and jam flavors, with straightjacketlike tannins and plenty of body.
One sniff indicates there's a fair amount of oak on this Chardonnay, plus baked apple and peach scents. The palate offers acidic rip and lemony cut, but it's not too sharp. Tangy flavors of lemon and citrus are wrapped in resiny oak, and the finish is textured and long.
This is a full and chunky type of New World Chardonnay, with an oily, mildly stalky nose that offers corn and apple aromas. It feels big across the palate and tastes toasted and peachy, with a fresh apple streak for balance. The finish is defined by viscosity and toasty apple flavors. Drink now.
Already aging quickly, this very ripe wine leans into the raisin and prune end of the flavor spectrum. Backed with a generous dose of baking spice, it's a soft and plummy wine ready for near-term enjoyment.
Powerful from the start, this has an herbal berry aroma, with a rubbery hint and a lactic element. The palate is chewy, dense and rubbery, with creamy, milky flavors of blackberry, carob, vanilla and plastic. Generally speaking, this wine is full and solid.
This is a fruity wine with juicy acids and fresh black-currant and berry flavors. The tannins are present, but they are well integrated into the fruit and acidity. It's bright and ready to drink.
This wood-aged wine, one of the château's top white cuvées, needs to age. With its toast and ripe yellow and white fruits, it is rich and full, a reflection of good whites in a drab red Bordeaux vintage. After a bitter smoky edge from the toastiness softens, it will be a very fine wine. Drink from 2017. This Lévèque family estate is a member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.
Made in a firm, solid style, this wine shows considerable potential. Pure berry flavors are prominent along with the dense tannins. It is a good wine for the difficult vintage and will be ready to drink from 2020. The estate is in the process of converting to biodynamic methods.
From one of the properties owned by Bernard Magrez, this wine exhibits the opulent character he seems to like. Rich and full of black-plum flavors, it offers all the fruit of the vintage with the right amount of tannins to support it. Drink from 2018.
Sweet, soft tannins inform the entry to this 100% varietal wine, a decadent exploration of dark chocolate and graham cracker. Powerful and intense, it smoothes out as it opens, revealing plush layers of blackberry and plum.
Earthy aromas of leather, truffle, game and ripe black-skinned fruit lead the way on the nose of this smooth, savory red. The structured palate offers juicy black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and ground white pepper alongside soft, silky tannins. A smoky note bolsters the finish. Drink through 2019.
Layers of sweet orange marmalade, citrus rind and pollen mingle seamlessly into this deliciously honeyed ice wine. Intensely ripe, almost creamy in texture, its succulent sweetness is balanced neatly by a dazzling spray of tangerine acidity.
A tiny-production wine from a windblown ridge in the Petaluma Gap, Badger Block is earthy and piquant in wild strawberry. Spicy and soft, it's almost velvety on the palate. Persistent in depth and length, the body is generous but balanced, spiked with the scent of fresh-picked rose petals.
Light notes of pomegranate and hibiscus intertwine with Earl Grey tea and lavender on the nose of this wine from one of the region's most famous producers. There's lots of California chaparral spice on the nose, with aniseed, wild fennel and a cinnamon character decorating the cranberry, pomegranate and light strawberry flavors.
Still seeming to need time to open up and stretch its legs, this wine offers high-toned aromas of graphite, caramel, vanilla and plum. It's full and plush in feel with tart fruit flavors and a finish that glides.
The nose evokes the idea of freshly cut red and yellow apple peel, drizzled with lemon juice. On the palate, there is a hint of a slightly bitter edge, like that of honeycomb. But it all remains lightbodied and sprightly and very energetic, even stony. The pure, long finish is a joy on this typically Viennese field blend.
Fleshy plum notes rich with cinnamon set the tone on nose and lead to a big, bold and dense palate full of plum and black cherry fruit. Ripe tannins provide quite some grip but a vein of acidity keeps this fresh and counters the richness. Cinnamon and pepper linger.
A touch of flint meets yeasty, herbal notes of chervil and white pepper. The palate plays these two off each other and adds a generous dollop of pure, linear lemon zest to brighten and heighten everything. Lasting zestiness makes for an ultraclean, very refreshing finish on a very concentrated, taut body.
Lush aromas of dried rose petals, black currant jam, turned loam and fudge greet the nose on this blend of 63% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. A wide array of flavors hits the palate, from pencil lead, thyme, tomato leaf and black pepper to boysenberry, shaved dark chocolate, vanilla bean and cooked black cherries.
Choosing favorites among Kumeu River's Chardonnays is always difficult. The 2013 Maté's is potentially the longest lived of this year's releases, showcasing tight, crisp citrus fruit garnished with hints of butter, tropical fruit and mocha-like oak. Drink 2018–2025.
Aromas of underbrush, ripe plum, baking spice and a whiff of leather take center stage. The round, savory palate offers mature black cherry, raspberry, ground pepper and a smoky note while firm, dusty tannins lend support. Drink 2018–2013.
This wine includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and (somewhat unusually) Malbec. It's floral on the nose, with additional aromas of baking spices and blueberries. Full bodied, intense and relatively tannic, it finishes firm and dusty. Drink 2018–2030.
Lovely pure notes of lemon zest and juice swirl on nose and palate. The slender palate bounces them back and shines with clarity and transparency, as smooth as the undisturbed surface of a mountain lake with an impressive and lasting lemon finish.
Dense boysenberry and peppery spice aromas are enhanced with chocolate cake and mint elements on this nose of this cool climate bottling by Adam Lee. There is lots of energy and brightness on the palate, with jammy blackberry fruits, licorice spice, black pepper verve and a touch of tar.
Intense, alluring aromas of exotic spice and ripe red fruit take center stage in this fragrant, polished red. The elegantly structured palate offers juicy cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and white pepper, framed by silky tannins that give it a smooth mouthfeel. A carob note marks the finish.
Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak, this 100% varietal wine lets the fruit take center stage, offering up white peach and apricot in a succulent package. Floral and flinty, it's balanced, with just the slightest notion of vanilla and brioche popping up on the finish.
From a tiny, organically farmed vineyard outside of Occidental, this wine is dense in earth, with a brambly nose of wild cherry and cranberry. Salty and herbal, it retains plenty of acidity on the light-bodied palate, offering a mix of cinnamon and tangerine on the finish.
Thick, meaty and pure aromas of blackcurrant, crushed lavender and minty dark chocolate greet the nose on this special bottling from Iris Rideau. Black cherries wash onto the palate alongside an amazing array of spices, from Indian to Middle Eastern, showing allspice, mace and many dried herb components.
There is a citrus purity on the nose that suggests fresh lemon juice, but it is tempered by some spice, like that of still-green Seville orange rind. The palate is streamlined and equally pure, it has an almost cleansing quality. This is luminous and delicious and slips down far too easily.
A dark, brooding aspect of tar and cocoa is wrapped around the ripe but crunchy black cherry that is the hallmark of this wine on nose and palate. The purity of fruit on the palate is astonishing and beautiful and every now and then a flash of black tar and high-grade dark chocolate breaks through. The palate is rich but toned and thrown into shapely poise by fresh acidity.
Earthy, lightly herbal cherry and plum aromas come with a whiff of smoke. The palate is round and feels well balanced, with blackberry, dark plum, chocolate and spice flavors. Long and slightly herbal on the finish. Contains 5% Syrah.
A dense and ripe style of Cab with smoky blackberry, chocolate, cassis and spice aromas. The palate is weighty and tannic, with herb, pepper, licorice and dark spice flavors coming with more standard plum and cassis. Spicy and a bit hot on the finish. Contains 13% Malbec and a touch of Carmenère.
Resiny and heavily toasted at first, with a full, resiny, chunky palate that carries all the weight that ultraripe fruit and new oak can bring. Offers sweet, tropical flavors, primarily banana and honey. Powerful, super sweet and woody throughout.
Tom Meadowcroft's second label, Thomas Henry, is also sourcing from Borden Ranch in Lodi, as is his slightly higher-priced, lower-alcohol Riesling under the Meadowcroft name. This one not as as fragrant at first, more austere, but fully inviting wih melon, honey and pear. Thai food would be the perfect pairing.
Hints of anise, black pepper and toasted coconut make this dark, smoky Merlot a bit exotic and unexpected. Full-bodied with a concentrated yet vibrant black fruit palate, it ends with flair on a rather tropical coconut finish.
Another of Noceto's stellar small-production Sangiovese, this one plummy with tobacco and sour cherry most prominent and a slight hint of sweetness as it finishes. Dos Oakies comes from the winery's oldest vineyard section of Sangiovese and has a loyal following of Sangiovese lovers.
An intriguing wine that lacks fruit in the traditional sense, yet possesses ample weight and a brooding, mineral presence that comes across as wet stone and machine oil. Those elements linger on the finish.
Aromas of tangerine zest, peach and flower are followed by dry clean fruit flavors that show no apparent oak influence, with citrus notes lingering on the finish.
Black pepper and rosemary aromas join forces with black cherry and blackberry flavors in this well-balanced, moderately tannic wine. It has a refreshing quality, tasty fruit and medium body, all of which will make it versatle with food.
This leathery, full-bodied red is rich with blueberry cobbler, coffee and smoked meat flavors. Soft and round in structure, it tastes robustly varietal.
On the nose, this suggests thyme, toasted nut and ripe orchard fruit. The firm palate offers mature citrus zest and ripe pear flavors while a bitter almond note marks the finish.
The wine shows the richness that the Merlot attained in this vintage. Happily, it also has acidity and red fruits to balance the pepper and wood-aging flavors. It will always be a superripe wine although it will develop a smoother mature side. Drink from 2018.
This soft wine is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. With ripe red fruits, it is a smooth wine, now mature, with a light texture. Not for aging, the wine is ready to drink.
Strawberry fruit, framed in orange peel, characterizes this simple, yet enjoyable wine, from first sip to the last. It's forward and fruity, with a short tail.
Striking acidity lends tartness to ripe blackberry and plum flavors in this Bordeaux-style blend. It's boldly structured with firm slightly tacky tannins and stylish layers of vanilla, spice and smoke.
This 100% Mourvèdre rosé is rusty pink in color and offers inviting red plum and poached strawberry notes. There is a dollop of yeasty acidity on the palate and an iron earthiness that complements its plum and strawberry fruit.
Hay, tomato vine and grilled herb aromas follow through to the linear, structured palate, along with a citrusy note of grapefruit and a hint of white stone fruit. Fresh acidity lends a clean finish.
This appetizing wine has attention-getting grapefruit and fresh-cut herb aromas, vivid and crisp fruit flavors, light body and a lingering, citrusy finish.
This opens with subdued oak, dried tropical fruit and bell pepper aromas. On the medium-bodied palate, a confected hint of coconut accents grapefruit and mature peach flavors.
This wine comes from Gascony, where the Gascon and his famous beret are inseparable. This blend of mainly Gros Manseng has some herbal character but it also has yellow fruits, and a ripe edge of honey that softens and fills out the crisp green-fruit flavors. Drink now.
Dark strawberry meets clove spice, licorice and star anise on the nose of this bottling, which takes a little time to open up. The palate offers baked strawberry and vanilla notes, proving likable if not very complex.
This is the little brother of Brumont's estate wines such as Montus and Bouscassé. It is all fruit, the 80% Tannat tamed easily, leaving a modicum of tannins to support the juicy black fruit. It is a ripe wine that is very ready to drink.
This sends up scents of grape jam, plum and cherry, and those round and forward fruit flavors combine in the mouth. It's a tasty young wine, with plenty of immediate appeal from its lollipop-rainbow flavors.
Toasted bread crust, pressed yellow flower and yellow stone fruit aromas lead the way while the linear, slightly lean palate offers yellow apple skin and citrus notes. Bright acidity lends freshness while bitter almond colors the finish.
Hard and capped on the bouquet, with plastic aromas, dry oak, milk chocolate and mint. Feels resiny and cloying, with wood-led flavors and resin. Tastes bland and overoaked for what it is.
Bland and almondy on the bouquet, with an oily accent. Feels lightly spritzy but beyond that it's simply wet and acidic. Tastes lemony, sharp and bland, with a lasting citric finish.
Gaseous, oily and flowery on the bouquet, with lemon and apple notes. Feels round and adequately acidic, with stalky, burnt flavors of lemon and melon. Short and rough on the finish.
This high-alcohol mountain Zin seems to have already lost its zip, dominated by a raisiny overripeness that skirts dangerously into syrup land.
A Lake County blend of 45% Syrah, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot that starts sour before turning into a mouthful of caramel molasses.
For the price, this is not a good effort. It's overoaked and horsey smelling, with a heavy, overripe palate that tastes herbal and like hickory-infused blackberry. Flat and stewy on the finish.
This wine has an element of candied watermelon and cherry in the aromas that gives it a rocky start, but on the palate, bright cherry, watermelon and spice are a bit more becoming. A simple wine with a fruity kick.
This one's heavily about the oak. Comes out with spiced-up, minty aromas. Next up is a full and biting palate with buttery lead flavors followed by bitter black fruit. Flashes by quick on the finish.
Rusty in color, with rubbery, chemical aromas. Feels tight, tannic and clampy, with hard, compromised flavors and bitterness to the finish. Astringent and just not that appealing.
Woody and baked up front, its cooked, rubbery aromas setting set up a surprisingly sheer and sharp palate that's short on substance and balance. Tastes generic, with linear acidity resulting in little cushion or mouthfeel.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it brings notes of brandy soaked cherry, licorice, herbs and barrel spices. The fruit flavors are plush in feel and tart with tightly wound, dry tannins.
This pure Cabernet spent 22 months in a mix of French and American oak, though what percentage was new is not stated. It enters the palate with a pleasing mix of cassis, tar and a hint of mint, then seems to hit a wall and fade.
This straightforward Verdicchio opens with subdued aromas of stone fruit and citrus. The palate is a bit lean but offers lemon and peach flavors. Bright and simple, with racy acidity, this will pair well with light seafood dishes.
Aromas of sea salt, pineapple and citrus start this lively Assyrtiko. It offers a fresh mineral character rounded by tropical fruit. Friendly and not fussy.
Fragrant, with notes of ripe cherry and strawberry, this brisk, bright Pinot Noir is delicately framed, but juicy with nervy sour-cherry and cranberry flavors. Drying tannins make this an elegant food wine to pair with even robust poultry or pork dishes.
Light strawberry aromas are a bit green and herbal. The mouthfeel is fresh but dilute, while flavors of oak and creamy tasting red-berry fruits finish firm but without a lot of depth. This is good for quaffing but doesn't go beyond that.
Hailing from a very cool vintage, this is more neutral, stripped back and tough than usual. Lemony oak and generic black-fruit aromas feed into a tannic, fat palate with generic flavors of cassis and blackberry. This is big and fruity but not complex or showing a lot of character.
Open and ripe, the wine has red fruits and warm tannins. Caramel and vanilla flavors lend a richness to the wine.
This 50-50 blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil and blue flower, accented by ripe red berries. The palate is one dimensional with juicy black cherry, raspberry and a hint of cinnamon-spice. Simple, but well made and very accessible. Drink soon. Siena Imports, L'Amore di Vino.
This blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, underbrush and ripe black fruit. Ripe black cherry and raspberry flavors are layered with chocolate and espresso, alongside rough, drying tannins.
Mixed berry fruit flavors have an over-ripe, pruney character. A dark streak of smoke, licorice and chocolate runs straight through the core and the tannins turn a little bitter and rough. Drink now.
Briny aromas of lime, jalapeño and minerals filter into a juicy, acidic palate with flavors that match the nose: briny citrus, lime and bell pepper. A narrow feeling finish turns pithy and bitter the longer this sits.
More of a Bordeaux-style blend than a straight Cabernet, the remaining 25% includes a mix of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It's a thin wine, drying and tannic, with dried fruit flavors that lack freshness. Tannins are leafy and finish with a green edge.
Here's a straightforward Verdicchio offering a floral fragrance of acacia and wild flowers, along with light spice notes. The palate provides peach, lemon zest and bitter almond sensations alongside bright acidity.
Here's a straightforward and enjoyable wine that opens with intense aromas of citrus and cut grass. The palate offers racy acidity and lemon-lime notes alongside peach, pineapple and almond flavors.
This opens with bright aromas of citrus and apple. The palate offers lemon and pear flavors, with a hint of vanilla. Pair this racy wine with light first courses and delicately seasoned fish dishes.
This wine opens with subdued floral and citrus aromas that carry over to the palate alongside evident oak sensations and lime. While it boasts racy acidity, the fruit is already starting to fade.
Made from 100% Montepulciano, this opens with aromas of blue flower, blackberry and espresso. Juicy fruit notes take center stage on the palate, along with notes of vanilla and chocolate, yet ends on a dry, tannic note. Not much complexity here so enjoy this soon.
Hints of crushed stone add a sense of minerality throughout this brisk, vigorously effervescent blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It's penetrating on the palate through zippy lemony acidity, and finishes with a flair of honey and flowers on the finish.
Fresh apple and pear aromas are accented with notes of white flowers on this delicate Pinot Grigio. It's bristling with lemon-lime acidity, but pleasantly concentrated citrus flavors, and just a hint of reeds on the finish.
There's a lot of character to this wine, with lively aromas and flavors of grapefruit, green plum, lime peel and a touch of dried grass. It's brisk and clean on the palate, with refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish. Drink up.
Smells like honey drizzled over stones with a hint of peach for good measure, then delivers lush, richly fruity flavors of dried apricots allied to crisp, citrusy acids. Nicely balanced, with a long, apricot-filled finish.
A single-vineyard wine from a top site in Gols. It is darkly solid, a powerful wine that exudes dark figs, firm tannins and big, rich fruit. There is an impressive muscularity about this wine, the acidity serving to freshen it without distracting from the weight. Age for 2–3 years.
An aromatic, seductive wine, scented with smoke and chocolate, cedar and strawberry. Thick and chewy, with ripe raspberry fruit and a liquorous, barrel-inflected finish. This is a big wine for those who like sheer power, in both fruit and tannins.
Dense and juicy, bursting with a mix of berries and cassis. A delicate balance of acids and fine, ripe tannins provides the structural underpinnings, with the vineyard's characteristic streak of iron ore running straight down the spine.
These Dwelley vineyard grapes display bright raspberry fruit, lively acids, and a more tightly refined structure than the other Barrister Merlots. Along with the higher acidity of the 2006 vintage, there seems to be a more gentle touch with the new oak as well, although plenty of coffee and smoke flavors roll out in the finish.
The complement to the Camerata from Cadence, this estate-grown blend is 52% Cab Franc and 48% Merlot. There's a juicy core that is delightful, with ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit. Both of the Cara Mia wines see 50% new oak for a full 18 months, and at this early age this shows as aliquorous, almost bourbony aftertaste. The aromatics display dark notes of smoke and coffee, along with some mocha and cracker.
The Tapteil vineyard designate is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cab Franc and 32% Merlot, from vines that are now 20 years old. With each new vintage the wine seems to gain in detail as a result. Tapteil fruit is distinguished by a distinctive dustiness, and sports an elegant structure whoselightness belies its power. With its spicy, acidic berry flavors, and hints of smoke and leather, this has an Italian personality as well.
A wonderfully firm wine, which balances extraction with pure sweet fruit. It moves comfortably within its tannic structure, the ripe Merlot allowed plenty of play to show off its black jelly and plum flavors.
Jammy and ripe, from gravel soils in the valley plain of Saint-Emilion, this is already a very drinkable wine. It has intense, concentrated red and black berry fruits surrounding a core of seriously dry tannins from fruit and wood. Solid but rich, this is developing well.
This dark garnet-colored blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot has aromas of blackberry, raspberry and rose petal. Flavors of black cherry and anise with touches of green pepper and menthol ride a layer of barely-there tannins into the soft finish.
A very buttery wine, it is soft, smooth and creamy in texture. Contrasting citrus flavors add a crisp touch. The acidity winds through the ripe fruit to give a bright edge.
This red blend opens with aromas of mature black plums, vanilla, oak, underbrush and toast. The palate offers dried black cherry, prune, black pepper and espresso, alongside drying wood tannins.
Under the Feather label, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon styled by Napa's Randy Dunn s the only one pure varietal red wine in the Long Shadows collection. Eucalyptus aromas rise instantly as it's poured, leading into a smooth, appealing flavors of plum and cassis fruit. It fades rather quickly, even after being open for a few hours, leaving just an impression of chocolate from the barrel aging. It lacks the heft of past vintages.
This wine has unusual, penetrating, floral aromatics and a liqueur-like character. It was fermented in a mix of new and neutral French oak, and a caramel character comes in as the wine breathes open. Citrus peel and floral flavors remain through an extended finish.
Firm and compact, this marries tart red and purple fruit to tannins, with a soft streak of leather and a dusting of coffee grounds. Flavor integration is excellent, and the wine will drink well through 2019.
Here's a vibrant red that has red berry, blue flower and spice aromas, with a whiff of salinity. The juicy palate offers fleshy red cherry and ripe raspberry accented by white pepper. With fresh acidity and soft tannins, this cries out for food and would work well with pizza.
Leather, game, wet soil and ripe berry aromas take center stage on this savory blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola. The lively, easy-drinking palate delivers ripe black cherry and raspberry, accented by white pepper and mineral notes. Fresh acidity brightens up the dense fruit.
Vibrant black-fruit aromas come across young and vital, with a lot of oak topping. The palate is chunky, with pulpy weight and plenty of body. Blackberry and black currant are the lead flavors, and they are backed by chocolaty oak. This feels meaty and bulky, with tons of fruit-forward heft and power.
Browned butter, cinnamon-like spices and blackberry pie frame this Syrah from an estate vineyard owned of Zaca Mesa, the first winery to plant the grape in Santa Barbara County. There is more brown spice and blackberry on the palate, which is couched in an appealing tannic structure that smooths out as you drink it.
With residual sugar at 200 g/L, this is much more concentrated than the average wine labeled Late Harvest. With enough acidity to stay focused and avoid any suggestion of syrup, it's an exceptional value. Deep peach and apricot flavors and a hint of caramel linger through a satisfying finish.
At first, this comes across as raisiny and maybe even overripe. With airing, it settles on baked black fruits and density. Flavors of ripe berry, baked plum and raisin are undeniably chunky and deep, while oak and prune take over on the finish. Drink sooner rather than later.
This full-bodied wine just lacks that bit of freshness that would've taken it to the next level. Stewed plums, black olives and espresso notes are rich and complex, ending on a long silky note. Drink now and over the next few years.
A structured, cool wine that is poised and elegant, it has a lightly creamy texture cut by apple and pear flavors. Definitely mineral, it is textured with fruit skins and flavored with the oak aging. It needs to be aged, so don't drink before 2016.
Leesy, bready aromas are ripe and fruity. This is soft in feel and a touch heavy, which may be a reflection of the warm 2009 vintage. Nectarine and other ripe flavors finish full and sweet. This almost tastes like a brut Cava despite being a brut nature.
Here, Pinot Noir master Richard Longoria offers a more affordable taste of his Fe Ciega estate vineyard (whose other expressions cost upwards of $45 each). Aromas range from cranberry and tart blackberry to black pepper and wet slate, and the flavors hone in on sour cherry and tar. This wine features gripping tannins, so wait until 2016 for an even more optimal experience.
This attractive village wine has ripe fruits as well as a more steely texture. Wood flavors give smoothness that rounds out the wine and enhances the yellow fruit flavors. Drink now.
Brisk and fruity but with a distinctive note of spice and pear, this Moschofilero offers approachable, ripe-fruit expression with an exotic edge. Pair with grilled seafood, Chinese cuisine or fruit salad.
Of all the Angosto 2011s, El Jefe del Tribu is the most smoky and roasted of the group. Savory aromas of beef jerky and baked blackberry filter onto a ripe, slightly flat palate. Flavors of baked black fruits are gritty and mildly stalky, while the finish tastes of cooked berry fruits and generic blackness.
While the wine is structured, it does also have plenty of ripe, juicy fruitiness that is already delicious. It's an open wine, rounded and rich in fruit flavor. The tannins are likely to smooth out soon, so drink from 2016.
Orange, lemon, vanilla and white flower start this fresh and spicy white. Fruity, but balanced by a lime and wet stone base, the wine is elegant and food friendly.
Bright and fruity, it's full of fresh acidity and has a strongly mineral texture. Green fruits, apples and pears partner with a strong citrus element. Wait until 2015.
While exuberantly floral and fruity on the nose, this dry, full-bodied Riesling is surprisingly lean on the palate. It's briskly structured, showing delicate flavors of tart apple and lemon, and a crisp, biting finish.
Structured, mineral and tense, this is a classic Pouilly Fuissé. It has lemon and crisp sliced white fruits, very linear in character with a bright, tight texture. The wine is young and could age until 2016.
Aromas recall roasted hazelnut, citrus peel and a whiff of apple skin. The palate offers tangy lemon and mature Golden Delicous apple alongside soft acidity.
Earthy aromas of cola and baked berry fruits introduce a saturated, tannic mouthfeel that supports dark-berry flavors that turn more herbal, stalky and mulchy with airing. The more this sits in the glass, the more tannic and pushy it gets.
Earthy aromas and a soft red fruit ripeness are dominated by wood and smoky spice. They give an unbalanced feel to the wine, not allowing much room for the potential of the fruitiness and acidity.
Quite lightly aromatic, it offers hints of barrel spice, cocoa, herbs and red fruit. The palate has coffee ice cream and vanilla flavors with a compact yet elegant feel, showing some grit to the tannins.
Unfined and unfiltered, this has a deep garnet color with a little smoky touch at the rim. The aromas resemble ripe cherries and cola, the flavors emphasize both fruit and savory components like sage and smoke and the feel is nicely dry. The way it holds back a bit on richness is fine for a change.
A faint hint of pink shines on this sparkler named after the winery owners' dog. Aromas of fresh melon and slight peach lead to a faint cherry note upon sipping and creamy mouthfeel, followed by plum skin tartness and a yeasty, sour bitterness.
Jadot's take on Burgundy Chardonnay is fruity and creamy. Juicy, intense acidity comes from the crisp apple and white peach fruits. A touch of wood aging softens the fruit and broadens the character of the wine. Drink now.
Made principally from Touriga Nacional, this is a rich wine with attractive acidity and strawberry fruitiness. It is ripe, touched with caramel and finished with wild raspberry flavors.
Subdued aromas recall white flower and stone fruit. The muted palate reveals mature yellow apple skin, lemon zest and notes of nut butter alongside sharp bubbles. It has a tangy but fleeting finish.
One of the original unoaked California Chardonnays, it's fresh, fruity, clean and perhaps better than ever. It smells and tastes like ripe apple, lemon and a hint of pineapple. The balance of moderate ripeness and mouth-cleansing acidity is right on the money.
Mint and sage aromas give an instant herbal character. That's balanced by citrus fruits that cut through the texture to give great freshness and intense acidity. Drink from 2015.
Aromas suggest sandalwood, exotic spice, vanilla, subtle oak and mature black fruit. The warm palate reflects the forward nature of the vintage and delivers underbrush, black cherry, espresso and coffee alongside aggressive, drying tannins. You'll also notice the alcohol on this. Drink after 2019.
Smoky aromas of bacon and rubber lead the charge. The palate is good and ripe, with roasted berry, molasses and tangy acidity that's reflected via a lemony note. The finish has bite and shear to it along with flavors of olive and green herbs. Drink now.
Mature plum, vanilla, toast and toasted oak sensations lead the nose. The palate opens with juicy black cherry and plum layered with coffee, dense chocolate and bitter espresso that slightly diminish the impact of its Nebbiolo pedigree and purity. It's already accessible but should also age well.
This dark cherry-red wine has aromas of red plums and dried black plums that flow to the palate. An easy drinking wine, with pleasantly tart cherry flavors.
Boysenberry, cracked peppercorn and caramel frame the nose of this rich red. Although not particularly complex, lush flavors of berry juice and espresso on the palate prove rather tasty and enjoyable.
Closed cellar aromas burn off to reveal black fruit, baking spices and balsamic notes. The palate is subdued, showing raw cherry-berry, cooking spices and herbs alongside nervous acidity and astringent tannins.
There's a burly amount of black fruit and black tea in this estate wine, concentrated and coiled in a tight tannic structure. The fruit tends toward ripe black cherry and even blackberry, the texture is soft and the finish delightfully marked by a touch of chocolate.
The somewhat light red-purple color does not mean that this medium-bodied wine lacks flavor. Toasty, smoky, caramel aromas from oak carry over to the bold and almost sweet flavors, powering over moderate raspberry and plum undertones.
With a touch of wood aging, this is a bright yet toasty wine. Its fruitiness shows as citrus, pineapple and pear, with a tangy edge. There is aging potential here, to round out the wine and bring out its softer side. Drink from 2015.
A new label for MacMurray Ranch, this Pinot Gris is stony in fresh nectarine, pear and mango, wrapped in a creamy texture that develops fleshy flavors of fig in the glass. The fruit is sourced from both MacMurray Ranch and Gallo's cooler Russian River Valley outpost, Two Rock, near Petaluma.
This is rather subdued but after ample time in the glass it reveals aromas of oak, toast, espresso and chocolate that continue on to the palate along with vanilla notes. It lacks the vintage's hallmark intensity. Drying tannins give an astringent finish.
It opens with aromas of forest floor, porcini mushroom and espresso. The straightforward palate offers bright berry, coffee and grilled herbs alongside firm tannins. Drink 2015–2020.
Varietally specific aromas of wild flowers, honey and lemon verbena set up an unctuous, creamy palate with modest acidity and lots of weight. Honey, mango, vanilla and other sweet, tropical flavors finish thick but not quite cloying. This is a unique wine for Navarra that deserves to be judged on its own.
Chalky earth, black pepper and clove comprise the nose on this wine, which gets a boost from 10% Merlot. The flavors are spicy and complex, with cedar, tea and a tiny bit of varietally distinct green pepper.
Complex and grippy, it offers classic layers of spicy black pepper, clove and red cherry and plum fruit. Not overpowering on the palate or in price, it will pair with flair.
Slightly rich on the nose, with aromas of baked black plum, campfire and alcohol. The palate is flush yet a touch acidic; but there's enough body and quality fruit to support the acids, resulting in zingy but attractive berry and cassis flavors. Finishes with toast and spice. Juicy, forward and nice.
There's good dense fruit here, with a blackberry jam quality to the ripe fruit. The wine misses some richness, but makes up for it with its lively smooth tannins and acidity, and ripe, juicy aftertaste.
Made as a pure variety, this rare example of Walla Walla Cinsault—is scented with lovely whiffs of berries, plums and moist earth. It falls somewhere in the same stylistic region as Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, with bright, sharp, acidic fruit flavors.
Nicely made in a cool-climate style, this medium-bodied Shiraz offers hints of pepper and clove alongside crisp, sour plum fruit. Charming spice shadings line the long, mouthwatering finish.
Lovely, light, fresh and delicate, this Barbera is young, juicy and appealing. The fruit mixes light berry flavors with tart, tangy acids; the flavors seem to gather in the mid-palate, showing excellent concentration. No new oak is evident, nor is it missed. The alcohol remains comfortably below 14%, and the fruit is light but quite ripe, with no green edges.
Mainly Shiraz (87%), this is a meaty, savory and plummy red at a reasonable price. Hints of vanilla and cola impart additional complexity, while the mouthfeel is creamy, cushioned by ripe tannins. It drops off just a little on the finish, but it's still a very good drop for near-term consumption.
A very earthy Pinot Noir with tinges of mushroom and leather. This is a fine, sipping wine that's concentrated and smooth. A perfect companion to rustic foods, like pork tenderloin or richly sauced pulled-pork sandwiches.
A beautiful nose full of classic garrigue-infused herbaceousness is supported by notes of raspberry-sage preserves and sweet spiced baked fruit. The mouth lacks a certain vibrancy, though, with a lighter than expected weight and acidity. The finish falls a little short, with a somewhat jarring sweet sharpness.
Characteristic spiciness and grape flavors show well in this dry wine. There is an apple leanness about the texture, but the acidity gives it freshness, and a crisp aftertaste.
This 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a fruity, rustic wine, with broad mixed berry and cherry flavors. They lead into an earthy and tannic (and short) finish.
A simple fruity Bordeaux, attractively layering black currants, firm and dry tannins and fresh, juicy acidity. It's light, already drinkable. Screwcap.
A solid, straightforward red that is immediately approachable and extremely drinkable. It's satiny in texture, with red fruit aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry and rhubarb supported by hints of cocoa and eucalyptus. Mild tannins and a lighter weight followed by a clean, shorter finish make this easy-drinking wine an excellent choice for rich duck or heavily spiced lamb dishes.
True bargains are hard to come by, so drop your guard for this $8 SB and you may wind up happy. Xplorador from Concha Y Toro is peachy and simple, with light grassiness and green notes. But it does have a plump, neutral palate and likable pineapple and apple flavors. Inoffensive and not flashy, but good for the money.
Strong aromatics introduce an oily-textured wine, very typical of this grape. The flavors are of bergamot, superripe lychee and sweet spice. This is definitely exotic.
Boasts pristine if somewhat one-dimensional fruit aromas of green apples and limes and the flavors follow a similar pattern. It's sweet yet tart, showing decent balance in a lemonade-like way. A lawnmower wine, refreshing but simple.
Medium-bodied and nearly completely dry, this is a stony, minerally expression of Riesling that even folds in some slightly earthy-peaty notes. Hints of citrus fall a bit short on the finish.
Waxy plum and a surprising characteristic of watermelon provide a subtle freshness to this otherwise hugely tannic, concentrated wine. Tar and yeast play a role as well.
The wine is full of the warmth of the Alentejo sun. While it does have a crisp and juicy side, it is the richness and concentration that makes it attractive. Black fruits and toast from the oak aging are balanced and cut through with acidity. Drink now.
An initial cranberry note is subdued by vanilla and clove aromas. Spice is dominant on the palate, interspersed with anise and leafiness. Full bodied and big on flavor, this would be a good steak accompaniment.
This firm, structured wine is lean and austere. Spice and toast notes dominate, leaving little room for fruit. It's a tough wine to like.
Bitter chocolate aromas and woody flavors are the hallmarks of this smoky, burnt toast-inflected wine. That bitter quality probably won't go away, leaving the fruit behind.
An unusual find of an old vintage currently available, this is certainly a mature wine. In fact, it is beginning to dry out—focused on old tannins rather than on the wonderful secondary flavors of a well-aged Bordeaux. For lovers of older wines, this is a bargain curiosity.
It is fascinating how some wines from this vintage have gone from youth to old age without passing maturity. That's the case here: this wine is showing age, with tannins that have become dry, leaving the secondary flavors, let alone the fruit, behind.
This wine is dry and smoky, with serious tannins. It is concentrated, with bitter chocolate flavors from the wood aging.
This is a spicy wood-laden wine. Considering it is three-years-old, it seems likely that the burnt-wood flavor will remain. That spoils what is otherwise a ripe and juicy wine with fine black fruits.
With a simple nose of citrus fruits, this wine has flavors of lemon, apple and freesia. It is a bit stiff at first, but opens on the palate, offering an apple-tinged finish.
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Casteão and Syrah—the four grapes in this blend are gently wood aged. That has smoothed out the already gentle tannins, giving the wine a creamy ripe texture enhanced by red fruit flavors. Drink now.
The blend of Bical and Arinto is typical of the sparkling wines from the Bairrada region. Together they give a crisp style of wine, bright with acidity and tangy with citrus and orange peel. The wine is ready to drink.
Bold with tannins, this spicy wine is dense and dark. It's all structure and dryness at the moment. And, although the fruit is there, it looks as though the tannins will remain.
Baked, earthy berry and herbal aromas turn murky and suggest animal as this breathes. A wiry, pulling palate with clipped acidity and hard tannins tastes of tart plum, tomato, herbs and grass. While the finish is shaken and stirred, it's not broken. This is Tannat and Syrah.
Chemical resiny aromas stand out more than fruit. This Viura-led blend feels tight, tangy and acidic. Salty flavors of persimmon lack fruitiness. This 12% ABV wine from a cold vintage tastes salty on a finish that's living off acidity.
Leafy red-berry aromas come with a note of olive. This wine feels lean and searing, with edgy tannins and high acidity. Spicy flavors of herbal plum and tomato finish with a dusting of baking spices.
This bottling is very herbal on the nose, with bay leaf, pine needle, juniper, tart strawberry and black-pepper aromas. The palate shows sour red fruit, dried leather and much more forest-floor flavors.
Produced from old vines in the Aegerter Domaine, this wine is dominated by red fruits and spice from wood aging. It is fruity, perfumed and likely to be ready to drink soon. Drink from 2018.
Pretty pink-flower tones lead the nose of this white blend, framed by fruity notes of white peach, lychee and musky grape. The palate is surprisingly light in feel, with ripe fruit flavors and good acidity to keep the finish fresh.
Sweet oak tones frame the black cherry and currant fruit in this wine, with notes of mocha and raspberry sauce atop. The velvety texture offers good tannic grip, while ample acidity helps to keep the palate fresh and the finish lifted. Drink now.
This 100% varietal wine shows medicine cabinet, barnyard, Band-Aid and dried fruit aromas followed by dried out fruit and medicinal flavors. The tannins bring some dryness.
This is a Mâcon region-wide blend, simple and fruity with an attractively crisp texture. It has a citrus character, slightly salty as well as tangy with orange zest. Drink now.
Foxy, spicy berry aromas settle on briny plum and currant. This is dry, grabby and mildly abrasive in feel. Herbal plum flavors seem a bit roasted. It's scratchy and tannic on the finish, with controlled bitterness.
This pitch-black Malbec smells like prune juice. That overripe character also shows on the overweight palate that deals saturated flavors of fig, raisin and prune. The finish doesn't display a lot of balance or freshness. Two samples tasted with identical results.
This wine is very soft and only lightly fruity. Some spice and touches of acidity give a crisp edge to the otherwise dull wine.
This light and fruity wine, produced by a Burgundy negotiant, is full of bitter cherry crispness. It is ready to drink, offering acidity and a tight, bright aftertaste.
This rustic, herbal Tinto Fino has tarry blackberry and cassis aromas that turn horsey, minty and herbal on a nose that struggles to hold up. After hinting at savory berries, flavors turn green, bitter and underripe. It finishes with rough tannins and heat.
This wine delivers light herb and citrus aromas. The flavors seem washed out, lacking cohesion. It comes off as quite generic.
Briny cherry and raspberry aromas offer up a note of tire rubber. Muddled cherry and berry flavors finish short, and overall this wine lacks character.
Soft, bland aromas of applesauce and herbaceous green fruits lead to a jumbled, acidic palate that's awkward and scouring. Green flavors of lime and grass finish tangy.
Flowery, tropical aromas might have you thinking this is Torrontés. The palate is flimsy and dilute, with lychee and pyrazine-driven flavors that tail off in bitter fashion.
With an attractive pink color and soft acidity, the wine is fruity with red berry flavors and a soft, caramel texture. It's ready to drink while it is still so fresh.
This is a hard-edged wine with a chemical character. It's tough both in tannins and extracted fruits.
The fruit is extremely extracted, making for a wine that is tough, very firm and hard without the juicy character needed to see it through.
Bread and yeasty aromas lead to a wine that has tannins and wood aging, leaving the fruitiness behind.
Strong wood flavors have smothered the fruit, leaving vanilla, spice and milk chocolate as the main flavors. Gérard Laurent blends 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Malbec from biodynamic and organic vineyards in egg-shaped Apollo flexitanks where the wine matures for a year.
This Salta Cabernet is closed on the nose, green and smelling like cigar ash. Hard, green tannins and astringency create a tough environment for stewy flavors.
Herbal aromas give a crisp character. The fruit is not entirely ripe, so the wine relies on its tannins and acidity to get balance.
This opens with off-putting aromas of cinnamon and air freshener. On the palate, this is chewy and creamy, with a ton of oak and jammy, baked berry flavors that finish sticky.
Layers of mint and earth are slightly out of proportion in this leathery wine, the finish leaving a somewhat sour taste.
Aromas of chewable vitamins, apples and pine needles set up a plump, soft palate of bland, pithy grapefruit flavors.
This wine is a mix of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot that is tight, tannic and a tad green.
A light and fruity wine that is ready to drink. From the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, it has red berry fruits and juicy acidity. A greener, herbal character in the background suggests grapes that weren't totally ripe at harvest.
This is hard and tough, all tannins and extraction.
This tough wine seems light on fruit. It is hard and shows considerable extraction.
Rough and rugged is the best way to describe this Malbec. Earthy, woody, rubbery berry aromas lead to a sharp, high-acid palate. Wiry, fiery plum-like flavors stay fierce and pick up heat on the finish.
Leathery, rubbery aromas are pinched, stalky and unripe. This Patagonian blend is drawing and astringent, with bland, cool-climate red-berry flavors that have an herbal streak. Saucy, tannic and heavy on the finish, this ends with a note of salami and fennel.
Prickly, sweaty aromas include matchstick and herbaceous green-fruit notes. In the mouth, this is chunky yet citrusy. Flavors of grassy citrus trend toward green, while a pithy, citric finish is bitter.
Earthy, medicinal plum and berry aromas are also a bit mulchy and leathery in character. A disjointed, tannic palate brings dry oak, medicinal berry and green flavors. Chocolate rises up on the finish of this full bodied Monastrell.
This is a thin wine with way too much acidity for the fruit. The rest of the wine is dry tannin that could soften into a more juicy character. It's always going to be a light wine.
With solid berry and plum aromas, the bouquet is friendly and nice. This is fresh and fruity in style, with hints of leather and chocolate accenting core berry and plum flavors. An earthy, warm finish with leathery notes is the final act.
Full in style, this is a lemon-scented, peach-flavored wine. It has some richness to it both from the ripe fruit and the textured acidity that gives a tight tang to the aftertaste. The needs to age for a year. Screwcap.
A full and ripe rosé from the Sumeire family which owns a number of Provence estates. This wine has freshness along with its rich character, strawberry fruit and acidity well in balance.
Austere and firm, this is still many years from being ready to drink. For now, its potential is apparent in the juicy black fruits, dark tannins and solid structure. It has much of the structure of the vintage, well clothed in fuller fruits.
This is on the soft side for rosés, a warm wine with a sense of Mediterranean herbs and sun. It has light red fruits, spice and great final acidity.  Screwcap.
The first whiff of this Rioja is full of oaky char, shoe polish, raw leather and can't-miss wood resin. With airing the nose cedes chocolate and berry scents. This is plump, chewy and a touch resiny feeling on the palate, with baked berry, savory notes, grilled meat flavors and saltiness. A roasted, rubbery finish is apropos.
Just bottled when tasted, this is a wine that needs a few months to come together. Its ripe pear and apricot fruit and dense flavor will offer a full, rounded wine that goes more for a tropical Sauvignon Blanc character.
The 2010 Select is a step ahead of Torii Mor's single vineyard offerings, but holds to the common thread of hard, tart, tight wines with little flesh on their bones. Here the raspberry and strawberry fruit pokes through the herbs and tannins enough to warrant drinking sooner while waiting for the others to (possibly) soften up.
This is a straightforward Merlot with herbal aromatics, oaky tannins and a layering of quiet raspberry and spice. Well priced for the quality and food-friendly nature of this wine.
Tempting in raspberry, vanilla and spice, Wood's Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon is fully formed, rich, and slightly oaky with a finish of tobacco pipe.
Made at Provence classed growth Château Rimauresq, this soft and full rosé has attractive red and citrus fruits, a hint of pepper and herbs. It's warm and ready to drink.
Already one of Italy's most iconic bottlings, this gorgeous 2010 is already a classic. Its complex and intense bouquet unfolds with ripe blackberries, violets, leather, thyme and balsamic herbs. The palate shows structure, poise and complexity, delivering rich black currants, black cherry, licorice, mint and menthol notes alongside assertive but polished tannins and vibrant energy. This wine will age and develop for decades. Drink 2018–2040.
The wine shows the power typical of a Lafite but within the context of the fruity 2011 vintage. The immensely dense tannic structure gives the wine a solid feel that is lifted by so much ripe black currant and berry fruits. At the back, the wine has a more brooding, dark character that suggests great aging potential. Drink this wine from 2019.
So smooth, this is a rich, grandiose wine. Although it is full of black currant fruits and spice flavors, the texture is most impressive. Dusty tannins are integrated with juicy fruits seamlessly. The purest fruit flavors are allied to linear tannins in a precise yet generous way. The wine is evolving beautifully, but do not drink before 2020.
It opens with an enticing fragrance of black berries, toast, Mediterranean spices and a touch of vanilla. The vibrant, youthful palate delivers a core of black cherry accented with black pepper layered with mocha, mint and tobacco notes. The racy acidity and solid but brooding tannins demonstrate that this wine still needs time to develop to its extraordinary potential. Drink 2018–2035.
Huge structure, huge potential, a wine that will bring out all the fruit and density of the vintage while remaining very fresh. Black plums are already showing strongly along with the dry core that promises aging. It's serious while alive and bright. Drink this major wine from 2022.
This is a focused, riveting expression of Red Mountain Syrah from a great vineyard. It's packed with juicy flavors of fresh raspberries, tinged with tangerine-flavored acids. Elegant and fascinating, it's a pure, fruit-driven expression of the grape, bolstered by the natural minerality of Ciel du Cheval fruit.
This barrel-fermented Chardonnay, from the oldest plantings (1972) in Washington State, displays exceptional concentration and palate weight. Apple pie, pear tart, baking spice, butter and caramel flavors abound. It's rich and packed with fruit, along with the seductive flavors that aging in new French oak can provide.
Rich aromas of late summer are here: the ripe peel of yellow pears, luscious peach and yellow Mirabelle plum plus some dried hayflower notes. There is power and depth, along with some alcoholic heat and balancing acidity—beautiful now but it will get even better. Drink until 2020.
A solidly structured wine, it is both elegant and intensely powerful. It is disclosing its fruitiness slowly, at the moment dense and concentrated. A restrained edge provides complexity and balance. It will need aging, so don't drink before 2022.
This iconic Brunello seamlessly combines power and finesse. It opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, tobacco, tilled soil and blackberries. The dense palate delivers juicy black cherry and raspberry alongside black pepper, licorice and a balsam note. It's impeccably balanced but still very young, and still showing racy acidity and assertive tannins. Give it time to soften and develop more complexity. Drink 2016–2031.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, it opens with fragrances that recall spicy black berries and Mediterranean herbs. The velvety palate delivers power and finesse along with fleshy black cherry, licorice and a graphite note. Wine Warehouse, Polaner Selections.
Lifted ripeness and candied lemon peel send their aromas heavenwards. These rounded aromas with a fetching touch of bitter fir and honey also appear on the palate where acidity is present but cushioned. Like honey parfait spiked with lemon peel, this is lovely and lingers long.
From the grandson of the inventor of Brunello, this iconic bottling opens with a classic bouquet of rose, violet, berry and spice. The vibrant palate delivers bright wild cherry, white pepper and energizing mineral notes along with impeccable balance and finesse. It's very elegant, with firm but supple tannins and still-nervous acidity. Give it time to unwind and develop complexity. Drink 2016–2038.
Demonstrating finesse and depth, it discloses a stunning fragrance of pressed rose, iris, berry, leather and truffle. The rich but elegant palate delivers creamy cherry, white pepper and licorice along with supple tannins. This wine already shows great depth but will continue to develop for years.
The tightly closed nose only gives away a little ripe red apple. Even with the fruit locked underneath the stones, the sleek power, the impression of saltiness and lime-zest purity of this wine whisper promises. These will be kept, at least if you wait until 2017. This one will last and last.
Black berry, plum, red currant and cedar aromas take center stage in this fantastic vintage of one of Italy's most iconic wines. The structured, poised palate delivers a great depth of flavors that include succulent black cherry, cracked black pepper and mocha that are energized by a flinty mineral note. Smooth and balanced with polished tannins and fresh acidity, this is already delicious but hold for complexity. Drink 2015–2030.
This wine has so many of the structural elements of a Saint-Estèphe, but also is enveloped by ripe fruitiness. Black in color and dense in character, it has sweetness from the plum juice fruits and great acidity. But it is also firm, powerfully projecting a serious potential. Drink from 2022.
There is a lightness about this vintage of Mouton Rothschild. It doesn't take away from its quality but does give the wine poise and an attractive lift. The wine is based on solid tannins, then the ripe fruit builds layers of fruitiness and freshness. It is not likely to be one of the longest-aging Moutons, but it will be delicious. Drink from 2020.
Powdery notions of white peony petals against a stony background suggest concealed aromas that need time to come to the fore. Right now the palate is tight, with buffered acidity at the core, long, lean and promising. Lime zest lurks amid suspicions of ripe peaches in a sherbety, lemony sharpness. The wine will blossom as of 2017.
Another impressive effort from the celebrated Ornellaia estate. it opens with aromas of black berries, plum, blue flower and hints of balsamic herbs. The rich palate delivers a core of fleshy black cherry accented with notes of licorice, black pepper and mocha alongside bracing but refined tannins. It's still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2031.
A spark of flint leaps out of the glass, followed by green plums and Conference pear. That stony touch also tempers the concentrated body and runs from start to pleasantly long finish, ending in a pleasantly bitter sting. Drink as of 2016.
Still shy but invitingly soft, it has a charming peachiness that cushions both the lemony acidity and the streak of stony minerality. Edges of mandarin peel and flesh add to the allure, which will increase with age. Softly-spoken but very convincing and long.
Red-cheeked apples, juicy pear and Mirabelle plums comes out to play here, tightly held by brilliant acidity. The undertone of herbal savoriness is glimpsed and will come to the fore as this ages. Drink as of 2016.
At this point subdued, this wine promises future pleasures with a ripe, rounded but precise character. Right now, it's citrus that shows, with ripe lemon zest and some grapefruit. Underneath riches of red apples, yellow peaches and apricots await. Purity and minerality are a bonus. This is a keeper; drink as of 2018.
Plump, ripe apricots play above a peppery, lemony core that bursts with juiciness and teases with salty minerality that keeps you wanting more. Delicious now, it promises lots of mileage. Drink until 2020.
This is a textural, bracing study in how to layer a Chardonnay. Green berries, apples, Asian pears, jicama, cucumber, wet stone and creamy lees flavors all combine seamlessly, placing the small percentage of wine aged in new oak in an appropriately light supporting role. Excellent length and perfect balance.
Soos Creek's value-priced Sundance Red really shines in 2010. A Bordeaux-style blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, it rivals the top-tier efforts from any number of wineries. Plum, cherry, cassis and chocolate flavors are leavened with a dash of herb. Tannins are dusty and detailed, and the wine has the stuffing to age over the next half decade or more.
This is a wonderful edition to Pearl, Sparkman's 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It's vibrant and energetic, the kind of high-wire flavors more commonly found in Sancerre. Three days after it was first tasted, the wine was still drinking beautifully, with candied mixed fruits and terrific concentration.
Pretty raspberries, red currant and a hint of iodine spark the taste buds, then darker streaks of wood smoke and black licorice kick in. There's snappy acidity and an undertone of metal and stone. Complex and captivating.
On the sweet side, this is a rich, almost honeyed wine. It has deliciously ripe fruit, lychees and fragrant lemon. Full and generous, the wine still manages to keep some good freshness. It is young, so drink from 2017.
From the Ferrington and Monument Tree Vineyards, the latter now owned by Twomey, this delicate Pinot has an aura of baked bread on the nose followed by just-ripe Bing cherry. With firm tannins and a subtle texture, it is a delight to drink and to pair. You couldn't go wrong with a pork roast swaddled in mushrooms.
This delicious Amarone offers intense aromas of plum and spice. The palate delivers ripe black cherry and raisin flavors, layered with accents of chocolate, white pepper, licorice and almond. It already has fantastic depth and should gain more complexity over the next few years.
Plum and raspberry aromas come with a spicy topping and distant notes of dried cheese and leather. This feels fresh and feminine on the palate, where dry plum and cherry flavors come with hints of vanilla, loam and cocoa. A smooth finish with tea notes is finely composed and elegant. Drink through 2019.
A perfumed wine from new wood aging, powerful extraction and dark tannins. The wine is dense and black in color, heavy on the ripe berry and plum fruits with very firm structure. With its power and youthful fruit, it will age well. Don't drink before 2018.
Goldeneye's estate-grown Pinot, much of it from Gowan Creek Vineyard, this wine is intended to be the best blend from the best barrels. Powerful, with a ripe mouthful of blueberry, it is framed well by oak, giving it a roasted quality and suggestion of forest floor.
A sure-fire crowd-pleaser, this tightly-wound Merlot comes on very Cab-like, but with red fruits more than blue or black. It opens up into a broad mid-palate, showing well-balanced nuances of olive and earth, fresh herb, pepper and licorice. Dense, textural and smoky, it's delicious now or could be cellared for another five or six years.
Big, bold and rich wine, solidly tannic, firm and ripe. Vivid black plum flavors scroll across the palate giving a full, firm, right up front feel. The wine has great texture, weight and density. It also has an impressive future, so drink from 2017.
This little gem is sourced entirely from the Klipsun Vineyard, and it's the sort of wine that will wake up the sleepiest palate. A mass of fig, honeycomb, lemon rind and pith, it has wonderful focus, balance, length and concentration.
This great Amarone has earthy aromas of tilled soil, iris, tobacco and exotic spices. The palate shows delicious raspberry and raisin flavors, with accents of nutmeg, licorice and black pepper, delivered in a fresh and restrained style.
An intoxicatingly sensual Grenache, velvety and light in cherry and strawberry fruit, smooth earth, a streak of anise and deep swirls of chocolate and caramel on the finish. The Dalton Vineyard in Calaveras County has been one to watch for in Syrah and Zinfandel; it can now add Grenache.
What stands out about Confluence most is its wealth of plush mushroom and woodsy earth accenting the otherwise rich, ripe, black cherry flavor. Powerful, it offers Anderson Valley's nuances, a dash of spice and bright acidity.
From a cool site, The Narrows is rich in ripe, dark cherry and a touch of herb, offering concentrated and intense flavors, with plenty of acidity to pair alongside a dish like roast pork tenderloin with rosemary or Quiche Lorraine.
After initial aromas of char, gritty leather, asphalt and tar fade, you get mature, herbal cherry and plum scents. This gran reserva is delivering light, racy, tangy flavors of raspberry and strawberry along with vanilla. On the finish, this is subtle, elegant and pure. Drink now through 2024.
Chris Gorman is the winemaker for this pure, old vine Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a full force gale of a wine, sappy and dense, with blackberry and cassis fruit wreathed in smoke and dark accents from aging in 100% new French oak. Young, big and bold, it remains poised and balanced, with juicy acidity keeping all the flavors in proportion.
Château de Mercuès has had its own vineyard since the 13th century. This latest vintage is a powerful wine, pure tannic and rich Malbec, structured and with huge black fruits. The wine has weight, solid tannins and an excellent potential. Drink from 2017–2018.
Roasted, gritty aromas of bacon and spicy oak are burnt on the surface. This is fleshy and full in body, with moderate acidity. Herbal, minty, lightly green berry flavors have a rooty accent and oaky makeup. Finishing flavors of mint and raw oak blend into herbal berry leftovers.
Nectarine, apricot and botrytis aromas are sound but familiar. Round, full but not quite sticky, this tastes like toffee, honey and pear, with baking spice flavors, nutmeg in particular, on the finish.
Sultry vanilla, smoke and bergamot notes thread languorously on the nose of this intensely perfumed Chardonnay. The palate is more subdued, showing zesty red apple and lemon anchored by a crisp acidic backbone. It's a touch woody now but could balance out with a few more years of bottle aging.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of cassis and strawberry. It is bright at first sip, but chalky tannins quickly make their presence known amidst flavors of black cherry, anise and juniper berry that come to a head in a pleasantly bitter apple-peel finish.
Yealands is based in the Awatere Valley, a subregion of Marlborough that offers generally cooler, later ripening than the main (Wairau) valley. This is a fresh, sappy, medium-bodied Pinot Noir, featuring notes of cherry, vanilla and herb. It should provide easy quaffing over the next few years.
Aromas of oak, mint and cola accent earthy black-fruit scents in front of a palate that's tannic and raw but firm and structured. Berry and salty, oaky flavors finish with grabby, drying tannins and peppery spice.
This golden Chardonnay is loaded with rich, oaky aromas of corn pudding, butterscotch, baked apple and wood grain. Plump and soft on the palate, this tastes of baked apple, creamed corn and buttery oak, with popcorn to the finish. Drink through 2017.
Named after the church which is next to the Brocard winery, this crisp fruity wine is lively with acidity, lemon and apple fruits and a light tangy texture. The wine becomes more ripe as it opens up showing peach and apricot flavors at the end. Drink now.
Produced from vineyards in the hills above the Côte de Nuits, this wine benefits from the ripe vintage of 2015. It has open red fruit and soft tannins that are both lifted by the acidity. Made to be drunk young, this is ready to enjoy now.
This sweet red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate that lead to flavors of dried plum, honey and black raspberry in the mouth. There is enough acidity to prevent the wine from being cloying and to allow the sweet finish to prevail.
This bottling is easy, light and crisp, starting with squeezed orange and ripe yellow apples on the nose. It's delicate on the palate, with citrus and stone-fruit flavors, just right for an afternoon sip in the sun.
Baking spice, freshly hewn wood and dark fruit aromas are followed by pitch-black-fruit flavors. The volatiles are just in check.
This wine gets a bonus for venturing into new territory, aging Cab in used Bourbon barrels. The result is far from perfect, but not as gimmicky as one might assume. Aromas of leathery blackberry, cedar, roasted pasilla chile and tons of caramel lead into flavors of cocoa, coconut and caramel on the creamy, peppery palate.
A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, this wine has qualities from both grapes. It has the bright cherry flavors of the Gamay and the rich, red-berry fruits of the Pinot Noir. They are finely integrated into this soft ripe wine that is ready to drink.
This hearty red has aromas of scorched earth, dry forest floor, French oak and grilled herb. The robust palate shows the heat of the vintage, offering raisin, toasted oak, licorice and clove alongside dusty drying tannins and modest acidity.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up most of this blend. Aromas of vanilla, spice and red and black fruit lead to soft-feeling fruit and barrel flavors that put a focus on elegance.
The name of this bottling, which included 6% Petite Sirah, implies youth, but a bit more age might be helpful for this rustic grape. Juicy and smoky aromas of ground coffee, blueberry, fudge and gravel show on the nose, while the palate presents tight raspberry, caramel and brisk oak flavors. It's interesting, though a tad thin.
The wine is soft and creamy. Made from fruit grown in the Mâcon region, it is ripe and with a good balance between citrus and melon flavors. The acidity and the attractive fruitiness have produced a wine that is ready to drink.
The Sacy is a rare variety found only in a corner of the Yonne Valley west of Chablis and in the small Loire appellation of Saint-Pourçain where it is known as Tressallier. This is a spicy wine with plenty of acidity and a crisp texture. It is fruity with green plum and a brilliant, fresh aftertaste. Drink now.
This is a fresh, fruity and apple-crisp wine that is light, buoyant with acidity and shot with citrus. It is lightly mineral, textured and with attractive crispness at the end. The Devillard family bottles this wine on behalf the estate's owners. Drink now.
Deliciously light and herbal, this smooth, creamy wine is bright, poised with black-currant fruits and ripe gooseberry flavors. Drink this wine young, for its great fruit.
Savory whiffs of nut skins, earth and sweat juxtapose sweet grapefruit and peach in this slightly rustic Riesling. Delicately textured with a lacy veil of sweetness, it's balanced briskly by a core of lime acidity. The finish is long and meandering.
Aromas of honey-glazed tangerines, lemons and limes abound on this spry, light-footed Riesling, but there's a savory element of nuts and smoke that persists from nose to finish as well. The palate is moderately sweet yet balanced keenly with acidity. The finish is brisk and clean.
Pure fruitiness holds the balance of this wine between crisp acidity and a tightly mineral texture. It comes from the producer's Bué vineyards, one of the top villages of Sancerre. The wine is crisp, made to be drunk young and fruity.
The apple and cider aromas are vibrant while the palate offers plenty of dry tart fruit flavors. It brings appeal.
Ripe, leaning to almost overripe, green and yellow-apple aromas lead to cidery flavors. Tart acidity backs it all up.
Pale pink in color, this wine offers aromas of herb, yeast, and overripe red apple. The apple-skin flavors are dry with tart acidity.
Malbec makes up 73% of this blend, with 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Dried herb and cedar give it an herbaceous character. Soft, moderate acidity provides a backbone against larger-sized tannins and a touch of bitter tobacco.
Spiced plum, truffle, new leather, coconut and oak aromas lead the nose. Taut and tightly wound, the palate offers dried cherry, tart cranberry, espresso, anise and sage notes. Give the tannins another few years to unwind then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
Small production (one barrel!) single-vineyard Pinots are challenging, as there is no wiggle room via blending. This comes out crisp and focused, with light cherry fruit and ample flavors of tea, herb and leaf.
Vanilla, baked cherry and coconut aromas lead the nose. Bright and tense, the palate offers Marasca cherry, raspberry, vanilla and clove flavors, bolstered by firm acidity and youthfully austere tannins that leave a grippy finish. It needs to unwind and soften.
Tilled soil, blue flower and Mediterranean herb aromas follow through to the young, tightly wound palate. Juicy dark-skinned berry flavor is supported by taut, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with delicate black-skinned fruit and baking spice aromas. The straightforward palate delivers black cherry jam, cooking spice and white pepper flavors, rounded with ripe tannins. Enjoy soon.
Spicy reedy cherry and red-plum aromas open this high-acid sizzler from a cool vintage. Lean as a stick in terms of build, this tastes of raspberry, red plum and dry spices. A short but juicy and tight finish is ripping with acid. Drink through 2025.
Potent oaky aromas like nutmeg, cinnamon and toasted baguette meet abundant, jammy fruit flavors in this full-bodied and smooth-textured wine. It has moderate tannins that provide nice grip and shore up the oak and fruit components for balance.
This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese opens with aromas recalling blackberry, cedar and Mediterranean herb. The savory, medium-bodied palate delivers ripe black cherry, mocha and black pepper notes with firm tanninc underpinnings. Drink through 2019.
Earthy with subtle Asian spice and forest floor scents, this wine is medium in build and generous in tannin, still untangling its limbs in the glass.
Black cherry, underbrush and tilled soil aromas lead the nose of this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The polished yet firmly tannic palate delivers dark plum, cake spice and white pepper flavors. Enjoy through 2019.
This is indicated as a reserve-level selection, but at the moment remains unfocused, and even a bit dilute. Tart fruits and tight tannins never quite fit together. The drying finish carries a hint of wet cement. Give this at least another year or two of bottle age.
Subtle plum, toast, underbrush and violet aromas slowly emerge in this Riserva. The firm palate offers black currant, sour cherry, dried sage and espresso, while taut, close-grained tannins leave an assertive finish. Drink 2018–2023.
Jammy fruit aromas and flavors and a lack of overt oak notes make this full-bodied wine easy to love. It's simply yummy in flavor, polished in texture, and has a nice, lingering ripe fruit finish.
This opens with violet, red berry and leather aromas. The savory, straightforward palate offers ripe red cherry, raspberry and clove notes, with a hint of sage and fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
The nose of this bottling from a stone-strewn vineyard in the heart of the appellation is very restrained, offering wet concrete, lime and lemon pith scents, with a touch of sweet chive. Pink grapefruit and petrol notes show on the palate, which is layered with an intriguingly sticky texture.
Stewed prune, espresso, and menthol aromas lead the nose, along with a whiff of leather. The warm, robust palate offers raisin, clove and licorice flavors, while fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink through 2019.
The nose is very shy: a mere hint of earthiness emanates. The slender palate shows very clean fruit of yellow apple residing on a slender lemony palate. This is fresh and sprightly with a dry finish. Drink soon.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate blackberry and violet aromas. The palate delivers wild cherry, cedar and star anise flavors, braced by firm tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with violet and baking spice aromas. The dense palate delivers ripe black cherry, clove and cocoa flavors, with grippy tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Australia used to make more blends like this, using the acids of Semillon to balance the ripeness of Chardonnay. In this case, they come together to offer toasty, honeyed notes backed by a strong lemony spine. It's crisp and tart on the finish at first, then relaxes rapidly with airing, so drink it over the next year or so.
A dark color and chunky aromas of black plum and animal hide set up a full tannic, rubbery palate. Herbal salty notes accent core plum and berry flavors, while this is long on the finish, with earthy notes and a sauvage hint of garrigue.
This wine is teeming with black fruit, cassis and sage. The palate is a complex and evolving accomplishment—bright black cherry and sage meld with earthy notes of cedar and tobacco, all framed by structured tannins. The finish is long and woody.
This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend opens with black-skinned fruit and incense aromas. The palate is straightforward, delivering black plum and vanilla flavors with a hint of leather. Round tannins provide laid-back support. Enjoy through 2019.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot come together to offer black currant and vanilla aromas in this dense Bolgheri red. The palate doles out ripe black plum and cedar-inflected tobacco flavors, set against fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Delicate yet beguiling, with aromas of violets, ripe pomegranates and granite, there's an Old World elegance that sets this Romanian Pinot Noir apart. The palate is concentrated, with crisp red cherry and plum flavors, but keenly balanced by brisk acidity and soft, finely-grained tannins. Structured and refined with a medium long finish.
Darcie Kent really nails this Cab out of John Madden's Ranch. Pungently bold and moody, intensely herbal with green pepper and olive, wrapped within a wall of black pepper that lingers. Pair it with pepper steak.
While it does have the structure of a Pommard, this is also a ripe, rounded wine. Its sweet red fruits surround the firm tannins offering richness. A wine that will offer sold pleasure in 3–4 years.
A beautifully perfumed wine that shows some of the structure of a Gevrey but combines this with dark rich fruits and sweet tannins. There is a smoky flavor that balances the ripe red fruits and final acidity.
An interesting blend of equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre wiith 8% Tannat, The Pepper Pot offers concentrated aromas and flavors of dark forest berries and fleshy black plums. A hint of leather and game unfolds on the finish, while medium acidity keeps the flavors fresh on the palate.
There's so much nuance and complexity in this rustic yet fascinating Croatian wine, that it takes a while to break down its components. Initial scents of dried leaves and mulch blow off to reveal an array of delicate floral and fruit aromas, accented by rich chocolate and vanilla notes. Big in both alcohol and structure, its massively tannic, but smoothes out with aeration. Decant to drink now, but could easily evolve for 5–10 years.
A brilliant gold color, this Chenin boasts wood-infused fruit notes of pear, peach pit and melon alongside accents of honeysuckle and toasted brioche. The round, slightly slick mouthfeel is elevated with a mouthwatering acidic cut to the close.
Solidly varietal flavors of strawberry and Bing cherry fruit anchor this well-made, 100% Barbera. The wine has both depth and polish, with some varietal tartness running through a medium length finish. It makes a good case for Barbera's potential in Washington state.
Blackberry aromas blend with open-grained oak to create a slightly charred bouquet. A bit acidic and edgy in feel, with a mix of herb, plum and berry flavors. Tight, juicy and a touch short on the finish, with dry, peppery spice notes. Drink now through 2014.
This 60-40 blend combines Shiraz's blackberry fruit with Cab's slightly herbal notes to make a pretty marriage. It shows enough firmness to stand up to rich, fatty meats now, or to sustain it through up to a decade of cellaring.
Dusty dark cherry and blackberry fruit dominate the nose, with secondary aromas of game, peppery spice and tobacco. The dark fruit character continues on the palate, transitioning into the finish, which is laced with hints of mocha and spice. Medium weight, with nice vibrancy in the mouth. Drink now-2015.
Pretty to sniff, with aromas of lemon, fresh white fruits and minerals. Feels crisp, chiseled and racy, with blazing acidity propelling green apple, lime, green melon and saline flavors. Long on the finish. Drink now.
Lemon verbena and green grass aromas waft from the glass, with secondary notes of grapefruit and stone fruit to round it out. Vibrant acidity brightens this medium-weight mouth, with a touch of green plum-skin flavor and soft bitterness remaining through the lively finish.
Spice and cream combine in a rounded, soft, very ripe wine. It has intense flavors of lychee and white peach with a refreshing amount of acidity. The wine is dry, but rich from the ginger and with a peppery final bite.
Forward aromas of sweet spice and baked apple lead the nose, while secondary hints of cobbler and vanilla cream follow. The palate is lush and ripe, but it's kept in check by a streak of acidity that braces up the nutty finish. Rich, balanced and accessible.
A big, warm style of Chard. The nose is soft, toasty and loaded with butter, baked apple and vanilla aromas. Feels full, round and creamy, while oak sits at the forefront of the flavor profile, with toast, apple and vanilla lurking behind. Finishes sweet and smooth. 400 cases made.
This young winery has made huge strides with its red wines, as this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates. Young, tight, tart, and expressive, it takes the cranberry and cassis components from cool-vintage, cool-climate grapes, and turns them into a complete and complex wine. High acid, with well-integrated nuances of mushroom, earth, and smoke.
Flashy notes of wood-grilled apple, brioche and apricot fill the nose. The mouth is round and the palate spicy, as flavors of ginger and cedar dominate the stone fruit.
Opens with aromas of black cherry and waves of resiny oak. Has good body and grabby barrel tannins along with a palate that deals dark berry flavor and even more oakiness. Tastes resiny and saucy on the finish; cleans up as it airs.
A fresh wine with red cherry fruits giving a bright character, the tannins soft and with attractive acidity. It is lightly textured and should be ready to drink in 1–2 years.
The easy-to-find Gnarly Head, a blend of 50% Zinfandel, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 3% Syrah, is young and ready to drink.Its fruity nose and peppery spice tmakes it a full-blown crowd pleaser ready for backyard barbecues.
Exotic and unusual for value-priced Malbec, with aromas of blueberry and Middle Eastern spice. Feels chunky yet juicy, with good acidity highlighting lightly herbal flavors of plum and tomato. Meaty, round and solid on the finish, with saucy spiciness.
Smells sort of furry and earthy initially, with notes of graphite and woodspice. Feels narrow and grabby, with pointed acididty framing red plum, cherry and lightly oaky, minty flavors. Fits the definition of good but regular Malbec.
From a well-regarded site in the Horse Heaven Hills, this pure Malbec is clean and well-proportioned, but a bit on the simple side. Plain red fruit flavors, accented with light barrel notes, quickly fade on the delicate finish.
Coconut, vanilla and dill aromas sit on top of solid berry scents to form a classic Rioja bouquet. Feels fresh and agile, with acidity that allows the wine to dance around on the palate. Tastes of red plum, raspberry, mint and spice. Seems oaky on the finish, but lively.
A little fiery and forced on the nose, but its wild berry and charred aromas it's solid. Feels full and stacked, with plum, cassis, pepper and a mild green element. Smooth in feel on the finish, but herbal tasting.
Fair Play-based Perry Creek's Cab has high toned blue and red fruit and is tamely structured for being from high-elevation vineyards. Its finish is sweetly floral.
This is a typical blend in Gaillac, combining the broad character of the Loin de l'Oeil with the crisper Sauvignon. It's a fine, ripe wine that is perfumed with white stone fruit and touches of apricot. The wine's full in the mouth although lightly textured. Drink now.
Aromas of violet, wild red berry and dark cooking spice lift out of the glass. The aromas carry over to the soft, straightforward palate accompanied by mellow but rather fleeting tannins.
Boysenberry, cracked rainbow peppercorns and dried rose petals show on the nose of this bottling, which plays to the lighter side of the grape. It's tart and brisk once sipped, with cranberry and pomegranate fruit given more complexity by a touch of wild fennel.
This slightly sweet but utterly fresh bottling shows lime zest, honey dust, ripe red apples, lemon candy and spicy jasmine on the nose. There is nearly effervescent acidity on the palate, with strong night-jasmine notes, orange blossom and lemon verbena spicing up the apple-driven fruit core.
Intriguing notes of sandalwood and cedar meet with dark red fruit and a touch of black pepper on the nose of this wine. The palate is layered with interesting touches of sage, marjoram, gravel and tar, hints of black cherry and loamy earth, and a chalky mouthfeel.
Aromas of oak, coconut, vanilla, espresso and charred earth come together on this structured wine. The aromas carry over to the full-bodied palate along with prune, raisin and a confectionary note. Bracing tannins clench the finish. Give the tannins a few more years to unfurl then drink to catch what remains of the fruit.
Fresh and forward flavors mix rhubarb, ripe strawberries and sweet Bing cherries. This vibrant wine finishes with a refreshing snap of acidity, making it a pleasure to drink.
The producer has the largest nursery of old grape varieties in southwest France and from it has plucked the Manseng Noir to blend with Merlot. The result is a rich wine with ripe Merlot red fruits that are given a more tannic character with the Manseng. There is a fresh juicy aftertaste that allows it to be drunk now.
The Arinto is a local grape as far as Lisboa is concerned, and this wine seems right at home here. Made from old vines, it is fresh, tangy and destined to be drunk young with locally-caught Atlantic Ocean fish. The wine has a pure, clean, perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
This is a clever blend with the natural ripeness of Pinot Noir in Portugal smoothing out the firmer tannins of Touriga Nacional. The result is a rich, soft wine, just lifted by acidity and anchored by a background of cherry fruits and black currant. Drink now.
The wine has plenty of fruit, the right layers of tannin. And yet it seems one-dimensional—something that can happen with Touriga Nacional. The depth and complexity found in previous vintages of this wine are missing. So you get bold black fruits and a stylish structure in a wine that is almost ready to drink.
This wine is all about fruit. It is dry and so fresh and crisp with apple and green pear flavors. There is a light prickle there that adds a dancing lightness to this refreshing wine.
Fiery and borderline herbaceous aromas are green-leaning, which is surprising considering that 2011 was a warm, dry, highly regarded vintage in Rioja. On the palate, this feels strained, with outsized acidity. Herbal, roasted wild-berry flavors come with a lot of oak and clove, while the finish is fairly tart and herbal.
An intriguing waxy character shows strongly on the nose of this bottling, with ripe lime and green-apple aromas as well. The flavors are light and delicate, with a touch of pomelo that grows with patience into more tropical yet still restrained papaya and bubblegum elements.
Lean and rich at the same time, this wine offers a brightness of citrus and pear at the entry. The midpalate becomes heavier in oak and ripe in tropical flavor.
A heavy oak character controls the nose, and with it comes aromas of sawdust, vanilla, cocoa and raspberry. This feels a bit sticky and creamy, while palpable oak returns on the palate and creates vanilla, pepper and chocolate flavors. Heat, high acidity and peppery spice work the finish on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah.
A perfect shade of medium pink, this is a standard, down-the-middle rose. Lemon, watermelon and fresh-cut cherry-tomato notes play on the nose, while the palate packs raspberry and Key-lime flavors.
Super-dark in color, this extracted wine offers a reductive note on the nose, followed by a rustic tinge of hay and brick. Intensely flavored and oaked, it finishes unexpectedly herbal and dry.
This fills the basic need for a steakhouse-ready red at a reasonable price. Cassis fruit is framed by hints of cedar, vanilla and tobacco, while the tannins are smooth to the point of creaminess. Drink now.
This wine is 86% Sangiovese with 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Puckering in black fruit and a leathery texture, it shows potential in cedar, tobacco and a hint of black tea.
Brambly in blackberry jam, this is a fairly elegant and restrained version of the variety for the area. The mountain-grown grapes provide substantial tannins and a dusty taste of wood. Coffee marks the abbreviated finish.
Warm and clean seared-apple notes greet the nose on this bottling, with white peach, apple blossom and concrete aromas. The palate is complex, with lemon-skin and herbal lemon-verbena flavors, bound together in tight acidity.
A blend of Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this offers aromas recalling red currant, blue flower, espresso and a whiff of baking spice. On the soft, accessible palate, notes of sage and toast accent a core of dried cherry. Drink through 2016.
Marcillac is a tiny appellation tucked away in the France's elevated Massif Central region. Made from the local grape Mansois (also known as Fer Servadou or Braucol in neighboring Gaillac), this wine is finely perfumed and ripe with berry fruits. With a cool, tannic structure, the wine is firm while fruity. It is not going to take long to be ready to drink, so just wait until the end of 2016.
This opens with aromas that recall toast, French oak, coffee bean and tilled soil. The palate is straightforward and a bit lean, offering notes of dried black cherry, vanilla and mocha accompanied by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2019.
Aromas of red berry, clove and star anise emerge on this lively, light-bodied red. The easygoing palate offers tart cherry, white pepper and an orange peel note alongside lithe tannins and bright acidity.
Made with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, this estate-grown wine is made in small lots and offers aromas of baked bread and red fruit from the get-go. The Cabernet shows its presence, and there's a wealth of bitter, leathery tannin offset by soft, approachable oak.
This medium-bodied, silky-textured Chardonnay offers hints of pineapple and yellow plum on the nose and palate. It's clean and refreshing on the finish, just what's wanted in this easy-to-like price range. Drink now.
Made with 80% Sangiovese, 10% Mammolo and 10% Canaiolo, this offers subdued aromas of red cherry, chopped mint and a hint white pepper. The breezy, easygoing palate shows crushed raspberry and orange zest underscored by lively acidity.
Grown along the Bay Area's Peninsula near the heart of Silicon Valley, this wine is brisk and energetic, with raspberry, pomegranate, dried ginger, sage, rose petals and lavender on the nose. Earthiness leads the slightly sour palate, with turned dirt, juniper and iron, finishing on a menthol sensation.
Smells like pineapple blended with lemon candy. Zesty in the mouth, with crisp lemon, lime, bell pepper and a touch of mineral stoniness. Long on the finish, and for a wine of this price it's delivering the max. Likable and not complicated.
Not as dark and sticky as many wines of this variety; the nose is defined by cherry and raspberry along with barnyard and animal hide. At first the palate seems sharp and acidic, but with time it settles on fuller, more creamy cherry and raspberry along with mocha. Narrow on the finish but fresh and forward.
Earth, leather and roasted berry fruit are exactly what a wine of this base grape and price should smell like. The palate is medium in intensity, with herbal flavors, dark berry fruit notes and leather. Call it basic but comfortable, with varietal correctness.
Dark in color, smoky and full of coconut and mocha aromas. However, the palate is more acidic, tight and starching than ideal. Add in peppery, herbal flavors to the black cherry, oak and high acidity and it gives off a tight, crisp personality.
Vanilla, wood shavings, charcoal and floral berry aromas come with a hint of minty green. The palate has a healthy but common grabbiness to it, with flavors of black cherry, cassis and herbs. Almost cloying on the finish, with candied notes and vanilla. A strange wine that doesn't fully come together.
Bargain hunters should like this mildly medicinal Cab because it's got raspberry and black fruit character and only minor faults, i.e. slight medicinality. Otherwise it's fruity, steady and respectable, with good body and mouthfeel.
Slightly herbal in character—not surprising given that it's 70% Cabernet Franc, an unusual variety for the Gard. Those leafy notes persist from start to finish, balanced out hints of peach and raspberry. Easy to drink.
White florals and clover add an interesting edge to this brisk Sauv Blanc, otherwise loaded with flavors of grapefruit pith and pineapple core acidity. Drink now.
Peppery notes emanate from the bouquet first, followed by more traditional notes of black plum, black currant leaf and dried fig. The mouth is loaded with more brambly fruit flavors against an easygoing structure and light tannins.
Giant and black, with extracted but pruney aromas that are sweet and raisiny. The palate is chunky, with raisin, fig and black plum flavors. Sweet but falls flat on the finish; has its good qualities but frankly it's an overripe wine.
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.
Cherry, sweet berry and citrus peel aromas come in front of a full, slightly oaky palate with sweet plum and berry flavors. There's some length to the finish and more flavors of sweet, creamy but nicely applied oak.
With short wood aging, the wine has preserved its primary attractive blackberry juice flavor. It is solid and chunky, while keeping freshness. For drinking now.
Light and tart, with high acid cranberry fruit flavors. It's clean and straightforward, though the old vines (some are 34 years old) do not deliver the complexity that might be anticipated.
Meaty, herbal aromas are a bit rooty and mossy but with time they offer up berry fruit and spice. The palate is full and plump, and also a little hard and tannic, while the flavors suggest prune and cassis. Spicy and with good feel to the finish.
The palest salmon pink color, this refreshing rosé is fresh, with red berry fruits mingling with the acidity. A perfect apéritif style.
A blend of four grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, the white Chaminé has a full feel to it. An open oily texture also preserves herbaceous crispness and a final burst of acidity.
This wine is light in body, fruity and floral in flavor and smooth on the palate. Blended from seven varietals, it has peach and jasmine aromas, very generous fruit flavors that flirt with sweetness and a lush mouthfeel.
A lean but lucid nose shows piquant floral scents. The palate on this Garnacha-Syrah is choppy and abrupt, with high acidity and rubbery tannins. Medicinal red plum and red-currant flavors finish with a rubbery grip.
Aromas of dry brush, wiry cherry and road tar open this Syrah. In the mouth, high acidity creates sheer angularity. Plum and tart black-currant flavors are staunch and rubbery on a mildly abrasive finish.
At five years old, this shows green pepper, dark fruit, tar and barrel spice scents followed by restrained fruit and barrel flavors. Its jalapeño-like notes are distracting.
Grilled vegetable, celery and camphor aromas lead the nose of this wine. The palate is raw, tight and tense, showing oak, roasted coffee bean and bitter sage flavors alongside raspy tannins.
Earthy cherry aromas are downright raw, with a touch of green grass woven in. An acidic, choppy palate follows the nose, while this Garnacha from the Sierra de Salamanca region tastes of tart red currant and cranberry. A crisp finish is fresh but abrupt.
Aromas of herbal red-berry fruits, tomato, leather and grass lead to a snappy, tight, drawn palate. Red-currant and plum-skin flavors are racy, while this Rufete, a variety rarely seen, is grabby and fairly astringent on the finish.
A heavy oak element dominates the aromas and flavors of this sweet-seeming, medium-bodied wine. It starts with toasted oak and smoked meat impressions and then gushes black-cherry and boysenberry notes on the palate.
With a reductive quality and prominent oak, this is a thick, concentrated wine built on unwavering tannins. The fruit is elusive and shy. Clove and cola eke out of an earthy element that's part rose garden, part smoke and eucalyptus.
A deliciously rich wine, this is full of ripe fruit and rich wood and spice flavors. It is generous, layering peach and pear fruitiness cut with acidity. A tangy edge gives the wine an attractive bite. Drink now.
Notes of pressed apple and tangerine peels abound in this full-bodied Chardonnay. Rounded edges and soft acidity make it approachably creamy. Drink now through 2019.
Spiced-apple aromas lead to a soft, perfumed wine that has a crisp, fruity edge. The apple and green-plum flavors give attractive acidity. Drink now.
There is power here, the weight of fruit packing white peach and currant flavors structured around a mineral core. The wine is for aging, with its strong texture, its edge of apple skins and its layered acidity.
This new Syrah from Betz is medium-bodied and displays light details of herb, olive, sage, a hint of lemon verbena, and tight red currant and berry fruit flavors. There is a pretty, finishing kiss of caramel and toasted almonds.
The 2005 continues along the established path of this rising star winery. It's big, no holds barred, rich and jammy, and just a bit warm at 14.8% alcohol. The fruit is nicely woven together, brambly and dark, and coated with clean barrel flavors of coffee and chocolate. Everything is balanced and forward, but you get the sense that this wine is holding something back for the future.
Because he blends shortly after fermentation, Matt Loso's wines attain a seamless complexity early on; it's a hallmark of the winery. This beautifully crafted Claret has no rough edges; in fact, no edges at all. It is a supple, elegant wine, loaded with fruit flavors that run from berry to cherry to plum, while the oak gently adds spice and toast.
Quite roasty-toasty, this is heavily scented with coffee and smoke. Smooth tannins surround plummy fruit, and there is enough concentration for a good, long finish. The blend includes 8% Cab Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and a splash of Merlot. Just 150 cases were made.
This is top drawer—elegant, detailed and richly varietal. The fruit is tart and tangy but not sour or thin. Mixed green fruits, apple, citrus, and a lightly toasty nose set up a wine with impressive length. The midpalate richness includes ripe melon, butterscotch and cinnamon spice. It's all barrel-fermented in neutral oak. This is a real strength of the brand.
A year or two ago when Paul Hobbs began consulting for Toso things changed for the better. This is the rare Best Buy that can swim with the big fish and give them a run for the money. Pop the cork and enjoy lusty dark aromas of Turkish tobacco and berry compote. In the mouth, there's a riot of fruit flavors to ponder followed by a smooth, lusty finish.
I can see why so many of Washington's winemakers love this young vineyard. It is already expressing the sort of subtleties that most viticulturalists would kill for. The fruit is ripe but not too sweet or jammy. It is annotated with citrus, leaf and stem, along with streaks of smoke and herb and mineral. It's all mixed together seamlessly and focused into a firm, almost muscular style with real authority.
This is 100% Riesling, and the intense, floral aromas suggest a smattering of Gewürztraminer, at least in essence if not in fact. Beeswax, lemon candy, orange blossom and other juicy citrus components swirl around the palate, making this an exceptionally complex and beguiling wine. Though labeled dry, it carries an impression of fruit sweetness, rather than the bracing minerality of some other dry Rieslings. A wine that is almost Germanic in its attack, and a truly lovely bottle.
Yeasty, fresh-baked bread aromas, followed by an impressively fresh wine full of white fruits; white currants and pink grapefruit follow on the palate. It's well rounded with a soft aftertaste and well-balanced acidity, but there's no sign of maturity yet.
Heavily toasted and loaded with black cherry and blackberry aromas, this blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Petit Verdot pushes cola, chewy plum and black-fruit flavors. The back end is all about coffee, mocha and bitter chocolate, and as a whole this wine shows Argentina in a fine light. As for the winery, Chakana almost always gets it right.
It's no surprise that excellent icewine is being made in the Niagara region of Canada, but this Vidal offering from Jackson-Triggs is a pleasure nonetheless. With its layered aromas and flavors of orange, apricot and honey lifted by crisp acidity, this is both approachable and collectible. A serious wine with a fun and flirty side. Imported by Icon Estates.
This 100-percent varietal wine is balanced and textural, with compact, spicy fruit. The barrel treatment is superb, adding cinnamon, spice and chocolate in wave after wave of lush flavor. It just keeps on coming; what a finish!
This Bordeaux blend has a surprisingly broad aspect, with very young fruit that opens up and then sits on the midpalate. It's much more open and expressive than the last few vintages. At first it seems dumbed down on the finish, but it slowly opens, and retasted on the second day it has filled out with muscle and verve.
A strong followup to the excellent 2005, Amisfield's 2006 Pinot Noir seems riper and weightier, marrying dark black cherry and plum fruit with hints of chocolate and spice cake. Finishes with soft tannins and a slightly dusty feel. Drink now–2015.
Amancaya, a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, never fails to impress. This wine is rich and controlled but also alert and upright. It is juicy and succulent, with ripe blackberry and cassis at its base. Finishes tight and long, and sports a fine structure throughout.
A generosity of baked pear is supported by sizable notions of toasted oak and tannin in this burly, rich and concentrated wine.
Made with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of bell pepper, violet and a whiff of graphite. The concentrated palate gives raspberry and black olive alongside teeth-coating tannins.
Made entirely with Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit and cooking spices. The straightforward palate shows black currant, vanilla and nutmeg alongside firm tannins. Enjoy soon.
Fermented in stainless steel, this fresh vibrant wine brings aromas of green pepper, gooseberry and citrus. The just off-dry tropical-fruit flavors are light in style but show depth, lingering on the finish.
With its hint of acidity along with the textured fruit, this is a fruity wine that is balanced between richness and crispness. It has a light tannic structure that gives the wine its shape and ability to age for a few more months before drinking. Drink from mid-2017.
Sometimes said to be the world's most southerly vineyard—it's certainly one of the most southerly vineyards—Last Chance is also fairly elevated. It's a difficult plot to ripen, and always seems a bit lean in style compared to its stablemates. The 2015 is floral and herbal on the nose, but full of bright and crispy-crunchy red fruit on the palate, finishing tart and strident.
Extremely fresh on the nose with a touch of honeysuckle and hint of passionfruit, this bottling also offers fruity lime-blossom scents. There is grip and balance to the sip, with lime skins, grass, more passionfruit and rounded honeydew-melon notes that grow riper on the palate.
Meaty aromas of beef jerky and roasted game meet with licorice, black peppercorn and black raspberry on the nose of this bottling of a rarely used grape. The palate delivers lots of pepper and quite a bit of tannic grip, though flavors aren't too deep, with gamy elements the most prevalent.
This is a smooth, well-mannered and distinctly varietal wine, richly rewarding in cola spice and earthy black tea, with a juicy finish.
Sweaty and pungent, this is an aggressively aromatic wine with ample intensity. Fresh greens and passion fruit flavors finish dry, even a bit austere, without excessive weight or ripeness. Drink now.
Aromas of cassis, chopped herb and licorice lead the nose and carry over to the medium-bodied palate along with dried cherry and espresso. Fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
Blue flower, tilled soil and dark-skinned berry aromas lead the nose along with a balsamic note. The fresh enjoyable palate offers ripe black cherry, black raspberry, crushed herb and anise alongside smooth tannins.
Rich and languid on the palate, this is an inviting approachable red blend made from roughly equal proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Baco Noir. Ripe red-cherry and plum flavors are offset by sunny cassis acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is marked by pleasant notes of savory herb. Drink now through 2021.
Lusciously rich black-cherry preserves are juxtaposed by a puckery tartness in this structurally bold Baco Noir. It's rich and velvety on the palate with lingering tones of spice, vanila and wet earth on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Despite its delicate body, there's a fleshy unctuous feel to this forward red. Bright black-cherry and plum flavors are straightforward yet pristine on the palate, edged by hints of granite and toast. Taut, medium-grained tannins mark a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2019.
Made with 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this has aromas of violet, black-skinned berry and a whiff of baking spice. The round, chewy palate offers ripe morello cherry, red currant, white pepper and a hint of game. Supple tannins and bright acidity give it an easy-drinking vibe.
Briny, vegetal aromas of asparagus and jalapeño lead to a viscous palate with blazing coastal acidity. Flavors of lime and tangerine are offset by vegetal bell pepper and asparagus notes, while this feels round, oily and smooth on a finish with good acidic cut. Drink now.
Chunky rubbery aromas of black plum form the first act. This feels big and wide, with grabby tannins. Flavors of toast, burnt oak, licorice and blackberry finish woody and with scratchy tannins.
Spice, lees and custard aromas are followed by creamy-feeling fruit flavors that taper slightly toward the finish.
Smoothness and subtlety come with a texture just rich enough to be interesting, without damping down the acidity that makes this light-bodied wine refreshing. It offers flavors of crisp green apple and a touch of pear.
Aromas of citrus and yellow stone fruit lead the way along with a whiff of pineapple. The rather lean linear palate offers tangerine, grapefruit and a hint of almond. It closes on a savory saline note.
A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese, this offers aromas of fragrant blue flower and sunbaked soil. The palate delivers ripe plum, French oak and tobacco alongside clenching tannins.
Based in the village of Beaujeu, this producer has made a dense wine that needs time for the fruits to develop. It is juicy with acidity that is beginning to show through the tannins. Give this cru wine time and drink starting from 2018.
This opens with aromas of white and yellow wild flower and yellow stone fruit. The bright palate doles out juicy yellow peach, nectarine and a hint of Mediterranean herb alongside fresh acidity.
Fragrant and enjoyable, this offers aromas of ripe berry, Mediterranean herb, pressed violet and a whiff of pine forest. On the round easygoing palate, savory notes of brown cooking spice accent a core of red cherry and black raspberry. Enjoy through 2017.
This is a remarkable value, over-delivering in terms of its varietal characteristics of cola, cinnamon, grippy tannin, black pepper, cedar and leather. Medium bodied and approachable, it's right for the table or cocktail party, able to please a range of palates.
This youthful, tannic wine needs time in the glass to unfold, benefiting from the additions of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. A reductive style shows slightly on the nose before streaks of soy, leather and tobacco provide plenty of savory elements with which to play.
Sinewy leather, tobacco and dried herb intertwine on the thick, full-bodied palate in this unfussy red that should appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes.
Octavius has always been oaky, but over the years the fruit has come into better balance, and the 2009 may be one of the most successful editions yet released. It's dense and impenetrable at first, only slowly yielding hints of plum, mocha and vanilla. The texture is rich and supple enough to make the wine approachable now, but it should evolve and improve through 2020 or beyond.
With winemakers Anselmo Mendes and Diogo Lopes, there is a good pedigree to this wine. It shows in the dark tannins, the rich fruit and the concentrated structure. The wine is rich with great power although that is mitigated by the acidity and fresh aftertaste. The wine is, of course, still young and should be drunk from 2020.
Aromas of underbrush, sunbaked earth, ripe dark-skinned berry and cake spice slowly emerge on this structured red. Made entirely with Sangiovese, the full-bodied palate delivers juicy black cherry, cinnamon, chopped mint, leather and tobacco. Velvety tannins provide structure and a polished mouth feel. Drink 2017–2022.
Intensely slatey, even smoky mineral tones distinguish Maximin Grünhäuser's Abtsberg spätlese from the Herrenberg. It shares the same sweet-tart peach and apricot fruit profile, but it's deeper, reverberating minerality gives the Absberg refined elegance. The finish is zesty and strong.
Freshness abounds in this invigorating mineral spätlese. It's judiciously sweet, showcasing delicate peach and honey flavors balanced by bracing acidity and complexities of saffron and earth. The finish undulates impressively.
Mike Sinor is taking his fans on an experimental ride through his new oceanview vineyard, here presenting a rich take on Syrah. It's lush on the nose with olallieberry and blackberry fruit as well as rich bacon fat, vanilla bean and milkchocolate notes. Concentrated black cherry thrives on the palate alongside caramel and vanilla cream.
Made from a slightly smaller percentage (81%) of estate fruit, with the intention of being approachable earlier, this wine has 19% blended in from Oakville Ranch, Knightsbridge and Young Inglewood, including 2% each of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It jumps from the glass with yeasty black and red berry, a leathery, velvety mouthfeel and a fist of black pepper. Delicious now it should also age well, intense but bright in acidity.
Intense aromas of tropical mango and melon scent this elegant, slightly cream-textured dry Riesling. Sprays of white grapefruit and lime juice brighten the midpalate, extending through a long finish marked by zesty acidity and chalky, dusty mineral tones. Drink now through 2019.
From a vineyard adjacent to the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine's wondrous nose of dense black currants, blueberries and fresh-cracked black pepper is made even more complex by black olive, gamy roasted meats and chaparral notes. Black pepper thrives on the palate in this cool-climate study, with touches of asphalt, elderberry fruit, charred meat and licorice all playing supportive roles.
Red and black licorice figure into the soul of this softly smooth and likable mountain wine. Classic in its approach, and relatively medium bodied, it's lithe and elegant in texture, with faint traces of cedar, graphite and crisp currant.
From vines that surround the castle of Mercuès that crowns a rock above the River Lot, this wine is richly structured, packed with juicy black fruits as well as a firm dry core. It's a dense wine, dark with intense tannins. It is serious as well as opulently fruity. Drink this wine from 2020.
Delicate morello cherry and tart red plums perfume this bright, lifted Pinot Noir. The palate is anchored by a crush of cranberry acidity and a rippling core of granite. It's a refined, exceptionally balanced wine edged by feather-soft tannins. Drink now through 2020.
Once past the sticker shock, enjoy this wine for its richly toasty aromas, plush tropical fruit and warm, lingering finish. It's medium to full in body, with a creamy texture and hints of vanilla. Drink now–2018.
Grippy in sizably powerful mountain tannins, this wine is at first difficult to penetrate and will benefit from further cellaring, through 2022. In the shadows lurk full-bodied hits of floral violet and earthy cedar, with a tease of beautifully bittersweet chocolate.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Syrah, this concentrated wine opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned berry, exotic spice, vanilla and French oak. The rich palate offers mature black cherry, red currant, cedar and mocha alongside fine-grained tannins. It will definitely appeal to fans of French influenced Tuscan bottlings.
A potpourri of dried sage, gunpowder, black pepper and leather provide a robust, full-bodied and brawny experience in this wine crafted from vineyards across the valley. It has black fruit flavors and a savory personality wrapped in big, sturdy tannins that should mellow in due time. Drink now through 2023.
Made entirely from estate fruit, and given time to settle in French oak puncheons, only a third of them new, this dry and complex white is easily quaffable and yet so much more. Citrus peel and dried herb complement on the nose and palate, with a lightness of being that never veers on frivolous.
Dark strawberry and red-cherry fruit shows on the nose of this bottling by the regional pioneer, leveled by scents of violets, rose petals and pencil lead. Graphite and beet juice start the sip, which evolves into black olive, dried basil and bay leaf sprinkled atop cranberry and elderberry juice.
Subtle fruit flavors mingle mountain berries, plums and cherries with enticing baking spices. There's a touch of herb, earth and tanned leather also, bringing complexity and texture into a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020.
This is a rich and luscious wine dominated by Petit Manseng, a small berry/small-yield grape from Gascony, the home of unusual grapes. It's aromatic, ripe and honeyed with ripe peach cut by the pineapple freshness. It's a gorgeous wine now but it really should be aged so drink from 2020.
Steely at first, this wine softens like butter on the palate, with a luxurious, silky feel, complemented by lemon zest and brine. Lighter in style, it never holds back on texture or flavor, making for a beautiful, food-friendly white.
Riper, and more lusciously peachy and floral than the Herrenberg, the Abtsberg Superior calibrates honeyed stone fruit flavors against a spine of tart, tangerine acidity. Light-footed and harmoniously off dry, it finishes long with spicy mineral flair. Drinks well now but should continue to improve through at least 2025.
An ample dusting of saffron and spice lends umami and depth to this light-footed spätlese. Honeyed peach and apricot flavors are concentrated and sweet, yet so impacted by acidity, the finish feels lifted and dry. It's ready to drink now but will continue to please through 2024.
From the mountains above Lake Sonoma, this rocky, robust and ultimately rewarding wine is spicy in cinnamon and clove lined in savory layers of black pepper and leather. Brambly blackberry lies in wait to untangle in the glass, adding to the overall satisfaction of this full-bodied beauty.
Baked plum, purple flower, vanilla, blackcurrant and mocha aromas unfold in the glass. The concentrated, juicy palate offers ripe, black cherry, licorice, coffee and cocoa framed in round, velvety tannins. It's already accessible and will offer fine drinking over the next several years. Drink through 2022.
This is stunningly rich in mouthfeel, texture and overall weight. Buttered, toasted nuts and creamy fruits coat the mouth. Oranges, apples and pears roll smoothly and seamlessly along the palate, with a juicy kick to the finish.
Warm-vintage characteristics of earthy berry aromas require time to come into focus. In the mouth, this Cabernet Sauvignon blend feels ripe, chunky and lush. Loamy, baked plum and cassis flavors are rich and easy, but short on the complexity that Almaviva usually offers. On the finish, this is smooth, lightly herbal and spicy. Drink through 2022.
This exuberant wine oozes with delicious black cherry and blackberry flavors, delivered on a lively texture of fine-grained tannin and fresh acidity. On subsequent sips, a light toasty, meaty flavor drifts in, adding even more complexity and interest.
Aromas steadily emerge on this bottling of mountaintop grapes, with golden apple oil, condensed honeysuckles, lemon bars and dried mango slices showing the slightest hint of tropicality. The palate is equally deep, with soft white peach sliding into sea salt, dried apples and nut oil, all culminating in a warm, lengthy browned-butter finish.
Vanilla, herb, pencil box and spice aromas are followed by sweet cherry flavors in this wine. Lightly tacky tannins provide support.
Savory, spicy, herbal berry aromas lead to a sinewy palate that's full of acidity and chop. Oaky plum flavors are woody and a bit muddled, while this wine tastes of oaky red fruits on a fiery finish.
This is an open delicious wine, full of red-cherry and red-currant fruit with a touch of minerality to add texture. Some wood aging has smoothed out the crisp fruit and added vanilla to the mix. Drink this ripe wine from 2018.
This Barbera's black cherry, blackberry and clove aromas segue to its simple palate. Supple tannins and brisk acidity lend support. Drink through 2019.
This wine offers lively citrus and moderate acidity—a simple dry expression of the variety that refreshes. Stainless-steel fermented, it's been aged in both stainless and neutral Burgundy oak, adding complexity around the seasonings of lemongrass and ginger.
One in a range of wines under the Xavier Flouret brand, this wine is made by Domaine Hamelin in Chablis. It is deliciously refreshing, with just the right edge of crispness to give it a lift. At the same time, its ripe, creamy texture blends with spiced-apple fruitiness. Drink the wine now.
This soft, ripe wine has good apricot and peach flavors alongside the crisper citrus acidity. It is spicy, fruity and ready to drink.
Beaujolais Blanc is effectively Burgundy-type Chardonnay but from the southern neighbor Beaujolais region. This wine, with its ripe and creamy texture, has the same rich character as a Mâcon wine. It is smooth and soft from a warm vintage for white wines. Drink this wine now.
The ripe fruit of this vintage is right up front in this strawberry and spice-flavored wine. With a texture that adds a touch of tannin to the fruitiness, it is smooth and round. Drink this aromatic wine from 2018.
This opens with delicate aromas of baking spice and black-skinned fruit. The simple palate offers black cherry jam, vanilla and white pepper hints while smooth tannins lend supple support. Drink through 2019.
This blend of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 20% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot is very approachable on the nose with blackberry and black-pepper aromas. The palate also offers the black fruit with a touch of purple flowers, but it is somewhat simple and weak, especially compared to this winery's other bottlings.
The wine is juicy with intense acidity. Its red-currant flavor is consistent with this acidity. Tannins are firm and will soften. The juicy aftertaste gives the wine crispness.
From vines in the vineyards behind the Côtes de Nuits, this wine is warm, smooth and ripe. It offers yellow fruits as well as rich apple and enough acidity to give a crisp edge. It's attractive and will be ready to drink from 2018.
This combination of Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon is so heavily oaked that it smells almost entirely of clove. A grabby palate delivers flavors of blueberry, blackberry and clove in front of a finish that's woody and tannic. Time will tell if the oak will subside; at this moment it's dominant.
Roasted berry and spent coffee aromas blend with leathery notes that suggest animal. This wine feels solid but rough and grabby. Savory plum and berry flavors finish with a note of baking spices.
A yellow color and yeasty aromas announce a mature wine that's still holding onto a flowery essence. A plump body is balanced by citric acidity, while this tastes of tangerine and sea brine. A citric finish is lively, but this wine needs to be drunk soon.
A touch of wood aging gives this wine richness, aided by the ripe fruit of the vintage. The wine is full with citrus, crisp apple and ripe pear. With its nervy texture and acidity, it needs to age a bit more. Drink from 2018.
A leesy, textural, racy and refreshing Riesling, this is loaded with lime, grapefruit and melon flavors. There is a streak of gin-like botanicals as well, and a rich, resonant finish.
Old vines have produced a superconcentrated and ripe wine. It has notes of toast, spice and yellow fruit as well as bright acidity. With its structure, depth of flavor and density, it should age well over 3–4 years.
The flint and sand soil of this vineyard brings out the minerally, steely character of this taut, tight wine. While it is herbaceous and flavors of pineapple and white fruit, the structure dominates. Give this impressive wine another year or two.
A rich, yeasty wine, this is a ripe expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with balanced and concentrated mineral intensity and taut lemon and grapefruit flavors. There is a strong sense of structure and texture, and the wine needs to age at least two years.
This is 96% Merlot, with just a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Firm and focused, it sports a toasty nose, with rich blackberry and cherry fruit. The oak treatment brings in generous flavors of coffee and mocha.
The Romans made it to Sancerre, hence the name of this wine. The flavors are rich, with a mineral edge to the notes of green fruits, plums and greengages and a serious citrus core. With its structure, the wine needs to age for 2–3 years.
A wine that is both fruity and almost approachable now, it is packed with the great structure of Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon. It's rich and firmly tannic, layering plums and blackberries within a dark texture. This should be aged for at least five years.
This is notable for its complexity and stylish blend of grape, berry and bramble flavors. The fruit is matched with polished tannins, streaks of iron and earth, and a citrusy highlight.
A little foxy at first, with lively, forward aromas of herbs, bramble, wild berry and black cherry. Doesn't take long in the glass to show its qualities, which include structure and plenty of fruit, herbs, pepper and dry spice on the palate. A voluminous, interesting Garnacha to slot into the everyday category.
The 2008 vintage produced some truly outstanding red wines in Washington, if your palate runs to higher acid, bright fruit styles. This is a perfect example; it's loaded with raspberries, strawberries and pretty berry fruit aromas. The acids prop it up perfectly; it's front loaded but has the balance and tightness to cellar for a few years. But really—drink it young.
Here's a dry, crisp, apple-and-citrus Verdejo that's stony and good from head to toe. In the mouth, it's wet, juicy and biting, while the flavors of green fruits, lemon, celery, fresh lettuce and sweet bell pepper are tangy and fresh. Quite nice for a 100,000-case, $10 quaffer.
A Washington Pinot Gris that has some of the flesh and texture of a fine Oregon version, yet brings the spice and verve of bright Washington fruit into play. Pear, apple, acacia, orange candy, even a bit of pineapple combine into a fruity and delicious wine. All stainless, no malolactic.
Gold in color, then oaky and resiny, with a strong barrel element, honey and baked fruit on the nose. Full, sticky and catchy in the mouth, with resin, toast and baked apple and peach flavors. A unique style of mature, barrel-aged Viura. Not for everyone.
Light, fresh and silky—just what might be expected from cool-climate Pinot Noir. A pleasant earthiness underscores prettily interwoven strands of herbs and cherries. It's exciting to see the burgeoning quality of the wines coming out of Tasmania.
Aromas of red licorice candy and raspberry are fruity, forward and clean. The palate is more than competent and balanced, with creamy strawberry and raspberry flavors. The finish is short but easy, and for the price that's all you can ask for.
A good value in easy-to-drink Cabernet, McWilliam's 2008 is plummy and chocolaty, with soft tannins and a velvety finish. A bit simple perhaps, but definitely satisfying. Drink now.
A big burly Syrah from this Temecula producer whose goal it is to become the premier winery of Southern California, the wine is loaded with plummy black fruit and a peppery mouthfeel, its oakiness derived from the almost three years it spent barrel-aging in new French oak. Not for the meek at 15.6% alcohol, it finishes a tad sweet.
Floral, fresh and just big enough to make it worth a go. There's a bit of everything to this nice-priced Cab, including leafiness, red fruit, toast, chocolate and cassis. There's also a bit of heat and burn to the finish, but with food that won't be noticeable.
This will now be a regular offering from Patit Creek. It has black cherry fruit, laced with iron filings and light streaks of tobacco and coffee. The high pH and low acidity adds some chalkiness to the finish, and suggests that this is best drunk up in the near term.
This 100% Sangiovese has interesting aromatics, with a pine ester high note over the light strawberry-scented fruit. There is an earthy underpinning; overall a pleasant quaffer with a bit more heft than the winery's other reds.
Eight vineyards and six grapes go into this table red; in some vintages this hits the mark, as it does here. It has just enough flesh to plump out the blackberry and black cherry fruit; and the tannins are polished, with hints of licorice and coffee.
Starts off tighter and less giving than the regular Mort's Block, only gradually displaying its greater potential longevity. Offers crushed stone and lime notes, medium body and a clean green apple and citrus finish right now, but expect it to develop petrol, honey and toast notes within the next several years; drink now–2017.
Light pink/gold in color, this is an exotic ripe wine with melon and tropical fruit flavors underlined by toast. It is big, rich and mouthfilling.
This full-bodied blend of grapes from a wide assortment of top vineyards shows fine acidity, a good phenolic frame of citrus rind, and core flavors of lemon and grapefruit, green apple and white peach. There's a seam of butterscotch also, from aging in one-third new French Burgundian oak barrels.
Layered and complex, this is a stunning, well-balanced white that offers attractive aromas of yellow apple, fig, gardenia, guava and clementine. The medium-weight palate boasts toasty accents that carry through the long finish, along with flavors of wood-grilled apple and sweet spice. Elegant and refined, this should continue to evolve through 2018.
A delicate, floral white, this offers immediate aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle that accent the white melon and apple fruit tones. The linear palate is well cut with laser-like precision through the green plum and apple flavors, followed by a kiss of toast on finish.
This Bordeaux-style blend is oaky at first, with aromas of vanilla, caramel and mocha that slowly mellow and marry with the berry compote, fig and black plum core. The lush, mouthfilling palate has a texture like crushed velvet: rich, seductive and fruity, but with some tannic edge. Nuances of mocha and anise grace the long finish. Drink now–2018.
From the firm whose iconic founder was the first to vinify and bottle 100% Grillo, this structured wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak barrels of varying size. It delivers intense sensations of lemon drop, apricot, honey and mineral and will develop more complexity over the next few years; drink now–2018.
This estate wine has rich fruits that are totally balanced with the acidity and the ripe red fruit flavors. A crisp texture offers acidity and a full body. It will be even better by the end of 2014.
This is a carefully made, almost calculated wine that showcases controlled herbaceousness around tight, crisp black fruits. The mix evokes earth, herb, barrel and grape.
A flood of delicious, sweet/sour floral and citrus flavors sweeps across the palate, a lush compound of satsuma orange and highlights of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and apricot. It's a tart and vivid wine, with lovely concentration and no rough edges.
Ripe and forward, this attractive and well-balanced wine is delicious now but also shows the stuffing to evolve over the next few years. Complex yet focused, notes of apple, yellow melon, citrus zest, toasted brioche and beeswax mix harmoniously, ending with a long and evolving finish that transitions from bright fruit to lush oak and finally subtle sweet spice.
Still quite compact with youthful tension and energy, this will reward your patience. Dense flavors of raspberry, boysenberry and cassis are streaked with espresso and dark chocolate. The length is impressive.
Now a strong focus for the Tranche estate, this is inky purple/black in the glass, almost impenetrable, and lushly aromatic with dried berries, plums and cherries. A generous vein of vanilla and tobacco—from 28 months in French oak—leads into chewy, ripe tannins.
This Syrah is big, rubbery and heavily charred on the nose, with iodine and minerally notes kicking in. The palate is deep but not too heavy, with juicy acidity. Flavors of plum, berry, chocolate and spice finish toasty, with licorice and espresso notes. Drink now through 2018.
Sestina celebrates old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Red Willow and Bacchus vineyards. The initial punch and power gives way to a wine with sharp acidity and somewhat constrained, leafy fruit flavors. For those who crave old-vine complexity and embrace the herbal side of Cabernet, this wine will be a revelation. Tight and focused, it responds well to several hours of decanting.
The floral spray and sweet nectar of fresh yellow cherries persist from start to finish on this penetrating semi-sweet wine. It's rich and ripe with stone fruit flavors, but balanced with tart lime acidity and steely, honed minerality.
This four-grape, Bordeaux-style blend offers firm, concentrated plum and cassis fruit, stiff tannins and a touch of iron and graphite. It saw 45% new French oak—pretty impressive for a $25 red.
Wölffer's dusty pink Grandioso has a saline minerality on the nose, accenting whiffs of raspberry and peach. As with the producer's standard-bottle rosé, the palate is crisp with acidity, but more intensely concentrated with juicy white peach and yellow cherry flavors. The elegant finish carries a touch of cherry blossom perfume.
This Red Mountain cuvée falls nicely between the winery's Columbia Valley and single-vineyard offerings. Raspberry and cassis fruit, young and compact, is underscored with chalky minerality and suggestions of dried herbs. The tannins are ripe and astringent. This is a spot-on steak wine.
One of the two luxury wines from Château d'Esclans, Les Clans is rich, wood-aged and full of ripe and rounded fruit flavors. With the extra year of aging, it has lost some initial freshness but has gained complexity and structure. The wine is full-bodied while remaining very stylish. Drink now.
This ripe wine has jammy red fruit flavors. The fruitiness is given structure by the stalky tannins and the dry, wood-aging flavors. Black cherries and juicy black currants show strongly. It needs to age, so drink from 2016.
The wine feels rich, dense and packed with ripe fruitiness. Delicious, refreshing acidity gives these red fruits a lift and crispness. This is a serious wine, demanding food.
Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors.
This Taurasi, made from Southern Italy's noble Aglianico grape, unfolds with earthy aromas of tilled soil, black fruit and flint. The palate delivers a core of tight black cherry, tobacco, white pepper and smoke notes along with big velvety tannins.
Ripe berry, cassis and grilled meat aromas presage a fresh, zesty palate with free-flowing acidity that pumps up cherry, red plum, cassis and loamy earth flavors. It stays fruity, stout and smooth on the finish. The wine is ripe and fully representative of Mendoza and winemaker Alejandro's Vigil's style.
Toasty peach and guava notes unfold on the bouquet, followed by secondary hints of orange essence, woody spice, peach pit and honeycomb. Round and smooth, this shows a certain decadence on the palate. Lush tropical and melon notes are spiced by touches of vanilla and sweet spice but finish clean and mouthwatering. Drink now–2016.
Made from a blend of 62% Grenache and 38% Syrah, this is a classically dry, refreshingly crisp rosé, pink-salmon in color that's intense yet soft, crafted in a Provence style. The grapes come from Rutherford, Atlas Peak and Sonoma County's Kick Ranch, tasting of fresh raspberry and spring flowers, a bite of wet stone on the finish.
Made with organically farmed fruit, this wine opens with an enticing fragrance of white flower and stone fruit. The savory palate delivers juicy white peach, saline and mineral sensations alongside bright acidity.
Viognier is half the blend, with the rest Roussanne and Riesling, yielding a delightfully aromatic, lightly honeyed wine, with a lush array of ripe fruits. Apricot, papaya, pineapple and banana are all here, with supporting acidity. Overall, this is one of the most delicious and unique white wines in Washington.
A perfumed, aromatic wine, dry yet full of fresh, fragrant white fruit flavors. A steely edge is followed by hints of currants and a complex, still-youthful texture. Drink from 2015.
Rich and thickly textured, this wine features intense botrytis aromas of dried apricots, backing them up with flavors of honey and orange marmalade. Long and intensely sugary on the finish, with enough sugar to genuinely stand up to desserts. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Sweet and bracingly tart at the same time, with racy acidity framing sweet orange and lime flavors. Flourishes of bergamot and cinnamon add complexity on the nose and reprise on the long finish.
Made from an early picking of botrytized grapes from the Bernkasteler Lay vineyard, this is a sweet, plump wine, filled to the brim with lush tropical fruit flavors. The aromas show remarkably pure pear and pineapple scents, with just a touch of dried apricots but also a sense of slate-driven minerality. With 300 cases imported, it should prove relatively easy to find.
Sweet and slightly viscous in texture, this wine lacks some aromatic flourishes, sacrificing complexity for purity of its pineapple, apple and citrus flavors. Yet because of its balanced, crisp acidity, the wine still sings, finishing long and mouthwatering. Drink now–2030.
Ultra concentrated and sticky, with unctuous but wholesome raisin aromas taken to a level that's almost heavenly. In the mouth, the maple, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors are lusty and satisfying, and the finish never ends. This is P.X. in awesome form.
Restraint and yeastiness mingle with the zesty lemon peel nose. The palate is concentrated and still has some spritz with a featherweight body.
This vibrant Pinot Grigio opens with aromas of white flowers and white tree fruit. The round palate offers mature pear and green apple alongside bright acidity but the structure doesn't fully support the evident alcohol.
Funky flowers and dandelion fringe the citrus core of this rounded but precise Riesling. They hint at a ripe core of stone fruit that vies for attention with zesty acidity.
Anderson Valley has always been a hospitable home to Pinot Gris and this 100% tank-fermented, no-malolactic-fermentation beauty is fragrant in orange blossom and honeysuckle, a tangible streak of wet stone zipping throughout. Steely, it settles into apricot and guava before ending with another bite of acidity. A perfect sipping wine, it's also ready for oysters.
A whiff of orange blossoms accents bright Meyer lemon and quince flavors on this zesty, invigorating wine. Off-dry in style, it's unabashedly fruity yet wraps up elegantly with a murmur of lime-skin astringency.
Very little of this reserve was produced in 2011. A blend from five vineyards, it spent 10 months in 43% new oak. Firm and a bit steely, it has tight dark fruits anchored in a streak of earth and iron. Give it a few more years in the bottle, or decant if drinking it soon.
Bright in cherry and cranberry, this classically styled Nebbiolo is light red in color and buoyant in acidity. A sanguine back layer brings the earthier elements of the wine to life. With not much Nebbiolo to try in California, this one is worth a taste to savor the possibilities.
Green pear peel and flesh dominate nose and palate and make for a fruit-driven, slender but concentrated white. The melting texture is an added bonus.
This is a toasty, tasty, forward and easy-drinking Pinot Noir. Flavors of black cherry soda, cola and light toast are front and center, and the finish comes on clean and refreshing.
This value-priced blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache offers heady upfront aromas of muddled blackberry and boysenberry that are infused with notes of raspberry sauce and mocha. Black fruit flavors continue to shine on the medium-weight palate, which boasts a supple texture, approachable tannins and a peppery spice on the finish.
Tight and tart, this is packed with concentrated, high-acid flavors of cranberry and raspberry. The wine is young and fresh, with both grip and depth, and should age nicely through 2019–2021.
A crowd-pleasing Chardonnay aromatically suggestive of candied fruit and dried apricot, it offers a healthy dose of minerality amidst a well-composed structure. Striking the right balance between fleshy and firm, it'll go well with just about anything.
It leads with classic varietal aromas of stone fruit, crushed tomato vine and dried hay. The round palate delivers white peach, cantaloupe, and tropical fruit edged with notes of sage and mineral. Pair this with dishes based on asparagus.
Primary notes of green pear dominate the nose. The palate is tight with grapefruit zestiness, while some ripe yellow pear in the background provides measure and balance.
Prickly aromas of nettle and minerally lime are reflections of the coastal climate that influences this citrusy SB. Flavors of orange peel, white grapefruit and passion fruit turn more pithy and pyrazinic on the finish, which keeps its juicy ripeness without turning green.
Whiffs of lemon and lime are subtly aromatic on this dry, full-bodied wine. The palate is bright and fresh with pear and apple flavors, but elevated by a penetrating sheen of minerality that lingers through the finish.
Fresh pear peel and citrus shimmer on the nose. The palate delivers zesty freshness, gentle texture with a little spritz and enticing arugula and white pepper spice in a rounded body.
Delicately floral in aroma, this soft, earthy Pinot offers blue and red berry fruit that are layered and generous on the finish. Food-friendly, it has the heft to stand up to bigger, bolder flavors on the plate or suffice as a sipping wine on its own.
This is a serious red wine, from its opaque, inky color to the dark cherry, freshly turned dirt and crushed herb aromas. The extra-long finish is preceded by a smooth mouthfeel with expertly integrated tannins. However, the black fruits are not quite as dazzling on the palate as the scents are on the nose.
Subdued aromas suggest stone fruit, citrus and thyme. The palate offers yellow peach, tomato vine and medicinal herbs alongside crisp acidity. It ends on a slightly bitter, nutty note.
Freshly cut lemon and an earthy dimension make for an interesting nose. They lead to a poised, lemony-pure palate with an almost gentle touch, despite all the lemony freshness. Intriguing in its concentrated lightness.
Streaks of wax and lanolin meld into tart pineapple and white peach notes in this dry, elegantly mineral Pinot Gris. The palate balances juicy, fresh fruit with a steely, focused acidity that's refreshing and invigorating.
While fairly neutral on the nose with subtle aromas of apple and lemon, this off-dry Riesling is lush and fruity on the palate with flavors of white grapefruit and quince jelly. It's straightforward, but finishes elegantly with a reverberating tea-leaf astringency.
Named after the Pombal, or dovecote at Vesúvio, this is a soft, ready-to-drink wine. It has attractive acidity and black currant flavors. Layers of tannins offer support while not suggesting any long-term aging. Drink from 2015.
There are certainly plenty of tannins here, but they are balanced by rich fruit, strawberry juice flavors and freshness. Structured ripeness is the hallmark here.
A big, warm, baked wine made from Merlot, Garnacha, Syrah and Cab Sauvignon. It has baked aromas in front of a full, balanced palate that hits with dark fruit, molasses and warmth. Does a good job of blending ripe black fruit and chocolate with proper tannins and acidity. Drink now.
Bonterra continues to make great wines at affordable prices, all from organically grown grapes. With blueberry pie and clove predominating, the wine is tannic, super-structured, with a spicy finish. A good deal for sure.
This 77% Petite Sirah has 23% Syrah blended into it, the result entirely satisfying with a rich full nose of dark berries and chocolate and spicy plum, the tannins a touch dusty in taste. This wine would be delicious with a meaty pizza or lasagna layered with meat and cheese.
Seems already mature, with truffle and mushroom notes creeping in among the apricot and orange marmalade fruit. Soft and lush, with just enough tannin and spice in support for near-term drinking.
Rich with fleshy black plum and cherry flavors, Wölffer's Cassango meshes deeply concentrated fruit with swathes of smoke, violets and darkly toasted oak. Bright, brisk acidity carries a long finish marked by a coating of soft, powdery tannins.
Domaine de Roure is the top Crozes-Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and the 2008 is structured and tight, with wood-derived notes of scorched marshmallow and toast layered atop citrusy fruit. Turns a bit drying and woody on the finish, so drink now, or hold for 5–6 years and hope it integrates over time.
Not a supercharged heavyweight even at 15% abv, instead this is an elegant, complex rendition of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that's ready to drink now–2015. From its aromas of leather and dried flowers to the meaty, complex flavors and coffee and black olives on the finish, it deliver easy-drinking charm.
Impressive for a $12 Old Vine Zin, this wine is spicy and full of pepper, much more savory than sweet with plenty of texture midpalate and decent length. Definitely full-bodied, it'll stand up to a plethora of rich foods and even age another couple of years.
Not as impressive as the 2007, Tardieu-Laurent's 2008 Côte Rôtie is still a very good wine, boasting notes of espresso and black olive tinged with oaky notes of cedar and cinnamon. Finishes with tart fruit and soft tannins; drink now–2015.
A rich, full Petite Sirah with a taste of cola and spice followed by ripe raspberry and blackberry. A very yummy version of the variety from one of Livemore's most promising vineyards.
After an initial blast of earth and lettuce, this Cabernet finds some of its fruity essence. But still, it has persistent green notes that interfere with the wine's candied black fruit component. Finishes tannic and slightly clampy, with decent length and a mix of cassis, cherry and herbs. Classic Old World Cabernet from the Penedès.
Lots of color but quiet and shy, with only minimal expressiveness throughout. The palate offers just one level of baked-fruit flavors, but no variance or complexity. And in the end it's clean and solid, but more amorphous and monotone than you'd hope for given the price. 70% Monastrell and 30% Cab Franc is the blend; 160 cases made.
A wine with faults and a few positives. On the nose, it's roasted almost to the point of being overdone. It smells like baked fruit, roasted peanuts and tire tread. Doesn't sound great, does it? But in the mouth its more true and recognizable; flavors of tomato leaf, dried red fruit, vanilla and dill are known entities, while the finish is long and draped with even more dill weed. Drink now. This is not one to save.
Luscious aromas of lemon, sweet orange and honey are followed by a burst of honey, orange and spice in this indulgent dessert wine. A choice for fans of unctuous, sweet styles, the wine can be paired with cheeses, fresh fruit or sipped alone.
Aromas of apricot, honey and vanilla give this dessert wine a luscious start. On the palate, balanced, creamy flavors of citrus, fruit and honey linger. Full but not cloying, the wine will pair well with creamy cheeses.
Dusty and dry smelling, with apple and lettuce on the nose. Flavors of green apple are glazed with spice and cinnamon, while the finish leans on papaya and pretty good mouthfeel and texture. Very basic but solid. Drink now.
A lively, juicy wine, with pepper, cinnamon and green herbs. The fruits are red berry and rhubarb, giving a wine that is both fruity and edged with rawness. The acidity is prominent, layering over the dry tannin core.
Floral, crisp, this wine hints at spice, showing green and yellow fruit acidity, cut grass aromas, and dried apricot sweetness. It is relatively full, but this doesn't detract from the apéritif-like freshness.
An earthy, traditional tasting wine, expressing the dark schist terroir of the Douro. The structure is taut, dry, tannic, but it leaves room for a wine that has some volatility and blackberry juice flavors.
A nose of creamy toast and spice leads this round, smooth Chardonnay. Full and weighty on the palate with a pert, spicy spin, the wine is dependable and serious.
Soft, full-bodied wine. It has an oily, smooth sheen, with the flavors of pear and apricot just leavened by acidity. This is certainly a warm-climate white, designed for food rather than apéritif.
Dark and crusty on the nose, with cola, raisin and foresty dampness. The palate has wintergreen along with solid black cherry flavors, while accents of pepper and licorice give it a dark side. Finishes a bit grating and tannic, with espresso-like bitterness. Overall it's a good but not overwhelming wine from the hidden Valencia D.O. 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
This medium-bodied Shiraz is sturdily built without being too hard or too fat. Sure, it's a bit simple, relying on black cherry and plum fruit with modest hints of chocolate and spice, but there's plenty of intensity for the price.
A little gaseous and funky on the nose, but that's common for inexpensive Garnacha. Once it unfolds, it deals saturated, chunky black-fruit flavors, a jammy mouthfeel and fatness on the finish. It isn't all that structured, but it doesn't lack for size. Maybe a touch green at its core, but given the price that's not a major fault.
Quite ripe on the nose, such that raisin and sweetness are front and center. Saturated in the mouth, but as a whole it's a bit flabby and, for the most part, it's neither here nor there. Flavors of plum and berry tilt to the dark side, while the finish is short but inoffensive.
Hard to say who this wine is made for; must be the old schooler who likes lightness and elegance. Starts with gritty, rooty, mature aromas of tobacco and leaves, with red fruit scents mixed in. The palate is light but right, with elegant cherry and raspberry flavors that are not dark or heavy. Fades with vanilla and tobacco notes. Drink right away.
In comparison with the 2008 Cabernet, this is the bigger wine, less sleek, more chewy. As it opens in the glass, the aromas display incense scents, and there is assertive, blocky, chewy fruit––especially black cherry. The tannins are also bigger, blockier, more substantial than the Cabernet. With hours of breathing time, exotic spices (saffron and more) emerge.
Gilles Nicault, who oversees the Long Shadows portfolio, makes this pure Cabernet. If this had a Napa Valley label on it, it could sell for three times the price. The structure is full and fleshy, but with the vividly bright fruit that screams Washington State. Juicy acidity underscores the berries, cherries and plums; the generously applied new oak adds texture and layers of caramel, coconut and chocolate. A bottle that belongs with Washington's (and California's) best.
Very opulent, very rich, this is a complex, structured wine packed with fruit and brooding tannins. It is already rich, and will develop into a beautifully intense, concentrated and generous wine.
A sumptuous wine, rich in bright red fruits, with a structure and depth of flavor to match. The wine is gorgeously ripe, opening its heart quickly. Acidity, bitter chocolate and dark cherries go with the tannic core to promise long aging.
Seductive and complex, the inviting aromas mix incense, blueberries, cassis, licorice and threads of herb and graphite. Flavors are wrapped tightly and unfold gracefully through a long finish. The herbal side of Cabernet is noted without being intrusive. Classic, deep and expressive.
A structured wine, with great density of fruit, richness of  texture and at the same time acidity. Its black fruit and red berry flavors are pure and very linear while also giving the wine a full-bodied character.
The grandest of all white Burgundy vineyards, Montrachet has produced a powerful, great wine, with impressive ripe, dense fruit. There is still elegance, a sense of proportion, but the opulence of the Chardonnay here is impossible to resist.
A powerful, classic Chambertin, intensely structured and tannic. The sweet black fruit is potentially enormous, still finding its place among the tannins. Spice, with a mineral streak, gives the wine added complexity. Very dense in texture, this will age 10 years and many more.
A very rich wine, showing all the opulence of 2009. Black plums, damsons and wood flavors are already combined and integrated. The acidity in all this richness and power seems low, leaving the tannins to support aging.
This is the first wine to be blended each year, though it is not labeled a reserve. The new vintage has amazing depth, running down through a litany of red and black fruits, into veins of earth and tannin and graphite, and finishing with densely textured barrel notes of toast, coffee and bitter chocolate. Beautifully proportioned, deep and cellarworthy.
From Trentino in northern Italy, this Riesling has delicate aromas of acacia flower, honey and pear. The lean palate shows hints of beeswax, honey and tropical fruit flavors that finish abruptly.
Tasting of lemonade, this Lodi Chardonnay veers sour in uneven layers, finishing in toasty vanilla oak. A perfect wine for casual get togethers.
Gréine is a blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, with a splash of Viognier. Earthy and herbal, it shows little sign of ripe fruit, and whiffs of pickle barrel come through some jarring flavors of vanilla. Perhaps more bottle time will help to knit this wine together.
Hints of vinyl or nail polish, chocolate and raisin distract a bit from the otherwise pleasant cherry-berry fruit. It's round in the mouth, with soft tannins, so drink it over the near term.
This is ripe, full in the mouth and rich. It has intense strawberry fruits, a touch of sweetness and fragrant, fresh acidity. It's a wine to drink now.
Herbal red plum and raspberry aromas are jammy yet fresh. This feels a bit scratchy up front, then creamy on the back palate. Flavors of lactic plum and cherry emphasize oak, while the finish is bright but slightly abrasive in feel.
Dark in color, with smoky aromas of clove and toasted blackberry, this Malbec is saturated on the palate, with a grapy texture. Flavors of charred oak, burnt toast and blackberry finish peppery and stout, with a stewy aftertaste.
Distant aromas of melon, lemon and apricot are subtle and fail to stir the pot. This feels weighty, with pithy flavors of peach, papaya and melon. On the finish, flavors of white pepper and bitterness take over.
Nutty, oaky aromas along with a gold-brown maderized color indicate a wine past its prime. In the mouth, there's not much fruit left but there is a whole lot of weight and resiny oak. Lead flavors of almond and walnut oil suggest Sherry more than Chardonnay.
This barrel-fermented rosé lives with the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. It's woody and smells and tastes like sawdust. Amid all the barrel influence, there's a round, smooth mouthfeel and food-friendly acidity. The finish turns more resiny and creamy the longer it lingers.
Spice and dusty fruit aromas are equalized by saucy, funky, leafy notes. This is full in the mouth, with flavors of brown sugar, baking spices and baked cherry. This finishes with mild spice and oak flavors.
A bulky, full-fruited nose is creamy and floral in character. The palate is heavy, thick and sticky, with flavors of molasses and ripe black fruits. Pepper, mint and chocolate flavors vie with big tannins on the finish.
Aromas of blueberry and boysenberry are active and come with a whiff of animal fur. This feels chunky but not to the point of collapsing on itself. Flavors of plum, blackberry and juniper finish with clove notes and mild bitterness.
Light in color and style, this wine seems more similar to a Pinot Noir than a Merlot. There's no apparent oak influence to interfere with the notes of ash, red currant, saline and bell pepper that are supported by a light grip of tannins.
More than three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the balance is Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with just pinches of Sangiovese (2%) and Zinfandel (1%), it plays on the savory and green end of the Cabernet spectrum, with notes of green olive and dried herbs along with cherry and chocolate and a tingly, gritty feel.
This joint venture between the Laughton (Jasper Hill) and Chapoutier families continues to impress. The 2010 is firmly built, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit notes supported by hints of mint and chocolate. The finish is long and dusty, tinged with mocha. It's approachable now, but should age well through 2020, at least.
Intriguing aromas of boysenberry and blueberry come with smoky notes of hickory and aged cheese. This is showing a firm grip on the palate along with ripe, intense flavors of black fruits and prune. On the finish, it's tannic and loaded with licorice and toasty accents. Drink through 2019.
Savory and straightforward, it boasts a pretty fragrance of crushed violets, mint and eucalyptus. The vibrant palate doles out crushed red cherry accented with notes of sage, thyme and mocha alongside supple tannins. It's a great introduction to the vintage and is already enjoyable. Drink through 2025.
Sourced entirely from Tasmania, the 2011 Yattarna shows a richer style than some other recent vintages while still retaining exceptional freshness and length. Roasted nuts and grilled citrus dominate, and the palate is plump and silky in texture. Drink now–2020. Ten cases imported.
This is barrel-fermented in one-third new French oak. The fruit is perfectly ripe, clean and expansive, running from apple into light tropical flavors. There are light hints of honey and caramel, but, as usual, the fruit is front and center, and the barrels play a supporting role. Previous vintages of this wine have proven to be ageworthy, with a prime drinking window from 2020–2022.
Big and bold, this emphasizes flavor impact. Attractively deep in hue, it stays ruby-colored and fresh-looking at the rim. An oak influence shows in the vivid vanilla and light maple syrup aromas and carries over to the flavors that show a vein of ripe berry fruit, too. Full bodied and velvety in texture, it has ample tannins that help carry flavors to the finish.
This offers a hint of honey in the nose, then moves into a fresh palate loaded with a full range of yellow fruits. The acidity is spot on, and a suggestion of wet cement adds a hint of mineral to the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2024.
The Hatcher delivers excellent value. Concentrated black cherry fruit runs on through a delicious, cherry cola finish. It's dusted with cinnamon and sassafras, and built for cellaring through 2024.
Lemony oak, tobacco, sandalwood and berry fruit aromas come together in fine form. This is a full, heavily oaked wine with big tannins and plenty of ripeness and power. Baked black-fruit flavors are propped up by spicy oak, pepper and herb notes, while the finish is spicy, woody, dry and long. Drink through 2018.
This substantive Pinot shows definite toasted oak character along with ripe fruit, full body and firm tannins. Hints of oak smoke and caramel waft over the ripe plum aromas. The flavors go to dark cherries and coffee, the texture is attractively astringent from tannins, and the finish carries a little bite. Well done but not overdone.
Rich but subtle, this medium-bodied wine is not overtly fruity or oaky, but blends complex nuances in an attractive and compelling way. The term “battonage” refers to stirring the lees while the wine ages in barrels or tanks, which can enhance the creamy texture. It smells like vanilla and nutmeg, and tastes creamy and buttery backed by ripe apple and a touch of lemon. It feels rich in texture, elegant rather than bold.
Red fruit, sucking candy and milk chocolate cover the bouquet, but the palate is sharp and raw, with spiky, semisour raspberry and cherry flavors. There isn't much to this wine. It's sharp, edgy, elastic and lean. On the plus side, it's clean.
A little strange and unusual on the nose, with a mix of grass, citrus and corn-like aromas. The palate is wayward and slightly citrusy, with a hint of grapefruit and also some vegetal flavors. Pretty good mouthfeel and acidity keep it afloat, but overall it's not going to win over too many fans.
This is the first varietal Xarello we've seen from Sumarroca and doesn't have us begging for more. The nose is neutral except for some petrol, while the palate is citric and tastes like you might expect: like orange juice. Tart and puckery on the finish. A novelty not worth your time.
Hot and poorly structured, with o.k. cherry cola aromas but very little on the palate. Tastes tart and of sour plums, with a short, starchy, tannic finish. Raw stuff that's not that good in the scheme of things.
Jindalee's 2007 is a medium-bodied Shiraz with slightly candied fruit and a sensation of sweetness on the short, soft finish.
Thickly textured and sweet, with simple fruity flavors of cherries, strawberries and watermelon.
Boysenberry, black pepper, hot gravel and beef char show plenty of the 60% Syrah influence. The 40% Cabernet Sauvignon comes through more on the palate, where tart blueberries and violets shine, along with asphalt notes. It finishes with tart acidity.
Made with 95% Malvasia delle Lipari and 5% Corino Nero grapes that are sun dried on reed mats, this opens with aromas of dried fruit, Spanish broom, oregano and Mediterranean brush. The palate delivers toast, golden raisin, dried apricot and a hint of chestnut honey.
Crisp, clean and fresh, this showcases yellow apple lightly dusted with cinnamon. Nicely balanced and immaculately rendered, it's perfect for those occasions when Chardonnay is just a bit too heavy.
Dusty peach and nectarine aromas are subtle and draw you toward a balanced palate with modest weight and natural-feeling acidity. Peach, melon and quince flavors finish firm and elegant. This wine has a French character to it.
This wine is cherry red with soft brown tinges, offering a nose of cherry with notes of summer farmstand. The predominant flavor is of tart cherry, interlaced with hints of red raspberry and bell pepper.
Intense fruit and acidity give this wine a brightly refreshing character. It's about lemon and lime flavors with slices of red apple to bring out more sweetness. The aftertaste has a mineral edge that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2017.
Cooked-down blackberries take on pink peppercorn and new leather aromas in this Malbec hailing from the high-altitude vineyards of Colorado. The dark berry tones of the palate carry shards of graphite, with zippy red currant acidity keeping the full body and grainy tannins in check. It's a bit tight right now and should open up after 2016.
Earth, leather, black plum and wild-berry aromas are solid and appealing. This is wide and jammy in the mouth, with all the volume expected of Argentinean Malbec. Flavors of oak, mint and spiced plum finish with a touch of heat. Drink through 2018.
A smoky, well-toasted bread aroma carries through in the flavors, giving a black pepper counterpoint to the ripe and easy apple and almond notes. A creamy texture helps carry and blend those complex traits from the first sip to the lingering finish. It should improve through 2018.
Baga has been softened by Merlot to produce a rounded wine, with accents of spice and generous tannins. Berry fruits come strongly through the dry core, giving a rich character to the wine. The finish is full of acidity and ripe red fruits.
De Bortoli almost always seems to emphasize the savory side of wine, and this Heathcote Shiraz stays true to that philosophy. Black olive and espresso notes speak of Shiraz, while the the structure remains tight and firm on the finish. This should age well through at least 2020.
There's a tawny edge to this wine, suggesting that it's quickly maturing and should be consumed soon. That said, it's drinking very well, with a slightly roasted, nutty character over soft strawberry/cherry fruit. Hints of pine needle and cured meat add further flavor interest.
This medium-weight rosé offers rich aromas and flavors of honeydew, hard strawberry and cherry, with additional hints of yellow flowers and garrigue herbs on the nose. Ample acidity keeps the palate fresh and lifted, finishing somewhat prickly and mouthwatering.
Bold and ripe in taste, this full-bodied wine packs in plump blackberry and boysenberry flavors, a rich texture from firm tannins and lip-smacking acidity that keeps it lively. Slow-cooked ribs, anyone?
Crafted in an oxidative style, this wine is light brown to the eye, with aromas of toasted nuts and caramelized pineapple. Flavors of hazelnut, toasted almond and lemon sorbet continue through the smooth finish that ends on a zesty note.
This shows red cherry fruit accented by a black sage and sweet pine twist on the nose. It's rich and spicy once sipped, with clove, cinnamon, gingerbread and other Christmas spices giving character to the red- and black-cherry fruits.
More commonly found in coastal Setúbal, here, Castelão yields a fruity, soft and ready-to-drink wine. It has red berry and plum flavors and the lightest hint of tannins to give shape to the juicy core. Drink now.
This fresh, outgoing white opens with enticing aromas of Spanish broom, citrus and tropical fruit. The round, generous palate doles out juicy yellow peach and ripe apricot while chopped mint and a eucalyptus note provide backup.
A blend of 50% Cannonau, 15% Bovale, 15% Carignano, 10% Monica and 10% Malvasia, this generous, vibrant rosato delivers intense fruit aromas of red cherry and black raspberry along with a whiff of spice. The fruit sensations follow through to the juicy palate while notes of chopped herb and white pepper provide back up. Fresh acidity lifts up the finish.
For its alcohol, this is a surprisingly light and fruity wine. It does have tannins although they are subservient to the red berry fruitiness and freshness of the wine. It's balanced and aromatic, and could age further. Drink from 2017.
Smooth and harmonious are good descriptors for this medium-bodied, warmly fruity and well-balanced wine. It smells like plums and cherry compote, tastes substantive with more cherries and plums, and feels rich but well supported by fine tannins and subtle acidity.
Barrel-related aromas of caramel, popcorn and baked pear dominate the nose, while the palate brings notes of citrus zest, with lively minerality and cutting acidity. This chiseled Chardonnay tastes like tart nectarine, green apple and lime, while the finish is tight as a drum. Drink through 2022.
There's the slightest touch of sourdough-like yeast on the nose of this wine from the longtime organic vineyard. That gives intrigue to the ripe watermelon, bubblegum and buttery cherry aromas. Verve on the palate conveys red fruit cut by a rain-on-cement minerality.
Vibrant and spicy, this savory red delivers aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, black cherry, ground pepper and chopped Mediterranean herb. Firm, fine-grained tannins support the juicy flavors. An anise note backs up the finish.
A blend of Arinto and Alvarinho, this is a fresh and crisp wine that also has a richer side to it. Produced in the same region as Vinho Verde, it is bone dry, full of apple and kiwi fruit flavors within a tight, tangy texture. Drink now.
Aromas of ripe, dark berry, mocha, toast and a whiff of clove lead the nose. The forward palate offers ripe black cherry, fleshy raspberry, vanilla, light oak, coconut and coffee alongside close-grained tannins. A mint note closes the finish. This is straightforward and already accessible so enjoy 2016–2020.
A blend of 66% Syrah and 34% Caladoc, this pale blush-colored rosé has a nose of peach, grapefruit and freesia that lead to flavors of strawberry, tart cherry, almond blossom and nutmeg. There's a pleasing balance of creaminess and acidity.
Vivid aromas of cherry and blackberry set the stage for flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with a hint of citrus zest in this garnet-colored wine. Full-on fruit flavors remain on the palate well into the persistent finish.
Air freshner and lychee are the most identifiable aromas. The palate feels fresh and light, which, given the wine's fleshy, tropical flavors, is a compliment. An oily, bitter finish is similar to marginal Torrontés from Argentina.
With aromas of blueberry and Kool-Aid, this feels raw and pointy, with basic plum and dry red-fruit flavors. An abrupt finish is as expected.
After a quick start of citrus and grass aromas, the bouquet loses clarity and becomes mealy and old smelling. Acidity keeps the palate afloat but the longer this sits, the more briny and pickled it tastes. Drink fast for some citrus character.
Dark red in color this Pinot has a sweetness on the nose and is otherwise flat, not offering much in terms of flavor, texture or finish.
This heavy, mostly fruitless Viognier is pithy, chunky and ultimately briny and green on the finish. And there's bitterness to deal with as well.
Aromas of pinched rubber and stems precede a light-bodied palate with flavors of leafy red fruits, butter and caramel. Oak flavors and mild acidity run the finish.
Reedy, herbaceous aromas suggest rhubarb and red licorice candy. This feels flat and lays heavily on the palate, while candied flavors of cherry and berry finish hot.
Gold in color, with a chunky palate and pushy, reduced, mealy flavors of grapefruit. Vegetal on the finish. Tasted twice with identical results.
Cherry cough drop aromas are candied and ominous. This feels diluted, tastes herbal and green, and finishes minty.
Jammy on the nose, with a citrusy element, green notes and something muddy. For a big Malbec with a full price tag, it leaves me wondering: It's chunky and tastes of red berry, citrus, pineapple and marshmallow. Jumbled and sweet on the finish. Has enough good in it not to tank but it's not in full harmony.
Named after the almost gold appearance of the Chardonnay vines at harvest time, this is a soft wine, with hints of the mineral tang that embodies Pouilly Fuissé. It has pear and white peach fruit flavors, soft and ready to drink.
Clean, citric and precise on the nose, then exceedingly lean and pointy in the mouth, where uncompromised flavors of mineral, lime and orange peel set up a chalky, crisp finish. Mouthwatering and cleansing.
A brawny, cherry flavored Zinfandel, big shouldered all around with dense, leathery spicy aromas and flavors, with hints of licorice and bittersweet chocolate. Estate bottled and grown in Napa's Chiles Valley.
An attractive price for a straightforward, Amador County Zin, full-bodied and tasting of ripe blackberries and cocoa.
Amidst pungent layers of smoke and toast, there's a core of clean, red cherry and plum flavors accented by black coffee and milk chocolate notes. Lean, lively acidity and well-integrated tannins add structure.
Coming from the more northerly parts of Burgundy, this is cool Chardonnay, with steel and minerality. It is firmly textured, its apple and quince flavors coming with a more citrus element.
This wine, for Maule PN, is a consistent, proven value. It's lightly perfumed and peppery on the nose, with herb and leather hints. Has a good body, smooth tannins and acidity, and earthy flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Mild on the finish; tastes like Pinot should.
Smells barbecued and saucy, with dry oak, resin and smoked meat aromas. The palate is more acidic, while the flavors lean toward resiny and saucy, i.e. hickory and roasted berry. Oaky on the finish, with sawdust and vanilla flavors.
Olive, herbs, black pepper and minerality accent core black cherry and berry aromas. It's a touch choppy and tight in the mouth, with decent structure and mildly herbal flavors of blackberry and plum. Finishes lightly herbal and easy.
Tamarack blends grapes from an astonishing number of sites scattered across the length and breadth of the Columbia Valley, and yet makes wines that are distinctive, polished, generous, and focused. The 2008 Merlot includes 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Its structure is firmly Cab-like, its fruit broadly displayed across the midpalate, a mix of ripe strawberries and cherries dusted with sweet baking spices and cocoa. It's a joyride from start to finish.
A wine that reveals a textured side of Meursault. It has weight, ripe apricot and pineapple fruit with a refreshing touch of acidity. But the chalky, mineral character equally defines the wine. Age for 3–4 years.
Viticulturalist Ann Kraemer, who farms Shake Ridge Vineyards for many other producers, keeps some of the grapes for Yorba, her label with winemaker Ken Bernards of Ancien. The result is an exceptionally good dark plum, black cherry and blackberry-tinged Syrah with pepper and meat thread throughout the deep fruit concentration of this still-tight, mountain-grown wine. Cellar another 2–5 years.
Deep purple, this riveting Malbec melds dark red and blue fruits to the grip and texture of ripe Yakima Valley tannins. Think clean earth lightly dusted with chocolate, and you have the finish. A powerful wine with excellent cellar potential.
The soft but flavorful entry into a land of dark fruits, smoke and espresso barely hints at the wine to come. Give it time to breathe and it opens into a wonderfully complex, smooth and creamy wine with no rough edges. Pretty red fruit, seductive and lingering, is matched to hints of chocolate from 30 months in neutral barrels.
A first for Animale, and a terrific success, despite the almost 16% alcohol. Bursting with ripe berry flavors, this complex and flat-out delicious wine goes well beyond its highly-extracted black fruit. Wet rock, chalk and mineral extend and enhance the finish, with a chocolaty kiss at the very end.
This full-bodied, 100% Cabernet is lightly gamy, offering a sensuous potpourri of wild herbs and brambly berries. It's subtle, lovely, distinctive, smoothly rendered and unusually textural and complex. Drink it with enjoyment now, or give it a few more years in the cellar.
A powerful expression of rich red fruit, smoothed by wood aging and nearly four years in bottle. It has layers of acidity, spice, soft tannins and flavors of maturing fruit. It is ready to drink now but worth aging as well.
Even in marginal vintages like 2008, Atauta manages to shine above the rest. This delivers a gorgeous mix of blackberry blended with complex notes of fine herbs, vanilla and chocolate. It's alert in the mouth, with strong but manageable tannins and full flavors of berry, cherry and vanilla. Short but precise on the finish; drink now through 2015.
A supremely ripe Port from Ramos-Pinto's vineyard in the far east of the Douro. It is finely perfumed, with layered tannins upon structured plum skins and black cherry fruit. It's in a fruity style, but the structure certainly promises aging.
Can Washington Mourvèdre really be this good? From the Far Away Vineyard (previously named for owner Art den Hoed) it sure can. Sappy and fresh, this lively wine features ripe red fruits, sharp acids and smooth tannins, with toasted walnuts and caramel streaking through the finish. It shows excellent concentration and length.
This is a pretty, lightweight wine marked by peppery accents. Those give it an almost Syrah-like quality, although the weight and texture is all Pinot. Red cherry and spice flavors finish lacy and dusty. Ready to drink now.
The Awatere is typically quite cool, so this wine's level of ripeness is noteworthy. It's round and supple on the midpalate, creamy and plush on the finish. Cedar and vanilla notes frame the black cherry fruit, which hints at some dried-fruit character without going over the edge into raisin. Drink now.
This is an intriguing wine, with notes of dried sage, fresh herbs, mineral and black tea. The palate offers sweet, dense, layered vanilla, clove and cherry flavors backed by dry tannins. Still young, this wine needs extended time in the cellar to be properly appreciated. Best after 2022.
This wine displays aromas of tobacco, cracked black pepper, clove and mineral. It's elegant in style with tart fruit flavors and lightly chalky tannins.
A blend of fruit from Elephant Mountain, Dionysus, Red Haven, Alder Ridge and Seven Hills vineyards, this fruit-forward wine offers aromas of cocoa, vanilla, anise, raspberry jam and fruit leather. The cranberry and raspberry flavors are sweet, rich and concentrated, backed by lightly grainy tannins. It seems a bit advanced for its age but brings a delicious factor that is hard to ignore. Drink now.
Spritzy, citrus-focused refreshment sets the tone on nose and palate. This is slender and light-bodied, but totally fresh-flavored with a lemony zing on the finish.
Made with botrytized Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes, this conveys subtle aromas of peach and saffron. On the dense palate, sweet almond adds interest to the core of dried apricot and sticky honey.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, this opens with aromas of red berry, fragrant flower, oak and a whiff of menthol. The firm palate delivers red cherry, raspberry, espresso, toasted oak and dried sage alongside tightly knit tannins that end on an astringent note. Give it time to unwind. Drink 2017–2022.
Aromas and flavors of fresh, crisp, green apples and golden cherries seem to light up this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine. It has firm acidity, a refreshing texture, and just enough heft in the body to serve with appetizers and cheese, but will also stand up to rich seafood preparations.
This wine offers aromas of mocha powder, red apple, dark raspberries and woodspice. The red fruit flavors are quite sweet and concentrated, backed by a dry lick of tannins.
Aromas suggest underbrush, oak, coconut, prune and dill. The concentrated palate offers steeped plum, dried blackberry, tobacco, cracked blackberry and licorice alongside firm, velvety tannins. It closes on a note of bitter prune.
This barrel-forward (60% new French oak), 100% varietal wine offers notes of vanilla, pencil lead and wood spices along with cherry and herb accents. The smooth flavors are etched by tart acids, with grainy, dry tannins rounding it out.
Raspberry jam, menthol, cooking spice and espresso aromas lead the nose. The palate offers tart red cherry, crushed raspberry, thyme, anise and ground green pepper. Bracing, slightly astringent tannins provide support but need to soften up. Drink after 2018.
The 18th-century estate that was once painted by Cézanne has produced a ripe, full-bodied wine. It is rounded and rich, full of red berries and some tannins. Age this wine and drink, with food, from early 2016.
Fresh fruit and lively raspberry juice flavors are totally up to the minute. The attractive orange-pink color emphasizes the ripe character of the wine's fruitiness.
There is great texture in this wine. It is structured, tannic with a strong pepper bite balanced by acidity. Citrus fruit shows through with fresh acidity and a tangy aftertaste.
This opens with aromas of violet, ripe berry, orange zest, toasted oak and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. The structured palate offers mature cherry, white pepper, licorice, well-integrated oak spices, vanilla and grilled sage alongside firm, polished tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it's a bit warm on the midpalate but it still retains finesse.
This structured red features aromas of tilled soil and ripe berry. The palate delivers violet, mature black cherry, crushed berry and ground white pepper alongside smooth, polished tannins. It's ripe and ready, so enjoy soon.
This value-minded wine from an iconic producer offers attractive initial scents of brambly berry and cherry, with additional touches of marzipan and vanilla that lend decadence. The medium-weight palate shows great balance, with ample acidity and firm yet fine tannins that frame the bright red-fruit flavors. Drink now–2018.
A 50-50 blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia, this showcases aromas of maple syrup, dried stone fruit and walnut. The rich palate delivers dried apricot, chestnut honey and almond alongside fresh acidity.
The nose just hints at white pepper and berries, while the palate confirms they are indeed there, but there is such slenderness, such fresh acidity amidst the ripe fruit that this wine comes across as simpler than it is. This offers very honest, unadulterated fruit. If you are planning a picnic, take this wine along.
Lifted aromas of jasmine, apricot and guava entice from the glass. Medium to full bodied on the palate, this Viognier shows no sense of sloth. Lively acids keep everything in check, while tart tropical fruits meld into juicy stone fruits. Enjoy this alluring sipper with mango-glazed grilled salmon.
Waitaki Valley is an increasingly popular region for Pinot Noir, although the number of producers is quite small. This is a pale, delicate rendering of Pinot Noir, with floral and beetroot notes, silky tannins and a long, mushroomy finish.
Fresh strawberry and zesty lemon, redoubled on the taut, light palate, give this the ultimate refreshment factor. Oodles of fruit makes this go down far too easily. It's a true summer wine. Drink soon.
Some may find this too cool-climate for the grape, but the green peppercorns, fresh-crushed thyme, dried parsley and papilla chile aromas prove remarkably pleasant and inviting. The herbs extend to the palate, which is leveled by red cherry and blueberry fruits, some slate and turned earth, and rustic elderberry jam. It has great density.
This is made in a rich style, so the aroma is handsomely oaky, like buttered toast, the flavors are as rich as pear syrup and vanilla bean, the texture and body are full and the finish lingers. Fans of unoaked Chardonnay need not apply.
Underbrush, moist earth, blue flower and spiced plum aromas take shape in the glass. The palate offers juicy morello cherry, cooking spice, grilled sage and a hint of espresso alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
The clean-cut, subtle nose of Pinot Blanc is on display here with faint notes of apple and citrus, plus an echo of grassiness. The palate is one of clear, bright lemony freshness; the body is light and subtle. Drink soon.
A little less austere and easier to drink than many dry Aussie Rieslings, this wine features lime and vanilla shadings on the nose, and ample apple, melon and citrus flavors. It's fullish and round, despite only 12.5% alcohol, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2010.
For a wine with only 9% alcohol, this is surprisingly full bodied, with plenty of weight and richness. A bit of kerosene marks the nose, alongside scents of spice and bergamot, while the flavors run toward apple and citrus. It's a bit sweet (29 g/l residual sugar), but balanced by decent acidity, and it ends in a long, mouthcoating finish. Drink now–2015, possibly longer.
Priced just above the Best Buy level, Quatro is still a great value. MontGras brings Cabernet, Malbec, Carmenère and Syrah together in a well-meshed way. The wine is big and full of blackberry fruit. It has some woody characteristics, but mostly it's harmonious as it builds to a nice finish of mocha and fine tannins.
Taking the idea of its name from Sauternes producers, the second wine from Romaneira is rich, succulent and fruity. There are plenty of tannins, but they are soft, leaving the main flavors to black fruits, toast and spice.
A heavy, powerful wine, with very concentrated tannins. Flavors of licorice, bitter chocolate and black plums give a sense of richness and opulence. Still young, the aromas are yeasty, but these should open up for a rich, dense wine.
There's a serious side to this impressive wine, with its toast and biscuit flavors layered on top of apple acidity. It has richness as well as crispness, and a depth of flavor which promises some bottle aging potential. One of the best sparkling Vouvrays.
The color is dark and dense and so are the aromas, which show plenty of vanilla oak and mulberry fruit. As you might expect from winemaker Ben Glaetzer and the Mitolo family, this is a full-bodied Shiraz, albeit not quite as lush and riveting as the 2005 version. The tannins this year are soft, the acids a bit on the tart side, giving the fruit a crisp edge. Probable drinking window: 2010–2020.
This is an expressive Barossa Shiraz, combining ripe raspberry fruit and a lush, creamy texture with herbal, savory notes and crisp acidity. Turns a bit zingy on the finish, with cranberry overtones. Drink now–2015.
Elegant berry and pepper lead on the nose of this balanced Syrah. On the palate, the wine offers fresh fruit with a peppery backbone that results in a soft but structured style. Refined flavors and a long finish seal the deal. A classy choice.
Starts off with a minerally, slightly fumé-style note, then adds herbal and leafy notes and white grapefruit flavors. From New Zealand's first carbon-neutral winery, this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc is appealingly long, crisp and clean on the finish.
A taut but expressive nose of minerals, pepper and red fruit lead this lovely wine from Stellensbosch. The velvety, mouthfilling flavors of slightly sweet berry and spice are luxuriant, and the finish is long. Soft and refined but memorable. A beautiful wine with ageable appeal.
Marlargo appears to be a reasonably successful attempt at fashioning a pan-Australian brand, sourcing fruit from different parts of the country. This Clare Riesling starts with scents of talcum powder and lime sherbet, then follows those up with similar flavors. It's muscular and taut, even a bit austere, clocking in at only 11.4% alcohol. May develop through 2015.
Soft and rounded, this is a light and easy wine. It has fresh citrus and berry fruits that dance easily together. Acidity gives a refreshing quality, while spice adds a fine, warmer touch.
The prestige cuvée from La Gordonne is full and rich, packed with raspberry and red plum fruit. As a balance, there is a taut, crisper side to the wine, leaving a bright lemon zest aftertaste.
Structured wine with a severe edge from the dry, concentrated tannins. It's serious, stalky fruit layered with a more juicy element and tight acidity. The wine does need aging to soften its austere character.
Crusty berry aromas mesh with olive, mineral notes and leather to form a textbook Chilean Cab bouquet. The palate feels fresh and offers kick via tomatoey acids. Flavors of dried cherry, herbs, fresh tomato and mint end in a good feeling finish with mild herbal leftovers.
A fine entry-level Pinot Noir to introduce J. Christopher's expansive single vineyard offerings. This is balanced and true to variety, with clean Pinot cherry cola fruit flavor. There is just a delicate sense of underlying earth and leaf, adding some welcome complexity. Drink over the next 3–5 years.
This very fairly priced Merlot from the Cosumnes River sub-section of Lodi has a juicy berry roundness that makes it inviting to drink, and softly textured all around. On the long finish is a remarkably vibrant strain of caramel-mocha flavor, and interesting secondary notes that may have developed over time on this 2007 vintage.
A firmly tannic wine, its dry core surrounded by dark plum skin and damson flavors. It has weight, a potential for richness that will develop over the next 2–3 years. Solid and chunky aftertaste.
Montes' first Alpha Malbec is serious and healthy, with rubbery, leathery berry aromas and crusty, dark oak scents. This is full and fairly oaky on the tongue, with herbal black-fruit flavors, raw wood notes, espresso-like bitterness and heat on the finish.
This tiny boutique does well with thick and heavy wines that frequently top 15% alcohol. This sweet, syrupy Syrah is loaded with blueberries, chocolate, licorice and espresso flavors. Nothing shy here, but it delivers a lot of flavor for the price.
Here's a most Burgundian, delicate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at a price that can sometimes deliver clumsy, thin, and/or vegetal flavors. This has varietally-true detail, clean fruit and delightful nuances of citrus, dried herb and rose petals.
A blend of Sémillon, Ugni Blanc and Rolle, this cool white is deliciously fruity already. It's soft, rounded, full of lemon and pear flavors, with a fine tang of acidity. Drink now or keep a few months.
This is a supremely rich, extracted Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapy black-plum aromas are more dense, inky and concentrated than elegant. That theme carries onto the palate, which is full and tannic. Blackened flavors of cassis, toast, chocolate and herbal black fruits finish with chewy tannins and a note of coconut. Drink through 2020.
Light apple and Anjou pear aromas, tangy fruit flavors shaded by butter and almond, and a supple texture add up to a sleek and flavorful wine. This is balanced, medium bodied and reflects the house style of Navarro that ensures a svelte mouthfeel with no rough edges.
This deftly made wine from a newly built winery in California's San Joaquin Valley balances pure fruit flavors, mildly spicy oak nuances, firm acidity and fine tannins. It has tasty black cherry and raspberrry flavors backed by good acidity and a mouthfeel that's velvety, and should make a great pairing with a variety of proteins.
A tempting, well-balanced wine from a tiny artisan winery, this is medium bodied but packs in a great array of ripe fruit and dark chocolate flavors. Firm tannins and acidity lift it and keep it lively through the finish. It tastes great now but will improve through 2020.
From a vineyard farmed by Ted Klopp of Klopp Ranch, this is a light, spicy vineyard-designate, silky smooth in crisp red cherry and berry. A streak of fresh-picked herb overlays the soft wine, which finishes with a taste of wet stone-like minerality.
Enticing aromas of chopped herbs, wild flowers and white stone fruit float out of the glass. The refined, focused palate offers white peach, pear, grapefruit and pineapple alongside zesty acidity and tiny, persistent bubbles.
This mature varietal Petit Verdot surprises with ripe, spicy, peppery aromas of plum and blackberry. In the mouth, it is full and tannic, but not fierce or impossible to penetrate. Lightly stewed blackberry and plum flavors come with vanilla notes prior to a finish defined by prune, chocolate, pepper and vanilla flavors. Drink now.
A lightly textured wine that suggests lemon chiffon, this has plenty of body to make it feel rich on the palate, along with ample acidity to keep it refreshingly crisp. Apple and pear rise to the fore, maintaining the fruitiness from start to finish.
From a seven-acre parcel on the estate and produced from 35-year-old vines, this is a tannin-dominated wine. It is firm, with concentration that is just beginning to show the rich black-cherry fruits. Still developing, it needs to age, Drink from 2018.
This wine is soft and rounded, ready to drink with its rich black-fruit character and fully integrated tannins. It holds a blend from five different parcels on the estate, ripe in berry fruits and fragrant with the wood aging. Acidity gives a lift at the end.
Based in Fleurie in northern Beaujolais, this Marrans Gamay is firm and with good tannins, delivering both fruit and structure. With a dark layer of smokiness as well as black-cherry fruit flavors, it is concentrated and worth aging a few months. Drink from 2016.
Estrecho means narrow in Spanish, and this varietal Monastrell is just that. After a compact, pure nose sets the stage, this feels sharp and puckery, with cheek-scouring acidity. The result is tart, bright cherry, currant and plum flavors followed by a high-toned, citric finish. Drink through 2024.
Concentrated violet aromas mix with dark blackberry and even blueberry fruit in this blend of 46% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 9% Petite Sirah, yet it remains quite fresh on the nose. The palate shows hibiscus, more aromatic blueberry elements and touches of cassis and vanilla.
This is complex wine, still young, with intense fruitiness and a tight, tense structure. Flavors of oak aging are subtle, just giving extra richness to the wine. It needs to age, allowing its fruit and textured elements to come together. Drink from 2017.
Generous aromas of root beer, lemon, licorice, wood smoke, blackberry and prune set this off on a good course. The palate is sinewy and chewy, with baked, minty blackberry flavors that are peppery and toasty as well as savory, meaty and slightly stewed on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Notes of chopped star anise, sage, white spring flowers and Bartlett pear float out of the glass. The elegant palate offers yellow apple, white almond and citrus zest alongside a refined perlage. Bright acidity gives it a clean, quenching finish.
Fleeting hints of rose petals add allure to this wine's aromas of black cherries, cola and spice. Unlike some Tasmanian Pinots, it's generous and round in the mouth, with warm spice notes combining with plum and cola on the finish. Drink now.
A blend of Viognier and Arinto, this wine is given another dimension from wood aging. A smoky character adds complexity to ripe apricot and crisp quince flavors. This is juicy and rich while having a refreshing aftertaste.
This opens with bold but faintly chemical berry aromas. Its chunky palate features hard tannins, tasting of roasted berries, oak and cured meat. On the finish, it feels rubbery and a touch flat.
This wine's creamy, woody maple and tobacco aromas are within Rioja norms. On the palate, it's blocky and thick, with vanilla and marshmallow flavors that taste sweet, finishing with little structure.
Rather grapey, front-loaded flavors move quickly into a subdued midpalate, with muted notes of ash and licorice. The wine seems a bit thin given its fairly high alcohol.
Herbal briny aromas of black olive and roasted black fruits lead to a choppy raw palate. This tastes of herbal berry fruits and olive, with a touch of eucalyptus. Rubbery dry tannins result in scratchiness on the finish.
This red blend from Hungary is garnet in color with aromas of cranberry and black cherry. Flavors suggest tart cherry and pomegranate juice, with grippy tannins and an acidic finish.
Subdued aromas of yellow flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of nut lift out of the glass. The palate seems rather evolved, offering suggestions dried citrus zest and a hint of baked yellow apple. It closes on a bitter almond note.
Prominent oak and butter aromas and flavors give this medium-bodied wine a sweet impression, and its mouthfeel is smooth and soft. It smells like caramel and tastes like pears.
Tartness and moderate tannins lend plenty of mouth-puckering grip to this medium-bodied wine, and that tartness comes off as a touch of raspberry vinegar on the palate. It has an appealing earthy, iron-like quality and a definite textural bite.
A fresh nose of green apple leads to flavors of Seville orange, white peach and tart white cherry. Soft on the palate, this wine may be a little tart for some tastes, but it is truly refreshing, with a burst of floral brightness on the finish.
Chocolate-covered strawberry meets rich brown sugar and cola notes in this medium-bodied wine that's moderately structured and round. It finishes in a plume of subtle smoky oak.
Cedar and resin notes rise to the fore in this full-bodied wine that's basic and hearty, with blackberry and dried herb flavors.
This unusual blend, occasionally found in Alsace, gives a wine that is full and perfumed. It offers almond and spice flavors along with a tight texture. The wine, with its warm acidity, is ready to drink.
Weedy underbrush and scorched soil aromas lead the way along with a smoked note. The bitter palate offers a green note of powdered sage and hazelnut but it lacks fruit. Clenching tannins grip the finish.
A blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires, this is light and crisply refreshing. There are some yellow fruit flavors that contrast with the lime acidity. It is ready to drink now.
Fresh, fruity cherry, citrus and rose aromas are light and airy. This feels a bit raw and scratchy, while currant, red plum and brown sugar flavors finish juicy, snappy and uncushioned. This has all the requirements of a good picnic Pinot Noir.
Powdery, soapy aromas are exotic but not fully convincing. Fresh but nothing more than wet and basic on the palate, this shows briny flavors of orange rind through the finish.
This bottling's extreme grapefruit pithiness meets with rainy cement and a touch of rubber on the nose. The flavors are quite reductive, with tar and sour crab apple touches.
Made from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette and Marsanne, this wine has a soft nose of white peach and lemon zest. It is slightly stiff on the palate, with flavors of white peach, fennel bulb, apricot and rye. The finish is marked by a slight touch of menthol followed by a burst of tangerine flavor.
This soft wine has gentle ripe white fruits and lemon-juice flavors. It ends fresh and crisp, with a touch of creaminess to add richness. Drink now.
This ripe yet varietally true style features scents of baked pear, ripe melon, cinnamon and allspice. This is plump but lacking true depth, finishing short.
This ripe perfumed wine is soft with attractive melon and kiwi fruit flavors. It is gently textured, spicy and with just enough acidity. There is a touch of pepper at the end.
The nose of this wine is all about oak, with toast and char leading the way. The palate follows suit yet shows a bit more fruit, with grilled red-berry flavors washing over a lithe, crisp palate.
This is classic, off-dry Vinho Verde. With its light prickle, crisp fruit that has a tangy lime and lemon character that comes through the candy flavor, it is a refreshing, light wine.
This is a young, fruity wine with fine acidity and plenty of red-fruit flavors. Light spice, generous tannins and a hint of wood all contribute to a balanced wine that is ready to drink.
Ripe and smooth, this rich wine has enough fruitiness and acidity to give a crisper edge, although it is more about a warm, spicy character. Drink now.
Spiced raspberry with overtones of bramble patch and barnyard aromas. The light-bodied palate is a bit darker in nature, with dark cherry and vanilla rooibos flavors.
Grown on the shelf above the Tagus (Tejo) River, the wine is soft and ripe. It does have tannins that are well integrated into the spicy red fruits and dry core. The wine is rich, and the alcohol is noticeable in the pepper aftertaste. Drink now.
This is a soft wine with attractive ripe strawberry fruits and a soft texture. There is balancing acidity giving an edge of freshness to the otherwise gentle fruity texture.
Dark fruits—plum, cherry and blackberry—are bold and center stage on the nose, with secondary glimmers of licorice stick and black pepper. The palate offers black fruit-skin flavors that are partnered with medium tannins, resulting in a slightly gripping and astringent close.
Extremely sweet and extremely sugary, this wine smells like honeydew melon, and tastes as rich as the simple syrup used in cocktails.
Gritty berry and plum aromas are blocky. This feels choppy, almost rocky, while baked berry flavors ramble towards a spicy, sappy finish with stewed fruit notes and some residual heat.
Smooth and generous, this wine is soft and missing any bite. It is round and unfocused, but ready to drink now.
This easy-drinking Pinot leads with bright aromas of red currant, raspberry and strawberry hull, all leaning slightly sour. The palate is light and tangy, with tart red-berry flavors that finish clean.
This open, fruity wine has a soft side. Apples and pears are prominent along with a touch of spice. Drink now.
Saucy aromas of stewed plum and tomato ragu lack clarity. This is midlevel Cabernet, with a light bounce to its step. Generic cherry, cassis and licorice flavors finish with acidic kick but no sense of refinement.
This blend of Touriga Nacional with Merlot is perfumed and light. It has a salmon pink color, layers of citrus as well as red-currant fruit and a soft texture. Drink now.
Ruddy peach and melon aromas take on a slight dusting of mineral on the nose. The palate is rich, heavy and round in feel, with buttery lemon and melon flavors. Lactic notes carry to the slightly hot finish.
Produced in Israel from an ancient native grape that grows in Palestine, this wine offers a lean lemon aroma with a faint whiff of petrol. Citrus and light floral flavors are dominated by lime-sorbet notes, and this interesting yet easy-drinking quaff leaves one with a lingering lemon tingle on the palate.
This is a big, bold blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Sirah and 15% Zinfandel that persists in thick, dense tannin and leather and tobacco notes. Full of juicy black fruit and subtle cinnamon and pepper, it finishes clean.
This is a straightforward, lush and alluringly tart white that offers an oaky backbone of vanilla wrapped in fresh layers of fig, apple and green olive flavor.
Cracked pepper and black olive aromas give this wine a savory cast, and they're followed up on the palate by hints of charred meat. It's medium-bodied and supple, with a soft, slightly diffuse finish that suggests drinking not cellaring. Drink now–2025.
There's a subtle richness to this well-balanced wine, evident in toasty accents of hazelnut and peach pit that compliment the honeydew and juicy pear-flesh core. The medium-weight palate offers ample acidity that lifts the rich fruit tones, with a lingering note of spiced citrus on the close.
This is a big-boned, dusty varietal wine, aged in 50% new French oak. Oak spice scents enwrap its leathery blackberry and black currant flavors, finishing on a bittersweet taste of tobacco.
Soft with cranberry and red currant accents, this fairly priced wine is subtle in tannin and oak, with a core of succulent black cherry and clove flavor. Approachable and round on the palate, it's a good choice for big gatherings.
This rich cream-textured blend of Chardonnay and Viognier evokes warming pastry notes of vanilla, caramel and crème brûlée. It's a dry full-bodied wine with soft acidity and accents of toast, smoke and orange peel.
This medium-bodied red includes 8% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Toasted oak scents lead the nose, followed by generous cherry, cranberry and cassis notes on the palate, supported by soft acidity.
Like most Colomé Malbecs, this is purple in color, with concentrated aromas of rubber, herbs and jammy blackberry. A thick, almost soupy palate is chewy and cushioned, while saturated black-fruit flavors finish heavy, jammy and on the cusp of overdone.
This Syrah-based blend of five different red grapes may be “big” in blending components, but it's quite sleek and elegant on the palate. It's not a deeply concentrated brooding wine, but brisk and spry, offering fresh black-cherry and berry flavors. Soft feathery tannins and notes of cedar and forest floor linger on the finish.
Unusual exotic-leaning aromas of lavender, violet, cardamom and anise are intriguing. In the mouth, this has textural issues, namely it's abrupt and tannic. Flavors of mild chocolate, carob and blueberry are uncommon for Ribera del Duero.
Despite being less expensive, this is more expressive and fruitier than the Crozes-Hermitage. Pineapple, melon and hints of stone fruit and mango are reasonably full and rich for a wine that's labeled at a moderate alcohol level. Drink now.
Crisp golden apple and pear meet toasted oak in both aroma and flavor in this simply structured, light-bodied white. While it remains crisp and mineral-driven on the midpalate, it lacks complexity on the finish, getting to its point succinctly.
Initial whiffs of spring ramps and dried herbs turn brighter and fresher with aeration on this light-bodied dry Riesling. Tasted quite young, it's a bit wild still with sharp, slightly jagged acidity juxtaposing bursts of pristine lemon and lime. Its tautness and savory complexities are attractive though, and likely to meld with maturity.
Aromas of red-skinned berry, underbrush and leather lead into a medium-bodied palate that offers cherry, tobacco and a hint of white pepper. It's rather straightforward and already approachable so drink over the next few years.
Structured with firm, sticky tannin, this wine is built to age and impress over time, dusted with mocha and spicy black cherry flavor. Moderate in oak, it strikes a balance between its fruit and savory elements, softening in the glass.
Named after an ancestor of the present owners who became a Catholic saint, this wine comes from a vast aristocratic estate northeast of Lisbon. It's dense and fruity, full of tannins and dark plum flavor. Spicy and perfumed, it's drinkable now but will be better from 2018.
This medium-bodied wine has soft tannins and attractive acidity. It is still young with good potential to age for a short time more. From vines planted on one of the high terraces above the Lot river, it has a cool fragrant aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Appealing aromas of cocoa, vanilla, spice and red fruit are followed by plump ripe fruit and barrel flavors. Chocolate flavors linger on the finish. The oak plays prominently.
The warmth of the vintage shows through on the fruit of this wine, which is chock-full of pineapple and other tropical aromas and flavors, sweetened by light barrel accents. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser and a spot-on example of the variety.
Toasted nut, yellow melon, pear and struck match scents show on the nose of this bottling from a steep, rocky vineyard in the mountains between Malibu and the Conejo Valley. It's tightly wound on the palate, with a core of pear, apple and nectarine flesh, accented with sea salt and oak smoke flavors.
Pear, white flower and crushed herb aromas jump out of the glass. The fresh savory palate offers creamy white peach, apple and a hint of nectarine zest while a mineral note lends energy.
Appealing aromas of cocoa, herb, cherry and barrel spice lead to full fruit flavors. Burly slightly drying tannins give it a firm squeeze.
The Sousão grape, normally only used in rare blends, has produced here a dark-colored wine packed with smoky tannins. Its fruit and intense acidity are dwarfed by its impressive structure. Age the wine at least until 2019.
A bright nose of pineapple and grapefruit prepares the palate for flavors of passion fruit and guava with light floral notes. This wine is full in the mouth, with tropical fruit flavors that persist into a lingering rose-petal finish.
Grown in red ironstone soil, this wine is dark and firm. It has solid tannins as well as succulent black fruits. Combined, the two give the wine its rich dense character. It's a ripe wine, likely to age for another few years. Drink from 2018.
This blends 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot into a tightly woven package of red fruit, soft tannin and robust concentration. Full bodied, it shows the warmth and distinct power of the vintage.
An impressive, ripe wine, this is packed with baked apple and grapefruit flavors, with a taut, mineral texture. It needs at least a year to round out.
This is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an addition of Syrah. Fully ripe, bold and assertive, this high-octane wine holds its alcohol well. Muscular and powerful, it has black cherry and cassis flavors that saturated with baking spice, chocolate, cedar and coffee notes. This is well supported by acids and is matched to perfectly ripe tannins.
This is a tropical-fruited wine, with mango and sweet peach notes showing the wine's richness. As a complement, there is the taut green-fruit acidity that's bright and fresh. The two together lend a rich, yet structured wine.
Made from grapes sourced from a single vineyard, this is an intensely minerally Champagne. It is dry and austere, with citrus fruits dominant. The wine needs to age to bring out all of the richness and toast flavor, but it will always be a structured Champagne. This is very much a food wine.
While this is packed with ripe fruit, it is balanced with a dense tannic underlay and judicious wood aging. With this structure, the wine should age for several years.
A Southern Rhône-style blend of 62% Grenache, 31% Cinsault and 7% Syrah, this is loaded with flavors of wild herb and bright berry. From the Cinsault comes a hint of mushroom, while the Syrah lends muscle and peppery fruit. This has excellent concentration, complex flavors and appealing length.
This classic Bordeaux-style blend—made with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot—is a stunner now, and it shows the potential to age for another 5–10 years. Black cherry, cassis and wild blackberry notes dominate the nose and mouth, but supporting accents of forest and cigar box spice add depth and interest to the fruit core. Thick and slightly chewy, the dense texture and firm structure promises longevity and additional development to come.
A fresh and textural wine, this puts a spicy spin on citrus rind, peach and apricot flavors. There's an intriguing hint of white pepper as well, and an overall sensation of density, intensity and exceptional length.
Thoughtfully made and sourced from two excellent vineyards—Walla Walla's Seven Hills and Canoe Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area—this is 75% Merlot, with smaller portions of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Black cherry, black olive, clean earth and fine tannins mark its passage across the palate. This has excellent balance and medium-term ageability.
This is intensely minerally and very tight. It has a real steely character, with its acidity packed tight into the concentrated texture, making this dense wine likely to age over three years.
Lush and decadent, this starts off with such an opulent bouquet of jammy black fruit and sultry spice. Rich and mouthfilling, it boasts a creamy yet firm texture with supporing tannins and a seemingly endless finish. Notes of tobacco, leather and intense wood-driven spice all mingle seamlessly with the dark fruit core. Drinkable now, but this should age well through 2017.
This has a lovely entry that explodes with scents of toasted almond and espresso. The black cherry and sour plum flavors command your attention, with texture and balance throughout. Drink soon.
Sourced from the Boushey Vineyard, this includes 10% Roussanne. One-third was barrel-fermented, resulting in an especially rich mouthfeel, with a lush core of melon, tangerine, pineapple, papaya and citrus flavors. It has excellent length and power.
Tangy and somewhat austere on the nose, this wine is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, softened by Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. Floral in rose petals, the flavors lean toward strawberry, cranberry and orange, the wine refreshing and substantial.
This lively and flavorful wine has a light copper color, lean and fresh cherry and plum flavors, a rich mousse of bubbles and clean, tangy finish. It's a great example of a rosé that doesn't overdo it.
Heady notes of black cherry, crushed espresso bean and spicy black pepper show on this bottling that is extremely dark and thick in the glass. A chalky structure frames the soft and full sip, where a deft combo of acidity and tannins unleashes flavors of black plum and roasted prime rib.
Smooth, lush blackberry, blueberry and pastry aromas cue up a fully tannic but well-balanced palate. This wine tastes toasty, chocolaty and peppery, with underlying ripe blackberry fruit. A minty, toasty finish runs chocolaty and long, with no let up. Drink through 2022.
This wine is all varietal. It brings aromas of toast, barrel spice, licorice and jammy red fruit that are followed by full-bodied red-fruit flavors. The tannins provide a firm grip.
Intriguing notes of honey, poached pear, apple with drizzled caramel and a light touch of marzipan show on the nose on this bottling that leans somewhat sweet in aromas. But the sip is dry, with Asian pear, jasmine and honeysuckle elements, quite crisp and engaging for the palate on multiple levels.
Blended with 13% Syrah, this wine opens with notes of cassis, smoke, sweet herb, vanilla and tar. The black-fruit flavors are full bodied but still retain a sense of vibrancy and deftness. The finish stretches out and the tannins provide some chew.
A solid and nuanced sip of this varietal for a fair price, this bottling of older vines from Paso's eastern flanks shows plump elderberry and cedar on the elegant nose. A smoked-chocolate flavor hits the palate, bolstered by blackberry syrup, white pepper, bay leaf and dried basil, with plenty of both tannin and acid.
Produced from 25-year-old vines, the wine was aged in oak for 24 months. It is a concentrated wine that is ripely spicy, full of black fruits and tannins that are still very present. It is a dense wine that will develop well, impressively rich and still balanced. Drink this wine from 2019.
The wine is rich with a dusty tannic character. It has black-currant flavors that are packed with both fruitiness and balanced acidity. The organic grapes give a pure line of ripe fruits that are going to integrate well with the tannins. Drink starting from 2018.
This ripe, dark Maipo Syrah opens with slightly generic aromas of blackberry and black cherry. Rich, resiny and creamy on the palate, this tastes oaky at first; next come roasted spicy blackberry flavors in front of a minty finish with wood-spice notes and barrel-related tannins. Drink through 2021.
Reserved on the nose at first, this wine eventually releases pressed black raspberry and elderberry fruit as well as a peppery teriyaki element. Similar fresh fruit shows on the palate, enhanced by anise, dried sage and other aromatic herbs.
The second of the producer's estate Syrahs, this one planted in Altamont soils, this full-bodied beauty shows juicy acidity in support of blackberry, blueberry and black licorice. Compost and tea provide an earthy underside, as the finish grips in leather.
A clean aspect shines through this wine that offers all the freshness of green and yellow citrus along with a herbal glint, perhaps of citrus foliage. This is concentrated and comes with disarming purity and freshness that's wonderfully precise and dry.
Riesling has an ability to unite opposites: ripeness and tartness of fruit, a slender frame and unexpected weight. This dry and harmonious wine shows off these contradictions perfectly. A spiky freshness of citrus meets the generosity and juiciness of stone fruits. It is the dialectic between them that thrills.
The aromas are brooding, with notes of orange peel, mineral, raspberry and cranberry. The palate is flavorful yet reserved with a lingering fruit-filled finish.
This has lots of fresh, lively fruit characteristics in the aroma and the flavor. It's well balanced, showing good firm acidity and fine tannins to blanket the ripe cherry and plum flavors. It's medium bodied, very appetizing and agile.
This delicious wine smells very fresh, like putting your nose into a fruit salad. It tastes more dry, like lemons and crisp apples. Medium bodied, it offers good acidity and appetizing balance.
Aromas of coffee, dried herbs, vanilla, flowers and cherry lead to ripe, full-bodied fruit flavors. The silky feel and lengthy finish only adds to the enjoyment.
This is a full-bodied and extroverted wine. It smells like melted butter and baking spices and tastes like nougat and caramel with just a touch of sweetness. Oaky in a moderate way, it offers great citrus and pineapple on the midpalate and a lingering finish.
Fermented in amphorae, the wine is rich and dense as if it had been fermented in open fermenters. The wine is ripe and very concentrated, full of black plums and generous tannins. It still needs to age, so drink from 2018.
Exotic yellow-spice notes meet with lean lime pith on the light and crisp nose of this old-vine expression from a historic winery. Meyer-lemon rind and juice show brightly on the palate, where grippy chalkiness complements rich lemon-curd flavors.
Golden color and hints of oatmeal on the nose signal some evolution. The palate rewards this notion with rounded harmony: there is the merest touch of dark honey to the autolytic notes of wholemeal biscuit. Rounded lemony freshness stirs through everything and is dispersed with all of the tiny bubbles bursting. Lovely, resonant, very integrated and lasting.
As is right for a Bandol, Mourvèdre is the dominant grape in this rich wine. It is spicy from the same wood aging that also gives a mint-chocolate flavor to the powerful red-plum and berry fruits. The wine is still young, still firm. Drink from 2019.
Deep cherry, sagebrush and cola are laid across wet slate and purple flowers on a complex nose in this appellation-wide blend from Richard Sanford's team. Crushed wild herbs, like mint, sage, thyme and pine needle are prominent on the palate, backed up by a splash of red fruit.
Aromas of finely ground black pepper, green herbs, orange peel and cherry are followed by tart, soft, sumptuous cranberry and savory flavors. The finish extends into the distance. It's all about feel and focus.
100% varietal, this wine reveals aromas of dark coffee, pencil lead, dried herbs and dried dark fruit. The flavors are rich and focused, showing layers of depth and intensity and a long finish. It's a hedonistic display of the variety, though at times it seems to get a bit dried out.
From one of the few producers to have estate-grown Syrah in the appellation, this wine comes from vines planted in Goldridge soils. It offers robust notions of tangy red fruit, leathery pepper and wild game, a worthy representative of the variety that could stand more time in bottle. Drink now through 2020.
Generous notes of ripe, juicy pear lead on nose and palate of this wine. An earthy, slightly bitter edge lends definition and texture but undereath it all lies the purity of fresh-cut Conference pear and lemon. This wine is bone-dry and lip-smackingly refreshing.
Pure notes of Conference pear define both nose and palate. The body is textured and concentrated but remains slender. Fresh acidity, dryness and slightly bitter pitch make for a beautiful, poised outline. Purity and length stand out.
An unoaked blend of 68% Chardonnay and 32% Pinot Blanc, with the peach and sweet-corn Chard flavors to pair with the orange and grapefruit notes of the Pinot Blanc. It's round and mouthfilling, finishing with hints of spice and citrus. Drink now.
With 18 months in French oak and another 18 months in bottle before release, this is a developed and complex wine with serious cassis and blackberry flavors accented by notes of menthol, tea leaves, cocoa nibs and black currant leaf. Structured and firm with velvety tannins and a long finish, this will continue to develop if cellared.
Argyle's reserve shows more barrel flavor than the regular Willamette Valley bottling, highlighting an interesting mix of Asian spice and coffee. But the tannins are oddly absent; there seems to be a bit of a hole in the back of the wine. It opens beautifully, then hits a dead spot. A good wine, but missing something.
This zippy, fruit-forward wine opens with bright raspberry and pungent spice aromas, adding in milk chocolate streaks through a supple, medium-weight middle. The finish gets a little tight, with some plastic flavors creeping in.
Castilla y León can be good bargain country, and all of the 2006 Volteo wines are Best Buy qualifiers. This varietal Tempranillo has a clean, fruity nose backed by bright berry flavors built on a floor or two of structure. It's a composed quaffer with pure flavors, adequate length and overall balance.
Mature and a little waxy on the nose; this is a plump, fruity, semisoft wine with apple, pineapple and melon flavors. It's round and fairly mild, with plenty of taste, width and drinkability. Drink soon before it softens even further.
Cepas Vellas refers to old vines, but what's most noticeable on this wine is the popcorn and cream that characterizes both the nose and mouth. In between the oak-aided folds there's melon, waxy papaya and banana flavors sitting on a plump, cushioned palate. It's a holdover from 2005, so drink it while you have it.
It may be a second-rate grape in France, but in Portugal Alicante Bouschet has really come into its own. This is a ripe, smooth wine, with dark plum skin tannins, red peppers and intense concentrated spice. Drink now.
Hints of fresh mint leaves highlight the brooding black currant and dark fruit aromas. The balance of Cabernet and Merlot has been successfully achieved, as the wine is beautifully structured with a firm backbone of ample tannins and a rich, supple mouthfeel.
This is quite light, almost ephemeral, with tart raspberry and red licorice flavors and a strong metallic/mineral streak. It is delicately made, and interesting, but comparable to a simple Bourgogne rather than a wine priced at this level.
This is a light, leafy wine, with tannins that taste of green tea and leave a sensation of astringency long after the wine is swallowed. Sounds like Burgundy! In a world where so many Oregon wineries are making Pinot Noir that is superripe, extracted and alcoholic, this shows why the Burgundy comparison is still valid.
Pierre Léon is a selection of different clones from the winery estate. Maybe it's the vintage, but the wine seems dilute. The flavors of tart wild berry, earth and herb have a thin, edgy character; and the tannins seem greener than what would be optimal.
This opens with a strong scent of herb and bud; it's sharp and aggressively leafy. The wine follows with similar flavors. The light fruit flavors of plum and berry are quickly suffocated with leaf, herb, earth, spice and tannin. Time may be the answer.
Pepper, plum and smoke on the nose starts this wine off with a sultry kick. On the palate, it offers medium bodied, smoky spice flavors that linger. pair with lamb, wild game or blue cheeses.
A magnetic nose of cinnamon spice and cigarbox leads this elegant Cabernet from Excelsior, and it's followed by balanced cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Firm tannins, good acidity and an overall spicy touch give the wine energy and pluck. Good for everyday sipping and ready to drink now.
With all the freshness given by the Négrette, this is a red fruit dominated wine, its acidity ripe, touched by candy and strawberries. This is a wine to drink now, with all the crispness of 2004 still in place.
Chardonnay grown at the mouth of the Loire is as crisp and green as you would expect. This unoaked wine has touches of pear and definite citrus, very fresh and light.
A lightweight, dusty-smelling Pinot Noir from near Sancerre. The fruit is very soft, with the dryness giving a final firmness to the aftertaste. Flavors of red cherries have a dusty, perfumed character.
The simplest wine in the Donabaum portfolio, a lively, fresh apples and cream flavored wine that makes a great apéritif style. There's just the right edge of crispness to add to the pleasure. Screwcap.
Attractive, very crisp rosé, its strawberry fruit flavors given a delicious lift with citrus and caramel. It may be a 2006, but it still has all its freshness. Screwcap.
Fragrant and floral, this is a deliciously easy wine, a blend of the local Gascon Colombard grape with Ugni Blanc. There are flavors of grapefruit, white fruits and a light, crisp green aftertaste. Screwcap.
A light, sprightly and vivacious wine that has white fruits, spring blossom perfume and a crisp, tensely acidic aftertaste. What it lacks in intensity it makes up for in its delicious, refreshing style.
The leading Bergerac brand is made by Bordeaux négotiant Yvon Mau. It's soft with easy tannins and some blackberry fruit flavors. Ready to drink now, showing some good ripeness.
Rubbery, smoky and a little crusty smelling, with creamy, mildly lactic berry flavors and feel. The wine has an oaky stickiness to it that is most present late. While neither heavy nor stewed, this wine does have a soft, chunky DNA. So while it's big and plump, it's also only half-full.
This is a chunky, blocky, rather stolid take on what is usually a floral, perfumed grape. Here it is limited to thick fruit components —orange and guava—tart acids and some residual sweetness.
Mostly neutral in style, but clean and properly made. The nose offers a shot of nectarine, while the pointed palate features pink grapefruit and other citrus flavors. Finishes citrusy then mildly bitter and pithy. Decent for a basic, inexpensive pink wine.
Nice enough on the nose, with spunky berry aromas mixed with modest spice and vanilla. The palate is angular yet fresh, with tight acidity producing bright but choppy cherry and plum flavors. Cleansing but scratchy on the finish.
In a light, fresh style, this is an attractive red berry fruited wine. There are light tannins, soft strawberry flavors and a light acidity.
A low-intensity wine with dull apricot aromas and mild oxidization. Riesling is the base grape, but the wine is mildy Sherried and honeyed, with burnt orange as the lead flavor. Heavy orange and apricot flavors weigh down the short finish.
A hard-edged wine, lean and mineral in character. It has a juicy tartness to it, the berry fruits surrounding a curiously hollow center.
Moderate red cherry aromas are about as expressive as it gets, while the palate has a sharp scour to it even if the wine avoids outright tartness. Snappy and crisp at all check points, with a spot of lean, buttery oak flavor on the finish.
Slightly pressed tones of apple and pear are accented elegantly by vanilla and caramel in this big-bodied but elegant wine. Brisk acidity lends a spry tone to the midpalate, drawing out a lemony-fresh finish.
Tart yellow plum and red apples build in concentration from nose to palate. Sumptuously semidry, it's pleasantly honeyed with a subtle violet candy sweetness. The finish is moderately long.
From a head-trained, dry-farmed vineyard, this very delicate and rather light bottling shows minerally lava rock and riverstone aromas, tart red-cherry fruit and a touch of chaparral. The palate's light structure offers rust and red cherry flavors.
Raspberry fruit shines through with ample backing acidity. The flavors are true and fresh, though the wine seems to thin out midpalate. It was fermented with wild yeast and aged for 15 months in the barrel.
Fermented whole cluster in 80% stainless steel, this fresh tart wine is packed with flavors of citrus and apple. It's crisply defined, finishing with a touch of freshly cut herb.
Dark in color and viscous in texture, this wine shows dried plum, concentrated blueberry, cola, licorice and kirsch on the nose. It's powerfully flavored on the palate, with cooked cherry and mulberry fruit, as well as vanilla and ginger spice. It will be exciting to see what the new winemaking and ownership team does with this iconic estate.
This is the top wine from the estate, a pure expression of the local Négrette. It is a wood-aged wine, from organic grapes, rich and structured. With intense tannins, spice and young fruit and wood notes, it is a perfumed wine with a future. The name, in the southern French langue d'Oc (Occitan), means “everything that's necessary,” or a complete wine. Drink from 2018.
Gravelly texture gives way to faint apple, preserved lemon and salt flavors in this medium-bodied, densely built white. An imprint of toasted oak barrel lingers on the finish.
This almost-opaque bottling from the Hidden Valley Vineyard unleashes a powerful wave of aromas, from concentrated blueberry to licorice and vanilla to plum sauce. Cassis flavors permeate the dense palate, feeling lavish and nearly over-the-top.
From a vineyard above Santa Paula, this bottling shows black plum, underripe berry and cedar touches on the nose. Tart black fruit marks the palate, lifted by dried lilac elements and lava rock minerality, all held together by upright tannins. Persistent acidity leaves the mouth zinging.
Made with late-harvested Garganega grapes, this opens with aromas of pressed Spanish broom, ripe yellow stone fruit and candied citrus drop. The aromas follow over to the soft, rounded palate along with a toasted almond note.
Intriguing red currant, elderberry, pepper and thyme aromas show in this blend of 63% Tempranillo, 15% Grenache, 14% Carignane and 8% Graciano that was aged in both French and American oak. The palate offers smoke, leather, sagebrush and thyme touches, bolstering its simple red fruit base.
Aromas of violet, iris, ripe black-skinned fruit, dried grape and a whiff of tobacco lead the way on this full-bodied charmer. The smooth, structured palate delivers dried cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and cake spice while velvety tannins provide support.
Sun-ripened bramble and dried herbs lend a savory rusticity to this spry yet decadently ripened Cabernet Franc. It's not a brawny wine, but powerful in impact, full of black fruit flavors and jolted by veins of fine tannin and pert acidity. It's lovely now, but structured enough to continue to improve till at least 2020.
A dark and concentrated sandalwood aroma hits the nose on this bottling from west of Paso, alongside strawberries, red currants, smoked meats and a gravelly rockiness. Licorice, anise and fennel drive the palate, which opens up toward concentrated violets, plum fruit and pencil-lead flavors.
While the nose is subdued, the palate brings out yellow apple peel and rounded, mellow spice, spiked with pure lemony freshness. Tingling pepperiness around the edges makes this pure apple-lemon combo so moreish. This is authentic, pure and has a lasting, clean finish.
This rich wine is still young and has all its tannins intact as well as ripe black fruits that push out of the dense structure. Wood aging shows in a toasty edge that will round out. Wait and drink this wine from 2017.
This wine, from a new collaboration between San Miguel vintner David DuBois and Santa Ynez winemaker Andres Ibarra, shows excellently on the nose, with apple blossoms, white peach flesh, cold butter, seared lemons and garden herbs. The dynamic, engaging palate is framed by pencil shavings and browned butter, with lemon peels, nectarine flesh and hints of salted pineapple.
At five years, this balanced, ripe wine is both elegant and concentrated. Fine tannins support the red cherry and black berry fruits, with layers of acidity and minerality. The wine, well balanced, is ready to drink.
Beautifully balanced and elegant, this is made by one of the winemakers at Cardinale and inspired by the Loire Valley. It offers equal parts fruit, weight and minerality, tasting of fresh-squeezed lime and wet stone, with a layering of viscous vanilla. Medium-sized in terms of texture, it dances on the palate, refreshing throughout.
Subtlety and a savory quality help this wine stand out from the rest of the Goldeneye lineup. It has meaty, slightly peppery aromas along with subtle cherry scents, a plush, almost soft texture and delicious, moderately ripe flavors like pomegranate and black cherry.
A balance of blueberry-chiffon ripeness and asphalt tightness is enhanced by spearmint and cola notes on the nose of this blend from eastern Santa Ynez Valley. The palate shows generous black fruit against a restrained tannic frame of tobacco and cedar.
It's too bad that this blend of 75% Zinfandel, 12% Cabernet Franc and 13% Syrah is only found in Bermuda. Elderberry, tobacco and blueberry-stuffed chocolate power the dense nose, yet the palate shows a fresh lightness, with mint and menthol lifting the cherry juice and tannic grip that structures the sip.
Aromas of espresso, black pepper, oak, chocolate and blackberry jam waft out of the glass. The dense, concentrated palate delivers brandied black cherry, licorice, raisin and coffee alongside firm, gripping tannins that leave the palate dry on the finish. Give the tannins another two or three years to unwind and then enjoy.
Pungent, spicy earth and cinnamon rise out of the wine's bouquet, inviting one to enjoy a structured expression of cranberry, raspberry and black tea. The tannin structure is well managed and the oak strong, yet integrated. Gap's Crown is among the vineyards that figure into the blend, along with several Dutton family properties. This is fresh and focused.
Silky smooth and delicate, this comes from a long-standing family-run winery in the heart of the appellation. It's a subtle, floral wine offering layers of dark plum and strawberry. Medium-weight and tangy in acidity, black tea and toffee notes linger on the finish.
Ripe, yellow pear, stone and earth are united by a zesty grapefruit perfume. The streak of purity at the center of this is invigorating, with an enlivening backbone of tinkling acidity. This bottling does justice to a difficult vintage—and is all the more alluring for it. Something racy and pure at the core makes you want to delve deeply into this wine.
Dense and luxurious aromas of oak-laden red currants, blueberry, peppercorns and melted dark chocolate greet the nose on this hearty bottling. The flavors are lighter than the nose suggests, yet the silky texture evolves quickly to deliver plenty of espresso bean, vanilla, blueberry and blackberry elements, all clinging to a strong tannic structure.
This ripe but fresh blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Syrah and 32% Petite Sirah shows blackberry-blueberry syrup as well as cedar and smoked pork on the nose. The palate offers rich and tasty flavors of olallieberry pie cut by a graphite-driven minerality.
The aroma of this sleek and polished wine has hints of flowers and dark chocolate, while flavors suggest Bing cherries dusted with cocoa. Most impressive is the texture that is firm and refreshing, but also luxurious. While very flavorful and concentrated, it's not to heavy or too tannic.
The nose of this excellently priced wine offers sour fruit from Montmorency cherries, earthiness from squeezed beets, spice from toasted sagebrush and umami from soy sauce. The palate is deep, with a sanguine character that's enhanced by lots of cracked pepper. It delivers plenty of action for the price.
Roasted beets and beef aromas combine with scarlet-red rose petals, peppercorns, black clove, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose of this wine. The palate offers more cinnamon and purple flowers, with herbal lift from thyme as well as a solidly structurd frame that ensures this bottle will last quite a while.
There's a gorgeous floral and citrus bouquet upon entry, followed by lithe flavors of orange blossom and zest. From an estate-grown vineyard, the wine is balanced and elegant, with a twist of pineapple custard on the finish.
Intoxicating aromas of plum jelly, violets, blueberry, chocolate and cinnamon are cut with a pencil-lead focus on this bottling by a family in the Paso wine game since 1908. Flavors of blackberry jelly are lifted by lavender and anise spice.
An inviting nose of buttery stewed cherries and red currants grows even more delicious thanks to smoked pork and a black-slate minerality. It's not quite so boisterous on the palate, but it features lovely cherry-pie notes, a slight orange-peel tang, some eucalyptus and a clean finish.
Long Island is not typically known for Cabernet Sauvignon, but in the hands of winemaker Anthony Nappa (who also crafts excellent Cabs at Raphael), the variety shows remarkable promise. Juxtaposing heady notes of bramble and dried herb against a backdrop of luscious black currant and plum, this wild-fermented red is enticingly “savage” in style. Sharp cranberry notes and mineral tones lend edge to a lingering finish.
Made from all free-run juice with no oak, this wine by 40-year veteran Frederic Brander shows candied lemon and lime peels on the approachable, inviting nose, along with fresh-cut apples and a growing passionfruit perfume. The passionfruit tang also shows on the palate alongside ripe limes and a lingering grassy note, held together by grippy acidity and pithy texture.
This wine has a very deep color, aromas like blueberry syrup and dark chocolate, rich, mouthfilling texture and attractive ripe fruit flavors. It is full bodied, packed with fine-grained tannins yet so soaked with flavor that it finds balance.
The 33% Semillion shows strongly in this Bordeaux-style blend, with the rest Sauvignon Blanc. Toasted Marcona almonds, preserved lemons, dried limes, iodine and walnut oil greet the nose. The nut-oil character is laced throughout the palate, with dried yellow fruits and a touch of earthiness. It's fresh yet creamy, and perfect for a wide range of cheeses.
Now officially labeled from the newly named Malibu Coast appellation, this bottling shows lots of potential for the region. Aromas of lush lemonade, crushed vanilla, browned butter, honeysuckle and honey lead into a soft and lush palate that's buttery but high-toned. Flavors of toasted bread with orange marmalade prove warm but tartly dynamic.
The smell of ripe yellow plum and the thick, waxy peel of Bramley apples sets the aromatic tone on nose and palate. There is richness here, and ample, rounded fruit, while the palate stays dry and is brightened in its broadness by pleasantly tart, clear lemon acidity. Echoes of spice and lemons linger long.
Mineral, mulberry, dried herb and black-fruit aromas lead to layered dark-fruit flavors that show intensity as well as exceptional balance. This has a delicious factor that is impossible to ignore.
Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019. This is the last vintage under the Fournier-Casteja family. In December, Birot was sold to Miaolin Chen's New Century Tourism Group based in Hangzhou, China.
Tight tannins dominate this highly scented wood-aged wine. It has rich blackberry flavors, spice and perfumed acidity. The juicy fruits are bright and will soften into the rich texture over the next few years. Drink from 2019.
The wine from Denis Coudroy's 10 acres of vines is perfumed from new wood, with a polished character and bright fruit flavors. Underneath the wood, there is plenty of black-currant juiciness and fresh acidity. Drink this attractive wine from 2019.
There is plenty of ripe fruit here. With soft tannins and a generous structure, the wine is rich, full of berry and red-plum flavors and with just enough tannins. Give this fruity wine until 2018.
The Jonck family's wine is dense and still young with firm tannins. It has excellent potential because the ripe berry fruits are right there to give richness and flesh out the tannins. Spice and acidity fill the background. Drink this fine wine from 2019.
This is dry, crisp and nicely detailed, with a persistent, clean and fresh mouthfeel. Notes of cucumber, salad greens and citrus, notably lime and grapefruit, are underscored with appealing minerality. This remains one of the highlights of Chehalem's expansive portfolio.
Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.
Aromas of graham cracker, vanilla and berry fruits are inviting but lack depth. In the mouth, this is grabby, with abrasive but tolerable tannins. Flavors of oaky, toasty berry fruits are chocolaty and finish with hints of tobacco and vanilla along with more tannic bite. Drink 2018–2030.
The aromatic intensity takes you quickly to the signature heart of the grape. It's floral and spicy, leading to concentrated flavors of citrus and stone fruits. It's ripe, dry and penetrating.
Apple, citrus, floral and bread crust aromas lead the way on this savory wine. The bright dry palate presents lime, toasted hazelnut, pear and a hint of spice alongside fresh acidity.
A ripe and structured wine, this is full in the mouth and rich with blackberry fruit. The tannins are firm while also finely integrated into the generous fruitiness. The wine is mature and ready to drink with a juicy aftertaste.
It is unusual to find a 100% Tinta Cão because (in regional slang) this vine is a dog to manage due to its wild vigorous nature. The wine with its tight tannins and layers of mint from the wood aging is dense and concentrated if also peppery and very powerful. It works well in the warm Alentejo region, giving a dark firm wine that is ready to drink.
A blend of grapes from different regions of the Douro, this is a ripe, concentrated wine. Perfumed black fruits and plenty of acidity give it a crisp while smooth texture. The wine is well in balance, hinting at minerality and is ready to drink starting from 2017.
This 50-50 Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon is a rich wine that is full of lightly peppered ripe apple and pear flavors. It feels generous while being full in the mouth with good concentration and crisp acidity. Drink now.
The aromatics suggest rose petals, while the tart fruit flavors run to raspberries and citrus. The freshness and complexity hint at further improvement over the next three to five years.
Full bodied, muscular and intense, this brooding Shiraz is built for the cellar. Smoke and blackberries are crunchy with acid and primary fruit, finishing crisp. Drink 2018–2025.
Despite being only medium bodied, this is a firmly tannic, structured wine. Subtle French oak scents of cedar and vanilla accent mixed berry fruit, while the finish is youthful, crisp and unyielding. This needs a minimum of two more years in the cellar. Drink 2018 through 2025.
Black-fruit and red-berry aromas come with notes of green tobacco and freshly mowed grass. The palate on this blend of Tempranillo with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit scratchy, with lightly herbal flavors of blackberry, wood grain and pepper. A drying, tannic finish features notes of tobacco and oak-driven chocolate. Drink through 2024.
This cuvée has the prettiest aromatics of the entire 2012 lineup, highlighted with rose petals and spice. Apples and cranberries are the fruit components, amped up with stiff acidity. It finishes with a faint touch of chocolate.
This limited-production wine was fermented in a 500 liter French oak puncheon and put through full malolactic. The mouthfeel is creamy and the wine balanced, with buttery highlights around jicama and green-apple fruit. Despite the low alcohol, it's ripe enough to feel full bodied.
Wild flower, ripe orchard fruit and a whiff of aromatic herb are some of the scents you'll find on this. The foaming linear palate doles out apple, pear, lime and a hint of lemon drop alongside fresh acidity and a soft mousse.
Aromas of delicately fragrant wild flower, orchard fruit and citrus waft out of the glass. The savory, vibrant palate presents green apple, white peach, lime and aromatic herb alongside fresh acidity and a softly foaming mousse.
This is one of those kitchen sink blends that is better than it has a right to be. Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris are all in the mix, and the wine is both aromatic and packed with fresh flavors of bubble gum and tropical fruit candy. It's finished dry, yielding a multipurpose, unique white wine that you may try with just about any food you'd put in front of any of the component grapes.
Calm, composed and complete, this wine speaks softly but carries big flavors, a velvety texture and lingering finish. Aromas are subdued, the flavors warm and ripe and the body nice and full.
Three Sixty comes from four blocks of the Bucher Vineyard, planted to a range of clones. Made in small amounts, it offers a wealth and breadth of black cherry, vanilla and smoky oak, the tannins softened and well integrated into the whole. It takes on savory aspects of coffee and clove as it opens.
Refermented in the bottle, this opens with inviting scents of ripe orchard fruit, citrus, bread crust, Alpine herb and a whiff of crushed stone. The refreshing frothy palate delivers lime, tangerine zest, green apple and a hint of lemon drop alongside bright acidity. A mineral note backs up the finish.
This opens with aromas of raw red berry, chopped herb and a slight whiff of cellar floor. The tight palate offers raspberry, morello cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside austere but refined tannins. Give this a few more years to fully come together. Drink 2020–2030.
A finely balanced wine, bringing together the new wood flavors with structured tropical fruits. Plangent acidity is the binding agent, giving an excitingly refreshing wine with a bright finish.
Deeply fruity wine, almost black in color and very aromatic. It has opulent sweet ripe fruit, quite soft in character with violet and sweet plum flavors. It is probably not for long-term aging, while its fruit character will make it delicious soon.
Heady but juicy Grenache dominates the blend of this wine, which also includes 30% Cinsault, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. Concentrated deep fruit aromas of plum, blackberry and muddled boysenberry flood the nose, while a streak of minerality and moderate acidity keep things vibrant in the medium-weight mouth with a velour-like texture. Licorice and sweet spice stay well into the close.
A blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 10% Mourvèdre aged in French oak for 12 months, this wine exhibits great depth of flavors against a tight structure. Notes of garrigue herbs and peppery spice infuse the blackberry and rich plum fruit core. Sweet oak flavors linger on the long finish along with firm but fine tannins. Drink now–2016.
Intense, concentrated wine with herbaceous flavors allied to gooseberry, pink grapefruit and a steely edge of acidity. With its powerful fruits, it is worth aging for a few months.
John Kinney is doing great things with Livermore Valley fruit, most especially with many of his whites, including this classically oaked Fumé Blanc, the grapes barrel-fermented in 100% French oak (Seguin Moreau and Taransaud) and left sur lie for six months, Montrachet style. Creamy but bright with aromatics of caramel and vanilla, but only 50 cases were made.
Solid and broad on the nose, with black cherry, berry and controlled rubbery aromas. Fresh, juicy and healthy on the palate, with good drive and dark, toasty flavors of black fruits, spice and chocolate. Spicy, warm and a bit complex on the finish. Malbec with Cab Sauvignon and Syrah; drink now.
Slow to show its quality, with a little aeration this becomes a superripe wine, its wood element dominated by the intense tropical fruits. There is some balancing restraint in the citrus character, along with the acidity. Enjoy now.
The yellow-fruited richness of mirabelle compote with a touch of vanilla becomes apparent on the nose. The palate is just as luscious as promised but also carries a welcome, thrilling streak of lemon oil at its core, brightening and framing the medium-sweetness with its zesty lift. A touch of pleasant phenolic bitterness can just about be felt, adding dimension to the palate. This is intriguing and exciting in the way it plays with richness and sweetness while keeping them on a very tight rein. Lovely. Drink 2017–2027.
A lifted lemon-scented nose of peach gives and impression of ease and lightness. The palate, however, lays on generous sweetness to focus on ripe juicy peach notes. There is a huge concentration of flavor and richness, countered by that lemony freshness. This is a big but gentle wine that leaves your mind ringing with peach and lemon and a touch of honeysuckle spice. The medium-sweet finish is long and balanced. Drink 2017–2017.
Peach and honeysuckle already have a notion of honeyed sweetness and ripeness on the nose. The palate boosts both fruit and floral notion to the top, where honeysuckle and rose petal notes meeting with peach on the medium-sweet palate. This is full on, joyous, juicy and rich with expressive, exuberant flavor. An underlying concentration almost feeds this with a fiery dynamic force. The finish is medium sweet but comes with a wonderfully redeeming pure lemon streak. This is ready now but will get even better with age. Drink 2017–2037.
That ethereal herbal lift of fine Riesling is apparent with the very first whiff. These wonderfully herb-scented notions continue on the exemplary dry palate: Imagine a lick of scented, dried chamomile embracing notions of dried and fresh apple and citrus peel. A wonderfully harmonious synthesis of fresh and evolved flavors. If you need convincing of the mature charm of Riesling this is the wine to convince you: Elegant, understated and yet intense. The finish is dry, sustained and utterly moreish. Lovely and maturing now, but with further potential. Drink 2017–2030.
From the family's westernmost vineyard, this bottling is fabulously complex. It shows dense dried fruit and turned earth aromas, along with chaparral, smoke, clove and nutmeg. Those wild elements figure strongly on the sip, which shows thyme, rosemary and sagebrush accents around a core of plum, pomegranate and hibiscus flavors. A vanilla flair graces the finish.
Juicy black cherry, tar and leather notes provide flavor and heft in this supple wine with sizable yet well-behaved tannins. Its firm structure balances the full body, as clove and just-roasted coffee highlights linger on the finish.
The nose is not inclined to give much away at this early stage. The palate, however, freely gives wonderfully tart apple fruit that has a juicy ripeness and the tang of lemon. The palate is dry and streamlined, with a wonderfully racy focus of freshness and concentration. Yet this remains svelte and toned. It is the lemony tang that creates such a deliciously lip-smacking and refreshing finish. Lovely now but sure to develop. Drink 2017–2027.
This is a floral, mineral wine, both tight and exuberant in its perfumed character. Green apple and spices combine with the textured character of this balanced wine—lively, fruity and with fine acidity. It comes in a bottle that was common in the Victorian era, slightly narrower at the base.
A touch of freshly cut apple peel is all that appears on the shy nose. The palate is more approachable and opens into beautifully aromatic notions of ripe tart apples and blossom. This has a very harmonious balance and something like tender poise. This is absolutely fresh but it comes like a caress, touching and convincing with tenderness rather than flashy force. The palate is dry, has ample and aromatic apple fruit and immense charm. This is so easy to drink right now but will certainly evolve. It finishes with a long pure echo of lemon. Drink 2017–2027.
Beautifully aromatic notes of ripe citrus peel rise from the glass—think tangerine and juicy clementine. These flavors become more zesty on the full-flavored, concentrated but linear palate. This is not overtly aromatic as Muscat would usually suggest but more concentrated, more serious, with an alluring citrus-scented core that promises beautiful development over the years. There is great balance, lasting length and beautiful poise. Drink 2017–2025.
Vinified in neutral French oak puncheons, this luscious wine offers a lively mix of papaya, mango, vanilla and butterscotch flavors. Though rich, it's never tiring, and firms up midpalate into a wine with some muscle through the finish. Enjoy through 2025.
This is another fantastic vintage of this Zinfandel, blended smaller amounts of Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah. It offers a wealth of soft, juicy milk chocolate and cherry pie character and is high in acidity and dusty tannin. A beautiful, memorable testament to what this variety can be.
As it opens, this wine's ever-so-slightly-dried black-cherry aroma emerges with elegance and power, alongside unending layers of potpourri, crushed flowers, juniper and dark spice. The palate leads with a tart cranberry note that broadens into a warmer strawberry flavor, laced together with tingling acidity and sagebrush spice.
Sourced largely from the Martin Stelling Vineyard, this is a supple, soft wine, with refined tannins. A zippy nose of rose and spice scents paves the way for more powerful leather saddle, cedar and black tea elements. Its fruit is wild and brambly, recalling blackberry and dark cherry with enviable succulence.
Earthy berry aromas are complex due to side notes of crushed leaves, charred meat and burnt wood. This single-vineyard Malbec is juicy and loaded with energy as a result of racy acidity. Plum, wild berry, herb and spice flavors finish dry, firm and focused. Drink this high-toned Malbec through 2025.
Big aromas of blackberry, leather, turned earth and white mushroom set up a bright, layered palate with fresh acidity at its core. Floral, exotic red-berry flavors are spicy and in sync with each other. A crisp, peppery finish with toasty oak ensures that this single-vineyard Malbec is built to last. Drink through 2025.
The nose is slightly subdued with a faint touch of lemon balm and orange. The palate unpacks this with notes of both citrus and earth. There is something textured about that earthy feel, while all the freshness of lemon and orange zest dazzles the senses. This has purity and precision which lend a sense of weightlessness despite the undoubted power of the wine. The finish is wonderfully dry, refreshing and absolutely lip-smacking. Drink 2017–2030.
Almost decadently rich, this seduces with aromas of toasted hazelnuts, buttery stone fruits and sweet sliced pineapple. In perfect balance and drinking beautifully, it should remain at its peak through the mid-2020s.
Juicy dark-purple fruits hold the center of this supple, engaging wine that's still young, with chewy tannins. There's tangy bite to the acids and plenty of muscle for aging. Drink 2020 through 2030 and possibly longer.
From a vineyard at 1,100 feet elevation in the southern part of the appellation, this bottling shows light and lively raspberry, plum, white pepper, fennel and damp herb aromas. The palate abounds with red fruit, well-woven acidity and layers of herbs. A raspberry jam note pops on the finish.
Earthy forest floor and sage notes make for a savory experience in this otherwise juicy wine. Robust, full-bodied and concentrated, it offers developed flavors of baked plum, strawberry and rhubarb compote, the fruit edged with menthol.
From four vineyard sites across the appellation, this coastal wine shows an intriguing note of rose petal and turned earth before unleashing full-bodied waves of chewy, cool-climate tannin. Its rhubarb and red cherry fruit has a savory edge; acidity carries it long into the finish.
A subtle hint of sandalwood and rose plays alongside the juicy pear of the palate. There is a rich floral creaminess on the palate that flashes a touch of vanilla and hints of Damask rose. A pleasantly bitter phenolic edge gives direction to the dynamic energy of fruit that trembles at the core of this wine. Hints of rose, lemon oil and peach linger long after the last sip. This is concentrated, off dry and energetic. Drink 2017–2027.
Earth, apple, citrus and herb all mingle on nose. Green apple tinged with chamomile edge strikes against bright lemon on the dry palate. This is full of refreshing citrus and a beautifully understated vigor which will live in this wine for years to come. The finish culminates in a gorgeously tart but ripe apple notion. Very moreish now and approachable but with lots of future promise. Drink 2017–2030.
The senses are immediately captured by the purity of the perfectly ripe apple notes that rise from the glass. The palate continues in that pure, joyous, juicy vein. This has incredible power and despite its muscle and undoubted weight there is no fat. The palate is dry and streamlined and bouncing with fruit and life. Lovely now, sure to age beautifully. Drink 2017–2030.
The tart but tropical charm of passion fruit plays around the nose before more zesty citrus notes become apparent. The palate is generous with juicy peach, yellow pear and citrus. The vein of lemon freshness at the core is totally seductive. While the palate is patently dry, the absolute juiciness of the fruit will get you, as will the clean but aromatic finish. Drink 2017–2027.
Rubber, cured meat and herbal berry aromas feed into a tomatoey palate with raw acidity and rough tannins. This features gritty flavors of berry and raisin, while the finish is a bit flat in feel and tastes of prune and stalky, roasted berries. Unlike many Ribera wines, this is earthy and not overly ripe. Drink through 2017.
Made with native grapes Ripoli, Fenile and Ginestra, this concentrated, lumbering wine opens with aromas of oak, citrus and dried apricot. The dense palate offers oak extract, candied lemon, toast, and dried stone fruit. It finishes on a sugary sweet note of rock candy and butterscotch.
Aromas of white peach, nectarine and vanilla bean join fresh fruit flavors backed by nuances of caramel, vanilla and crème brûlée. There's nice round mouthfeel and a creamy yet clean finish.
Voluptuous and heady, this lychee and mango-scented wine balances juicy tropical fruit flavor with a hefty dose of spice. It's expansive on the palate with a rich, textured mouthfeel, but tightened with a hint of tangerine acidity. A touch of alcoholic heat marks the finish.
A blend of 80% Grillo and 20% Viognier, this conveys heady aromas of fragrant white flowers, exotic fruit and apricot. The palate delivers rich yellow peach, mango and citrus with a hint of sweet vanilla.
A vibrantly aromatic wine with notes of dried apricot and fresh flowers. It's full bodied, weighty in feel with the flavor concentration dissipating toward the warm finish.
Wiry, herbal aromas of raspberry and plum are slightly stalky. This feels tight, choppy and prickly, but also alert and racy. Flavors of herbal raspberry and plum finish with additional herbal notes, a touch of chocolate and snappy acids.
This semi-dry red wine is garnet in color, with aromas of red cherry and red raspberry plus lifted top notes of eucalyptus and mint. In the mouth, flavors of red raspberry and black currant shine brightly before the juicy finish.
Aromas recall lemon blossom, hay and citrus. The succulent palate offers white peach and apple accented with a light mineral note. It ends with a hint of apricot.
Single vineyard Zinfandel from a young vineyard on the Columbia River, this is pretty rather than powerful, smooth and chocolaty, with bright, tight raspberry fruit.
Streaks of citrus, berry and cracker are integrated with light berry flavors. This is a smooth, balanced, easy-drinking Syrah, with light hints of tea leaves.
The palest pink grey in color, it is ripe and caramel flavored. Sweet red fruits give a soft texture, full-bodied and rounded. The aftertaste is all fruit.
Some lemon-zest texture characterizes this otherwise rounded wine. It has good bright fruitiness, a hint of wood and full white fruit flavors. It needs to age, so drink from early 2015.
The scent of apple blossoms perfume this round, richly structured wine, accentuating flavors of apple and pear on the palate. Touches of vanilla and cream add weight and mouthfeel, but the wine finishes crisp with lemony acidity and saline minerality.
Whiffs of spice and dark toast lend warmth to ripe black cherry aromas on this Syrah-Viognier blend. The palate is brisk with tart cassis and plum flavors wrapped up tightly within layers of mouthfilling tannins.
Intense tropical fruit aromas are punctuated by notes of honeysuckle and jasmine. The juicy palate offers pineapple, mango, banana and citrus with a hint of mineral alongside fresh acidity.
Initially this wine is flat and a bit chemical on the nose, but with time lime and tropical fruit aromas poke through. The mouthfeel is round but a little bland and broken up, while flavors of yeasty, bready tropical fruits and applesauce finish easy but flabby.
Made from 100% Grenache grapes, it was made in a tiny amount of 50 cases. It offers an almost grenadine-like flavor amidst a core of peach intensity. Softly textured, it's super enjoyable and would go well with a bowl of fruit, eggs and bacon at brunch.
Though it makes up only a fifth of the wine, Cabernet Sauvignon seems to win out in this largely Bordeaux-style blend with notes of mixed herbs, mint and green tea. Lighter in style, it offers a fresh feel, slightly chalky tannins, and little obvious new oak influence. It adds up to a low-alcohol wine that goes down easy.
Pure Blaufränkisch, giving sweet fruit, an earthy series of tannins and fresh acidity. Pepper and spicy black currants give texture and a bright, red-hued finish.
Very firm and tannic, this gently earthy Merlot-dominated blend also includes 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Cranberry and pomegranate red fruits are softened with buttery oak, and the wine shows more polish than in previous vintages.
Whether it's the vintage, or simply the evolution of winemaking at this new winery, this reserve Chardonnay is more restrained and structured than past efforts. Still young and compact, it shows succulent green apple and white peach flavors along with toast and butterscotch.
This vintage of the Reiver seems mintier than others, and at times the mint seemed a dominant feature of this wine, which otherwise offers jammy berry fruit and chocolate aromas and flavors. At 15% abv, it's not a shy wine, but neither is it as richly textured as might be expected. Drink it 2013–2020.
Brambleberry, pepper and smoke lead this distinctive red blend from Capaia. Red berries, pepper and spice have South African character, and are enlivened by good acidity and a minerally finish. A refreshing but savory everyday red; pair with lamb or game.
Plenty of dry Malbec tannins here. In fact, this verges on the austere, piling high on to the fruit. There is density, those tannins going right through the wine, finishing with acidity. Tough at this stage: give it 2–3 years.
In a modern, smooth style, with plush fruit and dusty tannins, this is a ripe, open wine, an easy expression of Malbec, New World in its fruitiness.
Solid, dark, acidic and tannic wine made from five red grapes. The nose deals cola, olive, leather and undefined saucy aromas, which are backed by flavors of red fruits, herbs and olive. Finishes with a wave of red fruit flavor but also tough, grabby, lasting tannins. Drink now through 2013.
A benchmark style for Washington Riesling, this mixes stone and citrus fruits, adds highlights of wintergreen spice, hints of honeysuckle, lemon and tea, and finishes with some fruit sweetness, though the wine is essentially dry.
This may be simple Zweigelt, but it has a great structure, bringing out an impressively complex juice and tannin combination, with a ripe sweet character, black berry fruits and a core of tight, mineral tannins. The finish is open, warm and juicy.
A ripe, jammy, caramel style, with super-sweet fruit and spice followed by toast and fig jam. The wine is big, bold, opulent, finishing with bright berry flavors.
This embraceable, fruity Pinotage offers mocha, plum and red berry aromas and a full, mouthfilling wave of citrus, plum, spice and banana on the plate. The finish is soft cut spicy. A great go-to red with everyday appeal.
Named for the famous Shiraz-growing district at the north end of the Barossa Valley, Penfolds' Kalimna Shiraz is in fact a multiregional South Australian blend that aims to recreate the Kalimna style. It succeeds admirably, albeit without the intensity and complexity that marks the best Barossan Shirazes, combining raspberries with touches of plum and prune before turning chocolaty on the finish. Drink now–2015.
Moderately soft, loose-knit, and lightly herbal, this pure, single-vineyard Cabernet is a modest but charming effort with warm currant fruit. The aging in French and American oak shows a little too aggressively at the moment, so decant.
This cool-climate Pinot Gris is balanced and light, and it offers refreshing layers of citrus, almond and peach. It will pair with goat cheese and seafood-based appetizers, and it will also be enjoyed on its own
This well-structured effort is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it bears nuances of herb and briar. There is a balanced mix of plum and black cherry flavors that are wreathed in smoke and coffee notes, which resolve into firm but smooth tannins.
The amount of alcohol in this Syrah has increased in 2010, which will appeal to some palates. The downside is the loss of texture and subtlety. Smooth and powerfully fruity, this hits with some chewy tannins, but it stops a bit short. More bottle age could certainly be a boon to this wine.
Staete Landt's upscale Pinot Noir eschews dark color and extraction in favor of lighter body and soft tannins. Leather, cranberry and cocoa aromas lead the way, followed on the palate by a pie cherry note and a slightly medicinal green-herb edge. Tart and long on the finish, this wine appears to have the potential to mature gracefully through 2020.
This is a hard-edged wine, a typical trait of young Pommard. It has a firm, dry and tannic character, and the ripe, generous fruit sits underneath. Wait for at least five years for this wine to be ready.
Full bodied and ripe, this Chardonnay is packed with yellow fruit and pear flavors, and it shows the steely, minerally character typical of Chablis. It has a youthful brightness on the finish, and it will fill out over the next few months.
At first this wine seems quite astringent, closed and tight. It shows dark streaks of cassis and dried leaf, and it only reluctantly opens up to expand the black fruit flavor with a wash of Bourbon barrel.
Better known for its red wines, Ladoix's whites are a rarity. This wine is made from fruit sourced from vines that are close to the Corton hill. It is steely, minerally and crisp, with a wood-influenced character. With its structure, this needs at least three years of aging.
A dry, light-bodied, easy-drinking Riesling, this has zesty lemon and grapefruit flavors, plus undertones of flower and spiced tangerine. The palate shows depth, and the finish is intense.
With a proportion of premier cru grapes in the blend, this wine has weight and structure as well as the ripe red-fruit flavors that are typical of Santenay. It's richly textured and full in the mouth. The finish is fruity and soft.
Made from fruit sourced from the mighty Ferrington Vineyard, this tank-fermented Gewürztraminer is crafted without oak or malolactic fermentation. The result is a light, lemony and floral wine, with moderate acidity and a note of chai tea on the finish that lends an exotic edge.
Although the winery is best known for top-flight aromatic whites, Spy Valley's Pinot Noir is steadily improving, and the 2011 is a notable success. Plummy fruit is accented by hints of toasty oak and damp moss, balanced by crisp acids and delivered on a soft, creamy palate. Ready to drink now, but the wine should also comfortably go another four years.
Dusty and detailed, this pure Viognier incorporates notes of lemon-pepper; tart, fresh lemon pulp and rind; plus a hint of curry powder. This should make an interesting accompaniment to raw clams or oysters.
Barbera, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo comprise the wine. Half of the grapes were air dried for three months, which is known as appassimento. The Sangiovese was crushed and fermented conventionally before being added to the blend. The result is a dry, slightly nutty red wine, with tart flavors that are suggestive of fruit leather. It shows good grip and length, and it comes with just a bit of alcoholic heat.
Upon opening, this intense, fragrant wine seems European in style, with Italian-like nuances of leather, fungus and tobacco. The enticing whiffs give way to a full-flavored palate that offers notes of mixed red fruits, while the finish loses some focus.
A decadent thread of mocha weaves through the red cherry and raspberry backbone of this wine. Earth, tobacco and black-currant leaf add depth of flavor to the palate, followed by a long, evolving finish that unfolds layer upon layer of nuance and spice. Balanced and quite approachable now; enjoy through 2015.
This could be labeled as Cabernet Franc, since it comprises 80% of the blend. The youthful lightness of the estate-grown grapes seems to lift the naturally tannic nature of the variety. It's clean and balanced, and it comes with an herbal underpinning. This is best for near-term drinking.
This wine opens with ripe aromas of black plum and boysenberry fruit, accented by hints of licorice root and menthol. The fruity core continues to shine on the smooth, round palate, alongside accents of purple violet, black tea and oak-driven spice that linger through the close.
This is a good yet basic Merlot with baked berry aromas. The mouthfeel is more lively and raw in feel, with modest berry and spice flavors that hit quick and hollow at just as quickly. A standard finish is fine but doesn't evolve.
Notes of dried fig, citrus rind and tangerines are spiked with whiffs of potpourri and spice on this richly textured, unctuously sweet iced wine made from late-harvest grapes frozen after harvest. Creamy and lush on the finish, it's brightened by a shower of orange acidity and just a hint of black-tea astringency.
This limited-production Chardonnay has the scents and flavors of just-baked, well-buttered biscuits. The fruit is a mix of peaches and pears, but the barrel influences—fermentation was done in 20% new French oak—have not quite settled into a seamless whole. That raw edge should smooth out with further time in bottle.
Herbaceous, with notes of fresh leaves, green florals and honeydew, this bargain eiswein is ethereally delicate on the palate. It's honeyed in sweetness, but briskly composed, with sharp lemon acidity.
With its apricot and ripe pear aromas, this is a full and rounded wine. It has a good balance between acidity and ripe fruit. It is floral, smooth and ready to drink.
Possibly too rich, this is a full, sumptuous wine. It has great weight, density, a smooth, wood-aged character that shows through the sweet plums. For what it is, a very rich wine that shows some pepper alcohol—it offers a juicy character and ageability. Drink from 2016.
Firmly tannic, the wine shows the structure of the vintage well. It also brings out red berry fruits, with a herbal character that cuts the richness. The wine needs time, so drink from 2015.
It clocks in at an astonishing 15% alcohol, but does not show it in terms of flavor. The fruit is plenty ripe and a bit thick, but well-supported with acidity. Nonetheless the wine seems heavy and monolithic, having lost some of the vivid freshness of the other Chehalem white wines from this vintage.
Blended with (9%) Syrah, (6%) Mourvèdre, and (3%) Malbec, this is a unique wine with elegant notes of toasted oak, black pepper and citrus with a slight soapy mouthfeel.
From a warm year, this smells toasty and oaky more than anything. In the mouth, core acidity is driving and creates a sharp, racy feel, while woody flavors of tropical fruits and melon finish with oak-based cinnamon and spice as well as a resiny texture.
From a hot year with an early harvest, this Sauvignon smells green and ashy, like asparagus mixed with green tobacco. In the mouth, spunky acidity suggests sharpness, while tangy flavors of nectarine and nettle finish with touches of bell pepper and tarragon.
Light and pretty with watermelon and faint strawberry notes, Frisk is just slightly fizzy. Its aromas almost trick one into expecting a wine that's sweet, but it finishes dry and is in balance. Made from Grenache grapes, it's a likable, refreshing drink ready for the picnic basket or patio.
Bright and fruity, this is a wine to be enjoyed now. It's crisp acidity, but concentrated with creamed-apple flavors and broadened by a touch of wood.
Fresh and creamy, this is a smooth, rich wine. It has citrus and baked apple flavors that meld easily and fully into a fruity texture. With some weight, it also has a bright, crisp aftertaste.
This is stiff and herbal, both in scents and flavors. There's a strong streak of earth dampening the light cranberry fruit. The aging in two third new French oak adds a bit of chocolate to the finish.
Lodi-based Michael David turns to Lodi, Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley and Lake County to craft this white wine, mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a drop of Sémillon too. Ready for a summer's day with subtle Mandarin orange, mango and lime notes, it finishes quick and crisp.
Not very expressive, but this wine's fragrance does reveal delicate aromas of rose and berry, which carry over to the palate. It doesn't have quite enough fruit richness to support the vigorous, almost aggressive, bubbles and drying finish.
A high-toned pitch of ripe pear and tart apple is like a clarion call. Residual sweetness on the palate mollifies that distinct, primal acidity, lending life to notes of dried peach and fresh apricot. Layers of flavor shimmer and shift, with apple notes that last and last.
The ethereal, aromatic lift of this wine is addictive. It appears like the sublimation of fresh, ripe apple. The dry, brisk palate adds streaks of lanolin and earthiness to that profound, glistening freshness and the distinctly phenolic texture. Drink and think. The wine will shine until at least 2025.
Dried hayflowers and dried orange peel send a lifted scent. The palate is richer and rounder than the nose suggests, full of ample apple and pear fruit, but guided and held by fresh, clean acidity. A certain earthiness shimmers with almost tropical hints of mango. The finish is dry, briskly clean but very lingering.
This new project of Elias Fernandez and Doug Shafer, of Shafer Vineyards, continues to impress with this standout white, sourced from Carneros, where the duo planted four acres of the variety a few years back. It's achingly pretty and substantive—exotic, complex and lingering, with sizzling acidity. Peach and honeysuckle stand out, while the texture is so sublime, you'll simply want more.
Heady scents of honeysuckle, acacia and yellow stone fruit lead the way on this radiant white. On the vibrant, elegantly structured palate, energizing mineral frames mature apple, white peach, fresh apricot and chopped mint. Hold for even more complexity. Drink through 2023.
Winemaker Kathy Joseph delivers this seven-barrel ode to her father, who'd be proud of the tight blackberry, wet clay, shaved cedar and iron-rich aromas. The acidity is bountiful but not overpowering on the palate, where elderberry, dried lavender, wild mint and damp earth combine for a deep and lasting sip.
Crisp blackberry and raspberry flavors shine brightly against a sultry backdrop of smoke, vanilla and spice in this luscious, full-bodied Pinot Noir. It's rich and rounded on the palate, but framed smartly by bitter edges of dried herb and fine tannins. It's a sensual wine, but taut and stately, likely to improve further through 2024.
A crystalline purity persists from nose to finish in this dry, mineral Riesling. Tart white peach and pear flavors are showered in shards of mineral and crushed rock and an electric streak of lime acidity. It's ethereally light in texture but finishes with persistence. Ready to drink now but will continue to improve through at least 2025.
Just next door to the Corton Grand Cru vines, this vineyard can produce wines of equal quality. This wine certainly has something of the richness and structure, giving it concentration and longevity. Ripe red fruits are cut by dark tannins and equal acidity, allowing the wine to mature slowly and well. Drink from 2020.
What a great break from boring commercial red blends! This vibrant but deep wine from the Fore Family Vineyard at 3,000-feet in elevation has beautiful spicy aromas like black pepper, cardamom and tar, distinctive flavors of cranberry and black cherry and a taut texture of fine-grained tannins and good acidity.
Gradations of textures ripple on the palate of this full-bodied dry Riesling. It's unctuously rich and fruity, full of ripe peach and honey flavors, while also elegant, struck by tones of steel and lemony acidity. A touch of saffron persists through a long, lingering finish.
This wine by retired baseball stars Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts shows both ripeness and restraint in all corners. On the nose, that means star anise and slate layered across black cherry and blackberry fruit. On the palate, the very full mouthfeel packs thyme, crushed herbs and elderberry flavors into an earthy package.
Produced from the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley, this extraordinary wine is history in a bottle. Glorious aromatics offer intense scents of citrus, pine needle, pepper and berry, with flavors following. There's a welcome kick of citrus in the natural acidity, and this promises a long cellar life, as proven over and over again by this founding Oregon winery. Drink 2020 through 2040 and beyond.
The grapes for this beautiful wine come from a sloping, high-elevation site, coaxed into expression by Winemaker Bob Cabral. Barrel-aged 10 months in French oak, 40% of it new, it opens with touches of butter and matchstick before blowing off the doors with butterscotch, baked lemon and balanced, oaky spice. Voluptuous on the palate, this is a stunner.
Light but tropical notes touch on the fluffy nose of this bottling, with papaya-laced marshmallow, pineapple meringue, lemon curd and a sea salt caramel touch. Chamomile, yellow apple skins, yellow flowers, tight mango and lots of saltiness show on the mouth-watering sip. The buttery character grows as it warms up, but it's delicious in all temperatures.
This wine comes from a vineyard that is wholly owned by Chanson. It is juicy, ripe while having a great, straight line of acidity. The red-berry fruits are still developing and coming through the firm, smoky dark tannins. The wine, with its spicy aftertaste, will be ready to drink from 2020.
Very tight and linear in all the right ways, this focused wine shows black raspberry, sweet hummingbird sage, clove butter and star anise on the nose. It's even lighter on the palate, where potpourri, olallieberry, black pepper and pencil lead converge. It will age gracefully, thanks to judicious acid and tannins. Drink 2018 through 2028.
Enticing scents of wild red berry, baking spice, aromatic herb and a balsamic note waft out of the glass. The elegant, juicy palate doles out succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and a note of white pepper while a mineral note backs up the finish. It's well balanced, with bright acidity and ultrafine tannins.
Bright and clear, this young wine is powered by racy cranberry and raspberry fruit. It's a wine that will appeal to those who love primary, juicy, tangy red fruit, but will carry a long way in the cellar for those who value the extra dimensions that well-aged Pinot can convey. Tuck a few bottles away and watch as they blossom into complex wines with dusty elegance. Drink now through 2030.
This rich wine is dense with dark tannins and concentrated structure. The vineyard, with cool winds from the valley behind, gives wines that demand aging with their tannins and fragrant fruit. The aftertaste is full of promise. Drink after 2022.
Opening scents of cherry blossoms, fresh-picked cherries, and a dusting of powdered chocolate beckon further exploration. Complex and layered, this opens nicely into a full-flavored effort, with black cherry fruit, cola and a touch of dry earth and mushroom compost. The details and length are impressive. Drink now to 2030.
Delicate whiffs of white peach turn riper and richer on the palate of this intensely honeyed Spätlese. It's deliciously concentrated in stone-fruit and melon flavors, yet maintains a feather-light demeanor and vibrant, piercing spine of acidity.
Exotic spice and cedar notes mingle amidst plump red cherries and raspberries on the nose of this perfumed Pinot Noir. Firm tannins form a taut foundation to crisp, tart raspberry and currant flavors and savory nuances of dried herb and crushed granite. It's a remarkably elegant, squarely structured wine that should meld beautifully over the next decade.
This is a rich, smoky and structured wine. Black fruit and dark tannins form a dense texture with touches of licorice, spice and dark concentration. The acidity hints at the vintage giving a touch of freshness and lift. Drink this powerful wine from 2024
Crushed blackberry with dried leaves, burned caramel and lots of toasted vanilla bean show on the luxurious nose of this mix of 50% Mourvèdre and 50% Syrah. The soft yet zesty palate packs a wondrous array of deep espresso, roasted sausage, fennel spice, shaved milk chocolate and cappuccino flavors.
This is the winery's reserve-level cuvée. It's bright and high-toned, offering woody notes around lush cherry and mocha flavors. Delicious already, though more bottle age should further pull the barrel flavors into proper balance. Toasted marshmallow and caramel latté highlights adorn the buttery finish.
From a two-acre site at 1,110-feet elevation only five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this wine opens as if it were a lovely, expansive rose garden, so fragrant and intensely earthy. Built with sizable tannic structure and toasty oak, it features burly waves of spicy acidity and warm baking spices, exhibiting both tension and grace. Drink now through 2023.
The slightest touch of wildfire kicks off the nose, followed by aromas of hibiscus, light cranberry, dried rose petal, roasted pork shank and white pepper. It's quite light upon first sip, then a peppery intensity builds as flavors of underripe raspberry, fresh thyme and dewy oregano arise. For a lighter style of the grape, it's a classic, and stays fresh for days.
A flagship of the Faiveley range, this is a structured wine with great acidity and beautiful perfumes. The wine is dense, already balanced with the red fruits shining through the tannins. It will develop slowly and will not be ready to drink before 2023.
Roasted peach, cinnamon and crushed vanilla bean make for an intriguing nose on another solid Talley bottling. It's soft and approachable at first, but then a bit brash and youthful, but will mellow with some patience. Drink 2017 onward.
Pleasant richness and depth of fruit flavor accompany the deep color and nicely chewy tannins in this full-bodied Cabernet. It tastes dry and well balanced between acidity, tannins and fruitiness, and will be a great mealtime wine with all kinds of protein.
WillaKenzie's most affordable estate-grown Pinot, this opens with a truly lovely bouquet of rose petals, raspberries and dusty chocolate. Soft and smooth upon entry, it's a light, detailed and sophisticated vineyard blend that spent 10 months in 20% new oak.
This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of underbrush, espresso, mocha and blackberry. On the palate, coffee and vanilla notes back up ripe plum, black cherry and white pepper. Firm, tightly knit tannins give structure but needs time to soften and unwind.
This plump-textured blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier features aromas and flavors of apricot, melon, mango and ginger. Drink it over the next nine months for its appealing, forward fruit nature.
Coming from the former owner of Domaine Alfred (now Chamisal Vineyards) this lip-smacking wine starts with a yeasty, Granny Smith apple nose. The flavors are tightly acidic yet plush at the same time: bitter apple skins mixing up with ripe pluots.
Aromas of anise-laced blackberry candies emerge from this easy-drinking wine. Light and airy on the palate for such a rich-looking wine, it's redolent with flavors of cherries and fennel with a decent tannic backbone.
Full-bodied and chewy, this blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Carignan and 10% Grenache is a spicy, garrigue-laden wine. Notes of cinnamon and cracked pepper accent black cherry fruit, turning to licorice on the dusty finish. Drink now–2018.
While the wood aging and toast do show, this wine is also rich. Black fruits give a juicy, flavorsome character, an opulence that is finished with some acidity. Drink from 2016.
While the nose on this off-dry Riesling is lean and mineral, the palate is lusciously ripe, brimming with peach and mango flavors. A streak of high-pitched acidity shakes up the midpalate and lingers through the finish.
Made entirely with Chardonnay, this pretty sparkler opens with aromas of white flower, peach and citrus backed up by a whiff of bread crust. The vibrant palate delivers Bartlett pear, mature apple, lemon zest and toasted almond alongside a soft perlage.
Hints of cookie crumbs lend warmth to fresh apple and pear notes in this mineral-intense, dry Riesling. It's round and rich on the palate, but punctuated by tart, steely tones of acid and stone before finishing moderately long.
The nose on this secret blend is clean and tight, not showy at all, with just a touch of papaya and honey. It expands greatly on the palate with banana and melon, but wipes up quick with a fresh burst of acidity.
This wine doesn't give up its refreshing acidity as it adds plenty of buttery, toasty oak tones to spice up the vivid crisp apple and pineapple flavors at its core. It makes for a lively, dry and appetizing drink to enjoy now.
Fruity, fresh and frothy, this savory red opens with a lovely fragrance of violet, iris and woodland berry. The tangy, refreshing palate doles out raspberry, strawberry, baking spice and a hint of nectarine zest.
Yeasty and fragrant with a fresh, wheat beer aspect, this delicate Riesling captures the gentle elegance of the grape's aromatics and mouthfeel. There's a nice mix of lemon tea, honey and mineral components, all in a low-alcohol but still quite dry style.
Aromas of prune, mature blackberry and baking spice open this dense dessert wine. The palate doles out blackberry jam, dried black berry and vanilla alongside chewy tannins.
Fresh and fragrant, this opens with lovely scents of woodland berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The smooth, juicy palate delivers succulent black cherry, star anise, chopped herb and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside firm acidity and polished tannins.
Based in the village of Lancié in the heart of the Beaujolais crus, this producer has made a ripe wine that is full of black-cherry fruits and balanced tannins. It is concentrated and ripe, perfumed with a fresh, crisp aftertaste.
Subdued floral notes signal a restrained Gewurztraminer. The palate has ample freshness and gentle perfume, making for a subtle wine that plays down the fragrances but boosts the spiciness. It finishes fresh and wonderfully peppery.
Creamy, ripe pear fruit signals a pliable, rich wine. There is some palpable warmth amid the generous pear notes that are held in check by fresh, zesty acidity. The body does not come across as heavy but as a lovely interplay of ripe pear and zesty citrus.
The nose of this dry, textured wine is full of the scent of ripe pear flesh and peel, while the palate adds zesty citrus and a warm core. Full of fruit and freshness, it finishes clean and zesty.
Exotic hints of passion fruit play among fresh flavors of citrus as well as riper, juicier stone fruit for a balanced, easy wine. The finish is off dry, but totally moreish. Enjoy soon while the fruit notes are in their prime.
Gentle fruit notes of creamy citrus signal a restrained style. The palate is a mix of peachy, juicy richness and mandarin-peel freshness. This is a mild, off dry, gently perfumed and balanced wine.
Notes of ripe, yellow Mirabelle plums play along with the pear notes and lead to a dry and fresh body. Gentle bitter hints of pith and almond lend texture and frame.
While aromatically demure and light in body for a Gewürztraminer, this lip-smacking wine offers loads of fresh pineapple, grapefruit and tangerine flavor. It's medium-sweet in style yet refreshingly brisk through a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2018.
Tropical-fruit aromas and lavish flavors go well with the richness and full body of this creamy-textured wine blended from Chardonnay, Sémillon and Verdelho grapes. Toasted almond, nutmeg and vanilla all come out on the palate and linger on the finish.
Whiffs of struck flint and smoke meander from the nose to the finish on this dry Riesling, accenting fresh white grapefruit, lemon and lime. Tonic in feel, it's invigorating—zippy refreshment for youthful enjoyment.
Aromatic notes of orange peel and flesh charm on the nose of this wine. The palate is gentle, dry and fresh, with a super-clean finish offering apple and grapefruit.
This opens with a touch of reduced oak, never letting go of its sizable full-bodied cradling of wood and tannin. In the glass it begins to unfold and reveal juicy, rich red currant, cassis and berry seasoned in clove.
Punchy raspberry, plum and spice aromas are straight from central casting as far as Pinot goes. This feels medium to full, while spicy, lightly leafy plum flavors are a touch herbal. Round and generous on the finish, this closes with dry, spicy, herbal flavors and a solid oak component.
This is a bold, tannic, very flavorful wine that needs to pair with an epic meat dish. It smells like black cherry and cranberry, tastes almost chocolaty, and feels thick and dense with fine tannins and firm acidity.
Aromas of roasted and green coffee beans lead to plush fruit and barrel flavors. It shows a fine sense of balance.
Aromas of coffee, chocolate and fresh herbs are followed by grainy dark fruit flavors. The tannins need some time to stretch their legs.
A finely ripe wine, full of yellow fruits and spice, with baked apple character that gives the wine extra richness. The fruit is right up front, finishing with light pepper.
This blend of 60% Pinot Grigio and 40% Viognier offers sharp green-apple candy, lemongrass, candied lime and yellow lily on the fresh and attention-grabbing nose. Grassy tension on the palate highlights lime blossoms, kiwi and apple skins. The interplay between racy Pinot Grigio and riper Viognier is intriguing.
Notes of yeast still shimmer on the nose, showing how young this wine is. The palate is fresh and has all the 2015 exuberance of fruit. It offers a zippy, fresh core of citrus and juicy balance, with a dry finish.
Ripe aromas of burnt sugar, mango and pineapple introduce this bold, expansive Gewürztraminer. Drier on the palate than Keuka Spring's regular label Gewürztraminer, it boasts fresh lychee, rose petal and grapefruit flavors tied together with a bristling thread of astringency.
Bright aromas of fresh flowers and orange rind lead to sweet fruit flavors. Enjoy it for dessert.
A smoky aroma of plum-sauce-coated beef roast wafts on the nose of this lush bottling, which also offers white pepper and lilac. Plump berries and a fine-grained tannic structure consume the palate, finishing on a light caramel note.
With an addition of 3% Petit Verdot, this wine sources from Andy Beckstoffer's Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville and Benessere in St. Helena. It impresses in brown sugar and berry pie, the underlying foundation succulently fruity as savory touches of clove and pencil shavings begin to show amidst the firm tannin.
This smells good and right, with aromas of tropical fruits, spice and mild oak. Fresh and integrated, with good body weight and balance, this Chardonnay tastes of spiced apple, melon and vanilla. On the finish, wood spice and peppery dryness take over.
Jasmine, apricot and floral aromas are followed by medium-sweet stone-fruit flavors. Floral and jasmine flavors persist on the finish.
Aromas of this medium-bodied, un-oaked wine suggest sliced pears and apples, while the flavors are equally fruity but have a leaner feel. The texture is dry, firm and crisp, making this a great pairing for shellfish and many other dishes.
This clean, thick, full-bodied expression of the grape balances into elegance as it goes. A splash of 9% Sémillon adds to its charm, the flavors a lush combination of pear and vanilla.
Soft notes of mandarin and peach fill nose and palate of this fresh and fruit-driven wine. The body is light but full-fruited with a bruised-apple mellowness. It's dry, balanced and easy.
A firm, somewhat muscular wine, blending in 16% Merlot and aged in neutral oak barrels. Leaf and truffle notes abound, with the distinctively acidic underpinning of Sangiovese. Light strawberry-cherry fruit gently fades through a clean finish.
Reflecting the difficulties of the vintage, this is a slightly edgy, coarsely textured wine, with sweet, oaky notes framing cherries and roasted beets. Try it with something slightly rustic, like beef stew.
Hints of bergamot add a musky elegance to tropical notes of sweet melon and tangerine in this beautifully perfumed Riesling. There's a sugariness on the midpalate, but the finish is clean and brisk, with a shower of pink grapefruit acidity.
A soft, yet also mineral-textured wine. Its lemon and grapefruit flavors are crisp, reflecting the taut structure of the vintage. A fresh wine, with a crisp finish, ready to drink.
Lighter than Malibu Oak's Cabernet Sauvignon, this Cab Franc shows the variety's characteristic herby notes and is otherwise easy and light, with enough depth to pair well with a range of meats.
Seems as though this medium-sweet Viura-Malvasia blend has gotten better in recent years as the winery has dialed down the sweetness and weight. Lately, this vintage included, Satinela has been fresh, cleanly made and easygoing, with sweet pear and peach flavors and not too much weight or residual sugar. Captures the essence of medium sweet.
There's no doubt this is 100-percent Petite Sirah, full of dark plummy fruit and an earthy element that's close to mushrooms and dirt. Aged over two years in French oak the wine even has a slight hint of game and caramel. The tannins are soft but ample.
The initial impression of young, juicy red berries carries into an astringent wine with streaks of gravel and chalk. It's pleasant, simple but quick to fade.
The tough conditions of the 2008 vintage are reflected in this scratchy wine. Plum is the key fruit aroma, and that's followed by a tight, firm body with toasty oak, black fruit flavors, herbal notes and peppery spice. Quick and a touch hot on the finish.
Bright red fruits in this attractive cherry and banana flavored wine. It has a soft tannic edge, laced with acidity and finishing spice.
A firm, youthful Cabernet, with cassis and blue plum fruit accented by dried herb, graphite and asphalt. As it sat in the glass, a distinct leathery aroma emerged and the fruit quickly faded.
Excellent color on this firmly fruity wine. It has an attractive edge of tannins giving it good structure while showing all of the fresh nouveau fruit.
Ready to drink, this Pinot is already losing color and going brick at the rim, its modest red berry fruit falling away to reveal notes of brown sugar, vanilla and even a touch of wintergreen. Supple in texture, with mouthwatering acids on the finish.
This is slightly bigger and earthier than Ara's other 2009 Pinot Noir, with notes more of beet than cherry, and hints of dried herbs and mushrooms. It's a sturdy wine that could stand up to braised meats.
Pleasantly fruity, with tart raspberry fruit, this easy, accessible Merlot from a single vineyard finishes with a light lick of toast.
Sweet and spicy on the nose, this semisweet Riesling is chock full of concentrated mango and pineapple goodness. Juicy and forward in a sunny, tropical way, it maintains an easygoing freshness with bright citrusy acidity.
With its bright cherry fruits, this is a warm and ripe wine. It has soft tannins and strawberry acidity. Drink now for red fruit pleasure.
Butter and toast flavors give this wine extra richness and some weight. At the same time, the textured citrus and grapefruit flavors combine with the wine's minerality to give a more lively aftertaste.
Gritty, rubbery aromas seem underripe given how warm and generous 2011 was. In the mouth, this is gravelly and like sandpaper. Burnt gritty berry flavors are saucy, while this tastes of herbal berry fruits and oak on the finish.
Cofermented with a splash of Viognier, this was aged in one-third new French oak. It's got a dose of the Syrah funk, with spice, a streak of wintergreen, and musky cherry fruit. It's interesting and nicely woven together, ready for near-term drinking.
There are big tannins in this wine along with the hallmark perfumes that are typical of the grape. Also typical is the one-dimensional character of the 100% Touriga Nacional. So it is rich, packed with black fruit but just missing an extra something. Drink the wine from 2020.
In the mouth there's the slightest impression of sweetness, though technically this may be considered dry. In any event it's loaded with pear and apple fruit, lightly spicy and well suited to any number of picnic, pasta, poultry and salad entrées.
This initially shows funky aromas of stalky underbrush, wet soil and a whiff of damp fur that slowly blow off to reveal toast, leather and dried blackberry jam. The dense full-bodied palate evokes prune, chocolate and a hint of tobacco alongside firm tannins.
A slightly darker shade of yellow, this wine from a historic vineyard offers preserved lemon, toasted almond and a doughy character on the nose. It's very tactile on the palate, clinging to the tongue strongly, showing flavors of stone fruit, mandarin pith and underripe tangerine juice.
Made with organic Sangiovese grapes, this opens with aromas of red berry, new leather and a whiff of violet. The bright juicy palate offers crushed raspberry, red cherry, sage and a hint of clove alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Sunny whiffs of Meyer lemon and peach turn zestier on the palate of this dry Riesling. It's a delightfully quaffable wine marked by cutting mineral intensity. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh squeezed boysenberry and raspberry make for a lively fruit entry to the nose of this bottling by one of the area's more respected vineyard managers, who also packs some thyme, sagebrush and pine into the nose as well. Similar flavors pop on the fruity yet herbal palate, where snappy berry flavors meet with tarragon and mint.
Honey and custard aromas turn steely and brisk on the palate in this medium-bodied dry Riesling. Its tart melon rind and lime flavors are refreshing and approachable, highlighted by a streak of nervy acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
A classic blend of local Alentejo grapes along with Cabernet Sauvignon has produced a smoothly structured wine. With its juicy black fruit acidity and layer of dry tannins under the fruit, it is both ripe and ageworthy. Drink from 2018.
Looking for something different to serve with your cheese course? This aged white might be just the thing. Scents of grape skins and honey waft from the glass, followed by flavors akin to honey, beeswax and bitter almond. It tastes like there's a hint of residual sugar as well.
Give this wine a brief stay in a decanter to help blow off some of the tarry notes and it should be fine. It's full-bodied and creamy, with mocha and black-fruit flavors that finish plush and soft. Drink now.
Aromas of Spanish broom, yellow apple, pear, toast and French oak lead to an elegant if slightly lean palate. A mineral vein adds interest while fresh acidity brightens the finish.
Made entirely with native grape Nerello Mascalese, this opens with aromas of red berry, wild flower, Mediterranean herb and a hint of white pepper. The bright linear palate presents tart red cherry, strawberry and a saline note alongside crisp acidity.
A well-balanced mix of highlights: dried herbs, dusty cherry fruit, and a streak of citrus come together in this estate-grown wine. It finishes with a lick of caramel, from aging in 22% new oak.
There's a slight bit of meaty funk, as can be expected from this grape, on the nose of this bottling, alongside red berries, graphite and a touch of herbs. The palate packs very dark, even black fruit along with a hint of marjoram-crusted roast beef, proving a tad sweet and quite acidic.
This dark and brooding blend of 52% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 13% Petite Sirah, 7% Mourvèdre and 3% Tannat shows concentrated dark strawberry, meat char, white pepper and purple flowers on the nose. Those scents and varieties all come together in a savory show of roasting herbs and baked blackberry flavors on the plush palate.
Brooding aromas of vanilla, mocha and herb lead to a palate full of fresh acids and firm, but not unrelenting tannins. It's an intriguing example of the variety.
Aromas of yellow fruit and a whiff of toasted hazelnut lead the way on this dessert wine. A blend of 60% Grechetto and Procanico, 35% Sauvignon and 5% Sémillon, the rich palate delivers dried apricot and acacia honey along with a note of candied tangerine zest.
Mourvèdre (82%) makes up the majority of this wine, with the balance equal parts Cinsault and Grenache. A blend of fruit from McKinley Springs and Upland vineyards, it offers aromas of white pepper, herb and earth that leads to sweet pure fruit flavors that linger.
Made from organically farmed grapes, this opens with an unusual fragrance of medicinal herbs and ripe black fruit. The palate offers flavors of dense blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and espresso, along with prune and raisin notes.
Smooth and creamy, this is a rounded wine that's soft in texture. A good bite of lemon juice acidity adds balance and attractive fruitiness. Finishes very clean and fragrant. Screwcap.
The 2011 Estate Selection brings flavors of rhubarb, citrus and tart raspberry, along with suggestions of pine needles and chocolate. It's well structured and proportionate—a good reflection of the vintage and Willamette Valley-style Pinot Noir.
Fruity is the best way to describe this young wine that shows touches of weight and darkness but mostly simple, fresh, lightly candied berry aromas and flavors. There's crispness and intensity to the palate, while the finish is clean.
Tart and puckery, this is for acid-lovers. The aromas carry accents of pine needles, while the fruit is headlined with grapefruit and tangy citrus. Very refreshing.
Made from Grechetto, a grape widely planted in parts of Umbria, this opens with aromas of apricot, tropical fruit and citrus. The delicious palate offers crisp acidity and flavors of ripe peach, cantaloupe, lemon zest, almond and thyme.
Here's a savory blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano that opens with aromas of meat juice, soil, prune and plum. The palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, mint and tobacco, with hints of truffle and underbrush in a ripe, ready-to-enjoy style.
An elegant Chardonnay from Anderson Valley's cool vineyards, this is fruity and accessible, but also nuanced with hints of beeswax, vanilla and delicate lemon. Subtly oaked, it finishes with a note of candied fruit.
This appealing blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sagrantino offers up aromas of bright fruits and meat juices. The savory palate delivers flavors of juicy plum, raspberry and licorice. It's round and ready, with polished tannins, so enjoy soon.
This deeply colored Tuscan rosato, made entirely from Syrah, opens with a lovely fragrance of blue flower, red berry and spice. The vibrant palate delivers crisp acidity and flavors of raspberry, blueberry and white pepper.
The name comes from a Django tune, and also means “clouds” in French. Nothing cloudy here though—it's a pretty, lively, fruit-driven blend with cherry candy flavors. Crisp and fresh, a streak of cola runs comet-like through the tail, along with a hint of mint.
This wine shows strong extraction with hints of bitter chocolate as well as licorice flavors. The fruit is still compressed at this stage, with acidity showing through most prominently. The wine is solid, though, and could yield some more fruity pleasure in the future.
Laurenz Moser V makes deliciously fruity Grüner, allowing the ripe character of the grape to dominate. This wine, bright with apple and citrus flavors, is light, breezy and ready to drink. Screwcap.
Mellow aromas of lees and white flowers shade simple citrus and melon scents. This is juicy and fresh in the mouth, with citrusy acids pushing tangerine and white grapefruit flavors. A citric finish is fresh but basic.
This is citrusy and also a bit tropical on the bouquet, and together the aromatic mix is appealing. A fresh mouthfeel is a bonus, and standard Torrontés flavors of melon, lychee and banana finish with balance and bright acidity. This hails from La Rioja, and it captures most of what's good about the variety.
While thick and viscous with ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit, Musician's Zin is smooth in tannins and texture. Fruit dominates to the finish with a hit of characteristic pepper on the finish.
Streaked with acidity as well as rich, sweet fruits, this is a full and rounded, yet balanced wine with fresh flavors of honey and apricot. This wine could age, so drink now and until 2019.
This dessert wine opens with earthy aromas of underbrush and tobacco, with whiffs of chocolate and oak. The palate offers up dense black cherry, blueberry and licorice, along with smooth tannins.
Translucent, fresh aromatics, like green pears glimpsed through clear water, characterize this wine. There's also an herbal edge of fresh, green foliage on this slender and refreshing wine. The limpid purity is very convincing.
The nose has the rich fruity tones of apple and plum peel. The palate is wonderfully clean and fresh, with a slight phenolic frame which lends both structure and texture. There is slight pepper spice, too, and a whole host of red, ripe apples.
The nose is like pear juice spilled onto warm earth, while the palate is more citrus-focused. A seam of almost tropical acidity links lemon to notes of pineapple, lifted by joyful freshness.
The first offering from Domaine Drouhin Oregon's newly-minted vineyard, RoseRock. It's a young, fresh, fruity wine, loaded with flavors of apple, pineapple and light tropical fruits. There's a light pat of butter in the finish. Drink over the next couple of years while the freshness is at its best.
In a classic combination of ripe flavors and lip-smacking structure, this full-bodied wine wraps concentrated black cherry and mint aromas and generous cherry and blackberry flavors in muscular tannins that keep the texture fresh.
This big and dry wine is a nice change of pace. The wine looks dark, smells deep and tastes full bodied and firm textured. It doesn't have the overripe or semisweet character of many Zins, but instead is rather tannic and even mildly astringent like strong tea, and has lip smacking cranberry and raspberry flavors.
Oceanic aromas of grass, scallion, baby garlic and lime reflect cool-coast origins. A slick, juicy mouthfeel is minerally, while this offers flavors of nettle, lime, passion fruit and green onion. A long, stony finish leans towards green flavors.
Jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot and citrus aromas open. The bright, savory palate presents juicy pineapple, ripe pear, white peach and lemon zest framed in tangy acidity. Hints of Mediterranean herb add depth while a mineral note energizes the finish.
Minty cedar and red raspberry jam provide a freshness to this medium-built wine, subtle in spice and made in a soft, approachable style. Cherry and cinnamon round out the lengthy finish.
Cedar, cherry, black olive, wet earth, green olive and freshly plucked plum pop on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows lots of ripe black cherry down the middle, but is surrounded by a tangy green olive and an underripe-berry character, whose tartness enlivens the mouth.
An earthy wine that offers complexity around a full-bodied juiciness of blackberry and bitter black tea, this is made in a big style and will appeal to fans of concentration and decisive use of oak.
Fresh cherry and berry aromas are easy to process and appealing. This has a full body that doesn't require much thought, while a lightly candied, peachy flavor profile ends in friendly, healthy fashion.
Aromas of white flowers, stone fruits and lees are typical of well-made Albariño. A juicy, elegant palate with a mix of citrus and stone-fruit flavors is lasting, with a hint of pithy character coming up on the finish.
This wine is complex and deep in flavors, traditional in style and simply gorgeous to sip and savor. It's dry in style, good and tannic in texture, lightly spiced with cedar and cinnamon and grounded in concentrated raspberry and dark cherry flavors.
Luscious white peach and apricot flavors are anchored by a steely core of mineral in this easy-drinking but elegant wine. Light bodied but persistent, it's a lip-smacking, sweet wine that finishes with a touch of brambly herbaceousness. Drink now through 2020.
Made at an attractive price point, this wine delivers value and plenty of flavor, from blackberry jam to oak and black pepper. It's sturdy and structured, ready for the table or larger gathering.
Quince, lemon peel and honeydew make for compatible bedfellows in this no-oak white, which is light and inviting on the palate, with more underlying herbal flourishes than it first lets on. Dry and daring, it'll pair well with all manner of fresh seafood.
One of the few in California to use this grape, winemaker Ryan Pease makes a great case for more in this bottling, which shows broad lemon curd, soft apple flesh and Anjou pear on the nose. There is ripe stone fruit on the tangy palate, but it's bone dry and grippy with chalky texture.
Charred, earthy black-fruit aromas are smoky and power-packed. This feels full yet balanced, with freshness and strong tannins. Ripe berry, prune and oak-spice flavors finish with a note of vanilla and length. For a Crianza from a tough vintage, this is commendable.
A new offering made entirely from estate fruit, this is a selection of the best blocks and barrels of the vintage, with its core component being 90% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The remainder is Zinfandel. Together they provide black color and a whiff of bay leaf and peppercorn, around well-integrated layers of black cherry, vanilla and black tea.
A fresh green-floral touch persists throughout this refreshing dry Silvaner. Light-footed in style, it offers crisp green-plum flavor accented by zippy flashes of lime and lemon zest. The finish is invigorating and brisk.
Renwood's tiny two-barrel production of its most expensive Zinfandel has aromas like vanilla and coconut and flavors as rich as milk chocolate and strawberry jam. This full-bodied wine is practically a liquid dessert, though it's not overly sweet. It's full-bodied, smooth and broad in texture.
Tart, young and focused, this brings cranberry and black cherry fruit forward, with a lively, spicy mouthfeel. Flavors are battened down with bracing acidity and firm tannins. Give this an hour or more of breathing time, or decant.
Steel and stones are brightened by tones of lemon and grapefruit in this dry-style wine. It's medium bodied but texturally quite rich, lending a satisfying sensation of volume that adds impact to the finish.
There's a lot to admire in this robust wine, from its soft, muddled layers of spicy cinnamon to its well-hewn bursts of black licorice and blackberry. While full-bodied and brooding, it drinks with elegance and a brightness of red fruit on the finish.
A handful of Cabernet Franc is included in this wine, which is full-bodied and quite robust, indicative of its mountain birth. While violet and rose florals accent dark cherry tastes, the tannin weight hints at meaty and spicy undertones.
From a former Kosta Browne winemaker comes this very dark Syrah, which shows still-wound-up aromas of elderberry, black coffee, white pepper and a touch of game. There are rich soy and beef notes once sipped, packaged by dense tannins and zesty acidity, with more elderberry, beef char and crushed slate emerging with time. Still young.
This is a serious and satisfying dry wine with bold flavors, great structure and a mouth-filling texture. It is very well balanced in terms of fruit character and displays moderate tannins, good acidity and no excesses. It's easy to imagine on the table with a grilled rib eye.
Delicious scents of honey, apples and petrol lead to a luscious, full-bodied palate full of smoke and honey with a gripping lime skin astringency on the finish. Rich in honey tones, yet quite dry, the palate is balanced with a bracing acidity.
Made in a soft, user-friendly style, the 2008 DB Family Selection Petite Sirah offers up a flavorful mouthful of plum and baking spices. It's medium-bodied, with a silkiness to the structure that belies the grape variety, yet that same softness makes it immediately appealing. Drink now.
Bold Malbec with aromas of berry liqueur, cassis and black cherry. The palate is fresh in feel, with some edginess and snappy acids. Tastes full of berry fruit, creamy oak and vanilla, while the finish is round, lengthy and big. A little oaky and forced, but nice as Malbec goes.
Light and pleasant, with aromas mixing baked pears, citrus and honeycomb, this is really a lovely wine for the price. The fruit flavors follow consistently, pears and apples with a hint of citrus, clean and refreshing, with juicy acidity.
Jessiaume is based in Santenay and the wine shows the attraction of this village at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. It reveals soft fruit, warmed by a jammy layer of red berries and ripe acidity.
The Elerding Six Prong vineyard is the fruit source, yielding a lean, smoky Mourvèdre with 10% Syrah in the blend. Clean and spicy, with tart fruit flavors of strawberry and pomegranate. The tannins are drying and leave an impression of chalk.
Alive and dainty with soft orange blossom notes paired with fresh red apple slices and a touch of nuttiness. The mouth is more of the same, with a distinct peach pit flavor unfolding on the medium-length finish.
Dark chocolate and rich plum sauce add complexity to this black fruit-driven Merlot. Blackberry preserves and soft plum guts fill the mouth, with a touch of green pepper appearing on the finish. Medium weight with a creamy texture and a medium-length finish. Drink now.
The intensity of this wine is extraordinary, with huge spice flavors and a richness that almost becomes sweetness. There is honey as well as ripe white fruits, the acidity just a glint in the aftertaste.
The Clos Windsbuhl produces an opulently rich and sweet wine, gorgeously ripe and packed with tropical fruits. It is dense and powerfully concentrated, intense and very ageworthy.
Toasty aromas abound, and the acidity is well integrated with the fruit and biscuit flavors. Pure brioche and ripeness. Ready to drink.
Richness, concentration, great weight and balance. Despite the ripeness, the crispness of the house style dominates. The apple flavors and the minerality need several years to really mature. From mainly grand cru vineyards.
From the great 2002 vintage, this is a beautifully structured wine, packed with a fine texture of red berries, intense acidity as well as richness. Intense, complex wine that could well age.
Bringing out all the minerality of the chalk soils, this rounded wine is also packed with rich fruits. The wine is just approaching its peak, showing wonderful lemon and white stone fruits.
This intense wine has great ripe fruit and sweetness to go with the pear and honey flavors. There is great acidity and beautiful fruit character in a gorgeous wine that still keeps its style and freshness.
Pure sweetness, the wine has a rich texture with just a hint of botrytis but plenty of opulent spice, very rounded and unctuous. It is just beginning to show maturity, but could easily age further, the sweetness so well integrated into the orange zest finish.
Richly textured wine, full of ripe and spicy fruit, the acidity just a hint behind the dried honey and watermelon flavors. It is full-bodied, ripe, packed with intense fruit flavors. A wine for aging over 3–4 years.
This is exceptionally dark, with a sappy, vinous nose showing black cherry, smoke, sweet chocolate, some stem and a hint of dill. There is more than a hint of pickle barrel, and lots of acid, chalky tannins
This wine carries fairly broad fruit flavors of mixed red fruits, along with leaf and earth. Tannins are well managed; the finish light and fruity.
Some nice toasty flavors underscore generic fruit. When all is said and done, it is a neutral, crisp white wine enlivened with a bit of spice and toast from the barrel aging. Still, a bit of veggie/canned pea flavor dampens the finish.
Hints of spicy cranberry and white pepper suggest Syrah, but lack all of the grape's power. There is a fair amount of unripe leafiness as well.
Smells of vegetable oil and farm-fresh sweet corn still in the husk, but the flavors are more like what you expect from a Riesling: green apples and underripe Asian pears. The finish is a bit metallic, but otherwise features fresh lime zest.
The brownish color indicates that it's fading, and the raisiny, stewed fruit on the nose confirms that initial indications are on target. In the mouth, it's soft, and the cherry fruit has a kirsch-like liqueur quality to it. Faded tannins and barely vital acids say it's going, going and soon to be gone.
Paola Gloder's estate can do better than this, especially in a vintage like 1997. The wine is already showing signs of aging and it has a lightweight character. The fruit is pleasant enough, with soft tannins and ripeness, but it should be more exciting. Tasted twice.
The nose is forward and somewhat disjointed, a broad mix of fruit, herb and wood. Flavors of stem and dill are there, along with soft, grapey fruit.
A ripe, simple, open, fresh-fruited wine. Attractive sweet fruit with ripe, light tannins make it immediately attractive to drink. For a Riserva, this is too lightweight. As an easy-drinking wine, it's fine.
The delicate cherry-berry flavors of this lightweight Pinot can't quite stand up to the oaking it received—the result is a toasty, cedary wine with a slightly hollow midpalate.
Barrel fermented. Scents of new wood dominate; the juice is very tart, the oak not yet well-integrated.
Cranberry, sour cherry, turned earth, dewy chaparral and anise aromas arise on this bottling from the historic Monterey producer. The mouthfeel is quite full, with sour cherries, leather, tobacco and mocha flavors cut by a judicious amount of acidity.
Made with late-harvest grapes left to partially dry on the vine, this conveys aromas of honey, chamomile flower and dried herb. The palate offers mature peach, lemon drop, dried apricot and white almond alongside fresh acidity.
In the classic Portuguese tradition, this is a blend of four of the Alentejo's local grapes. Together they give big power and dark tannins. They also offer great black fruits, fresh acidity and a firm, very dry core. The wine needs to soften over the next several years, so drink from 2017.
It's hard to find a tastier Pinot Noir for this price. Aromas of rose petals, pungent violets and raspberry juice show just a touch of chai tea, and the palate proves juicy and fun, with cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry elements. Black tea and mocha flavors add just enough seriousness.
This opens with fragrances of perfumed berry and dried rose. The focused palate delivers crushed sour cherry, licorice, toast, clove and vanilla alongside fine-grained tannins. The slight warmth of alcohol on the finish is nicely supported by the ripe fruit flavors.
The high percentage of Touriga Franca in this wine has given it structure as well as red berry fruitiness. It is generous, but supported by a dry core of tannins. Twelve months in wood have smoothed out the fruit stalkiness and given a ripe wine that could age further. Drink from 2016.
Aromas suggest red berry with a touch of vanilla and a balsamic note. The radiant palate delivers wild cherry, baking spice and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside fresh acidity and silky tannins. Drink through 2017.
Aromas of blackberry syrup, black pepper, fresh fennel stalk and mint emerge from this wine, which comes from a five-acre vineyard in one of Monterey County's warmest appellations. Full, ripe flavors of black cherry, cola and licorice are cut by bright acidity and an appropriate tannic intensity.
This is not necessarily a classic Grenache, but there is no denying its bold but sophisticated personality. Pomegranate and blackberry aromas are tinged with earthiness, and the flavors are rich in fruit as well. The texture is lush and the body is very full. Think of it as very ripe and delicious, while sleek and smooth in spite of high alcohol.
This atypical Chilean red hails from the Maule Valley and eschews oak and ripeness and instead delivers wiry raspberry, currant and dried-earth aromas in front of a high-acid, racy palate that's medium in body. Snappy, spicy red plum and raspberry flavors are fresh and edgy, with scraping acidity creating a zesty, scrubbing finish. Drink through 2020.
This shows the excellent potential for this emerging grape in Southern Oregon. A mix of citrus, with the emphasis on orange and grapefruit, displays as much of the flavors of skin as flesh. The balance and length are in perfect proportion. Drink now through 2018.
The granite soil and ocean climate of Château-Thébaud—plus two years aging in tank—give this wine good richness while also retaining the crisper aspects of Muscadet. A delicate salty character lies over the final delicious apple and citrus flavors.
With its wood aging and rich, concentrated black cherry fruits, this is an impressive wine. Aged for 18 months in wood, it is a special selection that brings out rich fruits, a ripe structure and some aging potential. Drink from 2016.
This is a big, bold, fruity wine, typical of the powerful reds of Alentejano. It has ripe tannins, concentrated dark fruits and juicy final acidity. With a blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it's made to age, and this full-bodied wine should be kept until 2016.
Just as the wine's label suggests, this is a wine born under the sun. It is full and rich in superripe fruit tempered by ample acidity. Wood aging gives spice and a slightly burnt character that needs more time to fully integrate. The finish remains ripe, spicy and full of great acidity; hold until 2016.
This crisp, savory white offers layers of white peach, tart Granny Smith apple and lemon-lime flavors. It's vibrant and well balanced, with refreshing acidity. An almond note signals the close.
The inaugural offering of this block-designate is dark and brooding, with tightly constructed, sizable tannins and oak still pronounced on the palate. Time should develop its floral notes of rose and orange peel, with accents of tea, cranberry and pomegranate. Cellar through 2017.
One of Mikael Sigouin's single-vineyard studies, this shows sandalwood, rose petals and juicy berries on the nose. It's ripe yet restrained on the palate, with plump red berries that pull back before being too juicy, with licorice spice and plum skin bitterness on the edges.
Layers of luscious mango, tangerine and pineapple mark this gloriously fruity, forward Riesling. It's unabashedly plump, but delicate sweetness and staccato strikes of lemon and lime lend balance. It shows remarkable elegance for something so accessible and irresistibly gulpable.
From the granite soil of the northern area of Vinho Verde, this rich, structured and dense bottling is far from the conventional view of Vinho Verde. It is a powerful, ripe, apricot and peach flavored wine that is strongly mineral and concentrated. Drink now, but the wine will improve for several years.
Velvety chocolate and dark plum flavors give this wine a smooth, satisfying mouthfeel, assisted by well-integrated oak. Dark and brooding, it reflects its hillside provenance without succumbing entirely to an overripe or overdone style.
Smoke, flint, mature stone fruit, dried sage and honey aromas come together in the glass. The delineated palate shows nice depth, offering yellow apple, candied citrus zest, apricot and mineral balanced by bright acidity.
Dark pink and hearty, this is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that spent six months fermenting in stainless steel. Balanced, it offers some heft on the midpalate before finishing crisp and bedazzled in cranberry and citrus.
Light, clear color betrays a balanced, vibrant wine, nicely weighted in ripe Bing cherry and raspberry. The ethereal nature of things take on body and oak midway through, and a satisfying, herbal earthiness of cola spice. Enjoy through 2022.
If your tastes run to fruit-driven, all-stainless, crisp and steely Chardonnays, this is a great choice. Bright pineapple and citrus fruit flavors abound, and the acids, though substantial, are juicy and natural. The balance, freshness and overall value put this among best of class.
Elegant, yet still brimming in meaty tannins, this wine offers deftness on entry, diving deeper into blueberry cobbler and baked bread as it goes. On the nose, roses and cinnamon entice, while mid-weight oak and licorice pull in more savory directions. Ideal through 2021.
Rich, this offers both bright crisp citrus fruits and ripe peach and pear flavors. It is still young, still textured and tight, needing to broaden to bring out more of the attractive fruitiness. Drink from 2016.
This rich, wood-aged wine is full of yellow fruits with a tight texture. Mineral driven, it's crisp with its apple acidity and bright, steely structure. It's so fresh now, but could age well to create a smooth, mellifluous wine from 2017.
The Cambres vineyard sits on the hills just to the south of the Douro river, giving a rich, perfumed style of wood-aged wine. This is structured, with a dry core and big black fruits that will soften and come together. Drink this solid, ripe wine from 2017.
Aromas of vanilla and baking spices take the lead, followed by dark fruit. The palate is all about texture, showing a creamy richness to the fruit and barrel flavors that linger. The oak plays a prominent role but it generally works.
Blackberry, black cherry, earth and rubbery scents create a blunt, dense bouquet. This is round and full in body, with solid tannins balanced by fleshy, fruity depth. Dark plum, cassis and raspberry flavors linger on an earthy finish with toast and cola notes. Best enjoyed 2017–2022
An aromatic hint of quince dances over the various zesty citrus flavors on this slender, crisp and light yet expressive Riesling. The palate is governed entirely by lemon zest freshness and lingers beautifully. There are illuminating flashes of quince again on the finish. Savor this so you can capture them.
This is a tight, crisp rendering of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Struck flint aromas add nuance, while the bright lemon-lime flavors whirl together into a citrus sorbet of refreshment.
An almost apple-like and appetizing contrast between crunchy acidity and ripe fruitfulness makes this a compelling propostion. Primary fruit shines here and is very pure. This is like a crisp crunchy apple bathed in citrus. Pure refreshment with a superclean finish and taut structure.
Made with Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, all organically farmed, this savory red opens with aromas of perfumed berry, blue flowers, new leather and a balsamic note. The juicy, delicious palate delivers black cherry, plum, licorice, clove, menthol, sage an earthy note of game alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. Enjoy through 2018.
Zesty acidity and an enticing slick of honeycomb lend varietal character to this lavishly floral, peachy white. So spry and revitalizing, with a salty tang of minerality, it's surprisingly still the only Chenin Blanc grown in New York.
A rather neutral nose leads to a brisk and citric palate that is buffered by leesy texture and just a touch of smoke. This is so subtly done that there is quite a thrill between lemony, bright freshness and sonorous roundedness. This will benefit from a little bottle age and will be more mellow in 2016. Right now it's fresh and beautifully bracing.
Hailing from the winery's In the Rocks Vineyard, this wine opens with aromas of nori, black olive and blackberry that evolve into herb and plum. The dark fruit flavors are sweet and concentrated, lightly tacky in feel, backed by velvety-soft tannins.
Aromas of woodland berry, forest floor, spice and a toasted note lead the nose of this blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. The elegantly structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, clove and espresso alongside tightly knit but polished tannins. Drink 2017–2027.
With the blend consisting of 40% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, this wine hails from Lonesome Spring, Watermill and Sugarloaf vineyards. Aromas of milk chocolate, herbs, plum and peppery spices lead to a textured palate with a luxurious feel.
This compelling wine comes largely from The Rocks District. Seeing just a kiss of new French oak (25%), it offers exquisitely fresh, rich aromas and flavors, with notes of plum, pipe tobacco, leather and earthy funk.
Slightly lighter than other takes on the grape, this wine shows hibiscus, black plum, grape soda and gravel on the nose. It's soft on the palate with red cherry, cranberry and dried strawberry fruit, balanced by dill and black pepper on the edges. Some sales proceeds go to a medical relief organization.
From a selection of vineyard-designated sites, including Durell, Campbell Ranch and several Sangiacomo sites, this well-crafted blend is buzzing in minerality, a wet-stone character that overlays a depth of silky richness. Approachable now and yet structured for aging, its medium-level weight is awash in ripe apple and pear, finishing lean.
Cabernet Sauvignon (42%) takes the lead with the rest equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of dried herbs, flowers, graphite and dark fruit lead to supple, layered dark fruit flavors back by the grip of dry tannins. Drink now.
This wine commands attention with its aromas of black pepper, dried flowers, asparagus, fresh herbs and mineral. The potpourri and blue fruit flavors are sweet and rich, carrying some warmth along with them but generally holding it well.
Aromas of iris, plum, leather and a whiff of clove lead the nose. The firm, savory palate offers black cherry, red currant, licorice, black pepper and tobacco backed up by assertive, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2022.
This Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers aromas that recall ripe black-skinned fruit, cedar, scorched earth, vanilla and ground pepper. The ripe, round palate delivers juicy black cherry, ripe plum, mocha and tobacco. Velvety tannins provide a polished framework.
Don't let the Red Wine label fool you. This is 92% Syrah with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. It provides immediate appeal with its aromas of raspberry, plummy fruit, orange peel and chocolate. The palate has full-bodied, sumptuous flavors that linger. Drink now.
Based in the Aube in southern Champagne, Fluteau's vineyards are in the Seine valley. This crisp, tight and dry wine is balanced although still young. Textured crisp apple and lemon flavors have a taut, nervy character. It needs to age for a few more months, so drink from 2016.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot starts out with aromas of dark coffee, toast, blackberry, fresh herbs and barrel spices (53% new French). It pulls no punches with rich blackberry and cherry flavors.
All varietal, this blend of fruit from seven vineyards across the valley shows nuances of cocoa, earth, coffee, herbs and cherry. There's a lot of generosity and midpalate depth to the flavors along with a sense of balance that carries through the finish.
Already six years old, this is in full bloom, offering aromas of jammy red and black fruit sprinkled with cocoa and iron. Flavors show purity and richness, with barrel influences dialed back.
An attractive array of cedar, cinnamon, red cherry and black currant aromas and flavors fill this medium-bodied wine to the rim. The acidity, tannins and flavors are all well proportioned and balance each other out in a sophisticated way. The result is an elegant but firm wine that will be appetizing at the table now through 2020.
Hints of struck flint and white currant lead the way, followed by herbal, currant-like flavors and notes of fresh fig. This is medium-bodied, but with hints of creaminess to its texture and a long, wet-stone finish.
Joined by 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, this stellar wine from an almost 50-50 Napa-Sonoma divide delivers big flavor and tannin and yet exudes vibrant juicy plum and blueberry, keeping it grounded and alive. Silky through and through, it's complex in dark chocolate and a touch of dried herbs.
One of the new generation of regional wines, this Grüner Veltliner exhibits all the open flavors of the variety, with some spice and pepper, pear skin texture and a fresh, flowery acidity. Drink this summer. Screwcap.
Easygoing and fresh, with black fruit, herbs, spice and smoked meat on the nose. The palate is generally smooth and proper, while the cherry cola, mince meat and other savory flavors work well together. Nothing outrageous, but gets it more right than wrong. Definitely smells and tastes like Carmenère.
Kind of big for a value wine, with aromas of plum and berry along with shoe polish and chocolate. The palate has some richness but not too much depth or weight, while the flavors of blackberry and baked plum are convincing. Finishes soft and short, with cola and candied notes.
Despite a mild green character, this is mostly a solid, saturated wine. The nose has lettuce, pepper and berry scents, and the palate is racy and snappy, with red fruit and herbal accents. It's competent and definitely looks, smells and tastes like Syrah.
Lively and fresh with a floral and lemon citrus character in the nose and on the palate, this full-bodied Gewürtz offers lovely aromas and full-bodied flavors. Dry in style with a clean character. Pair with Indian or Asian cuisine or grilled chicken.
A blueberry-balsamic reduction sauce scent kicks off this rich and opulent wine from the legendary Hearst family. It also shows smoked beef, uncracked peppercorns, black spices, vanilla bean and black coffee on the nose. The palate is lush and layered with blueberry paste, dark-chocolate fudge and Ethiopian espresso bean.
Complex aromas of cola, spice, patchouli and earthy berry fruits are highly appealing. This feels totally complete and elastic, with earthy, savory berry flavors matched by briary spice notes and a hint of coffee. A composed finish is lusty but neither hot nor burning. Drink this nicely made modern Syrah through 2023.
Sometimes a blend of vineyards like this one can equal or surpass the single-vineyard bottlings. This complex and well-rounded wine achieves a good balance between seductive fruit flavors and more subtle, woodsy, savory nuances from whole-cluster fermentation, while not going over-the-top in body or oakiness. Each sip uncovers more spice, more cedar and more subtlety.
This is not from a generally declared Port Vintage year. However, the year did produce some exceptional wines, such as this one. It has a firm tannic structure under opulent black fruits. Beautifully perfumed, ripe and likely to develop relatively quickly, this is already a balanced, approachable wine. Drink from 2019.
This Avidagos vineyard in the Corgo River Valley is one of the oldest in the Douro. The wine, from a parcel of old vines, is hugely powerful and dense. With its dark tannins, concentrated black fruits, it could be too much. Somehow it pulls back leaving a very rich wine but also one that has structure and final freshness. The wine needs to age and should not be drunk before 2020.
Among an excellent trio of Chardonnays from Roco, this is the spicy one, with soft and supple tree fruits, a touch of citrus and more. The complexities pile on, suggestions of melon and cotton candy, and that lovely sweet spice.
Dark clay, deep layers of earth, black-cherry bread and black-slate aromas show on the nose of this finely woven wine by Matthias Pippig. The palate is distinctive, with rich yet not overripe black-plum loaf, mocha dust and black cardamom spice hiding behind the silky yet dense structure. Excellent now, it will joyously evolve. Drink 2016–2028.
Light in color but bursting with aromas of candied cherry, pencil lead, sauteed porcini mushrooms and rain-soaked gravel, this is a fabulous wine from an oceanview vineyard above Corralitos. Italian spices of oregano and bay leaf combine with a sesame-oil warmth and bright raspberry fruit on the zesty palate.
It takes a precision winemaker to craft a Pinot Noir with such detail from a cool vintage in a cool region. Jon Meuret (founder of Maison Bleue) has the right stuff, as this new project demonstrates. Drink it now for its pure raspberry and cranberry fruit, its lightly rendered oak, its length and texture. Or wait 8–10 years and watch it develop into a complex, elegant wine with mature fruit and polished, terroir-driven flavors. Drink now through 2026.
A rich, round and silky texture provide pure pleasure in this exotically perfumed vineyard-designate that's full bodied and exuberant in baked plum, black pepper and anise. Well integrated and complex, it traffics in deeper, darker plumes of smoke and tobacco toward the lengthy finish.
A lovely bouquet of dusty rose petals marks the entry of this delightful wine. Softly textured, it's subtle in tannin and oak, with interweaving swathes of black tea and grenadine-intense cherry. Medium bodied, it remains silky and fresh through the lengthy finish.
In the Val de Mendiz, half way up the Pinhão Valley, Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges have crafted a range of three wines that are magnificent. This is the middle wine, produced from old field-blend vines. Despite its weight, the wine is packed with fruit and shows considerable freshness. It does however need to age, so don't drink before 2018.
Its lavish peach, citrus and blossom perfume makes the Westhofen Brunnenhäuschen stand out boldly in a lineup of Wittmann's excellent 2014 GG Rieslings. Its aromatic intensity extends into the palate, brightening its stony, slatey character. Supple yet steely, it finishes with a hint of lime-pith astringency. While elegant now, this wine should intensify in minerality with age.
This is a gentle giant of a wine, subtle and sublime in earthy rose petals, allspice and black tea that maintain a spiky, lively acidity throughout. Blueberry and black cherry compete for attention, balancing the grapes' more savory intentions, before a smoothly intense finish rides things out.
The appellation is showcased in all its glory in this 100% varietal wine, a brooding and weighty experience with a ton of power and concentration. Black currant, wild berry, pencil and tea make for big flavor and persistence, finishing with length and grace. Drink now through 2022.
Expressive and loaded with fruit, mineral and spice components, this powerful wine centers around dense flavors of black cherry and cassis. Threads of coffee, caramel, wet rock and citrus keep coming through, and the wine seems to gain strength as it goes. Just a hint of heat comes out in the tail end.
Despite the age, the color of this wine is still impressively vibrant and the ripe fruit and dense structure both speak of a wine that is still developing even nine years later. Such is longevity of a great Malbec. Blackberry fruit flavors charge through this wine that's reached the point of balance with the tannins. Drink now, although the wine will still be developing in 2018.
Named after the Roman emperor who allowed planting of vines in Cahors (and elsewhere in France), this wine is a fine expression of rich, concentrated Malbec. It is powered by its tannins and young black fruits at this stage and needs several years to present its full, rich and concentrated potential. From 2019, this will be a serious wine.
While the nose is dominated by darker mineral notes of petrol and smoke, a penetrating core of juicy white peach and melon flavors flood the palate. Silky and lush in mouthfeel, it lingers long through a slick, lip-smacking finish. Drink now through 2025.
Winemaker Virginia Willcock's latest effort shows that top-flight Margaret River Chardonnay doesn't have to cost three figures. This is fine stuff, a bit funky at first, but opening up in the glass to reveal hints of brown-sugar-glazed pineapple and fresh citrus. It's medium to full in body, with a long, almost painfully crisp finish that brings all that fruit into bright, refreshing focus.
Not many $30 wines can offer fruit from 100-year-old vines, but this one does. It's full bodied and rich, with notes of plum and black cherries supported by hints of chocolate and vanilla. With its long, velvety finish, there's no reason to defer gratification, although it should drink well through at least 2020.
Appropriately youthful and flashy, this is textbook Barossa Shiraz, full bodied and rich. Dusty tannins and mouthwatering acids support dark berry fruit, cedar and vanilla. It's drinkable now, but should add savoriness over the next 10 or more years.
Aged for 18 months in wood, this impressive ripe wine is full of fruit and also a firm, smoky tannic structure. The partial fermentation in open stone tanks has given the wine an extra dimension of richness. This is a fine, concentrated wine that is now ready to drink.
From a selection of old vines, this grand wine is rich and firmly structured. With dark tannins and powerful black plum fruit flavors, it is concentrated and with considerable aging potential. The wine is still young, packed with tannins and will not be ready to drink until 2019.
This is a beautiful wine, fully expressive of the vineyard and vintage. It's showy in juicy red and black wild berries, with just-right additions of cinnamon and black pepper. Full bodied and concentrated, it remains approachable and an ideal companion to meaty fare.
This winery is approaching cult status, and for good reason. Rather than compete with over-extracted competitors, this bottling shows a medium richness that pairs black plum and dark chocolate with light mint and dried herbs. Oregano, thyme, sage, bay leaf and black pepper power the palate, where boysenberry fruit and pencil lead complete the fresh but layered experience.
When Aveleda's Guedes family purchased Quinta da Agueira, it came with its own grand house, a 19th century folly (a great term in the British lexicon). So, being fans of follies, the family named this spicy wine after the house. This wine is dense and concentrated, with dark fruit balanced by structured tannins. Drink now–2022.
A wondrously rich and extracted nose combines layers of brown spice, dried black cherries, fragrant violets and lilacs with concentrated, almost pruney purple fruit. That ripeness expertly pairs on the palate with strong tannic structure and sparkling acidity, allowing the blackberry, blueberry, caramel and lavender notes to shine without cloying.
A distinctive nose of fresh fruit, spice and citrus lead this luscious Chardonnay. On the palate, apricot and lemon, backed by toasted nuts, adds to the appeal. Clean and fresh while also full of body. An elegant food wine.
Tropical smelling, with green banana, minerality and firmness to the bouquet. The palate is clean and cleansing, which are two very different things, while the wine tastes of tangy citrus and green melon. Fresh, tropical and uncomplicated. Drink this year.
Fruity, minerally and nice, with aromas of pear, apple and pineapple that make you want to take a drink. The palate is juicy and fresh, with slate-driven green apple and citrus flavors. Quick on the finish, with a revisiting of the wine's mineral component.
A black wine with aromas of graphite, molten earth and black fruit. The palate is a pounder with strong tannins and blazing acidity, and that creates a mouthfeel with grating intensity and roasted black fruit flavors. Lively late, with herbal notes and a lasting tannic bite. At over 15% alcohol, there's a lot of fire and toughness, so hold for a few more years and hopefully the tannins will soften.
The Roussanne really shines in the blend, offering rich, ripe, soft, seductive aromas of peaches and apricots, then folding into a broad midpalate with no rough edges. There is a definite peaches-and-cream feel to the midpalate, and that creamy flavor and texture runs right through a gentle finish.
Opens with black fruit aromas, dry oak and spice. The palate shows an oaky creaminess, sticky tannins and solid berry fruit flavors that are matched and maybe even trumped by buttery oak. A little dry and drawing on the finish, but still a very nice RDD.
A nicely made and easy to like kind of young Ribera red with clean, bold blackberry aromas and flavors that fit the wine's big, tannic structure. Composed on the back palate and beefy on the finish. Perfect for grilled meats. Drink now through 2012.
Leafy and spicy, with notes of paprika, tomato, dried leaves and broth. But in the mouth, it's fresh and vital, with good balance and flavors of dried cassis, tobacco and herbs. For an older wine from industrial Valdepeñas it's doing a good job. But now is the time to drink it.
Roasted and dark on the nose, with raisin, prune and exotic spice aromas. The palate is chewy and a bit lemony, with sweet baked fruit flavors and a load of chocolaty richness. Mocha and fudge are the key finishing notes, and overall this is a proper yet full-bodied big boy.
Dry, leafy and herbal, with cherry, berry and mossy aromas. The palate is meaty and chewy, with an extra dose of heft and body to support black fruit and herbal flavors. The finish is kind of quick and mild, but also clean and satisfying. A nice mixture of Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Nice aromas of cherry fruit and sweetness are perfectly clean, while the palate is slightly spunky and high in acid, with wild-berry flavors running side by side with red cherry and citrus. Has a tart, blazing side but also very good fruit character and purity
Champoux is one of Washington's most revered vineyards, known especially for the rich, black cherry fruit on display here. However, this wine seems to be aging rather quickly, the flavors turning soft and leafy in the midpalate, and the wine's rim hinting at the beginning tones of brick. It's drinking nicely, and should be consumed near term for best enjoyment.
In a ripe style, this is soft, with creamed apple and pear flavors, smooth and light. There is a touch of attractive spice to go with the final acidity.
Basic but in the best possible way. The nose is familiar, clean and inviting due to licorice, sweet black fruit and smoky aromas. Fresh in the mouth, with bright acidity pumping up berry, cassis and herbal flavors. Composed on the finish, with a high level of competence.
Fruity and full-flavored, this quaffable Riesling brings a full share of peachy fruit, honeysuckle and English breakfast tea. The residual sugar is just over 1%, and the acids compensate, giving it good balance.
Produced at the medieval Quinta da Romeira, this ripe, tropical-fruit flavored wine has richness and a smooth texture. Full-bodied and fruity, it shows minerality from the chalk soil as well as a bright, tight fruitiness and balancing acidity.
Easily recognizable thanks to its elaborate bottle encrusted with Swarovski crystals, Diadema is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. It shows dense black cherry, black currant and underbrush along with oak, coffee and vanilla. Reflecting the heat of the vintage, it's shy on freshness but the fruit is appealing.
This creamy sparkler has a floral fragrance of white flower and pear. The palate delivers tropical fruit, citrus, bitter almond and sage notes. This is a classic apéritif and perfect for making toasts.
This is hard to resist, a crisp, easy sipper that's gentle on the wallet and bright with sweet jasmine aromatics. On the palate expect refreshing Mandarin orange and lemon zest flavors. It's a clean, crisp wine made from organic grapes, 52% of which hail from Lake, the rest from Mendocino County.
Crisp with brisk acidity, yet bright with citrus and yellow fruit, this wine shows structure as well as warmth. It's a textured wine that can age over the medium term. Drink now–2018.
This delightful wine shows the charming side of Nebbiolo. It has a floral and fruity fragrance of rose and raspberry accompanied by bright cherry and white pepper flavors. It's vibrant and fresh with silky tannins.
Tight, taut, crisp and mineral in character, this is the epitome of a lemon-flavored wine. It is totally fresh, bright and full of green fruits and a tangy character. One in a series of single variety wines from Vilacetinho.
This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah offers a fragrance of black fruit and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is a bit restrained but reveals black cherry, licorice and black pepper along with notes of espresso and toasted oak.
This blend of barrique-aged Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon has a fragrance of oak and bell pepper. The palate shows red currant, cherry, oak, coffee and chocolate notes. Although it has generous fruit, it lacks complexity and is shy on freshness and vitality.
Aromas of mature blackberry, vanilla and white chocolate lead the nose of this wine. The palate offers dense black cherry, oak, chocolate and white pepper wrapped up in tight-knit tannins. It starts off strong but then finishes abruptly.
This light, elegant wine uses estate-grown fruit, and brings the same general character as the single vineyard offerings. Briary berry fruit, with pepper and spice, shows a more herbal aspect than the single vineyard wines. Sealed in screwcap, this wine may be enjoyed over the next 4–6 years.
This new vintage was barrel fermented, which fleshes out the flavors and brings some tropical notes along with the tart flavors of fresh pear. Young, sleek and showing a pleasing, wet stone minerality, this is styled for near-term enjoyment, perhaps with fresh halibut, swordfish or white salmon.
This is a full-bodied rosé, with rich fruit and spice notes. Its ripe apricot and strawberry flavors are lifted by balanced acidity. Drink now.
Here's a nice Dolcetto from Dogliani, the grape's spiritual home. It has a classic varietal fragrance of cherry, licorice and black pepper accompanied by smoky notes. The palate delivers black cherry and white pepper along with chewy tannins. Pair this with mushroom risotto.
Ripe pear fruit introduces a full-bodied Pinot Gris, and carries it through a satisfying finish. It's fruit all the way, dusted with a little taste of cinnamon spice.
Made entirely with native grape Arneis, this refreshing white has pretty aromas of white spring flowers and pear. The palate offers creamy apple, pear and mineral notes along with crisp acidity that give it a clean finish.
This Nebbiolo has aromas of raspberry with hints of spice and coffee. The palate delivers ripe black cherry flavors with white pepper and clove notes. This will pair well with mushroom risotto.
This Amarone shows overripe black fruit, oak and raisin aromas. The palate offers extracted plum and black cherry flavors layered with chocolate, vanilla, oak and black pepper notes. It's closes on a note of bitter almond.
A somewhat reserved wine but one that still shows some complexity with notes of honey, apricot, lychee and smoky spice. The palate is rich and luscious with good length and a spice-filled finish.
Very lemony, this is a crisp citrus- and peach-flavored wine. It has delicious, refreshing fruitiness that contrasts with a softer, rounded texture.  For drinking now and until 2018.
This is a mature, wood-aged wine. It is rich in yellow fruits and toast flavors. It does retain a crisper, citrus side that keeps it fruity. The wines are vegan (no animal products in production). It is ready to drink.
The fact that there is 60% Cabernet Franc in this blend gives the wine a real perfumed attractiveness. It is fruity and light, with a crisp lively character. Red berries and plenty of acidity leave a fresh aftertaste. Drink now.
The wine is full of bright fruit and acidity. It does still have a dry tannic core that gives it a firm character. The juicy acidity and crisp texture show it is still young. Drink from late 2017.
There's hearty earthiness and darkness to this bottling, with black plum, beets, cola, rhubarb, turned earth and a light asphalt character to the nose. The palate is framed by aggressive acidity, showing flavors of dark red fruit, clove, plum skin and dried herbs.
Sémillon, so adept at producing botrytized grapes for sweet wines gives its richness and fine apricot flavors to this ripe wine. Sweet while kept from cloying by its acidity, it is an opulent wine, with honey and fine almond and marzipan flavors at the end. Drink from early 2017.
Starting out a touch reduced, this wine shows aromas of lime leaf and peach, wanting a bit more aromatic clarity. It drinks off dry, with lean but plentiful lime and stone-fruit flavors.
This is a dry, firm wine with concentrated tannins along with dark chocolate and bitter coffee flavors. It is going to need some time, so wait to drink until 2018.
Almost jet black, this is a tough chewy wine with just enough blackberry fruit to punch through the tannins. Aging does not seem to have worked in its favor, so best to drink soon, aerate aggressively and pair it with a juicy burger.
Aromas of dark berry and cooking spice lead the nose on this simple red. The straightforward palate shows dried black cherry and espresso alongside zesty acidity.
Aromas of flowers and dried orange peel rise up from the glass, with the notes not seeming entirely fresh. It drinks medium sweet with abundant mandarin orange flavors that show a slight spritz.
This is a solid, ready-to-drink effort, with forward flavors of raspberry and cherry. The well-managed tannins remain in the background, but put a definite edge around the finish, which wraps up quickly.
The high elevation of Chiroubles has produced a crisp, cool and stylish wine. It has juicy cherry fruit and bright acidity. The wine is developing quickly and will be ready to drink from early 2017.
Bright and fruity, this has a good balance of lemon and ripe pear flavors. It is a light wine, crisp but with a richer seam that gives it concentration. A great apéritif wine, it's ready to drink.
A Sauvignon Blanc-dominated wine that is crisp while also having some weight and fatness from the Sémillon in the blend. It is full of fruit, with lemon and crisp apple flavors. The aftertaste is tight and tangy with lemon zest.
In some vintages (such as 2004) the extended bottle age given to the Citation Pinot works in its favor. In this latest release, it has subtracted from, rather than added to, rather ordinary fruit flavors. Leather notes in both scent and flavor come up against raisined fruit. Tannins are tough and astringent, and there is a stemmy character to the finish. Drink up.
A late release from this cool vintage, this wine offers aromas of cocoa and berry. The flavors are light and restrained, framed by tart acidity.
A reductive, bitter rubber component stubbornly dominates this wine. There's cranberry and rhubarb fruit, ample acids, and otherwise all is in balance. But that burnt rubber note carries right through the finish. Two bottles were tasted with similar results.
This easygoing red has aromas of dark berry, wild herb and a hint of cooking spice. The simple zesty palate offers dark cherry, raspberry and a hint of cinnamon alongside dusty tannins.
Tan in color, with dry lightly oxidized aromas as well as notes of white pepper and peach pit, this white Pinot Noir is low on fruit and feels tight, acidic and raw. Tart apple and sour lemon flavors include a note of fino Sherry, while this closes with a steady beam of sharp acidity.
Aromas of herb, grass, pear and citrus lead to sleek fruit flavors. It shows a lot of elegance but lacks concentration.
The local white grape of Bairrada, Bical is normally used for sparkling wines, but here makes a light, fruity still bottling. It has a tangy orange-zest texture and crisp apple fruits, finishing with classic acidity. Drink the wine now.
The wine has simple red-berry flavors and a light layer of tannins. The acidity is probably too intense—a product of the vintage. But it is an attractive wine to drink now, finishing with its crisp aftertaste.
An earthy vein in the aromas and flavors keeps this wine from being a classic. Nonetheless it has ripe fruit flavors and a relatively smooth texture in spite of the variety's typical firm tannins.
Full of red berries and acidity, this accessible wine has a layer of tannins that does not detract from the general fruitiness. Drink from 2019.
This ripe, fruity wine has soft tannins and red-berry flavors. With just a touch of spice, it is ready to drink.
This wine has tannins and a solid structure that is balanced by the bright red fruits. The wine is juicy, fruity and ready to drink.
Flavors of fresh apple and pear appear among light dusting of cinnamon spice. This makes for a wonderful quaffer.
Intense notes of white flower and lemon peel perfume this lovely aromatic white. Dry on the palate, with tart tangerine and lime flavors, it is marked by hints of blossom and zesty lime pith. Crisp and tonic on the finish. Drink now.
The Select bottling, which appears to be TeBri's reserve, shows medium concentration, with strawberry and cherry flavors. Cola, earth, caramel and chocolate notes come together on the pretty finish.
Bright and lemony, this has tight acidity and layers of toasty caramel and vanilla. This will pair with a wide range of dinner options and would make for a worthy go-to midweek wine.
This is big and dark on the nose, but also kind of generic. It feels round, flush and tannic, with blackberry, chocolate and a mild bitterness to the palate. The wine finishes big and chewy, but there's a persistent, controlled bitterness to the flavor profile.
Like the winery's 2010 Corralillo Syrah, this comes across funky, more herbal and pointed than in prior years. The body is full but hard, with roasted berry, spice and herb flavors. It feels forced and a bit warm, with a salty note and juicy, almost sharp acids.
From the lesser-quality 2006 vintage, this is a gentle and tangy selection. It has lemon zest and steely acidity, with light touches of grapefruit and crisp apple. Not for aging, this is an attractive wine to drink now.
This has a lively, whimsical label and some very good juice within. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Zinfandel, it is intoxicatingly perfumed like cotton candy. Otherwise jammy, with dark cherry and blackberry flavors, it has rounded tannins, a strong structure and a soft leather finish.
This is light—the Ten in the name refers to its alcohol level—dry, crisp and fragrantly fresh. It is citrus dominant and deliciously refreshing—a wine that livens up the palate.
This has green-leaning aromas of tobacco, tomato and grass that are matched by more standard plum and berry notes. It feels tight, tannic and rubbery, with medicinal flavors of herbal black fruits and mint. Solid as a whole, this holds its pose on the finish, although even there it's a touch green. This is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Dark, fleshy black-fruit and cocoa notes on the nose and palate get a blast of zestiness from the persistent cranberry and spice flavors. It is full-bodied, with a firm layer of tannins that grip tightly on the finish.
Blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry all abound on the nose and palate of this easy-pleasing and accessible wine. Fine tannins and medium acidity create an approachable structure, while hints of crushed violet and chocolate add richness to the finish.
This smells basic and clean, with black fruit aromas of cherry and plum. It feels rugged, grabby and tannic, with a dark, chocolaty flavor of baked berry leading to a toasty and spicy finish that delivers strong tannin. It reflects the cool conditions of 2010.
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.
The region's most widely available wine remains a solid benchmark. Exotic aromas of citrus blossom and tropical fruit make a bold impression, followed up on the palate by ample weight and a touch of oiliness. Drink now–2016.
Aromas of pencil lead and lemony oak vie with jammy, raisiny scents. This is a live-wire wine with energy flowing across a jumpy palate. Ripe cassis and blackberry flavors show a licorice note, while the finish is concentrated at first before breaking up and showing some heat. Drink through 2018.
Dense dark fruit aromas show depth, starting off a pleasant bouquet. On the palate, this wine is fresh yet lush, with earthy, lightly baked flavors of blackberry, chocolate and spice. A toasty note darkens the nuances on the narrowing finish.
This selection is from the winery's first planted vineyard, now nearing 20 years of age. It's all Pommard clone, offering a burst of pretty cherry fruit backed with stiff tannins and a streak of iron. Still showing some sharp edges, it's just out of 15 months in 50% new oak, and will benefit from aerating or further bottle age.
Minty, this restrained Syrah is from a sought-after vineyard, a pioneer in Sonoma County Rhône-style wines. Here, the producer keeps things interesting in swathes of white pepper, mint and cranberry, as well as a strong sense of leather throughout. High in acidity, it needs time to come together; try after 2020.
The nose is still emerging on this bottling by the historic estate, but nectarine, white and yellow flowers and a touch of cantaloupe are starting to peek out. The flavors dance between acidity and ripeness, with green apple flesh, lemon-lime peels and brisk minerality that build into a juicy finish.
Pretty scents of rosewater, raspberries and cherries introduce this light and pleasing wine. It carries some of the charm of a good strawberry soda, with forward fruit and a delicate frame. That said, it is not just a simple fruity wine, and gains weight and complexity as it breathes. Give it time to show you all it has.
A subdued nose offers whiffs of leather, tobacco, black plum and an earthy note of game. The palate delivers blackberry, prune, white pepper and savory herb. It's already accessible with smooth, almost slippery tannins. Drink through 2019.
The dark fruits of blackberry and blueberry meet up with the greener aromas of damp pine tree undergrowth and a squeeze of citrus on this blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Grenache. The light purple fruits on the palate mesh well with all sorts of herbs, including thyme, oregano and even rosemary.
Candied cherry, cola, wild mint and anise swirl into a layered nose on this wine by a duo of relatively new winemakers, Ian Sergy and Zach Jarosz. Light coffee, clove-spiced berry juice and cinnamon-cherry flavors are on the heavily brown-spiced palate.
Delicate notes of bramble and char accent sultry black-cherry flavor in this bold, elegantly structured wine. Fresh cranberry acidity dazzles the midpalate, leading a long, mineral-tinged finish.
Another wildly complicated Pinot Noir from Bradley Brown, this smells of crimini mushrooms, smoldering chemise and sweet cherry tomato reduction sauce, with a pinch of cinnamon. It's lush with soft red and purple fruit once sipped, with smoky spice on the edges and smashed olives throughout.
Black as night in the glass, the dark-leaning, attention-grabbing aromas range from black cherry to cassis, with some slate. The wine lacquers the palate with brooding purple fruit, boasting flavors of blackberry syrup, white pepper and violet.
Josh Jensen was the first to plant this alternative Burgundian white varietal in America, and this bottling offers notes of honeyed apricot juice, ripe nectarines and melons and toasted almonds. It's waxy and fleshy on the palate, with grilled lemon warmth, squeezed lime acidity and a nutty finish.
Cottonwood Canyon specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but they also have three acres of Syrah in their Santa Maria vineyard. The result in this bottling offers aromas blending red fruit with minty herbs, like a cherry cough drop. The wine is fairly lean on the mouth, representative of a cooler-climate expression of the grape, with oregano, sour cherry, cranberry and chalky minerality. The finish is reminiscent of crème brûlée.
Honey, crisp lemon and poached apple make for an excellent nose on this blend of 31% Marsanne, 26% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, 11% Viognier and 10% Picpoul. The flavors are equally impressive, with nectarine, white flowers and yellow pear making for an easy-to-quaff white wine.
Mineral notes on the nose build in intensity throughout this brisk, invigorating semidry Riesling. Spine-tingling lemon-lime acidity offsets a palate full of luscious yellow peach and honey flavors. Finishes long with a spray of lavender.
This beautifully brings out and blends the crisp citrus side of the grape variety along with a touch of riper fruit flavor that's shaped by oak aging. It offers classic, grassy aromas, thirst-quenchingly tart flavors and very light touches of vanilla and nutmeg.
This Paulliac-style blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot presents bright red fruit on the nose alongside black licorice and traditional cigar box scents. The flavors are dominated by red cherries with a touch of anise, sprig of thyme and pleasingly brisk finish.
With a rich, caramel-teased nose, this is a full-bodied and voluptuous Chardonnay that evolves in the glass to display much greater sophistication and concentration. It finishes light and lemony, rounded out by juicy stone fruit.
Aromas of balsam wood, marzipan and ripe blackberry are focused and generous. Chewy tannins hold the palate together, while flavors of herbal, spicy cassis and black plum come with chocolate and baking spice notes before finishing thick but focused. Drink through 2018.
There's a nice touch of green pasilla chile on the nose of this wine, with red currant undertones. The peppery elements consume the palate as well, giving it a more distinct and food-friendly nature than overly ripe versions.
Forward and nicely rounded off, this brings spicy cherry and cranberry fruit front and center. There are well-integrated streaks of herb, a dash of stem, and a dusting of white pepper. Give it an hour or two to breathe, or better yet, decant before drinking.
There's a lot of appeal with notes of apricot, mango, butter and toasty spices. It's creamy in feel with the oak—70% American, half new—speckling the fruit flavors and the finish.
A soft, moderately jammy old-vine Zinfandel—the vines at Mohr-Fry Ranch go back to 1901 and 1944—that's heady in spicy ripe blackberry with an impressive backbone of structure and mouthwatering texture.
Celebrating the founding in 1875 of Antonin Rodet, this ripe, perfumed wine has red fruits that are opulent, gloriously drinkable already. It's ripe, softly textured, layered with delicate acidity.
This Syrah-dominant blend, with 25% Carignan and 5% Grenache, leads with oak-driven aromas of charred cedar, sweet smoke and vanilla bean that envelop the ripe blackberry and cherry fruit tones. The palate is lush and full, with a creamy roundness that's partially lifted by generous spicy notes of garrigue, licorice root and black pepper on the close.
Blueberry and blackberry aromas fold in earthy notes, herbal spice and a pinch of Cabernet-related green. This feels full but crisp, with level acidity and minty, oaky flavors of carob and herbal raspberry. A short finish is fresh and lively.
Hints of earthy spice and bark add interest to the somewhat muted blackberry and black plum aromas. The wine opens up more on the palate, revealing a lush and creamy texture, with dense blackberry flavors and a sweet oak and vanilla spice that lingers through the finish.
Soft and rich, a wine that shows the warmth of the vintage in this southern Burgundy appellation. It's full of yellow fruits with just a hint of pineapple along with a good line in acidity. A sense of minerality and texture appears at the end.
The fruity characteristics are the star of this wine, with heady notes of forest berry, red plum and cherry that flood the nose and mouth. Accents of chocolate, menthol and sweet smoke add depth, but play a delicate supporting role to the fleshy fruit core. Medium weight, with fine tannins and a fairly easygoing structure.
The Cor wines are always notable for their limited use of new French oak (this wine saw none) and a style best suited for the dinner table. This wine is no exception with distinctly fruity aromas of plum and cherry followed by notes of peat and violets. The seamless fruit flavors are accented by citrusy acidity with the tannins quite well integrated for the variety.
A rich, thick, inky purple Petite Sirah with a small amount of Syrah blended in, offering aromas of baked plum, boysenberry and leathery spice. Elegant for the variety, the wine is concentrated and structured with a long finish of dark coffee.
This big and brooding wine offers intense aromas of black fruits, raisins, vanilla and toast. The palate presents ripe blackberry, white pepper, prune and licorice flavors. Pair it with seasoned cheeses or mushroom risotto.
The largest appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise produces here a foursquare, solid wine. It has red fruits, although the structure is what is dominant at this stage. There is a dry, smoky, meaty flavor that marches with the final acidity.
This is a satin-smooth Merlot, nicely blended with 11% Syrah and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Forward flavors, seamless, supple and flat out tasty, it weaves in threads of vanilla, cola and licorice around taut red fruits.
Hovey's Petite offers mountainous tannins that are still soft and structured, mellowed by the bright red raspberry and blackberry fruit encased in baking spice.
Pure, sappy wine juice is the impression this wine leaves. Although it's a 2010, it is so fresh and tangy it might have come straight from the tank. Pomegranate and raspberry are the fruit highlights, with hints of pepper and herb.
Still young, this intense wine is packed with tropical and citrus fruits. It is also structured, textured with a chalky, mineral feel. This is a wine that feels rich and that needs several years aging. Drink from 2016.
This is a new wine brand from Muxagat. It shows a strong, perfumed character along with tight minerality. Bitter chocolate suggests some extraction, giving a wine with firm structure. At the same time, the juicy black currant fruits are deliciously ripe and rich. Drink this wine from 2016.
This full-bodied, creamy-textured Cabernet is ready to drink. Confected notes of cassis and vanilla are slightly exaggerated, but make a big impression on the palate, while the supple tannins linger elegantly on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Fruit from this 12-acre site has a well-rounded aspect, with nuanced flavors of pomegranate, marionberry, black cherry and cola. Hints of game and cured meat come through also, and the mouthfeel is sleek and wiry. It's drinking well but could certainly be cellared through 2024.
This Bordeaux-blend red is as structured as you would expect. It has fine tannins, blackberry fruits and a firm, dry core. With its dense character and powerful acidity it needs to age still. Drink from 2015.
A massive and concentrated wine that is held together by its dark, very dry tannic structure. It shows weight and superripe blackberry flavors that are cut with acidity. Complex and rich, it is likely to remain structured as it ages. Drink from 2016.
This is a wine for long-term aging, rich, wood-aged and seriously dense. Firm tannins, dark berry fruits and layers of wood extract come from 12 months in barrel. It has spice, acidity and a sense of brooding power. Drink from 2017.
An impressive, dark—almost black—wine that has the power to support the color. Solid tannins and ripe black fruits come easily together, offering a dense texture and rich feel. With its smooth character, it can be drunk now, but will be better aged until 2016.
From the home vineyards of the Saget family, this a warm and generous wine. While endowed with many green Sauvignon Blanc characteristics, the tropical fruit style makes it feel rich. As it ages, it will offer even more complex flavors. Drink from 2015.
This red blend commences with aromas of red currant, black berries, spice and blue flower. The spicy palate delivers black pepper, nutmeg, sour cherry and ripe raspberry sensations that are restrained by fresh acidity and bracing tannins. Hold for complexity. Drink 2015–2021. Trilussa Wine, J.W. Sieg Wines.
The mint, cassis and baking spice aromas are classic New World Cabernet, as is the wine's ample body and creamy texture. By purist standards, it's too drinkable, too approachable now, with tannins that just glide into the background. Drink now–2020.
A wine that already shows some of the typical oxidative character of Savagnin. It creates a wine that has great style, richness and wonderful tangy, smoky character. It could age further, although it's ready to drink now.
A full-bodied, slightly oxidative wine that wears its character well. There is a toastiness here along with some apple and apricot fruits, giving a rich feel to the wine. It's ready to drink but can also continue to age until 2017–2018.
Aromas of wild berry and animal hide unfold on the nose. In the mouth, this blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is heady and offers tons of berry and cassis fruit. The finish is rich and borderline syrupy, with thickness and depth but not a lot of complexity.
A very mineral, textured wine that has a dark fruit character. Acidity, spice, black plum skins and a solid structure all point to a wine that needs to age a few more months. Drink from 2014.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this traditionally crafted Chianti Classico opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, leather, black fruit and blue flower. The palate offers succulent black cherry accented with notes of black pepper, clove and menthol alongside brooding tannins. Drink 2014–2019.
This is typically full, dark and rich, with balsamic aromas of roasted berry and leather. A tannic mouthfeel runs deep and dense, while flavors of licorice and baked black fruits finish with a heavy dose of chocolate along with a syrupy feel.
Whiffs of lavender and lime mark this unusual yet elegant dry Riesling. It's lean and zesty in feel, with tart stone fruit and pear flavors that are layered in waves of crushed minerals and puckering tangerine acidity.
Just beginning to mature, this generous wine has fine red berry fruits, a smoky character, touches of wood aging and further potential. It shows acidity with a juicy red cherry aftertaste. Drink now and until 2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this bright wine opens with a lovely fragrance of blue flower, tilled soil, red berry and a hint of vanilla. The juicy palate delivers sour cherry and raspberry along with cinnamon-spice notes that add interest. Bracing but fine tannins accompany everything to the finish. A delicious, vibrant and uncomplicated wine that calls out for a hearty dish of pasta.
Brisk and nervous on the palate, with searing lemon-lime acidity, this slightly off-dry wine is well-balanced, with delicate apple and blossom flavors. It's long and mineral on the finish, with just a touch of sweet white peach.
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.
Alvarelhão is a hardy grape from the Dão region that is also found in the Douro. This firm while light wine brings out licorice, a herbal character and fine acidity. It's a juicy wine with dusty tannins and should age. Drink from 2015.
Opening with opulent red fruit and soft tannins, this estate-grown Tempranillo has a big presence of tobacco and pepper. With well-integrated oak it's full-bodied yet understated, opening its layers of earthy tobacco and black cherry over time. Enjoy with traditional Spanish tapas and meat-laden paella.
This blend of Sangiovese and Merlot starts with aromas of espresso, toasted oak and plum. The palate offers one-dimensional plum and cherry with oak notes alongside firm tannins and uplifting acidity.
This Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend opens with oaky, medicinal aromas of mint and cherry candy. The palate is fairly full but raw in feel, while scratchy, long-running flavors of leather and earth accent core red fruit. Licorice and mint lead an oaky finish.
Unoaked Chardonnays can be fairly neutral, but this one is anything but. Creamy and textural, it's laced with mixed flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, lime and lemon zest. Delicious on its own, or pair it with gently seasoned seafood or poultry.
This is a rich style of Sauvignon Blanc, the natural acidity rounded out by warmer fruits, currants, spice and a sense of structure. It is young, like many Pouilly Fumés at this stage, and will be best in 2015.
Mildly intense scents of dark berries and ripe plum meld with warm aromas of vanilla and oak on this Sangiovese-based wine. It has a gripping mouthfeel with juicy black cherry, toast and cinnamon-spice accompanied by solid tannins that last through the finish.
A rich, fruity wine from the north of Portugal. It has creamy apple and citrus flavors, a light and mineral texture and bright acidity. Drink now.
Aromas of smoke, grilled herb, scorched earth and eucalyptus lead the nose. While it shows the heat of the vintage, it also has elegance, offering dried black cherry, fig licorice and clove. A hint of almond wraps up the finish while velvety tannins provide supple support. Drink soon to capture fruit and freshness.
This dark-tinted Carignan smells of licorice, lemony oak and loamy, candied cassis. In the mouth, this is rough and raw on the surface but jammy in the midpalate. A mix of ripe raisin, cassis and licorice flavors are herbal and peppery, while the tannins on the finish don't cease. At 15.5% abv, this is over the top and heady.
Light and fresh aromas of strawberry and raspberry meet with licorice and vanilla on the bright, fruit-punch-like nose of this bottling. There is snappy energy to the palate, with pomegranate and tannin-laced cranberry flavors as well as a light dusting of baking spice.
Aromas of baking spice, orange peel and green herb are followed by well-balanced fruit and savory flavors. There's no mistaking the variety or the region that it comes from. It's a distinctive wine but not for all tastes.
The far north eastern corner of Portugal is a remote region and tends to be overlooked, hence the name of this wine. Its rich, juicy red fruits are already delicious and full of spicy tannins. The wine is ready to drink.
It's easy to taste the fresh grape flavors in this medium-bodied, structured and appetizing wine. Good acidity and moderate tannins lift up black grape, blackberry and strawberry flavors to create very good balance.
This is a quite massive, almost overpowering take on Grenache from a biodynamic vineyard just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands, showing concentrated boysenberry and blackberry on the dark nose alongside loamy soil minerality. It's lavish and rich on the sip, with blackberry paste and tar flavors hanging from sticky tannins. This bottling still needs some time.
Rich and ripe, this full-bodied wine offers lush black-plum aromas, a palate-coating texture, ripe but not sweet cherry and raisin flavors and a soft velvety mouthfeel. For a varietal known for its acidity, this wine is surprisingly soothing to sip.
Aromas of baked earth, black plum and cocoa lift out of the glass. Round and juicy, the palate delivers mature blackberry, licorice and tobacco alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
This is a good, classic-style blend of Bordeaux grape varieties with just enough tannin to support the ripe blackberry and black-pepper flavors. It's dry, has medium body and a mouth-filling texture.
This is a wood-aged wine that brings out the wonderful ripe flavors of the Encruzado. Apricot and ripe Bartlett pears are dominant, backed by some toastiness and with great acidity. This is a finely textured rich wine that is ready to drink.
This wine is soft and ripe, with juicy black fruit and fresh acidity over a background of firm tannins. A smoky edge adds to its attractiveness.
Big, bold and spicy, this wine is ripe with black fruit. Tannins and a rich texture confirm its upfront style. Likely to take its time to develop, it will be ready to drink from 2020.
This is a powerful wood-aged wine. Spice and toast aromas give it a firm character that will need to soften. Its black plum and berry fruit is upfront, with a juicy element that will fill out. Drink from 2020.
This honeyed white wine made from late-harvest grapes is both intensely rich and so fresh and crisp. Its acidity cuts through the ripe apricot and candied orange flavors, creating a balance that will allow it to age. Drink from 2019.
This finely structured wine is ripe and full of blackberry flavors, with a soft, rich texture. That suggests it will age relatively quickly and be ready to drink from 2019.
Smooth with polished new wood flavors and fine black fruit, this wine has good potential. Subtle tannins back up its black currant and berry fruit. Drink from 2020.
This is a rich, perfumed wine, with spice from new wood, a rich texture and dense red berry fruit. Its structure and concentration suggest it will age further, so wait until late 2018 to drink.
A toasty, leathery, baked-fruit bouquet is sultry and includes hints of popcorn and caramel. In the mouth, this is tannic and full-bodied, with flavors of bacon, hickory smoke, blackened spices and blackberry as the canvas. Minty, dark and oaky on the finish, with heat.
Rich, heady aromas of black fruits, oaky char and caramel are lusty and modern. In the mouth, this shows a bolt of acidity that creates energy but also strains the wine's balance. Baked blackberry, chocolate, pepper and vanilla flavors finish long, ripe and oaky, with length derived from lasting acidity. Drink through 2021.
A rich, full-bodied wine with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec, this offers sizable tannins that wrap themselves around dark, brooding fruit and smoky oak. Blackberry and plum intertwine around luxurious chocolate and tobacco, complementing one another on the finish.
Very fresh and vivacious, this light-bodied wine is refreshing. It smells like lemon, grapefruit and kiwi, tastes bright and tangy like lemonade, but is quite dry. The texture is crisp and vital, and keeps the flavors echoing on the finish.
This vibrant red opens with aromas of ground pepper, dark-skinned fruit and blue flower. The tight palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and aromatic herb along a backbone of firmly packed, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's still young and needs to unwind. Drink 2017–2022.
This medium-bodied wine has a vivid, fresh raspberry aroma and deep blackberry flavors supported by firm tannins. It tastes like a cool-climate example because of the vivid fruit, layered tannins and good acidity, which make it well balanced in the style of classic dry reds.
A majority varietal, a dying breed in the Napa Valley, this also has 5% Petite Sirah. The combination is dense and syrupy in strawberry and a tightness of oak. Time will soften its edges, and there's already a softness to the tannins that delights, the finish light and lean. Cellar through 2017.
Here's a savory nectar made with late-harvested grapes—95% Malvasia delle Lipari and 5% Corinto Nero—that opens with aromas of dried stone fruit, nut and sweet spice. The palate doles out apricot, fig, hazelnut and a dollop of acacia honey while fresh acidity brightens the rich flavors and prevents it from being overly sweet.
A light hay color, this wine from Andres Ibarra and Caren Rideau offers a delicate butternut squash cream-sauce element on the nose, along with white rocks and pineapple sherbet. There's lots of pep on the balanced palate, with soda, lime pith and sour orange peel, plus a touch of nuts and a vanilla on the finish.
This opens with earthy aromas of scorched soil, raisin, game and a hint of baking spice. The palate is fresher, showing dried black cherry, vanilla, mocha and Mediterranean herb alongside youthfully bracing tannins.
Inky red-violet to the eye, this blend of 55% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot has a nose of black cherry and cherry cola. Brisk acidity compensates for powerful tannins, with flavors of black cherry, cassis, anisette and eucalyptus.
Like all the Duval wines, this is amply structured. Cedar and vanilla notes frame dark fruit flavors in this blend of 51% Shiraz, 30% Grenache and 19% Mourvèdre. Its full bodied, with a long, dusty finish. Drink now–2022.
Rich aromas of boysenberry, cranberry, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate prepare the palate for flavors of cherry syrup and pomegranate. Soft but persistent tannins are apparent in the mouth, and the finish offers lingering flavors of dark chocolate and coffee.
Aromas of black raspberry, dried cherry, espresso and smoked meat set the scene for mouth-pleasing flavors of black cherry, blackberry and tobacco leaf. Harmonious levels of tannins and acidity linger on the tongue at the conclusion of the juicy, fruit-filled finish.
Cherry and plum aromas are ripe, sweet and inviting. There's plenty of body and roundness to this Bonarda, while exotic blueberry and boysenberry flavors finish fresh, with a light herbal aftertaste. Overall this shows lots of fruit and good balance.
More than a slight hint of blush color (suggesting extra skin contact) leads into this broad, spicy, flavorful wine. Highlights of ginger, cinnamon and sweet baking spices adorn rich, mouthcoating pear fruit. It offers an enjoyable, drink-now style.
Still young and nervous, this opens with aromas of resin, pressed rose petal, dark berry and a whiff of coffee. The tightly packed palate offers a ripe black cherry core backed up by notes of sage and anise. It's still tense, with youthfully assertive tannins that need to loosen up. Drink 2018–2025.
Since 2009, the producer has sourced from this site, a relatively warm pocket of the northern reaches of the appellation. Vibrant in red cherry fruit, it's also layered and velvety smooth, with astructure and density that makes it complex and compelling. The fruit dances in blackberry as well as strawberry, with a subtle herbal undertone.
The blend of 56% Grenache and 40% Shiraz also includes 4% Sagrantino, said to enhance structure. For its size, the wine is remarkably restrained, combining slightly resinous cherry fruit with hints of cinnamon, clove and mint. The finish is supple, suggesting early drinkability. Enjoy now–2017.
Ripe and chewy, this earthy wine opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, scorched soil, grilled herb and game. The big, round palate doles out ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, licorice and ground pepper alongside velvety tannins.
Refreshing and delicious, this blend of Sardinian grapes—40% Monica, 30% Cannonau and 30% Carignano—opens with aromas of rose, wild berry and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. The vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, raspberry and a hint of baking spice alongside bright acidity. A saline note backs up the finish.
Enticing aromas of perfumed berry, rose petal, scorched earth and spice lead the nose. On the palate, bracing tannins and bright acidity support crunchy strawberry, black cherry, clove and licorice. This is still all wound up and needs time to open. Drink 2018–2028.
Fully ripened, this shows spicy highlights of cinnamon and hot red pepper candy. Plums and cherries are also here in abundance, and the wine sails into a smooth, satisfying café crême finish.
How can you not fall in love with this wine? It's crafted from vines specifically planted and tended for rosé, an interesting blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Grenache Blanc. Sexy, spicy and rich, it's packed with strawberry and cherry fruit backed with crisp and refreshing acidity.
The Chardonnay in this blend dominates, giving a rich, generous feel to the wine, full of ripe plum and peach flavors. The Arinto provides fresh acidity that is behind the warm fruits. Full and generous, it is a wine that needs to age; drink from the end of 2016.
For the price, this offers much more depth and structure than expected. Dark berry fruit, vanilla and cedar mark the nose, while there's plenty of weight and richness on the palate. Drink now–2025.
Cola, blackberry and dusty aromas amount to something nice and inviting. Cab Franc is new to the Broquel lineup, and this is lush, bold and fruity in style, with blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavors in front of a toasty, full-throttle finish.
Pleasantly pungent in ripe damson plum, this Pinot has lovely acidity, giving it a spicy mouthfeel around firmly present tannins. Full-bodied midpalate, the wine mellows through to the finish, ending in juicy fruit and earth.
Bright, beautiful and balanced, this tiny production wine is aflutter in high-toned citrus notes, melon and peach. A well-crafted marriage of power and sophistication, the aromatics of wild jasmine shine, while texturally the wine is round and softly layered.
Ripe aromas of passionfruit, kiwi and nectarine rise alongside greener elements of celery stalk, wet thyme and Granny Smith apple on this promising early look at the vintage. The tongue tingles throughout the sip, with flavors of crisp apple, yellow melon and crushed chalk. Buttercream appears on the finish.
Bryan Babcock's three decades of experience show better than ever right now. This bottling from Radian Vineyard offers aromas of charred cloves, wet slate, peppercorns and macerated raspberries. Lively and energetic on the palate, it bursts with flavors of wild berries and ripe cranberries, with a tart citrusy twist that's a wakeup call to the mouth.
Black and white pepper splash all over the aromas of the otherwise cherry meringue-driven nose of this blend of 39% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier. It's light and airy on the palate, blending fresh strawberry fruit with a cornucopia of peppercorns. It provides a great example of how a fun, lively wine can be savorily serious as well.
This is one of the winery's last takes on this vineyard, as they move their focus to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The nose is blackberry liqueur lifted with chopped black sage, fennel stalk and tobacco leaf. Flavors run from dark red fruit to black spices to tartness on the finish, like a balsamic reduction sauce.
Deep, ripe, smooth blackberry, prune, cola and earth aromas are elegant and harmonious. This small-lot Malbec (50 cases made) shows ripeness and freshness on the palate as well as lightly roasted blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. A firm, dry, on-the-money finish is the final note in this wine's well-sung chorus. Drink through 2018.
Blackberry, raspberry and asphalt aromas are staunch and gritty. A tight, firm, structured palate is balanced from front to back, while dark berry flavors are woody, dry, toasty and spicy. The big, solid, oaky finish is right on the money. Best from 2016 through 2023.
Laser-like cassis and black cherry aromas come with an accent of toasted oak. A pure, well-balanced palate isn't at all pushy or heavy, while snappy, fresh flavors of raspberry and spiced plum finish racy, toasty and the slightest bit herbal. Drink through 2022.
Nicole's is a consistent stunner, upholding its reputation just fine with this vintage, a vibrant and spicy take on rich, robust cherry and black raspberry that's both juicy and smooth. The finish wraps up nicely with a take on dark chocolate and mint.
From one block of the estate vineyard planted exclusively to Dijon clone 667, Paige's is deep and dark in color, intense in oak and earthiness, almost a quarter of it undergoing whole cluster fermentation. As intense on the palate as it is darkly hued, it offers brambly blackberry and dark cherry around a core of wild Tahitian vanilla and cinnamon-cardamom spice.
Sumptuous aromas of white peach and pineapple are tinged with rocky mineral tones on this powerful, penetrating dry Riesling. While moderate in alcohol, it's surprisingly ripe in grapefruit and peach flavors, bolstered by a thick, mouthfilling texture.
Aromas of black currant, plum cake, vanilla and mocha lead the nose on this structured, full-bodied wine. On the palate, notes of cinnamon, black pepper and nutmeg add depth to the rich blackberry and crushed plum flavors, Despite the hefty structure, it's also surprisingly elegant thanks to assertive but polished tannins and just enough fresh acidity.
Showing more toast than butter, this is a firm, concisely knit and dense wine. Very ripe flavors of apple and peach are wrapped in a frame of toasty oak and caramel. Decadent and delicious, it rewards some extra breathing time and can be cellared 2021–2023.
Honeysuckle wafts softly amidst white peach and lemon aromas on this dry, unctuous wine. Richly textured, it's almost oily in mouthfeel, but balanced by a streak of high acidity and a steely, mineral tone. Finishes long and lean on a bristling lime-zest note.
This is a rich, ripe Condrieu that manages to avoid seeming excessively weighty or oily. The suggestion of grilled apricot and pineapple slices is balanced by mouthwatering acidity and a slightly peppery, textural grip on the long finish. Drink by 2016.
Textbook Jamet, with flamboyant swirls of cracked pepper, grilled meat, plum, berry, black olive and espresso finishing long and silky. It's not the biggest or baddest Côte Rôtie, but it remains a benchmark for elegance and balance. Drink now–2027.
Santa Duc's small parcel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is planted to a mix of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's a peppery, briary wine that's savory and spicy, with blackberry fruit providing support rather than leading. The tannins are soft, but still provide ample structure for aging through 2020.
This is the best Enemigo Cabernet Franc to date. It's pure, heady, powerful juice with integrated smoky oak and spice aromas. Pure in the mouth, this is dense and full of quality. Blackberry and chocolate flavors are ripe and modern in style, while the finish is full, leathery, a touch salty and savory. Drink through 2019.
Intensely concentrated flavors of sweet cantaloupe, tangerine and peach belie the difficulties inherent to Mosel's 2013 vintage. This spätlese is unusually rich and silken on the palate, yet maintains a thrilling high-acid profile. Finishes long with lingering notes of honeysuckle and saffron.
Elegant and well structured, this offers vibrant strawberry fruit wrapped around inviting aromatics of violet and spice. This cool-climate Pinot boasts a silky texture on the palate and finishes with subtle suggestions of wood smoke and cinnamon.
A powerful, brooding nose of black cardamom and crushed clove melds with pomegranate and cherry, resulting in an incredibly aromatic wine that hails from a popular vineyard on the eastern edge of the appellation. The flavors are also quite deep—sour cherry, mocha, more clove—atop layers of bitter plum peels and refreshing acid.
Delicate dustings of saffron and spice lend complexity to unctuous honey and tangerine on this luscious, concentrated eiswein. While light as a feather, its intensity and power are jaw dropping. A streak of high-toned acidity draws out a long, mineral finish.
Prune, ripe berries, freshly ground black pepper and clove aromas lead the nose on this ripe, muscular wine. The palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits and juicy plum while accents of nutmeg, tobacco and licorice add depth. It's still young, with youthfully assertive and tightly compact tannins. Drink 2017–2024.
This wine is earthy, heavyset and reflective of a hot vintage. On the palate, this is ripe and chewy, with almost syrupy weight. Showing notes of robust dark chocolate, with a mix of oak, fruit and tobacco flavors, this inaugural wine from Benjamin de Rothschild and Vega Sicilia is ripe and broad, but also full of complexities. Drink through 2024.
Coming from Monterey and Santa Cruz vineyards, this blend of 34% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, 21% Carignane and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of plum jam, sagebrush and root beer. It jumps off the palate with bright acidity and grippy tannins, delivering ripe berry fruit and chili pepper spices, enlivening more senses than just tastebuds.
On display are the requisite Cayuse flavors of funk, savory herb and composted earth, with moderately ripe black fruits in the background. A whiff of pine needles and plenty of forest floor accents complete the picture.
From the Heintz Vineyard, well-known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, comes this compelling Syrah. A burst of toasted oak and dry tannins upon entry develops slowly into a taste of ripe, black fruit, black olives and tar. Surrounded by a soft palate the wine is also marked by a starkness of black pepper and hint of lavender.
Piercing minerality with pure plum and berry aromas greet you on a rock-solid bouquet. This thoroughbred Rioja is racy and juicy, with inky black fruit flavors over subdued oak. A muscular and minty finish is full of verve and potential. Drink from 2016 through 2026.
This is a unique and exciting take on California's historic grape from one of the region's pioneering wineries. Aromas recall sour cranberry, orange peel, strawberry and sagebrush. It's savory and herbal on the palate, with baking and Indian spices of cardamom and chai as well as mocha.
Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak, this wine opens with a reduced, closed nose that expands on the palate into a creamy, luxurious bite of apple and melon. Juicy and complex, it has a balance of weight and length.
The aromatics jump out, an intriguing mix of cherry fruit, leather, coffee and mocha. This is a block selection, and as such it is both precise and also a bit wanting in the midpalate. With ample aeration it fills in, finishing with dark fruit, roasted tannins and a little heat.
Half of the grapes in this wine were fermented on the skins for almost a month and aged in old barrels, offering something completely different from the producer's standard wine from this varietal. Indeed orange in color, it veers metallic on the palate, before relaxing into a mix of honey and preserved lemon—the texture somewhat unctuous despite a restrained level of alcohol.
Pressed apple and pear are touched with petrol and crushed rock notes in this savory dry Riesling. More mineral than fruit, it's slightly restrained yet elegant, with a lingering, delicately astringent finish. Drink now through 2019.
This is a generously concentrated and yet balanced wine, big in oak presence and structure that mellows in the glass. Lemon verbena and ginger appoint themselves in charge, their minions a mix of salted seaweed and Asian pear.
Wild berry, exotic spice, crushed violet and a whiff of Mediterranean herb aromas lead the way. The polished, austere palate offers up dried black cherry, leather, anise and white pepper framed in assertive tannins. Give this a few more years to soften then enjoy. Drink from 2019 through 2024.
Pressed violet, tilled soil, menthol and wild berry aromas waft out of the glass. The juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice alongside polished, fine-grained tannins that lend structure and elegance.
A swell deal for lovers of rich Pinot Noir who can't afford single-vineyard pricing, this countywide blend packs rose petals, stewed red cherries, hibiscus punch, wet gravel, black plum and nutmeg on the nose. The palate is juicy with a wide array of berry and cherry fruit, boosted by gingerbread spice and dark clay minerality. It's ripe but layered.
You'll find aromas of menthol, mature plum, cassis and a hint of cedar on this structured blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. On the ripe, round palate, licorice and graphite accent the core of dried black cherry. Fine-grained tannins provide polished support. Drink through 2020.
There's an exotic shadow of saffron and spice here, mingling sumptuously into honey and pressed apple flavors. It's delicately sweet and effortlessly juicy, but also savory and complex, finishing on a lingering, slightly bitter note. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh apple blossom and pear aromas are pristine on the nose of this delicate Pinot Blanc. The palate is lemony and crisp but softened by hints of honey and a mouthwatering silkiness. Ready to consume now but should drink well through 2020.
Named for the 50 tons of rock removed from this section of an estate vineyard, this Cab also contains 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It's likable in its juicy black cherry, cedar and pencil lead. Full bodied and robust on the palate, it teases in blueberry, chocolate and raspberry, with a grippy presence of tannin.
Just tiny amounts of this wine (25 cases) are available in the U.S. market, but it represents a trend in Australia of celebrating old-vine Grenache. A blend of two parcels from the Blewitt Springs and Seaview subregions, this is silky in texture, with crisp red cherries shot through with herbal streaks and a slightly warm finish.
Ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla and espresso aromas lead the nose. On the palate, notes of coffee, toast, and star anise wrap around a core of mature black cherry. Polished tannins and fresh acidity provide structure. Drink through 2022.
Composed, lightly woody aromas of berry fruits, spice and herbs are harmonious and earthy. This spunky Cabernet reflects a cool vintage via pepper, tomato, herb and berry flavors. A layered yet snappy finish shows good length and complexity.
This is a tight, extracted and focused wine generous in dark red fruit and forested earth. A thickness and density make it mouthfilling, juicy and most definitely full bodied. The finish is a mix of tobacco and black tea.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of truffle, underbrush, dark berry and fragrant purple flower. The bright, juicy palate doles out succulent Marasca cherry, black raspberry, clove and a hint of game while supple tannins provide balance and lithe support. It's not loaded with complexity but it is delicious. Enjoy through 2018.
Forward but fresh, this elegant Pinot Blanc juxtaposes rich peach and mango flavors with a zesty acidic spine. The finish is sleek and a bit steely. Ready now but should drink well through 2020.
Cool tones of slate and stone accent delicate sour cherry and raspberry flavors in this sprightly dry rosé. Zippy and thirst quenching, yet firmly anchored in minerality, it's an elegant rosé for year-round enjoyment. Drink now.
Named for a great David Bowie song, this wine would appeal to Ziggy Stardust himself with its chameleon-like ability to swing between steely and sultry, almost sweet, diving into decadence with ease. Lemon peel and grilled pineapple marry well with generous yet managed oak, finishing creamy and quick.
Earthy aromas that recall leather, truffle, ripe plum, blue flower and exotic spice take shape in the glass. The full-bodied palate shows dried black cherry, blackberry jam, sage and clove alongside close-grained tannins that leave a grippy finish.
Boldly perfumed with lychee, rose petal and peach, this is a textbook Gewürztraminer with wide appeal. Luscious stone fruit and melon flavors lend a silkiness on the palate off set by sunny grapefruit acidity. It's delicately sweet on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Concentrated in cherry, spiced plum, cola, milk chocolate and beef jerky notes, this wine is a blend of 61% Tempranillo, 23% Malbec, 14% Mourvèdre and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Soy, blueberry, black plum and black raspberry entertain the palate, where smoke and pepper round out the nuances.
Notes of quartz and slate linger prominently from nose to finish in this breezy, blossomy Pinot Blanc. Concentrated yellow apple and lemon flavors penetrate the palate. The finish is moderately long, glazed by a sheen of waxy apple skins.
There is a slight pepper character in this wine with its ripe fruits and fresh acidity. The result is a balanced wine that is not just about fruitiness but also full of character and with some complexity. The wine can be drunk now, although it will be better from the end of 2016.
Pink-grapefruit rind, sea salt, Meyer lemon and nectarine aromas show on the nose of this wine made by Santa Barbara-raised Steve Gerbac. The medium-bodied palate offers light touches of pan-seared apples, white peaches and tangerine peel with a deliciously salty edge to it all.
This is a muscular but not overdone Pinot Noir, with dark cherry and plum fruit amply framed by toasty, caramelized oak and baking spices. Mocha and cocoa notes chime in on the  long finish. Drink now–2017.
Smoky, fruity and spicy in equal measure, this wine is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon-based, with 15% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 14% Malbec. With balanced acidity and an integrated use of oak, it offers structure and length beyond its crisp cassis, raspberry and blackberry notes.
Produced from the organic vineyards of Les Baux, this wine is pale in color but full of fruity flavor. The blend is Grenache (50%), Cinsault (30%) and Syrah (20%). It has a crisp, mineral texture that's tangy and fragrant with white flowers and red currants, giving it delicious apéritif style.
A blend of Syrah and Grenache from organic vineyards gives a herbal, very southern taste to this ripe wine. It is still young and showing both acidity and a firm structure. As it develops further, it will get a rich, full and plummy character. Drink from 2017.
Still young with attractive fresh fruits, this wine needs to age. With its bright acidity and white fruits, it's just beginning to hint at the mineral structure behind. Drink from 2018.
Anisette, steeped plum, tar and espresso aromas take shape in the glass. The concentrated palate offers fleshy wild cherry, dark berry, graphite, coffee and allspice alongside chewy tannins.
Light orange-pink in color, this wine is boosted by 2% Syrah, 1% Mourvèdre and 1% Grenache Blanc. It shows squeezed lime and pressed watermelon on the nose, proving quite Provencal in style. The cotton-candy palate is lifted by citrus pith, proving tightly wound while quite mouthwatering.
Aromas of ripe, dark fruit, tilled earth, game and oak-driven spice lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. On the palate, vanilla, oak, licorice and espresso accent a core of black cherry while fine-grained tannins provide support.
A drop of cherry blossom perfume mingles with strawberry and cherry flavors in this elegant, light-footed rosé. Dry in style, it's vivacious and crisp, finishing surprisingly long on a puckering cranberry note.
This barrique-aged Chardonnay opens with delicate aromas of beeswax, acacia flower and toast. The refined palate offers toasted oak, citrus, vanilla and mature Golden Delicious apple alongside bright acidity.
Yeasty notes of fermentation still swing on the nose. The palate is more evolved and shows the characteristic slenderness and freshness of the 2014 vintage. Green apples join a lemony zestiness while the palate adds peppery Grüner spice. The finish is ultraclean.
Aromas of beeswax, acacia, chamomile and stone fruit mingle in the glass. The rich palate delivers juicy yellow peach, mature apricot and a candied ginger note alongside fresh acidity and a hint of mineral.
Light, fresh and fruity, this is a lime and lemon flavored wine. It has a tangy, textured character that blends easily with the acidity. From a blend led by Grenache and Cinsault, it's a lively wine that will be a great apéritif.
Just a hint of pear drop plays over fresh, tart conference pear fruit. The palate is sleek, linear and super-clean; while this is driven by freshness some luscious fruit awaits underneath.
Subtle hints of ripe pineapple and peach hover over this delicate and very refreshing wine. Notes of lemon and citrus zest provide freshness and zing but the most remarkable aspect is its lightness. Dry, ultralight-bodied and super-refreshing this is a great choice for a summer party.
Tender but rich notes of damask rose dominate the nose. They are joined on the palate by a textured, almost phenolic mouthfeel in which fresh citrus vibrates and swings along with just off-dry notes of ripe stone fruit. This lush but still toned wine will come into its own with rich, soft-rind cheeses or spicy Asian fare.
Elusive raspberry tries to find its way to the fore of this big-bodied Pinot, its time in oak apparent yet integrated. Savory herb notes provide a complexity and balance against the dark cherry fruit, rounding out a wine that has girth but also finesse.
Earthy notes of underbrush, truffle, tilled soil and ripe plum lead the nose on this solid Vino Nobile. The straightforward palate offers crushed black cherry, raspberry, white pepper and a hint of licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Aromas of red currant, cedar, bell pepper, coffee and cut grass lead the nose on this structured red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, cassis, cocoa, licorice and black pepper alongside grippy tannins.
This distinctive wine shows aromas of rain-soaked herbs, mineral, cocoa and red fruit. It's filled with luscious, jammy raspberry flavors that combine with an alluring, silky feel. With time, the aromas and flavors might unite to kick it up a notch.
Blue flower, tilled soil, spicy plum and grilled herb aromas lead the nose on this medium-bodied, elegant wine. The vibrant, savory palate delivers crushed black cherry, mature blackberry, clove and thyme alongside firm but fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018.
Notes of dark berry, crushed flower and tobacco come together in this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. The firm palate delivers mature plum, dried cherry, coffee, licorice and toasted notes alongside a backbone of assertive tannins.
This appealing wine offers aromas of apricot, pineapple and vanilla. The flavors are lighter in style with vanilla, caramel and straw notes that linger, showing a pleasing mixture of fruit and barrel.
Barrel fermented and aged in 100% new French oak, this wine brings aromas of toasty barrel spices, peach and lemon curd. It's full bodied and creamy in feel, with the alcohol poking through and providing some distraction.
Aromas of graphite, underbrush, toasted oak and dark berry lead the nose. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry, anise, grilled sage and espresso alongside bracing, grippy tannins. Drink 2016–2026.
This is so pale in color, it's almost a white wine in looks and in flavor. It has crisp white fruits with the merest touch of raspberry, backed by minerality and finishing with delicious juicy acidity.
Tart, penetrating notes of lime, green apple and greengage plum accentuate the cool, crisp quality of this dry Riesling. It's zingy and lean in constitution, but concentrated and complex in flavors, shaded with deep tones of earth and mineral that seem omnipresent in Bloomer Creek's 2013 vintage.
While intensely mineral and strikingly brisk with acidity, this delicate dry Riesing also boasts pretty notes of blossom, white peach and pear. It's a keenly four-square wine that's zingy, fresh and endlessly quaffable.
Coming from a big, popular vineyard now owned by the Chumash tribe, this exciting wine shows very salty apples, dried yellow rose and green grapefruit rind on the nose. The flavors warm up toward cooked apples, seared pears and nectarine flesh, rounded out by a touch of buttercream.
Neutral, fresh and regular on the nose, with mild white fruit aromas. The palate is sound but fleshy, with somewhat bland apple and pear flavors. Clear and solid on the finish, and overall you won't find anything glaringly wrong with this basic Chardonnay.
Shows some nice qualities such as barrel notes of popcorn and buttered toast, but overall the wine is too soft and tropical to rate higher. The palate is plump, fruity and flush, but also low in acid and soft. Flavorwise, it's pure tropical fruit with a hollow finish.
Unusual aromas of pine needle, cough drop and herbal berries set the stage for a juicy, tight palate with raspberry, red plum and herbal flavors. Medium in length and intensity, with a smooth finish that leaves a solid, generally positive lasting impression.
Mildly sharp and herbal smelling, with olive, plum and leather aromas. Healthy in the mouth, maybe a touch needle-like, but overall the wine's dry red fruit, pepper and herbal accents seem right for the category it's playing in. Good for under $10.
Already brick around the rim, this wine seems to be prematurely fading. Flavors are of dried fruits with a healthy streak of vanilla.
A bit briary and sharp smelling, and so it's no surprise that the palate has tang, bounce and zest to it. Flavors of berry and cherry are lightly herbal, while carob and pepper notes testify to the wine's oak. Finishes snappy.
Small-production (300 cases total) SB from high-elevation vineyards with solid apple and citrus aromas. Basic but clean, with lemon, orange, grapefruit and nectarine flavors. Good for Argentina, which doesn't have much of a track record with Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now.
Tight and a little stemmy, but overall the raspberry and cherry aromas outmuscle the rhubarby side. Tannic and grabby in the mouth, but not rough or jagged; flavors of red berries have an herbal accent, and as a whole it's your average, drinkable Cabernet from Chile.
This well-regarded vineyard shines here, ripening the grapes fully in a challenging vintage. Raspberry and cherry flavors are joined with a streak of red licorice. Among the 2013s from Purple Hands, this is likely to be the longest lived.
Blended with 13% Petite Sirah, this wine offers smoky leather and brambly black and red berry around soft, dusty tannins and plenty of structure. Rich and concentrated, it finishes in a blaze of dark chocolate and black pepper.
Red plum and cherry surround soft, firm tannins, medium acidity and plenty of well-constructed structure, unimpeded by oak. A hint of leather, dried herb and bay leaf accent it well. Although the wine is powerful, it's not overdone, instead offering balance.
From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, and supported by small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is elegant in sage and black cherry, silky on the palate in satisfying ways. Savory tea and an element of chocolate truffle give it additional complexity around a core of silky tannin.
This wine is co-fermented with 12% Petite Sirah, both varieties from one estate block planted to a century-old clone of Teldeschi, a nearby vineyard still in existence. Tart in cherry, red plum and cassis, it's refreshingly unusual and deliciously vibrant. Anise, cinnamon and black pepper round out the finish. The tannins and oak are well-managed and integrated.
Still quite closed up, this is going to be a rich wine with great structure. For now, polished wood and stalky red fruits are filled out with fine tannins and a dry, tough core. It's a wine for aging, needing to soften. Drink from 2017.
This savory white opens with refined fragrances of citrus blossom and orchard fruit. The juicy palate offers white peach, tart green apple, mouthwatering citrus and a note of Mediterranean herb. It's nicely balanced, with crisp acidity.
Spicy, punchy and pungent, this bright and crisply defined effort displays a riot of orange and apricot fruit flavors, morphing into a Grand Marnier finish. It's deep and persistent, fully ripe but neither hot nor bitter.
This grape, seldom planted on the Central Coast, produces a wine that boasts intense aromas of passion fruit juice and candied grapefruit. It's lively and ripe on the palate, with white rose and apple blossom flavors, yet balanced, with lime peel, cut grass and steel accents.
Rich, ripe blackberry, cassis and leathery aromas are full, stately and fitting for this lush, layered, tannic offering from Viu Manent's top Malbec vineyard. Toasty flavors of blackberry, black currant, herbs and chocolate finish chewy, beefy and full, with a hint of resiny oak. Drink through 2020.
Relatively affordable for its appellation and variety, this wine offers classic notes of cassis, currant and clove, punctuated by eccentric bursts of gun powder and espresso. The devilish characteristics are complemented by a smooth, silkiness to the texture and a measured finish of black pepper.
Blending Baga and Touriga Nacional, this wine delivers a big sweep of red fruits and spice. Juicy acidity bursts from the glass. The firm tannins of both grapes are still there and need time to round out. Give this wine until 2017.
This five-grape, Garnacha-led blend captures the essence of Terra Alta with laser-focused aromas of blackberry, spice and stony minerality. A full, lively, acid-driven palate is balanced by creamy oak, while flavors of vanilla and coconut accent plum and berry fruit. Lasting acidity creates definition and length on the finish. Drink through 2020.
Grand'Arte is the top range from DFJ Vinhos, highlighting wines that express the individual varieties. Labeled Shiraz rather than Syrah, this is a powerful, spicy, rich wine. Solid tannins and dark black fruits are layered with acidity and ripe plums. With its structure, it will age well for a value-priced wine; drink from 2017.
The Grandlieu lake, to the west of the Sèvre et Maine Muscadet vineyards, produces softer wines, like this. This wine is ripe, with hints of toast and vanilla as well as fresh and crisp apple acidity. It's a full-bodied, rounded wine that is just ready to drink and will be better from 2016.
Delicate floral tones build throughout this zesty off-dry Riesling. While sweet with honeydew flavor, the palate is zippy and tart with cutting notes of lime zest and pineapple. It's a classically styled Mosel kabinett at an accessible price.
Chalk dust and slate lend a mineral elegance to white blossom, lime and gooseberry notes. The palate is zesty and spry, marked by concentrated hits of sweet stone fruit and citrus flavor.
Young and light, with a nutty coating around flavorful layers of pear and yellow apple, this wine has a crispness that remains balanced throughout. A good food wine, with enough acidity to stay refreshing, this is a fine, fairly larger-production white built to impress.
Aromas of mature yellow apple, candied fruit, toasted oak and a nutty note mingle in the glass. The round, full-bodied palate delivers pineapple, baked Abate Fetel pear, toasted walnut and smoky mineral before closing on a note of crème brûlée.
Produced at White Rose winery, this estate bottling is compact and spicy, framing its raspberry and red plum fruit with aromatic herbs. Tannins are stiff and granular, stretching out in a finish streaked with cacao, espresso and mineral.
Don't be misled by the low alcohol; there's more than a smidgen of residual sugar in this wine. It works to good effect, adding richness to the fruit and roundness to the mouthfeel. Pear, peach and apricot flavors fill the palate, with generous streaks of honey and tea adding further complexity.
This is a barrel selection, with the majority of the barrels from Shea, Zenith and Illahe vineyard fruit. Toasty, smooth, supple and pleasing, it begins with tart red fruits framed by citrusy acidity. It breathes open and stays fresh for more than a day, with light red fruits, milk chocolate, and firm, balanced tannins.
This shows petrol, honey and brie cheese rind notes on the nose, and is quite creamy once sipped, yet the edges are punctuated with orange peel bitterness. The tartness ensures cellaring potential, so drink 2018–2025.
Almost black in color, this densely ripe wine is powered by wood aging and dark tannins. The blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Cabernet Sauvignon is tough, firm and tannic while also having big, bold juicy black plum flavors. Drink from 2017.
The Alfrocheiro, normally found in the Dão, is here grown on the sandy soils of Lagoalva de Cima. It gives a ripe, soft and fruity wine, full of red fruits. Tannins are gentle, filling the background with a spicy, dusty character. This wine is only made in the top vintages. Drink from 2017.
This wood-aged wine has a powerful structure that doesn't leave out the ripe fruits. Along with a dense texture, black fruits and dry tannins, it offers concentration and delicious potential. Drink from 2017.
From a quartet of cool, coastal vineyard sites, including Platt, a single-vineyard designate for the producer, this is a crisp expression of honeycomb and green apple that bristles in acidity and nuanced oak. Fresh and alive, it has plenty of celebratory fruit flavor while remaining savory and elegant.
White peach, melon and lime flavors are pure and pristine. A kiss of honey sweetens the palate, lingering softly alongside a spritz of lemony acidity. Enjoy now through 2016 for its crystalline character.
Waxy cherry and pomegranate invite the senses before a taste of dried cranberry wafts in, layering itself on top of velvety, silky tannins. Juicy and well-composed, it hails from an appellation not known for the variety. In the hands of this producer, also a fine craftsman of Cabernet, this wine simply sings.
From schist soil, this tight and mineral-driven wine has crisp acidity enmeshed in the taut texture. This complex, young-tasting wine, with its structure, needs to age. Drink from 2016.
Delicately perfumed, yellow and tropical-fruit flavored, this is bright and very fruity. The citrus edge adds a further lift to this refreshing, ready-to-drink wine.
A pale-colored wine that has an attractive yeasty character that matches well with the crisp red fruits. It has a hint of tannin as well as red berries. The wine is fruity and ready to drink.
Ripe while also juicy, this is a fruity wine that is full of red fruits and a spicy texture from wood aging. Drink from 2019.
Dusty apple and baking-spice aromas along with vanilla notes make for a good nose. This feels plump and chunky, but not out of shape. Slightly salty flavors of white fruits and green herbs finish yeasty.
Plum, cherry and animal aromas give this wine a funky nose. A full, grabby, rubbery palate deals boisterous plum and berry flavors. The finish is tight, clamping down with solid tannins and a touch of heat.
Dense aromas consume the nose of this bottling, showing orange liqueur, apple juice and concentrated lemon syrup. The palate is nicely sharp in mouthwatering acidity, offering juicy stone-fruit flavors.
This has aromas and flavors of yellow apple, citrus zest, bread crust and a buttery note. Small vigorous bubbles provide the backdrop while a bitter walnut flavor marks the finish.
This is a smooth, clean, attractive wine that is bright and crisp. Lemon and pink grapefruit give the fine fruitiness while the acidity and lightly mineral texture add the structure. Drink now.
Delicate aromas of red berry mix with scents of iris and a whiff of toasted nut. The lean, racy palate offers white cherry and lime alongside firm acidity and a persistent perlage.
Bright and fragrant, this has intense aromas of lemon, orange peel and chopped aromatic herb. The aromas follow over to the softly foaming palate along with apricot and a candied note.
This is a perfumed wine with mint flavors from the wood aging. It has black-currant fruitiness that brings out acidity as well as tannins. The aftertaste is still young and fruity and the wine needs to age until 2017.
This is a rich juicy wine. It has red berry fruits and jammy acidity that integrates well with the soft tannic structure. It's a wine to drink soon, so just wait until early 2017.
Jean Lissague's blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle is soft and full in the mouth with just enough acidity to keep it crisp. Melon and spiced-lemon create a tangy touch that gives the wine an edginess. Drink now.
A bright juicy wine, this has acidity, red-berry fruits and a touch of black currants. This is an attractive wine already, just needing a few months to settle down. Drink from 2017.
This wine has a dual nature, displaying both herbal and citrus characteristics. A crisp texture and some spiciness indicate its youth. It will be better with some age, so drink from 2017.
This is a wine with fine tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. It has good potential with fruit and structure working well together. Spice and a rich aftertaste suggest a wine that will be fine from 2018.
This is a fruity wine, full of red-berry flavors and with some smoky tannins in the background. It is balanced between the wood aging and the berry and red-cherry fruitiness. Drink from 2017.
The wine has good ripe red fruits as well as layers of tannin. It has some concentration and weight behind juicy acidity. It will develop well and should be ready from 2017.
Lightly scented, this racy sparkler offers subdued aromas of citrus, dried apple and toasted bread crust. The straightforward palate offers tangerine zest, lime and a nutty note alongside firm acidity.
From an estate-farmed vineyard, this medium-bodied wine is earthy and aromatic in baked bread, with soft, moderate acidity. With length and breadth, it shows a tartness of black tea and stems, finishing in oak.
Plum and berry aromas are a touch prickly, as if there were notes of herbs and wild pasture infused into this Garnacha. Tight and drawing on the palate, this tastes of black fruits, chocolate and savory spices. A firm, tannic, rubbery-feeling finish maintains the wine's integrity.
A finely structured wine, well spiced with ripe berry fruits and intense but balanced acidity. This is stylish, attractive and is worth aging for 3-4 years.
Ripe yellow peaches, golden honey and billowing florals perfume this outstanding Riesling. Dry on the palate with a touch of stonefruit sweetness, it's an impeccably complex wine with a shower of slate and stone in the midpalate and delicious lime pith astringency throughout.
An interesting blend of 37% Carignan, 26% Shiraz, 20% Petit Verdot, 15% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, this is a delightful red that offers tons of complexity and character. Black plum, cherry and currant fruit flavors are integrated with herbal notes of sandalwood, cigar spice and licorice root. Round and full but structured with gripping tannins and balanced acidity, and everything carrying through the long finish. Drink now through 2014.
So-named for the restricted yields, this is the rare Marlborough Pinot Noir that may offer some longevity. The mix of bottle sweetness, button mushroom and tart cherry flavors are intriguingly complex, while the mouthfeel still features some tannic heft. It will be interesting to see how or if this evolves further. Drink now–2015 or so.
Like the Petit Castel, this wine needs some time to truly open up and express itself, so be sure to give it time to breathe before serving. Medium weight but full in the mouth with firm tannins and a tight structure, the core of black fruit flavors are augmented by hints of tobacco, licorice root and woody spice. Black cherry skins and espresso-infused chocolate appear first on the long finish, followed by wonderfully fresh and invigorating mint.
A full-bodied, flamboyant version of this benchmark bottling, the 2007 verges on too much, with lush tropical fruit framed by smoky notes and finishing spicy and slightly warm. Unlikely to have the longevity of the 2008, it's a bold, extroverted Chard ideal for drinking over the next year or two.
Aromatics of dill and vanilla are straight from the Old World, but otherwise this is modern and flush. Aromas of cedar and wood resin are also present in front of a tannic, roasted palate that features soft berry fruit, cola and medicinal flavors. Ripe, big and sweet; starts like Rioja and finishes like classic Chilean Cabernet; includes 17% Merlot and Carmenère.
Eroica has a proven ability to age; in fact it needs at least a half decade in the cellar to show its real strengths. Tight and packed with primary fruit flavors of lime and peach, this beautifully proportioned wine has perceptible sweetness but plenty of natural acidity. Lively and fresh today, but best given a few more years in the cellar.
Hefty and a tiny bit herbal on the nose, with tomato, red berry and spice aromas. The palate is perfectly formed and balanced, with roasted berry, smoked meat and earthy flavors. Turns juicy and dry on what amounts to a tight finish. Excellent modern Rioja to drink now through 2015.
A big, modern-style contender with burly berry, lemon, coconut, dill and blackberry on the bouquet. Lush and cushioned in the mouth, with meaty, dark flavors of roasted blackberry, espresso and fudge. Chewy and dense on the finale, but not overly hard or tannic. Drink now through 2015.
Mainly Grenache (80%, the balance is Syrah) aged entirely in tank, this wine features loads of superripe dark cherries and plums, yet with a savory, olive-and meat-tinged aspect as well. Full-bodied, with a velvety texture and a long finish, it should drink well through at least 2016.
Heinrich's Blaufränkisch is a concentrated and deeply tannic wine. It shows a mineral texture to go with the black plums and powerful structure. Intended for long-term aging, its acidity and dry core are already promising. Keep 3–4 years. Glass stopper.
The fruit comes from the cool climate Den Hoed vineyard. It was barrel fermented in neutral French oak Burgundy barrels, yielding a racy, razor-sharp, spicy, detailed, delicious wine. Lovely fruit is highlighted with peppery notes, running the gamut from cucumber on through to tropical flavors. Ripe, full, lingering.
Few wines of this quality come from Zamora, and if you like top-flight Ribera del Duero or Toro reds then give this heavyweight a try. It's packed with earthy blackberry and licorice aromas that fall in front of a saturated palate sporting cola, berry syrup, chocolate and coffee flavors. Sweet and oaky on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
A hugely tannic wine, still of course very young. Its black cherry and dark plum fruits are augmented by wood tannins and concentrated spice. This is Blaufränkisch at its most dense with layered acidity and juicy fruit. Age for 4–5 years.
Full and smoky at first, however as it settles the bouquet delivers ripe strawberry and additional red, jammy aromas. The palate has a healthy, very nice feel and diligent flavors of red berry fruit touched up by proper oak. Finishes creamy, with vanilla and spice flavors.
A gorgeous wine, dense with flavor. Smooth and plummy, it's loaded with thick streaks of licorice, chocolate, baking spices and coffee liqueur. Long and flowing, it just seduces from the first sip to the last swallow.
Lean cherry, strawberry and red plum aromas start off the nose of this wine, and gradually subside to reveal a stony, flinty streak augmented with soft garrigue herbs. Soft spice and ripe fruit continue in the medium-weight mouth, the fine grain tannins coating your palate and staying through the slightly chewy and fudgy close. Mature now, so drink up.
The off-dry version of Vaugondy's Vouvray brings out ripe apple as well as pineapple and lemon flavors. It is still crisp, packed with acidity, rounded out with finishing sweetness.
This is rounded, rich, missing some acidity but with the compensation of ripe yellow fruits layered with pineapple and spice from wood. With all its sweetness, it is not for aging.
The bouquet of this wine is quite forward and floral, with strong scents of carnation, violet and lavender. The fruit appears secondary to the herbal backbone, with a touch of blueberry and cocoa making an appearance on the mouthwatering close. Drink now.
Charred wood is undeniably abundant, yet surprisingly integrated on the nose and palate of this Monticello Cab Franc amidst layers of spicy mocha chocolate and ripe black fruit. Richly extracted, yet elegant and clean in profile.
An earthy, racy wine, ripe with strawberries and also laced with acidity. It has some weight, softness, with a yeast character creeping in.
There's something deep and soulful in the way that ripe, red fruit melds with charred wood and coconut macaroons on this supple yet robust Cab Franc. Blended with a dose of Tannat and Merlot, the finish is fairly long, ending on an earthy, fall foliage note.
This Chiles Valley producer, on the eastern edge of the Napa Valley, has made a big Chardonnay that doesn't exude much aromatically at first and veers sweet, but is otherwise balanced and could develop some interesting minerality over time.
Richly fruited with sweet black cherries and cassis, this deeply penetrating Pinot Noir gets a lift on the palate with cool tones of pine, menthol and pencil lead. Lively acidity and soft, feathery tannins linger on the finish.
Dark fruit aromas carry the bouquet, which is compact and clean even if it loses potency with airing. Shows good texture and acidity to support herbal, traditional flavors of blackberry, plum and fig. Dry, lightly herbal and likable on the finish.
Sweet and candied on the nose, it has a touch of citrus and melon to the flavor profile. It has an okay mouthfeel.
Cut with sulfur, this is a wine whose bitterness hides the potential of the strawberry fruits and acidity. Off-dry, it's unbalanced.
It's oxidized and nutty on the nose. The palate is peachy, while flavors of nuts, dried-out citrus and baked stone fruits finish bland.
Compost aromas and a clunky feeling palate get this off on the wrong foot. Flavors of burnt berry fruit and sweetness fail to impress. This shows hardly any snap on a cloying finish.
This is a big Merlot, earthy but a tad flat, with a tobacco-like bitterness on the tail end.
A sugar water style of Vinho Verde, all sweetness and acidity. It is fresh and clean, very crisp and green.
A vivid floral aroma pops from the glass and carries through to the palate, blending orange blossom with bursts of cherry, orange and red vermouth. It's smooth in texture, full-bodied and not very tannic.
Vaguely floral aromas precede a sweet, cloying palate that tastes candied.
Soapy, funky aromas feel unfocused, with bland flavors of melon and not much else. It finishes soft.
In this unbalanced, medium-dry wine, the fruit, the acidity and the sweetness don't seem to want to hang together. At the end, the acidity wins, while the rest of the wine is left behind.
Tropical, soapy aromas are yeasty and flat. Flavors of lychee and melon have no follow-through and finish mealy.
Candied plum and red berry aromas smell like red licorice. Flavors are raisiny, with sourness and astringency.
This is full of fruit and weighty tannins. Coming from one of the finest vineyards in Burgundy, it is going to have great power and an opulent nature. This wine also has elegance, its black fruits controlled and with a mineral edge. That doesn't take away the power, it enhances the stylishness of this grand wine. Drink from 2020.
Initially, this is a richly ripe wine with tropical fruit flavors. It also has an immense sense of structure that supports the fruit impressively. It's dense, concentrated, exuding power and solidity, while always keeping a sense of elegance. Drink from 2018.
This is powerful and rich, allowing just a note of freshness to creep into the firm structure. Dark tannins, black fruits and smoky wood flavors combine harmoniously, lending a sense of great power and long-term aging potential. Drink from 2019.
This could be the best Astrales to date. Alluring scents of plum, blueberry and spice are backed by balsam dust and briary pipe-tobacco aromas. Deep and tannic on the palate, then packed with mocha, chocolate, toasted marshmallow, cassis and cherry cough drop flavors, this is fixed and firm now, with a staunch, intense, nervy finish. Drink from 2015–2028.
For everyday consumption, this is good Cabernet with rousing fruit, body and pulse. The nose has smoke, rubber, pepper and cured meat to go with berry and cassis aromas, and the palate is very fruity, driving and loaded with flavorful cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. Not refined but good and honest.
The delicate nose on this reserve Chard offers citrus and flowers with a touch of nutty spice. On the palate, it's a straightforward white with elements of lemon citrus, grapefruit and hazelnut. An easy-drinking Chardonnay with class.
Inviting raspberry and cherry aromas have a tiny level of volatility, while the palate is chunky, bold and edgy, with big berry flavors leading the way. Full on the finish, with some oak and vanilla to give it padding. Lively, full-bodied Cabernet that's pretty good in the long run.
Black cherry, mocha and pepper lead on this easy-drinking red from Chaddsford. On the palate, soft cherry fruit, cedar spice and chocolate give the wine a luscious edge. Pair with Mexican mole, spiced ribs or pasta.
Grassy and pungent, with lime, citrus and white pepper on the nose. Tangy and simple across the palate, with basic pineapple and passion fruit flavors. Good but thins out on the finish, leaving leftover acidity.
Currant, cola, spice and cherry lead this layered Cab from Delfosse. It's an approachable style but with added character: cinnamon spice, tobacco and black cherry on the palate is integrated and smooth. An elegant wine with ageable chops.
Floral, oily aromas are offset by the scents of lychee and lime. The palate is tropical and tasty, with peach, lychee and persistent freshness. It's getting a little heavy and lazy at this point in its development, but it's an honest reflection of northern Argentinean Torrontés.
Celebrating 500 years as grape growers, the Mellot family offers this top Sancerre. It is rounded and spicy with a touch of wood to add to its rich character. Apricots and pineapple are a delicious addition to the citrus acidity that cuts right through the wine. Age for 3–4 years.
Laurence Féraud, the stylish power behind Domaine de Pégaü in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, also produces her own négociant line of wines. This Gigondas is a top example, boasting intriguing scents of sweaty leather and peppery, clove-like spice, plenty of weight and structure on the palate and a long, firm finish. Drink now–2024.
Since last reviewed in 2008, the Alloro Vineyard's grapes seem to have gained in complexity and sophistication. Elegant and fine tuned, this new release combines scents and accents of rose petals, wet rock and raspberries with generous, supporting acidity. The finish extends gracefully with the finesse of Premier Cru Burgundy.
A structured wine with tannins from wood aging, as well as rich blackberry fruit. The wine has fruit and structural intensity, layering spice and juiciness atop a dry core. Keep for 3–5 years.
Even at four years of age, this shows great purity of fruit. Black cherries laced with garrigue mark the nose, while the cherries expand to coat the palate, adding hints of leather and baking spices. Ready to drink now, but it should easily last through 2020.
Just off dry, this is a rounded soft wine that takes its name after the sun god Apollo from the sunny exposure of the vineyard. It has a rounded, generous feel as a foil to its more steely, crisp character. A wine that certainly needs aging for 3–4 years.
So elegant, a wine with just a fine balance. It has creamy apple fruit flavors, hedgerow fruits, with a line of crisp acidity to cut through the fruitiness and give a more mineral edge. It will be worth aging this wine for 2–3 years. Drink after 2014.
The ultra-steep Kirchberg de Barr vineyards can give ripe wines such as this from its great exposure. The wine has a ripe character, the yellow fruits cut through with lively acidity, a perfumed character. Fruity, likely to age over the next 3–5 years.
Full, fragrant and very perfumed, this is a beautiful ripe wine that is already showing signs of maturity. Its fragrant white fruit flavors are touched by minerality and texture. It could still be aged for another 2–3 years. The name recalls the local legend of the dragon who  fought the sun.
Big, black colored wine that is firm and solid while also offering smooth richness. It has concentration, dense and bitter tannins that need time to soften out. Powerful and dense, age this wine for at least four years.
Thistle consistently produces one of Oregon's best Pinot Blancs. This is creamy and fresh, bursting with ripe pear and melon, and streaked with a gentle hint of coconut and vanilla. The lush finish seems to carry on for a full minute or longer.
This charming wine has a bright character, showing notes of juicy wild cherry, mint and eucalyptus and accents of leather and truffle. Drink now or wait a few years for tannins to tame down.
This 50-50 blend of Pinot Noir and Touriga Nacional works surprisingly well. It has weight, but also a smooth texture and juicy swathes of black plum and red berry fruits. Juicy fruit flavors are encased in a firm, tannic shell that's solid and dark. The wine is drinkable now after decanting, but could benefit from aging until 2016.
Blackberry aromas are touched up by graphite, char and herbal accents. This feels wide, with wall-to-wall tannins and extracted flavors of loam and earthy plum and blackberry. A lead-pencil note is reprised on the finish, which is tannic in feel and loaded with herbal black-fruit character.
A really taut wine, this is very nervy. It brings out the ageworthy qualities of fine Alsace Riesling, offering white fruits and fragrant acidity. Crisp and fruity on the surface, it is steely right at its core. Keep for 3–5 years.
The nose is shy and does not give much away. On the palate, beautifully pure red currant and tart red-cherry notes come through. The slender body is pervaded by freshness and has lovely overtones of conifer and oak leaf. It is later on that the fine but firm structure comes to bear. This is light but has depth and the potential to develop.
The squat Port-like bottle is the first indication that this is no ordinary Sauvignon Blanc. The juice was intentionally oxidized, then barrel fermented and aged on the lees. It's complex winemaking, and delivers a toasty textural wine with less snap and more softness that is usual with this grape. If you like the pricier barrel-fermented Sancerres, this is in your wheelhouse.
Earthy aromas suggesting grilled porcini, leather, tilled soil and balsam lead the nose. The dense, chewy palate offers mature black cherry, raspberry, licorice and dried sage flavors, set against a tannic backdrop that needs time to soften. A tobacco note signals the close. Drink 2022–2032.
Integrated acidity and ripeness allow for a Good & Plenty licorice-like note, accenting the fresh apricot and white peach flavors in this lovely, easygoing sipper.
This opens with tobacco, dark spice, forest floor and leather aromas. The palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and clove flavors, set against tightly wound, taut tannins. It still needs a few years to come together. Drink 2019–2025.
A limited-production wine made to commemorate the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality, this full-bodied vineyard-designated wine is softly layered in bold, rich huckleberry pie and strawberry flavors. Juicy on the palate, the fruit is seasoned with clove, cola and a hint of earth.
Classic hints of mint mark the black-cherry and cassis aromas of this wine. On the palate, the fruit is reasonably restrained but pure, barely touched by dried spices and cedar, then glides to a silky finish. Drink now–2020.
Earthy and a touch gritty smelling on first take, this gets riper, cleaner and better the longer it catches air. A full slightly tannic palate is mildly abrasive, while tea, herbal berry and chocolaty oak flavors are appealing. A spicy peppery chocolaty finish is not shedding its drying tannins. Drink through 2022.
For a tight, snappy rendition of Rioja, this answers the call. Herbal plum and tomato aromas are earthy and a touch horsey. Tomato, plum and herbal flavors amount to a saucy whole, while this is fresh, herbal and brothy tasting on a crisp finish.
A fairly priced varietal wine, this shows currant, cranberry, raisin and a flurry of allspice on the nose. It takes on rose petal and lavender aromas as it opens, making it all the more pleasant and memorable.
Cool rooty aromas of cola and tree bark grace the nose on this ripe but still not fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon (with 5% Merlot). In the mouth, this is choppy due to sandpaper tannins. Flavors of sarsaparilla, pepper, and blackberry are dense and chewy, while the finish is bumpy and scraping due to aforementioned hard tannins. Drink or hold through 2022.
Aromas of cherry, plum, forest floor and tobacco feed into a clampy palate with fresh acidity. Lightly spiced currant and red-plum flavors are limited in scope but nice, while this tastes herbal and feels tight and racy on the finish.
Made with enough skin contact to yield a gentle coppery hue, this medium-bodied wine features aromas of cantaloupe, cherry and citrus. Cherry fruit on the palate is accompanied by vaguely Pinot Noir-like notes of dried bracken and moss, then glides to a long, silky finish. Drink now.
This cuvée gets some extra time in 40% new wood, and is bottled unfiltered. Plush blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors, accented with streaks of cola and chocolate, capture your attention. It's a rich tasty forward immediately enjoyable bottle, so go for it now through 2020.
Golden Delicious apple meets tart Meyer lemon in this medium-bodied, expressive vineyard designate bolstered by 25% new French oak. A velvety texture enwraps its savory fruitiness and stony acidity.
Juicy and round, youthful red delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and clove aromas and flavors. Chewy tannins provide structure. Enjoy through 2020.
New leather, pressed blue flower, wild berry and a whiff of game are some of the aromas you'll find in this taut, structured red. The palate offers mature black cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors, while assertive, close-grained tannins give the finish grip. Give this time to let those tannins mellow. Drink 2018–2026.
Spicy earth meets baked plum and cherry in this medium-bodied wine sourced from multiple sites, including Sangiacomo Vineyards. Mint and lavender scents emerge on the nose before stronger elements of tobacco take over on the finish.
Made of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Sangiovese, this offers black currant scents laced with cake spice. The round, juicy palate delivers blackberry jam, pipe tobacco and clove flavors as well as chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
Baked cherry and cranberry fruit kick off the nose of this bottling, followed by then wild thyme and touches of dust and smoke. The palate is light and zesty, with hibiscus and tea flavors along with cranberry fruit and more fresh herbs on the finish.
Lovely notes of ripe apple with an orange peel touch play on the nose. They also appear on the dry, juicy and very fruit-driven palate. All is driven and slender, fresh but ripe. The fruit is so burgeoning that this is still juicy, even on the apple-scented finish.
Ripe plum, blue flower and an earthy whiff of truffle lead the nose, while the juicy palate offers black cherry and clove flavors with a hint of game. Chewy tannins provide the framework.
Truffle, new leather, coconut and spiced plum aromas come together in the glass. The taut, full-bodied palate delivers mature black cherry, licorice, coffee and ground pepper set against a backdrop of fine-grained tannins that give it a firm texture. Drink 2019–2027.
Spicy, oaky and rich in flavor and texture, this wine tastes of vanilla, butter and ripe red cherries upon first sip, feels soft and easy on the palate. As it opens, more fruit and oaky spice flavors emerge, while firm tannins give it grip.
Bright red-skinned berry, new leather, herb and dark spice aromas waft out of the glass. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with star anise and tobacco notes adding depth to the fresh cherry core. Taut, refined tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2024.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, this opens with yellow apple, Williams pear and white peach aromas that follow through to the palate. It's elegant and steeped in vanilla and hazelnut flavors, with fresh acidity that lifts its creamy texture.
Aromas like new leather and wet earth, then flavors like pomegranate give this medium-bodied wine a funky, off-beat character. It feels firm in texture from fine-grained tannins, and should work well with rich foods.
The bright, lively nose of citrus spray, white peach, red apple and gooseberry carries through to the light-bodied palate. Tart green-apple tones keep the flavors spritely in this easy, enjoyable white.
Toasty, briny citrus aromas lead to a pinched and strained palate. The flavors are a touch bitter, with oily apple and stone-fruit flavors. The nutty finish is solid but low on fruit character.
A majority varietal, this widely distributed wine also contains Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dense and flat on the palate, it dances in bay leaf and black cherry, finishing with more herb around a tight fist of ripeness.
Earthy, meaty black-plum aromas come with a touch of latex and leather. This is plump but lacking in the midpalate, while flavors of herbal plum and currant finish mild.
From a cool site high above the coastal town of Jenner, this 100% varietal wine is made in small amounts and given almost two years in French oak, only a quarter of it new. Intense, it exudes baked and dried fruit flavors, along with chewy, meaty layers of texture and concentration.
An opening blast of juniper and eucalyptus is pryazinic, and the palate is also tough due to narrow, pinching tannins. And while there's a strong herbal component to the flavor profile, black plum and blueberry notes spur a quick rally that fizzles on a mildly green finish. This is Sryah, Carignan and Pinot Grigio.
This youthful wine offers aromas of fresh raspberries, plum and tire rubber. The flavors are soft and generous, with tart acids and no new oak anywhere in sight. It doesn't seem entirely varietal but brings appeal all the same.
Berry and cassis aromas blend with oaky scents to form a solid nose. This feels grabby and resiny, with moderate tannins. Minty black-fruit flavors are woody, while the finish tastes herbal and oaky, with meaty berry notes.
This is a touch overripe and plummy, akin to a puree on the nose. Smoky oak lurks behind the fruit, along with a taste of almond and tea. In the end, the wine ends robustly and full-figured, with plenty of power and concentration to the finish.
There are very distinctive botanical aromas on this wine, from salted orange peels to juniper bush, almost like a gin. The palate is also incredibly herbal, with dried dill, marjoram and basil, which makes for a very interesting sipper though perhaps a bit odd for some.
This is a soft and fruity wine, ripe with red-berry fruits and perfumed acidity. A light touch of caramel and tannin give the right structure, and the aftertaste is bright and fruity.
Dark mauve in color, nearly approaching a red-wine tone, this shows a fruit-forward nose of red cherries and strawberry jam. The palate is a mix of tart, sour and grippy texture, with cherry fruit and plum-skin flavors.
Crushed blueberry aromas meet resinous herb and green peppercorn notes. The medium-bodied palate is round, with mild flavors of tart blackberry and cherry leading to a lightly-toasted vanilla finish.
Dry, leathery aromas precede a grabby but fresh palate. Tomato and plum flavors are in the lead, with herbal, soupy notes running close behind. Similar to the primary attack, this finishes herbal and briny but solid in feel.
Crushed oregano, red currant and a little bit of asphalt show on the shy nose of this wine that is sourced mainly from southern Monterey County. There is lots of brick, thyme and rosemary on the palate, with a bit of dried berry fruit.
Dark and full-bodied in style and taste, this savory wine offers leathery tannins and value for the quality. Wild berries rise to the fore on the nose and palate, with a floral rejoinder and herbal, woodsy notes.
Sweetly ripe on the nose, this is a meaty, full-bodied and somewhat oaky white wine. The majority of the fruit comes from Sonoma County, the rest from Napa. White peach and vanilla mark the palate, finishing fresh and round.
Coming from a cool vintage, this wine doesn't seem to have fully ripened, with aromas of green herbs, dill and baking spices. It's quite light in style, not entirely holding together.
Candied apricot dominates on the nose and palate of this vineyard-designated wine that is fleshy and reflective of its five months in new French oak. Creamy and round, it finishes ripe and rich.
Earthy plum and blackberry aromas are crisp and raw, with overt wood grain riding heavily on the bouquet. This is 60% Merlot and 40% Malbec; it feels grabby, while toasty, heavily oaked flavors of clove and bitter chocolate smother the wine's fruit before turning charred and roasted on the finish.
Medium gold in color, with a slight pink hue, this carries the aroma of canned tropical-fruit cocktail—tin and all. The peach-juice palate is viscous and round, almost oily, while the tart, tropical acidity struggles to bring balance.
Both nose and palate need waking up. It is only with intense swishing that some apple freshness emerges on the rather broad palate. A streak of tart apple acidity rescues this.
Herbal and juicy, this is a straightforward, larger-production wine with a grip of tannins supporting waves of coconut and red and black berry. It's well priced for the quality and is a good choice for everyday enjoyment.
This fresh, fruity wine is full of red cherry and berry flavors. A light touch of tannin holds the fruit and acidity together. It's a fine, simple Burgundy, ready to be drunk now.
Blending Pinot Noir and Gamay, this wine comes from a new Burgundy-wide appellation that can include fruit from Beaujolais. It's a style of wine that needs to be drunk young and fruity, with black cherry flavors and refreshing acidity. Drink this lively wine now.
Violet, tilled earth and red currant tones mark the nose and palate. The crisp acidity races down the midpalate, leading the fleeting flavors and mild tannins to a short finish.
Citrus and sea spray aromas are restrained on the nose. The ample body carries flavors of mealy melon muddled with lemon rinds, which carries to the burnt-sugar finish.
An interesting Chard that offers quite sweet notes of stewed peaches, orange marmalade and overripe honeydew. Big and a bit clumsy in the mouth, more vibrancy and freshness is needed to keep things in better balance. However, if you like 'em sweeter, this one's for you.
Pleasant, soft wine, easy to drink, its fruits round and somewhat dilute. It doesn't resonate, but is certainly fresh and crisp.
Generally speaking, Errazuriz's progressive wines hit their marks. But this Chard seems to be substituting oak for substance. The bouquet comes straight from the barrel, and the palate is resiny as it houses lemony, baked apple flavors. Finishes as woody as it began. Too much oak, plain and simple.
A little bit funky and unsettled when you pop the screwcap, but soon it finds its floral, blueberry base. Remains superficial and sweet in the mouth, with candied flavors, vanilla and mild oak. Highly regular; could use more concentration and density.
A tough sell at this price. The nose is minty, green and smells of tobacco, spice and fern fronds, while the palate is tangy, clangy in feel and dry. Flavors of semisour, herbal cherry and plum are touched up by sweet oak, but overall it's rather dry and scouring.
Heavy aromas of burnt leaves, rubber and compost overshadow any berry fruit notes, while the palate is creamy in feel, with basic flavors of spiced, earthy cherry and berry. Fairly oaky on the finish and overall a step back in quality from previous vintages.
Hard and inky on first blush, with aromas of shoe polish and wild, aggressive fruit. A far more narrow and acidic wine than we expected to find, with racy, short, blue fruit flavors. Bright and choppy, with a short finish. Seems underdeveloped.
A little burnt and rubbery on the nose, but with enough lemon and apple to balance things out. The palate is fleshy and soft, with banana and lemon as the lead flavors. Shows a bit of pithy bitterness late, but overall it's good if you like sweet, warm Chardonnays.
Racy and tight-bodied red wine, with a strained, herbal set of aromas and a high-acid, razor's-edge palate of lively red fruit flavors and an offset of drying oak. Too generic and tough on the cheeks to tip the scale.
Opens with hard black cherry aromas and roasted notes, while the palate is robust and not uncomfortable, with herbal cassis and blackberry flavors. Warm and slightly buttery on the finish. Regular stuff that won't elicit much reaction one way or the other.
Aged 14 months in Russian Oak, this is a different kind of Chard with notes of chamomile, fresh mint sprigs, vanilla and cigar tobacco among the more typical melon fruits and lime citrus. Medium-full but a bit flat in the mouth with a solid but quite smoky finish.
Light pink in the glass with soft aromas and flavors of strawberry and blueberry. Delicate and refreshing; a great choice for hot summer days.
A sniff reveals somewhat cheesy, salinic red fruit aromas that struggle to keep their poise. The palate is fresh and forward, but it also smacks down with narrowing, hard tannins. Tastes of red cherry and raspberry, while the finish is snappy but short.
Brickish in color, and seemingly thin. Aromas of baked fruit, compost, tobacco, vanilla and burnt coffee are challenging, while the palate is earthy and tastes leafy as well as sweet. On the positive side, it's neither heavy nor overdone. On the negative side, it's thin and on the fade.
Sweet aromas of berry pastry and black licorice are moderately convincing, while the palate is reduced and chunky, with thick but dull prune and roasted berry flavors. The finish is more of the same: baked fruit flavors and sweet.
Dark purple in color, with a creamy, candied, berry fruit nose that's potent but not very stirring. The palate shows concentration, but the flavors don't go beyond the basics: cassis, blackberry and a streak of sourness at the core. Also tannic and tough.
Lightweight wine that seems somewhat dilute with flavors of green plums, bright acidity and a very soft texture.
Named for a favored surf spot in Mexico, Sayulita is a new project from Balboa. This first release, from the Lefore vineyard, is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Syrah, a perfect mix and showcase for the strengths of both. Soft and smooth, it's tightly woven with veins of earth, pepper, black olive, coffee, black fruits and licorice.
The second edition of Chateau Rollat's Ardenvoir Sémillon includes eight percent Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, a nice addition that tightens up the mouthfeel. Barrel fermented, it's bursting with rich tropical fruit flavors, Meyer lemon, sweet toasted cracker and caramel, an exceptionally concentrated and full-bodied wine.
Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yellow Jacket, Waliser and Pepper Bridge vineyards, this supremely rich and expressive wine is riveting for its depth and detail, and it's packed with red, blue and black fruits. Whiffs of smoke, graphite and stone add complexity, and the hint of bitter chocolate in the finish is the capper.
The softness of the 2000 vintage is reflected in this delicious, gentle, ripe wine. It is full of soft red fruits, lifted easily by the fresh red currant acidity and cranberry texture. It is showing signs of maturity, but still has several years to develop.
From one of the most familiar of the Meursault Premier Crus, this wine is crisp and mineral in character. It has tight acidity with apple and green-plum fruit that is laced by a light amount of wood aging. The wine is still young and will be better from 2018.
From a vineyard in the Douro Superior region, this intensely perfumed wine is rich in sweet black fruits. The tannins are buried in the generous fruit character which is packed with ripe plum and prune flavors and just lit at the end by acidity. Drink from 2025.
This wine opens in candied ginger and orange peel, invitingly light in color and weight, with elegance at its core. Silky texture wraps around plum, sage and that classic notion of forest floor.
Earthy, leafy plum and berry aromas hint at compost. This is fresh, juicy and bright on the tongue, with berry and cassis flavors that are peppery and herbal. A thorough, lasting finish is mellow as it displays absorbed, smooth tannins. Drink through 2022.
Softly floral and brightly spicy, this wine rocks in red cherry and tangy citrus, sure to please a broad range of palates in its approachable elegance and restraint. Toasted vanilla oak rounds out the finish.
This rich, mouth-coating effort marries Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit and white peach to sappy acidity. It persistently pushes through the palate into a lingering finish, with a lip-licking snap that invites the next sip.
Ripe, heady, slightly malty aromas of blackberry and plum set this on its way. In the mouth, there are scratchy, unresolved tannins and acidity to deal with along with salty flavors of oak, plum and cassis. A lasting, oaky finish with vanilla and butter notes provides for a good close out. Drink through 2020.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet with Syrah, this is a finely structured wine. It is spicy, packed with black-currant fruits and with ripe tannins. The fruits and the dusty texture are just coming together, although the wine will be better from 2017.
This is a keeper. Smoky, charred aromas, rich dark-fruit flavors like blackberry and boysenberry and meaty, peppery accents fill up this full-bodied and very firmly textured wine. It will get even more interesting with age; try it after 2020.
Produced from selected parcels, this wine is solid with rich tannins and dark fruit. It has the flavors of new oak aging well integrated into the ripe texture and juicy acidity. Still firm, with tannins well in place, it needs to age a little longer. Drink from 2018.
This rich, wood-aged wine is impressive and well aged. It may be made from Merlot but it tastes thoroughly Portuguese with its dry tannins, mint flavors and intense ripe fruit. The tannins are cushioned by this juicy, rich fruitiness. The wine is ready to drink.
With excellent concentration and a firm, dry texture, this is a serious wine that's tempting to drink now but will be better after 2018. It smells slightly cedary and black-cherry-like, and tastes deep and ripe but not at all sweet. It will be waiting in the cellar for a good occasion with a choice cut of meat.
Ripe berry, violet, leather and menthol aromas lead the nose. The firm palate offers mature cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and sage alongside assertive, tightly wound tannins that need to unwind. Drink after 2022.
Aromatically compelling with floral, stone fruit and mineral highlights, this offers palate-cleansing freshness. The mineral-drenched flavors blend melon, peach and lemon rind, with a finishing burst of lime. It was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel.
Light, clean and fresh on the nose, this bottling from a rather extremely sited vineyard on the western end of the appellation shows cut lawn, lemongrass, squeezed lime and wet concrete on the nose. The palate is zesty and sour at first, but a honeydew element warms it up nicely.
An amazingly sweet and rich wine, this has a floral aroma and great concentration. It offers layers of flavor like dried fruit, honey and boysenberry syrup, with good acidity for balance. This makes a fabulous dessert by itself and is sweet enough to conquer almost any other confection.
Dark red-violet in color, this wine has aromas of black plum, fig, chocolate and mint. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, black fig, eucalyptus and anise coalesce on the palate. Tannins are strong, but fruit and brightness hold their own. Touches of cranberry join the show just prior to the lingering finish.
Aromas of licorice, tilled soil, leather, underbrush, blackberry, camphor and a whiff of crushed rock lead the way. On the silky, gracious palate, clove, star anise and a hint of graphite back up a core of mature cherry while lithe tannins offer polished support.
Refreshingly marked by a tangy acidity, this white is made to please, fermented entirely in stainless steel. It sings in zesty, medium-bodied layers of peach and lime that are fresh and juicy on the palate, yet it somehow maintains some unexpected complexity.
Classy in style and classic in flavors, this single vineyard selection offers strawberry fruit with highlights of melon and orange peel. It's dappled with notes of coffee and cola, smoothed out from 16 months in French oak, one-fifth of it new.
A sensational value, this blends fruit from a half-dozen vineyards that carry the winery's vineyard designates. Soft and appealing flavors mix citrus, plum and berry in a juicy, wide open, flat out delicious bottle. The fruit is the star, although a year in 9% new French oak adds a nice touch of toast.
Mossy, lightly herbal blackberry aromas are complex and include notes of cedar and licorice. This feels solid and gritty, with manageable but serious tannins. Flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis and peppery spice finish chocolaty and oaky. This is excellent New World Cabernet even if it's not charting any new pathways. Drink through 2021.
This winery not only makes a bunch of single vineyard bottlings, but also tries to show off different styles. This one shows sweeter white peach, ripe cantaloupe, lush mango and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The palate is ripe and round with more mango, melon, papaya and banana flavors, yet that opulence is bound by chalky structure and lots of back-end acid.
With a mere 422 bottles produced, this review is barely more than academic, as it will be near impossible to track down some of this. Lucky/persistent lotto winners will experience a medium- to full-bodied red with a velvety mouthfeel, cassis, vanilla and cedar notes and something akin to charred tomato.
Crisp, tight and mineral, this classic wine has citrus and apple fruits filled out with creamed pear. The zingy texture is still young and vibrant. With intense acidity at the end, the wine could still develop, so drink from early 2017.
From vines aged between 40 and 80 years, this is a lightly wood-aged wine, with yellow fruits that go with the spicy toast. Full, ripe, and nicely cut with acidity, it has a creamy, smooth texture. Drink now.
There is a fine touch of spice in this wine. Bright and tangy, it is also full with white fruits, ripe acidity and a warm while zesty character. Still young and zesty, the wine will soften over the next few months into something more rounded. Drink from 2017.
This two-acre premier cru situated north of Beaune city gives smooth and rich wines. This bottling shows the acidity of the vintage while also having a full, round character, ripe with strawberries and crisp with acidity. The wine needs more time, so drink from 2019.
For a Lalande de Pomerol this wine has a high proportion (30%) of Cabernet Franc, giving a structure that shapes the ripe Merlot. It's juicy with black plums and has a core of dry tannins. Drink from 2018.
The first Merlot offering from this producer, this is 100% varietal and totally full-throttle in its fleshy components of vanilla and chocolate, seasoned in cinnamon. Fresh and somewhat floral, it's bright despite its size and lively on the palate. The wine is made in tiny amounts.
Lemon-lime acidity cuts a laser-sharp edge through honey in this lush, concentrated Riesling full of pink grapefruit, mango and peach flavors. It's a lip smacking, juicy wine, yet stands up to even the most elegant occasions. Drink now.
For now, the full, smoky hit of new oak fills nose and palate, while fresh citrus manages to get through here and there. The palate reveals a creamy saltiness but is currently dominated by the wood flavors and still needs to integrate and combine, wait for at least a year.
Creamy notes show subtle smoke and hazelnut notions. The flavor profile is equally subtle but has an underlying, pervasive lemony freshness that brightens the entire palate. This is a restrained, friendly, approachable but classy Chardonnay—and a very good choice for dishes that also have a spike of lemon flavor.
Toast, espresso, black plum and leather aromas open up in the nose. The round, juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, blackberry, dark cooking spice and a gamy note alongside fine-grained tannins that give it a firm finish.
This wine certainly packs in the flavor. It has lots of jammy, grapy aromas, and flavors that drip boysenberry and blackberry, followed by baking-spice accents. It has a full body, an almost thick texture and mild acidity and tannins.
Ebulliently fresh and fruity, this unoaked Chardonnay highlights flavors of freshly pressed apples, lemons and nectarines with sprays of honeysuckle and pollen. It's sprightly on the palate, showing lingering streaks of lemon and lime. Drink now–2017.
Assorted blue fruit, coffee, green tea and barrel-spice aromas lead to full-bodied fruit flavors that carry a touch of warmth.
The oak (two-thirds new French and American) leads, with aromas of cocoa, cinnamon and spice followed by plum. The palate shows an elegant styling but with good intensity to the flavors.
Situated close to the city of Bordeaux, this estate has produced a Cabernet-dominated wine that has some firm tannins and a dry core. The black-currant fruit shows well, with fresh acidity giving a juicy character. It will soften quickly, so drink from 2017.
With an equal blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this firm wine has a juicy background, nurtured by consultant Hubert de Boüard (of Château Angelus). Chocolate and spice notes mix with the dry wood-aging character, while black currant flavors develop in the background. Give this wine until 2017.
The enthusiastic use of wood for this wine gives a dark, spicy character that masks any fruit. Less new wood would have helped highlight the natural fruitiness of the wine. Leave it until 2020 and the fruit may fill out. Winemaker Stephan Carrier returned from Napa to take over winemaking after Irish businessman Lochlann Quinn bought the property in 2001.
This wine is full of bright fruit and attractive acidity. It's been made to take advantage of the fruitiness of the year and is likely to develop quickly. Drink from 2018.
While showing too much wood at the moment, this wine has potential. The red berries and black currants promise a fruity future with good tannins in support. Give the wine a few years and drink from 2019.
After the promise of the wine at its initial barrel tasting, this bottled wine is less exciting. Berry fruits are muted by the extracted tannins. It's likely the wine will develop quickly. Drink from 2018.
This is a dense wine, full of blackberries and ripe tannins. Juiciness gives the wine the fruitiness that's typical of the best of the vintage. Acidity at the end emphasizes the freshness. Drink from 2017.
Made with 100% Moscato dried grapes, this offers aromas of mature apricot, tangerine zest and fennel. The aromas follow through to the palate along with orange blossom honey, date and pistachio. Fresh acidity brightens the sweet flavors. Pair it with cream-filled pastry or vanilla ice cream.
Usually Terrunyo exudes blatant ripeness, but this cool-vintage rendition smells stalky, rubbery and herbal more than ripe and lusty. The palate is chunky and extracted, but shallow. Herbal blackberry flavors are toasty and oaky, with licorice, pepper and spice flavors carrying a short finish.
This wine is five years old and is starting to show its age. Aromas of dried tobacco, tomato leaf, mesquite and vanilla are followed by velvety-feeling fruit flavors that show a pleasing persistence. Drink now.
A screaming deal, this wine shows a nice blend of pencil lead, strawberries, peppercorn, oregano and chaparral scrub on the nose. The palate offers plenty of mocha and herbs including oregano and thyme, alongside elderberry and boysenberry fruit. It has enough tannic structure to notice but not enough to get in the way.
A blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah, this straightforward, full-bodied wine opens with aromas of toast, dark spice, and ripe black-skinned fruit. The chewy palate doles out ripe blackberry, smoke, licorice and ground pepper framed in fine-grained tannins.
The flavors of ripe yellow pear combine with a yeasty edge of herbal spice: there is a pleasantly bitter undertone and lots of freshness on a slender, yet expressive body.
Fragrant tones of melon, mango and blossom introduce this lush, richly textured Chardonnay. On the palate, delicate swirls of cream juxtapose pristine lemon, apple and pear flavors. It's an elegant, neatly balanced dry white that should drink well now through 2016.
A rounded wine that combines spiky freshness with a very creamy, even buttery softness. There is a pleasant palate weight and pervading crispness. This is more about texture than aroma with just some buttery citrus hinted at, but will make a very versatile food companion.
This pale-colored wine is light, fresh and crisp, with very subtle fruit and nut flavors, lively acidity and a tangy, lingering finish. It's offers a great change of pace.
In color, this wine is virtually black, with a deep-red rim, while aromas are concentrated and dense. Flavors recall blackberry syrup, yet are nicely dry. Despite its full body and thick coating of tannins, the wine's texture feels polished and all the elements are in balance.
Black, ripe elderberries, with a tart but supple body make this an appetizing, lighter wine that holds an unusual aromatic intensity. There is an intriguing hint of wilderness and a streak of fresh acidity that makes this soft wine an ideal match for lighter foods. Drink this while it's young and vibrant.
An incredibly balanced wine where red cherry fruit marries with velvety tannins, medium body and clean-cut acidity and cinnamon hints in the background. This is an ideal, unobtrusive but delicious food wine that will perform no matter what.
A mature selection by now, this offers initial scents of cantaloupe, mango and yellow flowers, with secondary hints of toasted nuts and brioche. It's balanced and layered, with subtle oak and leesy accents intertwined with pure, ripe fruit flavors. Enjoy this now while the primary fruit is still shining.
With no oak influence, this Cabernet Franc is chock full of pristine raspberry and cherry notes. It's quite concentrated on the palate with deep, ripe red-fruit flavor, but marked by tart cranberry acidity and a long, lingering finish and just a hint of leafy green notes.
Roasted black fruits, animal notes and a strong whiff of black olive make for a wild and wooly bouquet. The palate on this Carignan is direct and firm, with exotic berry flavors, herbal hints and well-applied oak. Blueberry notes and bold acidity push the finish. Drink through 2017.
Fresh, clean and elegant aromas of citrus and flowers start this classic Assyrtiko. On the palate, balanced flavors of lemon, sea salt and white fruits offer food-friendly, quaffable character. A fantastic house wine.
Petrol aromas lead to a wine that has ripe fruits balanced by intense acidity and delicious freshness. The palate is marked with flavors of almonds and red fruits with a crisp, bright aftertaste.
Subtle Amarena cherry flavors play on nose and palate, where bitter chocolate, cinnamon and blackberry join in. Ripe tannins provide structure while fresh, tart-fruit flavors fill the medium-weight mouth. This is an accessible food wine that finishes with peppery spice.
An enticing mix of lime zest and very ripe, juicy pear present the first impression and unite in a linear, racy palate. As the wine opens in the glass, spicier edges appear: apricot kernels and marzipan make an appearance and promise future flavour development. With thrillingly fresh acidity and a lip-smacking finish, it's almost irresistible now, but with this sort of concentration certainly also good for laying down.
This rich, boldy alcoholic wine has a pepper character that dominates fragrant fruit and spice notes. It should age well, so drink until 2020.
Gritty aromas of asphalt and black olive complement saucy berry notes. This feels full, rubbery and tannic, while the flavors are soupy and baked, with herbal elements folded in. On a long finish, herbal flavors of fennel and licorice are front and center.
This attractive wine opens with Verdicchio's typical aromas of Spanish broom and stone fruit, as well as a whiff of flint. The palate offers creamy ripe peach, citrus and pineapple flavors, along with hints of salinity and minerality that are brightened by fresh acidity.
This is a fully mature wine with an attractive mix of fresh acidity and intense perfumes. Bright and crisp on the palate, this textured wine finishes with white currant flavor. This is ready to drink now.
Aged partly in oak, this firmly structured wine opens with lovely aromas of Spanish broom, hawthorne and tropical fruit, as well as a whiff of toasted oak. The palate delivers concentrated flavors of peach, lemon peel and apple layered with cinnamon-spice.
Rich berry and oak-driven spice take center stage in this blend of 70% Montelpulciano and 30% Sangiovese. The palate delivers ripe plum and black cherry, along with notes of sage, spearmint and mocha. It's ready to enjoy now.
As a Gewurztraminer becomes sweeter, it loses some of its spice. What it gains, as here, is a more intense, honeyed and fragrant character that also allows space for acidity. There is some dryness on the finish, as well as a pleasant astringency. Drink until 2019.
Though labeled simply Washington state, this Bordeaux-style blend is sourced entirely from Kiona's Red Mountain vineyards. The wine includes 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, yielding a deep, darkly fruited wine with cassis, black coffee, graphite and a whiff of barnyard. It's young, tight and chewy, but has excellent aging potential.
This attractive wine opens with unusual but enticing aromas of spring flowers, dill and thyme. The palate offers lemon peel, lime, apricot and almond alongside bright acidity. It will actually benefit with a little more bottle age to develop depth and complexity. Drink 2015–2018.
Bright and fruity, this wine is attractive in black currant flavors. With its juicy balance of acidity and open fruit, it is developing quickly and will be ready from 2019.
This fine estate has produced a ripe, fruity wine in 2014. It has spice from wood aging as well as juicy black currant fruit flavors. Generously textured, it's ready to drink.
This wine is juicy, with ripe black fruit and tannins. It's dry and structured, with spicy pepper and nutmeg notes. With its pure fruitiness and lack of wood aging, it's likely to age quickly. Drink from 2019.
This ripe wine is attractively fruity. It has generous tannins that are balanced by black fruit. While not very powerful or dense, it's easy and will be ready to open from 2019.
This wine is firm, dense and packed with tannins. Juicy acidity lends a crisp character to its dominant black currant fruit. It will take time to soften, so drink from 2020.
With vines close to the Garonne river south of Bordeaux, this small vineyard has produced a light and fruity wine with red berry flavors. It's soft, just lightly tannic and ready to drink now.
Dried lemon peels and a hint of butter-fried apples show on the nose. Strong lemon acidity drives the palate, with a touch of sea salt and stone fruit proving very familiar.
This wine is a blend 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of cocoa, coconut, herb and cherry are followed by an elegantly styled palate, full of coconut flavors. There's enjoyment to be had but the oak plays too primary of a role.
Fortified Tannat makes for a rich while also tannic wine. Its sweet, jammy fruit and the opulence that comes from the addition of spirit are tempered by firm tannins. It should be aged for another year or two and will be best from 2019.
Smoky like a barbecue, this wine offers a soft simple thread of cured meat and sweet berry pie, while the oak is supportive and evocative of vanilla. Full bodied, this is a bold, ripe wine.
This blend of Malbec, Merlot and Tannat is lean and austere—probably the effect of the vintage. That gives powerful tannins and less in the way of fruit. It's firm, hinting at more juicy fruit but likely to remain dry and structured. Drink from 2018.
Age has mellowed this potent Port-style wine a bit but hardly tamed it. The dark auburn edge to the otherwise black color hints at its maturity as do the pruny nutty roasted-cherry flavors. It's very full bodied and definitely sweet, but not cloying.
Smoky, oaky aromas include hints of tobacco, green bean and berry fruits. This Malbec has a resiny, grabby, full-bodied feel and oaky flavors of black fruits and carob. A full, chunky finish includes meaty but nondescript berry notes.
Delicate aromas of black-skinned berry, raisin and cooking spice lift out of the glass. On the straightforward palate, hints of vanilla and licorice add interest to ripe black cherry while pliant tannins provide easygoing support. Drink through 2020.
The aromas are light, with notes of red apple, barrel spice, vanilla and cherry. The flavors are medium bodied, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel. There's interest to be had but it all seems a bit subdued and the finish a bit clipped.
Aged in 45% new French oak, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice are at the fore followed by full-bodied but still tart raspberry and cranberry flavors. It brings a bit of heat along with it.
Light in color, aromas of barrel spice, herb and red fruit rise up from the glass. The palate packs a mouthful of red-fruit flavors, with the tannins showing a bit of astringency.
A blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara, this has aromas of black-skinned berry, cooking spice and underbrush. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, vanilla and clove alongside tightly wound tannins. Drink through 2021.
Dark berry aromas and fruity but somewhat subdued flavors are supported by firm tannins and good, mild acidity in this full-bodied wine. It is tasty and rather big in mouthfeel.
This wine is quite blue-fruited aromatically for a Cabernet. This continues on the palate, with boysenberry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins. It provides interest, but you'd never peg it for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The nose isn't very expressive but eventually reveals sawdust, toasted oak and roasted coffee bean. The palate delivers raw red cherry, anise and espresso alongside bracing tannins. Give this time to fully develop. Drink after 2018.
This is a concentrated wine, ripe and rich in black cherry, cranberry and oak. It resolves itself into a lighter texture and body on the finish.
This opens with scents of dark berry, toast and a whiff of graphite. On the tense palate, notes of sage, aniseed and tobacco add depth to the core of raw red cherry while bracing tannins offer support. It's still primary so give it time. Drink 2018–2025.
Spiced apple, raw oak and related cinnamon and woodspice aromas introduce a flush, chunky palate that's showing modest acidity. Flavors of savory oak, tropical fruits and baked apple finish creamy in feel, with flavors of papaya and vanilla.
Violet and berry aromas are pleasant, fresh and not too demanding or loud. This is solid in feel, maybe a bit simple overall, with plum, berry and a touch of char making up the flavor profile. Generic berry flavors and a dry feel define the finish.
This pale salmon rosé is fresh and clean. It opens with bright aromas of strawberry hull, watermelon rind and citrus peel that carry through to the linear yet vibrant palate. The palate boasts excellent verve and refreshment, making this a perfect choice for warm-weather enjoyment. Drink now.
This wine is fresh, fruity and crisp. It has delicious, young citrus flavors that are bursting with energy and life. Aromatic and textured, with mineral hints, this is a delicious, refreshing wine to drink now.
A blend of Pommard and Wadenswill clones, this was aged in large, neutral puncheons. It's smooth, light and well balanced, showing fruit flavors of watermelon and strawberry. The vintage was challenging, and flavors of leaf and herb are also in the mix.
Hints of almond and lemon rind lend complexity to sweet honeydew and white peach flavors in this featherlight Riesling. Lacy sweetness coats the midpalate, offsetting streaks of tart lemon-lime and grapefruit. It's a pristine wine best enjoyed young for its refreshing, quaffable style.
Nervous lemon-lime acidity forms a strident spine to this dry, delicately framed Riesling. Tart white peach and pineapple flavors are concentrated yet crisp, leading a long mineral finish.
This is half Cab Franc, the rest an equal mix of Malbec, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry and black cherry fruits fill the mouth, with just a hint of barrel toast and coffee grounds. Citrusy acidity buoys up the fruit and keeps the overall balance on point.
This tasty bottle does not push for maximum ripeness, settling comfortably into a ripe-enough mix of apples, pears and nectarines. There's a dusting of cinnamon and even a little hint of brown sugar, though the wine is definitely finished dry. The balance holds true through a medium-long finish.
Moss and wet earth aromas accent a dark, bramble berry core. The medium-bodied palate is supported by supple tannins and shows adequate concentration of cherry and blackberry tones, enlivened by a streak of granite.
Named after the Estrela mountain range that lies on the east of the Dão, this structured, mineral-driven wine is firm yet packed with juicy red berries and currants that give a fragrant, juicy character. It needs more time, so drink from 2017.
This generous, friendly red opens with aromas that recall ripe dark berry and star anise. The round, juicy palate doles out ripe blackberry, crushed black cherry, licorice and ground pepper alongside soft, supple tannins. Enjoy soon.
This is a smooth and rounded wine with ripe yellow fruits as well as a crisp, sliced apple character. It is fruity and warm with its ripe, full flavors. Drink this generous wine now.
Campfire smoke, roasted game, black pepper and raspberry greet the nose on this wine from the smooth jazz saxophonist, made in Buellton by the Terravant facility. The smoked meat carries to the palate, where it shows cranberry fruit, pepper and anise.
This straighforward Cab is medium-light in density, with hints of green fruit. Flavors touch on rhubarb and cranberry, with a light, short, charred finish. It spent 23 months in French oak, 30% new.
Blueberry and plum aromas are slightly exotic but also unusual and wayward. An easy feeling palate is medium in body and intensity, while woody flavors of herbal blueberry finish mild, with a persistent herbal aftertaste.
This blend of Encruzado and Malvasia Fina is both rich and perfumed. It has a smooth texture that is pointed up by apple and lemon acidity. There is a floral character to the bouquet, while the mouthfeel is ripe and full. The finish, with its textured acidity, promises aging, so drink from 2016.
This opens with aromas of charred earth, violet and wild berry. The straightforward palate offers black raspberry, tart cherry and a hint of anise alongside polished tannins. It's rather simple for a Barolo and nearly accessible. Drink 2016–2021.
Grown in the southern part of the Minho, close to the Douro, this Alvarinho is a ripe while still textured and tangy wine. It has fine, fresh lemon acidity that's rounded out by apricot and pear flavors. Drink now.
Tight and crisp initially, this wine opens up with spice, ripe flavors and a touch of minerality. Taut and textured, it needs to age; drink from 2017.
This robust red opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, scorched earth and dark cooking spice. The warm, forward palate offers black cherry marinated in spirits and licorice accompanied by ripe, velvety tannins. Unfortunately, the heat of searing alcohol throws it off balance and dominates the palate.
This wine is soft, fruity, rounded and red fruit flavored. Soft tannins and black plum skins give the wine a light structure. The wine is developing well and will be ready to drink from 2016.
A very good Mendocino County Cabernet, Kimmel is tightly tannic with an elegant backbeat. The palate is very savory in its cranberry, herb and dark berry fruit flavors. Full bodied with layers of concentration, the wine's still young; give it time to open and develop.
High-toned aromas of cherry cola and berry preserves are enticing on this concentrated, fruit-forward Pinot Noir. The palate is suppple with ripe cherry flavor, tinged with a spray of violets and firm, yet chalky, tannins.
Waterbrook consistently provides high-quality wines at affordable prices and this appealing Cabernet is just another example. Dark cherry, cocoa and barrel notes from a kiss of new American oak (19%) lead to a palate with broad cherry flavors and grainy tannins.
This is a single vineyard Semillon from Canyon Vineyard Ranch in the Yakima Valley. It's über aromatic and flavorful with notes of orange peel, honey and citrus. The 170 g/L residual sugar provides richness and the neutral French oak aging only adds to the wine's viscous feel.
Firmly tannic yet with enough sense of juicy fruit to act as a balance, this is a fine, rich wine, showing power and concentration with a solid, ripe structure. Give this wine at least five years to soften and round out.
Big, bold and juicy, with ripe black fruits that dominate the rich tannins. The power and concentration both promise a good future for this solid, full-bodied wine, so keep for 4–5 years.
While there is a strong element of new wood in this wine, it also has plenty of ripe black fruits. So it makes a wine that is powerful, potentially complex in 4–5 years with richness and a solid, serious final character.
Here's a subdued wine with mild vanilla, tobacco, dried plum and raspberry aromas. It's flush and fruity on the palate, with an open-knit feel and friendly flavors of raspberry, vanilla and tobacco. On the finish, mocha, pastry and toast elements enter the picture. Drink now through 2015.
The nose on this 50-50 blend is piercing, with dark cherry, black plum and mild herbal aromas running the show. The mouthfeel is focused and fresh, and the flavors of cherry, raspberry, plum and chocolate soften and spread out on the finish as oaky vanilla and herbal echoes take over.
Dusty apple and white peach aromas provide a nice greeting. The wine is basic and tangy in terms of feel, with lemon-lime, bitter lettuce, banana, nectarine and pineapple flavors. While not exactly complex or elevated, it delivers pure citrus characteristics offset by solid minerality.
For a $12 wine, this blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is clean on the bouquet, with cherry and raspberry aromas leading the way. The feel is vibrant and bouncy, while flavors of red berry, plum and light oak set up a chocolaty finish with dry spice and mild buttery flavors.
This vineyard-designated Mourvèdre is nearly 100% varietal with just a small splash of Syrah added. The grape's white pepper, pomegranate and gamy character is on full display here, framed by the refreshing acidity of the vintage.
A fruity, structured wine, dense and dark-hued, its black currant fruits giving a sense of lighter acidity. It's just coming into balance, so it will likely age well over the medium term.
This is a soft blend of five local varieties, offering a generous, concentrated wine. Black fruit tones are balanced by a strong mineral character that brings out a tight texture. From the end of 2016, it will be a fine, ripe and accessible wine.
A relative reserve in terms of flavor is the defining characteristic of this dry but rich, medium-bodied wine that blends Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. The aromas are like fresh-baked bread, while flavors are gentle but creamy and savory, and the texture is soft and smooth. All lead to a lingering finish.
A full-figured display of peachy vanilla, this wine is spry and straightforward, mixing weight with freshness. A bite of fig weaves into tart citrus and pineapple notes, with a touch of oak showing up on the finish.
This dessert blend of 56% Sémillon and 44% Sauvignon Blanc smells like liquid honey, with beeswax and concentrated apple syrup as supporting aromas. It's viscous with decent grip on the palate, offering flavors of crushed apples, lemon syrup and a lime freshness, with lots of length.
Named after the owner's daughter, this fairly priced wine offers steely aromas that are rounded by lime, honeysuckle, kiwi and apple flesh. It's sleek and minerally on the palate, with baking soda and lime flavors, as well as a bit of struck match smokiness.
Done in a medium-dry style, this shows petrol, lime pith, lime blossoms and wet cement on the nose. The palate is rich with squeezed lemon juice, shaved citrus ice, ripe pears and a stony grip that holds it all together.
Black-fruit aromas are accented by notes of licorice, green herbs and grass. This is full and chunky, but a bit hollow in mouthfeel. Pronounced tartaric acidity results in surface-level pop along with hollowness, while lactic oak and coconut flavors on the finish are familiar for Argentine Cabernet.
This blend of Garnacha, Marsellan and Syrah opens with a dark, inky, smoky nose that's full of lemony oak along with black-fruit aromas. It's hard as nails on the palate, with drilling tannins. Rubbery, herbal blackberry flavors end with burnt toast, rubbery accents and a briny aftertaste. Best from 2017–2022.
Juicy, nearly sweet-smelling aromas of blackberry pie introduce this wine by master sommelier Paolo Barbieri, who moved from Las Vegas to become a winemaker in the Santa Ynez Valley a few years ago. The flavors are streamlined and fruit-forward with dark purple and red berries, as well as root beer and cola notes.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this straw colored Metodo Classico opens with subdued aromas of nut and a whiff of bread crust. The palate is more expressive, offering white peach, citrus zest and pastry notes alongside a creamy mousse. An almond note closes the finish.
Creamy and fresh, this opens with aromas of pressed yellow flowers, dried orchard fruit, toast and pastry. The foaming palate doles out ripe apple, butterscotch, pastry cream and toasted walnut alongside a soft mousse.
With ripe fruits and balanced tannins, this wine is developing well. It has generous berry flavors, ripe black currants and refreshing acidity. The tannins are still prominent and need to soften. Drink from late 2016.
The odd name (misspelled on the front label, correct on the back) means beyond the beyond. It's a lightly buttery, nutty take on a relatively simple, yet tasty Chardonnay, with mixed apple, tangerine and honeydew fruits.
Fully ripe, this opens with scents of hibiscus tea, mixed berry, plum and black cherry. The fruit flavors are bold and intense, right on the border of showing some prune character. Streaks of balsamic, tobacco and black olive make it a real potpourri. Drink up now through 2018.
Dark, ripe, tarry aromas announce a macho Malbec. This is jammy and pulpy in texture, with more than enough extraction. Herbal, woodsy black-fruit flavors are supported by an oaky, resiny finish with black-pepper spice notes. Drink through 2018.
A spicy oak aroma, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors and a brisk, slightly tannic texture make this wine quite appetizing. While medium bodied, it has plenty of flavor impact as well as an enticing mouthfeel.
Smooth and supple, this mix of Syrah, Cab Franc, Merlot and Malbec offers generous mixed berry fruit in a fresh, enjoyable style. What's missing is a sense of focus, rather than just blending of four disparate grapes.
Fully ripe, almost stewy aromas of raisin, prune and blackberry are soft and friendly. That's more or less the theme with this wine; the palate is cushioned and dense, while a loamy set of jammy berry and chocolate flavors finish with raisiny sweetness and a licorice note.
This playful, drink-now blend of 64% Counoise and 36% Cinsault is great for those seeking to try lesser known Rhône varieties. Rose petals, plum blossoms, hibiscus and gamy notes entertain the nose. Anise seeds power the tip of the palate before red fruits and purple flowers play into a quick, easy finish.
Asian spices, plum jelly and milk chocolate flavors combine in this solid effort, which lacks only a bit more midpalate weight to really excel. As it stands, it is a tasty wine with a slight dip between start and finish.
Beeswax, acacia and aromas of pressed yellow flower are front and center on this lively wine while the vibrant palate offer yellow peach, crisp apple and toasted almond. It's lively and balanced, with a fresh finish.
This structured white opens with enticing scents of citrus and orchard fruit. The vibrant, full-bodied palate delivers lime, grapefruit and yellow peach accompanied by lively acidity. A mineral note signals the finish.
Classic varietal aromas of tomato leaf, hay and passion fruit lead the nose on this fragrant white. The elegantly structured palate offers grapefruit, white peach and mineral alongside crisp acidity.
Nicely concentrated aromas of black currants meet tobacco, bell pepper and pencil lead on the nose. There's great verve and tenison on the medium-bodied palate, with tart blackberries against a backdrop of graphite and cocoa dust.
This bottling is dark and dense on the nose with black cherry, dried blueberry and espresso notes that balance the strong minerality of iron and volcanic rocks. It's quite lively on the sip, with tart blackberry juice and touches of tar.
This is a whopper of a wine, thanks to the high alcohol and long aging, with aromas of caramelized blueberries, black-cherry syrup and concentrated lilacs. The palate is thick with fudge and blackberry-jam flavors, with a decent energy cutting through the brooding tar and pipesmoke character.
This is a reliable bottling for lovers of Barossa Shiraz who don't want to drop more than a Jackson. It's full bodied and plush, with layers of blackberry fruit and vanilla oak, yet remains vibrant on the mocha-tinged finish. Drink now–2020.
This blend of 50% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc shows cocoa dust, leather, beef jerky, dried blueberries and boysenberries on the nose. The palate is dense with tarry fruit notes, offering dark elderberries and smoked beef flavors.
Delicate but enticing scents of apple, citrus peel and Alpine herb lift out of the glass. The linear, elegant palate shows Kaiser pear, pineapple and a note of flinty mineral accompanied by lively acidity.
An impressive effort for this cool, wet vintage, it opens with aromas of green apple, citrus and tropical fruit. The aromas follow through to the lively palate along with a mineral note while racy acidity leaves a clean, tangy finish.
Labeled as a regional wine rather than as a Douro wine because of the Syrah in the blend, this is still a wine from the Noval estate. Dark in color and still showing firm tannins, this second wine of Noval is made to develop relatively quickly and is ready to drink now. Ripe blackberry flavors are already evident, followed by juicy acidity and some spice tannins.
Rather perfumed, lifted notes of honeysuckle and the full force of lemon-drizzled honeydew melon make for a striking opening. The palate is bright and brings ample fruit: citrus-tempered apple, plums, apricots and peaches. This is joyous in its exuberance, even without much complexity. Drink soon.
An excellent wine for those seeking a snappy, tart take on Rhône grapes, this blend of 90% Syrah, 9% Grenache and 1% Riesling shows dried strawberries, plum and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is tart with plum skin, asphalt and black rocks, a very intriguing style though not for those seeking a hearty Syrah.
Pressed blueberry, black pepper and pencil lead show on this nose of this 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah blend by former football pro Terry Hoage, who recently renamed his brand. The palate on this juicy yet spicy bottling offers smoked meats and beef-jerky flavors with tar, black pepper and tangy boysenberry.
Wiry raspberry and plum aromas put this in the red-fruit category. A loud, tannic, expansive palate blazes with acidity, while fully toasted oak gives this a burnt element to match raspberry and red-plum flavors. Hard tannins and bold acidity make for a long, rugged finish.
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, vanilla and anise. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and violet roll on the tongue amidst almost chewy tannins that are kept in check by bright acidity. There is a strong note of cranberry on the finish and a touch of chocolate on the post-palate.
There's a layered complexity to this interesting blend of 47% Viognier, 32% Chenin Blanc, 18% Roussanne and 3% Grenache Blanc, with a beautiful interplay between the fruity notes of citrus peel, tart melon, green apple and plum and the earthy tones of fynbos, almond skin and sweet baking spice. The plush texture is countered by ample acidity, leading into a clean finish that's laced with toasty accents. Drink now–2018.
Fragrant and linear, this has delicate scents of white spring flower and green apple while the bright palate offers white peach, pear and lemon peel. A light mineral note adds interest while zesty acidity gives it a tangy finish.
Very aromatic, gentle, almost floral notes of Cox's Orange Pippin appear with the first whiff. They get their full due on the off-dry palate which boosts the fruit flavors and paints them in a golden light. There is grip and backbone and ample fruit. Drink while the fruit is at its height: 2016–2018. Finishes off dry.
There is an almost tropical touch to the apple and lemon fruit: this is almost like vanilla-spiced apple tart with lemon zest. Very appetizing with that unusual vanilla-edge and more of that tropical lychee. Overall, this is balanced and very fruit-driven.
Lightly perfumed with hawthorn flower and orchard fruit aromas, this linear white offers flavors of green apple, lime and tangerine zest. Crisp acidity supports the palate while a mineral note closes the tangy finish.
Ripe blackberry and cola aromas comes across as foresty and nice as a whole. This saturated, dense Malbec shows brutish, choppy tannins along with flavors of blackberry, exotic spices and fig. The finish remains rough and turns hot. Drink through 2021.
Savory wisps of smoke and dusty minerals juxtapose exuberantly juicy, sweet yellow peach and nectarine flavors in this crystalline kabinett. Just off-dry on the palate, its refreshing, high-spirited style makes it an excellent apéritif.
Notes of Turkish delight and peach immediately signal opulence. The palate follows up with distinct sweetness that underlines the rich rose and peach flavors even more. There is an edge of freshness, but only just. Yet the palate is intense and pervaded by peach. Whether this is about intensity or sweetness will depend entirely on the food it is paired with.
Big, bold and unreservedly stemmy, this Carmenère pulls in enough black-cherry fruit to balance out the herbs. The assertive tannins carry notes of earth, dried leaf and dark chocolate.
A standout in the portfolio, this is a sleek, strong effort with tart purple fruits and mineral underpinnings. There's an ample whiff of smoke and a general earthiness around the tannins, with a hint of iron ore. The chalky finish is the only distraction.
Dusty mineral and pollen notes lend savory complexity to sunny tangerine and honey on the palate of this kabinett. It's not a deeply penetrating wine but delicate tangerine sweetness and zippy acidity feel vital and fresh. Drink now.
Reductive oak betrays this wine's light-bodied take on the appellation. Its waxy green apple flavor and bright acidity are deftly wrapped in toastiness.
This stiffens up with streaks of stem and herb, underscoring compact blueberry and blue-plum fruits. It's an eight vineyard mix, aged in 20% new French oak.
This is still pretty stiff and tight through the midpalate, with fruit ranging from cranberry to raspberry and sour cherry. Tannins leave a slightly green impression; the wine doesn't seem ripe and full flavored. Some extra bottle age might improve it. Drink 2020 to 2024.
This opens with aromas of toasted oak, citrus peel and a whiff of chopped dill. The aromas carry over to the round full-bodied palate along with yellow apple and a hint of ginger while a saline note lifts the close.
Roasted plum and tomato aromas are spicy but hard and gritty. That also describes the mouthfeel on this narrow, linear Malbec with beaming acidity. Plum and berry flavors finish direct, with no interference from heavy oak.
Bold and very ripe in flavor, but also soft in texture, this wine is packed with blackberry, boysenberry and fig notes. It seems slightly sweet on the palate and finishes with a jammy touch. While full-bodied, it's smooth and easy to sip.
Complex blackberry, black plum, white pepper, wet slate and sagebrush aromas lead into a palate of dried berry, gravel and tar flavors. Its bountiful fruit character is offset by a background of dried oregano and thyme notes.
Aromas of animal hide and latex are savory more than fruity. This feels overdone and soupy on the palate, with sticky tannins. Candied, baked flavors of plum, blackberry and black currant are spicy in flavor but syrupy in feel on the finish.
Expansive, long and tannic, this wine is robust and powerfully concentrated, the flavors a mixture of tart cranberry, raspberry and black tea.
From elegant white producer Paul Cluver, this wine starts with a beautiful nose of fragrant peach, honey and apricot, then unfolds into an enticing balance of lush peach, pineapple and apricot flavors. Elegant but fresh, the complex flavors mingle perfectly with a bright, zinging acidity. The lingering finish offers a touch of orange peel and dried apricot. Delicate but full of character.
Smoky spice and dried herbs on the nose are followed by flavors of rustic spice and red fruit on the palate. Vibrant fruit and muscular tannins are integrated by a clean minerality. The wine has native character but will please many palates with its dimension.
This delicious rosé is a combination of sweet strawberry and a touch of lemon crispness on the nose and the palate. Its light, elegant character is supported by a dancing acidity and a balance of ripe berry flavors and minerality. A great food pairing choice or stellar solo sip.
The richness of the aroma belies the elegance of this outstanding Pinot Noir. Tightly woven scents of sweet herb, tobacco, clove, forest floor fungus and spicy red fruits provide an introduction to a wine that can only be called svelte. It's as smooth as silk in the mouth, loaded with flavor and polished to a warm glow, which is exactly what it leaves you with after just one sip.
An elegant Rioja made in a more traditional style. The nose is a little baked and raisiny, with additional aromas of caramel and leather. The palate is where this wine shines: the feel is elegant and smooth, while the cherry and raspberry flavors are subtle and a little bit tangy. Mature and sexy stuff; more classic than modern, but not 100% old-school.
A ripe, crisp, yellow- and white-fruit-flavored wine. It shows taut minerality, the flintiness you find in Chablis. The structure is dominant in what is still a young wine, but the fruit is all there. Worth aging for a year.
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Limnio, this is a Bordeaux-like blend offering aromas of clove, mint and blueberry, and black fruit flavors. An elegant and integrated balance of fruit, wooded spice and acid gives the medium-bodied sip ageability. Paired with game or more complex red meat dishes, this blend is a classy alternative from an exotic locale.
Questionable value at $70, but this is very good and rather unique white Rioja. Remelluri uses a multitude of common and unheard-of grapes, and they hit it with a lot of oak. Still, amid the oily richness there's balance, acidity and excellent layering of grass, spice, apple, banana and lemon flavors. Big at 14.5%, but it will go really well with baked fish or lobster.
A full, fleshy, lushly fruited Pinot Noir, streaked with espresso and caramel from barrel aging. The fruit and overall structure are up to the challenge of the wood; lots of black cherry and even hints of cassis running through the core. A finish with some noticeable heat supports the 15.4% alcohol reading, but it's a tasty bottle of wine.
Sandeman's single quinta vintage is based around Quinta do Vau. Made in a deliberately fruity style, it is full of blackberry fruit jam flavors, with fleshy plums. The tannins are low-key, just showing through as a core of dryness. This is not a long-term aging vintage—best in 5–10 years.
Thea's Selection is Lemelson's “measuring stick” Pinot Noir, as it is a blend of blocks from the different estate vineyards. This elegant release emphasizes aromas of pungent herbs, lifted with hints of rose petal and briary berry. In the mouth there is a lively, sappy, fruit-centric focus, showing concentrated raspberry (framboise) flavors. In short, a thoroughly delicious bottle that makes the case for blends over most single-vineyard offerings in Oregon.
While the majority of the grapes for this wine are from Napa, small additions come from Lake, Sonoma and Solano counties. It holds a healthy dose of Merlot too. Simple in richness and ripeness, its flavors highlight bacon and charred oak, the tannins dusty and firm.
Inspired by Sancerre, but with grapes from other parts of the Loire, this soft, herbal and green-fruit flavored wine is refreshing and lightly textured. Drink now.
Soupy raisiny aromas are hefty but lack precision. The palate mostly follows the nose, meaning this tastes of prune and raisin, with a hint of mocha. A thick chunky raisiny finish offers no surprises.
Bright aromas of melon, pear and herb lead to tart dry fruit flavors. The concentration comes off as quite light.
This self-described “soft” Cabernet is light and low in alcohol. Aromas of herbal berry fruits precede a round plump palate with jammy plum and currant flavors. While quaffable and a touch sweet, this bears little resemblance to what most people expect from Cab Sauvignon.
Gritty berry and bacon aromas are forceful. Matching the nose, the palate feels raw and rubbery. Astringent tannins dry out plum and currant flavors. This Malbec-led blend is punchy, herbal and roasted tasting on the finish.
Leathery aromas of dried, sour blueberries show on the nose of this bottling. That sour-berry component extends to the palate, where tar, dried tobacco and more leather make for a somewhat tired sip.
This simple light-bodied red offers delicate whiffs of tart sour cherry and a whisper of clove. The delicate aromas are also found on the diluted palate alongside firm acidity and fleeting tannins.
Light aromas of pineapple and other tropical fruit are accented by herb, floral and citrus flavors. The concentration is very light.
This opens with aromas of underbrush, toasted nut and grilled herb. The extremely simple, abrupt palate offers suggestions of sour cherry and orange zest alongside brisk acidity.
Wiry cherry and berry aromas are a bit medicinal and soapy. This is named after the grape, region and town, all called Cariñena. It's a pinched wine with raw rubbery tannins and salty flavors of plum and berry fruits. A crisp tough finish is the close.
The producer is following the Provence fashion and packaging its range of Pure Loire in square bottles. This rosé is dry with red fruit and spice from the Cabernet Franc in the blend. Tangy and crisp, it is ready to drink,
Despite showing somewhat volatile berry aromas, this is more than solid as a whole. Wiry angularity on the palate is offset by fleshy berry fruit, while flavors of plum, blackberry and salt are a touch grassy in front of a superficial finish that's slightly hot.
The aromas of herb, citrus and melon rind are light. The palate drinks dry, with the concentration seeming a bit lacking.
Intense aromas of incense and exotic spice abound in this bold, rather oaky Chardonnay. Apple jelly and pressed pear notes are pleasantly ripe on the palate but seem overwhelmed by tones of earthy tones of wood chip and dust.
Toasted hazelnuts, lime zest and broad peach notes show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is relatively flat and easy with yellow apples and a tang of lemongrass with a buttered finish.
This is a light wine—fruity and with a soft texture. It has citrus and creamed pear flavors that are balanced with acidity. It's a wine to be drunk now while its fruitiness is still at its peak.
This is a crisp and fruity wine that has fine acidity and a tangy orange-zest texture. The wine is full of green plums and with a salty, bright aftertaste. Drink now.
Green herb, dried tobacco and vanilla aromas are followed by light, easygoing fruit flavors. It comes off as quite green.
Named after the parcel from which this wine originally came, it is delicate and soft. The apple and citrus fruit is light, cut easily with some acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
Pale pink in the glass, this sparkling rosé (which is made from Muscat) has aromas of lavender, red cherry and dried rose petals. There are flavors of sweet raspberry and cantaloupe that are topped off with a delicately sweet finish.
Petit Chablis comes from the plateau above the main Chablis vineyards. As here, it offers a light fruity style with only the lightest minerality and much more in the way of apple and citrus flavors. Drink the wine from early 2017.
Bell-pepper scents are cut by cracked pepper and blackberry on the nose of this bottling. The mouthfeel is soft, with black cherry and plum-juice flavors enhanced by peppery spices.
Medium-straw colored in the glass, this wine has aromas of lemon and Mediterranean herbs. Flavors of green apple, toast, and rose petal are not totally unified, and the slightly stiff finish is lifted by a short tart apple burst.
Attractive crisp citrus and pear fruits mark out this creamy wine. It is light, fruity and lightly salty at the end, a great seafood partner. Drink now.
Mulchy, leafy aromas lead to a pinchy palate with salty, hard berry flavors that lack cushion. This is a rough wine with saltiness and bitterness on the finish.
This is dark but somewhat green on the nose, with currant, raspberry, beet and green herb aromas. The palate feels tight to the point of abrasive, with herbal plum flavors. A minty, forceful finish registers as hard and tannic.
This is fairly hard and fiery on the nose. The palate is tough and the wine smacks around rather than flows easily. With only modest acidity, it's not that lively.
This is a leathery, stalky type of Malbec with fierce acidity and a pinched mouthfeel. Try as you might to find richness and heft, this is going to come across acidic and narrow, with herbal flavors and a finish that tastes like tomato and sour plum. For Argentine Malbec at this price point, this needs help.
Earthy aromas lead to a wine that has some greenness, with dry tannins and bell pepper flavors. It is not likely to age.
This is yet another plump, sweaty smelling Sauvignon Blanc from this producer. This vintage is fat in the mouth but kept alive by adequate young acidity. Salty, briny flavors of citrus, particularly grapefruit, end in similar briny fashion.
This is so heavy it's nearly a solid and not a liquid. Maximum ripeness is on display at all check points, especially the palate, which is syrupy, raisiny and viscous on the finish. This is as rich and ripe as it gets, like spineless Port. Tasted twice with inconsistencies; this review more greatly reflects the better bottle.
Fiery, punchy aromas of red berries and herbaceous plants make for a rough start. Flavors of leafy red raspberry and plum are typical for basic Merlot, while the finish is juicy in feel, with herbal, leafy, lightly cooked flavors.
Stalky, slightly green aromas blend with generic berry scents to form a marginal bouquet. This is tannic and rough on the palate, with buttery oak flavors along with candied berry fruit notes.
Made with 100% Sangiovese, this stunning but reserved wine opens with multifaceted aromas of underbrush, violet, black berries and just a whiff of leather. The delicious, structured palate delivers vibrant black cherry and ripe raspberry alongside notes of black pepper and grilled rosemary. It's impeccably balanced by fresh acidity and a tannic backbone. It's still young so give this time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2022.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this structured wine opens with fruit and spice aromas of blackberry, raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside hints of leather and tar. The juicy palate delivers a core of vibrant black cherry accented with white pepper and cinnamon-spice. Bracing but refined tannins carry through to the long finish. Give this time to fully develop complexity. Drink 2015–2022.
A powerful, concentrated wine, it has great density and structure. It shows the quality of the vintage, rich and fruity while preserving the elegance and poise that is typical of Chryseia. The result of a partnership between the Symington family and Bruno Prats from Bordeaux, it has a smooth, ripe, black fruit character underpinned by firm tannins. It needs several years to age, so drink from 2017.
A dark and powerfully rich wine from one of the top quintas in the Douro. It shows great concentration from the old vines. With its weight, dark fruits and dense tannins, it needs to age in order to bring out the solid wood and black, brooding character of the wine. Don't drink before 2017.
An astonishing Pinot Gris, certainly among the best ever made in Oregon, this rich, luscious, mouthcoating wine is totally irresistible. Chardonnay-like unctuousness, ripe pear and apple fruit, plus hints of honey, butter and spice make it practically a meal in itself.
This is Ferreira's top vineyard that also produces the legendary Barca Velha in the best years. This rich, spicy, solid wine has excellent structure, ripe tannins and juicy black fruits. Even more, it has a sense of restrained power, the dark texture veiled in a smoother exterior. It's for aging, drink from 2018.
The Château-Chalon appellation can only make vin jaune and this exceptional example shows why this type of wine is unique. Balanced acids and fragrant fruitiness underpin the yeast, almond flavors and freshness. It is ready to drink in all its glory but will age for many, many years.
Here's an outstanding Chianti Classico made from 80% Sangiovese, 10% Pugnitello and 10% Colorino that opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, leather, violet, dark spices and red berries. The structured palate delivers rich black cherry, black pepper, clove and balsamic herbs alongside bracing yet refined tannins. It still shows some youthful aggression, so give it time to soften and develop complexity. Drink 2015–2025.
Always one of Yalumba's top offerings, the 2008 doesn't show any of the vintage's ill effects. Instead, this blend of Cabernet (56%) and Shiraz (44%) offers a rich, open-knit mouthful of chocomint and dark plum, underscored by savory, meaty notes. This is full bodied and supple, yet muscular, with at least a decade of cellaring potential.
Perfumed and strikingly floral, this soft, seductive Pinot is light in color and body, with handsome layerings of strawberry fruit, Asian spice and suggestions of just-unearthed mushrooms or a newly minted Christmas wreath. On the finish, a touch of vanilla-tinged oak rounds things out.
Spicy saffron and pollen notes add a savory warmth to sweet honey and lemon aromas on this gorgeously complex auslese. It's gingerly and bright on the palate, with tangerine acidity that highlights flavors of sweet peach preserves and jasmine tea. The finish lingers on and on and on.
Dried orange rind and saffron notes lend a spicy, exotic flair to sweet, silky honey and marmalade flavors on this beautifully concentrated Riesling. It's delicate in frame, yet intensely penetrating on the palate, with streaks of orange acidity and a bristling tea-leaf astringency that adds complexity to the finish.
Assobio is from a single vineyard in the Quinta dos Murças estate. A powerful, structured expression of Douro wine, it has black fruits, dark tannins, some subtle layers of wood aging and great concentration. Dark and richly fruity, it needs to mature before drinking. Wait until 2017.
Subtle toast and roasted cashew notes accent a wonderfully harmonious blend of stone fruit and citrus in this perennial favorite. It's medium to full in body and round without being fat or soft, long on the finish without being overly shrill or crisp. And it has a track record for aging well for up to 10 years or more.
Restrained and elegant, this deeply flavored Pinot Noir takes a masculine turn with threads of iron filings, earth and herb. The blueberry and plum fruit flavors are set against drying tannins. As with all Archery Summit Pinots, the length and balance are outstanding.
Bold in alcohol, with a dry, intensely textured palate, this Riesling is rich and ripe, with notes of honeysuckle, peach and even a hint of berry. It carries its girth well, with a zippy streak of lemon acidity that cuts through all the ripeness, leading to a long, subtly mineral finish.
Silex is a flint and sand soil that suits Sauvignon Blanc well. This wine, with tight, nervy texture and crisp lemon character, is still fresh, full of primary citrus and gooseberry flavors. It needs until 2015 to fully integrate and show rich concentration.
The near-vertical slope of the Monts Damnés produces wines that have great elegance, style and impressive richness. This 2011 is still young, needing another year to start to bring out all the complex texture and aromatics. Drink until 2020.
This opulent Chianti Classico opens with aromas of violets, black berries, meat juices and spice. The delicious palate delivers concentrated black cherry layered with white pepper, cinnamon, clove and balsamic herbs. It's soft and round but at the same time it boasts alluring intensity.
There is a great, juicy feel to this otherwise serious and firm wine. Black fruit flavors push through the structure, offering richness as well as power. The acidity, layers of toast and an impressively fresh feel all come through strongly. It needs aging; drink from 2017.
Powerful and concentrated, this Shiraz is seemingly imbued with the essence of dark fruit, framed by well-managed oak. Cedar, mint and cassis notes are a bit Cabernet-like, but the structure is pure Shiraz, broader and suppler than Cabernet, with a rich texture and a long finish. Drink now–2025.
High toned and grapy when first opened, this opens up nicely with decanting. Pretty raspberry and light cherry fruit are enhanced with aromas of fresh-cut tobacco and just-picked herbs. The length and detail are impressive.
This shows a darker shade than most young whites, almost a burnished gold. Soft and complex, with ripe, slightly confected fruit flavors, it's super smooth, with honeysuckle highlights around waxy stone fruits. Excellent length.
This is finely proportioned, with intense fruit flavors laced with spice, acidity and a mineral texture. Made using grapes from a single vineyard, it is concentrated, with a depth of intense flavor. For aging over 3–4 years. Screwcap.
While this is rich, it is also balanced and elegant. This is an impressive, ageworthy wine, with a perfumed, spicy character. It has white fruit and peach flavors and taut acidity. Screwcap.
This five-grape blend is harmonious, with aromas of sweet spice, ripe berry, cherry, licorice and mineral. It's racy, deep and powerful, with dark berry, black plum and oaky, spicy flavors. It's long, elegant and potent on the finish. Drink through 2018.
This is perfumed with crisp apple and light spice aromas. It's a delicate yet concentrated wine, with acidity that's tempered with pepper and a fresh finish. Screwcap.
While the wine is technically dry, its richness gives it a sweeter sensation. The ripe apricot and pineapple fruit is cut with knife-like acidity, allowing this concentrated wine to remain poised, with a crisp finish.
This is a smooth, wood-aged wine that's full of berry fruits and rich tannins. The wine is dark and concentrated, with a medicinal hint and a juicy element to go with the powerful structure. This should age for 4–5 years and more. Screwcap.
This is a vibrantly rich wine that is brimming with delicious red fruit notes and bright acidity. Full and concentrated, it has weight without being heavy. It is a finely made wine, with a crisp finish.
This is a rich and smooth yet mineral-textured wine. It has weight, but it's balanced with intense acidity, a tight texture, and pink grapefruit and mandarin fruit. This needs to age for several years. Screwcap.
At this stage, the wine shows its wood aging. But with the rich black-currant flavor, the oak will eventually integrate to make a serious, dark-fruited wine. It's textured, dry and concentrated. This will need aging over five years. Glass stopper.
Irresistible from the get-go, this fragrant wine offers up inviting aromas of citrus, stone and exotic tropical fruits. Flavors of ripe peaches, brightened with vivid acidity, keep it in perfect balance. The 1.4% residual sugar is barely noticeable; the finish lingers gracefully and refreshes the palate, inviting the next sip.
This seemingly forward Hermitage boasts bold notes of lime, pineapple and melon, wrapped in a soft blanket of toastiness and restrained oak. It's round in the mouth and ample in body, with a long finish faintly suggestive of coffee. Drink now.
Lush, composed and fresh on the bouquet, with blackberry and perfect prune aromas. This is mouthfilling and smooth, with a firm, flush tannic structure and flavors of coconut, lemon rind, herbal black fruit and red berry. It's long and supple late, and it's arguably one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons you'll find from Spain and Navarra.
This wine is gorgeous, with flavors of hazelnut, pear and ripe green apple. It's crisp, balanced and perfectly sweetened. Mixed with vodka and fresh fruit juices, it also makes a fine cocktail.
This is a taut, terroir-driven Riesling. It is textured with both minerality and tense, racy fruitiness. With its perfumed background, this is a wine for aging. Screwcap.
This is rich and concentrated. It has weight, with the ripe white-peach fruit giving a smooth edge to the otherwise taut, mineral acidity. Age over 3–4 years. Glass stopper.
Beautifully smooth, this ripe wine contrasts its rich peach and pineapple flavors with a squeezed lime note and taut acidity. With its intensely-fruity finish, this is a wine for aging.
Tropical aromas of melon and mango make for a good start. This varietal white rings with bright acidity but tastes a touch pithy and bitter, like barely ripe nectarine with the pit. An orange-like citrus flavor takes over on the finish.
Hints of milk chocolate and spice accent this sumptuously rich, silky wine. Ripe black cherry and berry flavors are approachably juicy and fruity, fringed by soft, feathery tannins.
Toast, spice, lees and baked-apple aromas are followed by medium-bodied flavors that show restraint.
Made from 70% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah and 3% Alicante Bouschet, this is bocce-court wine, a nod to Sonoma County's vinous heritage that opens in forested notes and dried plum, blueberry and a hint of pine. Plush and full bodied, it holds on to its tannins without completely giving in to them.
This opens with aromas of cherry marinated in spirits, coffee and a balsamic note that carry over to the tightly wound palate along with licorice and sage. Bracing tannins give it an astringent finish.
Generous barrel aromas of vanilla and wood spice are followed full-bodied, no-holds-barred fruit and vanilla flavors. There are good things going on but the wood steals the show.
The wine is crisp, tight, full of attractive acidity and citrus flavors. There is a mineral element to the wine that gives the texture a fine bite. It is fruity, bright with acidity and ready to drink.
An attractive, fruity wine that is soft and smooth. It does have a crisp edge although the wine is also full of yellow fruits, ripe apricot and melon. The wine is ready to drink.
This aromatic wine has floral, grapefruity aromas, generous citrus flavors, light body, a dry profile and a slightly soft, smooth texture.
This soft, ripe wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. With black-currant fruit and bright acidity, the wine is fruity and ready to drink.
White blossoms and fresh green herbs perfume this full-bodied wine. Dry in style and refreshingly tart, it finishes briskly with a bit of floral flair.
Brisk and bright, this bottling showcases a more cutting expression of Merlot. Crisp black cherry and plum flavors are accented by bramble and a touch of sage. The finish lingers long, fringed by fine, firm tannins.
Ripe honeydew melon and grapefruit flavors are edged with lime acidity in this sunny, dry wine. It's refreshing and crisp, with a hint of dusty mineral on the finish.
Aromas of blue fruit and herbs lead to a plentiful, full-flavored palate that brings a lot of appeal. The tannins bring some grit.
This heavily oaked Garnacha smells largely of campfire and char. A drawing, chunky palate is bold and deep, with flavors of hickory, char and blackberry. With such forceful oak, this finishes woody, meaty and with pushy flavors of clove and mint.
Lightly volatile aromas are followed by cranberry, cherry and herb flavors that show intensity and freshness.
Earthy cherry aromas are oaky, with notes of raisin and compost. This feels round and rugged, with hard tannins that create a scraping mouthfeel. Herbal plum and chocolate flavors finish savory, with chewy, rough tannins carrying on until the end point.
The aromas of green herb and dark berries give the perception of being underripe, with a green undertone along with notes of black licorice. The palate is elegant in style, pulling up toward the finish.
This wine is equal parts Walla Walla Valley Viognier and Yakima Valley Roussanne. Aromas of lees, almond and apricot are followed by elegantly styled flavors that linger.
A blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio, this medium-bodied red has aromas of wild berry, mocha, cake spice and a whiff of toast. The straightforward, easygoing palate offers wild cherry and star anise alongside fine-grained, rather fleeting tannins. Drink through 2018.
This is an incredibly young wine with its spice and red-berry fruits right up there and still almost just fruit juice. That means that it has the potential to be an attractive, easy, spicy wine and will need to age. It will be best from 2017.
There is a lightly toasty character in this wine that gives it a round, full texture. Spice goes along with the green and white-fruit flavors to make an intensely fruity wine that hints at a New World style. Drink now. This is one of 15 Bordeaux chateaus by Crus and Domaines de France.
With vineyards located in the far southeast of the Bordeaux appellation, this wine is very crisp and clean, this is a fruity wine, packed with green plum, citrus and sliced apple flavors. It is ready to drink now with its bright acidity and lightly perfumed aftertaste.
This is an attractive blend that includes a good proportion of ripe Sémillon and perfumed Muscadelle. They soften and deliciously fill out the herbal edge of the wine. That gives it a rich feel, full and fruity with a fragrant aftertaste. Drink now.
Pressed apple and pear notes are accented by hints of cinnamon and clove in this fresh, approachable wine. It's ripe and rounded but balanced by a kick of lemon-lime acidity that lingers through the finish.
Hints of sweet pastry introduce this bright, summery Merlot sparkling. Fun and fizzy, it fills the palate with rich, creamy mousse and sweet-tart strawberry-yogurt flavor.
Light and dainty aromas of sliced blood orange, Anjou-pear skins, dried apples and pears, and a slate-driven minerality show on the nose of this wine. It's also light on the palate, but there is a decent amount of grip and acidic texture. It's somewhat simple yet easy to quaff.
The wine is textured and tight with crisp acidity as well as red-currant flavors. It's a bone-dry wine, very dry and lively and with a strongly mineral aftertaste. Drink this refreshing wine with food.
This is still rather closed, but eventually reveals aromas suggesting red berry, clove and a balsamic note that carry over to the bracing palate along with raspberry extract. It's tightly tannic, with an Amaretto-like finish.
A clean and easy style of Chardonnay with peach and melon aromas followed by a melony palate with nectarine and a touch of sweetness. It flattens out and loses intensity on the finish, but overall it's totally drinkable and solid.
Big, bulky and granular, with high alcohol and saucy, raisiny aromas. The palate and flavors find a comfortable resting spot, and the wine's baked berry and brown sugar flavors are solid if a little forced and sweet. A rich wine that needs to be drunk soon.
Candied, tutti-frutti aromas give this a sweet, somewhat faux bouquet with little concentration. But the palate is chewy and grabby enough, with solid but modest raspberry and red plum flavors. Mellow on the finish, with a decent feel. Good but not distinguished. Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Snappy red fruit aromas endow this Cab with approachability, while the palate is clean, tasty and a little lean, with spicy, piquant raspberry flavors. Dry and peppery on the finish, but honest and clean throughout. Average wine; good value.
Opens in a soft, dusty, melony way, with cider-like flavors, melon and dryness as opposed to chiseled zest. Satisfying but on the bland side, with cider on the finish. Good for casual consumption but unexciting.
Generic berry aromas with a hint of tomato and bramble set this off as a different breed, which it is, considering it's 78% Tannat. The palate has biting tannings and toughness, while the flavors of raspberry and strawberry are snappy. Finishes strange, with pronounced butter and foxiness. Has its positives and negatives.
A dark color along with blackberry and prune aromas give this fortitude. The palate is young, rubbery and acidic, with big tannins holding up dark fruit flavors that bring a hint of chocolate. Olive and herbal notes on the finish are true to the grape type.
Sharp, tart berry flavors come in cleanly, but the wine hits a chalky wall midpalate and refuses to open up. Re-tasted after 24 hours, it hadn't budged.
The blend includes 18% Syrah, which helps to emphasize the spice and sweet fruit flavors. But in the back, this is a stiff and fairly tannic wine, with a disconnect between the strawberry fruit and the slightly stemmy, herbal finish.
Irancy produces lightweight Pinot Noir, emphasizing the freshest raspberry flavors, allied to soft, dry tannins. There is a smoky element here that is attractive. The finish, with its acidity, shows the crispness of this northern production area.
Clean and basic, with peach, buttercup and floral aromas. The palate is round, simple, fresh and not too acidic, with melony flavors and a soft, easygoing, monotone finish. Generic but perfectly adequate Torrontés; drink now.
Tasting light, almost dilute, this is a pleasant wine with white fruit flavors and a light textured acidity. The flavors come slowly and the final acidity is only fleeting.
It's labeled as Syrah, but this wine contains 10% Grenache and 3% Viognier as well, which both serve to plump up the midpalate and lighten the aromatics. Thyme, bayleaf and cherry notes highlight the nose, while the palate is weighty and softly tannic, with a long, silky finish. Drink now–2022.
Floral, exotic blueberry aromas come with baking-spice notes. A palate lifted by integrated acidity offers layered blueberry, cardamom and chocolate flavors. The full spicy blue-fruit finish is warm and lasting. If you know Achaval-Ferrer's wines, this will be familiar and fitting.
Toasted hazelnut, Honeycomb cereal, apple pie and orange cream lead the powerful nose of this decadent Chenin. The medium-weight palate is lush and smooth in texture, with ample acidity to counter the ripe baked apple and honeydew fruit. Toasted, buttered nuts and sweet spice flavors abound on the finish. Drink now.
Crisp and stony, this lovely wine is medium-bodied and balanced, with green apple fruit, Asian spice and a voluptuous texture and finish.
This opens with pleasant aromas of lightly grilled apple, orange blossom, brioche and just-toasted hazelnut. It showcases a nice balance between rich flavors and countering vibrancy, with ample acidity to lift the decadent flavors and lend refreshment to the finish. Drink now–2019.
Plump and inviting black cherry fruit melds with char, soy and purple flower aromas on the nose of this atypical blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Franc and 31% Merlot. The wine is cohesive on the palate, with persistent tannins and smoke, coffee, red fruit and dried herb flavors.
Red berry, baking spice and leather aromas meld together along with a whiff of aromatic herb. The already accessible palate offers dried cherry, tobacco, smoke and a salty note of cured meat framed in seasoned tannins. Drink through 2021.
A touch of honey sweetness accents zesty pineapple and lemon flavors in this harmoniously off-dry Riesling. Concentrated and juicy yet pert with acidity, it refreshes with ease and elegance. Drink now through 2021.
This robust concentrated red is made from an unusual field blend of Sereksiya Charni and Saperavi, two grape varieties more known in Eastern Europe than the United States. It's lush in black-cherry flavor, accented with chocolate, black pepper, vanilla and spice, but also densely tannic and searing in acidity. While unwieldy in its youth, it's a wine that consistently shows excellence with maturity. Hold till 2025.
Brick red in color, this wine also smells of brick and smoke. On the palate, it's moderately structured and robustly ripe, showing burly blueberry and mocha chocolate flavors with unfettered fervor.
Juicy and high in acidity, this is an easy quaffer, begging to be paired with fresh sea fare, be it oysters or cracked crab. Rare in California and usually considered a blending agent for Rhône whites, the grape shows potential from this estate.
There are some terrific bargains to be found in the Costières de Nîmes, including this offering from Michel Gassier. This blend of 45% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, features scents of thyme and bay leaf alongside black cherry and plum fruit. Hints of baking spices and mocha add nuance to the dusty, muscular finish. A solid choice for steak or burgers.
Like most Monteviejo Malbecs, this is full and extracted, with an opaque purple tint. Ripe aromas of blackberry, prune and spice cake are generous. The palate is surprisingly alive in acidity and grabby in feel. Dark toasty black-fruit flavors are plenty oaky, while coffee, mocha and chocolate flavors share space on the tannic finish. Drink through 2020.
This winery was named after the Dragon's Blood tree, and the label for this bottling features the owners' late Weimaraner, Draco. The wine itself shows dark red fruit and cinnamon on the nose, with savory touches of white pepper, thyme and oregano. The palate's tangy cranberry fruit is paired with herbal notes, leather and tobacco.
This wine has a high-toned richness that presents as clean and linear. Briny olive notes define the opening aroma, while more developed pear, apple and peach flavors fill out the palate.
Fresh primary red cherries and berries are nuanced with complexities of soil, smoke and tobacco in this lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Cutting cranberry acidity and fine persistent tannins lend four-square structure. The finish lingers on subtle touches of smoked nut and cedar.
This is a richly structured wine with great tannins and ripe black fruits. It's also a dense wine, from an estate managed by Georges Vigouroux. The firm tannins and the smoky character show this wine's great potential. Drink from 2020.
Heady aromas of ripe apple, white peach, baking spice and chopped herb lead into a fresh creamy palate. An energizing mineral note brightens the succulent flavors while a hint of pineapple lingers on the finish. There lots to enjoy here.
This is a finely structured, ripe blend of Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. With tannins melded into red berry flavors, it strikes an elegant balance between fruit and firmness. Although drinkable, it's still young and will be better from 2018.
Hermann J. Wiemer's standard-label Cabernet Franc suggests a freshly fruity yet delicate expression of red wine. Brisk black-cherry and berry flavors are sheer and perfumed, flecked by touches of graphite and violet. It's delightfully light bodied, framed in soft feathery tannins and a silky mineral-rich finish.
Mango and melon blend with crushed vitamin on the nose of this Viura-Malvasia-Garnacha Blanca blend. This feels wide and fairly full, with modest acidity. Resiny flavors of sawdust shade apple and vanilla notes, while this is oaky and nonaggressive on the finish.
Attractive fynbos and fresh grass notes are front and center on the nose of this refreshing white wine. Notes of lime, green plum and gooseberry unfold with more intensity on the palate, while the herbal elements return on the medium-length finish. Medium acidity and a subtle astringency lend a pleasant, clean and dry texture to the mouthfeel. Drink now.
Grassy, herbal tones are upfront on the nose of this bright Sauvy, with supporting fruity notes of grapefruit peel, lime, white melon and underripe peach. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with ample acidity and a mild, pithy bitterness to the medium-length finish.
Roth's virgin berry Riesling, made from tiny seedless grapes, typically exhibits an intensity of flavor distinct from its standard-labeled bottling. This vintage suggests a deeply mineral-intense expression with concentrated lime and tart tangerine flavors layered in dusty minerals and earth tones. It's zippy and light in body but finishes with piercing lemon-lime intensity.
Straw colored in the glass with aromas of green apple, citrus blossom and freshly cut grass, this Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc has flavors of lemon curd, guava and pineapple. It is medium bodied in the midpalate and has a crisp, clean finish.
This 100% Lagrein opens with aromas of blackberry and exotic spice. The straightforward, juicy palate delivers black cherry and a hint of cocoa framed in smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
With 3% Syrah, this wine has a leathery, gamy character to it, the grapes grown at high elevation. Blueberry and blackberry notes provide a robust backdrop of fruitiness, as chewy, smoky tannins support concentrated black cherry flavor on the finish.
French oak, coconut, underbrush and a balsamic aroma follow through to the full-bodied palate along with licorice, espresso, dried cherry and raw cranberry. Raspy tannins provide the assertive frame work and clench the finish. Give the tannins a few years to relax then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
A typically reserved Navarran wine is what this is. The nose offers dry red fruit, spice and not much else. The palate is mildly citric and herbal, but there's enough cherry and leather to carry things to a medium-length   finish of dill, vanilla and spice. A nice and simple food wine.
A little creamy, waxy and scattershot, but also far more exotic and different than most $8 wines. This is barrel-fermented Viura, but the oak level is light and manageable. Flavors of papaya, melon and citrus are almost tropical in scope, and the finish is pretty fresh. Drink right away for maximum freshness.
This Cypriot wine has a spicy, somewhat candied fruit nose that leads into savory and sweet spicebox flavors. Fragrant, fresh and complex, it's a pronounced style with a mysterious edge.
This red has a plummy, juicy nose that leads into a fresh, tart blend of cherry and strawberry. Fresh and fruity, it's an approachable red with added character.
Always a strong suit from àMaurice, the 2009 Viognier has a cocktail mix of lemon drop and botanical herbs and spices. Pungent, bright and deliciously lively, this is a thrilling, high-wire wine.
Three quarters Merlot, with 17% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a bit lighter than the 2007 Merlot, but just as good, if not better. Lush and loaded with black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and baking spices, it extends deliciously and seamlessly into a long, ripe, smooth finish.
From old vines dating to 1865, this is a hugely fragrant mountainous Zinfandel, with an abundance of raspberry and blackberry flavors. A wine with a huge presence and soft, rounded tannins, it's extremely yummy with a ton of peppery spice on the long finish.
This is full of botrytis influence, yet is it lighter and fresher than some other Burgenland sweet wines. It leaves a feeling of lemon acidity to go with the honey- and flower-scented finish. Screwcap.
This is a smooth, ripe wine that's just beginning to mellow. The flavors of toast and cashew are opulent, with just a touch of spice. It has weight and a finish that shows both acidity and richness.
This is intense in both color and aromatics. Potent scents of black fruit, animal hide, graphite and bold oak are at the fore. It feels pure, lush and well built, with dark flavors of blackberry, chocolate, toast and spice. Coffee and pepper are the prime finishing flavors; drink now through 2015.
The poster child for Tardieu's winemaking style is this 2009 Rasteau. It features masses of luscious oak—toasted coconut, cedar, vanilla—with just enough raspberry fruit to support it. It's full bodied and lushly textured, even a bit dessert-like despite being totally dry. Probably best consumed on its own over the next few years.
This has an opaque purple color, with a supremely concentrated and potent dark-fruited bouquet. Feels amped up, warm and exotic, with black fruit flavors alongside notes of peppery spice and bitter chocolate. Toasty and chocolaty on the finish. Drink now through 2016.
By far this is the best Traslanzas I've come across. It is pure, with aromas of cola, mineral, black cherry and the mildest note of raisin. On the palate, it feels concentrated, with big tannins pushing sweet, dark flavors of blackberry, fig, chocolate and licorice. Tastes lightly toasted and feels big on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
A full, ripe and generous Tempranillo, with rich aromas of prune and blackberry offset by balsamic notes and tobacco. It feels lush and smooth, with concentrated flavors of roasted berry, coffee, chocolate and tobacco. Huge and lasting on the finish, has subtle tannins and complexity. Drink now through 2016.
Crisp, bright and delicious, this has pure red fruit, with an herb note, intense acidity and a tangy texture.
This is a big, fruity wine that has a dense texture and intense white fruit and peach fruit flavors. It's an impressive, rich wine, worth aging for 2–3 years. Screwcap.
A vibrant, flashy, fruit-laden nose introduces this lively G-S-M blend. The three component grapes all contribute different red, blue and purple berry flavors, nicely wound together with supporting acidity. Sappy, fresh and seductive, with the potential for a few years of aging.
This dessert wine is a blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Dark-golden in hue, it tastes like a fresh apricot tart glazed ever so slightly with sugar. Light drinking and very beautifully made, try enjoying this poured over vanilla ice cream.
Ripe and creamy, this is full of rich pear and green plum fruit. It has weight and is layered with acidity, with a spice note and a taut, mineral texture. This is complex and age worthy.
Oaky and superconcentrated, with shoe polish and other dark aromas forming a cap on the bouquet. Airing reveals a rugged, fully oaked and tannic wine, with baked berry, baking spice, raisin, syrup and chocolate flavors all wrapped up in a chewy, chunky frame. Sweet, rich and saturated stuff. Drink now or hold through 2017.
A beautifully concentrated wine that balances flavors of baked apple and spicy pepper. It feels full in the mouth, with a tense texture and intense acidity. Drink now, but better to hold for two years. Screwcap.
This is well-made, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Roasted cashews and grilled lemon slices mark the nose, while the flavors reflect more of the same, then draw to a long, crisp finish. Drink now–2020.
With small additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot, this is a robust, full-bodied and affordable red that's thickly tannic at first before allowing a defined sense of vanilla oak and black cherry to speak in unison.
A rustic nose gives way to a touch of clove and Asian spice, as full-bodied, robustly ripe baked plum and cherry generously provide flavor and power on the palate. The spiciness lingers on the finish.
Aromas of toast, char and black fruit are followed by lightly sweet blue and black fruit flavors. It goes down easy.
Bright aromas of ripe peach, lime zest, flowers and canned pear lead to off-dry peach and apricot flavors. It brings a lot of appeal.
Chunky obtuse aromas of berry fruits are a bit damp and volatile. This is heavy and severely tannic, while blackened berry and prune flavors come across a bit stewed. A drawing tannic finish brings this to a close.
This wine is a blend of Primitivo (46%), Petite Sirah (29%) and Zinfandel. Aromas of huckleberry, raspberry, herb and spice lead to sweet blue-fruit flavors that provide enjoyment.
A blend of fruit from up-and-coming Red Heaven and Scooteney Flats vineyards, this wine brings aromas of game, medicine cabinet and cherry. The fruit flavors are soft in feel, seeming somewhat dried out.
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec from both the Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley appellations, that works in its big, broad and tannic approach to ripeness and bold flavor. Plum, cranberry and currant provide fruit as black olive plays on the back of the palate.
Aromas of red fruit, cherry meat, herb and pencil lead are followed by full fruit flavors. It pulls up on the finish.
This offers subdued aromas of Mediterranean brush, chopped mint, mature black-skinned fruit and whiff of menthol. The easygoing palate doles out dried black cherry, prune, cinnamon and a hint of star anise framed in round tannins. Enjoy soon.
Named after the boats that used to transport wine from the Douro vineyards to the cellars in Oporto, the wine is a smooth, ripe blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional. It has rounded berry fruits and attractive acidity. Drink now.
Aromas suggesting pressed yellow flower, dried stone fruit and a whiff of toasted nut carry over to the straightforward palate. A hint of almond underscores yellow apple and a citrus note while tangy acidity lends freshness.
This is an attractively perfumed wine with Malvasia Fina and Verdelho in the blend. It is tangy, crisp and with a lightly mineral texture. Drink this wine now.
Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, this has aromas of black currant, forest floor and a whiff of graphite. The straightforward palate shows black plum, raspberry jam and a whiff of licorice accompanied by smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Reserved aromas of cherry, cranberry, pencil lead and barrel spice lead to sweet fruit flavors back by lightly grainy tannins.
Inky dark, this opens with aromas of underbrush, vanilla and black-skinned berry. The dense palate delivers ripe black plum, toasted oak and tobacco alongside assertive tannins and the warmth of alcohol. Drink soon.
Its name a play on the Petit Chablis appellation (pas si petit means “not so little”), this wine has a ripe and fruity character. Crisp texture and lively, exuberant acidity carry its white fruit flavors into the finish. Drink now.
This hefty Merlot smells of iodine and berry fruits. While the palate is blocky and tannic in feel, that's an appropriate canvas for oaky, spicy herbal black-fruit flavors. On the finish, overt oak and char confirm that this is dark and burly as a whole.
This is a high-strung sparkler made from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It has a stony texture that leans into rich flavors of brioche and honey.
Ripe and plummy in explosive fruit and heat, this wine shows cherry-berry jamminess wrapped in a leathery, meaty package dusted in cinnamon and brown sugar.
Aromas of vanilla, baking spice, custard and pear lead to dry straw flavors. It delivers easy-drinking pleasure.
Reduced, and cradled in big oak, this wine is spiky and savory, intense and tart, with a densely overripe notion of syrupy cherry and berry.
Clean, correct and undoubtedly well crafted, this blend of 82% Cabernet and 18% Merlot features aromas of cassis, graham crackers and mint, then adds hints of vanilla and chocolate on the palate. It's a friendly, balanced style that should have broad appeal. Drink now–2015.
Heavily oaked and loaded down with butter and resin, this is a wine for those infatuated with the obscure. The blend is 90% Callet and 10% Fogoneu, and don't ask us to give you the history of these Mallorcan grapes. Suffice it to say that this wine is broad, a bit stewy and very different. It's not heavy like an anchor but it has its chunky shoulder pads to deal with. Only 25 cases made.
This is a solid effort, with good varietal character and definition. Half was fermented in stainless, half in neutral barrel, and the wine was given extended (130 days) lees contact. The herbal, peppery tang of the grape is clearly there, with intriguing hints of slate laced through the finish. This would be dynamite with sushi.
Round, melony and driven by aromas of pears and apples, this internationally styled wine should strike a chord among casual Chardonnay quaffers. It's kind of sweet, a little bit fat, and it finishes smooth. True to the blueprint in many ways; think California and this will complete the picture. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.
A barrel selection, the Suzanne's Reserve is more concentrated than its less expensive sibling (the Cali's Cuvée) but does not have as interesting a flavor set. Here you'll find the tangy cherry fruit is accompanied by sharp acids and chewy tannins. Although it is a 2004 the wine still seems wrapped up and refuses to let go. Give it plenty of air before drinking.
Long Flat, once an entry-level tier of Tyrell's in the Hunter Valley, is now a brand of its own, sourcing fruit from a wide range of GIs. The Coonawarra Cabernet is soft and plushly textured, with hints of roasted fruit, leather, mocha and tobacco. Drink now.
Nicely balanced, this is the sort of restrained Cab Sauvignon Yarra Valley can do well, with hints of mint and eucalyptus layered over cassis fruit. The texture is creamy, the tannins smooth. It's not as rich as the 2003, or a barrel sample of the 2006, but it's well crafted and harmonious.
A cool quality runs through the dark-fruit bouquet, which has notes of leather and earth in reserve. The palate is forward and fruity, and it settles on the finish with a touch of plushness and a little chocolate flavor. Straightforward, and with some depth. This is a nice Argentine Tempranillo that happens to be organic.
Full-bodied, soft and a bit woody, this wine's smoky, hickory-scented aromas end up slightly dominating the fruit flavors. After 20 months in French oak, the fruit has taken on a dried character, ending on a cedary note. Drink now.  Imported by Tom Eddy Wines.
For a Petit Chablis, this is serious and complex, with delicious ripe green and yellow fruits; there is a touch of caramel with toast just at the edge.
Mildly roasted and leafy, with dry berry aromas. This is ripe and juicy on the palate, with berry, black cherry and mocha flavors. Finishes almost creamy, with honest structure and medium-range tannins. Drink now.
This is an interesting wine that offers a nice perfume but limited flavors and complexity. So what makes it so interesting, you ask? Well, the fact that it's varietal Petit Verdot from the Duero River Valley, which is not common; that and the fact that it's a mind-boggling $200. The wine itself shows a deep color, vanilla and cocoa flavors, and a range of dark-berry flavors. Elegant and provacative, it's not.
Fresh and leesy, this stainless steel-fermented Pinot Gris spent six months on the lees, giving it extra freshness and texture. Sweet grass and fresh herbs spread nicely across the palate, and the 15% alcohol does not register as such. In fact, if anything, this seems to fall on the lighter side of Oregon Pinot Gris, without the thick and heavy fresh cut pear character that many of them bring. Pair this with chanterelles in a light cream sauce.
This is on the full-bodied side, quite ripe and tropical in style compared to its Marlborough siblings. Mango, pineapple and stone-fruit notes are all present, balanced on the finish by citrus and ginger.
Venturing into the orange side of the rosé color rainbow, this Mourvèdre-based wine—with 13% Grenache—brings melon, guava, pomelo and ripening banana to the nose, followed by papaya and watermelon once sipped. It's a revealing look at the potential of the overlooked Central Coast vineyards that winemaker Ian Brand diligently seeks out, both for his personal labels and the many for which he consults.
The new project of Erica and Kim Crawford (yes, the Kim Crawford), Loveblock is situated on a spectacular windswept promontory overlooking the sea. Passion fruit, vibrant and pure, marks the nose, while the plump palate reveals hints of gooseberry that linger through the extended finish.
Made from 88% Grenache and 12% Viognier, this lilting wine abounds with dry, fruity and floral characteristics. Salmon-peach in color, it has texture and the requisite refreshment offered by its barely ripe strawberry and peach swathes. Although it delivers enough acidity and bite to pair with food, it might be hard to wait that long.
Cranberry, pomegranate and a touch of bramble are found in the nose. The palate reveals fresh fruit flavors of sour red cherry, cranberry and red plum with a pleasant acidic backbone. Drink now or hold through 2016.
Exuberant raspberry and cherry notes scent this dusty pink rosé. While brisk and dry on the palate, it's juicy and mouth-quenching with ripe white peach and red berry flavors. It finishes minerally with lingering salinity.
Sourced from mature plantings in cool sites, this exemplary Riesling is technically off dry, but retains its apple-fresh snap and tang. The sweet/tart fruit flavors include abundant peaches, nectarines and apples, and the mouthfeel is ripe and full, the finish lingering.
Fruit from Martinborough and Hawkes Bay features in this value-priced wine. Despite ample weight and fleshy texture, it manages to finish dry and elegant, with shadings of fig, white grapefruit, fennel and pineapple.
Tamarack's Firehouse Red incorporates 12 different grapes in the blend, though most are in tiny percentages. Nonetheless the wine is focused and deep, with luscious boysenberry, licorice and dark chocolate flavors wrapping together in a complex and textural whole.
This medium-bodied wine shows a remarkable evolution on the palate, where it accelerates through tight, reined-in notions of gun flint and vague leafiness to pinwheels of pink grapefruit and tomato leaf by the long finish.
From the village of Sisan in southern Istria, this wine has enticing notes of lemon blossom, Mediterranean herbs and white peach in its bouquet. In the mouth crisp acidity accompanies flavors of lemon curd and Granny Smith apple. A clean finish invites you in for another sip.
This blend of Nasco and Vermentino from Sardinia leads with heady floral aromas of honeysuckle and spring flowers. The palate delivers rich white peach, melon and tangerine peel. Crisp, refreshing acidity reins in the lush flavors, lending a polished feel.
A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sémillon, this leads with bright aromas of fresh red apple, peach, tangerine and beeswax. Round and lush, the palate feels opulent and attractive, but with ample acidity to balance. Notes of ripe quince, baking spice and toast linger on the finish.
Notes of apple blossoms and lilacs lend a floral exuberance to this semi-sweet wine. It's fresh and invigorating on the palate with crisp pear and white peach flavors accented with herbs and sprightly acidity.
Betz Family's Merlot-based blend offers sleek plum and cassis fruit, with a tart, sappy, yet penetrating presence. Despite some years in bottle, the acids seem to out-run the fruit, though that may bode well for cellaring.
Fresh and fragrant like a thicket of raspberries on a summer day, this is a luxuriously fruity, yet impeccably balanced Pinot Noir. The palate is deeply concentrated with cassis and red berry flavors, along with streaks of cranberry acidity and granite that lend elegance and style. Layers of soft, finely grained tannins characterize the long finish.
Notes of fresh herbs and melon rind lend a verdant tone to this semi-sweet, late-harvest wine. The palate is crisp with tart green apple and peach flavors, but imbued with touches of exotic orange spice and honey that linger mysteriously on the finish.
Green herb and crisp apple notes lend a refreshing kick to pretty white floral and honeydew flavors in this brisk, intensely concentrated wine. It's semi-dry in style with a delicate, honeyed sweetness that lingers.
Sourced from old vines at the Tapteil vineyard, this somewhat austere, Cabernet-dominated blend offers a mix of tart raspberry, gun metal and grippy tannins.
Robust black-fruit aromas of berry and cassis come with a mild animal note and leathery scents. This is jammy and a bit loud in terms of mouthfeel, while flavors of raisin, berry and chocolate finish meaty and loamy. Drink  through 2017.
For the price, this is remarkably concentrated, with ample weight and intense flavors. It's more subdued on the nose, offering just hints of stuck flint and grapefruit, but the citrusy flavors surge forward, culminating in a long, grapefruity finish.
Principally Cabernet Sauvignon, this blends in small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Broad fruit flavors range from strawberry into red plum, with some stemmy earth leading into stiff tannins. The astringent, earthy character is well-managed and balanced against the pretty fruit.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, this boasts bright aromas of rich red cherry, currant, tobacco and char. Medium weight and well-balanced, with structured tannins and ample acidity. Spicy, black pepper and toasted oak flavors fuel the finish.
As is normal for Embruix, the nose is generous and jammy, with extracted flavors of grapy black fruits and earth. The palate is smooth and jammy, with easy tannins and ripe flavors of plum and cassis. The finish is loamy, plump and soft. Drink through 2017.
Along with weight and richness, this wine also has a lively fresh, red fruit character. Caramel and ripe berries are shot through with acidity to give a warm, yet bright wine.
Obviously a wine to drink on February 14, this is brightly fruity and crisp while showing some good dense flavors. Red fruits push through the citrus and grapefruit acidity to give a full-bodied, ripe wine.
It's 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot, all from the estate vineyards. Some plum and cherry fruit starts it up, moves quickly into a light finish, and leaves an impression of some green tannins as it fades.
Slightly leafy and milky, but with tobacco, licorice and pepper notes accenting primary aromas of red fruit. The palate is medium in weight and intensity, while flavors of rhubarb and cherry settle on herbal plum.
A controlled mix of rubber, berry, olive and leather gives this bargain hunter's wine a legitimate bouquet. The palate is herbal but also full of red fruits like currants, raspberry and plum, while the finish is mostly clean and sound. A solid wine for the price.
A definite improvement on the 2007 version of this wine, it shows some herbaceous character, along with ripe apricot and pear fruits. There's a touch of spice as well, which adds character. Screwcap.
A bright, fresh nose of citrus and flowers, followed by floral flavors balanced by good acid, gives this wine a flirty character. Light but substantial, with a lingering finish. Pair with smoke fish, cheese, grilled chicken.
Saturated, extracted and heavy, with as many flaws as it has positives. The nose is reduced and saucy, with aromas of roasted tomato, horseradish, prune, tobacco and molasses. The feel leans toward thick, with flavors of chocolate, leather, cassis and blackberry carrying a saucy, herbal underbelly. A decent but disjointed combo of Shiraz (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Merlot (5%).
The Tempranillo—bud wood from Abacela—was grafted onto 30-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Not sure how many vintages have been made, but it's too soon to rate the experiment. This is a lightly toasty, rather elegant red with little varietal character, but it's nicely built and perfectly fine for a simple supper.
A little green on the nose, with aromas of red fruit, grass and a controlled shot of vinegar. It's more saturated and whole in the mouth, where the flavors of roasted plum, cured meat and coffee are solid. Finishes with a mix of herbs and mocha, and overall it's a decent but regular Cabernet.
A very saturated specimen, with hot, piercing aromas that soften and terminate at baked berry pie and marzipan. The palate is just as sweet and thick as the bouquet, with chunky plum, blackberry, chocolate and tobacco flavors. Finishes Porty and rich, with weight and not much tannin or structure.
Meaty, rubbery aromas open it up, and it evolves into a dark, chunky, aggressive type of wine. The palate is big and round, with medium tannins and dark, slightly burnt flavors of blackberry and licorice. The finish shows coffee and extract, but not much length or refinement. Husky and ripe more than sleek and elevated.
This is an immediately accessible Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with moderately concentrated red fruit, leather and clove notes, crisp acids and just a hint of supple tannin on the finish. Drink it over the next several years.
The Grenache Blanc (60%) gives this wine its delicate aromas of white flowers, while the Clairette (40%) provides backbone and pineapple fruit. Drink this relatively soft, mouthfilling white over the next few months.
An oaky style of Priorat, this smells of hickory and campfire, with bacon, plum and cherry notes. Solid but narrow in the mouth, with berry and cherry flavors mixed with hard spice and chocolate notes. It has just enough acidity to stay fresh, turning slightly fiery on the finish.
Black-fruit aromas are forceful, toasty and gritty. It feels solid, fruity and full bodied, with black fruit flavors that come across ripe and generous. It's oaky but not overly so.
Michael David's new Cabernet Sauvignon brand has the winery's signature toasted oak and coconut-kissed tannins. But it's interestingly tamed, bearing bursts of black cherry and blackberry that effortlessly hit your palate in between quiet gusts of vanilla spice.
This is an appealing Cabernet with spicy cola and plum notes and a consistent flavor through the midpalate. It finishes with a hint of toasty oak.
Offering uncomplicated, easy drinking, this Grenache-Syrah blend is lush and immediately accessible, displaying the charm of the 2011 vintage. Drink it over the next year or two for its gulpable cherry and chocolate flavors.
Tropical aromas of lychee and green banana are clean and inviting. The palate feels lifted, fresh and easygoing, with lychee, banana and pear flavors. It finishes pure and fairly long.
The nectarine and mild vanilla aromas are subdued yet solid. On the palate, it's all about stone fruit flavors, such as peach and nectarine, with apple and cider notes on the balanced and healthy finish.
The nose on this white appeals from the get-go. Elegant waves of lemon, orange blossom and peach aromas are followed by a balanced but luxurious blend of pear, peach and white flowers on the palate. Big but pretty.
Fresh and not too oaky on the bouquet, with apple comprising the fruit element. Feels full and a bit rich, with plump, sweet flavors of apple touched up by spice. Turns stickier and more sweet on the finish, but overall this is a very solid Chard for the money.
Despite the cutesy name, this is a serious rosé that's sure to please even the most discerning crowd. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Gamay and Mourvèdre, it's ripe and red fruit-forward with a full weight, lush mouth that's balanced with medium acidity.
For $15, this is a good value wine with a solid structure and nice balance. Black currant flavors steal the show in the mouth, with supporting notes of whole star anise, cigar tobacco and cedary spice on the finish.
There's a pretty touch of carnation florals to the dried black fruit and black cherry center of this wine. Spicy notes of black pepper, whole clove and black tea leaves appear in the mouth alongside juicy blackberry and fudgy brownie flavors.
Redhawk makes a value-priced lineup of Pinots, and in 2009 it is the two least expensive that have the most varietal character and charm. Concentrated cherry candy fruit builds depth and interest with a wash of mint and menthol. It's full-bodied and mouth-filling, and the flavors linger a long time.
Dainty accents of sweet grass and white clover florals jazz up the otherwise straightforward profile of ripe gooseberry and green plum aromas and flavors. It's a lively and refreshing white, with a slightly prickly sensation in the mouth.
Attractive, softly fruity wine, with rounded wood flavors, a solid core of tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. A touch of licorice adds some spice.
A good amount of sweet smoke and cured bacon aromas integrate seamlessly with the boysenberry and black plum notes. Ripe, juicy fruit flavors provide a mouthwatering sensation on the palate, while a touch of tobacco leaf and charred cedar lingers on the long finish.
Earthy and mulchy smelling on first take, with leather and solid berry and plum aromas. Feels bold, round and dedicated as it tastes a bit baked, with dark plum and cassis carrying the fruit component. Figgy, smooth and lasting on the finish.
A very well-done Livermore Cab aged in 100% Hungarian oak and named “The Good Life,” this one's got plum and spicy cola going on and tastes young though it's a 2008. Its structure shows more potential to age—the fruit will integrate with the wine's subtle savory herbs.
Lively from the beginning, with bright red berry aromas filling the definition of “fruity.” Feels full and grabby, and very legit, with juicy blackberry fruit and a backing of toast and pepper.
Deep in color, with raisiny, fully ripe and heavy aromas. Feels tannic, extracted and rubbery, but amid the weight and bite there's black plum, pepper and coffee flavors. Finishes with drawing tannins and a dark wave of toasty flavor. A big wine with mouthfeel issues.
Subtle lemon spice and minerals on the nose lead into flavors of fresh lemon and orange, flowers and a touch of honeyed spice. The finish is spicy with a touch of bitter orange rind. A pretty wine with a refreshing character.
A soft and easy selection, this Chenin provides a round but balanced palate brimming with refreshing notes of melon, citrus pith and green apple. A hint of toast is revealed after swallow; drink up now.
Spicy and salty, it's a bit like an Albariño, with little to indicate its Chardonnay varietal character. Though technically correct, it's just rather plain; in a blind tasting it could pass for almost any simple white wine.
A creamy hint of white chocolate adds fullness to the soft currant, cranberry and strawberry hull flavors. The palate is mouthfilling and round with a good citrus lift to the fresh close.
Soft and a little musty, this does not have the sharpness and grace of the previous vintage. Maybe just young, but at the moment it is a simple, pleasantly quaffable white wine.
Floral notes of chamomile and lavender overwhelm the bouquet, with secondary notes of black plum, berry and currant taking second stage. Cured meat and sweet smoke flavors unfold in the mouth and stay into the spice-driven finish.
Smoke, cherry and blackberry aromas start this spicy, exotic Syrah. Jerk chicken and dry rubbing spice are the lead notes on the palate—think spicy, spiky and vibrant. The wine could use more fruit to round out the edges, but overall, it's a good everyday sip.
Cherry and berry aromas are standard and good. Feels a bit edgy and clipped, with slightly herbal red plum flavors accented by a lot of oak and pepper. Turns real spicy and hot on the finish.
Accents of flint and charred apple skin mingle with the orange rind and pear flesh notes on the nose and mouth. Round and flabby on the palate, with a short but clean finish.
Oaked up at all points, but still a good basic blend of two friendly grapes. Shows cherry and raspberry aromas along with graphite and barrel spice on the bouquet. The palate is edgy and resiny, with oak-infused raspberry, plum and citrus flavors. Lively and fresh, but the wood is pushy.
The alcohol is overwhelming here in an otherwise fragrant wine with strong aromas of cola spice. This Petit Verdot is medium-bodied and very much happy to display its 18 months spent in new American oak.
This Cabernet-Agiorgitiko blend has a big personality, starting with aromas of chocolate-covered cherry, rich black fruit and pepper. Red and black fruit, spice and a touch of flowers on the palate are buoyed by a fresh acidity and chalkiness on the palate. A touch spicy and fiery, but a fun wine with character.
This is a ripe year, but this vineyard designation isn't quite as tropical as their Côte Sud. It's more of a precise style, but there are also some hints of grass, onion and herb. Interesting, but very slightly off.
You've got to love the name (there have been Henry II, III and IV's made, with different blends of grapes). This is 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah and 5% Malbec. The nose shows earth and stem first, with some sweet grape and red fruits underneath. Balanced and fruit forward, with plenty of tart acids.
This is a good, dark, iron-rich wine, with earth and mineral dominating through a tart finish. Interesting change of pace.
Partial barrel fermentation in three different types of barrel give some nice leesy, creamy flavors. The modest fruit flavors run to melon and light citrus. It's elegant and nicely balanced, with a fresh, easy finish.
The winery grows 17 different varietals, many in minute quantities. This is a blend of 8–12 different varietals, including such oddballs as Refosco and Freisa, along with Zin, Carignan, Tempranillo, some Cabs—in other words, it's a kitchen sink wine. Spicy and peppery, with firm acids under a forward mélange of red fruit flavors.
Syrah from central Tuscany? Sure. The '98 version of Colvecchio, an offering from a hot year, is leaner than might be expected and short on dimension. It has lots of oak up front and an abundance of spicy, tart red fruit in the middle. The oak kicks up on the finish as well. The effort is there and the fruit seems sound, but tartness is the overriding impression it leaves.
Seems a bit lighter than previous vintages, but it's still a smooth, supple, enjoyable Pinot. Suede and red cherries, chocolate and tart berries mark the aromas and flavors. Picks up some charred oak notes on the finish.
Made from 70% Sangiovese and other red grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a little rustic and wild. The palate is rich, full and offers plenty to chew on. Bold plum and black cherry flavors dominate. A nice woody accent graces the finish.
Very forward, with pretty, medium-ripe cherry flavors. The sweet fruit picks up some vanilla from the barrel, and finishes with smooth tannins. Though at first blush it seems a bit light, sweet and simple, the flavors are persistent, the balance perfect.
Lifted floral aromas include a hint of white pepper and green apples. Flavors are fresh and zesty, showing more mineral notes than fruit. This would be a nice match with chicken satay on the patio.
Aromas of berry, wet earth, creamy oak and a touch of horsehide reveal a sweet raspberry-tinged palate that seems to want to wrestle with the oak. The finish is medium to heavy, and a bit hot. There's plenty of verve and fruit here, just not much polish or complexity. Best in a trattoria setting.
Lean, spicy aromas set up a smoky, plum-filled palate that's probably a bit too toasty for its own good. The body weight here is moderate, but there's lots of length to the smoke-filled, oak-driven finish.
All barrel fermented; about half went through malolactic. This is a very light, green appley wine, with firm acids and clean, lightly cinnamon-spiced fruit.
This lightweight Zin offers an interesting mix of spices, with hints of cocoa adding complexity to the finish.
This wine has a hardness to it that's only partly offset by a touch of residual sugar. The yellow plum and citrus fruit is tart and ungenerous, marked by a slight prickle on the tongue and a lingering mineral finish.
Named after the original owner of some of the Cecchi family's prime vineyards, this is a touch overripe but still offers a lot of sweet, rich fruit. Heavy prune and tar aromas announce the soft, saturated black-plum flavor profile. The finish is also soft. It doesn't seem very ageworthy.
Lovely aromas show sweet fruit, cherry candy flavors, along with some green tannins in a tart, tight finish.
A mix of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The two are blended and fermented together in barrels, from a vineyard east of Medford. The wine has pleasant herbal, grassy notes, and some very tart fruit.
The fruit shows pears, some high tones, some bitter rind. The style is fruit forward, with flavors of pears and citrus, leading to a light, toasty finish.
Here's a country-style, rustic blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Cabernet from the Maremma, and it fits the bill perfectly as an everyday red with some character. It's dry, full of cherry and plum fruit, and it finishes warm. Nothing too complex, but plenty to sink your teeth into.
Ripe raspberry fruit with a vanilla overlay also shows a rich, herbal character, touches of spice and bright final acidity.
A great value wine, its firm tannins surrounded by the freshest berry fruits and acidity. For drinking young, with its attractive ripe, open flavors.
A light style with crisp red currant flavors, acidity and a touch of minerality.
The fourth vintage of this wine is a winner thanks to its superb balance and evolution in the mouth. It starts off somewhat light and dainty with hints of clover, ginger and ripe pear, but then transitions to a rich palate offering flavors of wood-grilled red apple, cinnamon and orange rind. Drink now.
Cherry, plum, bacon and licorice are all good aromas that indicate that this value wine has quality backing it up. The palate is fresh and clean, with depth and ripe, slightly oaked flavors of cassis, blackberry and chocolate. Easy to like, with toasty touches throughout.
It's rare to find such a full-bodied red from the same region as Vinho Verde. This ripe and juicy wine is packed with delicious velvet plum flavors. There is acidity, but the wine is so sweet and soft. Drink over the next year.
One of a pair of wines under the Grilos name, this Dão is solid and tannic, still young, with a firm core of dryness surrounded by a more fruity black cherry component. It needs aging for a year.
Rich plums and soft tannins, with an attractive ripe and juicy character. This is a wine with good spice, a hint of leather and final acidity.
With bright lemon freshness, this wine positively zings through its ripe melon and pineapple flavors. The balance here between the acidity and richness gives a delicious tension.
A dark, deep-colored Syrah that's dusty and austere but delicious, a good representation of the variety's ability to be both ripe and complex in California.
Melon, spice and a suggestion of papaya wrap into a medium-weight wine with a solid fruit core. A streak of vanilla and some slightly bitter phenolics finish it nicely.
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.
A slight candied glaze accents forward fruity apple and tangerine flavors in this full-bodied Chardonnay. Soft sunny acidity and an expansive weighty mouthfeel marks the midpalate. Drink now.
This simple red opens with prune and baking spice scents that follow through to the round, accessible palate, along with blackberry jam and cut grass notes. Drink soon.
Young and forward, this pleasant wine brings black-cherry fruit front and center—a good start, but it doesn't really develop any further. It just does a quick and quiet fade out.
Ripe tropical and citrus fruits mingle in this medium-bodied wine. There's a lick of toast and a hint of marmalade, but ultimately it's a bit simple and lacking energy.
This simple wine is thick with fruit-forward dark cherry and currant elements that find companionship in coffee, graphite and dried herb accents.
Lemon, butter and marshmallow flavors follow rich butterscotch aromas as this medium-bodied, soft-textured wine spreads its unctuous, candied flavors across the palate. It's very tasty in an extreme, buttery style.
An herbal, earthy aroma is followed by crisp fruit flavors in this medium-bodied wine. It's tart and tangy on the palate, those leafy, green notes persisting through the finish.
Fleshy, ripe plum fruit is immediately apparent on the nose. The palate echoes similar flavors, albeit in a more dilute form. This is full of easy fruit with a slightly smoky edge. An uncomplicated, juicy wine for drinking while the flavors are still fresh.
Roasted marshmallow and toasted oak aromas accent the underlying ripe fruit in this full-bodied, extroverted wine. It has a mouth-filling texture and finishes with a slight sweetness and lingering smokiness.
This wine is still coming out of its shell, with lightly reduced aromas of mandarin orange, fresh flowers, and citrus. It drinks bone dry, with silky-feeling fruit flavors providing intrigue but not entirely delivering. The aromas and flavors don't seem to match up.
This is light bodied and crisp, its bright cherry fruit accented by leafy, slightly green notes. Clean and vibrant, it's the sort of Pinot that should work well with salmon.
Smoky oak and grippy tannin support rich red and black fruit in this Bordeaux-inspired blend, which offers moderate acidity and structure.
Stone-fruit aromas of nectarine and ripe peach drizzled with honey are followed by medium-plus sweet fruit flavors. It's a straight-forward easy drinker.
Vibrant lemon and tangerine acidity freshens savory tones of pressed apples and nuts in this slightly rustic earthy Riesling. It's dry on the palate and finishes briskly.
Straightforward flavors of pressed apple and lemon are slicked with honey and spice in this light off-dry Riesling. It's not a deeply persistent wine but the finish is refreshingly citrusy.
This open and fruity expression of Malbec is helped to softness by its ripe Merlot. The wine is floral, fruity and lightly touched by tannins. Red-fruit flavors and a crisp aftertaste add balance to this ready-to-drink wine.
Totally creamy notions of rose and carnation create a seductive nose. The palate joins in with ample fruit and sweetness. The residual sugar is finely balanced with lemony freshness: a very traditional, if not to say old-fashioned Gewürztraminer, but totally charming and rather delicious. Finishes medium sweet.
This Syrah, which blends 11% Counoise, is all about darkness, offering baking spice, blueberry, roast lamb, thyme, and espresso notes on the nose. It hits the palate with creamy power, its acidic backbone bolstering the pleasing tannic softness, and shows dark berry, milk chocolate, charred beef, and crushed peppercorn flavors.
This barrel selection is difficult to spot, because the word “estate” is just very lightly imprinted under the name Lenné. It's clearly a bigger juicier more tannic wine than its excellent sibling, with deep flavors of raspberry fruit, highlights of white pepper, and acids that push the flavors down through the palate.
This Lodi-based producer shows skill in handling Carneros-grown fruit, putting together a medium-bodied, deliciously earthy wine. It's leathery in texture and exuberant in cardamom, strawberry and burnt orange flavors.
Caramelized black plum, teriyaki, pepper and graphite scents combine for a rich, nuanced and inviting nose on this bottling. There is beefy depth to the palate, suggesting roasted meat, hoisin sauce, plum, dried herbs and peppercorn, all unfolding in layers.
There's an intriguing mix of smokiness, tangy cranberry and sanguine notes on the nose of this bottling from a winery obsessed with the Burgundian style. The palate combines aromatic and woody flavors of juniper, pine needle, bay leaf and eucalyptus with base notes of baked red cherry. Fascinatingly, it's richer in spice than in fruit.
This aromatic Priorat is 72% Carignan and the rest Garnacha. Aromas of floral bath soap, cinnamon and cedar accent plum and berry scents. In the mouth, this is built like a tank. Spicy chocolaty black-plum and cassis flavors finish chewy and thick, with notes of mint and licorice. Drink through 2021.
These 15-year-old vines deliver additional complexity, further enhanced by native yeast fermentation. This is a delicate wine, but not a wimpy one. Tart berry and cranberry fruit carries a taste of toasted grain as it does a graceful fade through the finish. Give it plenty of air and it really opens up! Drink now through 2022.
This wine from the personal vineyard of the winery's co-founder has assertive woodsmoke, toasted oak and forest aromas, its bright black cherry and pomegranate flavors accented by tamarind and black pepper. While strongly oaky and firmly tannic in texture, it has a sleek and nervy aspect that's very appealing.
Made entirely from organically grown Sangiovese, this opens with red plum, new leather and underbrush aromas. The full-bodied palate delivers crushed raspberry, black cherry, pipe tobacco and a hint of black pepper, with polished tannins providing backbone. Drink through 2022.
This limited production wine advances the proposition that Pinot Gris can be substantial, complex and at least as ageworthy as the better Oregon Chardonnays. The mix of melon, white peach and lemon zest flavors, with compelling minerality, may inspire some additional cellar time. Drink now through 2024.
Sultry cooked red plum and mulberry fruit meld with rust, mace, sarsaparilla and a touch of wood smoke on the nose of this bottling from the oldest commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County. Smoked pork loin aromas meet with deep red fruit and the sweet tang of cherry skins on the sip.
Situated in the southern Médoc village of Macau, on the edge of the deep Margaux gravels, this estate has produced an impressive and structured wine. It is concentrated with its black currants and dark tannins. It is likely to develop slowly over several years. Drink from 2021.
This is a tight and firm wine that will take some time to develop. The fruit, an almost equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is all present and will fill out over the next few years. It is a serious dense wine with great aging potential. Drink from 2021.
This is a finely perfumed wine. It has a strong sense of structure with its tight tannins. It also has lively crisp red fruits that give both acidity and richness to a wine that will develop well. Drink from 2025.
Owned by Château Mongravey of Margaux, this estate is in Macau in the southern Médoc. The wine is richly fruity, firmly tannic with both wood and fruit tannin. It is dark, dense and complex, a ripe wine that has a great future. Drink from 2022.
A good dash of Petit Verdot in the blend has given this fine wine its extra structure. It is still firm and tight at this young stage although the black-currant fruitiness promises much. From vines west of Pauillac, it is impressively solid and dense. Drink from 2022.
A small part of Château Peyrabon (Haut-Médoc) is in the Pauillac appellation and is vinified and bottled separately. The wine delivers great fruit and equal richness. It is spice, packed with black plum and berry flavors. It is a powerful dense wine to age for several years. Drink from 2023.
This estate is under the same management as the neighboring large vineyard of Larose Trintaudon. The wine is stylish with ripe fruit that is balanced with fine acidity. It has structure from a core of tannins that are just beginning to soften. The wine will be ready to drink from 2020.
Chopped mint, new leather, forest floor and spiced plum aromas take shape in the glass. The ripe, juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, raspberry jam, clove and licorice notes, supported by big, rounded tannins. It's already accessible and seriously delicious. Drink through 2022.
The smell of wet earth is mixed with the scent of ripe peach. The palate is rounded with peachy sweetness which is countered by a pleasant, slightly bitter phenolic texture that accentuates the rich fruit even more. Showing beautiful maturity, this is expressive and ready to drink. The flavors are concentrated, pure and lasting, finishing off dry and lingering long.
There is a whole orchard full of apples here: crisp and green, yellow and juicy, red and mellow and also the very aromatic red-cheeked kind. These aromas fill nose and palate and present a wonderful balance between fruity richness and absolute zesty freshness. This is lissom, dry and light bodied but full of flavor with a very mellow apple finish.
The nose is subdued at first but then opens up into ripe apple notes with the zesty spice of grapefruit rind. The palate is dry and concentrated and adds a riper notion of juicy yellow plum while a bright lemony citrus streak keeps everything taut and lively. This is joyful, subtle and fresh and finishes on a pure apple note.
A big-shouldered red made predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with a balance of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine offers bold, firm tannins and heaps of body. Blackberry, chocolate mocha and clove flavors meet crayon and graphite notes in a mashup of classic and ripe styles.
Beautifully integrated oak and a firm structure combine in this rather tight but superbly balanced wine. It smells like black cherries and tastes like raspberries and blueberries, accented by toasted baguette, cinnamon and fresh cedar notes. The finish is long and lightly spicy. Best after 2018.
This is a fine example of what Barossa Shiraz is capable of at a realistic price. It's full bodied and richly textured, plush without being too soft. French oak brings a smoky, bacony element to the ripe blueberry fruit, plus a dusting of baking spices that lingers on the finish. Drink now–2025.
Heady aromas of cola, blackberry and licorice set up a youthful choppy palate with hard tannins and a sense of skins. Blackberry, licorice and charred toasty oak flavors finish dry, spicy and with a strong note of dark chocolate. Drink through 2028.
Big, fruity, mature wine, showing a petrol character as well as a rounded texture and a shot of minerality. The wine is both chewy and generous, packed with fruit skins and green bean-acidity. It is ready to drink, very fresh.
From a great year in the Douro, this is a complex, impressive wine. It has elegance rather than brute power, pushed forward by smooth yet dry tannins and ripe black fruits. A touch of spice, balanced acidity and a great potential for aging. Drink from 2016.
This estate-grown, single-vineyard Pinot Blanc is succulent, tart and tangy, with lightly spicy citrus, kiwi and starfruit flavors. The lingering finish, lightly flecked with dried herbs, shows amazing grip and texture, with a mineral ridge across the mid palate. Great elegance and length.
Rich, medium dry, and loaded with lemon, orange and citrus scents and flavors, this is a marvelous wine graced with a lush, textural, mineral-drenched mouthfeel. Despite the low alcohol there is just the gentlest touch of sweetness from 8 g/L residual sugar.
A brooding, textured Pinot Noir with some weight to it, deep in dark cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors, with a finish of roses and spice. This wine is aching to be paired with savory mushrooms.
Beronia has blended modern and traditional touches to create a fine gran reserva with spice, vanilla, coconut, tobacco and dried berry aromas. The palate offers ripe tannins and kick, while the flavor profile is earthy, with mocha, coffee, chocolate and dried berry flavors. A long, lightly toasted and chocolaty finish provides a fitting end to an excellent wine. Best from 2015–2022.
This is slightly smoky on the nose, offering scents of toasted almonds that neatly accent pear and kumquat aromas. It's richly textured on the palate, where the pear and almond notes pick up zesty citrus overtones that allow them to finish clean and fresh. Drink now.
This dark, exotic blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is impressive given that 2008 wasn't a good year in Spain. This shows integrated oak, graphite and inky aromas in front of a full, balanced palate that's home to berry flavors, schisty minerality and mocha accents. A generous finish with plum and berry flavors as well as licorice is the right ending. Drink through 2018.
At the tender young age of three, this is still tight, angular and bold, laden with crunchy black-cherry fruit that's framed by hints of sandalwood and cedar. The fruit tannins are silky smooth, shored up by woody notes on the finish, but expect those to resolve over the next few years. Drink 2015–2020, possibly longer.
A terrific effort, this is a full-bodied, almost Port-like expression of Cornas. Asphalt, espresso and tapenade notes make for an intriguing bouquet, then pick up plum and earth on the palate. The finish is long, velvety and packed with drying tannins, so give it until at least 2018, then drink through 2025 or so.
A big, powerful, fruity wine, this is laden with dry tannins as well as blackberry flavor. Dark and concentrated, it has a solid, dense feel with fruits layered with intense wood notes. It needs at least five years to soften and round out.
Struck flint and slightly smoky aromas give way to flavors of honeyed peaches and toasted nuts—not full on, like a Chardonnay might be, but restrained yet lush at the same time. In only a few years, this has quickly become one of New Zealand's best Pinot Gris.
This driving blend of Malbec with Syrah and Cabernet hails from Argentina's most northern vineyards.Bruising black plum and cassis aromas have mossy, floral sidenotes. It's grapy but not monotone, so you get boysenberry then spice flavors, especially clove. This is toasty on the finish, which has drying tannins.
Aria is a stunning Chianti Classico, boasting earthy, underbrush aromas with hints of subdued oak. The palate delivers fabulous, juicy plum and black-cherry layered with well integrated vanilla and espresso. It's still tight and tannic so give this a few more years.
This vibrant Chianti Classico has ripe strawberry and raspberry aromas with hints of violet. The palate shows delicious red cherry layered with white pepper and a hint of chocolate, all in a fresh and supple style.
Blended with 10% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Carignan, this wine displays aromas of earth, citrus peel and fresh tobacco that lead to soft, vibrant cherry flavors with light cocoa accents. It's a very pretty interpretation of the variety, with fine-grained tannins backing it up.
This wine impresses in its mix of stone fruit, melon and tangy passionfruit, its texture soft and velvety, marked by moderate acidity. It's a complex, lengthy white that's easy to get lost in, with or without food.
Knowing only time in stainless steel, this light, clear white is zingy in grapefruit, wet stone and melon, its texture and body crisp and focused. The price for this quality is hard to beat.
Made from a several sites within the appellation, this wine is marked by full-barrel caramelization and an inviting nod to brioche. Toffee and cinnamon interweave within its rich, thick waves of texture. Tropical mango allows for a hint of fruit amidst the darker flavors.
At first, this wine seems fruity and direct, loaded with dark berry fruit. But over time, it develops more and more oak character, adding notes of cedar, vanilla and mint. It's creamy in texture, with silky tannins, but remains a bit woody on the finish.
This robust red opens with aromas of stewed plum, raisin, dark spice and aromatic herb. The concentrated, full-bodied palate offers fig, dried cherry, nutmeg and mineral alongside austere tannins. A tobacco note closes the firm finish. Drink 2018–2030.
This kitchen-sink blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah shows squashed black plum, caramelized blueberries, mocha and a sweet cedar touch on the nose. Toasty oak flavors carry the palate, with vanilla, brown sugar, beef char, baked blueberries and a touch of Vietnamese coffee.
As one might expect from a Rhône-based producer, this is a meaty, earthy rendering of Shiraz. It's only medium bodied, but frames its black olive and spice flavors in dry, dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.
Woody, heady black-fruit aromas are charred and minty. The palate is dense and tannic, while charred, earthy black-fruit flavors show herbal after tones prior to a dry and woody finish. A bit of time in the cellar should help this integrate and fully come together; drink after 2018 and through 2022.
The Emerson Block is a one-acre collection of east-west facing rows that debuted as its own wine in 2012. It exudes aromas of violets and lavender, with additional hints of white pepper, grenadine and leather, all within a bright streak of acidity.
Vines over 20 years old are seen as old vines for this wine. A ripe wine, it is full of tropical fruits, with a dense texture and intense green-fruit acidity. Mineral with balanced fruit, it will be ready to drink from mid-2017.
This bold red wine works its magic by offering hearty helpings of yeasty brioche, baked, stewed plum, black pepper and clove, remaining varietal and unabashed in its hold on the ripe vintage and sun-kissed appellation. Integrated, the tannin imprint is sizable, yet well managed.
This is bursting with brown baking spice highlights, in aroma and flavor. Moderately plump fig and cherry fruit flavors thin out in the finish, but don't quit. An hour of decanting is a big help.
Black-cherry fruit is decorated with crushed thyme, dried sage, roasted meat and cinnamon on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers more cherry fruit but also a bit of black-plum-skin tartness, as well as decent amounts of asphalt and turned earth.
This is a smooth and rounded wine. With fine tannins and dark-berry flavors, it is structured and concentrated. The spice from the wood aging comes through at the end, along with attractive acidity. Drink from the end of 2017.
Roughly half and half Marsanne and Roussanne, this dry white wine carries a distinctive scent and flavor of honey. It's round and ripe, with lemony fruit. Full-bodied and delicious, this should be enjoyed now through 2018.
A well-structured, concentrated wine, this has solid tannins and blackberry fruit that are cut with acidity. Ripe and with a firm structure, this attractive wine is ready to drink.
This is an elegant, intricate wine that's fresh and lively while layered with attractive green apple, white pepper and thyme flavors. Light bodied, it makes a great apéritif or pairing with fish and fowl.
Quite tart, in a bracing, food friendly way, this foot-stomped rosé brings pretty notes of crushed roses and sweet cherries to the fore. There's impressive body and length, with a lick of citrus extending the finish.
The winery's flagship offering, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Cabernet Franc (25%) and Malbec. It opens with high-toned aromas of herbs and dark coffee that are followed by plush fruit flavors that taper toward the finish.
Despite its moderate alcohol level, this wine offers plenty of weight and richness. Oak-derived elements of vanilla and toast frame exotic hints of mango, pineapple and citrus. With its ample weight and plush texture, this wine is a throwback of sorts, yet it manages to achieve that with great focus and citrusy length.
Black olive stars in this supple, soft and supremely varietal wine, wrapped in strong, chalky tannin. Full bodied and completely generous in ripe fruit, it shows complexity and lengthiness on the finish.
This Zin specialist shows she knows her way around this hearty variety as well, creating a wine that's expressive in voluptuous notions of chocolate and blackberry pie. Soft and smoky, it shows ripeness balanced by underlying acidity and a wisp of black licorice as it goes down.
A black pepper and cardamom aroma starts this wine off spicy. The flavors continue the thread with even more pepper plus beefy, dark-fruit notes and full body to carry them along. The wine feels high-octane on the palate, but is moderate in alcohol.
This wine has all the necessary smoothness, plus deep plum and cherry flavors and touches of spicy oak, too. The texture feels layered and the fruit components are vivid and tasty. It all comes together gracefully on the palate and the finish.
It's refreshing to see another importer take a chance on Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, a region that can reliably ripen the variety at reasonable crop loads. This is a rounder, more supple style of Pinot than most from Australia, with cola, spice and cherry notes reminiscent of Dr. Pepper, or of some Pinots from California's Russian River Valley. Drink now–2020.
Enticing scents of yellow stone fruit, vanilla, and citrus zest give way to ripe flavors of juicy apricot, candied nectarine, pear and sage. Fresh acidity lifts the rich creamy palate. Made from 99-year-old vines, this shows surprising aging potential. Enjoy through 2021.
Despite its modest alcohol level, this bottling speaks of ripe fruit. Lime and bergamot aromas bring a floral element, while the flavors are of tangerine and nectarine. A touch of residual sugar adds roundness to the mouthfeel.
This wine includes 8% Petite Sirah and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Merlot, fleshing out a rich, full-bodied embrace of chewy tannin and extracted blackberry and brick tar. Let it hang in the glass awhile and swirl a time or two to get it to speak.
A full-bodied, fleshy expression of the variety, this wine opens in aromas of toasted marshmallow and caramel, the oak impressive and memorable. From there it offers a wealth of baked apple and pear, finding its footing along a lush, richly defined path.
This bottling comes from two Pinot clones planted within a 6.5-acre vineyard in Blucher Valley, a frigid, low-yielding site. On the edge of ripeness, the wine is unusual in orange pith, cranberry and pomegranate with a vividly tangy crispness. Soy, balsam and pine tar provide an edgy character that adds complexity and texture.
The second vintage by this producer from this highly regarded vineyard, this wine shows how racy the site can be, cooled from Petaluma Gap winds and fog and yet also robustly capable of ripe, rich red fruit. Measured acidity buoys a densely concentrated wine chewy and bright in pine, dark cherry, cranberry, strawberry and earth. The finish is lean and citrusy. Drink now through 2023.
This wine has gorgeous ripe fruit aromas, mouth-filling flavors and a plush, generous texture. A hint of smoke shades the ripe black-cherry aromas. Layered flavors of clove, cedar, pomegranate and rosemary intermingle on the palate. Despite the ripeness and full body, a fine coat of tannins and supportive acidity keep the mouthfeel fresh and appetizing.
Aromas of scorched earth, truffle, woodland berry, sage and a whiff of cured meat unfold on this firm red while ripe black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, grilled herb and clove wrap around the palate. Tightly wound tannins support the savory flavors.
This intense wine comes from a small parcel of six acres. Produced from organically grown grapes, it is crisp, clean and with a directness that is both refreshing and initially shocking in its intensity. The wine is rich, full in the mouth, tight and still young. Drink from 2017.
Funky on the nose in a good way, this wine is aided by 6% Viognier and 1% Roussanne. It shows roasted fennel, elderberry, grilled lamb, pencil lead and savory black pepper on the nose. The palate starts ripe with blackberries and blueberries, then evolves into thyme, oregano and marjoram, with roasted beef on the edges.
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.
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.
This wine has typical Condrieu aromas and flavors of honey, apricot and white pepper, all carried by a fairly full-bodied, slightly oily palate. It's a rich wine, with lingering spice on the finish.
The dried herb and violet aromas are high toned, seeming locked up still. The floral and smoked meat flavors are elegant in style, backed by lightly grainy tannins and a flower filled finish. The focus is on delicacy and nuance, and it brings plenty of both.
Dried herb notes intermingle with raspberry, cranberry, moist earth, olive and spice on a wine that has yet to truly reveal itself aromatically. The palate is pillowy soft with elegant red-fruit and smoked-meat flavors that glide on the finish. It's all about delicacy.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, leather, sunbaked earth and a whiff of crushed herb come together on this solid red. The round palate doles out juicy wild cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla and anise alongside robust, velvety tannins that impart muscle and polish. A note of grilled sage closes the finish. Drink 2018–2025.
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.
Pressed iris, violet, dark-skinned berry, tobacco and a whiff of game emerge on this robust red. The ripe, full-bodied palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, raspberry, crushed aromatic herbs and licorice alongside tightly packed, velvety tannins. The fruit richness deftly supports the hefty 15% declared on the label.
This is a rich, rounded and concentrated wine. Good structure comes both from the wood aging and from the acidity of the apple and apricot fruits. Developing slowly, it will become an impressive, ripe wine. Drink from 2018. The grapes come from the highest vineyard in Chassagne, just under the woods.
From the producer best known for its own Anderson Valley estate wines, this Pinot is varietally rustic in pine needle, dark, baked plum and smoky oak, the oak stylistically reminiscent of many of its other wines. Mellowed acidity complements the burliness and ripeness of the fruit before a lengthy, Asian-spiced finish.
Rich and ripe, this has concentration both from the apple, pear and apricot fruits and also from its steely, mineral texture. It's deliciously full in the mouth. Drink from late 2017.
One of B.C.'s best Merlots, this really shines in 2012. Supple, smoky and harmonious, it boasts lush blackberry and plum fruit, decorated with baking spices and a finishing streak of sea salted caramel. It's smooth, medium weight, and perfectly balanced.
Aromas of grilled herb, dark spice and mature black-skinned fruit lead the nose. The ripe, generous palate doles out succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and nutmeg alongside round, velvety tannins. Drink through 2020.
Immediately you'll note that this is light and airy, with floral aromas and touches of cinnamon dust and leather. The blend is 70% Morenillo, an obscure Catalan variety, and Garnacha. The palate is fresh and lithe, while bright raspberry, herb and spice flavors finish in whole, integrated fashion. Drink through 2018.
Made from 75% Sangiovese, 13% Barbera, 10% Pinot Noir and 2% Syrah, this is a fresh and lively rosé with bright notes of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. A soft floral accent unfolds on the finish. Drink now.
A crisp, almost herbaceous wine, this is refreshing, like a breath of fresh air. It's lively, light and fruity, and it has green- and white-fruit flavors that combine well. Drink now.
A South Coast blend of 68% Viognier with 16% each of Marsanne and Roussanne, this is lemony, crisp, and medium bodied, layered with notes of honey and honeysuckle. Pair this with seafood.
This wine does not display the Riesling sweetness scale that's found on most Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Rieslings. This is off dry, and it has punchy peach, pear and apple flavors.
Brown sugar and cinnamon notes mark the nose of this medium-bodied Pinot Noir. On the palate, it's supple in texture, while the flavors run toward overripe black cherries, with a hint of alfalfa. Clean and crisp on the finish.
Light plum and cherry flavors give a good first impression. The blend is not strictly traditional, with small doses of Syrah and Grenache in the mix. It fades quickly, and it shows some sourness on the finish.
This Rhône-style white blend has a floral highlight that leads into tart white fruit, jicama, celery and melon flavors. A light grass-like note is also apparent, and the palate could use some more concentration.
This modest Pinot Noir is pale in color and light in body, but don't discount it. Pretty notes of strawberries are attractively underlined by hints of twigs and cocoa. It turns more cranberry-like and slightly astringent on the finish. Drink now.
This wine is nicely balanced and easy to drink, with clean notes of green plum, gooseberry, white melon rind and lime peel. Bright and flavorful with a fresh, mouthwatering finish.
This is pale in color, with a light body and a silky texture. Cranberry and mushroom flavors are varietally correct, and a hint of mocha appears on the finish. Drink now.
There is a touch of spice on this wine, along with flavors of crisp citrus and green apple. Fruity and bright, this is already drinkable, and it finishes with a tang of lemon zest.
The blend is largely Merlot, with splashes of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. There is a strong scent of vanilla that only partially masks the flavors of leaf and stem. Tannic and a bit earthy, this would be a good wine to pair with a red pasta sauce.
This Chardonnay is minerally and dry, and it has taut acidity and structured quince fruit. The finish is crisp.
This entry-level offering from Seresin offers a pleasing blend of root veggies and mushrooms, with cranberry and raspberry fruit. It's crisp—almost lemony—on the finish, and it has a dusty layer of tannins to ensure that it lasts for at least a few years.
Smooth and soft, this is a ripe, white-peach-flavored wine. It has an attractive tang of orange zest and a note of almond, and its bright acidity adds balance. With its fruitiness, it's ready to drink, but it will mature over 2–3 years.
The fruit that was used to make this Pinot Grigio was sourced from a High Valley vineyard situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The resulting wine is full of citrus and green apple aromas and flavors. The finish shows a touch of sweetness.
By “Old Vine Cabernet” the winery refers to vines that were planted in 1973. But somehow the fruit doesn't express old-vine character. Instead, it's a mix of sweet-tasting strawberry and bitter stem flavors that lack focus, with a peppery highlight.
This is a wine that comes from a parcel of 15 acres, grown on pink granite rock. Vines that are 67 years old have given this firm wine its concentration and density. Generous, full of black fruits, the wine is developing although it needs more time. Drink from late 2017.
Wood spice, herb, tangerine peel and blue- and black-fruit aromas are followed by a fresh, flavorful palate. The grip of the tannins makes the variety unmistakable and the balance is spot on.
Crisp green plum and gooseberry aromas lend an invitingly cool touch to this otherwise sun-kissed spätlese. The palate is delicately honeyed, showcasing a bounty of sweet, succulent apricot, tangerine and pink grapefruit flavors. Spry texture and a spine tingling acidic backbone lend impeccable balance.
Extremely light on the nose, this bottling from a dry-farmed vineyard (that's four years deep in a drought!) offers delicate lemon peel and riverstone aromas. Light lemon curd and nectarine flavors play into a palate that's more focused on grippy texture, with some rain-on-slate minerality providing backbone.
This light- to medium-weight wine is drinkable now—try it with Coffin Bay oysters if you can—but should also age well for up to 15 years. Notes of citrus, lime and crushed stone are mouthwatering and refreshing.
Strong scents of mint and spice frame a burst of black-cherry fruit. It's followed with highlights of vanilla, coffee, cedar and mocha—suggesting that some innovative barrels were combined here. Overall, it's a potent and quite flavorful wine, ready to enjoy now through 2020.
Dark golden-hay in color, this white was fermented mostly in 900-gallon French oak foudres, with the remainder fermented in smaller French oak barrels. Nutty lime and gooseberry provide intrigue and saltiness against bright acidity, making for a complex and compelling impression on the palate.
This blend from several sites is leathery and peppery, with a thick concentration of orange peel, cranberry and blueberry. It shows its fruity side well, mingling with just enough savory to pique the palate in a well-made, light-bodied package.
For a cool-climate Pinot Noir, this is ripe, rich and round. Its ample weight delivers broad, complex flavors of clove, cinnamon, black cherry, plum and cola, but its oaky overcoat may dissuade purists. Although the fruit comes from Tasmania, the wine was made on the mainland at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. Drink now–2023.
This richly concentrated wine surprises in its uplifting acidity on the back of the palate. Light, bright and full of Gravenstein apple goodness, it is well structured and refreshingly unfussy.
Chopped herb, fragrant purple flower, dark spice and balsamic aromas come together on this. The concentrated, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, dried plum, nutmeg, anise and mineral while firm velvety tannins provide support.
Pike's top Riesling features aromas of crushed stone and damp moss, while the flavors bring to mind tangy limes and underripe nectarines. It's actually a bit rounder in feel than expected, then gains focus on the long finish.
Perfumed tangerine and lemon notes are glazed with a waxy sheen on the nose of this elegant wine. While dry and light bodied in style, the palate is surprisingly tropical, bursting of fresh pineapple, mango and guava flavors. Spry acidity and a hint of crushed minerals freshen a long, meandering finish.
Baked plum and blackberry aromas are accented by notes of dry herbs and desert rocks. Typically lush and plush, this Monastrell is also a bit soft. Flavors of blackberry, mixed spices, herbs and chocolate are savory and leathery on the finish, where a spot of mint leaf comes into play. Drink through 2022.
Byrne is a relatively young Clare Valley producer, having made its own wines only since 2008. This Reserve Cabernet features some charred oak and espresso notes on the nose, then ripe, plummy fruit on the palate. It's full bodied, dusty and extracted, boasting plenty of intensity, but lacking polish in this youthful state. It should improve for at least the next five years or so.
Perfumed and pert, this elegant entry-level Spätburgunder offers surprising bang-for-your buck. Sumptuous blackberry and cherry flavors are ripe and concentrated, accented by hints of dried herb, cedar and anise. It's supple in texture with a sprightly streak of acidity. The finish lingers on soft, pleasantly astringent tannins. Drink now through 2022 to enjoy its fresh perfume.
This variety can benefit from new oak while aging, and the spicy layer that envelopes this wine is assertive but very attractive. The aroma is like toasted baguette slices and black-cherry juice, while the flavors are rich, layered and lingering. It's an outstanding wine made in tiny quantities.
Savory black-olive aromas lend some funk to the nose of this tight pointy massively tannic Tempranillo. Flavors of olive, black fruits and chocolate finish with hard drying tannins and flavors of black coffee, additional chocolate and peppery spice. Drink from 2018–2030.
This bold, full-bodied and flavorful wine wraps ripe, generous blackberry flavors in a blanket of fine-grained tannins that helps support the richness and keep the wine in balance. It's from a little-known, tiny winery doing interesting things.
This is full and rich but not overly heavy or sweet, coming across as similar to a well-balanced peach compote or cobbler. Hints of mushroon, cinnamon and clove add depth and complexity.
This is a new project from the Bundschu family of Gundlach Bundschu, a chance to highlight some high-quality fruit from the new Moon Mountain AVA. Toasty in oak and a hint of bacon, it's big, chewy, sanguine and rich in coffee and chocolate, with mountain-proud tannins that add structure and complexity amid the power.
Brooding aromas of earth, herb, dried leaf, black currant, blue fruit and barrel spice are followed by focused blue and black-fruit flavors. Lightly crunchy tannins back it all up.
Winemaker Kevin Mitchell has been gradually refining his style, pulling back on alcohol and oak without sacrificing fruit intensity. This is a fruit-driven Cabernet, loaded with black cherries and cassis and supported by restrained, just-right oak levels. It's medium-bodied, softly dusty yet firm, with a surprisingly long finish. Drink now–2025.
A kaleidoscope of sweet, sun-kissed fruit, this dazzling kabinett offers an array of glazed grapefruit, tangerine and stone fruit flavors. It's exceptionally light and airy in texture but penetrates deeply. Spry acidity and a sheen of crushed minerals freshens the midpalate, guiding a clean, citrusy finish. Drink now through 2021 to enjoy its youthful exuberance.
Smooth, chalky tannin supports deep, dark layers of tar, black currant and savory peppercorn, within a context of baked plum. Full bodied, the wine is also round and easy to love, with supportive structure making it a worthwhile bottle from the stellar appellation.
A two-acre parcel of 75-year-old vines is the source of this jewel of a wine. It is ripe, full bodied and packed with dark fruits. The tannins and the structure promise some aging. Concentrated from the old vines and with a mineral, tight texture, the wine will take its time to be ready. Drink from 2018.
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.
Our expectations for Maipo SB are usually tempered, but this is good and secure. The nose is light and honest, while the palate offers forward grapefruit, orange and lime flavors. The feel is full and comfortable, and it finishes and settles well and a little green. Drink right away.
Spicy oak and honey offer an alluring start. Great balance combines with a hearty backbone. Friendly but sophisticated, it has diverse pairing potential—lobster, poultry, creamy cheeses.
Fresh and zippy, this is loaded with lime and passion fruit flavors, tinged with just enough herbal character to give it that distinctive Marlborough tang.
A ripe, smooth, smoky wine, in which the fruit is dense, almost sweetly rich. Spicy wood is a strong component, going right above the berry fruit flavors. This is an immediate, fruity, ready-to-drink wine.
A step up from the '04, this is a better showcase for the cassis, blackberry and black cherry fruit from this old vine site. The balance of fruit, acid and tannin is in good proportion, and the wine is taut and slightly earthy, in a good way. The flavors gather strength and show signs of fleshing out as the wine breathes a bit.
True to past vintages, this is a peppery Syrah from a cooler site, putting the accent on very tart and tight fruit flavors of wild berries and aromatic herbs. It's well balanced and the tannins are reasonably ripe, with good grip.
This medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc displays a range of flavors from nettles to citrus to honey while remaining essentially dry. The leafy notes really emerge on the finish, along with a chalky note.
Wiry on the nose, with herbal, punchy, slightly strained red fruit aromas that suggest rhubarb. The palate is amorphous and standard, with lightly baked, mildly stewy blackberry and herbal flavors. On the finish, it's pure tobacco, chocolate and coffee. Syrah, Carignan, Carmenère and Petit Verdot.
Bright and drinkable with easygoing green fig, underripe melon, herbs and sweet lemon drop flavors. Approachable and balanced with medium acidity and a crisp finish. Drink now.
A touch syrupy and saucy on first blush, with a full, healthy, ripe palate that's typically Chilean due to herb, berry and leather flavors. Sound, smooth and driven on the finish, with overall good vibrations for an organic wine.
The biggest difference between Huber's R bottlings and this Alte Reben (old vine) Pinot Noir is the crispness of this wine's acids. It still shows the complexity Huber builds in: an herbal tinge to the cherry fruit, hints of mushroom and coffee, it just comes across as a bit sharper and edgier. Drink now–2015.
A medium-bodied Chardonnay with a slight lactic note to it, the 2008 Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay is crisp and long on the finish, highlighting its flavors of vanilla and pineapple. Might improve with another year or two in the bottle.
This Chenin immediately draws you in with notes of baked apple, beeswax and softly toasted brioche. The rich, medium-weight mouth carries similar notes of spicy toast and ripe pear flavors. Full-flavored and easy to drink; enjoy now.
An interesting wine, this blend offers a complex nose of ripe whole lychee and fresh pressed apple aromas countered by glimmers of beeswax and rose florals. More red apple unfolds in the round mouth, with a touch of sweet lime oil freshening up the finish.
Sweet, jammy and friendly on the nose, with a bit of herbs, olive and leather. The palate is firm and healthy, with some oaky residue along with jammy, grainy blackberry, baked plum and bitter chocolate flavors. Sweet and chewy in terms of feel, with a nicely baked overall character.
There's not a ton of assertive character to this wine aside from its gripping tannins and firm structure. The fruit is faint and shy, with notes of dark berries, black tea and licorice spice hiding in the background. Open well in advance, give it a good decant, or try cellaring for another couple of years before drinking.
A tasty, value-priced organic red that's perfect for grilled meat entrées with notes of mulled spices and espresso among the black berry and plum fruit core. Black cherry skins flesh out the medium-weight mouth, with firm tannins providing a tight structure and lingering through the long finish. Drink now–2012.
This is but the second vintage in the states of this rich, internationally styled Sangiovese from this catch-all DOC near Montalcino. It's chewy, thick and packed full of black plum and blackberry. Full yet nonaggressive tannins solidify the balance, while potent hints of bitter chocolate and coffee rise up on the finish.
Intense, fruity, soft and sensuous, this sweet and pretty wine features whole cluster fermentation. It is lively and balanced, fruity and smooth. Terrific for summer sipping.
Crisp and refreshing for a Gewürz, a variety that can often get overblown. Peppery floral scents mingle with green apples, moving smoothly into pineapple, peach and pear fruit flavors. Minty-fresh greens emerge to play a leading role on the long, clean finish.
Some cool earth, leather and smoked meat aromas get this ripe, full-bodied Sangiovese going. The palate is fairly soft, a reminder of blackberry pie. And there's plenty of unmistakable milk chocolate, too. Look at it as a tamed, rich, enjoyable red; a wine well suited to an autumn dinner.
Ripe, premium fruit and fairly high alcohol levels define this wine. A hot year and ripe fruit combine to create complexity in the nose, with an interesting mix of spices (cardamom, clove), lots of tannin, some darker fruit, and hints of smoke and earth. The only down side: it lacks weight and it finishes very tannic.
Here's a super Tuscan that's made for food, not fireside sipping. It's full of red fruit, mostly currants and plum. There's a menthol/eucalyptus element in there as well. It's already into its aging process and it'll be at its best in another couple of years. However, for a well-regarded wine that's all Cabernet, it is a tad thin in the middle.
All stainless steel fermented using Dijon clones. A clean, delicate style, but with an elegant touch and nuances of honey, clove. Very well balanced and textured, with a light but long progression of flavors.
Their estate Chardonnay is all barrel fermented. A bigger style, with lots of texture but not too much oak. Leesy, creamy, with buttery, tropical fruit. Again, well-balanced and stylish.
Very ripe, with earthy aromas of black plum, berry liqueur and bitter chocolate. The mouthfeel is meaty and muscular, but not hard. A wall of moderate tannins builds after a few sips, but the overall feel is still soft. The finish is medium in length, with adequate depth.
In this vintage, Monsanto's flagship wine, made from 90% Sangiovese Grosso, is a prime example of traditional Chianti. It features racy, dry cherry fruit, hard edges and structure galore. Whether it will evolve into a more open and friendly wine remains to be seen; normally Il Poggio ages well and improves in the bottle.
About 40% is  barrel aged and put through malolactic. This is a heavier, more substantial effort than their regular Chardonnay, with more butterscotch flavors showing. With good fruit, some weight and texture, it's well made and a good value.
Dijon clone again. This has just the vaguest hint of onion, but otherwise is much improved over this property's '99. There is good, juicy, crisp fruit mixing apple/apricot and light citrus. Balanced acids and a well integrated middle that leads into a somewhat hot, stiff finish. Young and edgy, but well made.
With almost 2% residual sugar, you might expect this wine to taste sweet. It does—to a point. The strong lime-like finish provides a balancing counterpoint that makes this floral wine very drinkable with food. Clove and cinnamon notes add complexity to ripe pear fruit.
Rounder and plummier than you might expect, thanks to only 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Nicely integrated cedar, mocha and dried herb notes round out the flavors, finishing with fresh acidity. Drink now–2005.
If the first duty of an icewine is to be sweet, this satisfies that need. Its sugar is also reasonably balanced in this case by 10% alcohol and crisp acids. What's missing is the purity of fruit, as some slightly singed, earthy notes creep into its aromas and finish.
Floral, sweet and not the least bit complicated or strained. This is easygoing red wine for easy times. It's a bit candied and baked, but that's Garnacha from Central Spain. Decently balanced and sturdy, especially given the price tag.
Hard and unyielding for Viognier, with lemon and mineral elements that seem a bit out of character for the variety. Nevertheless, it's a crisp refreshing white for the summer.
A hard, tannic wine, this shows concentrated raspberry fruit flavors, but does not have the fullness and texture of this winery's 2006 releases. Perhaps it's the vintage character, or maybe the wines were somehow stripped during vinification. Give it lots of aeration.
Very fresh, with well-judged wood and very juicy fruit, a wine that is almost shocking in its youthful acidity. It bursts in the mouth, fruit and bright.
This is a disappointment. The wine is tart, stalky and, at the same time, light. It has an edge of green that suggests underripe fruit. Developing fast.
This has plenty of cranberry and raspberry fruit flavor, supported with juicy, mouth-cleaning acidity. Beyond that, it's a simple, food-friendly quaffer.
A superripe, soft wine, all pear and yellow fruit flavors, touched with apricot juice and light honey and lemon. The wine rolls smoothly with a light texture of pear skins.
Sharp and a bit volatile, this young Viognier tilts strongly to the orange side of citrus. Despite the fresh fruit flavors it feels a bit flat in the mouth, lacking vitality.
Medicinal black fruit aromas are a little burnt and brambly, while the palate is snappy, acidic and tannic, with tomato, raspberry and oak-driven creaminess. Finishes dry, with a lasting flavor of vanilla that tempers overriding acidity.
A lively, fresh, lightly sweet wine, with raspberry and caramel flavors. It is crisp, but soft with an easy balancing acidity.
This popular wine is about fresh fruit, vividly displayed with red cherries and red plum flavors, light tannins and easy acidity. To drink now.
The Estremadura region, north of Lisbon, is at the western extremity of mainland Europe. It produces a good line in this style of fresh, crisp wines, light and bright. There is just a hint of sweetness, with currant flavors and a final softness.
Neutral for the most part, with a slight citric pungency. Tastes like apple, spice and dried papaya, and the feel is round as opposed to zesty or angular. Lasting on the back end, with a final note of grapefruit.
Always dark in color and flavor profile, Craggy Range stays true to those traits with an excellent 2008 from its own Te Muna Road Vineyard. Hints of cocoa, dried herb and leather accent vibrant black cherry and plum flavors, while the tannins are silky and refined. Drink now–2015.
A deep, dark Syrah with cola, spice, pepper, cedar and olive notes to go with more familiar blackberry and mocha. The palate is deep and pure, with juicy acidity pushing herbal berry and layered spice flavors. Has good flow and feel, and overall it strikes the right chords.
A six-grape Rhône blend, this does not lose focus or intensity. It strikes the palate head-on with flavors of dried leaf, prune, cooked cherry, cinnamon and mocha. But despite the raisin/prune flavors, it does not seem overripe or in any way over the hill. Rather, these superripe flavors have somehow been tamed, the alcohol is just over 14%, and the wine leaves a sinuous, sensuous trail of flavor as it moves through the palate.
Smooth and seductive, scented with sandalwood, tasting of butterfat, toast and chocolate, layered around generous fruit. Cherry, currant and plum lead into polished tannins and lots of chocolaty oak.
More than four years after this wine was bottled, it is mildly oxidized and waxy on the nose, with apricot and baked apple aromas. The mouthfeel is soft and resiny, while flavors of nutty white fruits finish creamy. This smells and tastes past its prime.
Soft, smooth and fruity, this polished wine is full of red berry fruits and a touch of licorice. The juicy, ripe, immediately attractive aftertaste comes from the local Castelão grapes in the blend. Drink now.
A soft and gently fruity wine that has simple apple flavors and an attractive level of acidity. The wine, with its warm fruit, is ready to drink.
This well-priced wine shows Cabernet's lighter side. It offers bright sensations of red currant, hints of cedar wood and baking spices along fresh acidity and supple tannins. It's is made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
Aromas include toasted wood, smoky mineral and yellow apples. The palate offers oak, a hint of lemon zest and a medicinal sensation alongside racy acidity. There's not enough fruit richness to support the oak or the acidity. It ends on a bitter note.
This is a lightly creamy, fruity wine. With touches of citrus, bitter orange and a good burst of acidity, it is balanced, ripe and ready to drink.
Bold and juicy, this is a ripe, forward wine. With red berry fruits prominent, it conveys attractive fruitiness. Tannins in the background suggest medium-term aging. Drink from 2016.
It starts with aromas of yellow flower and a hint of exotic fruit. The fruity palate offers sweet peach, banana and a hint of bitter almond. Pair this with light first courses like pasta topped with vegetables.
Aged in large casks, this opens with aromas of toast, oak, and espresso. The palate offers fleeting Golden Delicous apple and citrus along with more persistent toasted oak sensations. Overall it lacks the fruit richness needed to support the evident wood influence.
This Gaillac-like blend of Braucol, Duras and Syrah gives rich fruitiness and soft tannins. The wine is juicy, full of red berry and spice and an attractive light touch. It's ready to drink.
A fruity, very young wine, it has red berry fruits balanced by a dry texture. While it is full of fruits, it does need to broaden out and bring in some balanced structure. Give it until 2015.
Pretty fragrances include white flowers and green apple. The fresh, linear palate offers pear and Granny Smith apple with a hint of lemon zest. Pair with light pasta dishes or sip as an apéritif.
Sharp aromas of prickly red fruits and barrel scents are lively, while a dry palate comes with a resiny coating of oak. Flavors of earthy berry, pepper and herbs finish minty in flavor, with unresolved tomato-like acidity.
A fresh, juicy wine that does everything a Beaujolais should. With its cherry fruit and bright acidity, it would be great with turkey. Enjoy it now.
An herbaceous, youthful wine that can be drunk immediately for its fresh, crisp fruits. It's light and bright.
This block-selection Syrah is a kissing cousin of Polkura's more basic yet excellent Syrah from Marchigue in western Colchagua. It shows plenty of oak, vanilla and black-fruit ripeness, but on the palate it's nicely balanced and runs a mile deep. Toasty, smoky blackberry flavors end with mocha notes and oomph. Drink through 2019.
A new top-end series from Iris Rideau and winemaker Adrienne St. John, this bottling, named after Iris's mother who turned 98 recently, shows roasted beef, lavender, blackberry coulis and a touch of black gravel on the nose. The palate offers mole-like flavors of chocolate and dried fruit, with blueberry skin and espresso notes proving quite interesting and elegant.
Made in a Méthode Champenoise style from well-farmed vineyards, this Blanc de Blancs is sharp in acidity and biting flavors of green apple and lemon zest. Crisp and fresh, it's also complex and slightly brooding, weaving in waves of brioche and almond as it goes.
There are light and airy elements of nectarine flesh and lemon blossoms on the nose of this first Chardonnay ever made by veteran Doug Margerum, who also imparts warmer scents of toast and clarified butter. The palate is tightly coiled, simultaneously soft with stone fruit and sharp with chalky texturality.
Subdued, riper fruit has not yet come to the surface. Notions of Bramley apple are evoked on the nose; on the palate they show as the more rounded flavor of baked Bramley. Hovering above it all is grated lemon zest, pulling fruit, texture and freshness tautly together in a dry, fresh yet mellow finish. The more you taste, the more the still-underlying fruit yearns to rise to the surface. Best to give this some time so it can show its true, exciting colours.
Fresh raspberry and Bing cherry juice meet with wet black slate, rain on cement and toasted sagebrush scents on the nose of this block-selection expression. The palate opens with ripe red berry, then tightens on slightly sour cranberries, with singing acidity down the middle and a warmer anise tinge to the edges.
Hearty aromas of baking spices, roasted fennel, ginger and light licorice give nuance to dried cherry, cranberry, beef bourguignon and sweet onion scents on this wine from the eastside of the Salinas Valley. The palate is all about exotic spice, from sandalwood and myrrh to oregano, thyme, marjoram and black cardamom, all hanging on a lush, dark-fruit core.
This floral wine opens as if in a damp but not wet forest, surrounded by ripe, red cherry trees. Likable from the start, it's grippy on the palate, expressively juicy, seductive and refined. Blackberry and dried herb pop on the finish, providing a darker side to the red fruit.
A rich, decadent and generous wine, 100% varietal, this is both floral and fruity, bright in cherry and raspberry alongside herbal cedar and vanilla. A medium weight surrounds softly integrated tannins, leading the way to an explosive, juicy finish. This is a classic example of the appellation's prowess in approachable power.
Full-bodied and firmly structured, this offers aromas of dark cherry, mocha, blue flower and a whiff of exotic spice. The concentrated palate doles out black cherry, raspberry jam, raisin, chocolate and baking spice alongside velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2023.
Concentrated hibiscus and rose petals are cut by an iron minerality and anise character on the nose of this wine that Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton make for a Japanese partner. It's rich on the palate but still just medium weight, showing graphite, Asian spices, black peppercorns and lots of textural energy and acidic verve on the palate.
Subtle notes of orange meet freshly-cut pear flavors, amplified by some residual sugar. The richness of the palate is cut beautifully by a fresh and pure, citric acidity and a wrought phenolic structure which lends pleasant notes of subtle, enticing bitterness. There is something bittersweet about this that is touching and alluring.
Honeyed notes of pear promise oriental richness. The palate cuts this opulence, edged with Seville orange spice and a streak of zesty lime. This interplay between baroque and discipline continues, creating a scintillating experience. Enjoy the ride and marvel at all the spicy overtones.
This serious wine is still developing even after five years. It is rich, dense and concentrated with firm tannins that lie under the ripe black fruits and acidity. From vineyards to the east of Aix-en-Provence, the wine has a mineral, structured character that needs to age. Drink from 2018.
This wine is sanguine and elegant despite its full-figured size. Dried cranberry and cassis play on the palate, streaked by an elusive hit of white pepper. Bright and dancing in minerality, it finishes velvety and smooth, just the right amount of toasted oak showing through.
Orange peel perfumes the rich pear notes and imbues them with the aromatic spice of citrus foliage and zest. The palate is full of friendly citrus and pear. Despite its texture and rich flavor, it's beautifully slender and light-footed, with an inherent, zesty brightness that makes this wine shine.
The restrained and floral opening of jasmine and mandarin peel leads to a palate that holds just a touch of residual sugar, filling this gorgeously balanced Gewurztraminer to the brim with sweet citrus swirls of tangerine, satsuma and mandarin. Notes of orange blossom hover and are pulled into focus by the textured mouthfeel of this immensely elegant wine.
Very ripe, red-cheeked Mirabelles and orange peel represent the aromatic top notes. With more air, mandarin juice becomes apparent, and the palate is wonderfully taut and concentrated. There is a haunting purity and a strong undertow of earth and stone that soars on the long finish.
From a vineyard planted in 1924 in the northern reaches of the Napa Valley, Falleri is a tiny-production wine that's soft, supple and generously juicy and fruity. Boysenberry, blackberry and a trace of crisp red fruit combine around a core of earth, dotted by a floral bouquet. The finish is long and leathery.
Pungent earth opens this wine, the small-production label of Napa Valley geologist and worldwide soils expert Dr. Paul Skinner, who has named it appropriately to mark its literal roots. A strip of red berry and vanilla highlight the palate of this overall bright and balanced wine.
Aged for a year in stainless-steel barrels, this wine is a combination of two vineyard blocks. The area planted to Old Wente 5 clone contributes zesty acidity and crisp apple; the V9 vineyard block is known for minerality. Acidity is balanced and the bouquet quite floral, with the palate devoted to brioche and golden honey.
Earth, mud and wet clay are laid against a ripe black raspberry frame on this bottling from winemaker Larry Brooks. Plenty of life, zest and lift enliven the beautifully spiced palate, with bright red cherries, cranberries and purple flowers cut by a line of pencil-lead minerality and a savory fennel element.
From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, this elegantly powerful wine opens in cracked black pepper, dried herb and cedar, continuing the peppery theme on the palate. Black cherry and high-toned blackberry combine with the more savory elements, with an overall softness of texture and lengthy finish.
Simply delicious, this Zin is well mannered and not too full bodied. Aromas of this dry and elegant wine are like cinnamon and cardamom, and flavors are a little smoky and full of cherries. The mouthfeel is good and gripping due to fine tannins and supportive acidity.
Formidable acidity gives this lovely wine a freshness around complementary layers of rose petal and strawberry-pomegranate. Made from a blend of two Chardonnay clones, it adds additional notes of tangerine and lemon-lime on the lengthy, complex finish.
Big, firm and dense, this is a powerful wine, with dark tannins that give a dry, concentrated character. The juicy plum and damson fruit flavors, along with the fresh aftertaste, will be a delicious balance as the wine develops. Drink from 2020.
From a cool Forestville vineyard once devoted to apples, Appian Way is rich in Goldridge soils, providing a happy home to these grapes that offer a core of pomegranate and cranberry, laced in black tea. Light bodied without being wimpy, the wine is complex and velvety, finishing in nutmeg and ginger.
Stemmy earth and dark, savory pine give in to sautéed mushroom and cinnamon in this lean, soft and delicious estate-grown wine. A tension of acidity buoys a backdrop of wild strawberry and cranberry on the palate, ending with just the right amount of weight and length, succulent to the end.
A gorgeous wine that showcases the greatness Sémillon has to offer. Green apple, pear and stone fruit all abound on the nose, with interesting notes of yellow flowers and soft toast adding depth to the bouquet. Orange citrus and well-integrated oak notes flesh out in the mouth and linger.
A full, rounded wine, very much a rosé for food. It is bone dry in character, although the berry fruitiness gives the wine an attractive open feel. With its firm texture, it could age a year.
The wine is ripe and rounded, full of red cherry and raspberry flavors. It has weight and enough richness while not losing its acidity.
Produced from the Clos Mireille, within sight of the Mediterranean, this fresh-faced wine shows peach and citrus flavors rounded by ripeness, although with an attractive tangy aftertaste.
This limited-production Syrah (3,200 bottles produced) spends 18 months in French and American oak, providing a sweet spice and chocolate backdrop to the wine's bright red berry aromas and flavors. Accents of foresty foliage and black pepper add additional complexity to the lush mouth. Drink now–2014.
Smooth and rich, the first release of the new vintage from Le Cadeau is a gem. Tangy berry/cherry fruit is framed in chocolate, while balancing acidity props up softer, caramel streaks. The finish brings a wash of citrus, leaving the mouth feeling clean and ready to sip again.
A delicious food rosé, rich and rounded with a good structure and a bite of acidity. Red apple and pink grapefruit complement the sweeter berry fruits. The extra year of aging before release has brought some sophistication.
Encruzado is the Dão's star white grape, able to produce, as here, a wine that combines a great sense of style, some weight, along with the freshest of lemon tints. There is some fullness as well, while the final taste is crisp.
Dense on the nose, with a mix of black fruit aromas and mild herbs. The palate is properly acidic and elevated, with complex flavors of coconut, plum, berry, mocha, chocolate and spice. Quite oaky but the oak comes across well, i.e. friendly mocha and coffee. 64% Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat.
Wood-aged wine that shows pedigree and style. It has red berry fruit flavors, firm tannins along with acidity and a dry core. It's a serious wine, for aging over 4–5 years.
There is certainly some of the Dão minerality in the texture of this wine. It's main thrust is berry fruit, which is filled out with some attractive tannins, spice from wood and final acidity.
The vineyard from which this wine is sourced sits along the Gualala River in view of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying coastal weather and elevations of up to 1,100 feet. Baked blueberry pie laced with clove is the first impression, supported by bright acidity. Exotic in profile, it imparts cedar and tea notes, its tannins fine yet tenacious.
This wine opens in a flurry of pungent apple blossom and orange zest aromas. On the palate, it shows a zesty fullness of apple, Meyer lemon and lemongrass flavor, complemented by competing notions of stony minerality and lush creaminess on the finish.
Named for the special format of small oak barrel it's aged in, this has soaked up the oak impressively. Hints of vanilla and graham crackers accent mixed berry fruit, while the finish is long and mouthwatering. There's ample concentration, yet the wine never seems heavy. Drinkable now, but why rush things? Drink 2020–2030.
As Willamette Valley vintners continually improve and redefine Oregon Chardonnay, a distinctive profile is emerging. This vivid and taut mineral-driven wine could be the poster child. The citrus, apples and pears bring a light touch of baking spices, extended length and surefire ageability. Plus, it's a fine value for a wine of such quality.
Earthy and dark fruit-driven, this is a richly rewarding, fruity wine, ripe in blackberry, clove and cocoa. From an estate vineyard named for Benovia proprietor's two mothers, Martha and Eleanor, it offers the appellation's classic elements of savory clove and cola.
Seared lemon, hazelnut, brown butter and sandalwood with a graphite minerality come through on the nose of this complex wine from Jonathan Nagy. The palate offers hints of herbs and chamomile at first, then washes of citrusy acidity and apple notes, all held together with steely tension.
Owned by the Vialard family, this is a very fine wine. While it does have strong wood flavors at this young stage, they are going to be there to support the ripe jammy fruit. The wine from this 111-acre estate is generous and is going to age well. Drink from 2022.
Owned by art collector Philippe Raoux, who has filled the park of the chateau with impressive sculptures, this estate produces serious and complex wines. This latest release continues in that tradition. It is rich, structured and full of swathes of black fruit. The wine will take time, so wait until 2021.
This estate, dating to the 18th century and close to the Gironde estuary, has produced a rich wine. Young tannins and fine fruity acidity are both present in a wine that is serious and dense. Its weight, ripeness and the potential of the black-currant fruit will all allow it to age. Drink from 2022.
Under the ownership of Jacky Lorenzetti, president of one of France's top rugby clubs, this estate is now performing impressively. The wine is finely structured with dark tannins and tight acidity and a hint of minerality. It is Merlot dominated, although it is the 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that brings out the black-currant fruitiness. Drink from 2022.
A lush and expressive bottling from a brand new vineyard, this shows candied black cherry, Vietnamese coffee, baking spice and licorice on the approachable nose. The ripeness extends to the palate, hemmed in by a tannic structure that ensures long aging. Asian pepper, rum barrel, caramel and cherry flavors complete the picture.
Slightly funky notions appear first: There's a hint of reduction but this, thankfully, blows off. Underneath sits a very sprightly, very fresh wine that pits fruity apple mellowness against total, dry freshness. This has a concentrated core, the aromas are still a little tinged by the flinty, smoky hints of reduction but this will stand them in good stead for cellar age. Give this some time. Drink 2020–2030.
There is something floral and tender, even creamy on the nose. The palate on the one side has a creamy apricot and peach aspect, on the other a totally taut and brisk lemon-lime streak. This makes for tension and interest. This is concentrated and exciting, dry and very, very enjoyable. Drink now through 2025.
There is just a faint touch of honeysuckle on the nose. The palate follows with creamy floral peach notes on an incredibly light-bodied fluid palate of great intensity and stony depth. It is only on the aftertaste that the full volume and power of these aromatics shine. This feels like the aromatic heart of Alsace itself.
Leafy underbrush, new leather, dark berry and chopped herb aromas waft out of the glass. The fresh, chewy palate doles out succulent wild cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon notes, blanketed in smooth, round tannins. A licorice note caps off the finish. It's already delicious but will also offer fine drinking over the next several years. Drink 2018–2024.
This intriguing new cuvée showcases the mineral-driven terroir of the contributing vineyards, chosen for soils derived from ancient seabeds. Its chewy minerality wraps around tight blackberries, enhanced with a lick of dark chocolate threading through stiffening tannins.
This winery, with its Los Alamitos tasting room east of Long Beach, sources from a variety of vineyards to make some impressive wines. This bottling shows crushed black pepper, tar, roasted lamb and savory herb notes on the nose. The palate is tangy with underripe boysenberry, thyme, black tea and roasted lamb flavors.
There's been lots to like from this SoCal winery, and this bottling adds to the list. Rusty in color, it offers cranberry, strawberry, sagebrush and iron aromas. The palate pops with zesty pomegranate fruit, lifted by herbal garrigue notes and spice.
Soft yet dark aromas of alpine strawberry, blackberry, pepper and leather need time to open on this bottling's tightly packed nose. With patience, the palate releases layers of flavor, from cranberry and pomegranate to wild herb, crushed rocks and earthy spices. Drink 2018–2028.
Big, powerful and confidently ripe, this full-bodied wine oozes with luscious blackberry, wild sage and blueberry flavors that seemingly melt in the mouth. A great example of the late harvest style without being sweet, it's dry, concentrated and persistent on the finish.
Young Pinot Noir can sometimes dazzle you with juicy expressive downright sensational fruit, as this does. Though tasted prior to its official release, the wine drinks beautifully, offering a big hit of citrus flesh and rind along with lovely raspberry and blueberry fruit. It's forward, fresh, balanced tightly against its lush acidity, and is already just about irresistible.
This single-clone cuvée really shines in 2014, with concentrated berry and cherry fruit, accented with toasty oak. The persistence and follow-through takes you down a lush flavor trail, with touches of caramel, sassafras and cola along the way.
Dried herb, dust and compost provide a dark underbelly in this vineyard-designated varietal wine. It's layered with caramel and toffee notes that are complemented by bright acidity and further freshened by sparks of pomegranate and cassis.
This bottling's nose is earthy and hearty, with rhubarb, wild berry, tea, garrigue and a touch of game all coming into play. It's soft and creamy on the palate, with dried herb notes like thyme, marjoram and mint spicing up the plum-inflected, pleasantly rustic flavors.
One of the winery's many estate bottlings, this offers a floral and earthy nose, with crushed slate, lavender and ginger accents to its pomegranate and mulberry aromas. It's juicy, light and acid-driven, the palate replete with cinnamon, hibiscus and grenadine flavors, followed by a thyme- and anise-inflected finish.
Chive and onion skin aromas blend with hints of mint, marcona almond and vanilla on the nose of this bottling from winemaker Bruce McGuire. From one of Pierre Lafond's special sites, it has a savory palate that recalls salted peanuts, seared lemon and popcorn on the finish. Lemony acidity cuts through it all.
This best-barrel blend spent 16 months in 40% new oak, and is comprised of fruit from the Nysa and Lachini vineyards, which are also featured as vineyard designate bottlings for this new project from Mark McNeilly (of Mark Ryan Winery). The oak is showing strongly at the moment, with baking spices galore, suggesting gingerbread cookies and dried cherries. The tannins could use a bit more bottle age to soften up, but it's built to last. Drink 2020–2030.
A blend of equal parts of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this opens with mature blackberry, cedar and underbrush aromas. The juicy, creamy palate delivers black cherry, black currant, mint and tobacco flavors, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Enjoy through 2028.
This wine has a banana and lemon character on the nose, followed by complex layers of vanilla, citrus and pineapple. Good mineral balance gives tis fuller bodied wine balance. A pretty white with gravitas?pair with poultry and cheese.
The aromas are exuberant, with notes of apricot, jasmine and honeysuckle. It drinks off dry, with abundant stone-fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
This is an excellent wine for the price. Aromas of lightly salted nectarines and pan-seared Asian pear are very inviting and pretty. There's a nice sizzle of acidity on the palate and a nervy tension, with lime juice and sea-salt sharpness leading into rounded almond and apple notes in the midpalate.
Popcorn, butter-fried apples, seared mandarins, marzipan and a touch of marshmallow show on the very ripe and oily nose of this bottling. The palate is thick with walnut oil, apricot, condensed jasmine and savory salts, right up the alley of those who love big Chardonnays, but not for people seeking fresher expressions.
The aromas are lightly nuanced notes of spice and stone fruit. The palate brings a compelling sense of texture and richness that keeps the attention high.
A blend of fruit from Les Collines, Seven Hills and Morrison Lane vineyards, this wine offers aromas of violets along with generous amounts of herb and blue and purple fruit. The palate retains a light, elegant touch.
Aromas of oak, asphalt, and ripe black fruits make for a lusty, modern nose. The feel is jammy and thick. Flavors of blackberry, chocolate and mocha give way to a strong oak component. A dense finish runs minty and chocolaty, with an emphasis on syrupy richness. Drink through 2021.
Lemon and pineapple aromas start this full-bodied but friendly pour from the Peloponnese. Citrus, sea salt and a mineral finish give the wine elegance and a versatile food character.
This wine is smooth, delicious and almost soft in texture. Mild aromas and flavors like cinnamon, red cherry and peach are very attractive, with just enough light tannins and mild acidity to back them up.
Bold hits of spice, vanilla, toast and smoke envelop this Cabernet Franc, but beneath it all, there's a penetrating core of berry and cherry flavors that resonates. It's a hedonistic, perhaps aspirational style of Long Island red wine, but anchored firmly in its fruit. Full-bodied in style, it's structured tautly by fine penetrating tannins and a burst of sour cherry acidity on the midpalate.
Perfumed in rose garden and earthy compost, this effusively aromatic wine is tightly wound in oak. Yet it's youthful in characteristics of wild strawberry, tea and cardamom, the flavors still waiting to be fully revealed.
A young wine that needs time to flesh out, this currently offers intense notes of garrigue and fresh, green herbs that are framed by fruity tones of green plum and lime leaf. Tart citrus, pear and underripe stone fruit flavors unfold on the medium-weight palate, with hints of hay and beeswax on the finish. Drink 2018–2022.
Jack Hill is a steep, cold site near Occidental, made hearty by the winds of the Pacific Ocean. The grapes in this bottling take on a caramelized, grenadine/kirsch-like richness. Tangy cranberry and citrus, layered atop a light, bright body, are girded by an underlying juiciness.
Savory smoked-pork notes meet with blueberry soda, teriyaki and white pepper on the nose of this blend of 49% Syrah, 24% Petite Sirah, 15% Grenache and 12% Mourvèdre. Soy, teriyaki, crushed peppercorns and blackberry jam show on the palate, which is more restrained than exuberant.
This is a hearty, tannic, big and burly wine made from a well-known vineyard in the heart of the appellation. Dense fruit flavors are framed by prominent notes of tar and leather, while a smoky char provides support and additional savory flavor.
Pure Alicante Bouschet is rare in the cooler Lisboa region, but this wine certainly reveals much of the richness and intense fruit that makes this grape so popular among producers. It is a rich wine, with structure as well as fruit, that is ready to drink now.
Very tender notes of baked apple and faint hints of creamy autolysis rise from the glass. The palate is tart and brisk, reminiscent of white currant and pale lemon. Slenderness is enlivened by the dosage which lends overtones of elderflower. Fine bubbles add welcome creaminess and leave you thoroughly refreshed.
Orange peel notes on the nose of this wine lead to a rounded, soft and fruity palate of juicy peaches and nectarines. A pleasant soft bitterness frames the fruit, giving texture and structure to the palate. The pithy finish is off dry, but beautifully balanced.
Aromatic notes of orange zest, combine with an intriguing hint of caramel on the nose and palate of this wine. It's fresh, balanced and juicy, walking a tightrope between lusciousness and brisk refreshment. The body is fruity but dry.
This is a rich and full-bodied wine. While it is certainly packed with crunchy cherry flavors, it also has a more tannic and structured side giving it a firm texture to back up the fruitiness. The aftertaste is juicy and ripe.
Notes of passion fruit combine with rose petals for an aromatic and tropically enticing nose. The off-dry palate favors bold, ripe fruit, making for rich roundness countered by lemony freshness. The flavors echo long on this balanced wine with just a little sweetness.
The aromas explode with exuberant notes of lychee, rose water, pink grapefruit and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, drinking dry with a spicy and flowery finish. The balance is impeccable.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Merlot (41%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of flowers, herb, pencil lead and red fruit lead to light, flavorful, reserved and lengthy fruit flavors. The tannins are tightly wound and need some time to uncoil. Best after 2022.
A blend of three vineyards, this Zin is slightly lighter in color and shows ripe elderberry, Asian plum and exotic cherry as well as chaparral on the nose. Pepper spice hits the palate alongside soy, light coffee and wild raspberry. It's a compelling sipper.
Aromas of vanilla, coconut, barrel spice and dark fruit are followed by plentiful black-fruit flavors. It brings a lot of appeal, mixing fruit and barrel.
Aromas of dark-skinned berry, coffee, tilled soil, oak and a balsamic note come together on this. The vibrant, linear palate offers tart red cherry, cranberry, licorice, clove and espresso alongside bright acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Initially, this smells heavy, earthy, nutty and even a bit raisiny. In the mouth, this is chunky and rich, with pounding tannins. The flavor profile is much like a chocolate parfait, with sweet, nutty, spicy notes. On the finish, copious oak is reflected via clove, mint and wood-spice flavors. Drink this lush, sticky Carmenère through 2021.
This blends 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Petite Verdot, the Cabernet hailing from vineyards such as To Kalon and Dr. Crane. This wine is defined by its ripeness, a high-octane expression of coconut and soy with a syrupy concentration of blackberry and cherry that explodes with richness on the palate.
This fresh but generic Sauvignon Blanc offers white-fruit aromas and zesty passion fruit scents. The mouthfeel is juicy, while flavors of grapefruit, lime and orange finish with a touch of pithy bitterness. Along the way, riper notes of melon fade in and out.
One sniff is all it takes to announce that this was barrel fermented; wood, toast and spicy white-fruit aromas are draped all over the bouquet. This feels round and healthy, with modest flavors of resin, salt, apple and nectarine. Saline stays present on the finish, which is fresh but resiny in flavor.
The first release from a new resort winery on Lake Osoyoos. Katy Perry, of Tildio, is the winemaker. This is a bright, high-toned blend of Barbera, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in French and American oak barrels. Flavors of strawberry, Bing cherry and milk chocolate highlight a wine of medium weight and depth.
White flowers, honey, melon and ham aromas are true to the variety and welcoming. This feels round and generous, with a lot of ripeness to the body and flavor profile, which includes papaya, melon and spice elements. A melony, honeyed finish is bold and ready.