Apple and melony aromas rule the easygoing, tropical bouquet. Feels fresh and properly acidic, with pithy, citrusy flavors that vascillate between lime and nectarine. Feels good, bright and under control, with sweetness and citrus pith on the finish. 2,000 cases made.
Smells floral and foresty, with solid plum and cherry scents offset by rubber. Feels fresh and zesty, with semisharp acidity pushing bright flavors of raspberry, red plum and dry oak. Turns a touch more oaky late, as vanilla and coconut flavors rise up. From five grapes led by Carmenère.
New producer Hannah Nicole has done a nice job, working in a light style, sourcing from Grenache Noir grapes and fermenting in 100% stainless steel. Totally dry, the wine is all strawberry and watermelon, with a tiny note of wax like the kind found around Bonbel cheese.
Smoky and toasty, with well-defined acidity, this flavorful Chardonnay matches the barrel notes to light tropical and stone fruits—peach and papaya.
Black purple, this older Petite has a deeply perfumed nose of licorice and chocolate and is very drinkable now.
Hints of smoke and crushed slate lend minerality to this bracingly dry Riesling from Treleaven. Lean and brisk, yet deeply concentrated with sweet notes of white grapefruit and peach. Blossomy and floral with a bitter lime skin finish.
Plum, black cherry and fruit cake spice take center stage on the nose of this wine. Flavors of dried dates and crushed violets appear in the medium-weight mouth with a satiny texture, while the finish provides a touch of fudgy chocolate richness.
Layers of charred oak and smoked nuts give this this ripe, creamy Chardonnay a decidedly dark first impression, but the palate is remarkably juicy with soft, sweet honeydew notes. Hints of nut skin against generous cream and butter notes add a savory, bitter elegance to the finish.
Closer in style to a light red wine than a traditional dry rosé, this is dark pink—nearly pomegranate—in color, and boasts hints of leather, berries, dried herbs and white chocolate. Textured and round in the mouth, the only quibble is its relatively quick fade on the finish. Drink now.
All the proper Muscat aromas and flavors are represented here, sweet peach and honeysuckle mostly. This dessert wine is light in alcohol and nicely balanced in sweetness.
Slightly clipped and hard on the bouquet, which is narrow and settles on berry fruit. Feels chunky and bottom-weighted, with dark flavors of black fruits, plum and boysenberry. Becomes more stylish with airing, but it's always fairly hard and compact in character.
Quite oaky, the barrel flavors not yet integrated into the fruit, this starts out rough, then rolls into clean, light, pleasant boysenberry fruit flavors. Should continue to improve with more time in the bottle.
Sweet marmalade, orange rind and mango notes perfume this beautifully extracted, full-bodied Chardonnay from the Hudson River. It's dry, but quite lush in fruit and flavor, with just a twinge of dark smoke and racy acidity to keep things in check.
Naggiar has done a nice job here with its estate-grown Malbec, its aromatics plush with plum and black fruit, a touch of baking spice and vanilla capped off by a streak of anise and chocolate at the end.
Sprays of rose petals and violets mingle decadently with notes of brandy-soaked cherries on this deliciously juicy Pinot Noir. Dry, yet densely concentrated in fruit, its bright acidity carries towards a soft, candy-coated cherry finish.
Clean, crisp and easy to drink, with raspberry fruit accented by subtle wood spice and cedar elements. Tannins are soft, making this a Shiraz to drink now and over the next few years.
Rosemount's Diamond Label Chardonnay used to be a terrific value, so it is encouraging to see its quality once again on the rise. Smoky notes add complexity to the bold pear and melon fruit in this plump, harmonious wine; drink it over the next few months.
Soft and floral, this unusual Malbec is focused and distinctive. The floral aromas translate in the mouth to an almost soapy sensation, but the bright raspberry fruit keeps it spicy and interesting.
Black cherry and cassis aromas are sweet and ripe. The palate is lively and shows zippy acids along with roasted berry flavors that are juicy due to the fresh acidity. Darkens up on the finish, showing coffee, chocolate and good length. Uncomplicated, fruity Syrah.
In sharp contrast to the heavily oaked companion Syrahs from Bergevin Lane, the Oui Deux puts the fruit up front. Spicy and sharp-toned, it was co-fermented with 5% Viognier, and for all practical terms is a Stonetree Vineyard bottling. It should continue to improve nicely with a couple more years of bottle age.
A very good value-priced Rioja with rubber and hickory on the bouquet along with light touches of cassis and red plum. Feels smart, fresh and lively, with a good blend of tomato, herb and red berry flavors. Finishes spicy and crisp, with an herbal, peppery accent.
Solid up front, with sweet and spicy aromas of plum, vanilla and candied berry. Feels full and good, with weight and thickness boosting up toasty, woody berry flavors. Dries out on the finish, leaving spice and a resiny taste. Drink now through 2014.
This wine's bold cassis fruit is accented by charred capsicum and vaguely herbal notes, giving it ample complexity at this young age. It's full bodied, yet creamy and supple in texture, with soft tannins on the long, mouthwatering finish.
This is a full-bodied, sturdy wine, bursting with blueberries and baking spices. Licorice adds interest, as do some savory notes of meat, olive and espresso. Drink 2016–2023.
The winery's most approachable Cabernet when young, this features notes of chocolate-covered cherry and red and blue berry, intermixed with soft, yet substantial tannins. Peppercorn dances on the palate through the finish. A high-octane intensity suggests that the wine should spend more time in the cellar, through 2021.
Monterey Bay fog cools this vineyard at the appellation's northeastern tip. The acidity shines on this bottling, with refreshing aromas that are both ripe with honeydew melon and stark with grass and nectarine. Lime zest and yellow grapefruit spray power the nearly sour palate, making a perfect pairing for oysters and light cheese plates.
Gamy and somewhat sanguine, this fleshy, soft and evolving Zinfandel from a Napa Cab producer shows off Napa's worthiness as a place for Zin, both in terms of grape growing and winemaking. Plum jam and cinnamon play off one another with ease, combining in full force on the finish.
From a block planted in 1979, this clonal selection has sharp edges, bright cranberry fruit, black pepper and chocolate highlights. The old vines seem to add length and texture, with finishing touches of mineral and breakfast tea.
The biodynamic Letzenberg vineyard has produced an impressive wine that's rich and full in the mouth, packed with ripe white fruits, plums and lychees. A spicy texture gives a dry edge to what is otherwise a medium-sweet wine. Drink from 2016.
Farmed biodynamically, this wine has a pure fruit character, intense and mineral. It's on the sweet side, although the acidity allows good freshness into the mix. It needs to age, so drink from 2017.
This single-vineyard wine is made from biodynamically grown grapes. It's rich while still stylish and fresh. Ripe apple fruit flavors are lifted by acidity and given a twist with spice, pepper and hints of tropical fruits. Drink from 2016.
White flowers meld with saffron and fennel notes on this complex medium-dry Riesling. It's delicately lacy on the palate, yet sweet-tart peach and lime flavors penetrate deeply. Racy acidity drives a high-toned, focused finish.
An off-dry character sets the scene for this concentrated, already balanced wine. The Hatschbourg vineyard in the southern Alsace village of Voegtlinshoffen is composed of clay and chalk soil on a southeast-facing slope. It gives exceptional ripeness, as here, a warm and full-bodied wine with great swathes of fruitiness. Drink from 2017.
Still very closed up, this is a potentially rich wine with huge fruit flavors. It's sweet while still structured, with a dry core of spice and minerality. The future for this wine is good. Its richness will develop while always keeping structure. Drink from 2018.
Give this wine your full attention and it continues to give back. Tart young strawberry and black cherry fruit flavors are set in a frame of light toast and juicy acid. With perfect balance, good length and emerging details, more complexity should develop as this wine ages. Suggestion: cellar until 2018–2020.
Firm and tannic, with ripe, dark fruits, this wine charges ahead with power and precision. Deep blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors are wrapped in dark chocolate and coffee-ground tannins. This has the length and structure to develop nicely through 2023–2025.
Bill Foley named this wine after his wife, who works with disadvantaged children, so you can expect it to be a winner. The nose is quite distinctive, a whirlwind of smoke, seared pear, citrus blossom, squeezed Meyer lemon and rain on slate. It's a refreshing breeze to drink, with toasted nuts, cooked apples, a hint of butter and a chalky grip.
A big, rubbery, gaseous nose is not clean, welcoming or lush. That said, this tannic, hard-bodied Tempranillo is pumping savory oak flavors as well as baked blackberry, baking spice and salty notes. A toasty, massive finish simmers away before spilling hard tannins and overt oak. Drink 2016–2022.
This wine tastes of the hard landscape from which it comes. It is firmly tannic, tough in its youth and packing a structured punch. Impressive, it hints at the black berry fruits that are underneath. Give this wine several years and drink from 2018.
Aromas of mature berry, fig, plum and a whiff of zabaglione waft out of the glass. The soft, velvety palate offers dried cherry, mint, carob, mocha and aniseed alongside polished, supple tannins. Drink through 2019.
A barrel selection, principally from the estate's Lazy River vineyard, this is solid, forward and medium weight. It offers a mix of ripe black cherry, cola and a hint of sassafras, while settling comfortably into midpalate pleasureville before trailing out in a lively, mineral-touched finish.
This block is singled out in order to present a wine that has received full western exposure throughout the growing season. That's reflected in the ripeness and fullness on the palate. It's a fruit-driven vintage, and this matches it perfectly with strawberry preserves, enhanced with streaks of cola, sassafras and coffee grounds. Mineral-drenched acids provide the perfect support.
Tart with melon, peach and lemon fruits, this was crafted in a mix of stainless and new French oak. Low alcohol notwithstanding, it drinks dry despite some residual sugar.
This bottling, which is already good but shows potential to be great, eschews overly obvious fruit aromas to instead deliver notes of peppercorns, pencil shavings and green bell pepper. The palate is powered by a lively bitterness of underripe raspberries, raw coffee beans and more green peppers, yet will probably age better than most of its vintage counterparts. Drink 2018–2024.
Inky red-violet in color, this offers a bouquet of black cherry, iodine and green pepper. It has flavors of cassis, blackberry, butterscotch, orange peel and mint, with nice notes of citrus and cranberry that continue as the smooth tannins fade on the palate.
A whiff of anise lends exotic spice to powerful white peach and melon flavors in this dry, richly textured wine. Despite a cool, wet vintage, this displays an intensity of ripeness, enhanced by mineral complexity and a brisk, revitalizing acid structure.
Working with one of the most obscure grapes in the Central Coast, Bonny Doon-trained Nicole Smith makes a good case for it in this bottling, showcasing aromas of fresh raspberry, white pepper and red cherries. The palate is neither boisterous nor weak, with flavors of root beer, cola, vanilla and cherries.
Half Wadenswil and half Pommard, from a 1989 planting, this single-vineyard selection is taut and juicy, a mix of citrus and raspberry, remaining sharply focused even after 48 hours of breathing time. The bright fruit, proportion and precision are impressive, though it needs a bit more bottle age to open up completely.
While bold and rich with a concentrated black fruit character, Korta Katarina's Plavac Mali is also wonderfully expressive with glimmers of rose petal, espresso and chocolate under a spray of raspberry perfume. Big, ripe tannins subside with aeration to a smooth, finely grained texture, finishing on a delicious black cherry and vanilla note.
A bright, toasty wine, with the ripe fruits of the vintage and characteristics from the wood giving extra richness to this finely structured, mineral-textured wine.
A small-production, artisan Syrah with a smoky, lush nose that unveils raisin and prune as it unfolds. The palate is saturated and jammy, with a layered, tannic mouthfeel and big berry, herb and oak flavors. Finishes with size, pepper and dark spice flavors. 250 cases made.
Still youthful and vibrant, the 2007 Taylors Pass Pinot Noir features full-on black cherry fruit, tinged with hints of herbs and licorice. It's a beefy, chunky Pinot that should age reasonably well; drink now–2018.
Structured and dense, with layered tannins and an austere edge. At the same time, the fruit packs concentrated strawberry flavors, acidity and complexities from textured wood.
Stalky aromas of hay and citrus are just crisp enough. This feels flat except for a shot of bracing malic acidity, while flavors of arugula and lime are one part bitter and one part pithy. An added touch of bitterness rises up on an otherwise fresh and natural finish.
Rubbery plum and berry aromas offer notes of leather and metallic minerals. This has an oaky feel, meaning it's sticky and lactic. Herbal, slightly green flavors of plum and berry are sweetened and softened by oak in front of a minty, lightly herbaceous finish.
On the sweet side, this light and fresh wine hails from a single vineyard. It has spice and attractive apple acidity, plus a crisp side at the end. This is a bright wine to drink now.
Made from organic grapes, this is a lightly spicy wine with balanced acidity. It has fresh apricots, grated nutmeg and a crisp, tangy aftertaste. Drink now.
This spicy, apple-fresh wine has spice, crisp acidity and great fruitiness. It's a perfect apéritif style with its lightness and freshness. Drink now.
Raw, fresh, almost scratchy aromas of cranberry and plum are direct. This feels fruity and bright on the palate, with lightly medicinal cherry and plum flavors that finish with a sprinkle of spice and a note of saline.
Initial aromas of stalky, saucy plum and berry fruits become more acceptably rustic with airing. The palate is wiry and scratchy but full in size. Short berry flavors are leathery and horsey, with a pinch of mustard character. The finish is similar, with a molasses note and heat.
Herbal aromas of tomato and thyme blend with spice and red-fruit scents on the nose of this simple Garnacha. A raw, slightly choppy mouthfeel is fresh, while flavors of stalky berry and plum are mildly bitter and woody, with a note of sweet plastic.
Blocky, warm, earthy berry and raisin aromas smell oaky and minty. This is fairly sticky on the mouth, with resiny oak flavors topping candied berry fruit. This drinks like a liquid bonbon made of milk chocolate and black cherry jam.
Pine needle, orange peel and vanilla aromas are scattershot but pure. The palate is lean, tight and juicy due to pronounced citric acidity, while flavors of orange, tangerine and mango finish fresh but with a smear of resiny oak.
This salmon-colored rosé opens with aromas of chewing gum and something candied but nonspecific. A juicy palate suggests citrus, while the flavor profile is tangy but generic in this simple wine that blends fresh and sweet qualities.
The wine is all spice and ripe lychees, conveying a simple, fruity character that is rounded and medium sweet in character. It's ready to drink.
This soft, fruity, light wine has great white fruits and a cut of attractive acidity. It's crisp, spiced with nutmeg and given freshness by the sliced green apple.
This medium-dry wine offers a drier core of spice and pepper. Around this, yellow fruits and creamed pears come to the fore. The wine is ready to drink now, although it will be worth waiting until 2016.
This fresh and fruity wine is soft with gentle spice. It has a crisp side as well, making for an easy, ready-to-drink wine that is well balanced.
The majority of the grapes for this white that's musky on the nose was stainless-steel fermented, with 20% given time in neutral French oak. The combination provides easygoing texture, accented by notes of grass and herb. A fleck of stone fruit and papaya tease midpalate before an abbreviated finish.
Woodsy, lightly floral raspberry aromas are mild. This wine revolves around a light-framed, dilute body, while flavors of cranberry, raspberry and dusty earth finish woody but shallow, with a preserving shot of acidity.
A rustic tinge of barnyard-y earth marks this wine, otherwise plumed in plum and tobacco. Its personality leans toward herbaceousness, with a juiciness on the midpalate. The finish is dry and abbreviated.
A medium-sweet style of Gewurztraminer this is is soft, spicy and rounded with tropical fruits and lychees. The aftertaste continues the smooth character of the wine, easy to drink and ready now.
The mouthfeel is flat and the flavors generic, despite the reserve designation. Light cranberry and pomegranate fruits are set against strongly herbal and earthy components.
Made to be enjoyed young, this ripe wine has soft tannins, ripe red plum and damson fruits and plenty of refreshing acidity. The structure and the smooth texture all say drink me now.
Leathery berry fruit aromas are meaty and turn more jammy with airing. This has a big, grabby, tannic palate and a mixture of boysenberry, baked blackberry and fresh herb flavors. A tannic, hard finish makes for a rough ending.
Rubbery, lightly spicy aromas of plum and berry are typical in this wine with a decent mouthfeel and oaky flavors of raspberry and plum. A dry, medicinal, lightly bitter finish reverberates with a forced oak character.
This leads off with unusual aromas of dried hay, red currant, dill and Mediterranean brush. The lively palate offers sour cherry, a touch of ground pepper and an herbaceous note alongside grippy tannins.
This aromatic, fruity wine has a crisp and steely backbone. It's laced with citrus and crisp pear flavors, fresh and with a bright, clean aftertaste. Drink now.
Rich grape and blackberry flavors in a slightly sweet style make this generous and smooth. Full bodied, it has a welcome touch of tannin to keep it appetizing.
This medium-sweet wine is rich, with all the tropical fruit flavors expected from Gewurztraminer. It's perfumed, full-bodied and ripe, while conserving some acidity. It needs a few months, so drink from the end of 2015.
Simple and light-bodied, this informal wine offers raw, red berry flavors with just a dash of white pepper. Fleeting tannins provide a loose framework.
This is dark and wood laden, with sweet, rich fruit and a firm, dense structure. It has a full feel, and its opulence is likely to develop over the next 2–3 years.
This is crisp, with citrus and red apple fruits that are heightened by the taut structure. Nervy acidity adds to the tense feel while judicious layers of wood warm the finish. For long-term aging.
Soft and rich, with ripe fruit flavors, this is warm and opulent. Packed with notes of spice and toast, the ripe peach flavor is layered into the fine, elegant structure. Aging will make it even more delicious.
Nervy and textured, this is a wine under tension. It is crisp with acidity, with lots of bright green-fruit and citrus flavors. This is complex and age worthy, bringing out the intense texture from the vineyard.
Young, supple and stylish, this mixes notes of berry, plum and cassis, demonstrating poise and richness. The barrel flavors are smoothly integrated; the finish is rich and dark, with a strong streak of cacao.
This is earthy, cool and foresty on the bouquet, with a coconut note that accents the wine's deep berry aromas. It feels smooth and nicely balanced, with modest tannins and toasty, oaky flavors of spiced blackberry and licorice. Smooth and subtle on the finish, this is ripe, stylish and ready to drink now.
In this vintage, Echézeaux reveals an extra edge of really ripe, full fruits. They are balanced by the firm wood- and spice-laden structure, with the tannins and intense acids adding the final touches. Age this over 7–8 years.
With wood-based aromas, this is currently a closed, taut wine. It has green fruits and minerality; it's nervy and under tension. The acidity is crisp while very light in character. This is for aging.
A signature wine for Girardin, this is powerful and rich, with apricot, quince and green plum fruits that are layered within the taut texture. A toast note rounds out this complex, ageworthy wine.
This Bordeaux-style blend is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, showing vivid red fruits, with drying, somewhat leafy tannins. It has an earthy foundation and impressive length, it just needs more bottle age to fully integrate its flavors.
This is powerful, ripe and creamily smooth, bearing yellow fruits that dominate the wood aging. It's a rich medley of apricot and yellow peach flavors, laced with citrusy acidity. Full, complex and generous, this is worth aging for over four years.
Ripe and wood aged, this is rich with ginger and tropical fruit flavors. Dense and concentrated, it is a full-in-the-mouth wine—powerful and very ageworthy. Give this five years.
Crossfork Creek is a new label for Sheridan Vineyard, designed, says winemaker Scott Greer, as his laboratory for vinous experimentation. This meaty, smoky, dense and chewy Syrah is one of the first releases. The black cherry and cassis flavors are accented with a touch of cola, and the wine resolves with a firm, substantial and somewhat tannic finish.
Alto is 75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is cool and full of cassis, blackberry, cola and cedar aromas. This is ripe as they come without losing freshness; flavors of loamy berry and cassis finish with density along with prune and spicy, peppery flavors. Drink through 2020.
Oaky, inky, modern and full of power, this Montsant blend of Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha is toasty and dark as night on the bouquet. The palate feels ripe and intense, with creamy oak and controlled tannins. Flavors of baked black fruits, cocoa and vanilla finish soft and supple, with just enough tannic grip and acidity to maintain focus. Drink from 2014–2020.
A 60-40 blend, this full-bodied, creamy textured, lush wine captures the sun of McLaren Vale without taking it too far. Vanilla, licorice and plum notes mark the nose, while the plummy flavors pick up mocha shadings before turning a bit fudge-like on the long, velvety finish. Drink now–2018.
After spending 20 months in a mix of French and American oak, this full-bodied Shiraz is imbued with seductive notes of vanilla and baking spices. But there are also plenty of plummy fruit and savory undertones of espresso and roasted meat. It's supple enough to drink now, although it should last through at least 2025.
This supple, savory Shiraz is approachable now. Hints of vanilla and black olive accent mixed berry fruit, while the texture is rich and creamy. Meat and mocha take over on the long finish. Drink now–2020.
Whiffs of saffron and honey lend a sweet, spicy tone to this off-dry Riesling. It's lusciously ripe on the palate, with juicy white peach and honeydew flavors accented by layers of candle wax and crushed slate. Brisk and bright with acidity, it's effortlessly quaffable, but with refinement and depth.
How can one not applaud a winery that holds back some of its top Riesling for a museum release at such a reasonable price? Developed honey and cinnamon notes accent citrus fruit, adding weight and richness to the midpalate while still finishing crisp and completely dry. It's drinking well now, but should easily hold another 10 years under its screw cap.
Deeply mineral from nose to finish, this off-dry kabinett balances lush peach, apricot and grapefruit flavors with striking earth tones of wet slate and granite. It's textured on the palate with a long, lingering tangerine-flavored finish.
The most floral of Ponzi's single-vineyard Pinots, this is a delicate and yet powerful wine, scented with lavender and roses, and displaying bright, clean raspberry fruit. Stiff acids and grippy tannins support a wine that is locked down tightly and needs decanting and/or aerating to open up.
Chunky black-fruit aromas are ripe but familiar, meaning the nose is pumped full of richness and oak. Racy acidity on the palate gives this modern Cab spine, while in the mouthfeel stays on the fast track due to zesty acidity. Flavors of cassis and blackberry register as fresh and ripe, and the finish is crisp and not the least bit flabby. Drink through 2016.
Rich and floral, this top-notch Pinot Blanc hits the palate with verve and ripe, complex fruit flavors. There's a streak of delicious vanilla under the honeydew and Meyer lemon richness, and the length and power are especially impressive for a Pinot Blanc.
Here's a bold expression of Cabernet Franc that leads with intense aromas of blackberry, tobacco and balsamic herbs. The richly textured palate delivers a tight core of black cherry, spice and graphite, with bracing but ripe tannins that need a few more years to tame.
Aromas of toast, blue flowers, sage and mineral lead the nose. The bright palate offers red berry, clove, orange rind and roasted coffee beans alongside firm acidity and assertive tannins. Drink through 2020.
Aromas of vanilla, oak, white flower, hay and pear lead the nose of this blend of 30% Sauvignon, 30% Chardonnay, 30% Incrocio Manzoni and 10% Nebbiolo. The unusual palate offers citrus, Alpine herbs, dried apple, candied lemon, a hint of tropical fruit and a coffee note that lingers on the close. The rich flavors are brightened by racy acidity.
This is aged in oak, but the vessels are large casks, or foudres, so the impact isn't that noticeable. The wine is meaty and savory on the nose, but the palate shows more herb-garrigue flavors and superripe cherry fruit. Drink now–2017.
Tart white peach and plum notes are fresh and fragrant throughout this crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay. It's satisfyingly plump in mouthfeel, yet vivacious and crisp on the finish. Drink now through 2016.
This densely extracted expression of Pinot Nero opens with aromas of tilled soil, espresso, toasted oak and sage. The concentrated palate delivers blackberry extract, coffee, vanilla, chocolate and a hint of herb alongside assertive but fine-grained tannins.
Made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this structured red offers aromas of black currant, toast, graphite and a whiff of cedar. The firm palate offers coconut, coffee, grilled sage and red berry alongside bracing tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the fruit richness.
Full bodied and bold flavored, this is not overwhelmingly dark in color nor pumped up in ripeness. It does emphasize aromas of anise and dried plums, adding flavors of blackberrry juice and a sense of alcoholic strength. It is moderately tannic, while the texture is mouthfilling and the finish rather warm.
This fruity, friendly Pinot opens with ripe berry aromas mixed with touches of minerality and latex. It feels fresh and sturdy, with black cherry and raspberry flavors. A pure, sweet, lightly chocolaty finish wraps things up.
Smoke, cedar and plum aromas are followed by a focused palate of pepper and berry flavors. Poised and sophisticated, this wine is great for fans of drier style reds.
Firm and spicy, this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with aromas of black plum, crushed violet and kitchen spices. The juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of tightly wound but refined tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
This brooding wine opens with aromas of mature blue and black fruit, allspice, charred earth and whiff of game. The palate delivers spiced blueberry, blackberry, ground pepper, licorice and tobacco alongside assertive tannins.
Dark-colored and deeply flavored, this full-bodied wine smells smoky and meaty, tastes savory, feels firm and appropriately tannic. Showing the more robust, hearty side of Pinot, it can be paired successfully with most opulent meat and fowl dishes.
Peach, pear and lemon on the nose start this cheerful white from Alpha Estate. On the palate, it offers some complexity of exotic fruit and with a vein of acidity. Soft overall in profile, this wine is easygoing and enjoyable.
Bright aromas of citrus and tropical fruit give this easygoing white an easy appeal. Balanced and fresh, it's an elegant wine that will pair well with grilled fish and salads.
A hint of honey gives this wine richness while keeping every bit of freshness. It has tangy acidity, a mineral character and apricot and mango fruit flavors. Drink now, although the wine will be better from early 2016.
Aromas of wild berries, violets and a whiff of spice lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. The savory, easygoing palate offers mature black cherry, clove and black pepper alongside lithe tannins. Drink through 2016.
Solid berry and cassis aromas are a touch baked on the nose. This is firm, moderately tannic on the palate, with baked plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice flavors. A woody note of maple gains prominence on the finish.
Fruity and almost off dry, this appealing wine goes heavy on flavors of spicy pear and apricot jam. A streak of honey runs through, and a hint of wintergreen. It's already drinking well, so dive in.
This offers whiffs of soft leather and persistent flavors of lightly ripened fruits, strawberries and Bing cherries. It's modest in proportion but stylish, with lingering flavors nuanced with clay and limestone.
Puckering lime zest and lemon notes are softened by crisp yellow peach and nectarine in this dry, light-bodied Riesling. Racy and brisk, it finishes with an elegant crush of minerals. Drink now.
Boysenberry, dried violets and black pepper show on the nose of this wine from a popular vineyard in the Alisos Canyon area near Los Alamos. The mouthfeel is lively, fresh and driven by a generous acidity, yet the flavors remain rich with purple fruits, licorice and black tobacco.
Made from Sangiovese blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of sawdust, oak, exotic spice and a whiff of black currant. The palate displays toasted oak, roasted coffee beans, menthol, ground black pepper and dried black cherries alongside grippy tannins that leave an astringent finish.
The estate reserve gets more new and once-filled oak, and is a selection from vines whose yield has been dropped to 1.5 tons/acre. It's forward and flavorful, with black cherry, coffee and anise components. The entry is smooth and continues so, on through a finish complete with sandalwood and butterscotch.
This firm, well-crafted wine reflects the lightness of the vintage. Raspberry, citrus and stone components come across in a balanced effort that should continue to drink well until 2020.
Aromas of underbrush, black fruit, toast and espresso lead the nose on the blend of Sangiovese and 15% Malvasia Nera. The palate is still resting heavily on its oak, showing coffee, coconut, vanilla and mocha, along with dried black cherry, prune and clove. The raspy tannins need to soften up but the fruit richness is already drying up.
Creamy oak, herbal blackberry, vanilla and mild green notes make for an intriguing, spicy nose. A heavy, tannic palate brings the weight and thickness, while flavors of blackberry and boysenberry come with salty notes and a briny, herbal finish.
Rhubarb, cola and pencil shavings emerge from the glass on this appellation blend from the longtime Santa Rosa Road winery, today owned by the Terlato family. Deeply earthy aromas of beet juice, root beer and dried berries arise on the palate, showing the region's typical blend of soil minerality and dark fruit.
Dark, charred, lemony aromas of graphite, licorice and blackberry are horsey and baked. This blend of 85% Cab Sauv and 15% Cab Franc has an intense, blocky, pinching palate and heavy flavors of black fruits, resiny oak, spice and salt. A woody, tannic, raw feel to the finish creates a bumpy landing. Drink through 2021.
This wine is a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 29% Syrah from Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, Quintessence and Conner Lee vineyards. Aromas of cigar box, herb, cranberry, smoke, sawdust and pencil lead are followed by rich, ripe red-fruit flavors. It has a lot of appeal.
Having spent five years en tirage, this impressive bottling is dry and minerally, with notes of wet stone and white flowers. Light and lively, it offers moderate acidity that allows the wine to build tension and texture on the palate, finishing in green apple.
The former race-car driver's blend of 49.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49.5% Sangiovese and 1% Malbec conveys concentrated dark strawberry and red plum on the nose along with darker fruits, licorice and wet loam aromas. Clove and cinnamon show on the palate, with soft red fruits and cedar, all lifted by a bright acidity.
This very quaffable blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah and 12% Grenache hails from a property in northeast Paso. Juicy strawberry, black plum and cherry meet with wet soil and chopped mint on the nose. These make for a fresh landing on the palate as well, where red berries mesh with anise and sweet clove notes. Soft tannins and bright acid hold it together.
Incredibly dark in the glass, this bottling of a rarely planted but quite fascinating Northern Italian grape show crushed graphite, turned earth, concentrated blueberry and elderberry, and a touch of purple flowers on the brooding nose. Ripe black currants start the sip before waves of powerful acidity, gravelly minerality and peppery spice take hold.
Aromas of raspberry, plum, freshly ground black pepper, herb and wood spice lead to pure tart cranberry and cherry flavors that bring a compelling feel. The tannins bring a light squeeze. It's a lovely example of the variety.
This wine is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Aromas of cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, wood spice, graphite and herb lead to sweet full-bodied plum and coffee flavors. It has a lot of textural appeal, with lightly chalky tannins providing support.
This wine opens with aromas of green herb, purple fruit, orange peel and wood spice. The palate brings sweet but tart cranberry and cherry flavors that possess a velvety feel. It's an intriguing example of the variety.
This 11-vineyard blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre and 4% Counoise represents an excellent value in the realm of expertly balanced but boisterously flavored wines. The fruity nose shows smashed raspberry, boysenberry, violet and potpourri, leading into a lively palate full of rose petals, exotic red cherries and turned earth. It's easy to drink yet intellectual as well.
The aromas bring a sense purity, with notes of mountain blueberry, high-toned herb and whiffs of smoked meat. The flavors are fruit forward, showing a pleasing approachability and sense of freshness, with a finish that glides.
Still rather closed, this eventually reveals red berry, menthol espresso and culinary-spice aromas. The tightly wound palate offers sour cherry, sage, white pepper and star anise alongside a backbone of firm close-grained tannins that grip the finish.
A highly drinkable and enjoyable wine unfettered by wood, this shows pretty floral notes of honeysuckle and apple blossom that develop in a light-bodied frame of restraint. Pear and salt rise on the lengthy finish.
A blend of fruit from Woodward Canyon and Celilo vineyards, subtle aromas of pear, apple and toast lead to elegant well-balanced fruit flavors, brightened by tart acidity. The balance is exquisite. Apple flavors persist on the finish.
Deep red-cherry aromas meet with crushed slate, wet rocks, wild mint and bay leaf on the complex nose of this bottling by Richard and Thekla Sanford and winemaker Nick de Luca. It's soft on the sip, with slightly tart red plum, cranberry and raspberry, lifted by more bay leaf, thyme and dried fennel.
This wine is equally split between Merlot and Cabernet Franc (38% each), with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (22%) and Malbec. The aromas are brooding, with notes of barrel spice, coffee, blackberry, green pepper and dried herb. The flavors are bright and fresh, light on their feet, showing a fine sense of elegance and detail.
Red cherries, sagebrush and dried violets show on the nose of this clonal selection. The medium-bodied palate offers even-keeled flavors of red cherry, cranberry and cracked pepper, providing lots of flavorful action on a relatively light frame.
Strawberry tea and rose-petal aromas open this wine with nuance and elegance, a nice entry to a velvety texture that's both spicy and sublime. Forest floor and clove contribute complexity as a touch of smoky oak rises on the finish.
One in a series of small cuvées from the Right and Left banks, this pure Cabernet Sauvignon (from the great 2010 vintage) is still young. It does have impressively concentrated fruit and powerful tannins to allow it to develop well. Drink this impressive wine from 2019.
This elegant wine typifies Moschofilero's alluring nature, with an opulent nose redolent of rose, violet and citrus, and fresh and elegant flavors of melon and lemon.
Alvear is one of Spain's most consistent producers of sweet wines. This vintage Pedro Ximénez is big but fresh on the nose, with apricot and caramel aromas and some heat. A creamy, thick palate is a bit syrupy, while buttered toffee flavors are rich on a highly viscous finish.
From six vineyards across the Central Coast, Josh Jensen's annual cuvée shows black cherry, cola and nutmeg on the straight-ahead nose. Solid herbal backbone shows on the sip, with juniper, bay leaf and pine needles giving tang to the sour cranberry fruit. A menthol character carries in to the finish.
The wine is ripe and packed with fruity Merlot. It has a dense structure and an opulent character that gives the wine considerable richness. The firm tannins are cushioned by all this fruit. It does have high alcohol, but the final acidity ensures that the wine remains crisp.
Black fruits dominate this second wine of Kirwan, an 1855 Third Growth Grand Cru Classé. The oak aging is subtle and gives a smooth character rather than strong toasty flavors. The richness and structure do promise some aging although this wine will develop quickly. Drink from 2020.
Dark strawberry, rust, tar and sandalwood show on the nose of this bottling, which is still in its infancy despite already being six years old. Bright and booming acidity slices through the sour cherry, cranberry, cedar and pine-resin flavors, framed by tense but not overwhelming tannins. Drink 2019–2031.
The aromas in this wine pop, with notes of dried herb, plum, vanilla and smoked meat. It brings a compelling sense of texture, coating the palate from end to end with exquisitely balanced fruit and savory flavors. It's a knockout at this price.
Deep rich black cherry and berry flavors burst with ripeness from nose to finish in this boldly structured Cab. It's chock full of dense luscious black fruit but nuanced with Old World tones of earth, mushroom and hay. Straight-edged acidity and penetrating tannins lock in a firm, savory finish.
Deep black cherry in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black plum and bell pepper. Sophisticated flavors of raspberry, leather, chocolate and green pepper are encompassed by a web of smooth tannins. A nice burst of bright cherry makes its presence known on the otherwise sleek finish.
The aromas of flowers, herb, cedar, game and plum are appealing. The flavors are light and fresh, with snappy tart acidity livening things up.
This is a rather light blend of 48% Grenache, 37% Mourvèdre and 13% Syrah, with aromas of fresh-pressed pomegranate, underripe raspberry and strawberry, and an herbal coating of dill and fennel. It's quite quaffable on the sip, with raspberry-juice flavors decorated by dill and fennel herbs.
Apple peels, squeezed lime, rain on cement, jicama and Asian-pear aromas show on the crisp yet rounded nose of this bottling by actress Drew Barrymore. The palate is quite inviting with broad apple flavors, offering just enough texture and acidity to keep all sorts of wine lovers interested.
Delicate and pretty hints of lemongrass, light cement and lime rinds show on the nose of this bottling. There is a distinct racy quality to the sip, where grassy flavors meet with strong lime and tart pear skins, all hinged to a very grippy texture.
Pretty whiffs of violet, cinnamon and vanilla intensify roasted plum and cherry on the nose of this full bodied but balanced Cabernet Franc. The palate suggests crisper, more pristine red-berry flavors. Delicate earth tones and fine-grained tannins frame a long finish.
Sharp citrus, kiwi, quince and cut grass kick off the nose on this bottling, but then come more rounded aromas of buttercream and pineapple. The palate plays a similar trick, starting with tangy lime zest before settling into a creamy midpalate of orange cake and yellow apples.
Hard gritty tarry aromas of black olive and black fruits are fully charred. A saturated grabby tannic palate feels rough, while the wine's flavors match its nose, meaning this tastes peppery, tarry and charred more than fresh and fruity. A tight, tannic, toasty finish is consistent with the rest of this dark, crusty Crianza. Drink through 2023.
Juicy and fresh, this deeply colored wine offers lots of grapey, berry-like aromas and equally fruity and vivid flavors. It has a touch of sweetness and a soothing, smooth texture. The name refers to the winery's pledge to give 100% of profits to charity.
Floral notes of elderflower, dried daisy and lemon blossom precede flavors of passion fruit and gooseberry in this medium-bodied wine. The finish is long with pleasant crisp acidity.
Honeyed aromas of wheat bread and stone fruits are not as convincing as the wine's citrus, melon and honey flavors, which are supported by a full almost-sticky body. A creamy, chunky finish, like the palate, pulls up short of sticky.
This big, savory wine has lots of personality, offering cedar and mahogany aromas followed by generous flavors like tobacco, black olive and blackberry. The texture is appropriately tannic yet smooth, and the finish lingers.
A richer-than-usual version, this wine has citrus and light herbs in the aroma, and ripe melon and apple in the flavors. It's both mouthfilling and lively, for the best of both worlds.
Aromas of toast, char, and milk chocolate along with blue and black fruit are followed by velvety soft fruit flavors. It shows an appealing sense of balance and polish.
This offers enticing scents of white spring flower and green apple. The juicy palate doles out pineapple, peach and tangerine while a note of candied drop wraps up the finish.
A year's maturation and wood aging have produced this smooth, rich wine. The tannins are integrated into the red fruits that burst out of the glass. Aromatic and spicy, the wine is still full of young fruitiness and will be better from late 2017.
The appellation is good at producing soft early drinking wines like this. It is fruity with good acidity and red-currant fruitiness. The tannins are in the background, allowing the wine to age for a few years. Drink this ripe wine from 2018.
The vineyards of Vendômois lie in the Loir valley and north of the Loire proper. That gives them an extra tang of coolness as well as intensity. This crisp, baked-apple and spice-flavored wine is delicious, fruity while also well structured. Drink this perfumed wine now.
From a single parcel on the Vrignaud domaine, the wine has 30% wood aging. That gives a ripe full character which emphasizes the rich vintage. Toast mingles with rich apples and touches of citrus. Drink this refreshing wine from 2017.
Mild but honest plum and berry aromas lead to a slightly scratchy and grabby palate with fresh acidity. Toasty, earthy, spicy red-berry flavors are long across the finish, with spice and black-pepper notes. This is 75% Garnacha and 25% Syrah.
This is the first vintage at this Fleurie property by new owner Alexandra de Vazeilles. It is rich, full of red fruits with considerable acidity. Hints of the 12 months wood aging show in the spice and smoothness at the end. The wine is ready to drink.
Plum, blueberry, tea and earth notes make for an interesting set of aromas. This is a very good example of Uruguayan Tannat, even if the tannins are unresolved and clampy. Toasty top flavors shadow blueberry fruit, while this is dark and slightly bitter on the finish. Drink this tasty but choppy wine through 2020.
Dried lemon, chamomile, dried pineapple and seared orange rinds meet with a farmhouse-cider funk on the nose of this intriguing bottling. There's a tang of pink grapefruit on the palate, along with papaya and lemongrass notes and a touch of tonic water.
Restrained on the nose, this blend of 41% Grenache, 32% Syrah and 22% Mourvèdre offers black plum, milk chocolate, purple flower and vanilla on the nose. Black peppercorns show strongly on the palate along with black-plum skins and cola, but this still needs some bottle age to emerge to full potential.
Aromas of honeysuckle and apricot lead the way to flavors of roasted almond, orange blossom and dried apricot in this golden-colored sweet Muscat wine from Moldova. There's a nice amount of acidity to prevent this wine from being cloying.
Dry and snappy but also with a little depth, this nicely balanced wine made from Pinot Noir shows light flavors like watermelon and canteloupe. The texture is appetizingly crisp and the body rather light.
This definitely fits the bill as an affordable weekday red. Red berries, vanilla and spice on the nose and palate offer plenty of enjoyment, while there's just enough softly dusty tannins to provide structure on the crisp finish. Drink now through the end of 2018.
This is a thin, unfussy wine that imparts bell pepper and asparagus in a sea of green flavor.
The bell pepper, cedar and green bean notes in this wine come across as astringent and thin.
This is a rustic, barnyard-scented wine, with tannins and acidity but lacking fruit. Think of it as one to quaff without too much thought.
Herbal tomato and red-berry aromas are jumbled and fail to state much of a case for this multigrape blend. Herbal spicy tea and raspberry flavors finish jagged, with mild heat.
Sour fruit, funky root beer, dried salami and asphalt aromas show on the nose of this rustic bottling. Dried fruit and espresso flavors mark the palate.
Flat and fruitless up front, this smells a bit like a haystack. Plump on the palate, with a sense of grape skins to the mouthfeel, this tastes yeasty, mildly bitter and of nonspecific white fruits.
The aromas come off as quite volatile, making it difficult to get at the tart cherry aromas and flavors.
There is a lightly yeasty character to this wine that gives it a bitter edge, hindering its fruitiness and crisp apple acidity.
This wine is sour, flat and past its prime, showing an abundance of tar and oak qualities.
Reduced jammy black-fruit aromas announce a scratchy palate with spritz. This multigrape blend tastes saucy and stewed, while hard tannins and a note of burnt coffee control the finish.
This blend is so oaky and sticky on the nose that it smells like a Hershey's Kiss. The palate is out of balance, with chunky weight and unintegrated acidity. Like the nose, this tastes like a drugstore chocolate bar, while the finish is hot.
This gold-colored stale-smelling Torrontés smells like old apple juice. A chunky flat palate offers bland oxidized bitter flavors. Remnants of apple barely help a bitter finish.
Clove and beef jerky aromas are odd and forceful. A globular palate lacks form and balance, while this tastes oddly and singularly of clove.
This blend smells outright herbaceous and weedy. An astringent volatile palate is grating, while this tastes much like it smells: weedy and green.
Full of ripe fruit, opulent and concentrated, this is a fabulous and impressive wine. It has a beautiful line of acidity balanced with ripe fruits. The wood aging is subtle, just a hint of smokiness and toast. This is one of those wines, from a great white wine vintage, that will age many years. Drink from 2024.
Perfumed berry, rose, new leather and dark spice are some of the enticing scents you'll find in this vibrant wine. It's still tightly wound but already dazzles with juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and pipe tobacco flavors. Youthfully austere but noble tannins and bright acidity provide balance and serious aging potential. Don't be tempted to open it soon—the best is yet to come. Drink 2022–2042.
Immensely inviting, this opens with fragrant pipe tobacco, crushed berry, new leather and pressed violet aromas. On the palate, firm, refined tannins underpin juicy black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors, while orange zest accents and an energizing mineral note lift the finish. It's beautifully balanced with bright acidity and will reward a bit of cellaring. Drink 2020–2032.
Pretty as all get-out, this wine is a floral masterpiece—a study in coastal rose and forest scents with a counterpunch of white pepper that leaves one wanting more. Juicy raspberry, strawberry and tangerine flavors are seasoned in allspice and tobacco, the palate so beautifully delicate yet fully realized in savory complexity and length.
Full-bodied and plush yet vibrant and imbued with fresh fruit, this is simply superb. The oak is present but never dominant, adding brown sugar and cinnamon elements to blueberry, roasted meat, espresso and black olive notes. A hint of peppery spice also creeps into this impossibly complex wine. The finish combines power, length, freshness and dusty tannins, suggesting that while impressive now, it should age well. Drink now–2030.
This grand wine is stylish and elegant. It is also powerful and dense with dark tannins and great concentration. It is a very fine wine, packed with black plum and berry fruits and balanced richness. Don't let the great fruit deceive: this is a wine for the serious long term. Drink from 2028.
It's easy to call this a beautiful wine—it's dense and lush, with great layers of black fruit and acidity. The first fully biodynamic vintage from this estate has certainly yielded impressive ripe fruit, with structured tannins and dark berry flavors that linger long. It has enormous potential, certainly not be ready to drink before 2027.
Dense and beautifully ripe, this is a rounded rich wine. It focuses on the tropical yellow-fruit spectrum. That gives a full wine with wood-spice hints and just the right amount of citrus acidity to give it a lift. Drink this finely structured wine from 2023.
This is an immensely dense wine that is going to be a classic. The dark tannins are still lined with wood aging but that will go because the fruit underneath is also just as dense and intense. Blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential. Drink from 2028.
The classic blend for Figeac with its 32% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc gives a beautifully dense wine with great tannins. The wine is perfumed while the complex tannins are finely cushioned by the generous black fruits and acidity. It is a wine for long-term aging. Drink from 2026.
There is a sense of pure juicy black-currant fruit that shoots through this great wine. With tannins that are firm while not a jot too much, the wine is crisp, packed with fruit and set for many years of aging. It is beautiful, fruity and intensely structured. Drink from 2027.
This is a very fine wine showing a new level of quality at Montrose. With its almost velvet tannins inside the intense black fruits, the wine is rich, smooth and generous. Blackberry and black-plum fruits are to the fore along with the fine acidity and great structure. A wine to age for decades, it will be ready to drink from 2027.
This is a rich, finely structured wine. It is highly perfumed, packed with black fruits and has a dark, firm texture. At the same time, the acidity is intense and the structure tight, suggesting a wine to age. Beautifully endowed with great fruit, it will take time to develop. Drink from 2026.
Uriah is Spring Valley's Right Bank-style blend, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc sharing the lead. It's lively and fine-tuned, with a lovely mix of red fruits, spices, and fresh acidity. It spent 21 months in 65% new French oak, to good effect.
This is a 100% varietal selection, with most of the fruit coming from Weinbau Vineyard. It brings an assortment of barrel notes—including mocha, cedar and char from 20% new French oak—and varietal flavors of cherry, flowers and herbs. It starts out lighter in style, fleshing out over time with tart acidity providing a lift.
The seductive, aromatic lift of elderberry and blackberry give way to notes of dark chocolate and plum in this blend of Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is like a highly pixillated, sharp image of the finest, ripest fruit, with its tight, fine and polished tannins supported by the sonorous tone of oak.
Toast and mocha scents and flavors surround a core of tart red berries. More barrel influence comes out as the wine breathes—clove, spice and smoke—as it rolls into a tightly-wrapped, tannic finish. Give this a lot of aeration, or tuck it away for another five or six years.
Grenache and Syrah are the anchors here, with just a splash of Mourvèdre. Lush red fruits, long and balanced, capture a pleasing whiff of umami, along with nuances of cured meat, licorice and sea salt.
Enticing and smoky hints of lime zest mixed with green pear hit the nose immediately. On the palate, even more fruit follows: A mix of green and yellow pear, with some apricot coming through as well. The rounded, rich mouthfeel is prevented from any undue plumpness by vivid acidity and a tingling, peppery finish. Drink 2014–2020.
Tasty and smooth, this Cabernet Sauvignon includes 11% each Merlot and Syrah, and was aged in 100% Taransaud oak barrels. The fruit is ripe and pretty, the barrels bringing in plenty of lush, toasty accents. Drink now or over the next 5–6 years.
Plum, berry, licorice and balsamic aromas are earthy and classy. This feels chunky and heavy but not ponderous. Flavors of prune, rooty spices, mint and chocolate finish with mocha and fig notes. Enjoy this ripe, full-bodied wine anytime through 2017.
Here's a delicious late-harvested Verdicchio that offers an intense bouquet of yellow rose and tropical fruit. The palate delivers juicy pineapple and fleshy peach flavors, with hints of Mediterranean herbs, clove and nutmeg. This boasts lovely depth and complexity. Drink through 2017.
This is made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc, all aged 22 months in half new French oak. It's brooding, with notes of dark chocolate, cherry and herbs. It shows more direct tannic heft than often seen at this site and will benefit from some time in the cellar.
This appealing red starts with a nose bursting with exotic tobacco, cocoa and red berries, followed by a juicy palate of black fruit, cocoa and sweet smoke. The oak is obvious here, offering vanilla and spicy notes, but the round fruit character keeps the wine in check. Elegant and fun.
Kungfu Girl has become an iconic Riesling on the strength of its instantly recognizable label, and surpassing quality. At 11% alcohol and 18 g/L residual sugar, it rests comfortably on the fence between dry and off-dry, and is a bulls-eye rendition of Washington Riesling. A dense mix of citrus, apple and tree fruits, enhanced with skin textures and finishing with highlights of honey and tea, this is flat out delicious.
Updraft is two thirds Sauvignon Blanc and one third Semillon, barrel-fermented. Full-bodied and fleshy, it's bursting with ripe yellow fruits, along with apricot and papaya. On the tropical edge, but focused and lightly toasty, as you'd find in a Bordeaux.
Layers of Amarena and Bing cherry play hide and seek with hints of mulberry on the plump, velvety midpalate. There are suspicions of sweet vanilla and some anise. With such soft, mellow fruit and smooth, ripe tannins, this is incredibly seductive and approachable right now, although it also has the stuffing to age beautifully.
Perfumed, and still quite youthful, this is a wine with potential both from its texture and its acidity. There is a strongly chalky, mineral element that lends structure to the aromatic, crisp white fruits. On the finish, the wine has a cool, elegant character.
Now one of three Viogniers produced by Charles Smith, this is from Art den Hoed's Yakima Valley Vineyard, and was barrel fermented in neutral French oak. Clean and pure fruit aromas lead into fresh, natural, tree fruit flavors of peach and apricot. There's a nice kick of citrus in the vibrant acidity.
Along with the Cabernet Sauvignon, this Bordeaux-style blend includes small percentages of each of the other five grapes. It's a stylish blend, opening with a precisely-defined toasty aroma, leading into a complex palate built upon red and black fruits, sleek tannins and a hint of caramel.
Black olive tapenade, savory bay leaf and a tight but energetic body currently characterize this wine. Deep blueberry fruit tantalizes from behind wonderfully firm tannins in this medium-bodied, peppery number.
This is an excellent, Bordeaux-style blend, almost three quarters Cabernet Sauvignon. It's concentrated and shows pinpoint focus, with pure, dark fruit flavors of black cherry and cassis. The lingering finish sparkles with cinnamon highlights.
This is a seriously sweet, gorgeously opulent wine made from late-harvest fruit. Spice notes fringe flavors of honey and fresh fruit. It's a wine to drink now, although it will age well until 2020.
A rare Walla Walla Sauvignon Blanc, this is rich and round in this new vintage, fully-ripened to lush flavors of apple, pear and papaya. Great concentration and length are in play, though the ripe fruit shows none of the lovely herbaceousness generally associated with this grape.
Rustenberg's Bordeaux-style blend, made with 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, is a complex and layered wine, with waves of black fruit and earthy spice that dance endlessly on the nose and mouth. Heady notes of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis and fig are spiced by accents of cocoa, tobacco and sweet, charred wood. It's balanced and well structured, with a velvety texture and a peppery finish. Drink now–2020.
This wine boasts a lot of character and evolution, and is layered and complex. The bouquet leads with aromas of hay, beeswax, orange oil, wood-grilled apple and sweet spice. Medium weight, but with ample acidity to keep it balanced, rich fruit flavors are accented by notes of toast and wood that carry through the long finish. It's drinking perfectly now, but should last well through 2015.
Still in its infancy, this is a white that deserves some time in the cellar to truly harmonize and shine. Currently, it's rich and woody, with assertive notes of creamy pear, apricot, red apple flesh, honeycomb and baking spice. The round and lush mouthfeel offers additional flavors of mango and orange oil, lifted by a fine thread of acidity. Toasty spice lingers on the finish; drink after 2014.
A soft, nicely oaked Merlot with flavors of baked plum and ripe blackberry. Full-bodied in every sense of the word, with just a sprinkling of spice on the finish.
A fruity wine, made to be drunk young, ripe and forward. It has bold tannins as well as ripe berry fruits and soft acidity. Certainly drink now, but better age for 2–3 years.
This Sauvignon offers subdued aromas of cantaloup and tomato vine while the palate shows melon, mineral and citrus notes. It's linear and lean, with a clean finish.
This is toasty, full and cidery on the nose, with matchstick harshness in the background. The mouth is full and round, while flavors of apple and spice carry a yeasty heaviness. On the finish, things taste dry and don't evolve.
This is mostly Syrah, with Grenache and Mourvèdre filling in the rest of the blend. Light and fruity, it's a mix of red apple, cherry and raspberry flavors, fresh and well-balanced with natural acidity. Some hints of green fruit and stem come into the finish.
This foot-stomped, Sangiovese rosé offers aromas of lush strawberries and cream, with a hint of watermelon sweetness. It's fun, forward and fruit-powered all the way.
A Petite Sirah abundant in black pepper and cinnamon spice, structured, ripe and leathery. The tannins show promise for aging 5–7 years, the wine's black fruit waiting to burst forth.
Waxy apple and melon aromas are basic but fresh. A plump and melony mouthfeel offers enough acidity to lift up flavors of honeydew, papaya and green banana. A round, regular feeling finish is clean and cleansing.
This has aromas of berry, raisin and toasted oak. The linear palate reveals raspberry and cherry flavors accompanied by accents of espresso and oak. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the close.
This has bright aromas of red currant, cherry and red pepper. The palate isn't very expressive, but it does show some prune and raisin notes, along with a hint of chocolate. It could use a bit more freshness and length, and you'll detect the alcohol. Drink soon.
This has somewhat closed aromas, with hints of stewed prune and spirit-soaked cherries. The palate is better, with ripe plum, raisin and black licorice flavors.
This has typical ripasso aromas of black fruit, raisin and baking spice. The palate reveals hints of cherry and black pepper, but it doesn't have much intensity. The fruit is already fading, so drink soon.
Here's a simple ripasso, with aromas of raspberry and black pepper. The palate is a bit lean but offers bitter cherry, licorice and white pepper notes. This will match well with gnocchi in cheese sauce or mushroom risotto.
Boysenberry, blueberry and black cherry aromas lead on the nose of this wine, with a touch of warmth and chocolaty sensation following behind. The palate veers more towards red-fruit flavors, with a thin midpalate and an astringent close.
This pleasant Sauvignon from Friuli shows typical varietal aromas of tomato vine and cantaloupe. The palate offers green melon and spice flavors and has a crisp, clean finish.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, the aromas of herbs, apple and spice are light. It's medium bodied and creamy in feel with a lemony finish.
This is still surprisingly fresh considering the age of this wine. It's simple and enjoyable, with mouthwatering cherry flavors layered with mint and white pepper accents. Pair it with rich pasta dishes.
This has aromas of overripe black cherry and spice. The palate reveals mature black fruit, raisin and pepper notes. This is very warm and shows the heat of the vintage, so drink soon.
Hints of garrigue herbs and bramble add depth to the bright red-berry and strawberry aromas on the nose of this wine. Juicy fruit flavors continue on to the balanced and accessible palate, alongside soft tannins and a clean, mouthwatering finish.
A light, easy Pinot Blanc, rounded, creamy and with just the right balance of fresh acidity. It's simple, attractive now, ready to drink.
This is rich with fruit as well as a mineral, tangy texture. A ripe character comes from the delicious raspberry fruit and acidity (60% Grenache, 40% Cinsault). The aftertaste is fresh, while remaining textured and ready for food.
This wood-aged wine is crisp and displays a great balance between acidity and rich fruits. The wine is still young, although you can see the good acidity, mineral texture and refined toastiness. The elements are coming together to give a wine that will age well. Drink from 2017.
This wine displays brooding aromas of dried herbs, Bing cherry, dusty chocolate, black licorice, cinnamon and high-toned barrel spices. It's medium bodied, supple and palate-coating in feel, with tart cranberry flavors on the finish.
Grassy notes of green conference pear with incredibly ripe overtones of yellow plum give a fruity but non-tropical spin on Sauvignon Blanc. A strident vein of acidity keeps everything superfresh and lively. Vibrant and full of fruit, this shows what Sauvignon Blanc can do in the right climate in the right hands. The lingering citrus and fruit finish just calls for another sip.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot saw just a kiss (15%) of new French oak, putting the fruit aromas of plum, blueberry, cherry and herb at the fore. The coffee and berry flavors are lighter in style backed by a firm squeeze of slightly gritty tannins.
This Pinot delivers aromas of rose petals, red currants, eucalyptus, rhubarb and crushed cranberries. The palate is driven by herbs, from marjoram to thyme, and layered across a tight and lively base of fresh-squeezed, tart cranberry juice.
Grassy, herbal notes accent grapefruit and lime aromas, while riper hints of stone fruit sneak in on the palate, adding roundness and weight. Dusty, slightly chalky nuances on the finish give the impression of dry minerality.
From the producer's family estate, this reserve white is golden in color and appropriately rich in crème brûlée and butterscotch, yet balanced and firm. Creamy, it offers flavors and aromas of lush melon and orange, finishing with sumptuous vanilla.
All the characteristics of Blaufränkisch emerge: dark berry fruit, white pepper, freshness and a structured but svelte figure. This is eminently drinkable with its wonderful backbone of acidity, its uncomplicated blueberry fruit and very appealing rusticity that makes you want to sip.
On the nose, this shows some of the Awatere Valley's classic nettle or tomato leaf-like signature, but also hints of stone fruit and struck flint. On the palate, it nicely combines elements of stone fruit, citrus and fresh herbs, finishing gentle and easy.
Structured and savory, this opens with heady aromas of yellow flower, nut and dried stone fruit. On the concentrated but poised palate, notes of nutmeg and ginger accent a core of mature peach, baked apple and juicy citrus. Bright acidity energizes the rich flavors.
This full-bodied, concentrated expression of Morellino opens with aromas of spiced plum, blueberry, mocha and a whiff of cake spice. The palate delivers wild cherry, blackberry, vanilla and savory herb alongside tightly knit, assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
Although this wine is described as slightly off dry by the winery, for most palates it would be perfectly dry, though just slightly rounded off to eliminate any suggestion of sourness. Lychee, pineapple and grapefruit flavors abound, underscored with refreshing minerality. That vivid acidity carries through a resonant, lively finish.
There's a pleasant steel cut to a nose that also shows pressed red apple and dried white flowers on this blend of 37% Viognier, 31% Picpoul Blanc, 22% Roussanne and 10% Marsanne. The palate clings tightly to Japanese pear and yellow apples, showing some ripeness on the midpalate before returning to crisp rain-on-cement minerality.
Made in a fuller-bodied style, this wine remains nonetheless balanced, the acidity subtle but offering structure and freshness. On the nose, tropical coconut and orange zest is suggested, while the palate remains soft and mouthfilling in juicy black cherry, an intensity of oak rising on the finish.
Brightly jammy in strawberry and cherry, this wine is relatively big in style, firm and tannic, with alluring aromas of rose petal. It needs time to open, but will reward those with patience, maintaining freshness on the palate via its balanced acidity, with a tartness on the finish.
Charred vanilla beans and lemon custard greet the nose on this single-vineyard bottling by Buellton-based Brian Loring. The flavors are quite subdued at first, and then unleash green pears and red apples, with lime pith bitterness and a wet slate minerality that arises toward the finish.
This is an unusual blend of 72% Syrah with the rest equal parts Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon. It largely works, with aromas of black pepper, cocoa, coffee, herbs and brown spices. The cranberry and meat flavors offer a sense of balance and restraint along with a pleasing mouthfeel and flavors that linger.
This wine—aged in a mixture of 20% new American and French oak—shows a pleasing interplay of fruit and barrel. Notes of vanilla and cocoa intermingle with dried herbs, cranberry and bell pepper. It brings focused, lightly styled but high-octane cranberry flavors that are almost creamy in feel, with the focus more on elegance than sheer power.
The Palliser Pinot style is typically a bit beefy, and this 2013 follows suit. That said, it's likely to age well—at least through 2020. Cherry, herb and mocha aromas and flavors finish with a slightly dusty texture and firm acids.
Perfumed lemon blossom is at the heart of this wine's bouquet, wrapped around a full body of lemony oak and savory herb. Complex, it's built on a core of girth and structure, but never becomes overly heavy on the palate, finishing with plenty of minerality.
This is a delightful, fruity white, highlighted by orange blossom and jasmine on the nose and crisp waxy green apple on the palate, with a touch of dried herb and grass. Complex and medium in weight and oak, it holds up structurally, with a juicy finish.
A mix of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (26%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine displays aromas of black licorice, raisinated dark fruit, barrel spice, medicine cabinet and cherry cordial. The blackberry flavors are ripe and sweet, supported by a firm tannic structure. Drink now.
This 100% varietal wine offers very primary, focused aromas of blackberry, black licorice, cocoa and black cherry. It's full in feel, with abundant dark fruit flavors supported by lightly dry tannins. Give it time to all come together. Best after 2020.
Made with 100% Sangiovese, this conveys aromas of violet, vanilla, pressed powder and perfumed berry. The vibrant, structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, licorice, black pepper and toast alongside firm tannins and fresh acidity. It finishes on a mocha note. Drink 2015–2022.
Piquant in allspice, this soft, single-vineyard designate from a property known for Pinot Noir conveys a sense of elegance and subdued tannins, offering plum and red cherry atop shy waves of cedar and sage. A smoky component on the robust finish makes it memorable.
A vineyard-designate for the producer since 1975, the fruit shows well in this wine, an exotic tribute to tropical elements and stone fruit like peach, supported by a medium-weighted amount of vanilla oak. The ripeness of the fruit is complemented by endnotes of minerality and herbs.
Aromas of cedar, plum, toast, espresso and a whiff of blue flowers lead the nose of this Sangiovese blended with 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The ripe, straightforward palate offers ripe cassis, coconut, mocha and a hint of anise alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
This is fully mature with its leather and toast flavors enhanced by a smooth, rich texture. It is a delicious wine to drink now, with some red fruits and final acidity.
Attractively perfumed this ripe wine has hints of the crisp acidity that is also there. It's a fresh wine with the potential of richness. Ripe pink grapefruit and tangy acidity are balanced by the warmer flavors of pear and quince. Drink from late 2015.
This wine is full of juicy fruit along with a dark, smoky character. A firm undertow of very dry tannins brings out a firm structure. The hard edge needs to soften, so wait to drink until 2018.
This ripe, Merlot-dominated wine offers bold tannins and black plum-skin fruitiness. It has spice, toastiness from wood aging and the potential of a ripe and generous character. It is firm at this stage and needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Merlot dominant with a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows aromas of vanilla, coconut and jammy red and black fruit, with the alcohol poking through. The fruit flavors feel supple, backed by gritty tannins.
With the two varieties co-fermented in concrete, this has no oak to interfere with its aromas of spice, pear and honeysuckle. It drinks off dry, seeming a bit sweeter than recent vintages, but still bringing the acidity that this region is known for.
This is plump, medium-weight Sauvignon Blanc that's fully ripe and easy to drink. Pineapple and pink grapefruit aromas and flavors are mellow and harmonious at this stage. Drink up.
Aromas of black plum and fragrant blue flowers waft out of the glass. On the bright, easygoing palate, notes of mint and white pepper add interest to the black cherry core. Fresh acidity and supple tannins back up the juicy flavors.
Aromas of pear, melted butter and toasty spice lead to a lightly creamy, elegantly styled palate with lingering stone-fruit flavors. It seems faint but what's there shows a fine sense of balance.
Sweet oak aromas, ripe fruit flavors and a firm texture make a complete and enjoyable package in this full-bodied wine. It has a toasted oak flavor, tasty plum and cinnamon nuances, good acidity and supportive tannins.
Meaty, dusty aromas of leather, cigar box, old books, roasted lamb, tobacco smoke and purple flowers make for a compelling nose on this wine. The palate is quite leathery, with beef crust, wood smoke and incense ash flavors, delivered in a smooth manner.
California winemaker Nick Goldschmidt reaches back to his New Zealand roots for this bottling. It's a finely balanced mélange of grapefruit, cut grass and fig notes carried by medium body and a soft, appealing finish.
The oak (21 months spent in French and American) takes the lead, with aromas of baking spices, green wood and vanilla out in front of cherry. The flavors are sweet, supported by grainy tannins that show some dryness.
This wine is principally Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the balance other Bordeaux varieties. Aromas of clove, sweet plum, vanilla and tire rubber lead to sweet, palate-coating blueberry and smoke flavors that linger.
This is totally fruit-driven wine. With very fresh citrus acidity, it is as crisp as possible while not losing sight of the potential of its white fruits. There is a delicious steely edge as well as great acidity at the end. The wine is a blend from vineyards planted with 60% Sauvignon blanc, 30% Sémillon and 10% Muscadelle. The estate has been in the Le Grix de la Salle family for 100 years.
This rich, wood-aged wine has ripe plum fruits and dark tannins. It's still young, but it has a concentrated profile that's full bodied and dense. The fruity aftertaste is well integrated with the tannins. Drink from 2016.
A caramelized apple nose gives way to toasty oak and spicy lemon. This wine is balanced yet made in a style highlighting ripeness and richness. A touch of fresh peach leads the generous finish.
This wine is 57% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Viognier, 6% Merlot and 3% other varieties. The Viognier gives the aromas and deftly styled flavors, with notes of orange peel and flowers. The Syrah lends blueberries and gaminess, with herb and chocolate notes coming from Cabernet.
Barrel fermented and aged in French oak (16% new), this wine has a creamy, textured feel that plays well with its aromas of melted butter, pear and spice. Pair it with seafood risotto.
The volatiles are amped up on this wine along with aromas of fruit leather and cherry cough drops. It's full bodied with firm, chewy tannins that need time to soften.
Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with pretty aromas of crushed berry, violet and a whiff of menthol. The juicy palate offers black cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside firm but fine-grained tannins.
Aromas of baked plum, truffle, coconut, toasted oak and espresso lead the nose of this blend of 93% Sangiovese and 7% Colorino. The palate doles out fleshy black cherry, ripe raspberry, mocha and baking spice alongside chewy tannins.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this seven year-old is showing some age. It opens with aromas of prune, resin, toast and vanilla that all carry over to the dense palate along with blackberry extract and oak-driven spice. It lacks fruit richness while astringent wood tannins leave an abrupt, drying finish.
All varietal from up-and-coming Scooteney Flats Vineyard, this wine displays aromas of fresh herbs, dark raspberries and barrel spices. There's no lack of richness to the fruit flavors but the chalky tannins need time to stitch together.
Soft gold in color, this wine offers fragrances of apple tart and vanilla. Flavors of pear, apple, lemon curd and eucalyptus come on strong but mellow as it moves into the pear and lemon peel finish.
Made with Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this offers aromas of ripe red berry, fragrant blue flowers and grilled herb. The straightforward palate delivers dried black cherry, clove, black pepper and a hint of espresso. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity make it enjoyable now.
A brooding wine, this shows aromas of high-toned dark raspberries, woodspices, mineral and bay leaf, with the alcohol poking through. The red plum flavors are full bodied and rich, with grainy tannins backing them up.
Brilliantly colored, with dynamite concentration and lovely black fruit and earthy aromas. Precise on the palate but also big and muscular, with silky tannins, grip and a late rush of deftly applied French oak. Delicious and a fine reflection of the Uco Valley, Argentina's top Malbec region.
Epitomizes in many ways the emerging Barossa style, marrying huge fruit and creamy tannins with more restrained oak use. Licorice and peppery spice lead the way, backed by notes of plum, cola and even roasted meat. Lush and long on the finish. Drink now-2020.
Oddly, this is preferable to El Nido's $140 Cab-heavy fruit bomb. Maybe that's because Monastrell is the go-to grape in Jumilla, and this is 70% Monastrell and only 30% Cab compared to the opposite with El Nido. All that said, this wine is ripe, approachable and dark, with excellent balance and a fudgy, warm finish of fruitcake and blackberry. Drink now through 2013.
The nose offers a fine mix of floral berry, dusty earth and classic Malbec richness, while the palate is juicy, balanced and tastes of cassis, blackberry, fresh plum, cracked pepper and baking spices. Full and long on the finish, and overall it's right where you want it to be. Drink now through 2011.
Aged in 100% new French oak, this wine opens with scents of vanilla and pipe tobacco, but also shows a strong core of ripe raspberries. Mixed berries take over on the palate, softly framed by layers of mocha and vanilla. This full-bodied wine's tannins are creamy in texture, just turning ever so slightly dusty on the long finish. Drink now-2023.
Full-bodied, lush and velvety, the 2006 Ben Schild Reserve is ready to drink now and over the next 8 years. Hints of espresso and black olive impart complexity to the plum and blueberry fruit, and a licorice note chimes in on the softly textured finish.
This concentrated wine brings tannins together with superripe black fruits and a firm aftertaste. A bite of alcohol spoils the rich fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
Raspberry, strawberry and oaky shoe polish aromas comprise the nose on this pinching rubbery Rioja from a cold vintage. Plum, cherry and raspberry flavors finish fresh and ripped, with tannins that won't quit. Drink through 2020.
Dark and dense in color, this San Juan Malbec smells of jammy plum, prickly berry fruits and spice. A raw rugged palate is home to flavors of spiced black plum, tomato and herbs. On the finish, this tastes lightly herbal, with grip and drying tannins.
Aromas of spice, apricot, and Creamsicle are followed by full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors, showing some warmth on the finish.
With new-wood flavors as well as ripe berry fruits, this will be an attractive wine. Warm, ripe and fruity, it has concentration and potential. Drink this wine from 2020.
This wine pushes the envelope on ripeness, not unusual for the variety. Toasted oak and black-cherry jam make up the majority of the experience, riding a supple wave of soft tannin and concentrated power.
This wine is ripe, with plenty of tannins that give it a rich, structured character. It is dense with black-currant fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
Full of red fruits and generous tannins, this is an immediately attractive wine. The red-berry fruits are balanced by good acidity and a crisp aftertaste. Drink from 2017 to allow the tannins to soften further.
Half Tempranillo, 40% Barbera and 5% each Merlot and Sangiovese, this is dry and fully mature, but quite tasty. Musky scents of roses and orange peel lead into a tart palate with wild berries, and a touch of citrus oil. Drink now through 2018.
The high proportion in the blend gives it its ripe, juicy character. The toasty wood aging flavors are just enough to allow it to fill out as it ages. With juicy black-currant and ripe-berry flavors, the wine will be perfumed and delicious from 2018.
This is a small estate of 12 acres dominated by its 95% Merlot. It is ripe and juicy with spice, dried fruits and crisp black currants. The tannins are already well integrated with the fruitiness. Drink from late 2017.
Not much Syrah is grown in the Willamette Valley, but Cristom has made it for quite some time now. Tart and astringent, this has black cherry and earth flavors, a light hint of fungus, and chewy tannins.
This is a very Douro blend for this wine from Lisboa region. It brings structure and minerality to fill out the dark-black fruits. With ripe tannins and bright acidity balancing the fruit, it is ready to drink.
Forward and fruity, this is a solid, drink any time Chardonnay. It's built in a blocky chunky mode, but some sleek lime flavors put a polished edge on the underlying acids.
Red fruits dominate this wine that is ready to drink. It has berry flavors, generous tannins and sweetness at the end. Drink this attractive wine from late 2017.
This wine is rich, full of fruit and with a medium-term potential. Attractive berry flavors are ripe and full of juicy acidity. Drink this lively, fruity wine from 2018.
This 100% varietal wine is a blend of fruit from Pepper Bridge and XL vineyards. It offers intriguing aromas of sandalwood, rose petal, wood spice and black currant, with the oak a bit out front. The dark-fruit flavors are reserved in style, tapering toward the finish.
An action-packed wine, especially considering the price, this is a lighter, fresher style of Zin, with smashed strawberry and boysenberry fruit aromas alongside chipped asphalt and riverstone. Juicy olallieberry and baked cherry show on the sip that is enhanced by a touch of oregano.
This wine is a blend of fruit from the Columbia Gorge and Terrace Heights. White pepper, green vegetable and flower blossom aromas lead to light, dry, puckering fruit flavors. Put it on the dinner table to see it shine.
This tasty wine opens with savory scents of herb-speckled cranberries and red currants. It's a tight and tangy wine, that comes alive with aggressive aeration. Drink now through 2020.
This plump, succulent wine is a solid value. Understated toast frames pineapple and melon in this fruit-driven style. Drink this crisp, appealing quaffer now–2018.
Intense aromas of thyme, white spring flower, citrus and exotic fruit lead the nose. On the soft palate, a frothy mousse frames white grapefruit, sage, apricot and yellow peach. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Grassy aromas and a whiff of celery lead to a snappy palate with fresh but tart lemon, gooseberry and white-currant flavors. A juicy fresh finish with citrus flavors is typical of well-executed Txakoli.
Grapy aromas and bold black pepper and blackberry flavors make this wine big and enjoyable. Full bodied, it has a mouthcoating texture and lingering finish.
Dark and spicy blackcurrant fruit, black-cherry skins and a touch of richer chocolate show on the nose of this bottling. Light in body, the palate shows blackberry, black pepper, oregano and pencil lead, with a minerally undercurrent.
Full of jammy Merlot fruits, this is a smooth ripe wine. Dried fruits and tannins give the wine its varietal character. They are freshened by the acidity and black-currant fruitiness. The aftertaste allows the firm tannins to shine. Drink from 2017.
The wine is seriously structured for the vintage: that means a wine that is full of tannins, dark and firm. It has concentration and black fruits, shot through with acidity. Drink this dense wine from 2018.
This wine is ripe and fruity, layered with attractive tannins and red-berry fruits. It is bright, crisp at the edges although also with a smoky, firm core. Drink this wine from 2020.
Inky black, this bold 100% varietal wine is also pretty, its fruit high-toned and marked by knots of mint and dried herb. Medium bodied, it doesn't go down an overripe road, remaining satisfying as a wine that could work with food.
Appealing aromas of black cherry, cocoa, herb, pencil lead and wood spice are followed by generous pit-fruit flavors. The tannins show some chalkiness and astringency.
Melon, peach and dusty aromas give the wine a solid but flat bouquet. With soft edges and modest citric acid, it's a little dull and disjointed as it stresses melon and apple flavors. As Argentine SBs go, this is expensive for what it offers.
Lots of sweet fruit is right up front here—super ripe berry/cherry flavors—that quickly fade and leave a rather dull finish. It's two thirds Cabernet Franc, the rest a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and just a splash of Petit Verdot.
Round, big and medicinal, with clumsy, roasted berry fruit aromas. The palate isn't overly charming, and the flavors of tomato paste, cranberry and herbal red fruit are curious. Finishes cleansing and zesty, but with another wave of tomato-based flavors. Shows a lot of cool-climate, mountain influence.
Tan in color and smelling fairly oxidized. Aromas of peach pits and blanched almond lack freshness, while the palate veers more toward applesauce than fresh fruit. There's some life left but not enough to make it a recommended wine. Tastes, feels and smells sort of jumbled.
The alluring perfume of Traminer leads on this pretty wine, whose subtle and refreshing lemon/citrus flavors are delivered with a touch of flowers. Though a bit lean, the wine has a nice fruit profile and will pair well with spicy cuisine such as Indian or Thai.
Browning in color, with mounds of dry spice, tea and earth aromas, but also a cooked, overoaked quality that doesn't serve the wine well. The palate is plodding and doesn't really evolve, while flavors of brown sugar, obvious oak and roasted berry seem to be fading. Expensive for what's in the bottle.
The Ratbag makes for a pleasant, if somewhat generic dry red. Dried fruit and prune notes are complemented by chocolate overtones and the mouthfeel is soft and user-friendly.
The Cabernets here, if you hadn't already guessed, are Sauvignon and Franc. There's a distinct herbal element to the nose, creating a “green” aromatic sensation. Meanwhile, the palate is coarse and on the acidic side, with red-fruit flavors accented by tarragon and oregano. Spicy but hot on the finish.
There's no escaping the wine's funky, leathery aromas that settle on moss and earth. Familiar plum and berry flavors have a touch of stem in the mix, while the finish is full, medicinal and anchored by mildly bitter tannins. Not bad but tastes and feels a little roasted and rough.
Orange peel, green fruits and then not much else make for a standard nose. The palate is full-sized and melony, and so is the plump, sweet finish. There's size, tropical fruit and green banana all over this wine, but not much spine or structure. Drink now.
A vitamin pill scent greets you immediately, somewhat masking the fruit. In the mouth it's rather light, watery and showing green apple fruit with plenty of acid. The finish softens up but doesn't add any depth or flavor.
There are some attractive dried-spice notes built into this wine, but on the whole it's dominated by confected, jammy berry fruit. The texture is slightly syrupy, and the wine finishes soft. Despite the impressive moniker, it's an easy, entry-level Shiraz for the casual drinker.
Full-bodied, soft wine, with pleasant, open flavors of melon, lime and ripe white figs. There is sweetness, emphasizing the softness of the wine. Pleasant and drinkable now.
A fresh, bone-dry rosé, packed with acidity, red currants and a touch of caramel. The wine is light, summery, good for apéritif or food.
A tight, freshly acid wine, with stalkiness but also good juicy fruit. There is a green pepper element, leaving a wine that is light, simple.
Starts off with scents of black cherry, mocha and a touch of tomato, which intensifies on the palate, picking up a roasted or grilled nuance. It's medium-bodied, silky in texture and pleasantly dry on the finish.
For the price, this is a commendable effort, with scents of toast and vanilla layered over modest cherry fruit. The wine is medium bodied and marked by the a fine, soft texture, then finishes on a tart note.
Strawberry, cherry and other red-fruits comprise a thin-styled bouquet, and pretty much the rest of the show follows suit. The palate is of medium weight, without much heft or structure. Flavors of red fruits are lean.
Dark, fruity and common in every way, but sometimes that's all you need. The wine has a clean, ordinary cassis and berry nose followed by a juicy palate with dark fruit flavors that show accents of vanilla, spice and chocolate. Totally drinkable and likable.
Clean, fresh and simple, this does not claim to be “unoaked” but it carries that style in its flavors, a snappy mix of green apple, pineapple and grapefruit. Good everyday drinking.
Licorice, mint leaf, black pepper and a hint of tomato define the nose, while the palate has a regular, lightly choppy feel along with flavors of olive, herbal berry fruit and pepper. Dry and smooth on the finish, with lightness and good balance. Good Merlot for the price.
Big, muscular and herbal, with olive, spice and driving black fruit aromas. The acidity is high-toned and elevated, so the palate is jumpy and electric, with raspberry and currant flavors. Delivers a jolt and tang, but overall the flavors and harmony are good.
Earthy plum and berry aromas dominate a fruit-forward bouquet. A layered, proper feeling palate delivers lightly buttered flavors of dark plum, creamy oak and spice. On the finish, this tastes a little toasty and peppery, while the feel is comported.
Despite being heavy and flat, this is an easygoing wine with raisiny notes on the nose and earthy, loamy berry and raisin flavors. The finish is soft, with nothing jagged or hard to deal with.
Berry aromas with a hint of pine and juniper form the opening on this fresh-style Rioja. A quick wash of red plum and raspberry flavors comes with an herbal leaning and minty notes. This finishes firm but light in weight, with a minty aftertaste.
This shows very evident oak aromas along with toast, coffee, vanilla and incense notes. The palate reflects the heavy wood influence that muffles the dark fruit just below the surface. Drying wood tannins cut the finish short.
This has double the residual sugar of the off-dry Blue Moon Riesling, and it shows in the mouthfeel, which turns a bit granular. It's a time-capsule wine, with flavors of lemon, sugar-water and white tea that have stood their ground unchanged for decades.
Aromas of chemical, plastic and milk chocolate are dominant and mask the wine's black-fruit content. The palate feels condensed and narrow, while woody, baked flavors of berry fruits finish resiny and chocolaty.
This is an accessible red, with aromas of black fruit, exotic spices and oak. The palate shows plum, chocolate and bitter cherry flavors and a warmth that reflects the heat of the vintage. Drink soon.
This opens with an unusual mix of watermelon, strawberry, light herbs and a buttery mouthfeel. It's on the lighter, more delicate side, with a thin finish. But fine for accompanying lighter fare, or simply sipping.
This everyday Tempranillo opens with mildly burnt and stalky aromas, but there's enough fresh plum and berry on the nose to keep things positive. The mouthfeel is wiry and alert, while plum and raspberry flavors finish short.
Soft and creamily fruity, this is an attractive, fresh wine. It has citrus fruit and apple-skin flavors and crisp, clean acidity. For drinking over the next year.
This pretty rosso has typical fragrances of dark fruit and spice. The palate shows ripe plum and cherry layered with cinnamon notes. It's fresh and ready to enjoy now, and would pair well with pasta dishes or grilled chicken.
Made up of equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre with the balance Grenache, this has notes of burnt embers and smoked meat. Though only 20% new oak, the wood still seems at the fore with notes of sawdust and toast that distract.
This has an earthy nose of truffle and tobacco leaf, with a hint of leather. The palate shows some rustic notes along with overripe plum, black berry and spice. While this has tight, drying tannins, the fruit and freshness are evolved.
Tannins and strong smoky wood flavors dominate this wine.Very dark and dry in texture, its fruitiness hides behind all this hard structure and dense character.
A structured proprietary red blend from Temecula Valley. The tannins remain a tad chewy, leathery even, though the wine's got some hints of fig, cherry and cinnamon that keep it interesting.
Pleasantly savory on the nose with fresh apple scents draped in smoke and lightly toasted wood, this Ontario Viognier would be a perfect companion for grilled fish or fowl on a warm summer evening. Dry and medium bodied with a nicely integrated palate of fresh pineapple and apple flavors, it's an elegant wine flecked with smoke and a brisk, lemony acidity. Drink now.
Spunky raspberry aromas give this Tempranillo-led blend a fresh bouquet. The palate is snappy, a little high in acidity, and plenty zippy, with plum and cherry flavors. Finishes with length and some scour. Nice for everyday drinking; best with basic foods.
Yellow in color, with a peachy, baked set of aromas. The palate hits with a blast of acidity but not much else, while the flavors are brash and lean toward green apple and green plum. Rounder and softer on the finish, but also short.
Pretty honest on the nose, where it's mostly melony, peachy fruit and no faux oak. The palate is on the sharp side, with blazing acidity and not much body to go with citrus and apple flavors. Hits you with a lot of juiciness and aggression but doesn't bring a lot of mouthfeel and complexity.
This wine displays plenty of weight and an unctuous texture alongside aromas and flavors of toasted nuts. There's also a strange herbal note, elements that are decidedly egg-like, and a long, honeyed finish. File it under “intriguing,” and drink it over the next several months.
This five-grape Bordeaux blend offers sharp-edged fruit flavors of berry and cassis. Acids are firm, and the tannins have a biting, slightly green, slightly bitter edge. Perhaps more time is the key.
Tomato leaf, red bell pepper and dry spice aromas overrun the fruit, and in the mouth it's rather tart and acidic for the grape type. Flavors of cherry tomato, red plum and green herbs are good but sharp, while the finish features oak in the form of vanilla. More fresh and tart than most Carmenères.
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of spicy plum, violet, blackberry, toast and a whiff of oak-driven spice. The firmly structured palate delivers black cherry, clove, anise and a note of grilled sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish. Give it time to unwind. Drink 2017–2025.
Made with Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino, this opens with aromas of dark berry, grilled herb, menthol and a whiff of leather. The savory palate doles out juicy cherry, black raspberry, licorice, clove and mocha. Firm but polished tannins and fresh acidity hold it all together. Drink through 2018.
From the heart of the Napa Valley, this estate white is dry in floral lemon and lime, in addition to more voluptuous helpings of apricot and peach. Stainless-steel fermented, it offers crisp acidity before taking on complexity on the finish, more weighty than on the palate.
Perfumed berry, pressed violet, leather and a balsamic note lead the nose of this 100% Sangiovese. The sleek, savory palate doles out fleshy black cherry, licorice, clove and tobacco interwoven with lithe tannins and fresh acidity.
Rounded, earthy notes of ripe fruit are foremost in the aromatic stakes. On the palate they are joined by a yeastily textured savoriness and fresh citrus verve. This goes well beyond mere fruit and shows off the more earthy side of Grüner. Satisfyingly zesty finish.
Ripe green pear peel, soft hints of yellow plum and fresh grapefruit notes join for an appetizing opening. The palate is slender but concentrated and adds a yeasty, almost herbal touch. There is proper texture and mouthfeel, making this a wine to linger over. The finish echoes with lemony freshness.
Having spent no time in oak, this crisp, clean white is resplendent in lemon curd and vanilla, joined midway by additional layers of just-picked peach. Medium bodied, with the right texture to hold up to a range of spicy foods, it offers a vibrantly lively finish.
This grape is obscure for California but excels in this bottling, with intriguing aromas of yellow melon, crushed white rocks and an array of citrus, from tangerine peels to kumquats. The palate is a lime shade of green, featuring flavors of lime blossoms, Key lime pie and kaffir lime leaves, but also shows limestone minerality and a hint of passion fruit.
Mesmerizing aromas of toast, roasted pumpkin and spice are followed by medium-bodied, lightly spritzy feeling flavors and a citrus-filled finish. This drinks young now and will benefit from some additional time in the cellar.
It was fascinating to compare this to Two Paddocks' regular bottling. The Last Chance is slightly richer, but otherwise features many of the same elements: smoke, tart cherries and delicate herbal notes. Despite the extra concentration, it's still supple and approachable now.
This impressively concentrated, full-bodied and firmly tannic wine will be a great match for the next juicy steak or lasagna. It has a thick, inky, red color, attractive cedar and spice aromas, and full flavors like blackberries and pomegranate juice. The thick, velvety tannic feel is perfect for adventurous tastes. It's made with Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Freisa grapes.
The appellation continues to impress with this variety, well showcased by this producer. White flowers and waxy apple form its character foremost, followed by lemon peel and zest. A dry, salty finish makes for a conclusively satisfying end.
This bright and attractive dry wine has exotic floral and pistachio aromas, rich grapefruit and rosewater flavors, and a lively texture that seems to keep the flavors tripping over the tongue on the aftertaste. It will be a real treat for brunch or with spicy food.
This unusual rosé blends Merlot rosé with substantial portions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer, highlighting textural and flavor attributes from each. It's luscious in mouthfeel with a dense concentration of tropical fruit flavors, yet brisk and effortlessly quaffable. A delightful new take on a Hamptons classic.
Named for the producer's French grandfather, who loved Merlot, this 100% varietal wine from a high-elevation site is leathery, meaty and quite debonair. With a scent of bacon grease giving a sense of rustic deliciousness, it's also soft and unctuous on the palate, medium to full bodied.
Ample blueberry and black cherry fruit is toned by fresh acidity and held in a concentrated body. Little by little the Zweigelt pepperiness creeps in and makes for a punchy, focused red with just the right amount of still perceptible tannins. Great clean finish.
A Grenache-driven blend with 28% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre, this is a substantial, concentrated wine generous in leather, pipe tobacco and blackberry pie, accented teasingly in clove. With a big, meaty presence and long, grippy finish, it should stand the test of cellaring, through 2020.
The aromas of toast, pear, pineapple and spice are nuanced and reserved. Flavors are light, focused and textured, displaying both varietal and winemaker intent.
An intriguing headiness of red cherry promises an unadulterated purity of fruit. On the palate there is pepper, too, and more of that ripe, red cherry. This is fruit-forward, refreshing and simple but at the same time very balanced, fresh-faced and wonderfully authentic: Its honesty shines alongside the pure cherry fruit.
Rhubarb, cranberry and strawberry mix on the nose in this richly inviting wine that is textured and not overwhelming in weight. Featuring electric acidity, the wine finishes boldly in blackberry and licorice.
Concentrated grapefruit zestiness dominates the palate while the nose remains rather closed. This is streamlined, refreshing and firmly located in the green citrus spectrum of flavor—eminently refreshing with a clean, brisk finish.
You'll find aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, espresso, brown spice and sun-baked earth on this medium-bodied red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry licorice, coffee and ground black pepper set in a framework of packed, fine-grained tannins.
This unoaked Chardonnay highlights a remarkable intensity of fruit flavors—from zesty tangerine and lime to ripe, rich yellow cherry and peach. While refreshingly crisp and sprightly on the palate, it boasts a long, blossomy finish.
Dark plum and cinnamon intermix on the nose and on the palate in this high-toned version of the variety from an appellation in which it grows well. Black licorice and mocha chocolate play off one another before a dusty finish.
Definitively taking a cool-climate approach, this 100% varietal wine opens with indelible wafts of violets and white pepper, followed by a presence of more pepper and black currant around a medium-sized body. Earthy leather and mushroom pronounce themselves on the midpalate before it finishes in black licorice.
With aromas of strawberry and blueberry, this wine is tart at first sip, but then opens to rich flavors of slightly savory black cherry, strawberry, thyme and aniseed.
A nose of lemon and apple with the scent of slightly feral brambles leads to flavors of lemon, guava, passion fruit, pineapple and rose petal. This is a grownup Sauvignon Blanc that feels nice on the palate, with a finish that is equal amounts spicy, savory and bright.
Fairly oaky, dark and baked, but also well balanced and complete. The nose starts with vanilla and toast, and then asphalt, chocolate and black cherry come into play. In the mouth, it's round and comfortable, with raspberry, plum and herbal flavors. Smooth but short on the finish, with coffee and additional herb notes. Drink now.
The 2005 vintage of this Cabernet-Carmenère blend is dark as night, thick as a side of beef, and sweet like a dessert. Licorice, molasses, graphite and blackberry share the unctuous nose, while the palate is tannic, rich and tastes like baked black fruits, coffee and chocolate pudding. Bordering on syrupy in its ripeness, so drink sooner rather than later.
Impressive for its balance of soft, creamy richness with bright, juicy raspberries. Notes of brown sugar, cinnamon and espresso add a layer of decadence surprising at this price.
An already mature, toasty Champagne, with yeast, dry toast and almond flavors. The grapefruit edge from primary fruits is there, but this wine is filling out, becoming deliciously open and certainly entering maturity. Enjoy as a food Champagne.
With its sunset pink color, this is an open, soft, full wine that edges towards dryness, but equally picks out red berry fruits, lifted by forward light acidity. It's young, fruity, with hints of minerality.
Pretty typical New Zealand Pinot Gris, featuring a fair bit of residual sweetness. There's plenty of weight and density in the mouth, but less intensity of flavor and aroma, only hinting at almond, honey and melon.
There are a lot of different elements going on here, with aromas of black fruit mixing with nuances of sweet smoke and a touch of leather. Balanced and full in the mouth with moderate tannins and a solid finish. Drink now.
Clean yet dilute on the bouquet, with touches of lime and grassiness. The palate, however, is kind of heavy and honeyed, a direct reflection of its warm Maipo roots. Tastes sweet and creamy but without much zesty fruit. Maybe a little too soft and candied, but still pretty good.
A little minty, raisiny and flat on the nose, but still it's appealing. The palate has a condensed, syrupy feel and soft, semisweet flavors of red berry mixed with herbs and pepper. Spicy and a touch hollow on the finish, but still a good value Cab to drink now.
Here's a well balanced and easy to drink value priced Sauv Blanc, offering notes of sweet grass, barely ripe peach and melon on the nose and mouth. Perfect for summer entertaining; pair with sushi or cocktail shrimp.
The first Pinot in Undurraga's Terroir Hunter series is lean, tart and zesty, but also clean and pleasing in its own right. Tea and dried cherry aromas yield to a spunky, lean palate of sharp raspberry and orange peel flavors. Finishes light but clean, with tartness.
Earthy and damp smelling, with chunky black cherry and olive aromas. The palate has a slightly choppy feel and then spicy, sweet flavors of herbs and blackberry. Finishes a little burnt and bitter, but overall there's enough sweetness and ripeness to offset any herbal qualities.
Dry and reedy smelling, with juicy berry-cherry aromas and flavors. The wine is snappy, zesty and juicy, with accents of cocoa and pepper. Clean, simple Cabernet with ample pop and freshness.
A bit of an anomaly for this fine Ruwer estate, where being merely good is a disappointment. It starts off with attractive stone and ripe apple notes, but seems somewhat  acetic on the palate—there's an intrusive pickle-like note.
A smooth and ripe rosé from Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, this is a cherry and red berry flavored wine. It has weight and a rich texture that are balanced by the crisp raspberry and fresh apple brightness at the end. Drinkble beginning now.
The grapes were farmed biodynamically, fermented with wild yeasts, and just two barrels were aged in new oak. The stiff berry fruit is cloaked in details of stem and earth, tart acids and a whiff of compost.
Tangy and mineral, this is a crisp apple- and citrus-driven wine, full of fruitiness while also having a tight texture. Its acidity just adds to the generally ripe character of the wine. Drink now.
Plum, slate and cherry blossoms show on the nose of this wine, grown along the Foxen Canyon corridor. Red fruit and hibiscus highlight the top of the sip, followed by brick minerality, bright acidity and a spice that leans toward anise.
This wine shows smooth red fruit that is light and generic, with modest weight and an earthy flavor. The wine spent a bit of time in 25% new oak, though it doesn't show up in the flavors.
This is a solid Verdejo with stony aromas of citrus fruits, grapefruit in particular. A palate with citric acidity creates a fresh platform for orange and grapefruit flavors. A round plump finish with briny citrus flavors is a good ending.
One of a range of wines under the Homage to Heritage import label, this fruit-driven wine has apple and green plum fruits, sustained by great acidity and a crisp, mineral texture. Drink from 2016.
Taut, young and laced with accents of bitter greens, the fruit is peppery and sharp, with plenty of backing acidity. Tannins are proportionate and well managed, while the finish is short, showing mostly acid and herbal components.
A ripe full-bodied wine that is a blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires. It misses out on the normal freshness of both grapes, giving instead rich yellow fruits and perfumed spice. There is some acidity, although not enough.
Pleasant apple and woodspice aromas are basic and limited but good. This feels balanced, with friendly melon, banana and tropical-fruit flavors. Light oak and related vanilla flavors drive the finish on this easygoing Chardonnay.
This single-vineyard selection brings black cherry and graham cracker flavors, with a background of stem and herb. Somewhat muted, it could benefit holding to 2017–2018 in bottle.
Fresh, forward and fruity, this brings light strawberry fruit and streaks of root beer. It's tasty and quaffable, though done in a lighter style.
This blends almost-sweet fruit flavors of strawberry and red cherry with savory and spicy notes, making a nicely complex and multi-dimensional, medium-bodied wine. It's smooth and fruity, with no harsh tannins.
Gritty plum and currant aromas are basic but fresh. Ditto the palate, which shows acidic scratch but not too much. Prickly lightly oaked cherry and plum flavors end with scratchy freshness, lean tannins and lasting berry notes.
Spicy, oaky aromas grab attention, followed by black plum and cherry flavors and a firm structure of tannins and acidity. This is full bodied and rather powerful in both flavor and mouthfeel.
Tart tangerine and grapefruit notes seem to be glazed with honey in this simple yet fresh and easy-quaffing Riesling. It's off-dry in style with a brisk, thirst quenching gulpability. Enjoy now.
This off-dry Gewürztraminer opens with a powerful bouquet of bergamot, violet and rose perfume that seeps into the palate. The aromatics are a bit overwhelming, but bright tangerine flavors stand up well. It's a light-footed wine that finishes briskly.
Seductive trails of smoke, cinnamon and char on the nose lead to a palate that's ruddy and rich in black cherry and plum flavors. Supple and plush, it spreads languidly on the palate, finishing with nuanced touches of smoked meat and game.
Reddish-orange in color, this is a high-toned, citrus-laden wine that retains fresh flavors of grapefruit and mandarin orange. It stays crisp and dry on the palate, with just a tiny suggestion of its time in neutral oak. Pomegranate and a tang of sour cherry finish things off.
A dense vanilla-bean character coats a nose of seared white peach and toasted nuts. The palate features thick, ripe fruits, preserved lemon, a touch of walnut and a rocky grip.
Sandalwood and a shovelful of fresh earth mark the entry of this wine aromatically. A soft, tart expression of the variety, it offers bittersweet tannin and dark cherry at its core.
Wiry plum and raspberry aromas are jumpy and a touch candied. This feels bulky and grapy, with an obtuse body. Salty lightly herbal plum and berry flavors end with a touch of heat along with herbal leftovers.
This wine from one of Anderson Valley's pioneers has a lighter-than-usual color and plenty of red cherry, raspberry and turned earth aromas. It offers low-level fruit flavors and good balance of acidity versus ripeness.
Raspberry and cherry aromas are mild while not stirring much excitement. This feels a bit raw and tannic, but it's got enough body to hold up. Berry and plum flavors finish with hints of spice and chocolate.
Blackberry, ripe plum, kitchen spice and moist earth aromas lead the nose. The straightforward, easy-drinking, palate offers black cherry, white pepper and a hint of anise alongside lively acidity.
Dusty, clammy, white fruit aromas are generic. This is pulpy in feel with a vague focus. Leesy, pithy citrus flavors are standard and short on personality, while this finishes adequately with a mild citric lift.
Flat stewy prune-like aromas are low on life but not off-putting. This feels wide grabby and tannic, while jammy flavors of raspberry and plum finish chunky and expansive, but also tannic and wan. Drink now.
A whiff of spice amidst freshly pressed apples and pears gives this bright, easy going Kabinett an autumnal feel. A swirl of honey enriches the midpalate, finishing with lemon-tea sweetness. Begin drinking now.
Grass and apple-flesh notes are wrapped in a slightly reductive, oily frame on this blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 18% Loureiro, 15% Verdelho, 7% Grenache Blanc and 5% Chardonnay. The flavors are also a tad tarry, with green-apple peels, lime zest, candied pear and dried grapefruit.
The smoky, peppery aromas and smoky, pomegranate flavors may be atypical, but the wine is well-balanced and enjoyable to drink.
This dark-colored, extracted Priorat smells largely of oak and mint on top of lightly herbal, green-leaning plum and currant. The palate is wiry, with citric acidity that creates tartness to go with monotone red-fruit flavors. Rough, tough and crisp on the finish, with tomatoey acidity and hard tannins.
Aromas of grapeseed, light blackberry and clove-cinnamon spice touch the nose on this lower-alcohol Syrah. It's quite light and easy to quaff, with flavors of baking spices, cranberry and boysenberry, but ultimately a bit simple.
Blended from selected vineyards across the Sonoma Coast near Carneros, including the producer's own estate, this wine is made to be approachable and ready to go. It was aged in neutral oak casks, stainless steel and some larger neutral French oak. Herb and mint stand out against a backdrop of rustic black cherry.
While smoke and char notes are prominent on the nose, there's plenty of concentrated blackberry and cherry flavor in this medium-bodied red. It's fleshy and rich on the palate, but balanced out nicely by zesty strikes of cranberry acidity and fine, feathery tannins.
Rustic and tightly wound in tannin and oak, this shows reduced qualities and a core of big-boned concentration.It offers more tobacco and tea than acidity and fruit.
Good balance, traditional flavors and a great price make this wine an easy-drinking gem. It tastes dry and slightly tannic in a good way that gives it texture, and has Merlot's typical plum and light herb notes.
This progressive domaine in Tavel reaches into neighboring Lirac for this wine, which is a high 70% Cinsault (the balance is Grenache). It's fresh and citrusy despite having ample weight, ending on a zesty note.
This is round, ripe and full of rich fruitiness. It has a tannic structure that gives the wine concentration and a tight texture. The fruit is less obvious making this much more a rosé for food. Drink now.
A nose of strawberry and mint with a whiff of petrol sets the scene for flavors of cassis, cherry preserves, peach and eucalyptus that never quite coalesce. Soft tannins drop off immediately after a burst of white peach at the finish.
A pretty pale salmon color is matched by aromas of strawberry and herbs that are light and delicate. The palate brings the suggestion of sugar with an elegant styling.
The Sauvignon (64%) comes from Bacchus with the Sémillon from neighboring Dionysus. After starting out slightly reduced, fig and spice aromas lead to tart, lemon and tropical fruit flavors that need more cohesion and concentration to keep them together.
Red cherry meets with tar, wet herbs and cinnamon stick on the nose of this wine. Framed by a decent tannic structure, the palate boasts flavors of more red cherry and thyme.
Light, bright and fresh, this wine is ready to drink. Crisp apple and lemon flavors are lifted by tangy acidity. Juicy and very fruity it has a perfumed aftertaste.
This light Chablis is fresh and packed with attractive young fruitiness. It comes from the plateau above the Serein valley and shows its provenance in the cool-climate crispness. Drink now.
This brawny wine opens with subdued aromas that recall leafy underbrush, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of stewed plum. The warm, monolithic palate offers prune steeped in spirits, toasted nut, dark spice and a green note of powdered sage alongside raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish. The heat of evident alcohol on the close throws it further off-balance.
Punchy plum and raspberry aromas are light and fresh, as is the palate, which introduces jumpy acidity to the equation. Like the nose, this tastes of basic red fruits, cherry and plum in particular, while the finish is persistently fruity. This is 54% Tempranillo and 46% Garnacha.
This deep-colored wine has a concentrated smell like dried figs and lots of ripe blackberry flavors that glide along on a smooth, nicely dense texture. One gulp easily leads to another one.
Lemon-lime aromas and flavors like meringue and butterscotch pudding turn this wine into a virtual dessert. It's not what many people would expect from this grape variety, but it's very tasty and rich.
Subtle green-apple aromas and rich, ripe pear flavors make a pretty convincing argument for this full-bodied but soft-textured wine.
Minerally white-fruit aromas lack specificity. This is fresh but standard in feel, with briny flavors of nectarine, apple, citrus pith and nut skins. A dilute finish is fresh but thin. Why this blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Airén and Verdejo costs what it does is beyond comprehension because it smells, tastes and feels generic.
This simple blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dried black cherry, vanilla and a whiff of coconut. The round, soft palate shows mature black fruit and coffee alongside ripe tannins. Enjoy soon.
This is a clean, refreshing rosé from the generally higher altitudes of Luberon. In the modern, cold-fermented style, it's a bit confectionary in fruity esters—somewhat reminiscent of bubble gum or cotton candy—yet dry on the finish.
As crisp and light as the mountain air of Savoie, this citrus and apple-bright wine offers great fruitiness and a tangy, orange-zest aftertaste. Drink now.
This plump, medium-bodied rosé is a blend of two-thirds Syrah and one-third Mourvèdre. It's a fruit-driven style, driven by hints of peach, cantaloupe and bubble gum, that should have broad appeal.
A rustic, 100% varietal wine from Corbett vineyard, Leo is soft and approachable. It's a wine to please a range of palates in its lushness of blueberry and black licorice.
This wine has some off aromas, seeming to show some oxygen exposure, which distracts from its notes of orange peel and spice. The palate is considerably better but struggles to make up the difference.
Dark, compact and with good lift. The nose is lively and the palate shows medicinal black cherry and coffee flavors. Juicy enough, with driving but blended acidity pushing a spicy, minty finish. Peppy but nice for Argentine Merlot.
Flowery lime, kiwi and mountain stream aromas reflect the wine's clean personality. The mouthfeel is fresh and lightly wavy, with lychee, kiwi, lime and green apple flavors. Clear throughout, with good balance and weight to the finish. Very nice for a tangy, zesty, lean sort of white.
A heavy, roasted, charred nose gives this a dark outlook, and the bulky but smooth palate of black fruits and baked flavors does little to lessen the load. Feels good on the finish, although it tastes rather normal and a touch bitter. Round and fairly rich Malbec.
Soft and ripe, a wine that is wide open. With its light and crisp character and attractive yellow fruits, this will develop quickly.
Delicious freshness here, with crisp fruits, citrus and apple and a touch of caramel. Very fresh, great acidity, hints of mineral and flint.
The question is how much oak can you handle? If you like a heavily toasted, resiny type of full-bodied Chardonnay, add two or three points. If you absolutely hate that style, then subtract a few points. For those of us in between, look for resiny, toasty, heavy aromas on top of a thick, chewy palate full of baked apple and tons of wood spice. One-dimensional but well made.
This medium-bodied Barossa blend displays supple tannins and a silky finish, making it immediately accessible. Hints of smoke and sweat and complexity to the currant aromas and flavors.
This new baby from Crasto is an easygoing wine, full of berry fruits, gentle tannins. It is ready to drink, finishing softly and freshly.
This was aged in equal parts new and used French oak. The new takes the lead with its aromas and flavors of coffee, cocoa and barrel spices out in front of dark fruit. It brings undeniable appeal but the variety seems to get a bit lost.
Fulsome and voluptuous in red and dark cherry, No. 7 is meant to be “debonair, charismatic and seductive.” It is all those things, and stays well balanced between fruit, spice and oak, the weight and texture indeed silky and seductive.
This medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc adds a bit of creamy depth on the midpalate, while its aromas and flavors of fig and melon are on the ripe side for Marlborough. Despite that, it's still clean and refreshing, with a long, citrus-pith finish.
This opens with aromas of small woodland berries, cedar and tilled earth. The chewy palate offers fleshy black cherry, red currant, mocha and baking spice alongside assertive but fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
Fragrant, fresh, young and zippy, this is a simple, fruity summer rosé. The nose expresses only citrus but the mild palate shows some of the cherry-ish roundness of Zweigelt. Its light body and full fruit make it the ideal light refreshment. Drink as soon as possible.
Unique aromas of lime blossoms, flowering herbs and a tiny bit of jalapeño combine for a fascinating nose on this winery's entry-level offering. There is a slightly bell pepper element on the palate, but it's quite tasty alongside the ripe pears and other familiar flavors.
Following a rather neutral nose, the freshness and texture of grapefruit peel fizzes away on the palate. There is concentration, briskness and texture while the finish is lip-smackingly lemony. Drink soon.
Lightly toasted aromas of apple and lime are mellow. This feels fresh and citrusy, with lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors. A steady, sturdy finish comes with a mild salty note of sea brine.
Beautifully aromatic and ripe pear notes dominate, the palate is light but shows friendly, ample fruit that makes this very appetizing and easy to drink. A perfect, refreshing, easy-drinking summer wine.
Aromas of roasted coffee bean, toast, oak-driven spice, ripe berry and scorched earth lead the nose. The firm palate offers black cherry extract, espresso, licorice, oak and coconut alongside assertive, grippy tannins. Still oak driven and tightly tannic, give this a few years to fully develop but then drink to capture the remaining fruit richness. Drink 2017–2021.
Aromas of vanilla and baking spices are out in front of fruit leather, herbs and peppery spices. Flavors are exceptionally sweet and ripe, lingering on the finish. Drink now.
A bright pink color and absolutely fresh grapefruit aromas suggest a crisp and lively wine, and that's what this 88% Grenache and 12% Viognier delivers. The flavors are quite dry but vivid, like lemon, tart cherry and ruby grapefruit. The texture is lean, the body is not heavy and the finish is tangy.
Very juicy, easy blueberry-fruited, light Zweigelt made for fun, easy drinking. Unpretentious and honest, this could also be chilled in summer. Wonderful for picnics and other occasions where a joyful but uncomplicated red is needed.
Underbrush, ripe plum and baking spice aromas waft out of the glass. On the palate, vanilla, licorice, dark chocolate and espresso accent the black cherry core while polished tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2017.
This nicely balanced wine was made partly in barrels and partly in stainless steel. It smells like vanilla, cream and chamomile, and tastes as crisp and juicy as fresh-cut apples. Layers of flavor unfold with each successive sip, resembling nutmeg, pear and fig. The texture stays smooth and rich but with lively acidity underneath.
Aromas of sweet barrel spices, dried flowers, herbs and dark fruit lead to tart cherry flavors and a cranberry-filled finish.
Made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero, this charming wine opens with fruity aromas of wild red berry and a whiff of dried herb. The bright, easygoing palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry and clove alongside lithe tannins. It's made for pure drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
This classically crafted, 100% Sangiovese offers varietal aromas of forest floor, freshly turned soil, dark berry and a whiff of violet. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper and aniseed alongside assertive tannins. It's still rather closed and needs a couple more years to open up. Drink 2017–2022.
Violets and lavender perfume lend lift to this plush, velveteen Cabernet Franc. Ripe black cherry and berry flavors are rich and concentrated, off set by crisp cranberry acidity and soft, lingering tannins.
An enterprising blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, this zippy, light-footed rosé is full of tart cranberry and sour cherry acidity. Crisp yellow peach notes add sunshine on the palate. It finishes crisp and clean.
This 100% varietal wine comes from Mirage, Klipsun, Seven Hills and Force Majeure vineyards. The oak (50% new French) takes the lead with aromas of vanilla, coffee and cinnamon in front of plum and berry. Flavors are reserved, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel that continues through the finish.
This is a big, bold and fruity wine, packed with ripe Merlot fruit. Juicy blackberry flavors have a fine shot of acidity and soft tannins. It's a warm wine that will age well over the medium-term. Drink from 2018.
This is a rich, densely tannic wine with dark-hued blackberry fruits and ripe acidity. It is concentrated, still very firm while just beginning to show its full-bodied character. Wait until 2018.
Straightforward apple and lime flavors are simple and stony. Lemony acidity gives the palate snap and purpose, while flavors of kiwi, orange, lime and lemon finish tangy, with length and vitality. Drink now.
A blend of Shaw and Boushey vineyards, this 100% varietal wine displays aromas of bittersweet chocolate, savory herbs, an earthy funk, sawdust and woodspice. It's supple in feel, with sweet cherry and chocolate flavors that linger.
Although this is a delicate wine in terms of aroma and flavor, it has a vividly tart texture that's especially refreshing. It smells subdued, resembling cucumber and white pepper, then the flavors add white peach and crisp apple notes. This will make a great match with raw oysters, sushi and other appetizers.
Made with Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this opens with scents underbrush, scorched earth, cedar and baked plum. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and a confectionary note supported by assertive, fine-grained tannins. A grilled herb note signals the close.
Dusty aromas of melon and apple smell a bit leesy. This feels round and complete, while melon, citrus and apple flavors turn more briny on the finish, where a saline quality takes over. Overall, this is bright and right. Drink now.
Earthy, lightly baked cassis and raspberry aromas come with a dose of oaky vanilla. A full, bright, healthy palate delivers baked berry and cocoa flavors in front of a solid finish with molasses, vanilla and raspberry notes. Drink this mature Rioja now.
The addition of southern Oregon fruit to the Plowbuster amps up the candy-cherry flavors in a good way. It's forward and fruity, with additional details of citrus fruits, notably fresh oranges. Give it a little breathing time and it fills out nicely.
Coming from one of the region's more picturesque vineyards, this bottling, which is enhanced with 19% Picpoul Blanc, 2% Roussanne and 2% Viognier, leans a tad tropical on the nose, with orange peel cutting into banana, apple custard and tuberose. There's sizzling acidity throughout the palate, with flavors of lemon curd, apple peel and grapefruit pith.
This pretty light pink wine's acidic bounty is apparent on first sniff, as the underripe raspberry aromas are cut by a baking soda-like freshness. The sip of this mostly Grenache-based pinkie is all about the sizzle, where more club soda zest is painted with a light bubblegum flavor.
Peach and apple aromas are soft and easy, maybe even a touch cidery. Overall, this is a standard but well-made Albariño, with flavors of nectarine and cider. Drink immediately.
Made with 70% Inzolia and 30% Chardonnay, this opens with scents of white flower, Mediterranean herb and a hint of orchard fruit. The linear palate offers lime and yellow apple accompanied by bright acidity.
Full and soft, this wine is a rounded style of rosé. Ripe strawberry flavors are cut with crisper raspberries. The wine, produced at the Pessac-Léognan estate of Domaine de Chevalier, has attractive, refreshing acidity to complete a harmonious package. Drink now.
A subdued nose of crushed oak leaf whispers with the slightest hint of red berry. The palate is oak-spiced and gentle: think tart red plum with cinnamon. This is fresh and light bodied for a red, but has ample charm.
Aromatic red berries signal tart pleasure: redcurrant and raspberry. The very easy and smooth body fully plays into that with light-bodied charm. Drink while the aromas still sing.
Young and fresh, Elk Cove's entry-level Willamette Valley Pinot is a well-made, fruit-forward expression of the grape. Hints of clove wrap around peppery berry and cherry fruit. It's a bright, appealing wine, drinking quite nicely already.
This red blend from Moldova is composed of 70% Feteasca Neagra and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has scents of black pepper, black plum juice and a whiff of jalapeño. In the mouth there are flavors of dried plum, cinnamon, clove and persistent sweet tannins in the finish.
A real evocation of fresh, crisp and crunchy apple delivers freshness and punch on the easy-drinking but fresh, clean and joyful palate. Drink this soon, if possible at a summer party where this slender wine will come into its refreshing own.
This is an appealing, dry, and well-balanced wine, with everything in good proportions. It has lots of fresh cherry aromas, good and deep fruit flavors and a light but tasty layer of toasted, smoky oak.
Bright black cherry animates the aromas and flavors of this medium-bodied wine. It is firm in texture, not too complicated or overripe, but just nice and easy to drink.
Very ripe and fruity in character, this wine smells like cherries, raisins and spiced plums, and has a grippy texture from good acidity and moderate tannins for a little bite of astringency.
Fresh green-pear notes appear everywhere and round out the slender palate. Lemon and lime freshness provide extra structure. Drink soon.
This is a bright focused wine with a taut sense of balance, and flavors that are both rich and tangy. Cranberry aromas meet dark chocolate flavors on a tightrope of good acidity and tannins.
This late release is an unusual blend of Syrah, Baco Noir, Tempranillo and Dolcetto. All are strengths of the AVA, though rarely blended together. The extra bottle age has smoothed the rough edges, yielding a pleasant-drinking wine with flavors of strawberry preserves, citrus peel, and a touch of malt powder.
Waxy lemon rind and blossom notes accent this off-dry Riesling full of ripe, almost preserved peach flavor. Briskly textured and fresh in acidity, it's an uncomplicated, drinkable wine. Enjoy now through 2019.
Whispers of smoke, toast and nut mingle amidst ripe blackerries and bramble in this full-bodied St. Laurent. It's softly structured, framed by feather-light tannins and a juiciness that's attractive for drinking now.
Co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier, this wine opens in a flurry of sunflower before unleashing bold, firm flavors and layers of dense tannin and concentrated blackberry and cherry. The tannin continues to expand on the finish.
This well-crafted wine is reflective of the vintage, which brought its share of challenges. Tea-leaf flavors run throughout, along with quite light red fruits and plenty of acid. The finish is on the green side, but not so much that it's detrimental. Drink this wine while cellaring the bigger wines from riper years.
More assertive and full-bodied than many versions, this wine smells like snap peas and spring flowers, but gets richer on the palate as peach flavors come out and mingle nicely in the unusually rich texture.
Soft, gentle and generous cherry notes color the nose and light palate. This is pliable and has pleasant edges of peppery, tingling spice and freshness.
The tart fruitfulness of ripe, red apples rises from the glass. Chock-full of appetizing apple notes, this brings more flavor than your average Pinot Blanc. Drink soon while aromas abound.
Bold flavors and plenty of creamy texture make this full-bodied wine seem big and mouth-filling. It offers nice lemon and butter aromas, ripe pear and spicy nutmeg flavors along with a smoky overtone that lasts from the aroma to the finish.
The mini-trend to making white Pinot Noir is taking off in Oregon, and the wines get better with each new vintage. There's not a trace of color here, but plenty of flavor, headed with chunky apple and white peach fruit. Overall fruit-forward describes this best, with some of the flesh of a good stainless Chardonnay.
Tightly wound in black fruit and integrated tannin, this is a medium-bodied wine with interwoven oak that retains a healthy amount of acidity. Black fruit dominates along with a thickness of violets and meat. Made in tiny amounts from a small producer, it showcases a good vineyard site for the variety.
Aromas of radiator dust, melon, apple cider and minerals are intriguing and suggest good quality. A minerally, citric, chiseled palate offers flavors of crushed vitamins, tart persimmon and salty sea brine. Saltiness comes back on a minerally finish.
This is ripe and soft, with its red fruits well integrated into the rounded texture. There is a crisp edge to the wine, with spice, lemon and apple skin flavors.
Leathery, earthy aromas don't seem entirely fresh, but they are solid and don't waiver. Full bodied, with coarse tannins and roasted red-berry, tomato and herb flavors. It's tight, chunky and long on the finish, with tannic grab, and more tomato and herb characteristics.
Lavish vanilla and cedar nearly take over this wine, leaving just enough dark, plummy fruit to peek through, yet the wine remains true to its varietal roots in its silky mouthfeel. A bitter coffee note sneaks in on the finish. Seems ready to drink.
Cuvée V, MAN's homage to the wines of Vouvray, is an attractive and semisweet-style Chenin Blanc that offers rich aromas of peach, lightly baked apple and tropical fruit. A slight prickle from the bright acidity dances on the palate and keeps the wine from feeling too sweet or heavy. Drink now.
Concentrated and sweet, with aromas of raisin and cassis that lead onto an intense, syrupy palate, with salty berry, brown sugar and fudge flavors. This is deep as a country well, with a ton of flavor. But truth be told, it's tannic as can be, with a crushing mouthfeel that makes food mandatory.
Strawberry and other red-fruit aromas run the bouquet. The palate is tangy and crisp, with dry but clean red-fruit flavors. Mildly spiced on the finish, this has length and purity. A very good quaffer.
Like many of the Perrin & Fils wines, this one is firmly structured, its cherry and cocoa flavors ending on a dusty, tannic note. But the fruit is attractive, and even boasts some complexity in the wisps of garrigue on the nose. Probably best from 2013–2017.
Despite the reserve designation, this is a forward, fruity, quaffable red blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. There's plenty of toast and spice up front, along with somewhat chalky, chocolatey tannins. The finish fades quickly.
For a reserve wine, this seems rather light. Peppery red fruit fills out a broad midpalate, with streaks of bark, smoke and espresso adding interest. It's well balanced, with plenty of acidity.
Very perfumed, this is a spicy Traminer with an amount of sweetness. The wine is ripe and rounded, with dominant tropical fruit. The acidity cuts through the richness. Screwcap.
This young, grapy wine has buoyant flavors of raspberry jam. It needs more time, but the fruit is excellent; the finish just a little warm.
A forward and fruity wine, with red apple flesh, melon and tropical fruit aromas and flavors that are laced with just a hint of oak. The medium-weight mouth is juicy and clean, and the finish brisk and refreshing.
Lightly floral and quite Burgundian aromatically, this wine exudes a mixture of caramel and earth amid a full-bodied texture and racy acidity.
A wine bearing flavors of dark cherry and earth, with bright and silky tannins, and a dusting of cocoa on the finish. This may now be in its prime; drink now.
Pink in color, this has fresh, clean aromas of stone fruits. Feels medium to full, with red licorice, sweet baking-spice and raspberry flavors. Quick, round and solid on the finish, which lingers for quite some time. A fine summer sipper.
Rates about the same as the winery's reserve bottling due to grassy, green aromas of prickly raspberry. Big, chunky and sort of awkward on the palate, with herbal, rooty flavors. Burns on the finish with heat and spice.
Rubbery on the nose, with licorice, horse hide and black fruit aromas. Almost too lush and soft in the mouth, with a candied nature and ultrasweet, syrupy flavors of vanilla and baked berries. Finishes with brown sugar and chocolate cake flavors. Extremely sweet; spineless.
Very lightweight wine, with some attenuated fruit and a dry character. The attraction is the fresh acidity that does offer some compensation for the overoaked flavor.
Off-dry Vouvray, with hints of honey, light on acidity and feeling soft. The wine needs to be drunk over the next year.
Hot, rubbery and burning on the nose, and then clampy in the mouth, with compact, highly generic flavors of red cherry and plum. The heat and burn that's present up front re-emerges on the finish, where jackhammer tannins hold court.
Sweaty and feral smelling, with just a tad of the pleasant lychee and melon this grape is known for. Feels heavy and oily, with barely any acidity and pithy, oily, citrus flavors. Clunky stuff for new Torrontés.
Still young, steely and firm, but classy and deep. This has the best attributes of the '05 and '06 Columbia Valley Cabs from Seven Hills—ripe and polished black fruits, firm tannins, a supple finish with a veneer of smoke and licorice. In other words, this is a complete, complex and intriguing Bordeaux blend, with plenty of aging potential.
Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It's tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade.
This captivating wine treads the line between Rhône and Bordeaux. A splash of Cabernet, though just a fraction of the blend, stands out. The wine has depth and persistence, and the mix of grapes works well, showing brambly red fruits, like a Zin, spice and pepper, like Syrah, and some herbal and leafy tobacco in the finish. Complex, unique and quite appealing.
The blend includes old vine (1972 planting) Cabernet from Sagemoor, along with some Klipsun fruit and Seven Hills Merlot. This shows solid winemaking, excellent varietal character, and the structure to age gracefully. The tight cassis fruit is delineated with details of tarragon, rosemary and thyme.
Starts out foxy and mossy, with leather, char, earth and herbal notes. The palate is nothing if not saturated and big, and the flavors run toward baked, meaty black fruits. Quite roasted and rich, with toasty oak on the finish and darkness throughout. Not the best Altaïr but still a fine Chilean red blend.
This is still a little hard and tight, but shows great ripe red berry fruit and well-balanced tannins. Another Arbor Crest wine with a fine, fragrant bouquet, clean and bursting with fresh fruit scents. It was barrel aged for 20 months in 40% new oak, adding some strength to the tannins and hints of toast to the finish.
Eradus continues a successful run with this year's Sauvignon Blanc. As usual, it's fairly pungent and herbal upfront, but then delivers waves of passion fruit. It's concentrated and fairly full-bodied for a Sauvignon, with a lingering finish.
The Walla Walla Syrah from Trust Cellars is enhanced with 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lewis vineyard, and coopered in 22% new French oak. There is lovely fruit here, with sweet grape, cherry and plum, followed by streaks of chocolate and caramel.
The 2006 Chertsey is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 100% French oak. The oak's vanilla and cedar notes provide a foundation for the wine's cassis and plum flavors, cosseting them in soft tannins. Drink now–2018.
This is a strikingly pure expression of single-vineyard, Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Focused and tight, it is extremely dense and textural, with a mix of cassis and coffee. Some of the minerality of the neighboring Ciel du Cheval vineyard is just beginning to show in the fruit from these young vines as well.
The grape's floral component plays against its dense and inky tannins, making this a complete and relatively soft version of pure Petit Verdot. It fills in the usual midpalate hole with juicy fruit and softened tannins. It glides—not a word usually found with this as a varietal—into a silky, fruity, sweetly floral finish.
A seductive nose, densely loaded with black currants and smoke, leads into a textural, single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet with great varietal presence and definition. It needs to breathe open, which puts on more flesh, and starts to unpack the layers. Streaks of mineral, iron, graphite and more cassis roll into the finish.
This is 100% varietal, this winery's most popular varietal offering, and nicely distinguished from its other reds. Recently bottled, it was still slightly shocked when tasted. Dark fruits, most especially cassis, are woven together with smoke (no mirrors!) and bitter chocolate. Chewy, earthy tannins hold the finish and complement the wine's natural peppery spice.
One of the best value-priced, big and rich wines you're likely to find. The nose impresses with potent blackberry, cedar and marzipan aromas, and the palate bridges the gap between power and elegance. Tastes great, with herbal black cherry and cola leading the way. Very ripe but really well made.
Lalayee, says winemaker Virginie Bourgue, means lullaby in Persian. This 51/49 Cab/Merlot blend is textural and pretty, a palate-coating potpourri of cranberry, pomegranate, blue plum and cassis fruit. Bourgue has layered in new barrel nuances of coffee and caramel latté, with a whiff of smoke.
This high-acid, intense wine is beautifully aromatic, with piercing and tart flavors of cranberry and raspberry, pure and laced with minerality. Terrific penetration, the persistence of wet stone, citrus, raspberry and cranberry flavors is impressive.
Malbec is likely to become a signature red for àMaurice, as for a number of other young Walla Walla wineries. This excellent bottle proves the point. It's fragrant and deep in color, with verve, tangy blackberry and currant fruit, polished slightly grainy tannins and a seductive, mouth-coating finish. Just the right touch of earth, herb and licorice to give it added interest through the finish.
Dominated by Tinta Roriz, this smooth, red fruited wine is ripe on the palate. Tannins come from wood aging as much as the ripe strawberry and red currant fruits. It has a smoky finish that is laced with acidity.
Blackberry-patch aromas mingle with gardenia and fresh thyme on the nose. The palate is tart, with slightly sharp acids streamlined against bramble berry and pepper.
Buttercup, apple and pear aromas are fragrant and floral. The palate on this Chardonnay is chunky and pulpy, while flavors of pineapple, melon, citrus and mango finish with subdued honey notes.
Stalky aromas of hay and straw lack fruit character. This feels creamy but also acidic, while flavors of vanilla, Bartlett pear and melon end with a sweet note of caramel.
Slightly earthy, herbaceous tones lend contrast to this juicy, plush Dornfelder that's chock full of black plum and blueberry flavors. Bright and cheery, it's a forward, fruity wine with just a touch of sweetness. Drink now.
Jet black and showing blackberry and cassis at its core, this single-vineyard Syrah spent 18 months in American oak. The barrel regimen dominates the scents and flavors, yielding a dark and chewy wine with rock 'n' roll tannins.
Still purple-tinged and tasting younger than its vintage would suggest, this is tart with intense beet-root character. The cranberry fruit hides behind earth and stem, while remaining primary and simple.
This has an unusually deep color and a smoky rim. Aromas resemble chocolate and balsamic, while flavors are rich, smoky and savory. The texture is thick with tannins that leave a drying impression on the finish.
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.
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.
Coming from the north-eastern Beiras region, close to the Douro, this wine is a ripe, rich and crisp wine. It has a perfumed character from the Malvasia in the blend and an attractive yeasty aftertaste. Drink now.
This opens with funky aromas of stewed prune, sawdust, sage and a hint of barnyard that carry through to the palate. Astringent tannins give it a gritty, drying finish.
The local Bical grape gives this wine a delicious and refreshing character. It offers lemon, crisp pear and green plum flavors, all laced by a mineral texture. It is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2016.
Crisp and tight, this offers bright acidity over a lightly smoky flavor. A green fruit and herb element adds to the general freshness of the wine. Drink now.
Masterfully puckering tannins greet the palate, challenging the taster to discern the hidden waves of blueberry, vanilla and black licorice behind the wall. Full-bodied, it needs plenty of time and air before enjoying.
Dark, smoky, herbal aromas come with cheesy notes of oak and horse hide. This has a wiry, high-acid mouthfeel and herbal, spicy, pinched dark-berry flavors. High acidity creates a racy sensation on an oaky, fast-paced finish.
This wine is a blend of about equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose is toast and oak driven, bringing notes of charred currant and dark-roast coffee. Medium bodied on the palate, structured tannins offer support to flavors of racy red and black currant, red plum skin and toasted vanilla.
This old-vine Zin tastes of tar and overripe fruit and is blandly sweet.
A big bottle of uber-sweet strawberry pie and blackberries right before they get mushy. The aromas are not terribly inviting from the outset. Fairly neutral in taste, then veers sweet.
Herbal and leathery smelling, with a grassy quality to the bouquet. Feels choppy and tannic, with jumbled, stewy flavors that turn more herbal and hot on the finish. Entirely underwhelming.
Not all that clean or clear up front, with aromas of sweated onion and field greens. The palate is fairly sharp and tangy, with pickled flavors of sour apple and lemon. Citrusy on the finish.
Nutty and sweaty smelling. There's life and acidity to the palate, but the flavors of pickled fruits turn bitter and seem less than clean. Doesn't start that well and never improves.
Heavy and globular on the nose, then mulchy, salinic and disjointed for the rest of the ride. Awkward and lemony feeling, with herbal berry flavors, tartness and just not much Pinot pizzazz. A jumbled wine that does not shine.
Smells distinctly like juniper, hot brush and stemmy black fruit. The palate feels tough and stemmy, and the flavors are bitter and weedy. Just doesn't seem ripe. Weak for Chile's de facto Malbec leader.
Less adequate than in the past. The wine lacks aromatic zest and pungency before showing tart apple and ultimately vegetal flavors. Canned pea notes are prevalent.
A cat-pee, grassy Sauvignon Blanc that's a little long in the tooth.
Earthy and rustic, this Pinot Noir is lightweight, with a hint of red cherry. There is an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.
Initially a rather subdued Frog; as if it has been tamed down. Then, suddenly, There's a plush core of blackberry fruit, and the classic Cayuse funkiness is there, drenched in liquid rocks and cured meat and drying tannins. It's all in proportion and a fine reflection of the steely vintage. As it opens gracefully you discover that it is a stunningly refined Frog, quite possibly the best ever; powerful and distinctive, but also elegant, feminine.
This is a juicy, red-currant-flavored wine. With its round feel and soft, smoky tannins, it has an initial smoothness that is given some bite by the red-berry acidity on the finish.
Bright and easy, this has direct aromas and flavors of red cherry and raspberry. It's light in weight, with low tannins and a short but clean finish. Drink now.
Using grapes sourced from a Red Mountain vineyard, this pure Cabernet seems to have been overripened. Notes of raisin and prune appear on the nose and palate, and the mouthfeel is chalky and a bit flat.
Gaseous and minerally on first blush, it has funky, earthy aromas of leaves and olive that could use a hit of freshness. It feels grabby and scratchy, with an olive flavor and a hot finish that has a latex-like character. This is a big wine that misses some elegance.
Using grapes sourced from the Klipsun Vineyard, this disappointing effort is stemmy and tannic, with a bitter finish.
Light strawberry fruit is quickly overtaken with bitter, stemmy flavors and thick, heavy tannins.
This is sharp smelling, with aromas of field greens, rhubarb and scratchy spices. It's light in weight, with short, herbal and spicy flavors that center on a strawberry note.
A leathery, herbal aroma outmuscles the distant berry and cherry scents. It feels hard and high in acidity, with raspberry and snappy red-plum flavors. It's citrusy and crisp on the finish, with lasting tang.
There's virtually no bouquet to this wine, and the palate follows suit with a flat feel and hollow, faded flavors of balsamic-doused cherry and herb. It seems aged and dried out.
Fruity, ripe and round, this is simple Chardonnay that gives pleasure from its warm texture and softness. The apple flavor leads to a gentle finish.
This rosé—a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache—is light on flavor. A thin note of watermelon and a hint of peach pit quickly fade.
The Te Muna Road section of Martinborough is the same region exploited by Craggy Range and Escarpment, so Cobblestone's American owners are in good company. Only the second release of this wine, the 2010 is a plush, sexy example, featuring a combination of fruity and savory components. Black cherry fruit pushes through complex notes of smoke, sous bois and shiitake mushrooms. Drink now–2020.
Smooth and round, this wine is made from grapes that were sourced from the southernmost vineyards of the Côte d'Or. It has a soft, rich and fruity character that shows citrus and white peach flavors, plus a pineapple hint. As it opens, it becomes opulent and full bodied.
Polished and balanced, this masterpiece shows restraint and it's already drinkable. With its great acidity and its fine intermingling of spice and red fruit flavors, this wine will appeal to lovers of Gamay and Pinot Noir.
An elegant yet ripe wine, this comes laced with citrus acidity, and the yellow fruit and melon flavors give it a sense of richness. It's lively and crisp, and it has a toasty base. Age it for 3–4 years.
While this wine has the crispness of Chablis, it also has weight and concentration. The bright green-apple flavor is underpinned by a sense of minerality. Nervy, tense yet fruity, this can age for 2–3 years.
This is the winery's first Petit Verdot, and it's a beauty. Firm and muscular, it has plenty of blackberry and black cherry flavors hanging on its tannic bones. The finish shows a smack of dark chocolate, and the overall structure suggests that this will age for 15 years or more.
This focused effort features fresh-cut apple and pear flavors that are spicy and tightly wrapped with a Bourbon-barrel-like accent. Delicious now, but it can be cellared for a decade at least.
Firm and powerful, this tannic wine has dense black-fruit flavors, with enough fruitiness to balance the structure. The finish shows a smoky character, a bitter cherry flavor and bright acidity.
Made from estate-vineyard fruit, this is a blend of three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Each new vintage seems to bring a bit more depth to the wine, and the flavors of berry and plum remain fresh, with a gentle kiss of new oak.
This is a lovely example of the vineyard's strengths: It has ripe, mouth-filling flavors of cherry and cassis, which are set in an iron-like framework and accented by chalk and clay notes. It's balanced, and it will benefit from cellaring for up to a decade.
A red-fruited wine, this is fragrant of wood and strawberries. The palate has a smoky, wood-laden character, a ripe plum flavor and a fine line of acidity. A fresh red-currant note marks the finish.
The earthy aromas of Castelão show strongly. Complex, rich and juicy, this wine's tannins and black fruits vie amicably for dominance, and they promise good aging. It has a spice note and a firm structure, with a fleshy character.
More commonly found in the Dão region to the north, the Alfrocheiro grape seems to have found a good home in the sandy soils of Lagoalva de Cima. Rich, fruity and age worthy, this has dusty tannins and a texture that hints of mineral.
Full and complex, this Syrah-dominated Rhône-style blend includes Grenache and Mourvèdre, and it's cofermented with a splash of Viognier. The luscious cranberry and raspberry flavors are annotated with citrus, red licorice and wet stone accents. Suggestions of tropical fruits, such as papaya and pineapple, add more interest.
This is a structured wine, firmly tannic and with considerable wood flavors at this stage. Plenty of rich fruit lies in the background, giving promise for the future. With those red berry flavors and fine acidity in place, this will be a solid, dense wine. Drink from 2018.
Heavy oak and caramel aromas are dominant, with suggestions of mocha and sawdust. This is tight and drawing on the palate, with wood-dominated flavors of resin, clove and distant berry fruits. This simmers with oak and clove on the finish, but should clean up with another year or so in bottle. Drink through 2017.
Aromas of ground black pepper, blackberry, cured meats and plum lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The extracted palate delivers toasted notes, roasted coffee bean, espresso, blackberry extract, chocolate and vanilla alongside teeth-coating tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
Bottled at four years old, this wine has retained all its fruitiness. Bright plum flavors go with the dusty tannins and sweetness to create a generous wine with plenty of room for fruit acidity. Drink now, but the wine could age a couple of years.
This is a sleek and easy-to-appreciate Pinot Noir, on the lighter side, with fresh cherry and raspberry flavors, a touch of acidity for balance and a gentle texture. It seems polished and complete and not overdone.
Cedary oak aromas are draped heavily over this smoky, dark, cheesy-smelling Rioja. The mouthfeel is tight, tannic and resiny, but also spunky and properly acidic. Raw oak, coconut and vanilla accent dark-berry core flavors, while the finish is much like the bouquet: toasty and woody.
Undeniably riper than the 2011, this soft and smooth wine offers pretty red plum and cherry pit flavors, lightly spicy and supple. Lovely though it is, the wine tilts toward a high-toned finish, suggesting that it's best consumed young.
Displaying its Chardonnay pedigree, this creamy sparkler opens with a floral fragrance of peach blossom, acacia, honey and walnut. Golden Delicious apple and citrus dominate the palate, balanced by bright acidity. It finishes on a hazelnut note.
Smoky, charred aromas of maple, blackened spices and baked berry fruits set up a woody, fully oaked palate with good texture and weight. This features a blast of hickory flavor on top of berry and plum fruit, while the finish is grabby and tannic.
Roasted tomatoes, root vegetable and anise conspire on this sanguine nose from a winery based in the Gilroy area. It's light, even dainty on the palate, but packed with a spice bomb of flavors from fennel seed to Dr Pepper.
Grapes for this wine were cool fermented in stainless steel and bottled quickly. Fresh as a wine can be, this is redolent of rhubarb and strawberries, with a lightly minty/peppery note. The attention to detail gives the wine body and length.
Aromas of crushed stones and smoke lend a dusty mineral tone to this steely, savory-style Riesling. It's dry on the palate, yet refreshingly lean with a kick of lemon-lime acidity that reverberates through the finish. A surprisingly elegant wine at a bargain price.
From the get-go this is a serious Rioja with a lot of oak. Aromas of vanilla and rubbery berry fruits come in front of a high-acid, spiky palate. Flavors of tobacco, licorice, berry and cedar are shrill but run long, with lasting acidity. Drink through 2024.
A dusting of pollen and exotic spice adds interest to aromas of savory apple and lemon on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. Fruit flavors take a back seat on the palate to minerally tones of crushed rock and steel. It's a zesty wine with a lean, focused finish.
Underbrush, chocolate, tobacco and black plum aromas take center stage on this bold wine. The palate delivers prune, roasted coffee bean, black pepper and licorice alongside bracing tannins. A graphite note signals the close. Drink after 2018.
There's a touch of tuberose on the nose of this sparkling wine from Kathy Joseph's estate, located at mile marker 728 Santa Rosa Road. Green apples carry the palate from front to back, spiced up with a bit of salinity.
A wisp of smoke weaves from nose to finish on this slightly off-dry Riesling, accenting flavors of savory apple and lemon. It's a solidly structured wine marked by a staunch vein of acidity and touches of struck flint and steel.
In this hearty wine, aromas recall leafy underbrush, prune, cedar, black currants and ground pepper. The one-dimensional palate delivers concentrated black cherry, raspberry, cracked white pepper and a hint of mocha alongside chewy tannins and the warmth of alcohol.
This is a bright and lively wine, aromatic and very fruity. Flavors of apple, lime and pink grapefruit are right up there along with the crispest texture and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. This is for drinking now.
This full-bodied wine has swathes of ripe yellow fruits and juicy wood and acidity. Under this opulent surface, a more steely character gives the wine structure that will allow it to age. It will be ready to drink by 2016.
This is a gloriously juicy wine, full of melon, apricot and the brightest citrus flavors. This fruit salad is given structure by the wood and the tangy, zesty edge. It drinks well now, still young and fresh, but will be better aged. Drink from 2016.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-like version of Petit Verdot, this has tame tannins and is all around soft and mellow, with straightforward berry and cedar notes. It would make a fine food wine.
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.
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.
Ruby dark in hue, this has a light fruity aroma of watermelon, strawberry and mint. It's easy drinking and dry. Its slow buildup of acidity lingers on the finish.
A fresh-faced rosé, with a rose-grey color, this has red fruit acidity and an attractive, creamy character to go with the crisp finish.
With lilting lemon, grapefruit and pretty pineapple aromas and flavors, this is a good example of Lake County Sauvignon Blanc. It's light and bright, and the flavors on the finish veer into equally pleasing peach and apricot notes, with a touch of almond.
This is big and juicy, with extra weight imparted by the wood aging. Its flavors of spice and red fruit are laced with acidity. Full bodied and forward, this is quite drinkable.
Earthy aromas of saline, minerals and iodine dominate herbal fruit notes. This has a tomatoey, high-acid feel and rubbery tannins, while flavors of salty, briny red plum and currant finish similarly. A good mouthfeel is the highlight on this briny Monastrell.
Green aromas of herbs and tomatillo are harsh, rubbery and outweigh peach and other stone-fruit scents. This Tempranillo Blanco is plump and fair on the palate, while flavors of apple and peach are briny and finish with controlled bitterness.
This is a light and simply fruity wine, showing lively acidity and black currant fruit tones. It is soft on the palate and only lightly disturbed by a dry tannic background. Drink now.
Briny, sea foam aromas sit on top of papaya and corn on this oaky, resiny Chardonnay. Woody flavors are up front and immediate, with secondary flavors of clove and peach that end with sawdust.
Rusty and translucent in color, this smells downright grassy and green, with tobacco and leafy notes as prominent as dried cherry scents. Following the nose, this is lean and grating, with tart plum and herbal flavors. Given 2009's overall warmth, this green, underripe reserva is surprisingly difficult.
This is pure Sauvignon Blanc, fresh, crisp and lightly herbaceous. It has attractive lemon flavors, a touch of saltiness and a bright, fruity texture. It is ready to drink.
This is an extroverted version of a varietal that can be quite subtle. Aromas suggest grapefruit and pears, while flavors are assertive and citruslike, with an earthy accent. The feel in the mouth is reasonably crisp.
This is billed as the only Chardonnay planted in the coastal Landes region (not a difficult claim). It is soft, ripe and easygoing in character with a hint of citrus and acidity. Drink now.
This is a largely extracted, puckering wine, rich and full-flavored in blackberry and vanilla. The tannins make it difficult to discern beyond its density and grip. A majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, it also employs Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Vanilla salt-water taffy and melted butter are undercut with lime juice on the nose of this wine. Once sipped, it has a slightly waxy mouthfeel along with flavors of dried apples and underripe lime rinds, giving a slightly sour character.
Pungent, feline aromas of green citrus and passion fruit filter into a citric, pulpy palate. Flavors of mixed citrus fruits, green herbs, onion and passion fruit finish heavy, with a lingering note of pickle brine.
Entirely stainless-steel fermented, this wine offers lemon and lime in abundance, along with kiwi and sour apple. A tad disjointed, it tastes big and fuller bodied even without the oak.
Briny, minerally aromas of vitamin dust and lees feed into a yeasty, round, melony palate. Flavors of yellow apple, mango and mustard finish yeasty, soft and briny.
Offering one of the more creative gimmicks yet, this bottle comes with a small pencil to decorate the mostly blank front label. The wine inside conveys aromas of lemon rinds, light peach and salt that give way to flavors of pineapple, apple blossom, yellow pears, sea salt and appropriate tanginess.
Melon, banana and bath oil aromas announce a layered, citrusy palate, with simple flavors of orange and white pepper. The finish is citric in flavor but not overly sharp in feel.
Fairly light aromas of red cherry juice, licorice and dried violets show on the nose, following by a rather light density on the palate as well. Hints of minty cherry and charred wood also arise, as do grippy tannins that vanish quickly.
All black fruits, the wine is dominated by black currants and stalky tannins. It is fresh with lively acidity and berry flavors and a generous texture. Drink from 2016.
Rather lean in flavors, it shows a bit of herbal, savory aromas and tastes slightly earthy and vegetal like fennel or celery. But those aspects are subtle enough that it still makes a good sturdy white wine that is neither too rich nor too soft.
Lightly toasted and animated up front, with mixed berry, asphalt and gritty aromas, this feels tough, tannic and chewy. A blend of herbal berry and green notes infiltrate standard raspberry and cherry flavors. This finishes slightly bitter and with notes of green herbs.
Light, earthy and thin, this doesn't bring much in the way of either fruit or pleasure. Tannins are substantial, which may be a plus if you want to pair it with a burger.
Off dry, fizzy and fresh, this is a classic crisp and clean Vinho Verde, based on the Loureiro grape. It is light and bright with lemon and sugar water flavors, and is ready to drink now.
Made with 100% Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of new wood, roasted coffee bean and menthol. The tired palate offers oak-driven spice and coconut but the fruit has completely dried up, leaving only evident alcohol and bitterly astringent tannins.
Muted and diluted, this wine is missing structure and fruit, leaving dullness to the palate. Black currant and blackberry do their best to shine, amid toasty oak.
The wine is all structure and solid tannins, with a dry core and an earthy character that mask the red fruits. Let the wine develop a few months for this youthful excess to blow off. Drink from 2016.
Earthy, rubbery dark-berry aromas feed into a lean palate supported by drawing tannins. Like the nose, this tastes herbal and leafy, with generic berry flavors and a touch of mushroom. The finish is light and short.
This is dominated by reduced aromas that seem earthy and vegetal, and similar earthy, smoky flavors. The wine has an overall impression of being lean, medium bodied, moderately tannic and crisp.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a full-bodied wine. It has a light tannic character over intense acidity. A caramel underlay cuts down on the freshness and adds some richness. Drink now.
White flowers, spun honey and graham cracker aromas introduce this wine that will be a hit with those who prefer a sweet touch to their bottles. The palate is very sweet, even treacly, with honeysuckle nectar, sugared apples and candied orange flavors. There's just enough acidity to somewhat balance the sugars.
Surprisingly, given that this is the reserve-level red wine in the lineup, it seemed to further accent the herbal nature of the grapes, veering into vegetal. Chewy, sour and rather dull, it's best consumed in the near term.
Dry, lively and fresh, this wine has an attractively restrained range of flavors that includes lemon, white pepper and herbs. It's thirst-quenching and clean in texture, with a fruit-driven acidity that reverberates on the finish.
This 100% Sangiovese Chianti opens with iris, new leather and vanilla aromas. Structured and savory, the palate delivers black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors, while chewy tannins lend structure. Enjoy through 2021.
Very ripe fruit is discernible on nose and palate and gives a sense of generosity with even a touch of spice. Lemony freshness provides a wonderful counterpoint to this generosity and makes for a very appetizing moreish finish.
With vines close to Pauillac, the estate offers an unusual blend with 50% Petit Verdot. Great butts and intense black fruits as well as an almost black color are the result. The wine is solid, structured and likely to need time to be ready to drink. Keep until 2021.
Unusually for the Médoc, this wine has a significant percentage (14.5%) of Cabernet Franc as well as 12.5% Petit Verdot. These two grapes give the wine its perfume and its dark color. They add to the rich tannins and juicy black currants that pack the wine. Drink this fine wine from 2020.
A smooth wine that is ripe with rich berry and dark-plum fruits. With its soft tannins and juicy crisp acidity, the wine is warm, rounded and likely to develop quickly. Drink this already attractive smoky wine from 2020.
Plush, lush and warmly seasoned in Asian spice, this wine offers length and balance, with a delicate layering of black cherry and cola flavors.
Intensely floral violet and iris scents mingle with wild berry and new leather notes. The palate is youthfully austere, showing dried red cherry, star anise and clove flavors, with firm, fine-grained tannins that carry the finish. This needs a few more years to unwind and develop.
Exotic in orange blossom and jasmine scents, this wine presents as full bodied, brawny and rich, showing a touch of oak reduction on the palate. Within that framework, hints of lemon and grapefruit keep it feeling fresh.
There is a lot going on in this unique, affordably priced blend of 36% Pinot Noir, 28% Syrah, 27% Merlot and 9% Zinfandel—underripe mulberry, thyme, crushed pepper and fennel aromas on the nose. It balances well on the palate, where bright acidity and textural tension hold the boysenberry, anise and lavender flavors together.
Generous notions of ripe pear on the nose acquire an earthier, rounder aspect on the fresh palate. This is generous with fruit, yet fresh and somehow weightless. The finish is long and lasting.
This is a succulent wine, with juicy red fruits and a fine structure that gives the wine its texture. Balanced and ready to drink, the wine (which is made in tiny quantities) is a fine mature Bordeaux.
An earthy hint accompanies the scent of ripe pear on the nose. The palate is diffuse with fruity pear and fresh lemon resulting in a very refreshing, textured wine with some concentration. The finish is lasting and dry.
You're not reading the vintage wrong: this unique release was just recently discovered lurking in the back of the winery warehouse. Talk about extended tirage! It's in remarkably good condition, biscuity and amazingly fresh. It does show some darkening of hue, and medium-bodied flavors of brioche, cream and toast.
This wine blends in Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah and Malbec, reining in the bold, tart red fruit to create a medium-bodied, softly textured palate with a leathery backbone. Clove notes are followed by a chocolate chaser on the lingering finish.
Made of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, this opulent wine evokes black currant, underbrush and vanilla on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers cassis, toast, tobacco and a black pepper note, while close-grained tannins leave an astringent finish. Drink 2018–2022.
A lovely, clean and aromatic lift of ripe red cherries is instantly appetizing. The palate is full of juicy fruit but structured with slightly rustic but smoothed-out tannins and a bright lively freshness. This is honest fresh-faced fruit-driven Pinot Noir without any pretentiousness that is a joy to drink.
Faint and restrained notes of rose petal and orange peel make for an inviting scent. On the dry and very slender, almost weightless, palate the power of lemon freshness pervades all and highlights notions of honeysuckle and rose. It's a gentle, fresh, and aromatic wine.
The Hilltops is a high-altitude (approximately 450 meters above sea level), continental region that's often a good source for value. This wine is crisp, youthful and firm, with hints of baking spices and vanilla accenting pure cassis fruit. Drink 2020–2030.
This full-bodied and complex wine has loads of personality. An exotic, slightly earthy aroma leads to fruity richness and good viscosity on the palate, with a creamy texture and wonderful sense of layering.
Dusty leather, cedar and pencil shaving notes integrate seamlessly with the moderate oak and firm tannins of this wine from a vineyard originally planted by Robert Pepi. Its medium-bodied power makes it friendly for the table or as a before-dinner glass, the finish marked by a pronounced bittersweet chocolate flavor.
One of the lighter-bodied wines from the producer and the first to designate this Westside Road vineyard, this wine shows expansive strawberry, raspberry and blueberry flavors, with a hearty texture, moderate acidity moderate and almost creamy finish.
Rare in Oregon (or anywhere this side of the Atlantic), this Graciano pushes a mix of pomegranate, cranberry and raspberry fruit front and center. It dips in the midpalate, then re-gathers with a mix of tea, coffee grounds and dark chocolate wrapping up the finish. Put this ringer into your next tasting of Spanish wines and you'll stump everyone.
Hints of honeysuckle are very restrained on the nose. The palate is dry and shaped by rounded lemony freshness and hints of zesty spice. This is wonderfully light and deeply aromatic, but not obviously so. A wonderfully subtle expression of Muscat.
Full of berry and spice aromas, this wine is full-bodied, dry, and grippingly tannic in texture, offering ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors that match its big structure. Gutsy and concentrated, it's made from estate-grown fruit.
This is a smoky, obviously wood-aged wine. The fruit is dominated by the high toast flavors needing time to integrate into the blueberry fruit flavor. That will happen, allowing this crisp, balanced wine to shine. Drink from 2020.
Floral red-berry and cassis aromas are steady and fresh. In the mouth, this wine turns raw and jagged. Cranberry, currant and red-plum flavors show very little oak before a lean, powerful finish. This cool-vintage wine will last for years but probably not improve.
Baking spice and smoky wood-grain aromas are classy but dominate fruit scents. This wine feels crisp and snappy, with hard tannins. Spicy, woody flavors match the nose and are backed by chocolate and berry fruit notes, carrying through to the spicy, oaky finish.
Light herb, sweet spice, orange peel, maple and red and black fruit aromas are followed by dark fruit flavors in this wine. It's a bit wound up now, so give it some time in the cellar or a long decant.
Huckleberry, blackberry, coffee and bramble aromas lead to full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors in this wine. It's appealing despite the heavy-handed oak.
Ripe berry, black cherry and leather aromas come together nicely in front of a creamy palate with just enough acid-tannin tension. Lightly herbal, spicy blackberry flavors are savory rather than dark and fruity. The wine tastes spicy and peppery on a finish that feels right.
This wood-aged wine comes from a single vineyard in Mercurey. It is lightly toasty with touches of apricot, a crisper edge of citrus and a mineral aftertaste. Drink the wine from 2018.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Merlot (33%), Petit Verdot (16%), Malbec (16%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) delivers high toned notes of cocoa, purple flower, green herb and plum, showing whiffs of volatility. The palate is velvety-smooth, with plentiful dark fruit and chocolate flavors backed by burly tannins. Give it time to stretch its legs.
Citrus aromas reveal this wine's essentially crisp character. Plenty of acidity balances the rich white fruits while the mineral texture adds bite to this well-made wine. It will be ready to drink from 2019.
Aromas of graphite, black olive, dark chocolate and herbal berry fruits get this Petit Verdot off on the right foot. In the mouth, high acidity makes for palate sharpness while also jacking up plum and currant flavors. A spicy, herbal-tasting finish runs long due to raw acidity.
Compared to Wiemer's more fruity, floral bottlings this vintage, the Josef Vineyard is decidedly savory, showing pronounced notes of earth and herb. Semisweet in style, the palate offers concentrated doses of fresh white pear and tangerine as well. The finish lingers on dusty mineral tones.
This wine's tilled earth, coffee and black plum aromas waft out of the glass. The hearty, full-bodied palate doles out mature black cherry, licorice and baking spice flavors alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2021.
Firmly tannic and structured this is a young wine that will need time to soften. It has the foursquare character that is often found in Nuits Saint-Georges. The fruit weight is there, promising a ripe red-fruit future. The wine should be ready from 2020.
Dill, crushed herb, oak, toast and balsamic aromas emerge in the glass as this wine opens. Its firm palate offers dried cherry, licorice and espresso flavors framed by close-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. It has structure but lacks fruit richness.
Elegant notes of fresh herb and violet perfume this ripe, richly composed red. While full bodied and densely concentrated with red fruit, it shows restraint and balance, framing luscious fruit against firm, gripping tannins and a brisk, acidic edge.
This is a delicious, crisp wine full of minerality, acidity and a zesty texture. Tight and lively, it offers citrus and green-plum fruitiness with a hint of spice. Drink this attractive wine now.
Lightly charred aromas of coffee, wood smoke and chocolate outweigh berry and plum scents. A tight palate shows firm tannins and carries roasted berry and plum flavors.
Dense berry aromas give this wine a pasty, weighty bouquet. It feels scratchy in the mouth, with plum and red-fruit flavors. This wine runs short on  specifics while offering a juicy feel and a hint of chocolaty young oak on the finish.
This wine is dusty on the nose, with aromas of red pepper flake, citrus and red fruits. It's fleshy in the mouth and showing grip along with flavors of pomegranate, pink grapefruit and tangerine. Solid, cleansing and dry on the finish. Drink now.
This standard Garnacha is good and honest on the nose, with fresh red-berry aromas. In the mouth, it's snappy and kind of lean, with a lightweight composition and zesty flavors of raspberry and cherry. It's quick to finish, with a note of vanilla.
A very distinctive Sauvignon Blanc with leesy notes of biscuit, spice and custard at the fore along with herbs and a spine of lemony acidity that runs from head to tail.
This varietal Cabernet Franc comes from Blackrock Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The notes are light and high toned with dill, vanilla, fresh herbs and dusty cherry. The 40% new American oak drives much of the flavor as well as the tannins, which come off as a bit too aggressive.
This blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia gives off scents of saline and pool water along with apple, citrus and green herb notes. The palate is zesty and high in acid, leaving a clipped feel and flavors of lime, pineapple and green apple. It's nicely built but modest in its overall expression.
The nose of this Malbec is fresh and shows black-fruit and plum aromas. Medium bodied, with plum, red berry and herbal flavors. Tasty on the finish, this delivers all the basics for $10.
With ripe yet oaky aromas, this is a basic Malbec to enjoy with simple foods. The palate is juicy but comes with a buttery, creamy feel. As for flavors, look for buttery oak riding on top of modest, quick-hitting berry. On the finish, it's oaky more than fruity.
An aromatically pleasant Cabernet that's bright in cassis and raspberry with a little bit of leather in the background. Medium bodied with tame tannins that have a tinge of greenness on the finish. A fine midweek wine that'll stand up to steak or burgers.
This is fresh on the nose, with peach, green banana and mineral aromas. The palate feels citrusy and racy, with lemon, green apple and gooseberry flavors, while the finish is cleansing and quick. This is lean, sassy and ready to drink.
Nettle, green herb and sweaty, varietal Verdejo aromas control the bouquet on this barrel-aged white. The palate is oily in feel, with pithy flavors of apricot, apple and grapefruit. The finish mixes baked white-fruit flavors with lasting bitterness and oak.
Whiffs of damp soil and leather lend a rustic, earthy tone to dark cherry and briar notes on this Pinot Noir. The palate is lushly textured, with just a ruffle of delicate tannins.
While the nose is ripe and plush with sweet smelling red-cherry and strawberry aromas, this is a surprisingly brisk, light-footed Pinot Noir. The palate is lean with crisp, briary red fruit and drying, slightly astringent tannins on the finish.
The palate on this wine is clean, lemony and lean, with pithy citrus, apple and vanilla flavors. The best thing about the finish is that it doesn't fall apart.
Sourced from the vineyard's original 1970 planting, this is a succulent, dense, captivating wine. Scents of pollen, honey, tea and apricot lead into a mouthful of similar flavors. The tastes of apricot jam show tremendous concentration and length. It's a gorgeous effort that should continue to age and evolve now through at least 2030.
Of the three Cherubino 2010 Cabernets, I slightly preferred this one (the blended version), but just by a hair. The nose boasts seductive aromas of cedar, smoke, brown sugar and maple syrup, backed up on the palate by a convergence of chocolaty and meaty flavors that end in a softly dusty finale. Full bodied and supple, it's drinkable now, but should drink well through at least 2020.
This is a gorgeously luxurious wine, vibrant and alive in blackberry and raspberry, a savory lining of red currant providing its edge. The big tannin presence speaks to cellaring, through 2022, but a decant should help, too, allowing the herbal and fruit components to come into balance with its powerful density.
Given extra time in the bottle, this wine combines a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged entirely in French oak. The entry is sanguine and generous in red currant and denser blackberry, while elements of thyme lurk on the back of the palate. While the tannins remain sizable, they're silky, and should take on additional plushness in time. Cellar through 2020.
Jordan Fiorentini continues to knock socks off with powerful wines, even when led by Grenache, which comprises 55% of this blend along with 27% Mourvèdre and 18% Syrah. Dark raspberries, smashed strawberries, concentrated rose petals, soy and beef jerky lead into energetic flavors of olallieberry, black-slate minerality and blueberry-skin tannins.
Dark, brooding and hugely rich, this wine is still young. Firm, smoky tannins and dark plum flavors give the wine a concentrated structure. Acidity adds freshness, giving lift to the depth and intensity of this powerful wine. Drink from 2017.
Though the 2013 vintage has generally been deemed a challenging one, this astonishing bottling proves that great wine can be made somewhere in almost any year. This warm and fruity, perfectly structured single-vineyard effort opens with a smooth and supple palate offering strawberry and cherry fruit, defining acidity and superb length. Give it a few hours to breathe and it shows depth, finesse and the ability to age and improve through 2025 and beyond.
This is the vineyard that surrounds the winery on Ribbon Ridge, and it seems always to produce the wines with the greatest concentration and density. The black cherry fruit, with aromatic accents of rose petals and highlights of oregano, digs deep into the midpalate, creating an impression of a bulky, tight, compact wine with miles yet to go. Cellar it for drinking from 2020 through 2030.
Wichmann is the smallest of the estate vineyards and holds the oldest vines. That old-vine intensity rings true here, in a low-alcohol wine with splendid aromatics. Musk, chocolate, almond candy and caramel swirls around black raspberry and black cherry fruit. The depth of flavor is striking.
Trisaetum produces both a dry and an off-dry cuvée from each of its three estate vineyards, as well as two versions of an Estates Reserve. Richer and bigger overall than the individual cuvées, this dry bottling is smooth and round, with a palate-pleasing blend of citrus flesh and peel, notably orange. There's tangerine and spice as well, and the wine continues bright and long through a most engaging finish.
This pitch-dark, fully extracted Malbec from La Consulta in Mendoza's Uco Valley delivers blackberry, black pepper and brushy herbal aromas on what amounts to a massive, spot-on bouquet. Big, chewy and tannic on the palate, with earthy, roasted flavors of blackberry, prune, savory spices and raw oak, this finishes meaty, slightly salty and strong, with wild herb and black-fruit flavors. Drink through 2022.
Alluring aromas of pressed violet, iris, perfumed berry, tilled soil and a whiff of leather show tremendous class and pedigree. On the structured but elegant palate, notes of tobacco, anise, chopped mint and clove back up the core of crushed black cherry, while assertive, fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. This is still young and tight so hold for complexity. Drink 2021–2031.
La Chablisienne owns the major part of the Grenouilles Grand Cru, centered on a winery called Château Grenouilles. This wine is powerful and still very young. It has weight and structure along with ripe, generous fruits that are typical of this vineyard. Touched by vanilla from wood aging, it is balancing out now. Drink from 2018.
Don't let the cartoony label fool you, this is fantastic wine. The color is almost black to the rim, the aromas are meaty and peppery, and the flavors are very concentrated. The texture is thick and yet creamy with layered, smooth and bold tannins. For all its density and depth, however, this is not an overpowering monster. The blackberry and black pepper notes are rich and appealing and everything seems in balance for something this robust and full bodied. Drink now through 2027. It's blended with 15% Petit Verdot.
Named after Siza Vieira, the architect of the modern Adega Mayor winery, this dense, darkly colored wine is hugely ripe, with great fruits and rich coffee and spice flavors. It's a wine that perfectly fits the adjective opulent, powered by great fruits and dense tannins, with fine aging potential. Drink from 2017.
Menthol, dark berry, violet and cake spice aromas lead the way on this striking wine. It's still young and nervous, with tight tannins, but it also shows black cherry, white pepper, clove and mocha. Firm, velvety tannins and bright acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2018–2027.
Blackberry, plum and violet aromas make up the core of this young, elegant Malbec's bouquet. At this early stage, the wine is rubbery and tannic, but full of kick. Blackberry, hickory notes and chocolate make for a full, woody flavor profile, while pepper and bitter chocolate flavors close this out with punch. Best from 2017 through 2030.
A stunning field blend of Gewürztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling, this works in every way. It opens with a fragrance of jasmine and roses on the nose, followed by light, subtle undertones of lilting citrus and lychee. Remaining dry throughout, the finish a study in balance and structure.
Sourced from the Wilybrup subregion of Margaret River, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured Cabernet, readily accessible at five years of age. It's meaty and savory in style, with ample chocolate notes, hints of asphalt and plummy fruit that lead into a long, gently dusty finish. Drink now–2025.
Smoothly textured around layers of dark, ripe fruit, this wine from hallowed Napa Valley ground features richer undertones of cinnamon and clove. Smoky oak and chocolate flesh out the midpalate and finish, providing a spark of plushness and decadence as it fades out.
This wine shows itself in the glass as bold, ripe and finely structured. It is concentrated, with the young tannins of Baga and the juicy perfumes of Touriga Nacional that yield a wine that has several years to develop. Firm at the end, it will be an impressive wine as it ages. Drink from 2018.
This is a smooth, ripe and rich wine. It has tannins that give structure and are also well integrated into the generous blackberry and dark plum fruits. The concentration and depth give a solid, dense character. Wood aging, just enough, has smoothed everything out, while the aftertaste brings perfumed acidity at the end. Drink this complex, serious wine from 2018.
From 80-year-old vines, this wine is named after current winemaker Fabien Moreau's grandfather. It's a concentrated, dense wine that is very well structured. Tight, almost shocking acidity is supported by the strong fruit character as well as the fragrant, perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
This is a round, rich and soft style of Chardonnay. It feels generous, and its yellow fruit flavor pushes through the acidity. It slowly opens to reveal complex tropical-fruit notes, and it will develop further, so give it another four years.
This pure Marsanne was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels—30% of which were new. It's full and flavorful, and it has a lemony richness that's streaked with veins of butterscotch and marzipan. As with all of this winery's 2011 white wines, the aromatics are excellent and the length is exceptional.
This is a rich, rounded wine, yet it also expresses a tight texture and nervy acidity. The toast influence is still dominating, although the fruitiness of this ripe selection is also showing. With its weight and structure, this is a prime candidate to age for several years.
A rich, spicy wine, this shows flavors of new wood and ripe yellow fruit. The concentrated palate reveals juicy pear and peach juice flavors and a tight, minerally structure. Dense vineyard planting and 35-year-old vines bring out extra intensity and complexity.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine's fruit is sourced entirely from the Conner Lee Vineyard. The superjuicy black-cherry flavor is balanced by generous acidity. Vibrant and full, long and fresh, this could age gracefully for a decade or more.
From the beguiling aromatics to the thrilling palate that's saturated with flavors of citrus flesh and rind, tangerine and green apple, this Viognier offers superb focus. The length and detail are noteworthy, but the taste is simply delicious.
With its firm tannins and structure, this is a wine that's made in the traditional Nuits-St.-Georges style. But it's also packed with ripe red fruit, and it has a jammy character and an open feel. There is no doubt that this is a wine to age for at least five years.
Roughly half of the blend is made from fruit that comes from 30-year-old vines. An addition of 6% Muscat adds a scent of tree fruit, and the lovely citrus and stone fruit flavors are enhanced by a fresh-baked bread note. It has excellent concentration and impeccable balance, plus a long, satisfying finish.
This is a wood-aged style of Chablis, but the toast has been applied discreetly. Rich, full bodied and structured, this wine is full of ripe yellow-fruit, spice and red apple flavors. Its acidity makes this a juicy expression.
Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon merge seamlessly in this richly structured but fruity wine. It is densely concentrated, with a line of tannins cutting through the blackberry fruit flavors. Firm, textured and likely to age well, this is impressive.
Firm and muscular, this has a supple core of blue and purple fruits, plus balancing acids, ripe tannins and no overt oak influence. It's long and seamless.
Although this is currently aggressively oaky, this full, fleshy Merlot is on the path to excellence. Bright berry and plum flavors are kissed with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and toast, plus a hint of herb.
A sweet cherry aroma sets the scene for this fruity, firmly structured wine. The juicy red-berry fruit is balanced by a smoky tannic character. This will be a pleasure to drink in a year, and it can also age longer.
Made from fruit from what many consider to be the finest site for growing Syrah in the state, this wine opens gracefully to reveal scents of plump berry, vanilla and tobacco. Briefly aged in a mix of one- and two-year-old French oak barrels, it offers concentrated berry and black cherry flavors that never turn syrupy. The crisp acidity suggests cellaring for up to a decade.
This has ebullient aromas of cherry blossom, grapefruit and yuzu peel. Structurally complex, this has concentrated flavors of sour plum and pink grapefruit. It's brisk with acidity, and there's a lavish minerality that lingers long on the finish.
This blend of 66% Roussanne, 28% Grenache Blanc and 6% Viognier shows even more Roussanne character than the pioneering winery's single variety Roussanne. Honey, marcona almond, praline and lemon curd aromas lead to a grippy palate full of judiciously presented vanilla, marzipan, and mango flavors, with a beeswax note on the finish.
Blending 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, this wine offers length and breadth, built on a foundation of firm tannin and toasted oak. The palate suggests blackberry, black cherry and licorice, remaining lively and fresh in the glass.
Enticing aromas of fresh violet, blackberry jam, cake spice and a whiff of new leather jump out of the glass. On the structured polished palate, velvety tannins frame dried black cherry, prune, chewing tobacco and mocha. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Stewed blackberry and black plum fruit meets with leather, black pepper and shiitake mushroom aromas on the nose of this blend of 45% Petite Sirah, 33% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. It's savory on the palate, with dried herb and roast beef flavors set against a backdrop of black fruit. The acidity is searing toward the finish.
Big but balanced, this sturdy, flavorful wine is deep in color and has classic ripe cherry, cedar and cinnamon aromas. The flavors echo the nose, feeling mouth-filling and backed by firm, grippy tannins. An enjoyable wine that doesn't overwhelm the taste buds. Best after 2019.
Intensely ripe plum and blackberry flavors contrast dusty mineral tones and scintillating acidity in this Cabernet Sauvignon. It's sharper and more angular than Paumanok's Tuthill's Lane bottling, but has an austerity and elegance that's captivating. Its fine firm tannins are edgy still, but should yield beautifully over the next decade.
From the 1904 planting at Puccioni Ranch, this impressive wine packs tons of flavor in a soft, peppery, integrated package of red fruit and baking spice. Though weighty and robust, it has an underlying acidity to lend freshness and vibrancy.
Aromas of sunbaked soil, underbrush, pressed violet and plum lead the nose. The round chewy palate offers fleshy black cherry, licorice, tobacco and crushed herb alongside firm, refined tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
This fine wood-aged wine is rich with ripe yellow fruit and a subtle toasty character. It's smoothly textured, brimming with fruit and spice, finishing on vibrant acidity. Impressive in its youth, it will be better from 2018.
Aromas of black-skinned berry, tilled soil and new leather lead the way. The full-bodied concentrated palate delivers black cherry, tobacco, licorice and a note of black pepper framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
Tropical tones of mango and grilled pineapple are matched with notes of citrus oil and Honeycomb cereal on the nose and mouth of this decadent wine. Ample acidity helps to keep the palate fresh and the mouthfeel lifted, while rich flavors of peach pit and toasted brioche linger long on the close. Drink now–2019.
Enticing aromas of woodland berry, dark baking spice and a hint of tobacco float out of the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, star anise, coffee and a hint of orange zest set against a backbone of polished tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018–2024.
This concentrated wine opens with aromas of blueberry, leather and a whiff of cocoa. The rich robust palate delivers cassis, blackberry, chocolate and white pepper alongside firm, chewy tannins. Drink through 2023.
With grapes from long contracted growers, this wine represents the structure as well as the ripe fruit of the appellation. It imparts a smoky character from wood aging as well as a tense layer of tannins that give it a dry edge. Drink from 2021.
This wine is a perennial overachiever, but the 2015 is even more so than usual. The aromas are bold and ripe, offering notes of cherries, ample garrigue and hints of tar. The wine is rich and velvety on the palate, folding in notes of chocolate, baking spices, plum and dried herbs. Drink now–2025.
This Côtes du Rhône, from a plot of vines located just outside Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a terrific achievement in a challenging vintage. Hints of garrigue, black olive and cocoa add nuance to the ample black cherry fruit, while the finish of this full-bodied wine shows enough grip and astringency to warrant short-term cellaring. Drink 2019–2025.
This rich and seductive pour leads with intense aromas of buttered toast, candied nuts, honeydew and grilled peach, with a touch of orangy citrus. The medium-weight mouthfeel is plush yet balanced by medium acidity that lends nice vibrancy to the mouthfeel and spicy finish. Drink now–2019.
This blend of 64% Syrah and 36% Grenache opens with white pepper and fresh rose petal scents. Thickly concentrated and robust, with meaty leather and blue fruit notes, it remains balanced and lifted on the finish despite its density.
From the Wittstrom Vineyard northwest of Paso Robles, this rich and accessible bottling shows lavender, lilac and violet potpourri on the nose, with black cherry and balsamic notes Baked blackberry and blueberry flavors show on the palate, where chalky tannins carry milk chocolate and Concord grape notes long into the finish.
Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this opens with aromas of red cherry, underbrush and pomegranate. The palate is both concentrated and elegant, delivering raspberry, strawberry jam and notes of chopped mint. Velvety tannins provide support and finesse. Enjoy through 2021.
This wine is just under half Petite Sirah (48%), with the balance Syrah (24%), Counoise (21%) and Mourvèdre. It opens with brooding aromas of red and purple fruit, cigar box and barrel spice. The purple-fruit flavors are rich and palate coating, showing a lovely sense of balance.
There's a balanced richness to this wine, with lovely notes of wood-grilled apple, toasted hazelnut, freshly baked apple pie and orange creamsicle that are cut by ample acidity. The medium-weight mouthfeel is smooth but not flabby, with lingering baking spice and toasted brioche notes on the close.
From a selection of bunches that were left on the vines to gather noble rot, this wine is rich and wonderfully concentrated and with layers of botrytis and ripe fruits. Apricots and honey are balanced by the drier edge of the noble rot. It's a young wine still and will be even better from 2019.
Partly wood aged, this wine is conceived as the essence of Malbec. With its concentrated black fruits and firm tannins, it is dense and needs to age. There is a core that is firmly structured—rich and still surrounded by youthful fruitiness. Drink from 2019.
The blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Merlot is produced in the vineyard around this 12th-century castle. This is an impressive wine with its balanced structure and dark tannins. Concentrated and powered by its black plum fruits and acidity, it will age. Drink from 2020.
Aged for 20 months in wood, this elegant, ripe wine is finely balanced with structure and fruit. Berry flavors intermingle with dusty tannins and an acidity that suggests cool, mountain crispness. It needs to age further, so drink from 2018.
Sourced from vines approaching 30 years of age, this is quite dry and complex, with plenty of dry extract. Scented with citrus and stone fruits, flavors run more toward apple and pear. The length is impressive.
In this solidly made wine, the varietal character shines through, with cranberry and cherry fruit precisely defined. It offers medium depth and good balance, with a light lick of chocolate in the finish.
This Croatian white is made from 100% Debit and has aromas of dried apricot, toasted brioche, peach and just a touch of cinnamon in the bouquet. The palate is generous, with delightful flavors of white and yellow peaches and fresh apricot nectar. It's aged for 24 months in French oak; 150 cases produced.
For a red wine from the Vinho Verde region, this is impressive. Serious wood aging hasn't dampened the red fruits and firm tannins. The wine is dry, solid and with final acidity. It should be drunk now.
A flavor spectrum emphasizing grapefruit and kiwi makes this lively and original. Assertive aromas of grapefruit and new-mown grass leap out of the glass, then the flavors are vivid, tangy and lingering. A crisp texture and just enough richness in the body complete the package.
The wine is rich and still shows firm tannins, along with full-bodied blackberry fruitiness and a tight, crisp texture. It's solid and concentrated, full of juiciness at the end. Drink from 2016.
This is one dense, saturated blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. The nose is all black fruits and prune, while the palate runs deep and dense, but without a lot of finesse. Jammy black-fruit and blueberry flavors are peppery, while the finish is hulking. It shows the heat of its alcohol.
Good flavor concentration and a sense of power help this stand out. A dark red color goes almost to the rim, with aromas that suggest blackberries and raisins. Flavors go deep into sweet oak and dark fruit. The tannins support the wine's overall richness, adding a little grip to the texture.
This dry white wine seems to be all about smooth texture and reserved flavors rather than overt fruitiness. It has a gold, Chardonnay-like color, mild aromas of almond and butter, a rather full body and a lingering but subtle honey-like finish.
While herbaceous, this wine also has ripe tropical fruits that bring out a richer, early drinking side. It's bone-dry and crisp, the apricot fruits balanced by intense citrus. Concentrated and very fruity, it can be drunk now.
Steely, it bursts with wet stone, jasmine and lemon aromas, the body quite full yet mellowed by effervescent minerality. Highlights include layers of melon and pear. It would pair well with citrus-based salads or meats seasoned with citrus zest.
This wine is smooth and complete, from the jammy fruit aromas to the slightly oak-accented flavors to the lingering, seemingly sweet finish. This limited bottling fermented with native yeast picks up attractive toast, vanilla and nutmeg flavors that enhance the ripe, pure raspberry and blackberry notes that fill out the full body.
Cinnamon spice blends with fresh minerality and tart cherry on the nose. It starts very soft on the palate until tannins add grip by the end. It's plush with blueberry fruit and savory with kalamata olive, highlighted with a touch of violet.
This opens with dry, traditional Tempranillo aromas of cherry, plum, tobacco and even some asphalt and woodsmoke. The palate is smooth and loamy, with mild tomatoey acidity keeping things fresh. Wiry cherry, plum and baked flavors finish with mocha and stewed notes. Drink now.
Earth, tomato and baked black-fruit aromas define the nose on this fully ripe wine. In the mouth, it's rich and immense, with soft tannins, mild acidity and a lot of weight. Flavors of roasted berry fruits are spicy and savory, while the finish is jammy in feel, with a salty flavor.
Subtle oak, toast, espresso and mature black fruit aromas lead the nose. The youthfully assertive palate displays coffee bean, crushed dark cherry, vanilla, black raspberry and black pepper alongside drying wood tannins. Drink after 2018.
The nose is initially closed but opens to reveal rose petal, red berry and white pepper aromas. The warm, forward palate offers dense black cherry, espresso and alpine herbs alongside a solid tannic backbone.
This opens with aromas of black berry fruit along with more rustic notes of game and a whiff of barnyard. The palate offers up crushed black cherry, toast, black pepper, espresso and vanilla alongside oak extract. The brooding, astringent tannins need time to integrate fully. Drink after 2020.
A rare style of California white, this is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but is not labeled that way. Striking smoky, white-pepper aromas and aggressive dried herb flavors jangle with apparent oak character. The combination of sharp acidity and soothing body begins to come together on the finish. It needs time to mellow and may improve after 2015.
With some oak aging, this is a naturally rich wine that has a rounded, full character. It's generous, opulent and full of yellow fruits, ripe red apples and the subtlest touch of toast. Drink now, or keep until 2015.
Dark black fruits and a dense, almost black color are signs of the concentration of this concentrated wine. Nine months in wood have added to the richness of the wine while preserving the blackberry and black-plum flavors. It is just ready to drink, although it will be much better from 2017.
A serious, ripe, wood-aged wine. Mint aromas speak of new wood while, on the palate, the texture is dense, packed with dark tannins and rich black fruits. Generous while also structured, this wine could be aged further. Drink from 2018.
A rich wine with six months in oak that gives it both a toasty and a creamy character. It is full of ripe yellow fruits, spice and just a cool hint from the Monte de Cal vineyards on the Atlantic coast. The wine is ready to drink.
One of a range of top cuvées from this cooperative in the grand cru village of Mailly, this is a Pinot Noir-dominated wine, fashionably pale in color with a good balance between crisp red fruits and tight, nervy acidity. A touch of tannin gives structure to this elegant wine. Drink now.
Lavish yet not overdone aromas of vanilla, plumeria, dried banana and yellow peach arise from the glass in this blend of 45% Viognier, 45% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne. There is a honeyed character to the palate, along with banana, mango and buttered guava bread, proving quite tropical yet very welcoming.
Subtle but complex aromas, quietly seductive flavors and a svelte texture characterize this medium-bodied, elegant wine. Everything seems to be in place, with no elbows sticking out, and just enough tannic grip to keep it lively.
This is a creamy, voluptuously full-bodied white, highlighted in floral aromas of honeysuckle and nicely defined flavors of kumquat and melon. Forceful on the palate, it's lingering and complex, with a spicy nutmeg character and crispness of Key lime.
Produced from Grand and Premier Cru vines in the Côte des Blancs, this crisp, mineral-driven wine has intense acidity, citrus flavors and a tight, steely texture. Still young, it needs to age and will be best from 2018.
Now entitled to use the expanded Willamette Valley AVA, this estate-grown wine is broad, full-flavored and loaded with fruit. Fresh sliced peaches, papaya and melon flavors abound, and a nice touch of citrus lifts the finish.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this wine has great fruit and a soft texture. The flavors of ripe bitter orange and apples are now moving towards maturity, with the toastiness coming through. Drink now.
This lovely wine is balanced in tannin and acidity. Nutty, it has a touch of leather underlying the savory's fruit's baked quality, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and warmth. Aged in Hungarian, French and American oak, little of it new, the fruit is allowed to speak and effortlessly charm.
Ripe yet fresh aromas of black plum and cassis show notes of iodine and iron. This is exceedingly solid in feel, with a slight hint of bright acidity. Flavors of plum, blackberry and leather end in smooth fashion; drink through 2020.
This shows dense notes of plum and cedar, with firm, sizable tannin. The body and ripeness mark the vintage but find balance within a structure of subtle oak. Enjoy best from 2021 through 2023.
Dried mulberries and a touch of prune lead off the nose on this blend of 86% Syrah and 14% Grenache that also shows chocolate sauce, strong fresh fennel and seared-beef aromas. The palate is complex with dried strawberry fruit that's laced with anise, wild herbs and beef char.
Pure Touriga Nacional from this quinta in the central Douro at Pinhão is rich and finely perfumed. Solid tannins and a concentrated texture are balanced with ripe black fruits and acidity. The wine is firm at this young stage and needs to age further so don't start drinking until 2019
This is a finely structured wine, rich with a blend that includes Touriga Nacional and Aragonez. Layers of tannins sustain the ripe black fruits and generous texture. The aftertaste shows the wine's fine acidity as well as its touches of wood aging. Drink now.
From a selection of different parcels near the Torto and Pinhão rivers, this is a beautifully ripe and fruity wine. With some firm tannins and a tight texture it shows plenty of the schist terroir of the Douro. Over that there are layers of rich dark fruits that are balanced with acidity. Drink the wine now.
Soft and inviting on the plushly texture nose, this bottling by a Napa winery sourcing from the iconic Santa Maria vineyard offers popcorn, butterscotch, fresh apple blossom and salted stone-fruit aromas. The flavors are classic and straightforward in the citrusy style, with Meyer lemon, nectarine, pineapple and butter.
This is a fine wine, with wood and fruit both rich and concentrated. It has spice, juicy black fruits and ripe tannins. It is developing slowly and surely and will be ready to drink from 2019.
From a single parcel in this estate, this wine is a rich Merlot-dominated wine. It has dark tannins and plenty of juicy blackberry fruits that are deeply spiced by the wood aging. It is a full wine, ripe although with a fine streak of finishing acidity. Drink from 2019.
This is an elegant, subtle and spicy varietal wine that reflects its origins, impacted by coastal coolness and ferocity. Dried thyme, stemmy earth, black tea and a viscous grip of oak show its youth and quiet, brooding power.
Sophisticated aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, shoe polish and crushed leaves set up a grabby palate with ripe, bullish tannins. This wine offers black-fruit flavors along with spice, chocolate and herbal notes. On the finish, ripe berry and chocolaty oak flavors are generous. Drink through 2019.
A spicy oaky nose is low on fruit, scattered and chocolaty. In the mouth, creamy oak and high acidity clash, while a lead flavor of chocolaty oak struggles to blend with tart saucy red-fruit notes. A milk chocolate flavor is most prominent on a hollow finish.
This has a shy nose, offering subtle whiffs of white stone fruit and spring wildflower while the simple palate offers orchard fruit, citrus zest and bitter almond flavors. It's fresh, with zesty acidity.
Although only medium in body, this comes across as slightly heavy. Ripe flavors of nectarine, pineapple and mixed citrus are attractive, but lack refreshing zip on the finish.
This simple, everyday white offers subdued aromas suggesting peach and citrus that carry over to the shy palate. Bright acidity lends a tangy finish.
Heavy butter, toast and caramel aromas and flavors give this wine a lot of impact, while the fruitiness is mild and the mouthfeel is soft.
White spring flower and orchard fruit aromas lead the nose. The lean, rather evolved palate still retains fresh acidity, but drink soon to capture the remaining yellow apple and lemon peel flavors.
This tastes like Suavignon Blanc with bubbles, so I suppose it must be deemed successful. Tomato leaf, fig and citrus notes are elevated in intensity by the gentle presence of CO2, but finish short.
Light aromas of apple and pear are followed by lightly concentrated fruit flavors. It's enjoyable but seems a bit faint.
The aromas are barely a whisper, with notes of citrus and herb. It drinks dry with lightly concentrated fruit flavors. The variety seems hard to find.
Punchy raspberry and red-plum aromas are light and airy. That also describes the palate, which is dilute and lacks stuffing. Flavors of raspberry Kool-Aid and mild oak are fresh and floral on the finish. This may do best as a chilled simple sipper.
Rubbery stewy berry aromas give way to a pinched-feeling palate. This tastes of salty roasted plum and it stays that way on a dense, chewy, meaty finish.
Rough conflicted aromas of horseradish, beets and horse hide lead to a hard grabby palate that feels sticky and tannic. The heavy oak blends with stewed herbal black-fruit flavors before a scratchy tannic finish.
Subtle hints of tart apples appear first, then there is the merest touch of quince, even a touch of lemon balm. The palate pans out aromatically, always in that apple and quince spectrum, and has a brightening crisp edge of freshness and absolute concentration and dryness. With more air, the aromatic lemon balm note adds its special perfume to this wine. This is invigorating and enlivening.
Forest floor, truffle, new leather, ripe berry and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this delicious red. The fresh, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, chopped mint and white pepper notes, while big, round tannins provide structure. It's already enjoyable but will offer years of fine drinking. Enjoy 2018–2024.
A sensational bottle at this price, it's ripe and textural, with a plush mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. The flavors evolve throughout a lengthy finish, adding layers of chocolate, malt and caramel, all in beautiful proportion.
One of the plusses to having a cash-flow brand like Yellow Tail in the portfolio is that it gives the owners the opportunity to properly age their high-end wines prior to release. At 10 years old, this has acquired a veneer of silkiness and elegance that enfolds the cassis and red-currant fruit. There's no shortage of smoky, vanilla and brown-sugar inflected oak either. Drink now–2025.
Wild berry, dark spice and Mediterranean herb aromas lift out of the glass, accented by a whiff of new leather. The enveloping, full-bodied palate doles out fleshy black cherry, star anise, pipe tobacco and cinnamon notes, framed by chewy tannins. Drink 2020–2027.
This is a structured wine that also has great layers of rich black fruits. They give the wine weight and intensity that is lifted by acidity. It is a powerful complex wine, concentrated and ripe. Drink from 2025.
This second wine of Calon Ségur is beautifully proportioned. It is fruity with rich tannins. At the same time, the crisp fruit of the vintage gives a lift to the deep concentration. Let the wine develop over several years. Drink from 2024.
The second wine of Cos d'Estournel is powerfully packed with tannins and dark ripe fruit. It is enormously rich and intense while keeping a fine smooth texture. There is a dark core that is going to allow the wine to develop over many years. Drink from 2024.
This second wine of whites from both Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion is both rich and intensely crisp. It has a fine blend between great acidity and grapefruit fruit and a more tropical element. The tangy texture is taut with a mineral edge. Drink from 2020.
The wine is powerful with fine tannins and concentrated black fruits. The dense texture is lifted by the acidity and beautiful fruit of the vintage. The tannins are dusty, tight and surrounded by beautiful fruit and acidity. This, the second wine of Montrose, will develop surely over the next several years. Drink from 2024.
Made from a separate parcel of the Valandraud estate, this is a fruity, ripe wine. Dark tannins and flavors of dark chocolate combine with great fruit and acidity. It is still packed with tannins and will take plenty of time to come round. Drink from 2024.
Garden herb and forest floor aromas make a case for this wine to be considered the producer's “Finest Selection” (the “FS” in “OFS”). On the palate, wild strawberry, black cherry and berry are the story, while powerful spice adds intrigue to the velvety texture, roundness and full-bodied concentration.
Baked cherry, cardamom and cola meet a bright, citrusy undertone in this memorable wine. Lively, fresh and seamless in texture, it provides plenty of power, depth and complexity, without ever feeling heavy.
There is not just a notion of ripeness but almost of overripeness of pear fruit on the nose, accompanied by hints of honeysuckle. There also are hints of sandalwood and gentle vanilla. The palate is cushioned with mellow residual sweetness, making the rich flavors even more rich and generous. A vein of citrus freshness counters this, but this is in the generous, medium-sweet spectrum, oozing fruit and generosity. The finish, nonetheless, is precise and fresh. A great example of mature Pinot Gris.
With a sizable presence on the nose and a palate evocative of black cherry, strawberry compote and orange peel, this wine speaks volumes in terms of texture and body. Its full-bodied concentration is supported by generous oak. Despite all that power, the tannins remain demure and relatively well behaved.
The richest and most generous hints of dried pear and fruit loaf rise from the glass. The palate continues in the same, generous vein with plenty of pear, shimmering and scintillating with juicy, mellow and just off-dry ripeness. This is countered by fresh lemon zestiness and leaves a totally balanced and very lasting impression. There are pleasant highlights of bitterness and that pervasive sense of pear fruit just lasts and lasts.
From Mt. Eden and Wente clones grown at 1,700 feet, this under-$30 bottling shows key lime and pomelo pith freshness on the nose, backed by chalk, crushed sea shell and tangerine blossom aromas. There is a fine-grained texture to the tannins on the palate, where bright citrus fruit meets with marcona almond touches. It's simultaneously refreshing and savory.
This opens with inviting, classic Sangiovese aromas: woodland berry, forest floor, new leather, violet and truffle. The youthfully taut palate isn't quite as expressive—yet—but already offers Marasca cherry, white pepper and star anise notes. It's primary in its flavors now but will develop complexity over the next decade and then maintain well for years. Drink 2022–2032.
A big, chunky tannic wine, loaded with black-cherry fruit. The structure is there to age awhile, and 15 months in 50% new French oak has added notes of coffee and dark chocolate. There's a hint of tar, and overall an impression of bridled power. Drink now through 2025.
A lovely lemony lift jumps from the glass and immediately signals maturing Riesling. The palate is still taut with freshness but has the harmonious balminess of bottle age. Hints of dried pear and candied lemon peel appear. The palate is as precise and taut as ever, brightened by utter apple and citrus crispness. The finish is long, dry and utterly clean cut.
A beautiful black currant character animates this classically-styled wine. It's fruity and generously spiced on the nose, with cinnamon and nutmeg scents from oak. Its flavors build on that black currant, with spice notes giving it a layered effect, supported by fine-grained tannins. While irrestible now, this will be best after 2019.
This particular block was first planted in 2007, so these are young vines. Sometimes fruit from young vines will burst forth in spectacular fashion, and that's the case here. Supremely aromatic, this opens with a velvety mix of Asian spices, fruit leather, plum, cherry, cocoa powder and coffee grounds. All this and more can be tasted as well as sniffed, with excellent penetration through a lingering, cedary finish.
Full-bodied and rich, this is a traditional style of Barossa Shiraz, aged in American oak hogsheads. Faint menthol or dill notes and plenty of vanilla frame plum and mulberry fruit, while hints of green peppercorn and maple syrup add interest to the long finish. Drink now–2030.
Only released in top vintages, this is Jim Barry's luxury cuvée of Cabenet Sauvignon. It does see plenty of oak, so it shows impressive notes of baking spices, vanilla and brown sugar, but it backs those with ample dark fruit. It's elegant despite its size, with a fine-grained tannins lingering on the finish. Drink now–2025, and possibly beyond.
The name means “five chosen” and references the barrels selected for this reserve-level wine. Dense, complex and refined, it remains quite compact with nicely layered ripe berry fruit. The tannins carry a suggestion of orange pekoe tea, and the length is impressive. Drink 2020 through 2028.
Distinctive scents of chocolate, nougat and lemon cake swirl up from the glass, framing a dive into a tangy wine loaded with red fruits. There's a suggestion of cola, great texture, excellent length, and above all an approachable, yet ageworthy, structure.
Forest, mint and campfire scents are complemented by brambly black cherry in this explosively complex wine. Soft and subtle, it has juicy layers of cranberry, orange and maraschino, with a roundness and firmness to the strong tannin. The finish is all about coffee, cardamom and five spice.
Full-bodied, rich and chewy, this is a big, bold wine. Ample oak frames black cherry and cassis fruit, adding hints of vanilla and dark chocolate to the fudge-like impression. Warmth suffuses the palate, but doesn't quite progress to full-blown high-alcohol heat. There's no doubting its impressive intensity and ripeness. Drink now–2025.
Clarified butter is the first flavor to hit the palate of this wine, with a fresh, herbal essence that gives it a farmhouse feel. Cucumber and lemony acidity follow, as well as a pronounced oyster shell-like mineral note. This is a light, bright white ready for the table or as an apéritif.
Dusty minerals and dried herbs accent bright lemon-lime aromas on the nose of this delicately framed kabinett. A tickle of spritz on the palate adds to the wine's wispy, subtly sweet and fruity character. Finishes long and fresh, with intense citrus acidity.
For a Vinho Verde, this is rich and full-bodied, showing delicious acidity, crisp apples and a touch of tropical fruit. There's the typical prickle on the tongue that brings out freshness, but in fact this wine could age for a year.
Whiffs of dusty minerality add depth to pretty yellow-flower and orange notes. It's silken on the palate, with rich flavors of honey, orange peel and black tea. Piercing acidity extends the long, lingering finish.
This is another intensely crafted Sauvignon Blanc from Casey Flat. This wine opens with muted aromatics of orange rind and melon, a swirl of sweet jasmine too. It has a rich, creamy palate that captures the warm climate of the vintage and its provenance.
Here's a delightful sparkling wine that offers berry aromas and a touch of flint. The palate opens with rather large bubbles, but delivers fresh strawberry, white cherry and pink grapefruit flavors that finish with a note of walnut.
Obviously wood aged, this is still a richly fruity wine. The two elements are still coming together, the spice and toast on the one hand, the ripe blackberry on the other. Give the wine time and it will be a good expression of the structure of the vintage. Drink from 2016.
Pungent and assertively herbal, this blend of Chehalem's three estate vineyards has aromatics to spare, along with an earthy mix of root, stem and brambly fruit. There's a streak of cola also, and it delivers plenty of power for a cool vintage wine that clocks in at 12.7% alcohol.
This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has aromas of black fruit, cedar and oak. The dense palate is a bit forward, reflecting the vintage, and delivers black cherry, black currant, toasted oak and spice notes along with bracing tannins.
Aromas of dried strawberry and cherry preserves brighten notes of toasted oak and dried herbs in this wine. The palate is crisp and youthful, with red cherry flavor, and a slightly bitter edge that adds depth and dimension. Soft, chalky tannins linger on the warming finish.
A very pretty, very varietal wine with notes of strawberry, cherry and jalapeno pepper. The palate is full of luscious, candied red fruit flavors that lead to a spice-filled finish.
This elegant Vermentino from Tuscany has a lovely floral fragrance of white flowers and stone fruit accompanied by succulent peach and ripe pear flavors. The fruit richness is balanced by crisp freshness.
Antichello opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, berry and tobacco with a hint of meat juices. The palate yields delicious black cherry along with notes of mint and nutmeg. It's structured but also fresh and very easy to drink.
With crisp citrus aromas, this is a fresh and fragrant wine that shows a cool aspect to the hot Alentejo. Fruit-forward, with subtle hints of wood, a dry texture and some aging potential. Drink now, or hold and try after 2015.
Basket-pressed and aged for 10 months in 20% new oak, this estate-grown Pinot Noir has lovely berry and cherry scents and flavors. It's spicy, varietal, and brambly, with a medium-deep palate and accents of dried herbs.
This wine is a straightforward, easy sipper with aromas and flavors of lilac and citrus. It drinks a hair off dry, with pink-grapefruit flavors throughout.
This wine smells more savory than fruity, and tastes smooth, moderately fruity and easy to enjoy. Medium bodied, it's well balanced between acidity and richness, and not too tannic, giving an appealing mouthfeel.
Green, herbal aromas are varietally common and share bouquet space with plum and berry notes. Plump and chunky in feel, this tastes of oregano, rosemary, olive and wood resin along with plum and berry. An oaky, lactic finish is herbal, true to Carmenère and ultimately a bit green.
This is a seriously dry wine, somewhere between stony and chalky in terms of texture. Aromatically, it strikes a balance between herb and citrus, finishing long and crisp.
Striking lemon-lime acidity penetrates through this zesty, dry-style Riesling. It's spry and lean, marked by crisp green apples and pears and finishes briskly, accented by layers of dusty minerals. Drink now–2016.
Mission Estate is New Zealand's oldest winery, established in 1851 by French missionaries. The Syrah vines are young by comparison, but this wine is matured in tank, so what you smell and taste is unmarked by wood. The result is just a bit greenish—the cracked pepper and plum notes pick up hints of green olive and dried herbs on the way to a dusty finish.
This lively, medium-bodied and well-balanced wine smells of raspberries and dried herbs. It tastes invitingly fresh, combining bright fruit with earthy and savory accents. The color is relatively light, matching the overall tangy personality.
Fresh and lively like a cherry soda, this medium-bodied wine has light, spicy, oaky aromas, lots of cherry and strawberry flavors and an easy-drinking texture.
Almost black in color, this full-bodied wine is bold in aroma, smelling like black pepper and blackberry, with a slightly earthy edge. It tastes dense, rich but dry. A thick coat of tannins leads to an astringent finish.
Tobacco, toast, French oak and cured meat aromas lead the nose. The rather lean palate offers dried cherry, licorice, oak-driven spice and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Grainy tannins leave a mouth-drying finish.
Crisp canteloupe rind and apple notes penetrate deeply on the palate of this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. Whiffs of savory reeds and herbs distract a bit on the midpalate, but the lemon-lime finish is revitalizing and refreshing. Drink now–2017.
Quite grassy in aromas for a Chardonnay, this wine shows lemongrass, fennel, Gala apple and light honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is light and tight, with flavors of grapefruit and apples.
In the southern section of the Haut-Médoc, close to Margaux, this estate has produced a fresh, fruity wine. A high proportion (11%) of Petit Verdot gives it color and also a ripe juicy character. Blackberries and young tannins dominate at the moment. Drink from 2018.
Lightly wood aged, this wine is soft while still keeping some fruitiness. Spice and touches of toast are still integrating with the apple and lime flavors. The tangy, zesty aftertaste needs to calm down. Drink from late 2016.
Tar and smashed berries show on the nose, which seems dense yet remains a bit hidden. The palate clings to tar and tart elderberry flavors, with a slight show of lilac and lavender.
Smooth and balanced, this wine brings together generous red fruits and fresh acidity. Underneath, attractive, dry tannins give shape to this otherwise ready-to-drink, fruity wine. It's is a generous blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.
Merlot and Syrah make up the bulk of this wine, with the remainder pinches of Viognier and Cabernet Franc. Fresh flower, plum and milk chocolate aromas are followed by appealing sweet fruit and barrel flavors.
Vanilla, toast and stone-fruit aromas are followed by light, elegantly styled flavors that show persistence. It comes off as a bit faint but what's there is pleasing.
Aromas of dried cherry, vanilla, Red Vines, woodspice and cocoa show some volatility. The pit fruit and cinnamon flavors pack a punch, backed by firm, gritty tannins.
Here's an easygoing red that opens with aromas of dark-skinned berry and baking spice. The soft, round palate yields juicy black cherry, ground black pepper and freshness. It's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
This fresh, spicy blend of Frappato and Syrah opens with heady scents of rosebud, red berry and ground pepper while the easygoing, silky palate shows juicy morello cherry, anise and a hint of dark cooking spice. Drink soon.
Peach blossoms, seared orange, jasmine and other white flowers show very strongly on the nose of this wine by veteran Gary Eberle. The palate is ripe with honeysuckle, pears and cooked apples. It's a bit fat in the middle, but texturally focused on the edges with pinpoint acidity.
This wine all comes from Rosebud vineyard and is blended with 17% Sémillon. Bright aromas of lees, pineapple, fig and lemon are followed by tart, full-bodied flavors with mouthwatering acidity.
This opens with aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, sun-baked soil and dark spice. The palate shows dried cherry, blackberry extract and a hint of anise alongside firm tannins. Drink over the next few years before the remaining fruit richness dries out.
Aromas of French oak, toast, espresso and a whiff of underbrush lead the nose and follow through to the rather lean palate along with licorice, a note of powdered sage and dried black cherry. It lacks the fruit richness needed to stand up to the dominant oak-driven spice and mouth-drying tannins.
Touches of crème fraîche seems to lend a lactic richness to this bristling, light-bodied sparkling wine. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it's mouth-filling and rich in mousse, lingering long with a kiss of biscuit. Drink now through 2018.
The nose is initially shy but eventually reveals aromas of black-skinned berry, blue flower and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. The straightforward, easygoing palate offers juicy black cherry and a peppery note alongside round tannins. It's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
This is a blend of Syrah (41%), Grenache (31%) and Mourvèdre. Aromas of vanilla, coffee, game and spice are followed by fruit flavors that seem dried out. Drink now.
This Monastrell opens with resiny, lactic aromas and a strong note of rubber. It's big, blocky and chunky in feel, while the flavor profile revolves around briny plum and rubber.
Stalky aromas are green and low on pleasantries. This has a sticky, dense feel, with flavors of char, sweet plastic, peppery berry and weeds. An oaky, herbal finish tastes candied and feels hot.
The aromas are quite light for the variety, with the off-dry flavors lending some appeal.
Nothing in this modest and medium-bodied wine is a turnoff, so it will be fine for an outdoor occasion or a big party where the wine is not really the focus. The flavors do include some subtle vanilla and butter notes and the texture is rich and soothing.
While not very full bodied, this tastes rich and heavy like fruit syrup. Pear, apple and banana flavors coat the mouth with a touch of sweetness and a rounded texture.
Raisin is the primary fruit aroma on this stewy, overaoaked Bobal. On the palate, the wine is flabby, with buttery oak and hollow, baked berry notes.
Smooth in texture and very modest in flavor, this has a faint aroma of Golden Delicious apples and hint of almond. Medium body and moderate acidity make it easy to swallow.
This sweet rosé is light, with some attractive ripe strawberry flavors. Grapefruit acidity gives it a fresher side, lifting the bright, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
This lean wine, all acidity and tannins, has a severe character that is not likely to go away. The estate has been handed down from mother to daughter for seven generations and now owned by enologist Marie Laure Latorre. It was named for the Merlot plot planted on 08/11/99, the date of the last total solar eclipse seen in France.
Tannins mask the light fruitiness in this blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It seems extracted, with the producer attempting to get too much out of the fruit in a lean year.
Toast aromas precede layers of wood flavors that give the wine a tough, dry, spicy character that masks the fruit.
Made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, followed by Merlot and a curious 1% of Sauvignon Blanc, this penny-colored wine is herbal in jalapeño and not terribly fruit-forward. It's extremely low in terms of alcohol and finishes diluted.
This Godello is almost like water in color, while the nose is neutral and fruitless. A dilute, scattershot palate shows bland, oxidized flavors of bready white fruits.
This smells savory, like celery and cucumber, then lime chimes in, yet it tastes sugary and sweet. It's a good drinkable wine but with a split personality.
High levels of acidity give this wine a tight, eye-watering character. The fruit was probably not ripe.
This wine has too much tannin for its own good. It's tough and bitter, showing wood and extraction. In this difficult Bordeaux vintage, the vineyard produced less than half what is normal.
This wine is dry, firm with chocolate and bitter extraction flavors. It's likely to remain dry.
The new wood and spice flavors still show in this wine. A dry, woody character is still keeping the fruit back. Black coffee flavors show that there was heavy extraction. This 20-acre property is one of four in the greater Saint-Émilion area owned by the Lannoye family.
You need to work hard to find the fruit in this 100% Merlot. It is tough, only hinting at acidity and black currant flavors.
A bitter green element to this otherwise medium-sized wine detracts from any of its fruit.
Red cherry aromas lead to a wine that is curiously structured with firm tannins and jammy fruit that is not in balance. “Natur” means the winemaker did not add sulfites during wine production.
Reduced, sulfuric aromas are shaky and rubbery. This is flat, heavy and clumsy on the palate, while obtuse flavors of flabby black fruits and oak finish charred.
This wine has a jammy character with acidity that is unbalanced. Wine is made in cement tanks and aged in cement tanks and new and up to three-year-old French oak barrels.
This bold, full-bodied wine with lots of fruit flavor seems to have faded a bit. It shows volatile aromas and overripe fruit notes that are getting a bit frayed around the edges.
Produced from 45-year-old vines, this is a fruity ripe wine. It has concentration and some firm tannins as well a generous black-fruit character. The wine's acidity and structure will allow it to age another year, so drink from late 2017.
This has the concentration and sappy intensity of a late-harvest wine, though it's closer to dry than to off dry. It's borderline unctuous, with lush tropical, stone and citrus fruits all mixed together. Meyer lemon, peach and papaya stand out, with a smooth finish that adds candied pineapple to the party.
Somewhat locked up at present, the aromas offer notes of brown stems, crushed flowers, dried earth and green olive, with the fruit lurking in the background. The palate mixes savory and red-fruit flavors that play off each other all the way through the finish, showing a lot of elegance and persistence.
All Dijon clone, this is a tightly wound, substantial effort, with youthful, tart raspberry fruit. It's compact and complex, showing the balance and depth to age nicely. Cellar for a few years and drink from 2019 to 2025.
Long barrel aging has given this wine an extra richness. That supplements the ripe red fruits and intense acidity. The result is a wine that is bright with a spice and floral character. The aftertaste brings out crispness and some minerality. Ready to drink now.
Sourced from 40-year-old vines, this elegant and forceful wine deftly marries varietal perfume and tangy fruit. Lush flavors of juicy nectarine and satsuma mandarin come with a gentle hint of mint. Complex and delicious, it puts a very positive, food friendly spin on Gewürztraminer.
This wine has a dry, solid character, with more tannins than fruit at this very young stage. Firm now, it will soften although its structure suggests it will likely continue to be a firm, structured wine for many years. Drink from 2020.
A first for the winery, the vinification layered whole clusters with destemmed grapes. Not too much—just enough to stiffen the tannins a bit. Scents of rose petals and cherries lead into black-cherry fruit, all laid upon a carpet of roasted nuts. The supporting acids carry a hint of orange peel. This is an all-around delightful bottle.
White peach and toasted grain aromas ease gently into a plump, custardy mouthful of melon and stone fruit. Balanced nuttiness frames the wine, giving it just enough structure on the elegant, plush finish. Drink now–2020.
Big and rich, this full-bodied wine has an aroma like the crema on an espresso and abundant dark-fruit flavors. A wonderful, mouthcoating texture keeps the flavors lingering on the finish. The sense of layering and creaminess that extends after a sip is captivating.
Like a fresh-picked cherry off the tree, the aromatic entry into this appellation wine is compelling and memorable in Proustian ways. Medium bodied, it's a highly quaffable experience, sultry on the palate while maintaining bright of acidity that ping-pongs between lush and lean.
A blend of fruit from Lewis Vineyard, Les Collines and Stoney Vine, this wine offers aromas of cherry, blackberry, earth, licorice, smoked meat, violets and herb. The flavors are dense are pure, bringing a pleasing mouthfeel and a long cherry-filled finish.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this wine shows a downright mesmerizing sense of purity with its aromas of purple fruit, herb, fresh flower, earth and iron. The flavors dazzle but win with elegance and sophistication along with a drawn-out finish.
The aromas draw you into the glass, with brooding notes of purple fruit, mineral and baking spice. The cherry flavors are full in feel, showing impressive purity and depth. There's no trace of new oak in sight.
Inky oaky aromas of graphite and black fruits introduce a palate that's supremely saturated. Flavors of roasted plum and blackberry are savory and meaty, while this feels lush on the finish but also strapping and sinewy. Dos Mundos purports to represent both Portugal and Argentina, but this is all Argentina in character. Drink through 2023.
Delicately scented, this opens with aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of Mediterranean herb. On the creamy palate, an energizing mineral vein underscores golden apple, juicy white and peach and nectarine.
Juicy, dusty and lean at first, this 100% varietal wine comes from a vineyard on the western side of the appellation. The rich red cherry and cassis notes, compelling from the start, are complemented by a seductive intertwining of sage, dried herbs and toasty oak. Balanced and full bodied, it's a stand-out.
Aromas of spiced cherry and cassis are schisty and belie this Cabernet-heavy wine's age. A narrow palate with firm tannins and not much give sets up flavors of oak, lemon peel, plum and berry fruits. A lasting finish with deep berry flavors and a topping of oak doesn't lose steam. Drink through 2025.
A crush of wet slate persists throughout this lean, lime-scented dry Riesling. Crisp green plum and gooseberry flavors are punchy and fresh on the palate, but minerality takes center stage here, augmented by a luminous spray of lemon-lime acidity. Drink now through 2025.
This vineyard-designate expresses the variety with great finesse, offering softly layered black cherry, plum and just a hint of meat. Tobacco, earth and dried currant ride out the finish.
Less effusive on the nose than the Mort's Block, this boasts notes of tangerine zest and lemon. This dry, medium-bodied Riesling hints at riper fruit flavors yet stays resolutely citrusy through the long, electric finish.
Concentrated full-force aromas of mixed black fruits come with notes of cheesy oak and animal hide. This is not your usual 15% abv bruiser even though it's full-bodied and burly. The key is racy acidity and a 14.2% alcohol level, which allows toasty, chocolaty berry flavors to show a mild herbal element as well as choppy freshness on the finish. Drink through 2022.
Grilled-toast notes swirl around the bouquet of this cassis-scented wine. Leafy elements add complexity without being green, while a lifted cherry element brings vibrancy to the mix. This firm, structured wine features a long, mouthwatering finish that bodes well for cellaring. Try it after 2020.
The producer ferrets out some of the best from the appellation, combining 75% of the grapes for this wine from Hudson Vineyards and the remainder from Hyde Vineyards. An inaugural release, it's a showcase of stemmy earth and rose petals set against an ethereal backdrop. Baked rhubarb adds further flavor, seasoned in clove.
Rich, rooty berry, cola, coffee and toasty black-fruit aromas get this Malbec blend off to a nice start. Flush and fruity on the palate, this offers black cherry, cassis, toast, black pepper and herbal flavors. A forward, hard-driving finish is lightly medicinal in flavor. Drink through 2022.
Underbrush, herb and woodland berry aromas take center stage in this fragrant red. The full-bodied palate deals morello cherry, cranberry and licorice, alongside firm, refined tannins. Drink through 2018–2023.
Whispers of fresh green herbs and lavender lend elegance and refreshment to intensely ripe yet pristine black cherry and plum flavors. The palate is succulent and juicy, marked by crisp, cutting acidity. Fine, velvety tannins cushion a long finish. Drinks well now but should hold beautifully till at least 2024.
This wine is a new addition to the lineup. It opens with aromas of herbs, dark chocolate, barrel spices and dark fruit followed by a fresh lively palate loaded with dark-fruit flavors, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins, with the finish lingering.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up a little over three-quarters of this blend, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot rounding it out. The aromas start out brooding, with notes of pencil lead, black currant, flowers and green herb. The palate is focused, dense and textured, bringing an exquisite sense of balance along with a lengthy finish. Best after 2020.
Aromas of hay, baked corn and honey suggest that this wine has lost or is fast losing its vitality. The palate is round and full, with honeyed, soft flavors of apple and grass. Finishes mushy, another indication that it's on its last legs.
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.
Medicinal, soupy and not fully clicking. The nose is fishy and the palate has a grating feel and flavors of dried fruits, cola and caramel. Finishes with a toffee-like sweetness and wayward buttery flavors.
A mild, softly fruity wine, with unusual grace notes of sandalwood and incense. The fruit suggests cinnamon-sprinkled pears, and the acidity has been cut and softened. A little bit of a plastic, Band-Aid flavor infuses the finish.
Starts out solid enough, with notes of white grapefruit, passion fruit and mineral. Then it turns decidedly vegetal, with heavy flavors of asparagus, canned green beans and bell pepper. By the time it finishes you're firmly in the green zone.
Pinot Gris is a fast-rising grape in Washington, but most plantings are young, and prone to being a bit over-cropped. Whatever the case, this is sharp and acidic and does not have the concentration of fruit it needs. Green apples and celery flavors lead into a short, sharp finish.
Light and dilute, this is a pleasant wine, soft with hints of pineapple and a fresh aftertaste. Screw cap.
Soft, open wine, layering apricot and pear juice with some acidity that is fresh, rather than apple crisp. The wine is a little dilute and need to be drunk.
A pear-flavored Pinot Gris from Yakima valley fruit. The fruit is limned with well-defined skin flavors, and the wine has a light tawny color. It starts off well, then stops short with a plastic, Band-Aid finish.
Herbal and lean, with hints of sweet charred oak and tart cherries that combine to yield a slightly confected impression on the palate. Drink now.
Blowsy and tropical, with aromatic flabbiness. The feel is acceptable and the flavors of papaya and dry white fruits bring some saucy, resiny qualities. Finishes with sappy, resiny oak notes and just enough Chardonnay character to not be disastrous.
Opens with a foxy, jumpy, jammy set of aromas. The palate is also jammy and amorphous, with candied berry flavors and a drab, tangy, almost peppery finish.
Citric smelling, with floral notes and dampness. The palate is more thin and grating than expected, with red fruit, citrus, cherry sucking candy and graham cracker flavors. Finishes a bit edgy and candied, and overall it's generic with little personality.
A bit sweaty smelling, with pinched grapefruit aromas and distant citrus. The flavors say generic apple and lime, and there's a flatness to it. It's a little sugary as well. OK for a wine with pronounced low acidity.
A racy wine, juicy, fresh and fruity. The lively red fruits are totally dominant. There is structure, but it is the delicious fruit that speaks.
The first mouthful reveals a wine that is just plain opulent and rich. Only on the second taste do dense tannins push their way in, a structure that is concentrated, dry and tight. The fruit flavors are also forward, strawberry juice touched with cranberry juice dryness. This could age well, give it 4–5 years.
Solid and concentrated, this wine initially is tight, showing minerality as well as rich fruit. The dark tannins then open to reveal sweetness, ripe strawberry jelly as well as soft acidity and licorice. A big wine that will evolve over the next several years.
Twenty percent of the fruit in this 2005 comes from Red Mountain grapes—though not yet from the newly planted estate vineyard. Rich, ripe, smooth and supple, this nicely styled blend is packed with good dark fruits and sweet berry jam flavors. It's supple and muscular, with well-modulated tannins, and layered flavors of earth, soy and black tea.
With smoky aromas, this starts out as an enticing wine. On the palate, the fruit is surprisingly soft for a Nuits-St-Georges, with the wine's evident structure showing an open character, edged with wood and red plum and currant flavors. The dry tannins give shape, but do not dominate this big wine.
The concept here is a southern Rhône blend—47% Syrah, 17% Grenache, 19% Cinsault and 17% Mourvèdre. With the extra dollop of Syrah, it's got more substance than the usual Châteauneuf wannabes. Spicy and sharp, this benefits from the fact that the grapes all came in at once and were co-fermented, so the blend married early and well. Despite its youth, this is seamless and focused; a complete and very successful wine with berry, cherry and sweet plum fruit flavors annotated with spice and bits of chocolate. Elegant, feminine and supple, this is a lovely bottle.
The wine is tight, sharp, aromatic, tart and juicy, with dry tannins that take over quickly. Though quite acidic for this vineyard, it displays classic Champoux fruit flavors of Bing cherry, blueberry and cassis. It's drinking beautifully, smooth and supple, finishing with a balanced mix of mocha and coconut.
Big, tannic and foursquare, this is archetypal Pommard. The dark plum and black fig flavors and the rich tannins all contribute to a wine that is solid, concentrated, dense and needs at least four years' aging.
A blend of three new Syrah clones that were fermented separately, then blended into a satisfying, though still young and somewhat jagged wine that will benefit from more bottle age. It comes out toasty and gamy, with undertones of cured meat, stiff tannins and moist earth. The classic Boushey vineyard flavors of herb, green tea and cured meats are here in abundance.
A complete and expressive wine, with vibrant berry/cherry fruit, supple textures and a gentle hand with the oak. The tannins have been well managed and mediated; the wine is tannic but smooth with no roughness or excessively green flavors. It captures just a hint of pepper and herb, and is streaked with coffee highlights through the finish.
Raspberries with hints of cranberry dominate this juicy but structured wine. This is a wine that shows a very elegant style, certainly not forceful, but deliciously direct.
A new wine from Norton named after the winery's Austrian owner, Gernot Langes, is a serious Bordeaux-style blend with creamy oak, vanilla, chocolate and espresso on the bouquet. It's deep, dark and full of cassis and berry flavors. All totaled, this is a prized offering that's textured and ripe. It has the right feel and the right stuff in general.
A little scattered and jumbled at first, but once things settle this Bordeaux blend is impressive. Scents of clove, blackberry and grape candy are sincere, while the palate houses blueberry, cassis and other black-fruit flavors. The feel is tannic and a bit choppy, but the ribald finish of bacon, leather, vanilla and resin is convincing. Drink now through 2011.
More new oak shows here; it's packed with butterscotch and toasted, caramel-coated, apple-flavored fruit. It's tighter, spicier and oakier than the Elerding Vineyard Chardonnay from Januik, though at the moment it seems less complex in the finish.
This has the sharp, spicy excellence of the best Washington Syrahs; it's got precision, depth and texture. The fruit flavors are compact, buttressed with earthy flavors that include iron and mineral and herb. There is a leafy edge to the tannins suggestive of tobacco. It's a complex and fascinating wine that should age well.
Young, tart and racy, Lemelson's Stermer single-vineyard selection shows a pleasing mix of red fruits, set in sharp acids that crisply define the core flavors. Clean and focused, with a tight but persistent finish that leaves the impression of fresh, bracing cranberries.
A new venture from Dirk Niepoort, who has chosen the crisp and fresh Loureiro grape as the base for this tantalizingly refreshing wine. It is dry, dancing lightly on the palate with a lively citrus and grapefruit character.
An impressively structured blend of Tannat and Cabernet Franc, this wine boasts a concentrated structure, with dense tannins to go with the flavors of black plum skin and black currant. Age for 3–4 years.
Darkly tannic, Tannat-dominated wine. The structure is formidable, its rich fruit layered with the dry spice, fruit cake flavor and a powerful texture. Think of this wine with a stew, but also age for a few years.
Starts off with promising aromas of struck flint, lime and passion fruit, then delivers flavors that are sweet and succulent. The ripe tropical fruit notes seem to lack the intense acids of some 2010 wines, making this a lush, easygoing wine to drink over the next few years.
It's a ripe wood-aged wine, showing a full body, dark plum flavors and generous tannins. It is maturing well, giving plenty of ripe fruits along with spice and a solid tannic aftertaste.
This elegant, Burgundian wine carries nuanced flavors of cranberry, crabapple, raspberry and beet root. Tart and acidic, with nicely-balanced tannins, it neither masks nor apologizes for its herbal aspect. Excellent length and structure overall.
This elegant and detailed Pinot Gris offers fresh floral accents around spicy, toasty, well-mixed fruit. Pear and orange fruit flavors carry just a slight hint of honey, and the concentrated finish extends into a long, clean fade-out.
A little reticent on the nose, but opens up generously in the mouth. It's off-dry (3% residual sugar), with a flavorful, round mix of citrus, tangerine and nectarine fruits. Full-bodied and lingering, it sails into a clean, tangy finish.
By its very name, this is the top wine from this estate in the Tarn region, which is close to Gaillac. It is powerful, with a medicinal and bitter chocolate edge. The fruit is firm, darkly tannic, rich and worth aging.
This smooth and creamy wood-aged wine brings a touch of spice to its rich and perfumed character. Ripe and rounded, this wine has apricot and sweet pear flavors.
Sharp, tart and focused, this bright and well-defined wine offers raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors with some bite on the back end. It shows good concentration and length, with the depth and polish to age nicely for a decade or more.
Veramonte's first high-end Ritual Sauvignon is a big success. The nose is mellow, refined and minerally as opposed to pungent and feline. The feel is fresh, clean as a razor, and easygoing, with lime, nectarine and passion fruit flavors. Long and lightly green on the classy finish.
An unmistakable buttery, butterscotchy aroma makes this wine stand out from the pack. The flavors are also very buttery, with ripe pear, honey and nutmeg thrown in, while the texture is soft and body full. A good find for those who like lushness.
The Dumont family's wine from multiple parcels is ripe, full of spice and rich yellow fruits. Peach and pineapple flavors are lifted by zesty lime that cuts through the richness. Drink from 2017. The family also rents the 16th-century Massey château.
Dobbes' top wines are the single vineyard cuvées such as this, an aromatic, dark and dense compilation of purple and black fruits. Accents of cola, coffee and tobacco are nicely knit together, and it's made for near-term enjoyment. Drink now through 2020.
High-toast aromas from the wood aging are followed on the palate by more layers of toast and spice. Behind this wood and tannin there is plenty of the ripe, soft fruit that is more typical of this appellation. The wine will fill out and give some generous fruit. Drink from 2019.
Attractive spice and green-fruit aromas lead to this fresh, ripe wine. Touches of wood give a spicy buttery taste that contrasts easily with the flavors. Fruity with a light mineral character, it is ready to drink.
This wine is soft and fruity, lifted by a shot of acidity. Fragrant yellow fruits and crisper lime are attractively in balance. Drink now.
A rich, ripe while still mineral wine, this is concentrated and dense with fruit. It has a good texture as well as a layer of toast that gives extra depth. The wine has spice and a stylish, crisp aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Cool aromas of cola, blackberry and earth come with cedary oak. In the mouth, this blend of three vineyards is abruptly tannic, actually choppy and hard. Plum and raspberry taste dry and toasty before a grating finish. Drink through 2023.
This young wine seems to be just coming out of bottle shock, and initially the flavors pull up short. It's showing strawberry and red plum with a bit of milk chocolate, sourced from Whistling Ridge, Durant and Bishop Creek vineyards. Just 10% saw new French oak. Give this elegant wine another year or so to smooth out, and drink 2017 through 2020.
The spicy, oaky aromas are obvious and fun, leading to fully ripe flavors like blackberry jam in this full-bodied, deeply colored and velvet-textured wine. It's big but smooth, and the oak influence is welcome, adding interest and complexity.
From a vineyard six miles off the coast, this wine is soft and smoky, a full-on rendering of berry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Malleable in body, it has a richness that persists on the palate.
A stainless-steel fermented wine, this shows shy elements of grass and herb before delving into fulsome, weighty waves of high-toned melon and peach. Relatively full-bodied in style, it's hearty and welcoming.
Red-berry, rose, crushed herb, and espresso aromas come together on this while the dense palate doles out black cherry, fleshy raspberry, grilled herb and a hint of clove. Tightly wound, assertive tannins leave a firm finish. Drink 2018–2023.
This is a GSM rosé, loaded with watermelon and strawberry fruit, and sporting a slightly dusty mouthfeel. The persistent finish and texture keep it interesting all the way through.
Earthy sassafras and cola mark the aroma and flavor profile of this wine, made from multiple vineyards along the appellation's River Road. Juicy in red cherry, it lingers in fleshy acidity and shows a heady ripeness that overflows on the palate.
High-toned red fruit stars in this wine, a nice showing of the sought-after vineyard site atop Moon Mountain. Soft, elegant and integrated in terms of tannin and oak, it retains the structure and acidity to age well and take on additional complexity. Drink now through 2020.
Aromas of black cherry, violet and anise prepare the palate for luscious flavors of cherry pie, blueberry, violet and fennel in this deeply colored semi-sweet wine. Notes of chocolate mingle with silky tannins. A sweet touch of cherry with bright orange zest makes its presence known on the finish.
This Swiss red blend is composed of four varieties and has aromas of black cherry, red pepper and bell pepper and aromas of black raspberry and elderberry. The tannins are velvety and well balanced.
This wine has structure, typical of this appellation, as well as dark black fruits and rich tannins. Acidity cuts through this ripeness, bringing in freshness. Spice and an attractive perfume come along at the end. Drink from 2019.
Tense and structured, this is a firm, concentrated wine from the top vineyard in the appellation. It has tight acidity as well as red-currant flavors. The structure is still firm and condensed, and the wine will need time. It has potential; drink from 2019.
Attractive spice and toast aromas add richness to this wine. They lie over the ripe white-stone-fruit flavors that are freshened by citrus. It is still too young to be fully integrated, so wait until 2017 to drink this wine.
Cherry and cassis aromas are dark and clean, with more than adequate ripeness. This Cab feels a bit edgy and abrasive, but not scratchy. Oaky, resiny flavors of berry fruits and plum finish spicy, with crisp acidity and tannins that poke and prod. Drink through 2021.
Crisp, minerally cherry aromas come with a complex note of desert herbs. This feels totally fresh and full, basically just right. Nicely oaked, ripe flavors of plum and berry fruits are chocolaty, dry and spicy on the finish.
The hints of menthol and cherry on the nose are appropriately restrained for the style. This medium-bodied wine is still tight and young, but should blossom after 2020, based on the length of its mouthwatering finish.
Moderately ripe berry and cassis aromas show an increasing level of wood grain as this breathes. A jammy palate is plump and medium deep, while flavors of earthy berry fruits and stewed plum taste smooth at the start but herbal and mossy on the finish.
Crafted in a New World way, this displays toasty, creamy oak and baked apple aromas. The palate is healthy and bold, while flavors of popcorn, white bread, butter, honeydew and banana maintain freshness and clarity across the finish.
A slightly reduced aroma unfurls from the glass, begging for more time to air before unfolding with structured layers of olive, sage and pomegranate. The acid-driven structure is noticeably lean and layered.
Lots of red flowers, from roses to hibiscus, show alongside plump candied red cherries, exotic Asian spice, black tea and hearty chaparral herbs on the nose of this bottling. The palate is heavy with bay leaf, thyme and eucalyptus served atop a strawberry-cherry base. It's earthy and herbal, yet redolent with ripeness.
Red plum, white sage, graphite and iron combine for a well-defined nose on this bottling from an iconic vineyard in the region. Winemaker Aaron Walker walks the line between depth and lightness on the palate, where light cranberry fruit pairs with smoked meat, oregano and marjoram seasonings.
Fresh earth and gloriously ripe stone fruit make for a convincing opening on the nose. The palate swings with this sonorous, earthy edge and frames rich, ripe and rounded pear and yellow plum fruit. Overall, there is zesty fresh citrus that gathers everything together and presents a concentrated wine with drive and personality. The finish is long, clean and convincing. Drink 2020–2040.
There is something of the summer meadow about this—the scent of yarrow combines with sun-ripened stone fruit. The lightness of touch is amazing: It tiptoes on the tongue but sprays with peppery freshness and lemon poise. What a lovely, balanced and light-footed joy. The long finish of yeasty spicy savor shows off the serious core of this wine.
Notions of ripe stone fruit are tempered by the herbal savor of arugula and watercress. There is something incredibly ripe at play, combined with something incredibly fresh. There also is a lightness of touch and a limpid intensity. The palate displays all of these things and adds a salty moreish element of yeast. What a wonderful, authentic expression of Grüner. Bravo!
The scent of lemon and orange flesh is contained by lovely zestiness on the nose. The palate is no different and holds ripe juicy stone fruit with exquisitely drawn tangy zestiness. This is concentrated and refreshing, energetic, serious and lively. Its lemony verve characterizes everything from the first whiff to the lasting finish. This is racy and delicious now but will drink well from 2019 through 2035.
The nose opens with a totally tangy note of lemon zest. The palate carries on in a similar vein of freshness but adds generous helpings of fleshy juicy orange, clementine, tangerine and mandarin to the streamlined body, which shines with countless citrus shades. This is fresh and concentrated, brisk and ripe at the same time and totally moreish. The finish provides ultimate refreshment. Drink 2017–2025.
So much is happening on the nose and palate of this bottling that it can hold one's attention for hours. Rich aromas of cola, cocoa, coffee, dred black cherry, oregano, black pepper, dried herbs and slow-roasted beef lead into a palate packed with peppercorn sauce, tangy dried berries and hints of ancho chile-chocolate. After wading through layers of herbs, the finish is minty.
The nose on this wine from the dynamic duo of Fresno State professor/winemaker Matt Brain and custom-crush manager/winemaker Josh Baker is well integrated, showing layers of dark berries, soy, dried violets, candied blueberry and a touch of caramel. It's soft and plush on the palate, with touches of milk chocolate, candied grapes and licorice.
Very slight reduction on the nose shows that these wines—despite their beguiling youthful aromas—are built to last. This has the generous ripeness of plump stone fruit and the edgy freshness of tart, fragrant citrus zest. The palate is precise, streamlined and clean; the finish tells of purity and lasting power. Enjoy now through 2035.
Produced from vines that are up to 80-years-old and now organic, this concentrated wood-aged wine is perfumed, rich and firmly structured. Dark tannins line the wine supporting the black plum and cherry fruits and acidity. Richard Rottiers, new on the scene in 2007, created a cru that is going to be a very fine wine. Drink from 2018.
A wonderfully intense nose speaks of yarrow and moss, mirabelle plums and lifted, invigorating freshness. The palate fizzes away with flavor and excitement. This is a very lively, concentrated wine that flirts with us right now but has its real treasure of fruit still buried in its deep core. This will blossom with bottle age: Right now, the zesty tangerine peel flavors merely hint at the pleasures to come. Drink 2020–2030.
Ruben “The Grape Whisperer” Solorzano may need a new cellar-oriented nickname if he keeps turning out such excellent bottlings. This offers lots of white and black pepper on the nose alongside thyme, rosemary, black plum, licorice, black olive, roast beef and Mediterannean spice. The palate packs thyme, peppercorn, dried sage, black and green olive, espresso and green coffee beans atop underripe blackberry and strong elderberry flavors.
This is still tightly closed: There are merely some notions of iron oxide on the nose, but otherwise this is brooding and mysterious. The palate, however, has something majestic and sumptuous about it—a warm heart of ripe and aromatic black and red cherry. This just needs to breathe and will unfurl like crimson velvet on your tongue. While this can be approached now as it is beginning to mellow, this will be even better in the years leading up to 2020. Very moreish.
This is still very tightly coiled: the nose says little and the palate holds on tight to its beautifully pure blueberry fruit. There is lip-smacking freshness and a very finely woven tannin structure but this impressive wine does need time to come into itself and relax its fruit. There is something profound and stony about this, something mysterious, brooding and wild. Cellar this and then rejoice. Drink 2020–2035.
Disgorged in October 2015, this sparkler opens with sublime green-apple tones, offering both tartness and stony minerality. A crisp, lemony mousse adds freshness and vibrancy to the complex hazelnut and brioche characteristics. This wine has long legs and memorable completeness.
Fragrant purple flower, ripe black-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas slowly emerge on this savory blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. Full bodied and succulent, the smooth structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, black currant, star anise and chopped mint alongside a backbone of firm polished tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
For those who want a little funk in their Syrah, this conjures up flavors reminiscent of wines from the Rocks District in Walla Walla. Credit the rocky soil of this Similkameen Valley vineyard, which delivers dense, well-knit flavors of red and purple fruits, smoke, tanned leather, tobacco and licorice. Concentrated flavors of raspberry purée hold down the core.
Dark in the glass, this wine by Carl Bowker offers fragrant vanilla, baked blueberry, a touch of pepper and coffee-cocoa foam on the rich and inviting nose. Hearty blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors are lifted by baking spice, bound to a tart, tannic, black-plum-skin-like structure.
Baked black cherry and black plum meet with lots of crushed gravel and light fennel on the nose of this bottling that is all about fruit and earth, rather than herb and spice. Tart red plum and sour raspberry show upon the palate's gravelly texture, but darker red fruit awaits in the midpalate along with char and a touch of soy.
This powerful rich wine is finely structured and concentrated. It has weight from solid tannins that contrast with the high tones of the ripe red-cherry fruits. From a single parcel, this cru wine is dense, both firm and fresh. Drink from late 2017.
Jean-Marc Lafont's 2.8 acres of sandstone soil in this area of Moulin-à-Vent has produced a ripe, solidly structured wine. Wood aged and with a rich, tight texture and firm tannins, it is a cru wine to age. It is a bold ripe wine, ready to drink from 2019.
This is a delicious and fruity wine from the smallest Beaujolais cru. There are tannins although they are lost in the generous cushion of ripe blackberry and black-cherry fruits. It is a smooth, rounded wine that is packed with fruit at the moment. Give it time and it will mature well. Drink from 2018.
From this old vineyard, producer Jean-Jacques Mélinand has selected the oldest vines to make this wine. The result is a solid, firmly structured wine that will take several years to fully develop. It is intensely textured, with layers of acidity and red fruits hinting at a crisper, fruity future. Drink the wine from 2018.
This is a concentrated structured cru wine from a single vineyard. It has dark tannins and a dense spice character from the wood aging. The fruit is still developing to give the wine its potential richness. Drink this firmly structured wine from 2018. This walled vineyard is wholly owned by producer Edouard Labruyère, making it a monopole.
Extremely dark in the glass, this bottling by a founder of the popular Garagiste Festival shows blueberry, black currant, dark chocolate, graphite and soft licorice on the nose. Deep and lavish but not overripe on the palate, flavors of anise, elderberry and black currant hang from a grippy structure bolstered by strong acidity. Drink 2018–2028.
The third reserve by this producer made of this variety, this is 100% estate and varietal. It unfurls in fireplace smoke, red and black berry, leather and tobacco, with an edginess of cedar and herb. The texture is soft and integrated around a full-bodied concentration of flavor.
Lightly perfumed, this is an attractive, creamy textured and fruity wine with subtle edginess. It has apricot and mango flavors, shot through with lime acidity and a delicate floral character. Drink now.
A wine of intense acidity, this Verdejo, usually native to Spain, is sourced from relatively cool Clarksburg and has a salty, herbal quality to it, more fennel and cedar than tropical fruit, and a light, woody finish.
Pear and apple aromas open this unoaked Chardonnay. In the mouth, there's not a lot going on except for acidity, and the flavors are mostly neutral save for some tropical fruit. A lively feeling finish closes out what amounts to a fresh but basic wine.
A fizzy, bubbly wine that is off-dry, very refreshing and fragrant. Soft flavors of apple, grape and even a touch of honey make this a wine that will slip down easy, especially as an apéritif.
This is a full-bodied and very ripe wine. It is dry, but has layers of sweet fruits, gentle tannins and suggestions of the wood aging. With spice, some herbal character and great fruitiness, it's ready to drink.
This is the first release for the Four Brothers designation. Tastes of brown sugar flavors filling in around a thin core of barely ripe fruit. The sweet impression returns in the finish, this time with a lick of maple syrup.
Powdery aromas of bath soap are more generic than varietal. The mouthfeel is a touch gritty, while flavors include sulfur, bitterness, pithy white fruits and citrus. An almond-skin bitterness and a chalky feel define the finish.
Cabernet Franc lends characteristic bramble and spice notes to flavors of preserved plum on this lush, fruity iced wine. It's lusciously sweet with a soft tangerine acidity.
While this smells a bit rough and herbal, it's more generous than the winery's varietal Tannat. This Merlot has some of the same scratchy qualities of the Tannat, but it shows more body and richness as well as riper black-fruit flavors.
This is a soft wine that has a cotton-candy sweetness. It's fruity with strong strawberry flavor and only a light touch of acidity.
A bright pink color from the Touriga Nacional in the wine, this shows a fruity, lightly tannic character. It has red fruit notes, soft acidity and a touch of sweetness at the end.
Brambly, herbaceous notes lend a dark, savory tone to preserved apple and peach flavors in this spätlese. Dusty minerals add some complexity to the mid-palate.
This is a bright, frothy, light Vinho Verde that is very crisp and soft. A perfumed wine that demands to be drunk as a fresh, it has ample acidity and just a touch of sweetness. Screwcap.
This rusty looking, aged Cabernet Sauvignon displays mature, cooked aromas of prune, raisin and not much else. The mouthfeel is dry and astringent, while flavors of burnt brown sugar, stewed berry and turned earth finish quick, without any backup.
Dusty mineral notes add an earthy tone to sweet honeydew and tangerine. Thick, rich and creamy on the palate, it's balanced by a burst of lemony acidity and zesty spice on the finish.
A light and soft wine, this is fruity, with gentle acidity. Apples and lemon juice flavors complement each other to give a bright and fresh aftertaste. Screwcap.
Cool fermented in stainless steel and whole cluster pressed, this lively take on Pinot Gris offers rich pear fruit flavors, succulent and fresh. It's a big, ripe, solid effort, with a lovely juicy quality that fills the mouth with a burst of just-picked flavor.
The rock soils of the Kollmütz vineyard give a very lean, mineral, almost austere character to this wine, in its early development. This is going to broaden out—there are already the green plum, intense flavors and a bright, crisp acidity. Screwcap.
Blends ripe tropical fruit—even including hints of mango and banana—with more pungent notes in a full-bodied, almost sweet-seeming Sauvignon Blanc. Flashy upfront, then fades a bit on the finish.
This is a heavy, rather clumsy wine, that seems to be too soft. The weight shows through the almonds and green plum fruits, while the acidity seems somewhat forced. To finish, the softness returns. Bottle age may help this wine to liven up.
The softness of the 1999 vintage is very apparent in this approachable wine. It is full, round, only just touched by minerality, white fruits and some almonds giving weight and character.
A smooth, creamy single-vineyard wine, with white fruits and delicious balancing acidity. There is some crispness as well as richness, and an edge of spice. Acidity dominates on the finish. Screwcap.
Full and rich, maybe missing some acidity, but replacing that with powered white nectarines. The pepper, though, causes the wine to fall short, giving it an edge. It needs time to develop properly—give it 2–3 years at least.
This is a creamy-textured Shiraz with mouthfilling flavors of brown sugar, blackberries, vanilla and a hint of peppery spice. It falls off a bit on the finish and doesn't seem to offer much in terms of ageability, but it tastes pretty darn good right now.
A round, corpulent style of Chardonnay, nutty and rich but balanced by crisp apple and citrus notes. A bit of Eden Valley Riesling provides the wine's freshness.
This wine is beginning to get some age to it, but remains fresh. There is some toast, even coffee, while the aftertaste is soft and slightly candied.
Starts off with herbal aromatics that come surprisingly close to vegetal, but seems to gather itself with some time in the glass, adding rich chocolate and cassis aromas and flavors to the mix. Dusty tannins and a balanced but tight feel suggest a few years in the cellar. Drink 2010–2020.
A soft, easy-drinking sparkling Shiraz, much like Schild's still versions. Toast, vanilla and blackberry aromas and flavors are creamy-textured in the mouth and surprisingly elegant on the finish.
This is the oldest of the Milbrandt vineyards, planted in 1997. Though a bit riper than the Evergreen vineyard bottling, this Chardonnay feels lighter, with less density. It's balanced and complete, and the flavors of green apple and Asian pear offer a fine rendition of well-ripened Washington fruit.
A perfumed wine, dominated by Merlot. It shows plenty of the structure of 2010, a firm and solid wine, full of oak aging flavors at this young stage. It's going to be a rich and full wine layered with blackberry fruits as it develops over the next 4–5 years.
Vineyards around Mont Sainte-Victoire have their own appellation, accorded because of the extra ripeness the wines often have. This ripe, full, strawberry flavored wine has a fine balance between its crisp acidity and the ripe, warm texture. It could age for a few more months.
Pure, alluring aromas of minerally black fruits, lavender, cola, fir tree and pepper combine to form a highly inviting bouquet. This doesn't fall off in the mouth, where it's more fresh and bouncy than heavy. Flavors of dark berry fruits, herbs and chocolate end in a rich, grabby, textured finish. Drink this lusty but elegant Syrah now through 2016.
100% Wallula Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, this first vintage from Den Hoed was held for almost a full nine years before its release. It shows its age with dried cherries and raisins accented by medicine cabinet notes. The palate is in full bloom with rich, rounded flavors and chalky tannins leading to a cranberry filled finish. For people interested in seeing what aged wine tastes like, they've done the work for you here.
Tightly-defined raspberry fruit, with sharp and vivid acidity against a backdrop of wet rock, characterizes this young Pinot Noir. The brightness and delicate definition suggests that there are unseen layers of flavor lurking beneath the youthful shell. Give this at least a half decade in the cellar.
Teso la Monja picked a good vintage to introduce this entry-level Toro. Romanico is big and candied on the nose, with floral berry aromas, milk chocolate and a touch of raisin. On the palate, spunky berry fruit flavors blend with juniper notes, while the finish delivers herbal leftovers, a pinch more juniper and commendable length and smoothness.
Distinctive aromas of beeswax and bee pollen continue with similar flavors, wrapped around tart yellow apple fruit. It's lovely, fragrant and ageworthy, in a high-acid Euro mold, but give it plenty of time to breathe. Decanting is a good idea.
Rich, tropical fruit flavors. It shows a light touch of wood aging to round and soften the intense and ripe fruits. With the complex fruits, the concentrated texture and the full-bodied character, this is a wine for aging over at least three years. Screwcap.
The “**” designation on this wine indicates the exceptional selection process used to pick intensely ripe, late-harvest grapes for this Auslese. Just a hint off dry, it's exceptionally full bodied with a rich, minerally palate accented by flecks of sweet stonefruit and honey. Brisk acidity offsets the voluptuous mouthfeel.
There is some alchemy at work here, for this unusual Dolcetto—all 24 cases of it—has the complexity of blended wines. Tart pomegranate fruit, streaks of stem and cement, mint and spice, all rise briefly and then fall away. It's a detailed wine, in the enigmatic style that marks this tiny winery as sui generis. Among the lineup of reds from 2010, it's best of show at the moment.
Whiffs of lanolin and white flowers add freshness to this lavishly honeyed, deliciously fruity Riesling. Its sweet stone-fruit flavors are balanced with a spray of fresh lime acidity, giving it a lingering but refreshing finish.
Wonderfully fragrant and pretty, this delicately-made Riesling mixes candied pineapple, honeyed lemon, and pekoe tea flavors to good effect. It's a perfect late spring porch pounder.
Full-bodied and richly fruity wine. It has good depth of flavor from the zest and red berry fruits. They give a nervy, almost-mineral poise to the wine. Warmth and ripeness come in at the end.
Bold aromas, thick layers of fruit flavor, and a supple but steely texture of fine tannins and acidity add up to a powerful and complex wine that should improve with age. Pure, dark-fruit flavors are accented by smoke and cardamom while the structure is mouthpuckering with astringency but softened by the richness of body and fruit. Best after 2019.
This extremely flavorful but young and tightly wound wine has black pepper, dark chocolate and smoke aromas, concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors, firm tannins and full body. This is a powerful, full-bodied, firmly structured wine that needs time to show its best side. It should drink beautifully after 2018.
Despite its pale, white color this Ausbruch emanates notes of dried Medjool dates and dark raisins. Currant and golden sultana also get their due. Brighter sweetness illuminates the poised palate that is lit up with fresh acidity. All the while the rich, sweet, sumptuous and dark caramel notes provide a sonorous background. Evidence to what giddy heights a Welschriesling (not related to Riesling) can rise. The finish comes with a satisfying fillip of apricots. This is unusual and should spur the curiosity of sweet wine lovers.
Made by Adelaida's winemaker Jeremy Weintraub, this bottling shows asphalt, concentrated violets and lilacs, black peppercorns and dried blueberry on the nose. Similar elements arise on the dynamically dark palate, along with black tobacco, boysenberry, leather and beef-char flavors. The structure is strong but not in the way.
This wine is quite an accomplishment in flavor and complexity given the vintage and the price. From high-altitude vineyards atop the Mayacamas, it delivers peppercorn, herb and fine, well-integrated tannins, with mellow oak. Graphite and cedar also figure into the mix, with a shock of black cherry and cassis weaved within. Drink now through 2019.
Berries, sandalwood and cigar-box aromas lead to lavish fruit flavors like blackberry and raspberry. The multi-layered texture is both firm and velvety at the same time. Well supported by integrated tannins, this wine will pair well now with big proteins and will age easily through 2019.
Made with 100% Glera grown inside a walled vineyard, this stunning wine boasts unusual depth and structure. It delivers aromas and flavors of ripe yellow apple, pear, lemon drop, chopped sage and a ginger note while the foaming, silky mousse lends it a creamy, elegant texture. A recent vertical tasting back to 2007 proves this wine can develop more complexity after several years in the cellar.
Named for the famous wine from France and similarly made by co-fermenting Syrah with Viognier, this cool-climate offering features a delightfully juicy backbone of red fruit and savory earth. Floral and spicy, it remains elegant on the palate and will take on additional nuance in the cellar. Drink now through 2020.
Musky hints of apricots mingle with honeyed botrytis notes. The palate reveals a luscious, mellifluous sweetness that is carried by a fine seam of pure, citric acidity. This Beerenauslese treads lighter than a TBA, making it suitable for the less rich, less sweet occasions. This is to be celebrated for its core of citric purity which makes all the apricot richness sing, echoing long after the last drop.
Most Champagnes from the 2000 vintage are now mature, and this wine is no exception. It is soft, rounded with crisp fruits that have integrated with the crumbled-cookie tastes and fragrant acidity. This floral wine has just the edge of mineral texture and is ready to drink.
Cola, beef jerky, roasted meats and dried purple berries hit initially the nose, follow by aromatic woods and black pepper. The flavors are distinctly interesting, with sandalwood, stewed plums, peppered chocolate, soy-braised beef and a tiny bit of reductive tar.
Black cherry juice, slate and sandalwood consume the nose with rich and ripe aromas on this powerful bottling from a vineyard south of Santa Maria. This shows lots of elegance and complexity on the palate, with turned earth, wild berries and an intriguing sense of pine needles and juniper. Expect great things from this relatively new producer.
A brilliant balance of ripe ruby-red grapefruit juice and corresponding bitter-sour elements from the same fruit's pith mesh with tangerine oil, crushed ant, iodine and a bit of dairy funk on the nose of this wine. The palate's grippy texture shows apple peels, Key lime pith, baking soda and an almost peppery zing, suggesting lots of life. Drink 2016–2023.
Both a study of clone and stainless-steel processing, this wine offers fresh-cut pineapple, ripe Gala apple, honeydew and even peach, with a citrus-skin sharpness to the nose. The flavors are delicate and familiar but complex and deep, with Anjou pears, lemon-lime soda and apple flesh. It's a lively stainless expression.
Rich, satisfying and full bodied, this wine is packed with delicious fruit and spice flavors while structured by good acidity and fine tannins that keep the texture lively. Layers of cherry, currant, cedar and cinnamon fill the flavor profile, and a long finish completes the package.
This polished and harmonious wine has a very deep color showing a ruby hint at the rim. It shows effusive dark cherry and rhubarb aromas, with a sleek texture backed by vibrant acidity. Sophisticated fruit flavors echo red cherry and cranberry, combining a nice tartness with ripeness. Balanced to the lean side and very well structured, it will be best after 2017.
From a fine vintage, this is a rich, generous and impressive wine. It has structure, spice and a creamy texture from the 14 months in wood. Great acidity gives just the right amount of freshness to the black currant and black-cherry fruits. It's well worth aging and drinking from 2017.
From a vineyard planted in 1981 in the hills above what became Silicon Valley, this shows soy sauce, sesame, black olive, dill, beef jerky and the darkest of black fruits on the nose. The palate continues the Asian flavor theme, with teriyaki, Chinese five spice and hoisin sauce as well as blueberry paste, dusty leather and crushed rocks, framed by strong structure and bright acidity. Drink 2017–2027.
Dark violets, sagebrush, olallieberry and a touch of smoked plums greet the nose on this bottling by Jeremy Weintraub, winemaker for Adelaida and formerly Seavey, who is focusing this project on renowned vineyards. The palate is high and tight at first with sanguine and iodine elements, opening toward black pepper, licorice, black and red currants and broader cherry flavors.
An unusually deep color goes right to the rim, as aromas like pomegranate and coffee emerge, and flavors like mocha, dark chocolate and blueberries follow on the palate. This young winery has a winning house style that comes through beautifully in this layered, rounded and polished wine. Best after 2018.
Only produced in the best years, such as 2002, this is a 60-40 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards. This intense wine is well-balanced and packed with fruit tones, yet seems to be just approaching maturity. It is full, generous and tightly textured. Drink now and until 2025.
A tiny-production wine made to honor the legacy of Jimmy Valvano, this Cab is huge, leathery and possibly not for everyone. For those who do like a complexity of funk, this one delivers, with a massive mouthfeel of minerality, finished in black licorice and chocolate.
Guava-glazed beef ribs, smoky teriyaki, black peppercorns and black cherry fruit swirl into a luxurious nose on this lush wine by Michael Mooney. Very silky in texture, the palate shows pencil lead, concentrated elderberry, black pepper and light, varietally correct flashes of bell pepper, dried oregano and thyme.
Estate grown from the northernmost section of the winery, which is warmer and steeper, this is a big, puckering, dry wine with specks of compelling minerality and a stony, gravel-like underbelly. There's almost a chalky quality to it, accented by crisp black plum and cherry. This brawler needs time; cellar through 2022.
An intense bouquet with resiny oak, coconut, fig, prune and blackberry aromas is staunch and heady. This is yet another lush, deep, high-alcohol wine from the Gil family. Baked black-fruit flavors register at max ripeness, while flavors of coffee, chocolate and toast push the finish on this flamboyant Monastrell blend. Drink through 2020.
Only a portion of this postage-stamp property (8 acres) is planted to Pinot Noir, so quantities of this gem are tiny. That said, it epitomizes Mornington's charm, offering floral scents, generous fruit and a supple, silky texture. Dried flowers, black cherries and hints of vanilla mingle easily, lingering through a long, fruit-driven finish. Drink now–2023.
Named after the last private owner of what is now a charitable foundation, this ripe, full Chardonnay has enormous flavors. Wood, sweet caramel and vanilla aromas are balanced on the palate with tropical fruits, peaches, apples and creamy acidity to give it a touch of freshness.
Not your grandmother's Soave, this is fully loaded, from its charming, fresh aromas of peaches and orange blossoms to its plump, fleshy flavors of stone fruits. And it's all backed by bracing acidity that keeps the ripe flavors lively right through the long, minerally finish. Editors' Choice.
Botrytised Gewürztraminer produces a rich, intense, luscious wine with layers of complex spice. A touch of Sauvignon Blanc introduces some clean, crisp freshness to give the wine a fine sense of balance.
Berry aromas are followed by a round, wholesomeness that can't be criticized. The palate is unlike many a Carmenère because it eschews the herbal, green element that's inherent to the grape, and instead offers plum, blackberry and all the richness one can conjure. A round, finish of light oak and vanilla seals it all in fine fashion. Surely the most jammy, expressive and pure Carmenère that Chile has to offer.
At first the nose is like caramelized popcorn, a forward combination of oak and toast. The flavors are of apple, pear and citrus, and that well-blended package is carried by excellent acidity, the type you could call “bracing.” The finish goes on for quite some time, proof that this is a ripe, healthy wine that's hitting its stride.
A wonderful, concentrated, lightly spicy wine from the Schiopetto family, with rich flavors of honey and almonds. It has power, but also elegance.
From a single vineyard's old vines, here is a full, very rich wine, packed with flavors of almonds and ripe nuts. Layers of wood give it a toasty character, but never one that dominates the quality fruit.
Imagine aromas of the ripest pink grapefruit combined with beautiful floral notes. Then tropical fruit flavors chime in on the palate, which is satisfyingly full, yet not heavy. This is an intense and individualistic wine possibly best served as an apéritif. Editors' Choice.
This tremendous wine is 100% Pinot Grigio, of which 50% was aged in new wood. It is rich and full-bodied, with complex layers of vanilla. It comes from low-yielding, old vines. Only 8,000 bottles were produced.
Boasts a huge nose of blackberries and vanilla, with hints of blueberries and tobacco. The flavors capture the essence of Port in their untamed, effusive berry flavors, but in a balanced, dry wine. Firm tannins suggest cellaring 3–5 years.
Roberto Anselmi has quit the Soave DOC, but continues to make some of the best wines in the area. This is full of ripe and light acidity, aromas of spring flowers and fresh garden scents and a finish of aniseed and almonds.
The top cuvée of Sauvignon Blanc from the Borgo Conventi estate, now owned by Ruffino but still run by the Vescovo family. This is a huge, rich, forward style of Sauvignon, very ripe and tropical. Yet it has a layer of crisp, grassy fruit that gives it balance and poise.
A rich, spicy wine, full of intense fruit, produced by Mario Pojer and Fiorentino Sandri. They conjure ripeness and balance from the Traminer, giving it power but also food-friendly subtlety.
A delicious, ripe Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel, and keeping all the freshness of the fruit. White currant flavors, flowers and subtle aromas give this wine elegance and great drinking pleasure.
Full of the concentration lacking in so many Soaves, this single-vineyard wine is intense, with ripe toast and nut flavors. The fruit has a touch of honeyed botrytis, balanced with a light layer of acidity.
This structured, old-vine Cabernet is always a leader among the Chilean pack, and the current version is typical in that it's built like a house, with cool, concentrated aromas of blackberry, cassis, earth and black olive. Cola notes on the palate frame cherry and cassis flavors, while the finish is firm yet rewardingly luscious, with ample depth. Very solid and tasty, and packed deep with power. Can be drunk immediately.
Shows a rich blend of citrus and stone fruits on the nose and on the palate, easily combining grapefruit, passion fruit and nectarines into a cohesive package. Finishes long, with tangy, lip-smacking acids that beg you to give this wine some time in the cellar. It's tasty now, but should be better in 2005.
All estate grown and stainless steel fermented, this is a pale pink rosé that's packed with flavor. Watermelon and strawberry fruit flavors stand out, with plenty of citrus tang in the aftertaste.
Aromas of ripe dark berry, oak, coconut and a whiff of roasted coffee bean lead the nose. The bracing palate offers stewed plum, dried black cherry, toasted hazelnut and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that leave a rather grippy finish.
From grapes close to Volnay, this is a ripe, strawberry jam and red-plum-flavored wine. It has soft tannins, juicy acidity and an attractive, perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
From organically grown grapes from the H4 Vineyard. It was fermented in both stainless steel and mature French oak. Well balanced and smooth in texture, with an underlying richness, it brightens in melon and peach.
Straightforward and accessible, this opens with aromas of dark-skinned fruit, menthol and baking spice. The full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, nutmeg and a hint of clove alongside chunky tannins that grip the finish.
Tempting aromas like vanilla and coconut lead to ripe, opulent plum and blackberry flavors and a sensation of sweetness in this full-bodied but smooth and gentle wine.
Nicely balanced for dinner time, this dry wine is not too fat and not too lean, but just right. It has raspberry aromas, fresh berry flavors and a touch of fine tannin to add grip to the texture.
This bio wine comes from just over one acre of vines in the appellation's best iron-red terroir. It is ripe and creamy, full of smooth apple-purée fruitiness. A good squeeze of lemon juice gives the wine its crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
Scents of mocha, ripe black raspberry, forest floor and a balsamic note waft out of the glass. The solid, straightforward palate shows juicy Morello cherry, licorice and a hint of coffee alongside robust tannins.
With six months of oak aging, this wine has been smoothed, allowing the tannins to broaden out. Along with the blackberry-jelly flavor, the wine is rich while also structured. It needs a little time, so drink from 2017.
Iris, rose, leather and dark berry aromas lift out of the glass while the dense, straightforward palate offers licorice, dried black cherry, herb and a hint of espresso. Robust but polished tannins provide the framework.
This wine is spicy, fruity and immediately attractiv with ripe yellow fruits as well as acidity and zesty lime. Balanced and refreshing, this lively wine is ready to drink.
This wine, from selections of Touriga Nacional, is dense and firm. It has a dark structure that is only slowly developing to bring out the rich black-currant fruits. It is a ripe wine with a strong, mineral texture to balance the final acidity. Drink from 2018.
Made to please, the fruit for this wine comes from Watmaugh Ranch, farmed by the Sebastiani family. Aged eight months in a majority of French oak, it shows flavors of apple skin, butter and olive amid a richness that's balanced by zesty acidity.
There's weightiness to this big, bold, flavorful wine that exhibits concentrated berry and cherry cola that persist in a full-bodied way. Accents of minty earth and floral aromatics provide a hint of herb and lightness.
Grapy aromas of black plum and blackberry are balsamic and a bit herbal. This blend of mostly Malbec and Syrah is medium in body and somewhat juicy. Blackberry, plum and peppery flavors finish chocolaty and lightly herbal.
Peach and pear fruit come together in this simple, fruity, but satisfying Chardonnay from Western Australia. It's moderately rich and full in body, but nicely silky in texture.
Tempranillo-dominant, there's also Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Syrah in the mix. Strawberry and red cherry pervade on the nose and palate, with sweet baking spice and pepper adding depth. Medium in weight, there's a decent tannic grip to offer support on the midpalate, transitioning to a soft, sandy exit.
This Bulgarian red blend is composed of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 20% Merlot. It has aromas of black cherry and eucalyptus and flavors of black pepper and black cherry.
This Syrah from Bulgaria's Thracian Valley is garnet in the glass with aromas of cherry cola and black cherry. It has flavors of black raspberry, red plum and cherry with a grippy tannic finish.
From three plots holding 75-year-old vines, this wine offers yellow fruits, apples and crisp pears. Plenty of fresh acidity gives it a crisp character, while the ripe fruit makes it refreshing and very ready to drink.
A ripe, creamy wine with fine fruit and soft acidity, this is delicious wine to drink now. It has apple and ripe pear fruits along with bright acidity to keep it all fresh. The aftertaste is smooth with just a light tang.
Aromas of red berry, exotic spice and blue flower lift out of the glass. The firm, grippy palate shows espresso, clove and dried cherry alongside assertive tannins that leave a bracing finish.
Fermented in 1200-liter French oak casks, this seems a bit stark, with tangy raspberry fruit and a suggestion of wet stone minerality. It's tightly wound, crisply defined, immaculately fresh and good to go now through 2020.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Blanc, this was barrel fermented in 20% new oak, and aged sur lie for a full year. The deep green/gold hue, and the scents of toasted, oiled nuts, tip you off to the fact that this may already drinking at its prime. It's soft, oaky and slightly liquorous.
This straightforward red opens with aromas suggesting stewed plum, prune and a hint of nutmeg. The jammy, extremely approachable palate offers black cherry, clove and cinnamon alongside rounded tannins. Drink through 2018.
This opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, truffle, leather, scorched earth and a whiff of baked plum. The dense, rather evolved palate shows dried black cherry, clove, star anise and the warmth of alcohol while bracing tannins grip the finish. Drink through 2019.
Pale and refreshing, this is lightly scented by orange blossoms and strawberries, with similar flavors following. It's a splendid sipping wine, with plenty of acid to buoy up the light fruit.
White flower and freshly cut pear aromas are followed by just off-dry peach and pear flavors balanced by juicy acidity. It shows a lovely sense of balance.
This is 100% Merlot, and all Red Mountain fruit. Ripe plums and cherries are accented with hints of dried leaves, tobacco, and sweet herb. Baking spices reflect its 20 months in oak, and the wine has a soft finish that is ideal for immediate enjoyment.
A great value, this Merlot-dominant blend, with splashes of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc exudes ripe aromas and flavors of rich dark fruit and berries jazzed up with layers of cigar tobacco, leather, savory herbs and tree bark. Concentrated and mouthfilling, with a velvety texture, it's a well-balanced wine with fine, but persistent tannins and a lengthy finish.
Good berry aromas form a nice opening, and there are solid spice and herbal notes to boot. Feels juicy, well-cut and tighter than in years past, with blackberry, tea, spice and cured meat flavors. Oaky on the back side, but complex and showing potential. Hold through 2013, then drink.
Packed tight with power and minty, earthy berry aromas that come with a dry dustiness. Feels ripe and proper, with a slight tannic grab and full but fresh flavors of wild berry, cassis, cocoa and oak. On the finish, chocolate and dry spice flavors take over, yielding a pleasant, complete whole. Drink now through 2015.
An intense wine, its spice finely integrated with a more fruity character. It has the classic Gewürztraminer lychee flavor but this is balanced with acidity, ripe baked apple and mineral structure.
A raisiny and ultraripe Bordeaux-style blend, two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon. It has apparently been given a lot of time in heavily-toasted barrels, and the layers of smoke, espresso, cinnamon and tobacco dominate. A wine for those who like the blockbuster, oaky style.
Excellent modern Rioja at a fair price. Smells solid, with crusty minerality and toasty oak to go with black fruit aromas. Feels flush and voluminous, with jammy blackberry, baked fig and coffee flavors. Toasty, meaty and dark on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
A standout in a flight of more expensive wines, this five-grape blend leans heavily on the Bordeaux varietals, with a bit of Syrah as well. Firm and complex, its black cherry, cassis and plum fruit flavors are nicely accented by baking spices and red licorice. The balance is perfect; the finish carries a suggestion of dried leaf.
Much improved from past efforts, this firm and fruity Tempranillo has a lush core of boysenberry and black cherry fruit. It's finished with screwcap, and may require decanting to push it open, but it will reward your patience with a deep and focused wine that has some cellar potential.
Full, lusty and slightly floral smelling, with notes of leather, crusty berry and hoisin sauce. Feels thick, with body and weight along with flavors of berry, cookie dough and floral hints. Long, meaty and slightly herbal on the finish, with just enough complexity to nudge it ahead. Drink now through 2015.
The purity of fruit is the most striking aspect of this wine. While it is relatively light in texture, it revels in its fresh red-fruited character that gives an impressive intensity. With balanced touches of tannin and acidity, the wine should age well.
Whiffs of smoke, spice and nut oil add an alluring maturity to this Riesling. The palate is gorgeously fruity, with loads of concentrated sweet peach, dried apricot and honey flavors, but it's honed and steely, with a long laser-beam finish.
Greenstone's 2007 Shiraz is a medium-bodied, open-knit representation of Heathcote Shiraz. The alcohol level is moderate, just sufficient to give weight to the wine's pleasant mélange of fruity and savory elements, which range from vanilla and caramel to ripe berries and fine-grained leather. Probably best now and over the next few years.
Concentrated and intense, this wine features a potent whack of oak on the nose, with dark fruit and mocha overtones. There are enough hints of bright, raspberry-tinged fruit to warrant optimism about its aging trajectory, but at the moment it is dark, heavy and slightly scorched. Try after 2017.
This is a rare, expressive Riesling that hints at violets and red berries. Intensely fruity, it's brisk, with tangy grapefruit-like acidity and a delicious, bitter green-almond finish.
This delicate cool-climate Pinot Noir is fresh and dainty, with a red cherry flavor and plumes of rose petal and green flower perfume. Sour plum acidity and fine-grained but penetrating tannins add brace and backbone.
Delicately structured, this is nevertheless penetrating and sweet-tasting, with honey, marmalade and orange-cream flavors. There's ripeness here, but bristling acidity and dark shades of slate, honeycomb and bitter citrus rind add balance and depth.
Just hinting at maturity, this rich and stylish wine features finely balanced tannins, a juicy blackberry flavor and fruity ripeness. Using fruit sourced from the small appellation of Canon-Fronsac, on the hill close to Saint-Émilion, this wine is ready to drink and is full of flavor, with concentration on the finish.
Powerful and structured, this offers both the weight and the potential for rich fruit. Dominated at this stage by tannins and wood-influenced flavors, the black plum note is likely to come through in the next year. The acidity is crisp, and a bitter cherry character flavors the finish.
This is a perfumed wine with fine acidity. The tannins are soft, accompanied by black cherry and ripe berry notes, making this a sweet, rich style. The Quinta Senhora de Ribeira is on the north bank of the Douro, facing Quinta do Vesúvio on the south bank.
Layers of stone, ash, steel and lanolin are showstopping on this intensely minerally Rheingau Riesling. Dry and full-bodied in style, this has delicate stonefruit and yellow-cherry flavors that play an understated role, but linger sweetly on the finish.
Bottling a TBA in this format makes great sense--it allows the tiny productions to be spread around and made more affordable. This is rich, sweet and superintense, with flavors of boiled down marmalade and honey that finish long, long, long. In this size bottle, opt for drinking it young versus extended cellaring.
What a beauty! Masculine aromas of black fruits, cola and oak sit there begging to be sipped, while the lush, deep palate is home to dense blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. Lively but dense, with tannins, plenty of oak and a finish of black pepper, fudge and vanilla. Complex and exciting Spanish wine. Needs time; best from 2012 through 2018.
While there is certainly plenty of wood here, the wine has weight and impressive concentration for the year. The tannins are still brooding away, giving a dark firm character to the wine. Blackberry fruits and acidity are there, but still well buried in the tannins.
With its perfumed aromas, this is a wine that has richness and sweetness, with soft velvet power. It has an intense wood element that needs to blend into the rest of the wine, but the sweet black currant and freshness provide a good balance. This is a seductive wine, with a fine solid character.
A big and powerful wine, with tannins that are compact and dense. The dryness of the tannins go right to the core, surrounded by chocolate, sweet fruit and dark berry flavors. The wine is well structured, big and bold, with plenty of firmness promising aging.
The wood element is important here, but it is based on a firm Cabernet Sauvignon structure, dry but rich tannins. The wine is a great success for the vintage, giving sweetness, ripe fruit that only shows light extraction, and dark plum and berry flavors. The feeling is of polished fruit and wood, rounded but always dense.
For the year, this is a big wine, a success. New wood flavors and tannins blend well with the weight of fruit, depth of flavor and concentration. The wine has freshness to give with the structure, solid and intense. Certainly for aging—five years and more.
A relative bargain in the stratospheric world of icewine, Loosen's 2007 boasts amazingly pure fruit essences resembling candied pineapple, peach, fruit cocktail and even some red-berry notes. It's plump in the mouth but not oversized, with a long, mouthwatering finish.
A rich, bacony, black fruit monster with deep, molten flavors and immense body and tannic grab. A bruising wine with boysenberry, blackberry, mint, licorice and chocolate for primary flavors, and then lemony oak as a backdrop. Young, tannic and wild now; best from 2011 through 2015.
Though not yet certified, this estate vineyard is biodynamically farmed. This is the first release from these grapes. A Rhône blend (61% Syrah, 34% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre), it's aromatically captivating, with a fascinating mix of violets and stones. The wine itself seems carved out of rock, its flavors in bas-relief. Intense raspberry and cassis, white pepper, fine length and crystalline acidity.
With its head-turning aromas of honey, truffles and ripe peaches, this is a knockout offfering from Tardieu Laurent. In the mouth, it's broad yet focused, with layers of rich, nuanced flavors that coat the palate before ending in a long, mineral-inflected finish. Drink now-2020, and possibly beyond that.
This is a great success for the year, a wine that is dense, characterized by balance between sweet fruit and solid tannins. Spice from the finely judged wood aging adds extra complexity, as do the plum and berry fruits. For aging.
A spicy, floral nose leads into flavors of peach and apple in this assertive Sauvignon Blanc. Dry, medium-bodied and full of fruit, the wine is a nice solo sip or can be paired with anything from grilled seafood to Asian cuisine.
This already mature wine starts off with aromas of herbs and beet greens, then quickly turns leathery with exposure to air. Flavors of leather, dried fruit and decay are a bit lean and astringent. Although the fruit seems to be departing rather precipitously, there's sufficient complexity to merit interest.
In an attempt to ramp things up, Rutini has a wine that's loaded with candied black fruit, tire rubber and a distinct green streak. The palate is all blueberry and sweetness, but it's short, green and terribly basic. And the feel and finish are narrow and scratchy, respectively. Not one of Rutini's better efforts.
Earthy and showing clay, milk chocolate, baked cherry and mocha aromas and flavors, and while the wine feels fairly smooth it doesn't do much but lay there on the palate. Kind of heavy, amorphous and seemingly fading, and overall it's a junior version of Salentein's dying Primum Pinot from 2004.
Tropical on the nose, with floral, lychee aromas that seem more like Torrontés than typical Sauvignon Blanc. In the mouth, the feel is basic, with sweet flavors of lychee, mango and melon. Vacuous on the finish, but overall it's not going to turn anyone off.
The nose is full of dust, cotton candy, peach pit and banana, while the palate is sugary and tastes like honeydew melon and pear. Fleshy and bland on the finish.
Aromas of buttercup and sweet pear are acceptable but cheesy, while the palate is wet, vapid and shows nothing but anonymous white-fruit flavors. The finish is dry, hollow and mildly buttery.
Gaseous and scrambled at first, with leathery aromas that mask the fruit component. Better later on, although it remains sulfuric and leathery, with confused cherry and raspberry flavors. Not much grace or precision, but not an overtly poor wine either.
Baked berry and raisin aromas raise questions about the wine's overall balance, while the plate is sharp and acidic yet tastes of raisin, prune and dried apricots. Rather grabby on the finish. Think slam dancing when approaching this Tempranillo-Garnacha blend.
This yellowish SB from Argentina's northern Salta region is a strange bird that has never caught our fancy. This vintage shows melon, peach, lychee and wax aromas, while the palate is both sweet and tart, with a fresh-for-now feel that doesn't inspire confidence that it will last for long. Flat on the finish, and unsusual overall.
Fresh like a peach on the nose, with a bit of warm radiator dust. Flavors of lemon and green apple are narrow, and the mouthfeel is limited and indicates that the lifespan of the wine may be short. Citric on the finish, and overall there's just not a lot going on here.
Deep purple in color, and soupy on the nose, with a strong hint of lemon. The palate is almost astringent due to elevated acidity, thus the balance of this Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon-Bonarda blend is sketchy. Tastes more like grape juice than fine wine, with a hollow, tangy finish.
Light in body for a Shiraz, with savory elements of meat and pepper complemented by touches of plum and berry fruit. Drink up.
This rustic red starts with a nose of red berry, vanilla, pepper and mocha, followed by a full body of spicy dark chocolate, forest fruits and pepper. Pair with grilled meats.
A bit foxy and stemmy on the nose, with hints of orange that make things seem nervy and stretched. The palate is clumsy and a little tart in flavor, with herbs and zest leading to a wavy but unique finish. Walks to the beat of its own drummer; uncommon for Malbec.
A very soft, open style of wine. It has ripe white pear and spice flavors, but everything is muted. It is clean, fresh, with some lemon flavors just creeping in finally.
Salinic, eggy and simply not that fresh. Maybe it's the wine or maybe it's past its prime, but for Albariño it's not showing much. The palate is soft and flat, with fleshy flavors of muddled apple. And the wine just splats against your palate without delivering any grace or cut.
This blend of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne has a sweaty note and does not show the fruit ripeness that one would hope for. It's rather generic, lightly lemony, and just a little off-putting with that stale, sweaty character lingering into the finish.
This wine carries a new label, very spare; the drawing of house and vineyard is gone; it's all white with simple type. The wine is simple, soapy, light and showing just a watery impression of citrus, banana and tropical fruits.
This white blend offers floral aromas and a medium-bodied array of honey, spice and citrus. Big enough to pair with richer seafood dishes.
Crafted in a New World way, this displays toasty, creamy oak and baked apple aromas. The palate is healthy and bold, while flavors of popcorn, white bread, butter, honeydew and banana maintain freshness and clarity across the finish.
A slightly reduced aroma unfurls from the glass, begging for more time to air before unfolding with structured layers of olive, sage and pomegranate. The acid-driven structure is noticeably lean and layered.
Though bearing the Willamette Valley label, this is principally Pommard clone fruit from Northridge vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It's a barrel selection, tough and chewy at this point. The muscular structure pushes pomegranate and black cherry fruit to the center. Ripe tannins provide an undercoating of chewy earth. It's big-boned and generous.
For Roussanne, this is surprisingly neutral on the nose. It's marginally more expressive on the palate, where it offers hints of paraffin and toasted marshmallow. Still, it's plump and mouthfilling, with an attractive hint of ginger on the long finish.
Blueberry, currant and smoky oak mark this wine, which provides additional highlights of black pepper and cedar. Generous in tannin and structure, this is the first vintage of this Karen Cakebread-made wine. It combines fruit from four vineyards across the valley, from Coombsville to Calistoga, including Shafer in Stags Leap. Drink now through 2022.
This light copper-colored, bright-tasting and dry wine made from Tannat grapes smells like watermelon and peaches, tastes fresh and lively and has a tangy texture. It was made in a serious style that will taste great with grilled seafood, gazpacho or tuna tartare.
Dark ruby to the eye, this wine features aromas of black cherry and black pepper with a touch of iodine. There is a nice interplay between velvety tannins and strong acidity, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and a final splash of cranberry.
Based in Nuits Saint-Georges, Aegerter has its own domaine around the town. This wine, with its new wood and spice flavors, is balanced with red-berry fruits and soft tannins. It will develop well and should be ready to drink from 2019.
Here's a fine expression of this grape, which has become the signature white wine for the Willamette Valley. This marries New World ripeness to Euro styling. Plump apple and pear fruit carries highlights of bee pollen and honey, with excellent grip and length.
This blend of the two classic grapes of Vinho Verde, Loureiro and Alvarinho, is packed with fruit. Apples, lemons and a touch of ripe pear just fill the palate. It is a dry wine, refreshing and crisp with a mineral aftertaste.
Underbrush, toasted hazelnut, licorice and wild berry aromas lead the nose. The straightforward palate shows raw red cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside firm but refined tannins.
Perfumed in dried herb and cigar, this is a supple, round, high-toned wine, made from largely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller additions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Dolcetto. Red cherry dominates, almost like a kirsch, while the restrained oak makes it easy to enjoy now.
Five different grape varieties go into this blend, including a surprising 8% Pinot Noir. There's a touch of grilled tomato upfront, followed by more traditional flavors of cassis, vanilla and chocolate. This medium- to full-bodied wine is open knit and ready to drink now.
Aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle entice your nose and flavors of lemon lime and apple cider excite your palate. This dry Hungarian Furmint has both a strong minerality and a crisp finish.
From a small sub-region of Lisboa, this stylish, structured wine is firm and tannic. It has plenty of ripe berry fruit to balance the tannins as well as acidity that cuts through the richness of the wine. It is ready to drink.
Underbrush, grilled porcini, roasted herb and menthol emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied, structured palate is initially closed but eventually reveals dark berry, white pepper, sage and orange zest alongside clenched tannins. It closes on a licorice note.
Full and round, this wine is fruity while smooth and rich. A layer of crisp acidity is surrounded by the generous white and yellow fruits, accented by a touch of toast and spice. Drink this wine from 2018.
Ripe and juicy, this dense wine offers red-fruit flavors shot through with acidity. The old vines give depth to the rich wine that finishes with layers of bright fruit. Drink from 2018.
This garnet-colored Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black cherry and wet river rock. In the mouth, there are flavors of black plum, black cherry and a touch of graphite before the smooth tannic finish.
This lower-priced Pinot from the Center of Effort team punches way above its weight in this vintage, showing light cherry-blossom and black-cherry aromas mixed with gamy meat and wet slate. Blackberry pie is cut with orange rind on the sip, with an earthy grip showing flavors of juniper, crushed clove and pipe tobacco.
The latest vintage of this white Pinot Noir is a pretty straw color, lacking the rich rose hue of the 2013, but the flavors remain robust and compelling. You'll find plenty of mixed tree fruits, along with suggestions of grass, herb, cracker and toast, with a youthfully yeasty aftertaste.
Full bodied, full flavored and satisfyingly tannic, this bold wine smells like dark plums, tastes like black cherries and blueberries ,and feels smooth but gripping in texture. It will drink best after 2017.
This is the best example of this wine I can remember, as it manages to toe the fine line between being boldly aromatic and going over the top. Nettles and grapefruit, hints of white currants and passion fruit, it has something to offer any Sauvignon Blanc lover, finishing long and fresh.
This bottling gets the thumbs up for intrigue, as Neil Collins manages to take a notoriously acidic grape and tame it with enough warmth and ripeness to make it appealing all alone. Pan-seared apples, caramel crisp, Meyer lemon rind and a touch of chamomile show on the nose, leading into a palate loaded with stonefruit, green mango, Gala apples and a touch of sweet onion flavor.
Vines situated in the heart of the village give this wine its ripe, generous berry flavor. The tannins, while firm, are integrated into the bold fruitiness. This round while structured wine has good acidity to balance the richness. Drink from 2019.
This wine is structured and firm, with some bitterness. Acidity and red-currant fruits bring out the freshness of the year while still needing time to develop. The wine is concentrated and tight at the end. It will take time to be ready, so don't drink before 2022.
Extra time in bottle seems to have served this vineyard-designate well, allowing it to meld truffle, black pepper and leather with juicy black fruit. Aged in American oak, it offers a touch of violet on the nose and a lingering depth  of flavor on the finish.
A white Bordeaux-style blend, crisp and edgy, with green fruit flavors sporting a citrusy kick. Young, tight and tart, it shows its alcohol on the angular finish.
Vanilla and cookie dough flavors dominate. The fruit is light and simple cherry candy; the tannins are equally light. Quaffable and refreshing.
A bit developed already, with a round mouthfeel and some honey character accented by citrus and gingery-peppery spice. Pleasant to drink now, but seems to lack the vivacity for extended aging.
Smells roasted and spicy, with an herbal, brushy character. Tannic and tight in the mouth, with pinching grip and flavors of herbal plum and berry. The finish turns up fresh tomato and drying tannins. Seems high in red fruit acidity.
Slightly fizzy at first, but honey and almond jump out from the start as the wine finishes light and dry.
A wine with a good balance between taut structure and forward fruit. Red cherries dominate this attractive light and fruity wine.
Molten black-cherry aromas are followed by a tight but limited palate with hard tannins and hard-driving black-fruit flavors that turn quickly to pepper and ultimately a slight bitterness. Teases you at first then ducks out.
A broad wine, but with flavors of ripe melon, kiwi and an edge of lime. It is rounded and warm, although with a good final crisp edge of acidity.
Hints of underripe pineapple and green fennel add a clean, refreshing tone to juicy pink-grapefruit flavors on the palate of this medium-dry Riesling. Lemony acidity and a pleasantly bitter grapefruit-pith note give focus and edge on the finish.
An attractively fruity wine, with light tannins and juicy fruit. It has all the right red fruited elements for a nouveau, bubbling with freshness.
All red fruit, red cherries and the lightest tannins. This is full-bodied and exuberant, with the typical acidity of young Beaujolais.
A late release for this vintage, it remains tannic and earthy, with muted fruit. Some pretty tobacco scents add interest, though the rather high alcohol still burns on the finish. Drink up.
A warm and rich wine that shows soft, ready-to-drink fruit flavors, a touch of red cherry and some freshness from the acidity.
Vinified in the soft, opulent style of Chambolle, this is ripe and round. With its dry edge and rich fruit, the structure of the apparent is apparent. The acidity cuts through to give a juicy element. Already delicious to drink, but it's worth aging over 2–3 years.
Classic Gewürztraminer from start to finish, this luxuriously off-dry sipper bursts with heady rose petal and ripe, rich lychee notes. Zesty and bright with acidity, the finish is marked by delicious hints of lanolin and lime zest.
This demonstrates a good balance between minerality and ripe pineapple and apricot fruits. With a twist of lemon and an herb accent, it has both crispness and richness.
Peppery and trending toward stemmy flavors, this has a phenolic bite. The brambly berry fruit runs quickly into a slightly warm finish.
This is waxy on the nose, with the aromatic spunk of nettle and sweaty citrus. It feels fresh, minerally and zesty, with citrus, apple and green herb flavors. It's solid, smooth and elegant on the finish, which turns slightly bitter as it concludes.
Jammy raspberry aromas are easygoing and come with a hint of tobacco. It feels grabby but good, with lots of spice, pepper, herb and dark fruit flavors on the palate. The finish is healthy and well lifted, with a light but fresh herbal accent.
Underneath the austere exterior, there's a fruity character, with layers of citrus, kiwi and white peach flavors, along with the richness from having been aged in wood. Cellar this taut, minerally and structured wine for 2–3 years.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, with 10% Syrah added in, this is an appealing and forward wine, with a strong streak of barrel spice. Powdered sugar, cooked cherry, cassis and dark chocolate are the highlights. It showcases the lush, forward, spicy, barrel-influenced style of all the DiStefano reds.
Very minerally in character, this wine has only a touch of wood, showing attractive acidity, citrus fruits and a tight, nervy texture.
Here's a ripe, lush Chardonnay that's brimming with succulent notes of grilled apple, peach, toasted brioche and baking spice. It boasts a full, creamy mouthfeel, with a good acidic lift on the finish, alongside hints of peach pit and orange oil.
Fresh and floral, this has scents of green herb, honeysuckle and apple blossom. On the palate, this medium-sweet late-harvest offering is rich and fruity, with concentrated notes of sweet pear and lemon. The finish is long but wraps up elegantly and dry with a kiss of lime peel and pith.
This Syrah bears a gamy accent that overlays the flavors of juicy berries, herbs and spices. A peppery note highlights the clean, crisp finish.
Only two barrels were made of this pure Malbec, a tightly wound wine with a well-defined mix of berry, bramble, bark and herb. It shows good balance and good length, with a finish that's streaked with notes of coffee and chocolate.
Soft and rounded, this has a raspberry flavor and a fine, full feel. It has the tannic structure of the vintage, which fits into the sumptuous, cushioned texture.
Abundantly floral and fruity, with loads of lavender, peony and sweet grapefruit notes, this is a dry yet remarkably lush and concentrated Riesling. Vivid acidity and lingering hints of lime skin, wax and lanolin add structure and complexity.
Starts out with nice aromas of ripe black fruits and toasty oak, however it drops down in class in the mouth, where pointed, jabby acidity causes tang and sourness. There are good berry and plum flavors to offset the tartness, but it finishes narrow and snappy. Pretty good but needs better balance and structure.
Crushed strawberry aromas, followed by flavors that are fresh, sweet and a palate that has the delicious prickle of a young wine. Screwcap.
Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio. Anything beyond that would be stretching it.
Dark and chunky, but also salinic and clammy smelling, with black fruit aromas sitting in front of a palate of salinic, woody, baked fruit flavors. The tannic finish is hard and edgy, and there's some heat too. Has its high and low points.
An attractive strawberry-flavored wine with light sweetness and a caramel edge. Acidity keeps it lively in a fine apéritif style.
Starts out with gassy, earthy aromas that suggest heat and barnyard, while the palate is chunky and full, with stemmy black cherry, plum and berry flavors along with coffee and chocolate accents. Delivers power and length but not much in the way of character or complexity.
Jammy smelling, with raisin and cough drop aromas. The palate maintains that jammy profile, while the flavors run creamy and short, with a lean toward strawberry and raspberry. A little grassy and green on the finish, with a final dose of candy.
Get past the pharmacy aromas and this is a pleasant, if rather fat, wine. It has some pear juice flavors along with a final light acidity.
Stemmy and leathery smelling, with heat, roasted fruit and cheesy aromas. The palate is full but soupy, with roasted, baked black fruit flavors. A bit of cinnamon and spice help out the finish, but by then the wine's very average fate has been sealed.
Generic to the max, with simple white fruit and lettuce aromas. The feel is wet and juicy but nothing more, with simple green fruit flavors of melon, apple and kiwi. Bland but decent if well chilled.
Chunky, flat and stemmy on the nose, with herbal, generic fruit aromas. The palate is o.k. but sort of scratchy, while the flavors veer toward herbal, roasted cherry and berry. Herbal and sort of sweet and heavy on the finish. Pretty much what you'd expect for a $10 Cab.
They say red Vinho Verde is an acquired taste, and with its very tight tannins and acidity, this wine fits the billing. Think of it with sardines or fatty meats.
This falls prey to the overly sweet, residual sugar attempt to mask stemmy character. Tannins still a bit green and hard.
Pineapple aromas lead to a soft, smooth, but lifeless palate of slightly bitter melon and banana flavors. Pithy on the finish and short on pulse. Drink immediately or let it go by altogether.
Flat and fleshy smelling, with little zap and only soft green fruit aromas. The palate maintains some tang and citrus, while flavors of lemon and tangerine are chunky, loud and lean toward bitter on the finish.
A pleasant, nondescript wine. There's 10% Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, which gives it a little spicy lift, but the mainstay Chardonnay core seems generically lemony and falls away in the finish.
Sharp, tart and thin, with biting green apple fruit flavors. From a high-acid year in Washington, this definitely shows it.
Cherry and mild sawdust aromas are brought down by sharpness that is almost vinegar-like. The palate has an acceptable mouthfeel along with sweet and sour flavors of plum and berry. Tart on the finish, and a bit stemmy and sharp throughout.
A little burnt and leathery smelling, with stem, bramble and raspberry aromas. The palate is sheering and tight, with semisharp acidity enlivening herbal, peppery red fruit flavors. As a whole, there isn't a lot of substance here to weigh.
Very young wine, one which is full and rich, but which needs several years to blossom into its full potential. It is in the dry Deutz style, emphasizing acidity and elegance, even though it also has a wonderful ripe intensity.
Warm and rich, even if still young, this is a rounded Champagne, full of ripe apple and spice, pink grapefruit, lined with intense acidity. Because it is still so young, it needs several years' aging.
A very focused wine with a core of strong structure along with apple, tight acidity and citrus. This is powerful, intense, with impressive aging potential.
This is estate grown, from a Lake Chelan winery in an emerging region. Riesling is clearly a strength, as this has a delicate elegance often missing from the fruit bombs that can be grown in warmer sites. Bone dry, dusty and lightly floral in the nose. The balance of blossom, yellow fruits, juicy acidity and wet rock is impeccable; the wine extends itself gracefully into a lingering finish.
Dried cherry and cranberry combine on the palate around a trunk of smoky oak, offering a dry, black-peppery sensation. With 13% Malbec, it has a suggestion of blueberry going on as well, before a mid-length finish.
Blueberry, blackberry, toast, spice and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this blend of 50% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The evolved palate offers prune, raisin, cocoa, espresso and cedar alongside fleeting tannins. Most of the fruit has dried up, giving it a lean quality.
An initial blast of hot summer field and nepeta muddles the clarity of the nose. This is a bit flat and lacking in verve. Flavors of apricot and nectarine turn pithy on the finish.
This wine's a steal for the price, a no-oak white that's stony, tropical, ripe and simple. It'll serve well at larger gatherings or anytime with friends sitting on the porch or picnic blanket, staying balanced and refreshing in the glass.
A generous, smooth texture and nicely bright flavors of lemon, lime and apple make this a satisfying wine. It is medium to full bodied, soft in acidity, but fresh in flavor. It should be a winner for large groups.
Tarry black-cherry aromas are a bit damp, oaky and scratchy, but overall this opens well. A solid, firm, edgy palate offers flavors of herbal blackberry and baked black plum, while the finish is meaty and a touch salty.
This Tuscan red opens with aromas of red currant, cedar and espresso. The aromas carry over to the low-acid palate. The fruit is already drying up and the tannins are fleeting, so drink now.
A zippy, lively version, this light-bodied wine smells and tastes like a combo of grapefruit, lemon and peach juices, having a crisp character on first sip, and a rich softness on the second.
LIght and fresh, this is a crisp interpretation of Vermentino. Bright apple and lime flavors give a refreshing lift, while the aftertaste brings out lively acidity. Drink now.
This opens with restrained aromas of vanilla, berry and a floral note. The informal, easy-drinking palate offers tart cherry, raspberry and a hint of baking spice alongside bright acidity. It's not very intense and already extremely accessible so drink soon.
Oaky, resiny, briny aromas of apple and popcorn set up a high-acid palate with fragmented resiny notes. Flavors of briny apple, lemon and oak but also fresh and citrusy.
A streak of sweet spices like vanilla and nutmeg dress up this nicely fruity and firm-textured wine. While the oakiness is a bit obvious, the wine does deliver ripe and tangy cherry and blackberry flavors that are delicious.
Fresh red cherry aromas and crisp black cherry flavors carry this light-bodied, moderately tannic wine. Good acidity and those bright flavors will make it an easy pairing with different meat, fowl and pasta dishes.
After starting out quite reduced, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, barrel spices, flowers and earth. The flavors show a lot of restraint for the variety but the reduction is hard to get around.
Tarry, black-fruit aromas show a touch of oaky vanilla. This has a medium-bodied palate feel along with stalky, slightly horsey flavors of berry fruits and plum. A loamy finish sets out strong and settles on mild earthiness.
A dry wine, this is light to medium bodied. It smells like dark plum skins and black pepper, and has an easygoing mouth-feel. It seems well matched for pizza, pasta and mac and cheese.
Pear and apple aromas are light and oaky but nothing out of the ordinary. A creamy palate is just vital enough, while woody flavors of barrel spice run side by side with peach and melon notes. A clean, mild finish provides for a good ending.
This has a relatively light, traditional color with a brownish rim, complex aromas of cedar and bay leaf, with dry, mature flavors supported by firm acidity and tannins. Medium bodied and rather lean in flavor intensity, it's made in an enjoyable, lean style.
Barrel notes of vanilla, cocoa and dill mix with licorice and red fruit. The flavors are tart with light smoky notes and a firm squeeze of tannins.
Aromas of pear, apricot and stemmy herbs lead to full-feeling pear and stone -ruit flavors that pull up short on the back nine, seeming a bit underripe.
Aroma of red berry, orange peel and a whiff of rose eventually emerge on this easygoing red. The informal palate offers red cherry, raspberry and clove alongside zesty acidity.
Raspberry and blackberry jam aromas are accented by white pepper and mint. The flavors are plump and fleshy in feel, providing plenty of easy-drinking enjoyment.
This full-bodied, puckering wine is concentrated in black cherry and blackberry, its oak tart and surrounded by drying tannins. Once the bottle is open, expect the oak presence to increase along with cigar box and leather pouch.
Lively in aromas and with vivid flavors like grapefruit and apricot, this wine tastes lightly herbal and appetizing. It has light oaky, buttery notes in the aroma and fairly vivid fruit flavors. The texture that gets richer with each sip, revealing a rather full body.
This offers aromas and flavors of red raspberry, blue flowers, weedy underbrush and a whiff of dried sage. It's rather simple and already accessible.
The 2014 vintage produced some atypically fresh and crisp whites in the Rhône. This example is round in the mouth yet still crisp on the finish, with fig and melon flavors accented by hints of crushed stone.
Named after a blue butterfly that is found in the vineyard, this wine, made from organically grown grapes, is bright, crisp and possibly too young. It has a really fresh, mineral character, very tangy with lemon zest and pink grapefruit. It will be even better in a few months, so drink from 2016.
Crisp in apricot, apple and mango, this is a lovely, easy-drinking white made from a vineyard and producer well-known for Pinot Noir. Refreshing and light, yet with complexity and aromatics to spare, it offers ample body, an attractive texture and sharp acidity, finishing with a note of spicy vanilla.
Sleek by Amarone standards, this opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, ground pepper, raisin and a whiff of blue flower. On the palate, finely woven tannins support raspberry jam, black pepper, cocoa and a cinnamon note.
Plum cake, leather, cocoa, eucalyptus, and exotic spice slowly take shape. The firm palate offers dried black currant, raisin, leather, licorice, mocha and sage alongside tightly knit, close-grained tannins.
Fleshy berry aromas are lush, inviting and surrounded by notes of shoe polish and violet petal. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led multigrape blend that's chunky on the palate. Bombastic plum, cherry and wild-berry flavors finish wide, with patented Chilean notes of olive and spicy oak. Drink through 2020.
Red apples abound on the nose of this fresh, taut and wonderfully clean and crisp Riesling. The palate is just off dry and the tension between crunchy apple and tart citrus makes you want to go on sipping, just to get that lovely lip-smacking finish again.
Baked plum, crushed violet, chewing tobacco and roasted coffee bean aromas lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam, mocha and licorice alongside firm, polished tannins. Drink 2017–2024.
Cool aromas of cola and dark fruits come with bold spice accents. Ripe and creamy in feel, with wild berry and peppery flavors, this Carmenère from a cool vintage is on the money as it finishes with a strong oak base and related spice notes.
The oak (40% new French and American) is up front, with aromas of barrel spices, cocoa and generous amounts of vanilla followed by cherries and blue fruit. This wine is velvety in feel, displaying a mixture of fruit and barrel that carries through the finish. The oak influence is heavy but the appeal is impossible to ignore.
Pressed violet, baked plum, baking spice and coconut emerge on the nose and carry over to the full-bodied palate along with ripe black cherry and licorice. Tightly packed but refined tannins provide firm support.
Bruised plum and pluot aromas mix with red rose petals and chipped black slate on the nose of this reliable bottling. The palate shows slightly sour dried cherries, more lush dried blueberries, a bit more tar and a nice twist of tobacco.
For those who want classically grassy and energetic Sauv Blanc flavors, this widely available bottling is perfect. Aromas of both boisterously tropical fruit and funky cut grass lead into a zingy palate of white pepper, bell pepper, cement and lime.
Ripe lemon with a touch of licorice haunts the nose, while the palate gives way to the full breadth of that tart but teasing lemon flavor. This is very refreshing and has a dryish, lip-smacking finish. The lingering citrus makes this a top apéritif for a lively party.
Plump, juicy pear is cut beautifully by lemon freshness that also carries zest and spice, brightening the entire palate. The finish is dry and textured with the zing of the zest.
Freshly cut pear peel and Egremont Russet apples give a textured, pleasantly bitter edge to the opulent and plump pear on the palate. There is balance and earthiness, too, and brightening acidity on the medium-sweet finish.
Wonderfully apple-scented, just like a freshly cut Cox Orange Pippin, this is dry Pinot Gris with extra verve from the 2014 vintage. Drink soon while its aromas are at their delicious peak.
Toasted herbs, pressed violets, cola and a touch of tar frame the nose on this wine from pioneer Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire. The palate offers purple-flower candy flavors, with light elderberry juice and a lifting clove-meets-mint character.
Bright and fresh on the nose with crystalline aromas of lime juice, apple skins and tropical-leaning plumeria, this is a very quaffable wine. The palate shows apple and pear flesh, cut with just enough lime zest.
An exuberant boysenberry jam aroma and richly layered berry and dark chocolate flavors give lots of taste pleasure to this full-bodied and impressively textured wine. It's a monster in terms of tannin and impact on the taste buds, but not over the top in alcohol. Best to drink from 2018 to 2025.
Well balanced, lively and delicious, this medium-bodied wine pulls together spicy oak and raspberry aromas, compelling and bright fruit flavors and a lip-smacking texture due to fine-grained tannins and good acidity.
Peppery berry aromas show a balsamic nature. This feels fully oaked and resiny, while bold, fruity flavors of ripe black grapes, plum and peppercorn finish with a wave of heavy oak and mint.
This wine is immediate in its appeal with aromas of lime leaf, flowers and peach. It drinks off dry with a zing of acidity that beautifully frames the full-fruit flavors.
Ripe in style, this offers aromas of blueberry pie and spice that lead to rich, full-bodied blue- and black-fruit flavors. There's quite a bit of warmth but the wine's appeal is hard to ignore.
There's plenty of nuance and detail on this concrete-aged wine, with its baked apple and spice aromas and flavors. It shows a fine sense of elegance and balance.
This indigenous Romanian variety is made into a dark ruby colored wine with aromas cigar box and farm stand that are only slightly reinforced by cherry notes. However, the flavor of cherry is prominent in the mouth, alongside a pleasing essence of pipe tobacco that lingers beyond the smooth finish.
Blue-fruit and spice aromas are vibrant and expressive. The palate is plush and flavorful with a supple feel, while the oak seems dialed back and the balance spot on.
Vanilla, baking spice, cranberry and cherry aromas lead to soft, medium-bodied fruit flavors with an elegant styling. It's a very pretty representation of the vintage with good balance.
While the nose is shy at first, the palate reveals abundant red and green apples, with some juicy yellow pear around the edges. Texture and structure strike a balance with the lovely, clean fruit. It's a delicious, textured, earthy Riesling made for food.
Toasted bramble berry aromas come with hints of tree bark and mixed spices. This feels chewy, dense and round, while flavors of roasted plum and berry are well spiced. The chewy, round, tannic finish is rooty and spicy.
Condensed blackberries, cassis and a kirsch-like heat hit the nose on this blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. More blackberry fruits meet with smoked beef and concentrated violets on the palate.
This red blend has a nose of fresh cherry, red plum and clove. In the mouth, it offers a combination of fruit and spice flavors featuring anise, black plum, Chinese five spice, and black cherry. There is a burst of still-youthful acidity on the finish, but this should be drunk within the next year or two.
Made following the principles of biodynamic viticulture and with natural yeasts, this offers aromas of turned soil, blue flower, leather and crushed black cherry. The savory, smooth palate delivers layers of black plum, blackberry, clove, cinnamon and black pepper alongside firm tannins and fresh acidity. It has impressive depth and the long finish closes on a licorice note. Drink 2016–2025.
This is a serious wine, with its tight mousse, signs of toastiness and intense fruit and acidity. It is full of flavor, ripe from a good vintage, packed with apple and citrus fruits along with a nervy steely character from the Chardonnay in the blend. It is ready to drink although it will certainly age for many years.
The most serious of the Chablis Grand Crus has produced here a wine that combines that firmer nature with generous yellow fruits, toast and tender acidity. A strong sense of structure partners with a steely core and mineral texture that firms up the fruit and promises aging. Drink from 2017.
Impressively rich, this is smooth, dense and opulent in its concentration. It's full both of fresh acidity and toasty rich flavors that fill the mouth. The background is the steely texture that gives the wine a fine bite at this young stage. Drink from 2019.
Already beautiful, this comes from an estate that's managed by Louis Jadot in Puligny-Montrachet, always producing fine wines. It's smooth and toasty, although it is already showing ripe yellow fruits and fragrant acidity. Although drinkable now, it really needs to age, so keep until 2018.
This fresh, supple Pinot comes from a cool Russian River Valley site overlapping the Sonoma Coast AVA. Jenkins sits above the fog line and is rich in Goldridge soils. The wine is lightly mushroomy in earth, and a keen streak of exotic spiciness kicks in convincingly on the finish, after intense and complicated layers of red cherry, raspberry and lavender.
Plenty of fruit aromas and flavors make this wine a pleasure to drink. It smells and tastes like ripe red and black cherries and has a broad, rich texture. Medium bodied, it maintains a good, tense acidity that keeps flavors going on the finish.
This 100% Syrah Duriense regional wine comes from a vineyard in the Douro Superior. It has dark tannins and the same mineral structure as a Douro wine made from Portuguese grapes. Black fruits are contrasted with immense acidity and tannins. The wine is still young, and will be best from 2018.
There's an inherent minerality to this bottling. Slate and wet concrete aromas are laid atop baked strawberry, stewed bay leaf and crushed oregano notes. A peppery acidity comes in the sip, which boasts a dark cranberry and stewed raspberry fruit backbone, touches of pine needle and more bay leaf.
This wine's bottle aging allows a confluence of layers to work in harmony. The nose shows dill, black pepper, wet slate, just-ripe black cherry and pencil shavings, while the palate stacks black raspberry and blackberry fruit up against dried sagebrush and graphite. It's rich, but with enough earth and tartness to achieve balance. Drink now.
This makes three knockout vintages in a row from Sol Rouge. The wine has richness, roundness, power and finesse all rolled into a balanced package. It smells gutsy, ripe but also smoky and savory, and tastes deep and layered with cassis, chocolate, and tobacco. A good wrapping of fine tannins pulls everything together.
Smoked pork, roasted fennel, dried sage, oregano and plum fruit combine for an elegant and inviting nose on this blend of 84% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre and 4% Grenache. Savory flavors steadily emerge on the palate, with blackberry compote, roasted beef, pepper, leather, campfire smoke and vanilla elements.
Immediately this smells complete and lusty: aromas of lemon peel, berry fruits, vanilla and char are attractive. In the mouth, this feels robust but blocky and tannic. Flavors of plum and blueberry are peppery and moderately complex, while this is drawing, dry and tannic on the finish. Drink through 2022.
The rarely found red Moscatel grape has produced a beautiful golden-colored wine that is very much in the tradition of fortified Muscats from Setúbal. This has ripe orange and rich dried fig that are balanced by fine acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
The first vintage of this wine from this site, it offers a lot to like, from crisp, pretty aromas and tingly acidity to nuanced whispers of honeycomb, Gravenstein apple and fennel. Light bodied, it has nice firmness and tension to the mouthfeel, and an overall balance of fruit and complexity.
This soft, fresh and rose-laden wine spent less than a year in French oak, 40% of it new. Juicy and medium bodied, it builds complexity and texture on the palate, becoming more voluptuous and velvety as it heads into a cinnamon-kissed finish.
While Jurançon wines are sweet, it is the freshness that is beautiful. So there are honey and orange marmalade flavors to give the sweetness and hint at botrytis. Against that is a poised, ethereal acidity and citrus tang. Together they make a beautiful wine that can age. Drink now, but better from 2018.
Sultry, silky and sexy on the nose with rich baking and red-spice notes, this appellation blend by Brian Loring also shows ripe but acidic raspberry fruit, rose buds and cooked berries. The palate is bursting with cranberry and black raspberries, enhanced by graphite, nutmeg and black peppercorns. It finishes tight and clean, with a camphor lift.
A Sonoma Coast vineyard in Annapolis, only four miles from the ocean, Ellenbach sits atop Goldridge soils, an unusual attribute for the area. High in acidity, this wine is grippy and floral, with an enviable presence of power and elegance on the palate. Red fruit shines brightest, from cranberry to wild raspberry.
More brooding in style, this deliciously rich bottling shows dense black cherry, black plum, blackberry and stewed strawberry on the nose alongside black cardamom, anise and curry spice. Layers of smoked meat and hoisin sauce decorate the purple flowers, dried red cherry and pencil-lead flavors of the palate.
High-toned fruit and a twist of kirsch, red cherry and pomegranate provide a bright freshness to this mountain-grown wine, as unexpected as it is inviting. Dry wood tannins belie a powerful weight and body, buoyed by the acidity. Drink now through 2022.
Ripe, almost ruddy, notes of blackberry and cherry penetrate the core of this bold, lusciously textured Pinot Noir. Its fruit flavors show freshly still, but glimmers of autumn leaves and tilled earth suggest a deepening earthiness with age. Drink now through 2020.
The 100 Hills is Wittmann's entry-level bottling, but it offers a deeply layered minerality, pristine citrus flavors and richness of texture often lacking in far more expensive wines. Its opulent, slightly slick mouthfeel is intensely satisfying, yet cut by a spray of zesty acidity that lifts and lengthens the finish.
This international venture based out of the former Nepenthe winery in the Adelaide Hills sources fruit from a number of vineyards in South Australia. This bottling is light on its feet for its 15% stated abv, showcasing fresh cherry fruit, gentle herbal notes and silky tannins. Drink now–2022.
Heaps of crushed black pepper meet with fresh and caramelized boysenberry fruit and beef char on the nose of this wine by Doug Margerum, who co-ferments his most hopeful lots from around the county into this annual blend. The cracked pepper shines on the savory palate too, giving spice to blackberry paste and crushed lavender flavors.
Black cherry and black raspberry notes meet crushed mint, wet slate, Mediterranean spice, blistered tomato and Kalamata olive on the nose of this estate bottling. Lively herbs including marjoram and thyme mark the palate, then the wine warms toward tarter cherry, cranberry and turned earth on the midpalate. It finishes with aromatically lifting menthol notes.
This opens with aromas that suggest mature plum, black currant, vanilla and menthol. The polished palate delivers dried black cherry, spiced blackberry, cinnamon and tobacco framed in fine-grained tannins that give the finish some grip. A cedar note signals the close. Drink through 2020.
Named CH (the initials for Switzerland) in honor of the Swiss origins of owner Alice Tavares da Silva, this wine is made from old vines. The wine has concentration and generous tannins that are as bold as the black fruits. It is still very young, still with its young licorice flavors. Drink this wine from 2020.
A complete package, this shows lavender, smoke, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas on the nose. Plenty of acidity appears on the palate, where black pepper, white pepper, thyme and bay leaf spice up the tight blackberry core, finishing on a slightly caramelized note.
This is a rich, impressive, age-worthy wine. With firm tannins and sumptuous juicy black fruits, it shows no sign of its high alcohol. It blends structure and fruit easily. The wine is named to celebrate the second Lança generation in charge at the estate. Drink from 2018.
Pretty cherry fruit, lightly candied, steals the show here. There's a dash of cinnamon and a pleasantly toasty frame around the tannins, all in proportion and delivering clean, generous flavors through the lingering finish.
Notes of pineapple and tangerine skin perfume this fruity and fresh, yet deeply complex wine. Lush peach and pear and pear notes are calibrated by a dry, steely precision. The finish is long, lingering on a fringe of smoke and dusty minerals. Drink now through 2025.
Suave and earthy juniper, red rose petal and dried-herb tones meet with concentrated red cherries and exotic Indian spice on the nose of this nicely bottle-aged wine. Lively acidity and a prominent sagebrush flavor kick off the sip, which settles into a violet-like groove enhanced by chopped thyme, black pepper, bay leaf, juniper and underripe berries.
Sourced from several vineyards, including Gap's Crown, this wine is golden yellow in color and generously oaked. Soft, medium bodied and firm, it offers exotic hints of lemongrass and ginger around more classic apple and citrus. It has a lean, balanced finish.
This is a silky, concentrated wine with sizable structure and darker spice undertones. Sourced from a range of vineyards, including Gap's Crown, Rodgers Creek and Riddle, mostly within the Petaluma Gap's cool corridor, it is a mix of black cherry and cinnamon, and boldly expansive on the palate.
From the producer's own vineyards in the Douro, this is a rich wine with plenty of firm tannins and a strongly mineral character. It has juicy red fruits that are balanced by acidity. The structure and dense tannins promise aging. Drink from 2018.
This young, massively built wine needs time to age and develop in the bottle. It has great concentration of black olive, beef and black-pepper flavors, mounds of fine tannins that build texture, very full body and a lingering finish. Best after 2022.
This wine is ripe, full of yellow fruits and soft acidity. It's creamy and ripe, but cut with orange zest and a mineral texture. It will be ready to drink from 2017.
Lush fruit flavors combine in a mellow mix of apple, pear and light citrus. It's a rich wine, creamy and fruit-driven, with substantial weight and length.
Light, clear and varietal, this ripe, full-bodied wine is balanced by a seasoning of forest floor, Christmas spice and cranberry-orange. The fruit is elusive against the toasty oak and integrated tannin.
This opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, game, violet, ripe dark-skinned fruit and mint. The juicy, delicious palate offers fleshy black cherry, cinnamon, chopped herb and a hint of anise alongside chewy tannins. It's already approachable but will offer fine drinking over the next several years.
Tones of mineral and steel hold center stage in this steely dry Riesling. Lemon and lime flavors bristle on the palate, but the finish is polished smooth, honed by a cool mineral touch that lengthens the finish.
From vines averaging 60 years of age in Jurassic chalky clay, this ripe, buttery wine has plenty of ripe apples, pears and a generous texture. An attractive touch of toast adds to the complexity. Drink now.
Crisp and tangy, this is a tightly knit wine. Apples and crisp citrus flavors are part of a package that also includes spice, a strong minerality and a perfumed aftertaste. The wine should age a few more months, so drink from 2017. This is a “village” wine in the northern Maçon area.
Winemaker Mario Pinheiro lived in South Africa and grew to appreciate Chenin Blanc. Returning to Portugal, he planted a vineyard. This wine is full of the most intense and beautiful fruit and acidity. It has a great tangy character that is balanced with apple and sweet pear fruits. The wine is ready to drink.
Camphor, eucalyptus, berry and a whiff of cellar floor lead the nose. The bright palate shows Morello cherry, star anise and aromatic herb alongside tightly wound tannins that leave a firm, austere finish.
Dark-garnet in color, this wine proffers aromas of dark plums, flint and lavender. With a pleasing interplay of fruit and tannins, the palate is rich with flavors of cassis, blackberry preserves, vanilla, mocha and violet. A nice touch of lingonberry on the finish washes away the firm hold of grippy tannins.
Purity and precision abound in this exceptionally light-footed sweet Riesling. It's buoyantly fruity, bolstered by waves of ripe white peach, pear and yellow-plum flavors. The finish feels edged by a fine filigree of lime acidity. Drink now through 2026 to capture its youthful exuberance.
Delicate and sheen, this briskly structured kabinett balances zesty lemon-lime flavors with subtle kisses of white peach and yellow-cherry flavors. Its invigorating mineral finish makes it an irresistible thirst quencher. Enjoy now through 2021.
This inky red-violet wine has a nose of blueberry pie, green pepper and violet. It is slightly tart at first sip, with tannins that hide at first and then coat the tongue and gums. A rich flavor profile of blackberry, cranberry, anise, violet and white chocolate makes way for cherry and chocolate notes in the finish.
This is an uncommon grape for Virginia, yet nonetheless an interesting showing. Dark, ripe and brooding, this carries blackberry, black-cherry, dried savory herbs and violet aromas and flavors. The palate is dense and concentrated in fruit tones yet a hint of levity appears midway in the form of perfumed violet. Structured, grippy tannins give ample support and depth while streaks of fresh acidity keep everything alive.
A co-fermented field blend from vineyards dating back more than 125 years, this heritage red has 13% Alicante Bouschet and 7% Petite Sirah in addition to 2% of a range of grapes, from Tannat to Muscat Noir. Milk chocolate, black pepper and soft black fruit mingle on the medium-bodied palate, with a lingering streak of cinnamon and vanilla on the finish.
Production has increased six-fold in this vintage, good news for rosé lovers. Dry and flavorful, this all-Pinot wine deftly incorporates floral (rose petals), botanical (gin-like), citrus (orange peel) and peach-skin components. It's fresh and penetrating.
The wine is dark and dense although with a sense of freshness provided by the blackberry fruit. There are spices from the wood aging and firm dry tannins. It is a concentrated wine that will be better to drink from 2017.
You'll discover aromas of menthol, dark baking spice and a hint of leather on this firmly structured red. The full-bodied palate offers tart red cherry, grilled herb and licorice alongside compact, fine-grained tannins.
This opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, tobacco and a whiff of cooking spice. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dark berry, licorice, vanilla and a hint of oak alongside bracing tannins. A hint of sage closes the finish.
Aromas of wild berry, underbrush and a balsamic note come together on this. On the full-bodied palate, notes of espresso, mocha and vanilla add depth to the black cherry core. Firm tannins provide the framework.
Classic Nebbiolo scents of rose, violet ripe berry and a hint of baking spice come together on this. The straightforward, approachable palate offers black cherry, coffee and clove alongside velvety tannins. It's a tad shy on freshness so enjoy over the next few years.
Ripe black cherry, rose petal, espresso, stewed fruit and a balsamic note lead the nose while the palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, anise and grilled sage alongside bracing tannins. A raisin note closes the finish.
This unusual Alsatian grape is a featured white wine at Adelsheim, and Björnson does a fine job as well. One-fifth was fermented in wood, the rest in stainless. It's fleshy and round, with a core of slightly candied tropical fruit. Smooth and engaging, it lingers in a graceful finish laced with streaks of caramel.
Savory notes of smoked nuts and earth lend a rustic tone to pressed apple and pear in this off-dry Riesling. Lemon-lime acidity freshens midpalate and lingers nicely on the finish. Drink now.
Named after a local aristocrat, this wine is soft, fruity and fresh. Red berry fruits are light and crisp. Behind them, gentle tannins give a hint of structure. The wine is ready to drink.
This is a woody, generously oaked white that's full and relatively fleshy, with a perception of ripe sweet fruit and vanilla.
Stalky, sulfuric and oaky on the nose, then plump on the palate, this rosé from Valdeorras is made from Mencía, not one of Spain's normal rosé grapes. This tastes woody and like sawdust, with generic red-fruit flavors, sugary sweetness and vanilla on the finish.
Despite being unoaked, this is a weighty wine, with a thick, viscous texture and simple, tangy flavors of canned pineapple. Drink it well chilled.
This soft, broad-textured wine has low-intensity aromas and flavors. It tastes simple and smooth, medium bodied and on the edge of sweetness.
This is gentle and soft with red berry fruits and some (possibly not enough) acidity. It's rounded and smooth, touched by caramel from short wood aging. Drink now.
Earthy, murky cherry and berry aromas feed into a sharply angled palate with racy acidity and scratchy tannins. Flavors of briary plum, olive and mint finish lean, without a lot of substance.
This is a cool, light wine. It has stalky black fruits and tannins that come from the fruit skins. It is a wine to drink almost as an apéritif: light and fruity at the end.
Eye-watering acidity and an intensely herbal character mark this as a real cool climate wine from some of the highest vineyards in Gascony. It is crisp and so fruity with citrus and apple and tangy with orange zest. Drink now. The Fezas family also makes Armagnac.
This eclectic blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat along with Syrah, Malbec and Merlot is, in fact, a fresh, soft, caramel flavored wine. It has red fruits, light acidity and a smooth texture. It is ready to drink.
This is a simple, fruity Beaujolais. It has cherry flavors that are spoilt by the hints of banana. Acidity and light tannins complete a wine that is drinkable immediately.
Sporting a lovely front label, this holds a mix of Syrah and Petite Sirah from Rutherford with Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. The wine is a bit muddled, one-dimensional in plum and black cherry, and ultimately softly simple.
Named “new world” to recognize Portugal's great contribution to discovery, the wine itself is more traditional. It is a ripe blend of local varieties, fully integrated with black currant fruits and just a hint of a dry core of tannins. Drink now.
This is an aromatic, lightly sweet wine. It has ripe strawberry fruits that have just enough acidity to keep the wine crisp. Drink now.
Made from grapes grown in the Russian River, Alexander and Sonoma valleys, this yeasty, bread wine imparts flavors of dried plum and almost prune. It's ripe and full bodied with a taste of tar.
This brisk, vinous red, made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, shows aromas and flavors of crushed berry, grape juice and the barest hint of spice. It also has sharp acidity and an abrupt finish.
A reduced character of diesel and strong oak mark the entry of this vineyard-designated wine. It's ripe and powerful, veering on sweet.
You'll find aromas of stewed prune, resin and nail polish remover on this ripe, robust red. The dense, brooding and extremely astringent palate offers raisin, game, anise and a dried herb. Abrasive tannins leave a rough, dried out finish.
Heavy butterscotch and crème brûlée aromas signal that this wine is in it for jam-packed flavor. But the nose doesn't translate to the palate, which instead becomes light and nondescript.
Opulent aromas of Stargazer lily, toasted oak and fresh fruit lead this oak-aged white blend. On the palate, spicebox and toasted flavors mingle with citrus in this unique and full-bodied wine.
Aromas and flavors that resemble cherries with touches of mint and dried herbs make this wine flavorful enough. It stays on the light- to medium-bodied side of the spectrum.
Unusual aromas of mustard, rubbing alcohol, white flowers and lychee are all over the map and unconvincing. This is mostly Viura, and it feels chunky and a bit awkward while tasting cidery and citrusy.
The blend is 60-40, but the grassy, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc dominates. The Sémillon adds a bit of flesh, and the alcohol burns through the quick finish.
Soft, chocolaty, oaky aromas smell a lot like mint chip ice cream mixed with grass and briary red fruits. A raw, acidic palate is light in body and stuffing. Tart plum flavors are topped by chocolaty oak, while this finishes with powdery cocoa notes.
There's a sweetness to the fruit in this wine, a mix of melon and honey that gets into baked pineapple territory as well. A bit flat on the palate, it finishes fast.
A fresh, off-dry wine with a year's aging is unusual for a Vinho Verde in this style. The result is that although the wine has lost some of its startling fruit and acidity, it has smoothed out, giving more room for the apple flavors. Drink now.
This wine tastes heavy and rounded, with whiffs of petroleum and peppermint on the entry that settle down over time. With ripe fruit and oak at its core, it's a wine for fans of a more generous style.
This is a rustic, soft wine. It has red fruits and acidity along with light tannins and a barnyard character that is not unpleasant. Drink now.
This is a lively, fruity wine that is great as an apéritif. With yellow fruits that are cut with acidity, it is a fresh, bright wine that is ready to drink now.
Soft suggestions of cigar ash and green pepper complement the fruity notes of small red berries and plum. Forward medium-grain tannins and prominent acidity supply a sturdy backbone to the wine, leading through to the anise-infused finish.
The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.
Cherry-centric throughout with supporting elements of wild forestry, fennel, sweet spice and blood orange. The acidity is prominent but balanced within the round mouthfeel showing gripping tannins and an overall firm structure. It's approachable now and would pair well with fruit-stewed chicken or pork chops.
Grilled pineapple and tropical fruits mingle easily in this uncomplicated but well made Chardonnay. It's medium-bodied, with enough weight to stand up to roast chicken breasts and the like.
A solidly made Shiraz from power-producer Neil Ellis. Wild strawberries, white pepper and game notes appear on the nose, while red plum and sweet spice fill out the palate. Balanced acidity and dusty tannins with a satiny texture make this an easy-to-enjoy, ready-to-drink wine. Try pairing with loin lamb chops or wild boar stew.
A good $8 wine with snap, crackle and pop. The nose brings black cherry and saucy aromas, while the palate is sweet, a bit medicinal and just a little herbal. There's a creamy sweetness to the finish and another modest dose of herbs and medicinality. Any faults should be offset by the cost.
This Shiraz-dominated (70%) blend is a bit darker than one might anticipate, with black currant liqueur, pepper, anise and plum skins taking center stage in the profile. Well-balanced with medium dusty tannins and a lingering finish infused with toasty oak spice. Try pairing with braised short ribs or spiced lamb loin.
Possessing bold waves of pineappley fruit, this is an intensely flavored Chardonnay at a reasonable price. It's fruity and direct, with clean citrus featuring prominently from start to finish.
Filled with aromas and flavors of passion fruit, gooseberries and a touch of grassiness, this is a readily accessible Sauvignon Blanc that might lack a little complexity and richness, but is assertively flavored and goes down easily.
Definite juiciness here, although the wine has a light and fresh character. The acidity and tannins are there to give the berry fruit a boost.
Toast, butter and tropical fruit aromas are all typical of Chile, but there's a touch of saline and minerality as well. Lemony and tangy in the mouth, with a juicy, acidic feel that's a bit like Chablis. Only trouble is, it finishes bland and pithy.
Barrel fermented in older oak, but this wine is still marked by oak and lees, with a slightly toasty, custardy edge to the melon and nectarine aromas and flavors. This medium-bodied Viognier then picks up hints of coffee and chocolate on the finish. Drink now.
Intense dried herb and fennel bulb aromas rule the bouquet, with faint glimmers of cassis and pepper breaking through every now and again. The mouthfeel is soft and the wine overall balanced with delicate tannins and a short finish.
A well-balanced, round but not fat Chard with vibrant aromas of red apple, melon and sweet citrus. The mouth offers riper notes of pear and a touch of banana, but the finish is clean and satisfying. Drink now.
This Cabernet-based blend is loaded with intense aromas of black currant leaf, briary forest, black cherry and tobacco leaves. Solidly structured with moderate tannins and medium weight, the palate is juicy and satisfying with blackberries and plum skins leading through to the coffee-infused finish.
Lushly fruited with blueberry, black cherry and plum, this Idaho-sourced red blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of seven other grapes. Smooth and flavorful, it finishes with a dash of cocoa.
Hints of smoke and vanilla add complexity to notes of dried cherry and autumn leaves in this earthy, umami-rich Pinot Noir. Aged three years in barrel, this late-release wine is silken and rich on the palate with just a flurry of tannins on the finish.
The nose on this reserva is roasted and meaty, with dark berry accents. The palate delivers a flush feel and volume along with flavors of roasted plum, herbal raspberry and salt. There's tobacco and pimiento on the finish, and for a subpar vintage the wine is still very good. Drink now through 2017.
With dark aromas of prune, black tea and baked earth, this is a ripe, modern wine with sound balance and depth of flavor. It deals a nice mix of fresh berry fruit flavors blended with oak, while the finish rings on with spice, mint and proper acidity.
Reserve is rarely a word found in front of rosé, but here it seems meaningful. The 82% Merlot and 18% Grenache complement each other nicely. Cherry-pie tartness with a bit of sweet blueberry flavor make for a full-bodied, round and bone dry rosé that's substantial and delicious.
Roasted, toasty aromas are the greeting on this Tempranillo-based blend (20% Cabernet). It's a fresh yet oaky type of Rioja, with resiny creaminess cut by lively acidity. Flavors of vanilla, plum, raspberry and tobacco are traditional, while the finish is mild, crisp and snappy. Hold until 2014 and drink through 2019.
In the small, mountainous region of Somontano, Cabernet Sauvignon rules, and this blend of 80% Cab and 20% Tempranillo delivers. Starting out, aromas of blackberry and plum come with earthy leather notes. The palate is plump and chewy in feel, with meaty black-fruit flavors of plum, molasses and toast. The finish is warm and smooth.
Powerful, ripe fruit, now beginning to open up, is the dominant character of this wine. It's full in the mouth, packed with black plums and ripe damsons and finished with soft tannins and a slight warmth.
Dark tannins are sustained by juicy blackberry fruit flavors. While the wine is very dry and firm at this stage, it has a good, if long-term, future.
A tough proposition at this young stage, but one which will definitely mature well, if slowly. There's power from tannins and fruit, both promising aging. Dark and dense, this hints at the juicy black fruits to come.
While it has sufficient tannin, the wine also has a feeling of generous black currant and berry fruits. It's dry with considerable concentration, but it's future looks good, so keep for 5–6 years.
A firmly structured wine, dry to the core. The tannins feel extracted, giving some bitterness, yet the fruit shows potential juiciness. While it's always going to be a severe wine, it should be a great food partner.
This wine was aged for a few months in barrel, and that woody character is evident on the nose, which shows butterscotch and dusty spice aromas, as well as the palate, which is lightly oily in feel, with baked, spicy flavors of toasted apple and pear. This Verdejo is woody but has freshness and a refined texture.
One of Harney Lane's signature whites, this wine is clean, crisp and inviting. Tight acidity and an almost savory air gives it austerity. With a backbone of lemon and lime, it'll pair delightfully with oysters, oysters and more oysters, preferably drizzled in vinegar and lemon, with a plate of chorizo not far behind.
This bracing, minerally Pinot Gris is perfect for hot weather; racy and crisp citrus rind and fresh grapefruit flavors abound. It's made with organically grown grapes from the estate vineyard.
Dry, smoky, rubbery aromas announce this Rioja as traditional in style. The palate is healthy in feel and juicy, with smoky, savory flavors of chocolaty berry fruit and earth. On the finish, it's decidedly roasted and savory in character. Drink now through 2015.
This unoaked Chardonnay has ripe, creamy fruit, along with acidity that seems typical of the 2002 vintage. Elegant and lively, with nice crispness.
The aromas of apricot, flowers and beeswax are like a welcome mat. The mouth is full and properly acidic; flavors of honey, ripe white fruits and some mustard seed make for a wine that's got a lot of power working for it. Best Buy.
Fresh, crisp, lightly grassy flavors make this wine instantly refreshing. There are touches of apricots and green plums, and a center which is ripe and full.
Upon pouring, there's a slight haze of CO2 visible in the glass—but that's a good thing in this case, because the unreleased fermentation gasses help enliven the otherwise fat mouthfeel. With aromas of pears and fresh parsley and flavors of pears and pineapple, it's pretty standard stuff, but executed well.
Spicy and woody, with a pungency on the nose. The round palate is full of red-berry fruit and a fair amount of supporting oak. That wood is confirmed on the finish, where things turn a bit buttery and rich. Fortunately some lively tannins and cleansing acids keep things from getting bogged down. A good everyday Cab. Best Buy.
This baby starts out like any child; it's awkward and clumsy. But it's also nicely extracted and chewy, with ripe plum fruit, hints of licorice and a culminating toasty, slightly burnt note. The finish is tight and beefy, with good tannins, while overall it's enjoyable to drink even if it doesn't pretend to be highly sophisticated.
A pungent Tocai, full of passionfruit and grapefruit aromas reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. The grassy and herbal flavors are similarly evocative. Best Buy.
Surprisingly fresh and vital despite having a few years under its belt. Here's a round SB with a sweet nose of pear, vanilla and butter. The palate is forward and almondy sweet, with a hint of banana peeking in there. And the finish is round and soft. This wine is at its peak now.
Saturated in color and quite big, with penetrating aromas that scream of youth and exuberance. There's sun-drenched ripe-berry flavors and some big tannins that result in a grippy mouthfeel and ultimately a starched palate. Drink with cheeseburgers, London broil and the like. Best Buy.
Heavily oaked, with aromas of popcorn and sawdust. The palate is a touch resiny, but underneath the oak veneer you'll find some ripe apple flavors. The creamy, long finish leaves a somewhat thick and bulky impression, but there's enough vital acidity to save it.
Potent aromas of red fruit, rubber and lemony oak kick things off, followed by a very typical mix of cherry and berry flavors. The finish is properly tannic and round, with an acid-driven freshness that secures the mouthfeel. This has more red than dark fruit, but it's still a perfectly quaffable Cabernet.
Rather simple, blending ripe pear and citrus, but offers a full-bodied mouthful of clean fruit character.
At first, the bouquet seems dense and tinged with a mild lactic note, but that moves on rather quickly. The flavor profile of banana, pear and apple is perfectly fine, while the finish is a bit lean.
This is in transtion. When young, it was impressive for its rich fruit and texture, but now it's showing hints of green bean on the nose and a lener, more compact profile. Give it another few years to see if it turns around.
Spicy, earthy aromas are warm and fairly deep, while a snappy, acidic palate of berry fruit supported buy buttery oak does the trick. The finish is substantive and only mildly tannic, while the overall personality is fresh and clean.
Clean pear fruit on the nose and refreshing throughout. This wine works because it's straightforward and lightly oaked. The apple, melon and mineral flavors stand out, and the round body and solid finish carry it home.
An initial aromatic check reveals some cheesy, funky smells, but they blow off to reveal a solid, everyday red wine. The palate is surprisingly rich, and it tastes of boysenberry fruit. The finish has some zip and length to it, and also some overt oaky flavor. Sure, it's thin and easy by big-wine standards, but within its class of value-priced reds it's sturdy and satisfying.
Pear and apple aromas receive a kick from some creamy, vanilla-tinged oak. The palate is mostly tangerine and lime, with some rich baked-apple undertones. The lengthy finish is solid, as is the mouthfeel. Best Buy.
Initial aromas of vanilla and cream turn a bit sour upon deeper inspection. The citrusy palate is tart and sharp, and by no means is this a soft wine. Just the opposite: It's rather short and zingy. Best Buy.
Highly perfumed, with delicate floral and peach notes leaping out of the glass. Melon and peach flavors combine on the palate. Lightweight and finishes short, but it's a solid apéritif. Best Buy.
Punchy red fruit meets brawny tannin and substantial oak in this red, which includes small amounts of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its cherry and cassis notes are seasoned with dried herb highlights.
Situated close to the picturesque hilltop town of Obidos, this quinta has produced a ripe full-bodied wine. With bold red fruits, juicy acidity and a layer of tannins, the wine is both generous and fruity. It will be ready to drink from late 2017.
Slightly sweet flavors of concentrated strawberry preserves create a rather thick mouthfeel. It's a jammy style of Pinot, to be sure, but with just enough supporting acidity to keep it from crumbling under its own weight. Drink over the next two or three years.
Baking spice, vanilla and dark-fruit aromas are followed by dark cherry and coffee flavors that linger on the finish. The barrel influence seems a little intense.
Aromas of moist earth, black fruit, pencil lead and slightly overripe red apple are followed by a firm palate backed by lightly grippy tannins. This wine needs some food to keep them in check.
This wine is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Cabernet Franc. Barrel aromas are at the fore, with baking spice, woodspice and clove in front of dark fruit and herb. The palate brings sweet, sappy fruit flavors, with plentiful licorice and game accents.
Made to be approachable, this full-bodied red is juicy with black fruit and tart cherry flavors, with a savory side of gunpowder and tobacco. Firm, integrated tannins behave well in the background.
Lemon curd, white peach and tangerine aromas make for a nicely rounded nose in this appellation blend. It's a very familiar Chardonnay expression on the palate, with a citrus edge that cuts through ripe pear and sea salt flavors. The mouthfeel shows chalky tension.
This wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. Aromas of baking spice, red and black fruit and sweet spices are followed by dark-fruit flavors. The tannins come off as a bit dry and burly at present.
Aromas of cola, herb, barrel spice and cherry lead to plentiful cola flavors. The palate brings some heft but the tannins possess a slight sense of grittiness that distracts.
This Hungarian red blend is garnet in color, with aromas of red cherry and black berry and flavors of red cherry and pomegranate. The tannins are soft with a medium-length finish.
This medium-bodied wine is worth exploring. It's made from a grape variety popular in Italy and has attractive earth and sage aromas and cherry flavors liberally sprinkled with mineral and leather accents. A light coating of tannins boosts the mouthfeel.
This wine is a blend of 50% Syrah aged for 40 months in new American oak, with the other half Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new Slovakian oak. Aromas of cardamom, green pepper, cherry, vanilla and anise are followed by abundant baking-spice accents backed by tart fruit flavors. Barrel notes take over the finish.
Crisp and citrusy lime peel, grapefruit pith, orange and nectarine aromas show in this stainless steel-aged bottling. The palate is more botanical in nature, showing chive and dill along with underripe Bosc pear and key lime flavors. The texture is quite grippy.
Cabernet Franc makes up half this wine, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot. Plum, blueberry, blackberry and baking-spice aromas lead to a fruit-filled palate with light barrel accents throughout.
Rubbery black-fruit aromas come with a distinct and strong whiff of bacon. In the mouth, this is full, angular and highly tannic. A bacon-like flavor leads plum and saucy tomato notes, while this is chunky and scrubbing on the finish, with a flavor of clove.
Given extra time in bottle, this reserve-tier wine offers a generous layering of chocolate and blueberry flavor, the tannins soft and pillowy. Simple in its rich coconut and leather tones, it finishes without fuss.
Here's a big round white that opens with aromas of tropical fruit, hay and wet stone while the ripe full-bodied palate offers cantaloupe and green melon. You'll also notice the warmth of evident alcohol.
This blend of all six Bordeaux varieties is lighter in color and offers wound-up aromas of savory herb, char, exotic spice, green pepper and cherry. The flavors are light and silky in feel, intertwining with charry barrel notes on the lingering finish.
Sweetness and dried fruit intensity are the hallmarks of this smooth, soft, fortified dessert wine. Raisin and prune aromas dominate the nose while boysenberry and blackberry jam flavors are so rich they coat the tongue and sides of the mouth.
Smoky leather and cedar notes rest on a brawny foundation of bold, dry tannin and generous black fruit in this dusty wine. Full-bodied and dense, it opens to show additional tobacco and chocolate aspects.
A fascinating, promising blend of 66% Tannat and 34% Syrah, this bottling begins with lavish aromas of blueberry, cola, milk chocolate and sweet tobacco on the rich, deep nose. It's hard not to like once sipped, with lots of big, juicy black fruit but also an elegant tannic structure. Flavors of vanilla, cocoa and roasted meat ensue.
This wine hangs muscular cherry and berry flavors on a big framework of firm acidity and taut tannins, ready for a long haul in the cellar or tackling a rich dish like Peking duck now. Light whiffs of spicy oak lead to tangy red cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors. Best after 2020.
This is a serious, impressive wine. Fermented in open stone tanks and wood aged, it has a rich texture that encompasses the ripe black fruits and the spicy tannins. The wine has real depth and concentration with a firm, dense structure that will allow it to age. Drink from 2018.
The heady lift of lemon oil hits you first. Next comes a dry, slender palate full of apple flavors: crunchy and red, crisp and green, baked and mellow. This is so juicy and light, yet also concentrated and punchy, expressing laser-sharp Riesling at its best. The wine is poised and has a precise liquid vein of bright acidity before finishing with chalky stoniness. Drink now until 2030.
The golden hue promises flavors of development. A clearly advanced nose brims with notes of dark, bitter fir honey, chalky stone and dried currant fruit, while the palate holds honey, stone and bright, sprightly citrus. The poles of Pinot Gris richness and Alsace acidity are brought to a wonderful counterpoint. It finishes rich with lemon freshness, gingerbread and bitter almond.
A medium-bodied vineyard designate, this wine opens in heady aromas of caramel pretzel and sea spray before unleashing a thick concentration of toasted oak and richness. Tangy citrusy lemon pith and wet stone provide a counterpoint that balances the fullness.
A rich concentrated wine that is solid with tannins and ripe with black fruits. The fruits are up front with the densely tannic character equally prominent. With spice, bitter coffee as well as fine berry fruits, the wine is still young. Drink from 2019.
This is an ice wine produced from grapes frozen in a frost on December 10, 2011. It is superrich, opulent and with great concentration of both honey and ripe apricots. The acidity takes a while to show through the richness of the wine, but it is there, giving a beautiful fresh aftertaste. Start drinking in 2017.
This is a 100% varietal, dry-farmed and old-vine wine, peppered in cedar, raspberry and vanilla. It's soft and subtle on the palate, with pretty aromatics and a rich backbeat of juicy fruit. Balanced and with an underlying elegance, it delivers in every way.
Bold, ripe fruit flavors and full body give oomph to this cherry-scented, plum-flavored wine. It tastes high on the ripeness scale, and plays its fruit chords firmly, yet it also has nice concentration and a sense of layering that are pleasures to ponder.
Toast, lightly roasted Marcona almonds, a touch of hazelnut and hints of melon and lemon blossom converge on the nose of this delicious and cleanly made wine. The flavors are savory, full of lemon zest and sea salt, hinged together by lines of well-rounded acidity. It would pair with everything from lighter fish dishes to smoked chicken.
Adam Lee's bottling from an iconic vineyard offers thick black fruit on the nose as well as fields of fennel and a dense array of purple flowers including lavender. Ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit make for a warm palate, lifted by roasted fennel and lots of tarragon and wild mint.
There is a great amount of dark strawberry freshness on the nose of this intriguing and seductive bottling, enhanced by gravel, pepper and a distinctive mintiness. Peppercorns, beef char and smoke hit the palate alongside blueberry and boysenberry, with plum-skin tartness and firm tannins ensuring ageability.
Light and clean aromas of Asian pear, pear blossoms, apple flesh and white flowers show on the nose of this bottling from a property on the far western edge of the maritime appellation. Bright acidity presents flavors of lime, green apples, Anjou pear flesh and a touch of kiwi, with savory sea-salt touches.
Creaminess and stone are all that is signalled on the nose. The palate opens with a generous spirit that unites green apple crispness, lemon freshness, shortbread richness and chalky depth. There is an undertow of lemon oil and lasting length. There is something generous and rounded about this wine that does not stem from dosage. Intriguing, wonderfully dry, grown-up and totally lasting. This is still taut and will gain from bottle age.
A very light-colored wine made from dark grapes, this is a detailed and multilayered beauty. Fresh ginger, cinnamon and brioche aromas lead to an elegant texture and vivid fruit flavors like white cherry and raspberry that energize the palate and linger long on the finish.
This wine is massively fruity and grandly structured without being heavy or overpowering, but it will need time for the firm tannins to mellow. It smells and tastes like pure, concentrated black cherry and feels full of fine-grained tannins and sour-cherry crispness. It will be best after 2020.
A blend of fruit from Loess and Echo Ridge vineyards, the aromas of herbs, smoke and berry provide intrigue, with smoked meat notes lurking in the background. The blueberry flavors are full and palate staining, bringing a real sense of presence and balance.
Named after the stone blocks or menhirs which are a part of the Tannat vineyard, this a ripe, open and fruity wine. The Merlot does its job of softening the firm tannins of the Tannat and the blend gives a generous wine that has hints of the wood aging along with spice and acidity. Drink now.
Sleek and vibrant, this fresh but substantive and potentially long-lived wine offers a lip-smacking citrus flavor and crisp apple tang, along with mild vanilla accents and a luxurious, layered texture. Little oak flavor shows through, so you taste the essence of Chardonnay grapes in an elegant form. It will be best after 2019.
From a vineyard situated in a forested area of northern Tejo comes this is a structured version of Merlot. It is ripe and rich with black fruits, as well as dark tannins and firm concentration. It could benefit from further aging, so drink from 2018.
The top wine of the trilogy made at Château Ponzac, this is designed for aging. Mint flavors from new-wood barrels mingle with dark tannins and a concentrated texture. It is a powerful, ripe wine that certainly does need some time. Don't drink before 2020.
Extremely refreshing and lovely on the nose, this slightly lower-priced bottling from the Mount Eden team shows nectarine, crisp pluot, cherimoya flesh and the lightest hint of Key-lime zest on the nose. The structure on the sip is intense, with stony crushed-concrete elements and flavors of lime rind, cold Gala apple and gunmetal.
There is an aromatic, herbal lift among the full-fruited nose of this wine that is reminiscent of freshly peeled curls of ripe Cox Orange Pippin apples. The palate adds a pleasantly bitter, slightly phenolic edge that gives texture and and counterbalance to the soaring freshness of the citrus and apple notes. Concentration and power come in a compact, taut package that is likely to unfold a little more with bottle age. It finishes with the rich and honest flavor of crisp, ripe apples. Compelling now but it will be even better. Drink 2017–2030.
Gentle, aromatic notes of ripe apricot appear first, followed by a little smoke. The palate comes in like a clarion call of lemony, brisk, citric freshness. This wine is streamlined and crystal clear, with a defined outline and a stony, concentrated core. With all its power it is muscular but suave and ultraclean.
Hints of flinty smoke precede notes of ripe pear fruit on the nose. The palate comes with an unusually light-footed, almost fleeting transparency. Instead of weight there is depth and promise with a citrus-scented core that wants to be plumbed and explored. There are hints of almond and gingerbread spice that frame this lovely, slender, dry and spicy Pinot Gris with its clean finish.
The estate Napanook is made to be soft in tannin and fresh in fruit. It succeeds in this vintage on both accounts, blending 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, allowing the wine to age in 20% new barrels. Clove, currant, black tea and chocolate-covered raspberry lie luxuriously on the palate, finishing in velvety violet. Drink now through 2023.
There are plenty of tannins in this still-young wine. Wood as well as fruit tannins are firm and concentrated, and still developing. Beside this structure, the fruit is also impressive: a rich medley of dark plums, ripe berry fruits and fine acidity. Drink from 2018.
The balance between ripe sweetness and acidity that comes from Petit Manseng shows so well here. There are ripe pineapple and white-peach flavors that are filled out with honey and a dry edge. The wine is delicious now, although it will age and will be better from 2018.
Full and ripe, this is a lemon and crisp apple flavored wine. There is a hint of toast from the six months in barrel that also adds a little pepper. Fine acidity and a tangy texture suggests it could age. Drink this wine from 2017.
This is a surprisingly powerful wine, with (for a Beaujolais) a high alcohol. Densely textured, the wine is concentrated and dark with plenty of acidity as well as strawberry fruits. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2017.
The exotic notes of passion fruit and mango are so exuberant that you almost forget to pay attention to the honey notes at the core. The palate comes in with more sweetness than expected and makes the tropical fruit even fuller. The medium-sweet finish conveys pure passion fruit.
Earthy notes of slightly bruised, ripe apple peel set the tone of this wine. The palate is taut and clean, shot through with zesty, refreshing lemon juice and peel notes. It has a light-footed elegance and a dry, clean-cut finish.
Fresh, pure notes of Conference pear peel entice the nose. The palate has a richer, rounder aspect and runs the gamut of pear notes, from fresh and green to juicy and yellow. Midpalate texture and gentle vanilla spice are added bonuses.
The characteristic 2014 acidity makes a lovely lemony splash in the center of this dry, refreshing wine. Lemon freshness rises from the glass, offering lots of verve and a lip-smacking finish.
Jammy blueberry and cassis aromas are sturdy but not flamboyant. This chunky, full-bodied cheek grabber deals flavors of roasted berry, savory plum and spice. That same roasted character carries onto the finish.
This blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon offers less showy aromas than similar counterparts, with blackberries, black pepper, light cedar and unsweetened licorice notes. The palate offers a graphite minerality laced through dark olallieberry fruit.
From a hillside vineyard near Moon Mountain overlooking the Sonoma Valley, this wine was blended with 5% Petite Sirah. While not as high in alcohol as some of the producer's other wines, it has a concentrated character on the palate, akin to blueberry syrup, with soft, moderate tannins and a dusty texture. Red and black cherry provide additional fruit flavor.
Honey, jasmine, salted nectarine, yellow melon and plumeria flowers pop on the nose of this bottling that indicates Roussanne may do well in Temecula. There's solid yellow-grapefruit-pith grip to the palate, a touch of tart tangerine, slate minerality and some botanical elements. It's bright and tense for an often oily, easily over-ripened grape.
There is a flinty touch of reduction on the nose. The frothy palate follows with freshness and verve: there is rhubarb and lime peel, fresh lemon and tart greengage. The frothiness makes this exuberant and fun while the generous dosage puts us in mind of spring flowers and elder blossom.
Soft and mellow ripeness rises from the glass, suggesting ripe Mirabelle plum and warm citrus. The palate of this wine is bright with lemony, high-pitched freshness balanced by the dry, fruit-driven body and clean finish.
Concentrated aromas of raspberry, black cherry and blackberry set up a palate with moderately structured tannins. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and toast are nuanced. While this wine is dark and grapy on the finish, with a sense of smoothness. rounds it out.
Soft tannins support a lighter style of leather, strawberry and herb in this structured, aromatic wine, speckled in cherry cola.
There is an elegant integration of aromas on the nose of this bottling, with black cherry, smoked beef and a touch of tobacco. The mouthfeel is very soft and full, presenting flavors of blueberry, crushed asphalt and tart black plum skin. A solid sipper now, it's likely to improve with some aging.
Restrained aromas of waxy apple skins and lemon accumulate in ripeness on the palate of this off-dry Riesling, boasting juicy pink grapefruit and caramelized sugar tones. It's zesty and spry but rounded and juicy in mouthfeel.
The aromas of clove, flowers, black olive and spice are bright, followed by penetrating notes of boysenberry and plum. The palate is supple and in feel, showing concentration but still elegance to the fruit flavors.
Aromas of citrus, melon and orange blossom start this crisp, elegant white from Cephalonia. On the palate, bright flavors of lemon/lime and white peach are balanced with a stony minerality. A beautiful example of an ancient indigenous variety.
With reverberating notes of crushed stone, this dry rosé, made predominantly from Pinot Noir, suggests a more mineral expression of rosé. The palate offers delicate raspberry and cherry flavors and a surprisingly plump mouthfeel that clings nicely through the finish.
Dark, decadent notes of dried cherry and fig lead the bouquet of this seductive wine, with supporting notes of wood spice, cocoa powder, pressed purple flowers and rum raisin adding depth and character. The medium-weight palate boasts velvety tannins and rich black-fruit flavors that finish full and chocolaty.
A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc and 10% Mauzac, this is a bright and lively white, with attractive aromas of white flower, clover, pear flesh and lightly grilled peach. The medium-weight palate is remarkably balanced, with ample acidity to lift the ripe apple, pear and citrus flavors, finishing with a kiss of sweet spice.
The Sauvignon Blanc here creates a wine tasting of ripe pineapples and kiwi fruit. It is rich and full bodied with spice, perfume and attractive acidity. The wine is developing still and will be better starting in 2017.
Vanilla, coconut and baking-spice aromas are out in front of dark fruit. The cranberry and cherry flavors show vibrancy, with fruit and barrel flavors lingering on the long finish.
The Hospices is a charitable organization that has vines in Beaujolais. The wine is ripe with some tannins as well as red fruits. With its structure and concentration, it could age another few months, so wait until 2017.
This blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 38% Syrah and 12% Grenache is fairly light on the nose, showing smoked beef, soy and black-plum paste. The flavors are also quite restrained, with leather, blackberry, fennel and wild-mint elements.
Attractive and complex aromas like dried figs and lemon meringue fade to leaner, crisper flavors suggesting green apple and white peach in this light-bodied, well-balanced wine. It's best to drink after 2018 when it will have opened up to more richness.
The nose suggests ripe, bruised apples and a touch of apple crumble, while the palate also has a mellow aspect, helped along by a little residual sugar to make this wine off dry. Sufficient freshness balances things out but the overall impression is one of rounded mellowness. Lemon becomes apparent on the finish.
Rounded notions of ripe pear on the nose lead to a rounded, earthy but still perfumed palate of clean flavors and gentle fruit. This wine offers a fluid balance of freshness, definition and beautifully expressed orchard fruit.
Hints of pear perfume the nose on this wine, while the defined palate is bright with lemony freshness. Bundled concentration at the lean, taut core will round out with more bottle age. Drink 2017–2025.
Here is another fine effort from Columbia Crest that captures some spice and keeps the fruit bright and fresh. Apple and citrus flavors, sharp and tangy, run up against lots of barrel toast. The finish is loaded with baking spices and lightly touched with candied orange peel.
Once principally known for its reds, Domaine Vacheron's whites are increasingly important. This 2006 domaine wine is ripe, with intense mineral flavors and pink grapefruit which edges to tannins and green apple skins. Classic Sauvignon Blanc, very pure.
Finely balanced, but definitely on the floral, perfumed side, this has freshness, white fruits and a crisp, clean texture. It is all easy fruit, dominated by finishing acidity.
Nice fruit and some juicy bounce are the hallmarks of this pleasant, stylish Pinot Noir. The nose has bright plum and raspberry, but the aromas and flavors are controlled and wholesome, not funky or stretched thin. With a pinch of oak, this wine more than makes the grade.
The first vintage at Nikolaihof from this vineyard, the wine is off dry. There is a lively fruit character and green apple skins, along with a creamy, fresh aftertaste.
There's a slightly smoky, fume character to this wine's otherwise ripe aromas of stone fruit, melon and fig, giving an extra layer of complexity. And despite the ripe aromas, this wine is crisp and grassy on the palate, delivering a long finish with finely delineated flavors.
From Northridge (Milbrandt) vineyard, the highest vineyard on the hill east of Matawa, up into stony soils, with straight south exposure. This has a gorgeous color and bright, fresh aromas of berry and cherry, bigger than the Cinsault, with some grip to the tannins.
This is a spicy and fragrant red wine, the 63% Grenache dominating the fruit, and the 37% Syrah filling in the back with peppery tannins. At first the flavors are tight and compressed, a mix of blackberry, cherry, plum and more, along with streaks of espresso. As the acids wind their way down the throat, they take on strong citrus flavors of lemon, pineapple and orange peel.
This seems to take a page out of Australia's Clare Valley Riesling style book, offering floral notes, green apple and citrus aromas and a reasonably dry, muscular style. Lime sherbet flavors dominate, finishing crisp and tart.
The 2005 Doyenne Aix is 50% Cabernet, 48% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. The increased percentage of Syrah and the extra dollop of Mourvèdre ramps this up to a stiffer, more substantial wine than the 2004. It's a Cabernet-driven complement to the DeLille D2, replete with muscle and nerve. Dark and chewy, the wine has picked up a little Rhône-like savage-ness from the Mourvèdre, especially in the aroma. The tannins are chewy and a bit leafy, and need some airing out, but there's plenty of meaty flavor here.
Classic Sauvignon, steely, crisp and mineral. There is a concentration of texture and green skins as well as impressive freshness. Lively, vibrant flavors, vivid in their relief, point up the good intensity of this fruity wine.
This Cab blend proves that Hungarian reds are becoming more of a contender on a global level. An enticing wave of pepper and wooded spice on the nose rolls into flavors of juicy red fruit, pepper, raspberry and wood on the tongue. The structure is solid but elegant, so though the wine can age, it's good to drink now. Balanced and stylish overall.
Seemingly fully mature, this wine features lots of savory, meaty notes to go along with dried fruit aromas, then adds brighter, tart berry flavors on the palate. Vanilla, tobacco and crisp acids seem to be taking control of the finish, so drink up before the fruit fades.
This unusual blend is 68% Shiraz and 32% Malbec, resulting in a full-bodied, deeply plummy wine. Hints of clove, pepper and earth impart welcome complexity on the nose, while the flavors fold in a black olive component. Softly tannic, so drink now or hold 2-3 years.
Good red fruit on the opening and spicy. Ripe, intense and warming in the mouth, with a broad-sweeping wave of plum and raspberry. Feels a little creamy and then drying on the finish, with medium depth and lasting heat. Due to high alcohol and a related burn it needs food, i.e. anything off the grill.
A dark, brooding style of tannic Douro wine. It is lean initially, with a strong mineral character and firm black plum-skin flavors plus leather and tight acidity. When it opens out, this becomes a great value from the Douro.
Pinot Noir and Portugal don't normally go together, but DFJ seem to have made a specialty of growing this variety in the cooler Estremadura region. This has more Portuguese than Burgundian character, with its spice, juicy red berry and dried fruits, finishing with blackberry and acidity.
Ripe, full, sweet, oaky and even a touch confectionary, with a whiff of cotton candy blending with resin and spice from the barrels. The palate is superconcentrated, with blackberry and chocolate flavors, and on the finish the oak pushes things toward toast, coconut and burnt logs. Woody, but powerful and appealing.
The Columbia Valley Cuvée is JM Cellars' Bordeaux blend of Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc.  Fragrant and seductive, spicy and deep, it's loaded with wild berry fruit flavors, dried herbs and hints of rock. The new oak is not intrusive, the acids are balanced, and the finish is light and smooth.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is the best of the three new releases from Mannina. It simply has better focus, more concentration and is a well-balanced wine with a pretty mocha/toasty finish. Why is this the cheap wine? Who knows, but it is clearly the best overall value as well.
Dark, smoky and herbal, this wine, the second Malbec from Maryhill, does capture some of that grape's lovely character. Tart wild berry fruit is cut with sharp acids, and laced with herb and hints of stone. There is a bit of saddle leather showing through the tannins, but not so much as to wipe out the sweet fruit. A persistent finish tastes like fresh picked raspberries.
Rubber and savory berry aromas lead it off. The palate shows good texture and overall smoothness, with round cassis and plum flavors. Very competent and solid on the finish, with toasty, warming afternotes and only a slight tannic grab. Textbook Malbec given the price range.
Named after the follies that were built in past centuries on the Aveleda estate, this range of wines brings together some intriguing combinations. This ripe, full wine has acidity, white pear and spice and a smooth texture.
This full-bodied Shiraz isn't that complex, but it's immediately gratifying for its lashings of vanilla and blackberry fruit. Lush and oaky, it fits the mold of many steakhouse reds.
Fresh apple, pear and lemon flavors have a crystalline edge in this just-off-dry example of Elbling, an unusual white variety grown in the Mosel. It's zesty and spry, finishing with a delicious murmur of lime-pith bitterness. Drink now.
Spicy, meaty flavors like black pepper and beef broth blend with substantial fruit flavors in this medium-bodied, dry and rather sophisticated wine. It's almost a meal in itself, and well-balanced.
A dark-red color, aromas like dark chocolate, flavors recalling black cherry, and a dry rather than sweet taste make this a great wine for a special meal. It has layers of fruit, a bit of smoke, and lots of fine tannins that pile up for a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Light fleshy aromas of peach and apricot lead to a tight juicy direct palate with pure, unadulterated flavors of pineapple, tangerine and apple. A crisp stony finish is fresh and in fine shape. This is a textbook racy Albariño to drink right away.
Subtle honeysuckle, orange and apricot aromas lead to nicely tangy fruit flavors, medium body and good crisp acidity. This is a well-balanced, vibrant and refreshing wine.
Aromas of resin, nail polish, overripe plum steeped in spirits, oak and a confectionary note lead the way. The warm palate displays ripe black cherry, cocoa, anise and a whisper of licorice framed in velvety tannins. Drink through 2026.
Made with Moscato, this sparkling dessert wine opens with aromas of fragrant white flower, apricot and a note of chopped herb. The foaming palate offers dried apricot, yellow peach and candied nectarine zest while a lemon drop note signals the close.
Snappy citric aromas of grapefruit and lime are pungent and not too different from Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc. Accordingly, the palate is fresh and focused, with flavors of stone fruits that are leesy and have a honeyed sweetness. A controlled, mild finish tastes mostly of orange. Drink now.
Fairly deep berry aromas register as dark and ripe. Following the nose, this feels chunky and round, while toasty blackberry flavors remain heavy and dark on a full generous finish. Drink through 2018.
Warm and robust, this full-bodied Barolo offers aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, tar and kirsch. The palate is bold and hearty but also shows the heat of the vintage, doling out cherry-marinated-in-spirits, licorice and clove alongside almost scorching alcohol. Drink sooner rather than later.
Layered aromas of blackberry, cassis, leather and dried cheese are inviting. In the mouth, this Garnacha from vines more than 100-years-old is jammy and friendly. Candied almost syrupy flavors of blackberry and black cherry finish dense and chocolaty, with modest acidity. Drink through 2017.
Considerable noble rot both in its aromas and in its palate give this wine richness and a textured, sweet and dry character. Honeyed with bitter marmalade and dried apricot flavors , it is still young. Drink from 2017.
With 14 months oak aging, this structured, spicy wine shows considerable toast. A strongly smoky character is freshened by the red currant and blackberry fruitiness. Acidity gives the wine a lift and also promises aging. Drink from 2017.
Aromas of black cherry and a hint of height-of-summer farmstead prep the palate for flavors of blackberry, black cherry, roasted meat, sage, and bell pepper. There is a nice combination of fruit and savory flavors, and the persistent finish offers lingering notes of fruits of the wood and roasted meat. Mevushal.
Baking spice, dried flower, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of coconut lead the nose on this straightforward Barolo. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, toast and vanilla alongside firm, tightly knit tannins.
Polished and fragrant, this charming red offers alluring scents of freshly picked rose, red berry, tilled soil and a whiff of aromatic herb. Vibrant acidity and supple tannins balance the bright cherry, strawberry, white pepper and anise flavors. Enjoy through 2017.
The reserve version of this wine has extra richness and concentration. Solid tannins are filled out with ripe juicy blackberry fruits and perfumed acidity. The wine is concentrated and could age for a few more months. Drink from 2017.
A chalky slightly saline minerality extends through this lemony fresh wine, accenting plush fruity flavors of apple, peach and pear. It's silky on the palate and refreshing in composure, ideal for elegant and casual entertaining.
This offers aromas of pressed rose, cherry marinated in spirits, aromatic herb and menthol. The bracing palate shows raw red cherry, clove, white pepper and a hint of mocha while assertive tannins and racy acidity provide the framework. It's still young and aggressively tannic so don't attempt before 2019.
This wine offers a bouquet of raspberry and smoked meat with a touch of bell pepper. Flavors of black cherry, smoked meat, black pepper and eucalyptus mingle on the palate, with savory notes outweighing fruit. Soft tannins coat the mouth, and ultimately black cherry lingers on the back palate.
Primary aromas of black cherry and cassis come with minerally notes, herbal hints and a drop of iodine. This feels good but narrow, while saucy, lightly herbal berry flavors end with tolerable saltiness. Drink through 2019.
It's difficult to find $20 Pinot Noir this good from anywhere in the world. Floral notes on the nose yield to ripe black-cherry fruit on the palate, which finish finishes with crisp acids and soft, dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.
This densely flavored and full-bodied wine has a very deep, dark color and aromas that suggest oak barrels, nutmeg and cardamom. The palate shows tension between firm tannins and acidity, and carries ripe blackberries, with spicy accents. Drink now through 2020.
This is a toasty oaky version of Pinot Noir, loaded with cedar, vanilla and wood-derived tannins. Yet there's enough cherry fruit to provide ample support, and delicate herbal shadings peer through on the bright, concentrated finish. Drink now through 2020.
Invigorating white grapefruit and lemons are cast against a deep mineral backdrop in this dry, thirst quenching wine. It's delicate and filigreed on the palate with a brisk, tight finish. Drink now.
Shocks of ripe rich yellow peach and pineapple revitalize the palate of this animated off-dry Riesling. Simultaneously bracing and sun-drenched, it's a straightforward yet delectably juicy treat. Enjoy now while young.
Aromas of children's vitamins, corn stalk and white peach set up a lemony stony zesty palate with lemon and nectarine flavors. A stony crisp cleansing finish does the job while not faltering.
This blend holds 59% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 13% Petite Sirah and 4% Zinfandel. Slightly reserved at first, with some patience it begins to show violets, boysenberries and sandalwood on the nose. Aromatic purple flowers arise on the sip, along with dark chocolate and black currant. But the wine is rigidly structured, remaining quite wound-up even after many hours open.
An attractive melon- and pear-flavored wine, with a hint of apricot. With warm acidity and a rounded texture, this is ready to drink.
Earthy blackberry aromas come with an herbal/leafy edge. The palate is clacky and tannic, but low on volume and stuffing. Tastes of hollow but dark berry fruits, with a hint of buttery oak. A good but average type of Tempranillo.
A little fiery and rubbery on the nose, but mostly you get driving red fruit notes. The palate is tight and minimal, with dry spice and strawberry/raspberry flavors. Fresh and acidic at the end, with crispness on the way out.
A typical spicy Zweigelt with red fruits and a light structure of tannins. The wine has weight, but more freshness and acidity.
Smells a bit oily and heavy, with sweet tropical fruit aromas leading the charge. The palate is creamy and oily feeling, with honey, nutmeg, banana and melon flavors. Fleshy on the finish; best if taken well chilled.
There is already a hint of tawniness to this wine (second bottle— first was TCA-infected) that suggests a short life ahead. It's charming at the moment, surprisingly far along the aging curve, but with pretty cherry fruit and some sandalwood in the tannins. Drink up.
Rubbery and meaty smelling, with a certain chunkiness conveyed. The palate is tight as nails, with grabby tannins pushing savory plum flavors that come with a good dose of dill and herbal accents. Drying and a bit scratchy on the finish, with smack-down grip.
Layers of smoke, toast and savory apples on the nose strike a contrast with the sweet melon and apple flavors on the palate of this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. Reverberates to a rich, salted butter and toast note on the finish.
Unusually exotic and strange on the bouquet, with blueberry, lemon peel and warm mulch aromas. The palate has size and pretty good feel, with tangy blue-fruit flavors, exotic spice notes and zip. Finishes with floral notes and lightness.
Smells damp and murky, with raisin and other sweet berry aromas along with some mulch. The palate brings more freshness, but it's grabby and tannic as it delivers prune, raisin and berry flavors in front of coffee and herbs on the finish. Good but smells and tastes a little overripe.
A series of firm tannins goes with acidity, raspberry fruits and attractive juicy sweetness. A wine for drinking on cold winter evenings.
On the earthy, leathery side of things, this wine comes across as a bit tough and rustic but not completely without charm; brown sugar and dried fruit notes give it a subtle sweetness on the palate. Drink up.
This wine used to come from Jumilla and contain Monastrell in addition to Shiraz and Tempranillo; now it's from Extremadura, with Carignan instead of Monastrell. It's rudimentary on the nose and scouring in the mouth, with firm tannins and sharp acids. The palate pulses with raspberry and plum fruit, then finishes with resiny grip and oaky flavors.
This blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Merlot has a pretty fragrance of blue flower, black berry and baking spice. The simple palate is less expressive, offering fleeting wild cherry flavors.
Made from native grape Catarratto, this easy-drinking wine opens with aromas of white flower and stone fruit. The palate delivers white peach and lemon zest flavors alongside fresh acidity, ending bright.
Red-berry aromas feature a hint of raisin along with oaky notes of shoe polish and lemon. A pinched, grabby, high-acid palate contains rubbery flavors of berry, plum and citrus. On the finish, oak flavors and controlled bitterness settle in.
Delicate floral and bramble notes accent bright sour-cherry and currant notes on this rich, concentrated Pinot Noir. It's fresh and fruity on the palate with a shock of cranberry flavor and just a hint of tannins that extend the finish.
A fruit bomb of a Cabernet that has a lot of the things we love about Zinfandel. It has a deep, saturated color, jammy aromas, very ripe cherry flavors laced with maple syrup and a seemingly sweet finish. Juicy and delicious on its own or with casual meals.
This attractive wine has good acidity as well as attractive red berry fruits. It's ready to drink with its soft fruitiness and light tannins.
Freshly pressed apples and pears are touched with honey on this juicy medium-sweet Riesling. Brisk, brash lemony acidity jolts the midpalate, extending to a sweet kiss of peach on the finish. Refreshing and quaffable.
Crisp, very light and fruity, this is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine. A touch of acidity at the end gives freshness.
This ruby hued Nero d'Avola opens with earthy aromas of mature red and black berries, underbrush and a whiff of white pepper. The lean palate isn't very expressive, showing raw red cherry and a hint of roasted coffee bean. It finishes on a green, bitter note.
The wine is closed, but has potential. At the moment, the wood and texture dominate, but there are signs of ripe apple and pear fruits that will come through in a few months. Wait until the end of 2014.
The blend includes a half-dozen grapes, principally Mourvèdre and Syrah. It tastes muted, as if the mélange of fruit sources more or less cancelled each other out. It's a quaffable, generic red with orange peel highlights and tart acidity.
The previous vintage of this sweet Pinot Gris was finished at 30 g/L residual sugar; this drops it down to half that. It's a sugary, spritzy wine that has not quite jelled the way the 2012 did, though time may help to pull it together. Right now it's just simple and sweet.
This blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah opens with aromas of blackberry and blue flower. The lean palate is drying out, but still offers a black cherry note and astringent wood tannins that give it an abrupt, drying finish.
The wine is structured and still firm, showing tight tannins and acidity over the red fruits. A cool edge elicits the fresher character of the fruits. Drink from 2016.
Made from organically farmed fruit, this easygoing Nero d'Avola offers juicy blackberry and sour cherry lightly framed by a white pepper accent. It's simple but well-made, with bright acidity. Pair it with summer salads or pizza.
Juicy and dense in blackberry fruit, it offers lingering notes of cedar and cassis with a lingering finish of wood.
With smidgens of Viognier and Sémillon, this wine offers aromas of sweet jasmine and fig, and is bright with some heft on the palate. With suggestions of tropical fruit and apricot, the acidity is subtle.
This easy drinking rosato has pretty but fleeting aromas of strawberry and baking spices. The fresh, informal palate offers wild cherry, raspberry and a hint of clove. Sip this as an apéritif or pair with summer salads.
Milk chocolate and oak aromas blend with lightly herbal berry scents. This is fresh and choppy on the palate, with red-fruit flavors of plum and pie cherry. Aggressive and slightly herbal on the finish, this comes around with airing.
The Monster is approximately half Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest a blend of Merlot (27%), Petit Verdot (12%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Aromas and flavors are savory and slightly leathery, with a soft core of plum and cherry fruit, hints of cocoa and a long finish.
Warm spice and smoke aromas start this stylish wine. Rich red berry, smoke and peppery spice flavors are integrated, and smooth tannins give the wine an accessible feel. Pair with game, robust cheeses and grilled meats.
Good but basic wine from southern Spain that shows cherry aromas with a citrusy twist. The mix is Monastrell with Syrah and Tempranillo, and as a whole it is composed, with berry, plum and other straightforward flavors. A plump, friendly sort of wine that isn't too complicated.
Stylistically speaking, this oak-aged wine is very different from all of Borsao's fruit-first Garnachas. And that isn't exactly a full-out compliment. So while the wine has balance and structure, the oak seems dominant on the nose and palate, which lends more vanilla and cream than spice and character.
Gets off early with fresh tomato, spiced red plum, tobacco and vanilla aromas. The palate is fine but tight, with herbal fruit flavors, pepper, tomato and sharp acidity. Finishes with olive and tomato notes. Not the sweetest or softest thing going, but good if you like Navarran wines and their patented herbal, red-fruit character.
Savory and deep given the price, with dark color, obvious ripeness and even a touch of vanilla and mocha on the nose. Round in the mouth and immensely fruity, with plum and berry flavors blending with vanilla. Textured and medium-long on the finish. Good for everyday quaffing, especially in the cold fall and winter months.
A medium-bodied, dry Silvaner, with modestly earthy, minerally and grapefruity aromas and citrus and mineral flavors. It finishes clean and fresh, with only 11% alcohol. Serve as an apéritif, alone or with passed hors d'oeuvres.
Made entirely with rare native grape Uvalino, this opens with aromas that recall ripe black plum and vanilla. The dense robust palate delivers prune, clove and a dusting of cocoa alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Savory oak aromas and related spice notes blend with earthy berry scents. This wine has a racy mouthfeel tempered by creamy oak. Woody, spicy, earthy flavors of berry fruits and tomato conclude with a note of vanilla on a traditional Rioja-style finish.
Aromas recall pressed rose petal, tilled earth and a whiff of sage. The soft palate doles out raspberry jam, licorice and white pepper alongside polished tannins. There isn't much complexity but it's fresh and already enjoyable. Drink through 2019.
This has subdued aromas suggesting aromatic herb, forest floor, truffle and a whiff of leather. It's assertive and rather lean in terms of fruit richness, displaying sour cherry, pomegranate, espresso, clove and a note of powdered sage. Tight, grainy tannins leave a firm finish.
The aromas of marionberry, licorice and herb bring a sense of purity, along with light whiffs of oxidation. The dark-fruit flavors are a strange mixture of sweet and tart, not entirely coming together. It doesn't quite stand up on its own but should fit in well at the dinner table.
The aromas in this wine are bright, with notes of herb, tire rubber and red currant, with the oak influence dialed back. The fruit flavors are lighter styled, direct and pure, going down easy with blue-fruit flavors on the finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker.
This comes from a part of the Château de Cérons vineyard in Bordeaux's Graves region. It is a fruity crisp wine, light in texture and with attractive black-currant fruits. The wood aging has smoothed the wine, opening up the stalky texture. Drink from 2019.
Stéphane Defraine's wine is rich with dark black fruits. The tannins with spice and a firm core give this wine density. It is already powerful and concentrated. It will be ready from 2018.
This is a selection of the best parcels of the estate on the east Gironde bank across from Margaux. The wood aging (50% new wood) is apparent and gives a dusty texture to the wine without dominating it. It is a structured and ripe wine, showing the fruit of the vintage while also keeping solid tannins. Drink from 2019.
Vines situated close to the fortified citadel of Blaye have produced this bright and shiny 2014. With its clear red-berry fruits, black currants and acidity, it is immediately attractive. The tannins, a great support to the fruit, promise some aging. Drink now, or, better yet, wait until 2018.
This is finely balanced wine. It has poise and bright red fruits. Underneath that are both tannins and crisp acidity. The wine is never heavy—it's well structured, finishing with swathes of fruits. Drink from late 2017.
This is balanced and ripe with some firm tannins and spice. The blackberry fruit has a stalky character with plenty of acidity as well as a dry core of tannin. The wine will develop well over the next few years to create a ripe and gently structured wine. Drink from 2019.
Marked by its five months in wood, this warm, ripe and spicy wine is packed with rich black fruits and light generous tannins. It is a chunky wine, solid with its dry core while full and warm with its fruits. Drink now.
Black plum, boysenberry, nutmeg and cinnamon show on the nose of this appellation blend. A ripe boysenberry flavor pops at the tip of the sip, with sagebrush and savory meat flavors arising midpalate. The tannic structure is squeaky and clean.
Under new winemaking and vineyard protocols, this producer is working with estate-grown fruit across all its wines. This one shows a rich, rounded approach that never gets overly ripe, instead embracing a sanguine, savory profile of cranberry and red currant wrapped in toasted oak.
Aromas of herb, black cherry, plum, black licorice and baking spice lead to generous and sweet blue-fruit flavors. Lightly tacky tannins provide support.
While whiffs of bramble, white mushroom and earth are savory on the nose, the palate of this full-bodied Cabernet Franc is bright and fruity. Juicy black-cherry and berry flavors are forward and fresh, marked by crisp acidity and ripe persistent tannins.
Touches of earth, new leather and sweet vermouth fill the aromas and flavors of this edgy but very enjoyable wine. It has a seeming-sweet blend of maraschino cherries, baking spices and spicy, barnyard accents.
This widely available and comparatively cheap bottling nabbed quality fruit to present aromas of black raspberry, dark cranberry, crushed graphite and chaparral. There is refreshing if slightly dried fruit on the palate, where blackberry paste is lifted by thyme, marjoram and turned-earth flavors.
Sweet strawberry and red-melon fruits show on the nose of this bottling along with clove, star anise and a touch of herbs. The boysenberry flavors on the sip are laid across fine-grained tannins and a decent acidity.
This is a very dry and dusty wine. That experience starts on the nose, where dried oregano, pencil shavings and bittersweet-chocolate aromas meet with restrained blackberry juice. The herbal wave carries into the sip, with marjoram, bay leaf and dill playing into slightly sour black-plum fruit.
Hedonistic aromas of hot red-cherry pie with buttery crust show on the nose of this bottling along with more intellectual touches of thyme and graphite. There's a strong herbal front to the palate, with bay leaf, mint and more thyme sprinkled atop boysenberry fruit. It finishes with a bit of earthy dust.
The restrained nose of this bottling shows red cherry, dusty earth, sagebrush and a bit of rosebud. The palate blends the sour and sweet tones of candied cranberry with thyme and bay leaf, proving quite clean and tasty.
Ripe and forward black-cherry and berry notes are juxtaposed by swathes of green herb and pepper in this neatly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh in fruit and acidity, it finishes with bold tannins and integrated tones of smoked nut and spice.
An interesting blend of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Pinotage, this white is fresh and fruity, with an enticing mixture of citrusy flowers and small red berries. There's a touch of earthiness on the palate, with a nice smoothness its medium weight. So crisp and alive now; drink up.
Suitably light in body and elegant, this is a pretty, varietally correct Pinot Noir, with fruity notes of cranberry and tart cherry accented by shadings of earth and brown sugar. It's silky on the finish, with delicate hints of coffee. Drink now.
Plummy and confected, with the baked-fruit character and hints of raisined fruit that can sometimes affect wines from the Plan de Dieu. Thankfully, the tannins are supple, and while there's some alcoholic warmth, it's still easy to drink. Drink now–2014.
This Yakima Valley Merlot is forward and light, with a dried leaf character complementing the fruit flavors of melon and strawberry. A peppery note strikes home in the finish, with just a hint of Band-Aid.
Slightly earthy and rubbery smelling, with a pinch of wet dog fur on the nose. It feels full and hefty, with sweet blackberry flavors leading to a round, sweet finish. This is solid and easy to like.
Soft and ripe, this has attractive red-berry fruits that are layered with acidity and tangerine flavor. It's delicate, light hearted, and great as an apéritif.
This thick, rich white has aromas of toasted oak and corn nuts, chased by a note of petrol. It's a good white to pair with seriously hearty fare or sharp cheeses.
On the rich side, this is a full-bodied and forward. It's concentrated and spicy, and with its weight it is a food-friendly wine.
The lime, mineral and flower aromas are inviting. On the palate, light, powdery flavors of lime, kiwi and green melon take over. It tastes a little green on the finish, like tarragon, but overall it's fresh, dry and easy to drink. This is a blend of 40% Macabeo and 40% Parellada and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
This blend of of 51% Chardonnay and 49% Semillon tastes big and ripe, mostly of pineapple, guava and very-ripe pear, with a rich vanilla finish.
Light and crisp, this is a delicious green-fruited wine that has a crisp texture and lively acidity. Screwcap.
A lightweight but charming Pinot Noir, with pretty cherry fruit accented by notes of dried bracken and ground cinnamon. It's soft, silky and immediately accessible. Drink now.
A straightforward, slightly chunky Côtes du Rhône, with modest cherry fruit tinged with leather, chocolate and licorice. It's medium to full in body, with acids that stick out a bit on the palate, but which should serve it well when paired with burgers or meatloaf.
Strong and aggressive, this dark and almost syrupy Syrah crosses the line from high-toned to volatile. The California-style, grapey fruit flavors of plum and blueberry should warrant a higher score, but for some tasters the volatility will be too much.
Scents of lemon zest, underripe pineapple and white flower abound on this dry, surprisingly-lean Chardonnay, with hints of sweet cream and vanilla. Brisk with crisp apple flavor, it finishes clean with just a hint of salinity.
This is appealing from the beginning, with fresh raspberry, strawberry and mineral aromas. It feels nice and bright, with flavors of citrus, pink grapefruit and green herb. Finishes with forward acidity and mild flavors of sage and tarragon.
An off-dry Chenin, with lush notes of peach, red apple and sweet lime. There are soft hints of sweet grass and spice that unfold on the bouquet and on the finish. Vibrant acidity keeps the flavors fresh and leaves a lingering tingling sensation. An easy choice for drinking now.
This sleek and herbal Zinfandel shows good balance, matching tart red fruits against suggestions of dried leaves and spices. There is a smooth, chocolate and vanilla coating that masks the bitter edge on the finish.
This is attractive, fruity and lightly balanced wine. It has great wild-strawberry flavors that are laced with just the right amount of acidity. The finish is tight and crisp.
This is crisp, clean and light. It is fruity with green apple flavor, and it has a tight texture. The finish is floral and aromatic. Screwcap.
One of the many labels owned by the Grassa family of Domaine du Tariquet, this is so light and fresh that it just floats across the palate. It is citrus-crisp, with a tight apple skin texture. Great for apéritifs. Screwcap.
The weight here is palpable, sweet peach and strawberry going with richness. There is enough acidity, but the pepper edge is less attractive.
Slightly herbal and leafy on the first pass, but airing shows a good mix of olive, creamy blackberry fruit and buttery oak. The flavor profile brings candied cherry/berry fruit and an herbal touch, and the finish is juicy and feels right. Standard but more than respectable at this price point.
Plump and round on the palate, this is a bit soft and lacking bite, but does offer a reasonably complex array of pungently herbal notes and melon and fig flavors. Drink now.
Hints of green pepper and sweet spice add character to the more standard notes of plum guts and ripe cherry. Lighter weight but round in the mouth with good balance and a clean, medium-length finish. Drink now.
This feels a bit stripped, though the bottle says the alcohol hits almost 15%. There is a chocolaty coating over sharp, herbal, rather thin fruit flavors. The wine shows pleasant strawberry and watermelon fruit flavors, though the tannins and chocolaty barrel flavors quickly take over.
Part of a range of young wines produced by Mas del Perié. This is bright and fruity, relying on black berry fruits, soft tannins and a vivid juicy character. The dusty tannins supply a light amount of structure.
Medium-intense aromas of pear, red apple skin and delicate sweet spice appear on the nose, while accents of toast and limey citrus unfold in the mouth. Vibrant and easy to drink with a clean, softly wooded finish. Try with grilled steak fish like swordfish or mahi mahi.
Juicy and balanced in red and black berry, this is meaty, smoky and accessible wine, as complex and sultry as any of its vineyard or block-designates, yet softer and rounder, ready to play. A handful of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin and Negrette are included.
Aromas evoking dark baking spice, forest floor, French oak, dried herb, violet and balsamic menthol are some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant structured red. The concentrated palate evokes plum, blackberry jam, vanilla and tobacco while firm fine-grained tannins provide the support. Drink 2019–2029.
Underbrush, red fruit, dark spice and a whiff of menthol are some of the aromas that come together on this. The firmly structured elegant palate offers ripe plum, red cherry, licorice and tobacco framed in youthfully austere fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2020–2028.
The nose on this rich bottling proves to be both zesty and rich, with blackberry syrup, lilacs, caramel and a touch of oak. There is lively acidity slicing through the prominent density of the sip, where thick waves of blackberry, blueberry and espresso are held up by sticky tannins.
Earthy and gamy aromas of rust and blood meet with red cherry juice and cola on the nose of this bottling by Trey Fletcher from the region's most coastal property. It's soft on the palate, with light strawberry, tangy cranberry and red plum fruit, but it's the garrigue components of thyme and eucalyptus that take it to the next level. Add lively energy and it soars.
Attractive aromas of pipe tobacco, plum and baking spice lead the nose. The tight, elegant palate delivers wild cherry, blackberry, licorice and a hint of mineral framed in austere fine-grained tannins that lend firm structure and polished texture. Fresh acidity provides balance. Give it time to unwind. Drink 2020–2030.
Gravenstein apple, crisp Bosc pear, seared lemon and a touch of flinty smoke show on the very approachable and delicious nose of this best-of-barrel bottling by winemaker Bill Brosseau. The palate is full-bodied yet zesty, crisp and fresh, with stonefruit and squeezed citrus flavors, as well as a sea salt character that rides deep into the finish.
This wine is 70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, with fruit coming from Yellow Jacket, Stoney Vine and Pepper Bridge vineyards. Aromas of herb, ember, black cherry, earth, smoked meat and plum are followed by palate-coating, rich fruit and savory flavors, with enough tannic structure to benefit from some time in the cellar.
Vibrant, complex aromas of grilled asparagus, ember, tapenade, fresh herb, potpourri and moist earth lead to full abundant palate-coating fruit and savory flavors. It shows a very pretty sense of styling along with impeccable balance.
Made from unknown heritage clones, this bottling lays down a cran-raspberry base and then lavishes on the herbal components of thyme, bay leaf, sagebrush and pine resin. That underbrush character is strong on the sip too, from oregano to incense, ensuring that this wine will bring plenty of nuance to any dish served, from light fish to steak.
Earthy cherry and cardamom instantly attract the nose and palate of this wine, flirty and floral in classically varietal aromas of forest floor and wild truffle. Juicy acidity keeps it alive and vibrant as it opens and develops, offering a welcome twist of tangerine in the background.
Winemaker Fintan du Fresne nails the combination of richness and freshness in this bottling. The nose offers clean lines of wet cement, lemongrass, Gravenstein apple and a slightly exotic spice. Chilled Asian pear flavors kick off the sip, but then comes a buttery, macadamia nut warmth that's hedonistic and delicious.
This wine, now mature, shows a fine toast and yeast character. That still leaves room for crisp apple fruit and bright acidity, exuding a stylish elegance. It's poised with delicious balance. Drink now.
New leather, truffle, dark spice and black plum aromas take shape in the glass along with a whisper of violet. The firmly structured elegant palate delivers blackberry, wild cherry, licorice and tobacco against a backbone of youthfully austere fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It's still tightly wound so give it time to fully open and develop. Drink 2022–2032.
The aromas are brooding, with notes of red fruit, plum, assorted herbs and high-toned spices. The red fruit flavors are pure and layered, bringing a whole lot of hedonistic pleasure while showing exquisite balance.
Firm and bright, this is a full-bodied, generously layered red rich in red currant, tobacco, clove and black pepper. Lengthy and complexly woven, it has a gravelly edge of minerality to its texture and taste.
The vineyard was planted in 1853, so these are some seriously old vines, yielding seriously concentrated fruit. The briary, blackberry fruit is lavished with toasty, vanilla-scented French oak, which melds nicely into a full-bodied, slightly creamy-textured wine that avoids any sensation of warmth or heaviness. Drink now–2030. Frederick Wildman & Sons
Farmed by the Dutton family, this vineyard offers a generosity of fruit and depth, the nose perfumed in rose and lavender. Grippy texture lies atop a robust density and luxurious mouthfeel, the rich roundness never overwhelmed but instead kept fresh in bright acidity.
Dark boysenberry, dried purple flowers, wet slate and a touch of bay leaf show on the nose of this thick and earthy bottling by the tech moguls T.J. and Valeta Rodgers. The mouthfeel is very chalky, and there is the winery's characteristic earthiness along with mocha and baking spice. But there are also brighter berry flavors, perhaps due to the sunnier slopes.
Entirely varietal and estate-grown, this big-bottled wine offers a welcome taste of berry pie dusted in cinnamon and clove, the oak sturdy and sweet in vanilla. Luxuriously smooth, the texture is velvety and lush, like a river of dark chocolate. It ends in a flash of black pepper.
Softened and given additional color from the addition of 7% Malbec, this is a beautiful, herbaceous wine, etched in cassis and cedar. Structured, it offers subtle, nuanced oak behind its density of sage and dusty earth, a worthy expression of the vineyard atop Atlas Peak.
This is a remarkable effort at the price, the wine sourced from Beckstoffer-owned sites in Carneros. Apple, peach and lemon highlight an integrated, vibrantly fresh experience on the palate, which lingers and impresses long after the finish.
This Premier Cru vineyard lies north of the Grand Crus, with a west-facing exposure. It has yielded a wine with soft, generous floral character, ripe yellow fruit and a crisp, mineral edge. Finely sculpted and ageworthy, it will be best from 2019.
This refreshing wine comes from one of the Premier Cru sites on the north-facing bank of the Serein river. It's structured, tight and full of fine acidity and grapefruit and crisp apple flavors. Its texture and mineral character will allow it to age. Drink from 2019.
Barrel fermentation and aging have given this wine its ripe character. They have filled it out with spiciness, adding complexity to the yellow fruit and maturing acidity. It's not going to age much further but is very fine to drink now.
This is one of a collection of Champagnes tasted and approved by a group of growers under the Special Club label. With a predominance of Chardonnay, it's still crisp and fruity, showing rich apple and pear flavors. Its citrusy acidity gives it lift, slowing any signs of maturity. It will continue to age gracefully but is delicious now.
Spiced plum, blue flower, vanilla, French oak and balsamic aromas lead the way on this firmly structured red. Full-bodied and elegant, the youthful, enveloping palate evokes blackberry, black cherry, pipe tobacco and ground clove framed in tightly knit fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2032.
This light-bodied, dry wine smells fresh and fruity, tastes like crisp apples and honeydew melon, and has a soft texture that makes it easy to sip.
Rubbery black plum and berry aromas lead to a fresh, tight palate with astringent tannins. Generic berry flavors are angular, while this everyday Garnacha is tannic and scratchy on the finish.
From the home estate of wine academic and guru Denis Dubourdieu, this tight, nervy wine has a mineral character rounded by wild-strawberry flavors. An attractive citrus tang gives it good bite at the end. Drink now.
This Romanian Cabernet Sauvignon smells like black raspberry, cherry vanilla and a touch of mint. There are flavors of red berries and red plum on the palate.
Yellow plum and fresh lemon seem to have an earthy tinge and some bitter edges on the palate. But this wine still offers lively enough fruit and some texture.
Simple, fresh yellow-apple fruit is met with some citrus freshness on the clean palate that could do with a little more precision. Nonetheless, this is neutral, versatile and fresh.
Bruised apple notes precede a friendly, easy, soft, apple-scented wine with a light and dry body. Drink soon while aromas last.
This wine smells like dried herbs and white pepper, tastes herbaceous and feels rather stiff on the tongue. Being lean in style, it's not a great stand-alone drink but will be good at the dinner table.
Wiry and abrasive on the nose, this smells a lot like licorice and white gumdrops. In the mouth, this feels clipped and slightly artificial. Flavors of plastic, vanilla, chocolate and cherry come mostly from sketchy oak, while the finish is somewhat hot, with a plastic-like oak flavor.
Gamy, roasted berry and plum aromas are a bit leathery. This is full in body, with bracing tomato-like acidity. Saucy flavors of bacon and baked fruits finish a touch sticky.
Smoky, sulfuric aromas put you on alert. This strange Catalonian blend of Garnacha Blanca, Albariño and Moscatel feels solid and centered, while salty papaya flavors are a touch bitter. A finish with little flavor but good texture close this out.
A funk city nose is far from fresh and familiar—look for aromas of vitamins, pickled cabbage and warm, dusty radiator. A slightly rough full-sized palate tastes briny and funky, with little fruit. This is chunky, briny tasting and salty on the finish.
A blend from a wider area than just Côtes de Provence, the wine is lightly spicy, full of red fruits and citrus acidity. There is a typical touch of pepper that adds extra interest to what is a refreshing wine.
Plump, almost overripe yellow plums are ample on the nose. The palate rescues this somewhat with freshness, but flavor and taste seem slightly disjointed.
Made by the Barcelo family in the east of Corsica, the wine is ripe with strawberry fruit flavors that are balanced with apple acidity. It is lightly textured, just hinting at citrus. This is a fine apéritif style.
Light aromas, light body and delicate peach and apple flavors make this slightly sweet wine simple and refreshing.
This single vineyard selection is softly herbal, with peppery strawberry fruit. The finish leaves an impression of water crackers.
A soft and fruity wine that brings out attractive red berries and ripe plum flavors. There is the lightest touch of structure in a wine that is totally ready to drink.
Strong flavors of clove and mint dominate this unusual Riesling. It's quite dry, with good penetration, though a world apart from most of its peers. With the right food (Thai?), the potent flavors might prove complementary.
This medium-bodied wine smells like a cherry pie, tastes quite ripe and fruity, and has a smooth texture and lightly sweet finish.
Light strawberry, tart cherry and fruit-punch aromas arise on the nose of this widely available bottling. It's quite soft and weak on the palate, with red cherries, strawberries and a touch of thyme.
The nose is closed and gives away little. Fresh, clean and lemony, the palate is colored slightly by fresh pear but there is not much besides. Drink as fresh as possible.
Jumpy, candied-cherry and berry aromas are straight from Kool-Aid city. Fresh on the palate, with pure but simple cherry, plum and raspberry flavors, this is meant for simple sipping. Serve lightly chilled for best results.
This medium-bodied wine has veggie and grapefruit aromas and unapologetic herbal flavors on a fairly crisp texture.
Some notes of bruised apple appear on the nose. The palate has some bitter notes but provides the sort of textured midpalate that works well with soft cheeses.
Smelling like a freshly mowed lawn, the nose on this bottling also offers that funky cut tennis ball and sour-apple aroma common in some Sauv Blancs. There is strong acidity once sipped, and a stony structure frames dried green apple and sour grass flavors.
Dark in color and jammy on the nose, this seemingly ripe Merlot smells of plum, blackberry and raisin. In the mouth, it's blocky and tannic, with nonintegrated high acidity. Salty, briny blackberry flavors finish peppery and with drying, hard tannins.
Vines up to 40-years-old are growing on this 13-acre parcel. The wine is lighter than some in this producer's range. At the same time, it is also more mineral and more textured, giving a tight steely wine that will need some time. So drink this wine from 2019.
Produced from biodynamically grown grapes, the wine honors the fact that the Romans got here 2,000 years ago. It has intense fruit, yellow and whites stone-fruit flavors and just the right bright acidity to go with all this opulence. The aftertaste brings in spice and vanilla that add complexity. Drink the wine from 2018.
With its highly perfumed character, this wine is intense with ripe tannins and delicious acidity. It almost needs to hold back on its ebullient aromas and fruitiness to balance out. The tannic structure could help, with a dry aftertaste that hints at the fruit to come. Drink from 2026.
Plum and blackberry aromas dominate a fruit-forward nose with palpable oak and toast. This is rock-solid and firm on the palate. Ripe flavors of baked black fruits are darkened by toast and chocolate notes. On the finish, this tastes of fig and peppery spice. Drink through 2023.
From one of the top vineyard sites in Sancerre, this fine wine is ripe, herby and intense. It has concentrated white fruits, citrus and green herbs. There is a distinct tangy minerality that will soften over the next few months. Drink from early 2018.
This is a rich concentrated and high-toned wine, layered in cinnamon, chocolate and blackberry jam, with an underlying acidity that keeps it fresh despite its thick wrapping of oak. A handful of Petite Sirah is within the blend.
Aged in wood for up to 14 months, this wine is rich and smooth. Produced from low-yielding old vines, it's a field blend of many different varieties. It is ripe with layers of black currant and spice flavors along with acidity. The wine has weight but remains stylish. Drink from 2018.
This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon opens with ripe black currant, cedar and bell pepper scents. On the palate, expect concentrated dried Marasca cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors buttressed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2027.
Butterscotch, butter, honey and roasted-peanut aromas lead to similar boisterous flavors in this extremely rich and full-bodied wine from Rhône-style winemaker Bill Easton. It's so ripe and luxurious that it almost tastes sweet. Aged cheese should make a great pairing.
The color is on the light side and the appearance is slightly cloudy but that takes nothing away from the interesting flavors of plum, black tea and mint leaves that come with a mild texture, a light body, some good acidity and a sense of reserve in this native-yeast-fermented wine from a consistently excellent winemaking couple.
This bottling offers an expression of velvety plush texture that's persistent in stony minerality and an edge of graphite. Cranberry, rhubarb and orange provide tart, tangy fruit flavors that are irresistible around the complex spice core.
A straw-colored wine, this was aged in wood and is full of spice as well as fruit. Centered on Antão Vaz and Verdelho, it has acidity, apricot and citrus flavors and good acidity. Beautifully structured, it's rich while still firm and restrained. Drink from 2018.
Full bodied and robust, this wine is abundant in earthy mint, strawberry and rhubarb,. It is also fully infatuated with its cool-climate aromatics of sea breeze and morning fog. Cherry rules the day on the palate, taking on a richness across the voluptuous finish.
If you haven't tried Portuguese wines before, this impressively rich wine is a good place to start. Aging for three years, with 12 months in wood, gives it a smooth, ripe black-fruit character. The acidity and the fruit are a seamless part of the texture of the tannins. The wine is ready to drink.
This wine is from one of the top vineyard sites in the village of Bué. It is tense with the typical minerality of this vineyard, giving a wine that always needs to age. Its tight tangy orange-zest flavors are concentrated and reinforce the need to age the wine. Drink from 2019.
This shows just how good Gimblett Gravels reds can be even at such a fair price point. Senior Winemaker Gordon Russell has fashioned a full-bodied, dark and dense wine that shows hints of vanilla and cedar which frame dark plum and cassis fruit, then slowly fade into a long, velvety finish. Drink 2020–2030.
With a riper profile than the 2014, this vintage of this wine is instantly delicious and bursting with sweet cherry fruit. Full flavored and fruity, it finishes on lasting milk chocolate, sweet herb and cola notes.
This comes from a six-acre vineyard of 30-year-old vines. It is steely and taut with an almost flinty character. As a contrast, the young fruit is crisp, full of citrus and green plum fruits. It is a ripe wine that has a few more months to be at its best. Wait until 2018.
This wine is concentrated and structured. With dark tannins and bitter-chocolate flavors, it is dense with a ripe texture as well as big black fruits. It comes from a vineyard selection, yielding a powerful wine that needs another year to be ready. Wait until 2018.
Intriguing layers of light fruits like persimmon, raspberry and spice create a fine balance with the light body, the mild tannins and the elegant texture of this idiosyncratic coastal wine. Precise and somewhat reserved, the wine gives a sense of keeping its power and depth hidden until it's more mature. Best after 2020.
This is deliciously deep, with ripe raspberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit in abundance. It retains a tart, tangy bite of acidity as well, and a touch of sweet barrel toast from aging in 30% new French oak.
Star fruit and citrus notes build into riper peach and tree fruit flavors. A hint of powdered sugar colors the finish, as does a burst of buttered toast. Still integrating, this will reward further cellaring. Drink 2019–2030.
Formerly the deLancellotti vineyard, Silice brings fresh, supple flavors of bright raspberry and cherry fruit. A distinctive ashy stone note forms the bassline, holding the finish firm. It should benefit from another year of bottle age. Or give it a long decant to enjoy now.
The aromas are light, with notes of moist earth, smoke, cassis, herb and berry. The saline and fruit flavors are silky in feel, bringing a sense of concentration and texture that keeps the interest high. There's plenty of minerality throughout along with a lengthy finish.
Aged in a mixture of concrete and stainless steel, this wine brings perfumed aromas of crushed stone, flowers and peach. The flavors are mineral laden, broad and silky in feel, showing an impeccable texture and sense of balance. This shows a beautiful sense of freshness.
This serious wine is spicy both from wood aging and from the natural character of the Cabernet Franc. It is rich, intense and with layers of red fruits balanced with a strongly smoky character. The wine has a tight texture, suggesting it needs further aging. Drink from 2019.
From dry-farmed, own-rooted vines planted in 1965 by Charles Coury, this selection is remarkably fresh and forward. Lush strawberry and black cherry flavors comingle, with chocolaty tannins and exceptional texture, detail and length. It spent 14 months in 30% new French oak. Beginning with the 2015 vintage, it will have national distribution.
Created to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Theresa of Avila, this wine made from a special selection of fruit. Richly structured, it displays great style as well as intensity. Black fruits are beautifully integrated into the ripe body of the wine, backed by acidity and with tannins and wood-aging flavors in the background. Drink from 2018.
A very oaky style of Malbec. The bouquet is full of cough drop, milk chocolate and mint, while the palate feels solid and beefy, but resiny. Flavors of berry fruits are softened and sweetened by oak and chocolate, while the finish is woody and tannic.
This amped-up vintage of the Merlot-dominated, BFM Bordeaux-style red tops 15% alcohol, but seems a bit contrived. Aggressive vanilla and tobacco flavors cover up the nuanced highlights found in past BFM vintages, and the base of black cherry fruit carries a root beer finish. Not that it isn't a tasty drink—it is—it's just less interesting than before.
Approaching maturity, here is a Riesling that still has a refreshing citric character, intensely tangy perfumed fruit as well as green herbs, spice and yeast.
Clean and bright on the nose, with loads of black plums and blueberries. This wine, made from Öküzgözü grapes, is an interesting glimpse into Turkish winemaking. Dry and medium bodied, with a firm tannic structure and brisk acidity, it finishes with a hint of milk chocolate flavor. Could benefit from decanting, but would be an interesting to age as well.
Opens with hard-baked berry aromas that turn briary and herbal with airing. Smooth tannins and meaty blackberry flavors are matched by barrel-driven vanilla and spice. Oaky and minty on the finish, with spunk and length.
Winemaker John Kinney blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from Galles Vineyard with 50% Del Arroyo Vineyard Petite Sirah, trying to take advantage of the Cab's floral, herbal notes and the Petite's concentration and wall of tannins. He has largely succeeded. This dark-black wine is very much full of intense cherry and structured tannins and leathery spice. Petite Sirah lovers will particularly swoon.
A solid example of Coonawarra Cabernet, the 2008 Terra Rossa features a charming combination of cherry-cassis fruit and eucalypt with cigar box and vanilla. It's medium to full in body, with fine balance and a long finish. Drink now–2016.
Pretty aromas of cassis, cherry and sweet cream are inviting. Feels good, with zesty acidity and nice overall balance. Flavors of black currant, Bing cherry and plum cover the bases, while the finish is easygoing. The epitome of everyday Cabernet.
This medium-bodied dry white is notable for its balance and harmony. Citrus, wet stone and green apple aromas and flavors all come into play, none of them dominant, then end on a bright, grapefruity note. Drink now.
It drinks bigger than the listed 14% alcohol, but remains all in proportion. Tangy cherry and plum fruit flavors are wrapped in spice, cinnamon especially. A coffee scent carries through on the palate, infusing the finish.
Pretty, supple purple fruits infuse this interesting blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Mourvèdre. No one grape dominates; the flavors are smoothly integrated and well-matched, with an undercoating of smoke, licorice, pastis and coffee. Nicely polished tannins.
Beautifully perfumed wine, its white fruits transformed into a mature, almond and herbal wine, tight and dry while showing delicious, appetite-enhancing freshness. Ready to drink now.
Full bodied and meaty, with its slightly creamy texture supporting ample spice and bright berry flavors. This easy-drinking, moderately complex Barossa Shiraz is probably best consumed over the next 2–3 years.
Bonterra excels with this leaner, lighter, brighter form of Chardonnay. Made out of organically grown grapes, it's crisp as a green apple, with just a trace of butterscotch on the otherwise lemony finish.
There's a ripe orange-oil streak in the background of the bouquet, boosting rich aromas of tropical fruit and hay. The texture is full but framed by cleansing acidity and a tart, slightly pithy accent on the close.
Pristine on the nose and palate, this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay is a prime example of how thoroughly modern Romanian winemaking can be. Juicy and floral with pretty hints of apple blossoms, it's creamy and rich in texture, yet impeccably refreshing on the finish.
Round and fruity, with a generous mix of berry and cherry, and no discernible oak influence, this pleasing Mourvèdre lets the fruit be the star. Nicely balanced and drinking well already, it carries a hint of mineral/metal in the finish.
A kitchen-sink blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cab Sauv, 7% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault and 3% Viognier. Aromas of crushed violet petals are pitted against the intense mulled-raspberry and black-fruit core. Drinkable now, with approachable tannins and a dusty, cocoa-sprinkled finish, but could age until 2014.
Austere and severe, this single-vineyard wine is very much a product of its limestone terroir. It has a mineral intensity that pushes through the tannins and black currant fruit, giving a powerful, dark character. Firm and structured, this is a wine for the long term.
Both rich and dense, this wine shows the ripeness of the Merlot in 2010. It has firm fruit, touches of dark chocolate and licorice. With its concentration, this small vineyard is now in good form, producing ageworthy wines.
A layered and complex wine, the 2009 Fusion V is one remarkable selection that's delicious now, although it certainly shows the stuffing to age well for another three to five years, at least. Forward sweet-oak notes marry harmoniously with black-fruit aromas on the nose. The robust, dense palate offers ripe flavors of cassis, blackberry and plum, with accents of leather, tobacco and licorice that linger long into the finish. Chewy, gripping tannins provide a firm structure, framing the full fruit flavors.
This lush, modern Malbec explodes with power then simmers with complexities. Opaque in color, the bouquet issues intense blackberry, lemon peel, graphite and toast aromas. In the mouth, it's full but not flabby, and then comes an avalanche of black-fruit flavors matched by notes of spice cake, molasses, pepper and mocha. It's warm, toasty and full of licorice on the finish. A superb wine to drink now through 2018.
Pomegranate and cranberry aromas gain complexity from wet slate and wild-thyme touches. The palate blends tangy fruit with earthy herbs, showing sage, dill, Earl Gray tea and fennel against a dried berry backdrop.
While intensely ripe on the nose, this beautifully balanced Bordeaux-style blend offsets luscious fruit with dazzling acidity and a rigid frame of fine tannins. Black plum, cherry and currant flavors are succulent but pristine, penetrating deeply through a long finish. Drinks well now but should improve through 2021.
An attention-getting earthy, spicy, new-leather aroma adds interest to this bold, dark and dry wine. It has good blackberry and cranberry flavors, full body and velvety texture. Nice length marks the finish, where the oak-earth character reverberates.
On first take, this smells high-toned and much like pine and sweat. With time, out come flavors of baking spices, vanilla, lychee, apricot and honeydew melon. On the finish, this is fresh, with flavors of vanilla and botrytis. Drink now.
Deep color and complex aromas like dark chocolate and cedar lead to ripe, concentrated and tastefully dry berry and cherry flavors in this Rhône-style blend. The mouthfeel is firm with tannins but polished.
The aromas are bright, with notes of green herb, vanilla, clove, wood spice and cherry. The palate brings a mouthful of dark-fruit flavors along with barrel accents, providing a whole lot of texture and appeal.
This is a big-boned wine, showy in spearmint and eucalyptus, burly blackberry and tar. With integrated oak and tannin, it presents a respectable showing of approachably lush texture and succulence, the finish persistent in juicy fruit.
This pink blend of 64% Grenache, 31% Syrah and 6% Marsanne offers the expected array of bubblegum, pink roses, peach, watermelon and cool steel aromas on the nose. It's wound nice and tight on the palate, with warm notes of strawberry and bubblegum emerging on the midpalate, leveled by lemon-skin tartness and a chalky tension.
An elegant and well-balanced Syrah, initial scents of red cherry and brambly berry lead into more refined notes of cola spice, game, leather and a touch of sweet smoke. The palate is smooth and easy, with silky tannins that are surprisingly approachable and red cherry and berry flavors that are bright and refreshing. Final hits of white pepper and cured game grace the medium-length finish.
Fresh green apple, lemon and gooseberry notes abound in this gorgeously fruity and juicy Sauvignon Blanc. It's surprisingly bold on the palate: full bodied and supple yet balanced. Flavors of ripe white grapefruit and quince are concentrated yet brisk. A hint of musky spray marks the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Tropical papaya meets moderate acidity in this lush, creamy and voluptuous version of the variety, complemented by enough minerality to cut through the fleshy ripeness. The oak impact is subtle and plays a supporting role, never distracting from the fruit.
This is not a true fortified wine but one made from late-harvest Tannat with some added alcohol before fermentation. It produces a delicious wine with superripe blackberry flavors and some tannins. Sweet and rich, it is ready to drink now.
This is VM's big single-vineyard Pinot, but it's already very approachable. Savory overtones of damp earth, outline modest pie-cherry notes that seem somewhat delicate. Enjoy this medium-bodied wine over the next few years for its silky texture.
Fueled by loads of fresh fruit flavor, this is a full-bodied and generous-tasting wine. Tempting cedar and pine aromas lead to raspberry, cherry and blackberry notes that are almost sweet and last long on the finish.
Steely in stony minerality, this lovely offering was blended with 18% Sémillon and whole-cluster pressed for an ultimate mouthfeel of juicy fruit. High-toned lemon and pear offset the intense acidity, combining richness and ripeness with brightness.
Plump lusciously ripe black plum and cherry flavors are offset by a tantalizing edge of acidity and fine penetrating tannins in this neatly composed Malbec. It's supple and full in body yet refreshing and brisk. Drinks well already but should continue to improve through 2021.
Harbes' standard-label Merlot offers a plusher, more voluptuous expression of sun-kissed berries and cherries. Rich in body and textures, it's warmed by hints of Graham cracker and cinnamon and soft feathery tannins. Sunny cranberry acidity brightens the finish. Drink now through 2021 to enjoy its fruity forward nature.
Saturated with color and ripe fruit flavors, this almost-thick wine is medium bodied, mouthcoating and bursting with black cherry and prune flavors. It is dry, moderately tannic in texture and well balanced despite its richness.
Creamy lemon curd and fresh apple notes are offset by savory tones of mushroom and truffle in this very classic Chardonnay sparkler. A laser-edged strike of lemon-lime acidity grips the midpalate but is cushioned neatly by soft, mouth-filling mousse that lingers on the finish.
Brooding aromas of the blackest of fruit, anise and cassis are followed by a velvet hammer of sweet dried-fruit flavors backed by burly tannins. Medicinal and dark-fruit notes persist on the finish. It seems slightly dried out but still delivers the goods.
Vibrant aromas of cranberry, raspberry and red currant are followed by full-bodied jammy red-fruit flavors. It drinks quite sweet but overall holds the sugar well and the acid provides a counterbalance.
Named after the winemaker's newborn son, Enzo is a bold unabashedly unique take on Finger Lakes Riesling in the hands of a Long Island producer. Made from grapes frozen on the vine and fermented via indigenous yeast in French oak, it's intensely spicy, wafting of caramel and candied orange rinds. The palate is unctuously honeyed but dusted by layers of earth and mineral. It's a far departure from a classic ice wine yet intriguingly complex and impeccably balanced.
Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) and Cabernet Franc (42%) take the lead on this blend. The aromas suggest notes of dried herb, cherry, vanilla and pencil shavings while the palate offers elegantly styled dark-fruit flavors with toasty accents. It's a very pretty expression of the vintage.
Smooth true Rioja aromas of ripe and dried berry fruits, tobacco, vanilla and sandalwood do the job, while this feels both racy and cushioned. Flavors of lightly baked berry fruits, tobacco and vanilla finish steadily, with a touch of vanilla from latent oak. Drink through 2019.
Made from certified Biodynamic grapes, this robust, 100% varietal red is lush and spicy, full bodied yet high in acidity and bright, fresh flavor. Red licorice, vanilla bean, baked strawberry and a hit of white pepper combine effortlessly for a satisfying experience.
Syrah (48%) makes up nearly half this wine with the rest spread between Grenache (32%) and Mourvèdre. Ripe aromas of red and blue fruit, cranberry and black pepper are followed by a velvety palate that delivers the goods.
Bold in flavor and full bodied, this dry wine will taste great with steak or lamb chops. It has a very deep color, full aromas like dark chocolate and blackberry, and concentrated dark-fruit flavors. Moderate tannins give welcome grip to the texture.
A blend of fruit from Klipsun, Slide Mountain, Elephant Mountain and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, this wine offers generous aromas of raspberries, chocolate and spice. The palate is packed to the brim with fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
Winemaker Kirk Venge coaxes orange blossom perfume from this otherwise velvety, concentrated and youthful white, toasty in caramelized oak. The concentration makes way for a taste of baked apple and pear within a cradle of nuanced acidity.
Bright aromas of peach, lime leaf, jasmine and flowers lead to off-dry mandarin orange and floral flavors. It provides a lot of appeal, though the concentration at times doesn't seem all there.
This wine is two-thirds Sémillon and one-third Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of toasted grapenuts, lemon and spice are followed by broad-feeling fruit flavors that show a lightly creamy feel.
To my mind, Te Mata's strength s are in its red wines. That said, this is a solid Chardonnay. Subtle wood shadings add richness to the flavors of mandarin orange and vanilla custard before ending on a persistent citrus-oil note.
Barbera makes up just over half of this wine, with the rest Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. Aromas of vanilla, wood spice and red cherry are followed by a tart lick of cherry and cranberry flavors.
Rich, fruity and soft, this wine has a tang of orange peel along with ripe citrus and red fruits. Fresh and crisp at the end, it is ready to drink.
Called Vermentinu in Corsica, the grape gives an aromatic wine with wildflower scents. On the palate, it's crisp with pears and red apples that are cut by the squeeze of citrus. Drink this attractive wine now.
Aromas of dark-skinned berry, purple flower and a whiff of grilled herb float out of the glass. The chewy palate offers morello cherry and star anise alongside close-grained tannins and vibrant acidity.
While hints of earth and bramble on the nose seem a touch savory, the palate of this concentrated semi-dry wine is richly flavored with fresh peach, orange and apricot. It's juicy and fresh, accented by soft orange acidity and a brisk finish. Drink now through 2018 to enjoy its fruity vitality.
This is a substantial wine, from the dark, dark color to the ripe but dry fruit flavors and firm, tannic texture. Made from 75% Malbec plus Petit Verdot and Cabernet, it is full bodied and hefty in mouthfeel, blending oaky spice accents with blueberry and blackberry flavors.
This is a good, sturdy wine with ample fruit flavors, a firm texture and full body. It is mouthfilling, ripe and easy to like.
Tempting oak flavors spice up this full-bodied, deeply colored and moderately tannic wine. It smells like clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, and these spices also enhance the black cherry and blackberry flavors.
This wine offers a generosity of caramelized, toasty oak before presenting full-bodied richness and concentration in baked apple and pear flavor. A note of sea spray complements the fruitier aspects and gives a hint of minerality.
Baked blueberry, leather, black-plum skins and a molasses touch greet the nose on this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah. It's big but balanced on the sip, where powerful acidity provides ballast to the ripe fruit. Tangy cranberry and plum-skin flavors are cut by graphite minerality.
Very rich for any Burgundy, this is plump with ginger and pepper as well as yellow fruits. The acidity has been diminished by the ripe fruit, although the wine still has a crisp aftertaste. Drink the wine now.
Intensely ripe, lifted black cherry and berry aromas seem gilded in pine and resin on this sultry Cabernet Franc. It's a deeply concentrated, slightly ruddy wine boasting rich, supple black-fruit flavors but has balanced acidity. The finish is marked by spice and ripe finely textured tannins.
This is a gentle and attractively fruity wine. Ripe and full, it also has a sense of tangy structure and citrus juice. The wine is developing well and will be ready to drink from summer 2017.
This wine is from the home vineyard of the Larochette family. It has produced a ripe, still young wine that is full of yellow fruits. Hints of butter and vanilla add a rich dimension to this full-bodied wine. Drink now.
There is an attractive, smoky touch of wood in this perfumed wine. It has spice, balanced tannins with fine acidity. The wine is still young, showing the wood more strongly than it will in a year's time. Drink from late 2017.
Old vines in the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise to the south give this wine concentration. It has juicy apricot and green-plum flavors that are spiced lightly with the wood aging. It is a crisp wine that is ready to drink.
It's an extreme rarity to find a Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at this price. Being 100% varietal, it offers reserved aromas of dates and plum. The flavors are full bodied and lush, exhibiting tacky tannins and whiffs of game.
Dried herb and sage provide aromatic complexity before this full, generously styled wine takes on deeper, richer flavors of boysenberry, graphite and cedar. Soft oak and tannin provide approachability amid moderate structure.
Aromas of vanilla, wood spice and dark fruit are followed by generous but still restrained black-fruit flavors. It shows a pretty sense of balance.
This is an attractive, soft Pinot Noir rosé. With its ripe red-strawberry flavors, it is rich but has plenty of crisp acidity. The balance and juicy, crisp aftertaste are deliciously refreshing.
This estate-driven white combines 75% Grenache Blanc, 25% Marsanne and 5% Viognier. Together they tease in juicy pear and apricot, supported by honeyed oak, reflecting its time barrel-fermenting. Tingling acidity shows a streak of lime and lemon on the crisp, creamy palate.
A whiff of cotton candy leads the nose to aromas of black raspberry, black currant and tobacco leaf. In the mouth, there are flavors of blackberry, black plum and smoked sausage before the persistent finish.
This wine is mostly Syrah (47%), with the rest near equal parts Mourvèdre and Grenache. The aromas offer notes of cranberry and cherry, while the palate provides plump yet elegant fruit flavors, with barrel spices extending on the finish.
You'll find aromas of French oak, coconut, exotic spice and menthol on this brawny red. The bracing, robust palate offers raisin, prune and loads of oak-driven spice alongside assertive, grainy tannins that leave an astringent finish.
The wine is ripe with lime and lemon flavors. It is textured, full of fruit and with a good touch of minerality and concentration from the old vines. There is a good cut of acidity to give the wine its proper freshness. Drink from 2017.
Produced from vines in the hills above the Côte de Nuits, this is an attractively cool wine. It has lively acidity and a crisp mineral texture. With its white-fruit flavors, it is a wine with weight as well as crispness. Drink now.
There is plenty of varietal typicity on this bottling, with white, black and green peppercorns, underripe mulberry and roasting herbs on the nose. Tons of crushed thyme, dill and green peppercorns surge on the spicy palate, laid across a backbone of plush red fruit.
This Syrah-Grenache rosé is fresh, inviting and lively, starting with scents of strawberry, raspberry, citrus peel and pink florals. Light and bright on the palate, tart berry and melon rind flavors lead seamlessly into the garrigue-kissed finish.
Aromas of mature blackberry, white pepper and exotic spice lead the nose. A 50-50 blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso, the firm palate offers raspberry jam, toasted oak, espresso and oak-driven spice.
Made with Inzolia, this has subtle aromas of white wild flower and orchard fruit while the fresh, linear palate delivers nectarine, lemon zest and mineral. A saline note wraps up the finish.
Entirely from Mario's Vineyard grapes, this opens in burly black pepper and cigar box, a powerfully concentrated expression of the variety that's big in persistent tannin and oak, yielding a dry dustiness on the finish.
Cool, crisp aromas of celery, bell pepper and sea brine introduce a citrusy palate with refreshing acidity. Tangerine, grapefruit and cactus flavors finish tangy, lemony and alert.
Buttery boysenberry pie, crushed vanilla and fresh blueberries converge on the nose of this bargain bottling. Soft tannins frame flavors of black currant and dark roast coffee with touches of tobacco and a caramelized finish.
This brawny wine has attractive oaky, smoky, spicy aromas, generous fruit and spice flavors, full body and a good, gripping layer of tannin to add texture.
This 100% Feteasca Alba has aromas of tropical fruits and lemongrass. It is medium bodied with good minerality and flavors of apple, mango, grapefruit and pear.
This white blend offers aromas of melon, vanilla and mango, followed by a rich array of creamy white fruit and pineapple flavors. Balanced by a pronounced minerality and a touch of spice, it's a wine that will pair well with richer poultry and fish dishes.
Quite restrained on the nose, this nicely priced bottling slowly unleashes sea salt, apple peel, key lime pith and chalk aromas. It's tightly wound on the palate with lemon skin and pear skin tartness, proving very racy in style.
This opens with delicate scents of pear and pressed yellow flower. The tangy palate shows lemon zest, nectarine and a hint of Mediterranean herb while a saline note provides backup.
Aromas of Spanish broom, citrus blossom, ripe orchard fruit and oak slowly emerge on this. Oak carries over to the linear palate along with toast, yellow apple and nectarine zest. A bitter almond note closes the drying finish.
Aromas of hay, orchard fruit and a whiff of hazelnut lead the nose while the straightforward palate offers lime, chamomile and peach. A saline note closes the finish.
Flavors like wild berries blend with smoke and rosemary in this full-bodied, full-flavored and firmly tannic wine. It is big in texture and high in aromatic intensity. Made of 72% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre.
Aromas of citrus zest, orchard fruit and a hint of toasted walnut lead the nose. The palate includes mature peach, pear and mineral alongside bright acidity. A hint of hazelnut signals the close.
Smoke seeps throughout this deeply earthen Auslese, lending a savory, mineral tone to the bright lemon and tangerine flavors. The palate is honeyed and concludes deftly with a tea-leaf astringency that lingers on the finish.
Dark black in color, this bold wine is thick and rich in tannin and oak, with traces of dried herb, red currant and cedar, making it seem more like Cabernet. The coffee-laden finish provides further focus.
This big and tannic wine has an exotic spice and herb aroma, like rosemary and clove, then lots of dark fruit flavors plus smoke, black pepper and espresso. The texture is dry and very firm, and the thick layer of tannins will need more time to soften. Best after 2020.
Fresh and baked apple counter each other attractively. The palate is fresh and clean, with an earthy, textured edge. Brisk lemon notes provide freshness.
Vanilla, cedar and plum notes benefit from a dusting of cracked pepper in this medium-bodied dry red. The tannins are supple to the point of creaminess, and the finish warm and spicy. Drink now.
Pommard and Wädenswil clones make up this cuvée. Chunky fruit flavors of sour plum and cherry are on display, with decent penetration and moderate length. Drink now through 2022.
Opaque and thick, this wine is robust, yet balanced—a study in cedar and pencil lead that drives into a dimension of dried herb. The savory components find companionship in fruitier notes of cherry and blueberry, before a tannic, oaky finish closes things out.
Leathery, clipped, briary black-fruit aromas are heavily oaked and smoky. This feels like a bag of nails, with a sucking texture. Barrel-heavy flavors of charred blackberry and cassis are resiny and dry, with clove notes and pounding tannins. Hold as long as you wish; this can only benefit from more time in the bottle.
Strong blueberry and black-cherry aromas mesh with cedar spice and tobacco ash on this rather elegant nose. A balsamic blueberry reduction flavor shows on the palate, where fine-grained tannins also present smashed vanilla flavors.
Made in an approachable style, light-bodied and yet showing an attractive level of richness, there's melon, oak and honey at this wine's core, accented by pretty floral notes of apple blossom and pie.
This is a ripe, red-fruit dominated wine with rich strawberry and cream flavors that are immediately attractive, With its balanced acidity, the wine is ready to drink now.
A good tannic edge to this Gonfrier family wine gives it structure and places it in the food category. With plenty of acidity, it is also refreshing, textured at the end with a lift of zesty lemon.
This has really evolved over the past 10 months since I tasted it at the winery, going from crisp and pineapple-y then to more honeyed and tropical now, with opulent layers of peach and mango that coat the mouth on the long finish. Drink now.
Toffee sweetness on the nose introduces a rich wine with plenty of sweet flavors. Intense in its structured character, solid, this is a wine with good potential.
Fruity, big, ripe wine, its tannins enveloped in the ripe forward fruit. There is sweetness here from black figs and berries, while red berries give acidity. Will it age? Yes, there are tannins to put it on the long road.
Rich, rounded, smooth, with cocoa and espresso flavors giving a touch of bitterness. It is a wine with power that is still young. Impressive, with its broad black fruits. Keep for 4–5 years.
This wine gets it right. The color is dark and opaque, while the nose offers perfume, Middle Eastern spice, fruitcake and solid black fruit. Enticing in the mouth, where full black fruit flavors are pumped up by fine herb and spice notes. And then coffee and chocolate fill the finish. Drink now through 2010.
Like Spinal Tap, this wine turns the volume up to 11, packing in enough blueberry jam for breakfast on the Queen Mary II and enough cedary oak to build 100 saunas. It's undeniably powerful and intense, and embued with a lush, creamy texture; the only question is how it will evolve. Drink it now and stand your hair on end.
A solid, serious Rioja reserva with licorice, leather, char and good berry aromas. The palate is juicy, pure and tastes of clean black cherry and cola flavors. Picks up steam as it opens up, and then finishes with a light butter streak and proper weight. No complaints; almost makes the upper echelon. Drink now through 2012.
Marked by fragrant plum aromas, this silky-textured wine adds cherries, anise and vanilla to the mix on the palate. It's medium in body, but round, with a long, complex finish. A delicious Shiraz to drink over the next 2-3 years.
Fully mature, this flavorful, authentic-tasting Shiraz features scents of toast, molasses and vanilla, followed up by flavors of tobacco and cassis on the palate. It's a bit coarsely textured, but assertive and would pair well with roast beef or lamb.
The Dead Arm rarely wows this reviewer in our blind tastings, and while the 2007 is undeniably a very good wine, it shows a tart edge and a reined-in personality. Toast and vanilla frame cranberry and raspberry fruit, chocolate overtones and savory, meaty elements. Try it after 2015 and see if it has loosened up at all.
This Shiraz offers wonderful purity of fruit, ranging from blueberries to raspberries, just touched with hints of cracked pepper, cinnamon and toast. Atypically structured for a wine under $20, this medium-bodied example of Margaret River Shiraz should drink well from 2013-2023.
Opens with warm, woody aromas that fold in molasses and maple along with mildly baked berry fruit. The palate is alert but balanced, with proper acidity pumping up cherry, plum and snappy berry flavors. Buttery notes and toffee warm the finish, which keeps its poise.
Intensely toasty on the nose, along with powerful menthol notes that persist from start to finish. This full-bodied, almost syrupy-concentrated Shiraz features plums and blackberries that take on a slightly medicinal cast, finishing on a fresh, resiny note. Try after 2016.
Dense and fudge-like in consistency, with aromas and flavors of mocha, molasses and marinated beef. It's as if the fruit has been cooked down into an intense reduction, with even the acids magnified into tartness on the finish. At 16.4% alcohol, this is probably a better match with the cheese course than with a main.
One of Altocedro's better efforts starts with meaty, ripe, chunky black fruit aromas and a wave of mocha, cocoa and berry syrup. It's a creamy specimen but has enough acidity and vitality to not run flat. Mocha, carob and plum extend through the finish. Drink now.
Interesting Malbec with character and individuality. The nose is savory and smoky, with spice and floral aromas. Full and ripe in the mouth, where roasted black fruit, clove, spice and cola all make a showing. Textured and sizable late, with a coffee note to the finish. Drink now through 2011.
Woodsmoke, flint and a textured midpalate reminiscent of crushed velvet, shot through with zesty lemon, make this a delicious, stylish Chardonnay, known in these parts as Morillon. This vintage right still fresh as a daisy and shows the aging potential of this grape that thrives beautifully in numerous places. Right here it benefits from the combination of brilliant sunshine and cool, continental nights. Ripeness and tension in unison.
Hailing from one of the state's most esteemed vineyard sites, this wine is half Cabernet Sauvignon and just over a quarter Merlot, with the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The oak (40% new French) is dialed back, allowing rich, layered notes of plum, herbs, licorice, toast and coffee to rise with a firm scaffolding of slightly dry tannins supporting them. Still young, it will be best after 2018.
A very subtle hint of oak transmutes the super-fresh varietal notes into gentler stone-fruit notions of ripe yellow plum and apricot. The leesy texture of the wine lends body and weight, while the expert handling of oak adds a layer of complexity to the slumbering, ripe fruit underneath. This is delicious now but will get even better.
Coming from a cool vintage, this thriller of a wine has generous notes of black pepper, plum, orange rind and cranberry. It's concentrated, rich and flavorful with the oak (50% new French) giving some gruffness to the tannins that should soften with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.
Aromatic overtones of tiny black elderberries give an edge to the smoky red fruit encountered here. A well-judged, sonorous tone of warm oak runs along the seams, lending structure and framing some floral, peppery notions and plump red cherry of this classy and still very refreshing and bright red. With a little time, its aromatics will develop even further... if you can wait.
Named after the New York City neighborhood where owner Jack Messina's ancestors first immigrated, this blend of 55% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre and a half-percent each of Viognier and Roussanne hits the nose with notes of violet, mocha, black cherry, slate and coffee. The tannins are mouthcoating, yet allow tart flavors of cherry and boysenberry to pass through, boosted by smoke and licorice on the edges. Drink from 2018.
Nuanced aromatics of smoky red cherry and the slightest tinge of elderberry promise joy. The palate is supported well by unobtrusive, well-handled oak and comes together as an elegant, velvety whole. Edges of spice fizz around the central backbone of acidity. This is lovely and slender, beautiful now but with the structure and stuffing to age. The lingering aftertaste speaks of ripe fruit.
Well-made and dancing in acidity, this Cabernet is juicy in notes of red currant and pomegranate, yet slightly exotic on the back palate, with hints of cardamom and cinnamon. Layered without being overly concentrated, the wine is built to age like its bigger brother (the Family Reserve), able to hold on and build nuance through 2020.
A blend of Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure vineyards, this wine brings a mix of pomegranate, dark raspberry, dried tobacco, crushed rock and peppery spices. It explodes on the palate with rich, dense, cranberry and spice flavors that linger.
Slight notes of iron oxide inform the dense and richly textured red cherry fruit of this sumptuous, velvety red. Direction and sleekness are courtesy of wonderfully ripe but vibrant acidity. This is delicious now with its wonderful red fruit, but will age beautifully. Classy, vibrant and generous.
Elderberry and black cherry have a lovely tinge of iron oxide. Edges of tart, dark berries creep in, too. This is balanced and full of shimmering, intriguing fruit with layers of earth and minerality. An aromatic joy, beautiful already but with the potential to become even better 2017–2018.
A standout wine, this 100% varietal shows notes of raspberries, plum, bittersweet chocolate and barrel spices. It's classically styled with layer upon layer of fruit flavors, showing richness yet deftness with a real sense of freshness and vibrancy. It has all of the stuffing to lay down in the cellar until 2030 or more. Drinks best at 62 degrees.
This bottling is a reference to the Guns 'n' Roses hit song, and proves to be quite a destination itself, with aromas of cocoa, coffee, smoked meats, ginger snaps and cinnamon strudel against a canvas of deep blueberry. Tannins provide tension on the palate, with rich flavors of mocha and blackberry, coming in just a tad hot.
Coming from the oldest block of the oldest Syrah vineyard in the state (1986 plantings), this wine brings a pleasing assortment of herbs, blue plum, mineral and spice along with a kiss of smoked meat. It's focused and rich with densely packed fruit flavors and tannins that show a surprising amount of heft. Best after 2017.
Full apricot and peach fruits give this wine a rich, warm character. It hasn't lost sight of its mineral, textured origins that shine through and give the wine shape. The fruit is pure on this impressive, ripe while structured wine. Drink from late 2015.
This aromatic offering has notes of mineral, fireplace, cured meat and game. It's creamy and rich in feel, showing great texture, depth and richness, with savory flavors out in front of the fruit initially. It's just starting to stretch its legs, so give it plenty of time to open up.
Ripe Mirabelle and purple plums dominate the nose, with a notion of intense plum compote. The palate reveals that all of this ripeness is streaked with lively lemon zest, pulling the sumptuous fruit into clearer focus. The finish remains ripe and opulent.
Restrained but earthy notes of lemon zest play against slight, flinty smoke. This is still rather closed but the still-dormant expanse of ripe fruit is evident on the palate. The zesty lemon core takes turns with yeasty richness to dazzle. Wonderfully long.
This opens with attractive earthy aromas of forest floor, cola, vanilla bean and toasted spice, grounded in a core of red currant, cherry and raspberry fruit. The medium-weight mouthfeel is lush and seductive, with fine yet structured tannins that result in a satiny texture. Pure fruit flavors dominate the palate, but the finish is layered with notes of white pepper, tea leaf and woody spice. Approachable now, but will age well through 2020.
Delicately floral with subtle notes of ripe pear and fresh lemon, this charmer features a soft but defined palate. The creamy, pliable texture is rather seductive and far too easy to drink, so much so that one might forget what a well-made and ageworthy wine this is. The smoky glints of oak are most appealing.
This single-vineyard bottling by the downtown Santa Barbara-based winery boasts a beautifully dark nose of black cherries, white pepper and elegant brown to black spices. Flavors are dominated by blackberries that rise to a grippy, mouthwatering finish. The tannins are still strong, so expect this to last for years. Drink 2017–2024.
Aromas of hickory and woodsmoke transition to maple, baked blackberry and cedar upon airing. This five-grape blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, but Carmenère and Malbec are major players as well. Expect a full-force palate with big tannins and layering. Flavors of hickory, savory berry and barbecue notes match the nose, while the finish is roasted, toasty and meaty in nature. Hold until 2016, then drink through 2022.
Pulverized peppercorns and dried oregano aromas give ample seasoning to lush blackberry fruit on this wine from a vineyard planted by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. The firm structure implies that this wine will improve with time, but it's already deliciously savory with lots of thyme, anise, menthol, charred beef and pepper throughout the purple fruit flavors.
The nose recalls a host of very fresh things: green ferns, wet pebbles and zesty lime peel. The palate adds generous yellow plum fruit and convinces with a spicy, fruity core and quite a bit of alcoholic warmth. Extended, savory length.
Yeast and pineapple with notes of juicy mango are signaled on the nose. There is an intriguing core of savoriness, spice and saltiness. Herbs and yeast speak as much as wonderfully pure lemon and tangerine peel—but that added spiciness evokes curiosity and appetite. Very invigorating.
Hints of woodruff, green pear and grapefruit zest frame the ripe yet firm palate. A pleasant phenolic edge adds even more structure, while the finish is bracingly clean. A tight and concentrated wine which will last and develop.
Lusciously ripe red cherry tinged with peppery spice sets the tone—this is dense with fruit but still light on its feet. Typically a finicky grape, this example of St. Laurent shows with style and grace. The palate is wonderfully balanced showing real resonance. While beautiful now, there is potential to develop. Drink now-2018.
Truffle and dirt arise aromatically from this wine, a structured and juicy offering of red and black berry, tobacco and black tea. Lush and complex, the wine jumps from the glass and is a nice example of the beauty that can be coaxed from a challenging vintage.
Juicily ripe yellow Mirabelle plums have an edge of white pepper and smoky highlights that add deeper dimension. Gorgeously peppery arugula and watercress join on the palate, yet there is something incredibly fruity and round about this. While there is green savoriness, the wine itself is ripe, juicy and yellow-fruited.
Lovely spiciness creeps into the lemon and tangerine zest that is on display here. Sprays of freshness and verve continue on the tight, linear palate that leaves a lasting impression of lip-smacking joy.
Like wines from many vineyards that look across the Minho river to Spain, this Alvarinho is typically rich, deliciously ripe with pear and peach flavors, and brisk with a streak of acidity. The wine is textured, ripe and perfumed. Keep for six months at least.
This is an intensely floral style of Gewürztraminer, with expressive and pronounced aromas of flower and soap. It lingers gracefully in the mouth, continuing along those lines with flavors to match, then finishes with a graham cracker surprise.
Ripe black-cherry notes are accented by herbs and stems that lend a dark savoriness to this bold, penetrating Merlot. Rich with fruit, and layered with spice and granite, it lingers long on the finish in a murmur of velvety tannins.
An unusual blend of Semillon, Alvarinho and Sauvignon Blanc, all aimed at keeping freshness in the warm climate of Setúbal. This ripe, smooth wine is deliciously cut with acidity to give a lightly wood-aged wine that could age for another 2–3 years.
Campovida's Mendocino take on a classic Italian white, this Arneis is floral, balancing its high-wire acidity with standout characteristics of lemon, grapefruit and just-ripe pear. This is a perfect wine to pour with light appetizers or for the first sip of the day.
A fine, ripe wine, fully structured with its tannins supported by delicious red fruits. It has concentration and a generous feel to it, showing warmth as well as a strong line in acidity. The wine finishes with spice, fruit, and tannins in the background.
Production is lower for this cuvée in 2010, and the sources now incude Nysa and Ribbon Ridge along with Maresh. Aged in one-fifth new French oak for just under a year, it remains tightly wound, with tart, primary raspberry fruit wrapped in moderate acids. There are delicate herbal notes sprinkled throughout. Overall this is elegant, balanced and strongest on the midpalate.
Sweet, jammy aromas of blueberry and cassis suggest ripeness to the max. For confirmation, the palate is rich, plump, soft and a bit heavy, with prune, baked berry and cassis flavors that end in a chewy, warm, fully ripe finish. Drink this beefy, ripe Malbec now through 2015.
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.
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.
A blend of Merlot (58%), Syrah (35%), Petite Sirah (5%) and Primitivo, this hedonistic wine offers appealing suggestions of coffee, vanilla and cherry. Ripe, silky soft milk chocolate flavors finish warm.
Big, but nicely proportioned and balanced, this dark, spicy, rich, dry wine makes the mouth water for a slab of grilled meat. It has ripe blackberry, espresso and mild smoky flavors, surprisingly smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
A coferment of Syrah and Sangiovese from Ballard Canyon, this vintage offers deep, velvety aromas of violet and purple fruits, with hard black licorice candy. The palate trends quite dark, with pipe tobacco and rich blue fruits, but also delivers slightly bitter and sour elements.
Still closed, this emanates earthy notes at first while the palate shows pink grapefruit zest hugged by very ripe, lemon-toned peach with tropical overtones of fresh and canned pineapple. A textural, structure-giving phenolic element on the midpalate leads to an earth- and lemon-tinged pineapple finish.
In this intriguing wine blended with 10% Grenache, the aromas, flavors and feel aren't entirely connected. It's aromatically very reserved, with notes of mineral, coffee and red fruit. It has a incredibly supple, dazzling texture with the throttle pulled back on the alcohol and extraction.
A lush fruit bowl of a wine, this brings delicious flavors of melon, peach, apple and pear, along with a buttery finish. There are some pleasing spicy highlights, and a residual smack of butterscotch invites the next sip.
Waxy lemon and the crisp bite of an apple open this wine that builds power as it goes, becoming a full-bodied expression of Russian River apple-kissed fruit. Toasty oak and silky tannins buoy the midpalate, ending with a lift of orange citrus.
Marked by oak and thick, dark blue fruit, this wine also conveys a buoyant softness and prettiness. The study in yin and yang characteristics starts with a bang and develops complexity in the glass.
Tobacco, cassis and vanilla notes bring the aromas and flavors, while the wine's firm structure gives a medium-weight feel and dusty texture. Drink now–2025.
This is a pretty lean, tightly focused wine. Grilled pineapple and citrus notes broaden slightly on the midpalate, then come together again on the crisp, lemony finish. Drink now through the end of 2015.
There's an herbal streak to the red currant and strawberry hull aromas on the nose of this wine, alongside additional hints of sweet smoke, cured meat and fennel fronds. The palate offers riper notes of red cherry and plum, with touches of cinnamon and thin mint in the background. It's plush and velvety, with fine yet present tannins and ample acidity. Drink now–2016.
This aromatic offering has notes of pear, peach and flowers. The apricot and other stone fruit flavors are medium bodied, simultaneously light and rich, giving the perception of sweetness leading to a lingering finish—an elegantly styled wine that walks the balance beam quite well.
Aged for 36 months in barriques and 24 months in large casks, this opens with aromas of coconut, toasted oak and spicy blackberry. The palate offers sour cherry, mocha, tobacco and roasted coffee bean. The palate starts smooth and creamy but austere wood tannins impart a mouth-drying finish. Drink through 2022.
This southern Rhône-style blend is soft, lush and heavy with a rich mix of peach, apricot and papaya fruit power. One-third new oak barrels put a patina of toast and butterscotch on the ripe fruit, with a finishing flavor of fresh roasted cashews.
This comes from a single vineyard that is owned by several growers but whose fruit is made into a single wine. It is rich, ripe and fruity, a powerful and full-bodied Muscadet. It has spice as well as citrus fruitiness and a rounded texture. Some aging has really improved this wine.
Lemon balm, peppery arugula and yeasty savoriness combine into a sleek, streamlined wine that goes down all too easily—notwithstanding its wonderful layers and length. The lemony finish lasts and refreshes.
This wine is rich and ripe, oozing with black cherry, boysenberry and strawberry jam aromas and flavors. It feels full and rather soft on the palate, as the acidity and tannins appear very mild.
In the context of 2010, I have to admit to some disappointment with how this wine is showing. It's still an excellent wine, filled with luscious oak and bold fruit. But the fruit is slightly stewed, the tannins slightly coarse and the wine's structure a bit open knit. At least in this vintage, it seems more short-term drinker than true collectible.
This full-bodied but agile wine combines smoky, toasty, peppery aromas with tasty black currant and dark chocolate flavors that remain on the austere side, but promise good development through at least 2018. The texture is tannic, but the mouthfeel is not harsh, conveying plenty of power gently contained.
Black cherry fruit gets serious with elements of slate, eucalyptus, tar and wild mint on this wine from the Corralitos area at the southern coastal edge of the appellation. It's soft at first on the palate, then reveals a wash of acidity, with sour cherry fruit and black tea tannins.
Fresh and toasty, spicy and focused, this matches crisp fruit flavors of apple, citrus and pineapple to barrel-fermented grace notes. The overall length and definition are excellent, and the wine should drink well now through 2020.
Bold and pretty at the same time, this has oodles of crushed berry aromas. Ripe fruit flavors that recall black cherry and boysenberry come with hints of toasted oak and a silky smooth texture. It's full bodied but not too stiff or tannic, just concentrated and almost sweet in its richness.
Mouthwatering aromas of dark berry, cooking spice and cured meat lead the nose on this bold wine. The savory palate doles out layers of mature black cherry, blackberry, ground black pepper and savory herb alongside firm acidity and velvety tannins. Drink through 2021.
Coming from a who's who of Red Mountain vineyards, the inaugural release of this brand from Duckhorn Vineyards offers generous notes of dark coffee, espresso bean, dark cherries, sage and vanilla, with a pleasing interplay between fruit and barrel (64% new French). The plum and coffee flavors are restrained in style, with well-integrated tannins.
The honeyed wine has just a touch of botrytis as evidenced by the dry edge to the apricot and marmalade flavors. There is plenty of delicious refreshing acidity to balance the sweetness of this poised and stylish wine. Drink late 2017.
Sweet, yes, but so light that it has no time to be cloying. This is a balanced wine: acidity playing off the honey and apricot to give a wine that will make a great apéritif. Fruity and crisp at the end, it is ready to drink.
Heady tropical notes of guava and melon perfume this light-footed wine. Semidry in style, it's not deeply penetrating in fruit but offers refreshing citrus flavors and a lip-smacking honey finish. Drink now through 2019.
A smoky, charred oak aroma leads the nose of this full-bodied, high-octane and appropriately tannic wine, and vivid, peppery notes jazz up its solid fruit flavors.
One of the few Petite Sirahs grown in Santa Barbara County's cooler climate, this bottling offers tart boysenberry, wild sagebrush and lean graphite touches on the nose. The tannins are sticky, although the body is relatively light, showing violet floral notes and earthy minerality.
This wine is a blend of fruit from Anna Marie, Dugger Creek, McClellan Estate and Seven Hills vineyards. The aromas are light, with notes of barrel spice, graphite, herb and dark fruit. The flavors are elegant in style, possessing a pleasing texture that heightens the interest.
This is labeled as table wine, but given its frizzante with a blend of 48% Müller-Thurgau, 35% Muscat and 17% Riesling, it bears a close resemblance to Asti Spumante. It's off dry, but not too sweet, and has appealing flavors of lemon meringue, vanilla cream and a touch of spice.
From grapes grown at Kick Ranch, including the additional 7% Syrah, this bold red wine shines in tropical coconut and vanilla flavors, flirting with violet floral aromas. Somewhat thin in texture, it shows bright red fruit beneath the other flourishes.
Fresh red apples waft from nose to palate on this semidry Riesling. It's vivaciously tart but concentrated in fresh lemon, lime and tangerine flavors. The finish is moderately long but delightfully honeyed.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this offers black-skinned berry, cinnamon and scorched earth aromas. The straightforward palate suggests ripe black cherry, baking spice and a touch of vanilla, wrapped in smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Light bodied and sheer, this delicately concentrated Pinot Noir offers subtle shades of black cherry and bramble. It's crisp and approachable with fine soft tannins and a slightly mineral finish. Drink now through 2020.
You'll find subtle but alluring mature orchard fruit, dried herb, citrus zest and balsamic aromas in this rounded white. They carry over to the bright palate, along with a hint of hazelnut.
The aromas are light, with notes of cranberry, blueberry and wood spice. The palate brings plush but tart cranberry flavors that linger on the finish.
This richly layered wine shows coffee, leather and baked blueberry flavors. Blended with 6% Zinfandel and 6% Merlot, it packs a punch within its frame of soft, supple tannins.
This blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 7% Petit Sirah is fun yet serious, with roast beef, asphalt, dried herbs and elderberry aromas. Its tannins are firm and clinging, making the palate quite dry, with more dark fruit and char elements.
The plum, fresh herb, cherry and spice aromas of this 100% varietal offering are alluring but restrained. The flavors are sweet, plump and fresh, showing a sense of elegance, with a stretched-out finish.
Aromas of blackberry, herb, black cherry and spice box are followed by medium-bodied black-cherry flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support.
This estate-grown wine is burly, brambly, dense and syrupy, with blackberry, chocolate, cinnamon and leather flavors. Its thick texture persists on the finish.
This wine's aroma evokes a thicket of strawberries and blackberry bramble, feeling densely ripe yet bright with fruit. The finish veers towards sweeter notes of cola and vanilla.
Cool aromas of kola nut and woodsy black fruit suggest ripeness. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet and Petit Verdot is linear and jammy in feel, without much depth. Spicy blackberry and grapy flavors are up a notch from simple, while this finishes with toasty oak and spice notes.
Delicate scents of woodland berry, violet and crushed stone waft out of glass when pouring this mountain Nebbiolo. Luminous and linear, the graceful palate offers tart red cherry, star anise and mineral alongside firm acidity and lithe tannins.
This 100% Merlot wine from 30-year-old vines is one of the producer's limited productions. The wine is superrich in the plump, generous style. Its black-plum fruits give it the weight and ripeness as well as the smooth texture. There is a bite of pepper from the alcohol that spoils the opulent full aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Bright, forward fruit flavors of cherry lollipop are backed with refreshing minerality. The mouthfeel and lively fruit flavors suggest popping this one soon, while the pretty primary fruit remains in full bloom.
Aromas of French oak, coconut, exotic spice and plum take shape in the glass. The chewy palate doles out mature cherry, blackberry extract, oak-driven spice and licorice. Solid, fine-grained tannins leave a firm, mouth-puckering finish.
Ripe, rich and smooth, this wine has structure under the generous, opulent black fruits that will allow it to age further. But with its succulent character laced with acidity, it is surprisingly ready to drink for such a young wine.
Aged in large oak barrels, the wine is soft and fruity. It has juicy red cherry and red-berry fruits that give the wine a crisp, bright and lively character. The wood aging and the tannins fill the wine out bringing spice and a touch of vanilla. At the end, it is acidity that promises some aging. Drink from late 2017.
With its high percentage of Merlot (65%), this wine is ripe and full-bodied. It has red-berry fruits that are rich and are already smoothing out. Concentrated and juicy, the wine is going to be ready to drink in the medium term. Drink from 2018.
A parcel of limestone soil on this estate allows it to produce a small quantity of white wine. Vinified and aged in barrels, this is a soft ripe wine with light toast and lemon flavors. Textured and still young, this will age over the next few years. Drink from 2019.
This small estate is outside the main classified growth areas of Sauternes, close to the river Garonne. That makes it a wine that is accessible earlier, with plenty of honey and botrytis. It is already balancing out into a fine orange-marmalade-flavored wine with just the right acidity. Drink now.
The second wine of classed growth Rauzan-Gassies in Margaux is ripe, soft with touches of licorice, wood aging and spice. It has attractive, forward red-berry flavors and the tannins of the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It is ready to drink.
Produced from young vines at Château Siaurac, the wine, dominated by 90% Merlot, is generous, approachable and ripe. It was matured in tank rather than wood, allowing the black fruits to come through strongly. The aftertaste brings out fruitiness as much as the gentle tannins.
Full of tannins and with the potential of ripe fruit, this wine is young, concentrated and powerful. The alcohol does show as a burn of pepper at the end, spoiling an otherwise well-balanced wine. Produced from a 200-acre vineyard in the Douro Superior, the wine should be ready from 2019.
This bottling, which includes 20% Sémillon, offers aromas of cut grass, sliced Anjou pear and a lemon-lime freshness on the nose. Sour Granny Smith apple and green lime rinds rule the palate, making for a solid and classic style of Sauv Blanc.
Fresh-pressed raspberry, plums, dried sagebrush, wild thyme and a touch of mustard plant show on the nose of this wine, recalling a hike through the chaparral. Light but ripe cranberry fruit shows on the easygoing sip, alongside oregano, vanilla and rhubarb.
Hailing from Sunset Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes appellation, this wine starts out aromatically quiet, with notes of green apple, toasted Grape-Nuts and herb. The palate is sleek and lightly creamy, lingering on the finish.
Carignan (70%) takes the lead on this one-of-a-kind-in-the-state wine. It offers aromas of bramble, assorted vegetables and piercing purple fruit. The flavors are light and elegant, fresh and pure, trailing toward the finish.
Compact and battened down tightly, this tart, challenging wine is striated with layers of rhubarb, stem, earth and stone. The complexity is appealing, though some tasters will be looking for more robust fruit in a wine in this price range.
Ripe loamy black-fruit aromas are attractive on their own and benefit from an elegant note of balsam wood. Energetic and balanced in feel, this Malbec tastes of savory meaty black fruits. A toasty lightly oaked finish offers a shot of chocolate and a milder hit of coconut. Drink through 2020.
Tarry blackberry aromas are piercing and a bit gritty. This feels ripe, plush and balanced, with blackberry, spice and herbal flavors. A moderate note of heat rises to the surface of a finish with herbal blackberry flavors.
This wine is mild and smooth compared to its peers, with good berry and cherry flavors, a broad, moderately tannic texture and a nice sense of layering.
This is a firm, still very young wine from a Beaujolais cru that needs to age. So its tannins are still to the fore, although black fruits are in the background ready to push forward over the next year. The juicy acidity at the end is already attractive. Drink from 2018.
This is smooth as silk—supple and soft, with pretty cherry fruit and highlights of cocoa powder and coffee grounds. It's a professionally built wine all the way, made for easy enjoyment, with satiny tannins and a touch of anise.
A blend of classic Douro white grapes, this is a perfumed, textured wine. Still young, it shows green fruits, sliced apples and a lemon-zest aftertaste. With all its acidity, the wine needs to calm down a little, so drink from late 2017.
Delicate notes of white blossom, lemon and lime on the nose are emboldened on the palate of this gorgeously floral Gewürztraminer. It's off-dry in style, with musky, exotic tones of spice and potpourri that linger sexily through the finish. Briskly balanced acidity and a hint of tea tannins lend tautness in structure.
Spicy notes of cinnamon and sugar cookie lend warmth to this juicy, sweet-tart blend of yellow cherry, peach, and apricot flavors. It's unabashedly fruit forward yet balanced neatly with zesty acidity and a touch of bitter lime pith on the finish.
This medium-bodied Chardonnay kicks off with nutty notes of baked meringue layered over plump pear and melon fruit. There's a bit of toasted-grain as well, and a focused, lemony finish that lingers. Drink now–2019.
Woodland berry, wild rose and a whiff of crushed stone aromas come together on this luminous red. The vibrant silky palate offers tart red cherry, Alpine herb and a hint of white pepper alongside bright acidity and polished tannins. Drink through 2019.
Dense black cherry and blueberry fruit lead into a candied-grape element on the nose of this wine that also offers maple syrup, vanilla and lilac touches. The blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah is fruity on the sip, with kirsch and crème de cassis flavors held up by strong tannins and acidity.
Packed with fruit and spice, this is a great food wine. It is full bodied, rich with raspberry flavors gathered into a structure of light tannins and edgy minerality. The aftertaste brings out a crisper character.
A little bit of green pear, a little bit of pepper and quite a bit of juiciness add up to a whole lot of easy-drinking fun on this light, dry and zippy Grüner. There's some spice and yeastiness around the edges, too. Drink soon.
A creamy dollop of oaky, vanilla and cinnamon-scented richness bolsters the black cherry fruit of Zweigelt. The palate shows that there is ample, generous and vibrant fruit which has a real seam of vivid freshness at its core. Black cherry and blueberry notes flit across the smooth, rounded but medium-bodied palate and leave you wanting more.
Lemon pith and honey-vanilla provide substance to a floral, light and lingering wine also accented in melon that's food-friendly and refreshing.
Aged in a majority of French oak, and sourced from several vineyards, including many estate, this 100% varietal wine displays a subtle nuance of smoky leather, berry bramble and soft, integrated oak. It's rich, yet balanced with a peppery finish.
Rich notes of ripe peach and plum hover over more homely, ripe apple fruit. This enticing nose announces yet another Viennese field blend of immense and immediate charm. The idea here is of an easy-drinking but never facile wine of total local character that expresses typicity, freshness and joy. The verve of fresh lemon zestiness carries from the first sip to the last crisp echo of aftertaste. This is lip smacking and moreish.
Hints of aromatic orange peel and white summer blossom add a certain exotic headiness to an earthy white blend from Burgenland. The palate is slender but laden with appetizing fruit flavours on surprisingly light, delicate feet—the result of sunny summer days and cool nights. Drink this soon to make most of those enticing, primary fruit notes and lasting aromas.
This blending house adds 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec to boost this Zinfandel-based wine, which shows baked strawberries, blackberry puree, beef char and smoke on the nose. The fruit is tart and black on the palate, with mint and anise notes.
Dense blackberry and black cherry notes pick up soy, oregano, thyme and roast beef characteristics in this very dark style of Zin. The deep and rich palate offers concentrated black cherry syrup before revealing rustic touches of leather and tobacco. A hearty wine to match your roasted meats.
The aromas of jasmine, apricot and bountiful white flowers are exuberant. It's richly sweet with honeyed flavors while maintaining a lovely sense of balance.
This is an intriguing, complex rendering of Sauvignon Blanc. It's reasonably weighty and plush, yet marked by hints of tomato leaf, wet mossy stone and grapefruit that linger on the finish.
Raspberry notes flit from the glass, then the palate follows with zesty, appetizing lemon flavors and creates a perfect picture of summer-berried freshness and easy, enjoyable lightness. There is a backbone of fresh acidity that makes this a classy winner with and without food. The finish is clean and hints of ripe cherry.
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.
Pretty violet notes reverberate through this richly concentrated, nuanced Pinot Noir. Dried cherry and blackberry touches are succulent and lip smacking yet anchored by delicate veins of mineral and spice. Fine-grained tannins persist through a long finish. Drink now through 2023.
This is 100% varietal from the historic Foppiano clone, the wine marked by grapy leather and buoyant acidity in equal parts. Chocolate and gunpowder show up along the way, before a big grip gets aggressive on the finish, blown off by a few more swirls of the glass.
A fine vein of graphite extends through this bold yet refined Bordeaux-style red. It's robustly fruity, bursting with cranberry, red cherry and raspberry flavors, but enticingly savory as well, nuanced by hints of leather and balsamic vinegar. Dense tannins should smooth out between 2018 and 2020.
Friendly, crisp, fresh Conference pear flavors pervade nose and palate for a hit of crisp, green, refreshing fruitiness. The palate is smooth and balanced, light but fluid, mellow but fresh. The pear fruit lingers beautifully, rather languid for such a fresh wine.
This is an impressive effort, especially at the price, which is kind of unheard of in these parts. Softened by 9% Merlot, it's rich and full-bodied without ever overdoing it, opaque in color with a nose of baked bread and flavors of raspberry and black currant. It's food-ready.
This is a full-bodied version of the variety and yet it rides a line of soft texture and floral aromatics that ground it in nice ways. Meaty and fruity in cherry, it finishes thick and rich.
Produced from 40-year-old vines, this wine is ripe, full of red fruits with good concentration. It is packed with crisp acidity and lively fruitiness, making it refreshing and drinkable. The lees aging before bottling has added extra depth to the flavors. Drink now.
Organic grapes grown on limestone close to Mont Sainte-Victoire have produced a wine that is tight, mineral and ripe. The texture and the structure suggest a wine for food. Plenty of juicy red fruits in the background give weight and richness to the wine and to its peppery aftertaste.
This smooth, ripe wine comes from organic grapes grown in clay and stone soil that adds a mineral edge. Spice balances with citrus and red-plum fruits to give a lively wine with a perfumed aftertaste.
Intense tangerine notes are flecked with hints of powdered sugar, dried herbs and potpourri on this pleasant off-dry Riesling. It's easy drinking with lush, slightly overripe fruit, but finishes quite dry with a steely, honeyed feel.
This Triolet is two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cab Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Despite two years in French oak barrels, 30% new, it carries a strong herbal note in the nose, that carries all through the palate. Stem, herb and pepper are the dominant flavors, along with tart, compact red berries.
A moderately aromatic Merlot with notes of raspberry, ash, and herbs. Completely coats the palate with an unusually chalky, thick feel.
Although the wood aging shows strongly at the moment, there is enough weight of ripe black currant fruits to integrate as the wine matures. Then, it will be a firm-though-fruity wine, solid and chunky.
Deliciously attractive wine, crisp and clean as possible. It has a light caramel edge along with a more fruity aspect. To finish, the wine is light and bright.
For a fresh, lighter-bodied style of Ribera del Duero, this is pretty good. The nose is herbal and suggests tomato, thyme and dry cherry. The mouth is tight and drawing, with dry raspberry, herb and vanilla flavors that end mildly. Drink this fresh, modest wine now.
The nose on this racy SB provides a combo of stalky citrus, minerality and tangerine. The palate feels light, zingy and fairly innocuous, while flavors of green herbs, lime, green apple and lemon finish mild and a bit washed out. This will function best as a well-chilled summer quaffer.
Including nearly a quarter Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, this estate grown Cabernet Franc is a bit aromatically muted but brings juicy cherry and butterscotch flavors and soft, plush tannins.
This is a throwback Chilean blend with aromas of tomato leaf, oregano, leather and tobacco along with dried raspberry and cherry. The palate has good flow but is light in weight. Flavors of olive, spice and herbs dominate the wine's light fruit content, while oak and spice flavors control the finish. This is a mix of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Sobon's dry rosé (made from 96% Grenache grapes and 4% Syrah) is pinkish-red in color, brisk and structured with acidity, and a great, great value to boot. Drink on its own—plenty chilled—or find some fresh seafood and enjoy.
Sweet scents of toasty oak introduce this Syrah-based red wine. Soft and accessible, it has plenty of vanilla and tobacco notes, along with easy-drinking, light plum fruit.
Boysenberry aromas are modest and lack spine. In the mouth, this is standard, with oak-based flavors of toast, chocolate and vanilla on top of generic berry. The finish is thick and oaky, with a touch of raisiny flavor.
Creamy textured wine, soft and ripe. It has attractive pure acidity that lies lightly on the palate, blended well with riper red apple, pear and just crisp acidity. Ready to drink in six months. Screwcap.
A deliciously fragrant, fresh wine, bright and lively. It has intense, tangy acidity that cuts right through red currant and raspberry fruit flavors. Ready to go now. Screwcap.
After a gritty, fruity smelling opening, this Cabernet-led blend offers fresh, easy flavors of raspberry and plum that conclude simply, light and mellow. This is a fresh, fruity style of red wine with little oak that's more than appealing for the price.
Not simply a jammy mouthful of fruity richness, the 2007 Woop Woop shows enough structure to ably partner food rather than replace it. Notes of raspberries, roasted coffee and vanilla are slightly confected, but the firmness on the finish proves this is not a cocktail wine. Burgers, anyone?
It's almost two-thirds Riesling, which gives the wine its tight focus and strong mineral and citrus overtones, but there's also Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne, Viognier and Chardonnay in the mix, giving it layers of fruity complexity. Awfully good for the price.
A spicy take on Grenache, this mixes the light, tart cranberry flavors with some smooth chocolate, from part of the blend being aged in a new Sirugue puncheon. It's both smooth and spicy, forward and very appealing.
The vast 300-acre estate of Château Bonnet in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers produces a deliciously reliable, good value wine every year. This brand-new 2008 shows some lively yellow fruits as well as a strong citrus element. It has vibrantly fresh, pure fruit and is ready to drink now, but can age for a year. Screwcap.
Mellow and composed on the nose, with a nice blend of earth, black fruit and toast aromas. If there's a fault here it's that the oak-fruit combination comes across lemony and narrow. But along the way it's fruity, bright, lively and will never be accused of sitting quietly in the glass. 900 cases made.
Right away this wine smells of good black fruit with mild earth and herbal accents. It's dark, sultry and pure, with black cherry, plum and cassis all vying for attention. While dark fruit is the star here, there's also good balance, mouthfeel, depth and herbal offsets. In the end it's about as good as you're going to get in under-$15 Merlot from Chile or anywhere.
Stout on the nose, big in color and lively as they come. After early aromas of wet cement and moss give way to bold fruit, the wine unfolds to display flavors of cassis, cherry and plum. There's clarity and purpose here, with full-bore tannins and rock-solid structure. Maybe not the most complex wine you'll ever try, but definitely a good example of Chilean Cabernet.
This is the most concentrated of the current lineup of Phelps Creek Pinots, and carries a distinctly earthy note of compost in the nose, along with leaf and cherry and herb. It has some weight and authority on the palate, with a mix of cherry tomato and fresh herb dominating.
A Rhône-style blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 5% Viognier, this was aged entirely in neutral oak, to its benefit. The aromas burst from the glass with fresh ground pepper in the lead, and the Syrah and Grenache seem in perfect balance, each enhancing the other. Vibrant tart cranberry fruit is matched to juicy acids and that ravishing pepper. Pepper steak anyone?
This cuvée is the product of a collaboration between Phelps Creek owner Bob Morus and Burgundian winemaker Alexandrine Roy. She has crafted an elegant wine with unusual nuances—hints of bacon fat and butter, lightly woven into the tart, racy pomegranate and raspberry fruit. Elegant and refined, this is as Burgundian as Oregon Pinot ever gets.
Complex aromas have become a Luisa Ponzi hallmark; this one a potpourri of violets, cherry tobacco, clove and cedar, leading into a light, tart palate bursting with wild strawberries. The alcohol rests at 13.5%, but the wine is fully ripe, just not over the top. Graceful, perfectly executed winemaking, in a difficult vintage.
One of several Pioneer Block Sauvignons now coming out of St. Clair, the 2008 Snap Block leans toward the pungent side of Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of crushed tomato leaf leading the way. The flavors are decidedly herbal, but, backed by a solid underpinning of citrus fruits, the results are zesty and refreshing.
This wine is rich, full in the mouth and softly textured. Ripe berry fruits are cut with acidity and with pepper. The fresher character is confined to the aftertaste.
Slight notes of green beans mix with faint cherry fruit on this light, easy-drinking red. In summer, it can be chilled and would work well as a picnic red. The Zweigelt spice adds more interest.
This medium-bodied wine has personality. It smells like pencil shavings, black tea and plums, and tastes like prunes and pomegranate juice, finishing with that same spicy, tea-like character. The texture is smooth and the balance is good.
Rich and herbal in cranberry and cherry, this is a soft and approachable wine that's been tamed yet manages to retain a spicy, clove and cardamom edge.
Straightforward and appealing, this wine provides aromas and flavors of pineapple, peach and pear. The concentration isn't all there but the variety is unmistakable.
This wine offers aromas of tire rubber and blue fruit. It drinks off dry, with tangy coffee and plum flavors, trailing toward the finish.
Citrus blossom and honeydew aromas contrast against bramble and earth tones on this pert blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Dry in style and delicately framed, it's a refreshing, light-footed quaffer.
Made with 85% Sangiovese and 15% Syrah, this easygoing wine doles out aromas and flavors of dark cherry, white pepper and lightly toasted notes. It ends on a note of toasted almond.
A sweet viscosity mires what this wine is otherwise trying to say, a single-vineyard offering from a cool section of the appellation that telegraphs ripeness beyond other attributes. Rich brioche and crème brûlée rule the day, atop full-bodied intensity.
Gibbston Valley is one of the coolest parts of Central Otago, so its fruit is often blended with that from other regions. This medium-bodied wine is all Gibbston—tart, wiry and herbal, with pie cherry fruit and lemony acids on the finish. Despite all that, the tannins are nicely ripe.
Light in color and rustically earthy on the nose, this wine offers ripe black cherry and licorice, with a touch of tartness on the finish. It takes on weight and body as it goes, peaking as the wine hits the back of the tongue.
Underripe melon meets butterscotch on the nose. The round palate shows banana-lemon yogurt with streaks of caramel, leading to a toasted vanilla finish.
Cherry jam notes are bright on the nose, showing sawdust and menthol tones in the background. A smooth palate with little tannic grip is driven by juicy red currant, accented by a sprinkling of black pepper.
Lifted aromas of cherry Jell-O, spicy raspberry and a kiss of anise show brightly on the nose. The palate offers a slight tannic grip, with strawberry and cherry flavors leading to a lightly peppered finish.
Bold, jumpy, reduced aromas of plum and berry fruits show little to no oak. This is chewy and jammy in feel, with standard berry flavors and almost no complexity as it heads toward a finish with mild animal and herbal notes.
A blend relying on 70% Cabernet Franc with the remainder an equal split of Malbec and Merlot, this offers a lot of raspberry tart and caramel, along with a tropical element of coconut. Softened tannins and mellow oak combine to good effect, before an abbreviated finish of vanilla.
Earthy notes join faint white currant fruit on the nose. The palate is slender and shows lots of the 2014 acidity. This will gain from a little bottle age and will work well with grilled white river fish.
This has a bright yellow-gold color and subtle aromas of honey, pear and fig. The rather rich texture supports pear, fig and baking spice flavors. It's a pleasantly ripe, somewhat soft but not overtly flavored wine that's easy to drink and enjoy.
The merest hint of red currant berries plays on the nose and then relaxes into a fresh but fruit-filled palate. It's a light, dry rosé that is simple but very refreshing. Drink soon.
There is a curious sense of tropicality on this wine, with pink grapefruit flesh and pink rose petals showing on the nose. The palate stays in that style, with ripe papaya, mango and banana. It tastes good, just not much like Chardonnay.
Fragrant aromas of apple blossoms swirl with a buttery croissant yeastiness on this bottling from Paso's Eastside. The palate tastes of green banana, with dried apples and apricots as well as ripe cantaloupe and a slightly buttery finish.
An uneasy mix of Band Aid, medicine cabinet, woodspice and licorice aromas rises up from this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The dark fruit flavors are medium bodied, backed by gritty tannins.
Carl Bowker makes some excellent wines from his estate, and this blend of 56% Viognier, 22% Grenache Blanc and 22% Roussanne is reliable though not flashy. Notes of sour lemon and green apple skins hit the nose first, followed by bitter sesame and lime juice on the palate, which leans a tad too sour.
A massively oaked and dry wine, this has generous tannins that are almost overwhelming. Dense blackberry and cedar, with an accent of pencil lead, cut through the clutter, ending in a swordplay of leather and tobacco.
Practically opaque, this Bordeaux-style red blend shows rich dark cherry, blackberry syrup, star anise and tobacco on the nose. The full palate is heavy with ripe dark fruit, leading to a warm baking-spice kick on the finish.
A soft wine, it has a rounded, open texture and offers red fruits, an attractively aromatic character and fresh acidity at the end.
This Lake County Sauvignon Blanc from a Lodi-based producer shows off the North Coast appellation well, with pear compote and marshmallow on the nose, followed by a taste of apricot fuzz and oak, medium in body with a long-lasting finish.
Light, fresh aromas of lychee and melon are typical of the variety. A bright palate is comfortable in feel and offers pithy flavors of orange and nectarine. This turns more pithy and slightly bitter on the finish.
This blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot is heavy on oak. It starts with aromas of toasted oak, coffee and vanilla with just a whiff of black plum. The palate is also dominated by oak extract, chocolate and espresso that muffle the ripe, black fruit gasping beneath the surface. It closes on a bitter note of wood tannins.
A lightly textured wine that has spice, pineapple and baked apple flavors. It is medium dry and fruity with a zesty orange peel texture. Drink this wine now, or keep it until 2015.
Made entirely with Sangiovese and without any added chemical sulfites, this wine leads off with earthy aromas of wet soil, leather, fragrant blue flower and red berries. The one-dimensional palate opens with sour cherry accented with a hint of cinnamon-spice alongside chewy but fleeting tannins. It's a bit diluted and finishes abruptly.
simple, straightforward Chianti Classico, it's made from 80% Sangiovese and other red varieties. It starts with earthy aromas of wet soil and violet. The palate offers almost-overripe plum, black cherry and cinnamon alongside astringent tannins. This isn't an ager so enjoy soon.
Bright and breezy, this wine is made from 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 5% other varieties. It offers straightforward dark cherry flavors mingled with a hint of mint and spice. Simple but well-made, it will pair well with pasta dishes and soups.
Light in color and soft in texture, this fruity wine attains an attractive balance between crushed ripe strawberries and fresh acidity. Vibrant yet with ample weight, it is drinkable now.
Brilliant yellow with green highlights, this Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc has aromas and flavors of tropical fruits like mango, papaya and kumquat. There's gentle acidity in the palate and generous mouthfeel.
A popular brand in Portugal, Monte Velho is an easy, fresh and fragrant wine. It has a touch of almonds with rounded apple and spiced pear flavors. It's a wine to drink now, very fruity and ready to go.
This juicy, fruity wine also brings a firm structure to bear. It is rich, friendly and ready to drink soon. Keep for a few months for the tannins to fill out.
Dense black currants, plum, beef jerky, dark chocolate and licorice show on the rich nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. Flavors of dried blueberry, toasted sage leaves, thick vanilla and hints of clove swirl into a luxurious sip.
This dense wine has a strong sense of dry tannins as well as red-berry acidity. It is balanced, in keeping with the cherry and strawberry fruits. The acidity, cutting through, keeps the wine bright and fruity. The end is strawberry jam with attractive acidity. Drink from 2018.
Red cherry, olallieberry, pencil lead and herb aromas show on this blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Grenache. The tip of the palate offers sagebrush and eucalyptus followed by dense black raspberry, presented with acidic zing and tarry structure.
There's potential for this brooding, boisterous varietal on the Central Coast. In this bottling from Bella Collina Vineyard, the nose offers black plum, cola and big, fat berries ready to pop. The palate is smooth and held together by silky tannins, showing flavors of plum fruit, cooked cherries and a peppery spice that tingles the tongue from the midpalate onward.
This field blend of 56% Zinfandel, 41% Alicante Bouchet, 2% Burger and 1% Orange Muscat from Red Head Ranch shows smoked pine wood, plums, incense, sandalwood and a touch of sour red fruit on the complex nose. There is solid consistency between the nose and the palate, which is powered by cedar along with smoked black cherries and mulberries.
The aromas of fresh tobacco, bittersweet chocolate, thyme, dried flowers and dark fruit are brooding and distinctive. Black-fruit flavors come tightly wrapped in firm tannins. This wine needs time in the cellar to strut its stuff. It will be best after 2020.
This lush, ripe Syrah has its precision points across the bouquet—namely graphite, mint and pure black-fruit scents. On the palate, this blends juicy liveliness with layered richness. Flavors of blackberry, dark plum, chocolate, mixed spices and fresh herbs add up to one yummy, well-oaked, balanced wine. Drink through 2018.
From an estate vineyard off Olivet Lane in the heart of the Santa Rosa Plain, this wine is comparatively intense and meaty compared to some of its counterparts from the cooler Sebastopol Hills. Earthy mushroom and a tart, tangy note of orange give it a lift, along with a light layering of fresh-cut rose, before finishing in richer, dark chocolate.
Earthy in black tea and leathery funk, the feral aspects of this wine are entirely compelling, giving a savory edge around grippy, full-bodied texture and weight. A Pinot for Cabernet fans, it'll stand up to steak and a whole lot more, delivering tremendous value for the quality.
Ripe black plum, leather, chocolate and allspice emerge on this big, brooding wine. The densely concentrated palate offers raisin, blackberry extract, licorice, ground pepper and tobacco alongside ripe, velvety tannins and the warmth of alcohol. It closes on a licorice note. Drink through 2022.
Ripe blackberry, cassis, graphite and pencil wood aromas come with a floral note. This feels full and potent, with oaky, lightly salty flavors of earthy berry and plum. On the finish, a woody reprise entails vanilla and chocolate flavors. Drink this full-bodied Cabernet-led blend through 2020.
Hailing from vines planted in 1918 when the Los Angeles area was the state's top vineyard zone, this bottling shows elegant blackberry meringue, lavender chiffon and hedonistic fudge on the nose. Purple flowers also show on the palate, as do Earl Grey tea, plum rinds and black-pepper notes.
Quite buttery and rich, this bottling shows lemon custard, ripe yellow melon, white peach and buttermilk on the lavish nose. The palate is lush and attention-grabbing, with poached and grilled peach flavors lifted by citrus energy and a vanilla-laced finish.
This field blend of aromatic white varieties intoxicates with its exotic haze of cinnamon, orange peel and turmeric spices. It's lusciously phenolic in mouthfeel, with a deep, penetrating core of dried peach and pear flavors that lingers on and on and on.
Dried red cherries, woody elderberry, dried oregano and smoked brisket aromas show on the nose of this wine by the Riboli family. The palate offers lavender and other purple-flower extracts along with plums, black cherries and lots of tobacco and cigar box complexity.
Beeswax, lemon-laced sour cream and a peach-blossom ripeness combine on the nose of this excellently restrained wine from a highly variable, often overripe grape. There is great energy and balance on the palate, with a light nuttiness and a touch of honey that will drink well for a few years.
Light and perfumed, this is a structured, well-crafted wine that's slightly savage in approach and sensibility. Spicy cinnamon and cola streak through red cherry and strawberry, flirting with the notion of forest and mushroom without ever diving overly deep.
Powdery, creamy notes of rose, orange and mandarin oil unite in a concentrated, punchy palate that focuses on taste rather than aroma. This is rounded and rich with an immensely concentrated phenolic vein that lends structure and poise. The finish is lasting but demure.
While this has a tight corset of freshness and structure, expressive notes of peach show their exuberance. The palate again reveals tautness, shot through with lemon purity while the peach delightfully plays around them.
Packed in an elegant bottle, this is a 100% Vermentino (aka Rolle) wine. The wine has a naturally rich character that is generous while also having plenty of acidity. Lemon and ripe apricots combine easily and giving a smooth, creamy aftertaste.
Medium gold in the glass, this wine has a nose of Valencia orange, pear and kumquat. Flavors of lychee, kumquat and apricot mingle on the palate, remaining strong into the mineral-rich finish.
Spicy edges and hints of heady white lily on the nose are bedded in soft, lemony freshness on the palate where a savory, salty note appears. There is concentration and purity, lip-smacking freshness but also glimpses of riper stone fruit. Lots is happening here; this is alive and probably still too young. Drink 2016–2020.
Heady notes of lychee dominate nose and palate. The mouthfeel is plump and rounded with a slick oiliness. With more air, some tangerine peel makes itself felt and stays pleasingly on the dreamy finish. Notions of candied tangerine linger long after the last sip.
Mellow Golden Delicious fruit is tempered by bright, lemony acidity that shines a light on more subtle notes of orange flesh and tangerine. The mouthfeel and the lingering edges are shot through with an almost textural zestiness. This is lovely, fruit-driven, bright and dry.
This bottling goes for a ripe, buttery style of Chardonnay and succeeds. Pillowy aromas of buttered popcorn, plumeria flowers and vanilla-laced peach brûlée play into candied apples on the palate along with ripe cantaloupe and a long finish of vanilla-soaked poached pears.
Dried violet, plum cake and exotic spice aromas lead the way on this brawny, structured wine. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry extract, licorice and tobacco alongside round, chewy tannins.
High and tight aromas of chopped grass and cut tennis ball are met with a pretty floral element that veers toward fresh purple flowers. The family-owned estate, which boasts some of the more dramatic vineyard blocks in the region, offers lemongrass, squeezed lime, citrus zest and Granny Smith apple skins on the palate.
Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, then aged three years, this wine offers a copper-pink color followed by dry, firm acidity and highlights of cherry, cassis and grapefruit zest. A gentle nudge of nutmeg closes in on the finish, giving the wine a salty air and complex ending.
Perfumed in violet and rose, this wine is spicy in clove and nutmeg, a savory sneak that undermines the bright, high-toned cherry and berry in deliciously devious ways. Medium bodied with a tannic bite on the finish, it offers the best of both worlds in terms of elegance and oomph.
Minty and prickly on first take, with plum, herbs and jamminess to the nose. The palate is good but basic, with juicy acids, firm tannins and candied flavors of berry fruits. Finishes sweet and consistent, with a youthful, almost juvenile character.
Tart and astringent, this young wine shows good structure but remains a bit tight. Light red fruits, a streak of citrus, and a strong base of cement and chalk-like minerality, this has persistence and complexity. It needs more cellar time to fully express itself.
If the label is to be believed, this pure Merlot, from a relatively cool site in a relatively cool year, tops 16% alcohol. The flavors reflect that; a thick mix of tar, smoke, asphalt, espresso and coffee grounds. Buried in there is some black cherry fruit, but it is definitely the barrel flavors and the alcohol that dominate.
Savory and exotic on the nose, with blueberry and cardamom. The palate strikes hard with tannic clamp and reduction. Flavors run lemony and herbal, with star anise and cardamom mixing with berry fruit. Clacky and tight on the finish, but serious and complex. 350 cases made; drink now through 2012.
Clean, minerally and subtle on the nose, with apple notes. The palate is crisp and honest, with normal, likable apple and citrus flavors. Just fleshy enough on the finish, with good length and acidity.
Apple blossoms and sweetpea notes accent fleshy sweet melon and roasted hazelnut flavors on this unctuous, full-bodied Hungarian dry white. Brisk lemony acidity and a bitter lemon pith note add balance and verve on the finish.
A 60/40 Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend, done in the Bordeaux style. Fermented in neutral oak, aged sur lie, and left in the barrels for another half year, the wine is lightly toasty with steely fruit flavors and a firm, solid mouthfeel.
A toasty bouquet of citrus and peach showcases the fermentation in new French oak barrels. The peachy fruit carries accents of citrus and rind, with excellent penetration into a lingering finish.
Concentrated and strong on the bouquet, with grit, leather, heat and bold berry aromas. Choppy tannins give the palate a hard feel, while the flavor profile runs warm, baked and sweet, with plum and berry fruit thrown in. Good but a little hard and hot. Just 450 cases made.
From organically grown, estate vineyard grapes, this light, subtle wine has a strong acid underpinning. Citrus fruits and a suggestion of fresh pear are streaked with vanilla wafer.
Given the vineyard sources (Kiona, Ciel du Cheval) and the AVA (Red Mountain), this pure Cabernet Sauvignon may come into its own with a bit more bottle age. Tasted prior to release, it's in a bit of a dumb phase, the fruit essentially in hiding. A hint of raspberry is there, cloaked in leafy notes, with a slightly chalky finish.
A lovely Foothills Chardonnay from longtime area winemaker Chuck Hovey, who also makes the Stevenot wines. With strong apple and cinnamon personality the wine also has an intriguing creaminess to it, with lilting lemon meringue. Let it open slowly or place it in the cellar for 2–5 years to let the tartness on the finish disappear.
Meaty and savory in style, with Syrah clearly playing a big part in the blend (70%; the other 30% is Grenache). This wine delivers authentic Southern Rhône Syrah flavors of asphalt, tapenade and espresso, devoid of any overt wood, remaining firm on the finish. Drink now–2014.
A return to pure, single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. With alcohol at 12.5% this dry wine is quite European in style. Elegant, lively and fresh, with a cool mix of cucumber, melon and green apple fruit flavors.
Dusty, yeasty and bready in the Champagne way, but with crisp apple as well. The palate is round and full, with dry, spicy apple and melon flavors. Finishes yeasty and toasty, with texture and length. A correct Cava with some complexity.
Heavily oaked, with lemon and coconut aromas. The palate is overwhelmed by wood, and that oak buries any fruit one might be able to dig up. Yes, the texture and feel are fine, but 90% of this wine's character is determined by the essence of the barrel, and that isn't an ideal oak-to-fruit ratio in anyone's book.
There is little difference between this and the winery's reserve. There simply is no flavor here. It's a watery, sour wine, with a finish that suggests something went wrong somewhere along the line.
Maybe southern Oregon is too hot for white wines; at least it appears to be based on this flat, rather lifeless offering. The nose is like applesauce, while the palate is bland and lazy, with only a modicum of grapefruit working in its favor. A little banana and citrus pith on the finish save it from a worse fate.
Cheese, milkweed and straw make for an unattractive nose, while the mouth is overtly sweet as if made from dried and candied mango and pineapple. The finish fades fast while leaving behind a residue left that isn't that pleasant.
A simple, sweet quaff that's surprisingly good, from a winery known more for their wines from French-American hybrids. The peach and superripe apple flavors show a clean, crystalline quality to the fruit.
There is an amazing medley of aromas and flavors in this powerful Tocai. Aromas of perfumed spring blossom, almonds follow through on the palate with flavors of pears, almonds and spice, with just a touch of pepper.
This wine, which takes the family name of Franz Haas's wife, is an extraordinary blend of 50% Riesling, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Traminer and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. And yet these disparate elements come together into a harmonious, ripe wine, with just a hint of toast from the barrel-fermented Chardonnay. It is powerful, rich and complex.
Cool-climate flavors, just barely ripe, create a light wine overloaded with herb and stem flavors. The fruit is thin and pale, rhubarb and cranberry.
Sweet cherry and raspberry flavors, with soft tannins. The acidity melds into the ripe fruits, in a wine that is rounded and ready to drink.
For a reserve from what is generally acclaimed as a stellar vintage in the Willamette Valley, this wine seems thin and watery. Watermelon and raspberry fruit leads into an acidic, one-dimensional finish.
Nervy on the bouquet, with forceful, fiery red berry scents. The mouthfeel is fresh and clacky, while flavors of red plum and dry blackberry are solid and clean. Offers a dusting of light oak and spice on the finish.
Full on the nose, with heavy black plum and tea aromas that fall off towards herbal. The palate is big, clampy and tannic, with herbal berry and black plum flavors along with a hint of grass. Finishes with size and power. Made with certified organic grapes.
Just a shade off-dry, Hosmer's Dry Riesling boasts pleasant fresh apple and pear flavors embellished with a pronounced layer of smoke and spice on the nose and palate. Fresh and clean with a bright, lemony acidity.
Opens with latex and mint scents that yield to cherry and plum aromas. Grabby and acidic in the mouth, with quick, racy plum and raspberry flavors. Juicy but not all that tasty or interesting. A generic style of RDD.
Lemon blossom, apple and mineral aromas meet in a regular place. The palate is chunky and shows just enough acidity, and the flavors run towards generic citrus, apple and green melon. Falls off on the finish, so drink as soon as possible.
Light and simple on the nose, with peach and flower blossom notes. The palate has some zip to it but not a whole lot, while the flavors are your basic mix of peach and nectarine. Zesty on the finish and then it evaporates. Drink now.
Rustic and feral, with hints of dirty Band Aid alongside notes of coffee and molasses. Still, it holds some appeal for not conforming to expectations and boasts a redeemingly ripe, creamy texture that's almost suede-like on the finish. Drink now.
Stewy yet intriguing with a taste of clove that finishes bitter, this Petite Sirah needs a rich risotto to stand next to.
Lava Cap has made a decent version of Barbera here, simple and blueberry-toned but the wine is a tad heavy and overly oaked and bitter on the finish.
Opens with scratchy, dusty aromas of red fruits and herbs. The palate is round but clunky, with sweet, grapy flavors of blackberry and blueberry. Finishes rather oaky and mild, with a grainy feel.
Soft, just off dry wine that packs in ripe apples, green plums and pineapple. It has a really tangy, crisp texture, a slight prickle on the tongue.
This has the acidity to complement the 7.2% residual sugar, but it flattens out in the mouth. As a result, it loses the freshness, and feels a little dull, leaving a sugary aftertaste.
As always, this is a fresh, fruity, light-bodied wine, with apples and the crispest acidity, just touched by pepper. A great value from Austria.
Muted and simple, a Petite Sirah that's oaky and has some sage and blackberry going on but a bit of a bitter finish.
With intense acidity, this is a firm and tannic wine, unusual for a Brouilly. The tannins give the wine weight, an almost severe feel, the acidity cutting right through the juicy berry fruits.
With a very mineral texture, this is a wine with as much tannin as fruit. It does have a bitter cherry character that gives some freshness, while the aftertaste combines both the dryness and the acidity.
A surprisingly good little Syrah. The nose is full and dark, albeit a bit damp. The mouthfeel is big and rubbery but sound, with blackberry and chocolate flavors. Lightly toasted and jammy as well. Good stuff for the money.
Loud citrus and berry aromas precede an overloaded palate that carries stalky plum flavors. Pickled tasting on the finish.
Slightly sweet on the nose, but wheaty and grassy too. It tastes like clay and bubble gum, with a touch of peach and citrus. It's acidic on the finish.
Strawberry and raspberry aromas set up a reedy, flush palate with stemmy, candied strawberry flavors. Turns green and bitter on the finish.
While this smells floral and candied, the palate rages, courtesy of strapping acidity that creates tart plum and blueberry flavors.
The second release of Figgins—a single wine produced by Leonetti's Chris Figgins—is astonishing. Tasted in a lineup of exceptional Walla Walla reds, it outshined them all. It's a sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot, from the Figgins Vineyard, with gorgeous aromas of flowers, spices and black fruits. Seamless and long, complex and forceful without being overpowering, it can stand alongside top tier Bordeaux costing four or five times as much.
A bold, muscular, striking wine with nerves of steel, this offers a dense, demanding array of black fruit threaded with veins of espresso, smoke, tar, tobacco and iron. As it bursts with exotic barrel flavor, the fruit seems a bit buried, but time after time these wines unfold over the course of decades into glorious maturity. These are arguably the most long-lived and cellarworthy wines in Washington—if not in the entire country.
Quilceda Creek's Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a dense, exotic and luxurious nose: a mix of roasted coffee, dark fruit and Asian spice. At first it's quite dense and unyielding, but it opens slowly over a period of days—not hours—remaining dense and compact, with a remarkable array of dark fruits and barrel flavors. As with its companion reds from Quilceda Creek, this is a wine to cellar for decades.
This is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec and 7% Merlot. A masterpiece of blending, it has myriad pinpoint details, from the nose of flowers and berries, to the mouthfilling mélange of red and black fruits and finishing highlights of pepper and Asian spice. A precise, complex, elegant and powerful   Pentad with tremendous length, it represents the pinnacle of vintner Casey McClellan's 25 years of winemaking.
A portion of the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vines planted in 1973, with additions of 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. It's an exceptionally fine-tuned blend, with pinpoint fruit flavors, sappy acids and complementary barrel notes. The classic structure, which is the hallmark of all Betz wines, suggests a long life ahead.
The Conflict red is a mash-up of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and it's a crowd-pleaser from the instant the cork is pulled. Dense scents of cherry, roasty-toasty barrel and cracker are inviting. The grapes were sourced entirely from the Conner Lee Vineyard. This effort showcases the winery's signature style, with notes of black fruits, exotic spices, coffee grounds and dark chocolate. Drink now or cellar for 6–8 years.
DuBrul is perhaps the single most sought-after vineyard in the entire Yakima Valley, and at this price this Tamarack selection is an absolute steal. Pomegranate, blueberry, black cherry and cassis notes lead into a full-flavored wine that remains concise and perfectly defined. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. This is concentrated, with earthy depths suggesting Dr. Pepper, espresso and dark chocolate.
Dominating aromas of smoky new wood follow through to the toasty flavor that covers the fruit at this stage. But, like all 2009s, this is a rich wine that will balance out and show all of its opulence. That said, it will likely always be a firm, ageworthy wine, with the dark tannins always in evidence.
Much in the style of Leonetti Cabernet, with the richness of Napa Valley fruit, this deeply satisfying, superripe wine is 100% varietal. Notes of cassis, fig and a hint of prune are swathed in deeper flavors of espresso and dark chocolate.
A classic take on Merlot—this is 100% varietal, and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry, with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish.
A blend of 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, this is slightly more open and accessible than the companion Cabernet Sauvignon, but it's clearly structured for cellaring. The plump, expressive midpalate opens generously and spreads fully across the tongue, offering notes of cherry, cassis, licorice and pepper.
Merlot (47.5%) and Cabernet Franc (35.5%) make up the majority of this blend along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aromas of coffee, cranberry, herbs, pencil lead and butterscotch lead to rich, textured sweet fruit and barrel flavors that linger. It displays balance throughout.
This wine is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. It displays fruit-forward aromas of blackberry seed, plum, asphalt and spice. The flavors are dense, focused and layered, showing depth, purity and texture.
Blackberry, a hint of raisin, mild char and lemon-peel aromas make for a fine bouquet. This is lively, punchy and chewy, with big tannins. Blackberry, chocolate, loamy earth, toast and peppery flavors finish long, baked, ripe and with the potential for an even better future. Drink through 2021.
Red berry, wild cherry, earthy underbrush, tobacco and clove are just some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this vibrant, elegant blend of organically farmed Sangiovese (95%) and Canaiolo. Fermented with wild yeasts, it combines finesse and sheer drinking pleasure.
Peat, flower, smoked meat and earthy funk aromas are at the fore. The flavors show a combination of richness and elegance, with smoked meat and olive brine flavors that linger.
Lean on the entry in savory black tea and black pepper, this wine's soft, supple tannins belie a strong core of concentrated fruit and richness on the palate, that should become ever more intriguing through 2021. From a fantastic, cooler climate site near Sebastopol, this shows a feral quality that's entirely appealing here.
Blended with 4% Viognier, this is an attention-getting wine with aromas of black olive, nori, brown stems, smoked meat and blue fruit, unmistakably coming from The Rocks District. The layered, supple mouthfeel is where this wine truly struts its stuff with abundant blue fruit and savory flavors. It's a complete knockout.
A rich golden color, this unctuous offering is luxuriously layered in honeycomb and vanilla crème brûlée, complex, big and bold. A wall of oak adds structure and density without taking over, opening the door to a finish of juicy ripe fig.
The scent of very ripe, crunchy Bing cherries is heady at first. On the palate, red cherry fruit dominates the soft, pliant and lighter body, fringed by pleasant earthiness. This is Pinot Noir in a very Central European idiom: Not weighed down with heavy oak but confident enough to let fruit and place speak for itself. This is elegant and soft, light-bodied yet ripe. If you listen to this, it will slowly reveal its undoubted beauty.
The nose on this wine by Ernst Storm comes with this vineyard's telltale herbal hints, with Kalamata and green olives, black loam and a touch of compost. The lithe, graceful palate tingles with energy and proves intriguingly pretty, with tapenade, crushed peppercorns and a touch of strawberry on the finish
Lovely aromas of plum, crushed violet, iris and cake spice mingle in the glass. The delicious, smooth palate doles out layers of ripe black cherry, blackberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside velvety tannins. It's already tempting but will age well for a decade or more. Drink 2017–2027.
Fragrant blue flower, plum, cake spice and a whiff of leather are some of the aromas you'll find on this stunning wine. Made with organically farmed Sangiovese, the juicy, delicious palate doles out ripe black cherry, fleshy blackberry, white pepper, licorice and grilled herb. It's open and well balanced, with firm, polished tannins. Drink through 2020.
Almost pitch-black in color, this blend of 69% Petite Sirah, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 9% Grenache hits the nose with concentrated black cherries, blackberries, charred beef tips and a touch of vanilla candy. It's dense but not overly tannic on the palate, which is the flavor of blackness personified, offering blueberries, boysenberries, plum skin tartness and black tea depth.
Barrel fermented and aged on lees for 17 months, this straw-colored wine offers nuanced aromas of spice, pear, pineapple and peach. It's full bodied in feel but far from over the top with well-balanced fruit and barrel flavors and a lingering finish.
Aromas of dark plum, sun-baked soil, cooking spice and grilled herb flow together in the glass. Made entirely with Sangiovese, the palate shows breeding and class, offering ripe black cherry, ground pepper, tobacco and aniseed alongside youthfully austere tannins. Give this time to fully develop. Drink 2017–2027.
From the extreme wilds near Annapolis, this vineyard-designate is rapaciously earthy in all the right ways, a taste of its environs, sauvage and demanding. Dark cherry and blueberry exude on the nose and follow through on the palate, in between jolts of baking spice and dried herb. Medium bodied, the wine is on the money right now, but should also do well in the bottle for years to come.
This is a compelling wine with aromas of coffee, dried herbs, cherry and barrel spices. It wins over on finesse rather than power but shows more than ample amounts of both. There's enough structure that it will benefit from some time in the cellar. It will be best from 2019–2027.
Apart from fresh citrus peel and yeasty savoriness, this Grüner delivers a full herbal repertoire of chervil and rocket, watercress and lemon balm. The spine is of lemony acidity, painting a picture of thrilling, concentrated freshness, interspersed with peppery layers of interest and a nearly endless herbal finish.
Norm Yost presents luscious and broad aromas of black currant candies, black slate and well-integrated clove and allspice aromas on this wine from an extreme coastal slice of the Central Coast. It's quite boisterous for the restrained vintage, with blood, iodine, black cherry juice and black pepper flavors.
Aaron Jackson blends extreme coastal vineyards from Cayucos, Cambria, Pismo Beach and San Simeon into this wondrous wine, which shows blackberries, black cherries, damp fennel and wisps of blood on the nose. Mashed plums and Bing cherries emerge on the palate, along with black olives, elderflowers and a coyote brush grip.
This richly concentrated, vineyard-designated wine is undeniably in balance. It has a cavern of blackberry and jammy cherry at its core, which simultaneously buzzes in minerality before finishing in a dusting of cocoa and black pepper. The tannins are fine and integrated, providing a generosity of texture that should mellow over time. Cellar through 2027.
Initially closed, this opens up slowly into a very bundled, concentrated yet fluid stream of citrus flesh and zest. There are overtones of kitchen herbs like chervil but lemony freshness trumps. There is a lightness of touch, a wonderful, lithe elegance and a lasting finish.
Perfumed with floral, citric freshness this evokes jasmine blossom and cut grapefruit peel. The palate is of an exquisite lightness and a slight spritz adds extra zip to the already electric little number. Just one sip of this ultrapure, racy wine and you are thoroughly refreshed. This is a Riesling that spells summer.
This wine possesses a dense core of concentrated raspberry fruit on the nose, but not in a jammy way, further entertained by fluffier rose petals, cherry blossoms and a drizzle of vanilla syrup. The high-toned, vibrant palate is also rich in restrained sour raspberry fruit, spiced with a clove cream, making the mouth sing.
Deep red violet in color, this wine has a bouquet of blueberries and mountainside herbs. It is fresh on the palate, with soft tannins dominated by flavors of black cherry, strawberry, cranberry, thyme and orange zest. There is a nice play of berries and roasting herbs lingering on the soft finish.
Elegant and fragrant, this opens with aromas of pressed rose, crushed violet, wild berry and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant, focused palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, cinnamon and dried herb. It's well balanced, with supple tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2018.
A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec, this wine is more about elegance and detail than outright power, though it brings plenty of that as well. The blackberry, dark coffee and herb flavors are alternately light but rich, showing plenty of nuance and precision as well as great length.
Aromas of blueberry and clove, with a soft hint of cinnamon set the scene for flavors of blackberry, anise, black pepper, vanilla and white chocolate. A grid of smooth tannins makes way for a finish dotted by flavors of dark berry, spice, and cranberry sauce.
A sharply defined, racy Viognier, this cuts right through with a mix of pine needle, citrus rind and pineapple. It should be served chilled and would be a fine accompaniment to grilled prawns, spicy noodles or anything with jalapeños.
Dijon clones notwithstanding, this wine is buttery and oaky, emphasizing the flavors of barrel fermentation (in 40% new French oak). Apart from that, it shows moderate acids and a little heat in the finish.
A varietal Monastrell (Mourvèdre) that starts with a whole lot of spice, coffee and mint but not a ton of fruit. The palate is more zesty and sharp than you might expect, with grab and some sharpness to the meaty Monastrell fruit. Finishes a little short and flat, but will do well over the short term.
A little bramble and pickle on the nose tells us that this may never have gotten 100% ripe and over the top. Still, we admire and are intrigued by this Alicante blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each of Syrah and Merlot. Feelwise, it's a little bit chunky but hardly fat, and the flavors are plummy, red and a touch sharp in the middle. Drink now.
From the region renowned for producing regal whites, this Chardonnay impresses. A nose balancing poised fruit and crisp minerality unfolds into classic Chardonnay flavors of toasted oak, spice and creamy fruit. The texture is mouthfilling but not overly buttery. A very good choice for an elegant table.
Tasted alongside the winery's Family Reserve, there was almost no detectable difference between the two wines. Same aromas; same fruit profile; same piercing acidity in the middle. But this Limited Edition bottling seems to have a tiny bit more roundness, a touch more complexity to the cassis and olive flavors, and a little more balance from front to back.
The Ormonde Chardonnay has a fresh, floral nature that is slightly feminine. Pretty floral and refreshing fruitelements mingle with hints of spice, resulting in a clean and friendly white that is both elegant and fun.
This is a supple, forward and pleasantly drinkable wine. If it is to be criticized it's that it lacks precision and focus. The fruit flavors are a diffuse mélange of cherry, berry and plum, leading to a chalky finish that tastes of tartaric acid with a splash of chocolate.
An exuberant fruit nose leads this classic Chardonnay from Radford. The wine offers buttery and smooth flavors of toast and fruit on the palate and will please fans of bigger Chardonnays. A lingering finish adds to the depth. Pair with opulent dishes like lobster or steak.
For a Roter Veltliner, this is a full style of wine, perhaps missing the racy acidity common to the variety. What it has, though, is an attractive perfume and plenty of spice, lychee and cotton candy flavors.
There is good concentration to the estate-grown fruit, which mixes raspberry, boysenberry and cassis and provides a firm and lasting core of flavor. Some tasters may find the wine slightly reductive, with a burnt rubber quality; for others it will just be toasty and a bit tannic. Give it time to breathe and it opens up into a full-bodied, flavorful Pinot Noir with some medium-term aging potential.
A ripe, creamy wine, certainly with good acidity, but also with rounded fruits. The wine has green apple flavors, followed by yeastiness and a final flourish of almonds.
Peach, citrus and other simple but pure aromas give this Verdejo a proper if somewhat rote opening. The palate is tangy and cleansing, with lemon and apple in the lead. Finishes a bit acidic, but with freshness and a clean get-away. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.
This dense wine from Bierzo is rich, chocolaty and reticent in its delivery of black-fruit aromas. The round, pure palate is rich and easy to like, while flavors of baked berry, earth and chocolate lead to a chewy, round finish that's friendly but structured and substantive. Drink through 2017.
From the folks behind Roederer Estate, its premier producer of sparkling wine, is this gorgeous still Chardonnay, clean, complex and crisp with a heady perfume of luscious pear and honey. Decadent and yet restrained, the mouthfeel is mellow, a touch decadent, with just the suggestion of its time in barrel.
A blend of northern and southern Portuguese grapes, this is a seriously firm wine that's structured and dense. Spiced black plums are layered with big, drying tannins and acidity, which promise long aging for this impressive wine. Drink from 2017.
Big, rich and rounded, this is as much a wine about sweet tropical fruits as about spiciness. It has weight, concentration and a full, honeyed character. For the wine to fully integrate, it should be aged over 3–4 years.
Made from organically grown grapes, this wine boasts a refined bouquet of violet, iris and baking spices. The palate delivers a core of dark cherry and raspberry flavors with white pepper and a hint of herbs. It's elegant, with a bright, silky palate and nice length.
This wine epitomizes the lush ripeness of the 2009 vintage, yet does so without going over the top into dried fruit. Instead, it delivers brandied cherries spiced with cinnamon and clove, plus a touch of chocolate. It's full bodied and maybe just a bit warm, but the long finish is textured like fine suede. Drink now–2020.
This is a solid and dark wine, full of black fruits and dense tannins. It has weight and richness, as well as a leather and smoke character that comes from the wood aging. A powerful wine for aging, drink from 2017.
This is textbook juice for the cellar. A cool, herbal nose turns cedary and stout. It's wall-to-wall tannins now, with complex flavors of red fruits mingling with tomato leaf, oregano, spice and tobacco (reflections of the 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that goes with more familiar Malbec). A bullish finish with mild green notes should soften with aging. Drink from 2014 to 2021.
Fragrant currant aromas drive this concentrated and rich wine forward. The old vines give a great depth of flavor and ripeness while keeping the fine herbaceous citrus touch. It's that rare Sancerre for aging, over 3–4 years.
This wine has aromas of underbrush, cherry and leather, with a hint of spices. The palate boasts wild cherry, mint, menthol, and meat juices and shows structure and balance. Give this a few more years to develop complexity. Siena Imports, Barsotti Wines.
Here's a classically crafted Brunello, with nuanced aromas of violet, iris, tobacco and clove on the nose. The palate delivers a core of black cherry flavor punctuated with nutmeg, eucalyptus and truffle. It's tight and tannic now, but should develop great complexity with time; drink 2016–2023.
This is a textbook Chianti Classico, with dark berry and plum aromas accented by hints vanilla and clove. The palate boasts a core of wild cherry flavors layered with balsamic herbs. Still tightly tannic, it needs a few more years to unwind.
Despite incredible levels of ripeness—evidenced by notes of chocolate and dried fruit—this wine features a bit of garrigue on the nose and licorice flavors on the palate, which together impart a sense of freshness. Full bodied and richly textured, it ends in a silky dusting of cocoa powder-like tannins. Drink now–2020.
Deep berry aromas combine seamlessly with sweet notes of marzipan and complex accents of balsam wood on what is an inviting, rich nose. This is rewardingly bright and structured on the palate, where blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors carry onto a full, long finish. This is high-end, ripe Malbec. Drink through 2018.
Deep berry and mocha aromas form a red-carpet opening that's topped off by chocolate and earth. And while this is a bit soft and jammy on the tongue, there's enough structure to support baked, rich, black-fruit flavors and dark spice notes. A finish full of mossy notes, prune and mellow tannins says drink this wine now through 2015.
A surprisingly fresh wine, balancing acidity with powerful spiciness. It's ripe and full in the mouth, as spice and honey cut with a more bitter edge of quince jelly and lime acidity. Age this fine wine for at least five years.
Here's a classically crafted Chianti Classico that offers a multifaceted boiuquet of wild cherry, spice and leather, with a hint of meat juices and herbs. The palate shows a core of black-cherry layered with white pepper and rosemary. It's still young, briskly tannic and nervous so give this time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2025.
This elegant, structured wine has layers of intense acidity surmounted by firm tannins and red currant fruit. It's a real food wine, that acidity ready for rich meats. It's also likely to age well. Drink now and until 2024.
This linear white opens with aromas of crisp green apple, white pepper and Alpine wild flower that carry over to the bright palate along with juicy citrus notes. It's nicely balanced, with lively acidity that leaves the mouth feeling fresh and clean.
This bone-dry wine made from 85% Arinto has crisp freshness and texture. It's lively with a strong mousse and lemon and green apple fruitiness. Sophisticated and wearing its bottle age well, it finishes with a toasty aftertaste. Drink now.
Despite opening with reduced raisiny rooty aromas of cough syrup and licorice, this sweet Mataro (Mourvèdre) comes around. Medicinal black cherry, cough drop, maple and chocolate flavors rest easily on a jammy palate. The longer this sits, the more it evolves.
This 100% varietal wine is sourced from a certified sustainable and Biodynamic vineyard. It shines in its simplicity of bright strawberry, red licorice and farm dirt scents, imparting crisp acidity throughout.
Brunel's 2013 is traditionally styled. The aromas are peppery and ferrous, leaning toward sour plum, while the palate is medium-bodied, taut and silky, ending on notes of black olive and espresso. Drink it over the next 5–8 years.
This is a spirited, juicy and satisfying coastal wine, bright with layers of raspberry and cherry that wear their full-bodied ripeness well. The fruit is sprinkled beautifully with a light spiciness of vanilla and cinnamon oak.
This is a lush and okay expression, with forward notes of wood-grilled apple, buttered toast, caramel corn and honeydew on the nose and mouth. The mouthfeel is round and creamy, with ample acidity to cut the wine's weight and dense, rich flavors. Flavors of honeycomb and sweet spice hang on to the close. Drink now–2019.
Cola, cool earth and aromas of blackberry and cassis represent the nose of this always steady blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Solid and mouthfilling across the palate, this tastes heavily oaked and charred, thus there's a strong smoky complement to blackberry flavors. A peppery, toasty tasting finish feels a bit hot.
Smoke and caramelized sugar notes lend a sultry tone to this racy, streamlined Kabinett. It's vibrant and laced with fresh green and herbal notes, replacing more typical stone-fruit flavors. Delicate honey sweetness lingers softly on the finish.
Made with 65% Chardonnay, 15% Sauvignon, 10% Pinot Grigio and 10% Pinot Bianco, this elegant white offers aromas of white flower, tropical fruit, mint and whiffs of toasted oak. The structured palate delivers Golden Delicious apple, vanilla, oak and lemon zest. A mineral note closes the lingering finish.
From an almost centenarian vineyard planted to mixed varieties, this has juicy core of cherry and blackberry fruit. An undercurrent of Asian spice and white pepper shows through, finishing on a minty chocolate note.
This wine contains 14% “mixed blacks,” including grapes like Alicante Bouschet, and is powerful and ripe. Its flavors seem at once tart and sweet, framed by dusty cherry and vanilla. There's a persistent, feral, compost-like thread throughout its dense structure and tannic finish.
This is the top wine from this estate. Wood aged and richly endowed with both fruit and firm tannins, it has a fine balance. The 12 months in wood have softened the wine's structure and given it extra richness. It is still full of youthful fruit, so drink from 2018.
This is an opulent ripe wine, named after the four churches in the local village. Full of blackberry flavors that cushion the firm tannins, the wine is generous and finishes with youthful acidity. Structured and dense, the wine will still age well. Drink this fine wine from 2018.
French oak-aging has resulted in a wine that's both smooth and fruity. With summer blossom aromas, attractive acidity and a toasty edge, it's stylish, elegant and ready to drink now.
Although full-bodied and rich in texture, this wine is restrained in terms of ripeness and oak. It has good balance, a quiet blend of black cherry, clove and dark chocolate flavors and a firm, fine-grained tannins. Best after 2019.
This ripe wine comes from organic vineyards in the village of Brochon, next to Gevrey-Chambertin. It shows plenty of structure, a tantalizing smoky character from wood aging and juicy red fruit character. This will be a delicious wine to drink from 2018.
Fruit and barrel aromas intermingle, with notes of vanilla, coconut, wood spice, clove and red berries. The red fruit flavors are fresh and focused, with lightly grainy tannins providing the frame.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make up the majority of this blend (42% each), with Malbec, Petit Verdot and Syrah rounding it out. Aromas of toast, vanilla, cocoa, cherry and herb lead to sweet, elegant chocolate and cherry flavors, threaded with vanilla notes.
Black cherry, dark chocolate, coffee and mint touches show on the nose of this approachable bottling. The palate is solidly structured, pairing soy and licorice flavors with tangy black-plum and elderberry fruit.
This is proof that excellent Chardonnay can come from this warm region in Southern California. Key lime pie, peach blossom and shaved apple aromas show on the nose. The palate sizzles with acidity and a savory hit of sea salt, with a core of Asian pear and stone fruit flavors.
With searing, upfront acidity, this wine takes on a briny character that accents the high-toned lemon zest and melon notes on the palate. Aged only in old French oak and stainless steel, its fruit remains fresh and unencumbered through the finish.
Fresh pressed blackberry and boysenberry scents meet wet clay and gravel on the nose of this bottling from one of Paso Robles' cooler corners. Vibrant acidity shows on the palate, with light tannins that frame its plump berry and graphite flavors.
Mint and smoky aromas give this wine an attractive, juicy character. It is developing well and almost ready to drink. From Cahor's high altitude vineyards, the wine is bright and fruity with damson flavors and smoothed with wood aging. Drink from 2018.
On some of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this estate has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. This latest vintage from this major estate has a firm structure and cool texture. Allied to acidity and dark tannins, the rich black fruits are going to need time to mature. Drink from 2020.
Well-rounded and integrated strawberry, black plum and licorice aromas show on the nose of this appellation blend from Paso Robles' most exciting Italian variety producer. It's light and easy on the palate, with red plum, cranberry and chaparral herb flavors packed tightly with tannin. It's good now but will improve with age.
Kudos to Brian and Stephy Terrizzi for introducing this fascinating grape from southern Italy to Paso Robles. Rich white peach and poached pear aromas are edged with sharper mineral scents and boosted by vanilla undertones. The palate leads with bright acidity then explores red apple, cantaloupe and stone fruit flavors, proving easy to like but also tempered with restraint.
A bold, ripe, perfumed wine with Baga tannins and acidity, this is not a wine for easy drinking—demanding rich, oily or fatty foods instead. It's a great example of this notoriously fickle grape and is packed with spicy fruit. Drink from 2018.
This wine is now mature with firm tannins and spicy wood and fruit flavors. The edge of Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional in the blend has given the wine its shape and concentration. Drink this fine wine from 2019.
Named after the convent of Tomar, a home to the medieval Knights Templar (now a national monument), this is a ripe structured wine that benefits from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional in the blend. Full and rich and with the ability to age, the wine is serious and full of fruit. Drink now.
There is no denying the richness and concentration of this very full-bodied, intensely fruity, smooth-textured and sweet-seeming wine. Made from equal parts Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, it smells and tastes like chocolate and black cherries so ripe they're starting to shrivel, and has a touch of balsamic on the boysenberry-like finish.
Still so crisp and fruity, this is lively Champagne. It has a great tang of lemon zest and a tight texture that shows plenty of minerality. It will continue to age gracefully, allowing a more mature toasty character to come through. Drink from 2018.
Juicy black fruit shines in this full-bodied wine with structured tannins. Weighty and concentrated, with light dustings of black pepper and cinnamon, its oak is supportive and seasoned in a touch of vanilla.
This wine is fat, fruity and creamy, with just a touch of minerality. Its ripe fullness lends plenty of depth and concentration, within a lightly structured frame. Drink from 2018.
This larger-production wine is sourced from several single-vineyard sites, including Rodgers Creek, Sangiacomo and Gap's Crown. Together they find unity in fruit-forward flavors of blueberry, cherry and pomegranate, the oak persistent and powerful amidst a backdrop of tight-grained tannin. The concentration is pronounced.
Sage, brush and pencil shavings make for a savory, gravelly experience on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, high-elevation wine. Robustly tannic, it softens in the glass and on the finish in a stream of black pepper and dried herb.
Light and easy on the nose with hibiscus, cranberry and pomegranate notes, this bottling from a famous vineyard also picks up some crushed slate aromas as well. Compared to the many rich bottlings from this region, this is rather reserved on the sip, with tart cranberry, peppery spice and black tea flavors.
This is a rare single vineyard, 100% varietal bottling of Cinsault from the state. Aged 18 months in neutral oak, the focus is on freshness and purity and it brings plenty of both. Vibrant aromas of violets, potpourri, red fruit, orange peel and plum are followed by mesmerizingly pure fruit and savory flavors that linger on a long finish. A light oxidative note provides a touch of distraction.
Aromas of balsam wood, sandalwood-scented soap, blackberry and rubber feed into a drawing palate with abrasive tannins. A heavy oak character leads blackberry and licorice flavors, while this feels tannic and grabby on the finish, with acidity that sticks out. Drink through 2023.
Herbal blackberry aromas include gritty notes of road tar and eucalyptus that are derivative of the Petit Verdot and Cab Franc that have been mixed into this Carmenère. Sandpaper tannins create a dry scratchy mouthfeel, while peppery, spicy, blackened berry flavors finish with massive tannins. Drink this bullish bomber through 2023.
Small percentages of Merlot and Petit Verdot soften this robustly ripe red, hugely extracted in black currant and blackberry. Mocha, cigar smoke and leather saddle contribute a more muscular imprint, as a rounded weightiness holds on tenaciously to the finish.
Enticing scents of acacia flower, chopped herb and yellow pear waft out of the glass. The juicy, delicious palate offers ripe apple, succulent white peach and citrus alongside fresh acidity. Almond and a light flinty note back up the lingering finish.
Honeyed aromas of walnut oil, baked yellow apples and sea salt show on the nose of this bottling by Bruce McGuire and crew. Juicy apple-cinnamon and pound cake flavors show on the sip, but it's the salty edge that keep it buoyant and savory, like a perfectly roasted chicken.
This producer releases a vintage Champagne almost every year. This latest release shows the character of a vintage widely regarded as difficult. It's fast maturing, with soft fruit, attractive acidity, just a touch of toast and a mineral structure. Drink now.
This is a medium-bodied vineyard-specific wine, offering warm aromas of baked bread, cola and clove. The warmer elements are complemented by fresh raspberry, rhubarb and wild vanilla, making for a varietally satisfying experience on the nose and palate.
A scene of mushroom-filled forest is set aromatically in this estate-grown wine, rich in red fruit complemented in dried herb. Lean, with extracted tannins, it continues the thread of classic flavor in its grasp of pencil lead and tobacco.
Simple in robust red fruit, this vineyard-designate shows richly crafted layers, full-bodied layers of leather, coffee and cola that get a lift of acidity on the finish.
A bit cloudy and still tasting as if it came right out of the new French barrels in which it was fermented, this offers a rich and diverse texture and highlights of lemon oil, beeswax and Aplets & Cotlets. There's a lot going on here, in a blocky chunky, fruity style.
Medium in body and high in acidity, this wine from one of the great vineyard sites for the variety in California does it justice, showing both intensity and lingering succulence. Tangerine, quince and lemon meet a more layered depth of caramelized apple and butterscotch, the texture gravelly.
This is showing a bit of muscle, and some still-integrating barrel flavors, but it's already a wine that delivers plenty of pleasure. Forgive the flaky faux-wax topping (not thick enough to be called a real capsule) and enjoy the well-ripened blackberry fruit, the nicely-layered creamy chocolate, the touch of underbrush and the appealing length. Drink now through 2022.
With a dominance of Chardonnay (70%), this is a smooth and creamy wine. It is ripe, lightly citrus with stronger apricot flavors and a smoky character. The aging on the wine's lees has given it extra richness. Drink the wine from 2018.
Supple and bursting with ripe purple fruits, this is a real success. The grape's stemmy and green character is held in restraint, and the purple plummy fruit flavors come through in a sweet core, surrounded with flavors of espresso, dark chocolate and stem. Well balanced and firm, this is a wine to enjoy now through 2022.
Earthy hints of clay pots and spice evoke the clay and limestone vineyards from which this dry Riesling originates. Sunny Meyer lemon, apple and lime flavors penetrate through the palate, with a smoky, mineral edge. It's full bodied and richly textured, with a long, lingering finish.
Luscious, almost heaving with ripeness and alcoholic warmth, this dry-style kabinett is no shrinking violet. Its rich peach and melon flavors and bold, unabashed style are seductive though. Dense and mouthfilling, it will drink well through 2020.
Underbrush, toasted oak, violet and baking spice aromas lead to the dense palate along with prune, dried cherry, vanilla and a hint of orange zest. Dusty fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2027.
This wine consists of all five red Bordeaux varieties, with 54% Cabernet Sauvignon making up the majority. A juicy front palate of cassis and blueberry leads to leathery, dusty tannins and notes of graphite, cedar and tea.
A tight and textured wine that has layers of citrus as well as fresh apples. A bitter edge of sulphur spoils this otherwise lightly fruity wine.
A soft and easy white wine that has a lightly perfumed touch from the Moscatel in the blend. Acidity cuts the pear and peach flavors to give a fresh lift at the end.
The wine is firm with acidity and spice in tandem. It has a juicy character, although the acidity seems unbalanced with the rest of the wine.
An easy and bright selection, this offers direct aromas and flavors of red currant, underripe strawberry and a touch of banana. The palate is light, with low-intensity flavors and a short, clean finish.
Soft and middle-aged, it offers a serious bite on the finish that veers slightly into sour cherry and mushroom territory, the end result a bit dull.
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon this wine also has small percentages of Malbec, Petite Sirah, Tannat and Petit Verdot thrown into the mix. The result is a smoky, barrel-influenced concoction emphasizing burly, tannic black- currant fruit.
Spice and herbal berry aromas are true to the variety. Hard acidity creates roughness and scratch on the palate, while chocolaty, spiced plum flavors finish fiery at first then with herbal red-fruit flavors as it fades.
This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Arinto is bright and herbaceous. There is also a more tropical character with pineapple and mango adding their riper notes. The end has a mineral edge. The wine will improve by holding until 2015 in bottle.
Blueberry aromas come with an exotic note of cardamom. In the mouth, it feels flat, with rubbery tannins. Flavors of herbal berry and tomato leaf are briny and have a plastic-like taste, while herbal notes of oregano and tomato dominate the finish.
A restrained version of Tempranillo, it's somewhat lacking in fruit. The wine veers more into the roasted coffee range of things, a deep, heavy roast that some may find astringent without the buoyancy of black fruit.
The wine displays plenty of the warmth of Alentejo while keeping a streak of fresh black currant fruitiness. It's soft, generous and ready to drink.
Lightly spicy, this is a soft, off-dry wine. Fresh citrus and apple fruit flavors are perfumed and fruity in the mouth. Not for any aging, it's already a rounded, soft, still fruity wine.
Still very young, this wine is full of acidity, lemon flavors and with a candy shop character. The wine needs to time to settle down.
Really? A five-buck Oregon Riesling? It's light, lemony and tart, but it's real wine, simple and plain, yet fine with shellfish or other light seafood.
Simple aromas of generic red fruits and watermelon settle on a pithy, rather heavy palate. Pyrazine-rich flavors of bitter citrus finish with notes of pink grapefruit and tangerine.
The wine has lingering leather touches on the tongue and quite a lot of bitter tension throughout. Like many 2011s, it shows a tartness and grip that some may find pleasant, and others just challenging. Food seems a must for this wine, which comes out of Terravant Wine Company in Buellton; try fondue, salted meats, or aged cheese.
The sanguine smells of iron and wet earth characterize the aromatics of this bottling. It then slides into a tart, unripe raspberry flavor, with a faint hint of cola. As in many 2011s, the flavors seem to be stuck somewhere between primary fruit and secondary nuances, with mouth-biting but not pleasure-enhancing acidity in the leading role.
Apple, peach and white-flower aromas later suggest dilute pool water. The wine is is tangy and high in malic acid. Sour apple and mixed green-herb flavors finish tart, shear and tangy, with minimal fruit flavor but good crispness.
Plum and cherry aromas are good but undistinguished. The palate is a bit rubbery in feel, while the flavor profile is fruity but nonspecific. The finish offers citrus and red-fruit notes, but nothing beyond that.
Dark golden in color, this wine offers nectarine and just-ripe apple. High in acidity, medium in body, it has a trace of sourness on the finish.
This bottling starts with a pretty nose of peach, melon and nectarine. It's more about the crisp, refreshing mouthfeel than anything, and would partner well with lightly seasoned shellfish or soft cheese.
The nose is blowsy and dusty, with waxy white-fruit aromas. The palate is juicy and fresh but doesn't offer much body. Finishing flavors of nectarine, papaya and orange are basic.
In French, the vineyard name means “the meadow on the mountain,” a fitting name for the site. This is a spicy wine, with a touch of red-hot candy. The pretty cherry fruit is underscored with earth and mineral, and the astringent, tea-flavored tannins morph into a suggestion of cola at the tail end.
Toasty blackberry and prune are the key aromas on this plush Cabernet. A generous mouthfeel includes choppy tannins that will mellow in due time. Dark flavors of cassis and blackberry include spice and chocolate notes, while this finishes with ripe flavors of blackberry touched up by chocolaty oak. Drink this calm, slightly flabby Cab through 2021.
Bold and rich without feeling heavy, this luscious wine oozes with ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit and has a mouth-coating, mouth-filling texture that keeps its flavors echoing through the finish. Occasio makes exceptional wines in small quantities.
This wine required considerable aeration before it began opening up. Once there, the airy pretty fruit flavors emerged, a mix of Bing cherries and a dusting of malt powder. It's got a buoyant midpalate and a pleasing streak of orange Creamsicle.
This attention-grabber hits the palate with reckless abandon. Stewed black plum and sugar plum aromas meet vanilla and strawberry pie scents on the lush nose. It's plush with creamy coffee, milk chocolate, blackberry and black cherry flavors, framed by soft tannins and a fine streak of acidity. Rather delicious.
This is a very limited bottling of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. Roughly half spent time in new French oak, which brings a lovely toasty note into the foreground. There's a slight, not unpleasant funkiness, along with dusty baking spices, black cherry and currant, and a chunk of dark chocolate. It's big, bold and delicious, and drinking quite well at the moment.
Fresh-pressed strawberry, sugar beet, lavender and rose petal aromas show in this botting, which is a complex take on Tempranillo. Black plum and mulberry flavors are delicately presented, leading the intriguing and buoyant palate, which is light in body but full of elegant flavor.
The high alcohol may be a stumbling block for some palates, but this wine is nonetheless absolutely delicious. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1972, it was aged in 50% new French oak. It's intense and detailed, with hints of wintergreen, a broad streak of cherry cola, and finishing licks of molasses, brown sugar and coffee.
Enticing, subtle pear, mango and nutmeg aromas lead to rich orchard fruit, hazelnut and lemon zest flavors as this wine's full body and creamy texture coat the palate. It's big and generous but not overblown, a fresh acidity buoying the riper flavors and keeping them echoing on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
Consistently one of New Zealand's top Chardonnay producers, Neudorf flies the standard for Nelson, almost next door to better-known Marlborough. The medium-bodied 2014 Chardonnay begins with appetizing scents of toast, oak spice and white peach. On the palate, there's a lovely combination of spice and stone fruit, then lingering citrus on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Dense aromas of fig, prune, cassis and blackberry are more mellow than monstrous. In the mouth, this Cabernet feels chunky, ripe and fully tannic. Savory berry fruit flavors and notes of cured meats and jerky finish a bit flat, with a lasting flavor of oaky chocolate. Drink through 2022.
Dark cherry and cola aromas meld with composting rose scents on the nose of this pleasing wine that will satisfy any lover of Pinot Noir. The palate exudes nutmeg, iron and rose flavors galore, adding spice to its core of plump raspberry and ripe cranberry fruit. Lively acidity and tannic depth complete the experience.
From the producer's own Kivelstadt Vineyard, this compelling 100% varietal wine is sanguine and meaty. Black olive and black pepper flavors add to the larger savory landscape, bolstered by generous body, tannin and oak. It takes its time unraveling in the glass.
This is intense and muscular without being overdone. Herbal and peppery notes bring nuance to the concentrated flavors of dark plum, mocha and baking spice. The finish is richly tannic but not hard, making it approachable now but capable of aging through 2030.
With dusty gravel at its mineral core, this Cabernet Sauvignon layers rich red currant, cassis and clove flavors, suggesting French toast drizzled with compote. It has a juicy midpalate and a lingering finish that reverberates toasted, spicy oak.
Pinot Noir specialist Bryan Babcock explores this aromatic white grape, delivering a lush and creamy expression. Poached pear and orange blossom notes combine with a nutty quality on the nose, while the wine's creamy consistency meets buoyant acidity on the palate. Lush apple, pear and cashews flavors complete the picture.
This bottling, which is both a reference to the Lynyrd Skynyrd song and an ode to the grape growers, offers vibrant blackberry, slate and vanilla aromas. The palate is ripe and juicy but balanced, with tangy plum skin and dark spice flavors, framed by a chalky tannic structure. It's fruity enough for traditional California Zinfandel fans but complex enough to win converts.
Char and wood grain are prominent on a smoky nose with blackberry and black-currant aromas. Intense tannins and layered depth make for a full palate, while this tastes ripe and toasty, with blackberry and chocolate flavors. On the finish, mild herbal complexity mixed with latent oak are stirring. Drink through 2026.
Dark, brooding blueberry scents permeate this light-bodied red on the nose and palate. Fresh and tinged with white pepper spice, it boasts tart, crunchy fruit and ample depth despite the coolness of the vintage. Those who love reds with tension will fall in love. Drink now–2023.
Exotic and complex, this medium-bodied, structured wine is awash with aromas, from charcuterie and mixed nut to cedar and pencil. Anchoring it is a dusty tannic profile and a punch of oak.
This is a wine that showcases the Mourvèdre grape (80% of the blend). That gives a wonderful perfumed wine, bringing out fine tannins and a rich structure. Aged in wood for 20 months, the wine has a spicy edge to balance the ripe black-plum flavors. It is only just ready to drink and will be much better from 2018.
This wood-aged rosé is complex and intense. The rich fruit is only one part of the structure of the wine which is perfumed, mineral and, for a rosé, dense. It is surely intended for food with its concentration and ripe aftertaste. The extra year of aging has made it ready to drink.
Fermented in oak, this is the second wine from the estate. It has much of the fine concentration, the richness and the dark chocolate and black-fruit flavors of the first wine, just with a softer hue. It is likely to develop relatively quickly and generously. Drink from 2019.
This Chardonnay's acidity and minerally structure are finely balanced, and its palate already shows richness. Full, fruity and textured, the wine's touch of toast creeps into notice. This is worth aging for 2–3 years.
Aromatic of honeysuckle, fresh orange peel and rye, this dry Tokaj has all the waxy, honeyed characteristics of its sweet counterparts. This is brisk, with intense, lemony acidity and rippling minerality.
A dense, firm selection, this has layers of red fruits and acids that help to give the wine's skeleton some flesh. This is likely to develop into a rich, but always firm, wine.
This “white label” blend is broad and lush, and it offers typical Bordeaux-blend aromas and flavors of plum, cassis and cigar box. A mocha note comes through on the softly tannic finish. Drink now and over the next few years.
The new Mercer Canyons label gets off to a good start with this Chardonnay that's low in alcohol and clean. Bracing and leesy, this is definitely European in style, and it offers celery and melon flavors along with palate-refreshing minerality.
This has a rich note of caramel, plus undertones of baked apple and tropical fruit. The acidity is keen and the finish is long, with vanilla and butter notes. It's aged in 40% new French oak, and it has the roundness to show for it.
A new wine for Nottingham, this is a crisp, textured Viognier. Apricot and orange notes meld with a whiff of jasmine on the nose.
This wine has a crisp, steely texture. The apple and citrus flavors and the wood underlay make this a food-friendly selection.
A blend of Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, with a dribble of Roussanne, this offers fruit that falls on the cool side of tropical. It has fine balance and length.
Red fruits are what drive this easy, fragrant wine. The tannins play a supporting role, which gives the berry flavors structure. A blend from two Douro estates, this attractive selection will be ready to drink in a year.
Forward aromas and flavors of yellow apple, peach flesh and orange rind lead this wine, with secondary highlights of oaky spice and toast that add depth to the palate. The mouthfeel is round and filling, with fresh acidity and a medium-length finish.
Smooth and rich, this wine is made from fruit that's sourced from 65-year-old vines. It has fresh acidity that gives a bright quality to the ripe fruit. For an entry-level Bourgogne, this has complexity and weight.
Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this single-vineyard Bordeaux-style blend displays ripe, round, flavorful fruit, along with a leafy component. The barrel aging has added butterscotch and chocolate notes to the mix. The wine stops just a bit short, but further bottle age may help to lengthen the finish.
Enticing whiffs of spice, dried herb and ripe, briary berries emerge from this rich, structured wine. The fruit on the palate is lavish, almost pulpy, but it's framed by lush tannins and brisk acidity. The finish is herbal and bracing.
This chunky, beefy Pinot Noir offers plenty of flavor for a realistic price. Hints of smoke, violet and tomato leaf add complexity to the black cherry fruit. The finish is long and lightly dusted with tannins. Drink now.
Sharp scents of raspberry tinged with a hint of plastic lead into a wine that falls flat in the mouth. Color is fine, vintage is recent, but there's little life to it.
Jumpy and aggressive on the nose, with a mix of charred, burnt, meaty aromas and saline, this struggles to register. A grabby, sticky, roasted palate tastes burnt and herbal, while the finish is charred and chocolaty.
Savory red-cherry notes domaine this wine, with a light body, some spicy accents and lots of refreshing, enlivening acidity.
This is a soft, rather unfocused wine that is pleasantly fruity with flavors of apples and currants. It's lightly perfumed and ready to drink now.
Made from Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is an herbal wine marked mostly by cassis and cranberry. The palate is thick with dense tannins and a dusty oak note.
A heavy dose of oak takes center stage in this blend of 85% Montepulciano and 15% Cabernet and Syrah. Coffee, vanilla and toasted notes leave very little room for any fruit, which appears to have faded away entirely, leaving only astringent wood tannins on the close.
This fruity wine balances citrus and ripe white fruits. There is a steely edge that lends freshness and structure, and suggests the wine could age well. The aftertaste has some tight citrus acidity.
Just lightly spicy, this is a simple, gentle wine. It is on the dry side, and hints at apple and pear flavors. There's a light acidity on the finish. Screwcap.
Rubbery, tarry, herbal berry aromas lead to a fresh, lean, somewhat acidic palate. Flavors of plum, red currant and green herbs finish with zest and juicy acidity.
Scattered, candied-fruit aromas are in your face and aggressive. It feels flush but not fully concentrated, with herb-tinged flavors of black fruit, spice, olive and licorice. This finishes quick, with juicy acidity.
Notes of sun-dried hay and green flower highlight the nose and palate of this fresh, easy-quaffing wine. Concentrated tangerine and pineapple flavors are brisk and tasty.
Soft and round, with an explosive burst of candied fruit on the palate, this Barbera has concentrated flavors of dried cherry, plum and milk chocolate, the latter of which pops on the finish.
There's plenty of ripe, fleshy red fruit on the nose and palate of this red, accented by hints of black pepper and fresh green herb. Soft and easy drinking, it has gentle acidity and tannins.
Raspberry and plum aromas carry hints of lemon and flower. It tastes solid, with flavors of herb, meaty berry, plum and lemony oak. There's a spiciness, with spiky acidity on the finish that feels forced.
A straightforward, subtle version of Pinot Grigio, light in alcohol, a good choice as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to a light lunch. A lean lemon quality dominates its flavors and aromas.
Named for the air currents that allow birds to float above the Douro, this wine is ripe, full and soft. The wood shows quite strongly at this stage, and another year's aging will bring out the black currant note further.
This very ripe interpretation of Touriga Nacional brings out a dark black-plum flavor, which hides the grape's natural tannins. It is chunky, with powerful, forward fruit.
Aromas of waxy apple skin and white melon rind lead the nose, though a soft lemon oil accent unfolds in the back after the wine warms. The mouthfeel is round yet lifted, with ripe melon and sweet citrus flavors that are balanced by a good acidic cut to the finish. Drink now.
The aromas of this wine are slightly high-toned, offering bright notes of apple skin, tart cherry and small red-berry fruit. A touch of black pepper livens up the medium-weight palate and spices up the clean finish.
Notes of cedar and violet meld with a ripe, juicy black-fruit flavor in this bold, deeply concentrated Cabernet. Softer and riper than the Rezerva, it has a slightly grapey midpalate. It's full-bodied in style, with a frame of lush, furry tannins.
Tight and stalky wine, the black currant, spice and tobacco characters all pushed to the front. It has a severe, more mineral style that shows acidity as well as lean fruit.
A rosé of Tempranillo, with Syrah and Malbec blended in, Matchbook always offers good value on its wines, with this one basic and simple in its ripe raspberry and jasmine qualities. Drink cold.
Powerfully intoxicating in aroma, this North Coast Cab turns slightly thin and tannic upon tasting, with a melange of herb and coffee flavor.
Going more for stalky tannins, this is a youthful, but also austere wine. It has perfumed wood along with hints of black currant tightly encased in a severe outer shell.
Somewhat severe with a stalky fruit character that shows tannins as much as black currant fruits. Spice and a hard edge suggest a wine that is never going to be ripe.
Lime and mineral notes are about all that arise from the bouquet. On the palate, this is a sizzler with blazing acidity and narrow flavors of lemon and green apple. Yes, it's very fresh and cleansing; but this is also acidic and lean.
There's no denying this wine's stalky, oily aromas. In the mouth, this blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier is chunky, with flavors that follow suit: the palate is bitter, slightly oxidized and melony. For $40, not much is clicking here.
The nose on this clear-colored Godello is fresh, spunky and citrusy. The palate is spritzy in feel and juicy, but also kind of cloying and clumsy. Flavors of sweet apple, citrus, lychee and mango finish tropical and candied, with weight and flatness.
This basic Pinot offers up tea and oaky clove and cinnamon aromas. It's fairly fresh and juicy in the mouth despite a mild resiny oak feel, and flavors of meaty berry fruits are fully spiced like a licorice gum drop.
Match stick and oily white-fruit aromas come in front of a round, somewhat fat palate with warm, oily flavors of lychee, banana and spice. This falls off toward ripe banana and blandness on the finish.
A bright, herbaceous wine that is full of citrus and grapefruit flavors. These go with a tangy character, crisp and hinting at black currants and more tropical fruit.
This Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend displays attractive scents and flavors of ripe blackberries. The tannins are etched by a rim of dark chocolate, and finished with a whiff of smoke.
Polished and structured, it's loaded with fragrant yellow flower, peach, nectarine, white pepper, ginger and mineral sensations that are supported by a backbone of crisp acidity. The lingering finish closes on a note of hazelnut.
The shade of this Kathy Joseph creation is that of rosé-colored sunglasses. Such comfort is furthered with a cherry cola and maraschino cherry nose. A slight effervescent zing on the palate accompanies pomegranate flavors followed by an impressively long finish. Great with a fresh garden salad, but able to handle more substantial fare too, such as  breaded chicken cutlets or a cheeseburger.
Heady yellow flower and honey aromas waft from this sunny, off-dry wine. The palate is concentrated with fresh apple flavors, but pierced with a streak of lime and lemon acidity. Finishes moderately long with a touch of lemon-zest astringency.
This is lively and bright, with opening aromas of gooseberry, green plum, fresh grass and lime rind. The light-weight palate offers flavors of crisp stone fruit and lime oil, with a brisk acidity that carries through to the clean finish. Drink now.
Fresh and floral, it's invigorating on the nose and palate. While full bodied in structure with rich, round touches of waxy lemon peel, it's dry in style with crisp citrus acidity that lingers on the finish.
Aromas of burnt orange peel, apricot, cinnamon and clove are accented by wild herb and nettle scents. This is full, resiny and borderline cloying in feel, while flavors of blow-torched caramel, peach, dried mango and oak finish honeyed and spicy, but also bitter. Drink this amber, mature wine now.
Intense aromas of exotic fruit take center stage in this vibrant wine. The round, juicy palate delivers pineapple, banana, mature white peach and energizing mineral notes alongside refreshing acidity.
This wine has uniqueness to it, as Central Otago is primarily Pinot Noir country. That said, the wine displays pretty traditional Sauvignon Blanc notes of passion fruit, pink grapefruit and nectarine. Attractive textural richness on the midpalate  fades quickly on the finish.
Here is a supple, firm, well-balanced Cabernet, with both Merlot and Syrah in supporting roles. Berry and plum flavors, crisp tannins, and a whiff of red pepper all come into play.
The nose of this Pinot Noir rosé is enticing with hints of ripe raspberry and violet. Subtle yet elegant on the palate, it's brisk and tonic with delicate berry flavors accented by a refreshing mineral tone that lingers on the finish.
Aromas recall crushed tomato vine, hay, stone fruit and even a whiff of bell pepper. The palate delivers mature white stone fruit and cantaloupe lightly accented with aromatic herbs.
It offers aromas of Spanish broom and exotic fruit. The juicy palate delivers grapefruit, nectarine and mature pear accented with a mineral note. The fresh acidity gives a clean, quenching finish. Artisan Wines, Oz Wine.
Though it's been held back since being bottled, this remains tight and closed. Suggestions of strawberry and chocolate come up from a firm and compact body, with plenty of acidity and hints of green olive and coffee grounds. Aerate, decant, and/or cellar this wine.
It opens with pretty aromas of orange blossom and tropical fruit. The palate offers lemon zest, nectarine and white peach with a mineral undertone.
Offering pleasant, approachable flavors of apple and Asian pear, along with streaks of vanilla and butterscotch, this wine is drinking well and may best be enjoyed while it's fresh and young.
The light and mineral aromas belie the palate's full, rounded fruit flavors with some sugar sweetening the finish.
This medium- to full-bodied wine features hints of struck flint on the nose, then backs those up with round, ample flavors of fig and melon. It's a relatively soft, easy-drinking style with just enough complexity to satisfy.
Boysenberry and blueberry aromas are accented by violet notes and cedary oak. The wine is snappy and slightly reduced in feel, while flavors of rooty berry, herbs, spice and tree bark finish dry, with hints of tobacco and barbecue smoke. Drink now.
Despite having several years in bottle, this Malbec opens with a huge blast of charred oak, shoe polish, lemon peel and rooty berry aromas. The palate is clipped and linear in feel, while flavors of coconut, vanilla and generic berry finish with lasting coconut and unsettled oak.
An Aussie-style blend of 78% Sauvignon Blanc and 22% Sémillon. It's been a real success for Cadaretta, and this is in the same mold as previous efforts. Tasted just prior to release, it was loaded with crisp, primary fruit flavors of green apple, melon and grapefruit. Nice texture, and just a hint of barrel toast too.
An unusual combination of flavors that are searingly tart and yet seem to have a sugary core, this is scented with honeysuckle and orange blossom, and opens out quickly into a fruitbowl of ripe, tangy flavors. Apples, pears, oranges, candied lemons, even a hint of papaya are all in the mix. But be ready for some tongue-tangling acidity.
Lovely aromas pour from the glass, a heady mix of lime, Asian pear, cucumber and apple. In the mouth some sweet honey pours over the crisp fruit, and the wine feels lush and perfectly melded, despite its youth. Residual sugar is under 2% and the alcohol just 12%.
Round and fruity, with a tasty mix of apples, peaches and citrus, this tastes like fruit, not barrel, and would be an excellent choice if a hearty, non-oaky white wine is called for. There's good balance and length, with a resonant hint of minerality in the finish.
Attractive creamed apple aromas lead to a vividly fresh wine, packed with bright fruits, with a cool, steely edge. Delicious, crisp wine. Screwcap.
For those who like an old-school, oxidized style of white Rioja (think López de Heredia), Murrieta's Capellanía is up your alley. The nose is almost like Sherry in its creamy, maderized state, while the palate is low in power, with coconut and lemon flavors. Finishes soft, with vanilla. A unique, identifiable white wine that's not for everyone. Drink now.
This multi-vineyard blend opens with light floral notes, hits the palate with spice, clove and pepper, then brings in cranberry and pie cherry fruit. Complex and racy, it will be best with additional cellaring.
This is oily and ripe, with plenty of butter, butterscotch and toasty new oak. What elevates it, as with all Pacific Northwest Chardonnays, is the extra acidity, that provides a foundation of support under the lush fruit and generous new oak. It might smooth out a bit over the next couple of years, but it's a wine built to be savored sooner rather than later.
Sweet and full of raspberry aromas, foresty scents and sandalwood. Overall it's a well-made, intriguing Grenache with a fleshy, sturdy body and deep cherry, berry and chocolate flavors. It's a bit tannic, but that only helps the structure. Finishes nicely, with dry spice and vanilla notes.
This is a light, pleasant, balanced Syrah that shows a mix of earth, herb, saline, soy, cherry and chocolate flavors, but all subdued. Take a high-end Washington Syrah and lighten it up—those are the flavors here. If you value elegance and complexity, this will be just right for you.
Benefits of bottle aging show well in this late release by Shaw. Clean and minerally with a shower of freshly squeezed lemon and honeysuckle on the nose, this almost dry Riesling is lush with honey and white peaches on the palate. There's a sleek backbone of steel and slate that adds elegance to a lingering white tea finish.
Aromas suggesting rose, iris and red berry are front and center. The linear medium-bodied palate offers sour cherry, cranberry, white pepper and star anise alongside close-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It has a firm drying finish. Drink 2021–2028.
A solid wine with firm tannins, this has structure as well as black-currant acidity. It still has a dry core although this will certainly soften over the next few months. It has the potential to be a ripe fruity wine from early 2018.
The rich fruit of this wine is supported by the ripe tannins. So blackberry flavors and acidity are given spice and a smoky character. The balance is already there. Drink from 2018.
The wine made good use of wood, giving mint flavors while not overtaking the black-currant fruitiness. Structured behind the fruit, it is balanced with an attractive burst of acidity at the end. Drink from 2018.
The aromas are direct and appealing, with notes of macerated cherries, cranberry, currant, vanilla and wood spice. The palate brings alternately sweet and tart fruit flavors, backed by firm tannins. It shows some heat on the finish.
The aromas are bright, with notes of the underside of a pineapple, barrel spice, yeast and spice. It drinks quite dry, with abundant spice flavors that provide appeal.
Smoky and dusty on the palate, this wine is soft and approachable, but also full bodied and ripe. It offers thick layers of chocolate mocha and vanilla.
This light-bodied wine has aromas like dried herbs and fresh celery that join vivid citrus flavors for a fresh and lively character that makes the mouth water. The mouthfeels gains breadth with each sip and the finish seems lightly sweet.
Lean fruit and herb flavors plus a tight, unpolished texture make this wine an acquired taste. But tart cherry, black tea and rhubarb components also make it complex and interesting. A very firm texture shows plenty of acidity and a healthy coating of tannin.
Crisp, clean aromas of Meyer-lemon pith, wet riverstone, cold mountain stream, lemon blossom and petrol show on the nose. The palate is refreshing and straightforward, with light petrol, lemon-lime and red-pear ripeness.
Juicy and slightly reduced, this tightly woven wine shows layers of cranberry, citrus and tea, all wrapped within a cocoon of forested earth and medium-weight body.
Red berry, underbrush, baking spice and leather aromas lead the nose. This is pretty straightforward by Barolo standards, offering morello cherry and light cinnamon flavors framed in firm tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
The wine is ripe, rounded and with fine rich fruit. Its structure is balanced with the blackberry fruits, giving density as well as fine acidity. Drink this well-made wine from 2018.
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 60% of this blend, with the balance Merlot (27%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of raspberry jam, smoke, cigar box and cranberry lead to rich full flavors. It pulls up a bit short, with medicinal notes on the finish.
Full bodied and ripe to the point of softness, this wine offers plummy fruit alongside hints of leather, mocha and dried fruit. It's soft and supple on the finish, a cuddly wine for a cool autumn evening. Drink now.
This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, licorice and spice. The savory palate delivers black cherry, almond and a touch of anise set against pliant tannins. Enjoy soon.
An intensely dark color makes this wine easy to pick out, even from across a room. The chocolate, raisin and blackberry-jam flavors are rich and the texture is mouthcoating, almost thick, but not harshly tannic. The wine seems to start out dry and finish ripe and rich.
Thinly textured and lightly spiced, this wine shows an earthy forest-floor character with spikes of baking spice and black tea. The subtext is defined by juicy huckleberry.
This is a smoky wine, with ripe berry fruits and balanced wood flavors. The solid tannins lend structure and backbone to the palate, while the finish is rich. Drink from 2018.
The wine has a fine smoky character lying over the blackberry fruits. It has the potential to be rich with generous fruits and balanced tannins. The aftertaste is juicy and crisp.
Almost pure Merlot (95%), this wine is richly endowed with generous fruitiness as well as firm tannins. It's a young wine—all fruit and structure at the moment—and it needs to fill out. When it does, it is going to be a ripe generous wine. Drink from 2019.
Some wood aging gives this wine its rich character. The tannins, black-currant fruits and good proportion (36%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend all contribute to the wine's structure and ripeness. Drink from 2018.
Wood aromas and flavors are happily balanced by the ripe berry fruits. So the firm structure is lifted by juicy acidity and fruit to give a wine that will be spicy, fruity and succulent. Drink from 2018.
Though the blend includes small portions of other grapes—9% Syrah, 3% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc—this really champions the essential character of great Washington Cabernet. Its core fruit is supple and compact cassis and black cherry, with a spicy top note that resonates well into the finish. Concentrated and beautifully proportioned, with black olive and just a hint of leaf in the finish.
A wine that makes you take notice. The bouquet is intense, with minerality, char, huge black-fruit aromas and handsome shadings of chocolate and coffee. Power and purity come on like gangbusters, and the flavors are a classic mix of blackberry, cassis and fine Swiss chocolate. Heady, smooth and impressive. My highest rated wine yet from Carlos Pulenta's Vistalba label. Drink now through 2014. Composed of 87% Malbec with Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pure Cabernet from some of Washington's oldest vines at Champoux and Sagemoor, this is a superb bottle, dense, compact and textural. A full mix of black fruits underscored with clean, moist earth and polished, silky tannins, finishes with pretty barrel flavors of spice and vanilla. Broad, deep and immensely pleasurable.
With residual sugar at about 1.35%, this balances the acidity without seeming sweet. Hand-picked and whole-cluster pressed, this immaculate, fresh, generous and stylish Riesling is always at the top of the list of Washington's best. Loaded with grapefruit, citrus and stone flavors, it cleans the palate and piles on the details as it rolls into a finish that lingers for well over a full minute.
True to the dense, muscular style of Woodward Canyon's Merlots, this elevates the complexity in a near-perfect vintage. Deep and textural, it packs together concentrated red fruits, preserves and cassis. At first it shows a little heat from the 15% alcohol, but as it breathes open over hours (and even days) the primary fruit gives way to subtle veins of olive, earth, coffee and toast.
This is the first all-estate-grown Chardonnay bottled by Woodward Canyon since 2003. Fermented in one-year-old Burgundy barrels, it's a Washington Chablis that brings exceptional focus and persistence to bear on flavors of intense citrus, honeyed candy, orange peel, spice and even a slim hint of chocolate. The mix of fruit, herb and mineral combines to create a terroir-laden wine that is beautifully complex and proportioned.
The Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus is a 10-acre parcel in the heart of the Grèves vineyard that once belonged to Carmelite nuns. This vintage, while marked by acidity and soft fruit, does have a firm edge of dark tannins, filled out with plum and red cherry flavors.
Fruit sources for this limited-production Walla Walla bottling of Northstar Merlot include Leonetti's Loess vineyard, and Windrow and Anna Marie in the Seven Hills. Thick, lush and richly evocative, it shows Napa-like density. Chocolatey black fruits and baking spices add to the rich midpalate, which qualifies for the often-abused word ‘hedonistic.'
This medium-bodied red is a bit obvious and confected, but delivers ample cassis fruit without any obvious structure to support it. It's jammy and a bit sweet-tasting on the finish.
Stalky aromas suggest corn, while overall this smells flat and sulfuric. Acidity is keeping it going, while flavors of mixed citrus are undefined. On the finish, this is showing signs of fading.
A touch salty on the entry, this wine offers sizable hits of oak and otherwise nondescript elements of apple, ginger and pear. It then becomes somewhat sour in lemon and lime on the finish.
Nilla wafer and vanilla creme provide an overly pronounced sense of ripeness in this wine. It's fairly full bodied and rich, without much in the way of nuance.
This one is a typical, off-dry Vinho Verde with a light prickle and the crispest fruit. The wine is very light, very bright and clean with attractive acidity at the end. Drink now.
Light, crisp and fresh, this is the epitome of summer rosé apéritifs. It comes from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, bright and lively with just a hint of the typical caramel flavor of a Merlot rosé. Drink now.
Tannic and chewy, this is dominated by flavors of char and espresso. Rather light red fruit peeks out from behind, but the oak absolutely dominates.
Light bodied and lightly flavored, this wine is a good, basic meal-time beverage. It is dry, nicely tart and nearly neutral in aroma and flavor.
A definitive scent of leather suggests brettanomyces has taken over here. That leathery nose and palate totally dims the fruit, and dries out the finish.
Rubbery, herbaceous aromas of iodine, grass and black olive are challenging to say the least. This is high in tartaric acid, with saucy, herbal berry flavors that finish with residual olive notes.
Initially, this rosé made from free-run Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon juice smells sulfuric and gaseous, but with time it turns more plump and fruity. This is blocky and chunky on the palate, with yeasty, wheaty plum flavors. A scattered, bitter tasting finish with mustard notes closes it out.
Almost jet black, this wine is nonetheless quite thin in flavor. The color extraction and substantial alcohol do not translate to ripe, fleshy fruit. Hints of berry and cracker quickly vanish.
Aromas of brick dust and chocolaty oak are lacking in fruit. This feels resiny and sticky, while the flavor profile matches the nose, meaning it's largely fruitless, with a heavy slathering of milk chocolate.
This simple wine opens with aromas of damp soil, wet leaves and red berry. The short, somewhat diluted palate offers notes of wild cherry and clove alongside sharp acidity.
Lab (or Labrador Retriever) is the preferred dog of the Santos Lima family. The wine is fresh, citrus flavored and crisply attractive. Acidity, lemon zest and green apples keep the wine really fresh. Drink now.
A good, uncomplicated wine at a great price, this has light fruity aromas, light body and a welcome touch of tannin in the texture.
This offeing is a clean, fruity wine with pear and white peach flavors. It is soft, lightly tangy with orange zest and attractively ready to drink.
This is a wide-ranging blend of local grapes which is lemon scented, fresh and light. It has pineapple and apricots as well as the cut of citrus. The wine is ready to drink.
This is a soft wine with its ripe fruits and lightly tropical flavors right at the fore. It has some richness along with spice, a citrus tang and a crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
From an emerging region above the Los Angeles basin, this bottling offers a familiar nose of candied blackberry and gamy lamb. The palate is bursting with acidity and shows tart black fruits.
Pencil shavings, purple flowers, light cranberry fruit and hint of wood smoke show on the nose of this bottling. The smoked cherry character extends to the palate, with it picks up the tang of cranberry and a salty richness.
This light wine has crisp raspberry fruits, and lively acidity. It is all fruit with only the lightest texture and very ready to drink now.
Named after a local aristocrat, this wine is soft, fruity and fresh. Red berry fruits are light and crisp. Behind them, gentle tannins give a hint of structure. The wine is ready to drink.
Muted, with a strong suggestion of chocolate and mocha, this is thin, indistinguishable red.
This hyper-ripe wine hits it hard in terms of power and sheer strength of fruit, making for a big, slightly sweet and one-dimensional experience bordering on Port. It's to be enjoyed carefully.
This crisp, lemon-scented wine has a light texture and the freshest fruit. It comes with apricot and apple flavors. It is lively and bright and ready to drink.
This is a typical, fresh, off-dry Vinho Verde. It has citrus and apple flavors, a light, crisp prickle on the tongue and a candied aftertaste. Drink now.
This wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, with an off-dry fruitiness and soft, raspberry flavors. It is light and crisp with just a touch of caramel. Drink now.
Funky, yeasty aromas seem forced and unnatural. This has a sketchy build and a flabby mouthfeel, while dry, melony flavors turn mildly bitter on the finish.
Savory notes of smoked nuts and earth lend a rustic tone to pressed apple and pear in this off-dry Riesling. Lemon-lime acidity freshens midpalate and lingers nicely on the finish. Drink now.
Dark fruits, potent and polished, come cloaked in savory highlights, along with touches of molasses and Kahlua. It's a substantial effort, with concentrated cherry compote flavors at its core. Decant or cellar another couple of years for maximum impact.
This wine from Champagne native Christian Roguenant hits all the right Pinot notes with aplomb. Fragrant cherry blossom and red fruit aromas are spiced with mace and loamy earth notes. The palate combines rich red fruit with touches of earth and baking spice, manages to stay light and refreshing in body.
Floral with a touch of leather and black licorice, this light-bodied, cool-climate wine shows damson plum, fig and a sanguine, prosciutto-like character. White pepper notes garnish the palate, which is tense with minerality.
Svelte, focused and very appealing, this block selection has a slightly roasted aspect, with flavors of plum and cherry. There's a sweet spicy coating around the finishing tannins. It was fermented with native yeast, and aged 15 months in one-quarter new French oak.
Roasted macadamia, toasted coconut and baked apple scents lead the nose of this wine from Santa Barbara County's first commercial vineyard. The palate is broad to start, with lemon curd, pear and almond flavors; but it centers on a flinty mineral character as it finishes.
Violet, ripe plum, black-skinned berry, leather and truffle scents take center stage in this firmly structured red. The medium-bodied palate offers dried plum, chopped herb and licorice flavors, framed by firm, polished tannins and racy acidity, finishing on a black tea note. It's still a bit austere but should develop beautifully over the next few years. Drink 2018–2028.
Wild berry, new leather and thyme are some of the aromas you'll discover in this savory Brunello. The palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and tobacco notes, while firm, polished tannins offer support. Drink 2018–2025.
The vineyard is in the heart of the Haut-Médoc, midway between Margaux and Saint-Julien. The wine is solid, dark and with plenty of firm tannins. At the same time, it has concentrated black fruits and a fine blend between black-currant acidity and ripe jammy fruitiness. Drink from 2020.
Tangy and zesty, this is a crisp wine. It has tight acidity and a strongly citrus character. There are bright gooseberry and herbal flavors that show strongly. The downside is it is one-dimensional: all herbal fruit and crisp acidity. Drink from 2020.
This is a finely perfumed wine with its dark tannins and juicy black-currant fruit. It has structure and a dense texture although this is filled with the bright acidity that gives the wine a lift. This will age well, so drink from 2021.
This is a ripe and tropical wine, complex with wood aging. It is warm, intensely rich and piled with mango and pineapple flavors. The acidity and crispness are well behind this smooth, creamy wine. Drink from 2022.
Named after the Pontac family which in the 18th century owned large swathes of Bordeaux and its vineyards, this estate is based around a former hunting lodge. The wine is ripe and full, finely structured and with tight still-young acidity. Drink from 2022.
With great acidity, this wine that comes from vines close to Château Pavie, is ripe with fine tannins and a generous structure. It is fruity with red-berry fruits and a crisp texture. The wine, with its tannins, will take time to develop. Drink from 2022.
Just a hint of pear peel rises from the nose. The palate is rich with glowing pear fruit, even a little warm, but utterly precise. All this is met with a vein of lemon freshness that brightens all the apples and pears. There is concentration and juiciness, concentration and purity. There is something very fluid and utterly moreish about this.
The nose is shy but subtly hints at citrus zest. The palate comes alive with subtle, fresh and very pure fruit: exquisitely accurate notions of mirabelle plum and beautifully aromatic tangerine. This is pure, streamlined and richly fruited, but done in a subtle grown-up way. A real joy to savor and drink. Finishes dry.
This tan-colored bubbly from stony soils smells complex, bready, yeasty and a lot like baked apple. A round, yeasty palate is cushioned like fine bedding, while yeasty flavors of bread and apple finish long. Drink through 2020.
Mossy earthy black-fruit aromas open this powerful laser-focused Mencía. Eschewing the ligh floral style that's common in Ribeira Sacra, this is ripped and intense. Toasty spicy blackberry and plum flavors show a note of lemony oak. The finish is like a spice cabinet of clove, mint, pepper, etc. Drink through 2025.
This is a well-integrated and beautifully layered wine from a wild, high-elevation vineyard site that provides vibrant acidity and jolts of forested earth. Baked plum and Asian spice form a happy alliance of flavor and intensity along a carpet of velvety texture.
Scents of wet stone, paraffin and citrus ease into flavors of lemon, melon and tea on the palate. This is light in body and silky in feel, with a long, harmonious finish. Drink it now or age it up to 10 years, maybe even longer.
In this exceptional vintage, the all-estate bottling over-delivers big time at this price. Brambly blackberry/kirsch flavors fill the mouth with sappy juicy flavors. The tannins are a bit stiff, and at first the wine hits a tannic wall, but more bottle age, aeration and/or aggressive decanting will open it up. The lengthy cinnamon-soaked finish hints at a stellar cellar life ahead.
With a touch of barrel reduction on the nose, this wine unfolds into layers of crisp, stony minerality and bold flavors of lemon and pear. Balanced in both ripeness and texture, its acidity carries it to a long, spicy finish.
Tasted blind among wines priced three times higher, this Pinot more than held its own. Vibrant, well-balanced and medium-bodied, it blends generous fruit flavors, moderate tannins and restrained oak spice. It's elegant, mouthwatering and subtle, lingering long into the finish.
Here's another exceptional Oregon Riesling to add to the growing ranks of top producers. Lemon-drop fruit meets peaches and cream in the mouth, as this off-dry (20g/L) wine displays a spot-on balance between acid, sugar, fruit and honey. This is delicious already, and built to age nicely over a decade or longer.
The fruit for this 100% varietal wine is sourced from Calistoga and Rutherford—a blend that yields a densely tannic, meaty palate that combines soy, cedar and pepper notes. Having already matured in bottle for some time, it's still slowly unfurling, offering jammy blackberry and licorice flavors that add spice to the finish.
Pressed and fermented in stainless steel vats and partially aged in neutral oak, this wine rewards in a vibrancy of grapefruit, tangerine and peach flavors, allowing space for a plush texture through the long-lasting brightness of the fruit.
From a vineyard poised along Eastside Road, this wine is juicy in flavor and dense in color and on the palate upon entry. Marked by great, well-defined acidity, it's gorgeously floral in fresh rose petal and orange peel with just a touch of reduction, with an additional weight of black tea and cranberry.
Earthy notes of plum and berry include a touch of leafy herbs. This is crisp, elegant and slightly tomatoey in feel, with dry herbal plum and berry flavors that end fresh and savory. There's nothing over the top about this classic Rioja. Drink through 2024.
Pretty aromas of rose and lavender mark the entry of this full-bodied, concentrated wine characterized by pomegranate, cranberry and a lightness of cardamom. Lengthy and dense, it opens in the glass, its tannins softened, with a length of earthiness that lingers on the finish.
This is a 100% varietal, vineyard-designated wine, impressive in its ability to provide lush richness within a balanced context. Dark and thick, it opens with blackberry, mocha and spicy clove flavors. Although syrupy, it maintains freshness on the palate.
This concentrated white is a mix of green olive and fig flavors that punctuate a thick full-bodied palate of toasted salty oak and lingering heat.
Aged for 18 months in French oak, this is made predominantly from Tempranillo and it is a simple rendering of soy, black cherry, leather and big tannin weight.
Aromas of butterscotch, herb and barrel spice are followed by full-bodied cherry and vanilla flavors, with the tannins bringing some grit. Ultimately, the wood seems to get a bit in the way of the fruit.
Pale in color, the aromas are quite light, making you strain into the glass to get at them. The cranberry and herb flavors bring a sense of purity and appeal, with the oak dialed way back. One wants more aromatically but the palate delivers enjoyment. It should perform well at the dinner table.
Aromas of boysenberry and barrel spice are followed by ripe pleasing purple-fruit flavors. The tannins deliver a light squeeze. It's hard to find the variety exactly, but it still brings appeal.
The aromas are lively, with notes of smoke, raw meat, white pepper and red fruit. The palate shows considerable restraint, with an elegant silky feel to the fruit and savory flavors.
This includes small amounts of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot from the famous site, the wine lushly round and decadent in a taste of chocolate sauce and plum. Dusty chalky tannin support modest acidity and powerful French oak.
Good cherry and cranberry flavors lend a lot of fruitiness to this medium-bodied moderately proportioned wine. It has a touch of tannin in the texture and good balance overall.
Spicy, herbal black-fruit flavors are punchy and potent but shallow. This shows plenty of intensity on a narrow, clamping palate. Peppery plum and black currant flavors finish charred and fiery, with heat.
From vines situated on the plain below the Saint-Émilion slopes, this wine has firm tannins against a soft, fruity backdrop. Dominated by 80% Merlot, it's jammy and ripe, with plenty of red berry fruit and acidity on the finish. Drink from 2018.
Perfumed, floral and bright, this blend of Petit and Gros Manseng is packed with crisp fruit and refreshing acidity. It has a touch of pepper from its richness that balances its mineral texture and final fruitiness.
The ripe fruit of the vintage is really apparent in this firm wine. Its tannins and spicy character are contrasted with balanced black currant fruit and acidity. It will need some time, so drink from 2019.
With 24% Cabernet Franc, this is a perfumed wine packed with juicy fruit and a fine smoky character. It offers black currant flavors and youthful spiciness. Drink from 2019.
Spice and red berry aromas are followed by red currant fruit flavors, layers of tannins and juicy acidity. It has made the most of the ripe fruitiness of the vintage and will be ready to drink from 2019.
This Merlot-dominated blend is full of dense fruit, with a soft black currant flavor. A bite of tannin at the back gives structure and aging potential. Drink from 2019.
A power-packed blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot that offers mossy aromas, earth and lush black fruit scents. The palate is lively yet balanced, with saturated wild berry, toast, anise and pepper flavors. Dark, toasted and showing licorice on the finish. A little hot and aggressive, so drink in late 2010 through 2012.
Stainless steel fermented, this pure varietal is bursting with a tasty fruit bowl mix of apple, pineapple, and Meyer lemon. A hint of mint sneaks in, and the acidity brings bracing minerality to the finish.
There is some richness here, a wine that has sweet plum and spice flavors followed by a toasty character. The fruit has some stalkiness, while the acidity is very present. Could age well.
The Chenin Blanc shines here, with its smooth, creamy texture, hints of almonds, pears and an edge of firm texture. Acidity is balanced, a fine touch to finish a delicious wine.
Cinnamon, plum, blackberry and cedar aromas start this rich but poised red. Savory flavors of black fruit and spice are accompanied by fine, chalky tannins. Pair with lamb, richer fare.
This juicy blend of Gewürztraminer and Riesling sports a lush mix of melon, citrus, orange peel and grapefruit, with spicy highlights.
Opens with earth, tobacco, briar and nutty aromas. This is now aged to its best state, and while there's still some tannic bite, it's at a straightforward, mature place. Flavors of roasted plum and spice are classy, and the finish is reflective of a fine vintage. Drink now or in the near future.
This zippy, fresh sip starts with tropical fruit and citrus aromas, followed by balanced citrus and asparagus flavors. All of it dances on a racy acidity. An elegant, world-class white.
In this newest vintage of Oriana, the Riesling component has been bumped up to 18%; the rest is half Viognier, 31% Roussanne. The three grapes complement each other well; the Riesling adding aromatics, acidity and a barely perceptible amount of residual sugar. This opens with a vitamin pill aroma that slowly dissipates; the fruit flavors are a mix of pineapple and Satsuma orange, with lots of natural acidity.
Immaculately clean and ripe fruit is on display here, a potpourri of mixed berries. High toned aromas bring in accents of wildflowers, honey and vanilla, continuing into a very pretty finish.
From a producer to watch in underrated Lodi, this intense, black cherry, bacon-fat and white peppery Syrah has an almost peat-like, whisky aroma at first, very inviting, which then leads into more bacon and pepper that carries through on the palate, balanced by extremely smooth tannins and an unexpected elegance. A really cool Syrah to try on its own that'll go very nicely with meaty, wintery foods.
From a single block at Temperance Hill, this aromatic wine neatly captures the terroir without pushing too hard. There are herbal nuances. a hint of hazelnut, some earth and wet stone, all nicely blended into a wine that is robust but accessible. Good balance and well-managed tannins.
Big, dark, sweet and jammy on the nose, with earthy, candied, sweet aromas of ripe blackberry and herbs. The palate delivers bouncy, showy acidity, while the flavors of black cherry, dark plum and chocolate are solid and rewarding. A little pruney on deeper inspection, with a leathery quality to the wine's depth. Drink now through 2013.
A smooth wine, the tannins suspended within a velvet texture, resulting in an opulent, rich feel. This is very intense, with medicinal and dark plum skin flavors. Powerful, solid, for aging.
A gorgeous and elegant compositionally undisclosed red blend from winemaker Kevin Grant, this has all the finesse and complexity of a great wine. Bright and inviting with juicy red plum, blueberry, and wild raspberry aromas and flavors laced with hints of smoky, woody spice and minerality. Silky in the mouth with fine tannins and a long, nuanced finish. Drink now.
Cocoa dusted black raspberry, black currant and plum aromas up front transition to flavors of blackberry and fudgy brownie. Creamy and full in the mouth with medium tannins and a velvety texture. Approachable now, but pair with a good steak or fatty game like shoulder lamb chops for balance.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon all coming from Alder Ridge Vineyard, it has notes of cherry and dried herbs. The tannins are dry with a cranberry filled finish.
Although this includes only 3% Viognier, it's apparent from the musky hints of gingery spice on the nose. Ginger, nasturtium and melon flavors round out an expansive mouthfeel. It's odd—especially in a lineup of more traditional Sem-Sauvs—but not unpleasant. Drink now.
This Merlot-dominated blend is sourced exclusively from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. The entry-level red blend from Baer, it's a broad, spicy, somewhat peppery wine, reflecting the cooler vintage and northern site. The listed alcohol does not show in the palate, which tilts a little toward the green side, and falls away rather quickly.
This has a musky, earthy aroma, that introduces a rather rustic wine that might fit comfortably in one of those old-style straw flasks known in Italy as fiascos. Leafy with sweet tomato and pastry fruit flavors, it's perfect for pasta or pizza.
This is dark and firm, with sufficient fruit to promise a rich future. The wine has ample weight, a solid, dense core and a juicy outer layer. Good for 3–5 years.
This rich but tannic wine shows ripe fruitiness as well as dense structure. There is a good balance between juiciness and dryness in this wine, which is already developing well.
Despite showing a note of vinegar on the nose, this benefits from a good offset of red-berry perfume and leathery scents. This feels tight, rubbery and a bit tannic, with plum, raspberry and spice flavors leading to a solid finish. For Chilean Pinot Noir, this is good but not spectacular.
The oak is at the fore here with notes of pine and wood spice along with blue berry. The concentration is good but the tannins seem a bit dry and the alcohol lingers.
Rubbery berry aromas carry a note of vanilla. This feels firm and choppy but not too rough. Rubber, berry fruits and herbal notes define the flavor profile, while the finish is solid in feel, with a minty taste.
Ripeness seems to be an issue here; the wine has a rather flat, peppery, herbal presence, with little energy to the light red fruit flavors. It will show best with food. Two bottles tasted, same results.
Hints of rye and caraway lend a spicy, savory tone to this herbaceous semi-sweet Riesling. Juicy and ripe with pleasant stone-fruit flavor, it finishes brisk and crisp.
Very lightly textured, this fruity, fresh wine has a hint of caramel to accent flavors of citrus and red berries. The aftertaste is clean and always packed with fruit. Screwcap.
This blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera has dark fruit and floral aromas, but they're dominated by toasted oak and espresso notes. The palate offers dense and dark fruit flavors framed by obvious wood sensations of coffee and oak. Bright finish.
No two ways about it: this Syrah smells, tastes and finishes with stewy tomato notes and earthy, fruity flavors. The palate feels full but sort of flat, while the flavor profile consists of earthy, stewy berry flavors that veer toward wan and overripe. Prune and earth notes define the finish.
This Barolo's subdued fragrance shows cherry, espresso and toasted oak. The palate is somewhat closed, but reveals black cherry, coffee, toasted oak and vanilla. It has a short finish and aggressive, astringent tannins. Reflecting the hot vintage, it lacks obvious freshness.
Made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot, this is a ripe and lush wine that boasts big, jammy black-fruit aromas and flavors. Touches of licorice and sage add depth to the palate, while a soft toasty accent lingers on the medium-length finish.
Crushed blackberry and smoky blueberry show a vibrant presence. This is luscious and velvety, without ever losing its continental-climate freshness and poise. Really refreshing and uncomplicated, but definitely not simple, this provides exciting fruit and is easy to drink on its own.
Here's a charming wine that opens with delicate floral aromas of white flowers and stone fruits. The palate offers banana, pineapple and creamy white-peach flavors alongside freshening acidity. It finishes on a bitter almond note.
Spicy black pepper, smoke and crushed herb aromas give this red an exotic feel. On the palate, lush red berry flavors mingle with herbs, pepper and vanilla spice. A distinctive wine and a great partner to dried meats, olives and ripe cheeses.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Fox Run's Meritage highlights Merlot's rich, ripe black cherry flavor with Cabernet's taut acidity and herbaceous flair. It's rigidly tannic still, but should mature elegantly over the next 3–5 years.
This opens with variety's signature floral fragrance of acacia and jasmine, accented by tropical fruit. The flavors of creamy lemon, pear, tangerine and lime are accented with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs. This is linear and focused.
A value Gewurztraminer made from good fruit, this is easy to enjoy with its spicy apricot and lychee flavors. At 8 g/L residual sugar, there's just enough sweetness to keep it interesting, but not distract. The wine finishes dry and its juiciness calls out for smoked salmon.
Black cherry and blackberry take over on this Montepulciano-based wine from Central Italy. The juicy fruit carries over to the palate, along with prune and cinnamon-spice notes that add depth. Already friendly, hold for a couple of years to fully develop.
Medium sweet, this is a rich, delicious, delicately perfumed wine. It has notes of candy and spice, along with floral notes, accented with lively acidity. It's not a wine to age, so drink until 2018.
Mature blackberry, cherry and oak sensations are in the forefront of this Montepulciano and Sangiovese blend. The palate delivers ripe fruit along with espresso, mocha, licorice and spice, alongside firm tannins.
An unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Tempranillo, with barrel spices of vanilla, char and coffee up front followed by notes of cherry, peppery spices and herbs. It's lighter in style with sweet fruit flavors backed by firm tannins.
A distinctive wine that comes from a biodynamically farmed area of this vineyard, with 40% fermented in neutral oak and the rest in stainless steel. It's brightly aromatic with ripe peach, honeysuckle and a spritz of lime, smelling quite luscious but drinking dry with a broad feel to the lively fruit flavors.
Delicate with just 14 g/L residual sugar, this lovely wine is ready to enjoy. Bright acidity lends a touch of sparkle between layers of citrus and coconut. An ideal wine for spicy Spanish tapas or Thai curries.
Here's a delicious and structured white that opens with an intensely floral fragrance of hawthorne and Spanish broom. The palate delivers flavors of fleshy white peach, apple and pear, along with a bitter almond note. The creamy fruit is brightened by crisp acidity that leaves a clean finish. Worldwide Cellars, Sussex Wine Merchants.
Cadaretta's production of this popular blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon seems to have tripled in this vintage, and the wine has lost some of its depth. It's crisp and edgy, with spicy highlights around light flavors of celery, pepper, jicama, cucumber and lemon.
All coming from a single block of the winery's estate vineyard, this is a 100% varietal, aged in half new French oak. It's drinking young with reticent notes of olive, coffee, boysenberry and cherry. The acids are quite tart—taking days to settle down—buffeted by firm, gritty tannins.
Rich and juicy with aromas of preserved peach, fresh apple and even a hint of berries, this Riesling is dry in style, yet remarkably forward with fruit. The palate is bright, with zesty lemon-lime acidity that lingers on a medium-long finish.
This Merlot is concentrated with tart, crisp blackberry and cherry flavor, with a wisp of brambly stems on the nose and palate. It's bright with acidity and big, but velvety tannins that should allow the wine to mature well over 5–7 years.
Sourced from the Kiona vineyard on Red Mountain, and vinified in Oregon, this features a brambly, berry-strewn mid-palate with dried leaves and spices adding further interest. It rolls pleasantly across the palate into a tart, fruity finish.
This is a ripe, delicately tropical and fruity wine with rich texture. It is smooth, rounded on the palate, but accompanied by a shot of acidity. The lemon aftertaste hints at a more steely character.
It would be hard to find a better $8 Merlot anywhere. This is soft and full-bodied, quite flavorful and fruity, with pretty black cherry fruit. Drinking especially nicely with a bit of bottle age, it finishes with well-proportioned notes of tobacco and clove.
A very fine effort at a most affordable price, this off-dry Gewürztraminer nicely captures the powdery floral scents and peachy, lychee fruit notes of the grape. The bright acidity keeps it fresh and bracing.
Closed aromatically at first, this medium-bodied wine develops dark plum and cocoa notes amidst a juicy mid palate. Dusty tannins end things nicely. There's not a lot of red wine out there of this quality at this price.
Consistent with previous releases, the Impervious is dark, dense and heavily extracted. Here the dominant grape is Cabernet Sauvignon—about 60%—and the fruit runs through very ripe raisins, figs and plums. It plays out broadly across the palate, full and generously oaky, with vivid streaks of balsamic and toffee. Drink soon.
This dark wine is still full of young tannins from a cool, east-facing vineyard. The red-berry fruit is beginning to show through, crisp and tight with considerable acidity. The wine will take time to develop and will not be ready before 2019.
Intense black-fruit aromas mix seamlessly with notes of graphite, cedar and dried Gouda cheese. This Bordeaux blend is firm and bolstered by grabby tannins and fresh acidity. Ripe flavors of blackberry, cassis, mocha and vanilla end with a lemony oak note, additional mocha and a hint of wood spice. Drink through 2022.
Black-skinned berry, grilled herb and balsamic aromas meld together in the glass. On the ripe juicy palate, notes of cinnamon, white pepper, star anise and chopped herb accent the fruity core of black cherry and crushed raspberry. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2018–2027.
Sourced from one of the world's oldest surviving vineyards (planted in 1843), this is a full-bodied, velvety-textured rendering of Barossa Shiraz. An ample dusting of licorice and baking spices add zest to ripe blackberry and plum fruit flavors, and the wine finishes long and lush, with a flash of vanilla. Drink now–2025+.
Light, clear and softly crafted to highlight dried herb and cranberry tea, this is a rounded, approachably complex wine, a nice representative of the vintage, warm and easy. Peppery cola closes things out with length and grace.
A lightly earthy, mineral-like quality in the aroma and flavor gives a distinct personality to this subtle and complex wine. Hints of wood smoke and grilled herbs play off a core of ripe, delicious, concentrated berry flavors while firm tannins and a great sense of balance keep it appetizing through the finish.
This comes from the northern end of the line-up of Premier Crus, which shows in the lively, crisp and tightly fruity character of the wine. It is developing slowly, still controlled and with light hints of toast. It will be a beautiful, bright wine. Drink from 2019.
This is a rich, smooth and ripe wine. It has plenty of lemon acidity that contrasts with the mineral texture and the melon and pear fruit flavors. The wine is full, refreshing and also likely to age for a few more months. Best to drink this wine from 2017.
Produced from a selection of old vines, the wine is structured and dense. It has powerful tannins that are integrated with the dark black fruits and mineral acidity. This is a serious, concentrated wine, solid with its firm structure and with a good future. Drink from 2018.
It's difficult to tame the harsh tannins of this variety, but the Ruby Hill winemaker did it. The result is a flavorful, firm-textured wine that's also complex in flavor and well-balanced overall. It's tempting to drink now with a dry-aged steak, but it will be best after 2020.
Not only is this a great bottling at a judicious price, but it also shows a great deal of nuance from the appellation that often brings mostly power. Blackberry, beef, smoked game and pencil shavings show on the nose. The palate brings bright hibiscus and tart elderberry as well as graphite, thyme and bay-leaf flavors.
Light, clean and citrusy aromas of lemon, lime and grapefruit skin meet with a dollop of white peach and dusting of crushed slate on the nose of this wine. A fine-pointed acidity carries nectarine, pluot and Asian pear flavors across the palate, which trends racy, bright and slightly sour, with a chalky structure.
This stony, mineral wine is still way behind in its development. It is crisp and tight in texture, with refreshing acidity that lifts the white fruits with lime highlights. It's a full wine that will develop well. Drink from 2019.
The vineyard is high up the slope, giving this wine that has good acidity and crispness. The acidity is light and bright, while the texture is concentrated and mineral. It is going to develop as a fine, ripe wine. Drink from 2018.
Initially closed, this eventually offers alluring aromas of toasted hazelnut, exotic spice, steeped plum and nutmeg. The chewy palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, baking spice, vanilla and a hint of coffee alongside velvety tannins that lend polished support and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink through 2023.
This deep-violet colored wine has a bouquet of cherry and butterscotch. Powerful tannins lay the groundwork for bold fruit flavors of blackberry and cranberry laced with notes of butterscotch, pipe tobacco and cocoa. It is full in the mouth, with a lingering finish marked by a pleasing vein of bright acidity.
Pure blackberry aromas are dosed with spice, lemon peel and grit. This blend of Malbec and Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc is saturated and concentrated but still well balanced. Creamy, rich blackberry and chocolate flavors finish smooth, lusty and dark. This may not be overly complex but it tastes great and feels right; drink through 2022.
Perfectly sound and ripe blackberry aromas come with a rooty note, a touch of oaky coconut and fine-grained wood scents. This blend of 72% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon is compact and layered. Ripe cassis, blackberry and chocolate flavors finish toasty and with hints of coffee and spice. Drink through 2022.
This fully ripe vineyard-designated Malbec deals aromas of blackberry, cassis, raisin and cedar cigar box. Seriously built and almost monolithic in size and stature, this offers a wave of upfront oak that frames blackberry, loamy earth and baking spice flavors. A woody, persistent, elegant finish is a fine way for this to fade out. Drink through 2023.
Bracing acidity offsets plush and penetrating peach and marmalade flavors in this delightfully honeyed auslese. It's bold in flavor yet so sprightly in demeanor, finishing long on lingering tones of saffron and spice. It's delicious now but structured enough to continue to improve through at least 2026.
This is full and fruity with great swathes of smoky tannins. Structured and concentrated, it promises a good future. Strawberry and red-plum flavors are there, along with the darker tannic element. Drink from 2019.
This full-bodied wine backs up an almost sweet aroma like blackberry jam with a nicely dry mouthfeel. Ripe and luscious fruit flavors seem deep and concentrated. The texture is layered with great viscosity, fine tannins and a long finish.
Once again Winderlea's outstanding Chardonnay is a blend of grapes sourced from Carabella, Hyland and Thistle. Immaculate winemaking builds a full-bodied wine, lushly flavored with apples, peaches and citrus. The concentrated midpalate is framed with skin flavors and toasty oak, lightly applied.
This is one of a trio of single-vineyards bottlings from this producer. It comes from the village of Fuissé and is situated in a small valley. Elegant and perfumed, the touch of wood aging enhances the white-fruit flavor. The aftertaste is juicy while also ripe. Drink from 2017.
Dark, lightly toasted aromas of licorice root, coconut, blackberry and peppery spice are inviting. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is lush, ripe and loaded. Toasty, blackened berry and cassis flavors finish with woody spice, length and complexity. Drink now through 2021.
This wine comes from a one-acre parcel on the Corton hill. It is dense and dark both in color and in black-fruit flavors. Concentrated from the 50-year-old vines, it is firm with tannins and solid with rich fruitiness. The wine needs time; drink from 2022.
This is a big, ripe and bold wine full of red fruits and fine tannins. Crisp red currant outlines the ripe wild-strawberry flavors. It shows good balance between young tannins and the generous texture. Drink from 2022.
Divio, notes winemaker Bruno Corneaux, is the ancient Roman name for Dijon, hence, a sly reference to the clones in this outstanding Chardonnay. It's lush and flavorful, with a juicy mix of pear, peach and papaya fruit. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak, the fruit sets up against a palate-popping wash of toasted hazelnuts, filling out the extended finish. An all-around splendid bottle.
Notes of anise and white blossoms perfume this gorgeously sheer Riesling. It's intensely sweet, bursting with honey, grapefruit and tangerine flavors, yet balanced neatly by high-toned acidity and a uniquely herbal flair.
Some winemakers have a special feel for Pinot Noir, and Michael Stevenson, winemaker for Elizabeth Chambers, has earned a place among those select few. Previously known as Panther Creek, the winery has been re-branded and re-imagined under the current owners. This deliberate, controlled single vineyard effort punches through with a concentrated mix of plum, rhubarb and cherry fruit, showing exceptional grip, balance and length.
This is ripe, full bodied and delicious, with a red fruit flavor. It has all the juicy fruitiness that is associated with Beaujolais. Drink now, even slightly chilled.
This fruity wine has an aroma of tobacco and a spicy black-currant taste. It is full bodied, and it should be kept for another year.
Fruity and tasting of lemon, melon and pineapple, this clean and fresh Pinot Gris offers fair value for the price. It tastes slightly off dry.
Using fruit that was sourced from a 12-acre property planted to Merlot, this wine is laden with wood. A burnt edge covers what will inevitably be attractive, ripe plum fruit. It has acidity on the finish, and its juicy element promises good things in 2–3 years.
Soft, round and balanced, this ripe wine is ready to drink. It's led by the cherry and black currant flavors, with dryness that comes from the soft tannins.
The aromas and flavors of new wood are dominant in this soft, ripe wine. It has opulent black-plum fruit that shows through the wood influence. A touch of smokiness adds spice.
For a simple Beaujolais, this has richness and fruit density. It's as fruity as the wine should be, but it also has firm tannins. The finish has a minerally texture along with black-currant-like acidity.
A griottier is an orchard of bitter cherry trees. This is fruity yet lean, with a cherry flavor. It has a hollow center, with more tannins than fruit.
Using fruit sourced from old vines, this is concentrated, with some richness and weight. Ripe red-cherry fruit mingles with balanced, dry tannins.
A dark berry aroma comes with a distinct whiff of green. On the palate, the wine feels crisp and clampy, while the flavors of spicy, herbal plum and berry teeter on the edge of being green. It tastes briary and like tomato sauce on the finish.
Well balanced, bringing together its firm, youthful tannins with ripe jammy fruits and  great swathes of spice and chocolate. It needs aging, but it is an impressive wine.
Pretty and complex, this delivers a mélange of interesting flavors. Round, tart fruits—berries and sour plum— mingle with dried leaves, cut tobacco and mushroom. Somehow a citrus streak sneaks into the finish, giving the wine a lemony lift. Delicious already, it can be cellared for another 5–6 years.
It's really a shame that only 25 cases of this wine were imported, as it's a fantastic Cab that's sure to compare favorably to some of your favorites. Black currant leaf, fennel, crushed violet and dried tobacco are intricately woven into the dark fruit aromas. The medium-weight mouth has a texture like crushed velvet, with firm tannins and assertive flavors of cassis, cigar and espresso that linger endlessly. Strong and a bit tight; try holding another 2–5 years.
From the second terrace level above the river Lot, this is a powerful as well as elegant single vineyard wine. It's touched by bitter fruits, along with great acidity and a depth of tannins.
With delicious texture and concentration, this Lake County blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from the 3,000-foot-high Fore Family Vineyard is intensely good, a deep reddish-purple blueberry-tinged infusion of earth and clove spice with dry, tight tannins and even a little lavender that'll linger. This one'll age, but is so convincingly reminiscent of the Northern Rhône right now, it'll be hard to wait.
Bright and spicy, this is Pinot Gris with a bit of the grassy bite of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Racy and loaded with grapefruit and pineapple flavors, this lingers lazily through a refreshing, acid-driven finish that invites further sipping.
Robust, deep and candied on the nose, with rooty richness, medicinal notes and complexity. The palate is smooth, meaty, healthy and suave, with lush black fruit, prune and earthy flavors. Long, likable and showing a lot of depth and structure. Drink now through 2014.
Although this might be second to the Series C, it's still up there in terms of high quality and class. Red plum, fresh fig and subtle blueberry are augmented by glimmers of licorice and earthy spice. The mouth is full and as forward as the nose, loaded with thick juicy fruit flavors that lead gracefully into the raspberry mash and tobacco infused finish. Drink now–2013.
Good concentration, which gives the fruit more plum and black cherry than red raspberry. It's deep and sinuous, with threads of graphite and smoke, but the fruit is the star here, and the wine has the concentration and acidity to cellar well for a decade or more.
This well-balanced wine tames the tannins and brings to the table a relaxed texture plus layers of fruit, spice and oak flavors. Still it has great underpinnings of ripe cherry and raspberry, plus a sense of completeness and reserve.
Herb, wood spice, coffee and cherry aromas are followed by broad and generous black-fruit flavors. The tannins provide some grip and need time to settle in.
Richness and density highlight this full-bodied and deftly oaked wine that smells like baking spices and black pepper sprinkled on ripe black cherry and dark chocolate. The texture is very inviting, almost thick, and beautifully marries the ripe fruit with velvety tannins.
Consulting winemaker Jenny Dobson—who crafted some remarkable wines at Te Awa from 1998–2008—has turned out a remarkably tannic yet balanced wine from Murdoch's Gimblett Gravels vineyard. Cracked pepper, cedar and cherries finish firm and dusty in this young wine that's built to age. Drink 2019–2030.
Underbrush, stewed prune, grilled herb and cedar aromas take center stage on this big bold wine. The densely packed syrupy palate offers blackberry, raisin, black cherry steeped in spirits and chewing tobacco alongside chewy tannins. The heat of alcohol and a confectionery note mark the finish.
This bottling shows great promise for the San Diego region's potential. Lavish and rich blackberry aromas are enhanced by cocoa dust on the nose. Savory flavors of pepper and soy give depth to the blackberry and roasted-meat flavors. Tannins are firm but gracious.
Beautifully concentrated and rich, this wine is so dense with black fruit and dark-chocolate flavors that it's almost chewy. Blended from nine grape varieties, it has a wealth of fine-grained tannins and feels velvety in texture, while the powerful, layered flavors linger on the finish.
Full-bodied, plush and ripe, this is a bit of a throwback style of Chardonnay, marrying peach, vanilla and mango notes into a delectable whole. Toasted oak gives a bit of structure without straitjacketing the luscious fruit. Drink now–2018.
A longtime proponent of Rhône blends, this producer combines 60% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre and 17% Syrah to full-bodied, ripely robust effect, all from estate-grown fruit. Smoky, charred oak and spicy acidity wrap around lush blackberry, cherry and tar, with plenty of grip to show on the finish.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are backed by hints of road tar and toasty oak. A round, firm palate feels right, while familiar high-end Malbec flavors of blackberry, baking spices and chocolate end with controlled tannins, spice notes and a full-bodied feel that's not too fleshy or soft. Drink through 2021.
This wine really captures the personality of the grape variety. Aromas are smoky, meaty and a touch earthy, while the flavors combine black pepper, dark chocolate and roasted fruit. It's an adventure in a bottle.
Velvety and brooding, this vineyard-designate is complex and well structured, memorable in its combination of savory earth, black tea and cranberry-rhubarb. It has a dense body and concentrated texture, which present as voluptuous on the palate.
Very dark and dense in the glass, this blend of 74% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 11% Grenache by winemaker Steve Martell shows blackberry syrup, black cassis and touches of caramel and molasses on the nose. Dark and tarry flavors of lavender-laced black plum and elderberry show on the palate, where a finely tuned tannic structure also presents leather and tobacco notes.
This wine is half Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. High-toned aromas of baking spice, herb, dark chocolate and dark cherry are followed by luscious ripe red and black-fruit flavors. It's irresistible in its appeal.
This wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of wood spice, herbs, black fruit and flowers lead to a full bodied palate with dark chocolate and cherry flavors, showing a lovely sense of balance.
There's an exotic saltiness and briny ocean element to this memorable wine, grandly textured and integrated in terms of oak. Medium in weight, it finds balance between savory, spicy and salty tones and a crispness of Gravenstein apple.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot. Cocoa, baking chocolate and dark-fruit aromas lead to ripe generous black-fruit flavors, backed by well-integrated tannins. The finish lingers.
There's intriguing precision to the nose of this bottling from Chad Melville and family. A laser-sharp line of tart elderberry, black-plum skins and black-cherry skins cut through the dark earth, tar and purple-flower elements. The palate blends approachable black raspberry, dark strawberry and muddled mulberry fruit with touches of coffee and dark cocoa.
While ethereal in structure, there's a seductively penetrating appeal to this light-footed Pinot Noir. Initially pronounced notes of smoke, dried herb and cedar fade into a dusty rose and cherry perfume. Blossom and sage aromas extend into the palate, lending a sultry flair to brisk Maraschino cherry and raspberry flavors. The finish extends on a pleasant bite of bitter almond.
Dusty mineral and pollen notes lend earthy complexity to tart lemon, tangerine and sugar cookie notes on the nose of this feather-light Riesling. It's gossamer in texture yet full of juicy sweet pink-grapefruit flavor. High-toned acidity drives a cutting finish marked by a pleasantly bitter ring of lime pith and hazelnut skins.
This is a smooth and rounded wine that has a fine kick of acidity to keep it crisp. With toast and lemon juice blending well together, the wine is rich while also showing a mineral texture. This is a refreshing delicious wine that will be ready to drink from 2018.
This wine comes from a steeply sloping vineyard just above the town of Nuits Saint-Georges. It is richly structured and dense with plenty of ripe fruits and acidity. The wood aging has softened the young fruitiness to give a balanced and layered wine that will be ready to drink from 2018.
Produced in the typical flinty (silex) soil of parts of Sancerre, this wine has a crisp steely texture that is balanced by the ripe yellow fruit. The combination is both taut and ripe, giving good balance and tension. Drink this wine from 2017 to allow it to develop further.
This is a ripe impressive style of Pouilly. It has all the right minerality along with a rich texture plus melon and yellow fruits. With concentration and acidity in equal measure, the wine needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Grown on flinty soil, this strongly mineral-driven wine is structured, tense with acidity and white stone-fruit flavors. The initial crispness opens out into a concentrated, textured wine that will need to age further. Drink from late 2017.
The aromas bring brooding notes of black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and wood accents. The palate is power packed and tightly wound with firm but not unyielding tannins. It needs time in the cellar or a long decant.
This charred specimen smells resiny and of blackened oak, with grapy berry scents thrown in. In the mouth, this is rock solid and balanced. Heavily oaked resiny flavors rest on top of core blackberry fruit, while this shows woody dry tannins and salty baked berry flavors on the finish.
Juicy black fruit stars in this lush, expansive red, nicely priced for the appellation and providing great value for the quality. Violets appear on the nose, softening the length of tannin and toasted oak that follow.
There's great backstory and foresight to this coastal-influenced project, and this bottling promises a worthy future. Aromas of crushed white rocks, lemon blossoms and lanolin lead into a clean, tight and bright palate. Excellent acidic sizzle presents flavors of squeezed lime, pomelo pith and Asian pear. It's a vineyard to watch.
Structured despite its impermeable presence of power and alcohol, this wine also sings in crisp red fruit, some of it jammy, but self-possessed. An accompaniment of anise and baked bread play on the sturdy palate.
Sumptuous aromas of raspberry preserves and violets perfume this exceptionally lifted, pretty Pinot Noir. A deep core of fresh cherry and strawberry flavors penetrates the palate marked by complexities of tea leaf and potpourri, along with a firm frame of tannins. It's a lovely wine likely to improve from 2020–2025.
Rich and concentrated, this uber-reserve offers well-defined pear and lemon curd flavors, within a fresh pastry setting. The length and creamy texture is impressive. Drink now through 2020.
The aromatics are interesting but a bit deceptive, showing a rather salty, herbal scent suggesting green olives. Once tasted, the unctuous apricot and candied pineapple fruit takes over, with lime and quince as well. It's ready right now for immediate consumption.
Dusty in red fruit, like crisp cassis and plum, this is a restrained, elegant and smooth wine from a great site. It shows a complexity of baking spices and cherry compote as it cruises into a lengthy finish.
The unique nose of this wine shows crystalline lime candy and nectarine flesh, along with a sharper yet plush tangerine blossom aroma. The palate plays the cut-grass note with pride, offering bell pepper, jalapeño, green peppercorn and kaffir lime flavors, sewn together with a tightly wound acidity.
Smoky and lined in restrained streaks of black pepper, this is a big-boned, robust and brawny wine, girded by a foundation of tobacco and big tannin. Drink now through 2020 with gigantic slabs of braised or barbecued meat.
If this old-school winery has a signature wine, it's Tondonia. Hailing from the hot 2003 vintage, this smells rooty, with tobacco, cedar and subtle balsamic notes that only a few wines share, for instance the occasional Barolo. High acidity is keeping this vital, while flavors of tomato, currant and raspberry come with caramel and chocolate notes. The finish, which is subtle and long, is a highlight. Drink through 2020.
A twisted, youthful nod to Sonoma County's past, this liquid tribute holds 33% Zinfandel and 33% Petite Sirah plus smaller amounts of Carignane and Alicante Bouschet. Violet and lavender aromas come atop big, leathery, syrupy black fruit with a sizable presence of grip. In the end, there's harmony and understanding.
This is a stunning wine at this price, sourced mainly from Sonoma County-based vineyards, with another 19% of the grapes from Lake County and 16% from Napa. It includes other Bordeaux red varieties in the mix, as well as tiny amounts of Syrah and Petite Sirah. Medium bodied and dusty in tannin, with dried herb tones, it's structured, velvety and finishes on a dark chocolate note.
Iris, mature berry, menthol and Mediterranean herb aromas emerge on this full-bodied red. On the ripe, chewy palate, notes of clove, vanilla and mocha accent juicy Morello cherry, crushed black cherry, star anise and tobacco. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2026.
Exuberantly fruit-forward and richly layered, this medium- to full-bodied white is tangy with rocky minerality and bursts of citrus in between ginger and nutmeg spice over apple crisp. It lingers luxuriously on the palate.
Fresh aromas of blueberry brioche and blackberry jam on toast meet with a touch of baking spice, lavender, and crushed gravel on the nose of this 61% Syrah and 39% Grenache blend. The palate is more tightly honed, with dried violets, dried blueberry and a strong black-pepper character.
A standout among Tinhorn Creek's wide-ranging portfolio, this full-bodied wine offers a generous serving of the grape's signature floral aromatics and spices, but there's plenty of ripe fruit also. Citrus peel and candied ginger along with fleshy pear and lemongrass make this a fine choice for grilled shrimp.
The aromas of high-toned dried herbs, sage, olive, spice and dark cherry provide allure, with the use of stems apparent. The flavors are supple and polished, showing a deft touch. The finish is lengthy.
Fruity blackberry and black cherry wrap around sinewy leather in this seamless, supple, cool-mountain wine. Bright minerality winds through the tannin and power, allowing it room to breathe. Drink now through 2020.
Focused on the more delicate aspects of the grape, this wine comes from a vineyard recently leased long-term by this Kathyrn Hall-owned brand. It shows rose petals, anise, baked plum, mulberry and alpine strawberry on the nose. The palate combines cola, pencil lead, dark cranberry and black pepper.
Decadent in caramel-toffee oak, this full-bodied wine has a generous helping of hazelnut and ginger cookie at its heart. Hefty in oak yet wrapped in enough acidity, it's balanced and easily enjoyed. The finish echoes in whiskey and wood.
This unusual and attention-getting wine is full of spicy aromas and flavors, almost like a mulled wine, with cinnamon, clove and cardamom, plus a super-concentrated fruit core. The texture stays tangy despite the heavy spices, and the mouthfeel is very assertive and appetizing.
Plump plums, boysenberry, concentrated violets, slight tar and a touch of bacon-fat aromas show on the nose of this smaller-batch bottling from the pioneering property on Foxen Canyon Road. The palate packs a great acidic and textural verve, and is reminiscent of lavender-laced lamb chops, with rosemary, blackberry, blueberry and a touch of asphalt flavors.
Aromas of scorched earth, game, truffle and mature plum come together in the glass. The ripe palate offers dried blackberry, mature cherry, anise and almond alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2020.
This opens with aromas of forest floor, truffle, ripe berry, leather, crushed blue flower and a whiff of herb. The medium-bodied, concentrated palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and nutmeg alongside integrated tannins that give the finish grip. Drink 2018–2024.
While exuberantly fruity, almost tropical on the nose, there's a crystalline edge to this dry Riesling that renders it especially refreshing. It's vibrant and light footed, brightened by a lingering honey note on the finish.
This 100% Furmint has delightful aromas of vanilla, honeycomb and honeydew melon. It's creamy and elegant in the mouth with flavors of lemon curd and Key Lime pie.
From the renowned vineyard's F Block comes a wine with plump wild berries, pencil lead and juniper on a tightly woven nose. Certain to last for years and evolve steadily over that time, the palate now shows lavender, elderberry, elderflower, cranberry essence and a touch of black tea. Drink 2018–2028.
Dark strawberry fruit meets with rustic earthy aromas and light allspice notes on the nose of this wine from the late actor's family-owned winery. The palate shows boisterous and tart cranberry and black raspberry fruit, with pencil lead minerality and great energy, if not a ton of complexity.
Slightly shy aromas of blackberry, black plum and turned black soil are simple and straightforward on this wine. The palate combines pencil lead with anise, thyme, marjoram and black pepper, framed by tart cranberry, beet juice and sour-cherry fruit. A sip enlivens the mouth and wipes clean on the finish.
Elegant, soothing and delicious, this wine seems suave and sophisticated. It feels supple, tastes like subtly spiced plums and cherries, and has medium body and a lingering finish.
There's no denying that this is a heavily oaked Rioja with toast, resin, vanilla and cheesy aromas alongside fully ripe blackberry and prune notes. There's energy to the palate, while previously mentioned heavy oak spawns flavors of vanilla and spice to go with berry fruit. A mouth-coating, woody finish stands out on this compartmentalized Tempranillo-led blend. Drink through 2023.
An unusually rich wine for Sancerre, this is packed with apple and pear fruits, with a soft touch of honey to fill out the palate. It is ripe, full of fruit and immediately drinkable, soft at the end while still fresh.
The apricot and star fruit aromas start out quite reticent, with barrel notes providing accents. The vanilla and stone fruit flavors are full in feel and walk together through the finish.
This blend of 70% Blaufränkisch, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Zweigelt has aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and dried cherry with flavors of blackberry and red raspberry. There's a pleasant touch of spicy black pepper in the finish.
This fresh, crisp wine has plenty of lively citrus fruits that are enriched by red apple and zesty orange flavors. The wine is already delicious in its fruitiness and ready to drink.
The buttered popcorn and woodspice aromas are vibrant. The palate is all about texture and feel, with the spice and stone fruit flavors seeming an accent. The finish lingers. For those looking for a bold, buttery style, look no further.
Ripe plum, game, truffle, leather and menthol are some of the aromas you'll find on this earthy wine. The tightly wound palate offers dried black cherry, chopped sage, mint and roasted coffee bean alongside raspy tannins that leave a mouth-drying finish.
Pale apricot in the glass, this rosé made of Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon has a bouquet of peach and clover. There is a bit of heft on the palate that belies its light color, with flavors of ripe peach, apple, and lemon curd. The finish is marked by touches of thyme and oregano.
Made from 35% Obeidi, an indigenous grape usually reserved for Arak production, 35% Clairette, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay, this wine is medium straw in the glass and has a nose of peach, Turkish delight and lilac. It is full in the mouth, offering flavors of ripe summer peach, rose petal and eucalyptus. The final moments are punctuated by a delightful blend of soft peach and strong mint flavors.
Pure purple fruit and flower aromas hit the nose on this straight-ahead bottling, with plum candy, sour cherry and a touch of soy sauce as well. Strong energy and purple fruit show on the palate, along with violets and blueberries, proving floral and fairly tangy.
Grenache makes up nearly three-quarters of this blend, with the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre. Bright raspberry, cranberry, rose hip and white pepper aromas lead to elegant yet high octane fruit flavors that taper toward the warm finish.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc make up the majority of this blend. The aromas of dried herbs, pencil lead, cherry and spice are subdued while the palate brings a somewhat elegant style, with the tannins seeming a bit bunched up.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and a drop of Petit Verdot, this has aromas of pressed blue flower, dark-skinned berry and toast. The firm, straightforward palate offers black currant, clove and a hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins proved the frame work.
Plump and round in the mouth, with clean, fresh flavors of pear and pineapple. This year, the Marsanne is better, although the Roussanne should win friends for its charming fruit.
Aromas of red berry, sunbaked earth and crushed blue flower lead the nose. The easy-drinking palate offers mature wild cherry, white pepper and anise alongside polished tannins. It's simple but savory. Drink through 2016.
A little air unlocks aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, blue flower, toasted oak and mature berry. On the firm palate, notes of espresso and licorice add some depth to the core of dried black cherry while grippy, close-grained tannins provide support.
Espresso, menthol, dried black-skinned fruit and toasted oak aromas come together on this firm red. The hearty palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, powdered sage and coffee alongside assertive tannins. Drink through 2017.
Tropical and fleshy with upfront acidity, this wine has a full-bodied richness on the nose and overtone, despite a more light-bodied midpalate and finish. Along the way, lemony brightness mingles with a taste of yellow apple.
Aromas of toast, coconut, thyme, vanilla and sugared plum cake lead the nose. The round, accessible palate offers black-cherry-marinated in spirits, licorice and a confectionary note framed in mature tannins. Ripe and evolving quickly, this is best suited for near- to mid-term enjoyment.
Earthy aromas of game, porcini mushroom, scorched earth, saline and crushed herb meld together on this. The taut palate offers raw red berry, mineral and grilled sage alongside austere tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Aromas of citrus, especially white grapefruit and lime, are spunky and sweaty like Sauvignon Blanc or Verdejo. A solid, fleshy palate is home to a mix of citric and tropical flavors, while the finish reverts back to grapefruit, with a monotone feel. This is Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Pedro Ximénez.
Aromas of waffles and corn flakes suggest maturity and complexity. This feels open and wide, with depth to the palate. Direct flavors of lime and tangerine finish more citric and minerally than the nose, with a lasting sense of freshness.
Aromas of spice, lees and ripe pear are followed by creamy feeling tropical fruit flavors, with pineapple in the lead. It doesn't quite all come together but provides plenty of intrigue.
The texture and structure of this wine may be light but the fruitiness is so appealing. Soft and ripe with red-berry fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, it will develop quickly and be ready to drink from 2017.
Pinot Noir from Canada can often be quite delicate, but this is a full-bodied, even muscular effort. Toasty and tasty, it puts a pleasant roasted character upon ripe strawberry and cherry fruit. Tannins are substantial, along with some barrel flavors from nine months in French oak.
Clarissa Nagy, whose main job is making wine for Riverbench, sources grapes from the nearby Garey Ranch Vineyard for this bottling. It shows strawberry, plum blossom, beet juice, rose petals and cola on the nose. The palate is light and easy, with flavors of pencil lead, Earl Grey tea and brisk cranberry juice.
This wine is big, burly and complex, showing a preponderance of dark, ripe black fruit built around dusty tannins, leather and lavender. It's compelling and drinking well now.
This wine is half Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (18%) and a healthy dollop of Petit Verdot. Aromas of green herbs, fresh flowers, soil and barrel spice lead to dark cherry flavors backed by grainy tannins.
Aromas of white peach and honeysuckle yield to flavors of grapefruit, peach, jasmine and orange blossom. This wine is smooth in the mouth and the zesty finish is characterized by lingering floral flavors.
Aromas of stewed prune, grilled pepper and roasted coffee bean join in this blend of 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc. The evolved palate shows date, vanilla and coconut. Drink sooner rather than later.
Partly fermented in oak casks, this linear white offers aromas of white flower, pear, crushed rock and a delicate whiff of oak-driven spice. The elegant palate offers creamy yellow apple, vanilla and mineral alongside fresh acidity.
Layers of smoke, slate, saffron and pollen lend earthy, mineral complexities to bright honey and tangerine flavors in this off-dry kabinett. It's brisk and refreshingly juicy yet intriguingly nuanced. Drink now through 2018.
Pretty aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and crushed stone waft out of the glass. On the crisp palate, bright acidity balances green apple, Williams pear and a hint of citrus while a mineral note closes the finish.
Bright, lively notes of yellow peach, apricot and melon adorn the bouquet of this attractive white, while hints of spiced orange, ginger and fresh herbs mingle in the background. It's medium weight and well balanced, with ample acidity and final touches of rosewater and sweet spice that grace the finish. Drink now.
While packed with ripe berry and cherry flavors, this wine is also well-balanced due to good acidity and firm tannins that buoy the full flavors and give a lively tension in the mouth. Complementary spicy accents from oak come out with each sip.
Smooth on the nose, this smells fruity, honest and whole. Dark flavors of blue fruits and peppery spices are a little shallow, while the finish shows mild Cafayate tannins and not much bite.
Alluring scents of hay, white flower, stone fruit and citrus zest take center stage on this one. The refined palate is a bit more reserved when compared to the nose, offering grapefruit, white peach, nectarine and mineral buoyed by bright acidity. It finishes clean and crisp.
The lovely perfume of tangy but ripe apples shines with freshness on nose and palate. There is ample lemon acidity to counter all the fruit. This is appetizing, fruit-driven and moreish.
This wine seems to have just barely ripened in this vintage, but is very well made and interesting. The tart, waxy red fruit has a vein of pine resin threading around rhubarb and sour berry. Firm and focused, it will work best with poultry in an herbal preparation.
Scratchy cherry and berry aromas feature a note of warm earth. This blend of 45% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot along with 10% Malbec feels tight, choppy and tartaric. Flavors of wild berry, cherry and cassis end long due to forceful acidity.
Aromas of toasted oak, vanilla and yellow apple skin emerge from the glass. The palate is linear and elegant, revealing subtle flavors of vanilla, citrus zest, mineral and walnut. Notes of butterscotch and mineral close the finish.
Aromas of tomato vine, hay and passion fruit unfold in the glass. The crisp, linear palate offers white grapefruit, mango, a hint of oak-driven spice and mineral alongside bright acidity that leaves a clean finish.
Lovely scents of orchard fruit and apple blossom take center stage. The vibrant, savory palate offers crunchy rennet apple, tangerine and mineral while zesty acidity leads to the tangy finish.
Still with almost all its fruitiness intact, this is a red plum as well as sultana flavored. It's on the cusp between all fruit and older wood flavors, poised and balanced as a style of tawny that can be drunk either before or after a meal. Drink now.
A ripe blend of Touriga Nacional and Castelão, the wine is balanced with considerable acidity from the Castelão and structure from the Touriga. It is only just beginning to mature while red berry and red currant fruit flavors still shine out. Drink now and until 2020.
This refined white opens with delicate aromas of cut grass, chamomile flower and citrus. On the vibrant palate, firm acidity supports grapefruit and kiwi, while a mineral vein energizes the finish.
Aromas of Alpine wildflower and peach blossom unfold on this refined mountain white. The balanced palate offers Anjou pear, yellow apple, mineral, tangerine and white almond coupled with crisp acidity.
This Bordeaux-style blend is equal parts Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in French oak. It's a tasty, forward, appealing wine with a juicy mix of red, blue and black berries. It offers a streak of red licorice and a drying, mineral-laced finish.
Lightly charred cherries and plums take on additional oak tones of cocoa powder and espresso. The palate is fresher in character, boasting juicy red plum around a tight core of dusted minerals. Medium bodied and supported by grippy, sandy tannins, a shading of dark chocolate lingers on the finish of this well-balanced offering.
Attractive aromas that suggest apple, tropical fruit and citrus lift from the glass while the vibrant, elegant palate delivers Bosc pear and mineral. Crisp acidity lifts the silky flavors.
Buoyantly tropical, this fragrant Riesling and Müller-Thurgau blend bursts from the glass with sweet, succulent mango, pineapple and melon flavors. Off dry in style, it's concentrated and juicy yet elegantly structured. The finish is full of kick and liveliness. Drink now through 2017.
Almost a baby in Colheita Port terms, this is a bright, ripe and fruity wine. It does have some touches of wood aging although they are left behind by the honey and orange marmalade flavors that have a light sprinkling of ginger. Drink now.
This tight, juicy version of Mencía smells minerally like a vitamin, with black-fruit notes of cherry and boysenberry. Peppery blackberry flavors are short but fresh, while the finish is clean and fairly long.
Composed berry aromas meet expectations for Tinto Fino from Ribera del Duero. A stout, tannic palate is firm but not too hard or impermeable. Flavors of blackberry and cherry come with dry, woody accents, while peppery blackness rises up on a drawing finish.
A rather subdued nose leads to a slightly aromatic palate which hints at russet apples and gently rounded ripeness. This is fresh and fruity and has a very refreshing core.
The cheery, cartoonish cat gracing the label of this off-dry Riesling belies the unexpected elegance of the wine within. The palate is unabashedly peachy and forward, boasting a lush, rounded mouthfeel, but it's also quite mineral, accenting ripe fruit with tones of chalk and wet stone. It's an easy, yet remarkably refined wine to drink now through 2018.
Full bodied and plush, with supple, velvety tannins that frame cassis fruit. At 60% Shiraz, it's mostly about the fruit, but the 30% Cabernet and 10% Merlot add herbal, tomato-like elements. Drink now–2018.
Aromas of wheat and straw are leesy and show little fruit. Seeing that this is from 2007, the fruit hit the road years ago; what's left is acidity, leesy hints, stone-fruit notes and peach-pit bitterness. With the right food and on the right occasion, this will work well. Otherwise, it's a novelty. Drink through 2018.
This is a contemplative blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, the latter being an atypical grape for the region. Using the winery's trademarked Nellaserra greenhouse system, this wine has found warmer-climate ripeness in the cool climes of northern Michigan. Blending characteristics of both grapes, black raspberry, cherry and plum meet savory herb and game tones on the nose and palate. Round in feel and nicely balanced, think of this as a softer, Americanized Super Tuscan.
While it is light for the structured 2010s, this wine has attractive red fruit flavors and soft tannins. With its gentle structure and good fruity acidity, it's ready soon. Drink from 2015.
A juicy, fruity, soft wine, it has a gentle tannic character. Red berry flavors, soft acidity and fresh texture combine to give a light wine that will be ready to drink soon. Drink from 2015.
This Château tends to release rich wines. The tannins and fruits are there, but they have been exaggerated with a hint of bitterness. In a year or two it will soften, but the harshness will remain.
This blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (38%) and Cabernet Franc doesn't seem fully ripened with notes of bell pepper, dry chocolate, cherry and licorice. The tannins are dry and rustic with a scratchy feel.
Hints of earth and barnyard add a rustic tone to crisp blackberry and cassis notes. It's bold on the palate with supple fruit encased in big, craggy tannins that linger on the finish.
Reduced aromas of rubber and iodine are potent. In the mouth, this feels narrow and citric, with pronounced acidity. Flavors of black fruits are salty and pinched, while the finish lacks clarity and body.
The palate is subdued with modest apple and lemon notes, but brisk lemon-lime acidity and a hint of white florals adds some complexity. Dry and full bodied on the palate, it's an easy white to accompany everyday dinners of fish or chicken.
Hard around the edges, this wine does have some fruit, but this is masked by the bitter chocolate and burnt tannins. Juiciness surfaces in the aftertaste, but almost as an afterthought.
A hard-edged wine, it's very firm and very dry. It is all structure, showing little in the way of fruit potential.
Medium-bodied with a trace of vanilla-honey, this is a round, mouth filling white that that's viscous and rich on the palate, finishing in layers of tropical fruit.
Gritty aromas of severely baked berry fruits are tough to plow through. In the mouth, this Malbec is jammy, chunky and a touch flat. Flavors of stewed berries and prune finish thick and taste cooked. Ready to drink now.
This Pinot Blanc with a small percentage of Pinot Grigio (20%) offers a confectionary aroma that's inviting at first, the wine otherwise crisp, simple and ready to drink now.
Wood flavors smother the fruit. It has spice, a burnt smokiness and a bitter-chocolate character. The wine does show some juiciness and fresh acidity at the end.
A jammy wine it has ripe red berry fruits, soft tannins and a red plum jelly flavor. It will age quickly, so drink from 2016.
Reductive, with strong rubber ball scents; lying just below are raspberry and the classic Champoux cherry fruit. There is a thinness that seems to emphasize the high tones, the volatility and the alcohol; the fruit lacks flesh. Maybe with more airing/decanting this would fill out. Tasting room exclusive.
Clumsy out of the starting blocks, with creamy chocolate aromas, leather and leafiness. The palate is solid and concentrated, but short on elegance and depth of flavor. What's here is blocky and chunky, but also sort of green and flaky. Decent but with some issues, and just good on its best day. Imported by Carolina Wine Brands USA.
This wine doesn't show the ripeness of Barker's Marque's other SBs, instead offering hard nectarine and underripe melon flavors accented by a grassy, herbal finish. It's still good, probably at its best served alongside simple fish dishes.
This Merlot is so gently extracted it's almost Pinot Noir-like, with delicate cherry and beet aromas and a noticeable herbal tinge to the dark cherry fruit.
This rather old-fashioned (Wente clone) Chardonnay is full-flavored, with fruit front and center. Apples and pears are there in abundance, but the wine doesn't develop much layering.
Fresh, light, creamy Chardonnay, just a touch of vanilla with crisp, clean green fruits. There is an attractive touch of spice to round the wine off.
This is made in a plump, cheerful style, combining simple, jammy cherry fruit with ample vanilla. It's a well-made wine, but one that comes across as somewhat lacking in dimension. For an entry-level Pinot Noir, perhaps that's all one can expect.
Tight green apple and citrus acidity dominates this wine. It is very crisp, at this stage too crisp, and the structure is on the lean side. It certainly reflects the cool growing conditions of 2007.
This was a good year in Chablis, a breath of freshness after the impressive, powerful 2005, but a vintage that still has weight and intensity. This Chablis shows all that, with an extra dimension of spice, nuts and a tight apple-skin structure leading to a fresh finish.
Made for Oops by VIA Wines, this oddball Chardonnay features 14% white Carmenère, meaning there's red fruit (without the skins) added to the blend to give bulk and texture. The result is a slightly waxy, sticky white with peach pit aromas followed by basic apple and citrus flavors. You don't taste any red fruit, but you do know that it's not 100% varietal Chardonnay. Drink now.
Clean and well made, but underwhelming. There's basic blueberry and blackberry flavors riding on a medium-bodied palate, but overall the wine is more generic than specific. It's easygoing and causes no red flags to go up, however at the end of the day it doesn't show much personality.
Crisp, fresh wine, with a creamy texture, full of green apples with a pear pepperiness. The wine is light, very drinkable, a great aperitif style. Screwcap.
A big, juicy wine with balancing acidity and bright red fruit flavors. This is full of freshness and fruit flavors, with only soft tannins to hold the flavors together.
This late-harvest Gewürztraminer boasts hints of dried apricot on the nose to go along with scents of pineapple and spice. It's a gingery-peppery spice note that persists through the palate and onto the finish, joined by ripe pear flavors. Because it's not that sweet or concentrated, this would be a good candidate to pair with foie gras or cheese rather than a true dessert.
Peachy and waxy on the nose, with dry lemon and green-melon flavors. This is a small-production wine (1,000 cases total) that leans on core acidity to keep it propped and steady. It's not the most complex game in town, and maybe it's on its way to having seen better days even if 2005 was a benchmark vintage. Limited in its scope of flavors but lively courtesy of an extra boost of acidity.
Peach pit, almond skin and other dry, waxy aromas carry the nose on this Macabeo-Xarello-Parellada blend. Flavors of lime and nettle are playful and acid-based, while the finish seems wet and fresh. Overall it is much like a cava without the bubbles.
Dill and butter aromas announce aging in American oak, while the berry aromas are solid but common. This is a tightly wound wine with black cherry and olive flavors followed by length on the palate. It's not edgy, complex or beguiling, but it is full of fruit and has good balance. Imported by Martín Códax USA.
An enticing nose of buttery oak and flavors of toast, minerality and yeast makes this ample-bodied sparkler an impressive solo sip or great when paired with richer foods like oysters or cream-based dishes. Creamy on the tongue and full of flavor, the wine is classic in style and well priced. Imported by GBW, LLC.
A blend of fruit drawn from the Awatere and Brancott subregions, this is a lively, fresh example of Marlborough Pinot Noir. Judiciously applied notes of vanilla and cinnamon accent flavors of cherry and herb that finish long, while the medium- to full-bodied wine's tannins are ripe and impart a creamy texture. Drink now and over the next couple of years.
This is an aromatic, honeysuckle-tinged cool-climate white, with layers of honey and spice. Light in body and texture, this complex, Alsace-style effort is the perfect accompaniment to Thai, Indian, Korean barbecue or spicy Chinese food.
Smooth and round, this wine has bright acidity, tempered by the toast and sweet apricot flavors. It has a structured core, and it finishes with the acidity. Age this for 2–3 years.
Made from DuBrul Vineyard fruit, this has lush strawberry and raspberry flavors that dig deep into the core, supported by a base of minerality. The tightly-focused finish includes echoes of toasty barrel-derived flavors.
Aromatic, with notes of black tea leaves, sandalwood and incense, this smoky Georgian amber wine boasts delicate orange rind and blossom flavors, swathed in bristling, chestnut-skin-like tannins. There's a wonderful textural richness attributable to the wine's prolonged maceration in traditional Georgian qvevri.
This LBV could be aged. It has a real youthful feel, and its ripe black-fruit flavors are full of complex sweetness and edged with tannins. It has weight, richness and a generous mouthfeel.
Although this wine is currently a bit firm and closed, it has the stuffing for great evolution and shows promise for a long future. Dark, ripe raspberry and strawberry fruit characters are laced with touches of Asian spice, reduced balsamic and wild game. The medium-weight mouthfeel boasts chewy tannins that persist long into the finish. Drink 2014–2018.
With only 2,940 bottles produced, this is a limited-edition wine that's worth the hunt. Vanilla and oaky spice aromas immediately waft from the glass, with the core of dark berries and fleshy plum fruit following shortly after. Heavy and bold on the palate, the firm structure complements the concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors. Nuances of cocoa powder and tea leaves linger on the close.
Threads of licorice, steel, earth and smoke weave through the proportionate strawberry and raspberry flavors, offset by hints of herb and baking spice. It's a seamless, complex wine of moderate length.
Man O' War's 2008 Dreadnought put the winery on the map, and, although not quite as dramatic, the 2009 is a worthy successor. Aromas are lifted, peppery and cherry-filled, while the flavor nuances include smoke and pepper-cured meats. The wine is medium bodied and is marked by silky tannins and crisp acids. Drink now–2018.
Mt. Difficulty's Pinots have resisted the trend toward ever-softer textures, even in this, the winery's entry-level bottling. Instead, the wine is firmly structured. Savory, dark-skinned plum fruit is accented by plenty of briary spice. Drink from 2014–2020.
This is a stand out rosé amidst an excellent lineup of New York pinks this vintage. Made from Cabernet Franc, it juxtaposes plump, silken mouthfeel against bright, crisp red cherry and bramble berry notes. It's a sprightly, yet concentrated and deeply satisfying sip.
This compelling blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (19%) and Petit Verdot provides aromas of coffee, mocha, sautéed herbs, cherry and woodspice. The flavors are rich and focused, backed by chewy, slightly dry tannins. It needs significant time in the cellar to show itself and will be best after 2021.
Savory aromas of cumin, leather and oak mix well with floral berry scents. Tannic and firm in the mouth, this delivers earthy blackberry, leather and baked flavors. This is calm and dense on the finish, with integrated but grabby tannins. Drink through 2022.
An intriguing nose displays rustic earthiness, damp soil and ripe notes of banana and pineapple. The palate continues this incongruous yet delicious theme and impresses with a slender but concentrated body and toothsome texture. What a beauty.
This wine is 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. Jammy aromas of red and blue fruit are followed by a plush, flavorful palate that shows a pleasing sense of balance and length with a raspberry-filled finish.
Pleasing aromas of toast, nut oil and citrus are followed by textured, well-balanced stone-fruit flavors and a long, drawn-out finish. This is a thoroughly delicious, nuanced wine that keeps you coming back for more.
Smooth and round, this is a well-structured wine, amply blessed in black cherry, plum and spicy cinnamon. Made in small quantities, it does the variety justice and is fully ready for the table.
Owned by the Hessel family since the 15th century, this estate has produced a dense and solid Merlot-dominated wine. It is big and bold with ripe berry fruits and dark tannins. The black plum skin and berry flavors are concentrated and firm. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.
Brooding aromas of violets, fresh herbs, potpourri, medicinal notes and dark fruit are followed by full-bodied, rich raspberry flavors. It's not for the dinner table but perfect as a cocktail.
Oaky aromas of wood grain, graphite, bacon, rubber and asphalt blend with ripe blackberry scents to create an inky, potent bouquet. This feels round and lush, with cutting lemony acidity. Flavors of baked blackberry, cassis and chocolate finish ripe, healthy and toasty. Drink through 2019.
At 160g/L residual sugar, this late-harvest wine brings plenty of sweetness with its lightly spritzy marmalade, orange peel and pear aromas and flavors, yet it still retains an appealing sense of lightness and balance as well. The length is impressive.
This blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (42.2%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is somewhat lighter in color, with reserved aromas of woodspice, coffee, café au lait, cherry and herbs. The flavors are rich yet restrained in style, with firm tannins and a lingering finish. Best after 2020.
Weinbau, Stone Tree and Dionysus vineyards make up the backbone of this wine. Aromas of dry chocolate, dark plum and sage lead to a densely flavored, hedonistic palate, with full-bodied plum and chocolate flavors that linger.
A concentrated nose of cherry compote, burned vanilla bean, black pepper and dried dill invite the nose into this wine by former field hand turned respected winemaker Felipe Hernandez. It's incredibly delicious upon sipping, with cherry sauce and blueberry and blackberry fruits, all leveled by a graphite and slate minerality.
Aromas of black cherry, almond and espresso bean open on the palate to flavors of cassis, black cherry, strawberry, black pepper and custard. Smooth tannins linger on the palate accompanied by flavors of juicy fruit.
Blackberry, dark plum, mineral, char and leather aromas are what you want from a quality wine from Ribera del Duero. A layered, fresh palate houses lightly brined plum, black cherry and leathery flavors. A toasty finish with licorice notes hums along in fine form. Drink through 2021.
Grown in a vineyard atop the Palos Verdes peninsula on the Los Angeles coastline, this wine offers intriguing and focused aromas of lemon pith, hard apple candies and lime drizzled on white peach. The high-acid palate shows lots more fresh and bright lime elements, with a touch of honey rounding it out. The finishing zing goes on and on.
A delicious expression of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this opens with enticing aromas of fragrant purple flower, ripe red berry and sweet baking spice. The silky, vibrant palate doles out juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, clove and licorice while sleek tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. A tobacco note signals the close. Drink through 2018.
The intensity of elder blossom in full flower, dusty with pollen, forms a lasting impression on the nose and carries seamlessly onto the palate where it is joined and tempered by lemony freshness and a brisk, refreshing core of lemony acidity. This is heady and unusual: It speaks both of its aromatic variety and its steep, stony site.
A wonderful combination of fresh, green pears, yeasty roundness and citrus tone. This is a sleek, zesty and refreshing Grüner, its chief markers are lemony freshness and a slender, linear and impactful palate with a whistle-clean finish.
Originally made between the 1930s and early 1960s, Cask was given new life by Francis Ford Coppola in the mid-1990s. This vintage is on the money in terms of style, going for a timeless, elegantly lean wine with dense tannins and plenty of vibrancy. Cranberry, black tea and a tease of green olive mark the entry, before denser elements of coffee and tobacco feature on the finish. Cellar through 2021.
Dark colored, fragrant and firm-textured, this Bordeaux-style blend has a lot of substance and will appeal to lovers of full-bodied, tannic wines. The aromas resemble dark cherry, black currant and that tempting cigar box note. It feels full and weighty on the palate and well laced with supportive tannins.
This reserve-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Syrah (20%), Merlot (20%) and Malbec comes from Summit View and Les Collines vineyards. The dark cherry, herb, vanilla and plum aromas lead to silky fruit flavors that show restraint and polish.
Struck flint, fig and melon aromas lead the way, followed by similar flavors, plus a strong backbone of mixed citrus. It's pleasantly light in weight, with a long, crisp, citrusy finish.
Pretty white floral and peach notes perfume this fresh, fruity unoaked Chardonnay. While lush and rounded on the palate, it balances bright honeydew and yellow cherry flavors against a backdrop of crisp acidity.
This is a vibrantly energetic wine, explosive in raspberry and cherry, with a weedy, herbal undertone that gives it intrigue. Concentrated on the midpalate, with well-ingrained tannins, it finishes in a highlight of toasted oak.
A very subtle nose slowly reveals peppery ivy notes and freshly cut peel of Conference pear. This is altogether very subtle but no less intriguing with a central thread of pure citrus focus. There is concentration and a lovely lick of enticing fresh pear fruit. Slender but beautiful.
The flagship white from Bacalhôa is a full-bodied blend of Fernão Pires and Chardonnay. There is both freshness and richness here, with a tight texture of lime zest and apple skins giving lively acidity. The finish is more tropical, with smooth creamy flavors.
Made by Niepoort for importer Broadbent Selections, this is a structured wine, showing dry tannins and density. The fruit is all there as well, offering fresh acidity, crushed raspberries and red plums. Alongside the ripeness, there is a dry core of tannin.
A brooding, powerful wine, concentrating perfumed fruit with black berry juice and dark tannins. It does have acidity to balance all the power and richness, but this is a big, solid wine with density of flavor.
Pisca vineyard is a recent purchase by Niepoort, although the company has bought fruit there for many years. This is a first as a single quinta wine, softer than the Niepoort vintage, immediately attractive, finely balanced. It has structure and sweet fruit.
Cab Franc from Southern Oregon may not be on your radar, but this bottle suggests it should be. Violets and leather perfume the nose, introducing soft, round purple fruits highlighted with cinnamon and licorice. Maybe not technically perfect, but what a mouthful of delicious flavors.
The 2008 Sineann Pinots are an elegant, refined group of wines, more expressive of Burgundian varietal character than any in memory, and the Resonance, as usual, is among the best. It has a vibrant purity to the fruit that rings true and long through mixed red berries, vivid acids, streaks of iron and earth, and sails on into a detailed and seamless finish.
A barrel selection of Schindler fruit, this reserve notches up the color, density and alcohol without sacrificing the basic character and finesse of the vineyard. Here are the tight layers of bacon fat, stone, pepper and leaf, along with tart, lightly herbal red fruits. The core fruit is concentrated, fresh and primary, and promises excellent aging potential.
The partner to Aveleda's pure Touriga Nacional Follies, this is a finer wine, with its complexity of flavors coming from the blend. It has red berry and black plum fruit flavors, sweetened by dried prunes and held together by rich, dry tannins.
Another fine white wine from Chehalem, dry but not sour, with lovely sweet/tart peach and pear, honeysuckle and lime flavors co-mingled. It has a full midpalate and a clean, refreshing finish.
Cool and tight, this is a firmly tannic wine, showing its mineral, primal rock character. The structure is dry, solid, the fruit a layer of cranberry and black fig among all this firmness. It should age, but is ready now.
Full bodied and lushly textured, this is a top example of an affordable Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Raspberry and briary notes mingle easily on the nose, while the palate adds in hints of garrigue, spice and vanilla. Long, velvety and spice-laden on the finish.
Cristia's style typically features dynamic cherry fruit; the 2006's aromas include an almost floral element as well, plus hints of almond paste. It's a very lush and red-fruited wine, somewhere between creamy and velvety in texture, with just a touch of astringency on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Finely tannic, this is a solid wine, full of dark fruit skins, dry, dense and impressive in structure. It shows every sign of aging potential, from its solid tannins to its tight, red berry fruits and black fig flavors.
This sweet wine balances acidity with honeyed fruit. There is a touch of botrytis to go with the orange marmalade and lemon peel flavors, while the citrus-like acids cut across the palate. This is fine to drink now, yet it will also age for many years.
This is a smooth, balanced wine that shows notes of ripe blackberry and new wood. There is a crisp edge from the currant flavor, and the acidity gives it freshness. Attractive and fruity, this is for aging over the next 3–4 years.
Dominated by ripe Merlot, this rich wine has a juicy blackberry flavor and reveals the judicious use of wood. It's a wine that should be aged. The chateau is owned by the Delon family of Château Léoville las Cases.
Big, bold and black in color, this wine is full of new wood perfumes, and it has a smooth, polished texture. Rich, fruity and firmly balanced, it has dark tannins that create a powerful structure. It offers some aging potential.
Intense and compact on the nose, this has cola, mint, cassis and blackberry aromas that are tightly knit. The palate is narrow and intense, with lightly herbal, reedy flavors of saucy, savory berry and herb. This is a leading Carmenère, but it's not as flavorful and substantive as prior years.
This blend of Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng shows fresh apricot fruit, with delicate acidity and nervy texture. It's not for aging, so drink it now.
Solid and structured, this shows the firm side of Fleurie. It is dominated by tannins that overlay the red berry fruit and the firm plum-skin texture. With its weight and concentration, this needs to age for another 2–3 years.
This is a lush wine that oozes with the superripe flavor of sweet blackberry. The firm tannins and dense structure act as a counterbalance and push the wine into a more structured sphere. The fruit quality and overall balance promise 4–5 years of aging.
A rich and smooth wine, this is packed with black fruits that are touched with smoky tannins from the wood aging. It's full, fruity and structured on the palate. It will age over at least 5–6 years, but, with its rich texture, it will be drinkable soon.
A great mix of solid tannins and juicy fruit, this is a rich and structured wine, with the firm character of the year and deep blackberry flavor. It has weight and an edge of spice, finishing with acidity.
This is a forward, even plush Reserve, loaded with generous black fruits and streaked with anise and cola notes. At first, the wine seemed to fade a bit too quickly, robbing the finish of expected complexity. But retasted on the second day, the wine had fleshed out beautifully.
An opening of dense black-fruit, spice, violet and toast aromas functions as an invitation to this plump, chunky, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate bears boysenberry, blackberry and cassis flavors, with chocolate and molasses accents. Toasty, warm and rich on the finish. Drink now–2016.
This Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend comes with a deep, minerally aroma as well as with lush black-fruit, herb and spice notes. The feel is plump and smooth, while the core flavors are of blackberry, tobacco, raw oak and spice. It's predominantly round and ripe, but there's more than enough crispness and tannic bite to keep things framed.
The lovel floral aromas are a pure expression of the grape's unique spice and rose petal characteristics. It's deeply flavorful, soft, elegant and lingering, with a lychee flavor.
This concentrated effort boasts rich, ripe yellow-fruit and citrus flavors as well as fine acidity. It is packed with fruit, but it also has a firm, steely, nervy texture. It should be aged for 2–3 years, maybe more, for maximum effect.
The Oliver red is a mix of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache from the excellent Olsen and Stone Tree vineyards. At four years of age it seems to be flattening out. The blueberry and cassis fruit, along with substantial savory notes, are smooth but not quite as lively as past vintages. Drink now.
Blended with 10% Viognier, this wine brings notes of flowers and peach while showing little oak influence. A touch of residual sugar sweetens the finish.
This is a crisp, clean and nicely-structured Chardonnay, fermented in a mix of new and neutral oak, along with some stainless steel. A bit beer-like and yeasty at first, it opens into pleasing flavors of grapefruit and pineapple, with just the right amount of acidity.
Fermented in concrete, then aged on lees for five months, this is a pretty expression of Chardonnay with popcorn butter, cream and white peach leading to a tart finish.
Full, rich wine that combines an aromatic herbal element with ripe red fruits. It's the wood aging that knits this dense wine together, adding the spice and the smoothing element. Still young, this wine should be kept and drunk after 2015.
Here's a lovely Greco di Tufo with aromas of pressed flowers, peach and tropical fruit. The palate has structure and finesse, delivering ripe peach, apricot and pineapple flavors impeccably balanced by refreshing acidity.
Made from native grape Piedirosso cultivated in volcanic soil near Mt. Vesuvius, this savory wine opens with berry and spice aromas. The palate delivers rich flavors of juicy cherry, raspberry and black pepper along with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Made to be drunk young.
Hints of dried thyme and bay leaf accent this wine's bouncy, upfront red-fruit notes. It's medium bodied, with softly dusty tannins and crisp acids that give shape to the palate and persist through the finish. Drink now and over the next year or two.
Baked plum and berry aromas are lusty and jammy. In the mouth, this is tannic and the acidity is citric in character. Flavorwise, A Lisa is pumping out brawny berry flavors matched by lemony oak notes, and the finish is expansive, with blanketing tannic grip. This will show best in late 2014, after it's had more time to settle.
Hickory and other wood-based aromas and flavors dominate this Amarone-style blend. Amid all the smokiness there's cola and vanilla aromas and thick, heavy, meaty flavors of baked black fruits offset by toast, spice and chocolate. A sweet-tasting, jammy feeling finish closes the show.
This inviting blend of Barbera and Bonarda from Lombardy offers aromas of black fruit and spice with an earthy note. The palate delivers black cherry and peppery flavors along with soft tannins. Pair this with smoked meats or seasoned cheeses.
Chamomile and fresh herb notes lend breeziness to this pretty floral white wine. The palate is robust, concentrated with white grapefruit flavor, and tinged with a pleasantly astringent lime-pith finish.
Big, smoky dark-berry aromas come with no small amount of graphite, pencil eraser and baked notes. This feels chewy and earthy, while roasted flavors of smoked meats, blackberry and molasses finish jammy, with brown sugar accents.
Familiar aromas of herbs and olive make up the nose along with berry scents and hints of tree bark and mocha. A choppy palate is shrill with tartaric acidity. Spicy berry and plum flavors turn lean on a scrubbing finish.
Candied berry aromas are jumpy, herbal and foxy. This has a raw pinched mouthfeel and minty herbal plum and berry flavors. On the finish, green elements rise to the level of herbaceous.
The mild but slightly tired aromas of apple, honey and haystack announce a soft palate with apple, nectarine and tropical flavors. A yeasty, somewhat hollow finish indicates this is starting to break down. Drink this 80% Chardonnay and 20% Viognier blend immediately.
Smooth and simple, this wine offers aromas of citrus pith, cantaloupe and green apple. Flavors suggest honeydew and tart apple juice.
Blended with 15% Merlot and aged in both French and American oak, this wine shows generous eucalyptus and mint notes. The smoothly textured, rounded palate is marked by black cherry and woody perfume.
This wine has aromas of pomegranate juice and dried cherry. Flavors suggest pomegranate juice and tart cherry conserves.
Wheaty white-fruit aromas lack pop and clarity. This feels round and fairly juicy due to its acidity. Lime flavors are tempered by a bready yeasty note and fall off quietly on the finish.
Reduced and slightly green, this wine shows a preponderance of puckeringly dry tannin and grippy oak amidst its ripe black fruit.
Spicy aromas of green tobacco blend with plum and berry notes. This Merlot is drying and tannic on the palate. Leafy flavors are fairly green, with generic black-fruit notes keeping it afloat.
Aromas of animal hide, rubber and herbal berry fruits are not lovable. This has a heavy scratchy mouthfeel and lightly green flavors of berry fruits mixed with unabsorbed oak. This tastes toasty and blackened on an abrasive finish.
This is a blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro, two of the most emblematic grapes of the Vinho Verde region. The wine is crisp, attractively fruity and light and poised. Drink now.
Dusty applesauce aromas lead to a pulpy, medium-bodied palate in this pure Xarello. It tastes of bitter grape skins , papaya and green melon, its tropical notes offset by grassy and briny hints on the finish.
This yellow-looking Chardonnay smells briny and like oily popcorn. The palate is both watery in feel and resiny. Nutty, salty flavors of popcorn crowd out apple notes, while the finish is dilute.
This wine is reduced and somewhat flat in tone, with simple, light-bodied ripeness and plum and raspberry flavors.
This blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional is rustic with some hard tannins and intense acidity. Since it is still young, the wine could soften but it seems to be more about its structure than its fruit.
Great swathes of black fruit, coffee and sweet tannins give this ripe and juicy wine plenty of character and attractiveness. For immediate drinking.
$10 for this very drinkable Cab? That's crazy. But Line 39 is exactly that, a concentrated, juicy and fruity Cab with plenty of classic Cab tannins that's an incredibly good value and probably pretty easy to find. Scoop it up when you find it, though note that two bottles were tasted here with some bottle variation.
Thick and concentrated aromas feature barrel-driven toast, lemon peel and savory berry. It's rather flat, sweet and jammy in the mouth, with buttery berry fruit and then a sugary candy flavor. Very sweet and soft on the finish; needs more edge, spine, acidity and clarity to rank higher.
Neutral smelling except for a touch of oiliness and tropical fruit. The palate is soft and melony, with sweet melon and papaya flavors. Round and pulpy on the finish, with a slight pithy bitterness at the very end.
Perfumed, floral wine, dominated by Moscatel grapes. The white fruits, pear and vivid acidity give the wine a fine, fruity balanced character.
A fruity, jammy style of Cab with thick berry aromas resting in front of a full-bodied, chewy palate with forward red berry and chocolate flavors. This is smooth, not complex and easygoing proof that Argentina is not only about Malbec.
Brokenwood's entry-level Semillon is always a reliable introduction to the Hunter Valley style. Crisp, zingy citrus fruit and light body make it a fine accompaniment to raw oysters or other shellfish when young.
An easygoing ripe red, with the minerality of the Dão rounded into sweeter damson and red berry fruits. There's an attractive layer of acidity for freshness. Drink now.
Warm, soft-fruited wine, with fine ripe red berry fruits as well as a gentle tannic structure. There is an earthy Merlot edge to the blend, along with the more dry texture of Cabernet. For drinking next year.
Broad and ripe on the nose, with sappy blackberry, plum and youthful aromas. The palate is big, full and tannic, with roasted plum and berry flavors in front of a smoky, hickory-driven finish. Chewy, blowsy and generous for $10 Tempranillo.
Shiny pink in color, with youthful, crisp aromas of cherry and watermelon. Zesty and fresh on the tongue, with spunky cherry and raspberry flavors that finish with natural sweetness. Candied to an extent, but mostly it's fresh and balanced.
Orange blossom, nectarine and almond skin aromas are true to the grape and inviting. The palate maintains a light, juicy, citric feel as it delivers flavors of melon, apple and banana. Fresh and forward, with a hint of heat and bitterness to the finish.
This Cab has all of the classic notes one would expect: rich dark berry fruit, black plum skin, cigar tobacco and black currant leaf are all front and center. The tannins are surprisingly firm and tightly structured, but the nuances of milk chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumb add decadence to the finish.
The bouquet takes a while to fully express itself, as scents of blackberry, cassis, licorice root and milk chocolate develop with time. Despite its age, the wine's still tightly wound mouth offers firm tannins and flavors of leather, roasted vanilla bean and plum skins with good staying power. Drink now–2013.
Juicy Castelão fruit propels this wine, giving spice, soft tannins and ripe red cherries. It is full, very accessible, its acidity adding an attractive edge of freshness. Drink now, or age a year.
A zippy Sierra Foothills SB with pleasing grapefruit and a coating of minerals, this wine has length and lift.
Light and crisp, with a perfumed bouquet of baby powder and lime blossom. Simple green apple and lime flavors carry a tart edge through the finish.
Earthy, roasted and condensed on the nose, with a compact, structured palate housing tight plum and cherry flavors. Shows freshness, lift and a good step, with a juicy finish and racy acids.
Classic fresh, extremely tangy wine, all apple, citrus and crispness. It's lively, although also with some fruit richness. Drink now, with shellfish. Screwcap.
). Earth, cola and leather aromas are good, however the fruit portion of the bouquet is a bit damp and roasted. The palate is hard and rugged, with driving cherry and plum flavors. Earthy and herbal on the finish.
On the stalky side, this is all red berry fruits, with just a touch of wood to underpin the wine's fruit-forward character. Screwcap.
Produced from old vines grown on the property, this fruity wine is packed full of red berries. It is well balanced between fruitiness and acidity, with just a light touch of tannin to give this ready-to-drink wine its shape.
Light in color and almost a shade of green, this dessert wine offers aromas of honeydew melon, sharp lime, jasmine and a touch of petrol-like citrus pith. The palate is sweet but pillowy in texture, with Key lime, honeysuckle and herb-inflected honey flavors.
Piney sage and crisp sour cherry surround a bombastically brawny structure and outpouring of power in this 100% varietal wine. It should be enjoyed slowly and with plenty of food.
Vibrant blackberry and cherry flavors are accented by complexities of rose petal, bramble and savory herb in this elegant, light-footed red. It's not deeply complex or penetrating, but quite charming, marked by sunny cherry acidity and a plush, lingering palate.
An aroma like red-apple skin and modest red cherry and plum flavors make a good combination in this medium-bodied, subtly styled wine. It tastes dry, nicely crisp, yet smooth in texture.
A dusting of pollen and dusty minerals lends savoriness to this fresh, citrusy Riesling. Off-dry in style, it's cutting and spry, balancing primary tangerine and lemon flavors against lingering earthiness.
From Pinot Noir grown on clay and limestone soils, this aromatic, fresh wine offers a delicious balance between the red fruits and acidity. A ripe wine, it shows a distinctly fruity character, and is ready to drink now.
Honeyed layers of yellow peach and tangerine seem to be dusted by bramble and mineral tones in this semisweet Riesling. It's a spry, zesty wine with a lip-smacking, juicy finish. Drink now through 2019.
Aromas of scorched earth, prune and dark cooking spice lead the nose while the mature palate shows raisin, dried berry, leather and a hint of anise. Smooth but fleeting tannins indicate this has seen better days. Drink now.
An herbal wine, this is full of gooseberry and grapefruit flavors. It's tangy, tight with a steely texture and a strong mineral streak. The wine is fresh, fruity and ready to drink.
Aromas of scorched earth, game and a whiff of farmyard lead the nose. The palate offers dried black cherry, leather, anise and sage alongside bracing but fleeting tannins. It finishes abruptly, leaving a rather astringent close.
Tobacco box and cedar notes lend savory nuances to this stately, but slightly subdued Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicate black plum and cherry flavors are crisp and cool, fringed by soft fine tannins. Drink now through 2018.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with bright aromas of woodland berry, blue flower and dark cooking spice. The soft, easy-drinking palate offers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon and a hint of clove alongside glossy tannins. Drink soon to capture freshness.
An estate wine blended with 6% Sémillon, this was aged in 50% neutral oak. The texture provides the illusion of a bigger body and more power than it should have, given the alcohol level. It finishes in a twist of fresh tangerine.
Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec grapes, aged six months sur lie in barrel, this dry wine has a pleasing ruby color and tannic, woodsy waves of waxy strawberry. It finishes clean and fresh.
In this soft, ripe wine, rounded tropical fruits contrast with the crisp texture. It's fruity while also having a mineral character that suggests the potential for aging. Drink from late 2017.
A tangy, zesty wine with a strongly mineral texture, this is fruity and fresh. It's full of green plum, herbal and gooseberry flavors. With its texture and structure, it needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Ripe plum, game, truffle, leather and menthol are some of the aromas you'll find on this earthy wine. The tightly wound palate offers dried black cherry, chopped sage, mint and roasted coffee bean alongside raspy tannins that leave a mouth-drying finish.
This wine features a fresh nose of grapefruit and lemon peel. It is bright on the palate, offering flavors of grapefruit, pear and green apple. It remains crisp and clean across the entire tongue right into the orange zest finish.
This charming and refreshing wine has aromas like green apples. Richer flavors that suggest white peach accompany a tangy but smooth texture. Light to medium bodied, it is perfect for lunch or pre-dinner drinking.
This unusual five-grape blend includes Chardonnay, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Muscat. It maintains a sense of focus, with the grassy, herbal character of Sauv Blanc and Sémillon commanding most of the attention. It's stiff, woody (rather than oaky) and herbal. Try it with fresh goat cheese.
Leathery plum and berry aromas come with a touch of char. This blend of Shiraz and Tempranillo feels round and solid. Familiar flavors of berry fruits and cherry are a bit spicy, while the finish tastes of black fruits and feels right.
Plum, cherry and raspberry aromas come with a note of bath soap. Fresh and solid across the palate, this Bobal tastes like it smells, while the finish shows a candied element along with a touch of chocolate.
Apple and peach aromas are basic but clean and fresh. So is the palate on this Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc blend. Flavors of nectarine and apple don't stray far from basic, while green apple and citrus flavors are propped up on the finish by racy acidity.
Milk chocolate, blueberry and black currant combine around a soft core of subdued tannins and classical weavings of cedar and dried herb in this mountain-grown wine. It finishes in puckering leather.
The aromas of plum, blackberry, vanilla, dried herbs and spice provide intrigue. The blue- and black-fruit flavors are linear in style but deliver enjoyment.
A nose of raspberry, brambles and confectioner's sugar gives way to flavors of strawberry, peach, menthol and eucalyptus. A fairly stiff tannic structure and tart, slightly green notes keep this wine from fully coming together on the palate.
Concentrated and sweet, with medicinal aromas, a lot of color and burnt characteristics. The palate is big and acidic, with jumpy plum, berry and candied flavors. Short and stunted on the finish, and seemingly roasted. A step down from the previous vintage.
Quite dark (perhaps from the small additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot), and scented with a burnt edge, this Tempranillo is slow to show much fruit. Tart raspberry notes seem to quickly resolve into a charred, slightly bitter finish.
A soft, unfocussed wine that certainly shows the black color of Malbec, from which comes the name of the wine. But it lacks definition, the wood element separate from the ripe berry fruits, with acidity trailing behind.
Sweet/tart with a sugary core, this simple Riesling is a good, all-purpose bottle, but does not show much complexity. Lemon and lime sour candy flavors dominate.
Jammy and concentrated on the nose, but more sharp and citric than ideal in the mouth. The wine is borderline sharp, with sour cherry and cranberry flavors leading to a tart, zesty finish. Tastes sour every time you revisit it.
The Naked (organically grown) series from Snoqualmie continues to expand, now with this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It feels soft and manipulated in the mouth; there is a hole in it. Despite the black cherry and smoke flavors, it feels insubstantial and incomplete.
On the earthy side of Zweigelt, this is a firm wine, showing spice and meatiness. The fruit is fresh and easy, the tannins soft, but there is also a rustic character. Screwcap.
Smells basic and clean, with touches of apple and green veggies. The palate has a thick grab to it, while the flavors seem both sugary and green, with grapefruit and pithy bitterness on the finish.
Scents of seaweed, espresso, smoke and chocolate-covered raisins are followed by comparable flavors. This has a sharp, volatile edge that translates as vinegary in the finish.
A very dry, crisp white wine with a neutral color and equally neutral aromas and flavors. It's lean, green apple-driven and fresh, but not what you'd call loaded with personality. Cleanses the palate and washes things down, but does so quietly.
Kind of brown, which makes sense seeing that it's an older 2008 model. The nose shows sweet peach and mango aromas, and some oxidization. The palate is drying and short, with bitter-tinged peach and citrus flavors. Flat and dry on the finish.
A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this brings sweet cherry flavors to the forefront, albeit with some noticeable volatility. You can taste it in the slightly vinegary finish; but that said, it's a perfectly pleasant wine with enough fruit to carry it for a couple more years.
Stonetree and Coyote Canyon are the vineyard sources for this rare Washington Primitivo. Briary and brambly, it does not have the cut tobacco character of Italian Primitivo, nor the depth of color and tannin. Some leafy herbal flavors compete with the mixed red fruits.
This is almost entirely Syrah, done in a high-acid, citrusy style. Flavors are sharply etched and tight—pomegranate, raspberry, baking chocolate and espresso. Straightforward and well-balanced despite its 15% alcohol.
Black cherry and cassis aromas mix with some heat, rubber and harshness on the bouquet. With time it settles into better form, showing rich, bold berry and plum flavors, spice and some heat and scour. Roasted and dark on the finish, and rugged overall.
Starts out with proprietary aromas of clove, spice and cinnamon, and in the mouth it's a tannic grabber with forcefulness as well as ripe, sweet, menthol-infused berry flavors. Falls off somewhat on the finish, where butter and candy come in. Heavy and dark but still good for a New World Syrah.
Starts off tight on the nose, offering up only struck flint and citrusy notes, but broadens out on the palate to reveal flavors of melon and white pepper. Citrus and spice linger nicely on the finish. Drink now.
Light and airy, with red fruit and tea aromas. The palate is fairly acidic but not harsh or sour; flavors of pie cherry are balanced and sweetened by caramel, yet the finish is lean and quick, with citrus peel and zest. More of a lighter-bodied refresher with just a spot of oak.
A touch overripe and indulgent, this Chard needs a little more vibrancy to enliven its heavy character. Mushy peaches, banana and mealy cantaloupe emanate from the bouquet while flavors of buttered popcorn and oaky spice dominate the palate. Try with a heavy cream-based dish to downplay the wine's own richness.
Perfumed with violet, fragrant ripe berry, leather, dark spice and a balsamic note, this is a textbook Nebbiolo. The elegant palate offers Morello cherry, cranberry, white pepper and star anise while firm but ultrarefined tannins provide support. It's already delicious but has the structure to cellar for several years or more. Drink 2017–2026.
One of a series of four wines featuring the major red grapes of the Dão, this wine concentrates on the least familiar. The Jaen gives a tight, structured wine that is still firm after six years. Blackberry fruits and spice fill out the dry core and leave an impressive wine that is likely to live long. Drink now.
A selection of the best parcels of Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouschet, this wine is dense and powerful. The wood aging is still showing strongly among the concentrated tannins and firm structure. The fruit weight and the general richness of this impressive wine will allow it to mature well. Drink from 2019.
The small village of Chânes lies in the south of the appellation, well exposed to the sun. That shows in this warm wine with its ripe apple and pear flavor. Wood aging adds richness, filling out the rich fruits with toast. This generous wine will age another year. Drink from 2017.
Earthy and structured, this fragrant red opens with aromas of leather, underbrush, vineyard dust, blue flower, tilled soil, menthol and woodland berry. The full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, fig, baking spice, grilled herb and truffle alongside robust, velvety tannins. Drink from 2018 through 2025.
Leather, ripe berry, clove, mature berry, baking spice and a balsamic whiff of menthol lift out of the glass. The firm, succulent palate offers black cherry, clove and star anise. Youthfully assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity provide structure and balance. Drink through 2025.
Sunny and fragrant, this intensely concentrated auslese brims with flavors of lusciously ripe yellow peach and tangerine. It's lush in mouthfeel but delicately textured, the finish fading slowly into a kiss of honey and saffron. Delicious now but should continue to improve for decades to come.
Toast, ripe dark berry and camphor aromas take shape in the glass while the chewy palate offers ripe raspberry, juicy black cherry, uplifting mint and a mineral note. Youthfully assertive, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2025.
This marquee estate site supplies yet another gorgeous vintage of this powerful white, which opens with a crisp aroma of orange blossom. It follows in to the full-bodied palate, alongside layers of pear, pineapple and melon, all kept fresh by juicy acidity amid bites of oak and baking spice.
Breathtaking scents of white peach and blossom introduce this pristinely peachy wine. It's invigoratingly fresh, laced by a gossamer fringe of sweetness and vivacious lemon-lime acidity that lingers on and on. Delicately textured yet deeply penetrating.
The red-juice grape Alicante Bouschet gives a fine performance here. It has produced a firm, structured wine with fine tannins as well as generous black fruit. It comes from a hot year in the region, producing great ripe, sweet fruit as well as intense acidity. The wine is just now ready to drink and will still mature further, at least until 2022.
This vineyard is at the heart of the fine run of premier crus that lie midway up the slope above the village. This wine is packed with fruit and also with intense acidity and minerality. It is already refreshing and crisp, although as the toastiness develops, it will become even more impressive. Drink from 2017.
This is a solid wine with its dark tannins and structure from a vineyard close to some of the greatest Grands Crus. It is concentrated, showing the density of the appellation. There is a basic richness to this wine with its ripe black fruits. It is developing slowly and has a fine future. Drink from 2022.
White flowers and lime skins juxtapose smoke and slate on the nose of this ethereal kabinett. Delicately sweet, as if gilded by hibiscus nectar, it fills the palate with waves of sunny yellow-stone fruit and tart lemons. A lovely wine that should show its youthful effervescence through 2020.
Just one barrel was produced from this nine-acre site in the heart of the AVA. This is picture perfect, refined and textural, with flavors that roll from rose petals to strawberries to Bing cherries. A well-framed touch of oak (noted as neutral, yet detectable) contributes to an elongated finish that begs for the next glass. Still young and compact, this should drink its best from 2018 through 2028.
White and black pepper jump out of the glass, calling to the senses in this wine from the Wallace Creek Vineyard. A complex tangle of body and texture interweaves between an underlying elegance that belies the considerable ripeness behind this wine.
The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.
This wine has smoky wood and rich fruit already well in balance. It offers ripe acidity from its strawberry and red-currant fruits along with a rich texture. The wine is already delicious although it will develop much further. Drink from 2019.
Small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec give further nuance to this lovely, grippy wine, built to age and unfold over time. Tangy in orange and red currant, it's holding back on its full power, sharing the more floral, high-toned aspects of itself first. Drink now through 2023.
Longtime grower Lee Hudson sources from his prime Carneros site for this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, unexpected varieties that thrive in his dirt. Dark color gives way to supple layers of raspberry and vanilla. A dusting of milk chocolate adds lushness and additional complexity that lingers on the finish.
Sourced from the Tarraford Vineyard (better known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) this is a floral, aromatic wine. Notes of green peppercorns and pipe tobacco ease into raspberry fruit, made more complex through whole-bunch fermentation. The wine's silky texture is an added treat. This has the potential to be really interesting as it evolves through at least 2025.
Mint, black cherries and mocha aromas and flavors swirl together easily in this full-bodied Shiraz. It's burly without being overdone, the tannins coming together in a silky vein on the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2030.
Sensuous beyond words, this beguiling bottle absolutely seduces from the first sniff to the last sip. The amazing bouquet is a dense jumble of raspberry jam, cranberry compôte, orange peel and candied citrus. The flavors bore down deeply into a finish that can only lead you in one direction—to the next glass.
Unique and exotic, this Pinot Gris is crisp and textural, with the edges rounded out as if gently sanded by the contours of the concrete egg fermenter. A complex mix of cucumber, citrus, green herb, apple, pear and lemon verbena flavors, it's got tremendous grip, depth, balance and weight. Drink now through 2020.
Aged in oak, acacia and concrete, this is a tremendous example of a racy style done well. Aromas of crushed chalk, lightly braised apricot and slivers of cashew are seamlessly woven together, leading into a sip that shows brightness, fine-tuned acidity and structural grip. Rounded pear flavors and lime squeezed on nectarine ensure that it doesn't dive into sourness.
Enticing floral scents of rose and iris mingle with red fruit and aromatic herbs on this stunning wine. The elegant, structured palate doles out strawberry, sour cherry, clove and white pepper alongside bright acidity while noble, refined tannins provide the backbone. Give this a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2020 through 2028.
This is a sublime, succulent and entirely rewarding white from the great vineyard site that is Durell. The vines used by this producer date back to 1994, 1995 and 2003. Richly defined, the wine is lengthy and complex in honeycomb, ginger and a powerful mix of acidity and texture, finishing in a bite of orange.
Supposedly set on an ancient burial ground, this vineyard is well placed halfway up the slope of Chassagne. It has almond and spice flavors as well as a tighter, steely texture. The wine, with its wood-aging flavors, is still developing. Drink from 2018.
Made from a blend of every local red grape imaginable, this is a serious, impressive wine. Its aromas and flavors conjure up the wild mountain scenery around the vineyard, giving black fruits, dense tannins and acidity. The spice at the end is another reminder of its origins. Drink from 2017.
This wine opens with mineral aromas and a whiff of oak. The lean palate offers restrained sensations of apple, lemon zest, slate and a hint of vanilla, but the fruit is dried up.
Made with the native grape Asprino, this wine offers mineral sensations alongside racy acidity but it lacks fruit richness.
Made with organically grown Catarratto and Pinot Grigio grapes, this offers intense honeysuckle aromas that recall room freshener. The lean, simple palate offers tart green apple and a hint of citrus.
Though Syrah makes up only 14% of this wine, it seems to take over the show with its notes of plum and smoke playing against barrel accents of pencil lead and vanilla. It drinks off dry (9.5g/L residual sugar), with dry grainy tannins.
The wine is very crisp, but a tight, nervy and almost bitter acidity cuts through and is almost shocking. Maybe it will soften in a few months.
Light and approachable, this offers friendly aromas and flavors of grass, pear, gooseberry and lemon-lime acidity, ending short and crisp. Drink up.
Intensely smoky and earthy in style, this wild-ferment Riesling is strikingly dry with pressed apple and pear flavors struck with lime acidity. Lean and linear, it's bristling and tart to the finish.
Scratchy, slightly grassy red-fruit aromas feed into a lean palate with raw acidity. Flavors of herbs, mint and tangy berry fruits lean toward green, while the finish is fresh yet abrasive.
This is a ripe and lush white, with bold aromas and flavors of mango, papaya and pineapple. The palate is round and a bit flat, followed by a short finish. Drink up.
Crisp and dry, this is a medium-bodied, slightly austere wine. Hints of smoke or stuck flint join with grapefruit rind on the nose, while a slightly bitter note appears on the palate and persists through the finish.
A straightforward wine with light notes of red and blue berries along with oak accents.
This wine has is high-toned in aromas with raisin, terriyaki, red currant and charred oak. The palate is a bit muted on the fruit tones, with red currant pervading and secondary characteristics of coffee and chocolate in the background. This is a big wine with chewy tannins, a full body and puckery acidity.
This producer is the only grower of Caladoc grapes in Portugal, and one of the few in the world. Blended here with Tinta Roriz, the grape gives a ripe, soft and perfumed wine. It has a generous character, all fruit and balanced acidity. Drink now.
Earthy, murky aromas of cherry and plum lack freshness and brightness. This wine is jammy and a bit clumsy on the palate, with saucy, savory berry and plum flavors. An herbal, jammy-tasting finish leaves you wanting more.
Scents of stewed blueberry and black cherry devolve into prunes and raisins on the nose of this bottling, but the dried ginger and dark spice elements add complexity. It's dense on the palate, with strong acidity cutting the meaty quality of the midpalate, with pruney flavors throughout.
An herbal wine with gooseberry and citrus flavors, this is full of fruitiness with acidity and touch of flint and steel in the texture. The wine is ready to drink.
Made predominantly from Tempranillo, with 10% Pinot Noir and a splash of Syrah, this is a simple, generic red wine, with light berry flavors and touch of cracker but no specific varietal character.
This wine is high-toned with flamboyant aromas of pomegranate, cherry and grape. Cherry is front and center on the palate, with subdued notes of resinous oak and baking spice coming through. Mocha-tinged tannins lead on the finish.
Plum and berry aromas include notes of lemon and shaved roots. This is a funky Cabernet with choppy tannins that create an abrasive mouthfeel. Salty berry, tomato and oak flavors finish woody.
This wine is smooth and densely packed in earth and blackberry, the overall tone voluptuously concentrated and full bodied, with a tenacious embrace of ripeness.
Tart raspberry and blackberry are sharp in this medium- to light-bodied blend, with hints of vanilla and white pepper on the palate. Fleeting tannins leads to a tangy finish.
Hints of lemon curd and crème brûlée join peach and citrus, finishing with a surprising degree of elegance. Drink up.
Cool berry, graphite, cola and prune are the lead aromas on this ripe RDD. In the mouth, choppy tannins and firm acids create a strong, edgy feel. Flavors of cassis, wild berry, coconut and vanilla announce ripeness and plenty of oak. It finishes with abrupt tannins, tons of residual flavor and weight. Drink now through 2021.
As usual, the Wairau Reserve is Saint Clair's biggest, plushest, most opulent Sauvignon Blanc bottling. Bold and unabashedly tropical in nature, it screams passion fruit aloud, then settles down into a mouthwatering, slightly chalky finish of immodest length.
Black in color and concentrated on the nose, this Tinta de Toro overflows with cassis and blackberry aromas. The palate is lively and lifted, with plenty of acidity and kick. Flavors of cassis and dark berries are charged up and toasty, while chocolate notes, firm tannins and a gritty edge define the finish. Drink through 2018.
This Bordeaux-style blend, using the old-fashioned term Claret, may be a sly indication of its age, drinkability and overall balance. Scents of sandalwood, musk and black cherry greet you, with maturing flavors of ripe cherries and cigar box. Supple and seamless, with impeccable balance, it's now drinking at its best.
A nose of cherry, white peach and jalapeño sets the stage. Next, flavors of cherry, plum, sage and thyme work their way through the mouth with an interesting juxtaposition of fruit and savory notes. Super-soft, almost invisible tannins give way to a smooth finish hallmarked by notes of fresh minerality.
As always, this single-vineyard Syrah is a masterful mix of tart fruit, herb, stem and earth flavors. Pomegranate and red currant, umami and gunflint highlights are all in focus.
The inaugural vintage of this Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne blend is impressive, with potent aromas of grapefruit and flavors of rind and pith. It's crisply defined, with excellent density and natural acidity. Still quite young, it's a wine to tuck away in the cellar until 2019.
From the family firm that resurrected native grape Greco, this structured, elegant wine offers rich peach, apple and citrus flavors accented with intense mineral, spice and aromatic herbs. Crisp acidity beautifully balances the rich flavors. Drink 2017–2022.
Complex and precise, this lovely Cabernet—blended with 10% Merlot and 3% Malbec—layers cassis, herb, bark, earth and graphite elements within a cigar box coating. Those streaks of tobacco are wedded to a touch of espresso as it weaves through a lingering finish.
Boundary Breaks has proven to be the break-out producer of the Finger Lakes this year with an excellent line up of wines, and this off-dry wine is amongst its best. Elegantly perfumed with notes of fresh green florals and herbs, it builds in power and expression on the palate with pristine white peach flavors pierced with lime acidity and a reverberating mineral finish.
Made from native grape Caprettone, this savory wine beckons with inviting fragrances of white flowers, nuts, yellow apple, citrus and flint. The focused palate delivers nectarine, lemon zest, pear, mint and mineral accented with Mediterranean herbs. Crisp acidity gives a refreshing finish. Vinity Wine, Panebianco.
Built upon generous, sweet and pretty cherry and cassis fruit, this drinks well now, but could be cellared until 2020. Tannins are ripe and polished, and the natural acidity carries a finishing lick of citrus.
The color is deep purple, the nose dense, alluring and hinting at mint, shoe polish, violet and blackberry. Flavors are pure, modestly oaky and deep in terms of wild berry, coffee and chocolate.
Nearly seven years after harvest, it remains lively and vital. Pointed aromas of lemony oak, pencil lead and cassis are classy and a touch earthy. This is balanced in feel, but with penty of gas in the tank. Roasted, warm flavors of berry, plum, spice, herbs and pepper finish firm, with cocoa and nutmeg notes that introduce secondary tobacco and earth accents. Drink through 2019.
Concentrated sensations of apple, pear, lemon, mint and mineral are accented with rosemary, sage and intense smoky notes. It's structured but elegant with a great depth of flavors. This is already delicious but will develop more complexity. Drink now through 2020.
Abeja's main production is centered upon their three Cabernets, this one sourced from throughout the Columbia Valley. It plays out broadly across the palate, with flavors of strawberry and raspberry fruit, aged in 60% new French oak. The pretty toast is further enhanced with a streak of minerality. Drink now–2019.
This full-bodied, ripe wine  offers blackberry and spiced plum aromas on top of a minerally base. In the mouth, it's big but fresh and free-flowing. Flavors of black plum and black cherry are lively despite some creamy oak that rises on the finish. Drink through 2016.
It's hard to choose a favorite amidst Wiemer's 2012 lineup, but this one is a strong contender. It's brisk, yet intensely penetrating on the nose and palate, with a luscious, juicy palate full of sweet white peach and mango flavors. Zesty lemon-lime acidity and a crush of minerals linger on the finish. It's a complex yet effortlessly enjoyable medium-sweet Riesling to savor now, or through 2021–2024.
It invigorates the senses with concentrated lemon and lime flavors tinged with minerals, tart stone fruits and blossoms. It's dry in style with a bold, mouth-filling palate, but gorgeously elegant. Finishes long with a ripple of lime-zest astringency.
A ripe, lush style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, this features ample nectarine and cassis fruit, tinged with just a bit of green leafiness. Ample weight on the mouth gives way to a long, mouthwatering finish. Winemaker Jules Taylor is on a roll.
This Sangiovese was as usual co-fermented with Syrah (13%), and sourced from a mix of estate vineyards. Smooth and supple, it's a sweetly appealing wine, loaded with strawberry preserves, but also detailed with impressive notes of Italian herbs and a whiff of tomato paste. As befits the variety, the underpinning of natural acidity lifts the finish beautifully, and suggests aging it through 2020.
This is a classically light rosé, fragrant in strawberry and raspberry. Traces of pomegranate on the back palate offers darker, riper fruit in the glass, getting prettier as it goes along. Deliciously dry and dancing in acidity, it has plenty of citrus on the finish. The wine is substantial enough for springtime and summertime meals, but will drink equally well on its own.
Aromatic with streaks of truffle, cigar and black cherry, this lively six-grape blend is principally Red Mountain fruit, along with some from Red Willow. Substantial and mouth-filling wine, it's nuanced with rich flavors of cassis, tar, graphite and chalk. It spent 18 months in barrel, 73% new.
Drinking quite nicely at the moment, this is a generous, dense wine with a full complement of dark fruits, cacao, smoke and hints of black tea. From the opening aromatics on through a seamless weave of fruit and barrel flavors, this is irresistibly delicious.
More than 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a blend of grapes from 10 different vineyards. The wild interplay of such diverse sources works; the wine is maturing nicely, with a rough and tumble mix of pastry fruits, brown sugar, mocha, espresso and dried leaves. It's remarkably flavorful, distinctive and ready to drink now.
It's slightly lean and hard on the finish, but this entry-level Yarra Valley Pinot does show some pleasant notes of cedar, cola and cherries on the nose and in the mouth. Perhaps a year or two of aging will help soften its edges.
An earthy, toasty and traditional nose leads on this easy-drinking Chardonnay. Balanced fruit and toast offer clean, food-friendly flavors. Pair with tuna, oysters, baked sole.
A crisp, very fresh wine with flavors of red currants and open acidity and a light feel. A caramel taste rounds the wine through the finish.
Aromas of hot pepper flakes, Chinese mustard, leather and red plum are all over the map. The palate is a bit tart and tangy for Malbec, with mid-level berry flavors and a shot of tartness. Not overly ripe or happy, but with touches of quality.
Applesauce and fruit salad are rather strange, unconvincing aromas for Merlot, and the palate of plum and wild berry is big, broad and lunky. Jammy on the back end, with herbal berry flavors on the finish. Acceptable red wine but nothing special.
An off-dry Chenin Blanc with attractive honey and spice flavors along with fresh, clean acidity. It's an easy aperitif wine, its soft flavors just hinting at some dryness, but finishing crisply. Screwcap.
This blend of 80% Clairette and 20% Roussanne offers an engaging mix of fruit-cocktailish flavors. Floral aromas give way to pear and pineapple, then end on a slightly chalky note. Drink now.
The aromas offer notes of baking spice, dried fruit and vanilla, seeming to show some oxygen exposure. The cranberry flavors are sweet and tart, with the concentration not all there.
Yeasty and powdery smelling, this is melony on the nose and just convincing enough as Verdejo goes. A reasonably upright palate delivers a shot of acidity, while this tastes of melon, generic white fruits and yeast.
The citrus, herb and mint aromas are expressive but show some reduction. The citrus and tropical flavors are broad and creamy, though the concentration at times seems light.
Almost black in color, this is an equally dense wine in the mouth. At this stage, the wood aging and dry tannins are very present, so it does need time to bring out the juicy potential of the black currant flavors and acidity. Drink from 2018.
As with other wines produced by the Dulon family, this suffers from too much oak. Here it shows in the wood acidity, the burnt character and the bitter coffee flavors. It's a shame because somewhere under there is fruit. A year or two more will help, so wait until 2018.
Attractively herbaceous, this is a crisp, light and bright wine. Tight green fruits and plenty of acidity give it a juicy character that makes it refreshing. Drink now. This is one of 15 Bordeaux chateaus by Crus and Domaines de France.
A very light shade of pink, this wine is quite delicate, maybe too much so, showing light strawberry, bubblegum, nectarine and tangerine-peel notes on the nose. The palate offers a lot of texture but not a ton of flavor, with raspberry and dried-lemon elements.
From two parcels of old vines, this structured wine has peppery acidity that is crispened further by the tight citrus fruit. All these elements suggest a wine that needs to age a few months. Drink from 2017.
A very pale rosé, this blend of Grenache and Syrah is medium bodied, features hints of red berries to go along with barely ripe nectarines and finishes crisp and refreshing. Drink now.
Earthy cherry aromas are leathery as well. A dry, high-acid palate is grabby and fairly sharp in texture. Raw, salty flavors of plum and wood spice finish with tough, drying tannins.
Melon and papaya aromas are a bit more flat than ideal. Following the nose, this feels plump but not all that exact or firmly cut. Simple melon and nectarine flavors finish soft and easy.
Whiffs of sea breeze led a saline tone to fresh apple and pear flavors in this brisk, light-bodied wine. It's crisp and approachable, finishing on slightly dilly, herbal note.
This Graciano-based rosé smells oily, a bit funky and like chewing gum, with no specific fruit scents. A high-acid palate reflects the high-acid base grape, while this tastes salty, tangy and pickled, with vague fruit flavors that turn briny on the finish.
This is a rich, ripe and tropical white, with a mix of sweetness and salinity that plays well off each other. It becomes simple on the finish.
Apple and melon aromas are followed by medium-weight flavors. The concentration seems a bit watery in the midpalate but the variety is unmistakable and the balance is there.
A blend of six different varieties with Syrah (61%) taking the lead, this pink-colored wine offers aromas of bubblegum, spice and herb. The off-dry cherry flavors seem a bit watery, winnowing toward the finish.
The traditional aging on the lees has given this wine its rich floral character. It is a ripe wine, with apple fruit and a smooth, creamy texture. The wine is ready to drink.
This pale-hued blend of Grenache and Syrah starts off a bit confected, offering up scents of cotton candy. Yet it's less so on the palate, where the fruit resembles underripe melon and the finish is stony and less generous.
The medium-sweet stone-fruit and orange-peel flavors are direct and bring appeal. It goes down easy.
Savory smoked-nut notes juxtapose ripe red cherry and strawberry in this full-bodied rosé. While quite substantial in mouthfeel, it has bright citrus acidity that lends some refreshment on the finish.
Coming from a warm region in a hot vintage, this wine leans into the tropical with aromas of kiwi and mango, with herb and citrus notes providing accents. The flavors are lean and tart, with the concentration light.
This wine is composed of near equal parts Idaho, Washington and California fruit. It starts out a touch reduced, with black currant and sugared-plum aromas. It drinks a hair off dry, which offsets a dry lick of tannins. It's eponymous pairing should work perfectly.
A blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Gewürztraminer, this wine was given no oak aging and has a slight percentage of residual sugar. Peach colored, it's also flavorful in peach and apricot, simple and easy to like, with a slight spritz to the end.
Nice manners and medium body make this an easy-drinking, lighter wine. The aromas are like cherries and strawberries, the fruit flavors are almost sweet, and the texture is soft and smooth.
Stalky, lemony, rooty berry aromas set up a grabby palate with lightly earthy plum and berry flavors. Woody, earthy and drying on the finish. Overall, this is a basic Rioja with cool-vintage characteristics.
Aromas recalling pressed rose, grilled herb and scorched soil come together in the glass. The tannic palate is completely closed and rather bitter, revealing only suggestions of powdered sage and the warmth of alcohol.
Quite yellow in color, this wine opts for a deeper rather than fresher style of the grape, offering aromas of iodine, orange extract and concentrated apples. The palate presents dried-apple flavors.
Mild fruit and vanilla flavors and a smooth, soft texture give this medium-bodied wine a soothing personality.
Ripe blackberry and plum flavors resonate at the core of this big, full-bodied wine. It's a bit jagged in nature though, juggling contrasts of ripe fruit with sharp acidity. Soft, chalky tannins frame the finish.
Not overtly green smelling, but thisdeals herbal aromas of olive and eucalyptus. Lean and scratchy on the palate, with citrusy, reticent flavors of light red fruits and leaves. There's not much to the finish.
A 50-50 Cabernet/Syrah blend, this is heavily tannic. The cherry-cola flavor is smothered in char, smoke and bitter espresso. This needs a big thick steak to cut through the tannins.
Red in color, with non-punchy aromas of strawberry and red apple. It feels heavy and thick, with red fruit flavors that don't bring enough refreshment to the glass.
The herbal, thin fruit is covered with a strong streak of vanilla. It finishes with bitter tannins.
The melon and apple aromas are slightly dull but harmless. It feels decent, with orange and green-herb flavors. The finish is citric and green.
This is tropical on the nose, with light pear and banana aromas. It feels crisp and shearing, with mildly bitter flavors of citrus and scallion. Additional bitterness marks the finish.
Simple white-fruit aromas of apple and pear are as good as it gets. Feels slightly wan, with apple and green-herb flavors, finishing a bit bland.
Simple pear and apple work the largely nondescript nose, which is backed by more of the same on the palate. The feel is almost dilute, while the finish is mildly sweet before turning empty and a bit bitter.
A slightly funky, earthy nose gives way here to a red that offers pepper, tobacco and a touch of tart cherry on the palate. The flavors and tannins are good and balanced, though the wine is simple.
Robust tannins and a nice character of plum, cherry and spice recommend this wine, though it has a slightly one dimensional simplicity to it. Pair with burgers and grilled lamb to bring out the good spice notes.
Though it's barrel fermented, this is a thin, hard-edged wine with green and slightly stemmy flavors only partially masked by the buttery barrel notes.
Gold as can be, with semioxidized aromas of butterscotch and candle wax. This is so ripe it's about to implode; it's too sweet as well. Like a bull in a china shop, it's a clumsy giant with no place to go. Imported by Orvino Imports.
A Claret from Missouri? Adventurers should give this wine a shot. On the nose, it's delicate and filled with floral and soft, spicy notes. The flavors are somewhat thin and wan though—red berry, pepper, tobacco—and the wine finishes with a slightly bitter edge. Pair with with barbecue—it might fare better.
Chewy, earthy and tannic, this rather awkward wine matches cranberry and black cherry hard candy fruit to a rough, stemmy underbelly. There is some leather and barnyard in the middle; all in all it's a bit of a rough ride.
This wine, from the producer's estate vineyard on Atlas Peak, relies on the addition of nearly 15% Petit Verdot, which provides additional prettiness and power. Well structured and in balance, it imparts cedar, dried herb and pencil shavings, as firm tannins and subtle oak play background roles. It's defined by cool-climate restraint and grace. Drink from 2022–2027.
From one of the most impressive vineyards located at the region's far-western edge, this bottling offers rounded and ripe red-cherry aromas with sharper pomegranate elements, dried fennel, mint, light tobacco, sesame and thyme on the nose. The palate combines wild sagebrush and a minty eucalyptus flavor with candied cherries, leaning more toward herbal depth than ripe fruit.
On the verge of their 100th anniversary as a vintners, the Riboli family ups their luxury game with this serious and structured blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep black cherry, licorice, dill, oregano and crushed slate show on the nose, while the savory palate combines black pepper, bitter chocolate, black plum skins, lavender and blackberry. Drink 2018–2033.
Bob's is the producer's estate vineyard, acquired in 2014, a foggy site near the Petaluma Gap. Here, it allows for fleshy flavors of pear, brioche and honey, offering ripeness within a classic structure of minerality. Intense in tension and body, it has a dark color and a lingering tease of honeycomb.
This is a bold, brawny red from a famous site, velvety in texture and all power and concentration. Forest floor and a touch of smoke complement juicy dark cherry, caramelized oak and licorice, while bright acidity supports the layers of flavor and strong tannins.
This wine is all about power and hedonism. Brooding dark fruit aromas meld with black licorice and lead to a seamless full-bodied blackberry and black-cherry flavors. It demands another sip.
Coming off the Rocks District, this wine displays high-toned aromas of brown stems, crushed violets and black pepper along with a light meat and olive streak. The flavors are poised and layered, showing a mixture of red and black fruits with abundant savory accents. The crazy-long finish flat out impresses.
Clove, red cherry, eucalyptus and anise show on the classic nose of this single-vineyard bottling that is both minty and fruity. The palate is light and lithe but with grippy tension and loads of acidic energy, producing flavors from cherry and cranberry to bay leaf and eucalyptus.
Tart lime and gooseberry aromas turn plush and plump on the palate of this lip-smackingly ripe spätlese. Apricot and yellow peach flavors penetrate deeply, catapulted by shards of lemon-lime acidity. It's breathlessly light in body, yet lingers long, leaving airy kisses of blossom and fresh herb in its wake. Irresistible already but should improve through 2025.
Light as a feather yet bold in fruit, this sprightly spätlese packs a punch of sweet, ripe apricot, peach and even raspberry flavors. Spine tingling grapefruit acidity lends vitality, guiding a breathlessly perfumed, floral finish. It's a thrilling, irresistible wine.
The top drop from Bethel Heights in this vintage, this is a dark, dense evocation of Pinot Noir at its most authoritative and engaging. It's a muscular mix of mulberry, blueberry and blue plum, with a dash of sassafras for good measure. The length and sense of throttled power suggest that this is a fine cellar candidate. Drink now through 2028.
Dark blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant fruits make for a ripe but extremely enticing nose on this bottling, lifted by aromas of vanilla, cola, clove and anise. The palate is delicious and rich with black cherry, but a zesty, bright acidity and chalky tannins contribute depth and length, with a touch of dill.
This wine opens with big, full-bodied and extracted flavors, highlighted by black cherry, smoked meat and clove. Blended with 4% Merlot, it exudes textural complexity and velvety lushness, with length and breadth to spare. Within its fountain of power exists a strong sense of grace, accented by aromas of wild violet and forested earth.
Named after the winemaker's daughter, this bottling shows thyme-laced pomegranate-punch aromas on the nose that smells like the chaparral that surrounds the vineyard. Potpourri and sachet flavors arise on the palate, giving nuance to the tart red fruits of cranberry and pomegranate. Strong oregano, thyme and marjoram herbs add depth.
This is actually a 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the producer's estate, and a selection of the winemaker's three favorite barrels of the vintage that fit best together. It is also the first release of the wine, made to honor the winery's 10th anniversary. Savory and high-toned in acidity, it masters a tartness of currant, cranberry and clove while integrating a soft, lean lushness of black cherry, the whole succulent and complex.
From a hillside spot pummeled by coastal influences, this lovely, light wine opens with a confectionary nose of meringue. Lemony acidity provides a lift of bright, focused tension balanced in concentrated stone fruit and spice with a strong oak backbone.
Viognier makes up just over 8% of this wine and it shows itself with perfumed aromas of flowers and orange peel, along with brown stems, freshly ground herb, black olive, mineral and whiffs of smoked meat. The palate is all about texture and layers, while never losing its exquisite sense of balance, gliding on the extended finish. Superb stuff, with an emphasis on elegance.
Impressively juicy waves of cranberry and black tea underlie a light, earthy and ethereal wine from a well-known vineyard known for its meticulous farming. Dried herbs and roses add to the complexity and savory nature of this beauty.
From the Pellegrini Olivet Lane Vineyard on Olivet Road, this wine is impressive and memorable, a true star of winemaking and region. Beautiful in color, it begins with a touch of reductive oak and butter, with a squeeze of lemon foreshadowing things to come. Big-boned, it shines in pear, tangerine and a tangle of tangy acidity.
Dusty gravel and chalky rock mark the texture and nose of this 100% varietal wine, a sense of minerality that's uniquely its own. Currant, cranberry and an herbaceous streak define the midpalate, flavors that ride a lightly bodied, silky-smooth wave of nuance and elegance.
The aromas start out reticent, with notes of black licorice, kirsch, black olive and earth along with some barrel notes. The flavors are bold, full and palate coating, and are capped off by a lengthy finish.
This estate beauty offers a depth of cola spice and lovely acidity, with just a hint of underlying richness. From a site that's slightly more coastal than the vineyards around the producer's winery, it shows savory characteristics of rhubarb and wild strawberry amid a plushness of forest, all within supportive, integrated oak.
It's a pleasure to see another winery determined to explore the potential of Oregon Riesling, here sourced from a top site in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Ripe, round and rich, this offers a complex mix of grilled peach, pineapple and papaya fruit, with a lively touch of mint. The underpinning of wet stone minerality adds length and texture. This belongs among the very best Rieslings from the state.
Super tight, toasty berry and spice aromas are classic RDD. This is tannic as nails right now, but the future, albeit one that's down the road, is positively bright. Flavors of mocha, blackberry, espresso and toast finish hard and tannic. If ever a wine was made for long-term cellaring, this is it. Drink from 2019 through 2040.
A blend of Mount Barker and Margaret River fruit, this is lavishly oaked, chocolaty and rich, as decadent a bottle of Cabernet you'll find in Australia. Baking spices accent mocha and cassis in this full-bodied wine, which features a velvety texture and long finish. Drink 2020–2030, and possibly beyond.
This powerful ripe wine is full bodied and concentrated, with young tannins and rich berry fruits. It comes from a single vineyard high on the hill above the estate house. With its structure still intact, it will take time to develop. Drink from 2021.
Concentrated and powerful, this wine comes from one of the grandest estates in the Douro, now owned by the Symington family. Full of rich fruit along with layers of firm tannins, it is solid, dark and will age well, giving an impressive wine from 2020.
A gorgeous Shea bottling, this is lushly aromatic and fruited with strawberry jam, blueberry and cherry. The fruit is set against clean acids and supple tannins, and flavors remain full and focused with details of baking spices all through the long finish. This is a thoroughly delicious example of the power and pleasure of the 2014 vintage in the Willamette Valley.
This is a layered and complex estate-driven wine. Its firm, sizable tannin foundation promises longevity and enviable structure, while allowing for a plush, lush exuberance of cherry clafoutis, cardamom and salted caramel. Enjoy best 2022 through 2029.
This wine is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It brings heady aromas of blackberry, black cherry, earth, herb and coffee followed by dense palate-coating dark-fruit flavors. The hedonism is dialed up and the finish won't quit. The balance is absolutely impeccable. Best from 2022 to 2030.
Here's a straightforward red that opens with aromas of red berry and blue flowers. The easy-drinking palate offers wild cherry, clove and dried Mediterranean herbs alongside bright acidity and dusty tannins. Drink through 2016.
It's the Carmenère (14%) that pops first on this Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc-dominant blend. Aromas of braised jalapeno pepper are followed by coffee, vanilla and dark fruit. The coffee and cherry flavors are light, with some grit to the tannins and a warm finish.
A pretty pale-pink color, this wine has aromas of cherry bubble gum, strawberry and herb. The palate has a full, creamy feel with flavors that linger. It's a broader style than often seen on rosés—more of a red wine feel—but it's hard to deny its appeal.
This attractive and fruity wine blends Niellucciu with Sciacerellu, both local Corsican grapes. The freshness is right there, crisp and hinting at red currant flavors and bright acidity. Drink now.
Light, spicy aromas like vanilla and nutmeg and ripe, full blackberry and cherry flavors come with a soft texture and almost sweet balance. This has lots of flavor with medium body and without drying tannins and acidity. The winemaker blended in 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.
This offers aromas of mature plum, berry, toasted oak and coffee. The straightforward palate offers roasted coffee beans, espresso, dried black cherry and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. The fruit is starting to dry up, so drink soon.
Bright, crisp red cherry and blackberry flavors drive a refreshing, fruity personality. Touches of nutmeg and vanilla show through, but this is not an oaky wine by any means. It will please a crowd and pair well with a wide variety of foods.
Pine, apple and melon aromas straddle the line between fruity and green. Flavors of banana, melon and apple end bright and juicy, with a note of green onion.
Aromas of petroleum jelly, melon and flowers lead to pear flavors with a rounded feel that taper toward the finish. Pair it with shrimp ceviche.
Aromas of freshly cut green pepper, herbs, cherry and dark chocolate pop on this lightly colored wine. It's high octane with lighter-styled cherry flavors.
The punchy nose brings spice notes that are sharp on the inhale. This is tight on the palate, with tartaric acid rising up through a medium-weight body. Black plum, cherry, oak and spice flavors finish dry but hollow.
Aromas of espresso, sawdust, high-toned fruit and a whiff of vanilla lead the nose. On the palate, notes of chocolate and coconut accent plum, black cherry and cocoa while polished tannins offer support.
Pale in color, this ripe wine has plenty of flavor. With strawberry fruits cut with intense acidity, it has a fine texture, lightly mineral and with plenty of tangy freshness. Red fruits show strongly at the end. Drink now.
Ethereally light and brisk on the palate, this off-dry Riesling counters ripe, juicy yellow peaches with a shock of lemon-lime acidity. There's a cool, rippling mineral tone throughout, accentuated by a slightly astringent, lime-zest finish.
Slightly sour aromas of red cherry, dark chocolate and a pinch of crushed anise show on this wine made by a Thousand Oaks family with deep Italian winemaking roots. The bell pepper and black pepper elements on the palate blend nicely with sour cherry and tart cranberry fruits, held together by rather sticky tannins.
Butter, vanilla and barrel spices are at the fore, with tropical fruit working to get to the surface. It's creamy in feel, with seemingly plenty of malolactic influence. There's enjoyment to be had but it comes off as a bit clumsy.
Jammy vanilla and leather mark this lean, mouth-filling wine that's had considerable time in bottle. Broad-shouldered in blackberry, it finishes with a burst of fruit and oak.
A very pretty shade of pink, this wine offers strawberry blossoms and light cotton-candy elements on the nose. There's a strong zing of acidity at first, and then the wine clings to a steely sensibility, showing just brief glimmers of strawberry fruit and lime juice.
Rubber, iodine and a heavy dosage of oak char create a smoky but one-dimensional bouquet. This is round and full in the mouth, with jammy black-plum and berry flavors that ultimately get overshadowed by char and bitter chocolate notes. Lasting barrel influence makes for a toasty, blackened finish.
Asphalt, animal hide, olive and herbal berry aromas spell out Carmenère. This is fresh and medium in body, with oaky, herbal plum and raspberry flavors that taste a bit burnt and crusty. Mint and herbal flavors carry the finish on this respectable value offering.
Ripe but rather light aromas of pear cider, honeydew melon and cherimoya make for an approachable, familiar nose on this appellation blend wine. Lots of soft nectarine and melon elements define the palate, with a pinch of sweet herbs, proving light, pleasant and playful.
Dusty mineral and pollen notes lend savory complexity to this bracing, taut wine full of lemon and lime flavors. It's austere in style, yet attractive for it's earthy nuances. The finish meanders with cool, steely polish.
Perfumed plum and red-berry aromas are welcoming. Like most of the Bocopa wines, this is fresh and simple, with easy drinkability. Plum and berry flavors may rank as standard, but this Tempranillo is well executed as well as long and juicy on the finish.
Lightly horsey, leathery aromas of black fruits come with a heavy oak component. This is tight and tannic, with dark, woody black-plum flavors that are highly permeable to oak character. A grabby finish is short and hard.
Appealing aromas of yellow apple, pear and spice lead to a deftly styled palate with lightly creamy fruit flavors.
A majority varietal, with 10% Roussanne blended in, the whole is then aged in stainless steel. This white is fuller-figured than many, with big, bold flavors of fig and vanilla. It finishes crisply with just the slightest accent of anise.
This brawny blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot offers subdued aromas of raisin, black currant, bell pepper and a whiff of menthol. The evolved palate offers toast, coffee and hints of dried black fruit alongside the warmth of evident alcohol.
Toast, oak, underbrush, pressed rose and coffee aromas lead the way. The palate delivers roasted coffee beans, coconut, licorice and mint but it lacks fruit richness. Astringent tannins give a mouth-drying finish. This is already tired so drink soon.
This is a touch stalky and leathery up front, with animal and wild berry scents. Choppy acidity makes for a perky mouthfeel, while rustic, leathery flavors of baked plum finish earthy, oaky and a touch salty.
This is a Merlot-dominant blend, with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. At first tight, spicy and herbal, it then blossoms with dark, deep juicy black fruits. The finish is long and trim, bringing in more complexity, with coffee, cassis and espresso. Drink now through 2025.
Still very young, this is a wine with power and concentration, Dark fruits and tannins show strongly, propelling the wine to a rich future. Old vines give density while bringing out black plum and blackberry flavors. It's a wine to age, drink from 2017.
Hot gravel and tart cranberry aromas are vividly enhanced with roasted jalapeño pepper notes on this small-batch wine from one of the region's more quality-focused producers. There's lots of fun flavor on the palate, with a bell pepper element quickly evolving into black raspberry and cherry fruits, picking up dusty leather in the midpalate and finishing on fudge brownie.
Smoky black-fruit aromas come with oaky influences of lemon rind, leather and black pepper along with minerality. A ripe, dense palate offers blackened flavors of plum and cassis, while a long, peppery, herbal and spicy finish is staunch but lush and oaky enough to give off rooty, lemony afternotes. Drink through 2021.
Hot blueberry paste, fudge and wet gravel make for an in-your-face nose on this bottling of a three-acre block of the Valley View Vineyard by regional growing pioneer Louis Lucas and retired Judge Royce Lewellen. The palate shows black cherry laced with espresso and black-rock minerality, and an ageable acidity. It could be a cellar classic, but it's tasty right now.
This is a succulently juicy, light wine that is refreshing from start to finish. A wealth of jasmine, crisp apple and white peach combine effortlessly on the palate. With a kick of creaminess and power on the finish, it's the ideal wine for tapas and appetizers of all flavors.
This is a complex and lively dessert wine, with concentrated quince and honeysuckle on the nose, as well as tangerine skin and the slightest touch of white rock minerality. It's soft on the palate, with a bitter grapefruit-pith twist, showing flavors of golden honey, lemon balm, chamomile and chive.
There's a noticeable stemmy quality on the nose of this incredibly intriguing, almost mysterious wine, with green and pink peppercorns, crushed coffee beans and squeezed blueberry fruit aromas. A woodiness pervades the palate too, where roasted poblano chile meets with smoked cigar, lavender, dried berries and asphalt. It evolves steadily while open, and will drink with fascination 2016–2028.
This is rich and oaky in honey and graham cracker yet completely well integrated in terms of tannin and power. Silky smooth, it invites with compelling layers of apple, pear and fresh-squeezed blood orange, finishing roundly satisfying.
The Justice cuvée pushes the fruit forward, with clean strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by streaks of pine needle. Behind that, one senses a wine still knitting itself together, dropping off a bit in the midpalate. The tannins have a pleasant tea-leaf taste. It's best to tuck this away until 2016–2017.
This is a thrilling example of just how good Oregon Pinot Blanc can be. Lush and captivating flavors conjure up fresh-baked apple pie, along with citrus, melon and a streak of creamy vanilla. The depth and persistence are exceptional.
The winery produces two old-vine Pinots from estate-grown fruit; this shows a touch more concentration and complexity. Black-cherry cola, smoke, earth, tobacco and even a faint whiff of the barnyard all mingle, leading the taster down an engaging flavor trail that winds gracefully into a lingering finish. Drink now through 2022.
Mostly varietal, with 6% Cabernet Franc, this wine is leathery on the palate, with flavors of black licorice, blackberry and dried herb. Well balanced, it's concentrated and juicy, and worth cellaring through 2021.
Fresh, dark strawberry aromas mix with allspice, cinnamon strudel and cherry blossom scents on this wine from a renowned Los Gatos vineyard. The palate is more restrained, quite tight and wound up at first, with cranberry and iron flavors that open to darker red fruits with lots of oregano and garden spices. Drink 2018–2025.
While the wine has considerable power and richness, it is the fresh character that's most noticeable. The firm tannins and dark structure are shot through with black currant acidity and fresh berry fruits. Drink from 2017.
This prestige cuvée from Jacquart is a blend of grand and premier crus, giving a wine that is rich, round and approaching maturity with a dense, deep series of fruit and creamy toast flavors. It's a beautiful Champagne at this stage, poised between youth and maturity. The aftertaste leaves a crisper, fruitier end.
This blend of 48% Merlot, 35% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon is plush and accessible, with attractively ripe notes of brambly blackberry, raspberry and cherry on the nose and palate. Soft, spicy tannins lend the wine a crushed-velvet texture, while hints of licorice, vanilla bean, fruitcake spice and black tea add depth to the medium-weight mouthfeel and linger long through the finish. Drinkable now, but should hold well through 2020.
The Warre's style is for unfiltered Late Bottled Vintages, which means they are can age in bottle. This wine, now released at 12 years is a case in point. In richness and in structure it is more like a fast aging Vintage Port. It is full of dark fruits, dense tannins and great concentration. A very fine wine, it is ready to drink.
This is a finely perfumed wine that has plenty of juicy black currant flavors. Fresh initially, it then develops ripe tannins and a character that emphasizes fruit and a dense aftertaste. It is ready to drink, although because it is unfiltered it will also age well and can be drunk until 2020.
A vivid gold color distinguishes this grand wine at the first glance, and then lightly spicy aromas and a gorgeous combo of buttery and fruity flavors come forward. Generous flavors make it very compelling, while the texture that is at once lightly acidic and smooth completes the package.
This wine impresses, with cedar, black cherries, dill and licorice on the complex nose. Sagebrush and blueberries power the palate, which also shows charred beef, asphalt and smoked meats. This is proving to be a very heavy and deep wine.
A uniquely floral nose from this historic producer shows damp herbs, red licorice, rose petals and rose hips. It's relatively light in body, with sleek raspberry and red cherry fruit clinging to a pencil lead and graphite core. Marjoram and more herbs emerge on the midpalate.
A blend of two clones (MV6 and 114), this is a floral wine that blends ripe cherries with more savory notes of mushroom and smoke. The oak is wonderfully understated, which allows the fruit complexity to shine and leaves the fruit tannins to glide easily across the palate. Drink now–2025.
Whatever the Jackson family does in Santa Maria works quite well, including this wine. The wondrous nose shows chives, exotic pears, mandarin pith, sesame seeds, a touch of smoke and chalky grip. On the palate, flavors recall fried green apple peels, lemon juice, quince, star fruit and lemon pith.
Smoky blackberry aromas introduce a blocky, ripe, chewy palate with full-force weight, extraction and tannins. Bold flavors of baking spices, clove, blackberry and plum end with chocolaty notes. This is a ripe, globular wine with definition and clarity to go with powerful, ripe flavors. Drink through 2024.
More dry-farmed wizardry from this reliable producer, this blend of 61% Tannat, 15% Zinfandel, 14% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon shows violet, tobacco, beef char and dried purple flowers on the nose. The palate offers asphalt, rosemary-crusted lamb and complex gamy flavors.
A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, this is much more firmly tannic and structured than most such Australian blends. Grilled meat, red plum, black tea and rose hip notes are crisp and firm on the palate. Drink 2015–2023, and possibly beyond that.
Made from organically farmed grapes, this delicious 100% Sangiovese launches with an intense fragrance of wild cherry accompanied by whiffs of Mediterranean herbs and aromas that recall meat juices. The succulent black cherry flavors are accented with notes of white pepper, cinnamon and clove alongside polished tannins. It's well-balanced and surprisingly fresh for the vintage. Chartrand Imports, Savio Soares Selections, Natural Wine Company.
Aromas of butterscotch, honeyed apricot, beeswax and honeysuckle transfer seamlessly onto the palate and are joined by flavors of sweet golden raisins and vanilla caramel. There's nice balance between sweetness and acidity, and a delightful touch of creaminess graces the finish.
For a traditionally rather burly grape variety, this Mourvèdre is surprisingly silky in texture. That tender thread runs from start to finish, cosseted by hints of boysenberry, plum and vanilla and ending on notes of mocha and roasted meat. Drink now–2020.
Grown in a chalk and flint soil, this is a strongly textured, tight wine. It has a dense mineral character, steely and with layers of citrus. Very dry, very young, this impressive wine needs to age until 2015 before drinking.
Ripe, juicy and spicy, this is already surprisingly delicious considering its solid, dark structure. Black fruits burst out, along with a sweet-and-sour character from acidity and ripe fruit flavor. It is also a good wine for aging, so drink through 2022.
Intense, focused and also quite floral on the nose, this blend of Malbec, Cab Sauvignon and the Italian variety Ancellotta is all about the fruit. Flavors of fig, blackberry and cassis ride nicely on a smooth, chewy palate. On the finish, this is layered, deep in feel and toasty in flavor. Drink this impressive, full-bodied blend now through 2018.
Scents of smoke, grilled nuts and pineapple give way to a rambunctious medley of citrusy flavors on the palate. Tangerine and pineapple notes give a zesty edge to this medium- to full-bodied wine and impart a refreshing quality to the finish. Drink it over the next several years.
This starts off a bit nutty and funky, but give it time in the glass and it delivers bright aromas of nectarine and grapefruit in addition to the nut and dough notes. Despite this wine's weight and richness, it's crisply focused on the finish, where its grapefruit flavors really linger. It should prove relatively long-lived, but I'd still opt for drinking it over the next few years.
Fuller bodied than the other Kumeu River 2010s, the Coddington Chardonnay displays subtle oak shadings on the nose, then explodes into an array of ripe mango and peach on the palate, underscored by just enough citrus to keep things fresh on the long finish. Drink now–2016.
This bold blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc leads with aromas of ripe plums, graphite and a hint of coffee and balsamic herbs. The soft, concentrated palate delivers ripe black berries, chocolate and mocha. A licorice finish arrives alongside velvety tannins and the warmth of evident alcohol. It's delicious but fast approaching its ideal drinking window.
Tropical mango and guava flavors are cut by racy lime and lemon acidity on this intensely ripe, yet dry, full-bodied Riesling. The palate is lush and weighty, with a smoky, mineral character that lends elegance and complexity.
Made from organically farmed grapes, this structured wine opens with an intense fragrance of violets, iris, leather and Mediterranean herbs. The concentrated palate delivers layers of rich, wild cherry, mocha, white pepper and clove alongside bracing but fine tannins. This needs time to unwind and develop complexity. Drink 2015–2025.
With ample power under its engine, this Ferrington Vineyard Pinot is rich in cranberry and red cherry, soft and lilting in texture yet nuanced in toasty oak. Big on the finish, it'll beautifully withstand a few more years on its own before opening, the acidity lively enough to keep flavors vibrant yet mellowed.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this lively, structured wine opens with aromas of underbrush, violet, woodland berries and peppery notes. The succulent palate delivers a core of vibrant red cherry accented with white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla alongside solid but refined tannins. Delicious now but hold a few years for complexity. Drink 2015–2010. Votto Vines Importing, Slocum & Sons, Genesis Marketing Concepts.
A gold-colored wine, intensely sweet and with intense acidity. The combination gives a wine that is lemon and honey in a glass. There is a liquorous feel to the smooth texture. And it is still very young. Drink after 2017.
A bright Pinot from a great spot, this wine takes a while to open, especially aromatically, but once it does it has a lot to say. Structured and soft, it's meaty in savory cranberry and earth, bright with fruit and acidity. Cellar until 2017–2019 and it should have even further built up its vocabulary.
Fruity notions of apple juice and fresh apple peel are signalled on the nose. The palate follows more softly than expected and shows a balanced, textured dryness in this very clean, almost taut Riesling.
Fragrant aromas of green pear and apple mix with a riper peach note on the nose. With 10% aged in French oak, this Chardonnay trends toward the unoaked style—light bodied, crisp and fruit-forward. The streamlined, citrusy palate takes on a crunchy pear flavor, lightly dusted with talc.
Produced from vineyards in the mountains away from the coast, this cool wine still gives free rein to the richness of Vermentino. There is an herbal touch, some spice and ripe apricot flavors. Balanced and fruity now, it will be better from 2016.
The producer has a lonely half-acre of this variety, unusual to California, on its estate. This bottling is 100% varietal, providing a tangy taste experience of subdued red fruit and low tannin and oak. Like many hearty, full-bodied reds, it could use food to balance out its concentration and weight.
This elegant, savory red opens with aromas of wild berry, baking spice and a whiff of toast. The supple palate offers sour cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of cinnamon alongside silky tannins. Enjoy through 2016.
There's a dark green dankness on the nose of this single-vineyard wine, with wet basil and damp oregano mixing with lawn cuttings and dark-green lime peels. The sip shows tangy lime zest, lime juice and a wet-cement minerality.
Just-squeezed lime mixes with soda for a light, refreshing aroma on this wine from the longtime Sauv Blanc producer in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. The palate is all citrus, with lime sorbet and lemon-pith flavors.
Dense but not overpowering aromas of iron, cherry jelly, dried cranberries and black rocks show on this wine, a combo of the Pommard and 2A clones. It's fairly lush at the tip of the sip, with smoked-meat flavors, but then stays reserved down the middle, with pencil lead, cranberry fruit and sanguine notes into the finish.
This is a deliciously refreshing wine. It's acidity and red-currant fruits are bright, crisp and right up front. The rounder, caramel and spice backdrop to all this fruitiness makes it just right for the table.
Very ripe pear fruit is dangerously close to tipping over into cloying richness, almost hinting at cream soda. The palate is less overwhelming. As always, that special streak of Alsace acid saves the day.
Aromas of honeysuckle and orchard fruit lead the nose. The fruity palate doles out white peach, green apple and a hint of white almond alongside lively acidity. A mineral note signals the close.
Aromas of cassis, Alpine herbs and a whiff of menthol lead the nose. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, redcurrant, espresso and ground black pepper alongside firm but refined tannins. Drink through 2016.
Tart and ripe in grapefruit and lime, this is an easygoing quaff with buzzy acidity that will be enjoyable on a summer's day or at a casual gathering. Light, it finishes muted and fast.
Gritty, tarry aromas of black olive and raspberry lead to a hard palate with choppy acidity. Sizzling plum and currant flavors come with a burnt note, while a long finish is bolstered by preserving acidity. This is a patented Chilean Cab: expect a heavy herbal character centered around olive and eucalyptus.
A healthy percentage of Sauvignon Musque sets the tone for this creamy and somewhat spicy white wine, a mix of vanilla and unctuous fig that finds a balance with flavors of crisp, green apple and melon. Fresh acidity keeps the fullness of the wine in check.
Iconic Sauvignon Blanc notes of pink grapefruit, gooseberry, mango and papaya shine brightly on the nose and palate. Ample weight, with balanced acidity and crisp, clean flavors mark this well-made wine at a bargain price.
Young and tightly wound, this wine from the family's Olivet Lane Vineyard is reduced and generous in oak and spicy dark cherry, its aromas resplendent in rose petal. Layered and soft, it's big on complexity and plush textures, with a lengthy, caramel-and cola-laced finish.
Cherry and cassis aromas come across as generic, not spicy, complex or particular. This Cab Franc is aggressive and tannic as it spreads out, with ripe berry, caramel and burnt brown-sugar flavors. Additional caramel sweetness joins chocolaty heat on a ripe finish.
Very light and slightly sweet in style, this low-alcohol bottling offers stone fruit, lemon juice and peels, and the slightest hint of petrol on the honeyed nose. Exceedingly bright and crisp on the palate, the peachy sweetness is cut by a nearly bubbly acidity. It would be great for pool parties.
Equal parts Viognier and Roussanne, this offers aromas of ripe peach and flowers that lead to dry, full-bodied flavors that taper toward the finish.
Aromas of pear and toast are followed by apple pie and spice flavors that show a pleasing mixture of fruit and barrel. It delivers a lot of wine for the money.
Charred earth, smoke, roasted coffee bean and raisin aromas come together on this. The brawny palate offers prune, blackberry jam, licorice and mocha alongside tightly packed tannins that leave a drying, rather astringent finish.
Cherry-raspberry notes show on the nose of this appellation blend from a Paso producer, along with eucalyptus and cedar. The palate is straightforward, with cranberry, raspberry, pencil lead and a bit of tar.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers aromas of cherry cola, espresso and black cherry. Black plum flavors are enhanced by a medley of spice including cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. A strong network of tannins lingers on the palate into the persistent finish. Called Kekfrankos in Hungary, this grape is more commonly known as Blaufränkisch.
Brawny, with a bite, this wine offers juicy blackberry and black cherry, along with Cab-like elements of clove that give spiciness. Medium bodied and well integrated, it was aged entirely in neutral oak, allowing the fruit to shine.
This is a generous, tightly wound vineyard-designate that tastes more full-figured than it lists in terms of alcohol, jammy in dark plum and cardamom. It finishes with a ripe robustness of dark cherry fruit flavor and hint of earth.
This is a shockingly low price for anything from Rutherford, let alone Cabernet Sauvignon, but sometimes why ask why? Dusty and powerful, it's well balanced in acidity and black fruit, finishing in leather and dark chocolate bound by leather.
Crisp lime acidity counters a sunny, lemon-cream disposition in this lusciously composed Chardonnay. The palate is silky in texture, lingering long and luxuriously on the finish.
A selection from the Würzburger Innere Leiste, this wine offers something of a conundrum: the aromas and flavors are on one hand those of cooked or stewed fruit, while at the same time the wine is light-bodied, silky and vibrant. Worth a try.
Exceeds even this producer's stunning beerenauslese, featuring an even more intoxicating perfume of honey, dried apricots and candied pineapple, with slightly more acidity to provide balance to the extra level of sweetness, so much so that this wine comes across as refreshing on the finish, despite the incredibly high levels of sugar. Drink now–2050, possibly longer.
From a vintage not known for its supersweet selections, this wine is a revelation. Honey and bergamot notes mingle easily on the nose, while the palate unfolds to reveal layers of honey, dried apricots and orange marmalade. It's rich, viscous and concentrated without any heaviness, with a finish that's sweet and lingering. This should age through 2040 easily.
Shows stalky hay on the nose along with apple and lemon drop. The palate is crisp, focused and elegant, with driving acidity and bright flavors of apple, lemon and nectarine. As a barrel fermented wine, it's lightly woody as it finishes long and strong. 90% Viura with Malvasia.
Dainty aromas of fresh apple and freesia are juxtaposed gorgeously against a striking tinge of petrol. While initially soft and honeyed, Sheldrake's Dry Riesling is remarkably lean with a steely minerality and focused, lime-inflected acidity.
Oily and tropical on the nose, with pungency and clarity. The palate is full, layered, plump and loaded with lychee, honeydew and green herb flavors. Provides good feel and just enough acidity to make for a long ending.
This wine—sold direct only through the winery —gets better with time, with stony, cherry and cardamom brightening up through the tannins as the wine has a chance to breathe. Big and full, V. Sattui gets its grapes from mostly Lake County, rounding it out with a smaller percentage of Napa Valley fruit, as well as a handful from Dry Creek. Very solid.
Rounded and rich wine, its acidity pushing through firm tannins and lively red fruits. There are both freshness and structure here, with final juiciness.
Tight citrus and apple fruits give a distinct texture to this single-vineyard wine. It has young acidity that will soften in a few months, layered with grapefruit and green apples. Screwcap.
From a selection of parcels, this cuvée is, for the vintage, concentrated and rich. Firm and tough tannins do show, although the dominant character is sweet fruit.
Big, dark and bold, with smoky aromas of bacon and blackberry. The palate is firm and tannic, with wild berry flavors and weight that transitions into herbs, spice and licorice on the finish. A big wine that rounds together well.
Accents of vanilla, fresh mint and graham cracker crumbs add a touch of complexity to the ripe black plum and cherry flavors on Comtesse Thérèse's Aquebogue Estate. Elegantly structured with a brisk, lean acidity and soft, powdery tannins.
Charred and rubbery smelling, but with earth, mocha, coffee and black fruit on the full and lusty nose. The palate is round and offers mocha-infused flavors of berry and black plum. The finish follows suit; it's creamy and oaky, but sweet and ripe. 300 cases made; drink now through 2013.
Bright and spicy, with a clean start and a pineapple heart. This runs from citrus right on through tropical fruit flavors, with a steely core that suggests it was done in stainless, with no malolactic. Solid and refreshing.
A spicy, bold, fruit-powered take on Pinot Noir. William Hill is the proprietor. The wine comes across as sort of a California-Oregon hybrid, mixing the slightly herbal, moderately tannic Oregon grapes with a fruit-forward, cranberry core.
Waxy white fruit aromas of peach and apple are a touch baked, with vanilla peeking through. The palate is smooth and offers good mouthfeel, while the flavors of lemon, apple and hay are good and finish buttery and creamy. Made by Finca Allende; 70% Viura and 30% Malvasia.
With a burnished gold tint, this oak-aged, mature Godello offers dry citrus aromas, hard spice and barrel notes. The palate is structured and holding its own, while oaky, oxidized flavors of orange and peach end with almond, wood resin and mature citrus flavors. Drink this interesting but unusual white now.
This small-lot, dry Pedro Ximénez is maderized and oxidized, but also interesting. The nose is waxy and resiny, with dusty peach and apricot aromas. In the mouth, it's complex and mature, however the flavors are bitter and subdued, with corn and wheaty notes. A bready, honeyed finish brings things around. Just 90 cases made.
The Acrobat bottling is one of Oregon's best sub-$20 Pinot Noirs, and a fine example of what might be called “new wave” styling. It's sleek, nervy, built on a spine of steel rather than wood. The bright berry fruit carries a pleasing hint of chocolate.
This is a warm, weighty Tempranillo with earthy, leathery, baked berry aromas. The palate is plump but solid and structured, with ripe, mildly salty tasting berry flavors that finish mossy and mature, with an abundance of oak-based vanilla and earth notes.
With dry, spicy, leafy aromas, this is pure, varietal Maturana, a grape only a handful of Rioja wineries are using. This version is lively, big and spirited, with reedy, leafy, black-fruit flavors and a long, spicy, full-bodied finish.
How do you make a Riesling this good and sell it for seven bucks? Juicy and fruity, it's absolutely loaded with citrus and stone fruit flavors, but offers supporting acidity, good length, and a touch of minerality.
This light, pretty, blended Pinot Noir trumps the winery's pricier cuvées in 2010. Strawberry candy fruit flavors are enhanced with light streaks of toast and baking spices, and hints of rose petals elevate the finish. A simple, delightful bottle for near term enjoyment.
Crisply defined, this cuvée, from a vineyard well to the north in the Willamette Valley, has highlights of pine and herb. The fruit is a mix of pomegranate and orange peel, sharp and penetrating.
The wine served at Vienna's famed Opera Ball, this is crisp, herbaceous with apple and citrus fruits already showing a totally refreshing character. It would benefit from a few months in bottle. Screwcap.
From the Heideboden vineyard, this mineral, structured wine has serious, dark fruits and an initial austerity. Spice, firm tannins and a dark character offer the potential for aging over a good few years–give it at least 4. Screwcap.
A dry, earthy bouquet with leather, spice and typical Chilean herbal-berry aromas leads to a concentrated palate with creamy oak and earthy weight counteracted by firm tannins. Flavors of baked blackberry, cassis, nutmeg and herbs finish with cinnamon, licorice and raw oak notes.
Aromas of vanilla, stewed red berry, leather, cheese and heat indicate a ripe wine entering it's peak years. This is tannic and grating in the mouth, with syrupy flavors of prune and chocolate. The finish carries a baked character along with flavors of raisin and liqueur. Drink now.
The wine feels very dense, juicy, dark and concentrated. It has a huge feel to it, a powerful wine that will need several years to fully soften and round it. And, At 15.5% alcohol, this is way too heavy for a Bordeaux.
The second wine of Château Chauvin is a structured, perfumed wine with its high proportion of Cabernet Franc giving much of its potential richness and spice. The tannins are solid and will always show well as an integral part of this complex wine.
Full, rich and fruity, this is a ripe wine. It is finely poised between this richness and a more delicate, fruity character, lively and bright. Age for a few months, although you can drink the wine now.
The winery's seldom-made reserve, this is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Syrah. Among a stellar group of 2009 J. Bookwalter reds, this is the toughest to decipher—at least at first. It shows good balance, a forward, fruity start, and then a descent into very dark, very toasty barrel flavors.
For lovers of the bone-dry Riesling style, this exceptional effort could become the poster child. Astringent and crisply defined, with elegant focus, this grapefruit- and citrus-scented wine boasts powerful minerality, estate-grown definition and a resonant, lingering finish.
The steep Monts Damnés Vineyard is one of the top sites in Sancerre. It has produced a wine that is both concentrated and aromatically fruity. It is stylish and full of acidity, with white fruits and tight structure. Ready for aging over several years.
Balancing a ripe lime flavor with a note of rich peach and acidity, this shows the ability to age. Even though it is delicious now, it will age over several years.
An impressive blend from some of the top vineyards in Sancerre, this is a rounded, smooth, almost toasty wine. It has flavors of spice as well as green and citrus fruits. Full in the mouth and intense, age this for at least two years.
Sadly, only one barrel was made of this exceptional wine, from what may be the best site for Malbec in the entire state. It's a mouth-teasing mix of plum, cherry, cola, chocolate and clean loam, with silky tannins and a hint of Bourbon on the finish.
This is concentrated and stout on the nose, with roasted black-fruit aromas bolstered by coconut, tobacco and cool-earth accents. The palate is thick, rich and layered with black fruit extract and tannin, bearing flavors of dark plum, baked blackberry, savory spice and BBQ sauce. It's smooth, deep and long on the finish, with notes of coffee, vanilla and mocha. A monster wine with class. Drink now through 2018.
Sourced from the Seven Hills vineyard, this deep and dark Syrah offers rich black-cherry and cassis flavors. The palate is dense and complex, with beautifully integrated charcoal, gravel, earth and espresso components.
Sourced from the Clifton Hill vineyard, this is a supple and fruity Syrah, with exceptional depth of flavor. A mix of tart cherry and plum fruit, it's annotated with notes of graphite, ash, tobacco and dark chocolate.
Estate grown and skillfully made, blended with 9% Cabernet Franc, this captivates with its sophistication and elegance. The Cabernet Franc brings some floral highlights to the nose, while the sturdy Merlot—dressed in accents of incense and sandalwood, cocoa and cinnamon—powers its way through a marvelously long finish.
Easygoing oak wraps around tart acidity in this simply conceived, straightforward and easy-to-like white. It's light bodied and crisp, with green apple and Meyer lemon flavors.
This is green and grassy upfront, but in an attractive way, with pungent notes of sweet grass, verbena and lime leaf at the fore. The lightweight palate offers additional notes of lemon-lime and green plum that carry through to the mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2018.
Bright green apple and herb flavors and light to medium body make this non-oaky wine refreshing and lean in profile. It has appetizing acidity, a great sense of freshness and a lingering finish.
This is an easy-drinking, harmonious blend of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette. Pineapplle, anise and marshmallow aromas lead into well-rounded flavors of pineapple and melon. Drink now.
Lightly sweet and rich in both flavor and body, this wine has generous ripe pear and peach notes accented with coconut and vanilla. A layered effect to the flavors and an especially creamy texture make it very tempting.
Bright and light on its feet, this is a pleasant and sunny wine that's loaded with crisp citrus and green apple aromas and flavors. There's a subtle, surprising smoothness to the palate, though zippy acidity picks up on the midpalate and through the clean finish. Drink now.
This wood-aged wine has spicy aromas. On the palate, it's creamy and toasty, its ripe fruit and tangy texture giving it richness. Acidity keeps it crisp and fruity. Drink from late 2017.
Medium bodied and fresh-tasting, this well-balanced wine emphasizes its apple and lemon flavors without much oak intervention. It has refreshing acidity and a clean finish.
From the Bouyssou family estate, this structured wine is perfumed, ripe with black fruits and firmly based on serious tannins. It has weight and richness with spice and concentration. At the end, the acidity is crisp and juicy. Drink from 2019.
Organically grown fruit, aged in new wood for 12 months, creates this rich smooth wine. With a juicy oxidative character, it is soft and round. Yellow fruits and spice come together in a wine that is now ready to drink.
This is not nearly as rich and plush as La Nerthe's luxury-level Cuvée des Cadettes, but remains a very good wine. Red plum and red currant fruit is medium-bodied, supported by bright acids, while some slightly ashy notes and a hint of cocoa emerge on the crisp finish.
This is Alain Gayraud's estate wine. With 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot, it certainly shows some of the tannins typical of the grape. At the same time, it has attractive berry fruits and balanced acidity. It has a light touch that will make it ready to drink soon. Drink from 2018.
Aromas of honeysuckle and ripe peach lead to lightly spritzy medium-sweet stone-fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal.
This Zinfandel-based wine, which blends 13% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah, shows strawberry, cherry, baking spice and cola aromas. There is decent tannic tension on the palate, and the flavors—sarsaparilla, cola, stewed plum and clove spice—are easily enjoyable.
This bottling from the Beckett brothers—bolstered with 14% Syrah—is yet another crowd-pleaser from their stylish, affordable label. Plump black-fruit aromas meet iodine and dried purple-flower notes on the nose. The palate is rich and soft at first, growing tannic over time, with dark purple-fruit flavors that last long into the finish, edged in bright acidity.
Grown at 1,800 feet, the vines for this wine benefit from the cool conditions needed to develop aromatic intensity. With crisp acidity combined with spiced pear and nutmeg flavors, it's both tightly textured and very fruity. Drink now.
Mild with raspberry flavor and soft, integrated oak and tannin, this full-bodied wine is comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon and imparts a characteristic Rutherford dustiness on the palate.
From vineyards on the cooler south bank of the Serein, this wine is crisp and tightly coiled despite the warmth of the 2015 vintage. It's built on a backbone of sturdy minerality, fleshed out with crisp, citrus fruit, and will be ready to drink from late 2017.
This opens with aromas of coconut, tilled soil, stewed plum and mocha. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, dried black cherry, espresso and a confectionery note alongside the heat of scorching alcohol and velvety tannins. It's already rather evolved and accessible. Drink through 2020.
This twist-top take on a red Italian table wine is perfect for pizza, pasta or hamburgers, with black plum, cola and pressed purple flower aromas. Olallieberry, plum and licorice flavors show on the quite-dry palate, making it a solid weekday wine.
With its intense acidity, refreshing citrus fruit and lime zest-like texture, this is a lively, bright and crisp wine. It's balanced with a firm backbone of acidity to keep everything brisk and delicious. Drink now.
Forgoing wood aging, this wine is attractively fruity and crisp. Ripe apple and pear flavors fill out its frame of lemon fruit and bright acidity. Pineapple and white peach notes complete the picture. Drink now.
Plush yet structured tannins and juicy, easygoing cassis and cranberry flavors allow this wine to sing. Deeper black fruit touches complement the brightness, adding power and concentration.
This opens with pure aromas of green plum, gooseberry and fresh herbs—the herbal notes so prominent, it's almost reminiscent of a men's fragrance. The lightweight palate is bright in acidity and crisp, tart lime-focused flavor. Drink now.
Pronounced notes of struck flint and burnt matches take quite a while to dissipate, but reveal prettier tones of lemon, grapefruit and lime aromas with aeration. It's a smoky savory wine with delicate fruit concentration but it's also zesty and refreshing.
Modest pear, pineapple and lemon oil scents mark the nose, while the palate suggests marshmallow, pear and melon. This is full bodied and slightly honeyed in style, with a long, plush finish redolent of ripe citrus. Drink now.
This is an approachable, affordable wine that impresses on every level. It combines raspberry, vanilla and plum flavors with juicy, moderate acidity and rounded texture, the fruit accented with clove, cedar and bay leaf notes.
Zippy lemongrass and white grapefruit flavors penetrate this vibrant but richly mouth-filling Spätlese. It's juicy, forward and accessible yet elegant, finishing with reverberating lime and lemon-zest astringency. Drink now through 2020.
While bolder in body and a more brambly and earthy than the 2015, Grafen Neipperg's Trollinger is attractive for its crisp sour cherry and plum flavors. Brisk acidity and soft, feathery tannins linger nicely on the finish. Drink now.
Aromas of pineapple, lemon and stone fruits lead into a palate that is ripe and round, with apple butter and pear flavors. The finish is dry and fairly simple, with banana-like richness and tropical fruit notes, but also some late bitterness. Just two things hold it back: The texture is a bit flat, and the acidity could use a jolt.
The aromas are a touch prickly and sharp, and there's some heavy oak on the nose. But in the mouth it's more harmonious, with sweet fruit and more than enough barrel spice. The finish is simple and clean, so it fades away nicely. The only problem is a lasting salty, wood-dominated essence.
Its sharp grassy and gooseberry aromas are the type normally associated with Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, grapefruit and passion fruit flavors further drive home that impression, but it's labeled Chardonnay, and that's what it is. The acidity is nice so the mouthfeel is fresh.
There's plenty of oak to this solid, peppery Merlot that's also a touch green. The cassis and cherry fruit that drives the palate is healthy and sturdy, while the finish features some tight-grained oak and firm enough tannins. Maybe too much oak given the fruit quality.
This solid Sauvignon is lean and focused, yet manages to show some ripe melon (specifically cantaloupe) flavors to go with its core of tart limes.
A light, lemony, refreshing quaff. Zippy, citrusy and clean, with a tart, malic finish, this is made to whet your summertime appetite.
Buttery and richly oaked, with some apple and pear flavors underneath, this wine is okay—if you're okay with oaky wines. Finishes with a torrent of vanilla flavors.
At first the nose is scattered, offering iodine and Italian herbs but little fruit. In the mouth, blackberries appear. The finish is a bit like coffee. This wine has some character and appeal but also some fading characteristics. Maybe this 1998, never a great year, is just too old.
Ripe and ready, with powerful dark fruit. This is a fine “starter” Cab from Chile and Concha y Toro, one that will impress novices and satisfy the high-end drinker as well. The palate is slightly sugary, but the black fruit is ripe and tasty. And the tannins are there, as they should be, although they're not overwhelming. Best Buy.
Bright violet in color and well extracted, but also vegetal. You'd think from the hue and vintage that it would be seamlessly ripe, but it seems green at the core. Thus while it delivers texture, rich plum fruit and tannic structure, there's a gap in  clarity of fruit flavor.
This is an elegant, smooth wine with fresh clean fruit aromas. It has crispness, concentration and just a hint of spice.
At first this wine is a touch skunky and strange, but they say time heals all wounds, and such is the case here. As it unfolds in the glass the wine offers sweet berry fruit and some wood notes. The finish is a little like beets and spice, but in that there's intrigue and appeal. Good tannins and acids ensure a proper mouthfeel.
Smells lemony, making you brace for a lean mouthful of tart fruit. But the flavors are riper, offering pear as well as citrus, and the finish actually ends up slightly soft.
Exotic and enticing at first, with penetrating lime, muskmelon and floral aromas. Flavors of melon and tropical fruit are simpler. A good bet for outdoor dining, thanks to its standout nose.
A bit spicy and murky at first, but with airing some cranberry and pepper notes come up strong. The fruit flavor falls squarely into the cherry category, yet it's sweet and a bit simple. Roundness and a nice body work in the wine's favor; overall it's fairly chewy and substantive.
Despite not being overly dense or powerful, the nose features ample berry aromas and a hint of herbal essence. The mouth delivers plum, cherry and berry fruit and then it goes spicy and oaky on the drying finish. Though not big and fat, there's substance and plenty of taste here.
The nose is mildly pickled, most likely a result of American oak barrels, but overall the wine is pretty and easygoing. The flavors of sugar beet and plum skin are good, and the tannic body ensures that it's not a lightweight eager to be knocked out in the early rounds. Best Buy.
Cranberry and raspberry comprise the red-fruit nose, and next is the aroma of horse hide and a heavy dose of oak. The fruity palate is all about plum and cassis, and on the finish everything is in place and the texture is firm.
Inviting aromas of dark berry, fragrant blue flower and a whiff of baking spice lead the nose. The chewy medium-bodied palate offers ripe red cherry, black raspberry, tobacco and a hint of espresso framed in tight fine-grained tannins. A hint of star anise closes the firm finish. Drink 2018–2023.
Made with 75% Corvina and 25% Corvinone grapes—organically grown and dried for 90 days—this opens with aromas of raisins, ripe plum and black pepper. The robust palate offers black currant, licorice, nutmeg and tobacco alongside close-grained tannins. Drink through 2022.
Intense mineral tones of smoke and crushed slate collide with fresh red cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate of this bang-for-your-buck rosé. Its concentrated fruit flavors are luscious and satisfying but also vibrantly structured, proving dexterous beyond the apéritif hour.
Don't let the near nonexistence of color fool you, because this is a nice racy-sweet Moscatel. Aromas of citrus peel and air freshener are mild, while this feels juicy. Tropical fruit and citrus flavors finish lean except for a touch of viscosity.
This blend of 87% Grenache, 8% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah is big, bold and robustly flavored, showing its youth. Juicy cherry and licorice flavors are edged in smoke and tannin. The cinnamon-laced finish is soft and long.
Soft and silky, this wine shows rich chocolate flavor and is light in oak and fleshy on the palate. Full-bodied and ripe, it finishes in a grip of dust.
This is a creamy, lushly textured white that's medium bodied and ample on the palate, with accents of well-integrated pear, vanilla and fennel flavors.
This combines 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah and 11% Cabernet Franc, the trio integrating perfectly, with density and tannic grip. Oaky vanilla notes enwrap jammy blackberry, clove and a dark chocolate flavors, its juiciness lingering long into the finish.
The Ondenc ranks high on the list of rare or neglected grape varieties. The wine forms part of a new range from this producer. Found in small quantities throughout the southwest but mainly in Gaillac, it has produced a pale gold colored wine, softly spoken and with light tangy acidity. There is a hint of honey in this fine wine, although it is dry. Drink now.
Vines from a number of growers on the lower slopes of Gevrey-Chambertin contribute to this wine. It has the plentiful tannins typical of the village yet also exudes attractive juicy red fruit. It will need another year or two to show its best, so drink from 2019.
This wine from the most northerly of the Côte d'Or appellations is a blend from multiple growers. It has red cherry and plum fruit with a fresh streak, typical of the vintage. Underlying firm tannins will sustain it as it ages. Drink from 2018.
This perfumed old-vine field blend is rich and stylish. It has weight without power, a fine combination of lively red fruit and firm tannins, and will age well for years. Drink from 2019.
As the name suggests, only 10 barrels of this rich expression of Alvarinho were produced. It has crisp acidity, ripe apple and apricot flavors and just a hint of the wood. An ageworthy white that will be better from 2018.
With aromas of black cherry and smoke, this inky garnet-colored wine features flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, clove, and coffee bean with a whiff of eucalyptus. Modest tannins offer a backdrop for a medley of fruit, spice and herb flavors that come to a head in a bracing finish with a touch of smoke.
This opens with aromas of blackberry, ground pepper and a whiff of graphite. The juicy savory, palate offers ripe black cherry, clove and licorice alongside fresh acidity and chewy tannins. Drink through 2021.
Lightly floral, this wine offers a medium-bodied wealth of stone fruit and pear, remaining fresh and lively on the finish despite ample succulence.
This is a lovely, funky and earthy blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Sangiovese. Light bodied in style, it imparts touches of mushroom, bouillon and leather around its core of black fruit, remaining savory in personality throughout.
Alidis is not the most consistent winery in Ribera del Duero, but this gran reserva gets it mostly right. Earthy, slightly mulchy and rubbery berry aromas lead to a saturated bulky palate. Saucy earthy flavors of black fruits finish gritty and a bit leathery, with a jammy weight and a lasting note of black coffee.
White spring flower, citrus and a whiff of tomato leaf lead the nose. Bright and linear, the palate offers juicy white grapefruit, pineapple and a hint of mineral alongside tangy acidity.
Low-intensity aromas of grilled apple, quince and pear purée dance on the bouquet, with a faint hint of straw in the background. Bright acidity and a pronounced citrus flavor results in a fresh and accessible mouthfeel, while the finish offers touches of toasted challah and clove. Drink now.
Tannic and robust, this reserve-tier wine offers smoothly chiseled tannin and full-bodied flavors like brick, black cherry, leather and clove. It begs to be paired with hearty meat dishes.
Extremely light in the glass, this bottling demonstrates both the delicate and action-packed aspects of the grape, much like many world-class Pinot Noirs. Vivacious and fruity bramble and hibiscus aromas meet with anise and nutmeg on the nose. The palate refreshes with red plum and spice flavors.
This is a classy, elegant expression of the variety, despite its brawn and ripe density. Fruit-forward, with blackberry and cherry flavors, it shows traces of vanilla, spicy pepper and smoky oak. The texture is soft, with subtle tannins.
Spry and sheer, this exceptionally light-bodied Kabinett offers piercing tangerine flavor with ethereal flair. Lemon-lime acidity enlivens the midpalate, carrying though to the zesty, electric finish. Drink now through 2020.
This well-made dry Furmint has a complex bouquet of citrus flowers, apple blossom and freshly cut white peach. In the mouth, there are flavors of peach, pineapple and passion fruit that dance on your tongue before the crisp acidic finish.
This wine has a classic personality: round and soft in tannin, with a chalkiness lurking behind herbal tobacco leaf, tomato, cedar and rose notes. Full-bodied, it doesn't hold back on ripeness but displays more savory character than fruit.
While plush blackberry, dried fig and cherry aromas are rich and ripe on the nose, this voluptuous Cab is surprisingly structured and taut on the palate. It's rich and luscious in red fruit yet firmly anchored with cranberry acidity and a fine firm fringe of tannins. It's amply lavished in vanilla, spice and toast, but wears these embellishments well.
A firm wine from a cool vineyard. It is structured, dry and solid, the fruit dominated by tannins. There is an austere character here that obviously needs time to fill out. Give it five years.
Brilliantly aromatic, this wine beguiles with exotic scents of plum pudding, spice cake, cherry compote, pipe tobacco, red licorice and raspberry jam. All that and more can be tasted—the wine is a riot of fruits and baking spices. This makes the best possible case for Mourvèdre as a stand-alone varietal wine here in Washington.
Stella Maris is priced well below the other Northstar wines, but can stand on its own with this kind of quality. Bursting with tangy berries and lively acidity, it feels sculpted and refreshing, deep and lingering. A lick of mocha and a finishing hint of licorice add to the pleasure.
A solid wine, finely constructed, its chunky tannins blending well with the red-plum-juice flavors. The acidity is important, along with the tasty cherry texture. Age for 3–4 years.
A sharp, spicy, beautifully-defined example of Washington Syrah. Purple berry fruits, lingering, focused, and intense. Tasted right at release, it is still sharp and woody, and very much in need of more bottle age. But the basic juice is exemplary, and the finish has a pretty, toasty ring to it.
This 100% Syrah is a supple and juicy, fruit-laden wine, bursting with blackberry, black cherry and cassis fruit. It is dense enough to add layers of mineral and mocha. Tannins are powerful and smooth, with a hint of green stem and pepper.
This offers a distinctive take on Boushey fruit, with a lot of green tea in the tannins. The berry flavors take a back seat to the vineyard's distinctive highlights of earth, cured meat, and Rhône-like bacon fat.
For a Grand Cru from Vosne-Romanée, this is a wine on the light side, its tannins soft and dominated by new-wood flavors. That said, it is still a fine wine, packed with ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The structure floats over the fruit; a few months and it may fatten out.
Potentially an aromatic wine that will develop a rich, velvety character. At this young stage, the fruit is dominated by firm tannins that sit at the heart of the wine. It has all the density for a good development, aging over 5–10 years.
This Bordeaux blend is solidly in the Darby style, but bigger and fuller and rounder than the other wines, with lovely, plummy aromas that lead into mouth-filling blackberry, cassis and cherry fruit. The use of 75% new oak is not intrusive; it's truly just an accent, and does not overtake the fruit.
Beautifully composed, with power and just as much precision and pizzazz. The nose offers lightly baked berry fruit notes, leather and spice, while the palate is loaded with tobacco, exotic spices and the finest natural berry flavors Spain has to offer. Smooth, elegant, finessed and potent, with integrated tannins and bold acidity that will keep it going for at least a decade. Drink from 2012 through 2018.
Talk about magnetic aromas of bacon, tobacco and bold black fruit, and then comes an oak-rich palate full of coconut, butter, chocolate and exotic berry flavor. Chocolate truffle and pastry work the finish, and overall this is a mile-deep beauty to drink from 2011 through 2017.
This one-of-a-kind offering from Chehalem celebrates what they are calling a “great” vintage. The wine is dark, supple and immensely rich and dense, yet retains a lightness that captures the elegance of the Pinot Noir grape while propelling it to rarified heights. The mix of red and purple fruits, herb, spice and earth all come together in a smooth and seductive wine that drinks like a dream.
This has a surprising amount of vanilla cream in the flavors, plus soft, seductive raspberry fruit. The fruit comes from the oldest part of the Maresh vineyard—38-year-old self-rooted vines. The wine is a pale rose, yet substantial in the style of a classic Pinot from Eyrie. After some hours breathing it opens up with elegant, seductive aromas and some caramel streaks, delicate and perfectly proportioned.
A beautifully ripe wine, layering all the dense botrytis of the vintage with freshest acidity. It has weight, the texture of grainy honey, ripe yellow fruits, mango and orange zest. Impressive and certainly for aging.
Make room in the cellar for this heavyweight! Talk about a monster wine; but there's also finesse, character and style to it. Alabaster is the top wine from the Eguren family's new Toro winery, and it's big, tannic and loaded with spice, molasses and syrupy black fruit flavors. Rich, long and fierce on the finish, with tannins and heat to resolve. Best from 2012 through 2020.
The nose starts out herbal and rowdy, but then settles down to offer basic pear and apple aromas. The palate is all pineapple and other racy fruits, but it's also sweet and a bit discordant. The long, driving finish doesn't really hit the mark, and it's a bit heavy and drying right through the last impression.
Slightly over the top and disjointed, the sweet honey, butterscotch, toast and baked Golden Delicious aromas and flavors at war with powerful acids. The elements are all here, just not working together.
Starts off decently, with menthol-toast aromas of new oak layered over apple and lime fruit. Then turns overly oaky on the palate, blending caramel, toast and dill flavors with tart apple, finishing off with a slice of lemony acidity.
Simple aromas of fruit and wheat are touched up by toasted oak. Lemon, citrus and pear flavors vie for attention here, but nothing really stands out. It finishes on the spicy side, but with a sweetness that seems to come from residual sugar.
Aromas are musky and nutty at the same time, but also mix in some grapefruit notes. It tastes largely neutral, except for a dollop of baking spices that turn aggressively peppery on the lean finish.
The ultralight color portends a light wine with pear and apple fruit, plenty of flowery sweetness and a surprisingly full, fresh finish. It's not a bad little wine, given its modest aspirations.
Simple melon and vanilla aromas and flavors in a lightweight wine. It'll go fine with carryout rotisserie chicken on a busy weeknight, when something else might be overkill.
Good party Chard. Nothing too complex or subtle, just mixed tropical fruit with a hint of wood and sweet fruit-cocktail flavors.
A heavyweight wine, loaded with cooked pear and apple flavors and accented by mint and cream. Like a real-life heavyweight, it's a bit ponderous in this crowd, albeit packed with flavor.
No oak means that the pear and melon flavors are front and center in this slightly syrupy wine that finishes unexpectedly hard and tart, with metallic notes.
This wine, unlike the regular Porta bottling, comes across fat and bulky. It's overloaded with tropical fruit and combative oak. And while better qualities seem to be fighting to show themselves, they can't seem to fake it past the glaring oak. This is for barrel lovers only.
The better side of the nose takes time to reveal itself. At first it's all apple cider, peanuts and popcorn, but then fresh apples and spice appear. In the mouth it's a little chewy, with more of that dominant apple character. A serviceable, drinkable wine, but nothing special.
A decent introduction to Aussie Chardonnay, this new line from Penfolds boasts plenty of sweet vanilla and peach flavors in a full and somewhat syrupy package.
Given this Chandon-owned winery's success with Malbec, you might hope for more here. But this fading Chardonnay doesn't have much going for it. It's flat, with pleasant clove-like aromas and cider-like flavors. It also finishes flat, indicating a short lifespan ahead of it.
The warm climate of the Barossa is reflected in the heavy, sweet fruit flavors. The melon, guava and honey aromas and flavors lack zip and definition but certainly don't lack for ripeness.
Made from the Dijon clone called 777, this wine is pretty on the nose, floral in black pepper and clove, a solid, softly textured effort from two vineyards, Leras and Pleasant Hill. Forested in pine, dried herb and cola, it closes out in round waves of juicy acidity.
Light and spicy, this deceptively robust, ripe cherry-cola wine lingers in acidity and a roundness of tannin that makes it both lush and plush, yet balanced. The oak is supportive without being intrusive.
Yet another example of the increasingly strong crop of rosé wines in recent vintages, this light-pink wine shows puréed strawberry and Big League Chew bubblegum aromas on the appealing nose. It's a lively wine on the palate, thanks to lime zest-powered acidity, with crisp pluot and just-ripe plum flavors as well as a touch more bubblegum.
Ripe Anjou pear, crisp lime, lemongrass, squeezed tangerine and apple blossom aromas show on this quite delicious and bright wine. There is a sizzling level of acidity throughout the sip, which offers lime, scratched grapefruit skin and tart apple flavors. A racy style done well.
Licorice, raisin and ripe, loamy black-fruit aromas open this blend that's heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Slightly jammy and flat in feel, this tastes ripe and soft, with lightly herbal blue-fruit flavors. A smooth, jammy finish indicates that this is ready to drink.
Floral, grapy aromas are exotic and herbal. High acidity creates energy but also a shearing sense. Currant, red plum and spice flavors end with a blast of blazing acidity and notes of baking spices, cocoa and herbs.
Loads of ripe fruit flavor, scads of fine-grained tannins for texture, and a sense of depth with complexity make this a wine to seek out. It's full bodied, dry, very bold but also well balanced for the long haul. Drink after 2019.
This light copper-colored, bright-tasting and dry wine made from Tannat grapes smells like watermelon and peaches, tastes fresh and lively and has a tangy texture. It was made in a serious style that will taste great with grilled seafood, gazpacho or tuna tartare.
This garnet-colored Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black cherry and wet river rock. In the mouth, there are flavors of black plum, black cherry and a touch of graphite before the smooth tannic finish.
This lower-priced Pinot from the Center of Effort team punches way above its weight in this vintage, showing light cherry-blossom and black-cherry aromas mixed with gamy meat and wet slate. Blackberry pie is cut with orange rind on the sip, with an earthy grip showing flavors of juniper, crushed clove and pipe tobacco.
This blend of the two classic grapes of Vinho Verde, Loureiro and Alvarinho, is packed with fruit. Apples, lemons and a touch of ripe pear just fill the palate. It is a dry wine, refreshing and crisp with a mineral aftertaste.
Underbrush, toasted hazelnut, licorice and wild berry aromas lead the nose. The straightforward palate shows raw red cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside firm but refined tannins.
Perfumed in dried herb and cigar, this is a supple, round, high-toned wine, made from largely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller additions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Dolcetto. Red cherry dominates, almost like a kirsch, while the restrained oak makes it easy to enjoy now.
Aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle entice your nose and flavors of lemon lime and apple cider excite your palate. This dry Hungarian Furmint has both a strong minerality and a crisp finish.
From a small sub-region of Lisboa, this stylish, structured wine is firm and tannic. It has plenty of ripe berry fruit to balance the tannins as well as acidity that cuts through the richness of the wine. It is ready to drink.
Underbrush, grilled porcini, roasted herb and menthol emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied, structured palate is initially closed but eventually reveals dark berry, white pepper, sage and orange zest alongside clenched tannins. It closes on a licorice note.
Full and round, this wine is fruity while smooth and rich. A layer of crisp acidity is surrounded by the generous white and yellow fruits, accented by a touch of toast and spice. Drink this wine from 2018.
Ripe and juicy, this dense wine offers red-fruit flavors shot through with acidity. The old vines give depth to the rich wine that finishes with layers of bright fruit. Drink from 2018.
The latest vintage of this white Pinot Noir is a pretty straw color, lacking the rich rose hue of the 2013, but the flavors remain robust and compelling. You'll find plenty of mixed tree fruits, along with suggestions of grass, herb, cracker and toast, with a youthfully yeasty aftertaste.
Back to previous high standards, this shows excellent concentration, freshness and purity. Crisp apple and pear fruits set up brightly against vivid acids. There's a light touch of buttery caramel running through the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Aromas suggesting rose water, leather, woodland berry, forest floor, cake spice and a balsamic note lead the way. The taut palate offers juicy black cherry, tart cranberry, baking spice and chopped herb alongside firm, polished tannins. A note of star anise closes the finish. Drink from 2018 through 2023.
This wine from vineyard close to the Atlantic coast is crisp, herbal and already refreshing. It has a touch of spice along with crisp lemon and warmer pear fruits. Tangy and juicy, it has a fresh, almost salty aftertaste. Drink from early 2017.
Bedecked with a large gold fleur-de-lis on the bottle, this wine is showy in flavor too, a rich, ripe celebration of California exuberance, full bodied in cranberry, cherry, orange and blackberry fruitiness.
This lively, crisp wine comes from a less than an acre of organically grown vines. It has big lemon and green-apple flavors as well as intense acidity that gives a juicy character. With its youthful freshness, it could do with a few more months to soften. Drink from 2017.
While it is not a premier cru, this wine conveys many of the precise red-fruit flavors of the Les Marconnets vineyard just below on the slope. It is finely perfumed, with the softness typical of the northern Beaune vineyards. Vivid strawberry and red-cherry fruits are already delicious and ready to drink.
This is no basic white Burgundy. With balanced wood aging and ripe fruit, it is rich and full in the mouth. It has tense acidity as well as an almost honeyed character. The wood fits well into this wine along with final acidity. It is ready to drink.
Soft and gentle in handfuls of rose petal and cardamom, this wine veers more savory than fruity, offering definite appeal to fans of a full-bodied yet more complex style. That exotic spiciness persists to the finish that adds length and breadth to the acidity.
An intensely herbal and ageworthy wine, this has tight acidity and a very fresh gooseberry character. With its intensity of flavor, it has something in common with New World Sauvignon Blanc—except this has terroir-driven minerality on the finish.
A bit of heat oozes off the bouquet, but it's mostly dense and sound, with blueberry, herb, tobacco and cola aromas. It feels tannic and rich, with baked berry, chocolate, prune and mint flavors. A five-grape Bordeaux blend that's jammy and New World in style, this is very ripe and a touch raisiny tasting on the finish.
An unusual blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Grenache, this sports aromas of berry, red licorice and wet animal fur. It feels medium bodied and juicy, with citrusy acids and flavors of red cherry, plum, raspberry and chocolate. Clean, potent and “red” in nature.
Already the structure is beginning to make way for ripe plum and damson fruits. With its firm structure, this is a complex and concentrated wine that will need to age over at least four years.
This is a limited production wine—a rich and firmly tannic. It has weight and density, backed plum skin and blackberry notes. It's all wrapped in a concentrated, structured package. Age for at least 4 years.
This is a concentrated wine that is structured and packed with red fruits and solid tannins. It feels weighty and rich; the juicy character is balanced by a firm, dry texture. For aging over several years.
This is fruity, balanced and full of blackberry flavor, with juicy acidity and an attractive perfumed character. Drinkable now, it should also mature well over 2–3 years.
On the nose, biscuit-crumb notes add a touch of sweetness to the crisp black-cherry and cassis scents. On the palate, darker tones of dried herb and briar patch contrast the lush black-fruit and violet flavors that linger luxuriously on the finish.
Intensely ripe on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet blackberries and cherries, this densely concentrated Merlot-based blend is an excellent offering from one of Long Island's best producers. Notes of sweet fruit and rose perfume soften the bold tannins and deeper tones of coffee and dark toast.
While this is supple and rich with loads of sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit, the penetrating minerality and a swathe of fresh flower and herb add depth and grace to this lovely Merlot. The tannins are still quite taut, yet they're ripe in nature. It drinks deliciously now, but it's structured enough to improve over the next five years.
Comprised of five Bordeaux grapes, this is buttery and round, with a fair streak of vanilla. It sports plump black-cherry and raspberry preserves, with polished tannins and highlights of fresh-cut tobacco.
Understated scents of red plum and fresh pear mingle sweetly with brioche and sugar cookie crumb on this gorgeous sparkling blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Dry, yet concentrated with crisp raspberry and rose petal flavors, it has striking acidity and a deeply penetrating minerality.
Tamarack does a fine job with its 100% varietal Cabernet Franc. It manages to be both muscular and elegant, with stylish, juicy boysenberry fruit set against a backdrop of earthy, granular, drying tannins, which provide excellent grip and length.
The old vine fruit lends delicate details of herb, rock and pepper. The flavors are nicely mingled and evocative, and the addition of 10% Merlot from Seven Hills adds further complexity. The wine spent 22 months in 60% new French oak, but the barrel flavors are gentle and well-integrated.
From the Sardon de Duero region that borders Ribera del Duero, this wine is big, minty and raisiny on the nose, with chocolate and leather aromas. It feels grabby and saturated, with prune, raisin and licorice notes that end in a bowl of prune purée. Very chunky and full bodied, this is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah.
This Margaux is full of firm tannins that parallel the fragrant blackberry and black plum touches. It has a dense structure, very much in line with the year, while the finish is juicy and fruity.
Friendly aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, pastry and vanilla are clean and welcoming. This is pure, racy and fresh in style, with a bright plum flavor. An honest wine with quality fruit and balance.
An awkward geranium aroma mars this firm and concentrated wine. It's dry and tannic, with a solid edge akin to black currant skin. The fruit is well hidden at this stage.
This is an attractive, relatively light Sauternes. It has a fine botrytis character that's already well integrated with the orange peel and honey flavors. Not for aging; ready to drink.
Ripe and juicy, this shows red fruits and soft, broad tannins. The fruity concentration gives it a generous feel. Keep for 2–3 years, or drink sooner.
Solid, concentrated and chunky, the dense black fruits surround a foursquare core of extracted dryness. Age for at least three years.
Juicy fruit is present in this wine, with firm, extracted tannins. It needs time to show its potential black-currant and berry notes. Give it 3–4 years.
Aromatic and herbaceous, this is a fresh red-currant- and citrus-flavored wine. With textured acidity and a bright, crisp character, it is developing well and it should be ready to drink in a few months.
Burnt caramel, vanilla and herbaceous dill notes lend an oaky feel to the dainty red-plum and violet flavors. The tannins are finely grained but persistent, extending the long, sour-cherry-flavored finish.
A great value Cabernet that's earthy and direct, this has just enough flavors of red and black cherry and tobacco, with soft tannins that keep the wine interesting through the long, slightly spicy finish. There are handfuls of estate-grown Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Malbec in the mix. Pair it with hamburgers.
La Mano smells dry and spicy, with modest but present oak aromas and vanilla-tinged plum and berry scents. It's angular in feel, but the flavors of oak-based black fruit and raspberry work. It finishes mild, with some oaky residue.
Sweet and jammy fruit flavors suggest canned cherry and plum. That sweetness is offset by the drying, earthy tannins and flavor of dried herb.
It shows the classic aromas of Alto Adige Sauvignon including crushed tomato vine, just-mowed grass and exotic fruit. The crisp, juicy palate offers cantaloupe, green melon, yellow peach, a hint of spice and mineral, with fresh acidity.
This elegant wine opens with fragrances of white flowers and green apple. The silky palate offers ripe pear, Golden Delicious apple and mineral alongside crisp acidity that leaves a clean, bright finish.
This savory wine opens with concentrated aromas of exotic fruit and green apples. The bright, juicy palate offers yellow peach, lemon zest and cantaloupe as well as crisp acidity. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
Smooth, rich, wood-aged Chardonnay dominates this ripe, complex blend. Soft and rounded, it provides the yellow fruit flavors and toastiness. The Arinto in the blend supplies the freshness. Together, they make wine a for aging. Drink from 2016.
With aromas of wood aging, this is a tropical fruit and spice flavored wine. It displays a strong sense of texture and freshness. It is already showing richness as well as a good sense of style. Drink from 2015.
Young and snappy with crisp green apple fruit flavors, this racy and nicely textured Pinot Gris shows excellent balance, concentration and length. Delicious now and should improve through 2017.
Smoke and earth lend a savory tone to fresh apple and lemon aromas on this dry, intensely concentrated Riesling. It's bold and weighty on the palate, but energized by a strike of lemon-lime acidity and soft white peach tones that linger on the finish.
Crushed mineral and waxy lanolin notes accent intense tangerine and quince flavors on this juicy off-dry Riesling. It's robust on the palate, yet elegant, with a rippling herbal flair.
This is a well-balanced blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira and Syrah. With its straight line in black fruits, dark tannins and lively acidity, it shows a fine structure and a good future. Touches of leather, chocolate and the wood aging all add interest. Drink from 2017.
This fresh and fruity wine opens with aromas of lychee, white fragrant flowers, exotic fruit and beeswax. The fresh palate offers pineapple, white peach, melon, lemon peel and Alpine herbs.
It discloses a refined version of the variety's classic aromas of white roses, lychee and grapefruit, which all carry over to the palate. The juicy fruit is accented with light notes of black pepper, candied ginger and clove that add depth.
Cute packaging belies the surprising depth to this Riesling. It's remarkably balanced, with an array of mineral, floral and fruit dimensions. Juicy, with preserved peach flavors and zippy lemon acidity, it's a thirst-quenching, solid pick from the Pfalz.
Structured but elegant, it discloses delicate aromas of Spanish broom and Granny Smith apple. The savory, creamy palate delivers juicy Bartlett pear, citrus, nectarine and melon brightened by crisp acidity.
This is a mineral, textured wine that has fine tannins and balanced ripe black fruits. It's dry, although with an undertow of richness, acidity and weight. It could age, so wait until 2017.
Dominated by Merlot at 90%, this is a smooth, rich and generous wine. It does have a tannic core, but that is surrounded by these velvet, ripe berry fruits and opulent texture. The wine is developing well and should be drunk from 2016.
There is as much fruit as structure in this wine. Ripe red fruits are supported by solid tannins while pushing out fragrant acidity. It has structure while also allowing room for final fruitiness.
This balances tart red berry and cherry flavors against a backdrop of warm vanilla and spice tones. It's refreshingly crisp on the palate and finishes long, with a spray of green herbs and fine, lingering tannins. Well balanced and elegant in style.
With rich tropical fruits and a ripe, opulent feel, this is a full-bodied wine. It has weight, layers of toast and apricot and peach flavors. Soft and round, it could be drunk now, although it would be best to wait until 2015.
From grapes grown in the high altitude Castel Ringberg vineyard, Elena Walch delivers a vibrant, balanced wine that shows structure and finesse. It's loaded with sensations of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, banana peel and an underlying mineral note that carries to the crisp finish.
Smoky, herbal aromas add complexity to pretty floral notes on this elegantly composed semisweet Riesling. The palate is rich with peach and nectarine flavors, along with a shock of citrus acidity, but maintains a subtle line of smoky, dusty earthiness through the finish.
It opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia flower and lightly toasted oak. The smooth, structured palate offers lemon drop, white peach, papaya and a subtle note of vanilla and spice.
Nelson is well known for its aromatic whites, so it's no surprise that this Maori-owned brand has bottled an attractive Grüner Veltliner from the region. Delicate leafy aromas accent stone fruit, while the medium-bodied wine is zesty, long and elegant, with no hint of bitterness. Drink now.
This Hungarian red blend has smoke, charcuterie and black raspberry aromas. Black plum, smoked meat and black raspberry flavors mark the palate, which finishes in a surprising burst of tart cherry.
Aromas of black fruit, cinnamon and tobacco are congenial on the nose. The palate is velvety, with flavors of blackberry and cedar backed by nutmeg, clove and ashy tannins. Currant and cedar notes turn spicy on the finish. Pair with game meats.
This is a limited-production, food-friendly wine, spicy and slightly oxidative. That gives the wine character as well as a toasty edge that contributes to its complexity. Drink this wine now.
This smooth, rich wine exudes southern warmth. The blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet gives a ripe, dark-colored wine dominated by black fruits. Tannins and acidity provide happy support. Drink now.
This is a round, ripe and deliciously smooth wine. With a warm, vanilla character as well as full and rich fruit, it is generous and ready to drink. The acidity at the end leaves a refreshing aftertaste.
This is pure fruitiness, softly textured and ready to drink. It has an attractive line of grapefruit and orange fruit along with a warm ripe aftertaste. The wine is delicious now.
This is a lively tangy wine that is made to drink young. With its crisp texture, hint of minerality and lively acidity, it is a refreshing wine that could serve both as an apéritif and as an accompaniment to seafood.
Made predominantly from Nero d'Avola with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this offers black-skinned berry, graphite and baking spice aromas. The easygoing, rounded palate yields juicy black cherry, prune and black pepper flavors alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Passion-fruit aromas are mingled with a strongly perfumed character that comes from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. It is ripe with some firm structure, powered with dark tannins as well as this hugely perfumed fruit. Drink from 2026.
Dense with alluring aromas, this wine is full of black currant, anise, cedar and mint. The palate follows suit and shows great tannic structure and integrated acidity.
Pretty aromas of violet, red berry and crushed herb lead the way. The bright, accessible palate offers pomegranate, sour cherry and white pepper flavors within a frame of solid tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink through 2023.
The winery's value bottling, this was vinified in a mix of neutral oak and stainless steel. Enjoy soon for its pretty mix of savory herb, black cherry and molasses flavors.
From a vineyard planted 50 years ago, this effort comes across as forced. Unfined and unfiltered, its hands-off style of winemaking does not do the old vine flavors any favors. Its partial new oak aging also masks its textural details with butter and coconut notes. Unique for sure, but somewhat fraught.
This is focused but soft in the mouth, making it approachable right now. It's balanced, forward, easy-drinking and mature-tasting, its red fruit highlighted with candied orange peel and toast.
A grape known in Uruguay and Madiran has proved to show well in Virginia and this is a solid example. This wine has a pronounced nose of red berries, barnyard and purple flowers. Flavors of raspberry, cranberry, red plum and violet ease the way into more spicy and charred notes. A firm tannic grip is softened by zippy acidity that gives the palate a nice lift.
Unfiltered and made in what the producer calls a traditional ancestral way, the wine is certainly intense and full of spice as well as fruit. The wine, with its tangy citrus and concentration, needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Named after the stones in the vineyards, this wine is all crisp fruit and steely acidity. The racy palate dominates, showing bright acidity laden with citrus fruits. Drink this wine now.
The crispness of this wine is balanced by the intensely ripe fruit. Together the wine has concentration as well as a bright texture that makes it refreshing. The wine is ready to drink.
Oaky aromas of mocha and spice blend with racier scents of tomato and red plum. This Malbec feels full in body but sinewy and tough. Flavors of spiced tomato, herbs and salty berry fruits are savory. It finishes with toasty, peppery flavors and choppy tannins.
Dense, deep and angular, this young Cabernet is a lot of wine, loaded with bright berry flavors mixing raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry. With great concentration and palate presence, this youthful wine shows grip and texture, as light pepper and spice flavors filter in, and the tannins add definition and power to the finish, which slowly opens into a light dusting of chocolate.
The Columbia Valley designated Merlot from Northstar accounts for six times as many cases as its Walla Walla Merlot, yet in quality terms it sometimes equals or even surpasses the pricier bottling. The 2005 vintage was stellar, and this lovely wine is bursting with fruit—raspberry, blackberry, plum and more. Spicy aromas and flavors wrap around chocolaty tannins; there are exotic hints of curry and plenty of toast.
Starts off with aromas of green gage plum and hints of honey, but on the palate this is powerful and tightly coiled. It even seems a bit lean at this stage, with a bit of spritz, but expect it to improve markedly over the next 2–3 years. For now, the potential is all evident in the tremendous length on the finish.
This is generous and juicy, with lush and very ripe flavors of apples and stone fruits, really loaded with fruit flavors and plenty of tangy acid. The midpalate hangs sensuously, loaded with sweet orange and Meyer lemon; this is the sort of rich, ripe, fruit-powered yet still racy Riesling that Washington makes better than anywhere in the world.
It's a rare treat when a winery bottle-ages a wine for you, but that's exactly what's happened here. The result is a top-notch dry Aussie Riesling that's just entering its plateau of maturity, where it should stay for another 5–10 years. Slightly honeyed notes soften the intense scents of crushed stones, then pick up hints of tangerine on the palate. Replacing the briskness of youth is a soft, lingering finish.
Rocland puts out a number of inexpensive wines, but this is evidence that the company has quality aspirations as well. Filled with plum, blueberry, licorice and dried-spice notes, this is a reasonably full-bodied wine with a long, dusty finish that would pair nicely with steaks or roasts. Drink now–2018.
From an old clone yielding smaller berries and having a longer hang time, this is even more minerally than Müller's regular Kirchenstück spätlese, showing a briny aspect to the minerality and bringing in more intensity, including passion fruit and a sweetness reminiscent of roasted root vegetables. Ends on lingering notes of honey and lime.
This is a rich, full-bodied dry Riesling. Honey, baked fruit and dried spices mix on the nose, while the flavors are a complex mélange of baked fruit, spice and mineral. This finishes with great intensity and length, courtesy of salty, brinelike minerality.
Wipe away all Pinot preconceptions based on Burgundy, Oregon or elsewhere. This is the Tuscan version, and it has its own character, which is ripe, forward, hot and spicy, and overall much closer in style to the native Sangiovese than to typical Pinot. Racy acids pump loads of cranberry fruit, backed by a forest of spice-laden vanilla oak.
This is assembled from ten different vineyards, and is the winery's flagship wine. It's a blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 9% Malbec. This wine has a good focus to the mid-palate, a decent amount of sweet cassis fruit, and a soft and lingering, though tannic, finish.
Very tart, with a deep, tannic, earthy mineral streak. There's an iron/earth streak running through all Abacela wines; here it comes across as iron and slightly bitter licorice. This is still very young and green; the score might well improve with more time in the bottle.
From a very warm site in pear country comes this Cabernet/Merlot blend. It shows ripe fruit, dense tannin, and some dark, toasted-coffee notes. The forward fruit is appealing, but the wine falls off in the middle and finishes quickly.
Chewy, chunky, a little buttery and full of milk chocolate, this crowd pleaser is a good introduction to Tuscan Sangiovese. It will work well with simple dishes like pizza and pasta. It's young and gawky, like a teenager going through adolescence.
Bright and intense berry aromas lead into a tart palate that runs heavy with pie cherry and leather. It's probably a tad too tight, tart and hard to merit higher, but with food it should do the trick. Some dark black coffee notes on the finish add to the wine's drying character.
Crisp and clean, stainless steel-fermented, yet showing a lot of tropical fruit in the nose, and a touch (half a percent) of residual sugar. Banana, mango and citrus flavors are there, along with plenty of acidity. Interesting, but not particularly varietal.
Initial notes of savory apple become increasingly nuanced with aeration, exposing layers of blossom, pine and stone fruit. Dry on the palate with penetrating lime flavors, it's refreshingly zippy to the finish.
With touches of earth and integrated dark cherry flavor, this estate Pinot, a larger production than the winery's Block series, has pronounced oak that highlights this wine's herbal notes. Finishes quite long.
Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at about half each, this Reserve, which spent 18 months on the lees, is sophisticated, with great depth and complexity, and rich, dense swirls of golden honey and apple.
While dainty in style, this refreshing Riesling is chock full of white-grapefruit flavor accented by a flurry of white florals, lime and lanolin. Concentrated but fresh, the palate bristles with striking acidity and minerality.
Three years of barrel ageing lends an intoxicating flair to this lushly textured Cabernet Franc. Rich vanilla and spice notes are unabashedly oaky, but the palate is concentrated with black cherry and cassis flavors, elegantly framed with brisk acidity and soft, velvety tannins.
This Cab is earthy and mossy smelling, with tomato, herb, coconut and raspberry aromas. It's tannic on the palate, with oaky tasting cassis, herb and tobacco flavors. With a lot of body and power, this is a very good wine that suffers only from narrow, hard tannins.
Dark and somewhat heady, this opens with dense aromas of mashed blackberry, black tea, bark and peppery spice. The palate is similarly dense and concentrated, although the medium tannins lend the wine a crushed-satin texture that keeps it from feeling too decadent. The finish is long, with a solid pepper streak.
High-toned aromas  of cherry and red plum entice on this surprisingly robust Finger Lakes Pinot Noir. Concentrated flavors of cherry and wild strawberry are brambly and tart, with shades of granite that linger elegantly on the palate.
A pleasing melange of spicy aromas start the nose of this wine off right: think licorice, black pepper and whole clove. Those spicy notes are framed against a dense black-fruit core of blackberry, cherry, plum and currant. The texture is full but structured, like crushed velvet, and the finish evokes hints of leather, pepper and tobacco.
Lemon, apple and a hint of honey characterize the bouquet, which is appealing as a whole. The palate is smooth, with a good mix of body and acidity. Flavors of pithy citrus, apple and green banana lead to a slightly bitter finish with almondy notes and lasting minerality.
Heady and well made, Handley's Whispering Oaks, a certified-organic vineyard near the Ukiah Valley gets more heat than the winery's estate vines, giving this wine a fuller body and texture than its 2011 estate Chardonnay. With flavors of pear, apple and spice, it's crisp yet rich with just the smallest ounce of a barrel imprint, a match for roast chicken with herbs.
Strikingly aromatic of plums, briar and menthol, this is a brisk, elegant Pinot Noir with concentrated but crisp red-fruit flavors. Tones of granite and penetrating, velvety tannins add structure and style.
Spiced berry, dry oak and a note of latex define the nose on this ripe, likable, friendly Tempranillo. The wine is lively on the palate, with candied, jumpy flavors of berry fruits that finish with some foxiness and a wet-fur note. The emphasis here is on fresh fruit more than power or oakiness.
An intriguing combination of almost equal parts Malbec, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot, Rock Wall's Romancer hails from Clarksburg's small Heringer Vineyard, and is bright, fruity and juicy with blackberry and strawberry flavors. Aromatic lavender and jasmine notes against a backdrop of meaty tobacco make the presence of Mourvedre apparent.
Half of the fruit was sourced from the outstanding Lewis Vineyard, and the dense, dark, purple berry flavors are compelling. Highlights of black olive, smoke, and a bit of stem and earth add complexity. Give this one some breathing time, or cellar it for a few more years to soften the muscular tannins.
This easy-drinking wine boasts sensations of tart green apple, ripe Bartlett pear and juicy pineapple. The succulent palate is supported by crisp acidity that gives it a clean, refreshing finish.
Minty and bright, this is a well-distributed Pinot that's a fair value, soft and easy to drink. Amidst mellowed oak, expect dark cherry and buoyed acidity with a finish of darker, earthy tones.
This blend of 34% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah and 19% Cabernet Franc is dark violet-red in color. The nose offers a fruity and spicy mélange, like baked blueberry pie. Tannins slightly overpower flavors of blueberry, cherry, clove, anise and thyme.
This spicy wine offers peppery strawberry flavors and plenty of citrusy acids. It's still a little disjointed and could benefit from additional bottle age.
Nuanced in amped-up ripe pineapple, stone fruit and toasted honey, this is a balanced Chardonnay, well made from good fruit. It offers a taste of vanilla cream on the full-bodied finish.
This dense wine opens with blackberry, plum, toast, earth and leather aromas. The palate is overwhelmed by oak, showing espresso, toast, spearmint and vanilla while licorice and blackberry sensations remain in the background. It lacks the fruit richness to support the heavy oak influence, and astringent wood tannins dry out the mouth.
Cinnamon, pepper and cedar lead on this elegant red. Flavors of toasted nut, smoke, and cocoa follow in a pert, clean wave. Pair with lamb, smoked meat or robust cheese.
Firm cherry and berry aromas offer grit and a whiff of asphalt on the side. A grabby palate is driven by a slightly astringent acid-tannin package, while flavors of roasted berry fruits are round, dark and toasty. This is a touch edgy but tasty and good.
This round and easy-drinking wine, 95% Aglianico and 5% Sangiovese, is loaded with a juicy black-cherry flavor that's accented by hints of black pepper and mineral. It's soft, fresh and incredibly food friendly. Pair it with everything from hearty pasta dishes to barbecue.
Though labeled Syrah, this includes 25% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The addition somewhat mutes the Syrah character, though it may bump up the concentration of cassis fruit flavor. Espresso-laden tannins put a frame around the finish.
Clove, menthol, herb and spice give this fresh and distinctive red blend an indigenous edge. Toast, pepper, cinnamon spice and red cherry flavors are appealing and ageable. The Cabernet and Merlot add dimension.
Thyme, bay and lavender aromas provide strong regional character to this wine, a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Carignan. Mixed berries form the core of this supple wine, which should be consumed over the next couple of years.
The wine has good acidity, crisp green and white fruits, and a bright citrus element. Fresh and fruity, it's ready to drink, with a light mineral texture already well integrated.
Intensely aromatic with notes of flowers and ripe tropical fruits, this is a lush, textured Gewurztraminer with massive power and brawn. Just off dry in style, it's surprisingly elegant for such a big-bodied wine, but with ample acidity. Nuances of tea leaves and potpourri linger on the finish.
Smooth and fruity, it's full of citrus and ripe pear fruit. Structured and quite tangy, it has potential to improve through late 2014.
Complicated scents of bacon, wet leather, organ meats and damp dirt open this funky wine from Santa Barbara County pioneer Richard Longoria. On the palate, the forest floor and gaminess persist alongside heavy herbal notes, a unique muskiness and smooth but present tannins.
Toasty aromas go through to the palate, highlighting the wood aging. It is tense, mineral, packed with apple and lemon acidity. The aftertaste is equally crisp and bright.
Mango and peach aromas offer immediate attraction. With ripe fruits, light minerality and crisp acidity, it's almost ready to enjoy. Drink from the end of 2014.
This blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso opens with mature plum and prune aromas as well as whiffs of hazelnut and chestnut. The robust, warm palate delivers ripe blackberry, stewed prune, licorice and espresso notes alongside aggressive tannins that will need years to tame.
There's a grippy quality to this Cab, which has flavors of bright red cranberry, licorice and soy, along with ample structure and a soft finish.
This blend of Syrah (56%), Cabernet Sauvignon (22%), Cabernet Franc (12%) and Mourvèdre saw just a trace of new oak (10%). It delivers them all with notes of berry, coffee, raw meat, herbs and tar, with lighter-styled fruit flavors and tart acidity.
The smell of tart green apple frying in butter introduces this bottling from Dan Lee's historic winery. On the palate, lemon-lime spritzer and pear flow into a saline minerality in the midpalate, with acidic tartness emerging on the finish. This is a very tight and focused Chardonnay.
Tight, light and layered in freshly baked bread and firm cherry and cranberry, this is a soft, rounded Pinot from an inland Sonoma Coast site that's balanced, food-friendly and ready to enjoy now through 2016.
This Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend hits the nose with near-petrol scents, and then slides into a slightly sour orange juice zone. On the palate, that citrusy intrigue continues into a lime zest finish. It's a vibrant, refreshing sipper, though it leans on tingling acidity more than overall balance. Serve with cacio e pepe pasta, raw oysters, or anything needing a lemony boost.
Here's a young Aglianico that opens with aromas of blue flower, earth, plum and spice. The simple but savory palate delivers ripe blackberry, raspberry and black licorice alongside firm tannins.
Berry, mild prune, licorice, herb and rubbery aromas set up a wiry mouthfeel that's full of energy. Lemony oak rests on top of earthy berry fruit flavors and hard tannins, while oak and high acidity as well as plum and raspberry notes finish it off.
Lime and grapefruit aromas are tight and come with a touch of edgy harshness. The palate shows bright acidity and is clean as a whole. Mixed citrus flavors are straightforward, and so is the finish.
This wine opens with aromas of prune, plum, blackberry and graphite. The palate offers raw red cherry, raspberry and a light touch of mineral alongside fresh acidity and drying tannins.
Vanilla, toffee, wood spice and Band-Aid aromas are out in front of herb are red fruit. The palate is lighter in style, mixing equal part fruit and barrel, finishing tart.
Subtle aromatics ride a steely frame of straightforward acidity and subtle oak, the wine medium in build and layers. It finishes in a flourish of salty brine.
This wine is a unique blend of Viognier (53%), Roussanne (35%) and Riesling. It's aromatic, with notes of flowers, green gummy bear and pear. It drinks dry with floral and grapey flavors, with it all not seeming to entirely meld.
Rusty in color and lacking fruit aromas on the nose, this is just good enough for a gran reserva. Leathery, roasted-plum flavors taste more like black olive than bright fruit. It's tannic and a bit dull on the finish.
Merlot makes up three-quarters of this blend, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon (21%) and Cabernet Franc. It starts out a bit reduced, providing some initial distraction from its aromas of plum, herb, asphalt and currant. The blue-fruit and smoke flavors show a sense of plushness, with savory notes lingering on the finish. The tannins bring some grip. It provides enjoyment but the Merlot doesn't really pop and the smoky notes seem out of place.
Minty, with a strong menthol character, this wine is high in acidity and overtly earthy. It offers a smoky after-note of leather and clove.
This Jean-Pierre and Philippe Rivière label benefits from the ripeness of the vintage to bring out red plum and a rich structure. The acidity and tannins perfectly emphasize the generous fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
With a fine spicy character, the wine from this estate is richly endowed with blackberry fruits as well as a firmly tannic core. There is no wood aging but the fruit gives the wine an approachable character. Drink from 2018.
This is a perfumed juicy wine with attractive acidity and plenty of ripe berry fruits. It has light tannins, just enough to give the wine its shape and tannic edge. Drink from 2018.
This is a fine fruity wine with young tannins that will soon integrate. Ripe with berry flavors and with attractive acidity, it will develop quickly and should be ready by 2018.
This is a concentrated wine with fine tannins and juicy black-plum fruits. It is densely textured, packed with great fruit and developing well. Drink from 2018.
The wine is packed with fruit: blackberry and damson flavors that are given a great lift by the acidity. It has a spicy side to it, adding complexity and filling out the tannins. Drink this wine from 2018.
The wine is structured while also juicy. Its red-berry fruits are in the process of coming together with the tannins to give a rich wine. It has plenty of acidity at the end to give a crisp aftertaste.
This estate wine, originating from the vineyards that has been in the Queyrens family for more than 50 years, offers plenty of fruit here. The taste laces acidity and attractive black-currant flavors. There are tannins and a structure that will allow the wine to develop. Drink from 2018.
A bit reserved on the nose at first, this stylishly labeled bottling offers aromas of bright red fruit, crushed graphite and light fennel. Flavors are a bit simple though completely pleasant, with sagebrush spicing up the darker cranberry fruit.
A blend of Merlot and Syrah, the aromas of smoke, matchstick, high-toned dried herb, spice and purple fruit give way to quite sweet-seeming dark-fruit flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support. The sweetness seems distracting.
Intensely ripe and luscious aromas of black cherry and plum are shaded in anise and vanilla on the nose of this plush Cabernet Sauvignon. It's rich and round in mouthfeel with soft yielding acidity, but the boldly tannic finish lends structure.
Brawny and brooding, this rich wine shows a density of flavor and personality. Plum, strawberry and leathery black pepper form its core.
The aromas are light, with notes of toast, char, apple, lees and spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with a lightly creamy feel. It's a straightforward easy drinker where the variety is unmistakable.
This wine is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Syrah. The aromas seem a bit off, with notes of dried cherry, oregano, anise and medicine cabinet. The palate has a pleasing sense of restraint and elegance, with gamy notes on the finish.
Aromas of red berry, tobacco, coconut and espresso meld together with a balsamic note. The palate is young and aggressive, offering toast, oak-driven spice and a green note of powdered sage alongside grainy, astringent tannins. A note of salted game marks the close.
This is a wine on the cusp of being mature. The red-berry flavors are dissipating into a secondary aromatic character. The tannins, though, are still there—very firm and showing no sign of budging. Wait and see, or decant before drinking. This is part of a single-parcel (lieu-dit)single-varietal range.
This wine is brooding in black and red currant, with dusty, well-integrated tannins and a curl of smoke. Big bodied, it finishes in a puckering way, hefty on the palate.
Lifted and floral up front, this Mencía smells like light, schist-infused plum and raspberry. There's mild grab to the palate, which offers flavors of buttery oak, rubber, strawberry and rose hip. A dry, slightly briny tasting finish fades away elegantly.
A 100% Roussanne wine is rare in its normal origin, the Rhône Valley. Here, in the mountains, it has produced this intensely perfumed, tightly textured wine that is both unusual and delicious. Crisply textured and with spice and a dry edge, the wine could be aged for a few months. Drink from the end of 2016.
This well-aged wine has a slightly earthy, new-leather aroma. Tasty, spicy flavors meet up with rich black cherry and cocoa chords to resonate through the finish. It's medium to full bodied, well balanced, moderately tannic and ready for the dinner table. The winemaker kept it in barrels for an unusual 43 months.
The nose suggests truffle around compact cherry fruit. The wine is nicely balanced, relatively high in acid, and fashioned for elegance more than power. A finishing whiff of chocolate adds interest.
With significant amounts of Mourvèdre (15%) and Grenache (8%) blended in, this drinks more like a GSM than a Syrah. Cranberry, herb and woodspice aromas are followed by tart, sleek fruit and smoke flavors that linger.
Saucy berry aromas are accompanied by notes of coffee, olive and forest floor. This has a drawing mouthfeel, while the palate collapses a bit on itself. Flavors of raspberry and cherry offer no small amount of vanilla and oak, while the finish is lively, long and oaky. Drink through 2022.
Charred earth, underbrush, cured meat and toasted hazelnut aromas lift out of the glass. The robust palate is almost overripe, offering dried black cherry, grilled sage, tobacco and a hint of game alongside tightly packed tannins that clench the finish. Drink 2019–2025.
A strong showing from the South Coast, this bottling offers plump red cherries, blackberries, dried plums, cocoa, shaved dark chocolate, kola nut and iron on the nose. The palate is laden with dark chocolate and cinnamon atop elderberry fruit, lifted with elderflower, lilacs and leathery tannins that drive into the finish.
This blend of Rara Neagra and Malbec has aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and spice. There are flavors of black plum and vanilla toast with rounded tannins.
A big but mild-mannered wine, this has subtle oak and butter aromas plus ripe pear, butterscotch and white-peach flavors. A nicely thick texture carries all the complexity through the finish.
Densely concentrated, this opens with aromas of baked plum, vanilla, espresso, oak and fresh mushroom. The robust, extremely ripe palate doles out stewed prune, blackberry jam and licorice while firm, close-grained tannins provide support.
This blends Dijon clones 76 and 96, and is partially barrel fermented. The spicy nose sharpens the palate with pine needle aromas, and the flavors follow. It's a precise wine, showing pine and mineral more than fruit.
Reduced and extracted aromas burn off over time to unveil a full-bodied expression of juicy red fruit and cedar that opens in the glass. It finishes in tea and leather.
Charred earth, leafy underbrush, prune marinated in spirits and grilled herbs come together in the glass. The warm, evolved palate shows blackberry jam, dried cherry, licorice and the heat of evident alcohol alongside bracing tannins. Give the tannins a few more years to soften then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Quite dark in the glass, this is a lush rather than lithe expression of the shapeshifting grape, with bright boysenberry, black plum, uncrushed peppercorn, soy, roast beef and espresso aromas. Black pepper shows on the palate, but blueberry and blackberry fruits dominate, boosted by a touch of dark chocolate and presented with solid acidic sizzle.
This wine is red-violet in colour and has a nose of raspberry and fennel. There is a nice interplay of medium-weight tannins and bright acidity, with flavors of cranberry, tart cherry, chocolate and flint. The zesty finish is followed by the lingering presence of soft tannins on the tongue and gums.
HandCraft has been consistently good with this grape, and this complex wine is another excellent example. Intriguing aromas of wood smoke and rosemary lead to concentrated fruit flavors like pomegranate and cranberry. The mouthfeel is layered and nicely tannic, and flavors seem to go deep.
Softly layered in integrated oak, this 100% varietal wine dances in raspberry, citrus and leather, with a touch of tar. Full bodied, it's a reserve-level wine that may open further in the bottle and glass.
Mancini has 20% Carignane field-blended within, and shows burly, thick black fruit at its core. Integrated oak supports black cherry and pepper. A dustiness on the palate that finishes ripe.
This wine is structured, firm and has a mineral, tight texture. It also offers plenty of red apples, green plums and a touch of apricot. However, with its nervy edge the wine needs to age; drink from 2017.
This cherry-red wine is made from 100% Kadarka and has aromas of cherry, dried cherry, black pepper and cherry cola. It greets the palate with tastes of dark chocolate and tart dried cherry while finishingly lively.
Baked strawberry, stewed peppercorns and incense show on the peppery nose of this wine from veteran vintner Chuck Carlson's personal label. The flavors are darker than expected, with dried blueberry, boysenberry, beef char, cracked black pepper, tobacco and a touch of leather.
This Kosher red blend from Bulgaria is comprised of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Rubin and 5% Mavrud. It has aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and dried Mediterranean herbs. It's flavored with black plum and dark cherry and presents the palate with a well-rounded, soft tannin finish.
Aromas that recall sugared plum, espresso, toast and underbrush lead the way on this robust wine. The densely concentrated palate offers stewed prune, vanilla, mocha, coffee and toasted oak alongside grainy tannins that leave a teeth-coating, tongue-drying finish. It's extremely ripe and you'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on close.
Aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, espresso, baked plum and grilled porcini lead the nose. The tight, taut palate delivers fleshy Morello cherry, blackberry clove and licorice while close-grained tannins leave an assertive, tongue drying finish.
This wine features tempting clove, black cherry and pomegranate flavors. It has great balance, an easygoing texture and a clean, fruity finish. It's medium to full bodied, but the oaky flavors and tannins stay well within bounds.
A somewhat simple though well-balanced wine with scents of baby powder, cocoa dust, black cherry and raspberry. The palate shows a bit more heft with notes of purple flowers and soft plum guts. Juicy and approachable with soft tannins and a medium-length finish.
The source for this wine is now Limarí, and it offers plenty of barrel toast to go with stemmy apple and peach aromas. There's a lot of acidity here, so expect racy, almost sour citrus and apple flavors in front of a long, aggressive finish.
A bit on the heavy and stewed side, but good in terms of fruit content. The feel is rich, rubbery and tannic, while the flavors run toward medicinal, syrupy berry fruit and then a warm, lightly baked sweetness on the finish. Ripe and rugged Chilean Cabernet.
Sweet and properly ripe, with just a touch of medicinal mint on the nose. The palate is concentrated and clean, with solid blackberry and plum flavors. Mellow and relatively smooth on the finish. Perfectly appropriate for everyday consumption; 50% Malbec and 50% Cab Sauvignon.
Quite creamy and sweet on the nose, with marshmallow and candy aromas that are not that convincing. Solid in the mouth, with herbal fruit, chocolate and plump tannins, body and extract. Better in terms of mouthfeel and concentration than flavor. Malbec, with Cabernet, Syrah and Petit Verdot.
Crisp grapefruit and citrus character, with tight lime zest acidity. While the wine is full in the mouth, it has the brightest acidity, pear juice and a final pepper burst.
Cherry cough drop and other red fruit, medicinal aromas set up a standard, fresh palate with racy berry flavors and mild oak as a backdrop. Finishes with good smack, feel and controlled wood notes, but not much complexity or finesse.
A wine that is lean and angular, austere, the fruit dominated by very dry tannins. It misses weight with the licorice, meaty flavors and a hard-edged structure.
A soft and creamy wine, freshened with a little citrus. It has only light acidity, the main focus being pear and red apple flavors. It rolls easily around the palate, finishing freshly. Screwcap.
Cinnamon, vanilla, coffee and red berries on the nose are followed by flavors of pepper, cinnamon and forest berries in this plucky Syrah. Spicy with a spin of tart fruit, the wine nevertheless has a full-bodied feel.
Opens with generic berry aromas and a slight candied, gaseous undercurrent. The palate is modest and lean, with decent raspberry flavors and not a whole lot of follow through. Basic and a bit rubbery.
Raisiny and baked on the nose, with a syrupy consistency to the palate. Along the way there's stewed fruit, baked blackberry pie notes and overt sweetness. Candied, ultrarich and tilting toward molasses on the finish.
Spice, citrus and minerals typify the nose and palate of this fun white. Soft in style and easy drinking, it will pair well with salads, fruit and seafood.
Chewy, tannic, with a streak of burnt rubber and plastic. The fruit is thin and the wine smoky.
Years ago Rívola was one of Spain's standout value wines; but over time it has devolved. This version is mulchy and muddled, with heavy roasted fruit and red pepper aromas. The palate is grabby, rubbery and roasted, and raisiny notes work their way onto the flavor profile and finish.
Pungent, yeasty, almost sweaty notes of onion and garlic blend with oak-infused cider and citrus aromas. This is round, fresh and not too heavy on the palate, while its oaky, smoky barrel and baked-apple flavors end with overt woodiness and mounting bitterness.
Whiffs of green herbs and nuts lend savoriness to fresh apple and pear in this easy-drinking Riesling. Dry in style, it's marked by zesty lemon-lime acidity that leads a brisk, refreshing finish. Drink now through 2018.
Light ruby in color, 50% of this bottling sees 10 months in new French oak. Juicy cranberry and floral strawberry meet peppery spice on the round palate. A light dusting of tannins give structure, with the vibrant acidity keeping things short and snappy.
Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) give this wine a fine balance between structure and fruitiness. While the alcohol suggests power, in fact it's the freshness and attractive red berry fruits that dominate. The wine is soft and ready to drink.
Enticing floral aromas of elderflower, acacia and a whiff of stone fruit lead the nose. The radiant palate offers juicy tangerine, white peach and a touch of nutmeg alongside zesty acidity.
Hushed aromas of white flower and Bartlett pear come together on this refreshing white. On the palate, lively acidity carries tangerine zest, green apple and peach nectar.
Pear, honeydew melon and floral note lift from the glass. The bright, no-frills palate offers up crisp apple and citrus peel while lively acidity provides a tangy finish.
This wallet-friendly wine leads with fresh notes of stone fruit, green plum, mango and pineapple core, with just a touch of white and yellow floral character. The light-weight palate is juicy and refreshing, with crisp citrus flavors that end clean and pure. Drink now.
Dark in color and inky on the nose, this smells oaky and a bit like plastic. On the palate, grabby tannins and heavy overall weight makes for a clumsy mouthfeel. Flavors of oak resin share the stage with blackberry fruit, while a sticky, tannic finish rates as chunky and chewy.
This wine shows wet cement, lime rinds, light honeysuckle and fragrant minerality on the nose. The texture is solidly grippy and intriguing once sipped, with flavors of yellow grapefruit pith and Gala apples in the midpalate, sliding into a lime-rind tang on the finish.
This pure Cabernet Franc was barrel-aged for 21 months in 30% new French oak. That barrel toast stands out, along with flavors of tart berries, hints of green fruit and earthy tannins. Aeration is a good idea for this young wine.
Murky, earthy aromas of plum and red berry feed into a creamy, saturated palate that's adequately balanced but not perfect. Syrupy blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors end with spice and herbal notes. This is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each Merlot and Syrah.
Charred blue- and black-berry aromas mingle with cola and coffee on the nose. The palate follows suit, adding in a toasted black pepper spice that leads to a mild burnt-bacon finish. Medium bodied with prickling acidity, this toasty, gamy Syrah could sit through 2016 to mellow out.
This wine takes a kitchen-sink approach, blending 28% Syrah with sizable percentages of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah, as well as small additions of Merlot, Malbec and Zinfandel. It works, offering a dryness of red fruit, cedar and tobacco in an understated, medium-bodied package.
Earthiness mingles with peach-jam richness and frames a medium-sweet, soft and rich palate that shows honeyed, rounded edges of richness.
Aromas of summer orchard fruit and citrus blossom lead the nose on this bright, direct white. The linear palate doles out yellow apple, tangerine zest and a hint of mineral alongside brisk acidity.
A split blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this shows a healthy mix of red currant and cranberry on the nose, with an mentholated herbal note adding lift. The palate is plush and round, with mildly grippy tannins and fresh, zippy red-fruit flavors.
This is a fresh although ripe wine. It has an attractive floral aroma that shows also on the palate with the ripe yellow and white stone fruits. The acidity is well balanced to give a fresh, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
Tart plum, tanned leather and tobacco scents push right into the flavor palate, along with coffee grounds, smoke and charred wood. Tempranillo is ascendent in Southern Oregon, and this makes the case for a Rioja-style, with similar dried fruit and woody tannins.
This offers subdued aromas of elderflower, sage and a slight whiff of tomato vine while the crisp palate shows notes of mint and tropical fruit. Vibrant acidity gives it a clean, racy finish.
This has a slightly copper hue and is delicately scented with aromas of hawthorn and orchard fruit. Its racy palate shows subtle notes of tangerine zest, lime and a hint of apple while a mineral note marks the finish.
This is a young-colored wine that has been wood aged to smooth out the natural fruitiness of the Merlot. That gives the wine a smoky character with juicy acidity balanced by wood and toast flavors. The black plum flavors are rich, full in the mouth with a dry underlay of tannins. Drink from 2017.
This is an attractively perfumed wine, full of citrus and white fruit flavors. Lemons and fresh grapefruit play with sliced apples and crisp Rocha pears to create a bright, lively wine that is ready to drink.
With ripe fruit and a light layer of tannins, this is a fruity wine, packed with red fruits and black cherry flavors. It has a dusty background that will allow it to age for a few more months. Drink from the end of 2016.
A structured, finely balanced wine that has intense acidity, blackberry fruits and soft, well-integrated tannins. It is ripe while remaining fresh, stylish and poised. The wine is ready to drink.
White blossom and apple aromas open on this vibrant white while the racy palate shows Kaiser pear, tangerine and a hint of mineral. Zesty acidity gives it a clean, crisp finish.
This racy Cab smells a touch scalped, with modest, slightly candied cherry and raspberry aromas. On the palate, this is balanced but basic. Flavors of plum, black currant and a dash of salt finish firm and warming.
Like its companion Cabernet, the Lewis vineyard designate is still quite hard and unyielding when first opened. The dense, complex aromas suggest the power locked up within, and the wine slowly emerges, at first peppery and herbal, yet layered and complex; then showing some silk and satin, with a strong licorice streak.
An intensely mineral expression of Sauvignon Blanc, crisp, full of citrus flavors, deliciously fresh, but also complex. The wine is concentrated into a steel spring of ripeness, ready to burst from the glass.
The clay soil of Pouilly gives extra richness to this wine, a creamy texture supporting pear and green plum fruits, with a delicious crushed herb aroma. It is powerful, very concentrated, needing 4–5 years aging.
The best Sauvignon Blanc yet from Shaw & Smith, the 2009 boasts terrifically fragrant aromas of passion fruit and pink grapefruit. It's intense and long, easily the qualitative equal of its top Kiwi cousins and better than most. Drink now–2011.
All five Bordeaux varietals are blended with a bit of Syrah. Firm, dark and concentrated, the wine enters with alluring, complex scents of Asian spice, sweet hay, chamomile and coffee. Raspberry and cherry fruit is set against balancing acidity and ripe tannins. The finish adds coffee liqueur, smoke and tar.
Smooth, satiny, seductive and deep, this exciting debut from a new winery shows first-class fruit sourcing and winemaking. The berry and cassis fruit flavors are ripe and polished, balanced with firm acids and hints of black olive and black tea in the tannins. Beautifully defined and balanced throughout, this is crafted for aging, but delicious already.
A brilliant wine, shining with bright fruits, fresh and crisp. The fact that it also has weight gives it an extra intensity of herbaceous flavors, lifted by green peas. There is a definite steely edge to the finish.
Bone dry, toasty, forward, and tart. The flavors orient themselves around a bright core of blueberry fruit. The Sangiovese grape's natural acidity gives structure and support; the fruit and oak are perfectly balanced. A strong streak of licorice and smoke weaves through the finish.
A classic Washington tasting-room Riesling—only better. Opulent and fruity, with apricots, star anise, mint, a very nice spicy streak that lifts it up, and adds a lot of complexity. Smooth and supple, it coats the palate, captures some floral highlights, even a bit of marshmallow.
Round and forward, it discloses aromas of mature red berry, plum cake and a whiff of Mediterranean herbs and meat juices. The palate offers ripe—almost sugary—wild cherry, vanilla extract, mint and thyme. It's soft, ripe and ready to enjoy soon.
Earthy, floral and berry aromas lead into a palate that offers up creamy cherry, white pepper, licorice and tobacco along with supple tannins. This is already enjoyable so drink soon.
Despite its high alcohol, this high-toned Zin does not have the crushing weight and overall power you'd anticipate. Cranberry and raspberry juice fruit flavors carry balancing acidity, and there's a suggestion of refreshing minerality. Although at first the wine seems disjointed, it smoothes out nicely with aeration.
ipe red apples and an appealing, tangy grapefruit touch make this a delicious proposition for pairing with meals.
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this soft wine opens with aromas of ripe red berries, plum, blue flower and toasted oak. The palate offers fleshy black cherry accented with notes of coffee and chocolate accompanying round tannins. It's already extremely accessible so enjoy soon.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this has a rather subdued nose that reveals underbrush, tobacco leaf and black berries. The palate offers blackberry, black currants and cedar notes. It's already extremely accessible so drink soon.
Sourced from the Conner Lee vineyard, this reflects the cool, difficult vintage, with a preponderance of herbal flavors. Cabernet Franc is given to showing an earthy, woodsy character in any event, and here it seems to rule. Highlights of baking spices, from aging 15 months in one-third new French oak, add flavor interest. With extensive breathing, the black cherry fruit comes up nicely. It should benefit from additional bottle age.
Aromas recall forest floor, violet, berries and a whiff of leather. The juicy fruit palate offers sour cherry, black raspberry and plum accented with hints of cinnamon-spice alongside polished tannins. It's ready, so drink soon.
This 20-acre vineyard produces a wine dominated by Merlot, lending the wine a smooth texture. The wine is rich with ripe plum flavors and only gentle tannins. It will age well over the medium-term, so drink from 2016.
An elegant, cool-climate Merlot that's inviting in perfumey red plum and cherry, slightly tart, aged in all French oak. With layered acidity, it'll go well on the table with herb-slathered roast chicken.
The headiness of rose petal irrepressible and dominates the nose and palate. This has the full varietal force of Traminer and is ideal for those who love medium acidity and the floral style of this fragrant wine.
This brawny wine leads with aromas of blue flower, red berry, spice and a whiff of wet soil. The palate offers succulent wild cherry layered with notes of sweet vanilla, mint, espresso and thyme alongside rather angular tannins and evident alcohol.
Dark berry and lemony oak lead the aromas on this barrel-driven Malbec. In the mouth, it's resiny and creamy, while blackberry and woody flavors yield to café mocha. A resiny finish is loaded with overt oak character. Drink through 2018.
This Viognier-based blend with Sauvignon Musque opens in pretty floral aromas and flavors deep in honeysuckle and peach. Structured and soft, it has some weight midpalate that keeps it lifted through the long finish. Enjoy chilled on a porch overlooking a sunset with cracked crab.
Whiffs of earth and mushroom against a backdrop of intensely aromatic red cherry, fresh herb and spice hint to the future of this bold, complex Bordeaux blend. The palate is juicy with fruit, but shaded with rustic layers of autumn leaves and wet soil, along with a bracing cranberry acidity. It's quite nice now, but should improve further through 2019.
A perfumed wine, this leaps up with aromas of white flowers, ginger and lychee. It drinks off dry, with a viscous, almost oily feel that provides a sense of heft.
Raspberry, white pepper, iron, dust and a Earl Grey tea element peek out from the delicate and restrained nose. Plums and red fruits mark the tip of the sip, but it clings to a gravelly, brick-laden center line of minerality, proving pleasantly peppery as well.
Aromas of dark-skinned berry, blue flowers and a whiff of baking spices lead the nose on this vibrant red. The juicy palate doles out black cherry, red raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside vibrant acidity. It's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
Exquisitely fresh and fruity, this delicious rosé has crisp red currant fruits that are tangy, bright and tight. It is very refreshing now, although in a few months the almost shocking acidity will soften. Drink from mid-2016.
From 86% Syrah and 14% Zinfandel grapes, this is a dark wine, burgundy-orange in color and equally dense at first on the palate. It picks up freshness as it opens, disrobing flavors of wild strawberry and grapefruit, along with an intensity of blackberry. Bright, it finishes dry.
Cherry liqueur akin to kirsch rises aromatically, along with a lavender perfume. Light and high-strung, this is a tightly wound wine, punched in acidity and savory tea. The finish displays bold swathes of oak.
There's a pleasingly tart green character to this wine, with crisp, refreshing aromas and flavors of green pear, plum, melon rind, grapefruit peel and pineapple core. The fruity mélange is easy and juicy on the palate, finishing lively and mouthwatering. Drink now.
Peppery, rich and low in pronounced oak, this estate-driven Cab has softened tannins and is most definitely drinkable now, with pungent, bright fruit and a lengthy, leathery finish.
All of the fruit for this wine comes from Clifton Hill Vineyard. Aromas seem a bit green and woody while the high-octane flavors are rich but don't have the structure to stand them up.
White flowers, nectarine, red apple and a steely minerality greet the nose on this entry-level wine from Rajat Parr. A bright and racy acidity frames the energetic palate that shows delicate flavors of yellow apples, lemon juice and honeysuckle.
Aromas of leafy forest floor, damp soil, espresso, dark berry and chopped herbs lead the way. The racy palate delivers raspberry, tart cranberry and powdered sage alongside a backbone of electrifying acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Reserved aromas of Rainier cherry, strawberry preserves, herbs and fig lead to plump, silky fruit flavors. It's a very pretty representation of the vintage.
Swathes of evergreen lend elegance to this piercing, steel-toned Riesling. On the palate, touches of honey lend a sunny sweetness to cutting lemon and lime flavors. A slick of honeycomb extends the finish.
Soft and supple in lemon and melon, this 100% varietal white was given time in both stainless steel and neutral oak, the combination rewarding in a rounded, approachable mouthfeel that's both creamy and ripe. Stone fruit makes an appearance, before the wine finishes lean and tart.
Aromas of scorched earth, coffee, plum and clove lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The round, soft palate doles out blackberry, black raspberry, licorice and a bitter note of walnut skin alongside velvety tannins. Drink soon to capture the fruit richness.
Aromas of espresso, underbrush and black-skinned fruit lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, mature plum, clove, coffee and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2018.
Candied red-fruit aromas are friendly but not that concentrated or dark. This medium-bodied Monastrell shows mild red-fruit flavors of cherry and plum. Candied plum and cherry flavors finish it off.
Toast, hazelnut and pastry aromas lead the way. The elegant palate delivers yellow apple, citrus zest and a hint of bread crust alongside small, persistent bubbles and fresh acidity.
Made by David Low of Anthill Farms in extremely small quantities, this is a new brand devoted to light-bodied wines from fine, cool-climate sites. Tight in dried cranberry and cherry, this is indeed a light and subtle undertaking, dusty and perfumed in rosewater fragrance.
This wine leans into the green side of the variety, with aromas of garden herbs, green pepper, dark chocolate and cherry. The palate brings abundant savory flavors along with chewy tannins.
Mostly from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine has aromas of cherry, green herbs, pepper and flowers, with the Petit Verdot (15%) showing through. It's brawny in feel, with coffee and cherry flavors, chewy tannins and mouthwatering acids.
Pinot Noir from Carneros forms the basis of this dry rosé that has seen no time in oak. Dark red-orange in color, it's a fresh, zingy take on raspberry and strawberry goodness, never cloying or annoying, that finishes in a burst of grapefruit.
This blend of Monterey and Santa Barbara county vineyards offers fresh aromas of lemon-lime soda, chives and a hint of smoke. The palate is framed around sour-sweet green apple, with more bitterness and tension coming from green pear flesh and citrus pith.
The faintest hint of pink, this 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay sparkler shows bright nectarine, lime blossoms, wet stone and yeast on the nose. It's tight and bright on the crisp palate, with lime skin, sour yeast and stony green-apple flavors.
Hailing from the winery's Los Alamos Valley Vineyard that lines Highway 101, this wine is quite light in color and shows delicate, clean honeydew, honey dust and apple-blossom candy aromas. It's light yet playful in the glass, with limestone, lime rind and green apple flavors. It's straightforward but well assembled.
Sourced from three vineyard sites, this wine is named for the producer's wife and is his first attempt commercially with the variety. Smooth and silky in texture, it offers aromas that lean toward funky earth and dirt, with a touch of oak in the mix, too. Some soy and black tea finish things off.
Aromas of vanilla extract, cocoa and fruit leather lead to full-feeling cherry, woodspice and barrel flavors. Mocha and cherry flavors show a good balance that carries through the finish.
This 100% varietal wine opens with beautifully lush aromas of blackberry and licorice, before a seamless, soft layering of leather comes in. Soft tannins mark the midpalate, followed by a finish steeped in smoky vanilla and herb.
Mild apricot, mineral and almond flavors combine for a quiet and dry approach. It is full bodied, rather rich in texture, but well balanced by acidity. A subtle toasted-nut nuance lingers on the finish.
This Dão grape makes a firmly dry and tannic wine at this young stage. The hints of blackberry fruit and acidity promise a fine future of a rich wine with stylish, mineral-driven fruitiness. Drink this promising wine from 2018.
Subtle smoke notes accent tangerine, lemon and lime in this invigorating dry Riesling. Fermented via ambient yeast, its refinement and restrained elegance sets it apart from Casa Larga's other Rieslings. The finish is lingering yet fresh.
The 16th-century chateau of Saint Lager is on the slopes of the local landmark hill of Brouilly. The wine comes from vines below. It has spice, cherry and blueberry fruits with attractive acidity. The wine, still with a strong tannic edge, will be better from 2017.
Half-and-half Petit and Gros Manseng, this is a classic dry Jurançon blend. Soft and rich, it is a wine that is dry while demonstrating fine fresh fruitiness. The structure and strongly mineral texture both suggest the need for aging, so drink from 2018.
Half-and-half Négrette and Syrah, this is typical blend for Fronton with its hints of the Mediterranean mixed in with a more Atlantic influence. The wine is soft and balanced with dusty tannins, red fruits and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
Earthy aromas of leather, coffee grounds and blackberry are convincing. This feels full and ripe. Toasty plum and blackberry flavors offer notes of licorice and toast on a long, balanced finish.
Wild red berries, crushed pepper, lilacs and a frame of asphalt show on the exuberant nose of this bottling. The palate is loaded with meat, smoke, cedar, charcoal and easy boysenberry flavors, the perfect pairing for a hamburger. It is a tad light in body, especially since it hasaged for so many years.
A subdued nose has soft hints of baked apple and citrus. The palate of this wine brings in a bitter note of lemon pith on a dry, lithe body, made bright by lemon freshness. It finishes fresh and long.
The scent of freshly cut green and red apple is followed by the spicy taste of burnt caramel and brought together with zesty citrus. The finish is dry and clean-cut.
Creamy earthiness joins the yellow stone fruit on nose and palate, making for a toned-down but full-fruited, generously rounded Gewurztraminer. The structure provided by pithy, pleasantly bitter notes leaves a lasting, refreshing impact.
Notes of stone and smoke join lemon and green apple on the nose of this wine. The palate has an earthier aspect but is bracingly fresh and precise with pure lemon zestiness. Dry and slender, the wine will round out with some bottle age. Drink 2018–2023.
An unusual edge of licorice clings to nose and palate of this fresh, zingy Riesling. The streamlined body is dry and pervaded by brisk, friendly lemon freshness.
Plum, raspberry, dried herb and light spice aromas lead to a choppy but solid palate. Oaky flavors of toast and coffee sit atop blackberry fruit, while this finishes with richness and dominating barrel-driven flavors of spice and toast.
This SB hails from Huasco, Chile's great northern frontier. It offers aromas of celery, white pepper and cool citrus. The mouthfeel is linear, maybe a touch monotone, while the palate and finish are made up of salty, briny citrus flavors and cutting acidity.
Muted berry aromas expand to show some cassis. Flavors of chocolaty oak and pepper blend with blackberry and cassis, while this finishes long and spicy. Nothing about this screams out for individual attention, but the sum of its parts amounts to something very good.
Soft notes of blossom adorn a dry, brisk and lean palate characterized by pithy grapefruit and lemon zest. Dry and light-footed, this wine provides a lip-smackingly bracing finish.
This blend of 55% Viognier and 45% Grenache Blanc offers a fairly rich nose of banana cream, marzipan, apple custard and light caramel. The mouthfeel is quite full and ripe, with lemon, mango cream and vanilla-custard flavors held together by a sizzle of acidity. Drink this cold so the riper elements don't overwhelm.
This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Moschofilero offers floral aromas of rose, lemon blossom and a touch of spice. On the palate, the wine is focused with a floral flair. Tropical fruit, citrus and rose are layered but the wine finishes clean and with pep.
This wine is partially barrel fermented and blended with a small amount of Sémillon. Herb, citrus and passion fruit aromas are followed by flavorful yet sleek tropical fruit notes that linger on the finish. It brings a whole lot of appeal.
Klipsun Vineyard provides the fruit for this wine, with 10% Boushey Syrah rounding it out. This wine offers aromas of herb and wet copper penny that lead to full-bodied, boisterous fruit flavors. It the aromas come together it could move up a notch or two.
Bright aromas of raspberries, flowers, potpourri and herbs are followed by a full-bodied palate. It finishes a bit linear.
This is a ripe and structured wine of red fruits and fine acidity. With its tannins and tangy edge, it has a dry core that gives it a great chance with food.
The floral perfume of this wine is subdued, while the palate has the grip of fir honey and citrus pith along with softer notes of blossom and gentle yellow plum. These are balanced so well by bitter elements that this medium-dry wine almost finishes dry. Matched with ripe, washed-rind cheeses it will be a triumph.
Fresh-pressed blackberry, cedar, dark-chocolate shavings, charcoal and espresso grounds show on this slightly wound up, extremely dark wine. Coffee flavors come through strongly on the thick and sticky palate, where powerful acidity unleashes blueberries and dried herbs. It's a mouthful for certain.
Light honey and apple-syrup aromas meet with hints of marzipan and sweet pear on the nose of this bottling. The flavor profile is intriguing and slightly bitter, with quinine, orange oil, citrus zest and sandstone presented on a oily structure.
Subdued aromas of wild red berry, sunbaked earth and dark baking spice emerge in the glass. The linear palate is a bit on the lean side, offering tart cherry, strawberry, clove and anise alongside bright acidity and lithe tannins. Showing vintage variation, this doesn't have the structure or complexity of previous years but still shows the firm's trademark finesse.
Gritty cherry aromas with a tarry background come before a snappy, juicy, racy palate. This is a quick, tart, slightly salty wine with mild but fresh plum and currant fruit. The finish goes so fast it barely registers.
Fresh white peach and green melon flavors shine in this zesty, spry wine. Just a shade off dry, it's a refreshing everyday wine with invigorating acidity. Drink now.
A light citrus and pine scent is the first impression then the flavors of this medium-bodied wine turn to ripe pear and apple notes. It feels full and smooth on the tongue. It's a nice choice when you're on a budget.
The three castas (grapes) in the blend are Chardonnay, Arinto and Vital. It is a clean, fresh wine that is soft and round. The Chardonnay acidity lifts the two Portuguese grapes. This lightly textured wine is ready to drink now.
Tropical guava, flint and lemon chiffon combine for a mild-mannered expression of the variety untethered by oak, the wine said to have no barrel treatment whatsoever. An easygoing quaff, it goes down without nuance or fussiness, finishing clean and lean.
Aromas of red plum and citrus qualify as raw and sharp. This is racy on the palate, with high acidity. Flavors of plum and cherry show mild spice and herbal shadings, while a tart red-fruit character is maintained across the finish.
Saucy, herbal aromas of tarry berry, olive, carob and mint set up a crisp palate that's lean in composition. Generic plum and buttery oak flavors finish green and herbal.
This vintage is thick in dusty chocolate, clove and cinnamon tones, with a sage underbite that gives it a wild edge. Soft, approachable tannins provide a crowd-pleasing entry and midpalate, while the finish reveals the wine's full-bodied, riper side.
Tight, scalped, rubbery aromas lead to a hard, pinched palate. This Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a particular flavor profile defined by campfire, hoison sauce, raw wood and peppercorn. With an overriding roasted flavor akin to barbecue, this struggles to show a fruit component on the finish.
Made with 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this offers aromas of cassis, toast, grilled bell pepper, menthol and a whiff of cedar. The mature palate shows raisin, dried cherry, espresso and a hint of black pepper alongside puckery tannins that dry out the finish. Drink soon to capture what fruit remains.
There's a dullness to the nose of this wine, followed up by punches of dark plum, chocolate and chalky tannin. Reserved on the midpalate, it finds a burst of chocolate to share at the end.
A bright, lightly fizzy wine that is off dry and crisp. There are sweet apple and lime fruit flavors with a tang of mandarin orange. The wine is clean, fruity and ready to drink.
Made with from organically grown grapes, this blend of 85% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo and 7% Merlot has aromas of pressed flower and sour berry. The fresh, simple palate offers sour cherry and raspberry alongside vibrant acidity. Drink soon.
Despite the fact that this smells green, it scores points in the mouth, where it's dense and chewy. This also tastes green and highly herbal, but it's full across the palate, with a sense of richness that helps offset the wine's bell-pepper character.
Blackberry aromas are outweighed by heavy, creamy, oak-driven scents of chocolate, vanilla and mocha that seem more forced than natural. This is chunky on the palate, with flavors of vanilla and milk chocolate blending with sour plum and berry notes.
This starts out well, with sniffs and sips of blackberries and black cherries. That fruit does a quick fade, and drying tannins quickly take over the thin finish.
This blend of half Gros Manseng and half Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, lightly herbal and with a touch of honeyed pear to give it a ripe taste. It has a refreshing, cool character that's bright and tangy at the end.
The black-cherry fruit on the nose of this wine is a little sour, lifted by coffee grinds and incense. The tip of the sip is ripe with blueberry, then hardens around stiff tannins and zingy acidity, finishing on smoke and crushed herbs.
Swirls of steel and petrol cast a dark shadow onto crisp green melon and pear flavors in this interesting dry Scheurebe. Its brisk, tart style is inviting, but the finish is marked by a bitter, slightly stringent feel. Drink now.
This is a rich wine, full of rounded black fruits and soft tannins. It is a young style of wine with no wood aging, just the ripe fruits. Drink this wine now.
From one of the properties followed by the Marmande cooperative at the northern end of the Southwest region, this wine has black currant fruits that are filled out with some firm tannins. After five years, it is obvious that the tannins will remain, leaving a wine that is dry and stalky in character.
Pungent kiwi, peach fuzz and notes of herb and gooseberry surround a full-bodied, robust and rounded palate with streaks of citrus and medium acidity.
This is an innocuous, flowery and lemony white wine priced to sell that offers a creamy texture amid a light body and soul. For picnics and larger gatherings, it'll represent well.
This is soft and juicy with just a hint of a more tannic structure in the background. It is designed as an immediate easy-drinking wine, full of fruit and blackberry fruits.
This is a bold, ripe wine from the heart of the Alentejo. Perfumed, full of red berry flavored fruits and with a rich, soft texture, it is ready to drink.
With some wood aging in French oak, the wine seems to have smoothed out the fruitiness. It is soft with a light spice and hints of green apple. The wine is ready to drink.
This is an attractive wine with its ripe red fruits contrasted with the tangy orange zest and acidity. It's definitely a food rosé, very dry and with bright acidity shining through at the end.
Made from the local grape Duras (or Braucol), this is a soft, ripe wine. It has strawberry flavors that are lifted by a orange zest acidity. It's all fruit, fresh and ready to drink.
This is a blend of 49% Merlot with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Zinfandel and 4% Syrah offered at an attractive price point. Puckering tannins soften in the glass to unveil hefty blackberry pie and plenty of dark chocolate with mellowed acidity.
Aggressive vanilla and tobacco flavors overtake the simple, light cherry fruit. The over-oaked impression continues into the finish, which leaves a bitter aftertaste.
A perennial winner, Grande Garrigue is a medium- to full-bodied wine with supple tannins and ample cherry fruit. This vintage shows a hint of asphalt upfront, then dark tones of earth and chocolate on the velvety finish. Drink now–2022.
Despite being six years old, this remains an intensely concentrated, dense Syrah. It's full bodied and richly textured on the palate, easily carrying the dark flavors of mocha, licorice and Italian plum to a long, velvety close. Drink now–2020.
This is a rich wine with the wood aging giving extra complexity and structure. It has cherry, plum and spice flavors, a dark sense that comes from the texture and the minerality. Drink this solid wine from 2014.
This is a ull, rich wood-aged Muscadet from old vines in a single vineyard. It is ripe, yellow fruit flavored and concentrated, the natural acidity of the Melon grape rounded and softened. It can be aged so drink now through 2017.
This heavy, baked Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend carries all the fingerprints of winemaker Michel Rolland, a partner from the start in this high-end Salta project. Aromas of raisin and leather are rustic and rich. Flavors of mocha, molasses, cassis and chocolate finish with a syrupy feel. Drink sooner rather than later.
This is a completely unique wine for the state, one that calls out more to the Loire Valley than to Rattlesnake Hills. Coming in at a cool 12.5% alcohol—in a vintage known for average temperatures—it brings detailed notes of flowers, cigar box, raspberry and moist earth. With nine months of neutral French-oak aging, there's barely a trace of oak influence. It's lighter in style but still brings good depth with a long, flavorful finish. As far from a cocktail wine as you can get; serve this one at the dinner table.
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Merlot (31%), Petit Verdot (12%), Cabernet Franc (9%) and Malbec was assembled after just a little more than a year in barrel and then aged for an additional year in 500-liter French oak puncheons. It's 85% free-run juice and locked up with notes of graphite, dark chocolate, cassis and wood. The flavors are elegant, tart and tightly coiled, surrounded by chewy tannins that still need some time in the bottle to be tamed.
A new cuvée for the winery, The Conjurer is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, sourced from Blackrock Vineyard (adjacent to Red Mountain) and Blue Mountain Vineyard in Walla Walla. Bright and juicy, it's packed with raspberry and blueberry fruit, balanced against lightly-applied savory highlights. Lovely mouthfeel and generous length make this a wine that's hard to put down.
Dark gold, almost chartreuse, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc has cider-like aromas at first and a slight effervescence. Balanced, it's interesting, a heady taste of apple and pear and almond that finishes clear and tight. It's a fine choice for fall and wintertime desserts but also as an apéritif.
This is a true Luján Malbec, with earthy berry aromas and a loamy topping to the nose. A ripe, chewy mouthfeel is braced by modest acidity, while vanilla, maple, mocha and blackberry flavors are oaky and modern in style. On the finish, the feel is creamy yet fresh, and the flavors echo the palate.
Rich in grenadine and orange peel flavor, Red Electra is infused with the perfume of jasmine. Slightly effervescent, it would be delightful over ice or mixed into a gin and tonic and at under 6% alcohol is a nice apéritif to serve any guest.
Ripe in plum, raspberry and leather this is a full-bodied, smooth and long-lived Syrah ripe in pepper and coffee. Pair with wintertime meals that are equally rich and savory.
Sourced from Stillwater Creek, Copeland and Dineen vineyards, this Bordeaux-style blend is roughly half Merlot, one quarter Cabernet Franc, and the rest a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Plum and black cherry fruit flavors are set in a mocha-and-dark-chocolate frame. Smooth and well-defined, it finishes with bourbon barrel highlights.
This late harvest dessert wine from Sardinia is made with native grape Nasco and a small amount of Malvasia di Cagliari. It has intense aromas of tangerine, honey and spice that carry over to the palate along with hazelnut. Velvety smooth yet fresh, it makes a perfect after dinner drink, or pair it with aged cheeses or fruit tarts.
A fine example of what Tavel can be, this is a full-bodied, luscious rosé with a bit of sturdiness to its structure. Cherry and peach notes fade into hints of fresh herb and cocoa on the long, harmonious finish. Drink now and through the summer of 2014.
This vineyard-designated Merlot includes 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage, Syrah is eliminated and alcohol is lowered—a welcome shift. Rich and loaded with black fruits, it carries interesting accents of caramel popcorn, yielding a delicious, tongue-coating wine with a silky-smooth mouthfeel. It has good length, and the possibility of aging for another five or six years.
The wood aging shows strongly in this spicy wine. Besides bitter tannins it also gives the wine a minty character. It is young and hopefully the fruit will develop more and fill out this structure.
The meaty, spicy aromas of this medium-bodied wine are quickly followed by a flood of ripe, grapy fruit flavors that seem lightly sweet as they coat the sides of the mouth. It's big in flavor and rather soft and easy in texture.
Robust in red berry and vanilla, this wine is big-boned and ripe, with a tartness under lying the fruit and a moderate structure.
A blend of six different varieties with Merlot and Syrah taking the lead, this wine brings aromas of toast, matchstick and cherry. The flavors are luscious and full, backed by lightly tacky tannins.
Lightly volatile aromas of raspberry, vanilla bean, and cherry are followed by smooth fruit and barrel flavors. The oak seems to get in the way at times.
The Lapa vineyards are away from the Tagus (Tejo) river giving better structured soil and therefore firmer wines. That shows in this ripe wine with its tannins and bold fruits. It is attractively fruity, with a dry core. The wine is ready to drink.
This high-end wine has a tenacious hold of earthiness, that exhibits as tomato leaf and dried herb. Full-bodied and densely concentrated, its tannins are smooth and fine, while the texture leans gravelly. Black pepper and leather characteristics are hard to ignore.
The aromas seem to lack clarity, with white flower and orange rind notes struggling to get to the surface. It drinks medium sweet with abundant floral and orange-peel flavors that provide appeal.
Light in color, this is a somewhat murky, reduced and bittersweet wine, earthy in fresh compost, mushroom and pine. Its fruit flavors tend toward rhubarb and cranberry, as the finish ends in black tea.
This is basic, full-bodied red juice, richly dense on the palate and buzzing in a current of dried herb and meaty game.
Reduced initially, this wine shows a feral herbal side, a sign of its cool-climate sourcing, which provides a funky personality. Mushroom, clove and a thickness of earth all make a play to be center of attention.
Light aromas of apple and pear lead to broad dry flavors. It delivers easy-drinking appeal.
Generic red-fruit aromas set up a solid palate. This tastes of roasted plum and berry fruits, while a straightforward finish is grabby in feel and tastes the slightest bit herbal and green.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, this informal red has subdued aromas suggesting of dark-berry, violet and a hint of kitchen spice. The light-bodied simple palate shows black cherry, dried plum alongside soft tannins.
This traditional blend of five Bordeaux varieties comes across as tight and streamlined, lacking much texture or richness. Cedar, cassis and mint finish crisp.
This medium-bodied Chardonnay is a bit tart and austere. Understated smoke and melon aromas lead the way, while the flavors are lemony, finishing on a slightly sour note.
There's a slightly sweaty note in the nose, but plenty of fruit in the mouth. Blueberry and black cherry, cassis and blue plum gather with substantial earthy chewy tannins. The high alcohol that's listed does not show in the flavor or the finish; in fact, this does a bit of a quick fade into flavors of coffee grounds.
Tart cranberry and boysenberry fruit takes center stage here, with substantial acids and astringent tannins backing it up. There are some off-notes also, a slightly sour, slightly sweaty aspect, that keeps this rating lower than it could be. Good fruit, but trouble in the cellar is the challenge to be overcome.
This wine comes from one of the grand aristocratic estates that line the eastern bank of the Tagus (Tejo) river. With ripe berry fruits, it shows signs of generous tannins as well as plenty of acidity. The wine is fruity, likely to age quickly. Drink from 2018.
This opens with delicate aromas of black-skinned berry and scorched soil. The simple palate shows prune, clove and a whiff of baking spice alongside round tannins. Drink soon.
Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) make up the majority of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aromas of baking spice and blue fruit are followed by cocoa powder and blue fruit flavors. It comes off as quite dry.
This wine offers delicious acidity, crisp fruit and plenty of red berry flavors. It has a lively, perfumed aftertaste.
Softly layered in crisp red fruit, from currant to strawberry, this is a medium-bodied wine with a medium finish, seasoned in compelling jolts of cinnamon spice. From the relatively cool climes of its appellation, it's juicy without ever becoming overwhelming in tannin.
This Tavel rosé contains six grape varieties, although 80% of the blend is Grenache and Cinsault. Despite ample weight on the palate, the result is a bit chalky on the finish, with flavors of underripe berries and melon.
This wine brings aromas of toast, dried herbs, dark raspberries and cranberries. It's silky in texture, with the concentration a bit wanting. It doesn't seem entirely varietal but it still provides enjoyment.
This lands on the sweet side of the corral, and has a good texture of tannins and acidity as well as oodles of grapy, blackberry jam flavors to complete the package. It's full bodied, rich in mouthfeel, and the ripe fruit character stays on the finish.
A fresh, grapefruit and citrus flavored Champagne, this is intensely crisp. It is all fruit with just a hint of zesty texture to give some shape. It could age in bottle for a few more months, so drink from 2016.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 5% Pugnitello, this savory red offers dark berry and blue flower aromas with a whiff of cooking spice. The bright palate displays juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry and a note of ground white pepper alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the fresh fruit flavors.
Aromas of toast, espresso, oak and sage come together in the glass. On the palate, notes of coconut and coffee accent a ripe core of wild cherry. Soft acidity and round tannins lend it an easy-drinking quality.
Initially savory tones of bramble and dried herb dissipate to reveal delicate floral and raspberry aromas on this refreshing Pinot Noir rosé. Dry in style with crisp, cutting acidity, it's a versatile and thirst quenching summer quaffer.
Aromas of woodspice, char, pickling spices and herbs are out in front of red and black fruit. The flavors are light and appealing, but ultimately the oak provides distraction.
Light raspberry and plum aromas offer a touch of floral violet. This everyday Mencía shows grip and expansive flavors of earthy plum and raspberry. Moderate oak and a medicinal note rise up on a fresh finish.
Blackberry and pressed violet aromas come together along with a whiff of espresso on this medium-bodied red. The easy-drinking palate offers wild cherry, plum and cooking spice accompanied by smooth, polished tannins. Drink through 2018.
This medium-bodied, luminous red boasts a pretty fragrance of blue flowers and wild berry. The vibrant, easy-drinking palate doles out crushed raspberry, wild cherry and a hint of clove alongside racy acidity. Enjoy through 2016.
This wine tends toward an orange coloration, and shows aromas of warm watermelon, a touch of cantaloupe and even some orange rind. The flavors are very lively, if a little sour, with tangerine peels laced across the cotton-candy warmth.
Underbrush, raisin, charred earth, mocha and toast aromas lead the nose. The palate offers dried black cherry, prune, chocolate, toasted oak, vanilla and a green note of dried sage alongside astringent tannins. It lacks fruit richness to stand up to the oak.
Rooty berry and cherry aromas are brambly on the nose. This is mature and medium in body and extraction. Rooty flavors echo the bouquet, while the finish offers flavors of vanilla, root beer and light herbs. Drink now.
The color is deeper than usual. Aromas are thick with blackberry and boysenberry, and similarly generous flavors seem to spread out and coat the mouth. Accents of chocolate and vanilla add welcome complexity to this rich-tasting wine that's based on Tempranillo grapes.
This opens with aromas of baked plum, violet, coconut and espresso. The palate offers fleshy black cherry, vanilla, toasted oak, anise and a confectionary note alongside assertive tannins that leave a rather astringent finish.
Bright and easy-to-drink, this Sangiovese delivers aromas and flavors of candied cherry, raspberry, Mediterranean herb and white pepper. Supple tannins and fresh acidity support juicy flavors.
A large (for Saint-Émilion) estate of 93 acres has produced a dark wine that is layered with tight, dry tannins. The fruit is still buried under this tough exterior, although there are strong hints of the juicy black currant future. Drink from 2018.
Firmly tannic, this tough wine shows signs of over-enthusiastic extraction. That gives a bitter character that will always leave the wine with a dry core. The black fruits skins give acidity and some final freshness. Drink from 2018.
Tight, bright and very crisp, this is a lively and fruity wine. Citrus fruit flavors compete happily with the red berries to give a bone-dry wine, light and fresh at the end.
This smooth wine has a good balance between a dry core and black currant fruit. It has a fresh character, typical of the vintage, along with acidity and smokiness from the wood aging. It will not age long, drink from 2017.
There is an unusually high (40%) proportion of Sémillon in the blend, which offers the possibility of aging. Although this wine is fresh, lemony and tightly herbaceous now, it will become more rich and the flavors will deepen. Drink from the end of 2016.
Made with organic grapes, this charming young red has a delightful fragrance of blue flowers and woodland berries. The zesty palate doles out crunchy red berry and a hint of white pepper accompanied by lively acidity.
Made with organically farmed fruit, this opens with aromas of brown spices, tilled earth and black-skinned fruit. The vibrant, medium-bodied palate offers blackberry, dried cherry, licorice and orange zest alongside zesty acidity and round tannins.
Generous flavors with a full body add up to a very likable, mouthfilling wine that will love a juicy steak or grilled lamb chop. Almost-sweet spices like vanilla and nutmeg come out in the aroma and persist through the fresh black cherry flavors and finish.
Dense blackberry, licorice, leather and herb aromas come together nicely on this Garnacha-Tempranillo blend. Bracing, racy acidity creates edge and sharpness on the palate, while hickory-smoked plum and raspberry flavors finish with firm tannins and dashing acidity.
Oak aromas are at the fore, with notes of vanilla, toffee, barrel spice and char followed by game and red fruit. The red-fruit and Band-Aid flavors are lighter in style, showing abundant oak accents that persist through the tart finish. It's a surprisingly elegant wine considering the appellation.
Wisps of smoke and dusty mineral introduce this delicately framed Sauvignon Blanc. Tasted in late May of 2017, its still tightly wound and requires some time and aeration upon opening, but its lemony vitality is refreshing.
Earthy black cherry and plum flavors are solid and steady, as is the palate on this honest yet basic Garnacha. Flavors of black plum, blackberry and dry spices finish well. Overall, this value wine gets it right without forcing anything.
Familiar Rioja aromas of cigar box, baking spices and dried cherry introduce a dense, sinewy palate. Flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate include peppery spice notes, which are balanced on the way out.
This wine is a unique blend of 50% Petit Verdot, 25% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in a mixture of 59% new French and American oak. Unusual aromas of lemon twist, vanilla, white pepper, herb and green wood lead to high-acid elegant fruit flavors backed by coarse gritty-feeling tannins. It doesn't stand up by itself but has a place at the dinner table.
Light in color, aromas of vanilla, caramel, toast, char and wood spice lead to wood-forward fruit flavors backed by tart acids. The oak seems out of check but it still brings some appeal.
This is a fruity wine, light and bright in character. It has acidity and black-currant crispness. The light tannins are just enough to give the wine shape. Drink now.
This wine, with its gentle wood aging and ripe fruits, is the more accessible early of the two wines made at the estate. It is full of ripe berry fruits, while having a background of firm tannins and a dusty texture. The wine should be ready from 2018.
From vines in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, this 85% Merlot wine is rich with layers of young black fruit and spicy wood flavors. It is still a young, structured wine and needs time for the powerful tannins to soften. Drink from 2019.
The wine has some extraction that leaves a bitter edge. That needs to blow off to allow the underlying ripe blackberry fruit to come through. So wait until 2018.
With firm tannins as well as juicy black-currants, this is an attractive wine. It has plenty of acidity which is balanced by the ripe fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
The wine, with its juicy red fruits, has fine acidity as well as a core that has a dry tannin and mineral texture. It is structured and firm with the fruit still developing. Drink from 2020.
The aromas are unusual, with notes of mandarin orange, apricot, tin and herb. The palate is sweet and fleshy, showing a brightness of fruit flavor.
Dried cherry and raspberry aromas lead to medium-bodied, sweet fruit flavors that seem bit clipped. It doesn't all come together.
This branded Bordeaux is packed both with fruit and with a firm structure. It has a dense texture and solid tannins although the generous fruit will allow it to age relatively quickly. Drink from 2018.
Scents of smoke, forest floor and leather lend rustic elegance to this bright briskly concentrated wine. Blackberry and cherry flavors are pleasantly crisp, framed by soft ripe tannins and an earthy lingering finish.
Compact, rubbery aromas of plum and berry come with notes of cheesy oak and cowhide. A tight, fresh palate is balanced, tasting of plum, berry fruits and oaky spice. A straightforward finish echoes the palate.
This opens with subdued aromas of French wood, grilled herb, forest floor and dark spice. The firmly structured palate shows espresso, toast, powdered sage and licorice but not much fruit richness. Grainy drying tannins leave an astringent mouthfeel.
Whiffs of smoke and dark toast lend savoriness to this otherwise plush plummy Cabernet Sauvignon. Unctuous black plum and berry flavors are rich and yielding on the palate but finish with bold penetrating tannins.
Very dried fruit aromas of elderberry and raisins meet with potent nutmeg, clove and rustic leather on the nose of this bottling from the Pozo area. Raisins and prunes dominate the palate, with a hint of gingerbread and chocolate cake.
Underbrush, coconut, espresso and floral aromas lead the nose. It's full-bodied but lean in terms of fruit richness, offering exotic spice, roasted coffee bean and a hint of licorice while aggressive grainy tannins leave a mouth-drying astringent finish.
While a bit restrained in style, this dry easy-going Riesling offers delicate shades of tangerine and yellow-apple flavor augmented by zesty lime and lemon acidity. Crisp texture and a soft bristle of lime zest lend a vibe to the finish.
Quite staunch and almost sour smelling, with an initial blast of vinegar that later settles on herbal. Flavors of baked beans and herbal fruit carry heat and scouring acidity. Rubbery as well.
Disappointing considering the source. The nose reeks of chocolate mint, marshmallow and burnt leaves, while the palate is tannic, sour and shows only citrusy red fruit notes. One of Lurton's weakest wines to date.
Severely compromised by green, minty, weedy aromas and flavors. If it weren't for the color and reasonably solid mouthfeel, this would be sunk. As is, it's not a ripe, balanced wine.
Smells like crushed vitamins, iron and minerals, but no fruit. Weak, funky and sour tasting, and then angular on the finish. There's even some sauerkraut in the mix. Not what we're looking for.
For a wine that's 100% Mourvèdre, this has pretty tame tannins, the suppleness and creamy texture helping to balance some of the crisp acids and tart red berry notes. Varietal cola and tree bark aromas and flavors add complexity to this structured but approachable red that should drink well for at least the next 5–8 years.
While sometimes the Pauly-Bergweiler wines come across as too simply sweet, this one hits all the right notes, from an outrageously exotic bouquet of dried apricots, orange marmalade and faintly sweaty socks that add a kinky edge to the rich, layered texture in the mouth and virtually endless finish. Should age effortlessly for decades, but it's pretty spectacular now.
Concentrated to the hilt, with molten black fruit, coconut and mint aromas. The palate is driven, tannic, pure and features dynamite flavors of black fruit, bitter chocolate and spice cake. So beautiful and big, but also showing elegance and restraint. Drinkable now but will age well for another seven years or more.
This wine was made with 76% whole-cluster fruit, and it shows with iron rich notes on the nose as well as strong thyme, dark hibiscus, crushed cinnamon stick and other powerful red spices. Light and tannic cranberry fruit and plum-skin tartness pop on the palate as does thyme, green peppercorn and green cardamom.
Ripe plum, fragrant blue flower, Mediterranean herb, espresso and a whiff of exotic spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this structured, polished red. It's still young and tightly wound, offering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, toast and ground pepper flavors that are framed by youthfully assertive yet refined tannins. Give it a few more years to soften and fully develop; drink 2019–2028.
A dark colored blend of Négrette and Syrah, this is a concentrated and perfumed wine from Philip Grant, an Irishman who bought the estate in 2008. It is full of ripe plum fruits and bold tannins that give shape to what is a super-rich wine. The wood aging has cast a smooth patina over the fruit and given an extra complexity. This fine wine is ready to drink.
From a 16-acre vineyard, this 100% Malbec wine is properly dark in color, with dense tannins as well as ripe black plum fruits. There is a strong mineral character from the chalk in the soil, giving a powerful texture as well as structure that will allow the wine to age. This rich wine should be drunk from 2020.
Winemakers Greg Morthole and David Ramey showcase this vineyard site well, a special spot in the heart of the appellation. Rich and spicy, the wine features tastes of black tea, deep dark fruit and zesty minerality, all layered by toasty oak. Full bodied and luxurious, it finds its way to a bright, fresh finish.
Black in color, this Petit Verdot smells of iodine, black currant, road tar and leather. The palate is saturated, with a burst of acidity creating zest and balance. Oaky, powerful blackberry flavors shorten up on a muscular, tannic finish. Drink through 2021.
Savvy shoppers may be able to find this for about $20, making it an excellent deal in a full-bodied, structured red wine. Cassis, vanilla and plum notes mark the nose and palate, finishing with a flourish of dusty-textured tannins. Drink now–2025.
Lemon and slate aromas give this wine an immediate poise, but there's much more complexity on the palate. Mineral-driven but full of fresh and full-bodied citrus, pineapple and grapefruit, the wine finishes with a chalky and brisk tidiness. A truly delicious expression of a very distinctive grape.
This is a new wine from Vinha Paz. It is right up to the standards of the vineyard's reds: a beautifully perfumed, ripe wine that has Encruzado in the blend. Rich, full of yellow and spicy fruits, it is both structured, toasty and intense. Drinkable now.
An estate-grown blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petite Sirah and 10% Merlot, aged entirely in French oak, half of it new, this is a delight of a wine, surprisingly light on its feet despite the vintage and the varieties. Blackberry, cassis and tar wrap around dusty tannins that soften in the glass, teasing on the finish with an expression of fresh flowers.
Owner/winemaker Tony Rynders speaks of walking a tightrope to deliver the best each vintage has to offer. Here the results are supple and downright sexy, a boatload of plummy fruit swathed in chocolate and almond paste. It's lush, seamless, and perfect for near-term enjoyment.
This is the high-elevation Kimmeridgian soil interpretation of Viognier at the Lagrézette estate from enologist Claude Boudamani with consultant Michel Rolland. Despite its high alcohol, it is restrained and serious with structured fruits and a sense of balanced power. The fruits, apricots and white peach sing harmoniously with the pepper and spice from wood aging. Drink from 2017.
This is a ripe and opulent wine. It has rich tannins and generous black fruits but it still offers a spicy wood-aging flavor. As it develops, the intense fruits and smoky flavors will come to dominate, while always preserving the structure of the wine. It is a wine to age a bit, so drink from 2017.
Blackened spice aromas are affixed to blackberry and herbal scents on this full-bodied, saturated Maipo Syrah. In the mouth, this is big in every way, with bolstering acidity. Flavors of black plum, boysenberry and tomato bring spice and herbal notes into play, while the finish is juicy but not overly long, with notes of herbs, spice and oaky vanilla. Drink through 2020.
Situated in the Tarn River valley, south of Cahors and west of Toulouse, this estate has turned towards Bordeaux in its choice of grapes. The wine has structure, tense tannins as well as black currant fruit flavors. It's a rich, generous wine, and with its acidity and firm background it will age. Drink from 2018.
A complex, ripe wine that has rich red fruits, dark cherries and a serious undertow of tannin. The name comes from what the producer calls the alchemy between wood and fruit, and certainly the balance is just right. It has structure and dense tannins along with a juicy fruitiness. The wine is now ready to drink.
The nose on this savory, crowd-pleasing wine is great, with attractive notes of black plum, sesame oil, soy, hoisin and salted caramel. An array of well-integrated flavors flood the palate, like black cherry stewed in Indian spice, Asian plum sauce, blackberry preserves and stewed peppercorns.
Another of the producer's 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines, this is a lovely quaff, dark black in color and attitude, with a taste of black olive tapenade. Sanguine and medium bodied, it has a thick, peppery finish balanced in minerality.
The grapes for this lovely wine come from the Dry Stack Vineyard and Fallenleaf, some of which is planted to the Sauvignon Musque clone. Zesty acidity takes the first punch, remaining brightly balanced and explosive on the palate, with additional hits of white peach, apricot and honey.
Scorched earth, underbrush, cured meat and grilled sage aromas lead the way together with a whiff of new leather. The ripe, juicy palate doles out black raspberry, succulent wild cherry, baking spice and a hint of tobacco. Packed but mature tannins retrain the rich fruit.
A bit tight and funky on the nose with damp mushrooms and juniper notes spicing up the black-cherry fruit, this clonal study by winemaker Blair Fox is a great eye-opener for wine geeks. The palate packs shiitake and porcini flavors with basil, bay leaf, oregano and black-pepper spice, laid across black-plum fruit and soy-sauce richness.
Thick and viscous in the glass, this densely loaded wine shows buttery, vanilla-laced French toast on the nose as well as black cherry, blackberry, crushed lavender and marjoram notes. The round palate is relatively tight with elderberry, espresso and black-peppercorn flavors, lifted elegantly by purple flowers.
Lush and juicy, this has a grippy firmness of structure and the accompanying suggestion of years to go. Cassis and cedar lead over notes of black cherry and berry, with the support of a full, concentrated body. Drink now through 2022.
Lightly tropical and entirely mineral-driven, racing in acidity, this tightly wound wine is cradled in toasty, integrated oak that's still trying to let go. It shows hints of the goodness within, from crisp green apple to caramel and lemon meringue. Drink now through 2023.
A layered, savory and rich nose from this extremely coastal vineyard shows brawny strawberry and bramble notes as well as gingerbread, fresh purple, red and pink flowers, and a salty soy character. Lush olallieberry and blackberry fruit consumes the palate, lifted by black pepper and graphite-laced earth notes.
Ripe red cherries and red currants provide the fruit scents for the savory smoked pork and sanguine raw-beef qualities that power the nose on this single-vineyard bottling. Those bloody meats mix with elderberry, ripe red plum, lavender and allspice once sipped, proving complex and tangy but with lingering dark-fruit flavors.
Exotic scents and flavors highlight this bottling by Doug Margerum that packs crushed kola nut, red roses, cinnamon stick, vanilla and a dewy lavender into the nose. The palate bursts with cologne-like qualities, combining raspberry, mulberry, pomegranate and heirloom plums with violets, lilacs and more purple and dark-red flowers.
While shades of slate and saffron lend complexity and nuance, this semisweet wine is more a showcase of sumptuous yellow peach and pear flavors. Its high-toned acidity and delicate, lacy mouthfeel make it irresistibly gulpable.
While there's plenty of peachy, primary perfume, crushed slate and stone form the backbone of this deeply mineral Riesling. Dry in style, it's plush, creamy palate is balanced by a bitter edge of lime pith and savory pollen notes. It's a complex wine that should meld and intensify further over the next five years.
A smooth, beautifully rich wine with great swathes of ripe fruit. The wine is concentrated and dense, showing the best of the year with its fine, ripe fruits. Age for 3–4 years.
Fleshy fruit tones of cherry, plum, blackberry and raspberry all abound on the nose of this G-S-M blend, alongside secondary hints of black pepper and cured meat. There's a nice evolution to the medium-weight palate, which starts off with fruity dominance but then transitions to spice, followed by sweet smoke and finally ends of a decadent mocha flavor. It's firmly textured with gripping tannins and a long finish.
This late-release Riesling is texturally fascinating with a rich, minerally palate bursting with white grapefruit and waxy, floral flavors. Slightly off-dry in style, it's deliciously creamy and slick with a lingering finish that's kissed with caramelized sugar.
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.
Drawing from prestigious vineyard sources that include Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Alder Ridge, this generous Cabernet is redolent with notes of cherry, cocoa, herbs and dusty spices. The broad, tart cherry flavors are supported with a firm tannic structure that will keep this wine ageing nicely in the cellar for years to come.
Hatched from the modern model, this dark, oaky Tempranillo is saturated in color, with flush, potent aromas of boysenberry, wood spice and lead pencil. It's lively and bringing the volume, while flavors of charred, savory blackberry and barbecue end in a crusty tasting finish with some heat. Drink now through 2018.
Voluptuous and inviting, this Malbec has softened tannins amid bright blue and black fruit and wild cinnamon flavors. Structured and concentrated this is a memorable wine that will age another 5–10 years and go deliciously with a range of foods.
Elegant peach and floral tones on this off-dry Riesling build in complexity on the nose and palate, with layers of waxy lanolin and fresh green herbs. It's forward and fruity, yet honed and balanced, with bright lemon-lime acidity.
While this smells directly from the Old World, it's appealing and unique in style for Argentina. For starters, it's mature, bordering on old. Because of vital acidity, it's in good shape, with stewed berry, tobacco, spice and chocolate flavors. On the finish, pepper and bitter coffee notes enter the picture. Drink this one-of-a-kind Merlot now.
Weinert holds its wines back longer than almost any other Argentine winery, hence when you get a blend like this it's mature and ready. This is maderized, with aromas of earth, citrus, tobacco and mushroom. The palate is tight and houses tobacco, mocha, citrus and dried raspberry flavors. If you like aged Rioja, this is for you. The blend is Malbec, Cabernet and Merlot.
A soft and rounded wine, packed with typical juicy blueberry flavors. The wine has bright acidity, its tannins melting into the fruit. Ready to drink now. Glass stopper.
Dark and smoky, like hickory burning alongside blackberry, spice and turned earth. The palate has jammy black plum and blackberry flavors mixed with herbs, while good acidity gives it length. Finishes long, spicy and herbal, with enough freshness to make it food friendly.
Instantly, beautifully fragrant, this jumps from the glass with fresh strawberry/watermelon scents, pretty, fruity and quickly approachable. In the mouth it shows chunky black fruits, some astringency, a slightly green edge to the tannins. Overall a chewy, almost blocky wine, a good quaffer—the kind of wine you want to drink, not analyze.
Take two somewhat obscure, often-overlooked grapes, make a 50-50 blend, and voila—magic. Peppery, fruity, grapey, loaded with berries and dotted with spice, this delicious bottle has “summer” written all over it. Pour it at any barbecue and wait for the applause.
Clean and fresh, this pure varietal Grenache captures the fruit nicely. Aged in neutral French oak for 15 months, it has smoothed out but shows no barrel spice at all. It's fruit, acid and crisp tannins, all in good proportion.
Tropical aromas rise up and win you over. Bold and citrusy in the mouth, with crisp lime, green apple, grapefruit and passion fruit flavors. Zesty and remaining fruity until the end. A ripe, fresh, familiar wine done right.
Prune and lead pencil are the key aromas, and there's raisin in the background. The palate offers a mix of lushness and pulsing acid shocks, while the flavors are dark, sweet and pruney. Short on the finish and overall it's more dark and sultry than your average Graciano.
Schisty red fruit aromas come with hints of vanilla and dried cheese. The palate is crisp and snappy, but not sharp, with strawberry, raspberry, plum and licorice flavors. Shows good length and a sweet vanilla tinge on the finish. A well-made, affordable Priorat.
Dry, almondy and mature, with oxidized aromas and a bold gold color. This is full-force white Garnacha with a lot of heft and body. It's arguably more bitter and sweet than outright fruity, with honey and white pepper accents. Finishes extra spicy, with heat. Rich and heady stuff to drink now.
Lemony and light on the bouquet. The palate is aggressive, almondy tasting and tight, with lemony lead flavors, peach notes and a lasting but not unpleasant bitterness. Nicely balanced, with good mouthfeel. A very nice wine and a different breed within the wide world of Spanish white wines.
Simultaneously sweet and fresh with attractive, intense notes of peach and lychee fruit flavors mingling with orange blossom and rose floral accents. Medium full and slightly viscous but with a clean, lengthy finish.
This is the second label for Col Solare, the Ste. Michelle/Antinori collaboration on Red Mountain. A fine bottle for the price, it shows the same elegance and supple texture as the frontline wine. Black cherry, blueberry, mocha and smoke swirl over and around the palate. Only in the finish does it seem to fade quickly, with a very slight suggestion of glue in the aftertaste.
Leather, raisin, earth and lightly baked berry aromas precede a woody, vanilla-infused palate with blackberry and spicecake flavors. Balanced and lively on the tongue, with a dry, barrel-spiced finish. Solid and appealing, but a little oaky.
Lush fruit and generous barrel notes blend in a wine with supple, forward fruit—strawberries especially. The tannins are polished and the finish loaded with caramel and butter. Easy-drinking, forward and full-bodied.
Always a powerful wine, this vintage exudes richness and density. There is a strongly tarry character as well as firm black plum fruits and a concentrated texture. This immense wine will need serious aging. Drink from 2010 and until 2030.
Brambly cherry fruit carries a generous amount of vanilla and clove highlights, along with a lightly smoky aroma of Earl Grey tea. Such details bring the wine to a deliciously satisfying finish.
A Bordeaux-inspired blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a tightly woven wine with buoyant minerality and a baseline of complexity, dry and balanced in cranberry, graphite, herb and tobacco leaf. It is composed and layered, enjoyable now and over time, through 2022.
Aromas of ripe bluish-black fruit, crushed mint, iris and dark cooking spices lead the nose on this savory blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The firm palate doles out fleshy black cherries, ripe blackberries, cinnamon, vanilla, mocha and tobacco. Velvety tannins support the delicious, juicy fruit flavors. Drink through 2019.
Rich, full and opulent, this is a honeyed, lush Condrieu probably best consumed by the end of 2015. Apricot and dried pineapple notes come across almost like a dry Sauternes, accented by lingering caramel and spice on the long finish.
Grande Reserva represents the very best selection from a vintage. This concentrated, dark wine has a brooding quality that shows both its quality and its aging ability. It is packed with plum and berry fruits that are still integrating with the solid tannins. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.
Deep and rich aromas of black raspberry, star anise, iodine and iron entertain the nose on this bottling by winemaker Clarissa Nagy. It's lush on the palate, with deep red fruits, but then becomes brightened by acidity and focused on an earthy, herbal line down the middle. With wild mint and anise on the finish it's quite complex.
The deep-gold color shows how long this wine has been aging. Smoky, toasted baguette aromas lead to very rich flavors that taste almost sweet but are appetizingly dry. The fruit notes go from ripe white cherry at the base to vivid lemon and kiwi for top notes. A lavish, long finish echoes butter and apple butter flavors.
This is an absolutely stunning wine, thick and dense with an array of candied fruits, caramel, marmalade, butterscotch and more. With 189g/L of residual sugar, a little sip or two will go a long way.
Loamy berry, blackberry pie and pastry aromas are like the red carpet at a big event. This is the epitome of a lush, layered, structured Tempranillo. Borderline syrupy flavors of blackberry, coffee and mocha end with chocolate and vanilla richness as well as lusty boldness. Hold until 2018, then drink through 2025.
Released after the 2011 vintage, this elegant wine has great presence. A blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, if offers vibrant, structured fruit while still reserving its full glory for several more years. Ripe fruits blend with intense acidity at the end. Drink from 2017.
This superripe and supersmooth wine packs in extra layers of flavor of boysenberry and anise between stacks of blackberry and ripe strawberry, all while staying supported by fine but firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Very full in body, it is still appetizingly dry, balanced for serving at a special meal, and very rewarding to drink now through 2022.
Concentrated, inky and charred on the nose, this is a ripe and heady Rioja with strong barrel influences. Blackberry, cassis and roasted black-plum flavors are appropriate given the wine's hefty build. Finishing flavors of coffee, bitter chocolate and baking spices are long and thorough. Drink this powerful Tempranillo-led blend through 2030.
This seems a tad more restrained than usual for La Doriane, which has typically been extremely lush and exotic in the past. The 2012 isn't as over the top, but still shows plenty of ripe apricot and tropical fruit framed by smoky oak and baking spices. The finish is long and mouthwatering, suggesting at least a few years of longevity.
Initially faint whiffs of saffron, tangerine and blossom catapult with intensity on the palate of this auslese. It's finely framed, but flavors of preserved peach, mango and honey are dense and concentrated, and cut with a long, linear streak of lime. Gorgeous now, but sure to intensify for decades to come.
You'll find it difficult to keep your hands off this gem, a block selection from the estate vineyard. The name, notes the winery, comes from an ancient Greek dance. Dark, smoky and toasty, this gripping wine is tight-knit and packed with raspberry and black cherry fruit, set against sweet baking spices. The balance is perfect, and this will drink well now through 2030.
This cellar-worthy treasure has attention-grabbing spice, leather and smoky oak aromas. Ripe fruit flavors are heavily shaded with undeniably delicious accents of cedar and chocolate. It is bold in flavor, full in body and quite tannic in texture. Hold until at least 2018; the wine should improve even more after that.
One of the producer's longest-standing vineyard sources, this Hyde is gorgeously savory and lightly textured, while offering plenty of depth and complexity on the palate. Aromatically, it presents inviting orange zest, cherry and cranberry, elements that follow in taste, finished off by a flash of white pepper. Fresh and fruity, this wine also provides smooth, yet sizable tannins.
Sunny tangerine acidity showers over plump honeydew and yellow plums in this lip-smacking, opulent spätlese. Refreshing grapefruit and green floral notes kiss the long, lingering finish. It's youthful exuberance shines, but it's likely to mature elegantly till at least 2025.
This sleek wine carries ripe, complex fruit aromas and delicious cherry and blackberry flavors on a silky-smooth texture, despite high alcohol. There is definitely an exotic touch to the fruit character, and it seems perfectly supported by fine-grained tannins, lip-smacking acidity and good length on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
A striking and flavorful wine, this bottling shows a little more spicy oak than most of the Renwoods, giving a slightly sweet cinnamon accent to the vivid blackberry and strawberry syrup flavors. The fruit character is powerful and delicious, seemingly seeping out of the wine in all directions. It's dry, full bodied, firm textured and will drink nicely now through 2020.
Ripe raspberry juice is spiced heavily with cloves rendered in butter and flashes of black pepper on this wine by Adam Lee. It's fresh and flavorful on the powerful palate, with lots of black spice, vibrant berry juice and fresh thyme on the edges. This wine is alive with energy and verve.
Clear in color and texture, this is a refined and yet voluptuous wine, a blend from several of the producer's single-vineyard designates, from Ridgetop Vineyard near Annapolis to Gap's Crown within the Petaluma Gap. It works on several levels, retaining the acidity of the cooler sites while combining the deeper, more complex aspects of others. Expect dark cherry and blueberry along a foundation of earthy truffle.
The fifth vintage from this cool site near Annapolis, the wine is spicy, creamy and on the fuller-bodied end of the spectrum, aromatically rich in baked strawberry and raspberry. Resolved tannins and integrated oak make for a seamless experience, the wine clean, composed and crisp on the finish.
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied wine opens with aromas of mature red berry, exotic spice and a whiff of purple flowers. The elegantly structured palate doles out juicy red currants, crushed raspberries, clove, cinnamon and licorice alongside firm, silky tannins. A tobacco note signals the close. Drink through 2021.
A delicious blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot opens with aromas of concentrated black plum, blackberry, blue flowers and a whiff of leather. The juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherries, crushed raspberries, white pepper, clove and grilled herb while velvety tannins provide the framework. A licorice note marks the close.
Fragrant, fresh and loaded with finesse, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot opens with scents of fragrant blue flowers, perfumed berry and a whiff of pine forest. The bright, silky palate delivers crunchy red currants, juicy raspberries and white pepper. It's nicely balanced, with firm, polished tannins and lively acidity. Drink 2016–2022.
Aromas of ripe blue- and black-skinned fruit, dried herb and cedar lead the nose on this savory blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. The firmly structured palate doles out spiced blueberries, blackberries, mint and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. A licorice note signals the close. Drink through 2020.
Always in the top rank of Oregon Chardonnays, the Sigrid expresses itself with voluptuously ripe fruits, a generous mix of apples, peaches and pears. The barrel regimen holds nothing back either, sending a tsunami of baking spices, buttered nuts and toasted biscuit flavors across and through the palate.
This limited release wine is complex, dense and structured on the palate. It offers a lively contrast between perfumed black fruit and structured tannins, which should integrate well with further aging. Drink this serious wine from 2017.
This is soft and easy in texture, light in flavors and slightly sweet. Light to medium bodied, it has very little tannin or astringency, is low in acidity and quiet on the finish.
An assertive if not aggressive wine, it smells like smoke and charred wood, tastes like espresso dosed with raspberry syrup, and feels tannic, oaky and astringent. Full bodied and ripe at its core, the oak characteristics effectively take over.
Subdued aromas suggest violet and ripe berry. The simple palate holds black cherry and blackberry alongside firm acidity.
Cherry cough-drop aromas are friendly enough. This feels hollow, with quick-hitting plum and cherry flavors. A touch of chocolate dust defines a simple finish.
Cherry and raspberry aromas are rubbery and show a fair amount of creamy, artificial-smelling oak. This is chewy and resiny in feel, with jammy flavors of raspberry, plastic and vanilla. Heat and oak are the prime players on a weak finish.
Rubbery, baked aromas of raspberry come with a minerally note of children's vitamins. This has a creamy mouthfeel but little stuffing or backing. Flavors of vanilla smother herbal red-berry notes, while the finish is lactic and tastes of residual oak.
Here is a medium-bodied, richly textured dry wine with a slightly earthy aroma, plummy fruit flavors and a touch of tannin. It's made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
Reedy berry, green tobacco, vanilla and leathery aromas make up the nose on this jammy, oaky Garnacha. The palate is sticky feeling, with hard, scratchy tannins. Flavors of raw oak, related sawdust and candied vanilla overshadow loamy baked blackberry notes, while the finish is mostly about wood flavor and creaminess.
This attractive medium sweet wine has fresh acidity to balance the soft texture. It's an easy-to-drink wine that's ready now.
Loaded with spice and lychee flavors, this is a rounded and rich wine. Not complex but attractive, it is ready to drink now.
Blanketed with heavy, minty, candied oak, this Malbec-led blend is meaty, sulfuric, pasty and gaseous on the nose. Plump, oaky and sticky on the palate, with vanilla and candied blueberry and black-plum flavors, this is more fat and oaky than structured and defined.
Aromas of banana, peach and citrus fruits are clean. This is round and simple in feel, with flavors of apple and peach that are slightly briny. On the finish, tropical fruit flavors fade to melony and nutty.
Perfumed and lightly aromatic, this is a smooth and rounded wine. Touches of acidity freshen the apricot flavors, leaving a wine that's easy to drink and quite ready.
Funky aromas recall barnyard, wet earth and overripe black fruit. The rustic palate offers mature blackberry and gamy notes alongside fleeting tannins.
Mild plum and raspberry aromas are a bit weedy. This has a jammy but reasonably fresh mouthfeel and limited raspberry flavors that show an oaky accent of chocolate. On the finish, this tilts toward cloying and sticky.
This soft, rounded wine has gentle ripe fruit flavors while missing out on acidity. It's medium sweet, warm with spice and a rich, full-bodied aftertaste. Drink now.
Hailing from the hot plains of Extremadura, this is tawny in color, with odd aromas of honey, carrot juice and peach pit. The mouthfeel is flat, wide and heavy, while slightly bitter stone-fruit flavors finish chunky. Overall this is unfamiliar both in aromas and flavors.
Aromas suggest cut flowers past their prime and overripe peaches. The disjointed palate offers candied lemon, nectarine zest and a confectionary note. A bitter aftertaste marks the finish. Panebianco, Vinity.
Made with organically farmed grapes, this simple, rustic rosato conveys aromas of red berry, game and a whiff of cellar must. The palate offers crushed wild cherry alongside zesty acidity.
Fresh, ripe and fruity, this has bright acidity and a tangy, lemon and orange zest texture. Attractive strawberry flavors come along with a touch of vanilla. Drink now.
This wine is muted, attractively balanced while missing the spicier character of Gewurztraminer. Light and uncomplicated, it's ready to drink, best as an apéritif.
In an economy version of a big California Chardonnay, this emerges from the spout of a 3-liter box smelling like buttered popcorn and feeliing a bit syrupy. Tasting like ripe pears tempered by toasted bread notes, it leaves an almost-sweet marshmallow finish.
This soft wine is light in character. It's attractive with a rounded texture, although it misses out on any great definition. It's ready to drink.
This is a soft and fruity wine, bright with acidity and apple fruit flavors. It's light and crisp, an attractive wine that's ready to drink.
Tradition in Alsace means an entry-level bottling. This fruity wine is a good introduction to Gewurztraminer with its touch of spice, rounded texture and fresh acidity at the end. Drink now.
Leafy raspberry aromas are offset by cured-meat notes of sausage or ballpark hot dogs. This has a creamy yet flabby mouthfeel with barely detectable acidity. Baked cherry and raspberry flavors show touches of cinnamon and chocolate, while the finish is dull.
This smells and tastes like cherry candy, butter and vanilla. It's rather light in body and concentration but has plenty of oak accents and a touch of sweetness.
Rubbery aromas and a pasty note are on equal footing with plum and cherry scents. This is choppy and mildly astringent in feel, with narrow plum and raspberry flavors that finish quick and with pinching tannins.
This full-bodied, well-oaked wine offers vanilla, coconut, cinnamon and red cherry aromas that meet tart cranberry, strawberry, nutmeg and cream flavors. It's expansive, well balanced, spicy and delicious and will taste best after 2020.
This hearty blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot is what put Justin on the map, and it still impresses with its elegantly woven tobacco, leather, cocoa, blueberry, and caramel aromas. It hits the palate softly, showing black cherry, baking spice, milk chocolate and faint mint notes, ending in a finish that reveals a firm tannic structure.
A lovely hue, this is scented with crushed rose petals and raspberries. It's tart, with zippy acidity, and a terrific midpalate lift. The finish resonates with a coating of café crême.
Layered black cherry, cola and raspberry flavors laced with cardamom and clove make this medium-bodied red succulently memorable. It's balanced and forgiving, its supple texture yielding to a creaminess on the finish that's irresistible.
Apple, lemon oil and vinosity unite to such a degree that the nose is completely heady: here is a Riesling at the very cusp of maturity, a trajectory that has only just begun. The dry palate also reveals hints of lanolin and peach but is utterly governed by lemon freshness. This is sleek and taut, and gives you a glimpse of what mature dry Riesling can be: incisive, complex but eternally fresh. The finish is utterly clean. Drink now through 2030.
Lifted heady notes of Damask rose rise from the glass alongside lemony tang. The palate brims with the same rose petal notes but also holds plenty of spice: sandalwood and ginger, white pepper and the merest touch of vanilla. The palate is concentrated and rounded with gentle sweetness, countered by fresh lemon acidity. The persistence of flavors on the palate is incredible. Serve this either with fruity spicy Asian fare or runny, soft and very ripe cheeses.
The unmistakable yet subtle notes of rose water appear as though they were drizzled over ripe juicy peach flesh. The palate boosts these generous fruit flavors with soft and measured residual sweetness. The medium-dry body is gentle, supple, fluid and generous but punctuated with sprightly, aromatic citrus to strike a harmonious balance. The finish is subtle, clean and perfumed with rose petals. Drink now through 2030.
The nose is most restrained: the slightest notions of jasmine and nettle appear. With more air, a faint hint of orange peel emerges. The palate is one of streamlined slenderness and precision. This is like a dry laser beam festooned with honeysuckle blossom and fresh lemon zest. There is something that draws you ever deeper into stone and citrus. The lightness of the dry palate remains simply astonishing.
Sourced from the estate's Paderewski and Catapult vineyards, this blend of 32% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 10% Tempranillo and 8% Zinfandel bursts with blackberry, baking spice, violet and Concord grape aromas. Framed by firm but ready tannins, the palate shows blackberry, cola, white pepper and dried lavender flavors.
Wild berry, forest floor, chopped herb and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this bright, elegant red. The vibrant, medium-bodied palate offers crushed raspberry, red cherry and baking spice flavors, buttressed by taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity. A blast of orange zest further lifts the finish. Drink 2019–2027.
The term Vintner's Select, which is unregulated, can be abused. Here it really means something, as this is the winery's top cuvée—an excellent effort that spent 18 months in oak. There's extra depth in the cherry and cassis fruit, packing a powerful, compact punch all the way through a long, polished finish.
The purest, freshest note of lemon zest and lemon oil creates a dreamy nose. The palate brings in a stony texture that characterizes the entire wine. There is something enduring and stone-like about this, framed with lovely lemon purity. This has barely had time to express itself. There is more to be had from this wine in the future. The long echoes of stone and citrus promise that. Drink 2020–2035.
This is a fabulous wine, a notch above the three other vineyard-designated Pinots from Black Kite. Black tea, black cherry and herbal aromas blend with focused cherry, rhubarb and cranberry flavors in this full-bodied, complex wine. It's balanced by moderate tannins, giving it both structure and texture, and will drink best after 2020.
This is a terrific discovery from a tiny winery and remote hilltop vineyard near the Pacific Coast. It's deep in color, with aromas evocative of forest floor, rhubarb and rosemary. The palate is woven in structure and enticing fruit and spice flavors. Balance, complexity and moderate tannins combine in an attractive profile and unique personality.
This best-of-barrels bottling is intended to impress with its weight and gravitas, and it succeeds despite exhibiting more restraint than in previous vintages. Plush red strawberry and plum fruit is spiced with star anise and clove on the nose. The palate combines a sanguine element with smoky oak notes. Vanilla bean and ginger snap flavors extend toward the finish, which proves rather refreshing.
This is a big wine in its breadth of flavors and structure. Powerful tannins give hints of the wood aging. The ripe black fruit is given a crisp edge by the acidity that is typical of the vintage. The wine will certainly age well. Drink from 2023.
From one of the major estates in Pessac-Léognan, this is a fine, stylish and tightly structured wine. It has spice and intense acidity to balance the dark tannins and black-currant fruit. It is going to need several years to really mature. The estate is owned by André Lurton who was influential in creating the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Drink from 2024.
This rich wine has a good proportion (31%) of Cabernet Franc to give it a perfumed structured character. It is dense and with considerable tannins at this stage. By contrast, the fruit has enormous potential with rich blackberry and black-plum flavors. This chateau has made a considerable stride in this vintage. Drink from 2022.
A remarkable effort, especially considering how difficult the 2011 vintage was in South Australia. Floral notes emerge on the nose, dressing up hints of raspberry compote, while the medium- to full-bodied palate delivers raspberries, cherries, cinnamon, clove and pepper. The tannins on the finish are fine and silky. Drink now–2025.
Totally sumptuous peach notes dance on nose and palate. They are boosted by plump sweetness and given shape by zesty freshness. Everything about this is opulent and intense. The freshness of 2014 makes it lip smacking and bright, despite all of its richness. This finishes medium sweet while the peachy flavors last and last.
The nose is reminiscent of the yellow and aromatic peel of ripe apples. It even has a touch of mirabelle. The palate continues in the same fruit-driven vein with that pure, ripe but tart apple note that seems to be such a feature of Alsace Riesling. The palate is dry and has a fine-boned structure that almost crunches in the mouth. A pure lemon note makes for a very clean-cut finish.
The second release of this Oregon Pinot project from Walla Walla's Jon Meuret (Maison Bleue) is irresistible. A three-clone blend from a top Columbia Gorge vineyard, it's explosively aromatic, with a strong whiff of pipe tobacco that Meuret believes is a vineyard marker. Those powerful aromatics push into a dense core of strawberry-cherry fruit, enhanced by oak notes. Delicious now, this has the structure and power to cellar well. Drink now through 2028.
Sharp lime and pithy grapefruit notes accented by sour cream, chalk and limestone lead the nose of this wine from the pioneering Talley family. Nectarine, sea salt and Gravenstein apple flavors play on the palate, which strikes a happy balance between savory and tart, finishing with buttery depth.
Tight and concentrated, this is a very fine wine. Great acidity and great tannins go with the most intense fruit. Blackberry and black-cherry flavors power through this structured wine. There is also elegance and a fine sense of style. Drink from 2025.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with intense violet, red berry, Mediterranean herb and tilled soil aromas. The palate is polished and layered in crushed raspberry, juicy black cherry, pipe tobacco, mint and white pepper flavors. Velvety tannins provide structure. Enjoy through 2022.
Fruit from this high-profile vineyard builds a velvety silky seductive wine that impresses immediately. It captures the ephemeral elegance of the grape, in a young wine with well-managed phenolics. The strawberry-centric fruit is lightly dusted with cinnamon, from 15 months in 50% new French oak.
This is another stunner from Pellet Estate, from a high-elevation vineyard within the proposed Petaluma Gap appellation, which is highly influenced by fog and wind. Wet stone notes and a crisp, lemony acidity suggest freshness, neither detracting from body or texture.
A lovely purity of lemon oil and zest pervades both nose and palate of this straight-laced wine. There is purity and freshness, precision and tons of zesty tangy lemon. This finds its counterpoint in a lovely texture of stone and chalk. Later, ripe apple notes make an aromatic experience and stay on the dry palate all the way through the long lemony finish. Drink now through 2030.
Black cherry, vanilla and cedar on the nose of this confident blend are followed by refreshing, spicy flavors of plum, blackberry, cinnamon and cedar. This wine has a kick to it but the fruit's deep softness balances it out. A go-to red with true class.
Impressively dark and showing the meaty andpeppery character of the grape, this Willamette Valley Syrah makes a good ¬argument for the viability of the grape up north. It emphasizes the flavors that are lost in a hotter climate—pepper, herb, tart berry, and juicy acidity. With alcohol at 12.3%, this sets a new standard for domestic, Euro-style Syrah.
Kumeu's entry-level Chardonnay shows less concentrated fruit and less oak influence than its big siblings, but nonetheless displays ample pineapple and pear fruit in a full-bodied format. The oak is barely noticeable, making the wine straightforward and easy to drink.
Lime, mineral and green herbs combine to create a nice aromatic opening. The palate is juicy and healthy, with flavors of jalapeño, lime and green apple. Finishes solid and quite long for a basic SB. Well made and tasty.
The Caracal (an African lynx breeding on the estate) is a spicy, dried-fruit driven wine that's ready to drink now. Notes of black berry dust, animal hide, cigar tobacco and licorice root fill the nose and velvety mouth, while a good amount of woody spice lingers on the close.
This is a fine, easy-to-drink Chardonnay. Subtle toast and cinnamon shadings accent melon and citrus fruit, and the wine is full bodied yet remains crisp through the slightly oaky finish.
Despite the age, this Bordeaux-style blend is still a bit closed with muted aromas of waxy black fruit, tea leaves and cigar box spice. The crushed velvet-textured mouth offers a tightly structured backbone to the black berry and plum flavors. 2,700 cases imported.
So fresh and balanced, there's structured mineral-driven support to the red apple, juicy lemon and sweet spice flavors. Medium weight, the ripe mouth is coupled with great acidity to cut through any flab. A soft toastiness kicks up the finish.
The von Kesselstatt estate released four GG bottlings in 2009, and this wine was perhaps the least of them. It's very good nonetheless, with fresh, slightly floral aromas and bold flavors of baked apple and orange zest. There's a chunkiness in the mouth and a slight coarseness of texture compared to the others, but that's splitting hairs.
A nose of peach, nutmeg, toasted nut and honey leads this Viognier from Splitsa. On the palate, smooth waves of white fruit, orange blossom and honey are expressive but refreshing, thanks to the balanced acidity. A fun wine with class.
Organically grown and certified grapes from the estate vineyard craft this tart and spicy Chardonnay. A strong spice note—clove—sings out around bright, crisp, green apple fruit flavors. Tangy and tasty juice.
An elegant wine, with moderate 13.6% alcohol, brambly berry fruit, and a wash of finishing acidity. The restrained (30%) new French oak can be sensed in the lightly chocolaty finish. It's nice to be able to call an Oregon Pinot charming, as this one is, rather than volcanic.
Also known as a Cape Blend, this mix of 46% Pinotage, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc is an easy-drinking, youthful wine with fresh but rich fruit flavors of red plum and cherry backed by rose hip and hibiscus floral accents. Structured tannins remain through the close, with a subtle smokiness unfolding on the end.
This grape is most commonly associated with Champagne, though David Lett established it as a varietal wine at Eyrie decades ago. From a young vineyard, this is deceptively light in the glass, yet the wine has grip and the flavors have follow-through. Spice, pomegranate, wild berry—all in a surprisingly lengthy wine whose flavors linger generously.
Herbal aromas lead to a fresh, green and white fruit wine that sips easily with a definite herbaceous character. The wood aging adds a good nutmeg character, but it is the freshness that makes this wine so delicious. Age for another year.
A perfumed, finely structured wine, with firm, dusty tannins. The wood is well-balanced with acidity and some generous weight, finishing with black fruits and intense freshness.
Already the velvet texture is broadening out to give a wine that shows solid fruits, bright and sweet, never heavy, but with plenty of ripeness and polish. Inside this suave character, there is a core of tight tannins, promising medium-term aging.
A wine that is dominated by wood at this stage in its development. But the structure and the fruit are all there, waiting to slot into place in the next 2–3 years. Spice and bright black berry flavors layer with final acidity.
Like many 2005s from the northern Rhone, Colombo's Les Ruchets needs time. The tannins dominate the mouth right now, but the black olive and peppered-meat nuances win out in the end, adding depth to tarry, leathery notes and plummy fruit. Try after 2015.
Named after João Maria, born in 2004, this Cabernet/Syrah blend is a dark, solid wine, a powerhouse of new wood, dry tannins and a burst of juicy, black, intense fruits. It has a touch of pepper as well as perfumed, polished wood and final spice. Produced in half bottles and magnums.
Ripe lime aromas and a full richly fruity palate give a rounded character to this wine. Apricot juice and tangerine brighten up the palate, fitting well with the wood and fruit structure. Keep for another few months for the whole wine to fill out even more.
Very modern and polished in style, this wine goes for the soft, juicy fruit characters. The tannins are sweet, equally soft, already delicious in character, finishing with smoky cranberry and black currant flavors.
With its dusty tannins and bright fruits, this fully represents the vintage. It has a texture that is open, relatively gentle, powered by black currants and very accessible. The acidity gives a light lift at the end.
Fresh berry fruits, light tannins and stalky black currants, sustained by tannins. It is juicy, the wood a mist in the bright fruit flavors. There is some aging potential, maybe 4–5 years.
A black, solid wine, spiced heavily with wood but still showing blackberry flavors, textured with plum skins. The wine feels warm and ripe, finishing with black cherries and lingering softness.
For a big-production wine (33,000 cases) with just 12 months of barrel aging, this is impressive. Sweet but balanced dark fruit and cola aromas are nice, while the palate is forward and tastes of blackberry and cola. Complex and slightly gritty and tannic on the finish, which indicates that it has the structure to age. Drink now through 2013.
Ripe and smooth, with mature velvet texture, figs, milk chocolate and ripe plums. Hints of wood aging are there, but they blend easily with the rich fruit.
Think of this wine as a tough, ornery relative who shows great depth once you get to know him. Leather, chocolate and prune notes mark the aromas and flavors, and the wine shows some alcoholic warmth and drying tannins. But the class shows through on the finish, which is long and richly textured. Give it at least another five years in the cellar.
Aromas of baked apple, spice and pear are followed by full-bodied almost unctuous fruit and barrel flavors. Baking spice flavors linger on the finish.
A subdued nose leads onto a subtle citrus-edged palate of grapefruit and lemon peel with some richer notions of lemon oil appearing here and there. This is an understated, fresh and clean Riesling.
Green pear peel and fresh pear flesh make for an inviting easy nose. Both reappear on the juicy, fresh and easy palate. The finish packs a warming punch.
This spicy, medium-bodied wine is heavily sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg aromas. It tucks layers of red cherry and raspberry into the flavors while soothing the palate with a velvety, easy-to-sip texture.
Made entirely with Canaiolo, this offers aromas suggesting red berry and cake spice. The aromas carry over to the juicy palate together with wild strawberry and clove. It's fresh and enjoyable, with smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Full-bodied, broad and verging on fat, this is a corpulent white for immediate consumption. Toasted marshmallows and baking spices accent honeydew melon flavors, ending warm and soft.
Truffle, underbrush, mature plum, saddle leather and a balsamic note emerge on this robust red. The hearty, one-dimensional palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice and grilled herb alongside solid if not very persistent tannins. You'll also notice the heat of alcohol on the rather quick, drying finish.
This 100% varietal wine is dense and heavy on the palate in a generosity of tannin and concentrated black fruit. Lingering notions of cedar, dried herb and tar provide a tinge of bitterness as it develops in the glass.
Densely concentrated, this has subtle aromas of leather, dried plum, nutmeg and a whiff of exotic spice. The robust palate delivers raisin, cassis and pipe tobacco alongside hearty tannins. Made with grapes that were left to dry before fermentation, you'll also notice the heat of alcohol on the close.
Made entirely with Tempranillo, this opens with aromas of red plum, leather and violet. The smooth, easygoing palate delivers black cherry, ground pepper and a hint of exotic spice. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide support. Drink through 2020.
Aromas of stewed plum, leather, truffle and dark spice lead the nose. The full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, orange zest and a hint of licorice alongside assertive tannins that leave a firm finish. Give the tannins another year or two to unwind a little then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
Floral aromas of violet, lemon peel, Graham cracker, plum and boysenberry stray from normal. This Cabernet-led blend feels wide, jammy and little soft in the center. Herbal blueberry flavors are slightly unfocused, while this is lush and jammy but lacks spine on the finish.
Nicely balanced and classically styled, this dry wine is cedary and spicy in aroma, and full of plum and red-cherry flavors shaded by light herbal, savory accents. Not very full-bodied, it has a trim, agile texture and appetizing fine-grained tannins.
Accents of vanilla, spice and coconut waft boldly from nose to finish on this lavishly oaked Cabernet Franc. There's plenty of concentrated red-cherry-preserve flavor on the palate too though, tinged by savory touches of herb and bramble. It's rich and full bodied with firm tannins bracing the finish. Drink now through 2023.
Merlot (64%) takes the lead on this blend followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) and Petit Verdot. Light aromas of red and black fruit and herb are followed by sweet cherry flavors. It shows a lot of elegance.
Rich ripe black-cherry and plum flavors burst from the glass in this robust, lavishly toasty Pinot Noir. Shards of granite minerality and bold tannins lend structure to the midpalate, along with a refreshing swathe of herbs on the finish. Enjoy now through 2021.
Savory slightly rustic tones of forest floor and bramble lend complexity to this elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Peppery spice and dried herb flavors meld into tart red cherry and plum on the palate. It's rich in body yet balanced neatly with a taut frame of acidity and fine persistent tannins. Drink now through 2021.
Made with 50% Sangiovese and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this easygoing wine opens with aromas of tilled soil, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of game. The soft palate doles out black cherry, ground pepper and a hint of licorice framed in round tannins. Enjoy soon.
The aromas are quite light for the variety, while the palate brings plush plump velvety cherry and cranberry flavors that linger and provide a lot of appeal. If the aromas open up it could go up a notch or two.
From the oldest vines on the estate, this is a rich and full-bodied wine. It has plenty of the bright, full concentration that comes from old vines. At the same time it has attractive layers of ripe plum and blackberry fruits. Let this cru wine age a little and drink from 2018.
The aromas are generous, with notes of blueberries and cream along with an herbal grace note. The flavors show a fine sense of purity along with an appealing texture. The oak shows a bit prominently at times.
Most of this wine comes from esteemed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes appellation. It charms with aromas of green apple, Bosc pear and mineral. The flavors are medium bodied and pure, with a lightly creamy feel and a zing of acidity stitching it all together. The balance is spot-on.
Winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla has a knack for making quality Chardonnay. This one brings aromas of crème fraîche along with pineapple and other tropical fruits. The palate shows restraint.
A hint of lemongrass lends complexity to fresh lime, lemon and green plum in this revitalizing dry Riesling. It's light as a feather in texture yet concentrated in flavor. Crushed mineral tones linger on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Oaky aromas of coconut, balsam wood and vanilla control the nose on this Cabernet blend that's raw, rugged, acidic, tannic and grating on the palate. Big biting flavors of plum, oak grain and vanilla finish with screechy acidity and snap. Drink through 2021.
This wine discloses a richness of compost-like earthiness, rose petal and black tea. Medium bodied, it also shows dried herb and wild strawberry.
This dark-hued blend of Syrah and Grenache shows ample length and suppleness to go along with aromas of fresh herbs, black cherries, espresso and black olives. It'd be a fine casual pairing for burgers or pizza.
Cloudy with a touch of reduction on the nose, this wine opens with a heady perfume of roses, kirsch and crushed strawberries, tight and lively on the palate in fresh acidity. It remains highly aromatic in the glass.
Argentine Nebbiolo is a rarity, and for one to be this good is a blessing. Leather, dark berry, earth and citrus aromas are mellow and subdued, but the palate is full and forward, with baked berry, molasses and espresso flavors. This is tannic and chocolaty on the finish, with lasting sweetness.
A packed wine, its ripe fruits are a warm pleasure. It has all the structure of the year but in fine measure, lending density and richness to the palate. It's a wine for aging; give it at least five years.
There is tough concentration here that suggests a wine that needs aging; there's also fruit that hints at richness to come. A wine that has a good future.
If you want pure Ribera fruit, then go with this lightly oaked youngster. Along with graphite and dusty notes, the bouquet shows wild berry aromas with few limits. The mouthfeel is round, tannic and rubbery, with full-volume berry and plum flavors. This finishes dark, dense and it doesn't vacillate.
Rich and thick like a satisfyingly dark chocolate and raspberry pie, this Tempranillo's decadence is offset by a soft texture and balanced acidity, making it a perfect match for tapas, bacon or creamy goat cheeses.
Zesty lime and floral notes accent penetrating grapefruit flavors on this delicate semidry Riesling. Zippy with acidity and brisk, wet-stone minerality, it's a fabulous find that's exceptionally easy on the wallet.
Honeysuckle and violet notes add a lavish touch to nervy pineapple and stone-fruit flavors in this light-bodied, but lushly textured, Riesling. Dry in style and intensely minerally.
No two ways about it, there's a lot of barbecued character to this Tempranillo-led blend. The palate draws down due to tannic clamp, but the wine's plum and berry flavors are not tamped down as vanilla and savory notes bring it full circle. Drink now through 2017.
A full, structured wine, showing attractive damson and blackberry flavors along with a strong element of wood aging. The wine is rich, its juicy Merlot character joined with final acidity.
Aromas of violets and cherries are intoxicating on this intensely concentrated yet elegant Bordeaux-style blend. Dry in style with hints of crushed granite and spice, it's balanced with spritely acidity and a ruffle of soft, delicate tannins.
This wine is half Syrah with the rest Cinsault, Grenache, Counoise and Mourvèdre. Aromas of red apple, watermelon and bubblegum are followed by lighter tart, lightly spritzy fruit flavors, with the acid pulling it all together on the finish.
Aromas of potpourri, blackberry and sweet plum play off licorice, woodspice and tire rubber. The flavors are sweet with a good sense of concentration and balance.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, this subdued red discloses aromas of mature, dark-skinned fruit, violet, espresso and allspice. The palate delivers dried black cherry and a tad of anise alongside smooth but fleeting tannins that generate a short finish. Already extremely accessible, it's starting to dry out so drink through 2016.
The palest pink suggests the almost-weightless lightness of this refreshing wine. It would be an ideal, zippy and very slender apéritif. Drink soon.
Richness and ripeness combine with just enough juicy acidity in this wine that smells lemony, figgy and buttery. Tastes recall ripe pears and fig bars without being sweet. It's an appealing wine with personality and good balance.
Delicate aromas of spring flower, nut and yellow fruit guide the nose on this linear white. Delineated flavors of Golden Delicious apple and citrus fruit, accented with a light vein of mineral, are balanced by bracing acidity.
The nose on this wine mixes up apricots, peaches and lime granita with a charred dill element. The palate shows almonds, Meyer lemon and freshly-cut nectarine, altogether refreshing if not wildly memorable.
This textured wine is tight with layers of nervy acidity. It is crisp, with good amounts of acidity and flavors of red currants that add extra freshness.
Pear drop and some citrus are the aromatic markers of this soft, light and very easy-drinking wine. The finish refreshes with green pear flavors.
Yellow flower, tropical fruit and an herbal note are delicate but still take center stage. Racy acidity supports the crisp apple, grapefruit and bitter almond flavors while the finish is crisp and clean.
Peach and steely lemon aromas carry to a citrus-diven palate offering a slight impression of oak. Medium bodied, this Chardonnay shows a nice balance of fruit and oak tones, leading to a toasty finish.
This is a tangy, spicy wine, a character that makes it seem dry and textured. It has weight as well as great fruit and acidity. With its citrus flavors, the aftertaste is fresh while still tangy.
Grapes for this wine hail from both the cooler Green Valley subsection of the overlapping Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, as well as from the Petaluma Gap, which is affected strongly by fog and wind. The result is a wine that opens in ripe aromas of raspberry and cherry before offering black tea and savory herb around a light-to-medium body and finish.
Cola and minty, herbal aromas come with raw oak and gritty, baked berry scents. This is rugged, tannic and grabby on the palate, with heavy wood resin flavors heaped atop blackberry and plum. Woodspice and heat drive the finish.
This taut, medium-bodied wine displays ample complexity on the nose in the form of mossy, mushroomy notes and red cherries. Those cherries are bright and crisp on the palate, then pick up touches of caramel or brown sugar on the finish. Drink now.
A light color informs a softly layered, medium-bodied wine that leans savory in Bing cherry and cranberry, with touches of black tea on the nose and palate. The finish is as light as the color.
Hailing from the cool 2010 vintage, this 100% varietal wine leads with barrel aromas of vanilla and freshly hewn wood followed by medicine cabinet and dried cherry, seeming advanced for its years. The flavors are elegant in style with the concentration a bit wanting.
Stylish and fruity, this has red currant crispness and an attractive warm, ripe background. It's balanced and fresh, with intense fruitiness at the end.
Squeezed plums and deep pomegranate extract gain some funky complexity from damp mushrooms, sour plum skins and wet wood on the nose of this bottling. The flavors are heavy with juniper, smoked pine and exotic woods, and the dried berry fruit compensates for the herbaciousness.
This wine seems a bit muddled, with aromas of cranberries, dried herbs, vanilla, cashews and barrel spices struggling to get to the surface. The palate is medium bodied with tart fruit flavors and blocky tannins, with the concentration not seeming to all be there.
Aromas of wood shop, coffee and espresso all carry over to the palate along with oak extract and toast. It lacks the fruit richness necessary to stand up to the oak.
Straightforward and fresh, this delivers aromas and flavors of black cherry accented with baking spice. Fresh acidity and supple tannins provide an easy-drinking framework.
The wine is full of acidity and with stalky fruit. There is a sharp edge that detracts from the otherwise fruity character of this light crisp wine. This is ready to drink now.
This wine has light citrus aromas and flavors of grapefruit, tangerine and yellow peach. Pleasant fruit sweetness marks the finish.
Fernão Pires with Sauvignon Blanc allows the second grape's herbal nature to shine. So it is crisp, citrusy and with intense acidity. The wine has a ripe feel with hints of tropical fruit at the end. Drink now.
Heavy oak is a front-row theme throughout this tannic, extracted, black-tinted Garnacha. Hot fudge sundae and sawmill aromas lead to a palate that's as tannic as sandpaper. Its charred, heavily oaked flavors finish chocolaty, with a lasting and overbearing taste of clove, lacking balance and clarity of fruit.
The Borba cooperative is in one of the most productive Alentejo wine regions. With this simple and fruity wine, it has captured warmth as well as ripe tannins. Berry fruits and acidity give it a lift. Drink now.
This light-bodied wine has a pale pink Provençal color but quite a bit of fruit flavor. It feels soft on the palate and tastes lightly sweet.
Flat, earthy raisin and prune aromas in this Garnacha indicate very ripe, almost desiccated fruit. The palate is much like the nose: flat and low on vitality. Jammy blueberry and herbal flavors finish chunky, without lift or nuance.
Generic berry, cherry and plum aromas are saucy and earthy. This everyday Cabernet feels rubbery and grabby. Slightly stewed berry, spice and herbal flavors finish bumpy, with hard tannins.
This opens with subdued aromas that evoke dried yellow flower and overripe citrus peel. The aromas carry over to the lean brisk palate along with suggestions of lemon, bitter yellow-apple skin and an unusual funky hint of crushed black olive.
This wine has aromas of cranberry and black raspberry. It offers soft tannins and flavors of cassis, black cherry and cherry vanilla before the fruit-filled finish.
This everyday wine feels chunky due to low acidity. Its dusty aromas are generic and not very fruity or expressive, and its meandering cherry and plum flavors precede a simple finish.
This wine is lighter in color, with aromas of sawdust, cherry and barnyard. The style is quite faint, with spice flavors on the finish.
A vibrant purple color and foxy berry aromas announce the jammy palate and punchy acidity of this wine. It tastes of herbal plums and berries and doesn't hold up on the oaky, pulpy finish.
Herbal notes of blossom rise from the glass, with a smoky, flinty accent. The palate presents a honeyed aspect, promising ripe fruit and lusciousness checked by citric pith and zest. It has a pleasant phenolic grip, with the spice of Demerara sugar and fir honey amid the citrus freshness. It tempts with a wild, exotic promise.
This wine is a blend of Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (31%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%) and a whopping 13% Petit Verdot. Aromas of flowers, scorched earth, green herb and red fruit lead to concentrated, quite pure fruit and earth flavors. It brings a lovely sense of texture and the tannins add some heft.
One of several properties owned by the Laplace family, this estate has produced a ripe, juicy and generously tannic wine. It has luscious acidity as well as bold black-currant fruit. With some dark tannins and a firm structure, it can age. Drink starting from 2018.
Vanilla, baking spice, cocoa, herb and dark fruit aromas are followed by ripe, generous black-fruit flavors. The layers provide room for exploration.
Baked blackberries, baking spice and a gingerbread touch make for a lavish nose on this wine that also get an aromatic drizzle of maple syrup. Stewed blackberries show on the sip lifted by lavender and lilac, making for a study of the color purple.
Appealing fruit aromas and flavors join a velvety texture in this medium-bodied and beautifully shaped wine. It doesn't go to extremes, but has just enough ripeness and freshness to find an elegant balance.
From the most northern of the Beaujolais cru villages, this wine is rich and dense. It has a firm structure as well as black-currant fruits that bring out acidity as well as richness. There is a fine juicy aftertaste that is balanced with the final concentration.
Tight, pure blackberry and cassis aromas are composed. This is a better-balanced wine than the sticky, overly oaked 2012 version. Leading toasty chocolate flavors go well with secondary spiced berry and cassis notes. A note of vanilla comes out on the finish.
Aromas of melon, lime and stream water are just right. This has a crystal clear sense of freshness to the palate along with lime, peach and melon flavors that coast on fine acidity and finish in refreshing fashion.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry, black plum and lavender show on the nose of this bottling by Adam Lee of Siduri, who recently sold both brands to Jackson Family Wines yet remains intimately involved. Framed by a silky structure, the palate conveys blackberry, soy and black-pepper flavors.
A blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers aromas of cocoa, spice, flowers, herb and red and black fruit. The flavors show concentration and depth, along with a lovely sense of texture that keeps the interest high. The tannins give a light squeeze.
This is a generously full-bodied wine, explosive in dark, brooding black fruit, coffee and bittersweet chocolate that offers firm, integrated tannin and lively acidity in equal measure. It shows varietal character, with an additional 1% Malbec swimming within.
This very attractive, richly oaked wine melds all the wood smoke, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla of new barrels with delicious, ripe fruit flavors from the grapes. It has a suave, layered texture from the initial sip to the lingering finish, and is very hard to resist.
This is a rare single vineyard bottling of this up-and-coming variety in the state. It brings aromas of coffee, soil and vanilla that lead to tightly coiled purple-fruit flavors. It packs a mouthful of fruit, acid and tannins, bringing a whole lot of intrigue and appeal.
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Merlot (10%) and Cabernet Franc, with the fruit coming from Weinbau, Champoux, Lady Hawk and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Light aromas of cocoa, herb, earth and cassis are followed by focused fruit flavors. It puts a premium on elegance.
Vanilla cream, marzipan and apple custard hit the nose on this creamy, dairy-inflected bottling, but a fine line of Key-lime rind balances things. Pan-seared apples in lemon juice mesh well with saffron and dandelion as well as buttered toast with lime marmalade on the dynamic palate.
Three-quarters of this wine is from Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley with the rest from Monette's in the Walla Walla Valley. The aromas are redolent with notes of raspberries, kirsch and white pepper. The palate has a compelling mouthfeel and a dazzling sense of purity,
Floral and exotic fruit aromas are followed by an elegant balance of white peach and citrus fruit flavors in this layered white. The wine is complex but lifted with refreshing acidity. The finish is a combination of lush fruit and spice.
Petit Manseng, found in the deep southwest, lends itself so beautifully to sweet botrytized wines. With its beautiful apricot and mango flavors, filled with honey and spice, this is a wine that is both light and rich. The acidity gives the wine a lift at the end.
All coming from Block 30, the aromas are brooding, with notes of violets, smoke, green herb and whiffs of smoked meat. It possesses a lovely sense of texture and brings a real sense of purity and freshness, capturing this site expertly.
The aromas pop, with notes of freshly ground white pepper, orange zest and raw meat. The savory flavors are silky and elegant in style, with the oak influence dialed way back. It shows a pleasing sense of purity and balance. Put it on the dinner table to see it shine.
Showing just a tinge of bronze color, this wine brings aromatic appeal with notes of strawberry and wet rock. The acidity is lively, keeping the focus on the citrus and strawberry flavors. The finish draws out.
A sweet-seeming, spicy and oaky aroma leads to equally spicy, exuberant oak flavors that join bright raspberry and cherry fruit flavors on the palate. It's full-bodied, lively and appropriately tannic in texture.
Espresso, flower and blue-fruit aromas lead to ripe, full boysenberry flavors. It drinks like a piece of berry pie with a cup of coffee alongside.
Chappellet winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus helps make this wine, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. While possessing a sizable tannin structure it remains balanced and elegant in cedar, pencil shavings, tart cranberry and cassis. It's rich and velvety.
Aromas of fresh raspberries, flowers and dried herbs are followed by full-bodied, succulent red-fruit flavors. It shows a pleasing sense of purity and elegance to the jammy fruit flavors.
This is made from 100% Pinot Noir and spent three years on the yeast, made in a traditional style. It satisfies in aromas of hazelnut liqueur, mushroom and almond, offering a light, bright and elegant experience. Bright acidity keeps it fresh in the glass, while a tartness of green apple and cherry play against its intense minerality.
The aromas are  intriguing, with notes of flowers, tangerine peel, citrus and mineral. The olive and dark fruit flavors coat the palate, with grainy, slightly dry tannins offering support.
Clean lines of red cherry, fennel, crushed slate, dried sage and other minty aromatics show on the nose of this clonal study by Richard Sanford's winery. It's tart and herbaceous on the sip, with a backbone of red cherry fruit and pomegranate lifted by dried herbs and sagebrush.
This wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (75%), Syrah (15%) and Grenache. Aromas of black pepper, dried herbs, moist earth, mango, papaya and lemon twist are followed by tart, lively yet reserved fruit and savory flavors that show impeccable balance and a lengthy finish. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.
From grapes grown in the cool Oak Knoll District, this wine was given time in neutral oak for less than a year, providing a soft lushness on the palate. Tropical and just slightly grassy, it offers a long finish marked with sizzling acidity.
This appellation remains a standout for the variety, as evidenced by this 100% varietal wine that's mouthwatering in stone fruit and cantaloupe flavors. The aromatics center around pretty jasmine and lime zest aromas, while the palate is structured, crisp and fruity, all in good measure.
This 100% varietal wine was aged for two years in American oak, half of it new. With a mouthful of clove, cinnamon and black currant, as well as leather, it remains juicy on the palate, though should take on additional complexity after cellaring. Drink now through 2020.
Bright and savory, this charming blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Teroldego doles out juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon, white pepper and crushed Mediterranean herb. It's easy drinking and delicious, with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2016.
This wine is immediately appealing with vibrant aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, white peach and wet stone. It drinks off dry, with a fleshy feel and drawn-out fruit flavors that linger.
This has an elegant, fruity, lightly spicy profile. Red cherry and nutmeg aromas meld with fresh and pure fruit flavors like red cherry and raspberry shaded by cinnamon and clove. It also offers a silky-smooth texture and medium body.
The first release of this wine to carry a Yakima Valley designation, this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault leaps up with aromas of fresh raspberries, plum, garrigue and pepper along with light barrel accents. The elegant flavors show a striking sense of freshness and purity that keep you coming back for more.
This botrytized wine came from 2011 vintage grapes that were not harvested until February 2012. A light-golden color, it's bright with aromas of dried apples, pears and flowers. It's sweet (170g/L residual sugar) but not weighty, retaining a sense of lightness and elegance.
Dense and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of oak, roasted coffee beans, leafy forest floor, baked plum and licorice. The chewy, concentrated palate doles out fleshy raspberry, black cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
Made with equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of red berry, mint and a whiff of kitchen spice. The forward palate delivers black currant, graphite, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, polished tannins. Best 2016–2019.
Aromas of berry, coffee, herbs and smoke lead to dark fruit flavors with a layered, supple feel. It's a good find at this price.
Soft in texture and almost sweet in flavor, this plush wine coats the mouth with delicious vanilla, butter, lemon and poached pear nuances. While full bodied, it doesn't feel heavy and carries a ripe quality through the long finish.
Reduced wild-berry aromas are granular but succeed in setting up a firm, tannic palate. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and prune end with cookie-like notes of Graham cracker as well as toast. As a whole, this Syrah-Garnacha-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is muscular, tannic and brawny; drink through 2020.
This structured wine opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, toasted oak, roasted coffee beans and a whiff of raisin. The palate offers dried black cherry, mocha, espresso and vanilla alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
Orange blossoms, grapefruit piths and freshly cut pineapple explode on the nose of this perfumed, yet impeccably elegant Riesling. It's gossamer-light in texture, but deeply concentrated with generous streaks of ripe yellow peach and tangerine. A bristle of bitter lime zest accompanies a long finish. Gorgeous now but substantial enough to mature well though at least 2023.
This distinctive wine has a slightly peachy color, which is natural for this varietal. Aromas suggest white pepper and orange zest, while flavors recall peach skin and apricot. A nervy, crisp balance makes it feel lively and refreshing on the tongue, despite full body.
Made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this is a big, juicy wine with high acidity and a taste of crisp, red fruit. Substantial tannins suggest cellaring through 2018–2020 to elongate the young, puckering finish.
A color so deep it could be a Pinot Noir, flavors bursting with plum and wild blackberry and a velvety texture make this dry rosé taste more like a red. Bucking the trend toward lightness, it has medium body, a creamy mouthfeel and lingering finish.
This wine is all Chardonnay. Aromas of citrus peel, spice and baked bread are direct and appealing. The flavors are dry and crisp with well-balanced acidity.
Cave de Tain remains a reference-point cave cooperative. The nose of this cuvée inspires shivers of anticipation, offering hints of bacon, cracked pepper, blueberries, roasted meat and black olives. It's only medium-bodied, but harmonious and nicely silky in texture. If there's a quibble, it's that the finish falls off a bit quickly, but this wine should still capably scratch nearly any Syrah itch.
A ripe, smoky and still-tannic wine, this is solidly structured. A dense, dry core shows some sign of extraction although the blackberry fruits are developing well. As the wine ages, it will bring out the balance between acidity and structure. Drink from 2017. Owner Cyril Trias works with Alliance Bourg co-operative on his wines.
Vineyards around the ancient castle of Tracy produce fine wines, like this. It has an intense character, still young, full of fragrant lemon flavors and richly crisp. The wine is going to be impressive, with great depths. Drink from 2017.
Full in the mouth, this ripe, spicy wine offers a fruit salad of flavors that are topped with some wood-aging flavors. Drink from 2016 for the wood to be fully integrated into the fruit. After the Jonck family's 350 years in South Africa's Western Cape, vineyard owner Johan Jonck and family decamped to Bordeaux in 2011. Consulting enologist is Eric Bardon.
Coming from 7 Mile Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills, this 100% varietal wine saw only a short time in neutral French oak. That puts the focus on the strawberry preserve and spice aromas from this site. The textured, layered mouthfeel is where this wine truly shines.
This directly appealing, 100% varietal wine offers aromas of raspberries, cranberries, fresh tobacco and a touch of spice. The fruit flavors are lush and forward, with soft tannins and a finish that won't quit.
In addition to the fig and yellow apple aromas, there's noticeable tropicality on the nose of this wine, but it tightens around tart Meyer lemon pith and crushed ants. Ripe lemons also power the sharp and pithy palate, which offers a shred of roasted almonds and marzipan.
Rich and concentrated, this opens with aromas of black plum, tobacco and Mediterranean herb. The round palate doles out crushed blackberry, black currant, cracked pepper and sage alongside velvety tannins that gives it a smooth mouthfeel. A graphite note closes the lingering finish. Enjoy through 2020.
Mostly old vine fruit creates the exceptional Cabernet, which also includes small amounts of the other four Bordeaux grapes in the blend. The lovely bouquet is now starting to develop some secondary aromatics, expressive and complex. Delicious raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, crisply defined by firm acids, are nudged into hedonism with a wash of pretty chocolate and buttery nuts.
There is no question this is a food Champagne. Its fine ripe character balances the Deutz elegance with the addition of dense red fruits and just a touch of orange zest and spice. It is finely textured, with the purest acidity, a top-class Champagne.
A beautifully fine, elegant wine, the acidity like a shaft of light through the tight apple and grapefruit flavors. The texture is taut, steely, with vivid tannins. It is still young, although showing brilliant fruit. Worth aging for 5–6 years.
With all the signature acidity of the 1996 vintage, this shows plenty of aging potential. The wine is thirst-quenchingly fresh, with the flavor of just-squeezed lime juice, but also has a depth of complex tannins and texture. Drink now but age for five years or more.
A serious, considered wine with its full, ripe and soft flavors tempered with a complex structure. It will not age as impressively as other Pol Roger vintages, and already the yeast and toast element is creeping in. But the weight of Pinot Noir is there, leaving a powerful, creamy mousse finish.
Sharp, spicy, tight, and focused, this is one of the best of the numbered Cabs from Dunham in the past few years. It's sleek, polished and sappy, with perfect balance, and a riveting depth of black raspberry, black cherry and cassis fruit. The tannins are soft and polished, hinting at black tea and coffee grounds.
Toasty oak and backed structure appear first, with lots of charming cherry fruit and savory notes of undergrowth, inside. Tightly knit and well made, with a dense core of red cherry and an appetizing length.
Roughly two thirds Merlot and one third Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the finest O•S Red since their 2007 vintage. Dark fruits abound, soaked in flavors of espresso, cedar, licorice and clove. It's a splendid wine for the price, one to buy by the case.
The weight of the bottle seems to foretell this wine's weight, structure and judiciously layered oak influence. With ripe cherry and berry flavors, it's a wine that can age. Drink from 2015.
From the estate that saved the Pecorino grape from extinction, this focused and refined wine intrigues from the start, with its floral aromas of jasmine and acacia, layered with whiffs of balsamic herbs. The palate demonstrates lovely energy and elegance, with peach and tropical fruit flavors accented by mineral and almond.
Made in a completely different style from Uvaggio's typical Primitivo, this is meant to be a reserve-tier bottling, with seven months in new and once-used oak. Crisp berry flavor, along with a hint of cranberry, makes this juicy and balanced. It finishes softly on a slightly nutty note.
Steinbach is a village at the extreme southern end of the Alsace vineyard, known for its Pinot Noir. This is a rich, full example—a wine that has structure and concentration, as well as ripe cherry fruitiness. It can be drunk now, or until 2022.
Here's a quintessential Verdicchio from one of the denomination's rising stars that opens with a fragrance of spring flowers, hay and flint. The palate delivers fleshy white peach, pear and almond flavors, along with mineral notes and bright acidity that results in a refreshing finish. Fun to drink now or hold 2–3 years for additional complexity.
This lovely Verdicchio has the wine's trademark floral fragrance of broom and acacia flowers, along with a whiff of beeswax. The rich palate boasts creamy apple, yellow peach and tropical fruit flavors accompanied by energizing mineral notes and crisp acidity.
Solid and firmly tannic, this is a wine with forward red-fruit flavors, a dry core and dense texture. The structure of this balanced wine along with its concentration promise aging. Drink from 2016.
Named for an Oklahoma rock band, this stand-alone Malbec sees no oak. It's a showcase for dense, pure, sweet, yet tart raspberry and boysenberry flavors, with sharp acidity and a strong mineral streak.
Round and succulent, this nicely-defined Chardonnay is built around a core of apple butter with a slight suggestion of pineapple. A streak of butterscotch fills in the finish.
This savory Verdicchio offers freshness and fleshy fruit flavors of creamy white peach, lemon and tropical fruit, all accented by mineral notes. The round structure is brightened by crisp acidity that leaves a cleansing finish.
This is an attractive, perfumed wine that has good wood aging, firm tannins and a solid structure. Dark berry fruits show through the texture, lending a ripe and juicy aftertaste. Drink from 2015.
Boundary Breaks is an exciting new project from the Finger Lakes, and the No. 239 is one of its best. While ebulliently fruity, almost tropical, on the nose, it's elegantly dry on the palate with a rich, creamy palate full of ripe grapefruit and peach flavors. Vibrant lemon-lime acidity, it finishes long with a hint of lime-skin pith.
Notes of almonds and sweet fruit combine with steely acidity in this wine. It has both a bright, fresh character and honeyed smoothness. It is still quite youthful and could age well for 3–4 years.
This is a richly honeyed wine that has flavors of spice cake and sweet fruits that are balanced with a taut, firm texture. The wine is ripe, but has a delicate touch that makes it very attractive. Drink now.
While firmly tannic and structured, this wine shows youth with its concentrated fresh berry flavors and bright acidity. The dry core promises a long-term future, so don't drink before 2016.
This is a beautifully perfumed wine that's fragrant with white spring blossoms and flavored with bright fruit flavors. The palate has remarkable structure with intense acidity that lends zest and zing, and a fine, lively feeling on the finish. Drink until 2020.
Nutty and dry, this Chardonnay-only sparkler tastes of almond paste, dried apple, dried citrus peel and toasty oak. It's vibrantly balanced and fulfilling.
This Port, still young to taste, is a dry style of LBV giving structure as much as fruit at this stage. It does have floral black fruits from the Touriga Nacional in the blend. It also has a firm core that will certainly soften. So although this wine can be drunk now, it will be so much better from 2019.
This generous smooth wine is packed with ripe tannins and vibrant red fruits. There is the typical mineral texture of many Dão wines along with solid spice and dark chocolate flavors from wood aging. This is an impressive wine that deserves to age further, so drink from 2019.
From a vineyard planted in 1988, this bottling offers aromas of lavender and sweet incense, with a woody spice uplifting the exotic plum and mulberry fruits. Ripe wild berries meet with elderflower and lilac on the very perfumed palate.
This is a dark, almost thick, velvet-textured wine with plenty of tannin and flavors of blackberry and black pepper. While mouthcoating in texture, its not overly full in body, and will pair well with cheesy pastas and rich meat braises.
With a Good & Plenty candy nose of anise, this is a warm, thick, rich and concentrated white wine, intensely crafted to highlight crème brûlée and baked pear. The style is full-bodied and ripe.
A dark, saturated color is telling, because this is full and smoky on the nose, with aromas of beef jerky, oak and green herbs. Much like it looks, this Carmenère feels full and saturated. Herbal berry and black plum flavors are peppery and lightly green, while notes of tobacco, coffee and carob comprise the finish.
Dusty black-fruit aromas set up a palate that's full in body, with soft tannins and punchy acidity. A crisp, toasty and lightly blackened flavor profile ends with some complexity and length. Drink this elegant and well-made Tannat through 2020.
Inky garnet in color, this wine offers aromas of blackberry and green pepper. There is a good combination of fruit and savory flavors, notably dark plum, black cherry, smoked meat and roasted red pepper. Smooth tannins lead to a zippy pomegranate finish.
Produced in Estremoz by the Serrano Mira family, this rich wine is dense with dark tannins and a powerful structure. This concentration is surrounded by bold ripe berry fruits and acidity that give the wine its richness aided by the wood aging. Drink this finely structured wine from late 2018.
This wine offers attractive layers of green apple built around a lush palate of pear and tropical pineapple. Its richness is met by complementary structure, balance and a subdued construct of oak that supports without distraction.
A robust nose with cherry and plum aromas is also savory, saucy and spicy. There's nothing shy about this Cab Franc's sinewy, acidic palate, while spiced berry flavors extend onto a long, aggressive finish.
Stone, lime salt and lemon zest pique the entry of this medium-bodied white, which is well-integrated in terms of oak. High in citrus flavor and pear, it has a gritty texture that gives it added complexity.
Smoky, meaty aromas meet concentrated, fully developed blackberry and cassis flavors in this full-bodied nicely oaky wine. It has a lot of spice and swagger for the price, along with polished tannins, a hint of sweetness and a good mouth-filling texture.
This is a flavorful full-bodied wine from a cool growing region that keeps a tangy balance to support the generous apple, white peach and mineral flavors. It offers more depth and concentration than most versions and will be enjoyable to drink before or during a meal.
From a small family vineyard along the appellation's highest slopes, this is a powerfully concentrated, mountain-driven wine, leathery, grippy and dusty in tannin. Black licorice, raspberry and blackberry jam flavors provide weight and expansion on the palate, with a touch of heat on the finish.
Good depth of flavor and a nicely tannic texture make this hearty wine interesting and appetizing. Earth, oak and chocolate waft from the glass and turn to substantive red cherry and red-currant flavors on the palate, while firm tannins and good acidity give grip to the mouthfeel.
A light touch is put on this elegant wine, one that successfully captures the wild ethereal nature of the appellation. Crushed rock is evoked on the palate, around fully developed flavors of fig, cigar, clove and dried herb. Tannic, the body softens on the midpalate.
Earthy, dusty, slightly cheesy plum and cassis aromas come with a floral note. This Tannat-led blend feels plummy and healthy, with direct acidity. Blackberry, plum and fig flavors finish smooth and chocolaty, with residual berry fruit. Drink through 2019.
With its green-fruit aromas and ripe citrus flavors, this is a wine that moves generously from cool and crisp to rich and full. Its citrus is balanced by white peach and green-plum flavors. The finish adds an orange-zest tang that is both refreshing and gives a tight texture. Drink now.
Enticing scents of violet, rose and woodland berry escape the glass. Full bodied and polished, the palate delivers black cherry, cranberry, licorice and crushed herb while austere fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide an age-worthy framework. It's still young and taut and needs several more years to fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.
Aromas of toasted bread and vanilla echo in the rich, buttery flavors of this full-bodied and lavishly textured white Rhône-style blend. The oaky spices make it serious and complex while mild pear and almond flavors take a second seat.
This limited-production wine shows great structure appropriate for a wine that can age. It has a solid texture, full of rich cherry and black-plum fruits and a fresh line of acidity. The tannins give shape to the wine, which will certainly age. Drink from 2017.
Dark, spicy scents run side by side with licorice root and black cherry notes. This juicy, layered blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each of Merlot and Syrah is a potent number with black- and red-plum flavors backed by a lasting, bold, angular finish. Drink through 2023.
Iron and rose petals mix with hot gravel and olallieberry on the nose of this concentrated bottling by the Fess Parker family's Rhône-variety-focused brand. Dried black cherries and heady anise power the palate, with violet in the background.
Leathery aromas mix with black tobacco leaf, blackberry, blueberry and dark-chocolate chips on this reserve-level bottling by the regional pioneer producer, now owned by William Foley. Woody yet ripe fruits consume the palate, which shows more blueberry as well as elderberry, wild mint and a slightly caramelized finish.
A 100% varietal wine from the famed Ritchie Vineyard, this is a tremendous expression of elusively sublime lemon and lime, with a juiciness of grapefruit. Crisp and refreshing from start to finish, it offers complex, creamy Tahitian vanilla bean midway through, finishing with zest.
Still young and fruity, this wine is totally integrated, harmoniously blending the red fruits with a tight texture and fresh acidity. Although it is drinkable now, it will benefit from bottle age, so best drink from 2017.
The wine is mature both in its orange-pink color and toasty flavors. It has fresh acidity, although that is less important than the almond and spice secondary flavors. Ripe and full in the mouth, this is a rich rosé with a soft, ready-to-drink aftertaste.