Rich, fruity wine, with great red fruits, black cherries and a structure that melds easily into the ripe character. Tannins and a plum skin texture suggest another year's aging.
rich, fruity wood-aged wine, this offers ripe white fruits and plenty of smoky toast flavors. Acidity and minerality give the wine its distinctive tangy texture. These elements result in a ripe wine that will age further. Drink from 2020.
Rich, full-bodied and heavy, this is dramatic in its own way. It's certainly ripe and thick, with a flavor of black raspberry jam and a touch of milk chocolate. The high alcohol is suggestive of cherry liqueur. But that's been the Chenoweth Ranch signature for years. Drink now.
Rich, full-bodied wine with a serious nature. It impresses with its ripe red fruit, the layer of caramel well integrated with acidity. The feel is soft, but certainly dry, giving an impressive structured aftertaste.
Rich, full-bodied, a Muscadet that brings together crisp green fruits, intense minerality and concentration. There's a great tang of lime and pink grapefruit, smoothed out with ripe, creamy apple. Age maybe for a year.
Rich, full and dense, this shows considerable elegance as well as power. The fruits are black, with a strong edge of acidity, but also concentrated. There is a smooth layer of wood that adds to the complexity as well as opening the wine.
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.
Rich, full bodied and medium dry, it is powered by ripe fruits, lychees and pomegranates. A spicy undertow brings along some acidity to this concentrated wine. Drink from 2016.
Rich, full bodied and plush, with mochaccino-like fruit and plummy notes. This Shiraz is warm and inviting, picking up hints of vanilla and mint along the way. The velvety finish lingers.
Rich, full bodied and smooth, this wine is driven by its black fruits and dark tannins. Acidity lines the fruitiness, which gives a juicy edge to the solid texture. It shows potential, so keep it for at least four years.
Rich, full of citrus and ripe apple flavors, this is a sophisticated wine. The mineral texture and the dense fruit flavors offer a delicious take on Sauvignon Blanc, giving complexity and ripeness. Drink this wine from 2018.
Rich, full tasting wine from the Sorin family, with smoothly ripe red berry fruits. There's an attractive orange zest character that gives piquancy to this great food rosé.
Rich, full, this is a great mouthful of ripe red apple and grapefruit. It is big, vivacious and densely mouthfilling. The acidity is certainly not aggressive, but offers freshness and crispness.
Rich, generous and packed with fruit, this is a field-blend wine that just bursts from the glass. With a fine balance between tannins and the rich blackberry fruits, the wine is ripe, warm and structured. It is a wine to age, so drink from 2020.
Rich, heady aromas of black fruits, oaky char and caramel are lusty and modern. In the mouth, this shows a bolt of acidity that creates energy but also strains the wine's balance. Baked blackberry, chocolate, pepper and vanilla flavors finish long, ripe and oaky, with length derived from lasting acidity. Drink through 2021.
Rich, honeyed notes flesh out the apple and orange rind aromas, while flavors of honeydew, apple core and a soft nuttiness unfold in the mouth. Round and forward with a medium-length finish.
Rich, if a little one-dimensional, this has flavors of creamy orange, yellow apricot, vanilla and buttered toast. It will appeal to fans of the forward style of Chardonnay.
Rich, intense red-fruited wine, soft and voluptuous. The tannins are folded into the ripe fruits, giving a very approachable feel. The acidity is prominent at this stage but should soften in a year or two, and the wine is certainly worth aging.
Rich, jammy aromas set the scene for an exuberant black fruited wine, with generous soft texture. The tannins have dried fruit and fig flavors, lifted by attractive freshness.
Rich, jammy black-fruit aromas come with plenty of wood, char and campfire-related grit. The palate is chunky and a bit soft, with prune, raisin, baked plum and herbal flavors, especially on the finish, which feels plump, loamy and fully ripe.
Rich, juicy and packed with both wood flavors and delicious red fruits, this concentrated and dense wine has a wonderful sense of freshness. There is a strong mineral texture, with tannins that come from ripe fruit as well as wood. The whole wine is finished with acidity, spice and a full-bodied, rich aftertaste.
Rich, juicy and structured, this firm wine has great power and concentration along with a dark, dry core. It's almost too much of a good thing, very flamboyant and ripe. It still needs to age to be fully balanced.
Rich, lightly colored and full of acidity, this wine is rich in texture and flavor for a Provence rosé. Plenty of ripe strawberry and citrus flavors are lifted by spice and generous acidity. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from late 2016.
Rich, loamy and ripe smelling, this wine opens in fine form, with accents of raisin, cassis and ink. The mouthfeel is deep and balanced, while flavors of toasty blackberry, cassis and chocolate are ripe and modern. Finishing notes of coffee, licorice, blackened toast and pepper bring a dark side to this long-lasting, deeply etched Malbec. Drink through 2018.
Rich, lusciously concentrated black plum and cherry flavors are accented with spice and smoke in this bold, Merlot-heavy blend. Framed with fine, chalky tannins, it's supple and silky in mouthfeel with a moderately long finish.
Rich, lush and oaky with aromas and flavors of ripe red plum, red berries and vanilla cream. Round and full in the mouth with solid but soft tannins and moderate acidity. The finish is long and lingering, with suggestions of vanilla ice cream topped with mixed berry compote. Drink now.
Rich, lush and Port-like, with tons of sweet fruit. The rush of dark plum and berry carried on the wavy, dense palate is hedonistic, and while it won't age forever, the bet here is that it'll prove irresistible to anyone who tries it.
Rich, lusty aromas of blackberry, graham cracker and coconut are hard-driving in this blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. It's oaky and full of coconut, vanilla, blackberry and toasted marshmallow flavors. Ripe and oaky on the finish, it also offers coffee, mocha and chocolate notes. Drink through 2020.
Rich, maturing fruit flavors bring blackberries and sweet plums to the fore. They are firmly sustained by dense tannins, themselves rich. This is a solid, wood aged wine that has weight and some good concentration.
Rich, medium dry, and loaded with lemon, orange and citrus scents and flavors, this is a marvelous wine graced with a lush, textural, mineral-drenched mouthfeel. Despite the low alcohol there is just the gentlest touch of sweetness from 8 g/L residual sugar.
Rich, melt-in-the-mouth fruit flavors and a smooth, supple texture make this wine hard to resist. Black cherry and blueberry in the aromas and flavors get a little grip from light tannins on the palate.
Rich, musky honey and dark molasses lifted by orange freshness combine to make a sumptuous palate pervaded by fresh, pungent and welcome acidity. A play of dark and light, of dried and fresh fruit, with a wonderfully sonorous, musky finish. Lovely now but will cellar for years.
Rich, nutty and serious, with focus and power along with depth. This is a weighty, full-force style of amontillado that tips the scale at 21.5%, which is high. But for heady Sherry, this is excellent stuff. Toasted pecan, layered viscosity, balancing acids and pecan, walnut and almond flavors make for an intensely smooth ride.
Rich, oaky and earthy, with char to the bouquet. A little tannic and beefy, but with serious grip and feel. Tastes like savory, herb-infused berry and plum, while the finish is herbal, long and solid. Nice wine with an herbal streak and staunch tannins.
Rich, oaky aromas of coconut and vanilla are matched by earthy, almost nutty berry and cassis scents. This is tannic, grabby and slightly abrasive, while chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors end long, strong and ripe. Drink through 2018.
Rich, oily and just slightly sweet, this is a broad-shouldered Riesling, redolent of honey, heating oil and wet rocks. It's powerful and concentrated without being fruity, delivering instead a mouthful of stones and spice and ending with a peppery bite.
Rich, oily meats and cheeses are what this Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah blend needs, because it's so toughly tannic. The char of broiled meat will complement the cherry and blackberry sweetness.
Rich, opulent and balanced, this has a wealth of orange and tropical fruit flavors, with spicy, caramelly oak and layers of with buttered toast and honey. Vibrant coastal acidity provides essential lift to this elaborate Chardonnay.
Rich, opulent and spicy, with a great balance between wood and fruit. The generous black plum and black currant fruit is delicious, balanced by taut acidity. Keep for 3-4 years.
Rich, packed with  juicy fruit. The wine has weight, depth of fruit flavor and tannins as a central core. A smoky character indicates the wood aging, packing in with the acidity and black cherry fruits on the finish. Age for 5–8 years.
Rich, peppery and smooth, this is a nicely developed, elegant Zin. It's leathery on the palate with a finish of rose petals and bittersweet chocolate.
Rich, plummy and oaky, this wine combines 52% Zinfandel and 48% Petite Sirah. The two varieties pack a punch of intensity and a plush mouthfeel, finishing with a touch of heat.
Rich, ripe and chocolaty in style, this is a full-bodied yet soft and velvety-textured wine. It's a rich, satisfying mouthful of lusty red from the right bank of the Rhône, made by Laudun Chusclan Vignerons for the importer.
Rich, ripe and concentrated, the lush array of black fruits is enhanced with a generous amount of barrel-generated baking spices. There's a chef's pantry of cinnamon, ginger and more, along with a vein of molasses and a whiff of coffee running through the tannins. It's a total yum-fest.
Rich, ripe and dramatically layered with black currant, licorice and oak flavors that turn a little raisiny on the finish. Although it's very dry, there's ripeness in the fruit. Flashy enough to drink now, and should slowly mellow over 5–6 years.
Rich, ripe and extracted with cherry and currant fruit, this Cab Franc shows fine tannins, acids and a dry finish that makes it drinkable now. It has a Napa fanciness that lifts it into elegance.
Rich, ripe and flashy, this Cabernet scores high on the deliciousness factor. That is Peju's speciality, and here they have produced a gorgeous wine of soft tannins, creaminess and ripe black currant, anise and dark chocolate flavors. Tasty now, and will stay fresh for up to five years.
Rich, ripe and flashy, with honey, pineapple and orange jam and toasty oak flavors. It's brightened with crisp acidity. With some heat from alcohol, it's deliciously approachable now.
Rich, ripe and flavorful, this mountain Barbera will age for a long time. That's a simple function of its balance. It's very tannic, high in acidity, and those blackberry and cherry flavors are just waiting to star. Nice now if you need a big, tight young red wine, but should hold for a decade.
Rich, ripe and fruity, a good Cabernet to drink now for its intricate cherry, raspberry, milk chocolate, anise, spice and oak flavors. Feels soft and immediately accessible.
Rich, ripe and fruity, this wine wears its tannins easily. With layers of acidity, red-berry fruit and a dark, dry core, the wine is impressive and set to age. The aftertaste is both sweet with the generous fruit and dry with tannins, finishing firmly. Drink from 2020.
Rich, ripe and full-bodied, this is a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec blend. Juicy acidity and berry fruits are integrated into the firm structure. A smoky, dry wood-laden background gives the wine good texture. Drink from 2016. Xavier Carreau, Alain Jourdan and Cyril Jourdan, the latest generation, run the family's five estates.
Rich, ripe and oaky, this full-bodied wine has loads of sweet blackberry and black cherry flavors, with generous doses of oak spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, wood smoke and dark chocolate. It's bold but complex and will be a lot of fun to drink with red meat.
Rich, ripe and oaky, this Petite Sirah charms with flashy blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate flavors that are opulent through the long finish. The vineyard is in the Los Alamos region.
Rich, ripe and oaky, with crisp acidity and notes of pineapple jam and buttered toast. Tasty and flashy, but is marked with a slightly vegetal flavor.
Rich, ripe and spicy, this single-vineyard Pinot shows pie-filling fruit flavors of cherries, black raspberries and red currants. It's a lusty wine that could use a little more complexity and layers of interest.
Rich, ripe and tropical, this calls to mind bananas soaked in cream. Round and lightly spicy, it's a forward, fruit-driven wine with a veneer of spice and toast, but enough acid to keep it lively.
Rich, ripe aromas of mango and guava lend a distinctly tropical feel to this off-dry Riesling. It's juicy and lush on the palate, with sweet grapefruit and tangerine flavors offset by a swathe of fresh, green herbs on the finish.
Rich, ripe black-cherry and plum flavors penetrate throughout this plump, juicy Cabernet Franc. It's decadent and forward in style, but lingering notes of spice and tea leaves lend complexity to the palate.
Rich, ripe black berries, briar and bramble waft from this intensely aromatic wine. It's rather sexy, opulent and yielding with black cherry and plum flavors accented by tinges of clay, fur and leather.
Rich, ripe blackberry preserves, vanilla and toasted coconut flavors make this full bodied Cab Franc feel deliciously warm and generous in style. A sharp whiff of graphite and lean acidity on the midpalate add structure and balance on the finish.
Rich, ripe blackberry, cassis and leathery aromas are full, stately and fitting for this lush, layered, tannic offering from Viu Manent's top Malbec vineyard. Toasty flavors of blackberry, black currant, herbs and chocolate finish chewy, beefy and full, with a hint of resiny oak. Drink through 2020.
Rich, ripe blackberry, cherry, mocha, anise and cedar flavors mark this 100% Cabernet. The tannins are evident in a puckery astringency, but it's not too hard to drink it now with tannin-busting foods, like steak. Shows a classy, Napa-esque flashiness, although it doesn't seem to be an ager.
Rich, ripe bramble and berry notes penetrate deeply in this silky, supple Pinot Noir. It's intensely concentrated, but brightened by a shimmering streak of acidity and fresh herbal tones. A complex, impeccably balanced wine, it finishes long with a kiss of delicate tannins.
Rich, ripe pear and peach flavors light up this full-bodied and creamy-textured wine. The fruit flavors are gorgeous and expressive, and they come with an appetizing layer of subtle acidity to balance out the full mouthfeel.
Rich, ripe scents of cherry pie and cherry cola waft from this profoundly aromatic Merlot. It's boldly alcoholic and full bodied, but the palate shows restraint with crisp red berry flavors highlighted by a streak of acidity. Soft, furry tannins coat the finish.
Rich, ripe streaks of black cherry preserve are balanced by savory nuances of dried herb, toast and bramble in this luscious Pinot Noir. Aptly “lusty” in style, it's deeply concentrated with an unabashed fruit-forwardness, but crisp cranberry acidity and a penetrating earthiness gives it marked composure.
Rich, ripe yellow cherries and honeysuckle waft from this luxuriously honeyed off-dry Riesling. A sweet tangerine flavor is densely concentrated on the palate, yet the wine is sprightly and zesty in mouthfeel. An elegant floral spray extends the long, lingering finish.
Rich, ripe yellow peach and mango flavors are deeply concentrated in this fruity, off-dry wine. It's plush and delectably juicy, but clean lines of steel and lime lend balance and vibe.
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.
Rich, round and complex, this is full of ripe red-berry flavors. The acidity drives the solid tannins and firm structure. The wine has the approachability of Beaune, but it can also be aged for 4–5 years.
Rich, round and concentrated, this is developing fast. The acidity is already comfortably embedded in the ripe red-berry fruit..
Rich, round and ripe, this is made from a musqué clone originally from Dijon, France, meant to impart memorable aromatics. It does, in spades, revealing wafts of honeysuckle and fresh pineapple amid a bright, tangy twist of acidity and gravely minerality, sharing a touch of salt on the finish.
Rich, rounded and ripe, this is an opulent wine, dense and balanced between ripe yellow and white fruits and acidity. A zesty, tangy and crisp texture both gives it a lift and offers delicious, refreshing acidity. Drink from 2017.
Rich, rounded wine showing delicious sweet pear and apricot flavors with a touch of white fig. Well balanced.
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.
Rich, ruddy peach and tangerine scents are fleshy and ripe on this lavishly fruit-forward Riesling. Semi-sweet in style, it's unctuously juicy, but a jolt of grapefruit acidity adds balance and vibe. The finish is marked with a spray of citrus blossom.
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.
Rich, savory and appealing now for its smooth texture and forward flavors of cherries, raspberries, blackberries and oak. A lovely wine for grilled steaks and chops.
Rich, savory and seemingly slightly sweet, this Chardonnay has acidity that provides balance to the rich flavors of tangerines, golden mangoes, limes and honey. Drink this with Chinese or Vietnamese fare.
Rich, slightly oxidized notes of red apple and yellow melon are laced with accents of bitter orange peel and herbal tones. Medium weight, with a softness to the midpalate, it's enlivened by ample acidic lift. Flavors of toasted apple and pear fade into notes of sweet spice and beeswax on the finish. Drink now.
Rich, smoky cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors define this estate wine. It's lush, round, powerful and full-bodied, with moderate structure and oak, seasoned with cinnamon and chocolate notes.
Rich, smoky, cherry fruits are impressively forward and ripe in this young wine. It has firm tannic structure that comes through the dried fruit and the edgy texture. Drink now and until 2017.
Rich, smooth, ripe flavors of wood with some pear and peach juice. Soft, but with good depth of flavor.
Rich, smooth, with great wafts of creaminess to go with a judicious amount of toast. White plum and pear flavors precede a finish with impressive concentration and delicious acidity.
Rich, soft and chocolaty, this Merlot has fruity flavors of cherries, blackberries, mulberries and blackstrap molasses. It's dry, and at its best now.
Rich, soft and creamy, with flamboyantly ripe raspberry and cherry pie filling, vanilla, roasted almond, honey and cinnamon spice flavors. Tastes like a granola fruit bar in wine form, with a pleasantly hot hit of alcohol. Drink now.
Rich, soft and fruity, this Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre blend is delightful to drink now. It's totally dry, with interesting berry, cherry, smoked meat, black pepper and sandalwood flavors that are deep and long-lasting.
Rich, soft and gentle, with light tannins, ripe fruit and a pronounced freshness, touched with black cherry. This is not for long-term aging, but it's worth waiting for 2–3 years.
Rich, soft and luscious, this bottling shows ripe black cherry, caramel, crème brûlée and a tinge of herbs on the nose. It's creamy, dense and smoky once sipped, with baked plum and blackberry-pie flavors laced with vanilla and caramel, proving undeniably delicious and certain to please many palates.
Rich, soft and lush, if a little obvious, this Merlot swamps the mouth with flavors of black and red currants, sugar-sweetened coffee, beef jerky, violets, chocolate and smoky oak. Drink now.
Rich, soft and spicy, this is a warm, ripe wine. With its flavors of figs, black plums and herbs, it certainly sums up the heat of the Douro, leaving some good fresh acidity to finish.
Rich, soft, ripe and juicy, this Cab shows all the hallmarks of the modern cult style. It's incredibly lavish in oak, blackberry pie, cassis liqueur and licorice flavors, and should drink well for the next six years.
Rich, solid, with ripe spice and black plum flavors. The considerable richness is balanced with dark tannins, which give a sense of fine-grained texture to this solid wine.
Rich, spicy and deliciously fruity, it has tannins well cushioned by the ample blackberry flavors. Acidity preserves the wine's easy freshness, while it also has a dense texture. Drink now, but the wine will be richer in late 2014.
Rich, spicy and perfumed, this delicious wine is developing well and also has aging potential. It is packed with berry and plum fruits that parade with acidity and tannins that act as a support. It's still dense and the balanced fruit and tannins will allow it to age. Drink from 2018.
Rich, spicy aromas and flavors of black cherry and cedar make this full-bodied wine from one of the longest-running wineries in California's Sierra Foothills hard to resist. It has a feeling of breadth and depth on the palate alongside lush layers of tasty fruit.
Rich, sticky swirls of caramel and honey fill the palate of this lip-smacking sweet Riesling. It's slight in body and electric with acidity, yet its heaving, sun-kissed tropical fruit flavors persist boldly on the finish. Stunning already, it's sure to improve through 2030.
Rich, structured and full-bodied, this is an open take on Pouilly Fuissé. It's shows ripe white fruits like pear and quince, along with fine acidity and a fresh citrus streak. Age for a year or drink now.
Rich, structured and juicy, this wine shows black fruit tones, with its firm tannins and fine acidity. It's developing into a warm, ripe wine. Drink from 2020.
Rich, structured while also juicy, this is a complex wine. A strongly mineral, steely character supports juicy berry fruits and ripe acidity. The wine is dry, but the great fruitiness gives it an attractive future. Drink from 2016.
Rich, succulent and exotic, this Syrah captures the appealing spice and leather notes that are capable of accenting any good red wine. Alongside there's immense black fruit flavors and an underbelly of oaky coffee and mocha. A  touch narrow and short on the finish.
Rich, sweet-tasting flavors of black cherry jam, licorice and cedar abound in this dry, tannic Merlot. It feels a bit rough on the palate, so let it breathe in a decanter before drinking.
Rich, sweet and full in the mouth, this is immediately attractive. It has ripe red berry and sultana fruitiness, plus a texture that is soft and rounded. Only the bite of spirit and acidity provides a reminder that this generous wine also has some aging.
Rich, sweet and soft, with a strawberry jam character, and just the right balance of acidity.
Rich, sweet chocolate flavors balance with equally sweet blackberries in this opulent wine. This ripeness goes right through to the heart of the concentrated texture, even the tannins sharing in the generosity. This is a delicious wine, but wait for five years and it will be even better.
Rich, sweet, mouthcoating peach is accented by waxy tones of honeycomb, lanolin and spice in this delicately structured, yet powerfully fruity Riesling. It's sprightly with acidity, lingering long on the finish, with a flourish of spring blossoms. Gorgeous now, but bound to develop even more earthy richness over the next decade.
Rich, syrupy aromas of prune and raisin stop short of being too overripe and jammy. This feels full, lusty and big on the palate, but also balanced given that 2009 was a warm year in Ribera del Duero. Flavors of blackberry, prune and earth come with a light herbal touch, while the finish tastes baked and loamy. Drink now.
Rich, tannic and brambly, a juiciness of blackberry jam forms the substantive core of this wine, made in larger quantities for larger distribution. The finish is leathery and well integrated in oak.
Rich, tannic and full bodied, with black cherry jam, red currant, raisin and spice flavors that are penetrating and long. It's a heady wine that's high in alcohol—drink now with grilled beef or chicken slathered in barbecue sauce.
Rich, tannic and spicy, a classic Sonoma Zinfandel with enough elegance to pair with upscale food. It's a little hot in alcohol and overripe, but wears it proudly, celebrating its Zinny personality with a sweet flourish. That's characterisic of the vineyard, which is on a warm ridge within this cool appellation.
Rich, thick and blended with 10% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dual-county red is high in ripeness and tannin, well representing the vintage in terms of enviable structure, as well. Leathery earth and juicy black currant are tempered by dried herb. Drink now through 2023.
Rich, thick and dense, this is a powerfully concentrated wine, blended with 4% Viognier in a Northern Rhône style. The grapes are grown in Oak Knoll from dry-farmed vines that yield very little. Black plum, tar and cooked meat combine for complexity atop the high alcohol.
Rich, thick and heady, this almost tastes like a dessert wine. It shows notes of dark chocolate, blackberry pie with a buttery crust and heady crème de cassis. The alcohol is very high, as is often the case with Petite Sirahs grown in warm climates.
Rich, thick and impressive on all fronts, this Dolcetto from Piedmont offers a smooth texture, creamy consistency and loads of aromatic intensity. You'll get black fruit, spice, chocolate, cola and cedar. Both complexity and elegance are at hand and the wine is dense, modern and long-lasting.
Rich, thick and jammy sweet, this Cab tasted a bit juvenile in the winter of 2009. With blackberry and cherry pie filling, chocolate, licorice and pepper flavors, it might develop harmony over the next six years.
Rich, thick and robust, this offers a mélange of black cherry and strawberry. A fruity element dominates over any savory varietal character.
Rich, thick and swimming in youthful tannin, this is a powerful statement from the producer's estate, a broad-shouldered explosion of fruity and savory flavors. Spicy tea, pomegranate and black cherry mingle around a tartness of grapefruit and blood orange, coalescing into a balanced whole.
Rich, thick and velvety, this has a wealth of heightened acidity to buoy the more intense aspects. The wine hails from the mighty vineyard overlooking Sonoma Valley, which will, going forward, be within the new Moon Mountain AVA. Coconut macaroon and dark chocolate mark it from start to full-bodied finish.
Rich, thick, smoky and soft, this wine conjures all the adjectives that add up to brawny and big. This tastes akin to a Port with chocolate melted in.
Rich, this offers both bright crisp citrus fruits and ripe peach and pear flavors. It is still young, still textured and tight, needing to broaden to bring out more of the attractive fruitiness. Drink from 2016.
Rich, toasty and custardy, this is a big Chardonnay that retains a sense of balance, with a creamy texture and a powerful core of citrusy fruit that comes through on the finish. Based on a couple of older vintages, this wine should last at least 7–8 years from the vintage, but I find them most attractive in their youth.
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.
Rich, upfront raspberry and cherry pie, tart red currant and sweet sandalwood flavors mark this Pinot. It's not one to age, but shows plenty of Russian River Valley style and flash.
Rich, velvet-textured wine, this has weight and tannins surrounded by red berry fruits, soft acidity and a lingering sweet aftertaste.
Rich, velvety and intense, this is packed with gorgeous mulberry and spice aromas and flavors, with intriguing hints of tar and espresso. Senior Winemaker Gordon Russell deserves much credit for crafting such a voluptuous expression of Hawke's Bay Syrah. Drink now–2025.
Rich, velvety blackberry and cherry flavors flood the palate of this decadently full-bodied Cabernet Franc. It's irresistibly juicy and forward, but invigorating acidity and shades of herb, bramble and fine-grained tannins lend depth and structure. The finish is languid and luscious.
Rich, viscous and sweet, this is a spätlese that punches above its weight. A bit of dried apricot hints at the inclusion of some botrytized grapes, while the rest of the fruit shows superripe flavors of peaches and honey. This is long on the finish, clinging to the palate. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Rich, with a hint of toast, this floral wine, with its almond blossom aromas, is drier than many other bottlings from this producer. It has a crisp, tight texture, with a mineral edge as well as a firm structure that suggests it is still young, so drink from 2018.
Rich, with a taut, minerally, steely texture, this wine has a fine perfumed character, with notes of white spring flower, intense quince, pear and white currant. The bright acidity adds lift to this concentrated, age-worthy effort.
Rich, with restrained intensity, this has aromas of toasted graham-cracker crumb, spiced orange marmalade, peach preserves and wilted rose. It feels slightly pudgy on the midpalate, with a tapering finish that ends on a buttered-caramel note.
Rich, wonderfully concentrated wine, with ripe apricots, green plums, touches of toast riding over a structure that is just beginning a long aging process. Give this wine 10 years. This is the last vintage under this name. From 2009, the wine has been rebaptized Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc.
Rich, wood-aged wine that shows ripe blackberry juice flavors to balance the firm tannins. It has good depth, structure and weight, a ripe and good value Bordeaux.
Rich, wood-aged wine, smooth and ripely fruity. Aromas of mint lead to the polished, ripe, elegant fruit, the tannins surrounded by a comfortable fruit texture. It will age over 4–5 years.
Rich, yet always elegant, this has a raspberry flavor and terrific acidity that creates tension, contrasting with the opulent fruit. While it's structured, it will soften and round out over the next five years.
Richard and Thekla Sanford of Alma Rosa produce much lighter styles of Pinot Noir than many of their neighbors. In this bottling, that translates to bright pomegranate and cranberry fruit with hints of anise and rose on the nose. The palate offers raspberry fruit and sagebrush spice, with a strong, grippy texture.
Richard Sanford and winemaker Nick de Luca are making wines to stand the test of time, including this bottling that offers dried roses, rust and light cranberry on the nose. The palate combines turned earth, dried fennel and chipped sandalwood with delicate raspberry and strawberry fruit. That ethereal lightness will concentrate with time and last decades. Drink 2019–2033.
Richer and deeper than the 2004 version, this shows an abundance of black cherry fruit, but also layers of spicy, savory complexity. Dominated by old-vine Grenache, it could easily be mistaken for a Lirac or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Drink now–2015.
Richer and denser than Mayo’s Sangiacomo bottling, this one also seems more marked by oak, with vanilla, menthol and toast aromas all riding over black cherries. In the mouth, the fruit really comes forward; there’s impressive depth and body here, and a lushness that’s balanced by a long finish with fresh acidity. Should age for up to 5 years—maybe more. Only problem? Finding some. There were only 100 cases produced.
Richer and more austere than the regular brut, and bone dry, it has a steely elegance. The aromas are delicate but suggest citrus fruits and a touch of strawberry. It’s very well balanced, with crisp acidity. There’s just the slightest hint of fruit on the finish, and then it turns dry and austere again.
Richer and more grapey than the Valdorramiro 2008, but also friendlier, deeper and more complete. Aromas of blackberry, vanilla and sweet spices lead to a structured, weighty palate full of spicy, oak-driven berry and plum flavors. Clove notes and length define the finish. Drink from 2014–2019
Richer and oakier than the regular Argyle Chardonnay, this conveys flavors of Honey Crisp apple, framed with a palate-pleasing toastiness. It's balanced and already drinking in a prime window. Enjoy it now through 2020.
Richer and riper than the '06, this wine shows why Pinot Grigio is such a hit in America, especially at this price. The wine is crisp and savory in acids, with a wealth of citrus, fig, green apple, honeydew melon and vanilla flavors that have an off-dry sweetness.
Richer notes of cream signal rounded richness: indeed the palate is creamy and mellow, with hints of lemon and baked apple. There even is something nutty around the edges of this elegant rounded wine which is nonetheless light-bodied and fresh. The dry finish is reassuringly long.
Richer scents of maple smoke and bacon fat integrate well into a sexy purple flower, blackberry and clove-laced black-cherry-syrup character on the nose of this wine, which includes 2% Viognier. A black-pepper-crusted beef quality shows once sipped alongside boysenberries, violets, lilacs, Sichuan peppercorn and even black tea.
Richer than previous releases, this Sauvignon Blanc goes for a more tropical view of the grape, very ripe and perfumed.
Richer, fruitier and heavier than Sangiovese really ought to be, but then, this is Alexander Valley, not Tuscany. It's a big wine, jammy in chocolate-covered cherries and licorice, and while the only thing Italian about it is the acidity, it's a tasty wine.
Richer, riper and bigger than in the past, the usual green apple flavors veer into well-ripened pears and even tropical fruits, with spicy oak all over the place. Dry and sleek in texture, the kind of wine that despite its opulence feels ultra-clean through the finish. Good for Rochioli for leaving all these fresh, young acids.
Richly aromatic, on the strength of the nose alone this could pass for something from Napa's Rutherford Bench. The blue and purple fruit notes and dusty tannins all say California, but the laser-like definition, minerality and natural acidity prove it's Washington fruit all the way. Strikingly dense and complex, with decades of life ahead.
Richly aromatic, with notes of orange marmalade, apricot, honey and crème fraîche. It's thick and creamy in feel while still displaying exceptional balance, length and intensity.
Richly barrel fermented, this wine shares its caramelized toasty oak character with sultry, creamy ripe apple, pear and melon. Lushly layered, it goes spicy on the finish in a dash of piquant nutmeg.
Richly buttered Bing cherries, plums, licorice, black pepper and a loamy mud minerality show on the nose of this bottling by winemaker Scott Shirley. The palate truly shines, with flavors of chocolate syrup-covered cherries rolled in fresh mint, espresso beans, charred pine and tannins that wake up the mouth and hold its attention.
Richly concentrated and tannic, this wine shows loads of smoke on the nose and palate, but a touch of reduction obfuscates its black cherry and dried herb notes.
Richly concentrated with ripe tropical melons and mangoes, this juicy, fruity, off-dry Riesling is a straightforward yet undeniably tasty pick. It's zesty and fresh, with tart tangerine acidity that wraps the finish up crisply.
Richly effusive, it's marked by blue and black berry fruit that's almost jammy, swathed in chocolaty toffee. The wine shows off Macchia's prowess with Lodi fruit, its acidity pert throughout, especially into the finish, which also features plenty of toasty oak.
Richly endowed, the wine is beautifully concentrated. Still young it has considerable potential with its rich fruits and firm tannins. There is a strongly juicy aftertaste that brings in the freshness of the year. The wine will age well, and should not be drunk before 2026.
Richly expressed black plum and strawberry notes mesh with Red Hot candies, purple flowers and potpourri aromas, along with flashes of rosemary and pine. The palate is perfumed with touches of lavender, anise, dried black sage and mint, laid across alpine strawberries, black cherry and raspberry fruit.
Richly extracted black cherry and cassis flavors flood the palate of this bold bruising Cabernet Franc. It's a nuanced wine despite its voluptuousness, accented by hints of leather, spice and lavender. Tannins are big and unyielding now but ripe enough to integrate with age. Hold till 2020.
Richly extracted yellow peach and tangerine flavors are slicked in honey in this silk-textured auslese. It's lavishly sweet, yet vibrantly citrusy too. Drink this sunny yet neatly balanced Riesling now or hold through 2027.
Richly fruited and tropical, this is a medium-bodied, slightly creamy-textured Marlborough Savvy. Flavors hint at pineapple, honey and stone fruit, yet remain zesty and clean, with a refreshing citrus zing to the finish. Stock up for the summer.
Richly fruited with sweet black cherries and cassis, this deeply penetrating Pinot Noir gets a lift on the palate with cool tones of pine, menthol and pencil lead. Lively acidity and soft, feathery tannins linger on the finish.
Richly fruity and semisweet, this medium-bodied wine smells like cotton candy and tastes like pear syrup. Smooth in texture and mouth-filling in concentration, it finishes on lingering sweetness.
Richly fruity and soft, this wine boasts loads of black-cherry and plum flavors. Clearly made from very ripe fruit, it lacks the herbaceous-vegetal character so often found in Merlot, but also any sense of structure. Finishes with a bit of alcoholic heat.
Richly fruity, quite sweet with red berry fruits and light acidity. There is a soft character and an attractive, easy finish.
Richly fruity, this is a wine in progress. Its acidity and texture are still coming together to give a crisp wine with ripe fruit. Lemon and lime flavors will add a refreshing background. Drink from late 2017.
Richly fruity, this wine has a smooth texture and well-concentrated black-plum flavors along with a lightly spicy, bread dough accent that adds interest. It's a touch sweet and supported by light tannins.
Richly golden in color, this Moscatel is grown on the plateau high above the Douro Valley. Long wood aging has masked much of the typical varietal character, yet yields a rich wine that has concentrated over the years and is now ready to be enjoyed.
Richly intense, this wine wraps thick textures of caramel and toffee around tropical mango. The full body celebrates ripeness while finding enough restraint.
Richly juicy, this offers a combination of ripe red and black fruits and dark, dense tannins. It's a solid, complex wine with a strong sense of minerality as well as opulent fruitiness. Drink this potentially delicious wine from 2017.
Richly layered red fruit accents an explosion of firm lengthy tannin, alongside dashes of clove and cinnamon, in this hearty full-bodied red. Robust and concentrated, it shows oaky bursts of vanilla and smoke on the finish.
Richly layered with fruit, this full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend has wonderful concentration, a good sense of depth and a creamy texture that has mild and supportive tannins. The mouthfeel is very supple and the dark berry and black-cherry flavors are ripe and delicious.
Richly layered, the nose offers pan-fried apples, butter, vanilla, cinnamon brioche, fleshy peach and roasted nuts. The palate is action-packed with brown spice, juicy lemons and ripe cherimoya, bound by prominent acidity. Be forewarned that the wine grows overripe hours after opening.
Richly oaked and voluptuous in aroma, this bold, balanced vineyard-designate shows hints of brioche and toffee, complemented by clouds of sultry Pink Lady apple and pear compote. Its supporting acidity steals the show, never allowing the concentration to speak too loudly.
Richly oaked aromas of burnt wood, caramel and sawmill compete with jammy blackberry and cassis notes. A rugged, drawing palate is fiercely tannic and dry. Blackberry, burnt oak and coffee flavors dry out quickly on the finish, leaving simmering toasty mint. Drink through 2025.
Richly oaked aromas of maple and mocha accent earthy, rubbery berry scents. This is muscled-up and edgy on the palate, with flavors of tobacco, mocha, plum and berry fruits. A grabby, slightly collapsed finish contains earthy, savory flavor remnants. Drink through 2020.
Richly oaked, fantastically ripe in long hangtime fruit, this Chard has exotic flavors of golden mangoes, nectarines, passionfruit, pineapple jam and kiwis. Oak adds extra layers of buttered toast, crème brûlée and smoky vanilla. For all the honeyed sweetness, it's totally dry, a tour de force that's at its best now.
Richly oaked, this full-bodied wine wraps sweet baking-spice flavors around mouthfilling ripe, plump fruit. It has a smooth texture and persistent fruit and cinnamon flavors that linger on the finish.
Richly opulent, this is creamy and nicely tart, with an oaky edge to the nectarine, orange, mango and honeysuckle flavors. The wine remains elegant despite all of its power.
Richly perfumed with layers of plum and clove, this is a soft, fully developed Cab Franc. Textured and subtle in herbs, it delivers a long, peppery finish. Generous and satisfying in terms of mouthfeel, it'll serve nicely on its own or with an herb-dusted roast chicken or Liberty duck.
Richly rewarding as a berry bramble, this wine is bright and refreshing within a softly layered texture of ripeness and a full body. Cinnamon and leather saddle complement the heady fruit.
Richly ripe in black cherry and chocolate, this is a blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. Generous tannins give way to a soft, smooth mouthfeel and a burst of blackberry and leather, finishing in spicy cinnamon and black pepper.
Richly ripe wine, dominated by sweet yellow fruit, although with a fine line of acidity that brings a greener element. Wood spice comes through on the finish of this full-bodied wine.
Richly ripe, with flamboyant green apple and peach flavors, and lots of oak. Nice creamy texture, and dry. Notable for the lush quality of its acids, which make the wine crisp and tart through the finish.
Richly satisfying this offers powerful tannins and equally powerful, juicy fruits. It has a great sense of structure, density and potential. Ripe berry and black plum fruits push through the impressive tannins to produce a wine that is developing well, although it will need several more years. Drink from 2018.
Richly scented with citrus blossoms, mineral and spice. Nicely balanced and light, the flavors are layered and intermingled through an elegant, firm, satisfying finish.
Richly smooth, this is a beautifully generous wine that brings out the perfumed nature of the Syrah. Ripe with black fruits, it is still packed with dark tannins and dense concentrated fruit. Drink this powerful wine from 2018.
Richly soft, round and concentrated, this wine is exuberant in apple flavor, with a touch of stone fruit and papaya. It has a pleasing succulence that should broadly appeal.
Richly structured and ripe, this has black tannins laced with dark plum fruit. Its tannins promise aging while its fruit already offers a rounded taste. Keep for 3–4 years.
Richly structured this wine, from well-exposed vines (hence the land of light in the name) is fruity with black cherry and some firm tannins. It is going to develop into a serious, complex wine. Drink from 2018.
Richly structured, this is a wine with style and balance. It has plenty of firm tannins to contrasted with its juicy blackberry fruit. It needs some time to fill out. Drink from 2019.
Richly structured, this wine has a fine future. Dark berry fruits, sweet tannins and just enough acidity are combining well to give a wine that is both firm and fruity. Give this solid, balanced wine until 2017.
Richly structured, this wine is all texture at this stage—although the rich fruit lingers underneath. Apple, pear and citrus fruits give this opulent, powerful wine its freshness. This has a great future ahead.
Richly structured, this wine is dense and solid. It has swathes of ripe fruit, bold tannins and an impressive firm character. Its future is assured with its dense texture, black fruit and acidity all coming into place. Drink from 2021.
Richly sweet, this is a wine that has traded primary fruitiness with deliciously balanced honey flavor and lively citrus acidity. It's a wine that has richness, intense flavor and the ability to age further.
Richly tannic but ripe, with red-fruit notes of rhubarb and raspberry up front. Then the palate turns dark and savory, adding hints of espresso, olive and asphalt. Try it in 2017, by which time it should've settled down and become more integrated.
Richly tannic, this concentrated wine has great structure and intense fruitiness and acidity. Generous and full bodied, it retains a dry core that gives shape to the ripe red berry fruits. Hints of wood aging still show, and the wine needs to develop further. Drink from 2017.
Richly tawny in color, this fortified wine from the Jacquez grape is savory on the nose, showing cured meat flecked with anise. The full palate brings dried figs, dates and molasses into the mix, with toasted coffee on the finish.
Richly textured and bursting with fresh yellow peach, nectarine and melon flavors, this is an elegant wine with wide appeal. Just slightly off dry in style, it's balanced by fresh acidity and a subtle mineral undertone. The finish lingers nicely. Drink now through 2019.
Richly textured and full-bodied, a wine to drink now with fine steaks and chops. Almost sweet, it's opulent in cherry and raspberry jam flavors, with a decadent hint of chocolate. But it's fully dry.
Richly textured and generously flavored, this wine shows how good Livermore Cabernet can be. Aged in new Hungarian barrels, it has cedar and spice aromas, seductive ripe fruit flavors and a mouth-filling, palate-soothing viscosity bolstered by loads of fine-grained tannins. Best from 2018.
Richly textured and plush on the palate, with a broad array of raspberry, black cherry, plum, spice, coffee, herb and cocoa flavors, all couched in firm, ripe tannins and sweet oak. Only 200 cases made from this relatively new producer high in the hills of Napa.
Richly textured and spicy, this is a finely integrated wine. It has ripe berry flavors and a palate that's textured with tannins from fruit as well as wood. The structure, held within a lacework of acidity, reflects the wine's potential. Drink from 2016.
Richly textured and sumptuous, this Pinot has cherry, red licorice, cola, pepper and sandalwood flavors that go on into a long, spicy finish. The tannins are silky and integrated. The wine displays the fruit forwardness of the vintage, as well as the careful viticulture of the vineyard. Lovely to drink now with steak, and it will reward cellaring until 2020 to 2022.
Richly textured and unabashedly full in body, this dry Riesling is intensely ripe. Pineapple and peach flavor is accented by zesty lime peel and earthy tones of wet stone and lanolin. The midpalate is lifted by a whiff of violet perfume and bold, lemon-lime acidity envigorates the finish.
Richly textured in cherries, blackberries and currants, it shows Cab's thick tannins, but they're ripe and soft. It's pretty nice for drinking now.
Richly textured in flavor and structure, this is fleshy with ripe red fruit that's accented by soft tannins, dried lavender, and savory smoked meat notes. Hints of dark chocolate and fresh green herb cap off a long, juicy finish.
Richly textured wine that oozes jammy red fruits and ripe tannins. It has a good dry core followed by sweet acidity and a juicy berry character. The wine has some power and aging potential.
Richly textured wine, full of ripe and spicy fruit, the acidity just a hint behind the dried honey and watermelon flavors. It is full-bodied, ripe, packed with intense fruit flavors. A wine for aging over 3–4 years.
Richly textured, this is made with native grape Mantonico, opening with aromas of peach blossom, stone fruit and toasted notes. The round palate delivers ripe yellow peach, honey, vanilla and white almond. A spicy note signals the close.
Richly textured, viscous but with good acidty for balance. The wine shows pretty melon, citrus, herb, grass, peach and spice flavors and features a mineral edge that is fresh and clean at the end.
Richly tropical in nature, with ripe flavors suggesting peaches and mangoes framed by lingering hints of butter and toast. It's a plump, amply endowed version of this wine, but may not be as long lived as some other vintages. Drink now–2010.
Richly wood-aged, this is a serious white wine. With spice and light toast allied to the ripe tropical and yellow fruits, it needs aging. Juicy acidity cuts through the full body, giving a lift of citrus to the rounded, opulent fruitiness. Drink from 2016.
Richness (of both flavor and texture) marks this deeply colored, full-bodied Syrah. Aromas of ripe blackberry and licorice coupled with flavors of clove and blackberry jam make it luscious yet not overly big. It has the firm tannins and good balance for aging through 2019.
Richness alone would earn this Zinfandel a good score, but the overall balance uplifts it. It's simply delicious in wild berry, spice, mocha, salty bacon, vanilla toast and sandalwood flavors. Yet the tannins are fine, and the acidity is perfect. Even the slightly sweet finish and high alcohol work.
Richness and breadth are the strong suits of this full-bodied, deep-colored and ripe-tasting wine. Showing little oak character, it smells like blackberries and tastes like black cherries and clove. Moderate tannins balance against the fruitiness.
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.
Richness and depth are the hallmarks of this full-flavored, complex and complete wine. Attractive cinnamon and toasted bread aromas blend into ripe cherry flavors. The texture is smooth, the tannins moderate and the finish long. It deserves the best osso buco or risotto Piemontese.
Richness and depth meet vibrancy and precision in this multi-layered and multi-faceted wine. The aroma combines mild spices with gentle red fruits. Flavors go deeper to black cherry and cinnamon, while a broad, gentle texture with mild tannins seems to fill the mouth. Best after 2021.
Richness and elegance go toe-to-toe in this creamy yet crisp, fruity Chardonnay. It's lavishly textured, enriched by streaks of butter and cream, yet pristine apple and pear flavors shine through brightly. The caramel-kissed finish lingers.
Richness and fruitiness combine in this medium-bodied, uncomplicated wine. It brings fresh citrus and pear aromas, ample apple and pear flavors, a smooth texture and a clean finish.
Richness and near-sweetness are the main personality traits of this full-bodied and quite viscous wine. With oodles of ripe pear, peach and vanilla flavors, it should be great with aged cheeses and fruit desserts.
Richness and opulence characterize this white Rhône blend of Roussanne and Marsanne, which is easily Cass's best ever. It's delicous in vanilla cream-accented Mandarin orange and honey flavors, with a tang of minerality. The alcohol is high, yet the wine maintains exquisite balance and poise.
Richness and ripeness are immediate draws to this Pinot. It's lusciously ripe with raspberries and cherries, but perky with acidity and a jacket of smooth tannins. It's quite nice to drink now, with everything from pork or steak to pizza.
Richness and ripeness are welcome traits in this full-bodied, generously flavored and smoothly textured wine. Prune and blackberry aromas continue into the palate and linger a bit on the finish.
Richness and ripeness combine with a multilayered and tannic texture that frames the flavors, massages the palate and carries the expressive fruit character through a lingering finish. Ripe blackberries and raspberries accompany a subtle vein of spice and mineral flavors that add complexity.
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.
Richness defines this ripe Syrah. It dazzles with blackberry and cherry jam, dark chocolate and exotic spice flavors, while firm tannins provide supportive structure. Oak adds additional tannins and a smoky, toasty coat. Drink now and through 2015.
Richness floods the midpalate with flavors of raspberries, cherries, red currants and cola, brightened with crisp, zesty acidity. This is Lynmar's best Freestone Pinot ever, showing the ability of the vineyard to ripen fruit even in a chilly vintage. Exciting and stimulating, it's a wine you want to age for at least six years.
Richness in the texture and a buttery vanilla-like flavor make this wine easy to dive into. It has lots of ripe apple, peach and white cherry flavor and an energetic complexity due to those pastry spices, plus a lingering, creamy finish.
Richness is on full display in this bottling by Steve Martell, with baked black plum, vanilla, allspice and nearly a prune scent on the nose. Caramel flavors of blackened blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream make for a very full and undeniably delicious sip.
Richness is the hallmark of this full-bodied, luxuriously ripe and fruit-drenched Zinfandel blend. Blueberry, black cherry and blackberry jam aromas and flavors coat the palate, crowding out any oak-derrived accents that might be present. It comes off as pure and fruity deliciousness.
Richness is the operative word with this 100% Cabernet. That's due to the exceptional ripeness, reflected in opulent blackberry, cherry and milk chocolate flavors, as well as in the high alcohol, which gives it a heady, porty heat. Not an ager, but an opulent Napa Cab to drink now.
Richness makes this wine exceptional, while it still keeps its varietal personality. Aromas are grapy, almost jammy, then the flavors are quite fruity and berrylike, accented by mineral and chocolate notes. A finely tannic texture braces everything for an appetizing mouthfeel.
Richness marks this flamboyantly fruity, sweet young Pinot Noir. It erupts in jammy cherry and raspberry flavors, while new oak brings sweet, toasty complications of smoky butter and vanilla. Would be just an ordinary fruit bomb except for the wonderful acid-tannin structure. So delicious.
Richness, concentration, great weight and balance. Despite the ripeness, the crispness of the house style dominates. The apple flavors and the minerality need several years to really mature. From mainly grand cru vineyards.
Richness, ripeness and alcoholic strength all come together in this surprisingly smooth and Port-like wine. The very deep color stays black almost to the rim. Full-bodied but not harsh, it smells like prunes and boysenberries and tastes like dark-chocolate-coated cherries. Pair with cheese or a cigar.
Rick Longoria chooses a new artist every two years to illustrate this label. This vintage features 40% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah and 18% Merlot, resulting in cranberry, red cherry and dried herbs notes, with a touch of eucalyptus and pine sap. The palate offers woody cedar and juniper flavors along with tart cherry fruit.
Rick Longoria is all about restraint in his winemaking, and that shows on the shy aromas of this bottling that allow hints of black plum, wildfire, roasted meat and light rosemary to emerge. Tart plum and cranberry fruit pop on the palate, where a feral, gamy component is laced by forest floor and wild herbs.
Rick Longoria shows increasing mastery over this popular variety, lifting it into true complexity. After an outstanding 2010 vintage, his 2011 is even better, showing the same crisp acidity and savory orange, apricot and honey flavors, but with even greater elegance.
Riddle is in Green Valley, on a high ridge prone to morning fog. This resulting effort showcases a sizzling, mouthwatering basket of wild strawberry, cherry and vanilla tea, managing to be plush, lush and elegant simultaneously. Juicy and pleasurable, it's immediately enjoyable, silky and the right kind of rich.
Rides the Moscato wave with a sweet honeyed richness, carrying tangerine, apricot and lemon fruit. Fine acidity gives it a brisk, clean finish.
Ridge's historic Monte Bello estate produces black tobacco, wet slate, chalk and blueberry jam aromas in this vintage. The wine, which gets support from 14% Merlot-3% Petite Verdot-1% Cabernet Franc, is not very dense and even racy on the palate, with violet, cola, tart cranberry and darker fruit as well.
Ridiculously high in alcohol, clocking in at nearly 16%, and it shows in a porty taste that frames the blackberry jam and chocolate flavors. Drink now.
Riding the delicate balance between ripeness and freshness, Adam Comartin's bottling shows warm white peach and toasted cashew on the nose alongside sea salt, tangerine pith, white jasmine, light honey and apple crème brûlée aromas. Ripe stonefruit flavors are deftly cut by sizzling acidity on the palate.
Rieflé is one of the rare Alsace producers who indicates the sweetness and richness levels of their wine. This wine rates a level just below the median of the chart, a fair assessment of the medium-sweet taste, emphasizing the richness of the grape and giving flavors of lychee and spice.
Riesci is a super Tuscan blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot with lovely density and opulence backed by bright aromas of mature berry fruit, cherry cola, blackberry pie, leather and dark chocolate. It's a black, inky wine with solid tannins that will cut through succulent steak.
Riesling and Gewürztraminer make up over half of this wine, giving it an aromatic punch. Vibrant ripe peach, flower and pear scents lead to an off-dry palate with fleshy fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal, though the concentration, especially through the midpalate, seems light.
Riesling has always been a strength of this winery, and this wine clearly shows why. It has a lightness and delicacy missing from most other domestic Riesling, yet it is not simple. Its complex, subtle, food-friendly flavors are right on the money. Best Buy. —P.G.
Riesling has an ability to unite opposites: ripeness and tartness of fruit, a slender frame and unexpected weight. This dry and harmonious wine shows off these contradictions perfectly. A spiky freshness of citrus meets the generosity and juiciness of stone fruits. It is the dialectic between them that thrills.
Riesling is a rare visitor in the warm climate of Burgenland. But its delicious perfumed acidity is all there, bringing out white peach and lime flavors. Crisp and likely to benefit from a year's aging. Screwcap.
Riesling is the star of an excellent lineup of Best Buys from StoneCap. Estate-grown, fragrant and complex, it sends up aromas of lemon oil, orange peel, fresh-brewed tea, pastry and powdered sugar. Mildly sweet, fruity and delicate, it surprises with exceptional length. A very fine effort from new StoneCap winemaker Kendall Mix.
Riesling Kaiton is partly aged in large casks to achieve a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with bright aromas of peach blossom, honey, natural rubber and fresh kiwi fruit. There's a tiny touch of white almond on the close as well.
Riesling that is just becoming mature is the foundation of this perfumed, white fruit and complex wine. Dried apricot and spice cake flavors give the wine richness and balance the fruitiness that is now maturing. Drink this fine wine now.
Rieslings from the Burgenland need very specific locations to keep their crispness and varietal distinctiveness. It's obvious that Höpler has found such a place for this wine, with its fine mineral character enhanced by a dash of grapefruit and green berries.
Rife with aromas of spring flowers, this wine is crisp, full of tight acidity and has a lively, bright texture. It offers good depth of flavor, the grapefruit and green apple fruits showing strongly. Give it until 2015 before drinking to soften the intense acidity.
Righey is a lovely Moscato that shows all the pedigree of Moscato d'Asti. It has aromas of ripe peach, ginger and dried sage that carry over to the palate along with a frothy texture and crisp, quenching acidity that leaves the palate feeling cleansed. It's perfect for brunch or picnics.
Right away this blend is clicking. Aromas of blackberry and cassis are clean and well presented. A full, free-flowing palate is in balance and showing only modest tannic grab. Blackberry, toast and chocolate flavors finish bold and a little choppy. Drink through 2020.
Right away this goes wrong; the nose is smothered with charred, burning oak that smells harsh and like chemicals. A tannic, resiny palate is barely acceptable, as are bitter, burnt, resiny blackberry flavors.
Right away this pitch-dark Malbec displays max ripeness through a dynamic mix of prune, blackberry, coconut, violet petal and leathery aromas. A hugely concentrated palate is hardly a shock, while firm acidity cuts a viscous palate with ripe cassis, plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors. Drink this voluptuous wine through 2022.
Right away this smells big and waxy, with lightly oxidized, pulpy melon aromas and a hint of seawater. A high-acid medium-bodied palate deals salty flavors of corn and melon, while the finish is fresh, full and a touch pithy in flavor.
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.
Right away you know this Syrah-Petit Verdot is a powerful wine. The bouquet is pointed and blasts away with cherry, berry, spice and oak aromas. It's thick, pushy and full-bodied, with minty, toasty oak flavors running side by side with blackberry. On the finish, it's more charred and toasty, with peppery spice and some heat. Drink now–2015.
Right away, this comes across as a wine that's on the money. Pure concentrated aromas of blackberry, licorice and lemony oak introduce an intense palate with baked blackberry and cassis flavors. A toasty dark spicy finish exhibits notes of coffee and bitter chocolate as it slowly fades away. Drink through 2025.
Right away, this smells smooth and complete, with a proper mix of berry fruit, oak and earthy aromas. This is Salentein winemaker José Galante's personal wine, and it's juicy on the palate and doesn't overreach. Blackberry, boysenberry and salty, meaty notes finish with a persistent dose of salt, which should make this all the more appropriate when served with beef. Drink through 2022.
Right Bank employs 72% Cabernet Franc to make a statement, accenting it with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Herbal and pretty, this full-bodied wine remains tight in its youth, the tannins firm and powerful, barely letting in the mouthful of red cherry that awaits. Drink now through 2021.
Right from the beginning, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend oozes old-school Chilean calling cards: The nose is full of eucalyptus and herbal berry aromas along with tobacco and spicy berry scents. A tannic, heavy palate is hard and grinding, while baked flavors of black fruits come with a reprise of herbaceous character. Drink through 2022.
Right from the start there is a supreme and appetizing tanginess to the fruit. The nose shows orange flesh and zest, the palate counters this with intense grapefruit zestiness. Between these poles there is ample, ripe and juicy citrus—think tangerine and orange. The finish is long, lip-smacking, totally refreshing and fruitful.
Right from the start things are stretched thin. It smells raw and feels dilute, with flavors of sour plum and a bit of wood resin. Fiery and tart on the finish.
Right from the start this is clean, snappy and peppery, with an added touch of butter and honey. Lemon-lime flavors get a boost from fresh green herbs and white pepper, while the finish is spot-on. At one moment it's razor-sharp and cleansing, and then it opens up to offer citrus and mineral.
Right from the start, this is all about oak and not about quality fruit, balance or subtlety. Aromas of wood resin, milk chocolate and char lead to a rugged rough palate. Flavors of burnt wood and stewed fruit finish resiny. Year after year, Fagus smells and tastes like this: it's time for a reboot.
Right in the middle of the sweetness scale, this is a smooth, ripe, and fruity wine. It shows both spice and tropical fruit character, balanced with an attractive, lemony acidity. It could age for another 2–3 years.
Right next door to Mouton Rothschild, this small property is producing wines that are dominated by the rich, firm Cabernet Sauvignon of Pauillac. The weight and density are very present, a solid dry core surrounded by delicious black currant fruits. A wine that will mature relatively fast because of the vintage.
Right now this is a big, tough Cabernet. It's very dry and oaky, and the black and red cherry flavors have a jammy edge. Despite the apparent simplicity, you find yourself returning to it, a good sign that suggests complex ageability. Give it 4–6 years in a cool cellar.
Right now this is not typically soft and lush like a cult Cab, but hard in tannins, with minerality like little particles of granite. Buried deep down is a pirate's treasure of ripe, intense blackberry fruit. New oak, to the tune of 94%, doesn't cloud the wine, suggesting this blend's its intensity and concentration. The wine is comprised of all five classic Bordeaux varieties, sourced throughout Sonoma County. Clearly this is one for the cellar; drink after 2018.
Right now this is still shy on the nose. There is a glint of pear peel and Mirabelle, plus a suggestion of smoke. The palate is equally shy as the principal sensation is that of wonderfully tangy texture, fresh concentrated acidity and balanced sweetness right now. This needs time to develop its undoubtedly rich flavors. The balance is impeccable. Immense power and lasting strength lie at the core of this monumental wine. This is made to last and should be given time in the cellar. Drink 2025–2050.
Right now this Pinot is a bit heavy and full-bodied, almost like a Rhône-style wine with its thick mouthfeel and cherry, anise and chocolate flavors. It could easily age, throwing some sediment and becoming softer and more delicate. Try after 2012.
Right now this speaks of earth, forest floor and oak leaf—but not in a mature way. This Pinot takes time to show the glorious red cherry that is there in abundance, caressed by gentle, smoky oak. This will take time to blossom but will reward patience. Balance between acidity and silken body is evident and the layers of leaf, earth, cherry, smoke and minerality will continue in their infinite Pinot alchemy. Drink as of 2016.
Right now, although the nose is closed, exposure to air reveals the purity of lemon oil on a taut and tight palate still singing with yeasty notes. This is in its very infancy and promises to open up beautifully with its straight, soaring backbone of freshness. Underneath all the tightly curled layers of citrus peel slumbers a salty stoniness that signals ageability; the long, lemony finish corroborates this. How utterly lip-smacking. Drink 2020–2030
Right now, the tannins are so fierce, they overshadow the jammy blackberry and cassis flavors. With such an elegant construction and balance, there's no reason it shouldn't develop in the bottle over the next 8–10 years.
Right now, the wine is tart in acidity and tannic, although the ripe cherry and red currant flavors are obvious and delicious. The oak influence is strong. The wine doesn't seem to be a longterm ager, but it should benefit from cellaring until 2017.
Right now, this feels like a compact parcel of closely packed fruit flavors, held tight by citric freshness and yet it offering glimpses of what is to come: there is a hint of yeasty savor, but also a textural element reminiscent of apple peel. The citrus notions are promises of tart grapefruit, tangy orange, ripe tangerine and the purest lemon. There is something definite and astute that stands with an absolutely straight backbone, just waiting for its time to arrive. It will be spectacular. Drink from 2019.
Right now, this Syrah is too tannic to enjoy. Yet it's balanced, with good acidity and a dry finish, and you'll find a rich core of blackberries, currants, black pepper and even grilled meat notes at its heart. Everything indicates that the wine will improve after 2017.
Right off the bat this is an approachable, steady Verdejo. The nose shows that total blend of white fruits and citrus, while the palate is composed and fresh. Flavors of grapefruit and fresh greens are appropriate, while the finish is clean and zesty.
Right off the bat this wine is pure and smooth. The nose is pretty, with cranberry and cassis. Next up is a palate of pure red fruit and only a light shading of oak. The finish draws applause for its clarity and buttery nuances. It's what a good Chilean Cabernet should be; it's ripe and easy to drink, yet fairly solid and impressive. Best Buy.
Right off the bat, this Pinot impresses for sheer depth of fruity flavor. It's rich and showy with plums and cherries, spicy notes of tobacco and pine, and toasty, new oak. The tannin-acid structure is impeccably balanced. Delicious to drink now, but should also mature beautifully. A majority of the grapes come from the winery's Wayfarer Vineyard, in the new Fort Ross-Seaview appellation.
Right on target, the toasty, smoky nose here opens to full green-apple and mineral flavors on the palate. Hints of apricot and lime add interest and complexity, and the wine finishes smooth and long. Shows nice precision of flavor and texture.
Right on the border of being a dessert wine, this unusual Pinot Gris has 2.8% residual sugar. It's betwixt and between—not really sweet enough for dessert, but too sweet for most other food. A simple sipping wine, perhaps?
Right on the heels of the excellent 2008, this estate-grown Bordeaux-style blend is equally compelling. Bright and tasty fruit flavors of blueberry and black cherry introduce a lively, polished wine with a firm, complex and layered structure. Seventeen months in French oak, roughly half new, has wrapped the fruit in a nicely-layered, textural finish with highlights of mineral, licorice, black olive and spice.
Right on the heels of their excellent 2014 version, this ups the ante still further. Young and forward, it's nonetheless well-balanced and ready for prime-time drinking. Bright raspberry and cherry fruit abounds, with the freshness and supporting acidity to age nicely for up to a decade.
Right out of the bottle, it's all about acidity and fresh, primary raspberry and cherry jam fruit. Wait until 2018 allow more complex mushroom flavors to emerge, as the wine gradually sheds tannins and develops secondary bottle notes.
Right out of the bottle, this is one tough Cabernet. It's very tannic and extracted with blackberry jam, and the oak stands off to one side—sweet and smoky and flashy. However, that “Wow!” factor is always there, and the overall balance suggests cellaring. Already throwing some thick sediment, it should begin to mellow after 2018.
Right out of the bottle, this is tight, but airing coaxes out plenty of cherry, currant and tart persimmon flavors, with a pretty mouthfeel. Give this some time in the decanter to breathe and mellow.
Right out of the bottle, this Pinot offers acid-driven raspberry, cola, persimmon and cranberry flavors. It's dry and elegantly tailored, with alcohol below 14% by volume. Something about it, though, tastes immature and rough. Give it 5–6 years in a decent cellar and see what happens.
Right out of the bottle, this single vineyard Pinot is rich. The flavors of raspberry and cherry pie, sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar, are delicious and direct. You can certainly drink it now, but the acid-tannin balance suggests the wine will develop and improve over the next 5–6 years.
Right out of the bottle, this wine is closed, but after a little while, notes of mushroom and balsam emerge. In the mouth, the wine features deep pomegranate and persimmon, those earthy red fruits so characteristic of a cool climate Pinot Noir. The structure is very good, with firm tannins and brisk acidity. Give this youthful wine 2–3 years in the bottle.
Right out of the bottle, this wine is tannic and closed. After a while in the glass, it starts to soften, showing mushroom, cola, pomegranate and raspberry flavors, but it's still resistant. Give it until 2018, and it should gradually unfold for another few years afterward.
Right out of the bottle, this wine smells and tastes tight and unappealing. It's marked by drying tannins and earthiness, giving it a rustic quality. Still, there's a good core of cherry fruit.
Right out of the chute this has sappy, delicious black cherry fruit, accented with scents of tobacco and graphite. Streaks of ash and more juicy berries fill the middle, as it unfolds into a taut, sculpted finish. A classical style from a vintage that favors it; accessible, yet built for cellaring.
Right out of the chute this is a fresh, lively with scented with fresh cut pears. It's balanced and crisp, with subtle hints of cinnamon spice. A good spring/summer quaffer.
Right out of the chute this toasty, dark, dense, sexy wine says, “Drink me!” But some further time in bottle seems like the better plan. It's quite young, tight, still a bit awkward in the mouth, with the barrel and fruit flavors not quite integrated. All the right pieces are here—ripe black berries, cassis and cherries along with spicy herbal streaks and a whiff of coffee. Just let it all settle down before you pop the (glass) cork.
Right out of the gate, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, in equal proportions, is enormously fruity and oaky. The blackberry jam, mocha and sweet toast flavors may lack subtlety now, but deserve credit for sheer power. Your best bet is to stick it in the cellar for eight years and see how it's doing.
Right out of the starting blocks this is an oaky wine, dripping with caramel and vanilla notes. The texture on the midpalate is finessed and graceful, with drying tannins that latch onto the oak-driven finish. An eccentric blend of 50% Tannat, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Pinotage.
Right up there with last year's bottling, this Grenache Blanc-Sauvignon Blanc blend is unoaked, offering pure flavors of terroir-inspired fruit. High acidity backs up the lemongrass, pineapple, peach and honeysuckle flavors that finish so dry and spicy.
Right up there with the recent string of fabulous têtes de cuvées, the 2000 shows the concentration, power and subtlety of this, the winery's top release. A blend of Chardonnay with 20% Pinot Noir, it shows exotic and complex flavors of tangerines and raspberries, candied ginger, coconut macaroons, baked bread and yeast. It's delicious now, but all the parts haven't come together. Hold until mid-2008 through 2010, but could go well beyond that.
Right up there with the rich '08, Elliott's 2009 offers plenty of serious tasting pleasure. It's rich and ripe in raspberries and cherries, with complex notes of mushrooms, cola, herbs and spices. Dry and silky, it's a classy Pinot Noir for drinking over the next several years.
Right up there with the wonderful '05, Iron Horse's '06 shows the brisk acids and long hangtime flavors the wine is known for. The cherry, currant, licorice, root beer and Provençal herb flavors are rich and savory, leading to a complex finish.
Righteous is a new budget label for Sweet Valley Winery. Mostly Merlot, this smooth, fruity red wine is ready to drink. It tastes like a latter-day version of the Hearty Burgundies of old, only with better fruit, and a hint of hazelnut in the finish.
Rigidity and acidity mark this young Pinot Noir. It's tart and a little tannic, but it has enormously rich flavors of cherries, currants, cola and pomegranates, enriched with smoky, spicy oak. Fine now with decanting and pairing with very rich fare, but should reward a few years in the cellar.
Rina Ianca (a blend of Grillo and Viognier) is a beautiful wine with good complexity and character. The emphasis here is on aromas of peach, almond blossom, white mineral and creamy vanilla and the mouthfeel offers both density and persistency.
Rio This opens with fresh aromas of wild strawberry and blueberry, embellished by tiny accents of spice and bitter almond. There's even a savory note of rosemary oil on the finish.
Riojas of this quality and price are not a dime a dozen. This ripe, delicious wine shows all the virtues of a great vintage. Earthy, roasted berry aromas are pure, ripe and magnetic. This feels full, tannic and strapping, while flavors of cassis, blackberry and chocolate are supported by generous but appropriate oak. Mocha, espresso and black-fruit residuals grace a fine finish. Drink through 2022.
Rion holds back on the new oak, letting the pure, supple fruit speak for itself. This is a muscular Vosne, young and firm, showing excellent focus and structure. Already the finish lingers beautifully, with layers of texture and tightly wrapped fruit. Should cellar well for a decade or more.
Ripassá is a wine that has been refermented on the skins to produce extra richness and intensity of aromas. This distinctive wine offers tones of blackberry jam, currant, clove and curry powder. It's a luscious and slightly sweet tasting wine with chewy tannins.
Ripasso Campo San Vito is a thick, brooding wine that offers an interesting combination of sweet spice, clove, blackberry, chocolate and dried fruit. That smooth, velvety texture is perfect for grilled meat.
Ripasso Cicilio shines bright with personality and freshness. This territory-driven wine boasts clean aromas of berry fruit, light shadings of spice and a touch of sweet cinnamon. It's easy, crisp mouthfeel washes clean over the palate.
Ripasso Il Vegro offers a rich and meaty bouquet with aromas of cured beef and honey roasted ham. There are also bright fruit tones of cherry and blackberry and the wine adds a crisp touch of sour cranberry at the very end.
Ripasso is a perfect wine for a chilly autumn evening with roasted meat and a roaring fireplace. Hearty and determined, this shows soft black fruit, with barbecue spice and teriyaki sauce.
Ripasso Le Morete offers warming aromas of mature fruit and dark spice followed by brighter tones of black cherry and mesquite. The wine happily delivers both intensity and brightness with thick, textured tannins on the close.
Ripasso Le Quare shows very nice integration of bright fruit tones such as cherry and cassis set against smoky notes of spice and chocolate derived from careful oak aging. The wine also shows freshness with a pleasant, medium mouthfeel that is never over the top.
Ripasso Pegrandi is a polished and squeaky clean wine with fine aromas of wild fruit, spice, natural rubber and toasted almond. It tastes crisp, tight and would make a great companion to green peppers or zucchini stuffed with rice and ground veal.
Ripasso Torre del Falasco is among the proud achievements of this important wine co-op. It delivers sweet fruit and spice aromas that are set against savory tones of bresaola and smoked bacon.
Ripe-tasting spiced-plum flavors and a generous texture make this full-bodied wine easy to enjoy at first sip, and it offers even more payoff with continued tasting. It delivers plenty of fruit character, accented by complex cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spices and a grand feeling of breadth on the palate.
Ripe Alvarinho from its home turf in the Minho Valley, this wine is immediately attractive while also having a more serious intent. There is a crisp apple edge to this textured wine along with a creamy character that makes it both smooth and intense. Drink this from early 2018.
Ripe Alvarinho gives a wine that is rich as well as crisp and dry. This wine, with its hints of apricot as well as citrus fruits has a piercing line of acidity along with the tangy texture and ripe aftertaste. It is ready to drink.
Ripe Amalfi lemon and the savory peel of still-green Seville oranges make for a heady alluring flavor combination. The same notions also beguile on the palate where they become even more intense. All of this is delivered in a powerful but compact parcel of exquisite cleanliness. This encapsulates the Austrian virtue of precise pleasure perfectly.
Ripe and accessible, this Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc includes 20% Sémillon in the blend. Melon and light citrus flavors abound, with enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively.
Ripe and almost sweet, this medium-bodied wine has lots of butter and vanilla in the aromas, a flavor almost as rich as a vanilla milkshake, and a buttery texture.
Ripe and also tannic, this is structured wine, its berry fruits pushing through a dry plum skin texture. It is solid and chunky while remaining fresh and fruity.
Ripe and appetizing red cherry and juicy raspberry flavors make for an inviting nose. The palate is soft and pliable, juicy and fresh, tingling with peppery spice. The body is slender and fluid but the ripeness of the vintage is palpable, coming across as alcoholic warmth. The flavors are juicy and the finish has uplifting freshness.
Ripe and aromatic yellow pears on the nose combine with bright lemon freshness on the palate to result in a zingy summer wine. Drink now.
Ripe and aromatic, this encapsulates the Viognier so well. Classic apricot flavors are enhanced by a smoky, wood-aging character, rich almonds and warm acidity. It's a well-composed wine, now ready to drink.
Ripe and attractive with notes of sous bois and savory herbs adding complexity to the forest berry and ripe stewed rhubarb fruit flavors. Silky in the mouth with dusty tannins and a long, coffee-infused finish.
Ripe and attractively fruity, this wood-aged wine has ripe tannins that are still firm and strong. The fruit is still young, full of black currant flavors and bright acidity. These elements give a wine that has structure and needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and balsamic off the bat, this Malbec deals earthy, well-oaked aromas of baked black fruits. This is full but balanced, with nothing too severe or heavy on the palate. Black cherry, berry and vanilla flavors finish clean, mild and smooth. Drink through 2020.
Ripe and bold, it balances acidity and texture. Very mineral in character, it is textured and tight at this young stage. Green fruits, citrus and red apples show the fruity side. Age until 2016.
Ripe and bold, this is a rich wine whose dense fruit is balanced by its equally dense tannins. It has spice, juicy black fruits and a structure that emphasizes minerality and oak aging. It's not quite ready, so drink from 2017.
Ripe and bright flavors emphasize cherry fruit, deftly highlighted with touches of orange peel and fresh herb. New wood is lightly applied, just a couple of barrels out of 15, and adds a touch of chocolate to the finish.
Ripe and broad shouldered, this blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon is full in flavor and tannins. It's a perfect pizza wine.
Ripe and caramel-flavored, this has fresh acidity supporting rich red-berry flavors. It's fruity, full in the mouth and round textured. Drink now.
Ripe and cedary on the nose, this Prieto Picudo offers up a strong whiff of spice cake in front of a grippy and astringent palate. Heavily spiced berry flavors are much like Christmas cake, while the finish tastes earthy and roasted.
Ripe and chewy, this earthy wine opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, scorched soil, grilled herb and game. The big, round palate doles out ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, licorice and ground pepper alongside velvety tannins.
Ripe and chewy, this savory wine opens with aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, underbrush, new leather and a whiff of exotic spice. The smooth juicy palate combines fleshy morello cherry, raspberry compote, vanilla and chopped mint while velvety tannins lend structure and finesse. A burst of orange zest lifts the finish. Drink 2018–2028.
Ripe and complex, offering a wealth of cranberry, cherry, cola and pomegranate fruit flavors, spiced with clove and cinnamon. Silky and tart now, with some furry tannins. Just lovely, but should develop over the next 6–8 years.
Ripe and concentrated, this has a thick, extracted appearance and abundant aromas of cherry liqueur and chocolate. There's a touch of sweet candied fruit on the finish.
Ripe and concentrated, this is a rich blackberry-flavored wine, with a dense texture lifted by acidity and a stalky edge. The wine, like many in this vintage, still has a firm side and could age. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and concentrated, this wine is also full bodied and quite tannic while maintaining a velvety mouthfeel. The abundant flavors of black cherry and dark chocolate are inviting and deep.
Ripe and creamy in apple and pear fruitiness, this is cut by just the right amount of acidity. It's balanced, with fruit and and bright steeliness working well together. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and creamy in texture, this is a pear and peach flavored wine. A touch of butteriness gives a rounded texture and a hint of vanilla. Drink this fruity wine from 2015.
Ripe and creamy wine, with a good edge of age to soften and broaden the fruitiness. It has a texture of plum skins with acidity not far behind. With its fresh aftertaste, this is a success.
Ripe and creamy wine, with some herbaceousness and yellow fruits. Layering citrus and a tangy texture, it's fruity, full of lively acidity and ready to drink this year. Screwcap.
Ripe and creamy, a classic sparkling Vouvray showing well in a cool year. It has weight and richness as well as fresh nuts and spice flavors, with just a touch of pepper. The acidity is well in balance.
Ripe and creamy, this has baked apple and generous pear flavors. The wine is all fruit, only lightly textured, crisp and clean. It's ready to drink.
Ripe and creamy, this has pure flavors of peaches and pears, with a rounded texture. There is just the right amount of acidity lending crispness to the finish.
Ripe and creamy, this has rich pear and apple fruits lightly cut by more lemon flavors. The wine is fruity, textured with minerality and still young. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and creamy, this is an apple- and pear-flavored wine that's rounded and rich. It's fresh and full bodied, while preserving attractive acidity. The finish has a touch of spice. Screwcap.
Ripe and creamy, this is an attractive wine that has forward apple, lemon and green-plum flavors. It's a lightly textured, vanilla-touched wine that can be drunk now.
Ripe and creamy, this is full of rich pear and green plum fruit. It has weight and is layered with acidity, with a spice note and a taut, mineral texture. This is complex and age worthy.
Ripe and creamy, this reserve cuvée is 100% varietal. It mixes plump melon and peach fruit with supple acids. There is no indication of having gone through malolactic, but the finish brings a suggestion of ghee. Try putting this in the fridge for about 15 minutes before opening.
Ripe and creamy, this wine is full of rich apricot, peach and mango flavors. The wood aging shows through in the form of exotic vanilla. Brisk with acidity, the palate is light and crisp, finishing with refreshing minerality. It's ready to drink now.
Ripe and creamy, with flavors of pineapple candy, honey, brown sugar, buttered toast and cinnamon. It's just what millions of Chardonnay lovers want.
Ripe and crisp and rich, in the manner of this fine vintage, offering an explosion of cherries, currants, anise and vanilla-scented cedar. With its silky texture, it's a beauty, but needs time. Give it 3–4 years in the cellar.
Ripe and crisp in acidity, this 100% Pinot Gris comes from a single vineyard in this highly regarded Santa Barbara County appellation. The wine never saw oak, so the pineapple, apple butter, mango and vanilla flavors come entirely from the grapes.
Ripe and crisp, with jammy pineapple, lemongrass, white pepper and vanilla flavors. The acidity is a delight, but the wine could be a little drier.
Ripe and dark aromas of black raspberries, blackberries and gingerbread greet the nose on this wine by veteran vintner Larry Brooks. The palate offers up lots of purple flowers with more black raspberry juice, proving tense with energy. Bright acidity cuts through the luscious elements.
Ripe and deep in berry, currant, cassis and spice flavors, with a rich overlay of cedary oak. Shows some roughness in midpalate and tannic astringency on the finish. Good, but edgy and a little harsh. Contains some Petite Sirah and Syrah.
Ripe and delicious, this is full of fruit along with balanced structure. It is lively, with some youthful acidity as well as rich red berry flavors. It's ready to drink now.
Ripe and delicious, this offers vanilla, milk chocolate and dried fig aromas that continue in the flavors and last on the finish. Medium bodied, slightly sweet and definitely rich in texture, it is easy to like.
Ripe and delicious, this starts off with aromas of fresh violet, rose, perfumed berry, exotic spice and tilled earth. It's still young but the palate already delivers a great depth of flavors including juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. Drink 2016 to 2021.
Ripe and dense from a warm vintage, this wine shows aromas of cedar, tobacco, black plum and blackberry on the nose. The baked fruit core is accented by cardamon and warm spice, then turns oaky and darker in character. Drink through 2017.
Ripe and direct in cherry, currant, anise and cola flavors, this Pinot Noir has a brisk mouthfeel due to crisp acidity. Could be more full-bodied, but it's a nice glassful of red wine.
Ripe and dry, with smooth flavors of cherries, violets, plum sauce, carob and spice. But turns bitter and sharp toward the finish, with an espresso scour.
Ripe and earthy aromas of black cherry and blackberry are lush and dense on the nose. The palate follows suit with a full mouthfeel, but retains adequate acidity for balance. Flavors of gravel-tinged black fruit, baking spice and carob finish ripe and easy. Drink now.
Ripe and expressive, with a gentle, velvety mouthfeel, this is marked by some firm, dry tannins that suggest moderate aging. There's some good spicy cherry and blackberry flavor, along with the sweet vanilla and cedar from considerable new oak.
Ripe and exquisitely pure notes of yellow apple perfume the nose and palate, against a bready, biscuity, rich and complex canvas of autolytic development. Freshness pervades and the very fine, pin-prick of mousse makes these flavors unite and sing. The dryness accentuates both purity and precision of this wine. Real class and pedigree shine brightly and are even more evident in the lingering finish.
Ripe and extracted, this wine has cherry tart and Dr. Pepper flavors. The mouthfeel is light-bodied and silky, with bright acidity. It finishes a bit sweet in caramelized oak, and it seems ready to drink now.
Ripe and fat, this wine is about caramel and vanilla flavors as much as fruit. It has a bitter character that lacks charm. The aftertaste is fresh, while still bitter.
Ripe and flashy, this Cabernet is a bit rustic now. The vineyard is quite high up in the Mayacamas Mountains, and the flavors show that intense, mountain concentration of blackberries and cherries. Without history to refer to, it's hard to predict this wine's future, but you might consider cellaring it for 6–8 years to see what happens.
Ripe and fleshy in young fruit, this Cab, with minor amounts of Cab Franc and Merlot, shows black currant, plum, cherry and cedar flavors, with a dry-sweet dusting of crushed brown herbs and spices. Fairly tannic and tight now, it's balanced enough for mid-term aging. Best 2008–2012.
Ripe and fleshy, this wine is firm and dry, but has extra-ripe fruit. Perhaps the fruit is too rich, leaving the wine unbalanced. In the future, it will show fewer tannins and more fruit. Corinne and Charles-Henri Gonet of the Gonet Champagne family bought Bacalan with the intent of restructuring the vineyards, some of which had not been planted for 70 years. The first red vintage was 2001; first white vintage was 2014.
Ripe and floral in character, this rich wine is full and fruity, with a good structure of tannins that brings out spiciness. With acidity and a generous texture, the wine could age for another six months, so drink from spring 2016.
Ripe and floral in pencil lead, this estate-grown wine is subdued in fruit, preferring instead to conjure savory and herbal notes from the glass. Tobacco, leather and wild anise support that context and statement, the texture roundly lush.
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.
Ripe and forward in blackberry and cherry jam, this Sangiovese-based blend (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) is a simple wine to drink with burgers.
Ripe and forward in cherry Lifesaver candy and new oak flavors, this is a beautiful wine to drink now. Blended with all five classic Bordeaux varieties, it has a soft complexity that makes it instantly likeable. Good as it is, it will develop bottle complexities over the next 10 years.
Ripe and forward in chocolate-covered raisin, cherry, peppermint and sweet oak flavors. With its fleshy mouthfeel, this pretty Merlot is ready to drink now.
Ripe and forward in the modern cult style, with flavors of blackberry tart, black currants, milk chocolate and ripe mulberry, in addition to sweet, smoky oak. Sturdy mountain tannins provide structural bite, and should help the wine mature beyond 2011.
Ripe and forward with Meyer lemon, lime, green apple and honeysuckle flavors. The finish is off dry and zesty in acidity. What an easy wine to drink with Asian, Ethiopian, Indian or Mexican fare, or by itself as a cocktail sipper.
Ripe and forward, this attractive and well-balanced wine is delicious now but also shows the stuffing to evolve over the next few years. Complex yet focused, notes of apple, yellow melon, citrus zest, toasted brioche and beeswax mix harmoniously, ending with a long and evolving finish that transitions from bright fruit to lush oak and finally subtle sweet spice.
Ripe and forward, this brings brambly berry fruit and plenty of Dr Pepper soda flavors front and center. It's a smooth ride to a quick finish. Both scents and flavors show a hint of pine needle.
Ripe and forward, this has lots of jammy blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, all coated with sweet, smoky oak. It's a bit overripe, with a note of plumped raisin, so drink up.
Ripe and forward, this is powered with a generous mix of Asian spices, brown sugar and ripe, plummy fruit. A whiff of cedar accompanies pleasing complexity as it weaves along to a full-throttle finish. Drink now–2020.
Ripe and fresh, this is a soft, raspberry- and red berry-flavored wine. It has richness, light tannins and a generous, full-bodied juiciness. There is slight astringency to the finish.
Ripe and fruit-forward, this round Chard boasts intense aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, pear and orange oil along with a hint of yellow florals. Subtle toast and clove spice accents remains on the finish. Drink now.
Ripe and fruit forward with lush notes of melon, banana and sweet tropical fruit citrus throughout. Medium weight, the finish is loaded with juicy fresh peach flavors. Drink now.
Ripe and fruit forward, this boasts aromas of blackberry jam, boysenberry, spice and pastry crust. The palate is lush and creamy, with a soft core that's framed by accessible tannins. It's a bit warm on the finish, but the flavors of berry and cedar linger.
Ripe and fruit forward. Strong notes of berry preserves and juicy black plum are laced with notes of purple flowers and sweet smoked meat. Medium weight with soft tannins and a clean finish. Drink now.
Ripe and fruity in raspberries and cherries, this Pinot is also sweet in toasty oak. It has a nice, pleasantly silky texture. Not going anywhere, but good for drinking now.
Ripe and fruity with a velvet texture that encompasses the tannins easily, this is a rounded, rich wine. The balance of fruit and acidity is already attractive. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and fruity with citrus, apricot, tropical fruit and peach flavors, this wine is brightened by a shower of acidity that keeps it from tasting cloying.
Ripe and fruity with smooth tannins and generous fruits, this is a concentrated wine that is also stylish. It has plenty of tannins that are so well integrated. The wine is going to be delicious with its acidity and juicy jammy fruit. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and fruity, but also structured, this has fine acidity with a hint of wood. The main thrust of the wine is its raspberry, plum and damson fruits. The finish has a lively feel.
Ripe and fruity, it does have some weight, structure and a smoky character from wood aging. A wine with a future, drink from 2016.
Ripe and fruity, it shows both good acidity and attractive tannins. It has weight, red cherry flavors and a structure that supports the fruitiness. It's delicious but needs more time. Drink from  2017.
Ripe and fruity, rich and generous, almost soft in texture, this starts with strawberry-syrup aromas, then tastes like sweet red cherries with light spicy oak accents. It's basically a big soft pillow of fruitiness, but a touch of tannin kicks in on the finish to keep it refreshing.
Ripe and fruity, the wine has rich cherry flavors, a touch of tannin and a rounded, smooth texture. The tannins are already well embedded in the fruit, giving a wine that is both fresh and ripe.
Ripe and fruity, the wine is a great success. It has juicy berry fruits that are underpinned by the firm tannins and mineral structure. It is full while also crisp: a wine that is deliciously perfumed. Drink from 2024.
Ripe and fruity, this bears a red berry flavor and a dry structure. It has weight, richness and a smooth finish.
Ripe and fruity, this bears its red berry flavor right up front. It has richness and concentration, and the tannins give a core of dryness to this otherwise fruit-forward wine.
Ripe and fruity, this forward, candied wine is for those who love ultraripe Zinfandel berry flavors, set in rich baking spices. It's full, forward and powerful, but carries a whiff of burnt rubber and some serious heat in the finish.
Ripe and fruity, this has a rich texture that comes both from the generous white fruits and from the cut of lemon acidity. A mineral-textured wine, it's crisp now and will likely round out to bring out the ripeness. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and fruity, this has an oak flavor that overshadows the blackberries and currants.
Ripe and fruity, this has ripe tannin and rich red-berry flavors. It has a solid, firm background of dark tannins that promise good aging.
Ripe and fruity, this has sweet black-currant and plum fruits, a layer of rounded tannins and a juicy, full-in-the-mouth character. It will be ready to drink in a year.
Ripe and fruity, this has the right amount of structure to hold everything together. It's a bold, rounded wine, acidity layering red fruits and a darker tannic aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and fruity, this immediately attractive wine has a crisp texture, giving prominence to apple and grapefruit freshness. The light spritz from bottling from the lees adds bright lift to the aftertaste. Drink now.
Ripe and fruity, this is a concentrated rosé that shows its origins in the rich terroir of Aix-en-Provence. That said, all the right acidity and citrus flavors are there balancing the generous red plum fruits. This is a wine for food rather than an aperitif.
Ripe and fruity, this is a delicious and juicy wine. With plenty of red fruits, bright cherries and a soft texture, it is rounded and approachable now.
Ripe and fruity, this is a delicious wine. It has layers of red fruits and balanced acidity along with a gently smoky back taste. The structure is light, crisp and with the freshness that is typical of the vintage this close to Bordeaux. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and fruity, this is a fine expression of the easy, open style demanded by the Federspiel designation in the Wachau. Green fruit dominates along with a lively acidity that keeps the palate crisp. The wine is totally drinkable now, although it should age well over the next few years. Screwcap.
Ripe and fruity, this is a finely balanced, already delicious wine. The tannins promise some aging potential, bringing a dry core to the rich blackberry fruit. It's firm, yet layered with fine juiciness. A forward wine that will still develop well.
Ripe and fruity, this is a full-bodied, intense wine. It has citrus acidity as well as more tropical fruits, laden with wood. The whole is much more than the sum of the parts, giving a full, ripe and complex wine that will age.
Ripe and fruity, this is a pale pink-colored wine from Raymond family organic vineyards. In the winery, the wine is full of red berry flavors and with a crisp final texture. Refreshing and lively, it's ready to drink now.
Ripe and fruity, this is a rich style of rosé. A blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez, it is full of ripe raspberry and red plum flavors that are soft and generous, although lacking acidity. Drink now.
Ripe and fruity, this is a rich style of rosé. It has forward succulent strawberry flavors that are gently lifted by acidity. There is also a young, almost bitter character that, unusually, suggests this rosé needs to age. Drink summer 2016.
Ripe and fruity, this is a rich wine from the Dubois family. It has a balance between black-currant flavors and ripe tannins. It is structured, still young and will develop well. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and fruity, this is a rich, smoothly textured wine. It has dense blackberry fruit flavors, smooth tannins and just a light touch of acidity. Raspberry jelly and a touch of tannic structure at the end, give a fresh taste.
Ripe and fruity, this is a round, soft wine that shows the jammy character of Pinot Noir. It has a straight line of acidity that cuts through the fruit, which makes for an attractive, light finish.
Ripe and fruity, this is a simple, easy wine with red berry fruits and soft tannins. It has lively fruitiness that is enjoyable now.
Ripe and fruity, this is a soft cru wine full of cherry and red-berry flavors. It has an acid core firmed up by a smattering of tannins. Mainly though it is a lively, crisp wine that is ready to drink.
Ripe and fruity, this is a wine made for drinking soon. It has ripe black-plum fruit, structured tannins and a juicy and smoky character that is already delicious.
Ripe and fruity, this is a wine that will develop quickly. With black currant and red-berry fruits it is perfumed, crisp as well as allowing plenty of room for juicy acidity. The tannins are firm and well balanced. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and fruity, this is already a delicious wine. It has blackberry fruit, sweet tannins and acidity that percolates through the ripe texture. Generous and open, it is almost ready to drink.
Ripe and fruity, this is already a delicious wine. It shows rich apricot and peach flavors that are balanced by good acidity. The aftertaste with its rich texture and touches of toast shows potential for aging. Drink now to 2020.
Ripe and fruity, this is already delicious, but that doesn't detract from the firm tannins and density of a wine that will age well. It has all the elements, with the fruit, solid tannins and a juicy aftertaste. Drink from 2025.
Ripe and fruity, this is an attractive wine. It has a rich, spicy character from wood aging. It has a friendly, open character, making it ready to drink now.
Ripe and fruity, this is full of red cherry fruit. It has a mineral-driven structure that gives it a firmly textured edge and brings out the acidity. This could age for several years.
Ripe and fruity, this is packed with black currant juiciness supported by a strong tannic element. Vineyards close to the Gironde estuary give this property a fine location. The smokiness of the wood combines with bright acidity at the end.
Ripe and fruity, this is still so fresh. Along with its crisp citrus flavors and touch of minerality, it has a pure, clean line of acidity. It is bright, fruity and ready to drink.
Ripe and fruity, this red-berry flavored wine has good acidity and a crisp, bright texture. The tannins are now well integrated into the fruit, giving a structured, yet fresh, aftertaste. Drink now. In the Chéty family for eight generations, the vineyards were changed to organic in 2011 by sons Olivier and Emmanuel (enologist), who also made major renovations to the winery.
Ripe and fruity, this rounded, open wine reveals its fruit quickly. Red berries and soft tannins complete the character to give a bright wine that will be ready to drink mid-2015.
Ripe and fruity, this smooth wine has soft tannins and a licorice edge. With weight and rich berry fruits, it's a rounded wine that shows the fine acidity of the vintage.
Ripe and fruity, this wine brings out apricot and pear flavors. It is rounded, full of fruit as well as balanced acidity. It is ready to drink but will be better from late 2015. The vineyard, about two-thirds old-vine Sémillon and one-third Sauvignon Blanc, tends to be harvested during cool mornings.
Ripe and fruity, this wine has a full, rich texture, with apple and peach flavors and a toast note. On the finish, there is a citrus-like character from the refreshing acidity. Ready to drink, but it can be cellared for a year.
Ripe and fruity, this wine is all red fruits and soft tannins that make it rich and open. Made to be drunk young, it's perfect to drink now.
Ripe and fruity, this wine offers crisp apples and pear-juice flavors. It has a strongly tangy element that is refreshing and delicious now.
Ripe and fruity, touched by mint with some good balancing tannins and acidity. A fine, firm and also juicy wine, with a warm texture.
Ripe and fruity, with delicious red berry flavors, this is an attractive wine now. It also has some firm tannins that will allow it to age. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and fruity, with delicious red berry flavors, this wine is attractive now. It also has some firm tannins built for aging, giving structure to the juicy fruit. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and fruity, with some sweetness that does not seem to be fully integrated. So the green plum flavors are attractive, as is the acidity, but there is an intrusive sugary edge.
Ripe and full-bodied in pineapple, lemon, pear and green apple flavors, this Chardonnay also shows a good coating of oak, as well as a blast of acidity. It's not terribly complicated, but clean and brisk, and the price isn't bad.
Ripe and full-bodied, this immense wine has rich layers of tropical fruits. The wine, like so often in Corton-Charlemagne, is a powerful, huge expression of Chardonnay. It does have balance from acidity. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and full-bodied, this is a bright and velvety wine, driven aromatically by lush cherry, cola and vanilla. Textured and fleshy, it's a strong statement for the vintage and vineyard. Deliciously drinkable now, it should also do well in the cellar, through 2020.
Ripe and full-bodied, this is a forward, fruity wine. It has pear and apricot flavors, showing rich fruitiness and full floral character. Perfumes come through strongly at the end.
Ripe and full-bodied, this is a rich and juicy wine. With tannins kept in the background, the front is full of blackberry acidity and jammy fruitiness that's balanced by the fresher black currant aftertaste.
Ripe and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, leather toast, licorice and menthol. The round, forward palate doles out juicy black cherry nutmeg, mocha and grilled sage offset by loosely knit tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
Ripe and full bodied, this has aromas of lightly toasted oak, vanilla, red berry and coffee. On the palate, notes of mocha, anisette and grilled herb accent crushed wild cherry while bracing tannins provide structure. It closes on a licorice note.
Ripe and full bodied, this is a wine that reflects the softness of the vintage. Aged in wood, it has a rounded texture, with spice, apricot and pineapple flavors, finishing with a touch of acidity.
Ripe and full bodied, this is packed with tasty fruits. Notes of pear, apricot and white peach mingle easily together, creating a forward, wine with the right depth of flavor.
Ripe and full in the mouth, this generous wine has yellow fruits and a warm, rich texture. Flavors of freshness flow right through the wine. Balanced and smooth at the end, it is ready to drink.
Ripe and full in the mouth, this is a forward, fruity wine. It has fragrant tobacco and spice notes followed by flavors of luscious blackberries. Softly tannic in structure, it will age, so drink now and until 2019.
Ripe and full in the mouth, this is a yellow fruit and citrus flavored wine. Tangy, salty and textured, it also has a rich feel with its peach and kiwi accents. It's a wine for aging, so drink from 2017.
Ripe and full in the mouth, this rich wine features juicy black fruits and aromatic acidity. Piled high with berry flavors, it's ready to drink.
Ripe and full of fruit, the wine also has a firmer tannic structure that gives concentration. The rich cherry and red plum fruits show strongly through the drier core, adding their rounded feel and contrasting with the acidity that comes through at the end.
Ripe and full of fruit, this is developing into a black-currant-flavored wine with a good balance of tannins. It has a smoky background from wood aging, giving the wine extra complexity. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and full of raspberries, this has a structure well cushioned by the ripe texture. The wine is packed with acidity while having a sense of floral, aromatic fruitiness. From four different parcels in premier cru, this seductive wine will also age well. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and full of red berry aromas and flavors, this is a generous, warm wine. It has great swathes of juicy acidity and an attractive touch of toasty, spicy wood that is integrating well with the fruit. The tannic structure offers good support for the bright acidity and rich fruitiness. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and full, it offers great spice, yellow fruits and hints of tropical fruits. It has acidity and is dry, but it's delicious because of its rounded texture and generous body. Drink from 2015.
Ripe and full, soft in texture and rich. The wine has spice along with the red apple, apricot and sweet strawberry flavors. The softness takes the dryness away.
Ripe and full, this comes from a producer based just south of the Côtes de Blancs. Yellow fruits are cut with citrus to give a rich, while refreshing wine. Smooth with an orange-zest texture, it is ready to drink.
Ripe and full, this has layers of refreshing green-fruit, apple and cream flavors, enlivened by fresh acidity. It has a light touch of orange zest that gives extra vitality to this ready-to-drink wine.
Ripe and full, this is an apricot-and melon-flavored wine. With this ripeness comes a soft texture that offers some warm acidity and a perfumed aftertaste. From 50+-year-old vines, the wine is attractive now and ready to drink.
Ripe and full, this tempers the natural richness of Volnay with the restraint of tannins and layers of wood. The red fruit flavors are given a boost by the young acidity that needs time to calm down. Age for 3–4 years.
Ripe and full, this wine is balanced with its rich strawberry fruit, with enough acidity to keep everything fresh. It's a fruity, spicy wine that is ready to drink.
Ripe and fully oaked, with char, mineral, cola and black-fruit aromas. In the high-flying world that is premium Priorato, this wine is serious and tough. It displays berry, plum and herbal flavors and then a thick, broad, tannic finish. Shows a tiny bit of green at its heart. 750 cases produced.
Ripe and generous in aroma and flavor, this full-bodied wine tastes like fresh peaches, pears and apples subtly accented by vanilla and nutmeg. The texture is very smooth, almost soft, with a hint of citrus to brighten the finish.
Ripe and generous with sweet berry flavors, but still very young, this wine has dark tannins and a dry core. Drink next year to enjoy its warm, full-bodied character.
Ripe and generous, this floral wine is dense with fruit as much as tannins. It is full of blackberry and plum flavors, ripe while also cut with acidity. The spice that comes from the wood aging shows well, adding a further element. Drink the wine from 2022.
Ripe and generous, this is a rich, full-bodied wine. While there are still young tannins, the wine is more about rich black fruits, dark plum skins and final acidity. It needs some more time, so drink from 2016.
Ripe and generous, this is another good value in Yellowtail's reserve line. Boysenberry, blueberry and delicate licorice scents work the nose, followed by sweet raspberry flavors in the mouth. Oak-derived coconut aromas seem to sit on top of the wine but may integrate better after a year in bottle.
Ripe and generously oaked on the palate, this Chardonnay has flavors of pineapple jam, buttered toast and buttered popcorn. It's brightened with crisp acidity.
Ripe and glowing Mirabelle plum on nose and palate spells a fruit-driven, fresh and joyous wine. A textured core and precise acidity underlie its seemingly uncomplicated surface.
Ripe and Grenache-heavy, to judge by the black cherry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, with a tart finish that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the ripe fruit. Imported by Trinchero Vineyards.
Ripe and heady in black currants, cassis liqueur, blackberry pie and mocha flavors, this Cab's high alcohol gives it a soft mellow mouthfeel, as well as some heat in the finish. With velvety tannins, it will pair well with a great steak.
Ripe and heavy up front, with monster-level oak, this is a bulky, massive blend of Syrah and Merlot. In the mouth, natural and barrel-related tannins are intense, while this tastes mostly of cinnamon, clove and baked berry fruits. Resiny clove-like flavors persist on a tannic beefy finish.
Ripe and heavy, with raspberry and cherry jam, cola, green herb and oak flavors that finish spicy. The grapes are from Jameson Canyon, outside Calistoga. A good wine, but not going anywhere, so drink up.
Ripe and honeyed in vanilla, buttered toast, tropical fruit and orange jam flavors, this Chardonnay is lifted by vibrant acidity and a tangy minerality, like a lick of steel that lends it backbone. It defines the modern style with elegance.
Ripe and honeyed, but also nicely balanced by flower blossom aromas and acidic zest on the palate. For straightforward apricot and peach flavors, this wine serves its purpose. It's smooth, sweet and easygoing, and overall it's just elegant and lively enough to jostle your palate.
Ripe and immediately attractive, this is an apple and lime flavored wine. Weight from the Pinots in the blend gives a rich, full-bodied backdrop. There is just a hint of toast in this bottling, showing it is very ready to drink.
Ripe and impressively rich for a wine from so far north in Burgundy, this has yellow fruits, crisp acidity and a textured edge of acidity. There is a mineral element to this otherwise creamy, fruity wine. Drink now.
Ripe and jammy with attractive soft fruits and acidity, this wine has crushed strawberry and light spice flavors. Drink from late 2016. MACIF, a mutual insurance company, bought the estate in the 1980s and restored the vineyards and beautiful château. The estate manager is Fredéric Dubois and consultant is Georges Pauli.
Ripe and jammy, it's full of red fruit jelly flavors. It has just enough tannic structure to support the fruit, giving balance with a dry core and fragrant acidity. It's rich, full in the mouth and needs time. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and jammy, this Cab comes from a vineyard east of St. Helena on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. The wine is extremely ripe and jammy, with pronounced blackberry, cherry, black raspberry and currant flavors. A little aggressive in fruity sharpness now, it should calm down over the next several years.
Ripe and jammy, this is a rich wine from a fine vintage. The tannins are well-integrated into the black fruits, soft texture and juicy plum flavors. Drink now.
Ripe and jammy, this is a soft, rounded wine with rich berry fruits. The generous texture comes over more vividly than the acidity. The wine is fruity, ready to drink.
Ripe and jammy, this is an immediately attractive wine. Warm crushed-strawberry flavors have enough tannin and acidity to keep freshness. This wine can be drunk now, although it will be better, with softer tannins, from 2016.
Ripe and jammy, this is bright Beaujolais. It's full of sweet fruits, soft tannins and lively acidity. At the end, the wine shows delicious cherries and just a touch of structure.
Ripe and jammy, this offers juicy red berry and plum fruits. It has a dense character with tannins giving shape to the attractive, ready-to-drink fruitiness.
Ripe and jammy, with black-fruit, herb and licorice flavors, this wood-aged wine is superrich. It's heavy and full bodied, with dark tannins and a juicy fruit element.
Ripe and juicy green and yellow pears abound on the nose, while the palate is soft, fresh and makes for easy summer drinking.
Ripe and juicy in red and black berries, this wine has a big presence and plenty of bold flavor, retaining all the elements so beloved in the variety, from black pepper to leather and cigar, while displaying a deftness of winemaking skill in the cellar. Mouthfilling, it has zinging acidity on the finish, making for a memorable wine.
Ripe and juicy this is a wine that brings out perfumed black fruits and lively acidity. It is made to be drunk young, preserving all the berry fruitiness and leaving the tannins in the background. Drink from late 2016.
Ripe and juicy, a tremendously flavorful wine with sunshine-filled blackberries, black cherries, plums, licorice and chocolate. The tannins are thick and sticky, like a good Cab should have. Drink now with a grilled steak.
Ripe and juicy, and overall quite tasty. It begins with a lot of red fruit, and in the mouth it's more of the same with no rough edges. It's a seamless Chianti, a sure hit in the trattorias. And there's nothing wrong with the smooth raspberry finish that features some creamy vanilla oak.
Ripe and juicy, full of blueberry fruit flavors, very smooth and velvet while also shot through with acidity. A delicious, ripe wine that is ready to drink now.
Ripe and juicy, here’s a Cab that rises to the occasion, with fine currant, berry and herbal aromas, compounded with spicy oak. Very dry and fancy, it offers plenty of balance and harmony, and tastes soft, rich and complex.
Ripe and juicy, it has forward fruits that are well blended in with the tannins. Black currant juice, lively acidity and a smooth aftertaste all contribute to an immediately attractive wine.
Ripe and juicy, maybe a little rustic round the edges, certainly fruity. Red berry flavors dominate along with an edgy center of tannin, while juicy acidity completes this attractive wine.
Ripe and juicy, this attractive offering from winemaker Marie-Dominique Watrin has a rich seam of blackberry fruits and balanced acidity. The aftertaste with its fresh character shows that the wine is nearly ready to drink; enjoy from the end of 2016. The 20 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines are hand picked; no herbicides are used.
Ripe and juicy, this bears orange, lime and tropical fruit flavors. It's dry, but so fruity that it almost seems sweet. The acidity is strong and the alcohol is refreshingly modest.
Ripe and juicy, this concentrated wine also has good freshness. It's rounded, rich, full of black currant fruitiness. Drink now or age until 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.
Ripe and juicy, this full-bodied wine has black plum and berry fruits that are well integrated into the juicy acidity and ripe tannins. The wine will develop quickly, so drink from late 2016.
Ripe and juicy, this has flavors of tangerine and tropical fruit, plus notes of creamy lees and smoky, sweet oak. It would feel heavy if not for the brisk acidity that provides balance and elegance.
Ripe and juicy, this is a delicious, red-fruit wine. Its tannic structure lies well behind the generous fruitiness. With a dense texture and good acidity, the wine will be full and rich. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and juicy, this is a fresh-faced wine with acidity and balanced tannins adding to the smoky aromas. It has the acidity typical of the vintage alongside the bright red-berry fruits. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and juicy, this is a full-bodied wine. It has some firm tannins under the red fruits and fresh acidity that gives a good structure. Wood aging has rounded out the mineral texture to give a rich feel at the end. It could age further, so drink from 2016.
Ripe and juicy, this is a rich wine with layers of tannins and generous black fruits. It is well balanced and concentrated with the acidity bringing out both the warmth of the grape and its natural fruitiness. Drink now.
Ripe and juicy, this is a warm version of Touriga Nacional. Acidity and a smoky character balance the crushed blackberry fruitiness. Drink the wine now.
Ripe and juicy, this is a warm, red-fruited wine. With plenty of acidity, it is fresh, although the big attraction here is the fresh fruit balanced by the firm, smoky tannins. Drink from summer 2016.
Ripe and juicy, this is a well-structured wine with both delicious red fruits and a core of serious tannins. The wine has weigh, richness and a opulence that comes from great fruits. The result is a wine with beautiful character that will develop well. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and juicy, this is a wine with structure and fine, dusty tannins that give it density. The red fruit is juicy, perfumed and has the freshness of the vintage, bright and forward. The underlying tannins are concentrated and will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and juicy, this is already a delicious, fruity wine. It has a fresh fragrance, with tannins and a coffee flavor. Ample acidity gives the finish freshness. It still needs to age to reveal all its character.
Ripe and juicy, this is an elegant wine. It has red-berry fruitiness shot through with acidity and spiced with the wood aging. It is still developing and will be ready to drink from 2019.
Ripe and juicy, this is packed with black currant fruit and lined with soft, open tannins. The wine has a dry core, yet this is surrounded by attractive smoky fruit and bright acidity. Ready to drink now.
Ripe and juicy, this is perfumed, full of red berry flavor and attractively soft tannins. The wine feels broad and rich, ready to drink from 2015.
Ripe and juicy, this offers aromas of pressed spring flower and yellow stone fruit. On the bright palate, a note of candied nectarine zest accents ripe yellow apple and dried apricot.
Ripe and juicy, this opens with aromas of dark berry, leather, underbrush and a whiff of game. The round, chewy palate doles out black cherry extract, clove, tobacco and star anise while meaty tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2023.
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.
Ripe and juicy, this smooth, simple wine is ready to drink. Juicy black currant fruits are polished by the wood aging.
Ripe and juicy, this wine comes mainly from vines in the Mâcon region. Attractive yellow fruit flavors are filled out with spice and almond, accented by refreshing acidity. Drink now.
Ripe and juicy, this wine has good acidity that accompanies the attractive, seemingly sweet tannins. Concentrated, it needs several years to broaden out.
Ripe and juicy, this wine is soft, generous and full of rich, while very fresh fruits. It has black-currant acidity, a touch of spice and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Ripe and juicy, this wine melds red berry and black currant flavors easily into its dry texture. A deliciously ripe wine, it feels soft and forward; it will likely be ready to drink in six months.
Ripe and leaning to the dark fruit side, with spicy blackberry aromas. Feels round and complete as it unfolds, and not at all edgy. Flavors of plum, cocoa and spice come with toasty oak, and the finish is bright and snappy. Will age for another decade without much trouble, but it's more than drinkable now.
Ripe and lightly spicy, this rounded wine has attractive pear and quince flavors filling out the light texture. Drink now.
Ripe and luscious, Alicante Bouschet gives this wine its color and intensely smoky, spicy tannic structure. The texture is dusty, with black chocolate as well as black plums adding concentration and aging potential. Drink this wine from 2019.
Ripe and luscious, this coats the mouth with a mélange of juicy apples and peaches. That initial hit is followed up with a wash of buttery, toasted nuts, and finally kissed away with a lick of wet stone. It's creamy and rich without ever being tiring.
Ripe and luscious, this decadent Cabernet Franc is chock full of ripe red cherry and plum fruit, accented with purple violets and fresh herb tones. It's bold in alcohol and soft in style, but delicately framed by brisk acidity and a ruffle of feathery tannins.
Ripe and luscious, this is full of red berry fruits and black plums. Soft tannins pulse through the rich texture, giving shape while not taking away from the open character of the wine. It will age relatively quickly, so drink from 2016.
Ripe and luscious, this reflects the fruitiness of the vintage very well. It has tannins that will develop, although the blackberry fruits and juicy acidity dominate at the moment. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and lush, this off-dry Gewürztraminer shows remarkable balance between its acidity and ripeness. It has abundant rose petal, spice and musk tones, and the exotic spice note intensifies on the midpalate, before extending toward the jasmine-tea-flavored finish.
Ripe and lusty, this is earthy and foresty on the nose, with plenty of oak, olive, eucalyptus and graphite. The palate is saturated almost to the point of being too heavy, but that only means that lush, penetrating, herbal blackberry and cola flavors have a stout base to work with. A toasted finish with some bitterness closes this out. Drink through 2019.
Ripe and maybe a touch overdone and weighty on the nose. The palate is plump and melony feeling, with sweet pear and vanilla flavors. Creamy, easy and long on what amounts to an oaky finish.
Ripe and meaty, with bacon, earth, leather and inviting black fruit aromas. Not lazy at all; in fact a laser-like beam of acidity cuts through the palate, pushing bright, slightly fierce flavors of savory berry and minty oak. Finishes hot, spicy and with coffee and mocha. Cabernet-Monastrell to drink now through 2014.
Ripe and oaky up front, a sweet vanilla aroma is redeemed by darker notes of blackberry and asphalt. Jammy and full bodied, the palate delivers boysenberry, herbs and creamy oak flavors. The heavy, chewy finish is dense and ripe.
Ripe and oaky up front, this fruit-forward blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo is loaded with creamy oak aromas that suggest plastic and vanilla. Airing reveals a fresh but plump palate that finishs with plum, berry and sweet oak flavors—the Holy Trinity of internationally friendly value wines.
Ripe and oaky, this Napa-grown Chardonnay has upfront flavors of pineapples, peaches and vanilla. The charred smokiness on the barrels stands out.
Ripe and oaky, this offers the sweet fruit and buttered toast flavors Chardonnay lovers crave. It tastes like a candy bar, with pineapple, mango, roasted almond and honeyed granola flavors, all brightened with crisp acidity.
Ripe and oaky, this will appeal to those who love their Chards voluptuous. It's strong in buttered toast, caramelized wood, sweet-and-sour pineapple candy and lemondrop flavors.
Ripe and oaky, with luscious flavors of pineapples, green apple butter, buttered toast and caramel, undergirded by a stony minerality. Drink now.
Ripe and oaky, with notes of vanilla and buttered toast dominating pineapple and tropical fruit flavors. Brisk acidity provides a needed balance to all this richness.
Ripe and oaky, with raspberry and cherry jam, mushroom and oak flavors that have a dry finish. Drink now.
Ripe and oaky, with vanilla, buttered toast, pineapple jam, orange cream and butterscotch flavors that are rich and sweet. A bit simple and soft, but it offers plenty of crowd-pleasing Chardonnay richness.
Ripe and oaky. May fall a bit short on complexity and finesse, but makes up for it in sheer power. Pineapple crème brûlée, spicy green apple butter, ripe pear, Asian spices and smoky oak are the flavors, backed with firm acidity.
Ripe and on the cusp of being classified as “raisiny,” but in the final analysis this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo from one of the Penedès' best cava producers has plenty of appeal. Look for sweet, friendly plum, cassis and prune flavors sitting on a saturated, cuddly palate. Drink soon to capture the wine's livelier qualities; further aging will not help it.
Ripe and open on the nose, with lush blueberry aromas mixed with vanilla and tobacco. Feels medium to full but not heavy, with raspberry, red apple skin, coconutty oak and spice for flavors. Almondy and sweet on the finish, with handsome dry spice.
Ripe and opulent, this is a generous wine that's slightly gamy in character. Acidity streaks through the midpalate. This already attractive wine is ready to drink.
Ripe and packed with red fruit and spicy tannins, this second wine of Château Léognan has a firm tannins and a dry core. That creates a solid structure that will need time to soften. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and peachy in style, with accents of brine, honey and cinnamon. It's round and voluptuous in the mouth, then gains focus and crispness on the finish, finishing without an excess of sugar. Try it anytime over the next 6–8 years.
Ripe and peppery, this exuberant Zin was made to wash down beef fajitas and tacos or a cheddar cheese-covered hamburger. It floods the mouth with blackberry, cherry and currant flavors, wrapped into thick, sturdy tannins.
Ripe and perfumed, this has almond, apple and baked-pear flavors that are layered with notes of nutmeg and pepper. It's a concentrated wine, with acidity that has become rounded. Made from a top Kamptal vineyard, this has the potential for aging further. Screwcap.
Ripe and perfumed, this has great fruitiness and crisp acidity that suit the delicate texture. The wine is completely ready to drink.
Ripe and perfumed, this is packed with the richness of 2010 along with its structure. It has weight, juicy black and red berry fruits and a tense structure that still needs time. Acidity at the end provides a fresh lift to the essentially firm wine.
Ripe and plummy in explosive fruit and heat, this wine shows cherry-berry jamminess wrapped in a leathery, meaty package dusted in cinnamon and brown sugar.
Ripe and plump blackberries shine through in a showcase of fruit purity, lifted by dried fennel, hot black gravel, peppercorns, toasted sesame and soy. There is tremendous structure and acidity on the sip, with black pepper and black-sesame nuance plus juicy boysenberry character to the midpalate.
Ripe and plump with pretty aromatic layers of blackberry, cherry and spice, this textbook Brunello speaks highly of the beautiful territory that shaped it. The wine is bright, crisp and a touch sour in the mouth with enduring flavors of white cherry and cassis.
Ripe and plush, this has bold aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, leather and moist tobacco. The mouth brings on a soft, velvety feel that should help this wine pair with grilled veal or lamb.
Ripe and powerful in blackberry, cherry, cassis and sweet oak flavors, with a spicy finish, this blend, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, also is potent in tannins. It's a complex, nuanced wine, but is really too astringent for current consumption. Give it at least six years and try again.
Ripe and powerfully structured, this is dense with bold blackberry flavors and dark tannins that give a firm structure. However, as so often with 2013, it's the fruit that shines in this rich wine. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and pure, with good heft, body, structure and length. The blend is 60% Syrah and 40% Garnacha, and while the early aromas are tough and rubbery they soon morph into plum and berry. Raspberry and full plum flavors are thick but balanced as spice and pepper close things out.
Ripe and racy on the nose, this always much-anticipated release shows black raspberry, baked strawberry, wet cement, cinnamon and mace spice and cola on the nose. The palate is surprisingly, refreshingly restrained, with sizzling acidity cutting across the chocolate-dipped black cherries, baking spice, dried oregano and rosemary that show in the midpalate.
Ripe and rather harsh, this Cab has simple flavors of blackberries, currants, plums, mocha and woodspice. The finish is peppery and hot.
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.
Ripe and rich in texture, this powerful Slovenian Cabernet balances a bold black-cherry flavor with loads of savory dried herb, graphite and reverberating acidity. There's a nervous quality about this wine that could smooth out with a good decant, or a few more years in a cellar.
Ripe and rich on the nose with a harmonious black fruit and sweet vanilla bean aroma, this Virginia Cab is clean and pure with a remarkably pristine fruit profile. Bright and fresh with balanced acidity and a nicely concentrated midpalate.
Ripe and rich without being overdone, this is a well-balanced Viognier with stone fruit and Anjou pear flavors lifted by accents of peony and orange rind. Vibrant acidity keeps things lively in the mouth, with a refreshingly crisp finish.
Ripe and rich, but not dull or out of whack, this smells sweet, a little soupy and densely fruity, with a cumin accent. It feels concentrated and full bodied, with black fruit flavors of roasted plum and blackberry. It's mellow, dealing brown sugar on the finish. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo; drink now–2013.
Ripe and rich, but rather heavy and softly sweet, this wine lacks the vibrancy and elegance you want in a fine Pinot Noir, especially at this price. It's a decent everyday wine, with cola, rhubarb pie and cherry flavors.
Ripe and rich, it's full of tropical fruit, pineapple and mango flavors. Fresh acidity balances the full fruitiness. The aftertaste brings out a more mineral character.
Ripe and rich, this blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Grenache punches strong with cherry blossom, olallieberry, vanilla, melted chocolate and violet aromas. Dill and anise pop up at the tip of the sip, then veer into cigar smoke, elderberry fruit and graphite. It's quite grippy with tannins.
Ripe and rich, this full-bodied wine retains minerality as well as attractive acidity. Crisp lemon flavor is rounded out with peach and apple skin fruits. The wood, already integrated, gives richness and smoothness. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and rich, this has blackberry fruit and well-integrated tannins. A year's wood aging has given it structure and concentration. The wine will mature well and gently. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and rich, this irresistibly fruity spätlese is concentrated with peach marmalade, guava and grapefruit flavors, but braced by a streak of lemon-lime acidity and a delicate spritz that tickles the palate. Satisfying and juicy, it finishes long with a hint of grapefruit-pith astringency.
Ripe and rich, this offers layers of yellow fruits over a crisper, more steely texture. From one of the largest vineyards in Montagny, this concentrated wine needs time to develop. Drink from 2018.
Ripe and richly fruity, the wine is full bodied with great acidity as well as firm tannins. It will keep for many years. Bold tannins and a fine tension between the fruit and acidity are all promising for the future. Drink this impressive wine from 2025.
Ripe and richly fruity, this fragrant Doublet family wine offers spice, floral aromas and a crisp texture. It is well balanced, lively and ready to drink.
Ripe and richly fruity, with chunky flavors of oranges, honey and tropical fruit tinged with hints of mineral and orange pekoe tea. It's a lush mouthful of easy-to-enjoy fruit.
Ripe and robust, this opens with aromas of ripe berry, pressed rose, cake spice and a balsamic note. The juicy, generous palate delivers fleshy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice, white pepper and tobacco alongside big chewy tannins and the warmth of alcohol.
Ripe and robust, this pulls together sensations of violet, lilac, black cherry, nectarine zest, black pepper and licorice. The warm, hearty palate has sturdy tannins but is a bit shy on freshness, so enjoy this soon.
Ripe and round Gala apple, peach custard and vanilla cream aromas show on the nose of this appellation blend from Tolosa's new winemaking team. It's light and easy on the palate, with steely tension framing its lemon and lime flavors, a creamy vanilla component adding weight to the midpalate.
Ripe and round in style, this large-production (almost 100,000 cases) Sauvignon Blanc may lack a bit of length, but otherwise offers a lush mouthful of stone and tropical fruit accented by modestly grassy notes.
Ripe and round, it opens with a fruit fragrance of mature pear, white peach, and nut that all carry over to the palate along with green apple and a hint of candied lemon. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
Ripe and round, this has a strawberry flavor that is surrounded by dense tannins. It shows a fine line of fresh acidity, and it is ready to drink, although it will age for several years.
Ripe and round, this has attractive, rich fruit flavors of apple and apricot, along with a fine streak of juiciness and acidity that provides a fragrant finish.
Ripe and round, this offers enticing scents of violet, rose, perfumed berry and a whiff of pressed powder. The big juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, raspberry star anise and chopped herb alongside chewy tannins.
Ripe and round, this soft, juicy wine shows just a hint of a more serious tannic structure. It has plenty of acidity to go with its warm, red cherry flavors. Drink now, or better from 2015.
Ripe and rounded, this has rich acidity balanced by a touch of yellow fruit. Still young, it has a flinty character that will soften and fill out. Intense, pure and with great fruitiness, it will be best from 2017.
Ripe and rounded, this is a smooth wine given richness from the Gros Manseng in the blend. Citrus vies with pear and apricot, cut with intense acidity. It is fresh and textured with a steely character at the end. Wait to drink until the end of 2015.
Ripe and rounded, this soft wine is ready to drink. It has a fine shot of acidity as well as bitter cherry flavors. The finish is all juicy, refreshing fruit. Drink now.
Ripe and rounded, this softly textured wine has swathes of yellow fruits that are deliciously cut with lime and lemon acidity. The wine, with its touches of toast is balanced, promising a fine future. Drink from 2021.
Ripe and rustic, this is a good everyday Merlot made for simple fare. It's rich and direct in blackberry pie, cherry jam, cola, cocoa and smoky vanilla flavors.
Ripe and saturated on the nose, this big boy is dealing blackberry, raisin and graphite on a heady bouquet. A jammy, generous palate comes as no surprise given the wine's color and nose; flavors of baked black fruits, aged dry cheese and salt finish dry and chunky.
Ripe and saturated with fruit flavor, this wine is so full-bodied that it comes off almost sweet in spite of a good streak of acidity. Strawberry and boysenberry seem to coat the palate and a broad, smooth texture carries the extreme fruitiness through the finish. Enjoy it after a meal with dessert or cheese.
Ripe and savory, this frothy dessert wine boasts heady aromas of yellow stone fruit, citrus zest, aromatic herb and a whiff of honey. The rich palate doles out ripe apricot, yellow peach and candied lemon drop alongside an elegant, soft mousse.
Ripe and seemingly sweet fruit, oak and spice characterize this rich, delicious Petite Sirah. It shows the variety's strong tannins, but here they're soft and melted. The flavors include blackberry jam and mocha.
Ripe and showing the typical generosity of this château, this bold, round wine is powered by rich berry and damson fruit flavors. It is juicy and perfumed, while the tannic structure and wood flavors are enveloped by the fruits. Drink from 2020.
Ripe and simple, with flavors of black currants, sweet olive tapenade and mocha. It's a clean, pleasant wine to wash down meats and cheeses and not worry about impressing the neighbors.
Ripe and smoky, this has attractive acidity to balance the warm, red fruits, with a layer of supportive tannins. It is light, fruity and will be ready to drink from 2016.
Ripe and smoky, this is a warm fruity wine. It has tannins as well as juicy acidity, black fruits and a firm structure in the background. This will be a rich wine when it is ready to drink in 2018.
Ripe and smooth wine, with a rich Port-like aroma, the sweet fruit structured with some fresh stalky tannins. Great herbal and wild berry flavors to finish.
Ripe and smooth, balancing dense black fruit flavors with spice, wood and acidity, this is a solid, concentrated wine. It has a good restrained power, although the pepper hints at the alcohol. It certainly demands rich food.
Ripe and smooth, it has layers of red fruits, a touch of caramel and delicious acidity. It's full of flavor with depth as well as some richness.
Ripe and smooth, this is a light take on this Grand Cru. Red berry fruits are still smothered by the wood aging which brings in a strongly toasty element. The wine though has potential as it comes into balance, elegant and stylish. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and smooth, this is rich with red berries. A touch of pepper accompanies a zesty texture that backs up the fruitiness. Drink now.
Ripe and smooth, this rich wine has enough fruitiness and acidity to give a crisper edge, although it is more about a warm, spicy character. Drink now.
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.
Ripe and smooth, with polished cherry pie filling, red currant, cola and sweet oak flavors. The wine is fully dry and the tannins are brisk and astringent. Not likely to develop in the bottle, but fine now with a grilled steak.
Ripe and soft on the nose, this blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah is so easygoing that it lacks pop up front. Plump and fruity on the palate, this is low on structure and acidity. Jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors end in friendly fashion, but with low definition. Drink now.
Ripe and soft with rich apple flavor, there's a fullness to this wine. While elegant with a touch of maturity from bottle ageing, the palate is freshened a crispness and levity characteristic of the house style. It has enough weight to accompany food and is ready to drink now.
Ripe and soft, a creamy Chard with flavors of buttered popcorn, pineapple jam and vanilla. Finishes almost as sweet as a Starbucks drink.
Ripe and soft, here is a Chanson white that hasn't been overwhelmed by wood. Instead, the delicious yellow and white stone fruits come through, with a creamy edge reminiscent of buttered English muffins, finishing on a high note of juicy, thirst-quenching acidity.
Ripe and soft, it offers attractive acidity given richness by red berry fruits. It's ready to drink, with a final balanced, velvet texture.
Ripe and soft, this 100% Gamay puts its fruitiness right on display. It is fully packed with red currants that are sustained by light, mineral-textured tannins. It is ready to drink. Consider giving it a light chill in the summer. Thomas Collange, the eighth generation, has joined dad Bernard in running the winery.
Ripe and soft, this is a broad style of white showing a tropical side of Sauvignon and Sémillon fruit flavors. The texture is rich, full in the mouth, the acidity well in balance.
Ripe and soft, this is a creamy wine with fine texture and a balanced acidity. It is full of citrus and white fruits that are cut with a smoky, toasty edge. The aftertaste, all fresh acidity is delicious.
Ripe and soft, this is a fruity wine with refreshing lemon and apple flavors. Its rich texture is balanced by good acidity—unsurprising since the grapes grow near the white wine vineyards of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.
Ripe and soft, this is a smooth wine. With its attractive black fruits and the lightest touch of tannin, it is fruity with a hint of toast. Drink this wine now.
Ripe and soft, this is a smooth, dense wine. Yes, it has plenty of tannins, but they're smothered by the concentrated black fruit that gives it its generous, rich character. It's likely to age well, so drink from 2020.
Ripe and soft, very creamy in the mouth, a wine that has attractive clean red fruit acidity and definite youthful vitality. There is some softness on the finish from the dosage.
Ripe and soft, with a caramelized raspberry flavor. The wine tastes full, spicy and rich, despite its lower alcohol. With its texture, it is for food.
Ripe and soft, with a texture that is well balanced, this wine has peach and apricot flavors marrying well with the layers of wood. There is a strong, fresh element to give the wine a final lift.
Ripe and soft. There is an attractive citrus element that gives structure, wih acidity coming through. Delicious now. Screwcap.
Ripe and softly smooth, this simple, affordable wine is robust with toasty oak, coconut, cocoa and baked plum notes.
Ripe and solid, this has dense tannins and a superstructure of opulent red-berry and black currant fruits. The wine is layered with coffee, wood-aging influence and a firm finish. It's big and has great potential.
Ripe and solid, this is a thoroughly enjoyable California example of this Rhône varietal. The wine presents an enticing bouquet of tropical fruits, floral scents, vanilla, even a hint of banana. The palate is medium weight, with citrus and more vanilla flavors. Closes nicely with light spice and toasty accents.
Ripe and spicy tannins and red-berry flavors, this is a generous organic wine that will develop quickly. It has new wood as well as red-berry fruit flavors, under the direction of consultant Michel Rolland. Let the wine come together and drink from 2019. Suau is part of an international group of family wineries.
Ripe and spicy, this attractive forward wine is ready to drink. Made from local grapes with the addition of Syrah, it is juicy with red fruits, soft tannins and fragrant. Drink now.
Ripe and spicy, this is an attractive package of warm tannins and red berries. This wine has a solid, dry core, but it will develop fast—delicious within a year.
Ripe and spicy, this is an impressive, solid, new wood-dominated wine. The tannins come from high toast as well as the concentrated blackberry juice fruits. That makes it dry, a wine that needs to soften. But it has all the intensity that are the hallmarks of top Douro wines, so try it again in a year.
Ripe and spicy, this is an obviously wood-aged wine. Spice and toastiness still dominate, although in a few months the potential of the juicy black fruits should become apparent. Wait to drink this wine until 2018.
Ripe and spicy, this is an opulent wine, showing great swathes of tropical fruits as well as pepper and just the right amount of acidity. The wine is rich, intense, concentrated and needs to age. Drink from 2016.
Ripe and spicy, this wine has delicious white fruit, nutmeg and fresh lemon flavors. It is light in character, with the fruit and acidity giving delicious lift. Refreshing and with great fruitiness, the wine is ready to drink.
Ripe and structured, it has the weight and broad feel of a Chassagne-Montrachet. Firmly textured and concentrated, it also shows soft fruitiness. The power will keep it aging well, so drink from 2017.
Ripe and structured, this full-bodied red opens with alluring scents of star anise, dark-skinned berry, underbrush, leather and a balsamic note. On the juicy palate, menthol, licorice and baking spice accent a core of black cherry. Noble tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2023.
Ripe and structured, this has black plum and ripe berry flavors that are lifted by the acidity typical of the vintage. Tannins are solid and dense, packed around the fruit, and show that the wine is still young. Drink this solid while fruity wine from 2020.
Ripe and structured, this is a concentrated wine. Its blackberry fruits are powerful and dense with tannins as well as acidity. It will take some time for the juiciness to really show, so wait until late 2018.
Ripe and structured, this wood-aged wine is still developing. It has a dark structure, dense blackberry fruit and powerful concentration. A peppery touch of alcohol gives it a bitter finish, which should dissipate as it ages. Drink from 2022
Ripe and succulent, this opens with aromas of mature black fruit, leather, graphite and Mediterranean herb. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy black cherry, mocha and baking spice alongside chewy, mature tannins. Drink through 2019.
Ripe and sweet blackberry jam and dried fig flavors fill out this Port-style sweet wine. Good doses of tannin and acidity keep it structured enough to not feel cloying, lending a little textural grip.
Ripe and sweet in apricot, pear, coconut macaroon, vanilla and Asian spice flavors, this Chard benefits from crisp acidity. It's not really dry, but has many interesting tastes.
Ripe and sweet in black cherry jam, cassis, chocolate, anise and cedar flavors that are delicious, but heavy, trading elegance and finesse in favor of opulent power. It's the poster child for Napa Cabernet made in the modern cult style.
Ripe and sweet in cherry, chocolate and oak flavors, this Cabernet scores high in sheer deliciousness. It's a bit simple in structure, though, and unlikely to age, so drink up.
Ripe and sweet in chocolate and blackberries, this is a Cabernet made for drinking now with rich fare, such as short ribs. It's soft in both tannins and acids, which makes it instantly appealing.
Ripe and sweet, this wine is full of generous red plums and berries. It is immediately attractive with its spice, structure and tannins playing a supporting role to the almost jammy fruit. Acidity at the end adds some attractive freshness to this ripe wine. Drink from 2020
Ripe and sweet, with lush, raisiny aromas. The palate is flush, deep and layered, with baked berry, prune, toast and coffee flavors. This is a lot like Vall Llach's signature '07, but it's a bit more restrained and at $50 it's a better deal than the $95 wine. Still, it's a heavyweight to drink now through 2013.
Ripe and sweetly fruity, this is a black-currant and berry-flavored wine, with balanced juiciness and a judicious use of wood. Full-bodied, it's likely to age well over the medium term.
Ripe and tangy, this full-flavored wine may miss out on some fruitiness but it has plenty of other flavors with herbs, spice and pepper. The blend holds 50% Mouvèdre, 25% Tibouren, 15% Grenache and 10% Syrah selected from old-vine plots. It could wait a few months, so drink from the end of 2015.
Ripe and textured notions of russet pear take center stage with this wine. The nose already signals at the generous fruitiness and the palate is pervaded with fresh poised juicy fruit. A touch of residual carbon dioxide adds liveliness alongside lemony brightness. The finish is dry and utterly moreish with its fruit-centered joy.
Ripe and textured, this is a juicy, black-fruit-flavored wine. Power behind the fruit gives firmness and concentration. Acidity and berry fruits contrast with pepper and a bitter edge that needs to soften. Drink from 2019.
Ripe and thick kirsch aromas meet with a minty chocolate lift on the nose of this bottling from one of the most important producers in Temecula, where the winery's influence is unparalleled. The warmer climate influence is dialed back expertly on the palate, allowing herb-laced black-plum and berry fruit to shine, decorated with lavender and bay leaf.
Ripe and toasty, this is a rich, full-bodied and juicy wine. It has ripe berry fruits, touches of black currant and balancing acidity. Wood aging supports the palate and adds considerable potential. Drink this fine wine from 2016.
Ripe and tropical in pineapple, papaya and guava, this is a medium-bodied style of the variety, lightly oaked, which shows tart lemon on the finish and a lingering accent of anise. It is a screaming deal for the price.
Ripe and tropical on the nose, this off-dry wine is chock-full of fleshy cantaloupe and nectarine flavors, balanced by nervy acidity and bitter tea-leaf notes. Full bodied and a tad blowsy, this finishes long on a floral note.
Ripe and tropical, this full-bodied wine conveys mango, quince and ripe white peach that accompany a rich texture. It's going to develop relatively quickly, so drink from 2018. Winemaker Stephan Carrier returned from Napa to take over winemaking after Irish businessman Lochlann Quinn bought the property in 2001. A new winery and barrel cellar opened in 2011. Hubert de Boüard of Château Angelus consults with Carrier. Fieuzal's newsletter is an accurate report on harvests.
Ripe and tropical, this is a full wine that captures the warmth of the Alentejo. The acidity offers some freshness along with the citrus edge, but the fruits are much more tropical, rich in mango and lychee spice.
Ripe and velvety, this opens with classic varietal scents of crushed violet, black-skinned berry, baking spice and a whiff of leather. The juicy, delicious palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon and licorice while firm, refined tannins proved support. It's an impressive effort for this hot vintage.
Ripe and very dry, this has flavors of raisins, blackberries and dark chocolate, with a hint of smoky oak that adds richness.
Ripe and vibrant with red raspberry, apple skin, cherry and plum alongside hints of mint, sage and cocoa mark the nose while flavors of chocolate covered cherries reside on the finish. 120 cases imported.
Ripe and voluptuous, with very rich, long-lasting berry, cherry, mocha and spice flavors, liberally oaked and wrapped into fine, sturdy tannins. Lacks a bit of complexity, but otherwise a beautiful Merlot that trades on the variety's opulently fleshy sensuality.
Ripe and weighty, this is a rich wine from the Pfaffenberg vineyard in Krems. It has spice as well as perfumed white fruits, a sense of structure and concentration. It feels warm with peach and white fruit flavors likely to develop along with acidity over the next 3–4 years.
Ripe and wood aged, full bodied and rounded, this is now mature. Its broad features are tempered by a shot of minerality and a steel note that add a crisp texture to the tropical fruits.
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.
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.
Ripe Anjou pear, Key-lime skins, white lily and white peach show on the nose of this wine from an increasingly popular vineyard. The palate is clean and straightforward, with pear cider, Gala apple and concrete minerality.
Ripe apple and banana flavors lead this native yeast-fermented, oak-aged wine. Its loose-knit mix of fruit seems on the cusp of oxidation and is countered with tart, lemony acidity.
Ripe apple aromas make the nose nice, even though it's flattening with age. Likewise on the palate, which delivers pithy orange and dry melon flavors along with indications that it's just starting to fade. Notes of green herbs and scallion come up on the finish. Drink this mature white immediately.
Ripe apple flavors are pervaded by yeasty richness. The palate is more slender than the nose at first suggests and is made more lively by tight, spritzy acidity. Yeasty notes give an added earthiness and beautifully long finish.
Ripe apple fruit is tempered by citrus freshness tinged with herbal spice suggesting sage and fennel seed. In the end, citric purity wins and carries this streamlined, concentrated wine into a long, spicy finish.
Ripe apple notes are pervaded by dried-fruit flavors. The palate has less aroma but is textured and defined, with echoing apple notes on the finish.
Ripe apple, pear and bread crust aromas follow through to the firm palate of citrus zest and toasted almond. It's balanced by bright acidity while a refined perlage adds elegance.
Ripe apple, toast and grilled herb scents lead the nose while the medium-bodied palate offers pear, ripe citrus and toasted almond hints. A mineral note lifts the finish.
Ripe apples and pears dominate this rich, lightly spicy wine. It has a fresh element that contrasts with its richness,yielding a wine with some weight but also delicate poise and step. Screwcap.
Ripe apples and pears meet with daffodils, honeysuckle and dried peaches on the nose of this wine from the Corralitos area. Flavors of lemon-lime soda, chamomile tea and pressed white flowers show on the floral and uplifting palate, which is warmed by a touch of popcorn.
Ripe apples and toast on the nose of this Oregonian open to a medium-bodied wine with decent complexity and a soft foamy mousse. Crisp apple and herb flavors with a slight mineral note play out on the clean and tart finish, which displays good length.
Ripe apricot and honeyed biscuit notes lend a sunny warmth to this ripe, yet refreshingly brisk sparkling wine. It's labeled dry, but is so concentrated with fruit, it feels off-dry on the palate. It finishes clean, with a streak of high acidity.
Ripe apricot and peach flavors juxtapose leaner notes of white-melon rind and lime in this vivaciously fresh spätlese. Delicate sweetness is balanced against shards of acid and mineral. The finish is long yet pure.
Ripe apricot and pear flavors give this wine a rich character. It is packed with fruits with a creamy texture and balanced acidity at the end. This crisp wine is ready to drink.
Ripe apricot, mango and peach flavors mark this flashy Chardonnay. It's dry and oaky, with brisk acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. Don't drink it too cold.
Ripe apricot, orange and nectarine flavors mark this Chardonnay. It's also oaky. The cold 2011 vintage has given the wine an herbal edge, and it won't age. But it is an elegantly dry wine for drinking now.
Ripe aromas are full of cherries and plums, with a hint of pine. Concentrated flavors recall dark cherries and cinnamon. The texture is full and broad with moderate tannins and fresh acidity to keep it lively.
Ripe aromas of apple flesh and apple blossoms trend toward guava on the nose of this wine from the legendary California family. There is a chalk-driven energy on the palate, though ripe fruits are prominent, with more apples and guava as well as steamed peaches.
Ripe aromas of baked berry and plum offer a window into this slightly jumpy, acidic Tempranillo. Roasted, blackened berry flavors show the “roble,” meaning this is a bit oaky. On the finish, this is short but solid and fruity.
Ripe aromas of baked berry and raisin stop short of being too ripe. In the mouth, this basic Tempranillo is chunky but balanced by fresh acids. Plum, prune and spice flavors finish loamy and plump. Good wine for $8.
Ripe aromas of black cherry and blackberry come with hints of leafy herbs and a shot of alcohol. This four-grape blend is well structured but a touch tannic. Flavors of baked black fruits, herbs and olives finish savory, with plenty of unabsorbed oak.
Ripe aromas of black plum, blueberry and charcoal lead to a palate that's muscular and full-bodied. Dark, peppery, slightly bitter flavors of toasted blackberry and prune end with burnt notes and black pepper along with grabby, rubbery tannins.
Ripe aromas of black plum, cherry and boysenberry are at the forefront of this richly fruited wine. The wine's lushness is complemented by hints of pepper and baking spice, as well as medium tannins that lend a subtle structure to the palate.
Ripe aromas of blackberry and black currant come with hints of rubber and smoke. In the mouth, this is jammy but a bit flat. Peppery blackberry, dark spice and barbecued flavors finish toasty and blackened, with a note of licorice.
Ripe aromas of blackberry, raisin and cassis blend nicely with graphite and vanilla notes. There's a mild, brooding power to this wine but mostly it's lush and generous, with warm blackberry, prune and licorice flavors. A smooth finish hums along with no tannic bite or hardness. Drink through 2016.
Ripe aromas of blueberry, acai fruit and grape candy get touched by smoked meat, crushed herbs and a slight mint. Leather and tar flavors emerge on the palate, but the fruits and spice characteristics are wound up in incredibly firm, mouth-drying tannins, which are overwhelming right now.
Ripe aromas of brandied cherry, cassis, dried cheese, tobacco and mocha are alluring. This has a linear palate with acidity in the driver's seat. Flavors of vanilla, plum, currant and wood-grain finish with additional oak and red-fruit residue. Drink through 2022.
Ripe aromas of briary blackberry, licorice and baking spices set up a full, chunky mouthfeel. Big black-fruit flavors are slightly minty and herbal, while the finish is earthy and minty, with bright acidity maintaining freshness.
Ripe aromas of burnt sugar, mango and pineapple introduce this bold, expansive Gewürztraminer. Drier on the palate than Keuka Spring's regular label Gewürztraminer, it boasts fresh lychee, rose petal and grapefruit flavors tied together with a bristling thread of astringency.
Ripe aromas of cassis, prune and brandied black cherry indicate the concentration on this Cabernet. A palate that doesn't hold back is jammy but a bit heavy. Ripe berry, toast and charred flavors take on a chocolaty note on the finish. This wine is all about full extraction and big fruit. Drink through 2022.
Ripe aromas of cherry, spice and licorice pop, with the warmth of the vintage—along with just-in-check volatiles—showing. The cranberry and green herb flavors are tart and full, yet still show some elegance and persistence.
Ripe aromas of cola nut, burnt brown sugar, cedar and blackberry feed into a giant palate with killer tannins. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and burnt toast end in a tarry pool of black-fruit flavors and monster tannins. This is rewarding now but also punishing; hold until 2017, then drink through 2025.
Ripe aromas of dark berries blended with licorice and hard spices are attractive. In the mouth, this is round and blocky, with a friendly disposition. Flavors of blackberry, baked plum and black currant finish with licorice, chocolate, oak, mint and pepper notes. Overall, this is a fine Malbec to drink through 2016.
Ripe aromas of dark berries mingle with ample notes of black pepper, toasted vanilla and dusty tobacco. The palate is oak-driven in nature, but notes of tart red currant shine through, offering a bit of levity.
Ripe aromas of dark fruit, crème de cassis and cherry liqueur. The wine is thick, juicy and chewy, with a touch of tightness or astringency on the close.
Ripe aromas of honey, yellow peach, brown pear and a nearly marshmallow character show on the nose of this bottling from the Carmel Valley. It's surprisingly very dry on the palate, where mouth-watering acidity offers plush nectarine and browned apple fruit flavors.
Ripe aromas of honeydew are cut down the middle with a pointed petrol note as well as lime skins and grapefruit pith. The palate on this bottling from popular Riesling source Kick-On Ranch is wound up very tight, showing lime skins, focused acidity and a gray-rock minerality. This would go great with shellfish now, or continue to emerge and uncurl in the cellar from 2018–2030.
Ripe aromas of honeydew, orange creamsicle, grilled apple and almond are framed by a hint of fynbos on the nose of this accessible Chenin. The plush, round palate boasts notes of tangerine, apple flesh and pineapple that finish crisp and clean. Drink now–2018.
Ripe aromas of lemon curd, almond and butter make for a showy intro to the nose of this wine, but it is quickly focused by sharper pear and pineapple fruit. The rich palate shows all the classic Cali Chardonnay components of butter, cooked apple and crushed cashew, all expertly measured and in balance.
Ripe aromas of mature yellow apple and a balsamic note lead the nose along with a hint of candied lemon zest. The aromas follow over to the round, ready palate along with a note of bitter almond.
Ripe aromas of melon are flabby. This is both chunky yet citrusy in feel, while flavors of orange and lemon are basic. The finish is soft but shows just enough citric acidity to keep things going.
Ripe aromas of passionfruit, kiwi and nectarine rise alongside greener elements of celery stalk, wet thyme and Granny Smith apple on this promising early look at the vintage. The tongue tingles throughout the sip, with flavors of crisp apple, yellow melon and crushed chalk. Buttercream appears on the finish.
Ripe aromas of passionfruit, ruby red grapefruit and a juicy grass element show on the nose of this wine by Andres Ibarra and Caren Rideau. That ripeness tightens on the palate, with Granny Smith apple skins, yellow grapefruit juice and pressed green apples.
Ripe aromas of peach, melon, apple and pineapple unfold on the nose of this wine, with additional hints of hay and flint that add an earthy streak. The light-weight palate shows a soft prickle of acidity that then fades quickly on the finish, feeling a touch flat. Drink now.
Ripe aromas of peach, nectarine and yellow pear meet with a hint of flint on the nose of this exuberant, well-priced and appealing bottling. Stone-fruit flavors show on the palate, with apple, pear and ripe lemon touches cut by dried grass. It's easy to quaff on a warm day.
Ripe aromas of prune, blackberry, marzipan and leather announce a palate tougher than the nose indicates. Plum, cherry, prune and peppery flavors finish baked and loamy, with some heat. This is Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Ripe aromas of prune, cassis and blackberry come with notes of spice cake, minerals and lemon peel. This feels grabby and strong, with pronounced acidity and tannins. Baked blackberry, black currant and toasty flavors are supported by a beam of firm acidity that carries onto the finish. Drink this powerful Rioja now through 2022.
Ripe aromas of raisin and cassis come with creamy oak scents. This is jammy, deep and concentrated on the palate, with tobacco, earth, fig, cocoa and baked berry flavors. The finish is earthy and baked, but boasts enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively.
Ripe aromas of raisin and prune include notes of spice cake, vanilla and toast. This has a heavy rough palate, driven by skins-based tannins. Flavors of vanilla, baked black fruits and oak show notes of maple, brown sugar and raisin on a bold churning finish that's weighted down by pulling tannins. Drink through 2023.
Ripe aromas of raisin, black plum and horsehide are pointy and peppery. On the palate, this Graciano is bold and energetic, with lifting acidity. Loud berry flavors come with strong accents of dark chocolate and bitter espresso, while the finish is long but just moderate in complexity. Drink through 2020.
Ripe aromas of red cherry, raspberry, toasty oak and fines herbes lead onto the medium- to full-bodied palate. It has jazzy, succulent acids, dusty tannins and a tangy finish.
Ripe aromas of roasted coffee and black fruit filter onto a plump, layered and approachable palate. Baked berry and licorice flavors finish with a final dose of char and pepper. Drink this meaty wine through 2017.
Ripe aromas start with raisin, while tobacco notes and baked berry warmth reel you in. This blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Vinos de Madrid region feels layered and welcoming. Earthy cherry, plum and baking spice flavors finish long, complex and slightly toasty. Drink through 2018.
Ripe aromas, complex flavors and rich tannins add up to a bold and full-bodied wine. It smells like dried plums, tastes almost like blackberry syrup (but not sweet) and has intriguing black pepper and floral accents. Very deep in color, it is tannic but smooth. The generous fruit lingers on the finish.
Ripe aromatic peach notes dominate the nose. The palate brings this out in much fuller force, helped along by a dollop of residual sweetness and balanced by a pleasantly bitter zesty phenolic edge. The off-dry flavors are generous while the body is balanced and rounded.
Ripe banana, coconut, mango and guava aromas make for a showy entry in this bottling, but citrusy freshness keeps it in check. The palate show a clean line of lemony acidity that sears into the finish, cutting through hints of more tropical fruit.
Ripe berries and cherries vie with each other for attention—this is all about fruit and freshness, with a distinct background of ripeness and generosity. It is easy to like and drink, you never know what you want more: black or red cherry, fruity plum or fresh blueberry.
Ripe berries and oak spice dominate on this Pinot Noir from the bottom of New Zealand's North Island. The palate follows with balanced acidity and silky tannins but the oaky characters dominate all the way through, finishing on the bitter side.
Ripe berries and violets scent this heady, perfumed Riesling. The palate is rich and confectionery in style with candied cherry and honey notes that linger amidst a dusty, earthy backdrop of crushed stones and minerals. It's a brisk, but slightly unbalanced wine, yet refreshing through the finish.
Ripe berries, black cherries, earth, chocolate and herbs all mark this nose of this solid Merlot. Fairly full on the palate, it has a supple feel and plum and berry flavors. The finish is reserved, maybe even a bit austere, with dry, semisweet chocolate notes on the tart plum fruit.
Ripe berry and cassis aromas are broadened by open-grain oak. This Cabernet is big and tannic. Toasty chocolaty berry flavors with a full complement of oaky support maintain a chocolaty essence on a finish that confirms how whole and thorough this is. Drink this warm-vintage wine through 2022.
Ripe berry and cassis aromas are supported by sweet oak scents and related notes of graphite, vanilla and maple. This high-end Syrah is flush, full bodied and widespread. Flavors of oak, vanilla and mocha are up to the wine's rich blackberry and cassis fruit, while a plump wide finish with smooth tannins includes doses of mocha and coffee. Drink through 2023.
Ripe berry and mature fruit aromas of prune and candied cherry open the bouquet of this lovely, garnet-colored Barolo. The wine offers excellent intensity and depth with what can best be described as a lively mouthfeel. Indeed, this wine exudes life, health and brightness.
Ripe berry and oaky vanilla aromas lead to a tight, tannic palate with some scrape to it. Dark, toasty, oak-based flavors of coffee rest on top of plum and currant. It's full on the finish, with a lasting note of toasty oak.
Ripe berry and plum aromas are full and good. This Malbec has an easy mouthfeel that's weighty but well defined, with modest tannins and integrated acidity. Ripe cassis and berry flavors finish with a touch of creamy oak.
Ripe berry and prune aromas are accented by licorice and raw oak scents. Clampy tannins and bright acidity create a high-energy palate, while this tastes of peppery black plum and blackberry. Heat and chocolate-mint dominate a bold bright finish. Drink through 2020.
Ripe berry and prune aromas come with spice and oaky notes. The palate is fresh and on the money, with mature but not tired flavors of tobacco, vanilla, cedar, plum and raspberry. For fans of fine Rioja, this will seem familiar and likable; it's smooth, oaky, elegant and vital. Drink now–2016.
Ripe berry and spice aromas take center stage in the 100% Montelpulciano from Marche. The ripe, round palate delivers juicy black cherry and black berry along with cinnamon-spice. There's no complexity here but it's ripe, round and delicious. Enjoy this soon.
Ripe berry aromas approach raisiny, but settle on jammy plum and leather. This is tannic and wide, with ruggedness to the mouthfeel. Flavors of earthy berry, baked fruits and cocoa end with grab, heat and burn. This is good but rough, like a gravel road.
Ripe berry aromas are a bit raisiny, with vanilla and balsam wood notes. This Tempranillo feels blocky, saturated and tannic. Flavors of raisin, prune, blackberry and wood spice are full and bullish, while a boundary-pushing finish maintains a palpable raisiny quality. Drink through 2020.
Ripe berry aromas are darkened by heavy notes of tarry asphalt and barrel char. This feels full and chewy, with peppery flavors of dusty spice, hickory smoke and black fruits. A short, bold finish is firm but low on fruit.
Ripe berry aromas are heady. In the mouth, this hard-edged Cabernet is gritty and smacking. Ripe plum and blackberry flavors are backed by hefty but pulling tannins, and overall the texture is quite rough.
Ripe berry aromas are tinged with rubbery, gaseous notes on this Tempranillo blend. The palate is chunky, blocky and low on acid, which results in a jammy wine with a hint of saltiness on the back palate. Clove flavors define the finish.
Ripe berry aromas are touched up with cola and root-beer notes that make this even nicer. A muscular, deeply structured palate is home to herbal plum and berry flavors along with notes of coffee and dark spices. Tobacco and herbal notes take over on a complex finish. Drink this Cabernet Franc (with 15% Malbec) through 2024.
Ripe berry aromas arrive accented with baking spices, toasted notes and espresso. The soft, round palate delivers mature black plum, black cherry and vanilla alongside bracing tannins. Superior Wines, Quintessential Wines.
Ripe berry aromas blend nicely with earthy leathery scents. With a full and easy palate, this generous Crianza delivers blackberry and chocolate flavors that veer toward raisin and prune, especially on the finish, which is lightly toasted and dense in feel. Drink through 2019.
Ripe berry aromas combined with oak, vanilla and coconut scents make for a full friendly nose. This feels choppy and abrasive. Woody flavors of coconut and black fruits finish full and tannic, which creates a raw blocky feel that time may tame. Drink through 2023.
Ripe berry aromas come with a smoky accent of tree bark. This wine is extracted and brimming with black-fruit tannins. Flavors of blackberry and cassis are secure and framed by toasty, slightly burnt oak. Blocky, big and long-running on the finish; drink through 2022.
Ripe berry aromas intermingle with toast and maple notes on the nose of this saturated, tannic blend of Granacha, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Flavors of black plum, tomato, spice and herbs hint at Priorat's famous schisty soils, while this expands on an aggressive finish. Drink through 2023.
Ripe berry aromas set the scene for this balanced, juicy wine. Full of black currant and berry flavors, it's already delicious with its fruitiness. The tannins, though, need to calm down somewhat, and the wine will be better from 2019.
Ripe berry aromas show a note of prune as well as mocha and vanilla scents. Tight clampy tannins roughen up the mouthfeel on this Maule Cabernet, while a fairly heavy wood element blends with flavors of herbal berry fruits and beef jerky. This is a full-volume wine with a full-volume finish. Drink through 2020.
Ripe berry aromas teeter on the precipice of overripe, with raisin and cassis the dominant scents. A flush palate is bumpy and hard, while this Grenache-led blend tastes of black currant, grapy berry fruits and chocolate. Solidity and straightforwardness are virtues throughout. Drink through 2023.
Ripe berry fruit and gritty oak aromas lead to a full-bodied blocky palate with grating tannins. This is a heavily oaked blend of Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot. Flavors of blackberry, vanilla and wood spice finish with barrel char and depth. Drink through 2023.
Ripe berry fruit, cherry and blackberry are backed by exotic spice and generous vanilla essence to create the backbone of this compelling Brunello. There's nice complexity here with distant, playful notes of dried blue flower, rose bud and natural rubber that work well together. In the mouth, the wine has a solid, gritty texture and vibrant fruit flavors.
Ripe berry fruits and gentle, dusty tannins give this wine a rich character. Acidity keeps it fresh, although a good structure lies behind that crisp surface. With its juicy fruit, it is ready to drink, but will be better from late 2016.
Ripe berry fruits shine through this wine. Supported by the tannins, they give a solid and rich character that is beginning to develop. With a dark aftertaste, this wine has potential and will be best from 2017.
Ripe berry, aromatic herb, rose, violet, anise, leather and a whiff of tobacco all meld together on this firmly structured wine. The full-bodied, gripping palate delivers mature black cherry, licorice, underbrush and dark baking spice alongside youthfully assertive but velvety-textured tannins. Drink 2019–2029.
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.
Ripe berry, black plum, toasted oak and espresso aromas lead the nose on this young wine. The palate offers black cherry, prune, roasted coffee bean and sage alongside fresh acidity. Tightly compacted and still raspy tannins need time to soften. Drink after 2017.
Ripe berry, blue flower, fresh rose and aromatic herb aromas come together in the glass along with a whiff of pipe tobacco. The palate offers juicy dark berry, chopped mint and star anise alongside assertive tannins and modest acidity. Give the tannins a few years to unwind then drink.
Ripe berry, blue flower, Mediterranean herb and a balsamic note led the nose. The savory palate offers juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and anise alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2020.
Ripe berry, cake spice, grilled herb, eucalyptus, fragrant blue flower and a hint of baking spice are just some of the scents you'll find on this gorgeous wine. The intense palate has great energy, offering black cherry, chopped mint, cinnamon and clove alongside youthfully firm tannins and fresh acidity. It boasts balance and aging potential. Drink 2020–2032.
Ripe berry, cassis and grilled meat aromas presage a fresh, zesty palate with free-flowing acidity that pumps up cherry, red plum, cassis and loamy earth flavors. It stays fruity, stout and smooth on the finish. The wine is ripe and fully representative of Mendoza and winemaker Alejandro's Vigil's style.
Ripe berry, clove, espresso and menthol aromas lead the nose on this hearty wine. The dense, concentrated palate delivers dried cherry, steeped plum, coffee, vanilla, licorice and toasted oak alongside bracing tannins. The heat of evident alcohol throws this wine off balance.
Ripe berry, leather, menthol, baking spice and pipe tobacco aromas almost jump out of the glass. The structured, generous palate delivers fleshy black cherry, raspberry compote, clove and star anise alongside firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2023.
Ripe berry, menthol, licorice and tobacco aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather and truffle. The delicious palate shows both generous fruit and restrained elegance, doling out raspberry jam, anise, clove, vanilla and dried herb framed in firm fine-grained tannins.
Ripe berry, menthol, truffle, leather, cured meat and tobacco aromas come together in the glass. The palate offers mature black cherry, licorice, clove and black pepper alongside fine-grained tannins.
Ripe berry, milk chocolate and menthol aromas take shape in the glass. The straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry marinated in spirits and licorice alongside firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity.
Ripe berry, new leather, dark spice and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers black cherry, fresh mint and clove set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins that lend polish and structure. It's already impressive but will continue to develop. Drink 2020–2030.
Ripe berry, plum, milk chocolate, leather, truffle and balsamic notes lead the nose. The dense palate weaves together crushed black cherry, baking spices, mint and white pepper alongside underlying mineral notes. It's already accessible so enjoy now–2020.
Ripe berry, raisin and Maduro cigar aromas are hefty and convincing for Spanish Syrah. This feels full, with bracing acidity. Flavors of cassis, plum, chocolate and tobacco are steady as a barge on calm water. This is impressive for varietal Syrah from Spain. Drink through 2021.
Ripe berry, raisin, prune, chocolate and cool earth aromas make for a fine nose. This is full and rich, a bit chunky, but not too heavy. Flavors of coconut are backed by blackberry fruit; on the finish, that oaky coconut character transitions to vanilla. Drink through 2022.
Ripe berry, sunbaked earth, cured meat and grilled herb are some of the aromas that meld together in the glass. The juicy, delicious palate offers layers of juicy Morelllo cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and tobacco. Hearty, velvety tannins provide the framework and lend a smooth texture. Drink 2018–2030.
Ripe berry, tilled earth, violet, grilled herb and coffee aromas lead the nose on this firmly structured wine. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, chocolate, anisette and black pepper. It's supported by a backbone of bracing, astringent tannins.
Ripe berry, tilled soil, new leather, iris and balsamic aromas merge with chopped herb on this vibrant full-bodied red. The palate is still young and tight, showing wild raspberry, dried cherry, star anise and tobacco while a hint of orange zest closes the finish. It's youthfully austere and will age well for years. Drink 2020–2032.
Ripe berry, toasty oak and vanilla notes drive the nose on this Salta Malbec. In the mouth, it is creamy and thick, with modest acidity. Oaky flavors of baked berry fruits and black currant finish jammy, soft and spicy, with a pervasive note of oak-based clove.
Ripe berry, underbrush, scorched earth, menthol, baking spice and a hint of leather meld together on this. The ripe, delicious palate doles out crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, white pepper and espresso alongside a tannic backbone. A tobacco note wraps around the finish. Drink 2019–2027.
Ripe berry, violet, leather and menthol aromas lead the nose. The firm palate offers mature cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and sage alongside assertive, tightly wound tannins that need to unwind. Drink after 2022.
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.
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.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are cuddly and reflect the warm conditions of 2012. Tight and ribbed on the palate, this has the structure to handle blackberry, chocolate and peppery spice flavors without seeming overripe or jammy. A saturated finish benefits from the right amount of acidity. Drink through 2023.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are loaded with fine oak and notes of licorice and sandalwood. A solid mile-deep palate is intense, layered and balanced. Creamy oak, aged cheese, black fruits and an exotic accent create an impressive combination of flavors, while this is muscular, warming and tastes dark and minty on the finish. Only 200 cases produced. Drink through 2022.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are schisty and suggestive of burnt toast. An edgy fresh agile palate is a touch choppy, while flavors of peppery black fruits and desert herbs and brush finish crisp, focused and not too heavy. Drink through 2024.
Ripe black-fruit aromas are the foundation of a complete heady nose that also includes balsam wood, tobacco, orange peel and especially chocolate. A round full voluminous palate deals woody spicy flavors of herbal berry and cassis, while this is fully ripe, oaky and long on the finish. Drink this ripe, thick Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend now through 2022.
Ripe black-fruit aromas get a boost from dark spice notes. Saturated, heavy and deep in the mouth, this is a meaty wine with blackberry flavors leading herb and leathery notes. On the finish, this remains dark and driven by black fruits and firm tannins. Drink through 2018.
Ripe black-fruit aromas include earthy notes and a hint of roasted meat. This is powerful on the palate, with popping acidity and hard tannins. A flavor profile comprised of cherry, plum and berry fruits finishes with oak-based notes of vanilla, mocha and baking spices. This is nowhere near its peak; drink through 2027.
Ripe black-plum and black-cherry aromas lead the nose. This is full in body, with comfortable tannins. Blackberry and baked blueberry flavors end with chocolaty, herbal notes and a coating of blackened toast.
Ripe black-plum and spice aromas are dense and blocky. This is 85% Syrah and 15% Monastrell, with a jammy palate and a touch of heat and flab. Flavors of raisin, blackberry and prune finish earthy, with an echo of prune and moderately scratchy tannins.
Ripe black-plum aromas veer towards prune without fully going there. A full chewy palate holds blackberry and plum flavors, while this finishes oaky and lightly herbal. Overall, this captures much of what's good about Mendoza Malbec.
Ripe black-skinned berry and black plum aromas take center stage in this wine, along with a whiff of toast. The dense palate shows black cherry, licorice and mocha touches framed by firm tannins. Drink through 2020.
Ripe black-skinned berry, menthol, new leather and a whiff of iris lead the nose. The vibrant, juicy palate offers wild cherry, black raspberry, star anise and Mediterranean herb while fine-grained tannins provide an elegant, youthfully austere framework. Drink 2017–2022.
Ripe black-skinned berry, sun-baked earth and cooking spice aromas lead the nose in this 100% Nero d'Avola. The firm palate offers dried blackberry, licorice and leather notes alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
Ripe black-skinned berry, truffle, scorched soil, violet and a potpourri of kitchen spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this polished red. The smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and chopped mint set in a framework of silky, supple tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Ripe black-skinned berry, violet, leather and baking spice aromas emerge in the glass. The polished, juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, mint and pipe tobacco alongside lithe tannins. Drink through 2023.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, bell pepper, dried herb, French oak and balsamic aromas lead the nose on this 100% Merlot. The ripe concentrated palate offers dried blackberry, raw cranberry, espresso, vanilla and a confectionery note alongside firm, grainy tannins that leave an astringent mouth-drying finish. Give the tannins another year or two to soften, then drink up to enjoy the remaining freshness and fruit.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, dark spice, underbrush and roasted coffee aromas lead the nose of this wine, along with an earthy note of game. The rounded, chewy palate is loaded with black cherry, black raspberry, baking spice and truffle flavors set against fresh acidity and polished tannins.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, leather, sunbaked earth and a whiff of crushed herb come together on this solid red. The round palate doles out juicy wild cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla and anise alongside robust, velvety tannins that impart muscle and polish. A note of grilled sage closes the finish. Drink 2018–2025.
Ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. The palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. Tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. Drink 2022–2032.
Ripe black cherries and ground black pepper are just hinted at on the nose, but come out in full force on the palate. There also is an intriguing edge of nutmeg and lovely, food-friendly acidity. This is a wine that will work in most situations—accommodating, friendly and ready to drink now.
Ripe black cherries get aromatic lift from sagebrush and thyme on this wine that Doug Margerum makes from the fruit of his friend, Reo Reiswig. There is an immediate zing of acidity, with red and purple fruit flavors that bounce between raspberry and blueberry while also picking up mocha, herbs and leather along the way. A very dynamic wine.
Ripe black cherries with a hint of garrigue mark the nose of this attractively plump red from Ferraton. The fruit dominates, but there's just enough savory complexity to make it interesting, with a firm yet silky finish. Drink now–2017.
Ripe black cherry and a hint of menthol in both the aromas and the flavors give this brawny wine a unique personality. It has bold fruit, ample tannins for texture and good acidity for balance. This is tasty now but will age well through at least 2023.
Ripe black cherry and a lick of herbs are wrapped up in a solid structure of balanced acidity and tannins, with a slightly savory finish. The oak is prominent, as is the ripe fruit, but for the price, this is the kind of bargain Shiraz Australia once built its Stateside reputation on.
Ripe black cherry and cedary aromas can't hide the touch of alcohol that seems to emanate from the glass. But the wine is balanced on the palate, not showing any excessive warmth, framing its black cherry and chocolate flavors with bright acidity. The crisp acids on the finish accentuate the tannins, making this an uncommonly structured Grenache. Imported by Wine Brokers Unlimited.
Ripe black cherry and currant flavors are spiked by hints of nut, spice and toast in this keenly balanced wine. Firm but fine-grained tannins, brisk acidity and tones of bramble and barnyard lend structure and complexity.
Ripe black cherry and vanilla swirl around notes of cedar and dusty tannins, combining seamlessly on the palate. From an appellation not known for the variety, it does justice to mountain fruit and power, finishing with substance.
Ripe black cherry fruit is underlain by hints of game in this medium-bodied Crozes from one of the world's biggest producers of Syrah. It's a clean, crisp wine with a faintly dusty texture to its finish. Drink now–2018.
Ripe black cherry, black plum and chipped slate aromas greet the nose on this blend of 86% Grenache from La Vista Vineyard and 14% Petite Sirah from Mainini Vineyard. It's soft and ripe with blackberry fruit at first sip, then comes an electrifying acidity and flavors of roasted fennel and pencil lead.
Ripe black cherry, blackberry and black pepper sensations dominate this brooding blend of 86% Sangiovese and 14% Syrah. The spicy, dense palate is forward and warm accompanied by bracing tannins that carry through to the finish. It's shy on fresh acidity so best enjoy this soon.
Ripe black cherry, graphite, clove, grilled herb and leather aromas lead the nose on this structured wine. The extracted palate delivers mature black plum, prune, black pepper and mocha alongside tightly packed tannins that need a few years to unwind. Drink 2016–2022.
Ripe black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry notes abound on the nose and in the mouth of this accessible wine. Medium weight, with fine yet spicy tannins and a medium-length finish that's kissed with a hint of mocha. Easy, approachable and food friendly; drink now.
Ripe black cherry, raspberry, licorice, mint and menthol come together on this firm, full-bodied red. Tightly knit tannins give a solid grip to the finish.
Ripe black cherry, roasted meat, wet stone and caramel notes show on the nose of this bottling of a grape rarely seen in this region. It's slightly sweet on the palate, with ripe blueberry and cocoa flavors, but compelling for its novelty.
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.
Ripe black currant aromas set this wine on its full, warm path. It is intensely fruity with a rounded feel to it. The acidity cuts through the ripe character, giving tension and a piercing crisp aftertaste.
Ripe black fruit aromas aren't overly complex or nuanced but they are generous. Feels tight, gritty and healthy, with firm tannins in front of black cherry and blackberry flavors. Mellows on the finish, where plum and prune flavors take over. Not a hard, fierce Priorat; drink now through 2014.
Ripe black fruit, red currant, cedar, mocha, savory herb and game sensations characterize this blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Balanced with velvety tannins, the soft palate closes on a licorice note. Drink through 2019.
Ripe black fruits combine with bitter chocolate and toast from the wood to give a very ripe wine. It is structured at this stage but is likely to ripen and round out over the next 3–4 years to give a rich, smooth, Merlot style.
Ripe black plum and berry dominate the nose and mouth on this Merlot, with appropriate accents of coffee granules and black pepper to spice things up. Lightweight but round with a medium-length finish.
Ripe black plum and cherry aromas are accented with hints of fresh herbs on this bold, full-bodied red. The palate is deeply concentrated with black fruit flavor, but touches of granite and wet stone lend a mineral elegance. Finishes moderately long with a velvety swathe of tannins.
Ripe black plum and cherry notes are upfront, with subtle chocolate and fruit-cake spice accents in the background. The texture is plush and easygoing, with soft tannins and ample juiciness on the palate. Drink now.
Ripe black plum, dark berry and allspice aromas take shape in the glass. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, leather, licorice and ground pepper alongside tightly-woven tannins. Drink through 2020.
Ripe black plum, forest floor, mint and spice notes lead the nose on this savory, medium-bodied red. The succulent, straightforward palate doles out fleshy black cherry and crushed raspberry accented with black pepper and clove alongside round tannins. Drink through 2015.
Ripe black plum, leather and Mediterranean scrub aromas lead the nose. On the round palate, smooth tannins support blackberry jam, vanilla and sweet almond flavors. Enjoy through 2020.
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 black plum, leather, game, truffle, blackberry and tobacco aromas unfold in the glass. These follow through to the rich palate along with black cherry, clove and baking spice. It's structured but elegant, with velvety tannins and a smooth texture. Drink 2016–2028.
Ripe black plum, toasted oak and menthol aromas lead the way in this wine. The firm palate offers blackberry jam, vanilla and licorice flavors set against grainy tannins. Drink through 2019.
Ripe black plum, underbrush and carob aromas lead the nose of this blend of 60% Nero d'Avola, 30% Sangiovese and 10% Corinto. Its firm palate delivers ripe blackberry, black pepper and clove flavors, with a framework of chewy tannins. Drink through 2022.
Ripe black raspberry and cherry mark this lovely Pinot that is rich and concentrated. The oak is prominent, with a touch of meaty gaminess on the full palate. Balanced, the wine's acidity remains remarkably bright.
Ripe blackberries, violet flowers, tobacco, mocha, smoke and asphalt swirl into an intriguing nose. Dense flavors of black cherries and kirsch are evened out by licorice, black tea and a pine-sap element that carries through the finish.
Ripe blackberry and cassis aromas are pure and lusty. In the mouth, it shows chewy tannins, a stout structure and generous flavors of blackberry, chocolate, pepper and a spot of salty brine. A toasty, dark, heady finish confirms the overall quality. Drink through 2020.
Ripe blackberry and cassis aromas are toasty at first, then charred as this breathes. A big grabby palate is muscled up but welcoming. Toasty blackberry and cassis flavors remain charred on a loaded lengthy finish. This is Malbec and Petit Verdot fermented and aged together. Drink through 2022.
Ripe blackberry and cassis aromas show a note of graphite. In the mouth, this Cab is rocky and hard, with crusty cheek-sucking tannins. Herb-infused black-fruit flavors of cassis and blackberry finish oaky, chocolaty and minty, with biting, hard tannins.
Ripe blackberry and cassis notes seem glazed with bluebery jam in this rippling but light-footed Lemberger. It doesn't exhibit the grape variety's characteristic staunchness of acidity and tannins, but a refreshing squirt of sour-cherry acidity brightens the midpalate. Drink now through 2018.
Ripe blackberry and cherry flavors have a slightly ruddy tone in this plush, full-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold and juicy, its forward, approachable style is contrasted by slightly rustic tones of hay and grass.
Ripe blackberry and cola aromas comes across as foresty and nice as a whole. This saturated, dense Malbec shows brutish, choppy tannins along with flavors of blackberry, exotic spices and fig. The finish remains rough and turns hot. Drink through 2021.
Ripe blackberry and plum aromas are open and potent. Strong tannins make for a rough palate feel, while dry, pulling raspberry and plum flavors finish with burn and a woody character.
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.
Ripe blackberry and spice aromas are a touch meaty and earthy but mostly straightforward. A grabby, fleshy palate is obtuse but still balanced, while this tastes of berry and cassis, which are textbook flavors for Cabernet Sauvignon. A dry, woody finish with a chocolate note renders this better than most for $20.
Ripe blackberry aromas are a touch malty and jammy, with a note of buttered pastry thrown in for good measure. This emphasizes the rich ripe extracted side of Priorat, but balance is not sacrificed. Lush dark toasty black-fruit flavors come with notes of oaky spice and bitter chocolate, while the finish is toasty blackened, deep and chunky. Drink through 2023.
Ripe blackberry aromas are welcoming and clean. This features a flush palate that hollows out while delivering generic but fresh black-fruit flavors. A tasty, fresh finish makes this good for everyday drinking.
Ripe blackberry aromas carry notes of prune and raisin. For a ripe, dark wine, this is juicy and well balanced. Oaky, toasty flavors lean toward dark fruits and blackberry, and the finish keeps the dark-fruit theme going while folding in bitter coffee notes.
Ripe blackberry aromas combat raisin and prune scents in this concentrated four-grape blend. Its black fruit flavors include black tea and savory spice notes, finishing with medium-hard tannins and distinct oak characteristics. Drink through 2019.
Ripe blackberry jam, mocha, crème de cassis and spicy, toasty oak flavors combine to make this Cabernet a real blast of enjoyment. It's soft enough to drink now, yet has a lovely texture, with tannins that are sweet and refined.
Ripe blackberry juice, espresso, baking spices and savory roasted herbs hit the nose on this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Dried black cherries dominate the palate, with extra seasoning from chopped mint, lilacs and all manner of brown and black spices. It's almost too flavorful.
Ripe blackberry meets with rustic leather and a bit of rubbery funk on this nose of this wine made by the Riboli family of Los Angeles' San Antonio Winery. It's rich and jammy with tannins adding balance, but not much acidity.
Ripe blackberry notes dominate this wine's nose and palate. Their ripe, tart juiciness makes for an appetizing, fruit-driven palate. Smooth but pervaded by freshness, it's a vibrant, juicy blend full of refreshing, ripe fruit. Uncomplicated but delicious.
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, red currant, clove, tobacco, licorice and cedar all unfold in this sleek, polished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Silky tannins provide the elegant framework, while a mineral note closes the finish. Drink through 2021.
Ripe blackberry, blueberry, graphite and toasty oak aromas make for a dark bouquet. This is slightly rough on the palate due to aggressive tartaric acidity, while flavors of ripe black fruits, cola, oak and chocolate finish with coconut and resiny oak notes.
Ripe blackberry, blueberry, violet and cooking spice aromas all come together on this blend of Sangiovese and a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate offers up juicy black cherry, plum steeped in spirits, white pepper and clove while firm, chewy tannins hold it all together. Drink through 2018.
Ripe blackberry, cassis and refined wood are the key aromas on this fruit-forward, slightly grapy Malbec that's full and jammy on the palate, with big, bold flavors of boysenberry, chocolate and spices. There's not a ton of nuance to this bruiser, which finishes with toast and chocolate flavors and a rich residual feel. Drink through 2017.
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.
Ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors join with caramelized oak to yield this rich, opulent Cabernet. It's an elaborate wine, but too young, with brusque tannins. Give it until 2020–2021 and see how it's doing.
Ripe blackberry, cherry and oak flavors mark this Cabernet, which is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It's tough in tannins, and not going anywhere, but give it a breath of air and it turns into a nice, fancy wine.
Ripe blackberry, cherry and toasty oak flavors mark this Cab. It's soft in acids and tannins and high in alcohol, which gives it a glyceriney sweetness on the finish. Drink up.
Ripe blackberry, crushed plum, black raspberry, sweet baking spices, orange zest and dark chocolate are some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this creamy, full-bodied blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Velvety tannins provide the smooth texture and framework. Enjoy through 2020.
Ripe blackberry, dark cherry, prune, mocha, oak, grilled sage and vanilla sensations come together on this soft and accessible wine. Ripe, round tannins provide the framework for the juicy palate. Enjoy through 2016.
Ripe blackberry, graphite and tobacco aromas become oakier with airing, making resin, vanilla and mocha notes rise up. The wine is lush and weighty in the mouth, with loamy, baked flavors of black fruits, raisin, herbs and chocolate. A smooth, textured finish is home to licorice and sweet berry flavors. Drink now through 2017.
Ripe blackberry, graphite, balsam wood, vanilla and kirsch aromas combine to provide a fine opening to this Cabernet-led blend. The palate is smooth and layered, with cherry, cassis, vanilla and herbal flavors. On the finish, it's a bit thick in feel, with moderate complexity. Drink now–2016.
Ripe blackberry, grilled herb, toast and ground pepper aromas lead the nose of this blend of Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The taut palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean and bitter sage alongside grippy tannins that leave a drying, astringent finish.
Ripe blackberry, leather and soy show on the nose of this solid bottling from a relatively new producer in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Fruit-forward flavors of red and purple berries rise to the top of the palate, but there is also a tannic density powered by pencil lead and a spicy acidity.
Ripe blackberry, marzipan and toast aromas amount to a rich, inky and lush bouquet. This is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, and it's stout on the palate, with intense acidity and tannins. Dark, oaky blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors end with exotic spice notes and baked, ripe berry and fig flavors. Drink through 2024.
Ripe blackberry, mature plum, rose and grilled herb aromas lead the nose. The savory, approachable palate offers dark cherry, crushed raspberry, aromatic herb, ground anise and a hint of mocha. Firm but polished tannins and fresh acidity give it balance. This will make fine drinking over the next few years. Drink through 2016–2021.
Ripe blackberry, plum and prune aromas are smoky and generous. A lush but fresh and balanced palate rests comfortably on a bed of firm tannins. Ripe blackberry, blueberry and prune flavors end long and earthy, with chewy tannins and balsamic complexity. Drink through 2022.
Ripe blackberry, smoke and dark cooking spice aromas emerge on this savory red. On the easy-drinking, medium-bodied palate, round tannins support juicy plum, black cherry and a note of ground pepper. Enjoy soon.
Ripe blackberry, smoked pork and black sage aromas show on the nose of this blend of 51% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. There is lots of energy on the sip, with lighter olallieberry flavors mixing with savory teriyaki, black peppercorn and Sichuan pepper spice.
Ripe blackberry, spiced plum, purple flower and vanilla aromas jump out of the glass. The palate is more restrained, showing dried cherry, clove and a hint of clove set against close-grained tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Ripe blackberry, truffle, cured meat and leather aromas emerge on this svelte red. The polished, light- to medium-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, cinnamon and white pepper while fine-grained tannins provide elegant support.
Ripe blackberry, wild herb, menthol and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, vanilla, toast and espresso alongside the warmth of alcohol and round tannins.
Ripe blueberries, toasted oak, caramel, brown coffee, black pepper and crushed grape seeds combine for a pleasant smoke and fruit combo on the nose of this bottling. There is a nice chalky texture on the energetic palate, where dense elderberry and blackberry notes meet with tobacco ash flavors.
Ripe blueberry and huckleberry flavors form a wall of fruitiness in this full-bodied, ready-to-enjoy red, offering a soft, simple layering of cedar and mocha.
Ripe blueberry fruit meets vanilla, cola and thyme touches on the approachable nose of this wine from Steve Gerbac. There's a well-balanced array of flavors on the dynamic palate, from potpourri spice to blackberry and blueberry fruit.
Ripe blueberry with a dusting of cinnamon makes for an enticing, inviting nose. These flavors also dominate the juicy palate, where fine tannins weave a delicate web of support. Freshness balances the rich fruit, showcasing a juicy, berry-ish wine that is more than just fruit-driven. Structure and aroma resonate on the long finish.
Ripe blueberry, black-cherry syrup, cola and clove cream combine for a complex nose on this bottling by winemaker Carl Bowker. The palate is vibrant with acidity, yet rich with baked blueberries. Waves of wild California herbs add further nuance, making for a wine that finds a nice balance between disparate elements.
Ripe blueberry, black plum and violet aromas are sweet and ripe. This is a chunky, flat feeling Tempranillo with candied, soft blackberry and other black-fruit flavors. A short, simple finish fits this heavy wine's overall profile.
Ripe bold cassis and blackberry aromas come with notes of fine oak and chocolate. This is thorough and saturated on the palate, with a mix of firm tannins and cushion. Blackened plum and berry flavors have a cola accent, while this is dry, toasty and displays tannic grip on the finish; drink through 2022.
Ripe bold Merlot creates a wine that has spice, juicy black-plum flavors and a core of tannin. It is a young wine, full of fruit, with a soft aftertaste. It was made to be drunk from early 2017.
Ripe borderline raisiny aromas include earth, cedar and graphite scents. This is concentrated, grabby and fully extracted. Flavors of jammy black fruits blend with spicy saucy notes prior to a finish with flavors of tomato, herbs, salt and gamy meat. Firm acidity guarantees this will last at least another five years before falling off.
Ripe Bosc pear with its textured peel sets the tone. An underlying base of luscious ripeness, is cut through with lively, zesty lemon freshness. It resonates with fruit at the very height of its expression: a pleasant edge of bitterness, ample texture, concentration and authenticity.
Ripe Bosc pear, yellow apple, herb and citrus zest aromas follow through to the medium-bodied palate, along with tangy acidity. A hint of white almond backs up the crisp finish.
Ripe both with the generous tannins and the juicy fruit, this is a wine with good potential. There is plenty of acidity to bring out the crisp character of this attractive wine. It will be ready from 2019.
Ripe botrytis, honey and peaches make for an attractive, open, ready-to-drink sweet wine. The acidity keeps the richness in check.
Ripe boysenberry, root beer and mocha latte aromas make for a dynamic, delicious nose on this bottling from Foxen's seven-acre estate vineyard. The flavors range from black pepper and roasted meats to dried thyme, sagebrush and black licorice, all set against emerging tannins and a long, lingering finish.
Ripe bramble and and berry notes are concentrated in this crisp, elegant blend of Merlot and Malbec. It's taut and tight in tannic structure still and oak tones of sweet spice, cedar and chocolate are pronounced, but everything should meld together beautifully between 2018 and 2022.
Ripe bramble and blackberry vie for attention on the nose. The palate is light and has lots of energy, verve and more fresh-faced fruit. This is just about medium-bodied and offers us an uncomplicated but delicious and refreshing interpretation of Blaufränkisch.
Ripe bramble and smoked nuts cast a savory edge to concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors in this robust wine. It's velvety and rich, but crisp, cranberry acidity and a granite edge lend elegance. Drink now through 2022.
Ripe bramble notes accent pristine raspberry and cherry notes in this bright, remarkably juicy Spätburgunder. It's zippy and fresh on the palate, with a spray of cranberry flavor that wraps up nicely in a coat of velvet tannins on the finish.
Ripe bramble, black cherry and berry notes are enticingly fragrant on this Merlot-based Bordeaux-blend. The palate is concentrated with cherry and berry flavors too, but more tart and crisp in profile, with a nervy cranberry acidity that reverberates on the finish.
Ripe bramble, crisp strawberry and cherry perfume this full-bodied moderately concentrated rosé. Dry in style, it's easy drinking with a slightly candied cherry-cough-drop finish.
Ripe but basic on the nose, this has dusty apple and sweet, minerally notes that are not sugary. It feels a little blowsy, but there's ample acidic cut to frame the dry, flavors of melon, green banana and apple. This has a simple finish. A blend of 80% Xarello and 20% Riesling.
Ripe but constricted plum and raspberry aromas are firmly in the red-fruit zone. This feels good and fresh, with tomatoey acidity. Saucy plum and red-currant flavors finish nicely, with rubbery tannins. Drink through 2019.
Ripe but measured aromas of buttery apples, plump vanilla cake and baking spice show promise for this new growing region high above the Los Angeles basin. The flavors are broad, with candied apples, vanilla-laced lemon rinds, white flowers and a touch of pineapple.
Ripe but not jammy fruit flavors and firm texture make this a stand-up wine, even if it weren't such a great value. It has classic dark berry and light herb aromas, deep, fruity flavors and a big but plush mouthfeel.
Ripe but nuanced aromas of tobacco, fig, berry and cassis come in front of a crisp, lively, fresh palate. Flavors of reedy berry, herbs, minerally plum and red currant finish with herbal tomato hints, dry tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2018.
Ripe but prickly black-fruit aromas show a touch of dessicated character, namely prune. This is chunky but solidly acidic, with baked blackberry and plum flavors that finish with weight, smooth tannins and a hint of herbs and mint.
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.
Ripe but subtle aromas of aged balsamic vinegar, blackberry, baked plum and vanilla are alluring and feed into a flush layered palate. Spicy black plum and berry flavors are just rustic and toasty enough, while this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cab Franc and Merlot tastes peppery, deep, a touch hot and on the money. Drink from 2018–2026.
Ripe butterscotch and a notable flank of big vanilla and oak greet the entry of this vineyard-designate. It makes for a luxurious wine reflective of a warm vintage and approach.
Ripe Cabernet gives this wine a great start in life. Juicy black currant is underpinned by the wood aging and tannins, giving a wine that is fruity while still structured. Drink from 2017.
Ripe cassis and berry aromas come with common Rioja side notes of vanilla, cedar and tobacco. This wine feels flush, with plenty of weight but also balance. Flavors of raisin, prune, cassis, chocolate and vanilla finish full, toasty and warm. This is a ripe reserva made in the classic Rioja style; drink through 2025.
Ripe cassis and black cherry notes are accented by savory tomato leaf, bramble and savory herb in this light-footed Cabernet Franc. It's elegantly balanced with crisp sour-cherry acidity, fresh  red-fruit flavors and lingering velvet tannins.
Ripe Chardonnay, barrel fermentation and aging, stirring of the lees—all these elements make for a powerfully rich wine, in which the wood acts as a carefully judged supporting act to the intense apples and cream fruitiness. There is just a touch of Burgundian minerality to give some structure.
Ripe cherries dominate this rounded, full-in-the-mouth wine. An attractive smoky character enhances the red fruits and balanced acidity. The wine is developing, still young and fruity and bright with freshness at the end.
Ripe cherries, concentrated strawberries, cherry blossoms and a bit of chipped black slate power an appealing nose on this wine by Debbie and Greg Hammill. The palate shows highly perfumed blackberries and cherries, proving quite ripe but expertly layered with clove-like spices and dried purple flowers.
Ripe cherry-vanilla and robust oak combine for a full-bodied, generous style of Pinot, from a prime spot in Carneros close to the town of Napa. Despite the wine's burly size, its texture is silky, and the finish an echo of the oak and vanilla.
Ripe cherry and blackberry flavors mark this Merlot. It's dry and rich in tannins, with a rugged mouthfeel and an overripe, raisiny taste.
Ripe cherry and blackberry fruit stars in this easy-drinking wine, with oak providing toasty sweetness. It's an everyday, cheeseburger-friendly Merlot.
Ripe cherry and luscious watermelon aromas waft from this summery, fresh wine. It's dry on the palate but concentrated, with bright cherry and berry flavors. Round and lush yet briskly balanced, it's a great summer quaffer at a fantastic price.
Ripe cherry and raspberry aromas are accented by red flower and light turmeric tones. Lissome and juicy, the palate is robed with fine powdery tannins that lend the finish some toehold.
Ripe cherry and white pepper aromas lead the nose. The ripe, straightforward palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry and star anise while smooth tannins provide the polished framework. Drink through 2018.
Ripe cherry aromas swirl into graphite minerality, sweet wood and sagebrush scents in this delicious Jim Clendenen wine. The density on the palate is just about perfect, as is the tannic tension and mouth-cleansing acidity, with rich flavors of chemise, very ripe raspberry and elderberry juice proving quite sultry and addictive.
Ripe cherry fruit and tobacco are backed by subtle tones of toasted almond and smoked bacon fat. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Sangiovese blend delivers dense, slightly sweet flavors with a very soft, yielding texture that would pair well with succulent beef or lamb.
Ripe cherry, blackberry and new oak flavors mark this gorgeous Cabernet. The tannins are strong but refined. Blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it's a luxurious, elegant wine for drinking now and over the next eight years.
Ripe cherry, cassis, animal and smoke aromas are staunch. Saturated, drawing and highly tannic now, this needs age. Currently, flavors of medicinal cherry and cassis run deep and strong. Toasty, chocolaty, minty finishing flavors add to a simmering whole. Drink through 2024.
Ripe cherry, cedar, vanilla and spice aromas are followed by soft red berries, cinnamon and vanilla flavors in this appealing Cabernet/Agiorgitiko blend. Overall soft and rich, the wine has a chalky, clean finish and a spin of spice.
Ripe cherry, clove, cinnamon, leather and spice shape a well-balanced wine that exhibits both depth and complexity. Tones of prunes and dried fruit add warm accents and the wine delivers smooth but firm tannins.
Ripe citrus notes appear immediately, recalling Amalfi lemon with rounder notions of tangerine and mandarine. The palate slims down to a light-footed, slender core of juicy, friendly and invigorating freshness. Streamlined and lemony, it evokes a citrusy brightness that seems almost cleansing.
Ripe Concord pear and an intriguing, phenolic mouthfeel combine in this highly drinkable light white. There is enough weight to support food and a pleasing hint of savoriness as well as depth.
Ripe Concord pear and lemon zest beckon on the nose, and a lively lemon vein goes right through this refreshing little number. Drink now, preferably with lots of sunshine.
Ripe Concord pear informs the nose and palate. This is gentle and smooth, elegant and fine-boned—yet there is a juicy, ripe core brightened by citrus freshness that makes this a real tonic of a wine. Lovely and full of charm, with a masterfully light touch.
Ripe cranberry and raspberry scents combine with wet slate and marjoram on the nose of this bottling from the Dwarf Oak Vineyard, located in a historic winegrowing region. The palate is broad with macerated raspberry and strawberry fruit, spiced with garrigue and white pepper touches.
Ripe dark-fruit aromas come with ample oak, spice and balsamic notes. It's lush and deep in the mouth, with a shot of lemony acidity for mooring. Blackberry, loamy berry, baking spice and toast flavors finish plump, round and with a cedary note. Drink through 2022.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, baking spice and Mediterranean brush aromas waft out of the glass. The full-bodied yet one-dimensional palate delivers wild cherry, black raspberry, star anise and salty mineral notes made bolder by alcohol warmth and big, velvety tannins. Drink 2019–2024.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, forest floor and cooking spice aromas lead the nose along with a whiff of new leather. The chewy palate offers fleshy black cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of tobacco while polished tannins provide the framework. This is already accessible so no need to cellar it for years. Best through 2021.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, French oak, espresso and coconut aromas emerge in the glass. Youthful and taut, the palate doles out Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle and vanilla flavors, set against a frame of tightly knit, refined tannins.
Ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush, new oak, vanilla leather, sage and cured meat aromas meld in the glass. The full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, fig, licorice and exotic spice alongside velvety tannins.
Ripe dark berries meet chocolate, herbs and charred meat on the nose. The palate is plush but wrapped in muscular tannins, a nice lick of acidity and a toasty, charred finish. Drink now–2025.
Ripe dark berry, sweet cake spice and pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas you'll find on this stunning wine. The palate shows structure and finesse, doling out black cherry, raspberry, black pepper, clove and anise alongside firm, velvety tannins and bright acidity.
Ripe dark fruit, leather and chocolate aromas lead the nose on this rich, full-bodied wine. The concentrated palate delivers layers of crushed black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and clove. Accents of mocha and clove add depth while polished tannins give it a velvety texture. Drink 2015–2019.
Ripe dark fruit, menthol, tilled earth and underbrush aromas lead the nose along with a balsamic note. The palate is still a bit shy but eventually reveals mature berry, baking spice and a hint of truffle alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
Ripe dark fruit, tilled earth, cooking spice and an herbaceous note waft out of the glass. On the palate, notes of grilled sage, clove, ground pepper and anise accent a core of dried black cherry. Assertive but refined tannins support the flavors.
Ripe del Falco is a successful experiment in the aging ability of Gaglioppo, a native variety of Calabria in Southern Italy. The light-bodied, crimson-colored wine shows tertiary aromas of spicy dried fruit, red licorice and wild mushroom. Not everyone will like it, but if you fancy yourself an enological archeologist, give it a try: The tannins are fine-grained and the delicate wine has aged well over the years.
Ripe dense aromas of blackberry and cassis border on prune and raisin but pull back. A compact saturated palate is held together by hard, pounding tannins, while grapy black-fruit flavors show a chocolaty note of fudge. A condensed tannic finish is heavy and feels a bit overextracted.
Ripe earthy aromas of raisin and oaky vanilla open this heavy, saturated Tannat that displays jagged tartaric acidity and heat (15.5% ABV). Stewed berry, raisin and vanilla flavors finish full, tannic and chunky. All in all, this seems a bit overdone and overripe.
Ripe earthy berry aromas are supported by more than enough oak and sawdust. Following the nose like a map, this Malbec from San Rafael feels resiny. A mix of toasty spicy oak-based flavors blends well with boysenberry and salty notes, while this finishes full and with a draping of toasty blackened oak.
Ripe enough grapes, filled with blueberry and black raspberry and pepper flavors, and on the smooth and mellow side. That said, there's a rustic quality, jagged and earthy, and a hint of bitterness in the finish that detracts. —S.H.
Ripe enough in blackberries, currants and mocha, with an earthy, tobacco herbaceousness. The tannins are potent, making the wine hard. Drink now, after a good decanting.
Ripe enough in raspberry, cherry and mulberry fruit, with some flashy notes, but it's all sweet, upfront flavor, with not much else going on. The acidity is fine and the tannins are pretty, but this ultimately is a fairly simple, jammy wine.
Ripe flavors and a plush texture have not gone out of style in this opulent and tasty Viognier. Although not technically sweet, it has all these great dessert flavors: hazelnuts, toasted almonds and poached pears. The finish lasts 30 seconds or more.
Ripe flavors and full body give this wine plenty of impact, its thick layer of fine tannins holding together ripe plum and black cherry fruit. It has good concentration to match its grippy, tannic mouthfeel, so it's a good candidate for further aging. Best from 2020.
Ripe flavors of apple and pear highlight this expressive and easy-drinking wine. It's medium bodied and solidly built, with a hint of graham cracker running through the finish.
Ripe flavors of blackberries, currants and leather mark this blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah. It's tannic and very dry, with alcohol providing fat, glyceriney richness.
Ripe flavors of orange and tropical fruit jam abound, with a buttered toast richness from the oak. Its appeal is all upfront, with a simple, popular sweetness.
Ripe flavors suggest vanilla banana custard, along with sweet apple and smooth caramel. Some time spent in French oak brings up a finish with highlights of toasted nuts.
Ripe fleshy blackberry and plum notes are pristine and pretty in this richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon. It's densely concentrated on the palate, but brisk acidity and glimmers of violet, lavender and graphite lend levity and freshness. Approachable already yet regal with fine firm tannins, it's ready to drink now but should continue to improve for at least another decade.
Ripe fleshy cantaloupe and pineapple flavors abound in this forward fruity Chardonnay. Its juicy, almost overripe, fruit expression is accentuated by soft slightly yielding acidity. Drink now.
Ripe forest-fruit aromas are upfront, easily supporting the ample woody spice and toasted character. The palate is fruit-forward, with the black plum core taking center stage to the licorice and anise accents. The fine tannins and juicy fruit flavors make this approachable and enjoyable now.
Ripe forward notes of apricot, tangerine and berry on the nose gain restraint on the palate of this dry Riesling. Tart lemon-lime acidity and earthier notes of dust and pollen add to its subdued style. The crisp tangerine finish is long and refreshing.
Ripe fragrant, yellow mirabelle plums constitute the chief perfume of this charming wine. The palate holds even more fruity nuance but is dry, concentrated and linear, being carried forward by zesty freshness and lemony overtones. This is clean, charming, taut and dry with a bracing nature and a clean, brisk finish.
Ripe from the beginning, with big berry aromas matched by sweet molasses and brown sugar aromas. Round, full and jammy in the mouth, with sweet berry flavors and notes of mild spices and vanilla. Long and just a bit oaky on the finish. Nice and approachable; drink now through 2013.
Ripe fruit and acidity coexist in this wine. Flavors of luscious peaches are accompanied by smoke, almonds and tight acidity. It's definitely a wine with character, but offers further aging potential. Drink until 2019.
Ripe fruit and balanced acidity allow this wine to make room for touches of wood aging. It has spice, a smoky character and attractive finishing freshness. Drink from 2017 when the wine will be fully balanced.
Ripe fruit and chocolate rise upfront but the wine also offers background tones of old leather and spice. This 75-25 Sangiovese and Merlot blend is plush, rich and sits comfortably on the palate. Pair it with lasagna or stuffed pasta with meat sauce.
Ripe fruit and dark-chocolate flavors mark out this concentrated wine. Intense flavors bring out the black plum and damson fruit and heavy tannins that lie behind. Drink the wine from 2018.
Ripe fruit and lush but subtle oak accents make a good combo in this full-bodied, complex and layered wine. Generous, ripe plum notes harmonize with light cinnamon and cocoa accents.
Ripe fruit and new oak combine for lush, complex flavors in this dramatic young Pinot Noir. It shows real flair in the raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, with vanilla and buttered cinnamon toast from aging in French barrels. Easy to like now for its silky texture and long, pure spicy finish.
Ripe fruit and new oak combine to produce a wine of power, if not of subtlety. A Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend of Bordeaux varieties, it blasts the palate with blackberry jam, cassis, chocolate and caramelized new oak flavors, and the acidity is soft and mild.
Ripe fruit and oak loom large in this wine, produced from relatively old vines in the heart of the appellation, long a source for the producer's Pinot Noir. Preserved lemon, fleshy melon and caramel dance around each other, steeped in Golden Delicious apple, honey and pear. A high wire of acidity marks the finish.
Ripe fruit and oak mark this Cabernet Franc-dominated blend. That's both to its credit as well as a drawback. The wine is massive in cherry jam, currant and caramelized oak flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. But it's somewhat one-dimensional. Drink now–2016.
Ripe fruit and oak mark this simple but likeable wine that's all about summer raspberries and cherries. There's a good balance of acidity and some firm tannins, but it's a wine to drink now.
Ripe fruit and plenty of astringent tannins give this a bold but unbending feel. Fans of really big reds will enjoy it now with a juicy steak or bacon cheeseburger, and time will tell if it mellows into a more approachable style.
Ripe fruit and vibrant acidity combine to make this an easy-drinking wine. It exhibits honey-drizzled lemon, orange and pear flavors, but the acidity saves the day.
Ripe fruit aromas and flavors ooze from this full-bodied but silky-textured wine. It tastes like a late-harvest style, with cherry and blood orange flavors, and seems well-suited for kicking back by the fire after a meal, eating chunks of cheese.
Ripe fruit aromas give this wine its full-bodied feel. It has acidity and spicy tannins while the rich fruit theme continues. It should develop well and be ready from 2018.
Ripe fruit aromas mingle with pepper, leather, mocha and spice on the nose of this elegant red. Dry and balanced, the palate offers ripe berry and spicy notes, and a lingering finish. Good textured tannins add to the ageable appeal.
Ripe fruit aromas of cherry and blackberry jam appear on the nose and give this wine a sunny personality. Make no mistake, this is an easy, decidedly un-complex wine, but it is fun and refreshing to drink over an informal meal with family and friends.
Ripe fruit aromas of red raspberry, red plum and cassis lead the bouquet of this Bulgarian Mavrud, with secondary notes of smoked meats and cocoa powder that add intrigue. The silky mouthfeel has flavors of ripe red fruits followed by a bright acidic finish.
Ripe fruit aromas of strawberry or raspberry marmalade distinguish this plush, modern Brunello. Those jammy fruit notes are followed by a quick succession of spice, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg nuances. It's a soft, silky wine with bright sweetness to the mouthfeel.
Ripe fruit aromas show alongside an equally rich, creamy palate. This wine has attractive lemon and crisp apple flavors, touched by wood to give a smooth, rich aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Ripe fruit combines with fine tannins to make for a Cabernet that's easy to drink, yet good enough for an expensive cut of steak. The black cherry and raspberry flavors have a brambly edge, almost like a Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Don't look for Napa smoothness and opulence; instead, let the rustic nature of this wine charm you.
Ripe fruit dominates this forward, fruity wine. Caramel and blackberry flavors and firm tannins combine to make a wine that is almost ready to drink.
Ripe fruit explodes in this wine, which swamps the mouth with crushed, jammy blackberries, cherries and raspberries. Oak adds sweet buttered toast and smoke, but it's the fruit that really stars.
Ripe fruit flavors advance from apple to pear to honey as you sniff and sip this wine. It tastes clean and fruity, with a medium body and a smooth texture that allows the fruitiness to linger on the finish.
Ripe fruit flavors and a delicious spiciness combine to make this full-bodied but not very tannic wine easy to love. It smells like cherries and raspberries, tastes full but not sweet, and has a texture that spreads and softens on the palate like melting chocolate. It's made with 50% Zinfandel and almost equal parts Syrah, Carignane and Petite Sirah.
Ripe fruit flavors and a gorgeously rich texture make this full-bodied wine difficult to resist. It smells like Pippin apples and toasted almonds, tastes more like Bosc pears with a layer of cream on top, yet it's dry and well balanced.
Ripe fruit flavors and an easy but refined foamy texture make this light salmon-colored bubbly taste generous, complete, fruity and fresh. A touch of sweetness in the cherry and berry flavors keep the impression smooth and the flavors fruity through the finish.
Ripe fruit flavors and chocolate accents give opulent character to this full-bodied wine. The flavors are suggestive of late-picked grapes, raisins and ripe figs, while the texture is easy and almost soft, with no tannic bite.
Ripe fruit flavors like prunes and raisins, and a soft, smooth texture make this wine easy to drink as it spreads across the palate and fills the mouth with flavor. Relatively light in color, it is gentle in texture compared to many of its peers with more tannin, and should be popped and enjoyed soon.
Ripe fruit flavors of berry and plum are enveloped in spice-cake highlights. The citrus-infused acids bring in a hint of grapefruit and lemon. This is a complex wine, with fascinating components, and beginning to pull itself together.
Ripe fruit in the mouth, with a fine layer of green plums, apricots and balancing acidity. An open wine, generous in texture and weight, ready to drink in the next few months.
Ripe fruit meets butter and spice in this medium-bodied, smooth and integrated wine. It opens with Bosc pear and golden apple aromas, melding with vanilla and marzipan notes, its richness of flavor nicely buoyed up by acidity.
Ripe fruit stars in this exuberant wine. It flatters with black cherry, blackberry, anise and cassis flavors that go on and on into a lnto a long, spicy finish. Beyond that it's a little sweet, and seems best now, with a salty, peppery steak or chop.
Ripe fruit stars, with swathes of tannin. The fruit is juicy, with the typical 2006 freshness, jelly and jam textures giving sweetness. Generous, rich, and likely to be ready in the next 2–3 years.
Ripe fruit suggests a wine that is soft, juicy and unlikely to age for long. It has red berry flavors, attractive tannins and fine finishing acidity.
Ripe fruit tones and layers of spice (clove, cinnamon and black pepper) fold seamlessly together as one. The wine represents a hardy blend of Negroamaro and Montepulciano and offers the solid structure and firmness that you should expect from these two masculine indigenous grapes.
Ripe fruit tones of raspberry jam and blackberry jelly open the bouquet giving this Brunello a plump, sun-kissed personality. It shows a dark garnet color in the glass and has flavors of toasted espresso bean, tobacco, leather and spice with aromatic vanilla endnotes.
Ripe fruit with soft acidity chracterize this wine that has great concentration, jammy flavors, strawberry jelly and a generous plum skin texture.
Ripe fruit, augmented with a little earthiness, some barnyard scents, and then layers of dark spice and smoke.
Ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry liqueur and cinnamon characterize this hearty red. It finishes with notes of tobacco, plum and exotic spice.
Ripe fruit, dried apricot, candied fruit and sweet caramel open the nose of this amber-colored dessert wine. The wine imparts a thick, chewy mouthfeel, with loads of apricot sweetness and honey-coated almond on the finish.
Ripe fruit, firm tannins and acidity are showing the potential of this wine. With its blackberry flavors and attractive light tannins, this one should be ready to drink soon, certainly by early 2018.
Ripe fruit, good, even high acidity, a touch of wood: everything is here, except for the nagging edge of rusticity that often pervades the Carmo estate wine. It needs more polish.
Ripe fruit, in the form of raspberries, cherries and figs, characterizes this luscious Pinot. But it has much more going for it than that. The tannins are rich and complex, the finish is dry and spicy, and the overall impression is of wine with a great pedigree. Drink over the next six years.
Ripe fruit, juicy acidity and a fine balance of tannins give this wine great potential. It's full of blackberry flavors as well as some solid, structured tannins. Drink from 2020.
Ripe fruit, new wood flavors and a rounded character give this structured and textured wine a fine sense of shape. It has weight, richness and a well balanced texture. Age it for four years.
Ripe fruit, prune, sticky pipe tobacco and rum cake notes are bold and big, with thick aromatic embroidery and broader brush strokes. Structured and incredibly smooth on the finish. This wine shows a fine, velvety texture.
Ripe fruit, spice, strawberry, plum, prune and rum cake characterize the intense bouquet of this hearty Bolgheri blend. There's a touch of sharpness or bitter chocolate on the close.
Ripe fruit, strawberry marmalade, spice and BBQ sauce characterize this mature expression of Amarone by Domenico Fraccaroli. The wine is sweet and creamy in the mouth but that overripe note of jammy fruit appears once more in the mouth.
Ripe fruit, sweet tannins and soft texture mark this wine. It's full, ripe and lightly structured. An attractive wine for its black fruit and forward character. Drink in 2–4 years.
Ripe fruit, touched by vanilla, layered with dark tannins: this is a winning formula, a wine packed with black jelly flavors, made more tense by acidity and smoothed with the hint of wood.
Ripe fruits show strongly in this wine. Plum and black cherry flavors are underscored by the firm tannins and solid structure. That suggests the wine, with its acidity, will age through 2015.
Ripe Golden Pearmain apples and juicy, red-cheeked Comice pears are infinitely inviting on the nose, the fullish palate is more restrained and toned, fresh and zippy, channeling richness into concentrated length with a wonderfully lip-smacking, delicious finish.
Ripe grape jelly notes lead this big-boned Shiraz, followed by licorice and dry, brittle oak. The acid and tannins are in balance on the palate, while the oak is a little prominent. Despite that, plenty of juicy fruit follows through to the finish. Drink now–2022.
Ripe grapefruit aromas take care of the nose, while the palate shows smooth-edged citrus and grapefruit flavors. For a warm-vintage wine, this one is holding in pretty well; it has a plump body but enough liveliness to do what it should with food. Drink now; it's not getting any better.
Ripe grapefruit, green plums and other green stone fruits all show that this wine has some weight, allied with a steely interior. Still young, it fills the mouth with yeast and some toast, but more of an intense freshness.
Ripe grapes give a rich, fruity, crisp and clean wine. Strong minerality, spice and dried fruits come together with tight lemon flavors to produce an intense wine with high acidity at the end. Drink young.
Ripe grapy aromas are more chunky than mammoth. Saturated and muscular on the palate, this tastes of roasted salty blackberry, while the finish is full and meaty in both flavor and texture. Drink this stout full-bodied Malbec through 2022.
Ripe grass scents meet with green pear, dill, thyme and gooseberries on the nose of this vivacious wine. It's very approachable and easy to like once sipped, with green-apple ripeness, pepperiness in the midpalate and delicious kiwi fruit throughout, altogether crisp and fresh.
Ripe green and white fruits give a fresh while warm character to this wine. An herbaceous element brings in a more tangy character. It is fresh at the end, very fruity while still young. Drink from late 2015. Produced by Grands Chais de France.
Ripe green pear and a leafy, savory edge of watercress with a phenolic dimension on the mouthfeel create a rich and concentrated wine. The rounded palate demands food.
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.
Ripe hay, vanilla, and apricot mark the nose; deep orange flavors with cinnamon spice notes and a very smooth mouthfeel are the already promising attributes of this infant. All the right elements are there, and in good balance. Best cellared for three to five years.
Ripe heady aromas of black cherry, licorice and fir tree are lightly herbal, foresty and on the money. This feels tight as a box of nails, with firm tannins. Black plum, black cherry, blackberry and peppery flavors finish toasty and dark. This has a lot of life left in it. Drink through 2024.
Ripe honeydew and peach notes lend a welcome touch of richness to this dry, slightly stark Riesling. The midpalate bristles with acidity, finishing tart and citrusy.
Ripe honeydew and yellow cherries perfume this sunny, concentrated semi-sweet Riesling. It's boldly fruit forward in style, but focused acidity and a lean, steely mineral tone gives it surprising depth and complexity. It's a great find for an excellent price.
Ripe honeydew melon and grapefruit flavors are edged with lime acidity in this sunny, dry wine. It's refreshing and crisp, with a hint of dusty mineral on the finish.
Ripe in blackberries and cherries, this affordable Cabernet has an edge of toasty oak. It's an easy wine to drink now, at a good price.
Ripe in color and aromas, this chunky wine delivers heavy baked-berry and raisin aromas in front of a jammy, extracted palate. Raisin and cooked berry flavors finish plump, with earthy notes.
Ripe in dense black cherry, this wine has a pleasant juiciness that keeps it balanced in the glass. A firmness of acidity supports the well-integrated tannins and lithe fruit, while the finish brings a swirl of cinnamon-cola and vanilla.
Ripe in green apple, banana and pineapple, this is a heavily barrel-influenced wine, intense in petroleum and toasty vanilla. Save this for buttery lobster or risotto dishes.
Ripe in oak, this Chardonnay has aromas of candied lemon and chiffon, and is crisp in acidity with a taste of wet stone and fresh peach. With layers and depth, the oak rears its head most prominently on the finish.
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.
Ripe in strawberry and pineapple and dark pinkish-orange in color, this is straightforward and dry. Smooth and tangy to drink, it's accented in a citrus finish akin to fresh-pressed juice.
Ripe in style, this is a full-bodied, creamy wine. It has fine acidity despite its rich texture and generous, warm feel. On the finish, the wine remains full and open in character.
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.
Ripe in tropical fruit, apricot and Meyer lemon flavors, it shows plenty of toasty oak. It's dry and creamy but not particularly complex. Drink up.
Ripe indeed, with confectioner's sugar, vanilla ice cream and honey aromas that lead to a light-to-medium-bodied palate with some disjointed oak notes and a slightly oily texture. Short but pleasant finish of figs and candied lemons. Drink up.
Ripe jammy aromas of red currants and berries set up a linear-feeling palate that is ruled by zesty core acidity. This blend of Carignan, Garnacha and Mataro tastes of snappy saucy red-berry fruits, while the finish slings a bit of tomatoey tang. Drink through 2024.
Ripe lemon and lime flavors cut right through this crisp, fruity wine. Acidity and hints of pineapple and peach are part of the mix. It is still young and should be held until late 2014.
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.
Ripe lemon, lime and tropical fruit flavors lend this wine a sugary tone. Fine acidity provides balance. Drink it with sweeter fare, such as ham, sausages, or melon with prosciutto.
Ripe lemon, lime, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavors, touched with sweet, smoky oak, combine with brisk acidity to make this 100% Sauvignon Blanc instantly likeable. It has a touch of lemongrass and gooseberry that makes it savory.
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.
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.
Ripe luscious aromas of fleshy red plum and cherries turn a bit more demure on the palate of this Pinot Noir rosé. It's a full bodied wine with yielding acidity and pleasant heft on the palate. A touch of minerality lends elegance to the finish.
Ripe luscious black-cherry and berry notes lend heft to this bold concentrated rosé. It's just a shade off dry, but balances neatly, juxtaposing crisp acidity against lavish texture and a pleasantly clingy finish.
Ripe luscious pear fruit almost has a touch of maple syrup on the nose. The palate, which still has ample carbon dioxide from the fermentation for a little fizz, is light and fresh, lemony and bouncy, alive with a kind of earthy goodness. It is the lemon that lasts longest on the dry refreshing palate and makes for a lip-smacking finish.
Ripe malty berry aromas blend seamlessly with darker notes of toasty oak and asphalt. This Cab Franc (with 15% Malbec) feels big and pulpy, but also healthy and juicy. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and mixed herbs finish with oaky notes of mocha, coffee and toasty berry. Drink through 2024.
Ripe mandarin with tender touches of white blossom beckons invitingly on the nose. The palate is precise, toned and sprightly. This wine dances nimbly on the palate, touching here with tangerine, there with lemon. Spicy zestiness lasts and lasts.
Ripe mango perfume extends from the nose to the palate of this bright, tropical, medium-sweet Riesling. Concentrated, with loads of sweet fruits and sunny yellow flowers, it's a straightforward yet irresistibly juicy sip.
Ripe mango, peach and pineapple all come together in this rich, opulent wine. Round yet there's a strong ginger and spice component. This is a complex wine, textured, rich and worth aging for at least another two years. Glass stopper.
Ripe melon and grapefruit flavors are plush and pristine in this forward off-dry Riesling. Zesty tangerine acidity brightens the midpalate and leads a moderately long, sugar-cookie finish. It's a refreshing, fruity quaffer intended for youthful consumption.
Ripe melon and subtle white flowers meld with fresh apple and pear on the nose and palate of this lovely Malvasia from Ivica Matoevi´c. Quite voluptuous in style with a silky, slightly oily mouthfeel, the palate is bright with sweet stone fruit and a pleasantly bitter almond note that lingers on the finish.
Ripe melons and pears dance a delicate duet on the palate—softly and gently shifting ever so slightly from honeydew to Bosc and back, before turning lean and citrusy on the finish.
Ripe Merlot gives this wine its richness and concentration. It is filled with black fruits, hints of the wood aging and with tannins cushioned by the fruit. Acidity shows strongly at the end, leaving a bright aftertaste. Drink from 2020.
Ripe Merlot pushes through the tight tannins that are still evident in this wine. This dark, dry core dominates initially, and needs time to open up to show the vivid black currant flavors, touched with dried fruits and fresh finishing acidity.
Ripe Meyer lemon hovers just beneath the surface of this wine, filling its core with generous, refreshing but never sharp acidity. It fizzes ever so slightly, following through with appetizing zestiness and fruity freshness only to leave a long, citrus-scented aftertaste.
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.
Ripe mirabelle fruit plays on the nose and leads onto a very rich, creamy but fresh palate. This is autolytic generosity set against bright lemony fruity freshness. The creamy mousse adds to the creaminess even more but also accentuates spiky lemon. The palate is bone dry but full of rich flavors. This is lovely now but will gain from bottle age. Drink 2017–2025.
Ripe Mirabelle plum and summer blossom create an inviting nose. These friendly, easy flavors persist on the slender palate that is enlivened by some spritz. Ample lemon freshness lasts through the dry, easy palate until the lively finish.
Ripe Mirabelle plums and tart, red apples mix to give a very fruity, appetizing aspect which on the palate is joined by ripe, lemony freshness. This has the balance and drama everyone wishes for in dry Riesling: both generous fruit and ample freshness. Lovely now but with the balance and concentration to last. Lovely Mirabelle finish of immense length. Drink 2016–2026.
Ripe mulberry and grape jelly scent this rich, fruity blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is lush and pulpy, with rich black-fruit flavors kissed with the barest whisper of tannins.
Ripe notes of apricot and white currant are threaded together with a delicate scent of pineapple. The palate tastes nectarous yet zesty, thanks to the uplifting acidity that gives the wine some pizazz.
Ripe notes of black cherry rise from the glass. The richness of the fruit is also apparent on the fleshy palate, where cherry notes fill out into red and black juiciness, with just a touch of the variety's telltale pepper. This wine is almost bouncy and reveals its firm grip and freshness only on the finish that echoes long.
Ripe notes of cherry, black fruit, dried apple skin and tobacco leaf appear on the nose of this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc-Marzemino blend. The wine is chewy and dense in the mouth but there's a slightly bitter note on the close that comes as a surprise.
Ripe notes of juicy yellow-pear waft from the glass The palate is equally full-fruited but comes with a dry, crisp and refreshing palate and a clean finish.
Ripe notes of Mirabelle plums rise from the glass. The palate casts the aromatic richness of floral stone fruit against the citric freshness. Hints of honeysuckle and apricot play about this elegant, restrained and balanced wine.
Ripe notes of pineapple and firm guava are framed by bracing acidity that lends a slight prickle to the palate. Flavors of sweet grass and Key lime develop and carry onto the clean finish. Drink now.
Ripe notes of raspberry and strawberry come to the forefront and are followed by spice, bramble and distant mineral tones. The wine is chewy, bright and polished and there's a nice finale that sees both bitter almond and chocolate.
Ripe notes of stone fruit and apple blossom lend a lavish air to this dry yet penetrating Pinot Gris. It's big and voluptuous, but it finishes clean, with lingering minerality and a flash of green flower.
Ripe notes of yellow pear are rounded with creamy notes of yeast. There are overtones of dried hayflowers and fresh, green spring meadows. The palate comes together around a vein of zesty, enlivening lime freshness and leaves a clean, mouthwatering finish.
Ripe notes of yellow pear pop up on nose and palate. The body is light and easy.
Ripe notes of yellow plum dance on the palate against a firm, citric background of immense freshness. This stands with poise and a seriously straight back. The midpalate is as savoury as soy sauce. Totally enlivening and refreshing with a lovely, concentrated core and backbone.
Ripe notions of fruit—typical for 2015—are apparent from the word go. There is juicy yellow plum and even a hint of tropicality—pineapple perhaps. This is rich and rounded, balanced with generous lemon freshness and textured with lees contact. There is weight on the midpalate, which leaves a lasting, if juicy impression.
Ripe notions of juicy peach and yellow pear rise from the glass. Around the edges they have an aromatic touch of grapefruit zest. That zesty notion remains a constant fixture on the very rich medium-sweet palate, countering the luscious richness of the fruit which shines with honeyed peach, juicy pear and ripe tangerine. It is the zestiness that frames everything on this rich powerful palate. This is lovely now but it has all the fruit and concentration to age well. Drink 2017–2037.
Ripe notions of juicy pear and hay flowers have a lovely zesty edge on the nose. The palate confirms this with concentrated counterpoints of honeyed fruit and bright citrus zestiness. This is full on and rich, and a touch of residual sweetness gives this extra heft and conviction. It is the citrus freshness that provides structure and direction. The finish is merely off dry, so this will shine alongside various dishes. Drink 2017–2025.
Ripe notions of Mirabelle and Reine Claude plums exude their fresh, fruity flavors. On the palate they gain focus with lemon and lime zest. A wonderfully light-footed, balanced and zippy Riesling with a spicy edge of conifer and citrus foliage. The aftertaste is astonishingly lasting. A beauty.
Ripe notions of orange and ripe apple fizz on nose and palate. This wine is fresh, dry and full of ripe citrus notes. It's an easy but wonderfully dry Riesling that spells juicy joy.
Ripe notions of yellow Mirabelle plum make for a friendly, inviting opening. Lemony freshness persists on the palate where it is joined by spicy white pepper and a savory, salty undertone of yeast. This is refreshing, light and moreish.
Ripe oaky aromas include prune and raisin scents along with vanilla. This is somewhat rough and heavy in feel, with baked blackberry flavors and roasted meaty notes. A full blast of minty spicy oak controls the finish.
Ripe oaky aromas of marzipan, vanilla and baked berry fruits are soft and raisiny. This blend of 40% Carignan and 30% each of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon feels rich, saturated and smooth. Flavors of raisin, prune, spiced cherry and cheesy oak finish with a reprise of raisiny ripeness. Drink through 2018.
Ripe on the attack, with flavors of fleshy, yellow stone fruit and marmalade, this voluptuous yet dry Riesling is balanced, with layers of crushed stone and slate-driven minerality. Tart, citrusy acidity sends a sunny shockwave to your senses.
Ripe on the nose, with aromas of fruit cocktail and sweet tea, this is a straightforward Riesling bound to please most. The round and peach-driven palate is enlivened by a citrus backdrop, providing just enough lift to carry the short finish.
Ripe orange and plump stone fruits rise from the glass while subtle rose scents hover. The palate is fresh. There is enough acidity and a slightly bitter phenolic edge to frame the peach and orange fruit that is augmented by a little residual sweetness. The finish is off dry. Drink while flavors are fresh.
Ripe orange and spun sugar are the key aromas on this foamy, sweet-tasting rosé Cava. Bold peach, plum and raspberry flavors are more a mass than individually defined, while the finish is tasty but unremarkable.
Ripe orange, lime and honey flavors combine with tingly, mouth-watering acidity to give this dry Chardonnay a sweet-and-sour taste. It's an easy wine to drink with mushroom risotto, garlic shrimp, chicken fajitas.
Ripe oranges notes give a very fruity character to this balanced wine. It doesn't have the huge richness of some TBAs, but does have layers of honey, peaches and fine, perfumed acidity. Drink from 2016.
Ripe orchard fruit and pressed yellow flower aromas lead the nose while the medium-bodied palate offers yellow apple and pear flavors. A hint of orange zest lends a tangy finish.
Ripe orchard fruit, acacia, Spanish broom and citrus aromas lead the nose of this wine. On the enveloping, structured palate, a honeyed mineral note adds depth to mature pear, lemon drop and hazelnut flavors. Fresh acidity lends balance. It's an amazing achievement for the cool, wet vintage.
Ripe orchard fruit, mature citrus and honey aromas set the tone. On the structured palate, sage and toasted almond notes add interest to mature yellow peach fruit while a hint of lemon drop lends a tangy finish.
Ripe peach and citrus blossom pervade over a delicate honeycomb aroma. Lush nectarine and tart tropical fruit give way on the palate, with crushed stone providing much needed tension. This medium-dry Riesling would be best enjoyed as an apéritif.
Ripe peach and floral aromas waft from this sprightly off-dry Riesling. A hint of pressed apple lends a savory feel to the mid palate, but it finishes briskly with a squirt of lemon and lime.
Ripe peach and lemon meet graham cracker on the nose and palate. Medium in weight, with a slightly flabby feel, green apple acidity works hard to maintain balance.
Ripe peach and nectarine aromas and flavors are at the forefront of this friendly, approachable Moscato, with touches of melon, pear and sweet orange to round it out. The palate is bright and balanced, with solid stone-fruit and pear flavors that finish fresh and easy.
Ripe peach and yellow cherry aromas take a turn towards the tropics on the palate of this intensely fruity wine. It's semi-dry in style with a slightly candied tone but balanced neatly by tart lemon­-lime acidity. Drink now.
Ripe peach aromas come with mild oxidized notes and waxy apple scents. This is mouthfilling yet fresh in feel, with punchy acidity. Flavors of baked, spiced apple are a touch briny, and continued similarly to the balanced finish.
Ripe peach mingles with a mix of phenolics and zestiness on the concentrated midpalate. Structured and spicy, it delivers peppery impact and a prolonged finish.
Ripe peach nectar and apricot fuel the rather simple bouquet of this one-dimensional Chardonnay. There's a distant touch of freshness on the otherwise waxy finish.
Ripe peach on the nose has some earthy undertones. The palate is fresh but has the same earthy and slightly muddy aspect. Lemon freshness brightens the flavors and creates subtle balance. Drink soon.
Ripe peach, apple and exotic fruit aromas lead the nose and carry over to the round, easy-drinking palate along with hints of sage and white almond. A light mineral note lends energy.
Ripe peach, honeysuckle and honeydew are pronounced in the aromas of this late harvest wine. Juicy in feel, there is something not unlike the syrup in a can of peaches. Without needed acidity, it feels flabby and ends in a short finish.
Ripe peach, pear and tropical fruit flavors mingle with caramelized oak to give this Chardonnay a honeyed taste. Brisk acidity and a suggestion of wet stones provide balancing structure.
Ripe peaches are glazed with honey and dusted with crushed stone in this sweet wine that's lush and honeyed yet manages to retain some measure of restraint. A hint of citrus pith on the finish provides balance.
Ripe pear-pineapple fruit is layered with vanilla and tinged with citrus. This is a plump, slightly heavy Chard best served cold at parties and picnics.
Ripe pear and yellow plum vie for prominence on the nose, while the palate is full of savory, peppery kitchen herbs like chervil, lovage and dried sage. The midpalate phenolic texture destines this for the table where it will shine with subtly spiced dishes. Wonderfully complex and long.
Ripe pear fruit comes with a spicy, peppery edge that blends creamy aloe vera with zesty grapefruit peel freshness. So easy and pleasant to drink and yet not without sophistication.
Ripe pear fruit introduces a full-bodied Pinot Gris, and carries it through a satisfying finish. It's fruit all the way, dusted with a little taste of cinnamon spice.
Ripe pear is bathed in honey on the nose and palate of this wine. There is a touch of pleasant bitterness reminiscent of fir honey. All this is countered by lemon zest freshness that brightens and lightens and brings beautiful balance and poise. The finish is moreish and refreshing. Drink 2017–2030.
Ripe pear on nose and palate is the central theme on this broad-shouldered and richly textured wine. A dollop of sweetness is countered with fresh lime acidity that concludes in ripe accord.
Ripe pear shot through with savory notes of lovage and yeast create an appetizing nose. The palate holds the same savory dimension but is streamlined by welcome, citric freshness reminiscent of grapefruit peel. A phenolic component makes for real mouthfeel and texture—one of the characteristic joys of Grüner. This is a tight little bomb waiting to go off. It will do so in great fashion from about 2018.
Ripe pear, apple and tropical fruit in the nose leads into easy-drinking yellow fruit flavors on the palate. Creamy with a clean finish—a great everyday sip that will pair well with poultry, salads, cheeses.
Ripe pear, melon and pineapple aromas lead the way, while the creamy-textured palate delivers more muskmelon and apricot, with a hint of ginger, suggesting a bit Viognier is in the blend. The finish is clean and refreshing. Drink now.
Ripe pear, peach and a wild-thyme-scented edge play on nose. They continue on the slender, focused palate into a long trajectory of flavor that remains dry and refreshing throughout.
Ripe perfumed black fruits dominate this cru wine. They float above the firm tannins and concentrated acidity to offer a wine that will become rich and generous as it develops. A touch of pepper and spice adds to the layers of fruit. Drink from 2018
Ripe pineapple, apricot and honey aromas presage a full-bodied, ripe wine. The melon and stone fruit flavors are broad and soft, lingering on the finish despite relatively low acidity. Drink now.
Ripe pineapple, mango and melon aromas lead the way on the nose of this rich-smelling bottling. Surprisingly lightweight on the palate, it's easygoing and approachable in nature, with mouthwatering citrus flavors that finish short but clean. Drink now.
Ripe pineapple, mango, toasted vanilla and orange oil tones bring an exotic flair to this wine. Full bodied and round, yet bright and lively, it spent six months in French oak that helped soften the driving acidity naturally found in the variety.
Ripe pineapple, orange and tropical fruit flavors are covered with oaky notes of buttered toast and butterscotch, resulting in this lavish if rather one-dimensional wine. It plays to the popular taste, at the expense of complexity.
Ripe plum and berry aromas are on the soft and cuddly side, but have some spunk. The palate on this classic Garnacha-Craignan-Syrah blend is adequately juicy and fresh, with a basket's worth of berry flavor. And the finish is complementary and offers some chocolate as an aftertaste. Drink now and over the next two years.
Ripe plum and berry aromas are straightforward but welcoming. This is a tight, wiry blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that's narrow in feel but full of flavor, particularly plum, blackberry, chocolate and spice. A peppery finish shows juicy acidity and warmth.
Ripe plum and berry aromas are supported by a full dose of smoky, savory oak. The palate is round yet jagged, while flavors of toasty, chocolaty berry fruits are also lightly herbal and heavily oaked.
Ripe plum and berry aromas are wrapped in a bed of creamy, spicy, cheesy oak and related vanilla and tobacco scents. This is full and generous on the palate, but also a touch acidic. Plum, boysenberry and cherry flavors finish with spice, toast and blackened notes. Drink through 2021.
Ripe plum and berry aromas come with floral accents as well as touches of horse hide and leather. The palate is firm and direct, with balanced tannins and acidity working with flavors of dark berry fruits, chocolate, pepper and spice. The finish is chocolaty, with hints of vanilla, herbs and heat.
Ripe plum and berry aromas come with notes of wet earth and animal hide. A jammy, fleshy palate brings baked plum and berry flavors as well as notes of prune and raisin. A mellow, chunky finish tastes loamy and like spice cake.
Ripe plum and berry aromas come with spice notes before a supremely generous palate that's loud and flavorful in blackberry, cassis and black cherry fruit. On the finish, chocolate and oak influences roll in as the tannins subside. For power, flavor and clarity, this is a sure bet.
Ripe plum and berry aromas share the nose with heavy oak notes. This Tempranillo feels dry and tannic, while initially it tastes mostly like sawdust and oak. Deep digging and patience reveal briary berry and salty notes amid a lot of wood.
Ripe plum and berry aromas with a note of vanilla are highly encouraging. Hailing from a warm vintage, this 10-year-old Bierzo beauty offers a blend of pulpy ripeness with bracing acidity. Loamy plum, oak and vanilla flavors end with length and elegance. Drink through 2020.
Ripe plum and blackberry fruits push this wine forward, with firm tannins and smokiness. Full and juicy in feel, this is a fruity wine that is immediately accessible and friendly. It's a wine that will age over the medium term.
Ripe plum and plenty of vanilla and cherry provide the perception of sweetness in this wine. That sensation may stem from the pushing-the-envelope generosity of the ripe fruit or from the oak. or both. It makes for a full-bodied, heady experience.
Ripe plum and red-berry aromas are complete, spicy and a touch furry, like wool. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carignan feels full and pure, with comfortable tannins. Chunky berry, plum and herbal flavors turn savory on a chewy finish. Drink through 2020.
Ripe plum and red berry aromas accented with hints of oak and white pepper lead the nose on this wine. The round, ripe palate delivers fleshy black cherry spiced up with hot cinnamon and a hint of licorice alongside tight tannins. Drink 2015–2021.
Ripe plum and violet aromas carry a slight note of prune. A beefy palate shows hard tannins but nothing too tough that food can't tame. Blackened, roasted blackberry and blueberry flavors finish with charred, meaty intensity. Drink through 2020.
Ripe plum fruits give this big and fruity wine from the 130-acre Castéra vineyard a rich character. The structure provides a fine support with tannins that bring out the concentrated blackberry fruits. It's full of potential; drink from 2018.
Ripe plum, berry and cocoa aromas lead the nose on this fruity, easygoing red. The soft, round palate offers ripe blackberry, juicy raspberry, a note of dark spice and a hint of chocolate. It's simple but well made and enjoyable, with silky tannins.
Ripe plum, black cherry, blue flower, baking spice, toasted oak and a balsamic note are just some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this full-bodied, structured red. Velvety tannins support the juicy flavors and the fruit richness absorbs the hefty alcohol. It's still a bit on its oak and will be even better once it has a chance to come together. Drink 2017–2027.
Ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla and espresso aromas lead the nose. On the palate, notes of coffee, toast, and star anise wrap around a core of mature black cherry. Polished tannins and fresh acidity provide structure. Drink through 2022.
Ripe plum, blue flower and an earthy whiff of truffle lead the nose, while the juicy palate offers black cherry and clove flavors with a hint of game. Chewy tannins provide the framework.
Ripe plum, cake spice and iris aromas lift out of the glass, with a whiff of chopped herb. The youthful palate delivers black cherry and white pepper flavors through a frame of taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2019.
Ripe plum, coconut, vanilla and French oak aromas lead the nose. Youthfully assertive and austere, the palate offers toasted oak, licorice and espresso notes, set against a backdrop of bracing tannins that grip the finish. That structure should mellow and integrate with a few more years of bottle age.
Ripe plum, cranberry, pressed violet, tobacco and damp soil aromas lead the nose, along with a whiff of clove. The round, polished palate offers dried black cherry, prune, raspberry jam and licorice notes, alongside smooth tannins. It's already extremely approachable, so drink soon.
Ripe plum, dark coffee and spice flavors join the firm tannins in this intense wine. It has a strong structure that needs to soften to allow the juicy black-currant flavor to surface. Give it 4–5 years.
Ripe plum, forest floor, truffle and dark spice aromas lead the nose. The delicious, enveloping palate doles out fleshy blackberry, juicy black cherry, cinnamon and licorice flavors while an earthy hint of game lends character. Firm, velvety tannins provide polished support. Drink 2018–2023.
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.
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.
Ripe plum, iris, violet and underbrush aromas lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, licorice, clove and a hint of tobacco. Tightly knit but ripe tannins and fresh acidity provide support. Drink 2016–2022.
Ripe plum, maraschino, moist tobacco, Indian spice and used leather are components of the complex bouquet. It shows great intensity and power; the mouthfeel is smooth, rich and opulent. Try pairing it with rib-eye steaks and baked black beans.
Ripe plum, mature black cherry, violet, clove, mocha, anise and grilled sage are just some of the sensations you'll find on this gorgeous wine alongside velvety tannins. It already has great depth but hold for more complexity. Drink 2017–2027.
Ripe plum, scorched earth, espresso, warm spices and toast aromas come together in the glass. The concentrated palate offers dried black cherry, chocolate, anise, baking spice and vanilla alongside firm tannins and soft acidity. Drink through 2016.
Ripe plum, spiced blueberry, cedar, toasted oak and tobacco are some of the aromas you'll find in this structured blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The full-bodied palate delivers blackberries, black currants, clove, espresso, ground pepper and licorice while assertive but fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2016–2025.
Ripe plum, tilled earth, violet, espresso and toast aromas waft out of the glass. The palate offers dried black cherry, mocha and roasted coffee bean alongside fleeting tannins.
Ripe plum, tobacco, dark spice and balsamic aromas adorn this invigorating red. Firm and full-bodied, the palate delivers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and grilled herb flavors with a backbone of youthful, bracing tannins. It's already tempting but give it time to fully come around. Drink 2020–2032.
Ripe plums and plump Bing cherries gain complexity from chaparral scrub and roasted meats in the background. The palate is rounded with Mission figs and violets, enhanced by a sharp acidity and noticeable tannic grip.
Ripe pomegranate and candied raspberry aromas meet with potpourri and cinnamon touches on the nose of this bottling from the Franscioni family. The palate is very approachable, with raspberry sorbet flavor and a graphite edge, providing both the richness that the appellation is known for and smart restraint.
Ripe pomegranate seeds, red cherry juice, chai tea, a touch of iron and a stemmy crushed herb element powers the nose on this bottling from a special part of the estate vineyard. The flavors are sanguine at first, then open up onto red fruits, but are all held together by crushed marjoram and thyme.
Ripe pure black-fruit aromas are touched up by notes of malty chocolate and mocha. This is proportionally big, with cheek-grabbing tannins, but it's not overly hard or unbalanced— just the opposite. Flavors of mocha, coffee, hazelnut and ripe berry fruits finish flush, dense and firm, with toasty notes and powerful but controlled residual tannins. Drink through 2030.
Ripe quince and white pear flavors are touched with wood. This wine from the Mâcon region, has fresh acidity and some richness.
Ripe raisin and black-fruit aromas come with a licorice sidenote. This feels tight and pure but not demanding, with proper balance. Plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors give way to a spongy fruit-driven finish.
Ripe raisin, berry and horsey aromas are solid, not flabby. A lifted, juicy palate is healthy and fresh, while mild medicinal notes are infused into a red-berry flavor profile. On the finish, oak spice and medicinality linger amid acid-driven length.
Ripe raisin, vanilla, tobacco and cassis aromas are more than adequately oaked. This feels grippy and bold, with an oak-based resiny mouthfeel. Toasty blueberry and blackberry flavors finish with a final note of oak and heat.
Ripe raisiny aromas are soft, maybe to a fault. This feels wide, grabby and modest in structure. Jammy raspberry and raisin flavors finish plump and easy, with low acidity. Drink now.
Ripe raisiny aromas of spiced fruit cake are heavy and sweet. Matching the nose, this Bonarda feels thick and chunky with grating tannins. Flavors of chocolaty black fruits are oaky, spicy and minty, while this is equally woody on the finish.
Ripe raspberries, plump alpine strawberries and cranberry-cola notes meet with shaved cinnamon, pencil lead and dried sage on the nose of this single vineyard expression. The flavors are focused on woody red fruits, with chaparral scrub highlights as well as bay leaf and juniper. It's relatively light but well layered.
Ripe raspberry and strawberry notes are followed by mild tones of vanilla spice, rum cake and tobacco. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese has a clean, smooth mouthfeel.
Ripe raspberry fruit with a vanilla overlay also shows a rich, herbal character, touches of spice and bright final acidity.
Ripe raspberry jam scents gain intrigue thanks to hints of eucalyptus oil, orange rinds and iron on this Jim Clendenen-made wine. The palate is driven by dried herbs, from oregano to thyme, with cooked pork rind meatiness in the middle and a vanilla-flecked finish.
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.
Ripe raspberry, slight minerality, mossy earthiness and a minty lift kick off this offering. On the palate, expect sour cherry, mocha and a pleasing espresso finish bolstered by tingling acidity. Though 2010 was considered a less-than-optimal year, the vintage look like a shining star now that wines like this have had time to come into their own.
Ripe raspberry, spicy red plum and licorice unfold on the nose, while soft flavors of cassis chime in on the palate. Light weight and watery with a short finish.
Ripe red-cherry and blossom aromas are accented with char and toast on this aromatic, spirited Cabernet Franc. The palate is brisk, with fresh black-cherry and plum flavors wrapped in fine-grained tannins and a savory herbal edge.
Ripe red-cherry and strawberry aromas are lifted by grated clove and mace spice on the inviting nose of this bottling by longtime Winemaker Eric Hickey. A lively boysenberry-pomegranate combination explodes on the palate, where snapped sage sticks, wild thyme and dried rose petals make for an ethereally light yet stunningly flavorful wine.
Ripe red-cherry and sweet pastry notes are fragrant on this bright, easy-drinking Pinot Noir. On the finish, hints of smoke and ash add savory tones that would be pleasant alongside duck- or pork-based dishes.
Ripe red-cherry jam, red currant, oak and spice flavors mark this blend. It's brightened with brisk acidity, and the mouthfeel is silky and fine. Drink up.
Ripe red and black cherry with a lick of elderberry spice creates a warm, fruity feel. The palate remains svelte but is beautifully rounded and shows soft but palpable tannins. This is very balanced and will show its true aromatic potential 2017–2018.
Ripe red and luscious black cherry are the fruity protagonists here, dominating nose and palate with their dense, aromatic ripeness. The fruit shimmers both red and black, backed by densely woven but fine tannins and countered by freshness and verve. Juiciness and fruit prevail.
Ripe red apple and peach notes perfume this zippy off-dry Riesling. Light bodied and lemony fresh, it's invigorating on the palate. Finishes moderately long, accented by whispers of saffron and spice. Drink now through 2020.
Ripe red apple notes appear first, joined by a lovely touch of yeast. The palate is fresh and creamy and has a salty edge. Fresh fizz tends to creaminess but the finish accentuates the utter freshness and really dry, appetizing aftertaste with a lovely, yeasty edge.
Ripe red apple, grapefruit and nectarine flavors abound in this sprightly but concentrated Riesling. It's unctuously fruity, balanced by sunny acidity and a zesty citrus finish. Enjoy through 2021.
Ripe red apple, lemon and caramelized sugar scent this enticingly fragrant Chardonnay. On the palate, fresh apple and citrus flavors are backed by a rich slightly clingy backdrop of vanilla cream. A fresh hit of lime and hints of wood and spice mark a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2019.
Ripe red berries and a touch of red plum give this wine a full, fruity character. Light tannins add a suggestion of structure. It's juicy and ready to drink.
Ripe red berries, a light structure and plenty of fresh acidity make for a wine that best drunk young.
Ripe red berries, cherries and plums lead the bouquet of this friendly and approachable red. Those notes follow through to the creamy palate, while accents of carnation and pressed violet petals add depth and interest. A hint of sweet spice accents the finish.
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.
Ripe red cherries with hints of fresh green herbs and menthol perfume both the nose and palate of this elegant, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, intense fruit flavors gain complexity with sprinklings of olives, cedar and sturdy tannins that lead to a long, sour cherry finish.
Ripe red cherry and raspberry penetrate deeply throughout this sunny, yet briskly composed Pinot Noir. It's approachable and uncomplicated in style, but pristine juicy flavors make it quite quaffable. Drink now.
Ripe red cherry and smoke aromas eminate from the nose of this wine. In the palate the alcoholic heat sticks out a little, but there is a good streak of acidity and a silky texture. Good to drink now but will also keep and evolve 2018–2019.
Ripe red fruit shines brightly amidst darker notes of damp foliage and leather that add complexity and depth to this fleshy red blend. Soft and fresh on the palate with a restrained acidity, it's a rustic, yet elegant wine.
Ripe red fruit, cherry and forest berry mingle with darker, opulent tones of resin and leather to produce a wine of dimension and character. It is aged 18 months in oak. There's good complexity here and an evenly textured mouthfeel that is accented by bright fruit flavors and dusty tannins.
Ripe red fruits and strong minerality give this wine both its crispness and structure. It has style and elegance, as well as plenty of fruit. Drink this attractive wine from 2017.
Ripe red fruits are aided by a core of dark tannin to give this wine good intensity. There is acidity, followed by bubbling fruit, topped with berries and spice. Worth keeping until next year.
Ripe red fruits are the main character of this soft, rounded wine. Attractive acidity with grapefruit and lemon zest flavors are balanced by a warmer element.
Ripe red fruits dominate this soft and juicy wine. The light structure and touch of tannin give shape to this easy wine. Drink now.
Ripe red fruits dominate this warm, round wine. The light touch of acidity makes the fruit seem forward and bright, yet the core remains rich and smooth. Its soft tannins make this ready to drink now.
Ripe red fruits give this wine a juicy feel. The fruit is balanced, with new wood and caramel flavors offering a smooth contrast to each other. The smoky aftertaste is warm and ripe.
Ripe red fruits in a warm, soft texture. It's a finely balanced wine that hits all the buttons with its fruity character, touch of spice and  fresh acidity to finish.
Ripe red fruits mingle gracefully, along with suggestions of toasted coconut, from aging in one-quarter new barrels. There is a metallic streak running through the finish as well, which might suggest that you give it some extra aeration before drinking.
Ripe red plums, cinnamon, baked blueberry and cocoa powder make a compelling, aromatic entry. Ripe tannins are still drying and grippy on the palate, but will soften with a little age and make this mellow, rounded and even more luscious. Tightly structured and densely packed with fruit, the fresh acidity keeps it focused and framed. A paradigm of balance. Drink from 2016.
Ripe red raspberry fruit fills the nose; this seems more fruit forward than most other Klipsun designates. The tannins have been wrangled into submission, giving the wine good balance immediately, while preserving the acidity and tannic depth to age well. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot—a classic, un-fussy, straight-ahead Red Mountain style.
Ripe red raspberry notes, accented by cocoa, a chalky minerality and a hint of orange zest liven up the medium weight. With ample acidity and strong tannins, this wine will only improve with some time; you can tell that it's holding back and there's so much more that hasn't fully developed. Try it now or hold for 5–6 years.
Ripe roasted black-plum and berry aromas are wild and a touch hot. This is jumpy, angular and pumped to the brim with acidity. Foxy currant and red-plum flavors show a baking-spice element, while this is racy and rugged on the finish. Best for burgers and pizza.
Ripe rounded aspects of ripe pear and yellow apple play on the nose. The palate has an earthy touch and frothy lively fizz that boosts the fruit notes of the nose. The body is light and dry with a mouth-watering, refreshing finish that echoes long with lovely apple notes.
Ripe ruddy black-plum flavors are shaded in rustic tones of basil and thyme in this herbaceous Cabernet Sauvignon. Brisk acidity lends freshness to the midpalate, leading a moderately long finish framed by pleasantly bitter tannins. Drink now through 2019.
Ripe ruddy flavors of black-cherry pie and plum preserves are concentrated in this straightforward fruity wine. While semisweet and a touch jammy on the palate, its delicate abv and juicy style make it a pleasant summer sip.
Ripe rustic woody aromas of berry fruits and cedar introduce a raw rugged drawing palate with oaky baked lightly medicinal flavors of candied berry fruits. Grabby tannins, heat and spicy flavors push the finish on this firmly structured Garnacha. Drink through 2018.
Ripe Sauvignon Blanc, bringing out pear and apple flavors, topped with cream. There is a bite from an apple skin texture, along with bright, delicate acidity.
Ripe scents of pineapple, peach, lychee and melon are laced with hints of honey and orange oil. The palate is lush and mouthfilling, with rich stone- and tropical-fruit flavors that transition into a subtle spice note on the close. Drink now.
Ripe scents of spiced wild strawberry, raspberry and herbal tea lead onto the lush medium- to full-bodied palate, which tastes concentrated and lively. The long finish is marked by a tangy orange-zest note.
Ripe sour-cherry and red-berry notes on the nose and palate mingle elegantly with savory touches of burnt sugar and biscotti. It's dry in style, yet fruity and juicy, with brisk acidity and a tongue-tickling pétillance.
Ripe sour cherry notes are tart but intensely fruity in this light-bodied, vibrantly acidic blend. Gentle, velvety tannins frame a crisp, refreshing finish.
Ripe spicy berry aromas include welcome notes of wood grain and pencil eraser. This full tannic Tannat is a big load. Savory flavors of baked plum, tea, spice and chocolate finish with oak-driven complexity. Best from 2020–2026.
Ripe stem and leaf notes lend a distinctly green tone to bright black-cherry and cassis flavors in this Cabernet Franc. It's a slightly austere wine, but brisk acidity and delicate structure make it an excellent food companion.
Ripe stone-fruit and flower notes shine on the nose and palate of this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Fresh and juicy, it's an easygoing sipper to accompany an array of foods.
Ripe stone-fruit, pineapple and tangerine flavors are marked by streaks of lime and lemon acidity on this irresistibly vibrant semi-dry Riesling. Touches of berry lend a sweet, summery warmth that lingers on the finish. Enjoy now for it's fragrant, fruity exuberance.
Ripe stone fruit and floral notes are accented by a dusty, chalky minerality on this bright, elegant Silvaner. It's dry in style, with sprightly acidity and just a hint of characteristic smoke and dried herb. Finishes with a touch of lime skin zest.
Ripe stone fruit beckons: white peach and greengage are held within a taut frame of fragrant and expressive lime and grapefruit zest. The slender palate tingles with freshness and drive. This is clean, brisk and like a clarion call. Purity and focus are all.
Ripe stone fruit dominates the appetizing nose. The palate also shines with generous yellow plum ripeness that is nonetheless tempered by zesty lime peel flavours and a deeply savory yeast note. This packs quite a little punch.
Ripe stone fruit notes, especially aromatic Mirabelle plum, rise from the glass, alongside more evolved chamomile tisane scents. With its slight bottle age, this shows where evolution can lead Grüner Veltliner. The palate retains its zesty, salty savoriness yet is wonderfully concentrated. Juicy Mirabelle reappears on the long, savory finish.
Ripe strawberries and crisp acidity blend together in this refreshing, crisp and fruity wine. Produced from Cabernet Franc, the wine is lightly perfumed and with a final shot of bright acidity. Drink now.
Ripe strawberry and vanilla lead on the nose followed by a light-weight, juicy and easy-going palate. A sandy texture and slightly savory finish make this a crowd-pleasing wine.
Ripe strawberry compote typifies this appealing wine. The nicely ripened fruit is set in a mineral-driven, high acid frame, and shows both texture and length as it develops in the mouth. It's especially noteworthy given the moderate alcohol.
Ripe strawberry fruit meets nose-tickling dark spices of clove, allspice and sagebrush on the slightly smoky nose. The palate offers tangy cranberry and an inviting forest-floor element, with juniper sap, black pepper and Indian spices.
Ripe strawberry pie and cigar box aromas frame the nose on this top-end offering from Broken Earth. It's surprisingly light on the palate, with cherry pie and cranberry tartness leading the way alongside bright acidity and dainty tannins.
Ripe sweet orange-peel aromas lead through to a wine that's intense because of both its rich honey and orange-marmalade flavors and its balancing acidity. It is a beautiful wine, rich and delicate at the same time. Drink now.
Ripe sweet peach and nectarine flavors are slightly caramelized in this semidry Riesling. Its spry zesty demeanor is deeply refreshing though, finishing on a revitalizing citrus note. Drink now through 2018.
Ripe sweet tropical pineapple and guava mark this wine as does a sway of wild grass, the wine otherwise perfectly crisp and clean.
Ripe tangerine and green melon aromas take a zesty, herbal turn on the palate in this beautifully transparent dry Riesling. Its brisk acidity and cutting minerality lend a nervous edge that should ease with time, amplifying complexity and weight. Hold until 2020, but it should drink well for at least another decade beyond that.
Ripe tangerine, peach jam, vanilla and oak flavors are penetrating in this soft, creamy Chardonnay. It's a ripe, rich wine that's widely appealing.
Ripe tangerine, peach, green apple and vanilla flavors combine with brisk, citrusy acidity in this wine. This wine saw a touch of neutral oak, which seems to have contributed a smoky toast character. It picks up complexities as it warms and airs, so don't drink this too cold.
Ripe tannins and rich red-plum fruits give this wine a generous rounded character. Bringing out the generosity of this vintage, the wine is a balance between the broad fruits and acidity. In the background, the tannins give the wine extra weight. Drink from 2019.
Ripe to the point of being overripe, this has a sweet raisin and prune note to the blackberry flavor. It's clear that the winemaker was trying to make a flashy, opulent Cab, but this one carries it over the top. Not likely to benefit from age, so drink up.
Ripe to the point of overripe, with dried blackberry, cherry and raisin flavors, this Zin also is hot in alcohol. Drink now with rich, fatty barbecue to soften its tough tannins.
Ripe to the point of smelling like Port, this is a wine for those who relish sweet flavors of raisin, cooked fig, and ultraripe tree fruit in their Cabernets. This has so much fruit it almost seems to have some sweetness. Drink this soon, while some youthful freshness remains.
Ripe tomato, prune and herb flavors come with some sweetness and a soft, full texture. Still, it has enough tannin and acidity to keep it lively on the finish.
Ripe top notes of apricot and peach seduce right from the start. The tenor here is ripe, luscious stonefruit, highlighted by pure lemon zestiness that gives the impression of dimension-transcending linearity. It entices you to drink and explore more of that hinted-at spiciness and minerality.
Ripe tropical-fruit flavors give this wine a rich, rounded character. The attractive apricot and peach fruits are cut by citrus acidity to keep the freshness right up front. An opulent, full-bodied wine, it's ready to drink now.
Ripe tropical and citrus fruits mingle in this medium-bodied wine. There's a lick of toast and a hint of marmalade, but ultimately it's a bit simple and lacking energy.
Ripe tropical fruit and oak dominate this overly sweet Chardonnay. It's very rich in pineapple tart, golden mango, buttered toast and crème brûlée flavors, but lacks dry balance. Tastes like there's a lot of white sugar in there.
Ripe tropical fruit and toasty American oak are a traditional match in Gisborne, and the Ormond bottling from Brancott is a fine example. Sweet caramel, toast with honey and mixed tropical fruit aromas and flavors are rich and full but not heavy.
Ripe tropical fruit flavors give this wine from Sancerre producer Eric Louis its warm character. It has enough acidity to cut through the richness and give it a fruity aftertaste. It's ready to drink.
Ripe tropical fruits along with intense sweet lemon give this wine its fine acidity and ripe character. It is pure, clear and clean with lively acidity and a tangy zingy aftertaste that also brings in some minerality. Drink from 2018.
Ripe tropical fruits dominate this smooth wine, creating a warm, almost New World appeal. There is a toast note that balances the rich fruitiness.
Ripe tropical fruits dominate this warm, soft Sauvignon Blanc. The wine has a herbaceous element reinforced with acidity and a peach flavor. Ready to drink, but it could age for another year.
Ripe tropical fruits permeate this ready-to-drink wine. Pineapple and mango flavors have just enough acidity to keep this generous wine crisp. Drink now.
Ripe tropical fruits star in this opulent, bold wine. The acidity is there, just enough to give this rich wine the support it needs. It is a complete wine—ripe and spicy, just give it some more time. Drink from 2018.
Ripe waves of juicy strawberry ride along an ocean of tight, firm tannins that need time to coalesce and soften. Complex, the fruit is complemented by spicy clove and black tea, giving a savory edge to the succulent fruit. It needs time, through 2020.
Ripe while also herbal, this is an easy fruity wine. It has an attractive spice and perfumed white-fruit character that enhances the crisp citrus fruit. Drink now.
Ripe while also juicy, this is a fruity wine that is full of red fruits and a spicy texture from wood aging. Drink from 2019.
Ripe while still so fresh, this is a tangy, citrus-flavored wine. It has a rich creamy character that fills the mouth with a fine array of fruits, yellow fruits and pink grapefruit. The wine is ready to drink.
Ripe white fruits are cut by a refreshing grapefruit acidity. It's so bright, crisp with a bounce to its texture that's irresistible. The aftertaste is a shower of bright flavors. Drink now.
Ripe white fruits, Turkish delight and spice lead this complex, aromatic Chardonnay. Balanced on the palate, with layers of peach, citrus and tropical fruit, this is buoyed by fresh acidity. Suitable for fuller-bodied meals, it's also delicious on its own.
Ripe white grapefruit and lychee notes perfume this refreshing, easy-drinking Grüner Veltliner. On the palate, gooseberry and lime flavors are delicate in concentration but it finishes with an invigorating brace of crushed minerals.
Ripe white peach and sharp lime peel qualities interplay on the nose of this bottling from the iconic vineyard, which is now under the quality-focused ownership of the Foley family. That lime zest comes through on the palate too, cutting through the creamy midpalate and adding a pinpoint edge to the finish.
Ripe wild berry, dark spice and a whiff of leather unfold in the glass while the solid palate offers up stewed prune, vanilla and roasted coffee bean. Chewy tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2017.
Ripe Williams Christ pears immediately make their appearance and fill the luscious palate with flavor. A refreshing seam of citrus flavors is guided by taut acidity that keeps you coming back for more.
Ripe Williams pear with grapefruit overtones segues into a creamy, almost buttery rounded palate that nonetheless has the tautness and verve of pure citrus zest. There are mellower tones here, too, of wet earth, pear juice and balm. This shows impressive elegance, length and personality. Drink now until 2025.
Ripe wine with light acidity and flavors of red currants, caramel and spice. There is a full-bodied feel to the finish.
Ripe wine, pushing its toast, pear and apricot flavors. Smooth, with an English walnut taste, and green herb acidity. Ready to drink now.
Ripe wine, with soft tannins allied to great density. Weight and lovely, juicy, final fruit flavors meld together easily. This is solid, dense, impressive and for long-term aging.
Ripe with a core of dry tannins, this is a typical foursquare Nuits-Saint-Georges. Structure gives shape to the black fruits and acidity that are developing well. Already in balance, it will be drinkable from 2016.
Ripe with a warm character, this wine has both bright red berry fruit and a rich, generous structure. Its fruitiness shows that it's still young—its acidity very much upfront. It will fill out and develop richness with time in bottle. Drink from 2020.
Ripe with black currant acidity and layers of firm wood, this is a rich and fruity wine. It has young tannins, bright acidity and a firm, dry aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Ripe with cherries, mocha, currants and oak, you'll be tempted to drink this now. Don't. While it's not a long-term ager, it will benefit from 4–5 years in a good cellar.
Ripe with cherry-berry juiciness, this is a value-priced Zin that's straightforward all around, with a bitter taste to the finish.
Ripe with mocha, baking spice and heady berry fruit aromas, this is an excellent wine from a great vintage. Its firm, tight palate delivers oak, toasty spice and ripe fruit flavors while coffee and spice accents close out the long finish. Drink through 2027.
Ripe with red-berry flavors, this wine is fresh and crisp with acidity. Drink from 2019.
Ripe with tropical-fruit flavors, this wine has good acidity layered with spice and toastiness. A crisper structure behind this generous fruit will allow the wine to age, although it is drinkable now.
Ripe with yellow fruits and soft acidity, this is a smooth and creamy wine. It also has a more textured character giving a crisper edge that leaves a tangy aftertaste. Drink this rich wine now.
Ripe yellow-fruit flavors and a soft texture are the hallmarks of this wine. Full in the mouth, this has a warm southern Burgundy feel. It offers touches of spice and green herbs, and it has orange-zest-like acidity on the finish.
Ripe yellow-peach and apricot notes shine on the nose and palate of this elegantly structured Pinot Gris. Zesty acidity offers a pleasant counterpoint to a softly clingy texture that lingers luxuriously on the palate. It's dry in style, with a deeply mineral, smoky finish.
Ripe yellow-peach and delicate red-berry hints lend a juicy, easygoing fruitiness to this concentrated Riesling. Soft, pink-grapefruit-like acidity and a flash of green herb add freshness to the finish.
Ripe yellow and white fruits are the dominant factor in this smooth, rich wine. It has good weight, along with a juicy, lemon and zest texture. Not for aging, unlike some Pouilly Fumé, so drink over the next few months. Screwcap.
Ripe yellow apple and peach abound in this bold, big-bodied Pinot Gris. Yielding acidity and a plush, creamy mouthfeel augment its lusciousness, but a bristle of tannins lends structure to the finish. Enjoy while young.
Ripe yellow apple and yellow plum notes make for an appetizing nose. The palate is equally fresh and full fruited, sporting sassy, defining freshness that makes it mouthwatering and appetizing.
Ripe yellow apple, Bartlett pear and toasted bread crust aromas follow through to the elegant palate along with flint and a hazelnut note. Small persistent beads and fresh acidity brighten the creamy flavors.
Ripe yellow apples and peach elements are cut with lime peels and cement aromas on this blend of 46% Roussanne, 44% Grenache Blanc and 10% Viognier. It's focused and clean upon sipping, with tight pears, nectarine and white peach flavors, even showing some crushed ant tension.
Ripe yellow apples and touches of banana and pineapple show on the nose of this bottling. It also has a restrained, steely frame to the aromas, along with some flint. Honeysuckle, jasmine and apple-blossom flavors show on the sip, which is quite floral, and also offers white peach and salt.
Ripe yellow fruit, some apples and a concentrated midpalate present a versatile all-rounder: it's fresh and medium-bodied and has that varietally typical heft of Rotgipfler that gives so much mouthfeel.
Ripe yellow fruits and light almond flavors, a rounded and soft texture. This is a wood-aged wine, the vanilla toast giving a smooth structure. while leaving the concentrated fruits firmly in charge.
Ripe yellow fruits dominate this full wine. Balanced by apple freshness, it offers rich apricots and creamed pear, backed by acidity. It's simple, fruity and delicious now.
Ripe yellow fruits give this wine a soft and rich character. With a tangy, citrus edge it is also crisp and fresh. The combination makes for a lively, light wine that is ready to drink.
Ripe yellow fruits shine through this attractive wine. It has a fresh, crisp side with lemon acidity that nicely balances the warm, rounded texture. It delivers a crisp, more mineral aftertaste. Drink now.
Ripe yellow peach and sunny citrus flavors are forward and fresh in this plush unoaked Chardonnay. While dry and medium bodied in style, it's soft and round in texture. Easy yielding acidity highlights a succulent tangerine finish.
Ripe yellow peach, honeydew melon and exotic fruit scents follow through to the lively palate. Zesty acidity leaves a tangy finish.
Ripe yellow peach, spring flowers and pastry aromas emerge from the glass. The creamy palate offers crisp Granny Smith apple, white peach and a confectionary note alongside bright acidity and a frothy perlage.
Ripe yellow peaches and cantaloupe combine elegantly with a hint of wet stones on the nose. A nice, tart acidity, steely backbone and a bitter citrus pith finish give this off-dry Riesling structure and balance.
Ripe yellow peaches laced with honey and beeswax perfume this off-dry Finger Lakes Riesling from Long Island's Anthony Nappa. It's tart and fresh on the palate, with lemon and tangerine acidity cutting through savory flavors of apple and pear. The finish is brisk and sprightly.
Ripe yellow peaches, golden honey and billowing florals perfume this outstanding Riesling. Dry on the palate with a touch of stonefruit sweetness, it's an impeccably complex wine with a shower of slate and stone in the midpalate and delicious lime pith astringency throughout.
Ripe yellow pear and apple juice notes spell plump ripeness, with a streamlined but well-cushioned body.
Ripe yellow pear and red-cheeked apples combine into a fresh and lively fruitiness. The edges are just seamed by a little peppery herbal spice while fresh citrus delivers refreshment. This delivers squeaky-clean lightness, fruit with a little peppery twist.
Ripe yellow pear fruit is shot through with lemony freshness, a counterpoint between ripeness and acidity. Concentrated and streamlined, it offers a very moreish body with a lip-smacking finish.
Ripe yellow pear is held in check by citrus zestiness, but rich fruit notions keep breaking though the bracing freshness of this wine. A slender body and fine-tuned phenolics add to the appeal of this balanced white.
Ripe yellow pear notes signal a richness that is subsumed on the palate into a salty, zingy, lemon-zest savoriness. Sprays of white pepper flare deliciously at every turn while notes of the freshly cut peel of ripe lemons illuminate everything. A very compelling wine with lots of friendly personality. Utterly moreish.
Ripe yellow pear with the faintest suggestion of something tropical, like passion fruit, leads to a full-fruited, generous palate that is kept in check by structure and zesty acidity.
Ripe yellow pears and an earthy edge knit together this refreshing yet concentrated white that finishes with the clean tang of lemon zest.
Ripe yellow pears and blossom honey notes can be teased out of this subtle wine by lots of swirling.The palate tingles with citrus freshness and a phenolic richness that has an intriguing but very pleasant hint of bitterness and some glimpses of star-anise and a lasting finish.
Ripe yellow pears are barely tempered by citrus freshness. The palate has a slight bitter note but lovely ripeness nonetheless.
Ripe yellow plum and plump, red-cheeked apricot lead a merry dance. Light, clear honey fills any gaps while notions of passion fruit and lemony acid temper the richness. A very, very fresh-fruited TBA with immense liveliness.
Ripe yellow plum pervades the nose of this wine. The palate brings more Grüner Veltliner savoriness, with hints of yeast and herb. Light in body and dry in mouthfeel, it refreshes with a lovely herbal citrus tang on the finish.
Ripe yellow stone fruit and a floral whiff of pressed Spanish broom lead the nose while the bright round palate offers mature yellow pear and orange zest. It closes on a note of bitter almond.
Ripe yet crisp, this is a fine reflection of the excellent 2004 vintage in Champagne. It has a rich texture with concentrated apple, pineapple and toast notes, along with a tangy orange-zest character. Ready to drink now, but it will certainly age.
Ripe yet deftly balanced, this full-bodied wine offers an abundance of blackberry fruitiness balanced by tones of granite and dried herb. It's sumptuous and expansive on the palate, finishing long with fine, sharply edged tannins.
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.
Ripe yet restrained on the nose, offering fig and guava. On the palate, those flavors turn citrusy, picking up a hint of bitter pith on the finish.
Ripe yet understated notes of white current, golden fig, apricot and graham cracker prove this Chardonnay's discernable depth. Medium to full bodied, this wine feels luscious, and its toasty flavor and energetic acidity will match grilled arctic char.
Ripe, almost-sweet fruit flavors dominate this full-bodied, soft-textured wine. It's a richer, oakier style of Pinot than most but will make a lot of people happy with its easy-going, welcoming personality.
Ripe, almost candied aromas of berry fruits are offset by creamy oak scents and a touch of olive. This is chunky, weighty and trying hard to keep its form. Flavors of roasted black fruits, chocolate and herbs finish soft and low on structure. Drink this warm-vintage, full-flavored Cab through 2017.
Ripe, almost candied notions of stone fruit appear. They are so concentrated they have an almost fruit-jelly intensity. There also is a note of earth that flows from the nose onto the generous fleshy palate. The finish is clean on this wine, which holds all the fruit of a ripe and generous year.
Ripe, almost earthy aromas of plum, Graham cracker and pastry precede a rubbery palate with squeaky tannins. The palate delivers a bolt of black currant and spicy plum flavors in front of a fiery finish that loses fruit quickly.
Ripe, almost overripe notes of yellow pear signal a generouswine. Full of fruit, the palate is juicy, mellow and easy. Drink soon to make most of all these pear notes.
Ripe, almost overripe, notes of fleshy stone fruit like yellow plum make for a generous opening. The palate tones this down with freshness and a rich, warm feel. It finishes dry, with a distinct sense of warmth.
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.
Ripe, almost sweet, fruit is full of delicious black plum and berry flavors. The wine is rounded, opulent and generous to a fault. A solid core of darker tannins hold all this richness together. Drink from 2015.
Ripe, almost tropical fruit notes appear: pineapple and orange zest are tempered by peppery yeastiness which becomes stronger and more expressive and textured on the palate. A phenolic backbone provides structure alongside zesty freshness. This packs a real punch.
Ripe, aromatic red berry notes mingle with the wood flavors in this rich wine. It's fruity yet backed by tannins and a dry core. All these elements mean it will need to age and will age well. Drink from 2020.
Ripe, baked aromas of cassis, plum and cinnamon lead to an alert, lively palate with big tannins. Flavors of spicy red-berry fruits come with a dusting of cocoa, while muscular tannins give structure to a full-force finish. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, baked black-fruit aromas go heavy on the raisin and prune, with a hint of spice cake thrown in. On the palate, this is saturated and a bit thick. Baked berry, cassis and creamy oak flavors finish lush and chewy, with flavors of oak grain and chocolate. Drink now through 2020.
Ripe, baked, raisiny aromas of blackberry, coconut, resiny oak, tomato sauce and herbs set up a racy, high-intensity palate with flavors of berry, fig and blackened spices. The finish is rooty in flavor, with notes of licorice and chocolate offset by sharp residual acidity.
Ripe, balanced and attractive, this red boasts fine tannins that lend subtle structure to the black plum fruit. Dense with fruitiness and acidity, it's rich enough to savor with meat. Drink now.
Ripe, berry-flavored wine, with tobacco overtones, contrasting with stalky acidity. The wine finishes on the fruity side, with red berries and plums.
Ripe, black-skinned fruit, dark spice and chopped herbs abound on this structured red. The big, bold palate offers ripe black cherry, blackberry extract, mocha and licorice while round tannins envelop the palate.
Ripe, black cherry scents pervade the nose of this wine. The palate is full of that same generous fruit, but balances it well thanks to ample freshness. This will be delicious slightly chilled.
Ripe, brambly wood and plummy black-fruit flavors are concentrated in this dense, boldly structured Merlot, but shaded by tart green notes and staunch, grippy tannins.
Ripe, brandied aromas of baked cherry and blackberry are heady and leathery upon airing. This shows raw tannins and scratchy acidity in front of traditional flavors: vanilla, oak, currant and raspberry. An oaky finish comes with vanilla, toast and chocolaty accents.
Ripe, briary aromas of wild berries, plums and earth veer into dark chocolate. Flavors are on the light side, and seem a little soft. An affordable everyday wine to serve at picnics. Don’t be misled by the “Home Ranch” description; this is not an estate wine.
Ripe, cinnamon-tinged blueberry fruit streams from the glass. The palate reiterates and reinforces that berry-spice combination, giving us a lusciously ripe but very agile wine. The cinnamon note lingers.
Ripe, clean apple aromas meet with a touch of green honeydew and an interesting note of cut celery on the nose of this wine from the Riboli family. The palate offers decent tension and verve, with flavors of chilled pear juice and fresh lemon rinds.
Ripe, complex, wood-aged wine. It has weight in its structure and mineral texture. Along with this, there is rich fruitiness, yellow fruits laced with lime. Concentrated and dense, this is a powerful wine, showing great potential for the future. Keep for at least four years.
Ripe, concentrated and bullish from the start, this has a roasted berry aroma that leads to a saturated, tannic palate. The flavors on this full-bodied Cabernet run from toasted and crusty to blackberry-like and minerally. Toastiness and a sense of darkness remain on the finish.
Ripe, concentrated aromas of berry fruits and raisin announce a chunky but good palate. Oaky flavors are matched by tangy red-fruit notes and heavier back-palate prune, while the finish is thick and chewy, with just enough acidity to keep things in shape.
Ripe, concentrated aromas of cassis and prune set up a rich palate with spicy black-fruit flavors. A loamy, meaty-tasting finish isn't complex but it is generous and jammy. This is on the cusp of being overripe but overall it weighs in as a full-flavored fruit bomb with a lot of positives.
Ripe, concentrated blackberry, cassis, oak and graphite aromas set up a burly palate that's stacked to the max. An oak-based note of popcorn sits atop a heavy palate with deep black-fruit and graphite flavors. An oaky finish with salty blueberry and cassis flavors is bolstered by fresh acidity. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, cool, earthy black-fruit aromas of plum and cassis are accented by notes of leather and animal. This warm-vintage Rioja feels chunky and good, while ripe, loamy flavors of black plum and cassis finish mellow and with a touch of oak-based lemon peel. Drink through 2021.
Ripe, creamy and decidedly fruity, this has a big waft of herbaceous, citrus and green plum flavors that are all up front and delicious. The wood element gives spice, offering a base for the fruit and giving good balance, and a vibrant, clean aftertaste.
Ripe, creamy aromas introduce a deliciously full-bodied Grüner. It has freshness, but also soft apple flavors and a cream character, while its pepper and spice is prominent. The finish is clean, with green plums and apple skin tannins. Screwcap.
Ripe, creamy wine with a good toast element. It is smooth, elegant, the flavors showing almonds, vanilla, baked apple and pear enlivened by fresh acidity. Attractive, ready to drink.
Ripe, creamy wood aged wine, this is rich and smoothly textured. It has weight, apple and pear flavors. Full in the mouth, it may be missing out on the freshness in favor of power.
Ripe, dark-skinned berry, blue flower and Mediterranean herb aromas emerge on the nose. The palate offers toast, roasted coffee and star anise flavors, with bracing, grainy tannins that leave a tongue-drying finish.
Ripe, dark and leathery, this full-bodied, rounded wine blends 45% Syrah with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot plus handfuls of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aged in French and Hungarian oak barrels and puncheons, it shows its heritage in a perfume of woody chewiness and meaty dried herb.
Ripe, dark fruit flavors get great support from spicy oak and firm tannins in this full-bodied wine from an outstanding producer. Cinnamon and clove notes drive the aroma, while blackberry and black cherry flavors fill out the palate.
Ripe, dark, baked aromas of pastry, turned-up earth, campfire and wild-berry fruits set up a seriously deep and tannic palate that's stacked with black-fruit power, toasty oak and intensity. This tastes blackened, toasty and chocolaty on top of core blackberry and cassis flavors, while an oaky finish with peppery spice is just right for this type of burly wine. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, deep aromas of cassis and marzipan evolve to show minerality. A big, chunky palate features flavors of baked blackberry, cassis and chocolate, while a mild, somewhat languorous finish is chewy and leaves a lasting taste of prune. Drink now through 2018.
Ripe, delicious flavors of tropical fruit, butterscotch, honey and spice compose this flashy Viognier. It's a bit high in alcohol, with a chili pepper singe on the finish.
Ripe, dense and smooth from wood aging, this is a modern view of Margaux. At the same time, it shows a beautiful black-currant flavor from the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Petit Verdot adds great color.
Ripe, dense blackberry aromas are capped by creamy, toasty, chocolaty oak. In the mouth, this touches up against syrupy and cloying. Toasty oak, graphite, vanilla and milk chocolate flavors accent core blackberry, while heat and a chocolaty oak flavor drive the finish. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, dense blackberry aromas are lightly herbal, soft and inviting. This is full and a touch heavy in feel, with herbal cassis, blackberry, toast and spice flavors that end with oak grain, additional herbal notes and spice accents. If you want to explore the world of Carmenère, this is a good place to start.
Ripe, densely structured wine, balancing tannins, acidity and red plum and cherry fruit flavors. There's a strong mineral edge here, a wine that needs 2–3 years of aging, to round out its edges.
Ripe, dry and forward in fruit, with a soft texture, this Cab appeals now for its wealth of blackberries, cherries, plums, herbs and spices. It's a lovely wine that should be decanted for a few hours before serving.
Ripe, dry and oaky, with powerful black currant and cedar flavors. Shows its youth in the astringency of the tannins, which are fine but very hard. Could be a sleeper. Try after 2011.
Ripe, dusty fruits dominate this structured wine. It has concentration and dark tannins that come from the wood aging. Flavors of black plum skins, blackberries and juicy acidity all show strongly. For aging, drink from 2016.
Ripe, earthy aromas of baked berry fruits, cassis and licorice lead to a chewy, stout palate. Oaky flavors of ripe blackberry and cassis are rooty and leathery, while this tastes of chocolate and fig on a broad finish. Drink through 2023.
Ripe, earthy aromas of berry fruits and raisins come with lactic oak and baking spice notes on the nose. Drying and tannic on the palate, this wine shows tart flavors of red berry and currant, with vanilla and oak tones leading to a creamy, soft finish.
Ripe, earthy aromas of cola, coconut, blackberry and cassis are healthy and heady. Reflecting a warm year, this wine feels both flush and fleshy, with mild tannins. Flavors of blackberry, mocha and coffee finish clean, open and easy, with nothing overbearing. Drink through 2019.
Ripe, earthy aromas of plum and berry are oaky and give off a note of maple. Angular and intense on the palate, this blend of Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon and Carmenère is bolstered by tartaric acid, while the flavor profile is earthy, baked and includes herbal plum and berry. A peppery, spicy, minty finish is typical of high-end Chilean red blends. Drink through 2016.
Ripe, earthy aromas of prune, blackberry, baking spices and barnyard set up a rich yet balanced palate with mild tannins and integrated acidity. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and hoisin sauce end with meaty, spicy notes akin to barbecued ribs. Drink now through 2022.
Ripe, earthy aromas of raisin and baked plum lead to a chunky palate with hard, blocky tannins. This tastes of blackberry, raisin and prune, while the finish is much the same.
Ripe, earthy berry and cassis aromas smell damp at first but unfold nicely. Bright acidity and abrupt tannins make for a packed palate. Lightly oaky flavors of plum and berry show a note of vanilla. It finishes crisp and choppy due to the aforementioned bold acidity. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, earthy black-fruit aromas are spicy and a bit lactic from oak, hence, the palate is full and creamy, but with a good acidic cut. Blackberry, herbal spice and cool toasty oak flavors finish warm and plump.
Ripe, earthy plum and prune aromas come with complex notes of graphite, vanilla and marzipan. This feels solid and lifted, with lightly charred blackberry and cassis flavors. A heady finish with mild heat and burn closes the show. this is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with drops of Shiraz and Merlot.
Ripe, earthy, granulated aromas of raisin, prune and cassis introduce a chubby palate with fierce tannins, which is the basic theme for 2013 in Toro. Flavors of blackberry, cocoa and cassis are good but restricted on the finish by rock-hard tannins. Drink or hold; this is what it is.
Ripe, easy aromas of dried cherry, raisin and cedary spice are not unfamiliar for aged, traditional Rioja like this. The palate is fresh in feel, with a touch of oak resin impacting the mouthfeel. Common flavors of cherry, plum and spice finish with cocoa, dill, vanilla and tomato notes. This is a classic Gran Reserva to drink through 2024.
Ripe, elegant wine, balancing fresh currant and red plum fruits against a mineral, dry structure. The acidity, the pure fruits and the solid tannins all work harmoniously together.
Ripe, exotic papaya, mango, apricot and tangerine flavors highlight this wine. There's also plenty of buttered toast notes, but it's balanced with brisk acidity. This is a fine wine for drinking now.
Ripe, flashy fruit stars in this unoaked Chardonnay, in the form of pineapples, kiwis, limes and pears. The grapes for this delicious wine come from the winery's estate vineyard, in the cool southwestern pocket of the Russian River Valley.
Ripe, flashy raspberry, cherry and red currant flavors abound in this silky Pinot Noir. It has oak-driven notes of buttered toast and wood spice, and while it's not especially complex, and it's not likely to age, it does offer immediate pleasure.
Ripe, fleshy and opulent, this wine is also balanced and light on its feet, cohesive in oak and tannin. Dark cherry is the star, accented by anise, cola spice and a compelling hint of orange peel. Medium bodied, it'll pair well at the table, while also standing out on its own.
Ripe, fleshy black-fruit aromas suggest prune and raisin, while the palate is jammy and full, albeit one notch below precise and exact. Baked, oaky, charred flavors of meaty plum and blackberry finish with toasty overtones and modest heat. Drink through 2019.
Ripe, fleshy, minerally blackberry and black-cherry aromas are pure, deep and suggest high quality that's confirmed later on. In the mouth, this Mencía from an excellent vintage is racy and pumped up, with acidic energy and tannic grab. Roasted black-fruit flavors come with notes of spice cake and salt. A long, full finish confirms how good this is; drink through 2022.
Ripe, floral aromas of blackberry and minerals filter into a grapy, grabby palate. Flavors of iodine, licorice, black plum and cassis finish salty and leathery tasting, with a firm tannic grip and rubbery notes. This is short on refinement but generous in terms of body and fruit content.
Ripe, forward flavors of raspberries, cherries and cola mark this Pinot Noir. It's gentle in the mouth and nice and low in alcohol. Seems too soft for aging, so drink over the next 2–3 years with a great steak.
Ripe, forward flavors of raspberry and cherry jam and spice mark this blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Dry and crisp, it has tannins that make the palate pucker, and it calls to be paired with beef, lamb or pork.
Ripe, forward scents of plums and apricots. This is concentrated but not syrupy, fleshy and ripe but not cloying or too sweet. Delicious sipping wine.
Ripe, fresh and crisp, this wine has layers of apples and cream, a sense of structure and full-bodied, lively fruit. This is a great apéritif wine.
Ripe, fresh peach and apple flavors are lifted with a spray of white-floral perfume on this pretty, easy-going wine. It's brisk on the palate with revitalizing lemon acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish.
Ripe, fruity and balanced, this has the potential to be a delicious, not-too-concentrated wine. Acidity and some dry tannins give the wine a firm character that is balanced by the fragrant berry fruits. Drink from 2026.
Ripe, fruity and delicious. Flatters with deep, long flavors of blackberries, black currants, cassis and cedar, with a lush, tannic mouthfeel and long finish. Nice now, and should develop beyond 2012.
Ripe, fruity and full of spice, this is a fresh wine. With its light color, it is a perfect summer quaff, crisp with red currants and with a light, fragrant aftertaste.
Ripe, fruity and jammy on the nose, with smokiness and earth to go with standard berry aromas. The palate leans towards full and jammy, with sweet berry and mild spice flavors. Chunky and full-bodied, but for the most part it gets things right.
Ripe, fruity and oaky, in the modern style, this Chard shows vanilla and butterscotch-tinged flavors of candied pineapples and honey.
Ripe, fruity and tannic, this shows lusty flavors of cherry and raspberry jam that finish sweet and spicy. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel.
Ripe, fruity Chardonnay, with toast flavors balancing with smooth apricot and pear juice. The wine is soft, rich and generous, finishing with a light acidity.
Ripe, fruity while also rich, this is a soft wine that's developing quickly. It has some smokiness, gentle tannins and a juicy texture. Drink this already easy wine from 2015.
Ripe, fruity wine with quince and pineapple flavors, layered through with apple skin tannins. It could do with six months aging, but it will certainly be ready to drink by the fall.
Ripe, fruity wine, it has sweet tannins, blackberry fruit, laced with acidity. The wine is all fruit, with only the lightest hint of wood.
Ripe, fruity, full flavored wine. It shows its wood aging in the toasty character that lies over the herbaceous fruit. Rounded, smooth with a burst of citrus. Drink next year, but also age.
Ripe, full-bodied and delicious, this wine is big and bold, pushing the envelope with late harvest flavors, seeming sweet on the palate and the finish. It tastes like blackberry jam and dark chocolate. It would make a fine after-dinner drink, too.
Ripe, full-bodied and smoky, this is packed with blackberry juiciness. Its structured tannins form a powerful backing to this full and rich character, giving flavors of wood aging, richness and a firm, dry finish. For aging over 3–4 years, while drinkable sooner.
Ripe, full-bodied black cherry fruit shines here, with good tannin support. The wine is rich across the palate, with clean, focused, lingering flavors that really extend into a terrifically long finish.
Ripe, full-bodied white Graves, its flavors coming from tropical fruit, rich and complex. Good wood underscores the yellow fruit flavors and ripeness. Ready to drink, but could also age 2–3 years.
Ripe, full-bodied wine, the fresh white currant and pear fruits layered with wood. The wine is bright with good concentration. Screwcap.
Ripe, full and showing the richness of the vintage, this comes from one of the premier crus vineyards on the south bank of the Serein river. It's crisp with strong minerality, while also having plenty of ripe citrus and apple fruit. Drink from 2019.
Ripe, full bodied and jammy, this is a simple, country-style Cabernet, with berry-cherry flavors.
Ripe, full in the mouth and with a smooth, already silky texture, this is a generous wine. Its ripe blackberry fruits are juicy, while the tannins are soft and cushioned by the ripe fruits. This is a wine that will develop well, so drink from 2016.
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.
Ripe, generous, powerful and opulent, the wine combines blackberry juice character with mature spice and mushroom flavors. This is a massive wine, with a gorgeous velvet texture, only a taut core of tannins. Despite moving towards a mature phase, it has many years ahead.
Ripe, heady aromas of toasty, creamy oak along with prune, raisin and cedar might be too much for those who are oak averse. Like the nose, the palate is woody and creamy, but also thick and somewhat flabby. Flavors of coconut, mocha, baking spices and blackberry finish woody and with chewy tannins.
Ripe, heady tropical fruit and citrus aromas extend onto the palate of this dry, yet deeply fruity, concentrated Riesling. It's unabashedly juicy, but textured and mineral on the palate, finishing long and with a streak of high-toned acidity.
Ripe, heady, slightly malty aromas of blackberry and plum set this on its way. In the mouth, there are scratchy, unresolved tannins and acidity to deal with along with salty flavors of oak, plum and cassis. A lasting, oaky finish with vanilla and butter notes provides for a good close out. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, jammy and forward, Prima could become the blueprint for affordable but well-made Toro wines. It's a modern bruiser from a modern, spotless facility, and it offers a clash of wild berry flavors, big-time tannins and powerful acidity. Like most Toro wines, it'll take your cheeks to the cleaners if you don't have meaty foods, cheese or lots of water to go with it. Drink now through 2012.
Ripe, jammy aromas of cooked cherry, blackberry tart, cinnamon, mesquite smoke, chocolate fudge and ground clove emerge from the nose of this powerful Amarone Riserva in a very direct and immediate manner. The wine boasts a ripe, succulent style with loads of chewy, syrupy fruit on the long close.
Ripe, jammy aromas of smashed blueberry are elevated by hints of herbs and cola. A layered and lively mouthfeel is a big plus on this plot-selection Malbec, while blackberry, herb and smoked-meat flavors finish firm fresh and with depth. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, jammy black-fruit sensations dominate the nose and mouth of this wine, with lush, expressive notes of blackberry, black raspberry and boysenberry preserves. The texture is like crushed satin, with medium-plus yet fine tannins and a cocoa-kissed finish. Enjoyable now, but should develop additional complexities after 2016.
Ripe, jammy blueberry and blackberry aromas come with a hint of graphite and sweet-smelling oak. This is choppy and edgy in feel, with coconut, blackberry and tart, drawing flavors.
Ripe, jammy fruit aromas and flavors of black berry, cherry and plum abound in this attractive wine, with a secondary hint of fudgy brownie adding additional decadence. The palate is smooth and medium bodied, with approachable tannins and ample acidity providing just enough structure. Drink now.
Ripe, jammy fruit marks this polished young Cabernet. It's rich in cherries and red licorice, with a sweet liqueur potency and an umami intensity suggesting salty smoked meats. The tannins are considerable in this muscular wine, which suggests aging for five or six years.
Ripe, jammy fruit, tart acidity and oak are pretty much what you get here. It's pretty simple and perhaps should be better than what it is.
Ripe, jammy fruitiness gives this wine a generous feel. Packed with opulent berry flavor, it will develop well. It is rich and rounded, nicely supported by the tannins that are in the background. Drink from 2019.
Ripe, jammy orange, lime, apricot and mango fruit flavors join with buttered toast and vanilla flavors to make for an opulent, yet simple, Chardonnay. Brisk acidity provides balance.
Ripe, jammy pineapple, Meyer lemon and nectarine flavors characterize this Chardonnay. It also shows plenty of new oak and lees notes. Rich and flashy, it's fully ready to drink now.
Ripe, jammy raspberry and blackberry aromas come with pastry notes and a strong blast of woodspice. This strapping wine has staunch tannins and hard-pushing acidity. Flavors of toast, blackberry and pepper lean toward the dark side, while the wine's handsome finish is secure in structure, balance and length. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, jammy, grapy aromas and flavors and a lush but firm texture make this medium-bodied wine instantly appealing and enjoyable to drink. It has nicely concentrated fruit flavors, a sense of depth and a beautiful, velvety texture.
Ripe, juicy and fragrant, this has a delicious red berry flavor that is ready to give pleasure. Maybe it's not a wine for long-term aging, but keep it for at least for 4–5 years.
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.
Ripe, juicy berries dominate the nose, getting some aromatic lift from hints of eucalyptus and menthol. The mint and red fruit of cherries consume the straight-forward palate, which is more bright and lean than rich and tannic.
Ripe, juicy blackberries burst from the nose and palate of this deliciously fruit-forward Cab Franc. Sweet, exotic violets, herbs and earthy bramble notes add complexity to the fruit, along with balanced oak and a cheery, sour cherry acidity.
Ripe, juicy flavors of pink grapefruit and peach are accented by sprightly hints of lemon and cherry blossom in this moderately sweet, delicate Riesling. A shock of lemon-lime acidity and a zesty mineral tone lingers long on the finish.
Ripe, juicy notes of yellow pear on the nose are shot through with lively, zesty lemon freshness. Smatterings of white pepper play around the sleek edges of this slender but super-juicy wine. This is totally enlivening and sings with fruit and freshness—with all the verve of its vintage.
Ripe, juicy peach and pink grapefruit flavors are accented with subtle mineral tones on this easy drinking, yet noteworthy Riesling. Dry and full bodied in style, it's lushly textured, with a bristle of lemon-pith astringency on the finish.
Ripe, juicy peaches and nectarines burst from the nose and palate of this semisweet Riesling. Sunny and pristine, with a soft, lacy sweetness, it's balanced by bristling acidity and a delicate minerality on the finish.
Ripe, juicy pear appears as a pristine, expressive flavor on nose and palate. Body and structure are light and just off dry. Drink soon while at its delicious peak.
Ripe, juicy pear notes make nose and palate immensely appetizing. They are highlighted by zippy, fresh lemon accents that create a lovely balance on this fun, fresh summer wine.
Ripe, juicy pear scents make for an inviting nose. The wine's concentrated palate presents ample citrus with those pear notes, as well as spicy grapefruit zestiness. This is lovely, dry, refreshing and focused.
Ripe, juicy white peach and honeydew flavors are fleshy and plump on this richly textured dry Riesling. It's undeniably opulent in style, but soft acidity and a crystalline edge of minerality drive a long, elegant finish. Gorgeously balanced.
Ripe, juicy yellow peaches and cherries lend concentrated fruit flavor to this otherwise brisk, delicately framed Riesling. Dry in style, it's accented by a zesty spray of lime and subtle spice notes that reverberate on the finish. Drink now to enjoy it's racy, fresh feel.
Ripe, leaning to almost overripe, green and yellow-apple aromas lead to cidery flavors. Tart acidity backs it all up.
Ripe, lifted blackberry and plum notes are tinged with game and garrigue in this luscious, full-bodied Meritage. An unusual dose of Carmenère lends an earthy, savory character that balances an otherwise plush, fruity palate. The finish is framed with fine, soft tannins and a lingering spice note.
Ripe, lightly spiced black cherry and berry aromas announce a good but basic wine. The palate is a bit tough in feel but it's solidly built. Candied, generic black-fruit flavors end simply, with modest syrupy sweetness.
Ripe, loamy aromas of black fruits are accented by notes of sandalwood, graphite and exotic spices. This is chunky and a bit jammy in feel. Flavors of smoky oak, berry fruits and chocolate finish with baking-spice flavors that are woven into black-fruit tastes. Drink through 2021.
Ripe, loamy aromas of raisin and prune feature a dash of baking spices and licorice root. This is quite jammy and widespread, with ripeness outweighing precision. Blueberry, prune and mocha flavors finish raisiny and soft.
Ripe, loamy aromas of raisin and prune include notes of coconut and chocolate. Full and rugged on the palate, this Malbec-Cabernet combo tastes fully ripe and dark, with immense blackberry and prune flavors. Fig, prune and cassis notes grace a finish that's flush with chocolate and unbridled richness. Drink through 2024.
Ripe, loamy aromas of raisin, baked blackberry and earth filter into a saturated palate with bracing natural acidity. Blackberry, cassis, herbal notes, oak and sauciness create a set of integrated flavors, while vanilla and woody notes drive the finish on this pago-designated Bobal from Utiel-Requena. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, loamy berry aromas are soft at heart but are picked up by lemony oak scents in this wine. Flavors of raisin, baked berry, herbs and oak finish on the woody, resiny side.
Ripe, loamy blackberry and plum aromas precede a grabby but mostly fresh palate that's loaded with sweet, basic flavors of spiced black plum and fig paste. A jammy, warm finish is beefy in size.
Ripe, loamy blackberry, prune and cassis aromas lead to a structured palate that boasts big, firm tannins. This offers dark, ripe flavors of wild berry, black plum and chocolate prior to a toasty finish that's largely subtle and smooth. Drink through 2021.
Ripe, loamy cherry and blackberry aromas are moderately complex. Racy on the palate courtesy of punchy, fresh acidity, this barrel-select Syrah tastes spicy and a touch charred, with a black-fruit base. Smooth on the finish, with mild residual oak, this is elegant as a whole. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, loamy raisin and kirsch aromas set up a pinched clampy tannic palate that grabs like Velcro. This tastes of vanilla and creamy oak along with herbal red berry fruits. Resiny, vanilla-driven flavors crowd out residual berry fruit on the finish. Drink now.
Ripe, loamy, rooty aromas of blackberry, cedar and marzipan are a fine draw. This is firm and juicy, with a solid foundation of acidity and integrated tannins. Robust flavors of black fruits and fig finish tight, fresh and proportional. This is good now but still evolving; drink through 2020.
Ripe, luscious black cherries and berries are framed by whispers of bramble and tannin in this enticingly fruity, forward Syrah. A showcase of fresh, primary fruit, it's juicy and delightfully gulp-worthy. Drink now through 2017.
Ripe, luscious blackberry and bramble bush notes are seductive on the nose of this rather big, powerful Cabernet Franc. The palate is forward as well, with rich black-fruit flavors accented by sweet spice and vanilla, along with a fresh swathe of green on the finish.
Ripe, luscious blackberry, currant, smoked meat and caramelized oak flavors mark this tannic, yet smooth young wine. Shows a balance that's rare in a Paso Petite Sirah. Give it some time in a decanter and drink now with beef.
Ripe, luscious raspberries lend a brambly tone to this dry, invigorating Pinot Noir rosé. The palate is concentrated with summer berry flavors pierced with a stream of tart lemonade acidity.
Ripe, lush and a touch raisiny on the nose, this smells like boysenberry pie and crème de cassis liqueur. Chewy, tannic and a bit heavy in this youthful state, this offering from vineyards in the town of Porrera (Vall Llach's home) delivers blackberry, cassis and prune flavors along with a toasty, chocolaty, oak-heavy finish. Best from 2016 through 2021.
Ripe, lush berry and vanilla aromas announce this nicely oaked blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The drying tannins are firm, and vanilla, mocha and blackberry flavors finish with tannic grip but also a sense of purity and lushness. Drink through 2023.
Ripe, lusty blackberry, cherry and earth aromas are accented by woodsy spice scents. This is full in body, with firm tannins that provide structure. Flavors of mixed berry fruits, toasty oak and related spice run deep, while this Tempranillo is staunch on the finish, with mildly abrasive tannins. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, mature, easy Champagne, maintaining the Clicquot style of bottle maturity, with toast, sweet pastry and a rich, full-in-the-mouth character of white fruits. The finish is relatively soft.
Ripe, minty and exuberant on the front end, this has a hint of animal in addition to a note of blueberry. Saturated and simple, this has a ripe red-berry flavor that comes across as red licorice. Fruity and fun.
Ripe, muscular aromas of forest floor, blackberry, cassis and violet are stunningly attractive. This is showing vise-grip tannins in support of blackberry, licorice, mocha and woodspice flavors. Café mocha and an oaky, creamy note of toffee work the finish on this well-structured wine that should be drunk from 2015–2025.
Ripe, muscular wine, with a full throttle nose rich with jammy black fruits. Firm structure, smooth tannins, and a chocolaty finish make this an appealing, consumer-friendly style.
Ripe, mushy plum and black cherry guts lead the way on the nose, with secondary notes of cured meat and tree bark. Medium weight and very approachable now with dusty tannins and a solid finish.
Ripe, oaky and showing aromas of coconut, vanilla, raisin and prune, this easily approachable Monastrell is full, dark and stretched wide, with proper acidity keeping things fenced in and focused. Sun-baked black-fruit flavors finish spicy and peppery, with mild heat.
Ripe, oaky, baked aromas of blackberry, coconut and graphite accurately set up a lush, sticky palate. This tastes candied and intensely ripe, with cassis and blackberry flavors that end with brown sugar and blueberry notes. Overall this blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah is overtly ripe and sweet tasting, but balanced. Drink now.
Ripe, opulent black currants and violets, melted into liquid and bathed in toasty oak, are the flavors of this 100% Cabernet. Alcohol brings subtle heat and sweet glycerine, but the finish is dry and long. It's a beautiful evocation of St. Helena terroir, but needs aging. Give it a try in 2018, and it should have no trouble gliding well into the 2020s.
Ripe, opulent blackberry, cherry, butterscotch and vanilla bean flavors mark this soft wine. You can drink it now with everyday fare like beef tacos and cheeseburgers.
Ripe, plush and chewy, this easy-going wine has the heft and endurance to pair with cheesy lasagna or pizza. It's soft and lush on the palate, with tame tannins.
Ripe, powerful red-cherry flavors are balanced with crisp acidity and a backbone of granite in this medium-bodied Pinot Noir. It's a fresh, forward wine, with firm, upright tannins and lingering nuances of licorice and dark toast.
Ripe, premium fruit and fairly high alcohol levels define this wine. A hot year and ripe fruit combine to create complexity in the nose, with an interesting mix of spices (cardamom, clove), lots of tannin, some darker fruit, and hints of smoke and earth. The only down side: it lacks weight and it finishes very tannic.
Ripe, pristine pineapple, mango and honeydew burst from this luscious semi-dry Riesling. It's juicy and lush, boasting a tropical fruit flavor, but also structured and sprightly, with a surprising mineral finish.
Ripe, pure flavors of tropical fruits, Meyer lemons, limes and peaches mark this lovely Chardonnay. New French oak adds luscious notes of buttered toast. With crisp acidity and a clean, spicy finish, it's a beautiful Chard to drink now.
Ripe, raisiny aromas of earthy berry fruits, chocolate and vanilla introduce a choppy palate with oaky flavors of dried cheese and cream. This also shows dried plum and berry flavors on a full, scratchy palate. End notes of foresty berry fruits, earth, licorice and hard spices are impressively solid. Drink through 2020.
Ripe, raisiny, lightly baked aromas set up a full palate with tomatoey acidity. Flavors of baked plum and cherry are backed by notes of mocha, tobacco, vanilla and herbs. A long, balanced, cedary finish helps this along. Drink now.
Ripe, ready to drink and fruity, this is an attractive, balanced wine. Black-currant flavors are given structure by the tannins in this 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc blend from 15 acres. The fresh acidity of the vintage is still there, giving a lively juicy aftertaste. Drink now. An Alliance Bourg member.
Ripe, red cherry, with floral notes of rose, iris and a hint of cinnamon introduce this ripe and luscious wine that is already surprisingly open and generous. Its gentle, finely-knit tannic structure will allow this to age, but there is a pleasant, seductive mellowness already in the alternating layers of spice and cherry. Drink from 2014–2018.
Ripe, relatively full-bodied Muscadet with a soft texture of ripe Granny Smith apples and touches of apricot. It does have a dry, crisp finish that provides some tight acidity, although its softness lets it work as both an aperitif and a food wine.
Ripe, rich and creamy, this is a dense wine from the lees aging. Spice and a touch of toast come from the wood aging that smooths the wine and gives it extra complexity. This is a rich wine, with a tangy aftertaste, that is ready to drink.
Ripe, rich and elegant, this wine is brimming with black plum, strawberry, cassis, chocolate, spice and herb notes. It's smooth-textured and seamlessly integrated, even at this early stage. Firm, plush tannins and just the right amount of toasty oak frame the ensemble.
Ripe, rich and fruity, this is Gamay from old vines that give extra concentration. The wine is full of bitter cherries, tight acidity and a light texture. Drink now.
Ripe, rich and generous, this has tannins that show the basic structure of the wine, with chocolate and licorice flavors highlighting the wood infuence. At the same time, it has a delicious fruitiness.
Ripe, rich and overall yummy, this Syrah offers bright notes of red plum and cherry laced with a touch of gaminess and soft foliage. The medium-weight mouthfeel boasts fine tannins and prominent acidity that provides a nice lift to the long, spicy 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.
Ripe, rich and velvety, this wine shows no lack of restraint. The black cherry, herb and mushroom shadings aren't shy at all, and this full-bodied wine finishes long and warm. Drink now–2018.
Ripe, rich apricot and grapefruit flavors are plush and easy here, but are balanced neatly by fresh acidity and a glimmer of mineral complexity. Delicately textured and brisk on the finish, it's a thrist quenching apéritif to enjoy young.
Ripe, rich apricot and peach flavors are accented by touches of bramble and earth in this slightly rustic yet elegant Chardonnay. Tangerine acidity jolts the midpalate, leading a fresh, crisp finish.
Ripe, rich aromas of black cherry preserves are offset by earthy, brambly tones on this Cab-Syrah blend. It's lush and full bodied on the palate with juicy black plum and cherry flavors, but finishes elegantly with a whisper of finely grained tannins.
Ripe, rich black cherries and berries are accented by layers crushed stone on this elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh fruit concentrates the palate, but it's brightened by a jolt of acidity and fine, lingering tannins.
Ripe, rich black cherry and plum flavors are struck by ripples of coffee, dried herbs and granite in this elegant, structured Cabernet Franc. Crisp acidity and fine grained tannins frame a moderately long finish.
Ripe, rich blackberry and plum notes abound from nose to finish in this bold, deeply concentrated wine. The palate is velvety in texture, edged by a fine, chalky frame of tannins and lively cranberry acidity. Hints of pepper, dried herb and lavender lend nuance to a long finish.
Ripe, rich fruit and bold, mouth dampening tannins express the rugged muscularity of this wine. A blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties, it highlights pristine black cherry and cassis against a backdrop of spice, cedar, barnyard and tobacco complexities. It needs a few years to ease off its brawniness, but should improve beautifully through at least 2023.
Ripe, rich fruit flavors and a handsome streak of spicy oak make this full-bodied Rhône-style blend luscious and tempting. Great fruit concentration and a nicely viscous texture team up with soft tannins and an almost-sweet finish.
Ripe, rich notes of blueberry and grape jelly lend a slightly confected tone to pristine cherry and berry flavors. It's lush and soft on the palate, with dense, grippy tannins that add structure to the finish.
Ripe, rich yellow-cherry and peach tones are surprisingly plump on this dancing, delicate wine. A strike of razor-edged acidity on the midpalate cuts through all the luscious fruit, leading a steely, mineral finish.
Ripe, rooty aromas of licorice, leather and peanut are matched by cedar, tobacco and other complex scents. This mature Cafayate classic is still rugged and solid on the palate despite showing a rusting color. Flavors of chocolate, prune and baking spices finish deep, with rooty, chocolaty notes and pent-up energy. Drink now.
Ripe, round and fleshy, this brings generous tree fruits annotated with bright spices. It's clean, fresh and has a hint of mint in the finish.
Ripe, round tannins give this full-bodied wine a rich feel. With its mouthful of bright red-cherry fruit, this is a delicious selection to drink now.
Ripe, round, soft and juicy, this is already attractive and drinkable. It has firm tannins, yet these are cushioned by the sweet black fruits and the lift from the acids. Drink now, or hold this for another year.
Ripe, round, toasty wine, with rich, plummy fruit and a full-throttle palate feel. Nicely made and surprisingly evolved; jammy and pleasure-packed. Finishes with a pleasing fruit sweetness.
Ripe, rounded and generous, a warm plum juice-flavored wine. There is power and concentration. It is a very complete, ageworthy wine, although accessible now.
Ripe, rounded and grassy varietal flavors set this apart from more slender offerings of the new world. This is Sauvignon Blanc from a continental climate, with substance and roundness that puts flesh on the bones of this sleek variety. This is ideal for pairing with soft, washed-rind cheeses.
Ripe, rounded green pear flavors gain edge from peppery, herbal notes and the verve of zesty lemon acidity. The conference pear flavors shine through to the very end to provide zesty, savory pleasure.
Ripe, rounded peach flavors with an earthy edge on the nose give way to a tingling, peppery, grassy and grapefruit-driven palate full of zing and crispness. This is tingling and fresh. Drink soon.
Ripe, rounded wine, wood balancing with rich fruits. Flavors of honeyed toast go with ripe red apple juice and a soft aftertaste.
Ripe, rounded, creamy wine, with sweet spice, but still with a reservoir of the freshest acidity. Green apple fruits add crispness, while the wine finishes in a golden afterglow. Screwcap.
Ripe, ruddy cassis and blackberry are threaded with woody tones of briar and tobacco in this lush Pinot Noir. It's rich and silky on the palate, but marked by pert acidity and a long, velveteen finish.
Ripe, rugged, leathery berry and plum aromas set up a tight, rubbery palate. This tastes good, albeit different than your average Malbec—it's a bit citrusy, with orange peel and reedy cherry and plum notes. On the finish this clamps down with tannic grip.
Ripe, saturated berry aromas are toasty and oaky, with a note of licorice. This tannic, bold Mencía lives on the dark side. Flavors of black fruits are spicy, while on the finish this is tarry and charred, with chunky weight.
Ripe, savory and smoky up front, this is oozing blackberry, cassis, bacon and leather aromas. The palate on this minerally Rioja is as juicy, ripe and fresh as they come. Flavors of plum, berry, herbs and oak are integrated, classy and finish long, with a touch of coconut and raw wood that will likely disappear with more bottle age. Drink through 2025.
Ripe, savory cherry, cola and currant flavors mark this fresh young Pinot. They're brightened by crisp acidity that cuts right across the palate, making it juicy and clean. Elegant in mouthfeel, with earthy, mushroomy complexities, it should develop over the next six years.
Ripe, slightly raisiny berry aromas come with a floral hint and a welcome note of brown sugar. This feels bold and healthy, while plum, cassis, raisin and fig flavors are spicy and finish with a sense of completeness. Drink through 2018.
Ripe, slightly sunbaked aromas of berry fruits, plum and raisin include notes of vanilla and oak grain. A medium-bodied palate is agile, fresh and juicy. Oak-aided flavors of coffee, mocha and chocolate accent plum and berry fruit. Despite a drawing, dense finish, this high-elevation Garnacha remains upright in stature. Drink through 2023.
Ripe, smooth and balanced, this wine shows firm tannins and a solid, chunky build. With its rich black-plum fruit and opulent texture, it will be ready to drink in 2–3 years.
Ripe, smooth and creamy, this has just a touch of wood to give extra roundness to the ripe yellow and citrus fruits. Ready to drink wine.
Ripe, smooth and creamy, this wine has a rich texture to it. Tropical fruits, featuring ¬flavors of mango and pineapple, give it an exotic feel, although it is firmly held in place by acidity.
Ripe, smooth and deliciously rounded, this is a generous wine. Spice and yellow fruits are right up front, supported by just enough acidity. The wine is rich and ready to drink.
Ripe, smooth and gold in color, this is a nectar-like wine. It has a honeyed note and a dry edge from botrytis, with an opulent, complex texture. It also has lively acidity that offers the purest expression of Petit Manseng. A great wine to drink at the end of a meal, or with a rich terrine at the start.
Ripe, smooth and pure, with aromas of asphalt, tobacco and cedar-lined cigar box along with dry, elevated fruit. The palate is balanced to a tee, with floral, fresh flavors of berry, cola, herbs and tobacco. Seña has been on a roll lately, and this vintage is entirely inviting, balanced and savory. Drinkable now, but best from 2010 to 2013.
Ripe, smooth and rich, this bears flavors of milk chocolate, blackberry jam, molasses and black licorice. The tannins are thick and supple, yet the mouthfeel remains firm. It finishes dry and spicy. This can be consumed now with roasted meat or beef stew.
Ripe, smooth and satiny, this wine has all the right stuff for pleasurable drinking now. Earthy spice and cocoa-nib accents add depth to the dense raspberry and cherry fruit core, while the finish expresses a tree bark and whole peppercorn flavor that lingers.
Ripe, smooth and toasty, this has the feel and texture of Chardonnay. It is full and rounded, yet its acidity and red fruit character lend elegance.
Ripe, smooth, just veering toward rustic, but also showing a fine balance of tannins and sweet fruit. It is certainly rich, while the spicy character, with the dried fruits, is generous. The acidity is understated.
Ripe, smooth, rich fruits, juicy strawberry flavor and fresh acidity. The texture is solid and dense, with an obvious potential for aging.
Ripe, smooth, velvet textured wine, layering dark chocolate, black plum skins, dense tannins and a big, solid structure. It tastes powerful from the ripe tannins and big fruit, finishing with fresh acidity.
Ripe, soft and a little sweet, with jellied flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate and anise. Drink now.
Ripe, soft and creamy smooth, this Chard has polished flavors of pineapple jam, vanilla, pears, apple butter, honey and cinnamon.
Ripe, soft and creamy, this is a gold-colored, fresh Champagne, with yellow and white fruit flavors. The wine is open, softly rich with a light, bright mousse and finishing acidity. The aftertaste adds an attractive yeasty character.
Ripe, soft and creamy, with yellow fruits, fresh acidity and a hint of toast. The wine is full, textured with pear skins, with a strong citrus element.
Ripe, soft and forward in pie-filling blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and spice flavors, this has rich, earthy tannins. Drink now–2010.
Ripe, soft and fruity, just hinting at the wood aging, this comes from a vineyard that was only lightly hit by hail in 2012. The acidity, spice and smokiness produce a wine that has a rich, red-fruit character that is shot through with fine acidity. Drink from 2017.
Ripe, soft and fruity, this is a black-cherry-flavored wine. It has a good balance between the fruit and the crisp acidity, giving a wine that is both rich and bursting with fruitiness. Drink now.
Ripe, soft and full bodied, this wine has fresh citrus and gooseberry flavors along with zesty lemon and a bright aftertaste. It needs a few more months to fill out, so drink from 2017.
Ripe, soft and oaky, with gentle, sweet flavors of blackberry, blueberry and cherry jam, mocha and toast. Easy to drink now with a great grilled steak.
Ripe, soft and pillowy on the nose, this blend is wide and lazy on the palate, with raisin and prune flavors offset by moderate acidity. A loamy, raisiny finish confirms a sense of ripeness and weight.
Ripe, soft and round, this is an accessible wine, with easy yellow-fruit flavors that lend a sweetly juicy character. The acidity just cuts through the warm feel to give the finish some lift.
Ripe, soft and rounded, this light, fresh wine has delicious apple and grapefruit flavors, which are rounded out by a generous, creamy texture. It wants for some tautness and minerality.
Ripe, soft and very drinkable, this has a generous structure that cushions the tannins with rounded black fruits. The acidity and the warm, generous character of the 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc blend net a fine representation of the fruity 2012s. This is Bordeaux consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt's home turf. Wooden fermenters and 16 months in barrel (40% new) necessitate time, so drink from 2016.
Ripe, soft fruits give this wine a rich and open character. It is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine, with added complexity from black plum, spice and herb.
Ripe, soft red cherry fruits are linked to a light texture and soft tannins in this ready-to-drink wine. The final acidity brings out the attractive fruitiness of this fresh wine. Drink now.
Ripe, soft wine that has good dense fruit flavors as well as richness. There is some new wood, but the wine remains elusive, perhaps still young. On the palate, the wood spice is still dominant, with only the acidity hinting at the fruit.
Ripe, soft wine, deliciously rounded with fresh white and green fruits combining into a creamy herbaceousness. There is a final tang to this concentrated, full wine. Screwcap.
Ripe, soft, with just the right amount of fresh acidity. The wine has a bright texture, crispness, rounded out by pear flavors, topped with cream.
Ripe, spicy and full both of ripe fruits and tannins, this is a full-bodied wine that brings out the minerality and structure of a Douro wine. It has plenty of red fruits to balance these tannins, resolving into the wine that is firm but ready to drink.
Ripe, spicy berry aromas are a touch reduced. This warm-vintage reserva feels jammy and wide, with rugged, pulling tannins. Peppery dark-fruit flavors turn more savory on a tannic, rocky finish. Drink through 2022.
Ripe, spicy tropical fruits give this wine a rich feel. There is a touch of caramel along with pineapple and apricot flavors. It is full bodied and structured, with a finish that shows acidity and a streak of nutmeg.
Ripe, spread-out aromas of mixed berry fruits are straightforward and good. A firm, rubbery, lively palate is capped by hard tannins, while cherry, plum and currant flavors finish baked, loamy and accessible. Drink through 2017.
Ripe, stout and smoky dark-berry aromas are spicy and a bit hot. This lush Merlot from a warm year is voluminous and chubby, with heft and full extraction. Spicy, toasty blackberry and cassis flavors come with chocolaty oak, while this is dense, chewy and mouth coating on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Ripe, strawberry/raspberry preserves, with a pleasing, jammy, fruity, luscious richness. Ten percent Petite Sirah adds color and punch. There's a fair amount of tannin, but overall a nice balance, and the plush fruit is the highlight.
Ripe, succulent flavors of cherries and cola mark this Pinot, along with earthier complexities of grilled mushrooms. Oak adds a sweet layer of toast, yet the wine remains satisfyingly dry. It's so delicious now, you can hardly keep from drinking it, but it will reward a year or two in the cellar.
Ripe, succulent peach and melon flavors mark this dry but lusciously textured Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp and minerally, yet juicy and thirst quenching, this has so much dimension in each sip. It finishes quite floral, with just a touch of lime-pith astringency.
Ripe, succulent red cherries and currants are accented with sweet toasty oak and wrapped into smooth, but thick, tannins in this Cab Franc. There's a wonderful sweet-pea herbaceousness that adds interest. This lip-smackingly tasty wine, which is moderate in alcohol, should develop bottle nuances over the next six years.
Ripe, succulent yellow peaches and tangerines seem grazed by razor-edged shards of lime and grapefruit in this dry, squarely structured Riesling. Light-footed and lively, it's straightforward refreshment to be enjoyed now through 2018.
Ripe, sun-kissed plum and blackberry flavors are crisply balanced in this juicy, velvet-textured red. It's lavishly oaky, streaked with layers of spice, toast and caramel, but maintains elegance and brightness throughout. The finish is marked by fine-grained but penetrating tannins.
Ripe, sunny cherry pie, red currant and licorice flavors mark this dry, silky Pinot Noir. It shows the full-bodied character of Nielson Vineyard, along with the crushed hard spices that make the wine so savory. Drink now–2015.
Ripe, sweet-fruited wine, its red berry fruits and opulent tannins giving a rounded feel. There is, as well, a good structure composed of acidity, licorice and wood. It needs 2–3 years still to really develop all its depth of flavor.
Ripe, sweet-smelling and “muy moderno,” but by no means is this Syrah-led warrior only fruit, bulk and oak. Spanish wine writer Victor de la Serna's wine gets better all the time. This vintage is like berry cake in a glass, but it's not short on anything, including acidity and tannic structure. Expect a blast of fruit flavor, intensity in reserve, and some forward oak, vanilla and butter. Should settle into form over the next 18 months.
Ripe, sweet and stylish, with blackberry, root beer and herb aromas. Bulky yet balanced, with black cherry fruit that comes at you in jammy style. Black tea, ground spices, coffee and raw oak work the finish. A dark and handsome wine, but one that isn't overly complex and is ready to drink now through 2011.
Ripe, sweet blueberries, black pepper and refreshing acidity make this an incredibly appetizing wine. In sheer, unadulterated drinkability, this scores so well: It's fresh-faced and uncomplicated but very moreish.
Ripe, sweet fruit marks this simple Cabernet. It's candied in blackberries and cherries, with a touch of smoky oak.
Ripe, sweet pineapple and orange jam flavors mark this rather simple, forward Chardonnay. Oak brings even sweeter vanilla, buttered toast and caramel notes. It's designed to appeal to the modern style.
Ripe, tannic and leathery (in a good sense), this brings concentrated flavors of cherry compôte, Campari and baking spices. It's aromatic and mouthfilling, and delivers ample pleasure.
Ripe, toasty, smoky aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and prune are gritty. This is big, tannic and blocky, with tartaric scrape. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, raw oak, licorice and spice finish with notes of toast, chocolate and baking spices. Drink this full-bodied, jammy blend of Malbec and four other red grapes through 2020.
Ripe, tropical-fruited wine, with apricot and peach and layers of toasty wood. The wine is fresh, finely balanced, finishing with a citrus hint.
Ripe, tropical and laced with pineapple, nectarine, green banana and melon. This is the best Don Olegario we've had in the past three vintages, and that's because it's here in the year after harvest, as it should be. Thus it's fresh, smooth and tight, with hints of petrol, pepper and citrus pith toughening up the finish. Drink now.
Ripe, tropical flavors of pear, peach and banana mingle in this blend of five vineyards. It's fleshy and ripe.
Ripe, tropical fruit aromas mark this spicy, well-made wine. The aromas veer toward breadfruit, mango and even banana, with Oriental spice notes of ginger and cinnamon. Drinks rich and powerful, with up-front fruit, and finishes long and spicy.
Ripe, tropical fruit Sauvignon Blanc from vines close to the Neusiedlersee lake. The wine has peach and pineapple flavors that are counterbalance by a more herbal, grassy back taste. Because it is so young, it does need a few more months in bottle. Screwcap.
Ripe, tropical mango and pineapple tones swirl from nose to palate in this plush, yet elegant Chardonnay. Creamy in texture and lavishly adorned with oak, vanilla and spice, it's a voluptuous wine, with a bold, slightly warming finish.
Ripe, tropical overtones of mango and passion fruit accompany the more usual ripe pear notes of this concentrated wine. There are mineral hints on the palate, where weight, flavor and freshness are in perfect accord. This is lovely now but will age very gracefully.
Ripe, velvety notions of juicy pear and pear peel perfume the subtle nose. The palate has the same, bright, friendly but utterly balanced juiciness that is immensely appetizing. The palate is dry and lithe and has a fine acidic backbone of lemony freshness.
Ripe, very soft and missing out on zesty freshness, this wine is full-bodied and on the heavy side. It does have attractive strawberry fruitiness and some acidity that comes through at the end.
Ripe, vibrant and focused fruit flavors give this full-bodied wine a lot of life. It smells and tastes like rich boysenberry and lively raspberry, feels well balanced and fresh on the palate, and does not have heavy tannins.
Ripe, vivacious blackberry, black currant and oak flavors are folded into complex tannins in this dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon. Blended with 10% Merlot, it's dry, firm and noble, but severely immature at this stage and will require plenty of bottle age. Give it six more years, at the very least.
Ripe, voluptuous blackberry and cherry overlie a dusty undercoat of tannin and minerality. These come across as rocky on the palate, complemented by moderate acidity and a rich texture. The fruit shows a maturity of both ripeness and attitude.
Ripe, warm and with delicious strawberry and red-plum fruits, the wine is generous and full of fruit. The tannins are also there, a structure just to support all this fruit. It will be an opulent and beautiful wine as it ages. Drink from 2025.
Ripe, warm aromas of leather, licorice and baked black plum are the greeting on this Malbec-led blend. In the mouth, it's extracted, jammy and moderately tannic. Flavors of blackberry, vanilla, marshmallow and chocolate are derived from healthy fruit and plenty of oak. A long, spicy, woody finish offers a lot to chew on. Drink through 2021.
Ripe, with a fine texture, this full wine still young, developing its fruit element while maintaining texture and minerality. Drink this crisply fruity wine from 2017.
Ripe, with a touch of honey as if the botrytis for the sweet wine landed on these grapes as well. This dry white has creamy wood, spice and apricot flavors, making a delicious ripe wine, even with a touch of sweetness to the finish.
Ripe, with jammy red fruits, this is an attractively fruity wine. It has maraschino cherry flavors, intertwined with acidity to give structure, a fresh character and soft tannins. Drink this year.
Ripe, woody, heady aromas of balsam wood and cedar cigar box set up a pushy, thick, syrupy palate that delivers a mix of raisin, berry, stewed plum and licorice flavors. A chewy feeling, stewy-tasting finish is full and blocky.
Ripe, yellow peach and apricot flavors are accompanied by shock of spine-tingling acidity on this off-dry Riesling. Intensely focused and penetrating, it offers a lingering crush of minerals on the finish.
Ripe, yellow pear shines through the savory yeast notes on the nose. The palate unites white pepper and herbal notes of chervil and lovage with lemony freshness. Moreish and appetizing, with a lingering white pepper and citrus finish.
Ripe, yellow pear, stone and earth are united by a zesty grapefruit perfume. The streak of purity at the center of this is invigorating, with an enlivening backbone of tinkling acidity. This bottling does justice to a difficult vintage—and is all the more alluring for it. Something racy and pure at the core makes you want to delve deeply into this wine.
Ripe, zesty lemon peel and white pepper come in an unusual but very convincing union that bewitches nose and palate. There is real concentration at the core and tons of spice and freshness on a very focused, driven palate. This is utterly refreshing and packs a real punch.
Ripely delicious and jammy with raspberries, red cherries, and sweet-buttered-toast notes, this Pinot is great for drinking now with steak or lamb chops. With a crisp edge of acidity, it's as elegant and tasty as Russian River Pinot gets.
Ripely fruity, with sun-warmed flavors of white peach and nectarine. Acids are fine, and boost the structure. There's also a subtle overlay of oak that adds to the tastes.
Ripely juicy wine, its soft tannins lifted by fresh blackberry flavors. The crisp acidity in the juice shows prominently. It has some dry structure, but this is enveloped in this berry fruit character, which suggests it will mature quickly.
Ripely opulent, it's explosive in blackberry jam and red currants, with the grilled meat bone and black pepper notes of a cool-climate Syrah. The tannins are strong, but finely ground, while the acids will cut right through meat fat. Give this lovely young wine until 2016–2017 in the cellar.
Ripely rich, this is full of soft fruit, with a dominant note of apricot. It has just a touch of spice to add piquancy, while the smooth texture is given a tight edge by a lemon juice flavor. An impressive wine that will age over the next 2–3 years.
Ripeness abounds in this densely plummy Pinot Noir. Full bodied and plush in style, its fruit profile suggests notes of maturity—flavors of prune and dried cherry glazed in sweet balsamic. The finish is a bit earthier, lingering on notes of spice and forest floor.
Ripeness and a rich, phenolic edge dominate. Savory notes of lovage and an earthy undertone would make this a great companion for ripe, soft cheeses.
Ripeness and generosity of pure pear flavors characterize nose and palate. There is concentration on the palate and both juicy ripeness and zesty freshness, creating a lively fruit-driven wine. The finish is long and appetizing.
Ripeness and richness reign over this full-bodied, almost-sweet wine. Oaky, maple-syrup aromas and lots of black cherry and boysenberry flavors partner with a smooth, posh texture. Think of it almost like a Port, but drier and not quite so high in alcohol.
Ripeness is evident in the wine's earthy nose, which blends prune, tire rubber and spice with good results. Serious and medium-bodied for Cabernet Sauvignon, with a cascade of red-berry flavors followed closely by a wave of dry oak and mocha. Shows some drying tannins and a peppery aftertaste. Drink now–2009.
Ripeness marks this Pinot. It floods the mouth with jammy raspberries and cherries, brightened with acidity. Seems a bit straightforward by virtue of sheer dazzle, but it is a superb example of the Santa Rita Hills, at a good price.
Ripeness of peach, citrus, apple and pear shimmers everywhere. The palate is clean, very fruit-driven and fresh, if a little upfront. Drink this refreshing and dry wine soon.
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.
Ripeness was no problem in this wine, despite the chilly vintage. It bursts with raspberries and cherries, with brown sugar and oak richness. Gentle enough to drink now, the blend is Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, in that order.
Riper and fruitier than Donati's less expensive '08s, the Ezio is a Bordeaux-style blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon. This swaps elegance for a more full-bodied, robust style that comes across as heavy.
Riper and fruitier than last year's release, a big, juicy wine that rewards the palate with layers of blackberry and cherry on top of the usual cola, tomato and rhubarb flavors. Structurally, it's a big wine, with firm tannins. I would cellar this until next year.
Riper and richer than most Pinotage, with loads of decadent berry preserves, caramel sauce and melted dark chocolate aromas. The lushness carries through to the mouth, with a round mouthfeel full of dark fruit with accents of leather and cigar box. The peppery finish leaves a satisfying spicy note lingering in your mouth through the close.
Riper and richer than some standard RDDs, with aromas of tomato, raisin, maple and blackberry. The palate is ripe and grabby, with serious tannins and structure to frame dark fruit, chocolate and brown sugar flavors. A full and positive wine that has restraint. Will settle in the bottle and should be at its best come late 2008/early 2009.
Riper aspects of Mirabelle plum join the aromatic spectrum dominated by bracing citrus zest. Grapefruit and lemon echo along the palate and surpass themselves in a tight, bracing and concentrated finish. Slender but ultratoned.
Riper in style than Ara's Composite bottling, offering straightforward pineapple fruit and a clean, refreshing style. It's nicely balanced, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Riper notes of pink grapefruit and tangerine distinguish this dry Riesling from Georg Albrecht Schneider's other 2014 wines. The palate is cutting and crisp, showcasing tart limes and gooseberries against a blossomy finish. Drink now.
Riper notions of juicy pear are followed by clean-cut flavors of citrus and tart, crunchy apple. This wine offers lovely fluidity, concentration and slenderness, and is totally appetizing.
Riper notions of yellow plum and melon mingle with Grüner's attractive freshness, here expressed by lemon and lime zest flavors. The palate adds extra verve with a pleasantly bitter phenolic edge. This is a taut, clean, super-fruited textbook example of freshness with tons of verve.
Riper suspicions of yellow plum insinuate themselves on the nose. The palate is shot through with lemony freshness that brightens everything. Taut and fresh, this also has Alsace's more rounded edges. With time, more aromas arise, finishing in a fruity mix of apple, stone fruit and citrus.
Riper, and more lusciously peachy and floral than the Herrenberg, the Abtsberg Superior calibrates honeyed stone fruit flavors against a spine of tart, tangerine acidity. Light-footed and harmoniously off dry, it finishes long with spicy mineral flair. Drinks well now but should continue to improve through at least 2025.
Ripples of fleshy, almost overripe, black cherry and berry are mouth-filling and plush in this voluptuous Syrah. It's amply oaked, wafting of toasted coconut, vanilla and spice. Soft, sunny acidity and feathery tannins cushion a moderately long finish.
Rippling layers of candle wax and honey lend roundness and richness to this spry, citrusy Riesling. A late-release bottling, it offsets fresh, concentrated tangerine flavor with dusty spice notes and a delicious mineral oil sheen. The finish is long and quite dry.
Rippling texture and bright stone-fruit and apricot flavors mesh nicely in this elegant Grüner Veltliner. There's a touch of nuttiness on the nose and palate, but it's a strong case for Grüner's potential in the Finger Lakes.
Riserva Barolo Prapò delivers modern oak tones followed by nice integrity of fruit and well-integrated aromas of spice, prune, blackberry and cola. The mouthfeel is very velvety and smooth and the tannins show an extreme fine grain quality. Hold ten years or more.
Riserva Broglio Barolo from Schiavenza opens with generous tones of red berry fruit, spice, vanilla, polished mineral, licorice and cola. It is already showing some delicate tertiary aromas and, in the mouth, you can feel the fine texture of the tannins. Hold five more years.
Riserva Cappellaccio is a pure expression of Aglianico that has embraced the scorching heat of the 2003 vintage to deliver warm tones of jammy fruit, tar, asphalt, resin and natural spice. The wine is broad and chewy in the mouth.
Riserva Colle Secco, made from the Montepulciano grape, opens with aromas of raw wood chips and sawdust. The palate is dominated by aggressive oak and espresso with hints of black fruit muffled in the background.
Riserva di Fizzano is a great wine to serve when you have friends over for dinner. The color is dark and concentrated and the nose is bursting with ripe fruit flavors of mature cherry and blueberry. The mouthfeel is succulent and chewy.
Riserva di Fizzano is always an impressive wine, and the 2007 vintage has produced an especially generous, soft and rich bottling. It delivers aromas of bright cherry, soft spice, chocolate, pipe tobacco and a pretty flower accent at the back. It would pair with pork roasted with fennel seed and garlic.
Riserva gli Angeli is a beautiful Brunello with plump richness and long-lasting flavors of red fruit, exotic spice, leather and tobacco. Thanks to excellent growing conditions, this lucky vintage shows wonderfully rich texture in the mouth.
Riserva La Poderina presents an impenetrable wall of aromatic intensity with dark concentration and lovely density in the mouth. You'll recognize dark fruit, polished mineral, leather, tobacco and powdered spice notes. The wine lasts long on the palate, driven by its bold structure.
Riserva La Volta exhibits smoky tones of charcoal, black slate, licorice and dried black currant backed by toasted peanut or roasted chestnut. The toasted element, which seems to have become more prominent with time, is a bit overwhelming and definitely the wine's defining characteristic.
Riserva Lodolaio offers sophisticated aromas of cured meat, leather, exotic spice and black fruit. The quality of the fruit seems fresh and more youthful in the mouth where you'll taste cherry and blackberry backed by silky tannins and a fresh close.
Riserva Poggio alle Mura really delivers the goods with a dark garnet appearance and huge aromatic intensity that comes forth as dried fruit, cassis, prune, cola, ginger, cedar and licorice. The wine shows complexity and balance with endnotes of sweet spice and dark berry. This is a rich, plush and velvety Brunello that will be ready to drink in just a few brief years.
Riserva Poggio Rosso opens with a beautifully luminous color and offers bright cherry aromas backed by spice, leather and liquid smoke. The wine's success is in part due to the 10% component of Pugnitello, which is a robust and concentrated grape that San Felice has developed steadily over the years.
Riserva Rancia opens with elegant hues of garnet and dark ruby and offers sophisticated notes of old spice, cured leather and dried currant berries. It achieves elegance, harmony and delivers pristine and persistent flavors that would marry red meat, pork or lamb.
Riserva Vigna Castellero is an approachable and elegant food wine with focused aromas of wild berry and cassis, backed by mineral, cola and powdered licorice. There's a polished and fine nature to the mouthfeel and the wine would stand up to juicy filet mignon topped with foie gras and mushroom pâté.
Ritratti Pinot Nero is a flush and pristine expression of this exceptional grape from northern Italy that opens with tight berry, raspberry and floral aromas. The wine tastes crisp, tight and closes with a fine, polished feel.
Ritual is Veramonte's top label from Casablanca and this wine is up to snuff. Grassy, green aromas of lettuce and tropical fruits set up a clean, medium-weight palate with grapefruit, gooseberry and lime flavors. A touch of bitter pyrazines rise up on the finish and dance with residual citrus notes and minerality.
Riva dei Fiori shows a light and delicate quality with pretty accents of white flower, almond paste and crushed stone. This sparkler is short and snappy with a clean, bright close.
Rive Alte is a beautiful blend of white grapes that offers loads of aromatic intensity backed by creamy structure and fruity succulence. This wine is refined and elegant with an impressively complex bouquet.
Riverbench's regular estate Pinot Noir, as opposed to their excellent Mesa reserve, has struggled over the years, and this '09 continues that pattern. It's elegantly structured, but somewhat underripe, with an asparagus edge to the raspberries, cherries and sweet oak.
Riverbend vineyard—the estate vineyard for Fielding Hills—is the fruit source. Also in the blend are Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Berries, cassis, coffee liqueur, vanilla and coconut flavors combine in a tasty and substantial take on Merlot. This is especially rich in barrel flavors for this price.
Rivus is a clean expression of Sangiovese (with a small component of Canaiolo) that is aged only in stainless steel in order to preserve the freshness of its aromas and its easy berry flavors.
Rizzi's fresh and floral Moscato d'Asti opens with aromas of pressed flowers, citrus, stone fruit, honey and scented candle. The foamy bubbles feel great in the mouth and form a lasting impression of fullness and creaminess.
Rkatsiteli is hard to pronounce and harder yet to spell, but it's an invitingly zippy thirst-quencher here. Tart white melon and grapefruit flavors are exhilarating and fresh from nose to finish. The finish is dry and zesty.
Road tar, hard spice, fennel and peppery red-berry aromas define the nose on this blend of Syrah, Cab Sauvignon and Carmenère. The mouthfeel is round, full and solid, while notes of herbs, spice and chocolate rest on top of earthy berry flavors. A long, oaky, lightly herbal finish is hot but sturdy.
Roaring Meg is Mt. Difficulty's entry-level Pinot, offering authoritative if somewhat chunky flavors. Plum and cola notes predominate, filling the mouth and showing plenty of persistence.
Roast beef and black cherry notes open this juicy example from South Australia. Fresh but diffuse fruit notes dominate the crisp palate and lead to a cherry-flavored finish that lacks persistance. Drink now.
Roast beef, black currant, caked purple flowers, caramel and fudge come together on the wondrous nose of this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Strong chocolate flavors kick off the palate, followed by blueberry, violet, espresso, dill and licorice, all clinging to sticky, mouthcoating tannins. It delivers lots of body and power.
Roast beef, grape candy, cracked blueberry, beef char and grapy freshness come to the nose on this bottling. The candied grape and blueberry elements carry dark-fruit character to the palate, along with licorice that gives depth. Roasting herbs in the midpalate adds savory flair.
Roasted and baked on first blush, but then the wine's complexity and use of unusual Mallorcan grape varieties take over. Along the way there's flavors and aromas of prune, earth, leather, spice and Mediterranean terroir. It's also bringing tobacco and leaf notes to the table. A fun, different wine that goes nicely with tapas. Drink now through 2011–12.
Roasted and brambly on the nose, with lemon, burnt notes and spice more than bold berry fruit. The palate has a tight, rubbery feel and flavors of hickory, clove and mild red berry. A decent but standard and slightly oaky Malbec.
Roasted and charred, with a a clear and present barrel influence along with thyme, herbs and tomato leaf. In the mouth, it's sweet and ready, with ripe berry flavors touched up by cocoa. Toasty and a little minty on the finish, but flavorful and perfectly good as a whole.
Roasted and compact on the nose, with a slight burn along with generic berry and cassis aromas. Feels tannic and hard, with herbal, roasted flavors of blackberry and currants. Meaty but herbal on the finish.
Roasted and dark on the nose, with raisin, prune and exotic spice aromas. The palate is chewy and a bit lemony, with sweet baked fruit flavors and a load of chocolaty richness. Mocha and fudge are the key finishing notes, and overall this is a proper yet full-bodied big boy.
Roasted and dark, with full blackberry and smoked-meat aromas. Organic Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon comprise this tight, dark, rugged wine with forward tannins and acidity bolstering cherry, cassis and   cola flavors. Made in the modern, ripe style. Drink now–2010.
Roasted and decidedly earthy on the nose, this has mature aromas of coffee, spice and herb note. A solid fabric of aged tannins and acidity bolster the wild berry and cherry flavors, which finish syrupy and raisiny. A blend of 50% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec.
Roasted and earthy smelling, with a pinch of iodine and even a whiff of bacon or ham. Rich, full and a touch sticky on the tongue, with baked berry and chocolate flavors. Mellow and sweet on the back end. 100% Malbec.
Roasted and fiery on the nose, this wine has red fruit aromas mixed with green, herbal notes. It feels racy and pumped up with acidity, which drives the wine's core flavors of red plum, herb and vanilla. It's fresh but slightly abrasive and herbal throughout. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo, in descending order.
Roasted and leathery smelling, with aromas of brick dust, root beer and exotic spices. Feels grabby and astringent, with boistrous tannins. It tastes toasty and black, with baked berry flavors and tons of chocolate and spice. It feels a bit choppy on the finish, with an espresso-like aftertaste.
Roasted and leathery upon first impression, with a juicy, mildly astringent palate that's full up with tannins. Tastes baked and leathery, with herbal accents running alongside roasted berry flavors. Tannic grip rises up on the finish, which is clampy and hard but offers sturdy support to what is ultimately a pedigreed Catalonian blend.
Roasted and meaty, with hints of raisin and licorice. The palate is ripe and chewy but balanced by solid tannins and fresh but natural acidity. And the flavors of blackberry, cassis and cola are true to the variety. Dense but approachable; drink now through 2009.
Roasted and mildly leafy, and then clacky and a bit tannic in the mouth. The fruit flavors are good and mostly pure as they settle on black cherry and blackberry, while the finish is jammy but short. For $8 this should not disappoint.
Roasted and raw beef, dried strawberry, crushed marjoram and salt-and-pepper seasonings show on this Syrah. Extremely dark in the glass, it's bolstered by 4% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier. Elderberry fruit kicks off the palate, following by pepper, coffee grinds, espresso beans and dark-chocolate sauce, surrounded by grippy tannins.
Roasted and rubbery on the nose, this has herb and leaf accents. It feels thick, chunky and a bit syrupy, with flavors of herb, mint and roasted blackberry. This turns grittier on the finish, with bacon, hickory and rubbery flavors. A blend of 50% Monastrell and 50% Syrah.
Roasted and rubbery smelling, this has heavy oak influence that yields notes of mint and shoe. Shearing on the palate despite its body, this has flavors of oak-based vanilla, mint and sweet-and-sour plum. Prieto Picudo is a difficult grape to make into good wine.
Roasted and rubbery, this features potent leather and compost aromas that settle with airing. Angular, aggressive and full of power and lemony oak, it also has raw wood and heavily toasted black-fruit flavors. Long, peppery and choppy, it's powerful and stomping. Best to hold this for 3–5 years before drinking, when it should emerge as a better, more approachable wine.
Roasted and rustic smelling, with baked, brushy berry aromas. The palate is fresh, forward and well focused, with briary, roasted flavors of earthy berry and chocolate. Finishes with toasty oak flavors, chocolate and herbs along with heat and spice.
Roasted and rustic up front, with bricky, oaky berry aromas. This is tight and ripped across the palate, with hickory, maple and bacon flavors. It's zesty in terms of mouthfeel, with adequate chunkiness. The finishing flavors of spice, herb and earth are solid.
Roasted and smelling a touch bricky, this also has full aromas of berry and black plum. Feels grabby but honest, with baked black-fruit flavors, chocolate, mocha and coffee. Jammy and deep on the finish, with earthy, chocolaty notes. A blend of 60% Garnacha with 20% each of Syrah and Merlot.
Roasted aromas of berry and hickory come with tons of char and BBQ notes. This is thick, almost to the point of being syrupy, while flavors of herbs, blackberry, creamy oak and mint are more savory than bright. If this were any more rich and oaky, it might be considered too fat and heavy.
Roasted aromas of tomato and red plum are spicy. This has a chunky, blocky mouthfeel that's searching for its groove. Herbal plum and tomato flavors finish a bit raw in feel and salty in flavor.
Roasted at first, with smoked ham and bacon aromas along with clove and other hard spice notes. The palate is oaky, with chewy tannins and a thick texture; flavors of blackberry are meaty and rich, while clove and more dry spices reappear on the finish. A different breed for Mendoza.
Roasted beef and bacon fat scents meet with maple, char, Concord grape and blueberry on the nose of this hearty bottling from a winery recently acquired by O'Neill Vintners. Its tannins are deep and firm but welcoming, providing the framework for black currant, blueberry, charred beef and rosemary flavors.
Roasted beef and pork aromas are interspersed with cherry, blackberry, black currant, dried herbs and just enough cooked bell pepper to know it's a Cab. The palate is all about meaty fun, like cherry-crusted tenderloin topped with herbed béarnaise sauce, finishing on rustic elderberry, cigar and menthol flavors.
Roasted beef, black cherry, rainbow peppercorn, dried lavender and a touch of rosemary arise on the nose of this blend of 51% Grenache, 39% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. There is lots of pizzaz to the palate, where rose petals, ripe plums, rosewater and aromatic spices show on the sip.
Roasted beef, chipped asphalt and black currant conspire for a very deep and brooding but not overly powerful nose on this bottling from winemaker Trey Fletcher. The palate pops with thyme, rosemary, dried flowers and pepper, with the tangy black plum fruit only emerging with patience. Built to last.
Roasted beets and beef aromas combine with scarlet-red rose petals, peppercorns, black clove, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose of this wine. The palate offers more cinnamon and purple flowers, with herbal lift from thyme as well as a solidly structurd frame that ensures this bottle will last quite a while.
Roasted berry and a strong blast of rubber and black olive aromas set up a round, bouncy palate with resiny oak and loamy, generic berry flavors touched up by green herbs and spice. This is warm, oaky and regular on the finish.
Roasted berry and cassis aromas are basic and familiar. The palate on this varietal Cabernet is grabby yet solid, with sweet, baked flavors of cassis, berry and chocolate. Hints of toast and darkness rise up on what amounts to a rubbery feeling finish.
Roasted berry and plum aromas are earthy and leathery. This wine feels raw on the palate, with snappy acidity. Flavors of herb-infused tomato and briny plum finish oaky and spicy, with a forced note of clove. This blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo and Viognier is not your typical Chilean red blend.
Roasted berry and plum aromas go counter to the wine's tough, tannic, semisour feel and flavor profile. Lean, a little choppy and tight in the mouth, with herbal cherry notes on the finish. Generic except for its hardness.
Roasted berry and spent coffee aromas blend with leathery notes that suggest animal. This wine feels solid but rough and grabby. Savory plum and berry flavors finish with a note of baking spices.
Roasted berry aromas are stalky at first but come around. This feels round but only marginally structured. Creamy ripe generic flavors of berry and cherry finish solid with some heat.
Roasted berry aromas show notes of leather and earth. The palate is firm and tannic, with medicinal cherry and coffee flavors. A spicy finish remains after the fruit fades.
Roasted berry, black pepper and mild leafy aromas are true to the region. The palate is full but not heavy or clumsy; flavors of earthy berry fruits show a touch of raisin, while the finish is loamy and smooth. Drink this approachable wine now through 2018.
Roasted berry, dry oak, bacon, leather, graphite and spice aromas come together on the nose. It feels jammy, thick and chewy, with full tannins setting up flavors of baked berry and molasses. It finishes similarly, with a rich, full texture and a candied flavor. This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Roasted berry, marzipan, prune, spice and earth are rolled into a solid whole on the bouquet, while the palate rides on the heavy side with grating tannins and deep but clumsy flavors of blackberry, raisin and fruitcake. Smooth but not complex or demanding. Chewy and bulky, which isn't uncommon for Toro.
Roasted black-fruit aromas are leathery and spicy but not baked or overly stewy. This feels rugged, meaty and tannic, with muscular plum, blackberry and smoky, spicy flavors that finish toasty, with tannic clamp. Drink through 2016.
Roasted black fruits, animal notes and a strong whiff of black olive make for a wild and wooly bouquet. The palate on this Carignan is direct and firm, with exotic berry flavors, herbal hints and well-applied oak. Blueberry notes and bold acidity push the finish. Drink through 2017.
Roasted black olive and rubber aromas set up a tannic and heavy palate with a lot of oak but not much fruit to back it up. Tastes like cinnamon and spice, with middling blackberry and bitterness on the finish.
Roasted cashew or almond butter elements give richness to the aromas, while the medium-bodied palate features crisp flavors of apple, pear and lime, framed by subtle nut and spice shadings. Focused and citrusy on the finish. Certified organic; 56 cases imported.
Roasted cherries, scorched earth, burnt coffee and dark brown sugar all mingle on the nose and palate of this wine. It's a bit rustic and old school, dusty and a bit dry on the finish. Try it in 2–3 years.
Roasted coffee aromas are inviting on the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon, blessed with 25% Cabernet Franc. The marriage works on every level, providing structured tannins and a leathery afterthought around vibrant accents of blackberry and dark plum. Broad shouldered, the wine is balanced with a jolt of minerality, suggesting cellaring through 2022–2027.
Roasted coffee bean and menthol aromas lead the nose while the evolved palate offers dark bitter chocolate, licorice and a toasted note. Showing the heat of the vintage, the fruit has largely dried up while astringent tannins lead to a bracing finish.
Roasted coffee bean, baked plum, charred earth, toast, vanilla and menthol aromas come together on this. The palate is firm but rather evolved, offering dried, dark-skinned berry, mocha, anise and a confectionary note wrapped in assertive close-grained tannins that dry out the finish.
Roasted coffee bean, ember and spice aromas take the lead on this blend. The flavors display the same, showing a surprising amount of restraint for the vintage.
Roasted coffee bean, underbrush, toast and allspice lead the nose on this big wine. The one-dimensional palate offers dense cherry extract, licorice and the warmth of alcohol. It's already evolved so drink now.
Roasted coffee bean, underbrush, toast and allspice lead the nose. The simple palate offers dense cherry extract, licorice and the warmth of alcohol. It's already evolved so drink now.
Roasted coffee beans, espresso and rubber aromas alongside a whiff of farmyard lead the nose. The palate is bit muddled, with rustic hints of animal alongside overripe plum and black cherry that lead to sweet, almost sugary sensations. Woodsy tannins mark the bitter close.
Roasted coffee, charred lamb, dried plums, purple flowers and a touch of tar show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard at the southern edge of the appellation, where it picks up a tad more coastal influence. After a soft entry to the palate with rustic cocoa and more coffee flavors, an exotic plum flavor takes over, proving a great balance between ripe and sour.
Roasted dark fruit aromas form a generic opening, while the palate is perfectly acceptable even with some scratchiness. The flavors are your basic berries and pepper, while the finish is dry and toasty. Good but regular, plain and simple.
Roasted fennel, scorched earth, leather, game and mature cherry aromas lead the nose while the palate shows French oak, mature black cherry, coffee, roasted herb and a note recalling cured meat. Brawny tannins provide the framework.
Roasted fruit, road tar and barrel notes play a big role on the nose, which is otherwise regular and not particularly individual. The palate offers red-fruit jam, butter and pepper flavors, while the finish has some bite and definitive snap. Plenty good enough to drink but lacking completeness and texture.
Roasted gamy berry and spice aromas are vintage Salta. This feels potent and grabby, but well balanced. Roasted berry flavors match the nose, while this offers notes of chocolate, mint and herbs. The finish is strong, a bit hot and demanding, but overall this full-force Malbec is on the money.
Roasted gritty aromas of asphalt and grilled beef aren't friendly or fruity. In the mouth, this Cab Franc is full but lacks foundation and shape. Flavors of bacon, roasted berry fruits and rubber are a bit overripe on the finish.
Roasted gritty berry and plum aromas suggest moderate ripeness. This feels drawing, tannic and in reverse, meaning it grows harder as it breathes. Dry, lightly salty blackberry and pepper flavors finish spicy, minty and oaky, alongside raw tannins.
Roasted hazelnut with grilled pineapple and peach carry the aromas and palate of this vineyard-designate Chardonnay. Having spent 11 months in French oak (33% new), the wine shows barrel tones, however a bright acidity helps keep things alive and fresh.
Roasted herb, moist underbrush, menthol, dark berry and vanilla aromas meld together in the glass. The ripe, chewy palate is full of juicy black cherry, dense raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon along with firm tannins and fresh acidity.
Roasted herb, red berry and underbrush aromas come together on this. The tart palate offers sour cherry, strawberry, white pepper and dried sage alongside youthfully austere tannins. Star anise caps the finish.
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.
Roasted marshmallow and toasted oak aromas accent the underlying ripe fruit in this full-bodied, extroverted wine. It has a mouth-filling texture and finishes with a slight sweetness and lingering smokiness.
Roasted meat and spicy black-fruit scents are deep, lusty and patented for Volver, the winery that produces Triga. Chewy and thick on the palate, this blend of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon tastes baked and peppery, with herbal notes blending into core black-fruit flavors. Tobacco, chocolate and herbal flavors ride high on a full, extracted finish. Drink through 2019.
Roasted meat, charcoal, elderberry, asphalt and smoke show on the nose of this blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 12% Malbec. The smoke extends into the palate, where tangy plum and berry flavors mix with dark chocolate notes, soft texture and a lingering acidity.
Roasted meat, floral notes, peppery spice...sounds rather nice. Add in silky tannins, hints of coffee and blueberry and a long finish, and you have a pretty wine at a realistic price. Drink now-2014.
Roasted meat, leather, animal and stout berry aromas make for an inviting bouquet. Like most serious Toro wines, this is hard but fresh and layered, with lively black-fruit flavors that darken under the control of oaky spice. Tobacco, menthol and mint ring loudly on the finish. Drink now–2018; 200 cases made.
Roasted meat, rosemary, peppercorn, dried flower and blackberry notes show on the wondrously gamy nose of this wine. The palate echos that savory style, with generous lamb, char, dark berry and peppercorn flavors.
Roasted meat, wet slate, dried Concord grape and wet cement notes show on the somewhat gamy nose of this blend of 37% Mourvèdre, 23% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 12% Cinsault and 5% Counoise. The texture is lively and grippy, supporting prominent wood and elderberry flavors.
Roasted meats, black fruit, charcoal and tar show on the nose of this clonal selection from this pioneering winery that is now owned by Bill Foley. The medium-bodied sip shows roasted blackberries, boysenberries and black currants, with charred meat leading into a caramelized finish. The acid and tannin levels are solid right now and will age well too.
Roasted meats, dried herbs and plummy fruits show on the nose of this bottling, which presents a more old-California take on Petite Sirah. The palate is lighter weight than usual for the grape, delivering minty herbs more than the dried red fruits.
Roasted notes infiltrate aromas of raspberry fruit. This feels mostly chunky, choppy and soupy, while herbal flavors of tomato and blueberry finish scratchy and a bit hot.
Roasted on the nose, and also a bit flat and stalky smelling. Feels round and simple, with oaky, rustic berry flavors accented by pepper, herbs and tomato. Falls off to basic on the finish, with leafiness. Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir.
Roasted on the nose, with big scoopings of rubber, leather and raisiny fruit. The palate leans toward red-fruit flavors, but the feel is jangled and acidic. By the time you get to the finish your palate is worn out. Desperately needs food to show its best.
Roasted peach, cinnamon and crushed vanilla bean make for an intriguing nose on another solid Talley bottling. It's soft and approachable at first, but then a bit brash and youthful, but will mellow with some patience. Drink 2017 onward.
Roasted plum and savory meat aromas are more earthy than bright. Creamy and a touch sticky in feel, this deals flavors that follow the nose, including baked plum, pepper and savory notes. On the finish, it's oak and peppery spice in the lead.
Roasted plum and tomato aromas are spicy but hard and gritty. That also describes the mouthfeel on this narrow, linear Malbec with beaming acidity. Plum and berry flavors finish direct, with no interference from heavy oak.
Roasted plum, baked berry and jammy aromas can't be missed, but it's structured and not at all soft in the mouth, with wild berry, cherry and boysenberry flavors. It really pours on the fruit, ending fresh with no nonsense.
Roasted plum, smoke and a hint of licorice emerge from this lightly styled blend of 38% Grenache, 37% Tempranillo and 25% Mourvèdre. It's bright and lightweight on the palate, with tart berry flavors, making for a brisker entry to this winery's typically rich portfolio.
Roasted plums, black pepper, black olives, violets and a touch of green peppercorns show on the nose of this blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Silky, chalky tannins frame the palate, where black olive, cooked beef and purple-flower flavors arise.
Roasted red berry and tangy woodsy notes on both the nose and on the palate. Finishes with more oak, plus a tart metallic-herbal note that is softened by chalky tannins.
Roasted smoky berry aromas are good but nothing special. This feels alive and wiry, with grabby tannins and prodding acidity. Roasted spicy plum and berry flavors finish dry, spicy and in good shape.
Roasted smoky plum and berry aromas are slightly oaky. This feels flush, with grabby tannins. Plum and mixed-berry flavors grow more appealing with air, while this tastes roasted and savory on a rugged and tannic finish.
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.
Roasted, balsamic aromas suggest tomato, coffee grinds and a pinch of herbal green in addition to standard berry and cassis notes. Pulsing acidity creates a lively, dancing mouthfeel. Flavors of herbal plum and light cherry finish scratchy and edgy, with a mild chocolate flavor.
Roasted, barnyard, leathery aromas of lemony oak and tomato are far from ideal. This has a scratchy, tartaric feel to it, while herbal raspberry flavors are backed by a mulchy aftertaste. It's stewed on the finish and weedy.
Roasted, burnt, savory aromas of black fruits, char and campfire announce that this Merlot spent time in toasty oak. In the mouth, this is fresh but full bodied, with staunch tannins. Flavors of foresty blackberry, plum, vanilla and fall leaves finish dry and tannic.
Roasted, earthy aromas of herbs and tomato play off red-berry scents. This wine is full in body and feel, with earthy, baked flavors of red plum and red currant. Acidity rises up on the finish, which otherwise shows vanilla oak and raw tannins.
Roasted, floral, candied aromas precede a zesty, medium-weight palate of red plum, cherry and herbal flavors. The palate is juicy and acidic, with racy red fruit and scour and scrape to the finish. Straightforward Carmenère without much softness or richness.
Roasted, gamy aromas are slightly cool, reedy and herbal. This wine is jammy and deep on the palate, with black-fruit flavors aided by gamy notes, spice and exotic herbs. A deep finish with bold acidity solidifies the wine's excellence. Drink through 2024; contains 15% Malbec.
Roasted, gritty aromas of bacon and spicy oak are burnt on the surface. This is fleshy and full in body, with moderate acidity. Herbal, minty, lightly green berry flavors have a rooty accent and oaky makeup. Finishing flavors of mint and raw oak blend into herbal berry leftovers.
Roasted, herbal and blunt, with an acrid stemminess. The palate lacks ripeness and elegance as it delivers burnt, leafy, herbal flavors. Underwhelming.
Roasted, leafy aromas greet you, followed by familiar scents of cherry and plum. The body is light to medium, with citric acidity turning the raspberry and pie cherry palate in the direction of snappy. Lithe on the finish, with a quick fade-away.
Roasted, leathery and earthy aromas of red berry fruits settle on a stewed note. The palate is grabby and raw, with tomato-like acidity. Flavors of savory, barbecued fruit suggest grilled red plum and tomato, while the finish is woody and salty.
Roasted, leathery and rubbery berry aromas are gritty and short on brightness. This feels rugged but good. Jammy cassis and cherry flavors show notes of cocoa and herbs.
Roasted, leathery aromas are reedy and minty but not too heavy or over the top. This feels straightforward, while crusty blackberry flavors come with doses of mint and herbs, ending with a lightly oaked finish.
Roasted, leathery aromas have a cheesy side that covers up the wine's fruit scents. This feels fresh but choppy and rough, while flavors of mint, plum and cassis finish peppery and a bit green and grassy.
Roasted, leathery berry aromas are dense, complex and include a tarry note of fresh asphalt. This Carmenère-led blend is both chewy and deep, complete with fine-grain tannins. Rooty cherry and cassis flavors are spicy, while a full-feeling finish tastes of cola, pepper, herbs and spice. Drink through 2024.
Roasted, leathery berry aromas carry a cheesy, gritty, piercing element. In the mouth, this is solid but slightly syrupy. Flavors of rooty berry, licorice and chocolate finish with plenty of oak, spice notes and heat.
Roasted, leathery, soupy aromas of raspberry and plum precede a grabby, saucy palate that smacks down with firm acidity and tannins. Herbal plum, tomato, oregano and mild bitterness define the flavor profile on this woody Carmenère that finishes with olive notes and heat.
Roasted, murky and earthy up front, with almost no fruit aromas to latch onto, this breaks up on the palate due to sketchy structure. Saucy, herbal, salty berry flavors finish briny and roasted.
Roasted, oaky and resiny on the nose, and then the palate delivers a bolt of acidity that makes the wine feel pointy in the mouth. The flavors are herbal and resiny, with foresty black fruit at the core. Creamy and sticky on the finish, and overall it struggles to present a pure, balanced picture.
Roasted, rubbery aromas come with an herbal offset and mild stalky notes. This is full and rubbery feeling, with baked berry, herb and peppery flavors residing before a dry, tannic, stocky finish that's a fair conclusion to this blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Roasted, rubbery aromas fold in olive and asphalt. The palate has a decent feel and herbal flavors of olive and leafy, mulchy black fruits. Herbs and black olive flavors work the finish as well.
Roasted, savory, earthy berry ?aromas come with a spot of leafy green on this Malbec. The palate is saturated and a touch narrow in feel, while flavors of black cherry, cassis, baked blackberry and cured meat finish with creamy oak notes and a strong hint of bacon. Drink through 2018.
Roasted, slightly stalky aromas override the wine's traditional dry fruit and tomato scents. This is tight in the mouth, with grip and firm acidity. Flavors of tomato, herbs, roasted plum and spice finish with lasting herbal notes and a good texture. This contains 20% Graciano along with Tempranillo.
Roasted, smoky aromas push oak-based clove notes. This is a full-bodied, blocky PN that's tipping the scales in the direction of heavy. Roasted, medicinal berry and plum flavors follow the nose, while this ends with salty notes and a final blast of oaky clove.
Roasted, smoky initial aromas give way to olive and sassy red-fruit scents. This feels rubbery and grabby, with strong tannins. Rubbery, herbal flavors of plum and red berry finish racy and a bit tart.
Roasted, smoky, earthy aromas of herbal berry fruits and leather stir interest. In the mouth, this Tempranillo is firm and chewy, with full tannins. Savory, spicy and baked in flavor, this basic Penedès red finishes dry, peppery and with leathery berry notes.
Roasted, soupy berry aromas lead to a sticky, heavy palate with a doughy build. This tastes mostly of baked, herbal tomato and plum, while cherry, spice, chocolate, coffee grinds and earthy flavors bring up the rear.
Roasted, stewed berry aromas are rustic and suggestive of grilled meat. This is high in acidity, and thus it feels sharp and edgy. Flavors of forced oak, related spice and tart plum end with a scraping, tannic feel and herbal berry flavors.
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.
Roasted, woodsy, rubbery aromas are gamy and staunch, with berry notes interspersed. Grabby, rubbery tannins make for a rugged palate, while roasted plum and gamy flavors are a touch salty. A tannic finish doesn't change much.
Roasting meat, raspberries, sagebrush, cola, crushed coffee, red roses and a Dr Pepper scent show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard that overlooks Highway 101. The palate shows lots of chipped slate and pencil lead, yet surrounds a black raspberry and tart pomegranate core, clinging to citrus-rind elements on the edges.
Robert Brittan oversees this project. This first release is a cuvée assembled from a selection of barrels he had vinted at the Carlton Winemakers Studio. Silky and dappled with details of underbrush, bramble, black cherry, cassis, smoke and clean earth, this is a lovely blend with elegance to spare. The low alcohol in no way means this is a thin or shallow wine.
Robert Mondavi winemaker Genevieve Janssens makes this wine, a small-production solo project that's worth seeking. The 83% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Hendry Ranch and the 17% Cabernet Franc from Detert East Vineyard, a stone's throw from To Kalon. Impressively concentrated and lengthy, within a wealth of power, it is nuanced in black cherry, leather saddle and crushed rock, with the scent of violet never far behind.
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.
Roberto Conterno didn't make his flagship Monfortino in this vintage so he blended the juice destined for this iconic wine into Francia. It opens with enticing aromas of dark berry, underbrush, baking spice, mineral and a balsamic note that carry over to the powerful palate, along with juicy raspberry, licorice and tobacco. It's big and structured but also shows balance and complexity. Drink 2019–2029.
Roberto Mazzi's family has produced a spicy and thick vineyard-designate Valpolicella with lush tones of mature fruit followed by toasted nut and old leather. Crisp berry tones, a thin mouthfeel and fresh acidity are framed against a background of ripe berry fruit.
Roberts Road is one of the Sangiacomo family's coolest-climate sites, and it offers light, clear color and deliciously floral notes of violet and rose on the nose. In taste it is earthy and full of dark plum and black cherry, the backbone deeper and darker in mushroom and fresh dirt.
Robertson has managed to create a solid, appealing Chardonnay at an excellent price. This one has a big nose of fresh fruit and orange citrus, and on the palate, assertive fruit and toast. Not terribly complex but definitely robust and flavorful, this is an ideal everyday white.
Roble means “oak” in Spanish, and oaky it is. The nose is creamy and candied, while the palate is soft, sticky and mixes raspberry with butter-like flavors. When people say they don't want too much oak on their basic wines, this is what they mean.
Robust and brawny, this longtime estate wine offers a combination of red and black berry, rich and succulent as if in a crumble, topped in vanilla and pleasing sprinkles of nutmeg and cardamom. Complex and layered, it delivers in flavor and structure.
Robust and brawny, this substantial offering features concentrated layers of smoke, leather and sage-inflected tannins. It finishes in a wrapping of bittersweet chocolate.
Robust and briary, this Zin is bone-dry and pretty tannic, with earthy flavors of blackberries, tobacco, currants and spices. Could mellow with age, but will never be particularly complex.
Robust and concentrated, this has a subdued nose that offers whiffs of steeped plum, forest floor and allspice. The palate displays dried black cherry, blackberry, espresso and grated nutmeg alongside bracing tannins.
Robust and country-style, this is a nice wine for barbecue and beef stews. Very dry and tannic, it shows harmonious flavors of blackberries, currants and wild nettles. Buy this young wine for your full-bodied house red.
Robust and deeply flavored in wild berry, tobacco, smoked meat and spice flavors. A somewhat rustic wine that needs big, rich roasts and barbecue.
Robust and exuberant, this wine doesn't pull any punches. It unleashes a blast of wild berry, currant, pepper and chai tea flavors, wrapped into sturdy but finely ground tannins. Easy to drink with barbecue.
Robust and fleshy, this is soft, easy and slightly sweet. It has pie-filling flavors of blackberries and peppery spices.
Robust and forward, this opens with aromas of dried rose petal, truffle, forest floor, baked fruit and sweet cake spice. The warm palate doles out notes of high-toned cherry, cinnamon, clove and anisette alongside big, velvety tannins. Hold for a few years and then enjoy. Drink 2017–2023.
Robust and fruity, almost rustic in its sandpapery texture, this Merlot, from inland Mendocino County, has berry, cherry and spice flavors, with a deep streak of earth. Bone dry, it's a well-balanced wine that will go well with a nice steak.
Robust and fruity, this big Syrah floods the mouth with blackberries, currants, bacon and black pepper. It's a delicious wine, wrapped into firm tannins, and ideal with a nice charbroiled steak, with salt and pepper to echo the wine's spices.
Robust and fruity, this Pinot has drink-me-now flavors of cherries, raspberries, red licorice and cinnamon spice, with a touch of raisins. Earns extra points for its crisp acidity and silky texture.
Robust and full-bodied, as you'd expect from this vineyard, a dry, somewhat tannic wine that shows a stubbornly fruity immaturity. That doesn't mean you can't drink it now, because the flood of cherries, black raspberries, sweet cola and vanilla-infused smoky oak is delicious. However, this big, powerful wine actually needs a few years in the cellar to calm down.
Robust and full-bodied, this wine shows Petite Sirah's black currant and pepper flavors in a softly tannic way that makes it fully drinkable now. It's great with barbecue and stews.
Robust and richly layered, this block-designate from the producer's estate is sly in complexity, pumping its fist in ripeness and concentration before slowly unfurling elements of dusty black cherry, black olive and fig. The finish teases in white pepper and cardamom.
Robust and rustic, this is a full-bodied Italian-inspired red blend, indicative of its varieties which range from Carignane and old-vine Zinfandel to old-vine Petite Sirah, Mataro, old-vine Black Malvasia and Alicante Bouschet. It's old-school in every way, with flavors that tend toward dark cherry, licorice and leather.
Robust and sanguine, this softly layered wine offers a simple take on the variety—a study in blackberry, leather and peppercorn flavors.
Robust and spicy, with a soft, juicy mouthfeel framing Zinny flavors of wild cherries, mulberries and briary blackberries. It's pretty tannic, and calls for rich, greasy barbecue.
Robust aromas of ripe berry fruit and bacon give this a full and lusty starting point, while the textured body is rich, with sturdy tannins. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry are sweet, and the wine has good character and bounce. A wine you want to drink on a regular basis.
Robust black-fruit aromas of berry and cassis come with a mild animal note and leathery scents. This is jammy and a bit loud in terms of mouthfeel, while flavors of raisin, berry and chocolate finish meaty and loamy. Drink  through 2017.
Robust black-fruit aromas suggest plum and blackberry. This everyday red is concentrated, generous and packed with power. Flavors of dark berry fruits, chocolate and espresso finish with verve and clarity.
Robust black fruit forms around a dense, leathery core of concentration and richness before allowing room for softer, intertwined tannins to add structure and more depth. Chocolate marks the finish of this big, bold wine.
Robust blackberry and herbal notes on the nose lead to a powerful, blocky palate with bold acidity. Well-oaked cassis and spice flavors are earthy, while flavors of mint, cinnamon and herbs grace the finish. Drink through 2022.
Robust but informal, this opens with aromas of red berry, baking spice and a whiff of smoke. The savory palate doles out crushed black cherry, raspberry, cranberry, black pepper and a saline note alongside hearty tannins. Enjoy young to capture the juicy fruit flavors.
Robust Cabernet Sauvignon and aromatic Sangiovese are blended to produce a crisp wine with fresh and cheerful notes of berry fruit, polished mineral and hazelnut.
Robust in black pepper and intense black fruit, this has a tension of freshness and red cherry, making for a complex and intriguing wine with noticeable structure and a refreshing finish.
Robust in body and alcohol, this lavish Pinot Noir rosé offers juicy blackberry and cherry flavors. Dry in style with a rich, slightly dense texture, it suggests pairing with a full meal rather than enjoying as an apéritif.
Robust in body yet squarely structured, the Franz Anton shows more ripeness and concentration than the producer's standard-label bottling. Fleshy black cherry and berry flavors are ripe, but are offset by crisp acidity and a shroud of smoke and toast that accents without overwhelming. It's bold and penetrating, with a long finish marked by fine, persistent tannins. Delicious already, but bold enough to improve through at least 2030.
Robust in color and aromas, this ripe varietal Tempranillo deals a shot of coconut-laced oak along with more subtle scents of crushed stones, brick and prune. High-toned acidity is just what a ripe palate requires, while toasty, woody flavors of dark plum and blackberry finish spicy and chocolaty, with a reverb of bracing acidity. Drink through 2025.
Robust in oak, this full-bodied expression of the variety is reduced on the palate, showing sizable tannin weight and length. Plum, dark cherry and dried herb combine to offer swirls of flavor.
Robust in red berry and vanilla, this wine is big-boned and ripe, with a tartness under lying the fruit and a moderate structure.
Robust in tannins, with crisp, fruity acidity, this Cab has very ripe, jammy blackberry and cherry flavors that have seen their share of smoky oak. It's a good wine but an edgy one. Could develop in the bottle after a couple years.
Robust on the bouquet, with ample red berry fruit and vanilla. The palate has a deep, layered feel and flavors of plum, berry and peppery spice. A tight blend of Carignan, Garnacha and Syrah that's forward and wiry, with power in reserve. Drink now through 2015.
Robust pineapple and peach flavors are juicy and concentrated in this uncomplicated, tasty wine. It's medium-sweet in style, brightened by a lemon candy zestiness that lingers on the finish. Drink now.
Robust tannin surrounds meaty, savory leather in this well-made red, blended with 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dried plum and tobacco accent pretty wisps of wild violet, making for a wine that's as perfumed as it is delicious.
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.
Robust tannins soften slowly in the glass as this hearty, straightforward wine opens, showing touches of red and black cherry fruit.
Robust tannins support bold swathes of leather, garrigue and dried herb notes in this complex, savory wine. Dark and brooding, it has a snap of fresh cherry, raspberry and orange fruit that lifts its denser aspects of brambly berry, meat and tobacco.
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.
Robust, dense and meaty, this 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot dances around well-concocted swirls of black tea, herb and cedar. Soft and smooth on the palate, the oak is subtle, coaxing out flavors of tobacco and black currant, finishing with purpose.
Robust, lightly toasty, almost creamy wine. It glides across the palate leaving a trail of whipped cream; it's that smooth and flavorful. In a year that produced a number of stunningly good Washington Chardonnays, this belongs with the best.
Robust, peppery, dry and fruity, just what an inexpensive Shiraz should be. Easy to like for its array of blackberries, spices and cedar. A great value in a barbecue-style wine.
Robust, pillowy tannins provide a density and grip that lasts through the finish of this 100% varietal wine. Blackberry, black currant and vanilla are the highlights, finding balance and powerful concentration on the palate.
Robust, tannic, spicy, the wine is also rich in wild berry, raisin and prune fruit. In other words, a rustic Zin to drink with barbecue. The official alcohol is 14.5% by volume, but it tastes hotter than that.
Robustly citrusy notes of orange peel and tangerine show brightly in this brisk, off-dry wine. It is approachably fresh and fruity, but nuanced by a touch of crushed stone and whiffs of rose petal on the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Robustly concentrated, this is a rich rewarding wine exuberantly layered in black raspberry and blackberry flavor. Boldly structured, with depth and length for days, it hits the palate with pleasing jolts of cinnamon, clove and black licorice.
Robustly spicy in cardamom and cinnamon cola, this wine explodes in dark berry fruit, its medium-bodied layers smoothed and velvety on the palate. From one of the more prominent sites within the Petaluma Gap's wind tunnel, this wine has a coastal influence of salty air about it.
Robustly structured and concentrated, this wine is tight-grained in tannin and firm on the palate, with meaty elements of leather, tobacco and clove. The dark personality traits continue on the black pepper-seasoned finish, which begs for steak.
Rocamadour has been one of France's top pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages but the vines only returned a decade ago. So Lagrézette's director-enologist, Claude Boudamani, went to the rock. The result is a pure Viognier, ripe and impressively rich. Classic apricot flavors come through strongly long with spice from wood aging. The wine pushes forward with its powerful fruitiness and intense flavors. Drink from 2017.
Rocca's bright and youthful Morellino would make the perfect pairing partner to pizza or easy tomato pasta. The wine is smooth and crisp with loads of fresh cherry on the close.
Rocca's most expensive wine is 100% Cabernet, although it doesn't say so on the label. It's very rich and flamboyant, offering waves of blackberries and cassis liqueur. 100% new French oak shows up, but it's in keeping with the wine's volume. With massive tannins and brilliant balance, there's no reason this shouldn't age for a long time. Start enjoying it after 2018.
Rocca delle Macìe's bright Morellino is an immediate and direct wine that refreshes the palate and promises easy pairing opportunities with most Italian dishes. Aromas include soft cherry and succulent blueberry.
Rocca delle Macìe produces a rich and luminous Vermentino with fruit-forward notes of peach and apricot backed by honey and a touch of almond (10% of the wine is aged in oak). The consistency is silky and smooth yet there is enough body here to stand up to white meat and pork.
Rocca di Montemassi is owned by the Zonin family who recently invested in new vineyards and a high-tech winery on the property. This sun-rich Vermentino is a very good example of a Maremma white wine with warm tones of honey and peach.
Rocca Sveva from the powerful Cantina di Soave offers a rich and concentrated wine with a cooked aroma of mature cherry and prune. Mineral notes and toasted almond make for an interesting ensemble and the wine is ripe and chewy in the mouth.
Roccato is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon that's packed with aromas of blackberry, leather, tobacco and chocolate. It's velvety and rich, with a delicious touch of cherry and cinnamon on the long finish.
Roccato is a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers aromas of mature fruit and chewy succulence in the mouth. The wine has structure and firm tannins backed by round notes of Maraschino cherry and blackberry preserves.
Rocche Barolo is another homerun for Vietti. You'll fall in love with the wine's rich intensity and the ensuing complexity that becomes apparent as the wine spends more time in the glass. Thanks to a continuing evolution, you'll recognize aromas of wild berry, smoke, crushed stone, licorice, cola and mesquite. The tannins are silky and smooth. Hold ten years or more.
Rocche dell'Annunziata is one of the best cru sites of the La Morra fraction. This wine is aged in large oak casks (instead of smaller oak barrique) to emphasize the natural beauty of the fruit. You'll get aromas of forest berries, dark cola and chopped mint. The mouthfeel is tonic, fresh and very long-lasting.
Roccolo Grassi is a point of reference in Valpolicella and a symbol of the overextracted, super-dense style epitomized here. The wine is redolent of black fruit, jammy blackberry, plum cake, bitter chocolate and polished granite. There's a pretty, linear and clean quality behind all that bold fruit.
Roccolo Grassi takes Valpolicella Superiore to the next level. While Valpolicella Superiore is mostly recognized as an easy-drinking red to wash down with pizza or pasta, this has touches of ripe fruit and exotic spice that lend extra sophistication, elegance and texture.
Rochioli's Sauvignon Blanc declined in quality in the 2006 vintage, and 2007 continues that downward trend. It may be the chilly vintage, but this release is thin and minty, with green, gooseberry flavors that barely manage to veer into citrus fruits.
Rock-solid aromas of toasty oak, black fruits and leather are textbook for Ribera del Duero. This is structurally sound, with deep earthy blackberry, coffee and chocolate flavors that announce quality wood work. A long warm toasty finish means this ends as well as it opens. Drink through 2020.
Rock Angel is the new name for the estate wine of Château d'Esclans. It is a ripe and full wine, yet so well balanced that it seems light and refreshing. A crisp element balances the full red fruits and offers elegance and poise. This is a style of rosé that could age, although it is delicious now.
Rock solid and dense, with aromas of black cherry and cassis along with a whiff of aged cheese. The palate is tight, tannic and rubbery, with grabby black cherry and blackberry flavors along with toasty, dark shadings. Finishes firm, with a touch of black olive and herbs. The best MC to date; drink now through 2017.
Rock solid, clean and composed. For the past several years this Malbec-Merlot-Cabernet blend has been an Argentine flag-bearer, and the '05 is as good as past vintages. Look for bold berry flavors accented by medicinal, herbal notes. And then comes a finish that's chewy and round. This is like a fat fastball in the proverbial wheel house; just see it and swing away.
Rock solid, this substantial Merlot is grounded in earth flavors, laced with butter cookie, and finished with tart tannins. The fruit is tight and tangy.
Rock Wall seems to release its wines pretty young, and this too could use a little time. A blend of half Zinfandel and half Petite Sirah from the obsidian-laden hills of Lake County's Red Hills area, a very promising spot for Cabernet in particular. Still hugely tannic, this mix is yummy in dusty black fruit, leather and dark chocolate.
Rockburn's second label is meant for current drinking. It's soft and silky in texture, without much tannin, yet easily blends crisp cherry fruit with savory, mushroomy notes.
Rocking black-fruit aromas come with strong accents of wood grain, char and desert herbs. This is big and rich from front to tail, with poking but controlled tannins and ripe, heady flavors of blackberry, cassis, herbs and toasted wood. Plum, blackberry, salty notes and charred oak flavors define the finish; drink through 2022.
Rocky aromas meet with pure blackberry and other concentrated black fruits on the ripe but nowhere near sweet nose of this blend of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot. Lavish flavors of blackberry, lilac, caramel and crushed gravel show on the zesty palate, but the star of this bottling is the chalky, fine-tuned structure. Drink 2018–2028.
Rocky gravel meets plum blossoms, strawberry jam, cola and nutmeg on the nose of this single-vineyard expression by winemaker Brian Loring. Once sipped, dark and rich pomegranate and olallieberry fruit takes hold, with graphite minerality making a splash midpalate.
Rocky Point, the second label of Prophet's Rock, sometimes approaches first-wine quality. This vintage of Pinot Gris is a bit sweet and broad, but offers luscious hints of apricot, honey and a dusting of dried spices.
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.
Rodney Strong's Symmetry is more tannic than their '05 Reserve Cab, and it also has more complex flavors from being a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties. It shows a deep streak of dark stone fruits, black and blue berries, cassis, carob, violets and smoky cedar. Fine and elegant now, and it should develop nicely over the next decade.
Roederer takes the natural elegance of a blanc de blancs to an extra level. This is so stylish, its white fruit and lemon flavors are touched with the minerality, and the acidity is nearly absorbed into the texture of the wine. Like many Roederer vintages on release, this should be aged, so give it 4–5 years.
Roero Rabino is accented by sweet touches of cinnamon and nutmeg that are offset by cassis, dried blueberry, leather and tobacco. This sturdy red wine presents a very nice ensemble that is capped by a tight, astringent close.
Roessler produces lots of single-vineyard wines, but this has not been one of their best ones. It's a good wine, not without interest, with plenty of compact cherry, raspberry and sandalwood flavors. But it's very acidic. Decant it for hours.
Roll out the barrel as far as aromas go; it's got a lot of toast and popcorn. The palate is creamy and smooth, with apple, peach and a fairly high level of sweetness. Regular on the finish, with some leftover popcorn and spiced apple.
Roll out the barrels! This is one heavily charred, very toasty number. At first the oak seems forced, and always is it front and center. But with some time in the cellar, today's dark, resiny bitterness should subside. At least we hope it does, because the wine has structure, density and pretty good fruit. Definitely for folks not opposed to barrel influence.
Rollat's Sophie occupies the entry-level rung on the ladder, behind the elegant and polished Rollat and the dense, compact and highly cellar-worthy Edouard. But Sophie is charming and accessible, a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc that is elegant and bright. The fruit focus is on cranberry and raspberry, tart and well-defined, and the wine is immaculately clean. It's light and charming, but a perfect choice for autumnal foods.
Rollat is the mid-level red wine of the three inaugural releases from Chateau Rollat. It's less brooding and compact than the companion Edouard Cabernet. Immediately accessible, it could almost be the template for this new and exciting producer; elegant, polished and supple with ripe sweet fruit and fine tannins. Flavors of black cherry and cassis envelop the palate, gently spreading out into a full-on fruit rainbow.
Romagna, in central Italy, has the soothing climate and warm sunshine to make delicate, harmonious passito wines that don't exaggerate in terms of sweetness. This light gold wine is composed without being withdrawn and delivers creamy apricot, sharp herbal qualities and natural rubber. It glides down smooth in the mouth and has very balanced acidity.
Romaneira's position on the north bank of the Douro above Pinhao always delivers rich, smooth and powerful wine. Its tannins, beautifully integrated into the ripe black fruits, are rounded, offering a dry core and a rich future. The wine, the top offering from this estate, is almost ready to drink. Just wait until at least 2018.
Romano Dal Forno applies the same stringent quality standards on his so-called base wine as he does his top-tier Amarone. But referring to this Valpolicella Superiore as a “base wine” couldn't be more incorrect. In fact, this singular expression occupies its very own category in which the utmost attention is paid to the smallest details. It opens with dark, inky concentration and amazing intensity, with black cherry, barbecue spice, leather and tobacco.
romas of hawthorne, peach blossom and passion fruit take center stage on this savory white. The luminous palate delivers creamy apple, zesty citrus, white almond and a touch of ginger alongside lively acidity. Steely mineral energizes the lingering finish.
romas recall peach blossom, pear and chamomile. On the palate, notes of dried herb and a touch of vanilla accent juicy apple and white peach. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors that follow through to the mineral close. Drink through 2018.
Romitorio di Santedame delivers the elegance and storied tradition of Tuscany in a refined, sophisticated package. Bright notes of cherry, cassis and white almond give a fresh edge to the wine's rich concentration.
Romitorio di Santedame is Ruffino's top wine. It is a big, plump wine and is almost too thick and powerful in places, making it well suited to succulent cuts of red meat. But it's hard not to love its extraction, sophisticated mouthfeel and blockbuster tannins. Drink after 2010.
Ron Lachini cleverly assigns his wines to a carefully assembled team of winemakers; this one belongs to Laurent Montalieu. It is the estate reserve, from low-yielding vines. It is a particular success in this much-maligned vintage. Intense and focused, it opens with pungent aromas of forest and clove, tastes of concentrated cranberry and pomegranate fruit, and powers through into a full-bodied, hefty, assertive finish. The tannins are substantial and the winemaking perfect.
Ronco dei Ciliegi offers nicely-aged aromas of cassis and dried raspberry with savory endnotes of leather and spice. There's some grittiness to the texture and the close shows dried fruit flavors of prune and plum. Drink now.
Ronco dei Vignali opens with exotic fruit, fragrant nectarine, papaya and lemongrass on the finish. The bouquet is very beautiful and the mouthfeel is tame and understated in comparison.
Rondinaia means “swallow's refuge,” but you're going to want to swallow lots of this unoaked wine as proof that great Chard does come from Italy, and that it can be terrific without wood. Emphasizing fragrant apple and pear aromas, it has a wonderful natural texture and a smooth, stony finish.
Rondineto is a sharp and thorny wine with strange aromas of pickled fruit, green olive or caper. The mouthfeel is thin and crisp.
Rondineto is a slightly caramelized expression of Pinot Grigio that offers tones of butterscotch, candied apricot and sweet honey. In the mouth, this Italian white is creamy and thick.
Root beer and slate show on the very restrained nose of this wine that combines fruit from Monterey County (66%) and Santa Barbara Counry (34%). The palate is light and slightly metallic, with iron as well as eucalyptus and shreds of cranberry and raspberry fruit.
Root beer, cola nut, black cherry, black raspberry and anise seed combine for an exciting nose on this bottling from a winery near Morgan Hill. The mouthfeel is full, with graphite and lively fennel-bulb spice mixing with blackberry fruit and an earthy elegance on the pleasing palate.
Root beer, marzipan and wood-accented berry aromas lead to a pleasant, medium-bodied palate with cassis and blackberry flavors that are robust at first but hollow out with time. Toast, dark chocolate and herbal flavors ride high on a fresh, driving finish.
Root beer, red cherries, cola and graphite aromas show on this wine from Olson Ranch made by Gina Gallo. There is a tremendous, atypical amount of grip on the palate, which offers solid flavors of citrusy, tart cranberry and long ringing acidity. The texture is a tad distracting but may mellow with age.
Root beer, tar, asphalt, prune and dark jammy fruit make a lasting impression on the nose. This Ripasso sports a soft, velvety texture that would pair well with lasagna or ravioli stuffed with meat.
Rooted in dark, roasted aromas like coffee, this blend of 60% Syrah with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Zinfandel has tight-grain tannins and simple layers of tobacco, leather and clove.
Rooty and baked-smelling on the nose, this also has milk chocolate and leaf aromas. It feels spunky and fresh. Herbal, leafy flavors of roasted berries and spices set up the rooty, warm, baked-tasting finish that's full in feel but short on complexity.
Rooty and leafy on the nose, with red berry aromas peeking through some obvious oak. The palate offers cherry and raspberry flavors along with sweetness, and things are backed by vanilla and chocolate. Good, tasty and oaky, with proper layering.
Rooty and mildly sweet on the nose, then tight and zesty in the mouth, with crisp red-fruit flavors and citrusy snap. Feels entirely lean and crisp, even a bit tangy. But sometimes fresh, basic Rioja has its place.
Rooty and on the verge of being overripe, this is yet another 2006 Cabernet from Chile with hot-weather signatures draped all over it. The nose is baked, while the fruit is all sweet black plum and berry with heat on the finish.
Rooty and rich at first blush, with dark, black fruit aromas leading the charge. The palate is lively and snappy, with fleshy but short flavors of blackberry, cassis liqueur and coconut. Quite extracted and full but also a touch hard and short, with a few holes in the texture. Carmenère (60%) and Malbec (40%).
Rooty and sweet smelling, with tobacco, burnt brown sugar and raisin aromas. The palate is thick, stacked and jammy, with raisin, tobacco and candied prune and cherry flavors. Very tasty and sweet but a little flat and old.
Rooty aromas are ripe on one hand and lighty herbal on the other. This feels focused and crisp, with good structure and tannins in front of raspberry and cassis flavors. For the most part this is on the money, even with a finish that's flat in feel and earthy in flavor. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Malbec.
Rooty aromas come with a caustic side, something akin to Pine Sol or ammonia. Feels narrow and restricted, with limited berry flavors, juniper and other weird elements. An intense wine, but not in the right way.
Rooty aromas of baking spices and black fruits are restrained and delicate on the nose. This is full, round and mildly tannic, with baked plum, berry, spice and peppery flavors. Toast, nutmeg and bright acidity carry the finish on this blend of 71% Carmenère, with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink through 2017.
Rooty aromas of blackberry and baked plum share space on the bouquet with vanilla, smoke and coconut scents. This feels lush, round, firm and tannic, with profound depth. Flavors of blackberry, baking spices, chocolate and pepper finish toasty, with massive black-fruit leftovers. This is a powerful specimen to drink 2017–2030.
Rooty aromas of cola nut, baked berry fruits and blackberry jam set up a plush, jammy palate of solid tannic framework. Baked berry, dark plum and loamy notes end with meaty, roasted flavors that are typical of a well-made wine from Jumilla. This is 60% Monastrell, 25% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rooty aromas of licorice and sarsparilla are oaky and toasty, like burnt bread crust. This reserva feels weighty, but well balanced. Spicy currant and plum flavors are racy and improve on an elegant finish that doesn't overreach. Drink through 2026.
Rooty aromas of licorice and sarsparilla are out front, followed by a big wave of barrel char. This wine feels good but a little abrupt and choppy. Savory flavors of barbecue and meaty berry fruits finish blackened and peppery, with a lasting note of charred wood.
Rooty aromas of licorice blend with earth, leather and cheese scents. It feels thick and chewy, with condensed flavors of grilled meat, berry, chocolate and herb. It's big and creamy on the finish, but it shows no evolution or improvement from the palate.
Rooty aromas of licorice mix with raw slightly grassy red-fruit scents in front of a juicy lively high-acid palate. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo from a cool year shows spicy plum and red-berry flavors, while a peppery lightly herbal finish is tangy and fresh.
Rooty aromas of licorice, leather and blackberry improve with airing. This shows hard tannins and a grabby palate along with rooty, herbal flavors of blackberry and dark plum that finish with blackened spice notes, licorice root flavors and lively acidity.
Rooty aromas of prune, berry and rubber band settle on a pleasant, bouncy palate with rubbery tannins. Spice, black pepper, cherry and raspberry flavors end with clove, a touch of sweet oak and juicy acidity. This is uncomplicated but well made.
Rooty aromas of raisin and stewed plum are a touch hot as this tips the scale at 15.5%. High in acidity and low in body fat, the palate is linear. Short berry and root beer flavors are mature. Hollow on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Rooty aromas of sarsparilla mix with red-fruit tones on the subtle nose. This aged Rioja is showing hard tannins and choppy acidity in support of herbal, leafy plum and red currant flavors. Tomato, herb and plum flavors stick out on a traditional, high-acid finish.
Rooty aromas of tree bark, cola, tobacco and sweet briar set up a plump, tannic palate with roasted, sweet flavors of Mission fig, dark berry and spice. It's easygoing and loamy on the finish, with chewy tannins and not too much bite.
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.
Rooty berry and coffee aromas are medicinal. This feels punchy due to stark acidity. Flavors of oaky red plum and currant finish similarly, and while this Rioja isn't bothersome it's raw throughout.
Rooty berry aromas vie for attention with molasses, graphite and earth notes. This Toro is stout and creamy in feel, with bracing acidity and firm tannins. Baking spice, roasted black-fruit and molasses flavors are typically ripe, while the finish is hot, with punchy acidity. Drink through 2020.
Rooty blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cola aromas are vintage Numanthia. So is a saturated, tannic palate that's deep and dense. Baked blackberry is the lead flavor, and that's matched by espresso and chocolate. Heat and ruggedness need to be resolved on a rich, powerful, chocolaty tasting finish. Drink through 2020.
Rooty initial aromas veer toward animal and stalky berry fruits as this unfolds. Raw, hard and leathery in feel, this turns out to be low on ripeness as leafy, stalky flavors take over before ending salty, with firm tannins.
Rooty licorice, leather and olive aromas are solid, with pleasing berry scents. This feels plump, with a touch of tartaric acid popping up. Peppery plum and olive flavors are textbook for the variety, while the finish is forward and robust.
Rooty on the nose, with green herb, tea and raspberry aromas. Patience and airing only brings it to the acceptable level, which means the wine's reasonably good prune and dark-fruit flavors are scuttled by a disjointed, overly acidic mouthfeel.
Rooty smelling, with cola, ripe berry, herb and mild field-like scents. The palate is more tight and tannic than many varietal Carmenères, with dark, roasted flavors of berry fruit, coffee and pepper. Clacky and alive on the finish, with lasting smokiness.
Rooty smelling, with cola, sarsparilla, spiced meats and leafy berry aromas. The palate is plump and soft but healthy, with round, sweet berry fruit flavors and ample spice. A generous wine that's hefty, broad and ready to drink. Impressive given that its run is 45,000 cases.
Rooty, earthy aromas of cola, baking spices, blackberry and pepper are potent and ripe. Like always, this is a generous, well-balanced example of Ribera del Duero with toasty oak flavors riding on top of baking spice, plum and cassis notes. Vanilla and mint flavors on the finish are oak-based, while modest heat and burn call for short-term aging. Drink through 2019.
Rooty, earthy berry aromas include a hint of clove. This feels full and chewy, with broad shoulders and firm tannins. Herbal blackberry flavors come with tea and spice notes. It is stocky and woody on a finish that tastes like campfire smoke.
Rooty, herbal berry aromas are forward and scratchy. This has a narrow, condensed, acidic feel and herbal, spicy, lightly green plum and currant flavors. A minty, peppery, dry finish is choppy and tannic, but it's also well focused.
Rooty, herbal, oaky aromas include notes of blackberry, raspberry and molasses. A layered, creamy palate has just enough structure and tannic grab to come across as firm. Charred, toasty flavors of oaky berry fruits and tobacco finish earthy, mature and lightly baked. Drink through 2020.
Rooty, leathery and spicy aromas accent dry baked-berry notes. The feel is smooth and natural, with texture and acidity supporting toasty, leathery, spicy berry and plum flavors. Mildly baked tasting on the finish, with cinnamon and pepper accents. Drink now through 2014.
Rooty, minty aromas of blackberry and boysenberry are heavy on the nose. This feels blocky and full-bodied, with loamy, jammy black-fruit flavors that show a typical varietal greeness. A finish with herbal, tomatoey flavors includes a dusting of chocolate.
Rooty, savory aromas announce this as an atypical high-end Malbec; additional scents of jerky, turned earth, compost and smoke are interesting. In the mouth, this is thick and dense, with flavors of molasses, ketchup, stewed fruits, root beer and fig paste. Befitting a serious Malbec, this finishes long and weighty. Drink through 2020.
Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola and spice flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.
Rooty, spicy aromas of black plum are more complex than those of your average Malbec. In the mouth, this shows a heavy, almost reduced mouthfeel that could use more spring. Dark, heavily toasted baked-plum flavors finish peppery and brooding, but without much texture or presence. Drink soon.
Rooty, spicy aromas of cola and herbal plum are slightly smoky and leafy. This is fleshy and open on the palate, with spicy, herbal flavors of tomato, tea and black plum. A similar herbal, meaty quality lasts onto the finish.
Rooty, stalky, earthy aromas are spread wide and thin. This Cab has a gritty feel and hard tannins. Stalky flavors of coffee grinds are herbal and tough, while heat, sauciness and tomato-leaf flavors suggest cool-climate origins. Overall this is racy and cool in style; drink now.
Rooty/ berry aromas come with a big heaping of mature earth tones and cool cola accents. This is ripped with acidity, which makes sense since 2008 was a chilly, wet year. Bold berry, plum, cherry and tobacco flavors finish easy and smooth; drink through 2020.
Ros'Aura is one of the most delightful rosatos to come from southern Italy. It's a concentrated bright pink color, with fresh aromas of wild berry and pink grapefruit.
Rosé Chiaretto Pergola (made mostly with Groppello grapes) opens with a vinous note of fresh grapes and raspberry followed by almond skin and white mushroom. It's an easy, no-fuss wine with a zesty, acidic finish.
Rosé from Pinot Noir is a new concept in Alsace (normally it is made into red wine). As here, it can give an attractive crisp and fruity wine that is fresh and ready to be drunk young. LIvely acidity and red fruits complete an attractive wine.
Rosé should be dry, delicate and crisp in acidity. This Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah blend succeeds on two of those levels, but not dryness. The raspberry fruit has a simple jamminess that's almost dessert-style.
Rosés are an extreme rarity from this appellation, let alone 100% varietal Tempranillo. Pale peach in color, aromas of strawberry hard candy, bubblegum and spice lead to dry well-measured fruit flavors. It delivers enjoyment.
Rosés are an extreme rarity from this blazing hot appellation. This blend of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Mourvèdre is pale peach in color and offers notes of herb, cereal and strawberry. The palate drinks off dry with weighty somewhat ponderous fruit flavors that seem to get bogged down but still provide enjoyment.
Rosés are unusual coming out of the valley and single-varietal, vineyard-designated ones an extreme rarity. This one is pale cherry in color with aromas of spice and herb. The palate is broad and textured in feel with abundant spice and mineral flavors and a lingering finish.
RosaMati opens with a bold pink color and follows up aromatically with bright raspberry, cassis and cranberry. The wine shows a cool, silky feel in the mouth with a crisp close.
Roscetto, a little-known white grape from central Italy, delivers impressive structure, depth and intensity. As the wine sees four months of oak, this drinks like a red wine. Bright gold in color, this has generous aromas of peach, pineapple, almond, vanilla and spice.
Rose-petal aromas and green-apple flavors bring a distinct personality to this light-bodied, snappy-tasting wine. While the first impression is floral and openly fruity, an underlying crisp acidity comes through on the finish and keeps it refreshing.
Rose-petal aromas and luscious melon and grapefruit flavors give plenty of interest to this medium-bodied, dry and ultrasmooth wine from a stalwart winery. Delicious on its own for lunch or cocktail hour, it also makes a great counterpoint with Thai food and shellfish.
Rose-petal perfume and pink-grapefruit notes lend a classic nobility to this delicately off-dry Gewürztraminer. It's bold in alcohol but balanced, juxtaposing voluptuous, mouth-filling texture against bright citrusy acidity. Fresh and floral, it finishes long with a lingering tea-tannin astringency.
Rose and turned earth notes mark the entry of this concentrated, tannic wine. Robust strawberry and black cherry flavors fill it out, wrapped in toasted oak.
Rose and violet aromas sit comfortably with tight, gritty cherry and plum scents. A tight medium-to-full palate is the staging ground for fresh plum and berry flavors that are powerful but not heavy. A long, warming finish maintains the wine's core potency. This is not ready to drink; best from 2019–2028.
Rose aromas emerge on the nose of this block-designated, light-bodied wine. It's full of crisp red fruit and bright acidity.
Rose gold in color, this rosé smells fresh and inviting, with pleasant underripe strawberry, mango and citrus zest scents. The palate is similarly light-footed, yet ripe tropical fruit tones lend some substance and richness.
Rose hips and petals, potpourri, ginger snaps and dark strawberry show on the lush nose of this bottling by Don Lorenzi, whose Italian family has been making wine for generations. Strawberry and lush cherry flavors meet with increasignly prominent nutmeg and allspice once sipped. The palate is quite hearty and full of dried fruit.
Rose oil and lychee aromas are pleasant on this off-dry Gewürztraminer, but whiffs of dust and oxidation distract. The palate boasts pretty potpourri notes brightened with fresh lemon acidity. Finishes warm with a soft alcoholic burn.
Rose oil and potpourri notes lend an exotic, perfumed exuberance to this delicately structured, medium-sweet Gewürztraminer. It's juicy on the palate, with peach and lychee flavors that are accented by soft citrus acidity. Finishes dry, with a murmur of tea-leaf tannins.
Rose petal and candied lemon scents lead to the medium-bodied palate, which loses a touch of concentration midway.
Rose petal and cherry blossom aromas are stunning additions to the scents of black cherry and exotic spice. Full bodied, with a deep, fruity palate, it's full of ripe black-fruit and crisp red-cherry flavors that are wrapped up in a blanket of silky tannins.
Rose petal and sage notes lend a garden-green freshness to this sprightly semidry Riesling. Nervy lemon-lime flavors jolt the palate awake, but are softened by plush tones of apricot and honey. It's a squarely structured wine that's revitalizing sip after sip.
Rose petal and violets persist throughout this complex, deeply nuanced Pinot Noir. The palate is richly berried, but swathed in a musky, earthy perfume that's intoxicating. Bristling acidity and fine, filigreed tannins round out a long finish. Stunning now, but likely to integrate its subtleties further through at least 2025.
Rose petal aromas and lychee flavors make this a colorful and lively wine to sniff and sip. The powerful floral and fruity character rests in a soft, sweet texture that carries into a lingering finish.
Rose petal aromas and sweet lychee, honey and marascino cherry flavors make this a colorful, exuberant wine. The texture feels thick and luxurious, the acidity is soft, and a mouth-coating viscosity helps the outrageous floral quality linger on the finish.
Rose petal notes perfume this intensely aromatic rosé, accenting concentrated sour cherry and raspberry flavors. A robust blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it's dry in style but rich and ripe with fruit flavors. A hint of chalk and salinity mark the elegant finish.
Rose petal perfume accents sweet peach and apricots in this luscious, varietally classic Gewürztraminer. It's rich and round on the palate, plump with stone fruit and lychee flavors and finishes elegantly on an astringent black-tea note. Off dry in style, it's balanced and composed in alcohol and acidity.
Rose petal, baked strawberry, sarsaparilla and baking spice aromas show strongly on the indulgent nose of this bottling. It's floral, full-bodied and multi-layered on the palate, with baked red cherry and cranberry flavors swathed in cinnamon, hibiscus and anise spice.
Rose petal, herb and camphor aromas are front and center. The full-bodied monolithic palate offers cranberry, morello cherry, star anise and the warmth of alcohol alongside solid tannins. It's big and rather straightforward for Barolo. Drink after 2023.
Rose petal, leather, wet soil, truffle and red berry aromas lead the nose and follow through to the ripe palate along with cherry-berry, white pepper and mint. It's delicious and already surprisingly accessible. Drink 2016–2023.
Rose petal, mocha and a deeply concentrated red fruit palate make this a bold, beautifully constructed Pinot. Full bodied but nuanced with layers of dried herbs and florals, it finishes long with a soft layer of feathery tannins.
Rose petal, perfumed berry pressed powder and sweet cake spice aromas lead the way. The vibrant palate offers crunchy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, grilled herb and tobacco alongside fresh acidity and assertive tannins. Drink 2019–2029.
Rose petal, perfumed berry, new leather, pressed powder and underbrush are just some of the enticing scents you'll find on this stunning wine. The structured palate is loaded with finesse, offering crushed cherry, black raspberry and licorice accompanied by polished tannins. This is the firm's last vintage of Santo Stefano, and they nailed it. Drink 2017–2026.
Rose petal, red cherry and wild thyme scents show in this twist-top bottling from Kiler Canyon and Peachy Canyon vineyards, which is enhanced with 10% each of Mourvèdre and Counoise. Red spice and red berry flavors show on the palate, where zesty acidity cuts through chalky tannins.
Rose petal, underbrush, grilled herb and game aromas take shape in the glass along with a balsamic note. On the firm full-bodied palate, hints of baking spice accent ripe (almost overripe) morello cherry and raspberry. Close-grained tannins give it an assertive finish. It's already almost accessible. Drink 2021–2028.
Rose petal, violet, red berry, white pepper and eucalyptus scents meld together on this bright, structured expression of Nebbiolo. The linear, elegant palate doles out juicy red cherry, mint, aromatic herb and star anise while firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. It's already accessible but will also age gracefully over the next several years. Drink through 2024.
Rose petal, violet, tilled earth, leather and a whiff of pastry cream lead the nose. The ripe palate delivers succulent wild cherry accented with cracked black pepper and cinnamon supported by assertive tannins. It's delicious and structured but also forward, so enjoy now–2019.
Rose petal, violet, woodland berry, sage and eucalyptus aromas come together in the glass. The juicy palate doles out ripe strawberry, red cherry, cinnamon-spice and nectarine zest alongside bright acidity and lithe tannins. Enjoy through 2025.
Rose petals and citrus on the nose give way to an elegant spin of honey, citrus and melon on the palate. A gentle white wine with a soft touch.
Rose petals and honey perfume this gorgeously aromatic dry Riesling, accenting ripe, succulent flavors of caramelized sugar and peaches on the palate. It's big bodied and slightly viscous in mouthfeel, but a shock of grapefruit acidity lends elegance and balance.
Rose petals and strawberries combine in the floral nose, then are underscored with bracing minerality. There's just a wisp of sweetness to leaven the acids.
Rose petals and sweet raspberry candy perfume this dry yet lusciously fruity rosé. It's easy-drinking, bearing generous black-plum and cherry flavors, with just a hint of ripe briar. This is a perfect apéritif or accompaniment to spicy Thai or Indian cuisine. Drink now.
Rose petals and violet perfume this fragrant, voluptuously textured Spätburgunder. It's ripe and approachable but structured by fine, firm tannins and sprightly acidity. Luscious streaks of blackberry and cherry nectar linger on the finish.
Rose petals, hibiscus and shaved cinnamon show on the nose of this wine by a father and son team. The palate is sleek and tight with pomegranate, cranberry and sour cherry on the fruit end, as well as sage, lingering eucalyptus and a flash of cola on the spice side.
Rose petals, iron, turned earth, slate, hot dirt and black plums show on the nose of this bottling by Kathy Joseph. Thick flavors of black cherry paste, rose hips, rose water and a floral potpourri blend into turned soil, black tea and juniper notes. Firm tannins indicate this will age well, but still needs a little time to reach full potential.
Rose petals, pomegranate, dried strawberry, a hint of tar and dried herbs combine for a complex nose on this bottling from the Lompoc-based winery. There is bright acidity on the palate, with cranberry, black pepper, coffee and cherry-pit flavors.
Rose petals, red currants, red licorice and a bit of snapped sage stick entertain the nose on this bottling, which can be sampled at the producer's downtown Paso tasting room. Earl Grey tea, dried orange rind and dried violets play on the palate, which cuts the elderberry fruit with sharp, slightly bitter cherry pits.
Rose petals, Turkish delight and honeysuckle leave no doubt that this is from the aromatic Traminer family. The nose and palate are pervaded by perfume and overall mellow softness. This will be a killer with washed-rind cheeses.
Rose petals, violets, red cherries, plums, rhubarb and heavily peppered spices dominate the nose of this tasty wine from a little-known appellation 27 miles inland from Monterey Bay. It's softly textured upon sipping, then acidity shows up and holds through the sip, along with a stemmy tension. Fresh flavors include sour cherries and red berries.
Rose pink with a perfumed, confected aroma of strawberry jam and Love's Baby Soft perfume, this semisweet late harvest Merlot rosé from Romania is sugary and syrupy.
Rose, baked earth, grilled herbs and dark berry aromas lead the way. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, licorice, toast and a vegetal note alongside soft tannins. The freshness and fruit are starting to fade so drink soon.
Rose, blue flower, perfumed berry and mint aromas set the tone on this vibrant red. Elegant and linear, the luminous palate delivers cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and clove. Firm refined tannins provide structure and poise. It's youthfully austere but already balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2038.
Rose, blue flower, wild berry and freshly chopped herb lead the nose along with a whiff of espresso. The firmly structured palate doles out tart cherry, crushed strawberry, white pepper and clove alongside a backbone of astringent tannins that generate a mouth-drying finish. A note of roasted coffee bean signals the close. Drink 2020–2028.
Rose, chopped mint, red berry and new leather aromas slowly take shape on this fragrant red. Elegant and precise, the palate delivers Marasca cherry, raspberry, licorice and pink peppercorn set against fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. A coffee note backs up the close. Drink 2023–2033.
Rose, dried herb, menthol and a hint of tilled earth aromas take shape in the glass. On the palate, notes of licorice, graphite and orange zest add depth to a core of dried black cherry while firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2023.
Rose, eucalyptus, espresso and exotic spice aromas lead into a linear, structured palate offering sour cherry, pomegranate star anise and roasted coffee flavors in this wine. Close-grained tannins leave a firm, tight finish. Drink 2023–2033.
Rose, garden berry, botanical herb and new leather aromas emerge on this elegant wine. Savory and smooth, the bright palate presents Marasca cherry, cinnamon, anise and mint while polished tannins frame the lingering finish. It's already accessible but will also age well for the midterm. Enjoy through 2023.
Rose, iris, dark-skinned berry, forest floor and a whiff of cake spice lead the way on this full-bodied red. The firmly structured palate shows crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and a hint of clove while fresh acidity and big chewy tannins provide support. Drink 2019–2027.
Rose, iris, dark berry and baking spice aromas emerge on this taut wine. The dense palate doles out mature black cherry, resin, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of toast balanced by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
Rose, iris, perfumed berry, tilled soil and a whiff of menthol are just some of the aromas you'll find on this elegantly structured red. The full-bodied palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anise and dried herb alongside youthfully austere but refined tannins. Hold for more complexity. Drink 2025–2035.
Rose, iris, red-berry and cake-spice aromas set the tone on this graceful red. It's linear, bright and loaded with finesse, evoking red cherry, crushed strawberry, star anise and pink peppercorn alongside taut, polished tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2013–2033.
Rose, iris, ripe red berry and aromatic herbs are some of the aromas you'll discover in this wine. It's both focused and juicy, delivering succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, mint and licorice alongside a backbone of fined-grained tannins that leave a firm finish. Bright acidity provides balance. Drink 2023–2043.
Rose, iris, wild berry and baking spice aromas merge with scents of new leather and a balsamic menthol note on this stunning and classically crafted Barolo. The structured, polished palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, pipe tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit noble tannins and bright acidity. It's going to just keep getting better and better over the next few decades. Drink from 2023 through 2053.
Rose, lavender and forest provide the opening notes of a lovely, concentrated, still-evolving wine, its density and concentration offset by a beguiling brightness of acidity. Strawberry, cranberry and nuanced suggestions of cinnamon and clove play off each other until a toasty finish.
Rose, leather, black cherry and balsamic aromas lead the nose on this friendly wine. The savory palate delivers crushed red berry and white pepper alongside lithe tannins that give it an easy drinking texture.
Rose, leather, mature berry and truffle aromas lift from the glass while the accessible palate offers dried red cherry, star anise, pipe tobacco and a hint of clove. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink through 2020.
Rose, red berry and a whiff of cake spice aromas meld in the glass. The bright, easy-drinking palate doles out Morello cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon and ground green pepper while vibrant acidity provides backup. There's no complexity but it is savory and refreshing.
Rose, red berry and Mediterranean herb aromas come together on this luminous deeply colored rosato. Made with Nerello Mascalese, the delicious medium-bodied palate doles out Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and a note of white pepper, all framed in fresh acidity. It goes down like spun silk.
Rose, red berry, baked earth, forest floor and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the firm palate offers dried black cherry, cake spice and anise. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2018–2026.
Rose, red berry, mint and anise aromas unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anisette and a mocha note framed in bracing tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2020–2031.
Rose, red berry, underbrush and dark spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant, youthfully austere red. It's lean, tight and ethereal, with raw strawberry, licorice and white pepper flavors set against vibrant acidity and taut close-grained tannins. Drink after 2023.
Rose, sage, menthol and cellar floor aromas carry over to the palate along with raw sour cherry, cranberry and clove. Assertive tannins clench the astringent finish.
Rose, strawberry and forest floor aromas meld in the glass on this charming expression of Nebbiolo. The bright, savory palate doles out crushed strawberry, black raspberry, clove and star anise alongside silky tannins. Like a little black dress, this would be perfect for any occasion.
Rose, underbrush, dried berry and balsamic notes lead the nose. The taut structured palate evokes juicy strawberry, crushed cherry, star anise and cake spice framed in tightly woven fine-grained tannins. It's elegant and well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
Rose, violet and black-skinned fruit aromas lead the nose. On the dark, frothy palate, a white pepper note adds depth to black cherry and blackberry fruit.
Rose, violet and vanilla aromas lead the nose on this straightforward Nebbiolo. The friendly palate doles out crushed black cherry accented with milk chocolate. It's round and ready so enjoy now.
Rose, violet, baking spice and red berry aromas come together on this graceful wine. The bright, subtle palate offers crushed raspberry, red cherry and white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. A star anise note signals the close.
Rose, violet, black raspberry, wild cherry and espresso aromas lead the nose. The juicy fruit palate is accented with notes of sweet cake spices and supported by lithe tannins. Enjoy soon.
Rose, violet, charred earth and plummy aromas emerge from the glass. The soft, straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, prune, mint and mocha alongside round tannins. Enjoy through 2016.
Rose, violet, crushed mint and red-berry scents mingle together in the glass. On the tight palate, bright acidity and taut fine-grained tannins frame cherry, strawberry, star anise and dried herb. It's a great introduction to this classic vintage. Drink 2021–2028.
Rose, violet, game and tilled earth aromas waft from the glass. The savory, accessible palate offers black cherry, crushed raspberry and cinnamon alongside firm but polished tannins. Enjoy through 2016. Polaner Selections, Rare Wine Co.
Rose, violet, iris and red berry aromas lead the nose on this delicious wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The smooth palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry and crunchy strawberry, while notes of nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon add depth. It's polished and already enjoyable but hold a few years for complexity.
Rose, violet, mint, sun-baked earth and red berry aromas emerge on this elegantly structured wine. The firm palate offers mature wild cherry, white pepper, chopped herb and star anise while tightly wound but polished tannins provide support. Let the tannins unwind then enjoy. Drink 2018–2026.
Rose, violet, perfumed berry and cake spice aromas lead the nose on this sleek, elegant Barolo. The vibrant palate is loaded with crunchy red cherry, juicy raspberry, cinnamon and savory herb. Firm but polished tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2018–2030.
Rose, violet, red berry, cake spice and aniseed are some of the aromas you'll find on this delicious Barolo. On the balanced palate, notes of tobacco, licorice, clove and dried herb accent the juicy cherry-berry core. Ripe, firm tannins and fresh acidity provide structure.
Rose, violet, red berry, mint, menthol and eucalyptus scents lead the nose. Even at this young stage the vibrant palate seamlessly weaves together juicy Morello cherry, wild strawberry, spice and balsamic sensations supported by firm, polished tannins. It already shows breeding and class, but give it time to develop fully. Drink after 2020.
Rose, violet, sour berry and tilled earth aromas take center stage in this young red. The easygoing palate offers rounded tannins and wild cherry, black raspberry and clove flavors. A mineral note signals the finish.
Rose, violet, toast, underbrush, menthol and perfumed berry aromas lead the way on this wine. The palate offers dried black cherry, eucalyptus, ground black pepper and dried sage alongside bracing, rather astringent tannins.
Rose, violet, wild berry and menthol aromas unfold in the glass. The bracing palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and clove alongside assertive, close-grained tannins that leave a mouth-puckering finish. Drink after 2020.
Rosella's is a very good vineyard, but this Pinot is unripe and unbalanced. There's an herbal, vegetal note that gets in the way of the cherries and pomegranates. Hard to see it going anywhere, so drink up.
Rosella's is in some respects the quintessential Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard. It always shows ripe, concentrated raspberry and licorice fruit, with brooding, earthy notes of mushrooms, as well as thick tannins and bright acidity. Loring's 2012 is a balanced, complex wine that brings hints of blueberries. It's beautiful now, and will age well until at least 2020.
Rosemary-marinated steak, roast pork roll stuffed with prunes or dark chicken or turkey meat would make perfect paring partners to this red blend from southern Tuscany. Aromas of spice, mature cherry and leather are soft and penetrating.
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.
Roses and violets rise up on the nose of this wine, before a pungent fist of dirt and forest floor join the party. Layered on the entry, the midpalate becomes somewhat dull and one-dimensional, leading the way to a quick, bitter finish.
Roses, peaches and apricots all swing in the unctuous richness of this plush Gewurztraminer. They are countered by some freshness but this is certainly on the plumper side. It will be the perfect match for ripe, soft cheeses.
Roses, raisins and even notes of banana mingle with the peachy richness. This aromatic headiness is cut beautifully by the focused freshness of the palate, reminiscent of freshly cut mandarins. This shows beautiful balance in aroma and body.
Ross Mickel (Ross Andrew Winery) made this Côtes du Rhône-style blend, a flashy riot of floral scents and earthy, funky fruit. Even with several hours breathing time it feels tight—decanting is mandatory. But give it a few years in the cellar and it will unpack even more layers of flavor. Dry and astringent in the mouth, it brings young flavors of cranberry juice and grape concentrate, plenty of acidity and minerality, and excellent depth.
Rossana makes an ideal match to pizza or pasta with fresh tomato, a clove of garlic and chopped basil. The berry tones are bright and compact and there are light but polished tannins on the close. This lively wine is widely available in the United States.
Rosso Carillon is aged one year in oak to produce smoky notes of toasted almond and exotic spice. The bright, compact mouthfeel offers cola, sour cherry and wild blueberry endnotes.
Rosso di Verzella is a rich expression from Mt. Etna with luscious aromas of barbecue smoke, bacon, wild berry and slate roof. The wine is elegant and powerful at the same time and offers a fine berry texture in the mouth.
Rossojbleo opens with distinct aromas of oatmeal cookie, Graham cracker and bright red fruit. It's a unique expression, with just enough acidity to keep the plate refreshed.
Rosy cherry and plum aromas turn more rubbery and raisiny as this airs out. Solid, lifted and deep on the palate, this varietal Garnacha deals lightly herbal, floral flavors of plum and cherry cough drop, while the finish is oaky, resiny, raw, scouring and tough. Nothing about this is subtle or elegant, but it is dynamic. Drink through 2020.
Rosy in color, with gritty, earthy aromas of dried red fruits and horse, this coastal Pinot is lean, tangy and citric in the mouth. Pie cherry, tomato and oregano flavors finish zippy, short and with a tomato sauce aftertaste.
Rosy pink and good for warm-climate getaways this winter. Bright, candied aromas are controlled and don't veer into bubblegum land, while the palate is medium soft and has just enough acid to prop up nectarine and citrus flavors. Won't last long but showing well in its early days.
Rotgipfler is almost an exclusivity to Thermenregion. This bright, fruity wine is deliciously crisp with spice, pepper and pear flavors. It has a light lemon edge brought out by the refreshing acidity. Screwcap.
Roth's virgin berry Riesling, made from tiny seedless grapes, typically exhibits an intensity of flavor distinct from its standard-labeled bottling. This vintage suggests a deeply mineral-intense expression with concentrated lime and tart tangerine flavors layered in dusty minerals and earth tones. It's zippy and light in body but finishes with piercing lemon-lime intensity.
Rothrock Vineyard provides the fruit for this wine that was fermented and aged in neutral French oak. The aromas are light, with notes of herb, chamomile, green apple and spice. It's medium bodied, backed by vibrant acidity that carries through the finish.
Rotier's top wine is an impressive, wood-aged example of how good red Gaillac can be. This spicy, black-fruited wine is packed with dark cherries, plums and dusty tannins. It needs to age even more, so drink this solid, long-lasting wine from 2018.
Rough-hewn and tannic in youth, this blend of one-third each Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot isn't showing much accessibility. It's astringently closed, but very ripe and sweet in blackberries, cherries and cedar. Give it five years in the cellar.
Rough and awkward, with some cherry flavors and greener ones of stems and herbs. Drinks dry and fairly tannic. Perfectly acceptable as an inexpensive chugger.
Rough and earthy, it has some well-developed berry-fruit flavors. High acidity scours the mouth. A serviceable wine, dry and austere, with rasping tannins that aren't likely to soften with age.
Rough and harsh in texture, this is a rustic, tannic blend of Tempranillo and Grenache that has overripe, burnt raisin flavors.
Rough and leathery, with roasted black fruit and burnt-leaf aromas. The palate has a clacky, sharp feel and flavors of dried, baked berry fruits and leaves. Hard, roasted and leathery red wine.
Rough and ready Cabernet, with edgy tannins and a green mint taste to the black cherry jam and caramelized oak flavors. It's a full-bodied, tannic wine that's ready to drink now.
Rough and rugged is the best way to describe this Malbec. Earthy, woody, rubbery berry aromas lead to a sharp, high-acid palate. Wiry, fiery plum-like flavors stay fierce and pick up heat on the finish.
Rough and stemmy smelling, and sort of scratchy. The palate is acceptable but that's about it, with creamy, sweet, wayward berry flavors. Finishes medicinal and a bit weedy. Similar in quality to the ‘07 Urban Tempranillo.
Rough around the edges, hot in alcohol and sweet in raisins on the finish. All that makes it a rustic Cabernet. Drink now with BBQ, Mexican food.
Rough around the edges, this is a dry and tannic wine. It has mint, red currant fruit and a dry center. It needs a year or two, but is likely to remain rustic.
Rough around the edges, this is a wine with some barnyard flavors as well as red berry fruits. It is soft, the tannins surrounded by juiciness.
Rough at first, with hard cherry and nail polish aromas. Airing reveals a still-edgy wine with fresh acids bracing earthy strawberry and red plum flavors. Not a heavy type of wine; dry, spicy and lean on the finish.
Rough at first, with leathery aromas and hints of bitter chocolate. Which all goes to say: Where's the snappy cherry fruit? It just doesn't seem to be here. What you do get is light raspberry and tea notes, and then some oak and herbal character on the finish.
Rough black-cherry and plum aromas are full and fruity. The palate is choppy, with prickly acidity leading to dry, hollow black-plum flavors. The wine shows color and size, with citrusy acid and astringency.
Rough cherry and plum aromas are indicative of what's to come. This feels fresh but raw, with high acidity and not much body or depth. Tart plum and cranberry flavors finish with sharp acidity and a drawing sensation.
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.
Rough in texture, with jagged tannins and a dry, rasping finish. This blend of the two Cabernets, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah is rustic, with fruity, berry jam, currant and cedar flavors.
Rough piercing aromas of tomato and herbs outweigh berry scents. This feels rugged and bumpy, with hard tannins. Generic berry flavors come with a hint of cinnamon and spice, while this reverts to being rough and abrasive on the finish.
Rough, almost harsh aromas of petrol and sauerkraut are less than inviting. This is bland and soft in feel, with almost no spritz or lift. Innocuous flavors of melon, papaya and honey finish flat and sugary.
Rough, animal-like aromas wrestle with piercing, fairly hot plum and berry scents. Rubbery, blackened, peppery plum and raspberry flavors finish oaky, mildly bitter and tannic.
Rough, earthy and tannic, with simple, high-toned, black cherry fruit, and substantial tannins that seem to have been somehow smoothed over, leaving the wine a bit dull.
Rough, edgy, medicinal red-fruit aromas are highly herbal and jammy. This tastes weedy and green, while the finish is minty and medicinal, with a horsey aftertaste.
Rough, grassy aromas and flavors along with a choppy mouthfeel render this one rung above unacceptable. Overall, this is about as raw, punchy, green and herbaceous as a Malbec can get.
Rough, green and olive-dominated on the nose. The palate is plump to the point of being weighty, while the flavors are briary and run heavy with olive, green tobacco and green bean. Mild on the finish, with another wave of green olive.
Rough, nutty, stalky aromas are not particularly inviting. This has a grabby, creamy, chocolaty texture to go with baked, stewy flavors of cherry cough drop. A lightly green, oaky, chocolaty finish is low on acid given that this is a coastal wine from a cool year.
Rough, round and ravishing, this is a rock ‘n' roll red that takes no prisoners. The Klipsun/Red Mountain tannins and power are there in abundance, but the edges have been smoothed, the balance is perfect, and the fruit is pure and expressive. This wine resonates out from a core of pure cherry/berry; it lingers and expands into a lush rainbow of strawberry and earth.
Rough, sinewy and oaky, this full-bodied wine is concentrated and thick, a robust expression of bitter black fruit and leather.
Rough, stalky, yeasty aromas are all over the map. Lemony acidity renders this tight as a drum, while bitter, stalky flavors finish wheaty and bitter. This Tempranillo Blanco is barely worth a go; the pleasure factor is at base level.
Rough, weedy berry aromas are covered up by oak, plastic and vanilla notes. This is scratchy feeling and devoid of charm on the palate. Oak-driven flavors of marshmallow and vanilla clash with core green fruit, and the wine quickly falls off on the finish.
Roughly 75% of the fruit was fermented with the stems, using native yeast. The richly perfumed nose of this wine mixes floral tones with hints of body powder and a touch of cocoa. This is a sensuous wine, with a beguiling palate loaded with plum, cherry, mocha and sassafras.
Roughly equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this is probably Lirac's top wine at the moment. It's big and rich in the mouth, leaving behind a coating of dark fruit, hints of meaty savoriness, baking spices and softly layered wood.
Roughly equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot go into this tannic blend. It may be a little too far along the aging curve, at least for showing much fruit. It's drying out—displaying a touch of leather—and should be consumed as soon as possible.
Roughly half and half Marsanne and Roussanne, this dry white wine carries a distinctive scent and flavor of honey. It's round and ripe, with lemony fruit. Full-bodied and delicious, this should be enjoyed now through 2018.
Roughly half and half Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Longevity bottling brings spice and tangy red fruits into focus. The forward, mouth-filling flavors suggest strawberry preserves and pie cherries. It's drinking nicely; no need to wait.
Roughly half and half Viognier and Roussanne, this is vivid and fresh, with grapefruit flesh and rind in the flavor mix. Peach and apricot streaks slip into the midpalate, and the wine sets up bracing and clean, with just a hint of bitterness.
Roughly half Cab Franc, this includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo as well. Here the fruit is accented, not overtaken, with the flavors of barrels. The best of the winery's red wines, it augments its pretty cherry core with a streak of coffee and dark chocolate.
Roughly half Cabernet Sauvignon, one-fourth Cab Franc and the rest a blend of Merlot and Malbec, the 2007 Old Olive Block shows crisp plum fruit with chocolate and cedar overtones. Soft, dusty tannins fade gracefully on the finish. Drink now–2017.
Roughly half estate-grown Tempranillo, this smooth and deeply-fruited red includes small amounts of 10 other grapes. For all that it's complete, complex and composed, with pomegranate jam, loganberries, polished tannins and prolonged power. Drink now through 2020.
Roughly half Grenache, 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this shows intriguing aromas of black fruits, citrus, pine needle and loam. In the mouth there is a somewhat disjointed impression, with raspberry fruit and coffee grounds dominating.
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.
Roughly half of this is Barbera, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. The Cab firms up the tannins, but the fruit lacks substance and depth, and the chocolaty oak does not add much interest.
Roughly half stainless-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and half barrel-fermented Sémillon, this has noticeable sweetness that puts a sugary edge on the flavors. Pineapple and Meyer lemon fruits are round and full-bodied. This should be chilled to cut down some of the sugary flavors.
Roughly half the fruit is estate grown. Lush, potent aromatics introduce an impressively concentrated wine, abundant in fresh pear flavor. An orange liqueur highlight adds a sharp, well-defined note to the finish. This wine should develop nicely through 2018 or 2020.
Roughly three-fifths Merlot and two-fifths Cabernet, this well-made red has thick, supple, generous fruit. It seems to have been aged in a hefty amount of new oak, but it balances the fruit and and spice well. Look for plum, black cherry, smoke and toast notes on the full, round palate.
Roughly three-fifths Merlot and two fifths Cabernet Franc. Though the blend and oak treatment are quite similar to the 2005, this new release comes out with far better balance and structure. The oak flavors are lighter, the tannins are polished and lightly herbal, as befits Cabernet Franc, and there is a hint of steel in the backbone of this tight, svelte effort.
Roughly three quarters Syrah, this includes with Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The detail is impressive—a high-def wine with berry, herb, dried leaf, bloody meat and a splash of citrus.
Roughly two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Merlot, this medium-bodied wine packs in ample plum fruit, accented by cinnamon and cedar. Finishes long, with a slightly velvety texture.
Roughly two-thirds Cabernet Franc and the rest Gamay, this is a peppery, tartly acidic red wine. Its sharp-edged berry fruit is braced with lemony scents and acids. Tannins are drying and a bit edgy.
Roughly two-thirds Shiraz and one-third Grenache, this is a full-bodied, lush example of Barossa Valley product. Hints of mint and cracked pepper add nuance to the ripe raspberry fruit, while spice and red-fruit nuances linger on the supple yet spine-tingling finish. Drink now–2020 for its youthful exuberance.
Roughly two-thirds Shiraz, the 2006 Henry's Seven is a lush, full-bodied blend that combines dark, feral notes of cola and cured meats with brighter red-fruit flavors and an herbal tinge. It's a bit warm on the finish, but that only serves to accentuate its spicy complexity. Drink now–2012.
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.
Roughout is a fun wine, with a burst of sweet cherry fruit opening into a wild side that veers toward bramble and forest flavors. It's not a big red, but highly gulp-able and perfect for a burger night.
Round and accessible, this smooth straightforward Aglianico offers flavors of juicy blackberry, wild cherry, ripe plum and baking spice framed in supple tannins. There's not much complexity, but it is delicious. Drink through 2019.
Round and already surprisingly accessible, this full-bodied red offers aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, leather, licorice, cake spices, orange zest and a balsamic note. Polished tannins provide the framework and give it a smooth texture. Drink through 2021.
Round and ample in the mouth, this medium-full-bodied wine combines green notes of cut grass and snap pea with ripe stone fruit, then ends crisp and grapefruity. It's a fine example of Marlborough Sauvignon that's widely available and well priced.
Round and easy on the palate, this wine combines 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Approachable dark fruit meets touches of leather and garrigue. It's a full-bodied and concentrated wine that's still developing in the bottle.
Round and even, this dry white from the well-known Rioja producer offers sweet hay, apple and vanilla aromas and flavors. Nicely composed, this has decent balance and a smooth, if modest finish. Best to drink now, and a good bar or party pour. Best Buy. —M.M.
Round and floral, with melon and other simple, clean aromas. Good mouthfeel, proper acidity and basic, likable flavors of citrus, green apple, green banana and tropical fruits make it a good quaffer and a good value.
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.
Round and fruity in character, this has initial freshness and ripe yellow-fruit flavors. On the finish, there is a tang of orange zest.
Round and fruity with fully ripe, even sweet flavors of pear and honeydew melon. It's a little yeasty also, with a somewhat beery finish. But overall it's a fine bottle for simple sipping.
Round and fruity, it has flavors of ripe Bartlett pear, creamy green apple, white peach and apricot. It's perfect to pour as an apéritif or pair it with starters and light first courses.
Round and fruity, open and broad, this is a perfectly sound sipping white, without any particular focus or varietal specificity.
Round and fruity, this differs from Willamette Valley Pinots, in that it's broad, fruit-driven, perhaps less complex but readily accessible and quite delicious immediately. Cherry lollipop, oranges and light tropical-fruit flavors abound. Drink while it's young and fresh—slightly chilled if you wish.
Round and fruity, this is a crisp and pure wine. It has a straight line of acidity that cuts through the green apple and citrus fruits. The zesty texture dances on the palate.
Round and fruity, this is cleanly made, with its soft character coming from the ripe strawberry fruit. It's a good candidate to pair with a fruit dessert or to serve as an apéritif.
Round and fruity, this is drinking at its peak. Pear and apple flavors carry lighter notes of cinnamon, with a caramel-apple finish.
Round and fruity, this mixes sweet berry with red plum and Bing cherry. Orange-peel highlights lift the midpalate. The wine shows excellent balance and a detailed, lingering finish.
Round and fruity, this offers gentle acidity and ripe melon fruit. The wine is ready to drink.
Round and fruity, this opens with mildly sweet flavors of melon and pineapple. The quick finish turns flat and slightly sour.
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.
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.
Round and fruity, with aromas of ginger, pineapple and mango. This is one of the most popular SBs in the world, and it's easy to see why. It's loaded with sweet, inoffensive citrus fruit and it comes with a soft, plush mouthfeel that's sure to win people over.
Round and fruity, with puckery lemon-lime and tangerine fruit front and center. Some sort of oak treatment is in evidence, with a streak of vanilla wafer running through the finish.
Round and full-bodied, the wine is dominated by wood-aging flavors. That masks the fruit at this stage, leaving the impression of a wine that is still to focus and bring out the impressive ripe fruits and mineral structure. Give it until 2017 to pull itself together.
Round and full-bodied, this block selection reflects the warmth of the Pommard and Dijon clones. The acids have a juicy, citrus character, and there is a streak of cola along with bright cherry fruit.
Round and full-bodied, this has a spice note and a perfumed, floral character. The wine is bright, still rather tight, needing a few months to develop.
Round and full-bodied, this has warm apricot and ripe pineapple flavors. It has weight and richness, with a touch of toast and a smoky finish.
Round and good by Rueda standards, with melon and peach aromas but not too much citrus. The palate is full and chunky, with papaya, melon and a touch of pithy bitterness. More regular than special, but good and goes down easy before finishing dry.
Round and grassy smelling, but turning more pungent and pointed with airing. Shows good grip and a slight spritz on the palate in front of grassy, green flavors of lime, bell pepper and tarragon. Pithy on the finish, where jalapeño and white-pepper notes rise up and take over.
Round and harmonious on the palate, this wine is a terrific value. Floral notes mark the nose, backed up by raspberry and strawberry fruit, while an undercurrent of crushed stone provides depth and backbone. The finish is berry-filled, but balanced and savory.
Round and juicy, this offers enticing scents of white flower, mature apple, citrus and pear that carry over to the palate along with honeydew melon and a hint of aromatic herb. Fresh acidity balances the ripe fruit flavors.
Round and juicy, this opens with aromas of stone fruit, dried herb and a whiff of pear. The ripe, enveloping palate doles out white peach, mature apple, juicy nectarine and a hint of bitter almond. A mineral note closes the lingering finish.
Round and juicy, this opens with delicate scents of white field flowers, orchard fruits and a hint of aromatic herbs. The soft, medium-bodied palate offers yellow peaches, lemon zest and pears while a note of white almond backs up the finish.
Round and lacking form, this shows only tannins. It features some attractive acidity, but it is finally spoiled by a rustic character.
Round and lush, this offers soft layers of vanilla, French toast and tarte Tatin. Expansive on the palate, it maintains acidity and a freshness that keeps it inviting in the glass, concocting appealing aromas of lemon chiffon.
Round and lush, with boldly oaky notes of caramelized nuts and vanilla accenting tropical fruit. Drink now.
Round and melony, but also a bit heavy and mealy smelling, indicating that it's starting to turn. Feels chunky, with lychee, sweet citrus and pithy flavors. Adequate acidity rises up on the finish, but overall this is a chunky, ripe type of Godello that seems to be fading prematurely.
Round and opulent, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of black currants, blue flower, mocha and baking spices. The warm, dense palate delivers mouthfuls of succulent black cherry layered with chocolate, black pepper and clove alongside big, velvety tannins. Drink now through 2021.
Round and pillowy in feel, this is a simple wine, offering modest melon and pineapple fruit. Drink it over the next few months.
Round and rich, this blend of Sangiovese and 20% Merlot opens with aromas of dark berry and underbrush. The ripe, straightforward palate delivers black plum, crushed black cherry, coffee and a chocolate note while soft tannins make it extremely accessible. Enjoy through 2016.
Round and rich, this has delicious acidity and touches of tropical fruits. It's ripe and full bodied, with an attractive hint of wood.
Round and rich, this has streaks of lemon and orange zest that cut through the vanilla and creamed apple texture. A note of spice makes the wine complex and rich. This is worth aging for several years.
Round and rich, this is packed with pear and apricot flavors, producing a full-bodied character. It has weight and a citrusy edge of acidity, with a soft, ripe finish.
Round and rich, this wine takes on renewed complexity in the glass. Seductive in earthy red and black berry fruit and exotic spice, it offers naturally realized structure in a stylized package that should remain interesting for years.
Round and ripe frangipani, jasmine, honeysuckle and white peach aromas contribute to the pretty nose of this bottling, even though they feel as confected as bubblegum. There is a vibrant energy to the palate, which is rich in poached pear, baked apple, dried ginger and caramel flavors. Over the top but pleasant.
Round and ripe tropical fruit mark this solid and affordable Chardonnay. Interesting shadings of lime, clove and other spices keep it engaging on the palate. Ends with a medium- length finish of sweet-tart pineapple fruit.
Round and ripe yellow melon and baked apple aromas make for a voluptuous nose in this bottling, which also shows a touch of vanilla. The palate is more restrained, with kumquat and lemon flavors cut by a smoky character.
Round and ripe, full of yellow fruits as well as crisp pear flavors, this wine has density as well as lively acidity. A strong line of minerality keeps the wine on a straight line of fragrant acidity and great freshness. Drink from 2016.
Round and ripe, this is a balanced, complex and perfumed wine. With its acidity beautifully in place, it is fresh while also having some spice, toast and minerality. Drink from 2017.
Round and ripe, this is a wine with generous, opulent fruits and touches of spice from wood aging. Plenty of yellow fruit and sliced apple flavors mingle with the mineral texture and fragrant acidity. With its power and richness still to develop, it's a wine to age, needing at least until 2018.
Round and ripe, this offers aromas of underbrush, grilled mushroom and black berry. The straightforward palate delivers mature blackberry, plum and espresso alongside soft tannins. Drink through 2016.
Round and ripe, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla, mocha and earthy note of tilled soil. The one-dimensional palate doles out rich blackberry, plum and espresso along with a confectionary note.
Round and ripe, this opens with aromas that recall baked plum, vanilla, anise and a whiff of leather. The approachable, juicy palate doles out mature black cherry, blackberry, mocha, dried sage, baking spice and licorice. Polished, fine-grained tannins provide support.
Round and ripe, this opens with fruity aromas of ripe apple and yellow stone fruit. The soft juicy palate delivers peach, pineapple and banana while a hint of mineral signals the finish.
Round and ripe, with an earthy character, this is a simple, fruity wine. Attractive apple and grapefruit flavors have been hit by a barnyard element that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Round and silky, this is a medium-bodied Saint-Joseph intended for early enjoyment. Blackberry and dusty earth shadings mingle easily on the palate, fading just a bit quickly on the finish.
Round and smooth, this delivers sensations of strawberry, wild cherry, raspberry, pine forest, menthol and cake spices. The concentrated flavors are balanced by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy this over the next few years.
Round and smooth, this has a weighty, full-bodied structure, with the Alvarinho adding a more crisp character. Pear and melon fruits are balanced by citrusy acidity.
Round and smooth, this rich wine has the right acidity for the ripe pear, green plum and thrust of citrus. A backbone of minerality gives structure, while a spicy nutmeg note complements the subtle nutty character. Drink now.
Round and soft, it offers apples, citrus and gooseberries enveloped in a full-bodied texture. An edge of steely background suggests it's a wine for some aging, so wait until 2015.
Round and soft, this features white fruit flavors filled out by a touch of smokiness and light acidity. It's gentle, dry and full bodied. Screwcap.
Round and soft, this has fresh, attractive fruit, flavors of white pears, candy and green herbs. Just a touch of sweetness in the acidity of the aftertaste.
Round and soft, this is immediately drinkable. Its acidity and green fruit flavors are well balanced; the wine dances easily on the palate. Screwcap.
Round and soft, this warm wine from the southern end of the Côte de Beaune feels rich and generous. It has caramel and yellow fruit flavors, and its crisp acidity will ensure that it will remain fresh and fruity.
Round and soft, this wine opens with an intense fragrance of mint, alpine herbs and whiffs of woodland berries. The fresh palate delivers crushed Bing cherry, cinnamon and clove alongside smooth tannins. Drink now–2018.
Round and soft, very much in the style of warm-hearted Brouilly. The wine has a layer of tannins, while it's the delicious red berry fruits that dominate. Ripe, full and ready to drink.
Round and softly fruity, this white Burgundy comes with a hint of vanilla. With its ripe apple, lime and yellow fruit flavors, it's instantly drinkable. The finish is touched by acidity.
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.
Round and supple, this opens with dark concentration and fresh tones of espresso bean and toasted nut. The underlying fruit and acidity is here—as is the firmness of the tannins. Cellar this for 10 more years.
Round and sweet, with some grapy, creamy aromas and a hint of oak sticking out. The palate is sweet, a bit candied, and firm, all courtesy of sharp but healthy tannins. A sweet, chewy finish is the lasting impression.
Round and velvet smooth, it has blackberry fruits that are full in the mouth, giving freshness while also making the wine rich and generous. The tannins are already well-integrated into this soft wine. Drink from 2015.
Round and velvety, it has aromas of ripe berry, chocolate and exotic spices. The rich palate delivers juicy black cherry punctuated with ground black pepper, cinnamon, carob, pipe tobacco and mint. Forward and sweet, this is already extremely accessible so enjoy soon. Drink through 2018.
Round and welcoming up front, with toffee, caramel and mocha aromas that are not too sharp. Feels smooth, with pure flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, cocoa dust, dried apricot and underripe peach. Complex and nutty on the finish, with a sweet aftertaste of chocolate and toffee.
Round aromas of chocolate-covered raisin set up a loaded palate. Salty berry, cassis, baking-spice and chocolate flavors finish with a full helping of berry and plum fruit, while this maintains a moderately full outlook on the finish. Drink through 2021.
Round black-cherry and herbal-blueberry aromas carry through to the medium-bodied palate. With enough tannic structure to support the ripe, full black-fruit tones, this wine is an easy call for all things grilled.
Round black-fruit aromas are bold and friendly, while in the mouth this is grabby and full bodied. Flavors of roasted plum and berry are generous albeit a hint green in the middle, while toasty darkness defines the finish, which brings a touch of bitterness.
Round but lifted with racy pineapple-infused acidity in the mouth, this Chard offers ripe melon and red apple flavors to balance the serious cut. A hint of peach pit nuttiness stays through the finish.
Round citrus and apple aromas are a touch funky. This has a basic mouthfeel along with pithy, briny, yeasty white-fruit flavors. Mild green notes come up on the finish.
Round from the vintage, this is still an apple crisp and mineral Chablis. Its tang comes from citrus, with the bite of terroir adding a dry texture. The wine is not complex, ready to drink now.
Round fruit flavors meld melon, pears and apricots. Partial barrel fermentation smoothes it all out and adds just a touch of vanilla spice. It's a lovely choice for a Chardonnay alternative that will match appropriately with a variety of food.
Round in the mouth and creamy in texture, this wine's ripe cherry fruit is softly framed by brown sugar, caramel and cinnamon notes. Drink now–2018.
Round on the nose, with green-apple aromas. There's no angularity or sharpness to this SB despite full acidity, and the flavors of orange and grapefruit are alert but pithy. A good but regular effort, especially for warm-climate Colchagua.
Round on the palate for a Riesling, with plumpness and sweetness to the midpalate that's balanced by hints of pink grapefruit and passion fruit and a fresh, clean finish. Patio wine.
Round peach, ripe nectarine, melon and Anjou pear aromas shows on the nose of this bottling, tempered by a grassy and wet steel character. The palate shows poached apple and pear flavors, accented with lime.
Round Pond's track record with Sauvignon Blanc is pretty consistent. The wine is rarely great—almost never bad–but frequently satisfactory. The 2012 is one of their better efforts—a little ripe in profile—but clean and savory.
Round rather than racy, this fruity effort rings out with peach, melon and papaya flavors. It's finished dry with just 4g/L residual sugar, and the delicious finish has a honeysuckle note.
Round red cherry, deep plum and ripe cranberry fruit mix with ginger spice and wet slate on the nose of this appellation blend from Ed Kurtzman. There's an iron tinge to the palate, giving its wild red cherry and thyme flavors a mineral kick, framed by leathery tannins and zesty acidity.
Round red fruits, hibiscus and rose petals show brightly on the nose of this blend of 44% Grenache, 43% Mourvèdre, 11% Syrah and 2% Viognier. It's light in body and easy to quaff thanks to vibrant, zinging acidity, with flavors of pepper, more hibiscus and pomegranate.
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.
Round, chunky aromas of grapefruit and passion fruit settle on friendly and varietally correct. This is snappy and solid in feel, with lime, orange and nectarine flavors. An acid-driven finish holds the line and doesn't taste bitter or green.
Round, creamy apple aromas open things up. This is melony and soft in feel, with flavors of cider, lemon and lychee. A tropical-leaning finish is solid but suggestive of a wine in decline. Drink immediately.
Round, dark and impressive, with deep berry aromas, minerality, smokiness and a hint of herbs and tomato. The palate is jammy and rich, what you might call syrupy, but there's still plenty of spine and structure. Tastes rich, jammy and masculine, with blackberry, coffee and spice notes. Drink now through 2017.
Round, dense and correct on the nose, with heft and dark fruit aromas. The palate is tight, pure and just the right size, with blackberry, boysenberry and a bit of vanilla and caramel in the background. Smooth on the tail end, with sweet coconut and mocha notes. Friendly and well done for the price.
Round, earthy blackberry aromas are dressed up in dry spice and oak. A fleshy, pure palate has bounce to its step, while oaky, toasty flavors of baked black fruits, cocoa and spice finish with just the right amount of cutting acidity and flavors of baking spices. Drink this Cabernet Franc-led blend through 2020.
Round, floral and sweet smelling, with citrusy acidity that pushes up passion fruit, orange and lemon flavors. There's weight and body come finishing time, and the overall impression is that of a tropical, dense white wine with some creaminess. Priced high for what you get.
Round, floral, fruity and just a bit bretty. Almost everything is right about this value-priced wine. The fruit is dark and veers toward black cherry and plum, while the feel is good. Finishes with a nice run of dry oak and chocolate flavors.
Round, forward and fruity, this pleasant red does not scream out its varietal stamp, but it's a perfectly fine quaffer, a bit tart and short in the finish.
Round, full, fruity and complex, this polished effort's flavors runs the gamut from citrus to stone fruit to light tropical. Generous and elegant at once, it finishes with light notes of cracker and grain.
Round, lush and sweet, this may not have the textbook pinpoint crispness of Mosel Riesling, but it does offer mouthfilling pleasure. Apple and citrus or pineapple fruit is wonderfully pure, yet buttressed by solid underpinnings of minerality and a lingering, slightly oily finish. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
Round, melony and driven by aromas of pears and apples, this internationally styled wine should strike a chord among casual Chardonnay quaffers. It's kind of sweet, a little bit fat, and it finishes smooth. True to the blueprint in many ways; think California and this will complete the picture. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.
Round, melony and pleasant, with tropical/floral aromas. Flavorwise, it's all about medium-intensity melon and lychee, and as Torrontés goes this one is likable and well made. It covers the tropical fruit bases and adds in some peppery dryness on the finish.
Round, nutty and smooth, with melon, citrus and apple flavors. In this wine's case, organic does not equal complexity. That said, what's here is clean and balanced, and there's more than enough fruit and intensity to satisfy.
Round, opulent and generous, this wine has yellow-fruit flavors that are paired with lime-like acidity, creating a balanced feel. The toast note is still showing strongly, and it needs a few years to settle.
Round, opulent wine, one that misses some freshness and acidity, a rarity for the year, but that compensates by a full, creamy texture.
Round, plump aromas are a bit vegetal, with a suggestion of canned beans and peas. The palate is balanced but full. Pithy flavors of green fruits finish lightly bitter, with notes of arugula, bell pepper and lime.
Round, pretty floral aromas lead into fresh, clean and spicy flavors on the palate. A hint of opulent sweetness is cut by spice and dryness. An appealing everyday wine at a go-to price.
Round, ripe and pure, with olive, blackberry and a dusting of herbs. For the money this is a satisfying Cabernet with a firm but solid mouthfeel and flavors of cola, berry syrup and cassis. Creamy and semisweet on the finish, but not cloying or candied. Well made and a good value.
Round, ripe and quite pretty cherry fruit flavors, showing a hint of loam and a briny note. Tannins have smoothed out, and the length is better than average. Score could improve with further bottle age.
Round, savory aromas of orange-cranberry with a sprig of sagebrush lead the nose on this single-vineyard look at the western end of the Sta. Rita Hills. Spicy notes of chai and burnt caramel lead the flavor profile, which is expansive with cooked fruit on the midpalate.
Round, smooth and rich, this full-bodied wine has ripe fruit and a balanced acidity. It is more about yellow fruits, less about citrus, conveying a generous character. It is likely to age quickly, so drink from late 2015.
Round, soft and approachable now in the California style, with ripe cherry, licorice, mocha and brown sugar flavors that last long, with a spicy finish. Defines the delicious, drink-me-now style of a young red wine.
Round, soft and velvety, this beautiful Riserva Chianti Classico offers a huge bouquet with mature cherry and black fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is tight, streamlined and compact.
Round, soft, with the fruit dominating its mineral character, this wine shows richness, but doesn't have huge aging ability. It is more a wine that charms, is open, lively, spice and dried apricots working together with ripe acidity.
Round, stylish and wholesome on the nose, with wild berry, smoke, spice and not too much obvious oak. The palate is racy and forward, but also offers subtleties including dry fruit, spice, fresh tomato and wild herbs such as thyme and sage. Long and warm on the finish, with vanilla. Drink now through 2015.
Round, superripe aromas of earthy black plum come in front of a tannic palate. Earthy baked-cherry and black-plum flavors finish with licorice root and baking spice notes along with gripping tannins. Drink through 2019.
Round, sweet and ripe smelling, then tight and rubbery in the mouth, with full tannins that smack down with force. The palate is medium in depth, with dark plum and berry flavors in front of a sweet, molasses-tinged finish. Very good for affordable Spanish Cabernet.
Round, thick and pulsing, but not too hard, angular or tannic. The nose brings richness, smoke and black fruits, while the palate is juicy, focused and forward, with black-fruit flavor galore and a slight creamy character. Drying and toasty on the finish, with snappy acidity through the final drop.
Round, voluptuous and soft, this golden Falerno del Massico (made from an antique clone of Falanghina) delivers stone fruit, pear, grapefruit and tart citrus shadings. It tastes full and satisfying and is a modern interpretation of what the ancient Romans drank.
Round, yeasty aromas of vanilla cookie overshadow mild melon notes. This is chunky on the palate, with low acidity. Bland apple and white grapefruit flavors finish without much acidic push.
Rounded acidity recalls the freshness of green apple and pear rather than that of citrus. Very clean and streamlined but with pleasant substance and just a little enticing spritz. Simple but very pleasant.
Rounded and approachable, this estate-driven wine is 100% varietal and dusty on the palate in tight-grained oak and tannin. The flavors are richly rewarding, etched in chocolate-covered raspberry, clove and an herbal undercurrent that's hard to pin down.
Rounded and creamy wine. It has an edge of pepper, its acidity melding easily into the apple and pear fruit flavors. It finishes easily with a ripe pineapple note. Screwcap.
Rounded and fat, with the weight and power of white wines from Corton. The texture is taut, still very young, waiting to allow the full richness of the fruit to come through. Impressive, it needs a minimum of four years aging.
Rounded and fruity, the wine has caramel, ripe red fruits and a touch of tannins. It's dry, although it's not as fresh as it should be, more ripe and full in the mouth. Drink in 2014.
Rounded and fruity, the wine is soft and full in the mouth. Lively acidity gives a textured aftertaste that brings out yellow fruits.
Rounded and full, this has lime and red berry fruits and a smooth caramel character. It is rich, soft and very much a food-friendly wine.
Rounded and honeyed, this is a wine that shows a sweeter side of Pinot Blanc, buoyed by fresh, juicy white-peach flavor. Full, rich and dense, this is fruity, yet it has a complex structure.
Rounded and likable, this is a bang-up deal for a wine of fine quality, textured, light and fruity in stone fruit and pineapple.
Rounded and mellow, with a backbone of lemony acid, this wine convinces on the palate rather than the nose: there's texture, fresh acidity and mouthfilling length.
Rounded and plush, with a subdued mélange of pear and apple fruit and a lovely, rescuing streak of tart apple freshness, this comes together in the end. The opening is broad, rich and medium-sweet, but the finish is illuminated by lemony acid.
Rounded and rich from the top vineyard site of the Göttweig monastery, the wine has an impressive concentration, yellow fruit flavors and the lightest hint of spice with final acidity.
Rounded and rich wine, its acidity pushing through firm tannins and lively red fruits. There are both freshness and structure here, with final juiciness.
Rounded and rich, it is full of dark fruits and red cherries that combine with firm tannins and great acidity. This comes from a parcel of the Corton Rognets Grand Cru that unusually has been given the Faiveley name. Drink from 2020.
Rounded and rich, this Blanc de Blancs has both a smooth texture, delicious white fruits and an intense line of acidity. It's clean, fragrant, very fresh.
Rounded and rich, this generous, full-bodied wine comes from a single parcel in the heart of Saint-Émilion. Black fruits are structured with dense tannins and a firm tension between ripeness and dryness. The wine is powerful, finishing with pepper and spice. Drink from 2018.
Rounded and rich, this is already a delicious wine. It has great fruitiness combined with a fine, tight texture. There is a crisp edge that contrasts with the depth of flavor and warm, ripe feel. Drink now, or, better yet, keep for a year. Scewcap.
Rounded and rich, this is an impressive wine. It has weight, with ripe yellow and white fruits to go with the intense acidity and citrus edge. The finish is crisp and taut. It's worth aging this wine for 2–3 years.
Rounded and rich, this is full of strawberry flavors. It's deliciously ripe, with crispness to go with the serious fruit. This is very much a food rosé, concentrated and intense.
Rounded and rich, this single-vineyard wine is concentrated without losing a touch of its beautiful fruit. It has a fine balance between fruit and acidity as well as a tense line of minerality and tight texture. Drink this impressive wine from 2024.
Rounded and ripe, it has tannins nicely embedded in the red plum and strawberry flavors. It's full-bodied and already showing a delicious, seductive side. Drink from 2016.
Rounded and ripe, this attractive, rich wine shows wood aging, ripe tannins and a firmer, drier core. Solid and dense, it has good acidity as well as a tight texture. The wine will need further aging, so don't drink before 2016.
Rounded and ripe, this has yellow fruits along with a fresher, sliced apple character. The wine is fruity, perfumed and just touched by a more mineral texture, with crisp acidity that gives a ripe fruitiness. Drink from 2017.
Rounded and smooth, this generous blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, is rich and perfumed. It has an immediately appealing ripe and fruity character, with plenty of black fruit and dark cherry tones supported by juicy acidity. Solid and chunky, this wine needs to age and would be best after 2016.
Rounded and smooth, with some Alvarinho in the blend (which explains the regional appellation), giving weight, full-bodied richness to go with bright green fruits. There is just a final touch of wood.
Rounded and soft, this has a touch of vanilla to go with the sweet strawberry fruit and crisp yet open acidity. Well balanced and dry, this would make for a good apéritif. Screwcap.
Rounded and soft, this has currant and sweet apple flavors balanced with its acidity. It is concentrated and rich, and there's still some aging potential.
Rounded and soft, this is a classic dry Provence rosé in a classic skittle bottle. An edge of caramel fills out the red berry and redcurrant fruits and lively, crisp acidity.
Rounded and soft, this is a red-fruited wine. There is a strong element of spicy wood lending dryness and a cinnamon note, which goes well with the young, bright fruits and acids.
Rounded and soft, this is a wine that is still developing. It exhibits ripe, powerful fruit flavors, but with a spicy edge. Hints of wood aging show through as the wine opens up, but it's still young, and will need time to bring out its complexity. Drink from 2016.
Rounded and soft, this is an attractive, warm wine. Pears and green plums pair with the acidity. A final burst of citrus marks the finish. Ready to drink as a friendly apéritif.
Rounded and soft, this is immediately attractive and ready to drink. It has pear-fruit flavors, with a hint of spice and light acidity. Treat this as an apéritif wine. Screw cap.
Rounded and soft, this rich rosé is fruity while also perfumed. The blending of Syrah in the mix gives the wine a sense of power and concentration, making it an adquate partner at the dinner table.
Rounded and soft, very approachable. It has attractive raspberry fruit and lively acidity, while the structure evolves slowly to show the dry edge of tannins and smoky aftertaste. For drinking now and over 4–5 years.
Rounded and soft, with an attractive bite of fruit skin texture and lively fresh acidity. There is a touch of final minerality.
Rounded and soft, with gentle tannins. Packed with black cherry fruits, a herbal edge and sweetness, this is already an approachable wine, fruity and generous.
Rounded and sweet wine, its tannins buried in the rich blackberry fruits. It is dominated by its fruity character, although there is a chunky texture that gives a firm mouthfeel. Ready to drink in a year.
Rounded and sweet, this is a rich Gewurztraminer that's full of spice and textured with coconut. It is full in the mouth—a wine for rich sauces and pâtés.
Rounded and warm, this wine shows ripe yellow fruits and spice from the wood aging. It's richly endowed, full of toast and with a generous texture. The minerality and acidity are a hint in this rounded wine. Drink from 2020.
Rounded aromas of baked strawberry, red plum and a touch of graphite show on the nose of this always-solid offering for everyday sipping. Black raspberry and dried sagebrush make for a compelling palate that finishes on a touch of caramel.
Rounded aromas of melon and salty peaches rise to the nose on this wine from the Monterey County appellation just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The palate is driven by citrus, grass and a rather extreme sense of sea salt, enhanced with mouth-watering acidity and a nectarine flesh finish. It's tasty though varietally uncommon.
Rounded aromas of nectarine, lemon blossoms and chalk are fresh and inviting, and there's the slightest hint of sweetness on the nose. The palate is wound up tightly on the sip, offering flashes of green pear, lime rind and a wet riverstone quality, extending a sour element deep into the finish.
Rounded but also fruity, this soft wine is perfumed, hinting at white flowers and tropical fruits. While the acidity is low, the fruit is easy, ripe and lightly structured.
Rounded by small amounts of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Cab is earthy and lean on entry, before developing in the glass into juicy dark cherry and leathery notes. Smooth, integrated oak and tannin leave an impression in terms of texture, with a persistence of tannin on the finish.
Rounded flavors of ripe, red apple play about the palate and make for very appetizing if light-bodied drinking. Refreshment is the key factor, as is fruity exuberance. Drink soon.
Rounded in baked and dried fruit aromas, this is a soft, gentle wine with tangy acidity and swathes of ripe apple and orange citrus. A backbone of subtle oak gives it structure and complexity, finishing lean and bright, with a darker, richer twist of vanilla and clove in the mix.
Rounded melon, grapefruit juice, lemon chiffon, gray slate and a bit of white pepper swirl into a distinctive nose on this wine by the San Luis Obispo-based producer. The palate is tight and bright, though a bit sour with apple-peel flavors.
Rounded notes of Bosc pear flesh and peel play softly on nose and palate. There is a very pleasant, slightly bitter phenolic edge, reminiscent of marzipan and a slight sweetness. Together they make for an intriguing and moreish contrast against a fluid, textured palate. The finish is off dry and has that marzipan edge.
Rounded notions of baked apple, juicy orange and roses play on a midweight palate that has a pleasantly bitter phenolic edge. Tangerine zest creates tension and balance in equal measure. This is just off dry and an intriguing counterpart to many spicy dishes and ripe, soft cheeses.
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.
Rounded peach, cider apple, chalk and seltzer aromas mix with a touch of yeast on the nose of this bottling. There's a racy, tactile acidity on the palate, lending depth to its dried apple, pear and sea salt flavors.
Rounded plum and berry aromas grow more complex thanks to hints of sarsparilla bark, rose buds, cinnamon stick and nutmeg on the nose of this cool-climate bottling. The palate is quite peppery, with dried red flowers, red plums, peppercorns, strawberries and a texturally earthy core of fine-grained tannins.
Rounded red apple with an edge of peppery spice and a whole lot of grapefruit zest makes for a lively, textured and vivid palate. This is fresh, pure and totally appetizing. The finish similarly leaves the impression of peppery red apples.
Rounded red cherry, fresh-pressed grapes, fruit punch and a touch of espresso show on the nose of this always popular and easy-to-drink bottling. The flavors are juicy and light on the palate, with anise and cranberry-cherry lifted by cola.
Rounded ripe Chardonnay is the backbone of this accessible wine. Yes, it is crisp with an edge of steeliness, but its acidity is tempered by the rich lime and apricot flavors. The wine is ripe, fruity and ready to drink.
Rounded rose and honey notes with inflections of apple and Mirabelle are cut very pleasingly by the citric freshness of tangerine peel. This is easy drinking, medium bodied and aromatic.
Rounded strawberry fruit, clove and vanilla show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling from the Hahn family of wines. Baked red cherry, cocoa spice, nutmeg, allspice and more clove pop on the palate and linger through the close.
Rounded strawberry, orange peel, tart black raspberry and a touch of juniper pop on the nose of this appellation blend by members of the pioneering Bargetto family. Black plum skins, crushed slate, raspberry juice and fresh-picked thyme show on the palate.
Rounded style of Vinho Verde with some weight to go with the extreme citrus and bright grapefruit flavors. It has a little softness round the edges, but the core is taut, mineral, tangy.
Rounded while still fresh, this is a full-bodied Sancerre, the Sauvignon Blanc herbal flavors given more character with touches of green apple, bold lime and grapefruit. Ready to drink over the next several months.
Rounded wine, showing ripe tropical flavors as well as a more citrus character. The wine is full, attractively textured with a buttery edge. Spice and green herbs come through to finish. Screwcap.
Rounded wine, soft in character, its creamy texture given a boost by apple and lime flavors. An easy wine that is full in the mouth while still seeming light.
Rounded wine, softly fruity. Its attractiveness comes from ripe white fruits, soft structure and a generous feel. It's not for aging and can be drunk now.
Rounded wine, very soft. The ripeness of the fruit is very apparent and fits with its almond and peach flavors and its acidity brings an attractive final tang.
Rounded with a good texture, this is a wine that has a good future. It has weight, fruit that is fresh and well wooded showing plenty of spice and bright acidity.
Rounded, almost luscious fruitiness is at the core of this easy wine. Lychee, lemon, peach and apricot scented with rose petals on a rich palate close with orange peel freshness.
Rounded, and rich, this is touched with spicy wood and has plenty of black berry fruits. A solid structure, some fruit tannin and plenty of red-plum-skin edge finishes ripe.
Rounded, balanced and harmonious flavors get top marks on this softly pink sparkler. Strawberries and cream, with shortbread and lemon, all unite in perfect unison. The dryness of the palate gives the flavors center stage and provides a fitting, structured autolytic background. This sparkler is classy and delicious, with an ultraclean and lasting finish.
Rounded, but with just the right amount of herbaceousness to give a vivid fruity character. The wine is rich, sun-soaked while still retaining its sense of balance and elegance.
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.
Rounded, friendly pleasures of ripe pear fill nose and palate, along with a pleasant and toning phenolic element and a brightening and enlivening streak of grapefruit zestiness. This goes down far too easily. Look no further for alluring, appetizing fruit.
Rounded, open  soft raisin and dense black fruit flavors, make this an intense, solidly structured wine. It is big and powered by generous fruits, finishing with black plums.
Rounded, plump little apricots are suggested in this clean-cut but ripe and dry Riesling with its straight, mineral backbone and impressive balance. A deep and rich core of fruit will unveil layers of fruit and complexity over years to come. Drink as of 2017.
Rounded, relatively soft wine, but one that shows balance. Sweet fruit plays with black currant acidity, giving density, even if the tannins are lightweight. Clerc-Milon, made by the team that also produces Mouton-Rothschild, has become a delicious Pauillac.
Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this is a fruity wine. It has flavors of toast, yeast, green apple skin and a burst of citrus. There is a dry, herbal finish.
Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this offers swathes of flowery, aromatic fruit that is still young, still in its primary stage. With just a hint of steely texture, the wine does have structure and aging potential. For now, it is generous and delicious.
Rounded, rich and perfectly ripe pears are countered by spiced, candied lime peel. The two elements oppose each other equally and hold a poised, subtle balance, echoing long into the spicy finish.
Rounded, rich and tropical notions of mango and passion fruit dominate the nose. The palate is more restrained and focuses on zesty, citrusy freshness. A total winner where refreshment is concerned: easy, fresh and zippy.
Rounded, rich and warm, it has excellent acidity along with touches of wood and very pure citrus flavors. Peach fruits give a riper feel. Drink now, but better to wait until 2015.
Rounded, ripe and aromatic apple flavors of Cox Orange Pippin present themselves in lively purity. The palate also mimics that crunch of sweet apple flesh and tart freshness. Supported by bright lemon, this makes for a very clean-cut, friendly and utterly appetizing dry Riesling.
Rounded, ripe and luscious cherry and blackberry fruit boast a meaty edge for added interest. The body is ample without any heaviness, pierced by a lively, appetizing freshness and shades of darker, smoky berries in the background.
Rounded, ripe notes of fresh and stewed pear sweeten nose and palate against a fine backbone of bright lemony acidity. There is the slightest nutty touch adding texture to that fruity freshness which leaves the palate just off-dry.
Rounded, ripe, this Grüner is finely balanced, with apple flavors and a citric edge. It has intense acidity with a creamy character, and is ready to drink now. Screwcap.
Rounded, smooth and fruity, this is an attractive wine. With its light texture and acidity that balance the juicy black fruits, it is ripe while also poised. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity.
Rounded, soft and gentle, it has attractive tropical fruit flavors along with a touch of lime to give crispness. Ready to drink.
Rounded, soft and smoothly creamy, this is a ripe wine dominated by Pinot Meunier. It's an open wine, fruity and ready to drink.
Rounded, soft creamy wine, attractively fruity with yellow fruits and bright acidity. It's easy, the freshness naturally integrated with the soft fruit. Screwcap.
Rounded, spicy wine with only light acidity and more of the lychee and mango side. It is ripe and generous, hinting at a dry core of firmness.
Rounded, sweetened wine, with soft melon and pear flavors. It is well balanced, with some toast and acidity. It is attractive in a light, apéritif style.
Rounded, warm wine, its walnut and kiwi fruit balanced by a soft texture. It has preserved its freshness, allowing the acidity to shine through. A serious wine, as well as delicious, to drink now.
Rounded, warmer notes of Gala apple, lemon rinds and flaky pastry show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling from veteran Chuck Carlson. The palate is clean and complex, with apple bitters, orange rind and wet-stone elements.
Rounder and less textured than a Sancerre, this style of Menetou-Salon makes a fine alternative Sauvignon Blanc. It's full and ripe, fresh with acidity while also bringing some tropical fruits into play. It's ready to drink.
Rounder and plummier than you might expect, thanks to only 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Nicely integrated cedar, mocha and dried herb notes round out the flavors, finishing with fresh acidity. Drink now–2005.
Roundly fruity, loaded with bright berries, and nicely spiced with herbal (tobacco) highlights.  Immediately approachable and nicely structured, this open and generous effort glides into a smooth and chocolaty finish. The tannins have been especially well ripened and polished, so the bright fruit has no sharp edges.
Roundness and spice feature strongly here. A phenolic midpalate gives backbone and suggests that this is best had with food where its structure will come into play.
Roussanne (58%) takes the lead on this wine, with the balance Viognier. White flowers, peach and lees aromas lead to lightly styled stone-fruit flavors that display a sense of elegance. It all seems a bit faint but provides appeal.
Roussanne is one of the more difficult grapes to get right, and these Rhône masters pulled it off this vintage with brilliance. Fascinating honey-laced melon cream and mango mochi aromas show on the dessert-like nose. The palate is bone-dry, however, with melon and honey mustard-like flavors, proving truly unique yet refreshingly delicious.
Roussanne is really hard to pull off in California, but if anyone can do it, Zaca Mesa can. It's as good as the 2007, showing nectarine, pear and tangerine flavors, with the creamy, yeasty complexities of a fine barrel-fermented Chardonnay. It's dry and crisp in acidity and even has a fine, steely minerality. Drink now.
Roussanne, with barely seven years history in Washington, is making good headway, thanks to efforts such as this. It seems to capture the floral and citrus complexity of the best Viogniers, while adding in richer layers of fruit through a pleasingly honeyed middle. Lively and lingering, it has the balance and depth to improve in bottle over the next four or five years.
Royal Cuvée is usually Gloria Ferrer's best bubbly, and so it is with this bottling, a worthy followup to the past several vintages. Very finely structured, it shows appealing flavors of cherries, citrus fruits and vanilla, and is so rich, it's almost like a table wine. Addictively good now. Watch it change as it warms in the glass.
RPF is regularly one of Uruguay's better Tannats, although this vintage smells a lot like tar. A highly tannic palate is rugged and drying, while gritty roasted berry flavors finish rough and rugged, with spicy afternotes.
Rubber and asphalt aromas dominate the nose of this high-acid coastal Syrah that's about as shearing as they come (only 12% abv). Additional scents of olive and savory plum feed into a tight palate that lives on a hard beam of natural acidity. Flavors of tomato and citrus are tart and end with a raw, juicy finish.
Rubber and black fruits carry the standard nose, then comes a zesty palate with upfront acids and related zingy berry fruit flavors. Despite a touch of scour, this  brings freshness and a clean, tasty fruit level. Perfectly good for Central Valley Cabernet.
Rubber and earth aromas lead to a mix of berry fruit scents and a pinch of vinegar. It's firm in the mouth, with cranberry and herbal raspberry flavors. Gives about as much as it can but at the same time it shows a tart, basic, mildly herbal DNA.
Rubber and leather aromas create a slightly mulchy bouquet. The palate is snappy and acidic, with earthy, leafy red-fruit flavors. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a touch of oak-related vanilla. Standard fare.
Rubber and minerally aromas settle on ripe black plum and berry. In the mouth, this Malbec is firm and fresh, with full-force flavors of blackberry, plum, leather and salt. A strong, steady finish confirms overall quality.
Rubber and prune are the lead aromas, and overall the nose is big but flat. Conversely, the palate is clacky and tough on the surface, with herbal, roasted-berry flavors. Dark and herbal on the finish as well, with a clunky, somewhat awkward fade. Not as clean and pure as the 2007 version.
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.
Rubber and wet cement are elements of this wine's smooth bouquet. In the mouth, lifted acidity cuts through a creamy, oaky texture, while flavors of plum, raspberry, red currant, vanilla and oak finish with lactic notes and pastry flavors. In many ways this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère is like ripe, modern Bordeaux.
Rubber aromas pervade on the nose. A grippy tannins dominate resin notes of wood and spice over a hint of fruit. A slightly herbaceous finish brings this wine home.
Rubber band, almond skin and dry citrus aromas feed into a tight, raw, rubbery feeling palate with a low fruit quotient and more brine and bitterness than expected. This is quite dry, salty and pithy but also fresh and lively on the finish. Drink immediately.
Rubber, animal and herbal aromas control the nose on this strained blend of Malbec and 30% Corvina. The palate is drying and crisp, with rugged tannins, while flavors of stalky red-berry fruits, bacon and rubber finish with heat and bitterness.
Rubber, bacon, berry and plum aromas are good overall. The palate is creamy as a whole but has enough acidity to carry cassis and berry flavors past being resiny and herbal. Basic on the finish, with mild oak flavor and resin coming into play.
Rubber, Band-Aid and iodine aromas mix with berry fruit and plum on the nose of this blend. The mouthfeel is choppy and light, while blackened flavors of blackberry and plum finish somewhat bitter.
Rubber, Band-Aid and leathery red-fruit aromas open this blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Syrah. In the mouth, this is blocky and collapsed. Roasted plum and berry flavors carry a medicinal note, while this is chewy and tastes lightly herbal on a tannic, weighty finish.
Rubber, cured meat and herbal berry aromas feed into a tomatoey palate with raw acidity and rough tannins. This features gritty flavors of berry and raisin, while the finish is a bit flat in feel and tastes of prune and stalky, roasted berries. Unlike many Ribera wines, this is earthy and not overly ripe. Drink through 2017.
Rubber, flower petal and candied fruit aromas comprise the unique bouquet. The palate is solid but edgy, bearing grabby tannins and heaviness, with sweet flavors of blackberry, cassis and pepper. Monotone on the finish, then bitter at the very end. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.
Rubber, menthol, black olive and dusty oak aromas dominate the nose on this stable Carmenère. Olive, blackberry and herbal flavors are typical of the variety, while the finish is clean, powerful and in good shape.
Rubber, mushroom and smoke rise up on the hot, molten nose, while the palate is hard, tough to penetrate and narrow, with dark berry and piercing pepper accents. Tough to dig into and find higher qualities. Thus it comes across as a surface wine without much depth or elegance.
Rubber, olive, leather and inky aromas feed into a solid, steady palate. Bold, bulky flavors of black cherry, dark plum and brown sugar finish with moderate depth and structure as well as chocolaty oak. Drink now.
Rubber, plum and pepper notes open this light-weight red. The crisp palate shows no sign of tannin and is a bit lacking in intensity, leading into a short finish. Drink now.
Rubber, shoe polish, blackberry and blueberry aromas control the bouquet on this Limarí Syrah. This feels gritty and tannic, while flavors of roasted black fruits and chocolate come across a touch reduced. Toast, chocolate and ripe berry flavors define the finish.
Rubber, tar, coffee grounds and crusty dark-fruit aromas set up a chewy, full palate with meaty flavors of blackberry, toasted oak and herbs. Round on the tongue and thick, but controlled on the finish, with a mild licorice flavor and herbal leftovers.
Rubbery and dark on the nose, with lots of black plum and cherry to ponder. The palate is firm and balanced, with round, rubbery, roasted plum and dark berry flavors. Full, nice and long enough on the finish to keep you involved.
Rubbery and earthy smelling on first take, with bulky, dark berry aromas mixed with herbal notes. Shows tannic bite and grab along with standard, herbal flavors of blackberry and black olive. Finishes similarly. Good Cab for $7.
Rubbery and firm on the nose, with generic berry and cassis aromas. The palate is mostly clean, with a candied, almost creamy feel supporting jammy blackberry, cassis and baking-spice flavors. Finishes sweet yet herbal. Pretty much as you'd expect for a 65,000-case product.
Rubbery and gaseous on first sniff, and then upon airing it shows pretty black fruit scents and richness. Forget about minerality and llicorela here; this wine is modern, lusty, big and dark, with licorice, blackberry and chocolaty flavors. Finishes thick, long and tasty.
Rubbery and gaseous smelling, this Bordeaux blend also sports plum and berry scents. The palate is solid but somewhat lean, hollow and acidic. Flavors of tomato sauce, red currant and briny berry fruits finish scratchy, with high acidity.
Rubbery and gaseous, and frankly it's just not very fresh or inviting. The mouthfeel suggests astringency, while the flavors are salty and earthy but not very fruity. Finishes with a leathery feel and tannic grab.
Rubbery and gassy at first, with a ton of barrel power that pushes charred aromas onto the nose. Feels correct and well-balanced, with honest Pinot flavors of red fruits, herbs and baked earth. Tastes and feels harmonious.
Rubbery and hard on the nose, but with solid berry and cassis aromas lying in wait. The palate is solid, fresh and good, with raspberry, plum and herbal flavors. Finishes dry and herbal but there's enough fruit and clarity to push it up a notch or two.
Rubbery and jumpy on the nose, with sweet, candied aromas of raspberry. Feels hard on the palate, with driving cherry, raspberry and red plum flavors that don't rise above generic in quality. Clean and forward, but doesn't say much for Carmenère.
Rubbery and leathery smelling at first, with berry and cassis aromas resting below the surface. Feels tannic and closed on the palate, with syrupy, reduced plum, berry and currant flavors. Not too much shows up on the finish other than thickness and a subtle plum nuance.
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.
Rubbery and minty on the nose, this wine has cherry and raspberry scents in the background. It feels edgy, tannic and grabby, with roasted berry and a touch of bitterness. Clampy, drying and warm on the finish, it has an herbal edge.
Rubbery and rhubarby on the nose, then confected and frankly sweet-tasting on the palate, with a short finish.
Rubbery and roasted, but not too much so. Otherwise one should look for medicinal berry aromas followed by flavors of baked plum, prune and black pepper. The finish is dense, a touch flat, and chocolaty; overall this is a chunky, sweet performer.
Rubbery and scratchy smelling on first take, with fiery berry aromas lurking below. After it airs out the wine is juicy and solid, with good balance and dark, spicy flavors of black fruits and chocolate. Tannic and steady on the finish.
Rubbery and smoky at first, with leather and berry fruit running secondary to the wine's more reduced qualities. But if given ten minutes to unwind, it shows wide black-fruit flavors, creaminess and finally some barrel-based resin. Gets better the more you work with it, but will always register as “oaky.”
Rubbery and spicy in the nose, with a hint of orange peel. In the mouth, a heavy flatness sets in fast. The wine seems old, and for a rosé, it is. It just sits on your palate, tasting o.k. but needing a poke in the ribs.
Rubbery and warm on the nose, with earthy plum and blackberry aromas. The palate is full and bouncy, with appropriate plum, berry and cassis flavors. Nice for standard New World Cab, with fig, chocolate and no buttery, sloppy oak.
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.
Rubbery aromas of asphalt vie with berry fruits and hints of green herbs, particularly mint. The palate is big, soupy and round in feel, with herbal flavors of baked plum and raspberry. On the finish, things turn salty and herbal, with roasted overtones.
Rubbery aromas of latex are earthy and suggest olive, wet dog and foxy, gritty berry fruits. This is saturated in feel, with prune and stewy berry flavors. Savory notes of prune, carob and rooty spice control a chunky, ripe finish.
Rubbery aromas of pencil eraser are also smoky and odd, with the suggestion of clove. In the mouth this is pinched at first, then more oaky and creamy, but also rubbery. Roasted plum and stewed berry flavors finish tannic, with latent berry and cherry notes.
Rubbery aromas of pencil eraser, raisin, blueberry and red bell pepper are good but not at the highest level. Chalky and abrupt in feel, this is good on the palate but lacking a bit in flow. Medicinal red-berry flavors finish with sandpaper tannins.
Rubbery aromas of plum and wild berry turn toward earthy with airing. This blend from one of Uruguay's better wineries is full, hefty and tight, with grabby tannins. Blackberry, pepper and burnt flavors finish blackened and slightly bitter. Drink through 2018.
Rubbery berry and cassis aromas show modest complexity as they air out and become more spicy. This feels good and bold, with lifting acidity. Flavors of ripe berry and cassis finish with molasses, chocolate and lasting berry flavors along with a blast of heat.
Rubbery berry and plum aromas come with a note of latex. In the mouth, this is juicy, bright and focused, with good raspberry and plum fruit. Textural balance is an attribute, while the finish is round, lively and full of tasty berry flavors. Drink through 2018.
Rubbery berry aromas are a touch herbal, gaseous and briny. A combination of choppy tannins and high acidity make for a jumpy mouthfeel, while acid-propelled flavors of plum and raspberry are fiery and long. Drink this organic blend of Garnacha Tintorera, Monastrell and Syrah through 2019.
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.
Rubbery berry aromas come with a note of raw oak. On the palate, this is drawing and hard, with drying tannins. Jammy berry flavors are generic and a bit hot, while hard tannins reappear on the finish, which has a natural but raw tomato character.
Rubbery berry, tea, cool mint, herb and savory aromas amount to something a bit funky. This Syrah feels chewy and tannic. Herbal, savory, soupy flavors finish with an infusion of tea-like influences on closing plum and berry fruit notes.
Rubbery black-fruit aromas are a bit fiery. This Malbec is tightly wound, with rubbery tannins and more than enough acidity. Spiced plum and berry flavors give way to a bold, forward finish with herbal, savory notes.
Rubbery black-fruit aromas are heavily oaked, so much so that this Cabernet-Carmenère blend smells charred but also like plastic. A big grabby palate is jagged in feel, while this tastes like the nose suggests, meaning oaky, herbal and like berry fruits and plum. A woody finish is short on total integration.
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.
Rubbery black cherry and spiced plum aromas come with a roasted note. This has a firm, narrow, pinched palate with grabby tannins and flavors of carob, roast meat, juniper, spice and dark berry fruits. An herbal, minty finish is lively and aggressive.
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.
Rubbery blackberry aromas are concentrated but blunt. This has a pinched, saucy feel that's related to high acidity. Saucy, rubbery flavors of blackberry show graphite and raw oak accents in front of an earthy, almost briny finish.
Rubbery blackberry aromas are dark, oily and toasty, while the palate is plump, comfortable and familiar. Flavors of dark plum and blackberry are standard, while the finish lightens in scope to show creamy raspberry.
Rubbery blackberry aromas are dense and horsey. This feel wide and chunky but loose at the seams. Oaky flavors of generic black fruits finish medicinal and a touch candied.
Rubbery but fresh smelling, with sharp acidity that creates big-time juiciness but also an angular feel. Tastes of zippy, tangy red fruits that are crisp and sizzle away. Gets a bit more deep and earthy on the finish.
Rubbery cherry and plum aromas come with a side note of inner tube. This is a bit wiry and spiky on the palate, with an oaky cushion. Stewed berry, plum and tomato flavors are bold and finish with oak spice and mint flavors.
Rubbery cherry aromas show a mushroom note. This is acidic, with grabby oak-based tannins. Dry, spicy, woody flavors of tea and black plum hollow out on the finish, which tastes a bit raisiny.
Rubbery dark-berry aromas yield to earth, leather and chocolate scents upon airing. This feels healthy and standard, with full-force flavors of medicinal berry. It's tight, fresh and slightly resiny on the finish, despite having spent only three months in oak. A blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Carignan.
Rubbery dark-fruit aromas are surrounded by hints of olive, minerals and spice. This feels round as well as fair and balanced; flavors of loamy blackberry are smooth and come with chocolate notes. Coffee, spice and herbal flavors work the finish.
Rubbery dark-fruit aromas of black cherry and berry come with a whiff of latex and Band-Aid. This is high-toned and edgy in feel, with gritty blackberry and dark cherry flavors. Plum, berry and acidic freshness drive the finish on this basic but well-made Toro.
Rubbery earthy aromas include black-fruit scents and a touch of prune. This Mencía feels raw, drawing and pinched. Overt oak notes share the flavor profile with tart plum and currant, while the finish is abrupt.
Rubbery generic berry aromas are more damp than bright. This feels drying and scrubbing due to rough tannins. Toasty black-plum flavors are short and foresty, while this tastes toasty on a dry finish.
Rubbery on first take, with sweet chocolate and carob aromas. Feels pretty thick, with a creamy lead into an herbal-tasting palate that's crowded with oak and milk chocolate flavors. Turns resiny on the finish.
Rubbery on the nose, then sharp in the mouth, with herbal, sour plum flavors and weird funk as well. Bitter, tart and hard on the finish.
Rubbery on the nose, this has berry aromas lurking below. On the palate, it feels acidic, with tart raspberry flavors. It's lean on the finish, with a touch of oak.
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.
Rubbery plum and berry aromas lean toward red fruits after airing and settling. Racy acidity makes for a firm palate, while this tastes savory and like meaty berry and plum. A tight finish holds onto a meaty essence.
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.
Rubbery plum, tomato and spice aromas are modest. This has a standard but healthy mouthfeel and flavors of raspberry, herbs and spice. On the finish, this doesn't offer anything different than what's on the palate.
Rubbery raspberry and plum aromas are decent. This feels crisp and abrasive on the surface, but sort of empty in the middle. Lean snappy plum and raspberry flavors end with scratchy tannins and a medicinal aftertaste.
Rubbery red-berry aromas blend with spicy field scents to create a true Pinot nose that's a bit strained. This is intense, chunky and slightly herbal, with red-fruit flavors, spice notes and some heat and oak on the finish.
Rubbery red-berry aromas carry to the medium-bodied palate. This Cabernet Franc is juicy and soft in feel, making it a good everyday red.
Rubbery slightly grassy berry and plum aromas give way to a fresh and fair palate that works. Oaky cherry and berry flavors are standard but well presented, while the finish is mild, with leftover plum and berry notes.
Rubbery smelling at first, then earthy cherry and stewed fruit aromas emerge. Juicy and a bit pointed in terms of acidity, so it shocks the palate and pierces the cheeks. Tastes pulsing and ripe, with big red fruit flavors, candied sweetness, coconut and chocolate.
Rubbery smelling at first, this soon settles on medicinal berry and cassis aromas. It feels pretty tight and tannic but not overwhelmingly so, with baked, dark flavors of black fruit, hard spice and herb. It feels and finishes a bit warm.
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.
Rubbery underripe aromas are neither fresh nor attractive. This shows high acidity and sketchy balance, while tart green-leaning red-berry and citrus flavors are bitter and pithy.
Rubbery, animal-like aromas are low on fruit. The palate is shrill and dominated by sharp acidity. Sour, herbal and pinched tasting, this is tart and green overall.
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.
Rubbery, berry aromas are feral in nature. This is bumpy in feel, with young, herbal, untamed flavors of plastic and briary berry fruits. It's herbal and rubbery on the finish.
Rubbery, bold and earthy on the nose, then full and sticky in the mouth, with sweet black fruit flavors. Tastes more like a Bordeaux red wine than textbook Pinot Noir courtesy of heavy extraction, darkness and oak. Tastes good but could use a lesson in elegance and restraint.
Rubbery, briny red-berry aromas come with a horsey accent. This is juicy and a bit raw in feel, with slightly tart red-plum and raspberry flavors. A light note of buttery oak on the finish is cut by lasting acidity.
Rubbery, dark-fruit aromas are generous and come with a blanket of mild, chocolaty oak. This is round and punchy on the palate, with raspberry, plum, herb and spice flavors. On the finish, it is fresh and not too demanding, with steady, firm tannins.
Rubbery, dense aromas are murky and on the green side as leafy, tomato notes rise up. Feels a bit thick and heavy, with herbal, sticky, sweet berry flavors mixed with a syrupy grab. Carries its weight in plodding fashion; a sweet and unctuous Cab.
Rubbery, earthy aromas of berry fruits, plum and mushroom are solid but nondescript. This feels grabby and pinchy, with herbal, leafy, salty flavors that end with loamy plum and prune notes. Overall, this is big and forceful. Drink through 2019.
Rubbery, floral aromas of raspberry and cherry along with wet cement get this mature Toro wine going. The palate offers fleshy fruit and firm tannins, while the flavor profile brings floral, leafy, leathery flavors in front of a solid, fresh feeling and leafy tasting finish. Drink now.
Rubbery, foxy aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cured meats and spice are packed into an ideal whole. This Cab Franc is rich and flush in feel, with good acidity and balance. An herbal, saucy element accents core berry fruit, while the finish is full of coffee, chocolate, grilled meat and jammy berry flavors. Drink through 2020.
Rubbery, gaseous initial aromas give way to piquant red-fruit notes. This feels lean, racy and very high in acidity. Limited flavors of currant, tomato and salty red plum finish with herbal notes and persistent saltiness as well as abrasive acidity.
Rubbery, generic berry and red-fruit aromas are decent, nothing more. This Garnacha-Tempranillo blend feels fresh, lean and wiry, with raw flavors of plum and red-berry fruits. A high-toned racy finish is the opposite of plush.
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.
Rubbery, herbal aromas of stalky black fruits are typical of the variety but also gritty and horsey smelling. This has a snappy, grating mouthfeel and flavors of herbal blackberry and plum along with an acid-driven palate. Licorice, oak and vanilla flavors are present on the finish.
Rubbery, herbal initial aromas yield to black-fruit and earthy qualities as this breathes and unwinds. The palate has a healthy, forward mouthfeel and flavors of herbal berry and cassis. A dry, rooty-tasting finish is spicy in flavor and medium in length and complexity.
Rubbery, herbal red-berry aromas introduce a fresh but grating palate with high acidity. This tastes a touch oaky and herbal, with generic red-fruit flavors. A crisp, slightly sharp finish is as you'd expect.
Rubbery, jammy, unfocused berry aromas are blurry. This feels heavy and low on pulse. Flavors of stewed plum and berry fruits end with a mild, weedy, green note.
Rubbery, leafy plum aromas come before a tannic palate with raspberry, plum, herbal notes and dry oak flavors. This is tight, drawing, oaky and briny-tasting on the finish.
Rubbery, leathery aromas of minerally berry and raisin set up a tight, well-structured palate with bracing tannins. Fully ripe flavors of dark fruits and minerals finish warm and a bit baked, with a firm, proper feel. Drink through 2019.
Rubbery, leathery berry aromas are edged with woody accents. There's intensity and depth to the palate, which doles out rustic plum and berry flavors. A moderately powerful but ripe finish concludes this likable Mencía from a good year.
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.
Rubbery, medicinal aromas suggest iodine and latex. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is heavy and flabby, with baked, herbal flavors that finish saucy and show notes of tomato and fennel.
Rubbery, mossy aromas of toasted black fruits, fresh asphalt and black olive come before a hard-driving palate with blackened berry, licorice and chocolate flavors. A heady, long finish tastes oaky and chocolaty as it unwinds. Drink through 2025.
Rubbery, mulchy aromas never clean up and rank as rough. Roughness describes the palate, too, while flavors of herbal fruit, bitterness, hard spices and buttery oak fail to come around.
Rubbery, plastic-like aromas of black fruits come with a burnt, smoky edge. There's grip and acidity on the palate, but the mouthfeel is jumbled, and the wine's flavors come across like wiry plum mixed with herb. It finishes hard, candied and herbal.
Rubbery, raw aromas of tomato and red fruits show a sweet note of milk chocolate. Tight, wiry and tough on the palate, this tastes mostly of red fruits and herbs. A lasting, herbal finish tastes a little salty.
Rubbery, resiny aromas are borderline unpleasant. This feels heavy and cidery, while stalky, pickled, woody flavors dominate. An oaky, briny tasting finish leaves little room for platitudes.
Rubbery, roasted berry aromas show on the nose. An astringent, tannic palate shows medicinal flavors of red plum and berry fruits along with savory notes and a shot of clove. The finish brings a salty and oaky note.
Rubbery, rooty aromas of herbs and berries blend with stalky red-fruit notes. This feels shrill and tangy, with hard tannins, while flavors of roasted berry fruits come with a leafy undercurrent. Roasted, herbal, oaky flavors settle in on a juicy, high-acid finish. Drink through 2020.
Rubbery, slightly gritty aromas of olive and balsamic berry fruits are solid and introduce a well-balanced palate. Loamy berry and baked plum flavors are ripe and solid. Overall, this delivers an authentic taste of modern Argentina while not veering away from what's familiar; drink through 2020.
Rubbery, smoky and a little crusty smelling, with creamy, mildly lactic berry flavors and feel. The wine has an oaky stickiness to it that is most present late. While neither heavy nor stewed, this wine does have a soft, chunky DNA. So while it's big and plump, it's also only half-full.
Rubbery, smoky berry aromas turn more dusty and earthy with airing. The palate is forward and fresh in feel, with herbal plum and spicy red-berry flavors. Notes of herbs and olive dominate a solid finish.
Rubbery, somewhat funky aromas shift toward iodine and stewed blackberry. A dense palate houses rubbery tannins that are short on structure. Baked blackberry, plum and cassis flavors finish toasty, herbal, leathery and salty.
Rubbery, spicy berry aromas are distinctly herbal. This is a high-energy Pinot with snappy flavors of citrus, pomegranate and cherry. Tomatoey acidity blended with citric notes and spice make for a gritty finish.
Rubbery, spicy berry fruit aromas carry a note of salinity. The wine is boldly structured, with hard tannins. Roast plum, blackberry and spice flavors lean toward syrupy, while a generous finish delivers ending power.
Rubbery, stalky berry aromas rate as earthy. In the mouth, this hammers away with cheek-grabbing tannins. Stewed plum, tomato and herbal flavors carry over onto a chunky finish. This is 50% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah and Petit Verdot.
Rubbery, sulfuric aromas of scrambled eggs are gaseous and difficult to penetrate. This blend of 60% Giró and 40% Monastrell feels choppy, grabby and high in acidity. Flavors of rubbery plum and berry are tart and eggy, while the tannins are fierce on the finish.
Rubbery, sweaty, muted aromas lead to a dilute, fizzy palate. Prickly green citrus and melon flavors end on the vegetal side.
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.
Rubbery, woodsy aromas of wild berries and balsamic vinegar are spicy and suggestive of Bordeaux. Leafy flavors of plum, pie cherry and spice are herbal but not green, while this value blend's peppery, dry finish is juicy and composed.
Ruben “The Grape Whisperer” Solorzano leaves the vineyard to try his hand in the cellar, and the results are magical. Deep rose and fresh lilac aromas make for an extreme florality, followed by blackberry and black-plum scents. Purple flowers also show on the palate, where a nice sizzle of acidity unleashes candied grape flavors and a spicy pepper element.
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.
Rubin is the name used in Carnuntum for those wines that have been judged by other producers in the region. Walter Glatzer's Rubin is solid, dark, concentrated and rich. It has the smoothness of wood aging while retaining its Bing-cherry and black-currant flavors. With its firm character, it needs some aging for four years and more.
Rubiolo is a zesty Chianti Classico, with earthy aromas of dark cherry, iris and a whiff of leather. The palate offers a mouthwatering black-cherry flavor, as well as hints of white pepper and cinnamon. It's fresh and enjoyable now.
Rubiolo offers a unique palette of aromas, including ripe berry, spice, blackberry preserves and milk chocolate. Chewy and dense in the mouth, it would pair with lamb shanks or pork chops marinated in olive oil and rosemary.
Rubizzo is a fantastic value wine that is simple and concrete but also bright, cheerful and fruit-forward. The cherry tones are plump and mature and the wine feels softly round on the close.
Rubrato is a clean and polished expression of Aglianico (stored in stainless steel instead of oak in order to preserve the freshness of the fruit) that would work with meatloaf or juicy cheeseburgers. It shows a smooth but firm quality in the mouth.
Rubrato is a distinctive Aglianico with deeply etched mineral tones backed by hard cherry candy, leather, espresso, toast and loads of mineral shadings. The oak tones are present, but well-integrated and the wine boasts polished, silky tannins.
Rubus is a label for wines selected by the fine American importer Fran Kysela, MS. The 2013 is a full-bodied, velvety-textured Barossa Shiraz, offering a rich, luxurious mouthfeel. Cedar and mocha notes are apparent, but there's ample underlying plummy fruit and a long, plush finish. Drink now–2020.
Ruby-violet in color, this wine has aromas of cherry, cola and almond blossom. Smooth and bright on the palate, with soft tannins, shades of cherry, menthol and smoked meat bring nuance to the finish.
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.
Ruby garnet in color, this has aromas of red plums, purple flowers and black fruit conserves. There are nice bright fruit flavors on the palate, with touches of tobacco leaf and tart cherry on the finish.
Ruby in color yet delicate in extract, this blend of Zweigelt and Lemberger is a concession between a red and rosé wine. On the palate, bright red-berry flavors are layered in unusual tones of caramel and spice. The label suggests it can be served both chilled and at room temperature.
Ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon has black cherry and black plum aromas and vanilla, cherry and black plum flavors. The finish has a touch of tartness.
Ruby in color, this wine offers intense aromas of clove, dried fruit and prune. Aged in clay pots, it shows character and a unique personality that will resonate with lovers of natural wine.
Ruby red in the glass, this blend is composed of 80% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Aromas suggest cherry, blackberry, and a touch of new saddle leather. In the mouth, flavors of fresh black cherry and tart cherry prevail, with fine tannins in the persistent finish.
Ruby red in the glass, this bottling shows bright cranberry and boysenberry on the nose with a hint of rose petals. There is decent tension to the sip, where tart plum skins meet with graphite flavors.
Ruby red with garnet hues in color, this easy-drinking Merlot brings aromas of cherry, black berry and black raspberry on the nose. Tones of black plum and black cherry are ripe and persistent on the finish.
Ruby to the eye, this wine has an enticing bouquet of black cherry and soft baking spices. Flavors of black cherry, cranberry, vanilla, sage and orange rind are at home amid a labyrinth of soft but persistent tannins.
Ruddy black plum and cocoa notes finally emerge with copious swirling in the glass under a blanket of VA. The palate feels a bit tart and astringent, with dark plum-skin flavors dominating.
Ruddy notes of pressed apple and earth are a departure from the typically perfumed Boundary Breaks style, but offer a uniquely savory, mineral expression of Riesling. Off dry in style, it's racy, spry and concentrated in sweet-tart yellow-peach flavor.
Ruddy peach and melon aromas take on a slight dusting of mineral on the nose. The palate is rich, heavy and round in feel, with buttery lemon and melon flavors. Lactic notes carry to the slightly hot finish.
Ruddy prune and balsamic vinegar notes on the nose contrast crisp, punchy black cherry and berry flavors in this Finger Lakes Zweigelt. It's velvety smooth on the palate, marked by persistent fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink now.
Ruddy slightly overripe black cherry and berry flavors are juxtaposed with tart green notes in this fruity but rustic Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft, sunny acidity lends a plush, juicy mouthfeel and a brisk finish.
Ruddy, primary red cherry and berry notes persist from nose to finish on this blend of Baco Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Ripe black-fruit flavors are fleshy and ripe on the palate, but demure in concentration and length.
Ruddy, ripe flavors of black cherry and blueberry preserves permeate through this sunny, off-dry Dornfelder. The palate is marked with soft acidity and a slightly herbal tone. Drink now.
Ruddy, ripe plum and cherry tones penetrate deeply through the core of this bold, voluptuous Pinot Noir. The palate balances opulent fruit with subtle tones of bramble and savory herb, as well as a piercing line of acidity. Fine grained but grippy tannins mark a puckery finish.
Ruddy, ripe yellow peach and deep mineral tones go hand and hand in this lush, full-bodied dry Riesling. The palate is slick, almost oily, in texture, bolstered by fleshy yellow fruit and honey flavors. It's deftly balanced though, struck by reverberating notes of steel and slate that linger through a long finish.
Rudera, derived from the Latin word rudus meaning broken fragments of stone, is a heady and deep Cab matured in French oak for 22 months. Dark and rich, there's ample cigar box spice, bramble and cocoa accents to the black fruit core. The mouth is lush, like crushed satin, with good grip and balanced acidity.
Rudimentary aromas of lemon-lime and apple set up a flat palate. This tastes of dried apricots before turning decidedly bitter. On the finish, flavors of dried white fruits are modest.
Rued Ranch consistently is the winery's top bottling. The 2011, like its predecessors, is modest in alcohol but vast in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and mineral flavors, and enriched with smoky oak and buttery notes. It has a delicate mouthfeel that makes it a joy to savor.
Rueda is best when it's fresh and dancing, but this 2006 is showing too many signs of the hot year from which it came. It's already tired and soft, with compost and mealy citrus aromas going head to head with grapefruit and marmalade notes. Tasted in December 2007, this was probably a tastier, fresher wine six months prior.
Ruffino's Modus (a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot) boasts thick extraction in the form of chocolate fudge and cherry candy. Lighter tones of apple skin and green herbs pick up the rear. It's on the ripe side with prune-like flavors; drink now.
Rugged and astringent in texture, with jammy blackberry and spice flavors.
Rugged and harsh in the mouth, with very modest berry flavors, and a touch of green, stemmy mint. Not much richness, but it's dry. Half the profits go to charity.
Rugged and hearty, with some jagged tannins framing blackberry, herb and cedar flavors. There's a sweet streak of licorice throughout.
Rugged and ripe, with raspberry candy and green mint flavors. Made from six varieties, it's okay for drinking with burgers and such.
Rugged and roasted on the bouquet, with rubbery blackberry and freshly laid tar aromas. It feels big and solid, but simple, with raspberry, strawberry and a hint of green herb on the palate. The finish is mild tasting, with a cocoa note.
Rugged in texture and jammy-sweet in berry fruit, this is a simple, hearty Cabernet. It's completely average in quality, which makes the price excessive.
Rugged rustic gritty aromas of roasted plum, saddle leather and baked beans may cause some head scratching. Speaking of scratch, this is scratchy on the palate and a bit weak in the middle. Flavors of stewed berry fruits and rubber finish with grating tannins.
Rugged scents of wild berries and forest woods blend into intriguing aromas on this wine from the highest Pinot Noir vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It unleashes a rainbow of flavors, from acai and red fruit to rum cake and brown spices to mocha, tea, tobacco and Dr. Pepper.
Rugged, rustic and dry, with briary flavors of wild berries, raisins, cocoa, pepper, leather and herbs. Ready now with easy fare.
Rugged, rustic, stalky aromas are a bit challenging. In the mouth, this is stout and tough, with hard tannins. Toasty blackberry flavors are mildly stalky and earthy, with peppery bitterness, while a firm, tight, tannic finish tastes of black peppercorn and blackberry. Drink through 2028.
Ruggeri & C. is one of the best producers of Prosecco Superiore sparkling wine. This Extra Brut expression does not carry the Prosecco designation, but it does show many of the fresh and cheerful qualities associated with that category of Italian bubbly. It is redolent of white flower and citrus and shows dusty dryness on the close.
Rugiens,  which is named after its red soil, is located in the south of Pommard. Dense, structured and powerful, this is a brooding wine that has concentrated tannins and fruit that is offset by a tight line of acidity. This is a wine that demands aging.
Rui Madeira's flagship red is a formidable, powerful wine. It has intense tannins that are surrounded by dark fruits and rich, juicy acidity. The core is dry, concentrated and dense, and the wood aging shows against the background of ripe fruits, promising good aging potential. Drink from 2018.
Rui Reguinga, named Portugal's Winemaker of the Year in 2009, produces this sumptuous wine. The fruit is rich, with jammy berries and plums, balanced with spice from wood aging. The core of tannins suggests a powerful wine that will age well.
Ruinart's Blanc de Blancs is structured and intensely minerally, but with a rich, full, creamy palate. It is finely balanced—elegant yet fruity—with a bright, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
Ruinart is a Chardonnay house, so this wine can be considered one of its signature cuvées. With some bottle age, it is crisp while also toasty with secondary flavors that are balancing the apple and citrus fruits. The wine is well balanced, the soft aftertaste still in keeping with its crisper, textured flavors.
Ruio Brut is a simple and clean Prosecco Superiore that offers peach, citrus and crushed mineral. The effervescence is soft and foamy but the finish is dryer than most Italian sparklers from the general Prosecco category.
Ruio Brut Prosecco is released a few years after the harvest to allow for evolved aromas of mature melon and apricot. Yet, the wine is streamlined and dry in the mouth with steely bubbles and a touch of almond skin as well.
Rujari is a hearty blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with a dark, inky appearance and heavy aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry jam, cola and black licorice. The wine imparts a thick but slightly sour feel on the close.
Rum-raisin cake comes to mind when smelling this robust, ripe wine that wears its intensity well. Fruit-forward with cherry and berry flavors, its texture is soft and luxuriously simple.
Run by a mother and daughter team, this estate has produced a fruity, very accessible Chablis. It has the crisp apple fruitiness of the vintage along with a fine shot of fresh citrus. The wine has a lightly mineral character, finishing with refreshing acidity. Drink this wine now.
Run by an exciting all-female team, Soave Classico Le Rive opens with a rich, opulent style that has obviously benefitted from careful oak aging. There are deep layers here of candied fruit, honeysuckle and dried sage.
Run by four boisterous brothers, Tenuta Sant'Antonio is among the rising stars of Valpolicella. This 2004 Amarone delivers thick concentration and intense aromas of dried fruit and black licorice followed by big power and heat. The wine tastes smooth and exceptionally rich in the mouth. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Run by the Nony family who also own Château Caronne Ste Gemme, this well-made wine has taken advantage of the fruitiness of the vintage. Ripe fruit is the hallmark here, juicy blackberry and soft tannins rounded by some wood aging. Drink from 2017.
Run, don't walk, to buy this wonderful Merlot by the case. An unbelievable buy from Goldschmidt Vineyards, which is doing some of the most interesting things in Sonoma Bordeaux wines, it's a soft, ripe, complex wine that shows the balance and structure of a far more expensive bottling. Brims with briary cherry, blackberry, chocolate, cedar and spice flavors that were born for charbroiled steak.
Run, don't walk, to find this amazingly priced Cabernet. It's so good and rich, it easily holds its own against Cabs costing five times as much. Dry and smooth in tannins, it offers a burst of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and chocolate flavors, with a wonderful coating of oak. Drink now–2013.
Run, don't walk, to find this rich Merlot. It shows vast berry, currant, mocha, licorice and cola flavors, wrapped into superfine tannins and balanced with fine acidity. Easy to find, with 7,600 cases produced.
Run, don't walk, to find this Sauvignon Blanc. It's delicious, and available for such a great price! The palate treads an exciting line between ripe peach, citrus, green apple and honey flavors, and a tangy, flinty minerality. The acidity is mouthwatering. Only 550 cases were produced, but it's worth a search.
Run, don't walk, to get this wine. It's wildly good for the price, offering powerful yet controlled black cherry, tea, bacon and black pepper flavors that are wrapped into smooth tannins. Production was 2,061 cases.
Runcaris is the easiest of Fattori's three Garganega-based wines. It shows beautiful notes of citrus and honeydew melon with flavors of white peach and a touch of exotic fruit. The wine does show pretty aromatic intensity.
RunRig is always complex, and the 2012 doesn't disappoint in that regard, mixing bacony-meaty notes with hints of black olives and ripe plums. The tannins are supremely supple, but the acids are crisp, resulting in a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2030.
Rusack's basic Pinot, with a county-wide appellation, is a bargain, even though it's not cheap. It shows real class and finesse, with an elegant mouthfeel and brisk acidity highlighting cherry, cranberry, licorice and sandalwood flavors. Drink over the next 2–3 years.
Rusack's best 2008 Pinot comes from this great vineyard that displays such fine Santa Rita Hills character. It's ripe enough in cherries to satisfy, and also brisk in acidity, with complex mineral and herb notes, and the oak barrel layering is perfect. Lovely now for its silky texture, and will develop over the next 5–7 years.
Russet and Red Delicious apples set the aromatic tone, edged by rhubarb and pink grapefruit zest. The fine, fizzing mousse accentuates both powdery dryness and the earthy, resonant notes of autolysis. This is elegant, dry, whistle-clean, lasting and will make a perfect, sophisticated apéritif.
Russet apple and freshly peeled yellow grapefruit slink insinuatingly around the edges of this lovely, bright, sleek Riesling. There is some concentration and verve. Drink while the primary fruit notes are at their peak.
Russet pear peel and flesh make for an inviting, appetizing nose. The palate is fresh and provides some yeasty, savory texture. There is ample freshness and lasting, yeasty spice. The finish is clean and very refreshing.
Russian River-based MacMurray Ranch turns to the Central Coast's Santa Lucia Highlands for Pinot Noir, with admirable results. This is a terrific wine for drinking now, dry and powerful in red fruits, cola and spices, yet elegantly tailored. Might develop for a few years, but best now for youthful exuberance, although you do want to give it three hours in a decanter.
Rust, black plum, blueberry and leather combine on the nose of this bottling by one of the few producers to do multiple Mourvèdres. The palate shows tons of chipped slate and dried blueberries, striking a balance between earth and fruit, bolstered by ample acidity.
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.
Rustic and a little sweet tasting, this has flavors of cherry pie, red currant and toast. Drink it with cheeseburgers.
Rustic and country-style is the way to describe this Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache blend. With its soft, dry finish, smooth tannins and cherry, cola, herb and spice flavors, it's food friendly.
Rustic and country-style, this Cab has juicy berry flavors wrapped into rough, green tannins. Turns sugary sweet on the finish.
Rustic and dry, this has flavors of berries, currants, licorice and spices. Made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.
Rustic and fruity, with jammy flavors of cherries, raspberries, mocha and spices. Drink with short ribs.
Rustic and full bodied, this Oregon Primitivo is plenty ripe, yet it retains nuances of olive and herb, along with thick red fruit. A whisper of smoke weaves through the finish.
Rustic and funky, with a curious nose sending up scents of fruit, musk, soy, pepper and espresso. Flavors are vivid and grapey, and there is a penetrating spicy note running throughout. The finish is tannic and rough.
Rustic and leathery, the fruit is held back behind the barnyard aspects of this wine's bouquet and grainy palate, making it tough to figure varietally.
Rustic and medium-bodied, this Merlot has a nice spiciness that would be a big hit at a backyard barbecue. There's some char on the nose, and a spicy-marinade note on the palate. Finishes with dryish tannins and outdoorsy, tree-bark flavors.
Rustic and mouth-coating in leathery tannin, this tri-appellation wine is ripe with sweetened oak. Surely crowd-pleasing, it's a good value for its quality and straightforward approachability.
Rustic and not quite ripe, with dry, astringent tannins framing flavors of currants, anise and vegetables.
Rustic and sauvage, this wine has an herbal quality that's hard to shake; it's both so defining and distracting. Cherry and pomegranate also figure in.
Rustic and simple, this has some decent cherry-berry flavors. Drink up.
Rustic and simple, with sweetened cherry-berry and cola flavors that finish in a swirl of sugary blackberry jam.
Rustic and somewhat sharp, this Zin has a green, spearmint streak, with some harsh tannins, which suggests unevenly ripened berries, despite very high alcohol. It's like a combination of cherry Lifesavers, blackberries and Altoids breath mints. Drink now.
Rustic and stemmy, with burnt, nutty aromas leading to a thick palate of stemmy black fruit flavors. Herbal, tannic and stemmy throughout, so at least there's continuity between the nose, palate and finish.
Rustic and sweet on the finish, with jellied blackberry, cherry, licorice, cola and Asian spice flavors. Gains a point or two for its smooth, rich tannins. Drink now.
Rustic and sweet, a simple Syrah with flavors of candied berry, black pepper and sassafras.
Rustic and sweet, with a soft mouthfeel and candied cherry-berry flavors.
Rustic and thin, showing green mint and stemmy flavors. Even at this price, it's no bargain.
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.
Rustic and tough but dry, with berry and currant flavors and a spicy finish. Drink now.
Rustic aromas are followed by rough-edged fruitiness in this young wine. It has ripe berry fruits as well as some firm tannins in the background. It is not yet integrated and needs to develop much more. Drink from 2018.
Rustic aromas like earth and dried leaves are followed by rather lean red-cherry and rhubarb flavors in this medium-bodied wine.
Rustic aromas of baked berry fruits, black olive, herbs and eucalyptus lead to a forward, fairly tannic palate. An herbal flavor profile includes olive, blackberry, plum and spice notes, while the finish on this Cabernet-led blend tastes peppery and herbal, which is nothing unusual for Chile. Drink through 2020.
Rustic aromas of barnyard, game and overripe fruit follow through to the brawny palate along with powdered sage, violet and a hint of game. Full-bodied but lacking fruit richness, it and ends on a bitter note.
Rustic aromas of blackberry, leather, pepper, dried violet and a light tar show on the nose of this appellation-blend bottling. Cocoa and dark elderberry appear on the sip, along with dried herb. It's a light style of Syrah, but vibrant and versatile.
Rustic aromas of crushed rocks and chewing tobacco pair interestingly with more floral elements of rose petal, lilac and wisteria on the nose of this bottling. Coffee and tobacco flavors show on the palate, where muddy tannins present leathery flavors of dark red cherries. It shows its long barrel aging with pride.
Rustic aromas of grilled meat, leather and medicinal berry fruits set up a drawing, pulling palate with rough tannins. Dark-berry flavors are roasted and peppery, while this is herbal tasting and tannic on the finish.
Rustic aromas recall barnyard, game and overripe black fruit. The palate offers mature plum layered with chocolate, vanilla and game, with extremely astringent tannins that give a drying, lean finish.
Rustic aromas recall game, fetid flower, barnyard and black fruit past its prime. The bitter palate shows flint and a hint of tire rubber but no fruit richness. Tried twice with consistent results.
Rustic aromas recall wet earth, barnyard and leather with a whiff of ripe, black fruit. The thick palate is rather muddled and delivers both sweet and bitter sensations of prune, overripe black plum, confectionary flavors, vanilla and notes of resin alongside astringent tannins that dry out the mouth.
Rustic but fascinating earthy and herbaceous aromas join rich dark fruit flavors in this voluptuous wine that's delicious now but best after 2020. It has full body, dense but melted tannins, and an array of spice, mineral and tobacco nuances that build with each sip and linger on the finish.
Rustic cola, wood smoke, fresh-squeezed black cherry and slate emerge on the very compelling and complete nose of this bottling from the longtime winery's estate property. A load of baking spice powers the palate, enhancing the dark blackberry fruit. Its tannic structure is firm, allowing the layers of flavor to emerge with patience.
Rustic compost, wild strawberry and cola spice highlight this medium-bodied, velvety textured wine, buoyed by a linear streak of lively acidity. Leather and smoke accentuate the finish.
Rustic earth and forest emanate from this Pinot Noir, a rare find from Yountville, a growing area more devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes, the wine has a smooth taste of wild strawberry and is not overly complex, the finish abbreviated and the wine on the lower price range of the variety.
Rustic earth and the aromatic sparks of a rose garden open this wine, named by combining the middle names of the producer and her husband. Tight, youthful tannins hover around chocolate, strawberry and blackberry notes, resulting in a velvety texture on the expansive palate. It finishes quietly and confidently, eager to develop further in bottle; enjoy through 2023.
Rustic earth gives way to bright, crisp red fruit and a hit of citrus providing freshness and life. Soft and full bodied, this wine has years to go in the cellar—through 2022—to let the tannins soften and integrate further with the fruit.
Rustic in character, this wine shows a bit too much alcohol, manifested by burnt and pepper notes. The acidity works hard to bring balance but ultimately is overpowered by the weight of the wine.
Rustic in texture, with jagged tannins, this is an old-fashioned wine, the kind they drank straight out of the cellar a long time ago. Made from Zinfandel, Carignan and several other varieties, it's dry and tannic, with berry, currant and spice flavors.
Rustic in the texture, with unevenly ripened tannins, and the cherry and berry flavors have a touch of raisins. Pretty standard stuff.
Rustic leather and balsamic notes juxtapose vanilla, chocolate and spice in this complex, powerful Cabernet Franc. The palate is anchored in rich, ripe black plum and cherry flavors, bolstered by dense, mouth dampening tannins. It's a brooding but nuanced wine that should improve through 2020 and likely beyond.
Rustic leathery aromas are capped and low on vibrant fruit scents. In the mouth, expect tannic scratchiness. Flavors of plum, cassis and toasty oak come across as mildly baked, while a narrow finish with notes of earth, loam and chocolate is solid. Drink now.
Rustic on the nose, this is an earthy, herb-filled wine made in a robust style, juicy and exhibiting glassfuls of rhubarb and black tea. Integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it's youthful and may need some time to grow.
Rustic on the nose, with scents of dried herbs and grass that mingle with pretty rose and tea-leaf notes, this wine is an unusual blend of Turkish Öküzgözü and Boazkere grapes with Syrah and Petit Verdot. Full bodied and soft on the palate, with ripe, red-fruit and mocha-chocolate flavor, it finishes with a coating of furry tannins.
Rustic redcurrant aromas are dominated by underripe notes of stems and menthol. The palate follows suit, showing tart and tight currant hiding under tones of green peppercorn.
Rustic smelling at first, this is showing a fair amount of animal and leather on the nose. In the mouth, this is wiry and pointed, with crisp acidity. Angular currant and red plum flavors finish clean and juicy.
Rustic smelling, this has a leafy scent and red fruit aromas akin to cherry and raspberry. The mouthfeel is tight, jumpy and alert, and the flavors of cassis and plum set up a rugged, scratchy finish, with notes of carob, vanilla and coffee.
Rustic tomato and cherry aromas make for a scratchy opening. This is wiry and grating in feel, with sour plum and red-currant flavors. A fresh but scratchy and herbal tasting finish isn't exactly friendly.
Rustic wine, its fruit angular and its tannins cutting into the wine awkwardly. Final acidity gives more sharpness.
Rustic with softened tannins, this Charbono, a rare sight in California where fewer than 100 acres are planted, is inky and mellow, its acidity a good match for a range of goopy, Italian-inspired foods.
Rustic, as Carmenère should be, this single-valley offering is a good drink-with-barbecue bet. Bark, dark berries and chocolatey aromas show on the nose; earth and black fruit dominate the full, low-acid palate. Woodsy, briary notes and ample spice give oomph to the juicy berry finish.
Rustic, barnyard aromas give a wine that is tight with tannins and tough to handle. It is concentrated, very dry with only hints of rich black fruits. It will probably remain dense and tannic.
Rustic, barnyard aromas with flavors of hedgerow red berries and light acidity. The style is fruity; the sweet fruits are shot through with some licorice and beetroot flavors.
Rustic, dark and deeply tannic, this wine is sourced from the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley, known for relatively cooler-climate varieties, though not necessarily Pinot Noir. It dances in dark plum and leather, finishing short.
Rustic, earthy aromas lead to a wine that's dominated by dark tannins and bitter chocolate flavors. That leaves little room for the rich berry fruits that are struggling to come through. Allow time for this toughness and firm extraction to soften. Drink from 2016.
Rustic, earthy aromas of tomato, herbs and leather are not textbook clean but they stir interest. This is hard and tannic, with gritty, raw flavors of spicy herbal plum. On the finish, this smacks down hard with tannic bite along with chocolate and herbal spice flavors.
Rustic, farmyard aromas follow through to a wine that has let the Baga tannins dominate. It is tough, chewy, offering few concessions to fruit.
Rustic, gaseous aromas of soupy berry fruits and tire rubber create a struggling nose. Rubbery tannins and a lack of a focal point make for a jumbled palate, while this tastes stewy, weedy and low on fresh fruit.
Rustic, gritty berry aromas come with notes of plastic, oak grain and grass. This is raw, chewy and tannic in feel, with roasted, spicy berry flavors that run low on ripeness. A salt-and-pepper finish includes herbal berry flavors and sticky tannins.
Rustic, hearty aromas of tar, cola, herbs and burnt rhubarb make for an intriguing nose on this entry-level bottling from Testarossa. The sips feature cola and cherry flavors, with a very quick finish.
Rustic, leathery aromas of brandied cherry, red currant and resiny oak set up a full, round palate. This Monastrell tastes earthy and a bit flat, with mild spice notes accenting core prune flavors. A beefy, loamy, thick finish brings herbal notes.
Rustic, rubbery, leathery aromas are highly suggestive of animal hide and stalky berry fruits. This is hard as rocks on the palate, with an astringent mouthfeel. Briny, leathery berry and plum flavors end with a stalky aftertaste.
Rustic, smoky and deep on the nose, with a creamy body holding up commendable raspberry and plum flavors. Valenciso deals medium-level acids and tannins, with oak-based mocha and chocolate carrying the finish. This wine is so close to reaching the next level, but it doesn't quite get there.
Rustic, with a spin of smoke, this red has a nose of green herbs, black cherry and smoke, and flavors of dried herb, red berry and tobacco. Masculine and focused, it's perfect for spicy meat dishes and stews.
Rustic, with some smoke and char up front that gives way to intense berry flavors. It’s a touch idiosyncratic—it’s very concentrated and a bit sauvage—as it shows a lot of vineyard individuality. Hard and rugged now; a few years in the bottle should tame its power.
Rustic, yeasty aromas are bready and low on fruit. This feels solid but short on scour and bubbles. A briny, cidery flavor profile includes apple and green-herb flavors, while the finish is somewhat flat in feel and pickled in flavor.
Rusticity goes a smidge too far here, without fruit that can handle the harsh tannins. It opens nicely, with pretty berry and cherry highlights, but in the mouth it gets chewy and finishes rough.
Rusticity runs rampant throughout this off-dry kabinett full of savory earth and dust tones. Its crisp, cutting citrus flavors are remarkably complex, nuanced with hints of pollen, spice, slate and clay.
Rusty-red in color, this bottling by Jim Clendenen comes from the vineyard where his winery has sat for decades. Energetic and well balanced, it shows red-cherry juice, rose hips, garrigue and baked ginger spice on the complex nose. Refreshingly light in body, it's packed with flavors of bay leaf and thyme that decorate the light cranberry fruit. .
Rusty and light in color, this has earth, compost and root notes, with dry leather aromas. It feels good, with an easy, mature flow and light flavors of dried fruit, spice, pepper and vanilla. Lengthy, it features tobacco and toast flavors on the finish. Drink now.
Rusty and light in color, with a dilute, stalky set of aromas, this thin Pinot is dry, a touch bitter and largely fruitless on the flavor profile. A bland, lightly woody finish tastes stalky and not fully ripe.
Rusty and mature in color, with earthy, lightly leafy aromas that come with notes of maple and brown sugar. This feels elegant and fit, with classic Rioja flavors of dried red fruit, cocoa and malt. The finish is long and tasting lightly baked. Drink now.
Rusty and mature in color, with saucy aromas of tomato, baked plum, herbs and wild brush, this straggling Garnacha-Carignan blend from an excellent year feels full, energetic and loaded to the brim. Flavors of herbal plum, mocha, chocolate and mixed spices finish healthy. Overall, this is showing very well after 15 years. Drink through 2024.
Rusty and mature looking, this is woodsy, dry and rooty on the nose, with whiffs of tree bark and tobacco running alongside cherry and berry notes. It's mature, with flavors of stewed plum, herbs and spice that are straight from the textbook, while the finish is dry, earthy and showing core acidity. Drink now.
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.
Rusty in color and earthy on the nose, with capped aromas of cedar and herbs, this mature Catalonian Cabernet is compact on the palate and fused by firm tannins. Flavors of dried berry, stone fruits and toffee finish long. This ranks as a fun challenge for Spanish wine geeks.
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.
Rusty in color and metallic in aromas, this does not smell fresh despite being young. A full, chunky palate is home to mealy peach and cantaloupe flavors, while the finish falls flat and tastes bitter.
Rusty in color and murky on the palate, this earthy, mature wine smells a bit too much like a mud puddle, with herbal, green notes mixed in. Tannic, drying and austere, this Cabernet tastes leafy, with a salty, earthy, stewy finish.
Rusty in color and overdone on the nose, this Pinot smells charred and burnt out. Rough and abrasive in feel, with weedy herbal berry flavors, this tastes roasted and savory on the finish while leaving a lot to be desired.
Rusty in color but deep and complex in nature, this varietal Tannat dessert wine is jammy-smelling but tight and piercing on the nose. A thick, chewy palate is braced by good acidity, while flavors of licorice, kirsch, blackberry and burnt caramel finish long and intense, with additional notes of chocolate and raisin.
Rusty in color but natural, which is also this wine's downfall. It has no dosage, so what's left is leafy, herbal Pinot Noir aromas and flavors. It's peachy, drying and zesty, but also saddled with tomato leaf and rhubarb. Such is the life of Brut Nature rosé.
Rusty in color for a young wine, with mulchy, faded berry fruit aromas. It has life on the palate, which tastes earthy, peppery and a little bit burnt. A dry, spicy wine with cherry flavors interspersed.
Rusty in color with a neutral, light-styled nose. This wine shows all of its age via lean apple skin and cherry flavors. It's a bit acidic and stripped down, but deep inside there's adequate tobacco, leather and coffee notes.
Rusty in color, gritty, earthy aromas of mushroom open the aromas of this solid feeling Pinot. The modest acidity makes the palate seem a bit flat, while baked—slightly burnt—flavors of peppered berry fruits finish modest and dry in feel.
Rusty in color, then briney and leafy on the nose, with rooty, nutty, murky plum and earth aromas. Feels clipped and jagged, with tart cherry, citrus and leafy flavors. Dry and hollow on the finish.
Rusty in color, this has a baked fruit aromas suggestive of raisin, cherry and plum. It's thick, but it maintains freshness due to the solid acidity. This feels heavy, with robust flavors of roasted plum and blackberry, but the finish isn't cloying.
Rusty in color, this has leathery aromas that include dried cheese and fallen leaf. Forward, fruity and full of acidity, it tastes of roasted black fruit, caramel and molasses. The fresh acidity ensures that it doesn't come across too forcefully or heavy. Cabernet and Merlot is the mix.
Rusty in color, this is gritty, murky and stewy on the nose. Stewy, mulchy, sweet berry flavors finish bitter and leafy.
Rusty in color, this maturing Tannat-led blend smells warm, earthy, raisiny and like molasses. It's a bit wiry, rough and acidic on the palate, while raisin, baking spice and woody flavors end short and pile on with raisiny ripeness. Drink now.
Rusty in color, this wine features aromas of compost, juniper and a touch of floral red fruit. It comes on strong in the mouth, with a leafy, rustic dried-cherry flavor, before feeling hard and tannic.
Rusty in color, with a mildly mulchy, leafy nose that's also slightly floral and smells of orange peel. Zesty in the mouth, with a lean profile and tart flavors of red cherry, plum and herbs.
Rusty in color, with aromas of compost and rotten leaves, this isn't cutting it. A drawing hard palate and burnt-out flavors that match the nose make this a hard road to navigate.
Rusty in color, with rubbery cherry and raspberry aromas, this is a sticky, candied rosé with a low freshness quotient. Candied, sugary flavors finish sweet and gooey.
Rusty in color, with rubbery, chemical aromas. Feels tight, tannic and clampy, with hard, compromised flavors and bitterness to the finish. Astringent and just not that appealing.
Rusty in color, with soft aromas of cherry and plum, this rosé of Trepat feels fleshy and round, with modest acidity. Briny citrus and charred cherry notes unfold on the finish.
Rusty in hue, with mature, slightly old aromas of leather, gym bag, dried leaves and mature berry. The palate has depth and concentration, while the flavors are herbal and run toward baked black cherry and tobacco. Caramel and mature fruit flavors vie for control of the roasted finish.
Rusty orange in color, aromas of grass and tomato suggest underripe fruit, while the mouthfeel is foamy and the flavors of fruit and mushroom are muted.
Rusty pink in color, this bottling shows somewhat sour aromas of red plum, turned earth, orange rind and tart raspberry. The palate offers dried cherry and more soil, but is missing the texture and acidity of many modern rosés.
Rusty rose in color, this Southern California stab at Sherry is quite rewarding, showing caramelized pecans and almonds, light tobacco leaf and a touch of iodine on the extremely nutty nose. Light peat and walnut flavors show on the sip, as does sour marzipan and burnt orange peel, with a roasted-almond-laced finish.
Rusty to the eye, then dry, spicy and elegant on the nose in a traditional manner. Focused and crisp in the mouth, with juicy currant and cherry flavors sweetened by cocoa. Long and remains bright on the finish. Drink this classy wine now through 2014.
Rusty to the eye, with a strange but not unpleasant mix of savory tomato, citrus and nutmeg aromas, this feels raw, tannic and drying. Earthy, baked and rooty plum flavors dry out on the finish.
Rutherford Hill has specialized in Merlot for decades, and their Reserve bottling is always one of the best. This 2007 is right up there, rich, dense and opulent. It shows massive blackberry, cherry, blueberry, anise and cedar flavors, wrapped into a fine tannin-acid structure, and the finish is dry. Perfect with the best steak you can find.
RWT (unromantically derived from “Red Wine Trial”) is 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz, aged in 100% French oak. In some vintages, like this one, the combination is incredibly sumptuous, offering layers of blueberry and blackberry fruit intermingled elegantly with hints of French vanilla. It's long, subtle and complex on the finish—a stunning effort. It's approachable now, but should age well through 2030 or so.
Ryan Cochrane left his San Francisco advertising gig in 2009 to make wine, and this bottling is evidence he made the right move. Wild mint shrubs, dried purple violets, elderflowers and pencil shavings show on the nose. The palate is heavily spiced with sagebrush, eucalyptus and other chaparral elements found near this increasingly amazing vineyard adjacent to Highway 101.
Ryan Patrick's Reserve Cab is a round, subtle and forward wine that does not over-reach. The tangy fruit shows a mix of cassis and black raspberry fruit, then opens out into a darker mid-palate with licorice and coffee running solidly through to the finish. It's broad and open, and falls off in the finish, suggesting that this is a wine to enjoy in its youth.
Ryan Patrick's reserve is pure Cabernet Sauvignon, though not labeled as such. It's a barrel selection, and very well done, with a purity and density that is most expressive. The acids and youthfulness of the fruit flavors suggest that this is a wine with aging potential. For now, it's showing bright, tart, tangy red fruits and fine balance.
Ryan Zepaltas coaxes complex aromas and flavors of baked Golden Delicious apple and anise around a well-constructed foundation of integrated oak, 33% of it new French. Cloudy in appearance, the wine sings in anise and tangy tangerine.
Sàgana is a pure expression of Nero d'Avola with loads of dark berry and cherry backed by toasted almond and milk chocolate. It shows a fair degree of elegance, and would pair with chicken, pork or over-baked pasta.
Sàgana shows its best qualities in the 2008 vintage. It opens with a dark, inky appearance and thick aromas of red cherry, chocolate, espresso bean and dark spice. It's a bold and concentrated wine, with savory endnotes of soy and Teriyaki sauce.
Sämling and Scheurebe are two names for the same grape, a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner. With rich apricot fruit, this has a Viognier quality, but with crisper acidity. It is pure, fruity and fragrant, with just a touch of mineral-like texture on the finish.
Sébastian Bordenave-Coustarret has the light touch needed to show the delicacy and great charm of the Petit Manseng grape. With a fine balance between honey and apricot fruits and such poised acidity, the wine is light and fresh as well as ripe. It's wine that will develop slowly, so drink from 2019.
Séguret wines often have a firmness to their tannins, and this is no exception. Attractive notes of red cherries, dusty earth and garrigue are framed by starching tannins, which leave the finish spicy and drying. Drink it now with fatty red meats, or give it a couple of years in the cellar to mellow.
Sélection de Grains Nobles, the ultimate in Alsace sweetness from the volcanic soil of the Rangen de Thann, is sure to create a great wine. This really young wine is going to live up to the billing with its opulent honey and mineral character spiced with rich fruits and acidity. It will need many years, so drink from 2019.
Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of perfume from Muscadelle give a wine that, while still young, is ripe and shows a touch of spice from wood aging. It is a rounded wine that has pepper as well as just enough acidity. Drink from 2017.
Sémillon dominates this rich wine. Spice and honey are balanced by ripe peach and apricot flavors. The acidity cuts right through to give an almost crisp character to this sweet wine. It will develop quickly, so drink from late 2017.
Sémillon weaves its magic as a grape that attracts noble rot. This wine that comes from some of the higher-elevation Douro vineyards is rich with honey, dried apricot and intense acidity. The classic dry edge of the botrytis is very evident in this ripe, ready-to-drink wine.
Sémillon, so adept at producing botrytized grapes for sweet wines gives its richness and fine apricot flavors to this ripe wine. Sweet while kept from cloying by its acidity, it is an opulent wine, with honey and fine almond and marzipan flavors at the end. Drink from early 2017.
Sachia is a pure expression of the Perricone grape variety that shares some similarities to modern Cabernet or Syrah. This is a meaty, full-bodied red with lingering tones of black pepper, sage leaf, smoke and toasted nut lavished over a solid core of cherry fruit. The wine offers thick tannins and firm structure suitable for beef dishes.
Sadly, just 44 cases were produced, from Block 1 of the original estate vineyard. Rhubarb, cherry, cinnamon and suggestions of light tropical fruits are delicately entwined here. It would be easy to skip over the wine's complexity; you must let it breathe open and it will reward you with fascinating, subtle layers that slowly unravel.
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.
Sadly, this is the last Patianna Sauvignon Blanc made by the late Mike Lee. It opens with great, subtle aromatics of just-ripe pear and melon and is balanced and easy to like. The finish is long and lean, with layers of acidity that would match well with scallops, shrimp or fresh oysters.
Sadly, this is the last vintage for this single-vineyard Pinot Gris. Oaky, spicy, buttery and rich, its mouthfilling flavors conjure up thoughts of that fabulous baked pear brioche you had at that little bakery in Paris. It's ripe, fleshy and deliciously buttery, and it should be consumed right now.
Saffredi is a beautiful wine, worthy of membership in an elite class of super Tuscan wines from Italy. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante and a tiny percentage of Syrah and the overall result is that of plushness, softness and intensity. Aromas include spice, chocolate, blackberry and cherry.
Saffredi is one of the most exciting super Tuscans of the year. The blend is Cabernet, Merlot and Alicante and the results of underscore the immense potential of Maremma. The wine is vibrant, intense and sprightly with an outstandingly complex offering of pristine aromas: ripe cherry, floral essences, red apple and subdued almond.
Saffron and dusty mineral tones seep into notes of marmalade and candied orange peel in this intensely ripe honeyed Riesling. The palate bursts with yellow peach and mango, but savory tinges of earth and petrol peek through enticingly. It's dazzling now, a veritable explosion of sweetness, acidity and minerality, but should meld beautifully from 2020-2025.
Saffron and honey accent juicy tropical mango and pineapple aromas in this vibrant yet delicately framed ice wine. The palate is elegantly nuanced with hints of candle wax, herbs and crushed stone; savory spice notes linger on the finish.
Saffron and honey notes are earthy and dusty in profile, but add striking complexity to a palate that's concentrated with peach and orange flavors. Strong acidity cuts through layers of luscious honey and fruit, before finishing on a pleasantly floral note.
Saffron and orange blossoms perfume this intensely ripe, almost honey-slick Kabinett. There's a zesty backbone of tangerine acidity, but the palate is a crush of ruddy yellow peach and nectarine flavors. It's a luscious, forward wine to enjoy young.
Saffron and orange rind lend spicy zest to honey and floral tones on this gorgeously rich auslese. It's luscious, with sweet yellow peach and caramel flavors, but struck with a clean line of tangerine acidity. Bold and powerful in concentration, it finishes with just a hint of tea-leaf astringency.
Saffron and pollen notes dust juicy pink grapefruit and melon flavors on this dancing, delicate Riesling. It's lithe and nimble in body, but concentrated with sunny fruit and snappy with acidity. A quaffable, yet remarkably nuanced semi-sweet Riesling.
Saffron and pollen notes lend spice and earth to this sunny, tropical wine. Medium sweet in style, it's chock full of honeyed orange, peach and mango flavors. Searing tangerine acidity adds balance. It finishes moderately long with a waxy, honeyed slick.
Saffron and spice entice from nose to finish in this richly honeyed, yet dry Riesling. The palate is a delightful kaleidescope of fruit and mineral nuances anchored firmly by a stream of grapefruit and lime acidity. It's a complex, penetrating wine sure to improve through at least 2025.
Saffron and spice pepper fresh lemon and grapefruit aromas on this exceptionally sheer, savory dry Riesling. A haze of citrus flavors fall like gossamer on the palate, extended by layers of dusty minerals on the finish.
Saffron, fennel and spice are peppered throughout the nose and palate of this savory nuanced Riesling. Off-dry and zesty, it hits the palate with stacatto movements of acidity and sweetness.
Sage-tinted cedar and black cherry combine in this proprietary blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Sangiovese, 13% Syrah and 13% Zinfandel, from the producer's estate vineyard. Lean and refined, it shares a generosity of chocolate on the palate, with a slight spiciness to the finish.
Sage and anise characterize the nose of this single-vineyard offering. On the palate, there is a distinct element of elderberry, a native fruit to the Central Coast, as well as the expected balance between slightly grippy tannins and a bright acidity.
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.
Sagebrush and faint anise hints decorate the red cherry and ripe raspberry fruit in this appellation blend. The palate is lively if fairly simple, with fresh red berry flavors and a touch of garrigue.
Sagebrush and forest floor are met by strong flavors of cola and cardamom in this somewhat flat, forcefully ripe and full-bodied wine. Asian spice continues to ride a layer of black cherry and berry through the moderate finish.
Sagebrush aromas lead off this bottling from the newish Fossil Point label, which is connected to the higher end Center of Effort brand. On the palate, spice, tar and pomegranate accompany some fairly weighty tannins, meaning that this will probably emerge as a better wine by 2016.
Sagebrush, wild cherry, pomegranate, anise and crushed slate notes show on the nose of this blend of 45% Grenache, 50% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Balanced acidity and tannins ensure good drinking both now and deep into the future, with chaparral-laced flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry and even watermelon.
Sagemoor's old Cab vines comprise 79% of the blend. The rest is a mix of Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, melded into a deep and satisfying whole. Beautifully mixed cassis, berry and cherry fruits are dotted with dried herb. There is plenty of caramel and toast in the lingering finish, and this wine combines hedonistic power with depth and character.
Sagemoor and Conner Lee grapes go into this soft, plush, totally drinkable Chardonnay. Pretty fruit flavors of banana, apple and pear mingle seamlessly, and the wine has both balance and texture to spare. Drink it now for its poise and freshness.
Saggi is the super Tuscan entry in the Long Shadows portfolio, made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari. Here it is a blend of 45% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah —not much different from 2007. Smoky in the nose, broadly fruity in the mouth, with an attractive mix of black cherry fruit and bacon fat highlights. It fades a bit in the finish, and there is just the faintest hint of onion.
Sagrantino is a powerful and densely tannic wine that is gaining popularity in Italy and abroad. Lungarotti works hard to tame this variety through careful oak aging and low yields in the vineyard. The beautiful results boast dark fruit and exotic spice highlights.
Saia Grande is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir that offers plump fruit flavors of cherry and wild berry followed by toasted almond and crushed white pepper.
Saia is one of a handful of icon wines from Sicily: It boasts excellent integration of oak and fruit (although the wood presence is definitely felt) and amazing richness and intensity on the finish. The wine is dense, inviting and very long lasting.
Said to be the first traditional method sparkling wine produced in Turkey, this is made from Kalecik Karasi, an indigenous red grape. It delivers a bouquet of Granny Smith apple, ripe peach and white flowers. These are followed by a strong sense of effervescence and flavors of nectarine, lemon, green apple and rose petal, with the faintest sense of sweetness. It is zesty and alive, culminating in a lingering peach-pie finish.
Saint-Amour is the most northern of the Beaujolais cru villages, close to Pouilly-Fuissé. Its specialty is structured, rich wine like this. It is a ripe wine, full of black fruits and dense tannins. Still young, it is a style of Beaujolais that needs to age. Drink from 2019.
Saint-Croix-du-Mont is on the slopes across the Garonne river from Sauternes. In years like 2005, it can produce some fine sweet botrytis wines. This has honey, a bite of botrytis and a great lemon edge. Worth aging, but ready to drink now.
Saint-Maur's vines are planted close to Saint-Tropez in one of the warmest sectors of the Provence coast. This wine is firm and tannic, with signs of bitter coffee from extraction that are balanced by the ripe black-currant flavors. It will develop well; drink after 2017.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil is the lighter neighbor to Bourgueil, and this wine offers a fruity, ready-to-drink wine that has gentle tannins to go with the perfumed black cherry fruity and lively acidity. Keep for 2–3 years, but also drink now.
Saint-Péray is an tiny and underappreciated source of northern Rhône whites, mainly Marsanne, with some Roussanne in the mix. This barrel-fermented version is rich and full-bodied, boasting melon and pineapple fruit flavors that take on hints of creamed corn and citrus on the finish. Drink now.
Saint Clair's main 2008 Pinot Noir features tart, pie-cherry fruit with some slightly woody, stemmy notes running through it. It's medium-bodied, with a bit of bitter char to the finish. Drink now.
Saint Clair's main Sauvignon Blanc bottling came out really well in 2013, balancing green leafy notes with grapefruit elements. It's not as big or bold as some of the Pioneer Block wines, but instead boasts a sense of firmness and a fine line of chalk and acid from start to finish.
Saint Clair's Pioneer Block wines are always worth trying for their expressions of Marlborough's subregional characters. This one, from deep clay soils at the foot of the Dry Hills, features a bold cherry aroma and flavor, backed by ample vanilla and baking spice notes. It's big and slightly chunky in style, but it seems likely to smooth out over the next 12 months as the dusty tannins subside.
Saint Clair has strayed from their Marlborough roots to source this Merlot from Hawke's Bay. The result boasts nicely ripe black cherry flavors, not overwhelmed by oak, finishing juicy and refreshing. Drink now.
Saint Clair produces some 86,000 cases of this solid Sauvignon Blanc. If it's not quite as rich, concentrated or flamboyant as its Pioneer Block bottlings, it still delivers authentic Marlborough Sauvignon character. Pineapple and tomato leaf notes are well balanced, while the wine is medium bodied and slightly creamy in the mouth.
Saint Odile is patron saint of Alsace, with this walled vineyard in Obernai named after her. This complex wine is moving in the direction of sweetness although it still has a nervy, almost mineral character. Textured and young, it needs to develop. Drink from 2016.
Saintsbury's Garnet bottling established the tradition in California of a lighter-style, but no less elegant, Pinot Noir that retails at a decent price. The '08 doesn't disappoint. It's silky and crisp, with ripe flavors of cherries, raspberries, cola and sandalwood. Now–2011.
Saintsbury brings a Pinot Noir-like touch to this Syrah. It's silky and transparent, with an elegant mouthfeel, but shows Syrah's weight and depth, with blackberry, blueberry, leather and pepper spice flavors wrapped into sturdy tannins. Drink now.
Saitone is a supremely historic vineyard, planted originally in 1895 in the thick of the Russian River Valley's Olivet Bench, a coveted spot these days for Pinot Noir. The wine offers supple, soft tannins around a juicy intensity of grenadine and berry crumble. The structured backbone of minerality is remarkable.
Salad dressing, vinegar and a heavy herbal blast greet you on the nose. The palate is chunky and thick in feel, but the flavors mirror the nose with green notes, herbs and burnt coffee. Has its merits but there's no escaping the fact that this is an herbal, roasted red blend.
Salcheto is among the most interesting wineries in Montepulciano and definitely worth keeping your eye on if you love Italian wines. This expression of Vino Nobile offers loads of dark fruit and spice backed by medium density and fresh acidity.
Saldo comes from the folks who brought you The Prisoner. Admirable ripeness and lushness carry this full-bodied, dark-colored and densely fruity wine from a smoky aroma through jammy dark-fruit flavors to a lingering finish that has a drop of baking-spice sweetness.
Salentein's wines have never been better than over the last few vintages. This Malbec-heavy blend is rich, with aromatic notes of raisin, prune, licorice and almond candy. A full, tannic and slightly bumpy palate holds impressive flavors of cassis, black plum, blackberry, toast and peppercorn. On the finish, coffee, toast, mocha, licorice and cassis flavors are deep and delicious. Drink through 2026.
Salice Salentino is a historic Italian red wine made with a blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. This interpretation shows off sun-ripened aromas of prune, raisin and cherry liqueur. The mouthfeel is plush and chewy, but also marked by a firm tannic backbone and lingering cinnamon and nutmeg.
Saline-based aromas suggest sea shells, accompanied by notes of vanilla and stone fruits. This wine has a lively yet full palate that fits the Tupungato style. A layer of oak flavor sits atop pineapple, melon and peach notes. It's woody and tastes of honeyed tropical fruits on the finish.
Saline and basic citrus aromas feed into a fresh, light-bodied palate with citrus, lettuce and minerally flavors. A modest, firm finish is light but clean. This epitomizes the good qualities of value-priced Chilean SB.
Saline and grapy aromas comprise the nose on this basic red. Hard tannins create pinch and a rubbery feel, while the flavor profile includes solid but minimally expressive black currant and dark plum. This is perfectly drinkable but hollow.
Saline and mineral tones accent fresh apple, pear and lemon in this zippy, invigorating sparkling wine. Made in a Chardonnay-based traditional-method style, its delicate pétillance and whiffs of caramelized sugar and brioche are enticing.
Saline and nettle aromas are a lot like underripe Sauvignon Blanc. This is a sour, cutting wine with flavors of lime, grapefruit and underripe passion fruit. The finish is overly acidic and citric.
Saline and oak aromas are dominant, with tropical fruit scents and apple also registering. This is medium in body, with cutting citric acidity. Flavors of briny oak, popcorn and banana finish salty.
Saline and oceanic on the bouquet, but largely it's neutral-smelling. Feels tight and fresh, but tastes a bit stalky and bitter, with baked apple and a strong taste of straw. Finishes with white pepper notes and that same stalky flavor from before.
Saline and sea breeze lend refreshing, nautical appeal to this elegant unoaked Chardonnay. It's plush and plump in mouthfeel but anchored by bracing lemon, tangerine and grapefruit flavors. Drink now through 2020.
Saline and sea breeze notes brighten soft, sweet vanilla and caramel flavors on this rich, oaky Finger Lakes Chard. Supple in texture, it's languid character gets a hit of verve from bright acidity on the midpalate.
Saline aromas, celery notes and mild citrus scents make up the nose on this slightly round SB. Herbal green-fruit flavors finish with controlled pyrazinic bitterness.
Saline on the nose, with banana, pastry and dusty baked-apple aromas. Shows proper body, good acids and waxy flavors of citrus and apple that are influenced by barrel spice.
Saline, apple and not much else create an innocuous bouquet. The palate is short and lemony, with tangy acidity and stalky flavors of lemon and pineapple. Burns a little on the finish, which tastes stemmy.
Saline, lime, grass, bell pepper and green bean aromas swirl around the bouquet on this fresh, coastal SB. This feels round yet crisp, with modest acidic cut and flavors or orange, passion fruit and minerals. Finishing flavors are similar, with a hint of green herb.
Saline, mineral, match stick and tropical fruit aromas define the bouquet. It feels plump but flat, with maderized flavors of white fruits that feature bitterness and not much kick. It's fleshy, remaining slightly bitter on the finish.
Salinic and almost dilute on the nose, which belies the richer banana and vanilla flavors that control the flavor profile. In the mouth, the wine has good bounce and acidity, so it feels alright even when things turn creamy on the finish.
Salinic and also melony on the mostly clean and crisp nose. The palate is healthy, with round, lightly pithy flavors of green melon, peach and kiwi. Citrusy on the finish and a little green on the fade out. Good for summer quaffing. Drink this year.
Salinic and minerally on the nose, with a hint of peach. The palate is wet and light, however the flavors run stalky and tart, with green banana and bitterness leading to a chalky finish. Quaffable.
Salinic and pungent, with celery, green citrus and nettle aromas. This is pure SB, although it's not 100% SB because Secreto always has a little something else in the blend. Fresh, acidic and alive, with lime and slightly pickled accents to the finish.
Salinic and simple on the bouquet. The palate is narrow and citric, with lean, sour tangerine, lemon and lettuce-like flavors. Tangy and lemony on the finish as well.
Salinic upon opening, with thick, candied blackberry aromas along with orange peel. The wine is sincerely syrupy and rich for a value-priced Malbec, but it struggles with balance and comes across heavy, roasted and loaded down with candied berry and milk chocolate flavors.
Salinic, crisp and peachy on the nose, with easy, ripe melon aromas to sweeten it up. Shows good body and spritz alongside tropical flavors of orange and melon. Finishes with weight before rolling away with elegance. Punchy and ready to go.
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.
Salinic, minerally aromas come with citrus and passion fruit notes. This Central Valley SB feels round and medium in terms of intensity, with melony, green-leaning flavors of lime. On the finish, pithy grapefruit flavors end with mild bitterness.
Salinic, oceanic aromas come with touches of green herbs and lime. The palate is crisp and focused with apple, lime, kiwi and melony flavors that set up a green-tinged, persistent finish that's minerally and citrusy to the final drop.
Salmon-colored and dense, with aromas of clay, cherry and brown sugar. Pinot Noir-ish in its smoky, dried-berry palate and peppery finish. Robust, solid and with texture.
Salmon-colored and spritzy, this rosé of Pinot Grigio smells stony and peachy. A zesty palate has sizzle and zest to it, while stone-fruit and minerally flavors are salty prior to a mildly bitter finish that tastes of pithy citrus.
Salmon-colored, this is neutral on the nose except for a touch of peach and melon. The palate feels plump and melony, with adequate acidity. Simple peachy flavors finish with no lasting impression.
Salmon-peach in color this rosé is made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 10% Pinot Noir, the end result of which is a thirst-quenching array of pineapple and papaya aromas and flavors in a crisp, straightforward package.
Salmon-pink in color, this 100% Chambourcin rosé is alive with watermelon Jolly Ranchers and tart peach. Bright, citrusy and fruity, it's a perfect sipper for hot summer days.
Salmon-pink in color, this easy-to-enjoy sparkling wine is nutty in aroma, and plush in acid-driven layers of wild strawberry and raspberry flavors. Dry, it's made by Rack and Riddle winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster in a méthode Champenoise style.
Salmon-pink in color, this is a soft wine. With a relatively high dosage, it is full of red fruits and ripe apples. The acidity and the richness of the wine are well balanced, making it ready to drink.
Salmon colored (and salmon would make a good pairing), this sparkling rosé has deep flavors of toasty oak and black fruit, along with a swath of sweetness on the finish.
Salmon colored, with forward aromas of dust, earth, spice and red fruits. The palate is nicely decorated with cherry notes and brown sugar, while the finish moves quickly from fruit to vanilla and cream soda. Nice but a touch confected.
Salmon colored, with somewhat flat aromas of peach and sweet melon. Sweet on the palate, with weight and thickness along with cantaloupe and a candied aftertaste. Finishes chunky and flat; tasted twice with inconsistent findings. This note reflects the better bottle.
Salmon in color and made from Cabernet Franc, this rosé is full of bursting nectarine and light citrus aromas. That's followed by a thick, almost syrupy palate with fruitcake, peach and caramel flavors. Full-flavored and full-bodied; drink immediately.
Salmon in color, this is pulpy and perfumed on the nose, with an artificial leaning. Overly foamy on the palate, this has a bitter, herbal flavor.
Salmon pink in color, a wine that is soft and smooth with rich fruits, vanilla and some concentration. It is balanced with acidity while keeping the ripe fruit right to the fore.
Salmon pink in color, this rosé brings buttery and floral (orange blossom, night jasmine) aromas together for an all-encompassing bouquet, powered by the 19% Grenache inclusion. On the palate, tropical touches of papaya and mango dance with tart apple and nectarine flavors, which get midpalate lifting from the 6% boost of Riesling as well.
Salmon pink in color, this rosé has aromas of jasmine and dried rosemary. It is savory and acid-driven on the palate, with a pleasantly astringent finish.
Salmon pink in color, this young and fresh rosé has a light, attractive and fruity character. It's very much a summer drink, dry and with bright acidity.
Salon's releases are rare and signify a great vintage—the last release was the 2002. Coming from grand cru vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this 2004 is complex and concentrated, capturing the essence of Chardonnay in Champagne. Intense minerality and ripe apple and citrus fruits accompany the purity and crisp texture that are part of its ability to age. The wine can continue for many years, certainly to 2025 and beyond.
Salt air, lemon pith and lemon blossom lead in this 100% Malvasia Istriana. A wave of citrus and pronounced juicy grapefruit flavors refreshes the midpalate. The finish is zesty and lively.
Salt, chalk and grapefruit-pith aromas make for a judiciously restrained approach on the nose of this wine, which comes from heritage clones. The palate is mineral-driven with white rock flavors as well as green apple and lime-pith notes.
Salted apples and white rocks are marred by metallic aromas. Rounded flavors of ripe lemon curds are also hit with metallic flavors throughout.
Salted caramel and baked apple contribute to the rich, full-bodied luxuriousness of this wine. Matchstick, lemon tart and pineapple add to the experience, finishing tart and with substance.
Salted caramel, brine, herb and lemongrass combine for a complexity of flavors and textures in this consistently great white. A sizzling vein of minerality on the palate balances the heartiness of the wood. Lemon pith features on the lengthy finish.
Salted grapefruit skins, browned butter and a toasted-nut element arise on the nose of this wine from a vineyard near the tiny Salinas Valley town of San Ardo. It offers acidic energy and tight minerality on the palate, with ripe aromatic apples showing midway through the sip.
Salted lemon rinds, ice-cold apple, fresh-squeezed lime and white rocks show on this wine by the team of Mikey Giugni (Jack Creek Cellars) and Michael Brughelli (Bien Nacido). It's tight and bitter-leaning on the palate, with grapefruit pith and Brie cheese rind, but not overly sour, with some butter emergent on the finish. It makes for a complete experience.
Salted lemons, seared nectarine, chamomile, yellow apple and a touch of sourdough show on this bottling, which deftly balances crispness with richness. Slightly browner flavors pop on the palate, with buttered peaches, lemon oil and Marcona almonds.
Salted peach, vanilla-smeared French toast and a hint of guava make for a very powerful aromatic impression on this wine from the Arroyo Grande appellation at the southern end of San Luis Obispo County. Those scents don't exactly translate to the palate, though, where the wine it a bit leaner than promised, with apple pie flavors the most dominant.
Salted peaches, dried apricots, sliced lemons, crushed vanilla beans and oak smoke mark the nose of this wine, sourced from one of the appellation's biggest and oldest vineyards. It's light and crisp on the salty palate, with a fleshy apple flavor, racy acidity and slate-driven minerality.
Salted peanuts in the aroma and buttered popcorn in the flavor make this an especially vivid wine that shows the dramatic effect of oak aging and malolactic fermentation. It is medium to full bodied, and has a soft, almost sweet sensation on the palate.
Salty and peppery, this is a rustic Zinfandel, powered by briary, brambly notes. The flavors are of wild forest berries, with twiggy, minty nuances, and the tannins are sharp. Drink with rich fare, such as steak or lamb.
Salty and savory, this unfiltered wine conveys a lot of wet stone and petrol character. The dark golden color reveals its time in oak. Concentrated and full-bodied, with rich layers of baked apple and pear, it shows a complexity on the palate and a depth of lingering fruit and ginger on the finish.
Salty and with strong flavors of ripe apple and herbs, this Mendocino-grown Arneis is an unusual find, with high acidity that gives it a crispness mid-palate. Drink cold and soon.
Salty brioche and pretzel bread come to mind first on the entry of this wine, both aromatically and on the palate. An intensity of ripe peach and pineapple show through with lush, full-bodied force, accented in vanilla oak.
Salty caramel rises to the fore of this lovely, medium-built wine, which begins thickly concentrated in Gravenstein apple and vanilla before finding its rhythm in more nuanced, elegant undertones. Lemon and lime lead the way to a hint of guava before finishing fresh and focused.
Salty cured meat and chopped herb aromas carry over to the palate, which is lean and laced with tart sour cherry flavor. It's tightly wound, with brisk acidity and assertive, angular tannins.
Salty is not a common descriptor for Pinot Gris, but appropriate here. Crisp apple, Asian pear, unripe peach, a dusting of cinnamon, and some slightly bitter skin flavors combine here; the acids rule.
Salty lemon and ripe apple aromas combine for a very inviting nose that also shows pineapple and creamy lily scents on this bottling from a historic vineyard. A fine line of gunmetal tension runs down the middle of the palate, which opens toward a fuller-bodied wine with lots of lemon peel and butter flavors as well as a nicely chalky mouthfeel.
Salty on the palate, this medium-bodied wine is focused in tension and nervy freshness, with a generosity of complex fruit. Lime, pear and fig ride a cool-climate wave of orange peel that lifts the underlying density and concentration at work in this vintage.
Salty pretzel gives way to a thicket of texture and ripe apple and Bosc pear. A rocky minerality adds complexity before a refined finish adds length. Allow this wine to open in the glass.
Salty wood and brine show this vineyard's straight shot to the sea, as bright lifted acidity helps to further prove the point. Focused and tense on the palate, there's a sharp, stony minerality that comes into play here, alongside etchings of lemon peel and green apple.
Salty, briny and tart, this was aged mostly in stainless steel, with 25% or so barrel-fermented. Ripe in melon and pear, the light-bodied quaff finishes crisp and clean. Hi Vista Vineyard belongs to the longtime owner of the Cliff House Restaurant in San Francisco and is farmed by Ned Hill.
Salty, slatey minerality and electric acidity take center stage in this lean, intensely focused Riesling. It's dry in style but brightened by zesty lime, grapefruit and green apple flavors that meander deliciously on the finish.
Salvatore Geraci from the Messina area makes this flagship Sicilian wine. It is very elegant and refined thanks to its delicate aromas of small berries, violets, blue flowers and allspice. The wine offers both density and refreshing acidity on the close.
Salvo Foti is a winemaker to watch. A foremost expert and advocate of Sicily's Etna terroir, he has shaped a delicate and feminine wine with a Burgundian style. The wine is very floral with blue violets and lavender and polished aromas of cinnamon and crisp apple.
Sampled in a half bottle, this unusual version of a Muscat (most are off-dry) was quite tart, with potent flavors of citrus flesh and rind. Not as much orange flavor as one might expect, it's more in the lemon/grapefruit camp.
San Biagio's classic Barolo shows captivating scents of violet, mint and eucalyptus. The palate is shy at first, but opens to reveal ripe berry, plum, spice and licorice notes. This has big but round tannins, and is already forward and enjoyable.
San Calisto is a rich, pulpy and concentrated wine, with an inky black appearance and savory aromas of black pepper, clove, leather, tobacco and loads of mature jammy blackberry. The finish is smooth, velvety and bright.
San Fermo is a historic sparkling wine from the Conegliano subzone of Prosecco Superiore that offers intensely floral aromas of yellow rose, apricot and honey. The mouthfeel is lightly fizzy and creamy.
San Francisco-based winemaker Ed Kurtzman heads to this famed vineyard south of Salinas to create this restrained bottling from a region where power and richness usually reign. Flint, Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and grapefruit aromas show on the nose. The palate offers nectarine, white peach and Asian pear flavor, proving delicate but not shy.
San Francisco advertising agent-turned-winemaker Ryan Cochrane offers a wine with simultaneously shy and sharp aromas of clove, cardamom, cinnamon, Earl Grey tea and sour berries. The wine is also dainty and delicate on the palate, offering black tea and tight raspberry fruit. It would be a great red wine pairing for fish.
San Lorenzo opens with bright cherry fruit and blueberry with subtle background notes of almond paste and dried tobacco. Overall, this clean and fresh red wine would pair with roast chicken or turkey.
San Polo's Rosso di Montalcino offers classic aromas of cherry, black fruit and spice. But it also adds an extra layer of vanilla and sweet spice that makes for a very nice ensemble. It's smooth, rich and spicy on the close.
San Polo has shown very impressive work lately and this velvety rich Brunello pushes its ambitions even further. The bouquet offers a long succession of beautiful aromas including black cherry, vanilla, carob, cola, cinnamon spice and black licorice. There's also a drying mineral note that adds a dusty touch of elegance and sophistication.
San Polo offers a very unique interpretation of the 2008 vintage. Rather than focus on bold cherry and leather aromas, this Brunello shows tones of peppermint, chopped herb, cola, ginger and forest berry. The mouthfeel is compact, tight and shows some astringency that will soften with time.
San Rustico consistently makes some of the best Amarone available in the United States market. This shows fine qualities of blackberry, chocolate and tobacco, and a polished, silky mouthfeel.
San Vicente is part of the Casa Donoso group, and this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec and Cabernet Franc smells tarry and blackened, with notes of olive, char, cassis and minerals. The full, layered palate is meaty and integrated, while flavors of spiced blackberry, cassis and pepper end in toasty, dark and lightly herbal fashion. Drink through 2022.
Sancerre's near-neighbor produces wines in a similar style, although with less intensity. That gives this attractive, fruity rosé from Pinot Noir a fresh, light step. Crisp raspberry and red currant acidity cuts through brightly. Drink now.
Sand (sable) is indeed the color of this palest of rosés. The style is intense, as much wine as sparkling wine, flavored with raspberries and red currants, and some pear spice. It is definitely for food, with its acidity and fine freshness.
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.
Sandalwood and smoke kick off the nose on this deliciously complex bottling that also shows aromas of black-plum skin, crushed slate and light fennel on the nose. Tangy cranberry and pomegranate make for a fresh entry to the sip, and then come herbal touches of white sage, bay leaf and peppercorn.
Sandalwood, hibiscus and grapeseed aromas converge on the nose of this wine that comes from a vineyard just west of the Sta. Rita Hills. The palate shows barely ripe raspberry fruit, a touch of grassiness and a spicing of anise seed, proving quite light and vibrant even at four years old.
Sandeman's single quinta vintage is based around Quinta do Vau. Made in a deliberately fruity style, it is full of blackberry fruit jam flavors, with fleshy plums. The tannins are low-key, just showing through as a core of dryness. This is not a long-term aging vintage—best in 5–10 years.
Sandro Chia's winery is known not only for its reliable and enjoyable wines, but also for the art series labels—work from his New York and Montalcino studios—for each vintage. In 1997, the estate has produced an intense wine, skillfully managing the sweet wood and rich, dark and concentrated fruit. The wine will age well—coming to maturity in 10 years or more—but will surely be drinkable in five.
Sandro Chia and his family at Castello Romitorio offer a rich, plush and velvety expression of Brunello with excellent dimension and staying power. Plump fruit flavors and black cherry color the long, soft fade.
Sandrone has crafted a pleasant if slightly less ambitious wine than usual. It is a rich wine, with plenty of fruit, but overall is a little straightforward and lacks complexity.
Sangiovese (50%) is blended with equal parts Merlot and Cabernet to produce a simple red wine with thin berry fruit aromas, forest berry, floral nuances and some sharp points of bright acidity. Elegance and harmony are the objective and the wine reaches it nicely. It's also an easy wine with good length that would pair easily with all Mediterranean foods.
Sangiovese (60%) and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot deliver soft tones of cherry and blackberry with white almond and toasted hazelnut on the close.
Sangiovese (70%), Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are blended here to produce a rich, velvety wine with defined aromas of blackberry, chocolate, espresso and pipe tobacco. The wine finishes with a soft, chewy texture.
Sangiovese (75%) and Merlot make for a plain and simple red blend with wild berry and fresh blueberry aromas. Beyond those notes, the wine is short lived and fresh.
Sangiovese (with 10% Merlot) forms a solid base for bright aromas of red cherry, cola, leather, tobacco and rum cake in this blend. These two varieties work well together to produce a soft, velvety feel with a touch of ripe fruit on the finish.
Sangiovese and 10% Merlot are behind this savory red. It opens with aromas of plum, blue flower, forest floor and baking spice. The aromas follow through to the elegantly structured palate, along with juicy black cherry crushed raspberry, clove and tobacco.
Sangiovese and 10% Merlot are behind this vibrant, medium-bodied red. Aromas of ripe plum and clove follow through to the firm palate alongside juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, ground pepper and grilled herb. It's interwoven with tightly knit but polished tannins while subtle notes of mint and espresso back up the finish.
Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo are behind this polished red. It opens with aromas of black cherry, red berry, underbrush and white pepper that follow through to the medium-bodied palate along with a tobacco note. It's linear and easygoing, with supple tannins.
Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon conspire to produce a rich, plump wine with plenty of spice and fruit to keep it interesting. That positive momentum is upheld by the wine's soft, yielding texture.
Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon fuel this vibrant wine from Tuscany. The nose is clean and intense and delivers aromas of cherry skin, clove and smoke. The mouthfeel is polished and smooth with bitter almond flavors on the close.
Sangiovese and Merlot grapes are behind this ripe red. It opens with aromas of fleshy black cherry, black currant, blue flowers and oak-driven spice that carry over to the palate together with a mocha note. Grippy tannins provide the backbone.
Sangiovese and Merlot make a great team and offer ripe berry tones with chewy spice and leather on the close. This is a clean, easy and generous super Tuscan expression.
Sangiovese doesn't do well in California as a dry table wine but it makes a pretty good rosé. The grape's naturally high acidity frames its classic cherry flavors, which are deliciously clean and pure in this steel-fermented wine. Best of all, the wine is relatively low in alcohol and dry. Try this polished rosé with sushi.
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico is characterized by bright berry aromas and crisp acidity. This expression is no exception, although in this particular case the wine also offers playful layers of almond and spice to add texture at the back.
Sangiovese from the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico benefits from slightly warmer temperatures on average. That extra heat shapes a full and generous quality of fruit that is ripe with blackberry, prune and plum. There's a touch of earthy clay and tobacco at the back.
Sangiovese from this appellation is quite a rarity. This one offers aromas of vanilla, coconut and dark cherries that are followed by full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The variety gets lost in the oak but it still brings appeal.
Sangiovese fruit is presented in its most genuine and clean state, with bright berry nuances, violets, moist earth, tobacco and cola. There are wood elements, but they are unobstructive, clean and otherwise relegated to a supporting role. The bouquet shows wild berry, bramble and bright acidity.
Sangiovese gets a spicy lift from 5% Alicante on this bright, easy drinking wine. It offers scents of blue flowers, plum, blackberry and baking spice while the smooth, savory palate delivers crushed black cherry, white pepper and aniseed. Bright acidity and refined tannins lend it balance.
Sangiovese Grosso (specifically the BBS11 clone identified by Biondi-Santi) is enhanced with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a thickly structured wine with aromas of smoked beef, mature cherry and moist earth.
Sangiovese has been a major disappointment in Napa Valley, but guess what? This 97% Sangiovese, with 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, is an impressive wine, and the best of Gargiulo's current releases. It's enormously forward in cherry pastry filling flavors, while plenty of new oak adds smoky, cinnamon spicy, vanilla brulée complexities, but it's the quality of the tannins that marks the wine. For all its flamboyance, it doesn't seem like an ager. Best now through 2011.
Sangiovese is enhanced by small percentages of Malvasia Nera and Colorino to deliver a plush, plump and satisfying Morellino from southern Tuscany. There's a nice feeling of informality here that makes this wine perfect for easy meals with family and friends.
Sangiovese is enhanced with 15% Malvasia Nera in this modern, rich wine. It offers sweet cherry renderings backed by blueberry, milk chocolate and molasses. Ripe and chewy in the mouth, the wine's juicy succulence calls out for lamb, beef or game meat.
Sangiovese is still rather rare in the Walla Walla Valley, but if this is any indication of the potential, it should become a distinctive and valued variety as the vines mature. Lovely aromatics of berry, spice, cedar and toast wrap into a pretty wine with flavors of light cherry, ash and a suggestion of underlying minerality.
Sangiovese is unusual in the Finger Lakes, but this one is quite intense. Rich cassis and black cherry flavors are accented by a minerally wet-granite tone and brisk cranberry acidity. It's deeply concentrated on the nose and palate, with soft, fine tannins on the finish.
Sangiovese makes up 45% of this blend, with the balance Barbera (22%), Malbec (22%) and Cabernet Franc. The barrel treatment is at the fore, with notes of baking spice and vanilla that are followed by aromas of dried cherry and herb. The palate is full bodied, loaded with appealing tart cranberry and cherry flavors.
Sangiovese may be the hardest grape of all to get right. In Eberle's hands, it makes for a softly pleasant, lip-smackingly delicious wine of ease and comfort. Nothing Italian about it, but you'll like the cherry, berry, tobacco and spice flavors.
Sangiovese still isn't a major varietal in California but wines like this push it a notch in that direction. You'll like the pretty berry flavors, integrity of tannins and acidity and rich, dry finish. It's a terrific food wine. You might find yourself reaching for a third glass of this pretty wine over that luxury Cabernet.
Sangiovese with 25% Merlot for added softness and dimension, this wine boasts pretty notes of cherry, blue flowers, toasted almonds and exotic spice. It has nice elegance overall but is a bit compact in the mouth.
Sangiovese, Barbera and Sagrantino are the components in this odd blend of grapes that is redolent of simple fruit, spice and some lactic notes that recall milk chocolate. The wine has good flavor and sweet cherry succulence in the mouth.
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah come together to offer scents of red currant, toast, cedar and spice. It's firm and savory, with notes of white pepper, aniseed and dried aromatic herbs alongside assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
Sangiovese, Malbec and Merlot take the lead on this blend. Red cherry, plum and red currant aromas are followed by tangy fruit flavors, with the oak seeming dialed back and a lingering finish. Pair it with pizza or a red pasta sauce.
Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended to create a soft, luscious wine that's loaded with bright cherry, rich chocolate and mocha flavors. It would pair beautifully with steak in green-pepper cream sauce.
Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the base of this well concentrated and ripe super Tuscan blend. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, blueberry and hints of clove, smoke and cured meat make for a beautiful bouquet. The mouthfeel is equally smooth and complex.
Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet team up to produce an easy wine with pleasant texture and measured aromatic intensity. The wine picks up in the mouth thanks to its freshness and natural acidity.
Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot are blended to form a rich and supple red, with black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon and blackberry nuances. The mouthfeel is characterized by richness, softness and a touch of bright crispness.
Sangue d'Oro is a hearty, extracted Passito dessert wine made with fragrant Zibibbo grapes. The wine is thick and dense and beautifully redolent of chestnut honey, candied fruit and almond paste.
Sanguine and brawny, it's concentrated in dark plum and blueberry fruit, with an earthy element teasing around the edges. The finish is marked by power and grip.
Sanguine and brooding in dense layers of juicy black fruit, leather and tobacco, this is classic Napa Valley Cabernet with an elegance at its core, that's also seamless, complex and age-worthy. From relatively cooler sites in Oak Knoll and Mount Veeder, and a cooler year too, this vintage sings for this producer, showing balance and power in equal measure.
Sanguine and earthy, with understated ripeness, this affordable wine shows red currant, cranberry and smoky char highlights. Smooth and round , it's a simple, unfussy rendition of the variety.
Sanguine and floral, this soft wine exudes waxy plum and cherry around a midweight core of earthiness. Shy in fruit, it finishes with a somewhat diluted character.
Sanguine and leathery, this is a full-bodied Zin from a sought-after, historic vineyard high atop Sonoma Valley. Juicy in brambly blackberry and tar, it offers coffee and chocolate on the finish, both dark roasted.
Sanguine and meaty, this big-shouldered wine from a prime site on Westside Road showcases a ripeness of black cherry accented in forest floor, cola and cardamom. Mellow oak contributes softness to the texture as a length of licorice takes over at the end.
Sanguine and nuanced, this vineyard-designate comes from a relatively warm site in the appellation, finding a way to be ripe and bold while balanced. Red currant, cranberry and a bright, persistent acidity give it personality and show a softer take on the variety, the texture equally smooth.
Sanguine and restrained, this is a lovely version of the variety from the region. It is high-toned in refreshing acidity and accented in red cherry and a memorable spiciness of cinnamon and pepper. Completely understated, it will do well at the table or on its own as aperitif fare.
Sanguine and velvety, this richly derived wine made from one clone of Pinot Noir is tannic in black cherry, cinnamon and tar, with a lean, mid-length finish.
Sanguine in black olive tapenade, this is a soft, smooth, 100% varietal wine that's full-bodied and expressive in black cherry and dark plum. It finishes in tight, chewy tannins.
Sanguine in cassis, cranberry and wild strawberry, this relatively inexpensive Napa Cab has an herbal edge that suggests elegance and balance. The finish is stamped in oak that lingers on the palate without overwhelming.
Sanguine in cedar, pencil lead and tea, this wine's elegant opening gives way to ripe black fruit and thick, burly tannins. The finish is marked in vanilla oak and a taste of cigar.
Sanguine in cranberry and strawberry, this robust wine holds back on the tannin and oak, weaving their stronger tendencies into waves of bittersweet chocolate and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, it's both classic and flush with ripe California fruit.
Sanguine in cranberry while offering a velvety smooth, rounded approachability, this well-made, robust wine will appeal to a wide range of palates, expressing a big, leathery backbone of tannin and toasted oak.
Sanguine in cranberry, pomegranate and cherry, it has well-integrated tannins. The texture is smooth and the acidity bright. Drink now or enjoy 2019–2024.
Sanguine in cranberry, red plum and dark cherry, this wine offers sizable tannin and oak around more savory elements of tobacco and black tea, an introduction of soy on the full-bodied finish.
Sanguine in pomegranate and red currant, this dark, effusive wine is generous in body and flavor, a tangle of vanilla, blueberry and cassis liqueur. Integrated in oak, the tannins take on a pillowy, plush quality that provides polish and focus to the wine. Enjoy from 2024–2034.
Sanguine in red plum, clove and dark chocolate, this bottle-aged, full-bodied wine is impressive and still quite ripe and robust. The tannins are prominent and supported by a girth of oak, with a dense, concentrated finish.
Sanguine, dense and thick, this offers an intriguing nose of black pepper and garrigue that conveys a sense of adventure and romance. Its leathery texture never becomes overly weighty, though the fruit and oak are plenty generous. An ideal partner for an equally beautiful steak, its structure suggests time in the cellar will only add to the experience; drink through 2022.
Sanguine, earthy and as thick as blackberry jam, this soft, moderately structured wine shows abundant anise, cola and black olive notes.
Sanguine, gamy and powerful from the first moment onward, this 80% Cabernet Sauvignon also has 16% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The power on the front palate evolves over time into black cherry and cassis, with shades of mocha lurking in. Firm and oaky, give this time, through 2018–2020.
Sanguine, high-toned red fruit features prominently in this almost-equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Dusty tannin and a relatively light-bodied texture belie the power lurking beneath, the finish a hit of Red Hots and cherry cola.
Sanguine, leathery aromas show on the nose of this blend of 55% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache, accented with dried elderberry, wild thyme, black plum and peppery spice. Woody flavors of bay leaf, black sage and rosemary show on the medium-bodied palate, with sour plum notes lifted by black pepper on the finish.
Sanguine, this Merlot-dominant blend is juicy with well-toned structure and length. Smaller percentages of Syrah and Malbec provide succulence and softness, while also offering a density of black cherry and berry, finished in dark chocolate.
Sanguine, with a voluptuous mouthfeel, this wine is soft and integrated in chewy sticky tannins that resolve in the glass, and dusty in dried herb. Blackberry bramble adds a fruity edge that finds companionship in the boldly etched fruit.
Sanguis combines its signature of exceptional power with finesse, producing a wine that is so dramatic as to defy belief. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon provide the blackberry jam and chocolate richness, while Viognier brings a bright floral note, and even Roussanne has something to say by way of orange tartness. New oak is evident, but perfectly in balance with the wine's volume. Stunning and dramatic, but not an ager, so drink up.
Sansonina is a beautiful wine with a distinct personality and elegant tones of cherry, blackberry, spice and leather integrated over a rich, plush mouthfeel. It also shows a clean, linear approach with a tight but long-lasting finish.
Santa Barbara-raised Steve Gerbac makes a winning white wine with aromas of scorched lemons, browned butter and vanilla, sliced down the middle with white rock minerality. Broad, oak-driven flavors at the tip of the palate quickly tighten into a line of lime zest acidity that lingers, with white pepper and chamomile spices emerging in the midpalate.
Santa Carolina's Reserva de Familia red wines from 2007 are vastly improved from what the winery has done for the past two decades. This wine—along with the RdF Cabernet Sauvignon—show immense color and fruit, but also balance, structure and a friendliness that can't be mass produced. This wine is loaded with cassis, cherry, cola, mint, toast and bacon. And for $15 you'd be hard-pressed to find a better, more complete red from anywhere in the world.
Santa Carolina of Chile is behind this Uco Valley producer, and for two years running this wine has rated the same. It starts with adequate but generic plum and blackberry aromas, yet the palate is acidic and tangy, with slightly herbal black fruit and raspberry flavors. Decent but not what you'd call a distinguished Cabernet. Imported by Carolina Wine Brands USA.
Santa Cecilia is a Sicilian icon wine and a quality benchmark for the newly inaugurated Noto subzone. The 2009 vintage takes time to open and build momentum. It feels sharper and edgier than past years and is focused, linear and crisp. Give it 3–5 more years of cellaring.
Santa Duc's small parcel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is planted to a mix of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's a peppery, briary wine that's savory and spicy, with blackberry fruit providing support rather than leading. The tannins are soft, but still provide ample structure for aging through 2020.
Santa Margherita of Pinot Grigio fame brings us this tight expression of Prosecco with easy aromas of peach and citrus and a playful touch of sweetness on the close. This is a perfect wine to drink with friends on a lazy summer afternoon.
Santa Maria Valley's terroir shines through in this Chardonnay's brisk, mouthwatering acidity and fruit purity. The bright, vibrant guava and citrus flavors are enriched with a coating of sweet, smoky oak. There's a fascinating minerality, like a lick of sandstone rocks, that boosts its complex appeal.
Santa Rosalia is the quintessential pizza wine with bright fruit integrity and a touch of piquant spice on the close. The wine is fresh, firm and keeps the palate clean.
Santa Sofia is a celebrated estate with its very own landmark villa that was designed by architect Andrea Palladio. That beautiful aesthetic is matched by its production of fine wines. This elegant wine has dark fruit aromas and spicy flavors.
Santambrogio doles out cheerful tones of red berry, spice, cola, licorice and dried ginger. There's a touch of barbecue smoke that gives the wine more depth and persistency overall.
Santenay, which is located toward the south of the Côte de Beaune, is known for its wines that are accessible and early maturing. This ripe selection bursts with flavors of yellow fruit and citrus, touched by wood influence. Drink it over the next year, or age it for 3–4.
Santo is a creamy Moscato d'Asti with ripe fruit aromas of yellow rose, honey and apricot. The wine shows a thick, bold style ,with an off-gold color and plenty of sweetness on the sticky finish.
Santomè is a pretty expression of Raboso (a native grape of northeast Italy) with mouth-coating tannins and bright aromas of black cherry, old leather, spice and clove. That firm structure suggests a pairing with succulent red meat.
Sappy and deep, this brings a mouth-pleasing mix of citrus and stone fruits, broadening into a full midpalate. Full-bodied, it puts the emphasis on fruit, with just a trace of minerality.
Sappy candied-cherry fruit aromas lead into a soft, easy-to-drink blend that's an unpretentious quaff for the backyard grill.
Sappy volatile berry and plum aromas lead to sharp citric palate. This tastes of sour plum and herbs, while oaky spice and clove notes rise up on the finish.
Sappy, grapey fruit is joined by strong herbal overtones reminiscent of dried oregano and parsley. While some panelists felt it had potential to develop over the next couple of years, others dismissed it for saline aromas that they termed “fishy.”
Sappy, tannic and loaded with plum and blueberry, some cassis and chocolate. A good follow-up to the previous vintage, with very dark fruit, polished tannins and a lengthy, tasty finish of chocolate-covered cherries.
Saracina makes dazzling white wines, but this intense red is outstanding too. Dark fruits like blackberry mingle with bright raspberry in this hefty, substantial wine that's full bodied and handsomely tannic. It's dry, very textural in the mouth and concentrated well enough for a lingering finish.
Sardasol has a good track record with rosé, and the 2007 is a clean wine with a light pink luster and brash cherry and raspberry aromas. The wine is incredibly fresh and zesty, with orange and nectarine flavors. Nothing is out of place on this perfectly good and sprightly example of Navarran rosado.
Sarmassa is among Barolo's top vineyard crus with south-facing slopes and white, relatively unfertile soils that help restrict yields. You can taste the evident mineral vein in this Barolo that appears as a dusty afterthought to the wine's aromas of black fruit, pepper and licorice. It's a ripe wine with firm tannins that need to unwind: drink after 2018.
Sartori's Estate Collection Amarone delivers soapy-floral notes that recall dried lavender and rosehip potpourri. The feminine bouquet is attractive to smell but is oddly reinforced in the mouth because of the wine's inherent sweetness. Pair with meats marinated with thyme, rosemary or other fragrant herbs.
Sartori hits a home run with this beautiful edition of Amarone Corte Brà. The wine's deep layers reveal balsam aromas of cola and cedar, accented by spicy intensity and a long, smoky aftertaste. Dried fruit, chocolate and leather help build momentum on the finish. Drink after 2015.
Sartori is one of Valpolicella's most important wineries thanks to its focused dedication to local winemaking traditions. This is not as thick or sweet as others. In fact, it shows an elegant, understated quality, with bright cherry and spice overtones.
Saseti is a bright and clean Valpolicella with a thin and easy mouthfeel that would pair with easy home cooked meals or pizza. It offers layers of white cherry and forest berry. The fruit used here is farmed organically.
Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr love to pick early, and it shows with aromas of stewed tomatoes, green olives, green cardamom and Eastern European spices. It's very savory and wakes up the palate with vinegar-laden flavors reminiscent of North African tagines, and would make an excellent extra-spice accompaniment to a wide variety of foods. Expect this wine to grow in complexity and approachability 2018–2024.
Sassabruna is a Sangiovese-based wine with an added component of Syrah and Merlot that adds spice, consistency and fruitiness. Aromas here include red cherry, leather, black berry and vanilla bean.
Sassello is an extremely well integrated wine with deep aromas of black cherry, forest berry, chocolate fudge and leather. The wine is sweet, succulent and round in the mouth with a slight alcoholic tug at the very end. Pair it with steak and green pepper cream sauce.
Sassello is Sangiovese from a high hillside vineyard that offers pretty spice renderings and good dimension overall. Its blackberry, Amaretto, natural rubber and moist earth aromas and flavors offer plenty of complexity.
Sassicaia has been showing amazing results in recent years, and the 2009 vintage opens with all the intensity and beauty you should expect of Italy's flagship super Tuscan. Notes of blackberry, soft spice, chocolate, espresso and a touch of rosemary oil make for a beautiful bouquet. The mouthfeel is long, supple and rich. Drink after 2020.
Sassoalloro offers good quality for a great price. This vintage is on the ripe side, with aromas of mature berry, maple syrup, resin and leather. Chewy, succulent tannins characterize this plush, fruit-forward Sangiovese.
Sassy and refreshing, this Riesling bursts with lime, mandarin, Seville orange and Amalfi lemon on a clean-cut but concentrated palate.
Sassy aromas of stemmy red fruits, haystack and herbs set up a full yet raw feeling palate with herbal, gr een-leaning flavors of tart plum and raspberry. A shallow finish fades quickly.
Sassy passion-fruit and feline aromas set up a crisp, clean-feeling palate with tangy, green, zesty flavors of scallion, lime and sour apple. A minerally, chalky finish is zingy and clean. This is nice for value-priced Sauvignon Blanc.
Sassy pepper and light rhubarb aromas give this medium-weight crianza a spicy, lean outlook. The palate has tang, vibrant red fruit and mildly grating acidity, while the finish runs zesty and rings about your mouth as it does a spicy fade. A wine for current consumption.
Sassy right off the bat, with feline aromas and juniper. Feels wet, bouncy and soda-like, with a mix of prickly green-fruit flavors and sweetness. There's more of the same on the finish; it's briny and melony sweet.
Sassy spice and piquant touches of furniture wax, root beer, wild berries, licorice and white truffle open the nose of this vineyard-designate Barolo. In general, the spice aromas stand out most and the wine is squeaky-polished in the mouth. Drink after 2015.
Sassy, spicy, and sporting both floral and sweet citrus characteristics, this off-dry Gewurztraminer fills the mouth with candied lemon, sweet papaya and a squirt of fresh lime. Very tasty, with a lingering, refreshing finish.
Sasyr is a new product from Rocca della Macìe. It's a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah with great fruit intensity and spice carried forward by the wine's natural succulence and intensity. Its top selling point, however, is its easy drinkability and broad food-pairing potential.
Satisfies the basic Port requirements of sweetness, firm tannins and crisp acidity. Quite good in blackberry, black currant liqueur and chocolate flavors. Needs an extra layer of richness and complexity, though.
Satisfies the Chardonnay sweet tooth, with vanilla, buttered toast and jammy apricot, orange, lime and honey flavors. There's good Central Coast acidity for balance.
Satisfying freshness makes this northern Italian Pinot Grigio perfect for salad lunches or smoked salmon. There's a bright personality here with vibrant tones of citrus, green grass and Granny Smith apple.
Satisfying from the purple color to the sweet bouquet to the clean palate to the long finish. It's a little simple and syrupy, but overall there's plenty of freshening acidity and flavors of plum, berry and chocolate to make it a complete and balanced wine. And that's really all you should hope for in this price category.
Satisfying melon and refreshing citrus give this enticing wine subtance and spirit. Crisp apple adds to the clean, fruity character in the mouth. Consider this with a fresh plate of sushi or spicy grilled chicken for a knockout warm-weather pairing.
Satisfying waves of black cherry and cola combine in force in this rich, seductive and juicy vineyard-designate. Made in a full-bodied, robust style, it integrates the firm tannin into a supporting role, finishing in spicy clove.
Satisfyingly ripe wine, now approaching maturity. It has just the right weight from the black currant fruits, the more mature leather texture and the firm tannins that give a dry core. The wine could age for several more years, but is ready to drink now.
Saturated and black as night, with floral aromas mixed with earth, juniper and pruney fruit. Meaty and dark flavors ride on a bed of leathery, grabby tannins. Spicy, meaty and a touch herbal on the grinding, tannic finish.
Saturated and creamy, but a little flat, dense and short on fruit. Even with its age, the palate is fairly closed and quiet, with hard tannins and modest bounce. Flavors of berry and black plum carry an herbal side note, and the finish is more tannic than smooth. Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell and Carignan.
Saturated and pitch black to look at, and not much different in scent. This is a fully extracted, modern Bonarda that's well made and generous. Full-bodied wine lovers should like the meaty, dark berry and cocoa flavors. Tannic but layered on the finish.
Saturated berry, cassis and black-plum aromas are densely packed onto the nose of this tightly built iron-fisted Rioja. Berry, plum and cassis flavors are lightly toasted and spicy, while this is juicy and bold on the finish. Best from 2020–2024.
Saturated in color almost to the point of opaque. The nose is brash, with rubbery berry, chocolate and sandalwood aromas. Intense but not overpowering, with flavors of sweet black plum, berry and black currant. Spry and lively throughout, with licorice and bitter chocolate on the finish.
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.
Saturated in color as well as on the nose, this fruit-packed Malbec opens with grapy black-plum and cassis aromas. An intensely bold palate is loaded to the hilt with black cherry, blackberry and integrated oak and spice flavors. A lush, steady finish unfolds in due time and with no disparate parts; drink from 2019–2025.
Saturated in every way, this sappy, spicy, almost surreal Tempranillo piles on the wild, gamy fruit, the mineral-infused base, the leaf and forest flavors, all around tart berry flavors. Amazingly deep color, fine-grained tannins, a sweetly herbal character, and great balance throughout.
Saturated on the nose, this has aromas of pencil lead, coconut, vanilla and black fruit. It feels tannic, with pulsing acidity pushing raisin, prune, black plum, licorice and graphite flavors. The finish is oaky, resiny and chocolaty tasting.
Saturated purple in color and grapy on the nose. The palate is mouthfilling but carries semisharp acidity, and the flavors run in the direction of standard black fruit. Notes of mocha and coconut soften the finish, and overall this is a good but rather generic wine.
Saturated purple in color; this Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot blend is heavily oaked, so much so that it hints at popcorn. Beyond the wood, however, are notes of root beer and smoked meat. The palate has some hard tannins and the oak is once again strong; it literally takes on a buttery flavor. The finish is the best part: It's all about thick black fruit.
Saturated raisiny aromas include notes of clove and nutmeg. This is huge and also tartaric in feel. Baked raisiny flavors are chocolaty, while savory, leathery notes add complexity to a hard, tannic finish.
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.
Saturated with oak flavors with ripe blackberry nuances, this full-bodied wine is assertive and mouthfilling. It has toasty, spicy aromas, an almost thick mouthfeel due to lots of alcohol and tannin, and a lingering, oaky finish.
Saturated, extracted and heavy, with as many flaws as it has positives. The nose is reduced and saucy, with aromas of roasted tomato, horseradish, prune, tobacco and molasses. The feel leans toward thick, with flavors of chocolate, leather, cassis and blackberry carrying a saucy, herbal underbelly. A decent but disjointed combo of Shiraz (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Merlot (5%).
Saturated, inky Malbec with plenty of sweet mocha, chocolate and vanilla to go with black fruit aromas. The palate is big and bold but controlled, with compact, intense flavors of berry, leather and black tea. Smooth on the finish, with soft, integrated tannins and just enough acidity to maintain freshness. Drink this year.
Saucy and briary smelling up front, with additional horsey, earthy berry aromas, this Malbec is chewy in feel, with baked berry and a hint of chocolate for flavors. A resiny, sticky finish tastes stewy and baked, with a leftover touch of chocolate.
Saucy and intense up front, this offers cheesy, grainy oak aromas along with stalky cassis and plum scents. Raw, choppy and fairly high in acidity, this tastes briny, herbal and woody, but also like raspberry and plum. Oak and herbal flavors carry the finish.
Saucy and spicy up front, this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan also smells a bit leafy and tar-like. A fresh, tomatoey palate suggests spaghetti sauce, while dry, spicy, herbal plum and berry flavors finish with mint and additional spice notes.
Saucy aromas are more earthy and herbal than fruity and rich. This feels chunky, clunky and tannic, while flavors of blackened spices, herbal berry fruits and tomato sauce finish tannic but also low on acidity.
Saucy aromas of red plum and tomato are fresh but not overly ripe or fruity. This is also fresh on the palate, but somewhat lean. Slightly salty berry flavors are mildly spicy, while this maintains a theme of freshness and modest fruit on the finish.
Saucy aromas of stewed plum and tomato ragu lack clarity. This is midlevel Cabernet, with a light bounce to its step. Generic cherry, cassis and licorice flavors finish with acidic kick but no sense of refinement.
Saucy aromas run low on fruit and high on tomato and green herbs. In the mouth, this feels rough. Flavors of bell pepper, pizza sauce and oregano finish without the ripeness that should be present in a high-end 2011 RDD.
Saucy aromas shadow cassis and plum scents. This feels big and chunky, but the flavors are not fully ripe and are instead slightly green and mulchy. A stewed character spills over onto the finish.
Saucy berry and tea aromas are herbal, earthy and stewed. This feels full but syrupy. Flavors of cooked berry, molasses and mocha finish sweet and soupy, with only a touch of acidic offset.
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.
Saucy berry, sweaty leather and soupy aromas control the bouquet on this wine that's not holding up well. In the mouth, it searches for balance, while flavors of rubber, stewed plum and mealy berry finish with jolt of lingering acidity.
Saucy black-fruit aromas are beefy, dense and spicy. In the mouth, this blend of Cabernet, Carmenère and Syrah is chunky, with hard tannins. Herbal, spicy black-fruit flavors include tea and coffee notes, while the finish tastes herbal and peppery, with a leafy aftertaste attributable to the Carmenère.
Saucy blueberry aromas are a touch muddled and difficult to decipher, while this Garnacha feels medium in body and healthy. Raspberry and plum flavors come with a resiny, pasty oak note, while medicinality rises up on the finish.
Saucy plum and berry aromas are a touch stewy and gritty. This wine shows a blocky body with sinewy tannins. Savory, saucy flavors match the bouquet, and it feels supple and tastes roasted on the finish.
Saucy plum and cherry aromas are respectable but unsophisticated. This Malbec feels full and rugged, with hard tannins. Generic berry flavors include a note of prune, while this tastes herbal and slightly chocolaty on the finish.
Saucy plum and raspberry aromas are simple but enjoyable. This feels round but also choppy and tannic. Toasty berry flavors are largely generic, while this tastes spicy and feels resiny on the finish.
Saucy plum and wet-dog aromas improve ever so slightly with airing. This feels creamy and sticky, while basic flavors of cherry and plum finish with herbal hints and sweet notes of vanilla and cream.
Saucy raspberry aromas are herbal and briny. This feels chunky and round. Jammy raspberry flavors turn medicinal and herbal, ending with notes of latex and Band-Aid.
Saucy scents accent core cherry aromas, along with sandalwood and herbal notes. This wine has a lively, pinching palate that is high in acidity. Herbal flavors of tomato sauce and red plum finish long due to racy, raw acidity.
Saucy tomato and herbal berry aromas are a bit green. This feels creamy and thick, but also bumpy. Oaky, herbal black-fruit flavors are a touch stewy. It tastes green, minty and herbal on the finish.
Saucy tomato, plum and stalky aromas make for a moderately ripe smelling bouquet. Resiny oak gives this wine weight and thickness, while spiced cherry and tea flavors finish smooth in feel and spicy in flavor.
Saucy, earthy berry aromas are full of oak and clove notes. This wine feels full but not too heavy, with solid overall balance. Blackberry, dark plum, toast and spicy oak flavors finish peppery and stout, with ripe, chewy tannins. Drink through 2022.
Saucy, gritty aromas of molasses, savory plum and road tar are more dark and brooding than fruity. This blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot is tight and collected on the palate, with gritty, oaky flavors of blackberry and dark plum. A peppery, spicy finish gets much of its taste from the barrel. Drink through 2023.
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.
Saucy, herbal aromas of tomato and red plum are scratchy. This is fresh and juicy, but also high in acidity. Flavors of red plum, red currant and vanilla come with herbal infusions prior to a mildly spicy finish.
Saucy, herbal berry aromas come with gritty notes of earth and rubber. This feels chunky and grabby, with drawing tannins. Flavors of black plum, clove, green herbs and coffee grinds finish with a noticeable herbal boost.
Saucy, leathery berry and cherry aromas are totally adequate. This feels good for the most part, with rubbery tannins and some grab. Blackberry and plum flavors are basic and finish with savory notes.
Saucy, scratchy aromas suggest road tar and compost. This wine is wide in feel, with peppery, spicy raspberry and plum flavors. A minty, herbal tasting finish is neither overbearing nor oaky.
Saucy, spicy aromas of wild berry, baked plum and raw oak are forceful and hard-driving. Wide, round, chewy and resiny in feel, this tastes lightly toasted, buttery and woody, but patience reveals deep berry fruit flavors and spice notes. A barrel-heavy finish indicates that this may benefit from another year or two of aging; drink through 2019.
Saucy, spicy berry aromas are earthy. This has a fleshy, jammy mouthfeel and flavors of blueberry, cassis and blackberry. A dry, spicy, lightly herbal finish confirms the wine's above-average status.
Saucy, stewy plum and licorice aromas lead to a wiry palate with grabby tannins. Lightly herbal berry flavors come with a shading of oak, while the finish is herbal and minty tasting, with a sense of raw freshness stemming from latent acidity.
Saucy, woody aromas of plum and berry are good but strained. This smacks down with high acidity and a sense of tomato. Salty flavors of tomato, herbs, red plum and currant remain salty on the finish.
Sausal has some of the oldest vines in Sonoma County, and despite ripe raspberry, blackberry, cola and chocolate flavors, this wine has a taste of the earth that must come from the vine roots reaching deep into the soil. It's a lovely, gentle Zinfandel for drinking now.
Sauska's premiere bottling, the Cuvée 11 has a hefty dose of Cabernet Franc, giving it a distinct spice and bramble character. It's not a dainty wine at 15% abv, but the palate is clean with focused red fruit accented by fresh herbs and balanced tannins.
Sautéed red cherries, hazelnut and pipe-smoke scents show on the nose of this blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah. It's tangy on the sip with pickled red-fruit flavors. It also shows fudge with cherry syrup, cappuccino and mocha flavors.
Sauvage aromas of forest dominate on the nose of this well-made wine, showing off intriguing notes of clove, black tea and sarsaparilla before unleashing a velvet carpet's worth of cherry and cranberry. Spicy and savory are the coins of the realm here, with bright acidity underlying it all.
Sauvignon Blanc's Burgundy enclave of Saint-Bris produces a round version of the grape, leaning towards yellow fruit flavors, with herbaceous aromas. This is fruity and can be consumed now.
Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon share equal parts of this blend. Aromas of corn silk, tropical fruit and herb give way to full-bodied fruit flavors. It shows a hint of warmth on the finish but largely carries it.
Sauvignon Blanc and wood don't always go together. Here they do, because the fruit is still dominant, just supported by the hints of toast that have smoothed out the tense acidity and herbal character. Yellow fruits and pears are lifted with citrus flavors. The wine will be ready to drink starting from mid-2016.
Sauvignon Blanc can vary in style from merely crisp and almost neutral to more herbaceous examples like this. It conveys an assertive, slightly heavy personality with plenty of herb and eucalyptus flavors, a rather soft texture for this variety and dry finish.
Sauvignon Blanc has been a consistent performer for Hanna, usually yielding a rich, ripe wine with brisk acidity. The '11 is one of their best efforts. It's tart, clean and savory, with the pineapple, tangerine and Meyer lemon flavors touched with a slight sweetness.
Sauvignon Blanc has long been the winery's calling card, but this vintage isn't quite up to past standards. Some high-toned scents add edginess to the tropical fruit, and some bitter skin flavors are borderline too much. Good, but they can do better.
Sauvignon Blanc has never been a focus at Kumeu River, and this is an overly lean, green and underripe rendering.
Sauvignon Blanc is, in general, one of Baja's more consistent performers. This version is light in color, with varietally familiar aromas of nettle, grapefruit and passion fruit. It's a bit weighty, with apple, grapefruit and tropical flavors. A mild bitterness can be found on the finish.
Sauvignon Blanc makes up 89% of this wine, with the balance Sémillon. A light-green color, it brings appealing aromas of green apple, lime verbena and herb. The palate is medium bodied but still sleek, with the fruit leaning into the tropical. A crisp finish caps it off.
Sauvignon Blanc makes up a full 89% of this blend. It offers light aromas of melon, grass, tropical fruit and citrus that are followed by tart zingy flavors, with the concentration seeming a bit light.
Sauvignon Blanc makes up three-quarters of this blend with the balance Sémillon. The aromas offer notes of herb, toast, nut oil and star fruit. The elegantly styled flavors of kiwi and spice are creamy in feel with a lingering finish.
Sauvignon Blanc, yes, but it's a round, tropical fruit style of Sauvignon. It gives a rich texture and and a warm feel to the wine, reinforced by its soft aftertaste. It's ready to drink now.
Sauvignon is not a commonly planted variety in the Langhe (Piedmont), but Parusso has decided to experiment with it anyway. The results are crisp and light with pretty tones of citrus, sage and green melon.
Saviah makes one of the better varietal Petit Verdots in Washington. This is full bodied, with black fruits and excellent concentration. It's highlighted with suggestions of mint and vanilla, from 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
Savigny-lès-Beaune often shows the softer side of Pinot Noir. This wine has juicy red-cherry and raspberry flavors that balance the gentle, dry tannins. The low-yielding old vines from which the fruit was sourced give this selection extra concentration. This will benefit from medium-term aging.
Savigny-lès-Beaune, better known for its reds, also makes small quantities of white. From a three-acre parcel, this wine is ripe and tangy with orange peel and mineral acidity. It is a wine that is aging fast and that will be ready to drink from late 2017.
Savory and approachable, this opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, ripe plum, dark berry and a whiff of game. The straightforward palate delivers juicy black cherry, blackberry, clove and white pepper alongside polished tannins.
Savory and bright, this has classic varietal aromas of grapefruit, tropical fruit and an herbaceous note reminiscent of crushed tomato vine. The vibrant palate delivers green melon, kiwi and dried herb alongside tangy acidity and a hint of stony mineral.
Savory and crisp, this pretty blush wine has flavors of rose petals, herb tea, strawberries and black pepper. It's pretty dry, and fairly full-bodied for a rosé.
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.
Savory and deep, it carries lovely details of earth and herb, balanced against flavors of lightly spiced apples. As with all the Eyrie wines from this outstanding vintage, it's unique, compelling and utterly original.
Savory and earthy up front, this blend of Malbec and Petit Sirah is quite ripe and not at all herbal. In the mouth, it's cushioned and rich, while dark, toasty flavors of blackberry and pepper finish a touch bitter, like dark chocolate or a cup of espresso.
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.
Savory and fresh up front, this blend of 80% Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot smells of leather, olive, cola and raspberry. It's a bit raspy and rough on the palate, where hard tannins hold court. Flavors of stalky, savory berry fruits and pepper end toasty, roasted and firm, with abrasiveness that needs to get resolved.
Savory and fresh, this easygoing, medium-bodied red doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, anise and ground pepper. Round, soft tannins give it immediate appeal.
Savory and fruity flavors combine in this full-bodied, mouth-filling and affordable wine that was made from certified organic grapes. There are hints of smoke and meat along with ripe plum to complete the picture.
Savory and full-bodied, this blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, Mammolo, Colorino and Barbera offers aromas of ripe dark berry, tobacco, ground pepper and truffle. The firmly structured palate delivers black cherry, black raspberry, mocha and licorice alongside velvety tannins.
Savory and full, with dusty black fruit aromas, saucy spice and kick. The palate shows good feel and depth, and the flavors of savory berry, bacon fat and vanilla work well together. Mild herb and leaf notes give complexity to the finish, which is long and fades away comfortably.
Savory and herbal, this Roussanne is given more time on lees and made to be rich and complex. It accomplishes those goals, providing medium body and high acidity, a texture that is dry, and wild in honey and dried apricot. Pair with lobster.
Savory and intriguing, this opens with heady scents suggesting ripe apricot, honeydew melon and Spanish broom. The round enveloping palate doles out juicy peach, ripe pear, bitter almond and a hint of honey. Mouthwatering acidity and a blast of tangerine give it a mouthwatering close.
Savory and meaty on first take, with ample berry on the nose as warmth and leather seep through. The palate is round and healthy, with a mix of succulent berry and savory spice and leather pumping up the flavor profile. Spicy and chocolaty on the finish.
Savory and medium-bodied, it's loaded with sensations of juicy green apple, Bartlett pear, Spanish broom, almond and citrus peel. The creamy palate is brightened with crisp acidity that give balance and a brisk finish.
Savory and refreshing, this Prosecco is made using the traditional method of refermenting in the bottle. It offers tart green apple and baked vanilla cookie aromas that carry over to the palate along with bright citrus notes. It's nicely balanced with brisk acidity and small, persistent bubbles.
Savory and rich aromas of balsamic, crushed herbs, cherries and plums are followed by spice, violets and plum flavors. Round and hearty with medium tannins, the wine has a friendly but elegant character.
Savory and ripe, this organically produced wine opens with aromas of dark plum, blackberry and blue flowers. The open, easygoing palate offers juicy black cherry accented with notes of clove and anise. Polished tannins provide the framework.
Savory and satisfying, this is one of the best Pinot Grigios at this price point. It shows real class, with brisk acidity framing flavors of lemons, limes, mangoes and honey. Perfect for drinking with today's Asian, Indian, Ethiopian and Mexican fare, or on its own as an apéritif.
Savory and smoky notes arise on the nose of this bottling that also offers rust, dark red cherries and a juniper-anise twist. Dried cherries and blueberries mix with oregano and thyme on the palate, which is mostly fruit driven.
Savory and straightforward, it boasts a pretty fragrance of crushed violets, mint and eucalyptus. The vibrant palate doles out crushed red cherry accented with notes of sage, thyme and mocha alongside supple tannins. It's a great introduction to the vintage and is already enjoyable. Drink through 2025.
Savory and structured, it has a supple layering of allspice that dances on the palate, with floral violet tones. Black cherry and earth make up the soul of this wine; it's both classy and hearty.
Savory and tart, this is a dry, expressive white, varietal in nature, that offers tart tightly wound flavors of quince, white peach and lemon. A back note of freshly cut grass teases the nose and palate.
Savory apple and lemon notes are bright and brisk on this pleasant Croatian white wine. Hints of sweet corn and vanilla custard add richness to a delicately structured palate, along with a crisp lime acidity that adds zip to the finish.
Savory apple and lemon scents open this delicately composed, but intensely minerally spätlese. The palate is ripe, with juicy yellow peach and orange flavors, anchored by earthy tones of crushed rock and slate that linger on the finish.
Savory apple and lemon, earth and bramble tones persist throughout this semisweet Riesling. It's refreshingly crisp and nimble making it an easy everyday pairing for casual chicken or fish dinners at home.
Savory apple and spice notes mark this bright wine. Brisk lemon acidity cuts through the full-bodied palate, giving it a refreshing, balanced mouthfeel.
Savory apples and pears mingle into lemon and bramble in this slightly earthy off-dry Riesling. Sunny tangerine acidity is easy but bright, leading a delicately sweet finish.
Savory aromas and flavors combine with a soft texture in this full-bodied wine. It smells smoky and roasted, tastes like pomegranate and cherry juice and has a streak of acidity but not much tannin.
Savory aromas like chicken stock and dried herbs lead to light cucumber flavors and a lean body and dry texture.
Savory aromas of bay leaf and fennel pair with mushrooms and freshly turned dirt on this single-vineyard wine. The flavors are also more earthy than fruity, with oregano, thyme, tea, espresso, cola and only a hint of cranberry. The tannins are strong, so this will last for a few years.
Savory aromas of beef jerky blend with raisin, grainy oak and sauciness on the nose of this Syrah-led blend. An exceedingly ripe palate feels inky with low energy. Prune, raisin and cassis flavors are encumbered by heavy oak, while the finish tastes both chocolaty and like stewed plum.
Savory aromas of black pepper, dried beef, soy, tangy elderberry, fresh boysenberry and deep lavender show on the nose of this single vineyard study. The palate is very floral at first, and then flavors of black currant, vanilla, pencil lead, baking spice, tar and white pepper ride the waves of acidity.
Savory aromas of black pepper, leather and sandalwood provide depth to the core mulberry fruit on this clonal selection. Rounded flavors of black plums and dark berries are lifted by sagebrush, dried ginger and Christmas spice on the palate that offers layers and layers of depth.
Savory aromas of black pepper, teriyaki-glazed steak, charcoal and elderberry jam converge for a compelling nose on this bottling. There is a strong soy richness to the sip, with grilled black plums and alder smoke flavors. It's the perfect barbecue wine.
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.
Savory aromas of dried herb and mineral contrast crisp nectarine and peach in this brisk, refreshing white. It's a deft blend combining the body and weight of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay with the zest and perfume of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Savory aromas of grilled meats and barbecue sauce come with resiny oak and carob notes. This feels solid in the mouth, with an oak-driven texture that's cut by nice acidity. Core flavors follow the nose: savory berry with resiny oak, herbs and BBQ notes. Spearmint flavors and racy acidity drive the finish.
Savory aromas of hickory and slow-cooked meat are highly suggestive of southern barbecue. This feels blocky and tannic, with resiny notes to the palate. Clove, woodsmoke, BBQ sauce and other savory flavors are barrel driven, while the finish registers as dense, roasted and a bit hot.
Savory aromas of roasting meat and beef jerky are enhanced by pretty touches of lilacs, violet and chocolate syrup on the nose of this bottling. The slightest kiss of strawberry shows on the sip, followed by riper blackberry, purple flowers, rosemary and pepper. The firm tannic structure ensures ageability.
Savory aromas of spiced meat and bacon grease come with familiar roasted berry scents. The palate is linear in feel, while flavors of generic berry and oak are a touch raspy. On the finish this is juicy, fruity and fresh in style.
Savory aromas of turned earth and roasted plum and berry are subtle and appealing. This dark-colored wine is thick and grabby on the palate, with roasted, earthy flavors of loam, toast and blackberry. The finish is long but comes with some heat. Drink this big-boned Toro now through 2017.
Savory as a weathered leather chair, this vintage of Fenaughty is all spice, smoke and meat, smooth and structured, and remarkably low in alcohol, a feat that's probably pretty challenging to achieve in the Foothills. The firm tannins should keep this fine specimen going for a while in the cellar.
Savory berry and tomato aromas come with mild notes of mint and green. This is racy on the palate, with bold acidity. Toasty, savory berry flavors come with chocolaty overtones, while this settles on the palate but remains juicy and high in acidity.
Savory berry aromas are accompanied by spice notes and a hint of latex. This feels wide rather than precisely shaped. Baked, earthy, oaky flavors envelop stewed berry notes, and the wine feels wayward on the finish.
Savory black-olive aromas lend some funk to the nose of this tight pointy massively tannic Tempranillo. Flavors of olive, black fruits and chocolate finish with hard drying tannins and flavors of black coffee, additional chocolate and peppery spice. Drink from 2018–2030.
Savory black pepper and cooked blueberry show on the nose of this bottling. Cracked pepper also gives a savory touch to the sip, adding depth to the blackberry and plum flavors. The tannins are fairly sticky into the finish.
Savory bramble and crushed-mineral tones lend complexity to ripe flavors of blueberry and plum on the palate of this wine. Medium bodied in style, it's balanced by a streak of cranberry acidity on the midpalate and rigid, fine-grained tannins.
Savory but also stewy on the nose, this Malbec offers muddled berry and spiced cherry aromas. In the mouth, this is flush and jammy but not all that exact. Spicy, herbal, peppery plum and black-currant flavors finish with heat and roasted notes.
Savory cherry, raspberry and plum aromas in this approachable Pinotage lead into spicy, savory flavors of cherry, plum and smoke. It's an accessible version of a variety that can be tough for some to embrace. Pair with pork or spicy dishes.
Savory citrus notes and refreshing lemon notes lend interest to this simple sparkler, with soft, frothy mousse and primary citrus flavors. For immediate drinking.
Savory complexities of bramble, herb, bell pepper and leather highlight the duality of this luscious, deeply fruity Cabernet Franc. While plump and full bodied, it's structured with taut acidity and a frame of delicate, finely textured tannins.
Savory dried-herb notes and dusty, crushed-stone minerality add tones of elegance to sunny, sweet tangerine and quince flavors on this lithesome little Riesling. Bursting with fresh fruit and acidity, it's a refreshingly easy quaffer with surprising dimension.
Savory dried thyme notes accent sunnier flavors of preserved peach in this brisk, off-dry wine. It's fruity and fresh, with an elegant, sprightly footprint.
Savory flavors like salt, peppered roast beef and rosemary shape the taste of this medium-bodied, velvet-textured and nicely concentrated wine. It has fine-grained tannins to support the mouthfeel, but not enough to overwhelm.
Savory herb and smoke notes on the nose contrast this Riesling's rich, unctuously fruity palate full of peach and apricot jam. Searing citrus acidity jolts the senses and highlights a long finish laced with honey and jasmine tea notes. Structured yet nuanced, this wine is delicious now, but should show even more complexity in a decade.
Savory herb, fresh tobacco, dark cherry and anise aromas lead to elegant, pitch black fruit flavors. It brings plenty of outright appeal but should truly reveal its charms at the dinner table.
Savory herbs and peppery watercress dominate the crunchy green pear fruit on nose and palate. Citrus edges lend liveliness to the concentrated, spicy palate. Lots going on here, from the first whiff to the last, lingering echo.
Savory herbs like lovage and arugula play the starring role; underneath lies fresh citrus and some wonderful spritz. This longs for food and will be heaven with cheese.
Savory herbs like lovage and chervil and ripe pear fruit unite to produce a very appetizing, concentrated if uncomplicated wine. Sheer drinkability, spurred on by clean, racy acidity is its hallmark.
Savory herbs mix with clove and barrel spices on the aromas. The palate is full bodied and decadent, with a palate-coating feel.
Savory hints of bay and an inviting, lively pepperiness lend verve to this cherry-laden red. Somehow the fruit willingly shares the limelight with spicy, herbal notes and is all the more charming for it. This is ripe and rounded but not heavy and thus quite irresistible, with a moreish, lingering aftertaste.
Savory hints of moss and lime, of fragrant, crushed citrus foliage and very pure lemon zest make for a totally seductive nose. How this can have all the fragrant promise of the coast when it is from landlocked Austria is anyone's guess. The palate is concentrated, streamlined and presents a panoply of zesty citrus notes: mandarin and lemon peel one moment, lime and grapefruit the next. Totally charming in its youth, this really is made for the long run. Drink 2016–2030 at least.
Savory in aroma, richly fruity and accented with butter and vanilla, this wine has a complete package of flavors and an expert balance to accompany its creamy viscosity. It combines lightly toasty, earthy notes with generous pear and citrus flavors in a way that's unusual and compelling. Best after 2020.
Savory in personality and at first austere, this wine blossoms into a full-bodied, concentrated and tight-woven exploration of black cherry and dark chocolate, accented by 1% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Elegant, it's also bold, and will successfully appeal to Cab drinkers.
Savory in style with notes of smoke and black tea leaves on the nose, this full-bodied dry Welschriesling is vibrant on the palate with fresh apples and herbs. Strikingly high in acidity but finishes on a pleasantly tart apple skin note.
Savory in style, with a dusty, chalky minerality, this dry Pinot Gris is crisp and easygoing, with a freshly pressed apple flavor that's marked by whiffs of nut skin and smoke.
Savory mint and herbal aromas accent leafy, classic red fruit on the bouquet, while plum, berry, mineral, black olive and herbs work the palate. The wine transitions from one stage to the next without much trouble, and within the folds there are some complexities. A measurable step up from the bargain barrel milieu.
Savory mint, prune and soy sauce blend nicely with notes of violet and rose. More fruit comes through on the palate, showing a bright cranberry note that livens everything up.
Savory notes are at the fore on this wine, with aromas of saline, dried herbs, earth, stems and flowers. The coffee and earth flavors are sumptuous in feel with an extended finish.
Savory notes of autumn leaves play amongst the lively citrus flavors of grapefruit and lemon. The palate comes across as soft but focused: ripe pear juice and lemon freshness are its twin attractions. Wonderfully juicy and refreshing—but closed for now. This will take time to open.
Savory notes of bacon and cured meat open the bouquet of this nicely evolved Brunello. The wine is raw and sharp on the close with brambly notes of sour fruit and white cherry. Overall, the wine presents a balanced juxtaposition between sweet-and-sour fruit that seems characteristic of the 2008 vintage.
Savory notes of chervil combine with fresh citrus and ripe pear on the nose. The plate still has a yeasty, leesy touch and a full texture on the generous but fresh body. Slight spritz adds to the verve. The finish is both warming and refreshing, and chock full of pear fruit.
Savory notes of crushed chervil and yeast join lively, almost fizzing notes of lemon zest. This is ultrafresh, light-footed and very toned. Juicy, ripe acidity animates you to drink this almost as a thirst-quencher. This will work on a hot, sunny evening.
Savory notes of fennel and exotic spice add a dose of complexity to the sweet apple and pear flavors of this dry Riesling. Crisp, clean and refreshing, it finishes with a delicate green-floral note.
Savory notes of hazelnut skin and smoke are countered by crisp white-peach and tangerine flavors on this brisk, refreshing Pinot Gris. Dry in style with zesty acidity, it finishes on a faintly astringent note of lemon skin. Drink now.
Savory notes of herb and pine join the scent of ripe yellow plum with the faintest echo of passion fruit. The palate is full of juicy yellow plum toned by lemony freshness. Rounded, fruitful, spicy yet streamlined, this is utterly drinkable, so lay on more than one bottle!
Savory notes of nuts and grains stand out against a backdrop of fresh white grapefruit, apple and lemon in this semidry Riesling. Crisp lime acidity lends refreshment to the finish. Drink now.
Savory notes of olive and rubber share space on the nose with dark berry aromas. This wine feels thick and fleshy, and ultimately a touch heavy and collapsed. Dark, spicy, slightly bitter blackberry flavors finish with a reprise of savory accents. Drink through 2022.
Savory notes of pressed apple and golden toast accent this bristling, bright sparkling Chardonnay. On the palate, thick, dense mouth-filling foam carries flavors of zesty lemon and pear speckled with savory herbs.
Savory notes of saffron and pressed apple are countered by heady blossom and honey on this elegantly balanced Riesling. The palate is unctuously fruity with flavors of sweet peach and hibiscus nectar, but cut with a shock tangerine acidity that reverberates through the finish.
Savory notes of saffron and white-button mushroom mingle amidst sunny tangerine and quince in this nuanced Auslese. It's creamy and mouth-filling on the palate but brightened by brisk citrus acidity. The finish is long with lingering notes of pollen and beeswax.
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.
Savory notes of soy sauce and yeast extract add richness and umami to the sweet, cooked plum and cherry flavors on this Finger Lakes Pinot. A bit rustic with hints of smoked meat and leather, it's an ideal accompaniment to winter stews and braises.
Savory notes of spring ramp and clay mingle with fresh apple and blossom on this dry, light-bodied Riesling. Earthy, savory tones extend on the palate as well, but finish briskly with a streak of lemony acidity.
Savory notes of yeast and miso hover over the glass. The palate is of a transparent lightness, just tinged with lemon freshness and that yeasty overtone which becomes more apparent and central on the finish.
Savory notes of yeast trump fruit on the nose while the palate counters the spiciness with lots of zesty citrus. A very refreshing, lip-smacking Grüner, ideal for hot summer days.
Savory notes slowly unfold—almost like the umami-touch of soy sauce —amidst the dark cherry fruit, while juicy accents suggest this should be paired with Asian cuisine.Try this with five-spice roast ribs or pork belly and plum sauce. Structured, slightly grippy tannins and fresh acidity keep everything in check.
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.
Savory oak, mint and leather aromas accent basic blackberry and plum scents. This feels round, full-bodied and oaky, and that character carries onto the flavor profile, which includes minty wood and blackberry. Toast and resiny oak lead the way on a bulky, generous finish.
Savory oak, tobacco, vanilla and blackberry aromas create a nice opening. This feels tight and structured, with firm tannins. Flavors of savory oak, turned earth, blackberry and cassis end with smoky echoes of barrel spice and resin. Drink through 2022.
Savory on the nose and palate, with a slightly dusty apple note that lingers amidst whiffs of vanilla, spice, potpourri and sweet cream. Big in body and alcohol.
Savory on the nose and palate, with persistent dill, coconut and vanilla notes, there's an abundance of American oak on this wine. Medium bodied, this is creamy and oaky on the palate, with a slightly-bitter herb finish.
Savory on the nose with enough sweet blueberry to make it varietally enticing, this light purplish Syrah is well-balanced, pleasing and well-made, ready to drink now with a range of foods, its alcohol in proportion and acidity right on target. Wente blends in small percentages of Counoise, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Tempranillo into this great-value Syrah. Delicious.
Savory on the nose with pressed apple notes brightened by a dash of coriander spice, this semi-sweet Riesling is brisk with a lemony acidity and concentrated, honey-kissed apple flavors. Unusually spiced, it's a tempting companion for lighter South Indian fare.
Savory pepper and grilled beef aromas make this wine appetizing, its rich berry and ripe plum flavors bringing excellent concentration and depth to the palate. It's big and bold, yet polished. Firm tannins interlacing with ripeness and spiciness to keep it balanced and help propel a lingering finish.
Savory pepper and raw-beef notes mark on the nose of this tightly wound bottling, as well as nut brittle and teriyaki aromas. Plum skins, lavender and carpaccio show on the sip alongside a wash of flowers and herbs, from lavender to rosemary. The tannins are mouthcoating and need time to develop. Drink 2018–2028.
Savory pepper and rustic gravel aromas meet with strawberry and dried cherry on the nose of this proprietary red blend that is widely available. Strawberry pie flavors dominate the sip, but there's also a lava rock minerality and a burst of acidity.
Savory pepper, tangy blueberry, black raspberry and pencil-shaving notes show on the nose of this blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. The cedar and graphite element carry to the palate, where tobacco, grapy fruits and dill make for an intriguing sip.
Savory rather than simply fruity flavors are the strong point of this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine. It tastes almost like melon wrapped in prosciutto as meaty, earthy nuances blend with modest fruit accents.
Savory red-cherry notes domaine this wine, with a light body, some spicy accents and lots of refreshing, enlivening acidity.
Savory saffron and pollen notes juxtapose pure, luscious apricot and tangerine in this laser-edged spätlese. Its juicy, sweet-tart flavors are piercing but the texture is dancingly delicate. While delightfully youthful now, it's structured enough to deepen its mineral complexities through at least 2025.
Savory sage- and cress-like herbal notes mingle with ripe pear and yellow plum fruit on the nose of this winie. The palate delivers that rich fruit in a slender frame, making for a juicy, refreshing experience.
Savory sandalwood, leather and black fruit are surrounded by a strong, persistent grip of solid tannin in this spicy, cola-layered wine.
Savory scents of smoke and roasted nuts lend an uncharacteristic earthiness to sweet lemon and orange blossom notes on Standing Stone's Gewürztraminer. Quite lush on the palate with a slightly viscous slick; lemony acidity adds a nice, steely bite to the finish.
Savory scents, a whiff of animal and jammy berry aromas set up a large palate with choppy tannins and lots of breadth. This Malbec-lead blend shows roasted, rubbery black-fruit flavors and a fairly smooth but oaky finish.
Savory shades of dust and pressed apple contrast fresh lemon and blossom in this off-dry Riesling. It's starkly acidic, but plush tangerine and peach flavors round out the midpalate. Finishes moderately long on a earthy mineral note.
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.
Savory smoke and mineral tones persist throughout this light-bodied Pinot Blanc, lending a shadowy cast to its fresh lemon and lime flavors. It's refreshing, with a brisk, revitalizing finish.
Savory smoke and nut tones contrast richly with extracted black cherry and berry flavors in this full-bodied Spätburgunder. While fine-grained tannins and a shock of cranberry acidity lend balance and grace, shades of toast and spice are still quite prominent. It's a powerful wine that should benefit well from cellaring until at least 2020.
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.
Savory smoked-pork notes meet with blueberry soda, teriyaki and white pepper on the nose of this blend of 49% Syrah, 24% Petite Sirah, 15% Grenache and 12% Mourvèdre. Soy, teriyaki, crushed peppercorns and blackberry jam show on the palate, which is more restrained than exuberant.
Savory spice and candied fruit notes emerge on the bouquet of this sophisticated wine. It shows tight, silky tannins and delivers a brightly intense finish with notes of dried ginger, cedar and licorice.
Savory spice and roasted meat aromas lead into flavors of tomato, olives and roasted meat. The wine has a brisk acidity and a smoky finish, making it perfect for grilled burgers, steaks and sausages.
Savory spice and smoke tones accent fresh lemon, grapefruit and quince notes on this delicate off-dry Riesling. Easy drinking and widely appealing, it's nicely concentrated on the palate with a brisk, blossomy finish.
Savory spice meets with lavish fruit on the nose of this bottling, conveying smashed figs, baked mulberries, smoked meats, oregano, gingerbread and black pepper. Baked mulberries also show on the palate, where vanilla, allspice, star anise and clove make for a rich, dessert-like palate.
Savory spice, pollen and fennel notes accent crisp, cutting white peach, grapefruit and lemon flavors in this refreshing dry-style Riesling. Racy lemon-lime acidity lends a lithe, lean feel to the palate. Drink now through 2019.
Savory spice, saffron and smoke tones permeate this spry, delicate Riesling. It's a bit frail on the palate, and clearly showing its maturity, but seductive. Overall, it's a well-priced example of older Riesling that should be enjoyed now.
Savory spiced apple with complex autolytic overtones of stone, oatmeal, soy and baked apple lend a rich, rounded to the nose and palate. There is real character in the classy, slender structure and the lingering taste is satisfyingly clean and long.
Savory tones of dusty mineral and smoked nuts persist from nose to finish on this slightly off-dry Riesling. Pressed apple and pear flavors on the palate are crisp, finishing with lingering earthiness. Drink now through 2019.
Savory tones of moss, spice and toast juxtapose crisp red plum and cherry in this elegant Pinot Noir. Crisp acidity lends a delicate, dancing feel to the palate. Balanced and composed, its moderately long finish is marked by a hint of forest floor.
Savory tones of pressed apple and pear contrast with pretty orange-blossom aromas on this unusually light-footed Chardonnay. A blend of equal parts oak and stainless-steel ferment, it's concentrated with pear and lemon flavors. Finishes a bit short.
Savory tones of pressed apples and pears build in spice and concentration on the palate of this Chardonnay, layered in decadent swathes of caramel and cream. It's rich and round in mouthfeel with bold alcohol and body, but balanced with lemony acidity on the finish.
Savory tones of roasted beet, truffle and soil juxtapose pristinely ripened cherry and plum in this elegantly balanced Cabernet Franc. It's supple and juicy yet nuanced and earthy. Crisp acidity freshens a long, softly tannic finish.
Savory tones of saffron and pollen permeate through this brisk, dry Riesling. Hints of white blossoms and lemon brighten the midpalate, leading a crisp, clean finish. Enjoy young.
Savory tones of thyme and nutmeg lend hints of rusticity to sun-kissed blackberry and cherry flavors in this full-bodied Syrah. It's delectably ripe yet elegantly balanced by swathes of dark herb, lavender and black pepper.
Savory touches of herb-crusted poultry, leather and turned earth show on the nose of this bottling from East Paso. Dried red fruit, rich leather and smoked pork elements and a touch of coffee on the finish show on the palate, where the tannins are a touch firm right now.
Savory touches of saffron and bee pollen lend complexity to this lithe, dancing spätlese. It's intensely sunny in character, bursting of honey and sweet tangerine flavors, yet held firm and tight by a backbone of reverberating lemon acidity. Drink now through 2021.
Savory whiffs of clay and smoked nuts belie the pristine white peach and grapefruit flavors that flood the palate of this semidry Riesling. It's juicy and primary, but irresistibly so, finishing on a lingering note of spice and saffron.
Savory whiffs of dried herbs, pine needles and dusty minerals open to a bright, delicately fruity palate of crisp tangerine and quince. Dry and spry, it offers brisk, cooling refreshment. Drink now–2017.
Savory whiffs of dried reed and stem blow off with aeration to reveal an unexpectedly effusive, fruity palate full of yellow cherry, peach and melon flavors. Off dry in style, this is an accessible, uncomplicated but elegantly balanced Riesling, finishing on a brisk citrus streak. Drink now through 2017.
Savory whiffs of earth and pollen belie the bounty of luscious tangerine and stone fruit flavors that await on the palate of this delicate spätlese. It's juicy and thirst quenching yet subtle, nuanced by hits of struck flint and salt. Gossamer-fine texture and bristling acidity lend tautness. It's delicious now but should gain depth and definition through 2025.
Savory whiffs of lemongrass and tilled earth turn surprisingly floral and fruity on the palate of this complex yet quaffable spätlese. Sweet, sun-kissed tangerine and peach flavors are unctuous and satisfying, off set by zesty lime acidity. The finish is long, peppered by notes of pollen, herb and fennel.
Savory whiffs of nut skins, earth and sweat juxtapose sweet grapefruit and peach in this slightly rustic Riesling. Delicately textured with a lacy veil of sweetness, it's balanced briskly by a core of lime acidity. The finish is long and meandering.
Savory whiffs of nuts and mineral convey elegance to ripe white peach and grapefruit aromas on this off-dry Riesling. Easy-drinking in style, it's pleasantly tart, finishing on a sweet, lingering kiss of honey.
Savory whiffs of pressed apple and pear open to brighter, juicier flavors of yellow peach, watermelon and berry in this unusually rose-tinted Viognier. It's quite fruity on the palate with sunny acidity and a brisk citrusy finish.
Savory whiffs of ramps and pollen blow off with aeration to reveal fresh scents of tangerine and apple. On the palate, it's off dry with intensely concentrated flavors of pink grapefruit and white peach. Zesty lime acidity lingers on the finish.
Savory wisps of smoke and dusty minerals juxtapose exuberantly juicy, sweet yellow peach and nectarine flavors in this crystalline kabinett. Just off-dry on the palate, its refreshing, high-spirited style makes it an excellent apéritif.
Savory yeast notes and white pepper are far more apparent than fruit on this superslender, superpeppery offering. This has zip and liveliness and illustrates perfectly why locals refer to Grüner as Pfefferl, or the little peppery one. This certainly is and provides lots of refreshment and verve.
Savory yeast notes take center stage, with touches of citrus and pear firmly in the background. This light-bodied, fresh white will pair well with equally light fare like fresh salads. The spice lingers beautifully.
Savory yeastiness joins lemon zestiness and draws a peppery line from start to finish on this refreshing but lightweight wine. Flavors make you want to keep sipping to get to the bottom of these spicy nuances.
Savory, almost salty accents add a fascinating extra dimension to this full-bodied wine. It smells like fresh herbs, white pepper and orange blossoms, and tastes almost meaty, but with a lively citrus backdrop.
Savory, baked aromas of raisin, leather and spice control the nose on this traditional Rioja GR. The palate shows lively acidity and flavors of savory spices, oak, rubber and baked berries that finish with pulse and layering. This isn't great but it's a very good, classic Tempranillo.
Savory, baked cassis and blackberry aromas show form and solidity, while the palate is deep and a little soft, with lush, slightly roasted berry and black currant aromas. Chocolaty on the finish yet not too heavy or forced. Not all that Syrah-like but it still smells and tastes good.
Savory, caramelized toast and nut tones accentuate zippy apple and lemon flavors in this flirty, Prosecco-style Riesling. Ripe and forward, it's softer and easier in its approach than traditional Riesling Sekt. Enjoy through 2020.
Savory, citrusy and pear-scented, this is fresh, crisp and light, making it ideal for a party.
Savory, cooked apples spiked with apple cider vinegar mark the nose and palate of this simple, homespun Chardonnay.
Savory, dusty notes of bramble wood, earth and mineral lend an unusually rustic shadow to this Gewürztraminer. It's quite lean on the palate but brisk lemon and tangerine flavors are refreshing.
Savory, earthy aromas of mushrooms, black pepper, iron and cranberry arise from this blend of nine vineyards, many of which are usually featured in single-vineyard selections. Umami rules the palate, and it's quite full for a lighter-colored wine, with brown spice, light red fruit flavors and expertly balanced acidity.
Savory, earthy notes similar to soy precede plump and fleshy notes of almost overripe black cherry and plum. The palate is light and fresh but bouncy with full fruitiness and the slightest tannic texture and a lip-smacking finish. A summer red of sorts that could even be chilled.
Savory, grapy aromas include gamy notes and an herbal influence. A choppy, abrupt palate is gravelly in feel. Herbal plum and cranberry flavors are meaty and a touch green on the finish. For a Malbec that's not just about black fruits and oak, give this a shot.
Savory, gritty raspberry and currant aromas are earthy, with a suggestion of Band-Aid. This Syrah-Garnacha blend feels rubbery and tannic, with a downward pull. Roasted red-berry and plum flavors finish with a note of grilled meat.
Savory, juicy, refreshing and textured, this has a crisp green-fruit feel, and is full of bright fruit flavors. The finish continues to express the lively, tight character of the wine.
Savory, mature aromas of woodspice and earthy berry fruits form the greeting on this gran reserva that's more lively than subdued or silky. Spicy, oaky berry flavors have a ripe, rooty component, while there's just enough pop to a bold, baked, chocolaty finish. Drink through 2026.
Savory, meaty aromas of leathery berry and spice are attractive and a touch woody. The mouthfeel is muscular and raw, with bright acidity pushing flavors of creamy oak, baked plum, raspberry and blueberry. A juicy, tight finish confirms that this is a very nice Malbec.
Savory, meaty notes marry nicely with plummy fruit and clove spice in this wonderfully supple example of Yarra Valley Shiraz. With extended aeration, this wine develops lots of smoky, ashy notes—a possible side effect of nearby bush fires—so I'd opt for drinking it over the next couple of years.
Savory, peppery spice and plummy fruit turn up in equal measure. This is gutsy and fruity, and its bright acidity will make it a winner on the table, where the subtle but firm tannins will also come in handy. A vibrant and versatile wine.
Savory, rather austere aromas of fresh herbs, lemon and honeycomb belie the intensity of sweet, rich tangerine and peach preserves on this decadent, yet light-as-a-feather Beerenauslese. Tart, citrus acidity extends the orange marmalade finish. Enjoy now for it's ethereal juiciness, or hold back a decade or two to deepen its waxy, honeyed tones.
Savory, rustic notes of dried mushroom and toasted nuts mingle with richly concentrated black-cherry and rose-petal flavors on this dry, medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Soft tannins and just a shade of toasted oak add richness and dimension to the palate.
Savory, sightly bruised tones of pressed apple and pear persist throughout this briskly composed wine. Off dry in style, it's limned by a comforting edge of honey and sweet-tart tangerine. Drink now through 2019.
Savory, slightly saucy aromas of plum, berry, tomato and leather come with a hint of oak. This is a bit choppy and tannic, with savory, roasted flavors of tomato, plum, currant and spice. A touch of saltiness and raw-oak flavor rise up on the finish.
Savory, smoked meat and clove aromas give this lively Agiorgitiko soul. Flavors of leather, smoke, spice and red berry are balanced and clean. A masculine pour that will pair well with dried meats, steak and burgers.
Savory, smoky aromas of blackberry, blueberry and latex lead to a rubbery feeling palate with full tannins and chewy, extracted weight. Earthy, loamy flavors of blackberry, chocolate and buttery oak finish rich, with a mossy flavor, big tannins and length. Drink through 2019.
Savory, smoky aromas of campfire and grilled beef become leathery as this airs out. This feels wiry and alive, but the flavor profile is stalky and briny, with hints of red plum and raspberry. An odd, nutty flavor rises up on the finish.
Savory, smoky glints reach the nose even before the black cherry fruit does. On the palate these flavors are more united and show more depth. The tannins still have the crunchy grip of starched velvet and the freshness at the core is highlighting and welcome. Beautiful balance, grip and tone. Crunchy now but even better as of 2016.
Savory, smoky tones lend a shadowy feel to fresh apple and pear flavors in this dry medium-bodied Pinot Gris. It's not deeply concentrated in fruit but refreshing and easy going. Drink now through 2018.
Savory, smoky, sagey and floral, this wild and remarkable rendition of a Rhône-style blend is made from 50% Mourvèdre plus Syrah, Grenache and Counoise. Aromas recall grilled herbs and stewed berries, while flavors bring out sour cherry, chocolate and beef broth. It's full in body, with a firm and tannic texture.
Savory, spicy aromas of leathery berry, oak and graphite set up a medium-full palate that's dense, blocky and burly. Dark, peppery flavors of plum and prune finish with a cool, herbal, minty sensation.
Savory, spicy aromas of saucy fruit, fennel and sausage are gamy, herbal and interesting. This is plush and big on the palate, with weight and depth. Flavors of spiced plum and berry are ripe given that 2011 was a cool year for warm-weather varieties like this.
Savory, spicy, herbal berry aromas lead to a sinewy palate that's full of acidity and chop. Oaky plum flavors are woody and a bit muddled, while this wine tastes of oaky red fruits on a fiery finish.
Savory, spicy, minty aromas are rustic and rooty. This feels big and broad, with a fair amount of body weight. Flavors of savory berry and leather filter into a creamy, full finish with a residual saline flavor.
Savory, with a bite on the finish, this proprietary blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Mourvedre is lush and well integrated. It's complex enough to match with a range of hearty foods—especially red meat.
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.
Sawdust and campfire notes are the most prominent aromas on this oaky Carmenère. Soft tannins and racy acidity create an alert, snappy palate of plum and herbal berry flavors. A note of bitterness darkens the finish.
Sawdust and toast aromas lead the nose. The palate offers oak extract, licorice and bitter powdered sage but not much fruit richness. Raspy tannins generate an astringent finish.
Sawdust and wild-berry aromas are loud on the nose. Flabby in feel, with a slight sense of rawness, this tastes of briar patch and wood, with candied plum and berry fruit. Rubbery tannins make for a rocky finish.
Sawdust characterizes the nose of this strained rosé. The palate is heavy, resiny and low on acidity, while flavors of forced wood and cream are devoid of fruit.
Sawdust scents dominate the nose while butter, underlined by candied orange peel and clove, take over in the mouth. Medium finish shows some funky notes.
Sawdust, oak and grilled rosemary aromas lead the nose. Lacking fruit richness, the lanky palate instead displays espresso, licorice and cured salami flavors, while bracing tannins grip the finish.
Sbragia's Zinfandels from Dry Creek Valley always are big, lusty but complex, and this '11 is no exception. It's massively concentrated in briary wild mulberries, plums and blackberries, coffee, tobacco and spices, wrapped into a jacket of sweetly toasted oak. The tannins are strong and brilliant. It will age for many, many years.
Scaccomatto (“checkmate” in Italian) is an extraordinary synthesis between muffa nobile (botrytis) and the Albana grape native to Romagna, on the Adriatic flank of Italy. Aromas are immediate and intense and recall peach, honey, dried flowers and natural rubber. A silky, rich mouthfeel is backed by perfect sweetness and cooling acidity.
Scads of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cherry and Cocoa Puff fruit flavors on this Cabernet, which is also rich in sweet, buttery oak. It's delicious by definition, yet the modern style could use some restraint.
Scads of sweet, fresh raspberries and cherries on this forward, fruity young wine. It's crisp in acidity and dry, with a lush coating of smoky oak. Would benefit from a little more earthiness, as the fruit is so powerful.
Scattered and unruly up front, this smells downright foxy. The palate is both narrow and sharp, while flavors of vanilla oak, soupy black fruits and tart acidity come around a bit on the finish.
Scattered aromas of black olive and stewed berry fruits lead to a heavy, awkward palate. This tastes strained, with burnt, leafy black-fruit flavors and a soft, low-acid finish.
Scattered aromas of horseradish, cotton candy and vinegar are all over the map but don't convey varietal character or purity. This new wine from terraced vineyards in deep, rural Maule feels clipped, with heavy tannins. Mixed berry flavors are bitter and rubbery, and the finish is grabby and awkward. This is a first release; suffice it to say it needs more work to justify its price.
Scattered on the nose, with peach and honey notes. More solid on the palate, where bitter orange, banana and honey flavors vie for center stage. Loses some intensity and clarity on the finish, but there's enough vital acidity throughout to keep it moving in the right direction. A good dessert wine for simple settings.
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.
Scattered, dusty, yeasty aromas of mustard and apple are less than welcoming. This feels choppy and strained, with vanilla and white-fruit flavors.
Scattershot aromas are gritty and sweaty. This feels full but rather flat. Bland, sulfuric flavors of green fruits and melon finish short, with an oily texture.
Scattershot aromas of generic berry and cinnamon smell forced and fake. This has a tannic scrubbing mouthfeel and artificial flavors of chocolate and cheap oak. A green note and burn on the finish do nothing to help this along.
Scavino, one of Barolo's top producers, makes this refined fined Nebbiolo from two of his Barolo vineyards in La Morra. It's fresh, floral and loaded with finesse and, thanks to six months barrel aging, also has structure.
Scented and fresh, this presents wiry, full-fruited flavors of red and green apple with a good dollop of zesty, pervasive freshness. There is quite a bit of concentration on a very streamlined body with lots of drive and a very vivid, lip-smacking finish.
Scented freshness of lemon and apple hits the nose. The palate follows with frothy lively mousse that majors on crisp lemon flavors. This is tart and bracing, refreshing and totally joyful. It leaves the palate tingling with English verve but also hints at hedonism underneath through some stony depths, then finishes with a brisk flourish.
Scented impressions of ripe pear and aloe vera pervade this wine. The palate shows texture and more fruit than you might expect from slender Sylvaner. The finish is brisk, clean and taut.
Scented mellow notes of ripe yellow apple stream from the glass. On the palate they are displayed against an autolytic background that recalls both rye bread and short-crust pastry. The mouse is very fine and adds creamy allure to the dry light palate. This is dry, classy and rather sophisticated with a refreshing finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Scented notes of Golden Pearmain apple fill the nose. The palate follows in the same mellow vein while the creamy mousse accents the richness with pure lemon freshness. Shortcrust and biscuit flavours act as an aromatic backdrop. What a rounded, fresh and superbly balanced Crémant! Savor it long after the last sip has gone.
Scented red apple and tart red berries cast a summer spell. On the palate, the fruit flavors are expressed gently and with ease, riding on the foamy froth and a very light, easygoing body. The finish is mouthwatering, moreish, dry and totally appetizing.
Scented white Muscat grapes are undeniably present, but come to the fore in an elegant, subdued way. They play on a slender, citrus-focused and pleasantly light body, like a fragrant veil of silk.
Scented with green gooseberry aromas, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc isn't for everyone. It's enriched by citrus and peach fruit, and by creamy lees and a touch of oak.
Scented with herbs, pine needles and a hint of pepper, this has a solid core of tart, wild-cherry fruit. The tannins are drying and show some stem flavors, but as the wine breathes it smoothes out and softens up.
Scented with iris, violet, rose, perfumed berry and a balsamic note, this shows remarkable balance and finesse for such a scalding vintage. The juicy palate delivers crushed black cherry, black raspberry, chopped mint and anise wrapped in polished tannins. It's already delicious but will be even better in another year or two. Drink 2017–2023.
Scented with notes of pine needle and lemon polish, this puts its concentration square in the mid-palate. There are pretty traces of honeyed botrytis, and a suggestion of sweetness, though the acidity keeps it on the dry side. Excellent length, with a pretty finish of honey and tea.
Scented with some musky, dusty notes of light cinnamon and a hint of the barnyard, this brings thin berry fruit, baking spices and clove together. It shows some interesting complexity, but fades quickly into a dilute finish.
Scented with subtle hints of herb, nut and smoke, this lemony Silvaner suggests a savory side of the grape variety. While quite full-bodied and dry in style, zesty apple and citrus notes finish crisply.
Scented yellow plum jumps from the glass and also fills the palate with easy, unburdened joy. The mousse is somewhere between creamy and frothy and disperses great freshness. The finish is wonderfully dry and emphasizes a punch of lemon.
Scents and flavors of beet root, rhubarb and cranberry are front and center in this stiff, tart wine with root and acidic flavors. It spent 22 months in one-third new French oak, but that doesn't register on the palate.
Scents and flavors of rosemary-crusted charred meat, raspberry and cassis liqueur balance savoriness with fruitiness. The palate bears firm, chewy tannins that are buttressed by uplifting acids.
Scents and flavors of sandalwood and root beer come up first, with strawberry and cherry fruit following. Sourced principally from Winter's Hill vineyard, it's a gentle wine that gains momentum through the finish. Slightly reductive burnt rubber notes come in late, but with vigorous aeration the flavors smooth out.
Scents and flavors of toasted grain introduce this pretty wine that boasts accents of citrus blossom. Hints of peach skin carry some bite in the back of the mouth. Serve chilled and drink soon.
Scents and flavors suggest cherry pipe tobacco, along with streaks of dried leaf and lemon oil. It's a rough and tumble, every day red, with some chewy tannins.
Scents and flavors suggest dried grain and cracker, along with black cherry fruit. At first, the wine flattens out in the midpalate, but ample breathing puts more fruit and flesh on its frame.
Scents include white pepper, hints of herb, and in the mouth there is none of the usual bitter or dill pickle flavors. This was cold fermented and cofermented with 5% Viognier; then blended with 5% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's fruitier than the Walla Walla Valley bottling, and less earthy, but quite appealing.
Scents of apple blossom and citrus aromas are offered by this lively white and follow through to the zesty palate along with pear and nectarine. A mineral closes the finish.
Scents of apple blossom, pear and honeycomb waft from this aromatic Pinot Blanc. Medium bodied in style, it's refreshingly tart with tangerine acidity balanced by fresh apple and pear flavors. Effortlessly quaffable.
Scents of bacon fat from the new French oak introduce a tight young wine. The cured meat aromas and flavors somehow suggest a splash of Syrah in the blend, though none is noted. Give it a couple more years to smooth out and let the fruit come through.
Scents of beeswax, pressed flower and mature orchard fruit lead the nose while the savory, linear palate doles out pear, white almond and a citrus note. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors.
Scents of black-skinned berry, violet and chopped herb unfold in the glass while the straightforward palate provides ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry and a suggestion of baking spice. Polished tannins uphold the juicy flavors
Scents of black cherry, tar and coffee-crusted beef roast show on the nose of this hefty bottling. The cherry extends to the palate, where it picks up the tang of just-ripe boysenberry and pure flavors of black pepper and asphalt, as well as a cigar ash complexity toward the finish.
Scents of black coffee and ripe black fruit meld with notes of damp, forest soil on this earthy Hudson River Baco Noir. Pleasant, but a whiff of rubber that trails from start to finish detracts.
Scents of black currant, green bell pepper, cedar and a hint of violet slowly emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, toast, coffee, mocha and a touch of vanilla alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
Scents of blackberries, char and smoky herbs lead onto the medium-bodied, streamlined palate, which bears fine, sinewy tannins that lend a crunchy edge.
Scents of blackberry compote, toast and dried herb define the nose of this Petit Verdot, with a subtle meat influence adding interest. It has an open core and integrated tannins, but the flavors could use a boost in concentration. The slightly warm finish ends on a dark plum note.
Scents of blossom and fresh apple in this off-dry Riesling suggest an orchard in early summer. Equally fresh and summery, the palate boasts bright apple and lemon flavors. Straightforward yet refreshing, it's a pretty quaffer finishing on a delicate bramble note.
Scents of brambly berry and forest floor mingle with accents of licorice, blackberry and mocha on the nose of this solid wine. It's medium in weight, with fine but slightly gripping tannins that yield a satiny structure around the ripe black-fruit flavors.
Scents of buttered popcorn and oiled nuts ride over a rich midpalate with ripe kiwi, melon and apple fruits. The barrel fermentation brings a wealth of toast and butter flavors, and the length of the finish is superb.
Scents of butterscotch candies, vanilla custard, apple mousse and sea salt greet the nose in a subtle manner on this wine by Steve Clifton. The palate is framed with bright acidity and tight minerality, with almonds and pecans slowly emerging toward a dynamic finish of white truffle and nectarine. It's a very intriguing, lovely wine.
Scents of caramelized grapefruit zest and tropical fruit take the fore. Lively acids frame the silky, medium-bodied palate.
Scents of cedar and forest floor linger prominently throughout this delicately fruity Cabernet Franc. Tart cranberry and sour cherry flavors keep the round palate crisp and elegant.
Scents of chamomile flower, bread crust, toast and orchard fruit lift out of the glass. A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, the palate offers Golden Delicious apple, nectarine, herb and toasted hazelnut. Fresh acidity and vivacious bubbles brighten the creamy flavors.
Scents of chamomile tea with generous honey and lemon get down with white flowers and baking pie crust on this offering from Pierre Lafond, who's been making wine since the 1960s. The wine dances across the tongue, with bright papaya, pear and a dill-powered, nearly bitter finish. It's showing almost no age, so it will hold well, but it's also brilliant right now.
Scents of chamomile, tropical fruit and citrus zest lead the nose on this vibrant blend of Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. The structured, savory palate offers layers of yellow peach, candied lemon drop, nut and mineral alongside bright acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Scents of cherry and plum are infused with notes of undergrowth, currant bud and pastry spice. The medium- to full-bodied palate bears firm, sinewy tannins and vivid acids.
Scents of cherry and raspberry sauce unfold on the bouquet, while the approachable palate offers similarly intense, fleshy fruit flavors that are laced with hints of pepper and soft mint.
Scents of cherry vanilla and cream waft luxuriously from this surprisingly full-bodied, semi-dry White Cab Franc. The palate is candied and sweet with red, ripe fruit, and a hint of sweet tomato water on the finish.
Scents of cinnamon and red-pepper candy come up quickly, leading into a wine with terrific purity and focus. The raspberry and cherry fruits are clean and sharp, beautifully defined and balanced. Delicious young, this wine is set to develop further complexity if well cellared. Drink now through 2030.
Scents of cinnamon, peppery herbs and Asian spices. Lovely, detailed and deep, this blends sharply etched red and purple fruits with seams of vanilla and cut tobacco. Flavors follow, with medium acidity and leafy tannins. Nicely balanced, spiced, varietal and persistent.
Scents of citrus blossom, fragrant white flower and orchard fruit emerge while the vibrant palate offers lemon, juicy nectarine, white stone fruit and mineral alongside tangy acidity. A saline note signals the close.
Scents of citrus blossom, honey, sea breeze and a potpourri of aromatic herb are some of the aromas in this stunning, single-vineyard Vermentino. Fresh and round, it's loaded with finesse and complexity, seamlessly delivering layers of flavor that include citrus zest, ripe yellow apple, lemon-thyme, wild rosemary, mineral and toasted almond.
Scents of citrus blossom, honeysuckle and white stone fruit delicately lead the way on this vibrant white. The bright refreshing palate offers Bartlett pear, creamy white peach and a hint of tangerine.
Scents of clover, stem, green herb and red currant lead into a complex wine that adds sassafras highlights as it glides into a gentle finish. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged 18 months in one-quarter new French oak, this is a well-made, though subtle expression of the variety.
Scents of cocoa, ripe berry and a balsamic note come together on this. The jammy, straightforward palate offers dark cherry, raspberry, coffee and a hint of licorice alongside fine-grained tannins.
Scents of crushed tomato stalk and green onion make a big impression upfront, but they're balanced by stone fruit and pineapple flavors. This is rich and ripe in the mouth, showing great power and persistence on the finish. Drink now.
Scents of cured meat and campfire take center stage on the nose, with secondary support from black plum and boysenberry aromas. A strong biltong and cardamom-spice flavor carries through onto the palate, and remains through the finish.
Scents of cut grass, tomato vine and a hint of honeydew melon emerge on this tangy white. The crisp palate doles out yellow peach, apple, grapefruit and an almond note accompanied by zesty acidity.
Scents of dark chocolate greet you immediately; woven into the palate are delicate, feminine Pinot Noir fruit flavors. The overall impression is light and elegant, a mix of berries and wafer-thin chocolate. It's a pleasure to find more and more Oregon producers moving to lower alcohol (here 13%), more elegant Pinots.
Scents of effervescent cherry and mint run with emergent licorice and slate on this wine that proves lithe yet flavorful on the palate. Lovely blackberry flavors and black pepper make for a very balanced bottling that doesn't rely on bombastic power to tell the Syrah story.
Scents of elderflower, hay, tomato leaf, chopped herb and crushed rock mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate doles out grapefruit, yellow peach, sage and mineral alongside crisp acidity.
Scents of exotic fruit and flower petal come doused with a note of peach yogurt. Overall, it smells bright and high-pitched, but it lacks some depth. It tastes sweet and feels pliant, with easygoing acids and slender flavors of golden stone fruit.
Scents of fragrant field flowers and white orchard fruit emerge on this refreshing sparkling wine. The vibrant, silky palate delivers crisp green apple, juicy pear and lime alongside tangy acidity and a refined, persistent bead. The finish is dry and clean.
Scents of fresh apple and pear are accented with touches of wax and mineral on this nuanced, dry Riesling. The palate feels lush and fruity with ripe peach and pear flavors, but zesty lime acidity and a shower of minerality lend stately elegance. A surprisingly bold wine for a diminutive price. Drink now.
Scents of fresh dill, toasted coconut and buttery pastry pair well with flavors of fresh apple, lemon and sea brine on this full-bodied Chardonnay. This is savory in style, with a slightly muted palate.
Scents of fresh lemons, herbs and white flowers grace this delicately structured, unoaked Chardonnay. Brisk and tonic on the palate, it's a breezy white that's perfect for summer sipping.
Scents of fresh red berry, violet and cake spice meld together in the glass. The vibrant, straightforward palate offers tart red cherry, orange rind and a hint of star anise alongside racy acidity and sleek tannins.
Scents of fresh red cherries and bramble wood entice on the nose of this aromatic, spice-toned Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate, while crisp with cranberry acidity, is a bit subdued with subtle red-fruit flavor and a finish that wraps up short and tight.
Scents of freshly-pressed apple waft from this crisp, easy-drinking Riesling. Refreshingly light on its feet, with sprightly lemon and lime acidity, it finishes moderately long with delicate apple and pear flavors.
Scents of freshly cut herbs add a verdant quality to the yellow plum and white flower notes on this brisk, minerally blend comprised of the traditional Champagne grape varieties. Dry and tonic in style, it finishes clean and crisp, with just a hint of sugar-cookie-crumb sweetness.
Scents of graham cracker and malted milk chocolate tickle the nose, while the tart fruit slowly unwinds to reveal cherry and beetroot scents and flavors. Tannic and hard, without immediately showing much sweetness, it seems to put the emphasis on mineral and soil, root and leaf, but may evolve into a very interesting wine.
Scents of green apple and plum lead the bouquet, with a strong lime-pith note that carries through to the palate. The texture is soft and somewhat flat on the midpalate, but ample acidity and a pleasant astringency help to lift the close. Drink now.
Scents of green apple and sage float from the glass and carry over to the frothy palate of white peach. Vibrant acidity offsets the rich fruit flavors while a note of candied citrus backs up the finish.
Scents of grilled peach and mango give this medium-bodied wine a tropical feel. It's creamy and lush on the palate, then adds a mouthwatering burst of citrus on the finish. Flavorful and satisfying.
Scents of hay and alfalfa open into an elegant, stylish wine with lovely textures. It is lightly citric, with pretty nuances of grass, hints of honey and tea. The winemaker has a gentle, delicate touch with all his wines, but this is the best of the best. Just 100 cases were produced.
Scents of honey and citrus rind on this golden Tokaji are marked by lifted apple and pear notes. Sweet tropical fruit and vanilla notes are pleasant, but there's a slightly tinned, apple juice concentrate flavor that persists on the palate.
Scents of honey and freshly pressed apples waft from this delicate sweet Riesling. Bright, sunny peach flavor dominates the palate, but is pierced with a startling vein of lemon acidity. Finishes a savory with lingering notes of pollen and spice.
Scents of honey and marmalade are accented with lemongrass and ginger on this exquisitely composed beerenauslese. It's lusciously rich, with flavors of peach preserves and mango, but accented with hints of warm, exotic spice and a streak of lemony acidity that reverberates on the finish.
Scents of honey, pear and cinnamon waft from the glass; the flavors are of baked pears and apples, but never turn too soft or blowsy. Warming on the finish, with lots of dried spices and toast.
Scents of jammy black plum and cherry lead the nose of this blend, with exotic notes of crushed violet and iris petal adding depth to the fruit core. Great flavors of peppery spice and dense blackberry fruit fill the velvet-textured palate. Medium acidity keeps the palate fresh and balanced, while a decadent, fudgy brownie note carries through the long finish.
Scents of leather and turbinado sugar surface on the nose first, which are offset by accents of blackberry, forest floor and pepper. The medium-to-full palate feels supple and expansive, until the finish where the tannic muscle kicks in. Overall, the flavors are intense and juicy but come with an edge of prune.
Scents of leather, coffee and a hint of barnyard emerge, adding some interesting funk to the fruit flavors of tart, wild berries. Barrel aging adds notes of cocoa and cedar on the finish.
Scents of leather, cola and brown sugar give way to cleaner, fruitier notes of blackberry on the palate, marked by ample vanilla oak. A blend of 78% Cab Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Cab Franc, it's medium-bodied and fresh, with a slightly minty finish framed by soft tannins.
Scents of leather, smoke and mint give this Bordeaux-style red blend a savory intrigue. It has an open and finessed texture, but the acidity jumps high toward the finish, making the wine border on feeling shrill. Try pairing it with seared lamb chops with tapenade to help tame the acidity.
Scents of leather, truffle, ripe berry and a note of crushed blue flower slowly take shape on this full-bodied red. The firmly structured palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, clove, tobacco and a note of grilled herb. Youthfully austere tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2029.
Scents of lemon-cake icing meet the pretty yet not treacly tropical aromatics of white flowers on this barely off-dry wine. The sweetness is noticeable on the palate but far from overdone, with clean flavors of lemon custard, tangerine juice and a Key-lime finish.
Scents of lemon candy and tangerine accent intense flavors of honeysuckle, peach and mango on this deeply penetrating sweet Riesling. Brisk with acidity, it's delicate and dancing on the palate, but a honeyed richness coats the tongue deliciously. Finishes long with a kiss of saffron and blossoms.
Scents of lemon wax and a slightly spritzy mouthfeel are followed by somewhat surprisingly sweet fruit for a wine labeled dry. The flavors favor orange juice and orange candy. If you like a fairly heavy, fruit-forward style, this is just right.
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.
Scents of lemongrass, white flower, bees wax and pear are perky and well etched. Between the wine's keen acids and lemony flavor, this remains a bright, uplifting effort, with a clean, tangy finish.
Scents of licorice root, bramble and a soft menthol note grace this balanced Shiraz's black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit. This is medium weight, with moderate tannins and an approachable structure. A note of roasted espresso bean and a hint of chicory carry through the long finish. Mevushal.
Scents of lime and orange flower are pretty on this off-dry Riesling, accenting flavors of savory apple and preserved yellow peach. It's zingy in acidity, finishing moderately long on a dried herb note.
Scents of marshmallows and spun sugar are twined around flavors of lemon, candied orange peel and English Breakfast tea. It's off-dry, brisk and lively.
Scents of mature orchard fruit, fresh bread dough and citrus lead the way on this delightful sparkler. The bright palate delivers pear, apple, lime and a hint of pastry cream alongside lively acidity. It closes crisp and clean.
Scents of mature wild berry, fragrant iris, chopped mint and a hint of leather come together on this. The round, no-frills palate offers up dried black cherry, anise and clove alongside mature, loosely knit tannins. It's already extremely accessible.
Scents of mixed forest berries, red plum, fresh thyme and bay laurel lead the bouquet of this wine, and carry though to the juicy palate. Approachable and enjoyable now, with ripe fruit flavors and a hint of chocolate that stays through the medium-length finish. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot. Mevushal.
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.
Scents of moist earth and coffee grounds wrap around sharply defined berry fruit flavors. This is just on the edge of volatile, buoyed by firm acidity, and showing a sharp streak of burnt toast running through the tannins.
Scents of nutmeg and cinnamon spice up the entry, and the fruit flavors suggest spiced apples and rhubarb pie. It's a brambly, textural wine, that gains focus in the back of the palate and hangs on nicely through the finish.
Scents of oak, toast, bread crust and vanilla follow through to the lean palate along with bitter walnut and a hint of butterscotch. Sharp, vigorous bubbles provide the backdrop.
Scents of old coffee, cherry and caramel follow through on the palate, with a soapy hint that adds a slightly bitter element This is a medium-bodied, no-frills wine that should pair just fine with a grilled pork chop.
Scents of orange blossom, tropical fruit and ripe apple emerge on this lively sparkler. Made with 100% Falanghina, the firm palate delivers nectarine zest, pineapple, green apple and a mineral vein alongside bright acidity and a vibrant, creamy mousse.
Scents of peach and melon are layered with deep mineral tones on this gorgeously aromatic Riesling. The palate is lavish, with stone fruit and blossom flavors, yet it's steely and dry, with a waxy richness that lends volume and power to the finish. This is elegance epitomized.
Scents of perfumed berry, eucalyptus, chopped herb and a whiff of leather unfold in the glass. The smooth, delicious palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, freshly ground black pepper and anise alongside polished, velvety tannins.
Scents of perfumed dark berry, rose, cake spice and aromatic herb unfold on this structured red. On the full-bodied palate, notes of chopped mint, mocha and white pepper accent a core of mature black cherry. It's young and assertive but well balanced, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018–2026.
Scents of perfumed lilac talc, vanilla and smoked meats frame the red and black fruit core of this wine. The medium-length finish has lingering flavors of ripe black cherries.
Scents of pine pitch, tomato, smashed kalamata olive and wild berry combine for a clove-soaked punch experience. Spice hits the palate hard, with oregano, thyme, sagebrush and more pine, set against strong tannins as well. Lay this one down for additional development and maturity, and try after 2018.
Scents of pineapple and hazelnuts open into a lush, spicy, forward, slightly toasty wine with immediate drinkablility and appeal.
Scents of plum and cassis lead into a tart wine with acidic, tannic, black cherry fruit flavors. The acids are quite chalky, and the tannins chewy and slightly green.
Scents of plum, orange rind, banana and a touch of mentholated herb unfold on the nose, while the palate offers fruit-skin flavors of plum and cherry, lending a slightly tannic structure.
Scents of pressed white flower, orchard fruit, smoke, citrus and a whiff of nut lead the nose on this savory white. The round, medium-bodied palate offers mature pear, pineapple, peach and hazelnut while a note of flinty mineral lifts the finish.
Scents of purple fruits and wood smoke lead into a straightforward, fruity wine that plays out broadly across the palate. Despite its forward nature, it thins out quickly. There's a bit of chocolate (from aging in 25% new French oak) in the finish.
Scents of rapberry, cherry and earth make for a nice begining and lead into some attractive pepperiness on the palate but the finish drops off quickly. The wine's refreshing acidity will pair nicely with spare ribs.
Scents of raspberries, flowers and exotic spices take the lead. The palate feels broad and untethered, featuring glossy tannins, balanced acids and a pliable finish.
Scents of raw wood wrap around smoky black cherry fruit. There is a buttery streak, leading into tannins still rough and chewy despite the ample bottle age this wine has been given. The fruit is quickly overwhelmed by the wood.
Scents of red licorice and candied ruby grapefruit and red berry portend the sweetness of this wine. The palate feels slack, and it comes with noticeable residual sugar. Delicate tannins lend the finish light traction.
Scents of Rennet apple and white wild flower float out of the glass. Bright and creamy, the palate doles out white peach, Bartlett pear and nectarine alongside vibrant acidity and a silky mousse. It closes crisp and clean.
Scents of ripe berry, grilled herb, sunbaked soil, violet and menthol lead on this fragrant red. The savory, straightforward palate offers mature black cherry, sage and a hint of anise alongside lithe tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Scents of ripe black cherry and raspberry are at the center of the bouquet, with attractive accents of fudgy brownie, caramel, coffee and baking spice. The palate boasts a velvety texture, with medium tannins and a lush, ripe black-fruit core. Hints of cured meat and toasty mocha linger long on the close.
Scents of ripe dark-skinned berry, rose, iris and a balsamic note take shape in the glass. The juicy palate offers ripe black cherry, star anise, orange peel and grilled herb framed in tightly knit but refined tannins. A clove note backs up the finish.
Scents of ripe dark-skinned fruit, leather, carob, black culinary spice and Mediterranean herbs meld in the glass. The polished, structured palate includes juicy blackberry, ripe black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and exotic spice alongside velvety tannins that lend a smooth, almost creamy texture. This seamlessly combines full flavor, power and elegance.
Scents of ripe plum, espresso, cake spice, menthol and a whiff of toasted oak lead the nose. The rich, concentrated palate offers mature black cherry, blackberry compote, licorice, mocha and vanilla alongside ripe tannins. It's already almost accessible but also shows modest staying power. Drink 2018–2025.
Scents of ripe red berry and cherry fruits are upfront on the nose of this friendly red, with hints of sweet spice, cherry cola, plum sauce and tree bark adding depth and interest. Lightweight and easy drinking, it boasts silky tannins and a fresh-fruited palate. Drink now.
Scents of roasted nuts and apples gain levity on the palate with flavors of lemons and delicate white flowers. Richly textured, this has a slightly-viscous but refreshingly-fruity profile.
Scents of rose petals and cocoa powder elevate the nose, leading into pretty chocolate cherry flavors in the mouth. It's set atop a lightly tart foundation that brings accents of oranges and tangerines, and finishes with a touch of leather.
Scents of rose powder and petals come up first, followed by hints of cherries. Then the palate brings raspberries, with a sour-candy tanginess. The cleansing acids and overall balance are pitch perfect.
Scents of rose, violet, leather, berry and spice unfold from the glass. The linear palate displays sour cherry, juicy raspberry, mint, thyme, balsam and baking spices alongside invigorating energy and supple tannins. Drink 2018–2030. Acid Inc Selections, Stefano Miretti Imports.
Scents of roses and cherries fill the nose, followed by raspberries and light milk chocolate in the mouth. There's a suggestion of wet stone also. The balance is good, although the wine skirts the edge of being a bit too thin on the finish.
Scents of salted caramels, smoke and apple blossom make this wonderfully enticing. It's a straightforward, easygoing wine, but highlighted by fresh apple and pear notes that melt into richer, rounder flavors of nuts and cream.
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.
Scents of sesame oil rise to the forefront of the nose on this east Paso Robles estate wine, accompanied by violet, strawberry and black sage. The nicely balanced flavors touch upon cotton candy and pretty pink fruit.
Scents of singed orange peel, roasted nuts and lemon curd are promising, but are followed up by rather crisp, ungenerous lemon flavors. There's a silky textural element on the palate and a long finish, so it may yet come around.
Scents of small woodland berry, orchard fruit and Alpine herb waft out of the glass. On the creamy palate, notes of baking spice and energizing mineral accent fresh strawberry, crushed raspberry and tangerine zest. It's fresh and balanced, with lively acidity and an elegant perlage.
Scents of smoke and ash dominate and obscure the fruit when first you open the bottle. Swirl it around and the light cherry and cranberry fruit emerges, along with a lick of milk chocolate. But the scent and flavor of smoke lingers, presumably from barrel aging, and ultimately your opinion of the wine may hinge on your personal preferences in that regard.
Scents of smoke and sweet roasted chestnuts add a warm, rustic tone to this medium-dry Riesling. Deeply concentrated, with ripe yellow peach and apricot flavors, it's brightened by a shower of lemonade acidity and a snappy lemon-rind finish.
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.
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.
Scents of smoky bacon and buttercream hit the nose first, with notes of blackberry and boysenberry in the backdrop. The palate is bold and flavorful, and it boasts sturdy tannins. Pair with a grilled T-bone steak.
Scents of sour plum and truffle lead into a tight wine that offers tart red-cherry, plum and  earth flavors. There's a hint of funk and a metalic streak running through the tannins. Two bottles tasted.
Scents of Spanish broom, acacia flower, beeswax and orchard fruit lead the nose on this slightly sweet sparkler. The bright, creamy palate doles out juicy white peach, yellow apple and ripe pear while firm acidity and a vibrant mousse offer support. A hint of almond closes the finish.
Scents of Spanish broom, chamomile, aromatic herb and white stone fruit combine along with a whiff of hay. The zesty, linear palate offers juicy nectarine, candied lemon drop and a mineral note alongside bright acidity.
Scents of Spanish broom, pineapple, orchard fruit and a saline note meld together in the glass. The focused palate offers mature apple, peach, botanical herb and mineral alongside firm acidity.
Scents of Spanish broom, stone fruit and a whiff of wild herb lead the way on this vibrant, medium-bodied white. The bright palate offers green apple, lemon zest and white almond alongside tangy acidity.
Scents of spring flowers and grapefruit float out of the glass on the zesty sparkler. The palate offers pear, lemon-drop and white peach alongside vibrant acidity. Fun, persistent bubbles give it an informal edge.
Scents of stem and earth accompany rhubarb and beet-root flavors. The acids and tannins combine into a lemon-tea note, and the wine overall seems relatively thin compared with past vintages.
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.
Scents of strawberry-rhubarb preserves and toasted herbs are streaked with a hint of latex. On the palate, the tannins excoriate, and there's a light raisin note that unfurls across the midpalate. The finish is all structure.
Scents of summer honeydew and white peach introduce this forward, fruity Riesling. It's straightforward, juicy goodness offers loads of sweet grapefruit, apricot and kiwi flavors without excess complication. High-pitched acidity tightens up the finish.
Scents of sweet-cream butter, vanilla and stonefruit are enticing on the nose of this richly textured, medium-bodied wine. The palate boasts hints of sweet lemon curd and fresh apple, but the slightly-sour oak notes can be overwhelming.
Scents of sweet spice and orange marmalade waft exuberantly from this honey-kissed TBA. Lusciously sweet, the palate undulates with waves of mango, melon and pineapple flavor, accented with notes of potpourri and saffron. Lingers long with a shower of delicate acidity.
Scents of tangerine peel and lanolin add a spicy complexity to intensely fruity, sweet peach and nectarine flavors on this gorgeously honeyed, yet easy-drinking Riesling. Striking lemon acidity and crushed stone notes add delicacy and nuance to the finish.
Scents of thyme, tar, date and ripe strawberry lead onto the open-textured palate. Medium in length, the finish comes with fine-grain tannins and balanced acids.
Scents of toast, underbrush and black-skinned berry come together on this. The dense palate delivers clove, cedar and tobacco alongside assertive tannins that leave a somewhat raspy finish. Drink through 2020.
Scents of tropical of mango and banana are offset by a hint of citrus. Creamy and soft on the palate, this tastes of lime and green herbs. A banana flavor carries the finish.
Scents of vanilla and baking spices frame bold raspberry fruit on the nose, while the flavors take a more savory turn, toward mocha and grilled meat. This is full bodied and maybe even a touch warm, but it works, ending long and plush. Drink now–2025.
Scents of violet, brambly berry and blackcurrant leaf lead the bouquet of this earthy blend, with a light gamy character in the background. The palate is bright and lively, with attractive freshness and fine tannins that result in a clean, juicy finish.
Scents of violet, iris and a balsamic whiff of menthol mingle together. The succulent palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Scents of violets and savory herbs add complexity to tart, juicy red cherries and plums on this crisp, elegantly framed Cabernet Franc. A touch of menthol highlights a cool, acidic edge on the palate. Finishes moderately long with a murmur of fine-grained tannins.
Scents of waxy honeycomb and crushed minerals waft from this off-dry Pinot Gris. On the palate, lush, ripe peach and melon flavors penetrate. It's unabashedly fruity and forward with a bold, heavy mouthfeel.
Scents of waxy lemon peel, lanolin, fresh herb and fennel entice on this wonderfully dry Riesling, with penetrating lemon and white peach flavors. Brisk and vibrant, it has a refreshing crushed-stone minerality.
Scents of waxy lemon peels and candles meld with delicate peach on this refreshing off-dry Riesling. On the palate, hints of lemon verbena and lime zest lend a herbal tone that highlights the wine's revitalizing lime-juice finish.
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.
Scents of white flower and orchard fruit lift from the glass. The bright, straightforward palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside crisp acidity.
Scents of white flower, pear and a hint of ground almond emerge on this lively white. The vibrant palate offers green apple and a hint of mineral alongside racy acidity.
Scents of white grapefruit and honeydew rind introduce this dry, refreshing Riesling. It's quite delicate in structure but concentrated with fresh apple flavor accented by bright lemon-lime acidity. Finishes on an earthy saffron note.
Scents of white spring flower and orchard fruit lead the nose on this lively white. The fresh, easy-drinking palate offers ripe green apple, peach and a juicy citrus note alongside tangy acidity.
Scents of white spring flower, pear and a hint of nut come together on this lively wine. The racy palate shows pear, apple and white almond alongside firm acidity that leaves a tangy finish.
Scents of wild berry, fragrant blue flower, tilled soil, new leather and a whiff of Mediterranean herb lead the nose on this fantastic wine. Rich layers of juicy black cherry, fleshy raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and mint weave throughout the palate while firm but refined tannins provide structure. Drink 2019–2029.
Scents of wildflower and apple float out of the glass. The delicate aromas carry over to the light-bodied, linear palate, along with a hint of pear and a mineral accent. Vibrant acidity gives it a clean, fresh finish.
Scents of woodland berries, violets, dried rose petals, baking spices and Mediterranean herbs emerge from this wine. Crushed Morello cherry, graphite, red raspberry and white pepper all come seamlessly together on the palate alongside invigorating energy and intensity. It shows fantastic aging potential. Drink 2020–2040.
Scents of woodland berry, rose petal, grilled herb, anisette and a balsamic note emerge on this firmly structured wine. On the robust palate, white pepper, licorice, sage and a hint of toast weave through the black cherry core. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink 2018–2028.
Scents of yellow apple, white peach and ripe melon continue through to the medium-weight palate. A touch round, though not quite flat, this is a touch straightforward, but certainly pleasant and enjoyable. Drink now.
Scents of yellow flower and orchard fruit lift out of the glass. The tangy, straightforward palate offers citrus and peach framed in zesty acidity.
Scents of yellow stone fruit and white spring flower mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate offers crisp apple, yellow peach and citrus drop framed in firm acidity and a lively perlage.
Scents softly suggest rose petals and milk chocolate, leading into a wine that seems to hit a hard stop midpalate. A clear flavor of cold steel resonates against a counterpoint of tart berry fruit.
Schiefer means “slate,” but this wine's stoniness is softer, less severe than that, cushioned under layers of superripe pear and spices that resemble cinnamon or clove and ginger. There's ample weight and richness on the palate despite a sense of dryness, and the wine finishes long, with hints of ripe peach.
Schild Estate is turning out an array of fairly priced, consumer-friendly wines from its extensive Barossa acreage. This is a typical example, showing good varietal character in its flavors of cassis, tobacco and chocolate, softly dusty tannins and a silky finish. Drink now.
Schist soil is characteristic of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region. It gives texture to a wine such as this, with its tight, mineral character and great freshness. This complex, densely structured wine is packed with very crisp fruit and lively acidity. This is the perfect wine for Muscadet's natural partner, shellfish.
Schist, cola, cassis, berry and tobacco aroma cover all the bases in this wine. It's grippy and chewy but complete. Dark, earthy mulled berry flavors precede a tannic, pulpy finish with lasting plum and cassis notes. Drink through 2021.
Schisty aromas of licorice and blackberry are touched up by a shot of cedary oak. This feels juicy and not that heavy or compact on the palate. Reedy, spicy plum and blackberry flavors come with lemony oak notes. This is toasty and spicy on the finish, with a spot of licorice. Drink through 2022.
Schisty minerality infiltrates blackberry, cassis and raisin aromas. In the mouth, this is fully saturated and jammy. Flavors of blueberry and raisin suggest borderline overripeness, while the finish is jammy and pinched.
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.
Schloss Vollrad's standard-label Kabinett has a distinctly sheer, almost ephemeral lightness. Juicy white peach and grapefruit flavors shine brightly on the palate, but are edged by angularities of acidity and crushed stone. It finishes long with a lingering kiss of sweetness.
Schramsberg did a good job with this wine, creating a lush sparkler with generous cascading bubbles, firm Pinot fruit and a tight, spicy finish. This is still hard and even a little bitter at the end; more time in the bottle will bring out all the richness locked inside.
Schug's regular Pinot, as opposed to their Heritage Reserve, is a dependably village-style expression of easy-drinking, cool-climate Pinot Noir. The '06, like previous vintages, shows a silky, delicate texture framing cherry, raspberry and cola flavors, with a smoky vanilla edge of oak.
Scirafi is less intense in terms of the immediacy of its aromas, but the wine does come alive in the mouth. Flavors of apricot, raison, dried fig, almond and honey are enjoyable and long-lasting.
Scorched earth, black-skinned berry, orange zest and baking spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this vibrant red. It's still nervous, offering flavors of raw red berry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside bracing tannins. A coffee note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026.
Scorched earth, dry underbrush and chopped aromatic herb aromas lift out of the glass. The lean palate is rather evolved, showing dried cherry, espresso and a hint of anise alongside fine-grained tannins.
Scorched earth, forest floor and roasted coffee bean aromas open this wine. The palate is on its oak, delivering toast, vanilla, mocha, cooking spices and plumcake. It has a warm midpalate and not quite enough fruit richness.
Scorched earth, game, cured meat and leather waft out of the glass. The taught palate offers dried black cherry, pomegranate roasted coffee bean, anise and a vanilla note but not quite enough fruit richness. Tightly wound, grainy tannins leave an astringent finish. Give the tannins a few more years to unwind then drink.
Scorched earth, game, forest floor and woodland berry aromas come together in the glass. The solid palate offers raw red berry, licorice, coffee and clove alongside assertive tannins and brisk acidity. Drink after 2019.
Scorched earth, grilled herb, toast and ripe berry aromas lift out of the glass. On the dense, full-bodied palate, notes of cinnamon, clove and licorice add depth the black cherry core. Firm, velvety tannins provide the framework.
Scorched earth, menthol, cooking spice and mature plum aromas take shape in the glass. The forward palate offers dried black cherry, coffee and licorice alongside smooth, polished tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit flavor.
Scorched earth, ripe berry, underbrush, ground pepper, leather and a balsamic note are just some of the aromas you'll find on this superb Barolo. The young, tight palate delivers rich black cherry, baking spice, licorice and tobacco while firm, velvety tannins provide the framework. A mineral vein energizes the finish. It already shows a great depth of flavors but it's still young and assertive. Hold to let this unwind and develop complexity. Drink 2021–2031.
Scorched earth, rose, iris, dark berry and clove aromas lead the nose along with a whiff of game. On the firm, savory palate, mint, white pepper, cinnamon and grilled herb accent the wild cherry core. Assertive, velvety tannins and fresh acidity lend elegance and structure. Drink 2018–2028.
Scorched earth, toasted nut, espresso, cured meat and baked plum aromas lead the nose on this concentrated wine along with a hint of new leather. The big, chewy palate doles out mature black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco while tightly knit, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2023.
Scorched earth, underbrush, blue flower and woodland berry are some of the scents you'll find on this focused wine. The elegant, full-bodied palate delivers black raspberry, mature cherry, brown kitchen spice and a hint of leather alongside tightly wound but refined tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
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.
Scorched soil, black-skinned berry, worn leather and dried herb aromas come together here. The jammy palate is already rather evolved, offering dried black cherry, clove and star anise alongside bracing tannins. Give the tannins a few more years to unclench then drink up to catch the remaining fruit.
Scorched soil, leather, overripe berry and espresso aromas lead the nose. The palate is still primary, offering raw sour cherry, grilled herb, tobacco and licorice alongside tightly packed tannins and nervous acidity. Drink after 2020.
Scorched soil, toasted oak, dried sage and roasted coffee bean aromas lead the nose. The approachable full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, espresso and a hint of clove alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Scorched soil, toasted oak, dried sage and roasted coffee bean aromas lead the nose. The approachable, full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, espresso and a hint of clove alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Scorched soil, underbrush, pressed violet, oak, ripe berry and cured meat aromas lead the way along with a whiff of menthol. The bold, structured palate offers black raspberry jam, mature wild cherry, baking spice, toast and dried herb framed in assertive, tightly woven tannins. Give this time to unfold and develop fully. Drink 2020–2030.
Score another for this Marlborough winery. Its SB mixes healthy doses of green pepper and snap peas with requisite citrus characteristics, and then underneath the surface there are notes of peach, melon and cream. It's a full-bodied wine, with a medium-length citrus finish and lots of texture and character. All in all it represents its homeland and the grape variety well.
Score one for Sonoma Valley and this winery, as the '97 exceeds previous efforts. Lots of enticing deep-berry aromas touched up with leather, dill, and an array of other spices and herbs, even oregano. It's one of those rock-solid winners where the whole is more profound than the parts.
Scores high on the deliciousness factor, a softly gentle, rich wine with flavors of blackberry jam, cassis, cedar and fine, dried herbs. The winery is trying very hard to boost the quality of their Reserve Cab. The challenge is to build in those extra layers of complexity and depth.
Scores high on the deliciousness factor, with waves of blackberries, blueberries, currants, dark chocolate and smoky oak. A little on the soft side, which might limit ageability, but it sure is opulent.
Scoring slightly higher than the Alderpoint vineyard-designated wine, this basic Humboldt County bottling bursts with with black cherry aroma. It's medium-bodied, free of oak-driven flavor and loaded with fruit. Lively acidity and mouth-filling texture keep the cherry and raspberry notes echoing through the finish, striking wonderful balance in an appetizing, mouthwatering package.
Scott Paul's largest production Pinot Noir is a nicely balanced, silky wine, fermented with wild yeasts and structured for elegance. Raspberry, black cherry, a touch of blood orange and a lick of molasses all contribute.
Scott Sampler's experimentation with extra long macerations seem to imbue even more of a sense of place to his wines. In this case, that translates to very purple aromas of grape Jolly Ranchers, violet oil and warm black licorice. An exotic Indian-candy spice shows on the tip of the sip, leading into rich blueberry and fresh purple-flower flavors, with coffee and cocoa on the finish.
Scott Sampler is employing some avant-garde techniques in his winemaking, including extra long macerations, but this blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah is relatively straightforward. Aromas of stewed blackberry and red currant meet with licorice spice and a leathery richness on the nose. The palate shows black raspberry, vanilla dust, gingerbread and minty tarragon, laid upon a still-tight texture with lively acidity.
Scott Shull (Raptor Ridge) consults here. This brings a blend of clones from the estate vineyard, with ample new wood still showing through. Black fruits and a vein of coffee are also in the mix, with a balanced, somewhat muscular mouthfeel. This has the strength to stand up to a lightly blackened grilled seafood filet.
Scott Shull (Raptor Ridge) makes this cuvée for Le Cadeau, and it's a triumph in this vintage. Cherry fruit ripe to the point of syrup hogs the flavor spotlight, but there's cranberry and raspberry too, putting a tangy note into the mix. Root beer and sweet cola elements combine, and there is little doubt that, good as it is already, this is a wine to cellar. Drink now–2028.
Scott Sisemore's small Belmont-based label pushes the lower-alcohol movement into the realm of Syrah, in this case producing a wine whose aromas are more like one of the appellation's Cabs, with juniper, pine, oregano, green and black olives and dried plums. Elderberries and those same herbal characters show on the palate, which some will love and others will find unfamiliar.
Scott Southard has flipped the percentages from the 2010 vintage, placing Roussanne in the driver's seat, and Viognier holding up one third of the blend. Bright, tropical fruits are set in a frame of lusciously toasty oak, with highlights of roasted almonds and a bit of butter. Firm and substantial, with excellent depth.
Scouring and sweet, this wine features flavors of vanilla, yeast and ripe lemon meringue. It is easy to drink with almost anything, at price fit for everyday enjoyment.
Scoury and sweet in the mouth, this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has forward flavors of peaches, limes, oranges, honey and vanilla. With brisk acidity, it's a nice bubbly to drink now.
Scratch is a very promising inaugural Pinot Noir from Sabrine Rodems, who's also the winemaker for Wrath and Kori. It shows the vibrant fruit of the Highlands, with potent raspberry, cherry and persimmon flavors, yet is dry and balanced in acids and tannins, with a super-long finish. Possesses that hard-to-define characteristic of class. Great now, and you can hold it several years.
Scratched lemon skin and sliced-apple aromas meet with a light petrol character on this nice and easy-smelling white wine. The palate starts slightly sweet then grows more so, showing flavors of orange soufflé and lemon syrup.
Scratchy and a little sharp smelling on first impression, with vanilla and milk chocolate aromas in addition to standard red fruit scents. Feels firm, solid and basic, with dark fruit flavors touched up by young, simple oak notes. Standard and dry on the finish.
Scratchy and dry on the nose, this turns lean and borderline sour in the mouth, with acidity running the show. Very zesty, with mild oak influence, this is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Carmenère.
Scratchy aromas of raspberry and licorice gumdrop precede a grabby, sticky palate with raw tannins. Plum and berry flavors are standard for Malbec, while the finish shows a mild baked character.
Scratchy aromas of red-berry jam are floral and lightly perfumed. This is spongy and dense in feel, with good focus. Deep berry and chocolate flavors take on a molasses note in front of a chocolate and fig finish. Drink through 2018.
Scratchy aromas of red fruits come with a chemical note of paint that feels hard and forced. Vanilla-like oak collides with green notes and bitterness that lead to a buttery finish.
Scratchy aromas of red fruits register as raw, with a note of animal hide. This feels racy and wild, but lively. Briny, rugged flavors of raspberry and plum finish tart, with a pickled note that won't let go.
Scratchy aromas of red plum and currant are herbal and rubbery. In the mouth, this is tart and shows sharp acidity. Herbal plum and raspberry flavors finish with minty, green notes.
Scratchy berry and cassis aromas are earthy but perfectly presentable. This feels full and chewy on the palate, with firm tannins. Flavors of plum and berry come with dried spice notes and raw oak, while the finish is spicy, dry and mildly herbal.
Scratchy berry and rubber aromas roll into a grabby, aggressive palate, with a burnt note and resiny oak overshadowing a berry flavor. The finish is rubbery and chunky.
Scratchy berry aromas come with a hint of sweet-smelling plastic, but overall this bargain-priced Cab is good and welcoming. The palate has a pure, medium-bodied feel, while flavors of baked berry, cassis and chocolate finish with a mocha taste and mild heat.
Scratchy black cherry aromas come with a strong hint of tree bark and cedar resin. This feels snappy at first, then more resiny and oaky upon airing. Woody black-fruit flavors get a boost from juicy acidity, while an oaky finish tastes like mint and licorice.
Scratchy but fresh blackberry and plum aromas properly announce a direct, juicy palate with straightforward plum and cherry flavors. This is a thoroughly likeable blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows mild oak on a light, easy finish.
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.
Scratchy cherry and raspberry aromas are lightly herbal. This 50-50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cab Sauvignon is tightly wound, with punchy acidity. Herbal raspberry and red-plum flavors finish dry and lightly oaked, with rawness and herbal notes.
Scratchy plum and cassis aromas are earthy and a touch baked. This is flush and grabby in feel, with ripe blackberry, sweet strawberry and stalky, herbal flavors. A mild finish with a jammy feel and red-berry flavors is solid and fair.
Scratchy plum and cherry aromas come with creamy oak scents. The grippy palate houses harsh tannins, while plum and berry flavors yield to an overriding oak character on the finish. Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon comprise the blend.
Scratchy plum and raspberry aromas are fresh and forward, while the mouthfeel follows suit; it's juicy, with narrowing acidity and brightness. Flavors of raspberry, plum and cherry end zesty and long, with crisp acidity maintaining focus. This is a blend of Carignan (Mazuelo), Garnacha and Syrah.
Scratchy plum and spice aromas are entirely typical for coastal Chile. This wine feels racy and a bit high in acidity, while flavors of orange peel, pie cherry, red plum and mild oak end with juicy length and an indication that this is a quality wine, especially by Chilean Pinot Noir standards.
Scratchy raspberry aromas are jammy but also green, with a strange hint of perfume. This feels chunky and rubbery, with stretchy, elastic tannins. Flavors of baked berry fruits, prune and herbs finish hot.
Scratchy raspberry aromas are low in depth and complexity. This has a drawing, clampy, tannic palate with tart plum and berry flavors. Lightly salty, herbal notes accent raw red-fruit flavors on the finish.
Scratchy red-berry aromas are herbal but not fully green. This has a lively, raw, choppy mouthfeel and flavors of herbal red berry and thyme. On the finish, it reverts to dry and scratchy.
Scratchy red-berry aromas come with a whiff of latex and milk-chocolate-covered cherry. It feels grabby and tannic, with flavors of baked berry, cinnamon and burnt rubber. The finish is warm, with an offsetting sweetness.
Scratchy red-fruit aromas are a bit raw and chemical. This is grabby and gritty in the mouth, with flavors of plum, berry, green herbs and oaky carob. A woody, tannic, lightly herbal and green finish feels drawing and snappy. This is mostly Carignan with lesser amounts of Garnacha and Syrah.
Scratchy red plum aromas are sort of sharp and mulchy. This has a standard, healthy feel along with dry, oaky plum flavors. Mild spice and limited fruit character define the short finish.
Scratchy rhubarb aromas run tart and weedy. The palate on this basic Merlot is high in acid and thus shrill, with sharp raspberry and cherry flavors. A short, choppy finish with sour plum flavors closes out this marginal, crisp wine.
Scratchy, candied aromas of red fruits get things off to a rough start. The wine is acidic in feel, with tart, herbal red-fruit flavors. And it finishes pickled, with an herbal sharpness.
Scratchy, dry raspberry aromas are standard and accurate for Pinot. The mouthfeel is tight and crisp, with gentle acids pushing standard strawberry, raspberry and oaky flavors of cocoa and spice. Mild tasting but long on the finish.
Scratchy, dusty red-berry aromas are decidedly sweet yet hollow. This semisweet Garnacha tastes of gummy red fruits. A flat, cloying finish with candied flavors confirms its sweet status.
Scratchy, earthy aromas of red plum and cherry lead to a bland palate with modest raspberry and red plum flavors. This closes with dried-out red-fruit notes and little else.
Scratchy, edgy aromas of boysenberry and blackberry are a touch minty and herbal. This feels big, loud and choppy, with plenty of kick and hard tannins. Flavors of ripe dark fruits are toasty and earthy, while the finish is blocky, bullish and a touch hot, with power in reserve.
Scratchy, herbal aromas settle on tar, asphalt, tart red fruits and leather. The palate on this cutting Rioja is pushy and full of bold acidity, while oak and herbal berry flavors finish minty and spicy, with a ringing, acid-driven feel.
Scratchy, horsey berry aromas set up a fresh, regular palate. Plum, berry and peppery flavors are basic, while the finish dries out fast while showing a wood character along with juicy acidity.
Scratchy, minty aromas are the opening on this rough and rugged blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the mouth, this is hard as nails, with extreme tannic bite. Flavors of blackberry and chocolate are ripe and satisfying, while resiny oak, baking spice notes and rough tannnins define the finish.
Scratchy, moderately woody aromas of berry fruits are lightly herbal yet direct. This is chunky and wide in feel. Flavors of dark fruits blend with green-herb and rosemary notes, while the finish tastes foresty and lightly herbal. The “five” in the name applies to months in oak.
Scratchy, raw, spicy aromas of saucy fruit and spearmint lead to a palate with minty green, herb and plum flavors. This is herbal tasting on the finish, which is creamy and jammy in feel.
Scratchy, reedy raspberry aromas set up an edgy, tight and drying wash of tart plum fruit and then a peppery, woodspiced finish. Tart and astringent overall.
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.
Scratchy, spicy aromas and a touch of juniper accent red-berry scents on this everyday Cabernet. The mouthfeel is dry, fresh and shows tangy acidity, while racy, edgy flavors of plum, spice and green herbs finish zesty.
Screams Carneros. Fleshy, jammy fruit flavors of cherries, strawberries and raspberries are highlighted by good acidity and drink very dry, with soft but complex tannins. It's not a simple wine, and has enough stuffing to cellar for a few years.
Scrio boasts chunky aromas of clove, milk chocolate, coconut and pulsing blueberry. You can definitely identify the hot vintage in the wine's complex DNA although it isn't a big issue in terms of quality. The mouthfeel is polished and firm and the wine's long finish is amazing.
Scurati is a balanced and firm wine with a bright, almost crunchy quality to the fruit and easy notes of leather and spice on the close. Pair it with barbecued grilled sausages or hamburgers.
Scurati Nero d'Avola delivers easy tones of red fruit and cherry, with slight shadings of tobacco and wet earth. There is an herbal note as well, and the mouthfeel is vibrant and fresh.
Sea salt and buttered popcorn hit the nose first on this wine by Felipe Hernandez, who rose through his storied career from a field hand to winemaker. Next comes a leaner sense of chalk and Key lime rind. The palate shows buttered apple richness alongside lime and lemon acidity throughout the sip, with a touch of baking soda and more salt on the finish.
Sea salt and dried honey dust season the cement and chalky minerality on the nose of this always-reliable bottling from the longtime downtown Santa Barbara producer. A nice zestiness of lime peels marks the tip of the palate, followed by a lemon-candy warmth in the midpalate, with the saltiness prevalent throughout.
Sea salt and fresh white flowers lead the nose of this light, aromatic white. On the palate, the wine is focused and fresh, with a swash of sea salt and clean, brisk fruit on the finish. Pair with grilled seafood and salads.
Sea salt and lemon rind start this refreshing white. Flavors of citrus, mineral and brine on the finish are balanced and bright. A lovely wine and a great pairing for grilled octopus, sushi or poultry.
Sea salt, Bosc pear, apple cider, squeezed lemon and shreds of vanilla frame a leaner nose on this wine from mid-Monterey County. The cider element carries to the rather pungent palate, proving quite high-toned and acidic with some minerality, grapefruit peel grip and long-lasting vibrancy on the finish.
Sea salt, honeysuckle, lemon-sprayed apple and a touch of graphite dominate the nose of this tasty wine that grows only more interesting with time. Lime zest plays on the edges of the palate, though the middle shows a nectarine and yellow-pear richness. Energetic acidity tickles the tongue throughout the sip.
Sea salt, lemon, lime, grapefruit blossoms and a touch of ripe nectarine give complex depth to the nose of this high-end winery's larger-production white. The palate offers similar flavors, from brisk lime juice and sliced apples to warmer touches of sea-salt caramel.
Sea spray and salty mineral complexities accent luscious, peachy fruit from nose to finish in this delightfully complex Riesling. It's weightier and more expansive on the palate than a typical Kabinett, but spine-tingling tangerine and lemon acidity lend a fresh, persistent finish. Ready to drink now but should improve through at least 2021.
Seafood dishes (fried or lightly grilled sea prawns) or fresh vegetables would make a perfect pairing companion to this rich Tuscan white blend. The wine opens with a bright, crisp quality and offers enduring flavors of passion fruit, peach and zesty spice.
Seafood platters loaded with steamed mussels and spicy crab cakes call out for a fresh, vibrant Vernaccia just like this bottling. Massimo Daldin offers touches of vanilla cream, yellow fruits and nuts, which give it momentum and character.
Seamless and soft, this medium-built expression of clove, tobacco and dark red plum offers integrated tannins and a punch of oak, before settling into a whispered finish.
Seamless luxury from stem to stern, this ‘baby Grange' is  impressive juice. Blackberry, menthol and smoke play unusually elegantly on the nose, the texture is velvet on the tongue with dark berry, coffee, licorice and muted black pepper flavors. The superb, very long finish combines all the elements with wonderful finesse and a rare grace. Not inexpensive, but fairly priced; you could pay twice as much for half the wine, almost any day in any fine wine store in the country. To be released 5/01.
Seara d'Ordens is a quinta at the western end of the Douro region. This rich and polished wine is full of black fruits, with herbal overtones and layers of wood aging that have left espresso flavors. With this concentration, the wine needs to age for several years; drink after 2017.
Search carefully and you'll note delicate scents of tamarind, cola, ginger, coriander, cocoa and pepper. The palate opens with a generous, exotic potpourri of baking spices, amaro, honey, dark chocolate and caramel. There is the slightest hint of barnyard, but everything plays together beautifully. Drink now through 2025.
Searching for New World Chardonnay that's restrained, crisp and only 12% abv? Steve Webber at De Bortoli is your man. This medium-bodied Chardonnay displays a hint of custard to its texture, while the flavors are citrus driven and refreshing.
Seared black cherries and savory hoisin umami notes mix with cinnamon, sandalwood, incense and brown spice on the nose of this bottling by Jake Knotts of the Jocko's Steakhouse family. It's lively, energetic and easy to quaff on the palate, with bright boysenberries and aromatic purple flowers, proving medium weight in body and style.
Seared lemon peels, densely packed honeysuckle, Brie rind and white-ash aromas show on the nose of this appellation blend from the regional superstars, which recently became part of the Jackson Family of wines. The palate is tightly wound with grapefruit pith and a lemon spray-laced acidity that provides ample structure, carrying the slightest bit of riper stone fruit at the core.
Seared lemon, hazelnut, brown butter and sandalwood with a graphite minerality come through on the nose of this complex wine from Jonathan Nagy. The palate offers hints of herbs and chamomile at first, then washes of citrusy acidity and apple notes, all held together with steely tension.
Seared peach, ripe Gala apples, wet slate and pineapple aromas show on the nose of this very down-the-middle bottling. The palate is broad and inviting, with charred vanilla, buttered apples, an orange-rind sharpness and a solid oak framing.
Seared pineapple and warm brioche aromas show strongly on this examination of one clone from the small but solid Monterey County appellation. Tropical elements of guava skin mix with sea salt and bright acidity on the refreshing palate.
Seared yellow apple, lemon rinds and pressed white flowers show on the nose of this bottling from the pioneering winery, which was recently acquired by the Gallo family. The texture is quite steely with bountiful acidity, but the flavors are a little flat on the sip, where stone fruit and squeezed citrus show.
Seared yellow grapefruit, white flowers and a hint of almonds make for a fresh but simultaneously nutty nose on this classic bottling from the historic producer, whose grapes come from the top of the high-elevation appellation. The extremely energized palate is enlivened by flavors of salted lemons, a buttery warmth and racy yet rich minerality, from chalk and slate to graphite and flint.
Searing acidity marks this wine, which tastes like it has a lot of Edna Valley fruit in the blend. It also shows bright, strong, long hangtime flavors of limes and pineapples. It's actually quite a fine Chardonnay, dry and low in alcohol. A great value at this price.
Searing acidity supports apple blossom and quince in this complex, light-bodied and entirely delightful wine. As it opens in the glass, it gets more velvety and tense, finishing on a refreshing bite of anise.
Searingly crisp and yet generous and intense, this Chardonnay from one of grower Ulises Valdez's prime properties is muscular and expansive, rich in apple and honey and a seasoning of mouth-tingling spice. It exemplifies California exuberance. Let it breathe for a while, or age 2020–2025.
Searingly dry, to the edge of sour, this emphasizes mineral and citrus rind over fruit. This austere style might match well with some sausages on the grill to cut the acidity.
Searingly tart, this might be a 2007 Muscadet for its thrilling, stiletto-steel spine and leesy minerality. Simply calling it unoaked does not begin to do justice to the complexity and textural density that this unusual Oregon Chardonnay offers. For acid lovers who don't think that Chardonnay must be slathered in toasty new wood in order to have any flavor, this wine will be a joy.
Sebastiani has had good results with their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and this bottling continues that tradition. It's a lovely wine, dry and rich, with raspberry and cherry pie, sweet, smoky oak and spice flavors, brightened with fine acidity. A wonderful wine for restaurants at a price that's affordable.
Sec is less dry than Brut in Champagne doublespeak, and so this is a soft wine that brings out perfumed red fruits and attractive acidity without great crispness. That makes for an attractive apéritif style, with a ripe aftertaste.
Seccal is a wine you can count on for richness, intensity and overall appeal. It is soft and smooth, enhanced by lively aromas of red fruit, prune, brown sugar and barbecue spice.
Second-generation winemaker Drake Whitecraft taps his friend Matt's vineyard for this fruit-forward bottling, which shows smashed black grapes, black cherry, black raspberry, lavender, lilac and cola on the nose. The palate is juicy with blueberry and blackberry, lifted by violet and lavender, and touched with white pepper spice.
Secondary characteristics like mushrooms, hay, and nuts make this unusual but in a mostly charming way. Tropical fruits take a back seat on the palate; Green beans and peas are in the driver's seat. Texturally it has a surprising weight, but there's enough acidity to keep things fresh.
Secure, spicy, dry and woody on the nose, it's firm, fresh and collected on the palate. Flavors of loamy berry and cocoa finish earthy and solid, with balance and length. This offers almost all you want from Chilean Cab priced under $20.
Sedàra is a popular Sicilian red that is readily available around the world. This lively vintage shows bright berry tones, white almond and bright touches of cola and cassis. The mouthfeel is sharp, crisp and compact.
Sedàra, an easy-going Nero d'Avola from the dynamic Donnafugata winery in Marsala, Sicily, is not its usual self this year. Aromas of earth, red beet and root eclipse the purity of the fruit. The wine has ripe, gritty tannins and palate-cleaning power on the finish.
Seduction may be an odd word to use for a Malbec-based wine that is dark and drily tannic. It is structured and firm, with a dry core and black currant fruits. Drink this solid wine from 2017.
Seductive and complex, the inviting aromas mix incense, blueberries, cassis, licorice and threads of herb and graphite. Flavors are wrapped tightly and unfold gracefully through a long finish. The herbal side of Cabernet is noted without being intrusive. Classic, deep and expressive.
Seductive and forward, the Avec Chêne (with wood) boasts intense aromas of vanilla, butter and cream that frame the superripe peach and guava fruits. A touch of honey and sweet spice add depth to the round, creamy-textured palate. Rich but not overdone, with a sweet orange oil lift to the long, evolving finish. Drink 2013-2015.
Seductive and irresistible, Campo del Drago offers abundant density, richness and flavor. This hearty Brunello is bursting with cherries, blueberries, spice and milk chocolate. It's a modern, hedonistic wine with chewy density and a smooth, creamy texture.
Seductive and velvety, this concentrated Pinot Noir is richly layered in raspberry cherry cordial, cardamom and cola flavors. Pine and allspice notes contribute a homey spiciness as as the fullness of the wine lingers into a long finish.
Seductive aromas of blueberry, oregano and juniper are different than the norm. This is concentrated and inky, with intense black-fruit flavors as well as notes of juniper berry and lemony oak. A lush, fruity finish is pure and jammy but not overly complex. Drink through 2016.
Seductive aromas of caramel, fresh-crushed soda rock and squeezed lemon introduce this Viognier from a historic vineyard by winemaker Steve Fennel. The palate releases flavors steadily, from tight lime juice and citrus pith in the midpalate to round nectarine and ripe apple flesh on the edges.
Seductive aromas of raspberries, sandalwood, graphite and a pinch of allspice entertain the nose on this wine. The spiced wood character carries to the palate, where dried strawberries and pomegranate add riper fruit elements.
Seductive floral notes of violet and lavender persist throughout this juicy revitalizing Riesling. It's elegantly off dry, balancing honey-tangerine and pineapple sweetness against crisp lime and lemon acidity. The finish is pleasantly persistent.
Seductive notes of fragrant, red-cheeked peaches come together with notes of honeysuckle. The palate displays the same beguiling aromatics and is slender but deep. Concentration and finesse spell a great future.
Seductive perfume suggest fronds of jasmine, ivy, mandarin and perhaps an edge of pink grapefruit. The playfulness of this citrus feast fizzes away and excites both nose and palate. It has all the effortlessness that comes with years of practice.
Seductive ripe, oaky and almost sweet flavors make this full-bodied wine easy to love. The plump blackberry and boysenberry flavors coat the palate while hints of nutmeg and vanilla spice up the aromas and continue through the finish. Concentration and a sense of layering close the deal.
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.
Seductive, spicy oak in the aromas and flavors puts a great spin on this medium-bodied, velvety smooth wine from a promising new winery in Northern California. Some ripe black-cherry and cranberry flavors chime in as well, supporting the toasted baguette, cedar and nutmeg nuances and layering seamlessly.
Seductive, toasty scents of brioche and pie crust are upfront on the nose, supported by notes of baked apple, orange oil and melon. The round, plush mouthfeel is soft and richly fruited, with just enough acidity to keep it from feeling too heavy. The palate transitions nicely from flavors of apple pie and creamed pear to woody spice. Drink now.
Seductively rich and powerful but also refined, this opens with aromas of ripe berry, orange zest, exotic spice and leather. The firm, juicy palate delivers crunchy red cherry, crushed raspberry, anise, mineral and pipe tobacco alongside polished tannins. Drink 2016–2032.
Seductively rich notes of peach and yellow plum entice the nose. They also bathe the palate in a very luscious light, counteracted by fresh mousse and balancing, taut freshness. This is a lovely synthesis of rich fruit and dry restraint, fizzing away with pleasure. The finish is long, dry and lemony.
Seductively smooth and intriguingly aromatic, this blend of several knock-out vineyards along Westside Road—Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Rochioli Riverblock and Williams Selyem Estate—is instantly delicious, sharing a concentration of cherry, strawberry and citrus that perfectly captures the essence of the fruit, accented by a tease of black tea. An earthy minerality wraps around dry, polished tannins, with a streak of just-right acidity, giving it a realm of juiciness and flavorful sophistication. Enjoy through 2023.
Seductively tart in lemon pith, cranberry and pomegranate, this refreshing, light-bodied quaff is infinitely enjoyable, both on its own or at the table. It continues to expand on the palate into an increasing array of fresh flavors, finishing in cherry and orange.
Seeing just a kiss of new oak (20%), this wine offers brooding aromas of spice, white flowers, tropical fruit and citrus. The palate is full of white-grapefruit flavors backed by a zing of tart acidity, with barrel spice flavors lingering on the finish. It shows a lot of tension.
Seeing no new oak, the fruit is front and center. The flavors of pepper, dark fruit and herbs are pure, concentrated and soft in feel with a tart uptick on the finish.
Seeing only neutral French oak, reserved but intriguing aromas of dark raspberry, herb and plum are followed by well-constructed dark-fruit flavors. It's equal parts intrigue and delivery.
Seeming delicate at first, barely-there whiffs of lemon peel and green herb turn riper and sunnier on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. The palate is quite unctuous, dripping with white peach and grapefruit nectar. A cool strike of steel extends from midpalate to finish, lending mineral elegance to this ripe, rich wine.
Seemingly as tart as a Riesling can get despite having residual sugar of 1.2%, this lemony lip-smacker shows good concentration. It would be a gem with the right foods, but on its own, the searingly tart acids may be too much for most tasters.
Seemingly dripping with honey and nectar, this lush, intensely concentrated Riesling is dense, with sweet white-peach, grapefruit and pear flavors. Veins of of dusty slate and sharp lemon-lime acidity add complexity and elegance to the long, lingering finish.
Seemingly effervescent aromas of lemon-lime soda, wet chalk, baking soda and apple blossom make for a very showy yet mineral-driven nose. The flavors are driven by ripe lemon and cling to a woolly line of citrus pith. The wine makes the mouth water strongly on the finish, creating an interesting sipping experience.
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.
Seemingly light and elegant, this conveys the cherrylike, cinnamonlike flavors and vibrant balance that Pinot should. It is actually medium to full-bodied, quite smooth but with a touch of acidity to keep it appetizing. This could well improve with age, considering its great balance. Best now–2019.
Seemingly more candied and sweet than prior years, but still a reasonably good generic-style Cabernet if you don't mind a little sucking candy and gumball along the route. Flavors of strawberry and cassis are sticky but ripe, while the finish is chewy and sweet.
Seemingly one dimensional, this wine is tight and packed with acidity. It has a fine texture marked with lemon-and-lime zestiness, but misses the mark in terms of depth and complexity. Drink now.
Seemingly overly oaked and manipulated, this is all about buttered toast and buttered popcorn flavors, slathered over a note of pineapple jam.
Seemingly picked on the early side, with slightly green, underripe flavors underscored by crisp acids and firm tannins. Has plenty of depth and concentration, but don't expect it to ever fully blossom. Try it now with rare steak.
Seemingly sweet and light bodied, this features raspberry, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon flavors. It's a delicious wine in the way of a granola candy bar. Drink now.
Seemingly sweet and mellow, this tastes like white toast that has been spread with raspberry jam and butter, sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. It's already drinking well.
Seemingly sweet and oaky, this has buttered popcorn, buttered toast and caramel cream flavors. The fruit suggests pineapples and pears.
Seemingly sweet and simple, this has buttery flavors of pineapple jam, white sugar and toast. A brisk cut of acidity provides a semblance of balance.
Seemingly sweet and simple, this has flavors of candied orange, peach and tropical fruit. A brisk hit of acidity provides much-needed balance.
Seemingly sweet and simple, this has orange and butterscotch candy flavors.
Seemingly sweet, with Lifesaver cherry and raspberry candy flavors and tart acidity, this simple wine is fine for everyday meals or parties.
Seems a bit disjointed, showing some attractive ripe stone fruit character and tropical notes that then veer into an odd, banana-like part of the fruit spectrum. Warm and spicy on the finish rather than crisp and refreshing.
Seems a bit hard and lean for a ‘99, especially a reserve. Pretty tannic now, although there's some blackberry fruit at the core. Oak provides additional nuances of smoke and spice. Hard to tell where it's going.
Seems a bit lighter than previous vintages, but it's still a smooth, supple, enjoyable Pinot. Suede and red cherries, chocolate and tart berries mark the aromas and flavors. Picks up some charred oak notes on the finish.
Seems a bit on the woody side for now, boasting aromas of dark roasted coffee backed by hints of plummy fruit. The cedary, coffee-tinged oak continues on the palate, where it imparts a slightly dry, tannic edge to this otherwise supple, rounded wine. Give it a year or two to see if the oak integrates with time.
Seems a little of the soft, sweet side, an easy wine to appreciate for its cherry, raspberry and cola flavors.
Seems almost Burgundian in this crowd, with its aromas of smoke and white peach and flavors of roasted hazelnuts and grilled peaches. Finishes clean and crisp, with tart, lime-like acidity and hints of smoke.
Seems almost sweet, with cherry and chocolate flavors that dominate the palate. Drink now.
Seems already mature, with truffle and mushroom notes creeping in among the apricot and orange marmalade fruit. Soft and lush, with just enough tannin and spice in support for near-term drinking.
Seems as though Estampa did well with its value-priced red wines in 2006. This Carmenère-Merlot blend is dark, sweet and nicely balanced. It gets the important things like tannins and acidity right, and then really pours on the ripeness of fruit. Delivers a lot for an under-$10 wine.
Seems as though St. Lucas's white wines are more sturdy than its reds. This Chard is fleshy and won't last much longer, but for dense melon, peach and cider-like flavors and relatively good balance, it's making the grade. Plump and tropical on the finish as it battles to stay in line.
Seems as though this medium-sweet Viura-Malvasia blend has gotten better in recent years as the winery has dialed down the sweetness and weight. Lately, this vintage included, Satinela has been fresh, cleanly made and easygoing, with sweet pear and peach flavors and not too much weight or residual sugar. Captures the essence of medium sweet.
Seems confected, with sweet Jolly Rancher aromas playing against taut acidity. A light, tart offering best paired with tomato-based sauces—fine with spaghetti at your local Italian joint.
Seems heavy on the American oak, displaying lactic, dill-laden aromatics that partially mute the berry fruit underneath. Still, the tart berries come through on the finish—a good sign for the future. Give it a couple of years in the cellar to come together. —J.C.
Seems like its best days are behind it. That said, there's still some fire in the hole and kick to this South American PG. Pineapple is the lead aroma and flavor, with pink grapefruit and passion fruit sitting in reserve. Has flow but is starting to fall apart.
Seems like quality and character are slipping a bit on this Malbec, which a few years ago overdelivered but is now more average. Red licorice, strawberry and sweetness characterize the nose. The palate is sweet and generic, while the finish is pretty much the same. Perfectly good but not the gem it used to be.
Seems like we're catching this wine late in its cycle. It's not very expressive on the nose, and even though there's still life to the palate, it's dealing only mild apple and citrus flavors followed by heat and acidic scour on the finish.
Seems more earthy and damp than you might expect, with minerally notes. Sort of fiery and rugged on the palate, with tough tannins and only modest roundness and richness for a reserva-level wine from a good vintage. Shows some bitter chocolate on the finish. Needs another year in bottle to show better.
Seems old due to mild vegetal aromas infiltrating the wine's core aromas of banana, vanilla and melon. Still zesty in feel despite 2011 being the current vintage; tastes of mature orange, grapefruit and pith, with lime on the finish. Drink now.
Seems prematurely aged, with slight bricking already apparent at the rim and leafy, tomatoey aromas and flavors. Not bad, just old before its time.
Seems pricy for what you get, which is a good but straightforward Pinot Noir to drink now. It's dry and elegant, with Pinot's silky texture, yet one-dimensional in cherry, cola and spice flavors, with a quick finish.
Seems rather oak-dominated, boasting ample brown sugar, vanilla and dill scents backed my some briary, blackberry fruit. Fills out a bit with air, so decant an hour or so prior to serving. Drink now.
Seems slightly confected and perhaps a little off-dry, but it exhibits tasty cinnamon and baked-apple flavors and a dash of peppery spice on the finish. Drink now. Imported by McWilliam's Hanwood Estate.
Seems slightly hollow, and finishes with some coarse oak, but the fruit flavors of cherries and yellow-fleshed red plums are pretty and accented by a hint of smoke. Quaffable. —J.C.
Seems slightly mealy on the nose, and then comes a tired set of flavors that includes mushy apple and spice. Finishes easy but dilute, with a pithiness that's normal for the variety. It's the current vintage but it already seems passé.
Seems somewhat crisper and less weighty than prior vintages, with the custardy mouthfeel buttressed by lemony acids. You'll also find apples, sweet plums and the obligatory toast and vanilla. —J.C.
Seems very oaky, with in-your-face aromas of vanilla, char and pepper, but the fruit is able to support it. In fact, the underlying flavors are rich and gorgeous. It shows Cabernet's cassis and blackberry aromatics, with the soft tannins and velvety, drink-me-now texture of Merlot.
Selección is proving itself to be a consistent modern Malbec (the last four vintages have rated 89 or 90 points). This rendition shows graphite, inky berry notes and savory spice aromas such as cumin and cardamom. It's rich and full bodied, with tobacco, coconut and baked plum and berry flavors. A smooth finish is neither tannic nor overpowering.
Selected from a portion of the family vineyard, this soft wine, named after the owner of the estate, is gently ripe but with the potential to bring out even more fruitiness. The aftertaste is crisp and ripe.
Selected from barrel tastings, this mineral, vibrant wine demands aging. The flavors are bright white fruits, with a tropical touch, followed by a dense biting texture. Final grapefruit acidity tops this ageworthy wine.
Selected from four sites planted 40–60 years ago, this is a full-bodied, muscular, rich Shiraz. Roast beef notes provide savory counterpoints to ripe plum, chocolate and mint. Long, firm and focused on the finish, where it picks up some mocha nuances. Drink now–2030.
Selected from parcels across the estate, this wine aims to reflect the totality of the appellation. It succeeds with its combination of minerality and ripe fruit. Oak, almond and citrus fruits are still right up front, showing that this is a young wine that will age well. Drink from 2018.
Selected fruit and longer barrel aging are the hallmarks of this Reserva. With its bright mint flavors, well integrated into the firm tannins and plum skin fruits, this is a wine ready to age.
Selected fruit has been barrel-fermented to give this rich and toasty wine. It has great structure, a concentrated texture that brings out both acidity and delicious acidity. A good layer of spice from the wood blends well with pear and peach fruits. Drink from 2017.
Selezione Massimo is a dense and concentrated Brunello that delivers dark fruit, espresso, cola, blackberry and licorice. It's a beautiful interpretation of the Montalcino territory, executed with a bold, modern flair. Oak tones characterize the wine.
Self-described as a “notable every day wine” this meets the challenge. Given the price, it's a winner, with 58% of the grapes coming from the Umpqua Valley AVA. The light strawberry fruit carries herbal and bitter green flavors, yet everything is in proper proportion.
Self-proclaimed to be the only Sagrantino in the Napa Valley (which is probably true), this wine displays varietal character in its smoky leather and its fruit characteristics trafficking in tart cranberry, orange and black cherry. It is light and subtle.
Seltzer and sauerkraut are off putting on the nose. It's scattered and salty tasting, with citrus and celery notes.
Semi-sweet and tasting like cherry-flavored cough medicine, this Merlot leaves a lot to be desired. But it's serviceable.
Semi-sweet in style with a ripe, intensely fruity palate, this delicate little Riesling is surprisingly complex with layers of wax, honey and lemon-pith that reverberate on a brisk, minerally palate.
Semi-sweet, this wine combines cherry and chocolate flavors with a vegetal, asparagus taste that detracts from the pleasures a dessert wine ought to bring.
Semisweet and likeable for its crisp, clean mouthfeel, this wine has candied flavors of grapefruit juice and lemonade. Nice with curried fare or as a summertime sipper with fried chicken.
Semisweet it is, with 12.2% alcohol and 30 g/L residual sugar. Lightly scented with bath powder, lavender and rose petal aromas, this brings on citrus and peach fruit, with a bit of phenolic bite carrying the finish.
Sengia Rossa is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot and other varieties that shows plush, rich concentration and a soft, velvety feel. Aromas here include black cherry, cassis, leather, tobacco and a touch of licorice.
Senhora da Convento's late release of its Ports has paid off with this impressively ripe, mature wine. It has the feel of a vintage wine with its depth of black flavors, spice, dried fruits and balance. Drink now.
Sensational for the price. This die-hard bargain is loaded with berry richness, sweet pulp, coconut and balance. It's a little creamy, but generous and integrated. Smells, tastes and finishes like something that costs three times more.
Sensations of crushed flower, sweet cake spices and red berry fruit are conveyed by this structured but easy-to-drink Nebbiolo. The round, juicy palate is balanced with supple tannins and fresh acidity. A coffee bean note signals the finish.
Sensations of dark cherry, cinnamon-spice and a hint of orange peel can't support the searing alcohol that throws this out of balance. Drink now to capture the remaining freshness.
Sensations of mature black plum are layered with notes of chocolate and roasted coffee bean. It's ripe, dense and evolved, with a markedly sweet finish. Drink now.
Sensations of pressed flowers, exotic fruit, white peach, nectarine, almond and mineral sensations all meld together smoothly and effortlessly. It has structure and depth but is also very easy to drink.
Sensations of white peach, apricot, citrus and mineral come alongside medicinal notes that leave a rather bitter taste.
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.
Separate from the other Original Vines bottling, this is part of the new single-vineyard series, and includes the famed South Block grapes. Lush and fragrant, full-bodied yet in the classic, elegant Eyrie tradition, this bursts with complexity. Bramble, cherries, strawberry preserves, coffee grounds and a hint of root beer come together in a deep, dense and thoroughly delicious wine.
Septette is supple and sexy, using all seven Pinot Noir clones grown in the estate vineyard. The fruit flavors run toward blueberry and blackberry, with supporting acidity and drying tannins. Aging in 40% new French oak adds suggestions of mocha and dark chocolate to the finish.
Septima is owned by Codorníu of Spain, and it hit the market solidly in 2002, disappeared for a couple of years, and now is back with a great Best Buy. The 2006 Malbec is a rock star wine in sheep's clothing. Shows size and power along with pure fruit, texture and balance. Lush and fruity until the end.
Ser Amerigo (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Colorino) is a bright and straightforward wine with aromas of cherry, forest berry and bitter almond. The mouthfeel is tight and polished, and there's a touch of crisp acidity as well.
Ser Gioveto (Sangiovese with some Cabernet and Merlot) delivers thick notes of fruit, herbs and earth and has a textured nose and great depth and dimension. The wine's structure is thick and solid and those fresh fruit flavors last a long time on the finish.
Ser Gioveto is 80% Sangiovese with small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It has a deeply saturated ruby color and compelling aromas of ripe fruit, strawberry, rum cake and soft spice. There's a jammy accent in the bouquet that gives momentum to its rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Ser Lapo is a celebration of Tuscan Sangiovese with refined berry aromas and cherry undertones followed by blue flower, cola and spice. The color, consistency and fruit flavors are all excellent.
SeraRosa is a full and generous rosato with ripe berry and raspberry flavors followed by medium density and a noticeable touch of alcoholic heat.
Serbato is a thick and savory red wine from central Italy that offers toasted notes of spice and tobacco backed by a plush and velvety mouthfeel. The wine seems to rev up quickly in the mouth but ultimately feels short on the mid palate.
Sercial produces the driest style of Madeira. This is certainly a dry wine that gets its richness from concentration and the wood aging. It has spice and old-wood taste as well as wonderfully perfumed spirits and candied lemon. Drink now.
Seresin's 2009 Leah is already mature. An evolved, earthy aroma of fresh compost adds a layer of interest to the pretty cherry fruit. As the name suggests,  this is a delicate, feminine style, with silky tannins and restrained weight. Drink now.
Sergio Rosé is a cheerful sparkling wine (made from Raboso and Lagrein) that is redolent of raspberry and forest berry with interesting shadings of licorice and mint. The wine is slightly sweet and simple in the mouth.
Serious amounts of new wood dominate this still young wine. It has weight and there is great juicy black currant fruit underneath the dry wood character. Once it opens up again, this is going to be a delicious, structured wine. Drink from 2016.
Serious and concentrated, this is a big and bold wine packed with ripe fruit flavors and firm tannins. It smells oaky and smoky, tastes rich with blackberry and dark chocolate and feels appropriately astringent, dry and full-bodied. Drinkable now, it will be best after 2017.
Serious and earthy, like walking into a wall of minerality. The fruit takes a back seat here, but is lusciously peachy and fresh while the long finish is sparked by hints of exotic spices. Give this two to three years to show its best.
Serious and huge, but talk about a ton of oak: this has a ton and a half, yielding sawdust-based aromas along with creamy plum notes. The thing is, once you realize that you're all-in with the wood, it tastes good, feels good and finishes good. A 3M wine: mint, molasses and medicine. But in this style it's done well.
Serious and multifaceted, with peppery black fruit aromas wrapped up in a frame of toasty new oak. Abundant but plush tannins support intense blackberry and roasted nut flavors in the mouth, winding up with a hit of mocha on the long, highly nuanced finish. Not your grandmother's Barbera.
Serious and solid, this Cab Franc delivers the goods with a complex nose of vanilla, coconut and orange clove pomanders layered over coffee and bittersweet chocolate. There's nice fruit in the mouth, with plum and blackberry shot through with notes of cinnamon. Medium, oaky finish. Serve with roast beef. Best 2011–2012.
Serious Cabernet, rich and complex and full bodied, made from Knights Valley and Alexander Valley fruit, with a few grapes from Atlas Peak and Mount Veeder. Dense and tannic now, but high toned, with waves of black currants, black cherries and oak. A good price for a Cabernet of this quality. Drink now–2012.
Serious cellar Cabernet here. It's eruptive with jammy, blackberries, cherries and black currants, with a delicious edge of dark chocolate. The new oak adds spicy, pungent notes of buttered toast and caramel. Yet it's also very tannic. So balanced and finessed, this Cab should have no trouble negotiating the next 10-plus years. Maybe longer. Much longer.
Serious mineral tones take precedence over the fruit here, with hay aromas giving way to flavors of stones and just a hint of apricot on the palate. Some strawberry fruit graces the medium finish. This wine is fairly dry, a flexible partner for a variety of classically prepared fish poultry.
Serious Sauvignon Blanc from the Saget home domaine, this full and ripe wine has considerable depth of flavor. Like many wines from Pouilly, it is for aging, a rich, concentrated wine that needs at 3–4 years.
Serious spice, black currant and herb flavors combine with firm tannins to produce a wine that is both structured and age worthy. Made from grapes sourced from the Deutschkreutz region of central Burgenland, this should be kept for another year. Screwcap.
Serious white wine. Dense and full-bodied, it's incredibly lush in tropical fruit and apricot flavors. Entirely dry, it shows a honey-sweet layer that's crisp and well-balanced.
Serious wine for serious Ribera lovers, even if it's from a generally weak vintage. Smells of bacon grease, graphite and dark berry fruits. Feels tight and youthfully tannic, with hickory, smoked meat, clove, toast and blackberry flavors. Clove and spice rest heavily on the woody finish; needs time to evolve and absorb its oak treatment. Best from 2013–2018.
Serious wines from a tiny inland appellation in Catalonia—that's Abadal, a maker of true terroir wines that succeed way more often than they disappoint. This blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Syrah is minerally and full of red fruit and vanilla aromas. The palate is husky but correct, with full tannins, a kick of acidity and pure, ripe berry flavors. Even from a tough vintage it justifies its selected status.
Serious wood aging has given this concentrated wine power and great aging potential. For now, it is firmly tannic, but rich black fruit tones and juicy acidity are there, waiting to develop. It will be an impressive wine after 2018.
Serious, concentrated fruit and structure on this grand cru Chablis. White fruits, laced with lime and rounded with some toast, all contribute to a powerful, complex wine.
Seriously deep, the weight and concentration immediately apparent, this Hyland Pinot requires extra breathing time, and probably some years in the cellar. Red and black fruits penetrate into a silky, spicy, supple core. It's a bit lower in alcohol than most of the other single vineyard Pinots from Erath, but all the more cellar-worthy.
Seriously dense and with signs of extraction, this is a powerful wine. Its big black fruits give it richness while there is also fine juicy acidity. It comes from vines over 100-years-old grown on the spectacularly steep slopes of the quinta. The wine is still young, so don't drink before 2019.
Seriously refreshing, this pink and copper-colored medium-bodied wine has dazzling citrus aromas, pink grapefruit and raspberry flavors and great acidity that wakes up the taste buds. Made from Grenache and Counoise grapes, it's just the thing for an alfresco lunch or to pour with appetizers before dinner.
Seriously savory watercress and yeast notes take the aromatic lead. The palate follows suit with pepperiness and lemony, citric verve. Zippy, lively and fresh, but with weight and resonance.
Seriously structured and full of robust tannins, this wine has enough rich fruit to match. As it opens, red plum and black cherry flavors shine. Dense, powerful and intense, it's a fine contender for long-term aging. Drink from 2025.
Seriously structured, this is a powerful and tannic cru wine. It has a dry firm core that is guarding the blackberry and cherry fruits. As they develop, the wine will become riper and richer. Wait until 2019 to drink this long-term wine.
Seriously structured, this wine is almost too rich. It is concentrated, with dense tannins, dark chocolate and cocoa flavors. The juicy, jammy black fruits come with the acidity to give the wine some welcome crispness and fruitiness. Drink from 2020.
Seriously tasty and full-bodied, this inky-colored wine is packed with ripe fruit, fine tannins and firm texture, and needs a juicy steak or tender roast as a table mate. A core of black cherry and black plum is shaded by spicy oak.
Serpico is a beautiful but also modern expression of Aglianico (the grapes come from ancient vines in the Taurasi area) that opens with dark notes of blackberry, crushed stone, chocolate, rum cake, licorice and cola. The mouthfeel is smooth, firm and very rich.
Serpico is a bold, larger-than-life wine, with beautiful aromatic intensity and notes of black fruit, espresso and crushed granite. Some 18 months of oak aging adds elements of dark spice and smoke; and the wine shows firm tannins and a long, polished mouthfeel. It's very elegant and should withstand many more years of cellar aging.
Serra della Contessa (named after Benanti's most beautiful and historic vineyard) is an important wine in the history of Etna winemaking because it was among the first to show the massive potential of this dramatic terrain. This wine is executed in a richer, more opulent style with excellent complexity and endurance, capped by bright aromas of spice, forest berry and light smoke nuances.
Serraboella Barbera d'Alba is loaded with aged aromas of dried fruit, prunes, apricots, tobacco and Indian spice. The wine shows black, inky concentration and fine, polished tannins.
SerraMonte is a blockbuster expression from Southern Italy with inky, dark concentration and beautifully intense aromas of black fruit, cherry liqueur, dried prunes and Indian spice. The wine is pulsing with sweet fruit flavors and boasts thick, muscular density and high, but well integrated, alcohol.
Serrata di Belguardo (an 80-20 blend of Sangiovese and Alicante) opens with chewy berry tones of raspberry and blackberry backed by leather, moist earth and pressed blue flowers. It shows lip-smacking crispness that makes it perfect for pasta with cream sauce or cheese.
Serrata is a hearty Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend that sees 12 months in oak and delivers dense, espresso-like concentration and broad, mature aromas of ripe forest berry, black currant and chocolate.
Serve this affordable Merlot at big parties. It's a fairly dull wine, but serviceable, with currant, spice and oak flavors.
Serviceable and soft, this Stromberg Cab could use a bit more heft to liven its fruit.
Sesta di Sopra delivers a superb and beautiful Brunello with impossible richness and gorgeous intensity. Aromas include black cherry, vanilla, dark mocha, freshly ground espresso and a subtle touch of mineral dryness at the end. It's equally impressive on the palate with smooth, thick intensity.
Sesta is one of the wines coming out of Montalcino that manages to combine the old-world power and tannin of Brunello with top-quality fruit flavors. It is firm and concentrated, showing dry tannins that go right through the palate. At the same time, there is delicious ripe, violet-flavored fruit and balancing acidity. Drink after 10 years.
Sestina celebrates old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Red Willow and Bacchus vineyards. The initial punch and power gives way to a wine with sharp acidity and somewhat constrained, leafy fruit flavors. For those who crave old-vine complexity and embrace the herbal side of Cabernet, this wine will be a revelation. Tight and focused, it responds well to several hours of decanting.
Sestina is the bigger sister to the winery's Gravura; again Cabernet Sauvignon takes front and center, with Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) filling in the rest. 70% of the French oak used was new, and the wine has more toast, smoke and barrel depth than its companion, though less of the luscious red fruit is showing. Espresso, cacao and other dark, roasted flavors wrap around black cherry cola and milk chocolate; the finish thoroughly delicious.
Set at 1,000 feet, the vineyard of Les Mouchottes inevitably produces cool and crisp wines with tangible acidity and strong red currant fruitiness. It's attractive and light, with a bright, fragrant aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Set at the top of Cristom's excellent lineup, this lush, round and seductive wine is built upon ripe black-cherry fruit. It plays out broadly across the palate, open and smooth, with nuances of cola, sandalwood and spice. Crisp, natural acidity keeps it lifted and lively. Drink now through 2035.
Set close to the sea (you can throw a stone into the water), this vineyard produces a fresh, almost salty wine, with a tight tang of citrus. It is perfumed, hinting at raspberries and pears. The aftertaste delivers a delicious, straight line of acidity.
Set in a colorful and whimsical bottle, this attention-grabber offers dense blackberries, blueberries and black licorice candy on the nose, along with bacon fat, smoke and black loam. The palate shows violets, boysenberry, blackberry and beef char. With grippy tannins, it's structured to last a few more years.
Set in the southern half of the Pauillac appellation, this estate still is not expressing the quality of its vineyard location. The wine is firm, lean with tight acidity and dry tannins. It will soften, although not by much.
Set on the plateau of Saint-Émilion, this 12-acre property has produced a structured and firm wine. It is solid with tannins, dark with its black fruits and rich with superripe Merlot. Drink from 2018.
Set within the smaller Green Valley AVA, Hallberg is 100 acres of varying aspects and weather, much of the site impacted by ocean winds and fog. The wine reflects this in its bright, citrusy acidity and earth, measured by elegant layers of orange, cranberry and strawberry. Cedar and black tea give it an exotic edge.
Setting a new high bar for Carmenère is this luxury version from Concha y Toro's Cachapoal vineyard. And while it deserves to be drunk sooner than later, we recommend it for the best steak you grill this year. It's a strapped, juicy wine with tons of coffee, chocolate and berry essence. It's too hard or layered, so get at it soon for its up-front fruit and character.
Seven different varieties make up this blend with Riesling (34%), Chardonnay (18%), Gewürztraminer (16%) and Viognier (13%) taking the lead. Aromas of flowers, mandarin orange and citrus are followed by moderately sweet stone-fruit flavors that providing easy drinking pleasure.
Seven Hills and Les Collines provide the grapes for this 80-20 Cab-Merlot blend. The cool 2011 vintage was especially noticeable in Walla Walla—here expressed as light strawberry and cranberry fruit, caught in a shell of acid. The wine ultimately turns tannic, with light barrel flavors of caramel and mocha. More bottle age may help to further meld the components.
Seven Hills vineyard fruit creates this pure Cabernet from a new project launched by Oregon's King Estate. This debut effort is light and shows a mix of strawberry and cherry candy flavors. Plenty of acid and balanced tannins complete a workmanlike effort.
Seven Soils comes from six vineyards, spent 14 months in 28% new oak, and still seems a bit of a puzzle. It's a rather pale, modestly ripened wine, from a vintage that produced more than its share of blockbusters. It's perfectly fine, just not particularly memorable.
Several different clones are blended into this Loire-influenced Sauvignon Blanc. The freshness and tart, tangy citrus fruit flavors are impressive, and would certainly match well to a plate of raw oysters.
Several varieties figure into this blend, from 26% Zinfandel and 21% Syrah to smaller amounts of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Big and powerful in smoky leather and black currant, it offers a rich softness on the palate, with a tightly wound savory, peppery aspect to the finish.
Several Vista Hills wines are produced off-site—this one at Le Cadeau. It's a fine bottle all around, matching 40% new French oak to ripe, spicy fruit. Sweet cherry flavors reflect the heart of the Dundee Hills location, framed by pleasing toastiness.
Several wineries make a Momtazi cuvée, an indication of the high esteem in which the vineyard is held. Here a touch of volatility attenuates the nose, leading into a bright, acidic young wine with flavors of orange peel, red berries, toast and nut butter.
Several years of aging has brought out some nice leather and barnyard tones that blend well with the raspberry and cherry fruit. Pleasant vanilla notes grace the moderately long and gripping finish. Although it was quite pretty when first opened, this wine declines in the glass and should therefore be drunk up as soon as possible. Try with smoked meats.
Severe and austere at this stage, this solid, dark wine has all the weight of a wine from Gevrey, concentrated and densely tannic. It's firm, packed with dark plum fruit and perfumed acidity. It's foursquare, demanding long aging. Drink from 2021
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.
Sextant takes their Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend and adds some Petite Sirah, which gives the wine a little more body, as well as firmer tannins. It's a big wine—rich, dry and complex in blackberries, currants and peppery spices. The alcohol gives it some heat. Drink now and over the next few years with barbecue or, for something different, beef or lamb curry.
Sexy and seductive, this melds cherry fruit with a touch of white pepper, blossoming into a full midpalate with length and power. There's a buttery softness, and a dash of caramel, making this ready to go for immediate enjoyment.
Sexy aromas of expensive perfume, exotic spices and honey give way to a strikingly intense palate accented by caramelized apple notes. Finish is long and a bit sweet. Serve this luxurious wine with lobster in a fruit preparation.
Sexy, luscious aromas of buttered plums and seared beef fat invite the nose on this blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Mourvèdre, which proves more delicate than brawny. Beef char and blackberry paste power the palate, but it coalesces around a focused line of licorice and graphite.
Seyfried always seems to do well with aromatic varieties, perhaps because of the family's Germanic roots. This Riesling includes a hint of honey on the nose, plus melon and pear fruit and a lingering hint of gingery spice on the finish.
Shades of cedar, dried herb and bramble lend complexity to this intensely concentrated Spätburgunder. Rich black cherry and berry flavors flood the palate, accented by staccato drumbeats of acid and fine bitter tannin. It's a powerful wine that needs time to smooth and meld, but should drink beautifully from 2018 to 2025.
Shades of crushed stone and granite add a penetrating minerality to the ripe, rich raspberry and cherry flavors of this nervy wine. A hint of dried herb and velvety tannins round out the finish that's long and lingering.
Shades of earth and mineral take center stage in this dry, refreshing Pinot Noir rosé. It's delicately concentrated, just barely kissed by tart red cherry and strawberry flavors, but a zesty, fresh summer pick-me-up.
Shades of golden toast and crushed granite lend depth and complexity to crisp red cherry flavors in this unusually brisk, sprightly Merlot. Refreshingly quaffable, a fringe of soft tannins linger on the short finish.
Shades of lanolin, blossom and white peach are fragrant on the nose of this dry, delicately structured Riesling. White grapefruit flavors are thin in concentration, but it's brisk and refreshing with a crisp, easy finish.
Shades of smoke, dried herbs and nut skins add savory tones to this dry Riesling. The palate builds intensity on the midpalate with layers of fresh apple, lime skin and underripe stone fruit, bolstered by sprightly tangerine-laced acidity.
Shadings of menthol and anise add a spicy character to the fruit-forward notes of strawberry, rhubarb and currant on the nose and palate. The tannins are soft and approachable, with clean yet fleeting flavors of red-fruit skins. Drink now.
Shafer's '05 is drier, crisper and more minerally than its predecessors from warmer vintages. You might even call it leaner. But it still shows the elegant balance that always characterizes the wine, with brilliant acidity.
Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.
Shafer's Merlot is very vintage driven, and this 2009 shows exceptionally ripe, sweet cherry and blueberry-pie flavors, enriched by 75% new French oak that brings toasty, spicy vanilla notes. It's flashy, opulent and delicious, but a bit forward and warm. Drink now.
Shafer consistently produces one of the biggest, fruitiest Chardonnays in California, and yet the wine remains balanced and interesting. The 2009 Red Shoulder Ranch is gigantic in pineapples, pears, mangoes, tangerines and honey, yet so minerally and crisp that somehow it finishes dry.
Shannon Ridge is quietly becoming the king of Lake County, offering wines of both quality and value and this is no exception. This blend is made of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre. The kitchen-sink approach doesn't muddle the wine in any way; it remains a smooth, fruity, ripe quaff, with a kick of vanilla on the finish.
Shaped by the capturing of a cool-climate site and philosophy, this wine is stemmy and balanced, offering a treasure's trove of fresh earth, black tea and clove, all within a lushly layered mouthfeel. The ripeness of the fruit and acidity are entirely complementary.
Shaped like a butterfly (papillon), this vineyard is one of the best known in Savennières. It is very rich and ripe, from a warm vintage. With its apricot and pear flavors and opulent texture, it brings out the potential of Chenin Blanc. So age this wine for 5–6 years more. Screwcap.
Shapely and balanced, this bright Brunello shows a clean style that is reinforced by pristine aromas of forest fruit, cranberry, white cherry, cola, ginger and a spicy touch of ground white pepper. Bright acidity creates a cooling sensation in the mouth and would pair well with creamy or cheesy pasta dishes.
Sharp-edged aromas show classic notes of grass and fresh asparagus. In the mouth, it pulls the fruit forward: there are lightly honeyed flavors of melon and peach with a slightly sugary, short finish.
Sharp acidity accentuates the tannins in this aggressive, dry Syrah, giving the blackberry and cherry flavors a jamminess that suggests pie filling. The official alcohol is amazingly low at 12.4%.
Sharp acidity and even some tannins mark this simple Chardonnay. In its favor are savory green apple, peach and lime flavors, with creamy, oaky notes.
Sharp acidity and intense oak meet in this deeply concentrated, tropically-influenced white. Peach, apple pie, and faint pineapple flavors all figure in.
Sharp acidity and less-than-ripe green flavors are found in this Syrah, which was blended with a little Grenache. Notes of sour blackberry and cherry candy also surface, and it finishes bone dry.
Sharp acidity and sugary sweet, jammy raspberry and cherry flavors give this wine a distinctly rustic feel. It shows the silkiness you want in a Pinot Noir, but is disappointing for the price.
Sharp acidity doesn't get in the way of this wine's complex body and length, accenting the crisp fruitiness of lemon peel, grapefruit and white peach. Light-bodied and refreshing, it'll stand up to food as well as work as an apéritif all on its own.
Sharp acidity leads to defined flavors of green apple and lemon, maybe even as tart as grapefruit, within this medium-bodied wine with a richness of texture.
Sharp acidity makes this young wine a bit tart now. It has solid flavors of cherries, raspberries, bacon and smoky sandalwood, and is dry and silky. Decant for a few hours, or better yet, give it a year or two in the cellar.
Sharp acidity offsets juicy white peach and apricot flavors in this neatly balanced wine. It's dry in style, with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, but the finish is pristine and fresh. Enjoy now through 2022.
Sharp acidity underscores light, quite tart cranberry fruit. This has herbal notes in abundance, and an earthy note to the tannins. But it all comes together with a clean, polished finish.
Sharp and a bit disjointed, this is an uneasy mix of sweet strawberry fruit and stemmy tannins. The Tempranillo is blended with 25% Cabernet Franc.
Sharp and a bit volatile, this young Viognier tilts strongly to the orange side of citrus. Despite the fresh fruit flavors it feels a bit flat in the mouth, lacking vitality.
Sharp and aggressive in acidity and unripe tannins, with a green mint edge to the cherries and raspberries, which actually are quite sweet. It's an unbalanced, rustic wine with excessively high alcohol.
Sharp and almost vinegar-like on the nose, with a strong blast of field greens and nettle. The palate is broad and edgy, with sour plum, tarragon and juniper flavors. Very green, herbal and funky. Not one of this label's better wines.
Sharp and bitter, this is an edgy version of Viognier. Citrus peel leads into a thin middle and a finish that seems tannic and hard.
Sharp and candied, with Lifesaver sweet-and-sour cherries and cola softened with smoky wood notes. The tannins are sandpapery and firm. Drink now with rich beef and lamb.
Sharp and driven with spicy pear and pineapple fruit, this challenging Pinot Gris is distinctive and tailored for food. The flavors seem to come from the grape skins more than the pulp, and there is no new oak to intercede. Fermented and aged in steel, put through malolactic, still showing plenty of acidity and spice.
Sharp and focused, with fine-tuned varietal expression, this is flat out loaded with rich fruit flavors. Orange, lime, pineapple and pear can be found, all beautifully polished. It's ripe and precise without being bitter or hot, and a fine value as well.
Sharp and grapey, with sweet, jellied flavors of cherries, blackberries and chocolate. With a production of nearly a half-million cases, lots and lots of folks will happily wash down their meats and pasta with this easy red wine.
Sharp and green, with a minty, chlorophyll taste. High acidity makes the finish searing.
Sharp and gritty in the mouth, with cutting acidity. Despite nice cherry, spice and sandalwood flavors, the texture is too peppery tart.
Sharp and herbal, this new Rediviva has a high-acid, peppery profile. It penetrates deeply into the palate, with excellent length. The herbal side of both the Syrah and the Cabernet is what is most forcefully expressed.
Sharp and jammy, like blackberry and cherry jam wine. Lots of freshness and acidity, not much elegance. Drink up.
Sharp and jammy, like Lifesaver cherry and blackberry sour candy. Finishes sweet in fruity extract.
Sharp and jammy, this has raspberry, peppermint and white pepper flavors. The name means “little kisses” in Spanish.
Sharp and jammy, with blackberry and cherry flavors. It's a simple, direct wine that needs a big, juicy cheeseburger.
Sharp and jammy, with blackberry, cherry and black raspberry flavors that finish dry and tannic. It's all upfront, so drink now.
Sharp and medicinal, with the taste of plastic bandages and cherry-mint candies; very tannic.
Sharp and minty, this wine has some underripe notes, yet the flavor of peppery black cherry tastes jammy. The alcohol is high and somewhat unbalanced, which gives the wine a heavy mouthfeel.
Sharp and minty, with a wintergreen tartness to the fruitier cherries and herb tea. The wine is supple and dry, with a lovely silky texture, but the acidity is strong.
Sharp and minty, with modest red cherry and cola flavors. The thinness of fruit accentuates the tannins and acids. Nice and dry, but lacks generosity for a pricey Pinot Noir.
Sharp and peppery aromas of chive, dill and Key lime show on the intriguing nose of this wine. Good citrus energy marks the flavors, where ripe pear appears in the midpalate and a decent acidity carries into the finish.
Sharp and peppery, this Walla Walla Valley Malbec starts out fruity and forward, then brings in flavors of dried leaf and tea. It's a two-step wine, perhaps caught between youth and maturity.
Sharp and rough in the mouth, this features tobacco, green bell pepper and modest berry flavors.
Sharp and rustic, with medicinal, LifeSaver candy cherry flavors that finish with a scour of acidity.
Sharp and sassy for the most part, but with airing things improve a bit and you start to find red fruit and honest spice. The feel is lean and vibrant, with jumpy acids creating a crisp mouthfeel. Will settle somewhat but won't ever deliver much in the way of rich berry fruit or a chewy mouthfeel.
Sharp and simple, with a great big burst of fruit and a hot, Porty mouthfeel. A rustic blend of several varieties.
Sharp and spicy, this is a high-acid, stainless-steel-fermented wine, with a green berry note and a hint of melon.
Sharp and tangy, this assertive wine shows a well-integrated mix of berry, cherry, sassafras and herb. Lightly dusted with fresh earth, it does a gentle fade through the finish.
Sharp and tannic, this wine hides its thin fruit behind gluey flavors of tobacco and licorice.
Sharp and tannic, with cherry, blackberry, coffee, cocoa and peppery flavors. Exuberantly rustic now, but could mellow with a year or two in the bottle.
Sharp and tight on the nose, and then it stays narrow and rather punishing on the palate. It's a tangy, gritty, tough wine with tart red-fruit flavors and bitter coffee note on the finish. Malbec-Syrah-Tempranillo is the blend.
Sharp and volatile aromas introduce this dark, chalky red. It needs to be paired with a seriously juicy, fatty red meat to buffer the the tannins.
Sharp anise, violet and menthol scents swirl around a core of rich blackberry jam on this wine, hitting the palate with serious thickness. The Kamal, named after an 8th-century navigation device, also features the other four Bordeaux varietals. It delivers flavors of deep plum jelly, cherry syrup, pepper and cedar.
Sharp aromas of citrus mix with the odd note of petrol. Lime and apple-skin flavors fade into an acid-driven, orange-flavored finish that's also musky and quite long. While not initially appealing, this wine opens up with airing to reveal some hidden qualities.
Sharp aromas of cut grass and pencil eraser show on the nose of this tart, sour wine. Dried lime peels and a slight rubber quality make for a somewhat bitter sip, though certainly reminiscent of the grape.
Sharp aromas of jasmine, green-apple rind and crisp pear flesh give a greener twist to the nose of this bottling by the sHearst family. The palate is framed by tangy, pinpoint acidity, showing lime rind, Anjou pear and squeezed orange flavors that leave the tongue tingling.
Sharp aromas of Mexican lime peel mix with struck match and cement on this nose. The palate is extremely tart and sour.
Sharp aromas of peach blossoms, honeyed nuts and lemon balm make for a fruity yet biting nose on this blend of 58% Grenache Blanc from Happy Canyon and 42% Viognier from San Luis Obispo County. Ripened stonefruit flavors are cut with a sizzle of acidity and warmth of sea salt and candied Meyer lemon on the palate.
Sharp aromas of prickly red fruits and barrel scents are lively, while a dry palate comes with a resiny coating of oak. Flavors of earthy berry, pepper and herbs finish minty in flavor, with unresolved tomato-like acidity.
Sharp berry and cherry aromas are like nail polish. A hard palate offers zero give, while plum and cherry flavors are tart before turning more sour and medicinal on the finish.
Sharp cinnamon and concentrated but light hibiscus and strawberry notes meet with an extreme menthol character on the nose of this bottling. That minty element explodes on the palate, where camphor and pine needle flavors overwhelm the strawberry fruit.
Sharp cinnamon and squeezed pomegranate aromas mix with strawberry blossoms and dried cherries on the nose of this wine from the longtime regional producer. The palate is driven by chaparral aromas of wild sage, coyote brush and juniper, spicing up the red-fruit flavors.
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.
Sharp Concord grape ripeness meets with a touch of chile pepper and dark tobacco on the nose of this bottling. The palate is redolent with aromatic woods, from cedar to sandalwood, as well as blueberries and dried herbs, but it's a tad thin.
Sharp feline and citrus aromas announce an edgy, citric palate. This Moscatel has a lot of Sauvignon character throughout, including flavors of lime, scallion and green herbs. An oily, pithy finish makes for a harsh ending.
Sharp in acidity and bone dry, this is a good, everyday Pinot Noir. It shows a properly silky texture, and flavors of cola, cherries, red currants and cedar. Drink now.
Sharp in acidity and jellied, with sweet black cherry, cola and oak flavors.
Sharp in acidity and thin in fruit, this simple Cabernet has dry flavors of sour candy, blackberry, currant and herb.
Sharp in acidity while silky on the palate, this blend of 12 estate blocks is the Pinot made in the largest quantity by the winery. Soft, pretty and approachable, it offers red cherry, blackberry, rose petal and cola spice, with a bite of oak on the finish.
Sharp in acidity, and not entirely ripe, with a wintergreen mint zest to the cherries. Needs a rich, well-marbled steak to soften it.
Sharp in acidity, cherry—and raspberry—pie filling, this Zin has a sweet-and-sour taste. Don't look for subtlety, just grab the barbecue and pair it with this spicy, lusty wine.
Sharp in acids and a little green, this dry red wine tastes like an old-fashioned Chianti. The flavors are of red cherries, herbs and pepper. Made from 70% Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.
Sharp in acids and hot in cracked peppercorn, this dry Syrah features flavors of coffee, blackberries and dark bitter chocolate. Good with chili or beef tamales.
Sharp in acids and jammy in freshly crushed blackberries, cherries, chocolate, anise and pepper, this is an easy wine to drink with barbecue.
Sharp in acids, with a knife-like cutting quality that slices right through and across the wine's natural cherry flavors. The tannins are bigtime, too. Doesn't seem at all likely to improve in the bottle.
Sharp in raisin skin bitterness, this dry, dull wine has overripe cherry flavors, and is quite tannic. Lacks opulence and interest.
Sharp lemon and lime accent crisp peach and apricot flavors in this nervy dry-style Riesling. A touch of savory wheat contrasts fresh citrus and stone fruit, but overall, it's a refreshing, easy quaffing wine, ready to drink now.
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.
Sharp lime skin aromas are warmed by Gala apple and wet river stone scents on the nose of this bottling, which blends fruit from warmer eastern vineyards and cooler western ones. It's light in structure and easy to quaff, with searing acidity that carries into the finish. A stony texture frames its honeydew and grapefruit flavors.
Sharp lime skins, rich petrol and yellow grapefruit juice combine for that familiarly fresh Riesling aroma, yet this one is a tad richer, with a lemon pastry note. Dried lemons and apples show on the palate, where a zesty, tangy yuzu acidity meets with ginger and lemongrass notes. A complex bottling.
Sharp mineral and vitamin notes are not inviting when considered individually but they do form a good frame to chewy blueberry muffin, cherry-pie and earthy aromas. It's probably better to drink this wine sooner rather than later before the mineral tones become too prominent.
Sharp notes of cut grass, yellow pear, kiwi and a shred of grapefruit pith show on this bottling by winemaker Karen Steinwachs. It is light and clean on the sip, offering flavors of lemon sorbet, lime rind and more mowed grass.
Sharp notes of lime zest and fresh, smashed citrus lead into fatter aromas of daffodil and guava on this minimally oaked bottling. Juicy flavors of tropical bubblegum pop on the palate, deftly restrained by grapefruit pith. It's fresh and vibrant though a bit ripe.
Sharp on the nose, with herbal, cabbage-like aromas. The palate is better, albeit rubbery in feel and infiltrated by bitter notes. Along the way, there's reasonably good berry fruit and then a piquant bite to the finish. Improves with airing; has its merits.
Sharp pine needle and tart berry scents dominate the nose. Low alcohol and pungent flavors emphasize the acidity, leaving a puckery mouthfeel with little impression of fruit. Best with mild cheeses and salted nuts.
Sharp pointy aromas of citrus and green herbs are edgy. This feels minerally and citric, with no excess weight. Flavors of tangerine, lemon and passion fruit are pickled and briny, while this retains a salty slightly green character on the finish.
Sharp red-fruit aromas include notes of vinegar and asphalt. Angular and bumpy on the palate, this is tart and foxy tasting, with a sour, herbal finish.
Sharp red cherries, a touch of cola and a wisp of forest floor comprise the nose of this affordable bottling. Cranberry skins, orange peels and pine sap sourness prevail on the palate.
Sharp scents of clove, cherry syrup and tobacco lead into a rough, tart and tannic wine with no particular varietal character.
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.
Sharp scents of saddle leather lead into a tannic, earthy wine that remains stubbornly closed even after some hours.
Sharp upon entry, this has a concentration of citrus rind amid penetrating flavors of grapefruit, pineapple, orange and nectarine. The buoyant acidity keeps everything in proportion, with just a hint of bitterness at the edge of the finish.
Sharp, briny aromas of citrus and bell pepper teeter on vegetal. This is racy, pointed and minerally, with tangy, pyrazine-heavy flavors of lemon, white pepper and bell pepper. A snappy, piercing finish is lean and scouring.
Sharp, chewy and aggressively tannic, this simply refuses to emerge from its tannic shell. The stiffly herbal flavors dominate, while any ripe fruit seems to be in hiding at the moment, despite lengthy aeration.
Sharp, dense, tight and oaky; this has a lot of plump pineapple, apple and sweet citrus fruit. There is a wonderful mix of spice, herb, fruit and acid. Deep and focused, this wine has serious guts and the flavors last a good long time.
Sharp, hard and stiff, this high-alcohol wine offers plenty of power, but little in the way of charm .A tight streak of burnt rubber runs through the core of black fruit.
Sharp, minty-peppery and tannicly dry in its youth, this Syrah is rich enough in fruit to warrant some years in the cellar. That could give it time to soften and let the ripe blackberry, chocolate, coffee and gingersnap cookie flavors out. Try 2009–2011.
Sharp, minty aromas mixed with stemmy red fruit set up a modest, middleweight palate of semisweet, generic red fruit flavors. Quick on the finish, with a spot of green flavor. Good enough but lacks the concentration and deeper aromas and flavors of Urban Malbec.
Sharp, piercing aromas of pineapple and steel yield a bit prior to a tangy, citrusy palate. There's some chalk and slate on the finish, which adds an element of complexity. The only noticeable fault here is a candied sweetness at the tail end
Sharp, prickly aromas suggest tart red plum and wild herbs. The palate is a bit heavy and sticky, with sweet, gummy, medicinal berry flavors. Finishes bitter and peppery, with a medicinal aftertaste.
Sharp, punchy aromas of citrus, green herbs and celery lead to a tight drawing palate. This tastes feline, bitter and a bit like passion fruit. Pyrazine-based green flavors of thyme and scallion drive the finish.
Sharp, pungent grass scents and a bit of rough citrus form the nose. Once sipped, thin and brisk apple cider flavors get help from slight kiwi and fresh acidity. Serve with bay scallop salad.
Sharp, simple and candied, with blackberry jam and cola flavors. The tannins are rugged, and the wine finishes with a scour of acidity. Seems at its best now.
Sharp, spicy and crisply defined with citrus fruits and skins. The skin flavors really punch through and add power to the midpalate. May have some Picpoul in the blend (to cut the alcohol?).
Sharp, spicy fruit flavors lead into a thick, edgy, crisply defined sparkling wine with plenty of power. The heft and authority are there, but some softening around the edges would enhance the overall palate impression. Time should make this an even better bottle.
Sharp, spicy, tastes of apples, with plenty of flesh. Ripe and straightforward, showing none of the sugar, vanilla and excessive oak chip flavors of most cheap Chardonnays. Solid winemaking, juicy acids, and a fine food wine for six bucks.
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.
Sharp, tannic, and showing some burn in the finish, this brings mixed berry fruit with a wash of mocha. The tannins are astringent and seem to cut the fruit short.
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.
Sharp, tart and thin, with biting green apple fruit flavors. From a high-acid year in Washington, this definitely shows it.
Sharp, tart berry flavors come in cleanly, but the wine hits a chalky wall midpalate and refuses to open up. Re-tasted after 24 hours, it hadn't budged.
Sharply-defined with a lemony edge, this mixes fruit flavors of tart red berry and citrus. As it breathes it seems to develop some high-toned aromatics bordering on nail polish. Drink up.
Sharply aromatic with peppery herb, bramble and thistle, this has a substantial core of cranberry fruit. Tannins are chewy, and the earthy, herbal characteristics, along with unintegrated oak (both French and American) dominate.
Sharply defined aromas of spice, chiseled mineral, dried tobacco and cassis open the bouquet of this dark, concentrated wine. There's a floral note of spicy potpourri and cinnamon stick, tight tannins and bright acidity.
Sharply defined aromas, with a little funk at the base, lead into tart red fruits and flavors of slightly bitter herbs. The fruit fades quickly, leaving tart flavors of stem and leaf in its wake.
Sharply defined with fruit flavors of melon and green berry, this has real cut and drives through the palate with confidence. It's a great food wine, neither wimpy nor too assertive, and it's made to be chilled and set out with any white-wine-friendly food.
Sharply defined, this has piercing, penetrating high notes that are both floral and fruity. Its lemon and tangerine fruit is amped up with some alcoholic burn. Aerating it helps to smooth it out.
Sharply etched in pineapple and Meyer lemon, this wine retains a brightness of fruit and acidity throughout, never overly impeded by oak. A subtle, earthy herbal streak plays in the background.
Sharply herbal, this shows a bit of a green edge, which comes across as bitterness on the finish. The pale red-fruit flavors hint at thistle and bramble more than ripe berry, but the balance is there to carry the wine well with food.
Sharply peppered, leaning toward Fresno chiles, with bits of cedar and forest floor, this is a very savory Pinot Noir, showing over very cool climate essences. On the palate, there are green olives, Indian spices and raspberry, and this would give extra kick to any dish served.
Sharply scented with lime and grapefruit, this aggressive wine brings some bitter phenolics front and center. Right behind you will find bright fruit flavors mixing pineapple, orange and lime, with plenty of acid. This is not one of the gentler Viogniers, but would be fine served chilled and accompanied by spicy foods.
Sharpness compromises this wine. Whether the acidity is natural or added, it's intrusive, cutting the palate and giving a sour candy taste to the blackberries, currants and cherries. Ready now.
Shaw and Smith's Sauvignon Blanc has become emblematic of the Adelaide Hills style, combining tropical fruit with a grassy streak, all framed by zippy citrus flavors. This would work equally as an apéritif or with various seafood dishes.
Shea is one of the Willamette Valley's most revered sites, and an all-star list of wineries compete for the fruit. Here the bright flavors of ripe raspberries are elevated with tangy acids, putting a tight frame of citrus around the core. A whiff of sea breeze comes up as well, enticing the taster to explore a bit more deeply. Already irresistible, this evocative wine will cellar well for at least a decade. Drink now through 2028.
Shea shows some muscle here, yet remains fruit-driven, with a lush midpalate mixing strawberry and raspberry fruit with cola/sassafras soda flavors. In keeping with Boedecker's style, this wine is extremely clean, the fruit is fresh and the flavors nicely detailed. Nothing big or over the top here, but first-class winemaking.
Shea, as always, is a full-bodied, fruit-driven Pinot with a broad midpalate showing blackberry fruit and citrusy acids. It falls away rather quickly, leaving a stony impression, but is missing the concentration of Shea bottlings from other vintners.
Sheer in texture, this honeyed nectar falls on the palate like a whisper, but its stone fruit, red berry and grapefruit flavors are powerful and compounding. Multifaceted with touches of sugar cookie and guava juxtaposed with lime zest and slate, it delivers a long, ponderous finish.
Sheer lusciousness marks this 100% Cabernet. It was grown on the estate vineyard in Calistoga, and shows great ripeness even in this cool vintage. Brimming with blackberry, currant, blueberry and mocha flavors, it's also rich in oak, courtesy of 80% new French barrels. The alcohol is relatively high, but it gives warmth, rather than heat. Drink from 2018 and beyond.
Sheer on the nose and palate with flavors of lemon and lime juice accented by hints of salted nuts and brine. These flavors are savory and clean, but could use a boost of concentration and depth.
Sheer opulence is the hallmark of this wine. Call it feminine in its soft silkiness, and the way the raspberry, cherry and sandalwood flavors caress the palate. Yet there's a firmness of structure, a stony, minerally quality that lends power and authority. Great now, and will develop in the bottle for the next 6–8 years.
Sheer tones of lemon, tart pineapple and lime invigorate the nose and palate of this feather-light Auslese. Its juicy tangerine sweetness makes it refreshingly gulpable, but a dust of pollen on the finish lends nuance. Drink now through 2020.
Sheldon's Roma's Vineyard Pinot Noir is exquisite. Very light in color (and alcohol level at 12.9 percent), it opens with gorgeous raspberry and violet aromas. Fully satisfying from start to finish, it has a lush mouthfeel, cherry spice high tones and a long, easy finish that will tempt you to want more. This is a beautiful wine. Only 60 cases made.
Sheldrake's Riesling begins with nosings of pear, apple and spice, and on the palate, offers apple and citrus with a minerally edge. Friendly and crisp, it's a good summer sip or cohort to Thai cuisine or grilled seafood.
Sheltered by a coastal range of hills from the Atlantic Ocean, this vineyard has produced a ripe soft wine that has gentle tannins and succulent red fruits. The aftertaste is fresh, continuing the fruit theme. The wine is ready to drink.
Sheltered in the Broglio stream valley, the eponymous cru is considered among the best in Serralunga d'Alba. This is a mineral-driven Barolo that will not appeal to fruit bomb enthusiasts. Instead, the focus here is on elegance, linearity and smoky subtones. Pencil shavings and campfire ash form a tannic finish that is tight as a shell but smooth as a pearl.
Shelton leaves the organically grown Carignane grapes she uses for this wine on the skins for three days, resulting in a dark velvet-red color that's followed by flavors of ripe strawberry with a twist of watermelon. Smooth and easy drinking, enjoy before a meal, on a picnic or with light, springtime fare.
Sherry-like in style with nutty aromas and flavors, this is a curious but delicious wine. It's a white-wine blend with a touch of brandy flavor. As its name suggests, this is a fine apéritif.
Shimmering with the palest salmon pink, this is a softly scented, restrained but very refreshing rosé. Absolutely dry, it majors on fresh lemon notes with tart inflections of red currant. The slightest fizz helps the freshness even more. Lovely.
Shimmeringly crystalline in the glass, this wine looks electric. A beautiful bouquet of tuberose and honey warns that the sipping experience may border on cloying. Though not a good fit for those who demand a thoroughly dry Gewürztraminer, this isn't a sugar bomb by any means, with flavors of honeydew melon, orange blossom and bubble gum.
Shines with a nice purple lustre then opens with big blackberry and spiced plum flavors that are earthy and wild. The palate is round, ripe and feels good, and the flavors are centered on herbal blackberry and toast. Very good for the price range.
Shining bright fruits give this wine a freshly polished character that glows with red berries and acidity. It's a textured wine, full of minerality as well as a steely edge. The aftertaste is lively and bright.
Shiny pink in color, with a crisp and wet nose that powerfully suggests refreshment to come. Juicy and superfresh on the palate, with cherry and raspberry flavors and citrusy undertones. A real winner in Garnacha rosé from Navarra.
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.
Shiraz (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Malbec (12%) combine in this medium-bodied silky-textured blend. Hints of eucalyptus linger around the margins, while the core of the wine features raspberry and cherry fruit. It's soft and easy to drink, and made for near-term consumption.
Shockingly fresh, this is a crisp and citrus-driven wine that makes few concessions to a softer view of life. That gives very tight acidity and intensely fresh lemon and orange zest flavors. Drink from 2015 to allow the wine to soften.
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.
Shooting for wine that will age for at least 15 years, this has too much wood for its own good. Dark and spicy with tough toast, it will likely remain that way. Somebody tried too hard.
Short and sharp, this “Proprietor's Limited Release” is simply a plain, generic style, with a bitter finish.
Short and slightly sweet, there's nutty overtones, a creamy texture and good acidity but a buttery note overwhelms the fruit. Drink up.
Short on aromatics, with only a whiff of pear and corn. The palate is soft and fleshy, with dry, limited papaya and melony flavors. Lettuce and other green notes carry the finish, which is bland and dilute. Will have a very short lifespan.
Short, sharp and attenuated, this has a volatile edge to its aromas, and that sharpness carries over into the palate.
Shot through with minerality, almost flinty, this wine shows its vintage well. The red fruit element is now only a small part of what is now a fully mature wine. But the steely edge and tannic structure show that it will age, probably 10 years or more.
Should Bordeaux be 14%? Maybe, but not this wine. It is too big, dry, tannin-dominated and heavy. There is way too much extraction, and it shows in the bitter character.
Should you be looking for a bright, low alcohol, fully dry, sappy, sassy and affordable Oregon Chardonnay, here it is. All stainless steel fermented and aged, it layers in lemon, grapefruit and apple, backed with ample crisp acidity.
Showcasing a rich style of Sancerre, this wine is creamy in texture with flavors of almonds, ripe melon and citrus. The palate is full and soft, with just the aftertaste showing crispness.
Showcasing the rich vintage, this is a generous fruit-driven wine. With red-berry flavors and plenty of acidity to balance, the wine is soft and juicy. Drink it from 2018.
Showcasing the richness of 2009 without sacrificing fine structure, this is stylish and concentrated. Dark black fruit accompanies a tight, minerality and a fine shaft of acidity. This single-vineyard offering is worth aging for 2–3 years.
Showcasing the southeastern Edna Valley's sandy loam soils, this begins with lush black cherry and sleek graphite aromas. On the palate, racy acidity precedes oregano, licorice and rocky minerality, all painted across a canvas of boysenberry fruit. The acidity and tannins assure that this will last in the cellar as well; drink after 2018.
Showing a bit of evolution, The Turk features hints of leather and beef alongside blackberry and cassis. It's reasonably complex for the price, but dries out a bit on the finish, suggesting it may be past its best. Drink up.
Showing a dry character from the wood aging, this spicy wine also has fruit weight. While it is still young, its ripe berry flavors laced with black cherries are right up front. It does have the rounded character of a Beaune and this will develop more strongly. Drink from 2021.
Showing a flavor concentration unusual in California Chardonnay, this mountain wine is massive in baked tropical mango, guava and peach flavors, even a decadent taste of ripe bananas sautéed in butter and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and gingersnap cookie. It's also rich in smoky, caramelized oak, yet there's a firm backbone of minerals that, together with crisp acids, gives the wine structure.
Showing a good structure of tannins and acids and ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, chocolate and cola, this Cab finishes too sweet. It has a sugary taste, like a health food power bar.
Showing a huge improvement over the '06, Novy's '07 Grenache is rich in chocolaty blackberry, blueberry and cherry fruit, but beautifully structured. The firm tannins and crisp acids balance out the slightly sweet jammy flavors and lead to true elegance.
Showing a light whiff of funk, this seems a bit reductive at first, but opens gracefully with adequate aeration. Black cherry and dark chocolate flavors combine and thread into a medium finish with some of that same earthy character.
Showing a lot of barrel toast in both nose and mouth, this backs its buttered apple flavor with plenty of acidity. It's like biting into a crisp-tasting slice of apple pie; delicious now, or hold for another 4–6 years.
Showing a lot of new, not-yet-integrated new oak in the nose, this juicy Sangiovese is loaded with aging potential. The bright acidity and hints of herb buttress the generous flavors of strawberry, raspberry, boysenberry and plum. It has excellent concentration and length.
Showing a mineral-driven structure and firm tannins, this is a Beaujolais that needs to age. Rich and juicy, its perfumed red fruits currently cut through the dry tannins.
Showing a slightly coppery blush hue, this softly aromatic wine has a pleasing muskiness. It's high acid, slightly spritzy, clean and fresh. Though perfectly quaffable, it's not a typical Oregon Pinot Gris.
Showing acidity and a structured, dry character, this is a lean wine. Its tannins are dominant, along with vivid red currants and and an austere texture. Drink from 2017.
Showing all the richness of the Alentejo, this is a dense wine with dusty tannins and black-plum and licorice flavors. The acidity and the firmer texture show slowly, giving a solid, chunky aftertaste. With its concentration, it is a wine for aging over at least 3–4 years.
Showing an enormous blast of cherries and raspberries, this Pinot is saved from being a fruit bomb by earthy, mushroomy complexities and a hit of acidity that makes the mouth water. It's way too young now, and should easily take 5–7 years in the cellar to come around.
Showing apricot and honey flavors with a refreshing dash of lemon acidity, this is an intensely sweet and rich wine. The texture is smooth, mellifluous, the dryness of botrytis providing just the right contrast. For aging over many years.
Showing aromas of overripe mango, peach, lime and white flowers, this wine is intense on the nose. The palate is equally loud, with lime and candied peach standing out. The acidity is prickly and gives a sour taste to the finish.
Showing as much freshness and acidity as the hallmark spice of a Gewürztraminer, this is a white-fruit-dominant wine, poised and elegant, with a touch of minerality. Keep for 2–3 years.
Showing austerity via its tannins, this is a severe wine despite its red berry fruit. It has layers of wood and a dry core. Age for six years or more.
Showing Bardolino's more serious side, this delicious red opens on aromas of wild berry, pressed blue flower, spice and a balsamic note. With a blend of Corvina and Rondinella, the elegant, well-structured palate delivers morello cherry, black pepper and clove. Refined tannins provide the polished framework. Drink through 2019.
Showing beautifully, with intense lemon and lime fruit and a luxurious texture. The chalky, minerally palate is saved from austerity by a touch of sweetness. A very nice package.
Showing breeding and class, this opens with aromas of tropical fruit, white peach and citrus that all carry over to the palate. The creamy texture and juicy fruit are balanced by crisp acidity.
Showing bright white fruits shot through with citrus, this ripe wine is intense in its freshness. It is very pure in its character with a great line of acidity. The hints of wood are modest, giving a wine that is all mineral fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
Showing brown edges, this rapidly maturing wine is scented with cooked plum, brown sugar and baking spices. Thin and bitter in the mouth, with astringent tannins and a flat finish.
Showing Cannonau's lighter side, this simple red has fruity aromas of wild berry and a hint of dried aromatic herb. The easygoing, informal palate offers red cherry, raspberry and a hint of white pepper alongside soft tannins.
Showing classic Santa Lucia highlights of enormously ripe cherries, Asian spices and acidity, this wine flatters the palate with the sheer force of its fruit and new oak. It's a young, fresh, vibrant wine that's at its best now.
Showing considerable new wood flavors, this is more vanilla and mint than fruit. That said, it does have the potential to bring out more of the black currant fruit of the vintage. As its juicy acidity softens, it will be ready to drink from 2018.
Showing considerable wood flavor, this wine has some tough tannins to overcome before it really shows its best. The fruit is ripe, full and packed with blackberry flavors. Once fully integrated, the wine should reveal more of a luscious side. Drink from 2017.
Showing copper reflections, this vibrant wine offers enticing scents of white wildflower and orchard fruit. The savory palate presents poached Bartlett pear, nectarine zest and a mineral note accompanied by firm acidity.
Showing definite maturity, this remains a solid, chunky wine. It has richness as well as a light structure of acidity and raspberries. It is very ready to drink now.
Showing dryness in its pepper and spice characters, this is a full-bodied, weighty wine. Dried fruit and lychee combine with a toasty, almond-flavored edge. Worth aging a year.
Showing elegance and structure, this opens with aromas of underbrush, earth, leather, herb and a balsamic note. On the vibrant palate firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity frame dried cherry, mocha, licorice and exotic spice. Candied orange zest and a mineral note close the finish.
Showing excellent concentration and structure, this sharply etched wine sets vivid fruit flavors of raspberries and pie cherries against buoyant acidity. The focus is excellent, right on through a crisp finish.
Showing excellent varietal character, this light, textural, delicately spicy white wine is finished at just 12.8% alcohol, yet remains quite dry. There is a pleasing saltiness to the mouthfeel, almost like an Albariño, and the finish is crisp and nicely detailed.
Showing extreme elegance and finesse, this has notes of wild strawberry, cassis, Indian spice, cedar, molasses, licorice and even a touch of crushed granite. The mouthfeel is plush, rich and polished.
Showing extreme elegance, this fragrant, radiant wine opens with aromas of jasmine, white peach and aromatic herb. The linear palate delivers crisp Granny Smith apple, white stone fruit, sage, lemon drop and flinty mineral alongside zesty acidity that provides balance and energy.
Showing fine acidity, this has a creamy texture and a rich, rounded feel. Full of pear and creamed-apple flavors, it has some weight and a full-bodied character without losing the crisp acidity.
Showing finesse as well as surprising structure for such a wet, rainy vintage, this opens with heady aromas of tomato vine, hay, a note of bell pepper and a whiff of kiwi. The savory, linear palate delivers grapefruit, honeydew melon, a lightly toasted note and minerals brightened by firm acidity.
Showing fresh watermelon and canteloupe flavors, this light-bodied, dry wine is crisp in texture, with enough concentration to be mouth-filling. It's made frm 80% Barbera and 20% red Rhône varieties.
Showing freshness as well as structure, this intense wine is certainly fruity, while also having a dense texture, wood elements, ripe and friendly juiciness. Age for 2–3 years and more.
Showing freshness as well as sweet jelly fruit, this has a young feel to it. An edge of bitter chocolate and spice is layered over tannins that are not yet integrated.
Showing good balance, this wine tastes focused, bright and lively. Firm acidity and tannins back up generous, ripe cherry and black plum flavors. It feels ultrasmooth on the palate and is a pleasure to sip.
Showing good varietal character, it's dry and tart in acidity, with a delicate mouthfeel. The flavors are of cherry pie, cranberries, mushrooms, sandalwood and white pepper. Drink up.
Showing gorgeously, with honeysuckle, spring flower, clove and holiday spice tones. There's well-defined acidity and a lingering apple cider note. Try with cod in a miso sauce. Drink now to 2011.
Showing great concentration and varietal character, this tart, brambly, pure Mourvèdre beautifully showcases both the grape and the winemaker's skills. Sour plum and spice lend themselves to a lingering, detailed finish.
Showing great restraint and structure, this wine is complex, savory and brings a welcome change from the usual fruity soft California wine. It smells lightly spicy, beefy and earthy, tastes mild but deep, with fascinating flavors like smoked meat, tea, raspberry and cola.
Showing hints of black cherry, chocolate, anise and herb flavors, this full-bodied wine is structured with firm, ripe tannins that lead to a supple finish. —J.M.
Showing how Saint-Émilion came out well in 2013, this wine has ripe and juicy Merlot fruits topped with perfumed Cabernet Franc. Rich and structured, it's a wine for aging over the medium-term with its layers of tannins under the fruit. Drink from 2020.
Showing impeccable elegance, this is totally dry and tart in acidity, with a quietly tannic astringency that suggests pairing with lamb or steak. While it's not an ager, the cola, pomegranate, cherry and mushroom flavors are classic and complex.
Showing incredible depth for such an affordable wine, Andrew Murray does it again with this widely available bottling. The gamy nose shows lamb, rosemary, uncracked peppercorns, light tobacco leaf, soy sauce and a touch of tar. Purple flowers rule the palate, with lavender, violet and blossoming rosemary notes, with thyme and white pepper spicing up boysenberry fruit.
Showing initial citric acidity, this moves towards firm tannins and a dry structure. It has weight, a serious side to it, while solid, ripe and concentrated.
Showing its age, but unfortunately not very well, this wine has lost any semblance of freshness, with notes of overripe lemons, stone fruit, pressed buttercups and buttered green beans. The palate is more attractive in its creamy texture, balanced by plenty of acidity. The finish once again descends into rather off-putting buttered green bean flavors.
Showing its powerful chalky terroir, this single-vineyard wine has intense herbaceous and steely characters. They go with the ripe, open fruitiness that brings in citrus, crisp apple and quince flavors. It's ready to drink.
Showing its volcanic growing area, this opens with aromas evoking smoke, brimstone, red berry and a whiff of brown spice. The fresh savory palate doles out juicy red plum and a hint of clove while a savory mineral note backs up the finish. It's easy drinking and ready now, with pliant tannins.
Showing its wood strongly, this toasty wine seems to have lost the fruit. Some attractive acidity at the end helps compensate. Drink now.
Showing its youthful side, this is a breathtakingly fresh wine with intense acidity and tight grapefruit flavors. It's the style of Muscadet that really needs to soften for a few months and round out, when it will be very drinkable.
Showing just a few hints of minerals and crispness, this Chablis is so very light. It has some citrus and green-plum flavors along with flashes of acidity. The aftertaste is surprisingly soft for such a young wine.
Showing just a hint of sweetness, this well-rounded effort offers a ripe and tangy mix of lime, grapefruit, pineapple and white peach fruit flavors. There's a touch of honey running alongside and trickling out through the finish. It's drinking at or near its peak.
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.
Showing just a touch of reduction, this wine is bright, crunchy and explosive on the palate. The palate shows a mix of raspberry, cherry and cranberry that's full of flavor. Seductively smooth, it should continue to evolve and expand with time, as the wine is just beginning to unravel its complex notes of baking spice, vanilla and tea.
Showing lots more depth and focus than Husch's regular Pinot Noir, this wine comes from nearly 40-year-old grapes grown on the estate. It's charming, light and silky in the mouth, with brilliant acidity framing intense flavors of cherries and spices. Should age well for up to a decade.
Showing lots of lively citrus aromas, and crisp white-peach flavors, this wine tastes very refreshing. Blended from Grenache and other Rhône varietals, it's light in body, tangy in balance, and the fruit flavors hang in there on the finish.
Showing lovely silkiness, dryness and transparency, this is a Pinot to drink now or age for a while. The flavors are rich but elusive, suggesting wild summer raspberries, cola, pine needles and sautéed mushrooms splashed with balsamic, with the sweet smokiness of oak barrel aging. It's delicate and powerful, but only 47 cases were produced.
Showing moderate body and made in a drier style, the wine offers a hint of earthiness that's followed by pretty melon, peach, herb and citrus flavors. Crisp and clean on the finish, with a toasty, fruity hint at the end. More complex than   many of the local Rieslings.
Showing more of the spicy side of Blaufränkisch, which dominates the blend, this is a wine that also brings out ripe tannins, juicy red fruit, acidity and a dense core of dryness. It is still young, the fruit still bursting to get out.
Showing more toast than butter, this is a firm, concisely knit and dense wine. Very ripe flavors of apple and peach are wrapped in a frame of toasty oak and caramel. Decadent and delicious, it rewards some extra breathing time and can be cellared 2021–2023.
Showing new wood, this is a straight down the line red Bordeaux. The tannins are firm, maybe the wood gives a burnt character but the fruit comes through strongly, giving fresh, sweet blackberry juice flavors. A good, dry, but lively finish.
Showing oaky flavors of vanilla, butterscotch and buttered toast, this Chardonnay has the brisk acidity of the Arroyo Seco appellation. The flavors are of pineapples, oranges and limes.
Showing plenty of the concentration this village can produce, this wine from a small parcel is structured to age. It's rich while keeping the acidity and crispness of the year in mind. Drink from 2021.
Showing plenty of toasty oak, Te Awa's 2007 Chardonnay is at the same time surprisingly medium-bodied, with refined citrusy aromas and flavors at its core, cosseted by layers of vanilla and coconut. Try it with scallops or lobster, and let the long, citrusy finish play off the buttery sweetness of the shellfish. Drink now–2012.
Showing precision craftsmanship, this wine hails from a tiny vineyard on Napa's famed Diamond Mountain. Only 225 cases were produced, but it's worth a search if you're looking for classic mountain Cabernet capable of extended aging. The wine has a linearity that defines elegance, yet is rich in blackberries and cassis, with oak nuances. Containing small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for complexity, it will reward aging until at least 2018, and should be going strong in 2030.
Showing pure tropical fruits with a squeeze of lemon, this is a ripe, tasty wine, maybe a little short on acidity, but bringing out ripe lychee and mango flavors.
Showing red cherry, cola and spice flavors, this is very dry and silky, like a Russian River Pinot Noir should be. It's elegant, feeling smooth and clean on the palate. Drink now.
Showing richness, this wine is smooth and well balanced between ripe red berry fruits and generous tannins. The wood aging shows in a slight burnt edge, but this will pass as the wine develops. Drink from 2016.
Showing ripe peach, pineapple and honeysuckle flavors, this Chard, from the cooler southern part of the valley, is balanced with crisp acidity. Oak plays a prominent role, offering spicy crème brûlée complexities.
Showing signs of maturity, this is a delicious, rich and ripe wine, full of citrus, mineral and perfumed white fruits. Though rich, it is also bone dry, with tight texture and powerful acidity.
Showing signs of toastiness, this is a ripe and full-bodied wine. Rich with apples and yellow fruits shot through with lemon, it still could age. Drink from 2016.
Showing some aggressive tannins now, this unusual blend hails from Napa, San Luis Obispo and San Joaquin counties. It's very dry, with a solid core of red and black currant, carob and bell pepper flavors. Could develop some bottle complexity in a few years.
Showing some bricking at the rim, at nearly seven years of age this is a mature, herbal Cabernet. Vanilla notes frame tobacco, earthy and slightly vegetal flavors of bell pepper and tomato. Tannins are firm and chewy, while the fruit seems to be receding. Drink up.
Showing some mature notes at the age of four years or so, with a mellow texture framing cherry pie, cola and spice flavors. Feels silky, lush and delightful. Drink now–2015 as the fruit gradually fades away.
Showing some maturity in its dried fruit notes, this is neverhtheless an attractive heavyweight for near-term drinking. Chocolate fudge and prune notes pick up hints of cinnamon and dried herbs, then end long and softly dusty. Drink now–2020.
Showing some of the richness and structure of Vosne-Romanée, this is a concentrated wine, spiked with wood aging while also full of dark plum fruits. It is still integrating, bringing the spice from the wood more into balance. Drink from 2015.
Showing some signs of maturity, with a yeast and toast character, this is a full Champagne, with red apple and kiwi fruit flavors. There is also a distinct mineral, steely edge that gives the wine a firm final structure.
Showing some wood-aging aromas, this is a rich, tropical fruit-flavored wine balanced by acidity that goes with its peach and mango flavors. Ready to drink, it will be even better in 2015.
Showing strong wood-aging flavors, this is a firm, impressive and toasty wine, made in homage to the grandfather of the present owner of Casa Cadaval. It offers a dark cocoa face to the world, giving a bitter element that will soften over time. Under this structure, this powerful wine has plenty of fruit. Drink from 2016.
Showing strong, dense structure, this is a full, tannic wine. It starts tough and dry on the palate. The fruit comes through slowly, revealing red berry flavors. It needs to age, so don't drink before 2015.
Showing surprising age for such a young vintage, this is a wine that's ready. It is of course, like all Charles Heidsieck Champagnes, beautifully crafted, with its toast and spice element integrated deftly into the crisp fruits. A top quality Champagne, needing food for its full appreciation.
Showing surprising structure for the vintage, this medium-bodied white offers aromas of honey, nut, pressed flower and peach. The flavors follow through to the vibrant palate, along with mineral and tangy acidity.
Showing sweet toasty oak, brisk acidity and pure flavors of citrus fruit and apricot, this is a very rich, dry Chardonnay, although all of its parts haven't quite come together. While it's not an ager, it will benefit from holding until mid-2013, but not any longer.
Showing Talley's distinctive elegance and brilliant structure, this Chard is a blend of the Rincon and Rosemary's vineyards. The wine's architecture really makes it special, with acidity and dusty tannins providing the bare bones to the lemon, lime, pineapple and mango fruit. A great wine to have with food.
Showing that Ballard Canyon can do much more than Rhônes, this conveys dried black and tart cherries on the nose as well as dark chocolate and vanilla. Concentrated blackberries rise on the deep, dark palate, boosted by beef char, caramelized red fruits and mint, with a leveling touch of bitterness.
Showing the art of blending, this small-production Pinot was made from the fruit of six vineyards. It is an exceptional expression of the Sonoma Coast, being translucent in color, dry, silky and crisp in acids. The flavors are complex and delicious, with berries, cherries and persimmons conjoined with mushrooms, spices and new oak. Lovely now, and should develop interestingly over the next 6–8 years.
Showing the briary, brambly side of Zinfandel, this features wild berry, tobacco and spice flavors. Its thinness and impression of sweetness give it a rustic mouthfeel.
Showing the brisk acidity of this cool coastal appellation, MacMurray's '05 Pinot is bright in red and black cherry, raspberry, cola, licorice, vanilla and smoky oak flavors. The wine isn't an ager, but it's a rich, fairly complex wine to drink now. Easy to find, with 25,000 cases produced.
Showing the faintest shade of pink possible upon pouring, this Cinsault-based rosé offers up light yet fruit-forward aromas and flavors of apple, pear and yellow melon. A seam of citrusy acidity zips through the palate, lending verve and vibrancy to the mouthfeel, while a hint of bitter orange peel graces the finish.
Showing the freshness of the year as much as the structure, this is a ripe wine that's full of fragrant black currants and some tight acidity. It is smooth and soft, the tannins are already integrating, so drink from 2015.
Showing the hard tannins and dryness of a young Petite Sirah, this is the kind of wine you normally would cellar. But there's a little streak of green unripeness that suggests aging will lead nowhere. So drink it now with big, lusty fare.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this offers earthy sensations of leather, scorched soil, truffle, stewed prune and ripe cherry. Bracing tannins provide the backdrop.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of charred earth, stewed prune, blackberry compote and grilled herb. The big, chewy palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry compote and nutmeg accompanied by velvety tannins. You'll also detect the heat of evident alcohol on the mid-palate. Give it another few years then drink sooner rather later.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of stewed fruit, scorched earth and a whiff of nail varnish that carry over to the extracted palate along with fleshy black cherry. A green note of powdered sage closes the finish. Drink 2018–2026.
Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of stewed fruit, toast, truffle, underbrush and a hint of cooking spice. The palate offers cherries marinated in spirits, espresso and a green note of sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Showing the long hang time flavors of the cool 2010 vintage, this shows fabulous depth of red berry fruit, with all kinds of licorice, wet stone, spice and sandalwood complexities. It boasts a silky texture, with brisk Central Coast acidity and even a dusting of tannins.
Showing the richness and structure of the 2010 vintage, this is an opulent wine, full of black fruits. It has a dark structure, smoky bacon flavors and powerful tannins. Ripe and generous, the fruit can cope with this structure. It does need to age, so drink from 2017.
Showing the richness of the vineyard, this delivers huge, flamboyant flavors of apricot and tangerine jam. While it's technically dry, there's a honeyed sweetness that suggests a touch of botrytis. It's a strong wine, unafraid to command a boldness that may not be for everyone. This is distinctly Californian in style, and as it loses fruit with age, it will develop nut and earthy notes.
Showing the richness of the vintage, this is a warm and ripe wine. It has weight, but is given a fresh point by the black currant fruit and forward acidity. It is not for aging, so drink now.
Showing the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a soft rounded wine. It has attractive acidity to lift the ripe yellow fruit and add a shot of citrus. The wine needs another few months to settle in, so wait until summer 2017.
Showing the ripeness of the vintage, this is a smooth, lightly textured wine, with plenty of yellow and citrus fruits. The wine needs a few months, so drink from late 2017.
Showing the rustic edge that sometimes characterizes wines from Listrac, this still offers smooth new wood and tight blackberry fruit flavors. It is still developing, with the wood probably too prominent.
Showing the rustic tannins and peppery spices that Dry Creek Cabs usually possess, this Cab wants a little time in the cellar. With black currant, chocolate, tobacco and herb flavors, it's very close in quality to the winery's regular '05 Cab, with a little more concentration and a firmer tannin structure.
Showing the structure of Gevrey-Chambertin and the ripe fruit of the 2009 vintage, this bottling is immediately opulent and seductive. With its red plum flavor and balanced tannins and acids, this is a solid wine to drink now.
Showing the structure of the vintage, while missing some of the flesh. The wine has a dry, firm and tannic core that hides the red fruit flavors. The wine, still on the austere side, will be ready to drink in a year.
Showing the superb structure of the vintage and the spectacular way this great vineyard can ripen Pinot Noir, this polished wine is not only delicious from the get-go, but ageable. Floods the mouth with lush black cherry, red currant, cola, sweet oak, anise, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors that go on and on. A memorable wine that should slowly gather steam and peak by 2011, then begin a long, steady arc downward.
Showing the tannins this estate bottling is known for, this is quite astringent despite the fabulous wealth of fruit flavors, which include ripe blackberries, sweet cherries, savory currants and anise liqueur, with a hint of Provençal herbs. Despite the hardness, this shows elegance and opulence that put it into the top ranks. Drink now–2016, at the very least.
Showing the typical power and concentration of the 2010 vintage, this is a dense and structured wine. Good acidity and black plum flavors show through the big tannic texture and dry core. The wine still needs to age so drink from 2018. This is a 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc blend from Mallet Frères.
Showing the typical power of Corton-Charlemagne, this is a classic wine that offers full-on fruit allied to a strong wood element. It is rich and bold, flavored with white fruits, apricots, almonds and spice. While it is drinkable now, it would certainly repay cellaring for 3–4 years.
Showing the usual balance and harmony of this bottling, which is made from the five Bordeaux varieties, the '06 nonetheless lacks a bit of the richness of other vintages. It's beautifully clean and dry, with sound currant, blackberry, herb tea and cedar flavors, but is missing a certain fatness in the middle. Best now–2012.
Showing the warmth of an Alentejo wine, this is ripe and full in the mouth, offering red berry fruits cut with juicy acidity. It's a rich wine tinged with spice, finishing with a fresh aftertaste.
Showing tightly crisp grapefruit and citrus flavors, with an intense dryness and acidity, this is classic Muscadet, fresh, very bright and green.
Showing true cool-climate character, this Chard brims with tropical fruit, pear, honeysuckle and smoky oaky-vanilla flavors, with a gentle scour of acids. Pretty good price for a wine this rich.
Showing up-front fruit, with tense acidity, this is all about freshness. There's a cool, textured feel to the wine, more plum skin than juice.
Showing youthful oak tones that still need time to integrate, this wine is a bit sour and ripe at the same time. Black cherry, tobacco, leather and spice aromas are nice, but the tannins are firm, and the wine shows a bright point of acidity on the close and a gritty, cooked-fruit finish.
Shows a beautiful Pinotesque mouthfeel, all silk and satin, with that elegant Carneros acidity. But the flavors could be more concentrated. The cherries, cola and pomegranates feel a little watered down.
Shows a bit more age than its vintage might indicate with notes of dried cranberries and cherries accented by cinnamon and vanilla. The light fruit flavors are a mixture of sweet and tart with dry, chalky tannins.
Shows a bit of struck match character on the nose, but nothing that a quick splash decanting won't solve. Once past that, this 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah displays a lively mix of herbs and cherries, supple tannins and a long, easygoing finish.
Shows a certain aggressiveness, offering up vibrant raspberry and cherry fruit, cola, mocha and oak flavors, but kept aloof by its acidity and tannins. It's certainly elegant and pedigreed, but it need 3–4 years in the cellar.
Shows a classic Edna Valley or San Luis Obispo profile, namely a clean, brisk mouthfeel, a silky, light texture, and dry, rewarding flavors of cherries, cola, rhubarbs, herb tea and cinnamon spice. Not a blockbuster, but very good now, reminiscent of a fine southern Burgundy.
Shows a degree of complexity that's rare in an Edna Valley Pinot, where fruit and acidity are easy, but layers of depth are hard. You'll find upfront cola, cherry, licorice, persimmon and smoky oak flavors, with deeper notes of sautéed wild mushrooms and sweet mulch. Should age well for six to eight years.
Shows a delicate texture, almost Pinot Noir-like in lightness, yet offers a blast of berry, spice, tobacco, cola and bacon flavors that are lusty and ripe. The grapes come from the Green Valley, and the alcohol is low while acidity is high. Beautiful and classy, a Zin to drink with everything from salmon and steak to tuna and short ribs.
Shows a distinctly ripe character in its warm tones of peach and brioche and a soft, creamy texture in the mouth. But there's also enough citrus and spice to provide balance and length on the finish.
Shows a distinguished structure and mouthfeel proving that Dry Creek Cabs are really moving forward. Quite different from Napa in the briary, brambly, wild berry flavors, almost like Zinfandel, and the brisk tannins. This food-friendly wine will perform well on a restaurant wine list.
Shows a dry, acidic profile, with tantalizing raspberry and sour-cherry candy and sweet oak flavors. The mouthfeel is silky and delicate.
Shows a dryness and earthiness that mark Calera's most ageworthy Pinot Noirs. But that doesn't mean it's not good now. It is, with impressive black cherry, licorice, bacon, vanilla and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into a drily crisp, silky texture. Drink through 2012, at least.
Shows a fine, polished Napa style in the perfectly ripe blackberry and currant flavors, and in the way the sweet and ultrarefined tannins give the wine such classic structure. New oak adds just the right touch of smoke and vanilla to this ageworthy 100% Cab. Best after 2010.
Shows a great return to form over the 2006, with the lush flavors and rich attractions of the 2005. With soft but complex tannins, the wine immediately appeals for its wealth of blackberries, black currants and plums, enriched with smoky oak. Very rich, pure and refined. Fine now, with a good decant, and should age well for a decade.
Shows a great structure, with fine acidity and crunchy tannins. But the feel is too sweet, giving a sugary, soda pop taste to the currant, licorice and chocolate flavors.
Shows a huge, welcome improvement over the '06. It's soft and melted, in the way of Paso reds, but very rich and tasty, with black cherry, chocolate, red currant and pepper flavors that finish fruity-sweet, although the wine itself is dry.
Shows a lifted, herbal edge to the aromas of ripe pear and melon, making it fairly aromatic for NZ Pinot Gris. It's medium-bodied, soft and lush on the palate, with the right balance between sugar and acids so that it doesn't come across as being too sweet.
Shows a lot of oak character upfront, starting from its aromas of cedar, vanilla and toasted coconut. Thankfully, dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate, adding weight and interest. It's soft in texture, with supple tannins and lingering toast on the finish. Drink now–2012.
Shows a lovely Pinot Noir texture, feeling silky smooth and light in the mouth, with a nice scour of acidity. The raspberry and cola flavors are a little simple, but tasty.
Shows a marked improvement over the winery's previous Chards, offering real richness of flavor and good structure. With oak-inspired apricot, pear and citrus flavors, it's an upscale wine to drink now.
Shows a nice, Alsatian-style balance between off-dry and dry, with crisp acidity framing citrus, pear, vanilla and candied ginger flavors. Clean and zesty, it's a fine cocktail sipper.
Shows a pretty, polished nose with dusty mineral notes backed by elegant tones of dried berry, spice and leather. Nice complexity and balance. Loads of tobacco-like sensations on the close.
Shows a prickly side that's true to the variety. Smells and tastes slightly salinic, but also shows good verve and mouthfeel. This is a lively style of SB with citrus and green-apple flavors. It finishes with edgy gooseberry and seems committed to the crisp, lean style (even from warmer Maule Valley).
Shows a real Burgundian-style earthiness, with rich humous, mushroom and gamy, leathery flavors, marbled with a deep well of spicy plum sauce. This earthy richness, with the distinct tannins, suggests ageability for this dry wine. Best after 2009.
Shows a return to the form of Souverain's glory days. Beautiful and complex, with luscious flavors of blackberries, currants and dried herbs, wrapped into soft, smooth tannins. Really classy. Best now and through 2012.
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.
Shows a rustic, briary mouthfeel, with brambly flavors of wild berries, cola, bacon and spices, wrapped into fine but firm tannins. Shows some superripe raisin flavors toward the finish. Drink now.
Shows a slightly evolved color for a wine this young, with hints of brick already creeping in at the rim, but it also delivers elegant sous bois aromas, bright cherry and cranberry fruit and notes of scorched wood and leather that turn more mocha-like on the finish. Drink now.
Shows a tightly wound structure, with big, hard tannins wrapped like a vise around fresh flavors of blackberries, cherries and cassis. There's a firm, minerally tang of iron at the core of this ageworthy wine. Better after 2015, when it should begin to mellow.
Shows a weaker side of the 2006 vintage, with an overly broad mouthfeel and a certain lack of precision, but still boasts ripe apple and melon flavors.
Shows a welcome return to form, with lush, oak-inspired flavors of grilled pineapples, apricots and mulled green apple cider. This is a very good price for a Chardonnay of this quality.
Shows all the beautiful Viognier notes you could ask for: flowers, spice, apricot and melon, carried by a succulent mouthfeel that remains fresh and vibrant from start to lingeringly spicy finish. Drink now.
Shows all the best character of a fine Alexander Valley Cab, in an easy manner to be opened now. Soft and a little herbal, the wine has blackberry, cherry and oak flavors. Possesses just enough complexity to stand with steaks and chops.
Shows all the difficulties of succeeding with this quirky variety in California. The problem isn't ripeness, because this wine brims with cherries and chocolate. Its limitation is structure. Badly needs firmness, elegance, dryness, acidity, lower alcohol.
Shows all the hallmarks of a fine Chard, except complexity. It's dry, creamy and smoky in oak and lees influences, with flavors of pineapples and peaches. Easy to find, with 250,000 cases produced.
Shows all the hallmarks of a fine Sonoma Coast Pinot. It's dry, crisp in acidity, elegant in structure and complex, with an array of red berry, red currant, pine, cola, clove and sandalwood flavors. Drink now, after a brief decant.
Shows all the hallmarks of a modern Napa wine of high quality. Although it's quite dry, it's rich in crushed ripe blackberries, in good alignment with smoky new oak. The tannins are smooth and complex, the acidity just fine. Really a lovely bottle of red wine, although a touch of superripeness may limit ageability.
Shows all the hallmarks of a wine that will improve with mid-term aging. The flavors leap out now, and are all about ripe, crushed blackberries, red and black currants, anise and sweet, smoky cedar. Yet there's a tannic interference that's a little hard and astringent. Decant, if you have to open, but should hit its stride after 2009.
Shows all the hallmarks of an ageable Pinot Noir. The raspberry, cherry and cola flavors are very rich, but the structure is immaculate. Fine, firm tannins combine with zesty acidity to create a tightness in the mouth. As nice as this Pinot is, it will develop bottle nuances over the next six years.
Shows all the hallmarks of an important young Napa Cabernet. Bone dry and quite hard in tannins, it's immensely concentrated in blackberries, black currants, cassis and fine, smoky new oak. Possesses that elusive quality of dramatic terroir, a real sense of place. Very fine young wine that needs time. Cellar until at least 2015.
Shows all the hallmarks of the modern style of Chardonnay, with lots of ripe citrus and oak. The wine has too much oak, though, and is dominated by caramelized wood and sweet vanilla flavors that swamp the fruit.
Shows amazingly ripe fruit, offering a blast of pineapple jam, apricot, tangerine, papaya and lime flavors. The acidity is crisp and tart, and the oak is rich and flamboyant, yet in keeping with the size of the underling wine. Super-rich and decadent, this Chardonnay is at its best soon.
Shows ample complexity on the nose, offering up hints of dried apricot and crushed stone to go alongside dominant notes of superripe apple. On the palate, although this lacks the zest and freshness of the very best auslese, it's still a leasing package, combining hints of honeyed richness with ripe pears and spice. Drink over the next 5–10 years.
Shows ample evidence of botrytis on the apricot-scented nose, with less-dominant aromas of ultraripe pears and peaches blending in. It's very juicy and fruity, with some lime-like acidity that keeps it fresh. Best with fresh fruits, or try with a foie gras appetizer.
Shows an aggressive, roasted set of aromas that feature leather, meat, olive and char. The palate is full and thick, with chewy, flat tannins and then herbal flavors that mute the wine's black fruit content. A good midlevel wine that delivers within its price range.
Shows an improvement over the 07, maybe because the vines are a little older. Still dry and crisp in acids and jammy, with raspberry and cherries, but with extra depth and length. Good now, but probably better after 3–4 years in the cellar.
Shows an intensely floral and lemony profile, almost like a sharp dried Cheddar cheese, that's extraordinarily dry and heightened with high, mouthwatering acidity. This unoaked Albariño is a terrific food wine and the price is right.
Shows aromas of cherry, raspberry and blueberry and the wine presents a friendly, fruit-forward personality overall. This Riserva Morellino is equally intense and pleasurable in the mouth.
Shows balance and integration and a dark, inky appearance. Blackberry, plum cake, cinnamon bun, leather and tobacco aromas. Chewy, ripe mouthfeel frames plush fruit, while the dusty, structured finish features loads of dried tobacco leaf.
Shows blackberry and cherry flavors that taste candied, almost medicinal. Okay with burgers and pizza.
Shows bright, crisp Central Coast acidity brightening pure flavors of limes, kiwis, pineapples and tropical papaya fruits, in a creamy texture. Textbook cool-climate Chardonnay.
Shows brilliantly crisp acidity giving a jammy brightness to the pineapple, lemon and lime fruit flavors, and the finish is totally dry. Not particularly complex, but an easy-drinking Chardonnay.
Shows cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that finish off-dry and rich in citrusy acids. Good with ham, sausage or pork in a fruit sauce.
Shows class and elegance in the dryness, astringent tannins and crisp acidity that frame the blackberry, blueberry, teriyaki beef and spice flavors. The astringency is an integral part of the wine's structure. Drink this over the next six years with rich lamb, game and beef dishes.
Shows classic Chard aromas of melon and peach, amply framed by toasted grain and cereal notes that add texture in the mouth. It's medium to full in body, then develops greater zest and freshness on the long, citrusy finish. Drink now–2012.
Shows classic Howell Mountain tight, hard tannins that lock down the flavors and make the wine astringent. But what flavors they are. Just detonates on the palate with massive blackberries, currants, plums, chocolate and cedar, with incredible depth and length. Desperately needs time. Best after 2011.
Shows classic Muscat flavors of oranges and tangerines, with a wildflowery taste suggesting buttercups and honeysuckles. This unoaked wine is basically dry, maybe tending toward off-dry. It has a touch of sweet honey, balanced with crisp acidity, and is very enjoyable by itself.
Shows classic Napa varietal flavors of blackberries and black currants, with a sweet overlay of smoky cedar wood, and the wine is soft and dry. It's not the most complex Cabernet, but the price is fair for the quality.
Shows classic Zinfandel flavors of exotic spices, ripe cherries and cola, red currants and an umami touch of bacon. The alcohol tastes high, the acidity feels low, and the finish is a little sweet with flavors of white sugar.
Shows classic, full-throttle notes of tropical and citrus fruits, pears and sweet green apples, combined with strong minerality and complex layers of buttered toast, honey and creamy lees. The description alone hardly does justice to the wine's beauty. The acidity is perfect, the oak deftly applied, the finish long and completely satisfying. Winemaker Ehren Jordan suggests pairing it with simple fare like roast chicken and salted fingerling potatoes.
Shows crisp acidity and sweet, jammy orange, pineapple and peach flavors that have a sugary finish. Defines the sweet, oaky, simple California style, if that's your thing.
Shows dark fruit aromas and raisin on the nose, feels fresh, zesty and edgy, with a bright mix of cherry, berry and mild spice flavors. Feels pretty good and offers a reasonably solid and long finish for a $6 red.
Shows decent complexity, with smoke, leather and spice notes dominating over modest levels of cranberryish fruit. Either this is beginning to dry out, or it was never all that lush to begin with. Drink up.
Shows decent weight and mouthfeel, along with aromas of yellow plums and citrusy flavors, just finishes a little too short and too tart to rate higher.
Shows deep, concentrated flavors of blackberries and black currants, with classically fine, complex Napa tannins. It's 100% Cabernet, with 50% new oak, and although the label doesn't say so, the grapes come from a Howell Mountain vineyard. Beautiful now, and will develop over the next 6–8 years. Decant for hours if you open it now.
Shows distinct cool-climate acidity framing streamlined flavors of pineapples, lemons and limes, minerals and spices. It's an elegantly structured, clean wine that will satisfy Chardonnay lovers.
Shows enormously extracted black cherry and mocha flavors, a testament to how nicely ripe the difficult Grenache variety got in the winery's Rodney's Vineyard. Oak lurks in the background, giving smoky, buttery notes.
Shows enough fanciness to make it worth the price. Although it has no possibilities of improving with age, it's a fine, softly gentle Cabernet to drink now. Shows correct blackberry, black currant and oak flavors.
Shows everything great about its vintage and terroir. It's a strong, young Pinot Noir, rich in tannins and dense in almost jammy blackberries, cherries and chocolaty cola that are delicious in and of themselves. As good as it is, this is a wine that wants some time to integrate and mellow. Give it until 2011, if you can.
Shows everything that's noble about Oakville, from the wonderful, dusty tannins to the dryness and overall balance. Lovely, with flavors of blackberries, black currants and cedar. Could have more depth, though.
Shows exuberant fruit flavors of raspberries and cherries, with plenty of sweet, toasty oak. It's a fine wine, brisk in acidity and softly tannic, and lovely as it tastes now, it should gradually evolve in the bottle for several years.
Shows fine pedigree in the ripeness and finesse of the tannins, which are as pure as velvet. Flavorwise, this Syrah is very ripe, bursting in blackberry, black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and mocha flavors that are almost sweet on the finish. It's made in the modern Napa style, and not an ager.
Shows fine Siduri character, a silky, dry wine with pleasant Pinot Noir flavors of cherries, currants, mocha and cola. Doesn't have the weight or density of the winery's single-vineyard wines, but the price is right.
Shows good blackberry and currant flavors, but there's something off in the mouthfeel. It's a sharpness, a rugged, tart green chlorophyll feeling that suggests unripe tannins.
Shows good Chardonnay character in the creamy texture and peach, pineapple and pear flavors. It's a little rustic, but this is a good price for what you get.
Shows good Chardonnay character in the rich texture and upfront flavors of pineapples, peaches and cream. This is a pretty decent price for the quality.
Shows good Chardonnay character, with pleasant citrus and tropical fruit, buttered toast and vanilla flavors. The acidity is fine, but it's watery, lacking depth and fullness. Disappointing from this producer.
Shows good concentration of tropical and citrus fruit, but also a heavy veneer of vanillin oak, ending on notes of tangerine and slightly bitter roasted coffee. It's still a good wine, and if your preferences run toward dark, oaky flavors on the finish, you may like it more than this.
Shows good flavors, with plenty of cherries and blackberries and a touch of herbs, and the finish is nice and dry. The all-important mouthfeel is a little irregular, though, with green tannins and a bite of acidity. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
Shows good Sonoma Coast character in the tart acids and cool-climate flavors of pomegranates, cherries and cola. Lots of new French oak adds rich notes of buttered toast and smoke. Appealingly dry, it's a fancy, elegant wine from this fine producer, but finishes a little short. Drink over the next 2–3 years.
Shows good Syrah character, a rich, spicy, full-bodied wine with luscious flavors of blackberries, black cherries, figs and tangerine zest. There's also a tangy minerality that gives the wine backbone and verve. Shows the promise of this mountainous Lake County appellation.
Shows good varietal character in a somewhat sweet format. It starts off slightly musky and gingery on the nose, then adds lychee fruit flavors. For its sweetness, it's not particularly richly textured or weighty, making it a possibility as an apéritif.
Shows good varietal character in its herb- and tobacco-accented cassis aromas and flavors, but lacks the intensity to put it in the top class. A well-priced Cabernet for near-term consumption or restaurant wine lists.
Shows good, rich flavors of currants, cherry and blackberry pie filling, cola, mocha and spices. But the mouthfeel is heavy, and the wine is a touch overripe. Now through 2010.
Shows good, Zinny flavors of berries, pepper, leather and tobacco, with riper notes of currants and even hints of raisins. Could be firmer in structure, but it's dry, and not too high in alcohol. Drink now.
Shows great acidity that really gets the tastebuds whistling, and also deep, complex varietal flavors of Meyer lemons, limes and sweet vanilla, with a green grass component in the background. Very fine and dry, an elegant, sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc of great integrity.
Shows great improvement over last year's so-so bottling. This '06 Meritage displays a nice balance of firm tannins, acidity and currant-licorice flavors, with well-integrated oak. Feels elegant and subdued, and will be a good companion to anything that wants a dry, full-bodied red wine.
Shows greater fruit character and purity than the roasted 2003, with blackberry flavors nicely framed by vanilla oak and meaty, savory notes. Firm on the finish, suggesting an optimum drinking window of 2009–2016.
Shows green fruit and slightly herbal nuances on the nose, then delivers crystalline structure and purity of lime fruit and liquid minerals in the mouth. Although only light to medium in body, this is a powerhouse, with a long finish.
Shows green, peppery flavors with a strong touch of gooseberry. The combination of acidity and ripe flavors tastes like a lemon candy cough drop. Good, but simple.
Shows how ripe red wines get in the Temecula area, with juicy blackberry, cherry, cola, licorice, sweet cured tobacco and cinnamon spice flavors. The tannins are smooth and refined. Finishes a little on the sweet, candied side.
Shows how ripe the Napa side of Carneros can grow Pinot Noir. Floods the mouth with strawberry, raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, while French oak contributes toasty sweet vanilla and toast richness. Delicious and appealing now and for a couple more years.
Shows intensely concentrated raspberry and cherry fruit, with an earthy note of sweet beetroot and a dusting of exotic crushed hard spices. Fully dry and full-bodied, with a silky texture, it has a good vein of acidity that will balance out rich meats and cheeses. Drink now–2019, depending on how mature you like your Pinot.
Shows its California origins in very ripe, lush and soft flavors of raspberries and cherries, creamy chocolate frosting and red currants. Plenty of oak adds wood spice and toast. A big, generous wine, flashy and incredibly rich, if lacking a bit in subtlety. Drink soon.
Shows its cool-climate origins with a certain austerity that accompanies the exotic wild cherry, currant, Mandarin orange and root beer flavors, accented with sweet smoky oak. A rush of acids and tannins takes over the palate, strongly suggesting modest ageability. Give this Pinot Noir a year or two in the cellar.
Shows its Right Bank roots in Merlot and Cab Franc-derived red fruit and herb flavors: strawberry, tomato and rhubarb. Turns leathery and earthy, with some hints of toast on the finish.
Shows its warm California origins in the milk chocolate-infused blackberry and blueberry pie filling and plumped raisin flavors. Delicious, but too soft, sugary sweet and hot.
Shows its youth in the assaultive tannins that hit the palate with astringent toughness. But underneath are rich, pure and vibrant blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors. A very fine wine, as this bottling tends to be, but one in serious need of cellaring. It's already throwing some sediment, suggesting it's impatient to evolve. Give it another 6–8 years.
Shows jammy but somewhat simple cherry candy and mint flavors, the kind that come from young vines. Plenty of tart acidity scours the mouth, creating balance to the fruit. Ultimately, this is a Pinot Noir for drinking soon.
Shows jammy flavors of blackberries and cherries, lightly touched with sweet, smoky oak. It's a bit rough in tannins, with some green notes, but at this price, a pretty good value.
Shows lean red berry and herb aromas. Mild tea and currant flavors play on the tongue, but the desired weight and texture of Shiraz aren't there. Finishes short, with a tea note.
Shows little of the structure or finesse you expect from a Santa Maria wine. Instead, it's soft and fruity to the point of overripe, with jammy berry and pepper flavors that veer into stewed prunes.
Shows little on the nose, while the palate is bland and flat, with simple apple and lemon flavors. Soft and chunky white wine with some drab tropicality.
Shows lots of acidity and also the firm tannins and tug of dried herbs that always accompany this bottling. Quite good, with fruity flavors of cherries, raspberries, currants and cola, but feels a little rustic. Could harmonize over the next 6–8 years.
Shows lots of berry fruit, with touches of green olives, sweet herbs, cocoa, funky leather and cedar, wrapped into firm tannins. A funny wine. Good and rich, but struggles to achieve complex interest, especially at this price.
Shows lots of class and finesse for a Sonoma Coast Pinot that's under $20. It's fully dry and zesty in acidity, with rich tannins framing cherry, pomegranate, cola, spice and sandalwood flavors. A great starter Pinot if you're just getting into the variety. Production was 3,576 cases.
Shows lots of classy elegance, with brisk acidity and firm minerals and some finely ground tannins that frame the wild cherry, cola and oak flavors. Good now for its flamboyant deliciousness, but really too immature. Give it 3–5 years in the cellar to begin to develop bottle complexity.
Shows lots of complexity, with a mèlange of blackberry, cherry, currant, mushu plum sauce, olive tapenade, black pepper and lightly oaked flavors that are wrapped into rich, sturdy tannins. Fine and dry, but a bit on edge now. Give it a year or two to soften.
Shows lots of flamboyant pineapple, pear and green apple flavors, with a deft touch of smoky oak. But the wine is uplifted by a firm, steely minerality, as well as fine acids. It finishes a little sweet. Drink now.
Shows lots of flashy, ripe Zin character, with a blast of wild berry, tobacco, currant, nettle and spice flavors. The tannins are a little rough-edged, calling for big, rich fare, like barbecue.
Shows lots of lusciousness, with rich raspberry, cherry and cola flavors spiced up with cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. The body is silky, just the way Pinot Noir should be. Probably at its best now and for a year or two.
Shows lots of rich blackberry and cherry sour candy flavors, with a smoky coating of oak, and smooth, easy-to-drink tannins that make this Cabernet ready to open now.
Shows lots of structure, with brisk acids, firm, granitic minerals and even a dusting of tannins. The flavors are evenly divided between sweet citrus fruits and new oak. Not an ager, but a wine of finesse and elegance.
Shows lots of those rich, fruity Dijon flavors, with a burst of raspberry jam, persimmon, cinnamon, vanilla, baking spice and toast flavors. Silky and delicious, it's fun to drink now with upscale fare.
Shows lovely balance between intense sweetness and crisp acidity, so that the wine's honeyed citrus notes really sing. Hints of marmalade, clove and a perfumed, slightly minty note all add complexity. Delicious now, and probably for a good many years to come.
Shows lush, ripe waves of wild mountain raspberries, cherries, red currants and cola, but the texture is a little aggressive in acids and tannins. The sharpness continues into the spicy finish, making it unlikely this wine will develop.
Shows many of the qualities of Schramsberg's more expensive sparklers, except the bubbles aren't quite as refined. The flavors are rich and satisfying in strawberries, raspberries, vanilla and toast.
Shows modest dark cherry fruit with cedar and leather accents. A lean, even mouthfeel and moderate acidity mark the palate. The tart dried-fruit flavors turn somewhat sour on the back end.
Shows more gooseberry and feline notes than previous vintages, but there's still enough sweet spearmint and pink grapefruit flavor to satisfy. The acidity is lovely and mouthwatering.
Shows much in common with past vintages of this bottling. It's dry, tart in acidity and somewhat earthy, with a nice balance of cherries, herbs and cedar. Feels complex and distinguished, in a dry, elegant style.
Shows nice blackberry, cocoa and cedar flavors, and is properly dry. But there's some green unripeness, and a clunky edge to the tannins.
Shows nice complexity in its aromas of cherry, vanilla, soy sauce, leather and meat, then fills the mouth with supple cherry fruit that carries a hints of medicinal herbs. Finishes with tart cherries and a slight lactic note. —J.C.
Shows off the exotic musky-spicy side of this grape in its peppery, leathery aromas. Turns tropical in the mouth: papaya and mango are joined by zippy citrus-tinged acidity. Finishes long, with some of the peppery notes returning.
Shows off the reasons why Dry Creek has achieved a good reputation for this finicky variety, Merlot. The wine isn't made big, gooey Napa-style. Instead, there's an herbal earthiness to the cherry-berry fruit, and the dry tannins suggest pairing with rich fare.
Shows off the TL barrel regime, with toasty, mealy notes and hints of vanilla that come close to overwhelming the honeyed pear fruit. Turns fresh and pineapple-y on the finish, so give it another year in the bottle to knit all its pieces together.
Shows opulent, vibrant flavors of pineapple and orange jam, with accents of butter, cream and vanilla. Very flashy and decadent, if a little obvious. This should pair nicely with rich shellfish dishes.
Shows overripe flavors in the raisins that gives a Port-like taste, and with alcohol well over 16%, it's hot. An inelegant, heavy Zin.
Shows Petite Sirah's firm tannins, giving the wine a robust mouthfeel. Also you'll find Paso softness and high alcohol ripeness, with sweet, jammy blackberry, cherry and cola flavors. Ready now with barbecue.
Shows Petite Sirah's rustic, tannic nature, with a robust body housing flavors of berries, currants, carob powder, crisp bacon and sandalwood. With its sweet finish, it doesn't seem like a longterm ager, but will mellow over the next several years.
Shows Petite Sirah's tremendous power, with full-bodied blackberry jam, black currant, dark chocolate and pepper flavors, and there's a wonderful meatiness suggesting charred beef fat. The alcohol is high, yet the wine is measured, with firm, ripe tannins. Really a fine expression of Petite Sirah, Paso-style.
Shows Pinot's dry, silky texture, but turns unripe and green, with cherry-mint flavors and high acidity. With Pinot, you get what you pay for.
Shows plenty of barrel influence in its brown sugar and cinnamon aromas, while the flavors run toward cherry, vanilla and coconut. There's a bit of alcoholic warmth to the finish.
Shows plenty of Chardonnay character, with ripe tropical fruit, peach, buttered toast and vanilla flavors, and a creamy texture. Nothing complicated or fancy going on, just a slightly ripe wine that many Chard fans will like.
Shows plenty of finesse in the dry, minerally profile, and the crisp acidity that makes the finish clean and savory. Could be a bit richer, but the pineapple and lemon candy flavors satisfy.
Shows plenty of good Cabernet varietal character in the blackberry and black currant flavors, with savory cherry and violet notes that must come from additions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The all-important tannins are super soft and mellow, while acidity also is soft. Enjoy this decadent wine now and through 2015.
Shows plenty of lush, ripe fruit, wrapped in soft tannins and balanced with crisp acids. The forward black cherry, red licorice, orange and smoky vanilla flavors are rich, and the price makes it a great value.
Shows plenty of oak influence, wrapping around tropical fruit notes. It's richly textured if somewhat low in acid, giving it a weighty feel on the palate. Drink now.
Shows plenty of palate weight, but very little tannin, combining cedar and vanilla from oak with slightly grapy, black cherry flavors. It's ready to drink now; don't count on aging it for very long.
Shows plenty of red fruit character, starting with cherry but encompassing strawberry as well. It's plump and round in the mouth, but refreshingly modest in alcohol (13.1%), finishing clean. The winery says it's made from Fragola, which turns out to be an American variety known as Isabella. Imported by Margaret River Wines.
Shows plenty of richness, with the powerful body and structure you expect from its appellation. Bursting at the seams with black cherry, cola, rhubarb and oak flavors, with less ripe notes of wintergreen. Drink soon.
Shows plenty of ripe pineapple, peach and pear flavors, enhanced with toasty vanilla and oak; rounded out with clean acidity. It's solidly in the modern California style.
Shows plenty of varietal character. Spearmint, lemon and lime flavors, with a crisp, tart texture and a rich, spicy finish. Pleasant to drink and a good value. Best Buy.
Shows plenty of weight on the palate, but also an overall lack of intensity to its slightly vegetal—green pea—flavors. Still, there's enough passion fruit and grapefruit to provide a sense of balance and a crisp, clean finish.
Shows pretty good concentration and depth on the nose, where it only slightly hints at the herbal character that comes later. The palate is a touch astringent, with cola, blackberry and herbal flavors. Persistent on the finish, but also herbal and not overly complex.
Shows Pride's house style, a wildly bold, mountain-concentrated wine that couldn't possibly be fruitier or riper. Intense flavors of blackberries, blueberries and cedar are wrapped into complex but gentle tannins, making the wine drinkable now. But it should develop over the next 6–8 years.
Shows promise in its lightly toasty and citrusy aromas and lemon and green-apple flavors, but tails off rapidly on the finish. It's lean and racy, obviously from a relatively cool-climate region, and should be served as you would basic Chablis, with oysters and the like.
Shows pronounced oily, earthy, almost tobacco-like elements to its bouquet; also honey and clementines.  Not overly rich, but flavorful and complete, with excellent balance.  Like the other Colio Estate wines, this emphasizes subtle earth shadings over slap-you-in-the-face-fruit.
Shows pure, pleasurable Chardonnay flavors of white peach, grape, nectarine, honey and vanilla, with no interference from oak. The acidity gives the wine a slight bite. The winemaker did a good job assembling the various lots into this three-appellation blend.
Shows real elegance and finesse in a variety that can sometimes get a little out of control. With smoothly polished tannins giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel, this single-vineyard wine has rich blackberry, black currant and pepper flavors. Fine now, and should develop for many years.
Shows real ruby Port-like character in the sweet, berry-cherry and chocolate flavors and vibrant acidity. The midpalate and finish are a little thin, though, so drink up.
Shows rich, firm mountain tannins and well-ripened, concentrated flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants and cocoa, and is thoroughly dry. But the wine loses a few points for hot caramelization, which may be partly over-charred oak and partly shriveled, overripe berries, if not both.
Shows ripe blackberry, grilled meat, white pepper and oak flavors, wrapped into the smooth tannins that Santa Ynez Valley Syrahs usually have. The finish is properly varietally spicy, though there are limiting factors of green notes and excessive acidity.
Shows ripe, forward raspberry and cherry jam flavors, wrapped in a silky texture brightened by crisp acidity. Feels a bit rugged, though, with a green sharpness throughout. Drink up.
Shows ripe, grapey raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with a bite of citrusy acidity. A good Pinot Noir for drinking with roast salmon or a juicy hamburger.
Shows Sangiovese's bright cherry and cola flavors and mouthwatering acidity, in a light, silky texture. It's a good, dry, savory wine, but a little one-dimensional. Drink up.
Shows slightly riper characteristics, this has notes of dark fruit, smoked bacon, cola and teriyaki sauce. There's a slight dustiness to the tannins.
Shows slightly sweet flavors of pineapple marmalade, green apple tart, honeysuckle and buttered toast, fortunately balanced with crisp, citrusy acidity. It was made from grapes grown in the Los Alamos region of Santa Barbara County.
Shows smoky new wood and black currant fruit. This is a structured wine, powerful, while preserving just the right balance of acidity. It's dark and dense in character, yet with great freshness.
Shows some complexity amidst layers of black cherries, currants, roasted meat and black pepper flavors that are housed in rich tannins. With a medium-bodied mouthfeel that veers toward silkiness, it's a fine window into the possibilities of this fussy grape variety in California.
Shows some nice qualities such as barrel notes of popcorn and buttered toast, but overall the wine is too soft and tropical to rate higher. The palate is plump, fruity and flush, but also low in acid and soft. Flavorwise, it's pure tropical fruit with a hollow finish.
Shows some nice red berry fruit with tobacco and white pepper accents, but a negative note between green pepper and sour cream distracts and detracts considerably. A tasty wine with nice feel and decent length upon opening, it disappointingly goes downhill as the off-putting element ascends. —M.M.
Shows some notes of mold or vegetables, marring an otherwise fine wine. It's pale in color, dry and crisp in acidity, with a beautifully silky texture and flavors of cola and cherries.
Shows some of the warmth of the vintage in its elevated alcohol levels and high-toned fruit. It's full-bodied and supple, with flavors of brandied plums and baking spices. Drink it over the next few years.
Shows some older notes: a bouquet of toasted white bread, cinnamon, brown sugar and smoky yeast, with just the slightest hint of white pepper. Really rich and complex, with supple lime flavors offsetting the earthy impression. Very dry, with an overall excellent palate impression. Should continue to age and grow finer.
Shows some pretty good acids and tannins, which makes the wine feel juicy and brisk in candied blackberry and cherry fruit. Finishes almost sweet, but not quite, with the tannins closing in and drying things out. The impression is of an immature wine, not showing well now. Give it 5–6 years in the cellar.
Shows some pungent, aggressive Sauvignon aromas that verge on vegetal, then pulls back on the palate, where it develops flavors of melon and nectarine and a slightly creamy texture. This is nicely balanced and easy to like, with a long, nettle-y finish.
Shows some rather lactic overtones to go with ample citrus and guava flavors. Medium-bodied, with a fresh, lemony finish.
Shows some rather riper-than-expected fruit flavors, hinting at peach or nectarine as well as the standard apple and lime. The result seems a touch off-dry, although the actual residual sugar is only 3.5 g/L. Despite being lightweight in the mouth, it turns a bit honeyed and weightier on the finish. Drink it over the next few years.
Shows some Riesling character in the petrol, honeysuckle and citrus fruit aromas and flavors, and that crisp Central Coast acidity makes it very bright and clean. It's a bit thin, but nice enough as an apéritif sipper.
Shows some roughness and burnt leaves on the nose, but it settles on raspberry and cherry. In the mouth, it's a bit soft and flat due to low acidity, and the flavors lean toward sweet and candied, as if some residual sugar was left on the wine. Tastes good enough, but it's candied and simple. Drink now.
Shows some slightly green tomato-leaf and bell-pepper notes as well as hints of leather and hung game, but despite all that, there's also ripe cassis and chocolate flavors and a supple mouthfeel. Imported by MHW,Ltd.
Shows some slightly rustic but authentically Rhônish qualities, ranging from grilled cherries to hints of leather and cured meats. The tannins are supple, turning elegant on the finish. Drink now-2015.
Shows some vegetal unripeness throughout, along with cherry and currant flavors enhanced with the usual smoky oak. A disappointment.
Shows some wonderful botrytis aromas of dried apricots, but also a disturbing amount of volatile acidity. If you can tolerate notes of shoe polish and nail polish, you may find this rating woefully conservative.
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.
Shows strong, extracted blackberry and black cherry flavors, with a pie-filling spicy intensity. Almost too much of a good thing. Might improve a little in the bottle with a year or two.
Shows sugary flavors of apricots, grilled pineapples and vanilla that have a troubling vegetal edge.
Shows that distinctive Edna Valley acidity and pure, laser-like Meyer lemon and lime fruit, while new oak and considerable sur lie aging adds richer notes of cream and yeast. Drink now for its vibrant youthfulness.
Shows the acidity and dryness that red wines from this appellation always have. It's Pinot Noir-esque in the silky texture and cola flavors, and is ready to drink now.
Shows the aggressive tannins that often mark this unruly variety, but that's part of the charm. It's a big, potent wine, muscular in blackberry, black currant, leather and black pepper flavors, and best of all it's dry without high alcohol. A very nice wine to drink now with barbecue or beef stew made with the wine or one similar to it.
Shows the beautiful acidity and dry crispness that this bottling invariably displays. But this cool, unbalanced vintage has taken its toll, with a green unripeness to the citrus fruit that even the winemaker admits was significantly cooler than average.
Shows the bone-dry, crisply acidic minerality of the winery's Chardonnays, a brisk, elegant wine whose complexities make it fascinating. The lemon and lime flavors are enriched with a touch of oak and lees. Try aging for six years to experience an aged California Chardonnay.
Shows the briary, brambly character of Foothills Zin, with an array of wild berry, tobacco, mocha and Asian spice flavors wrapped into finely ground tannins. But the wine is too sweet and candied in the finish. Drink now.
Shows the briary, scoury mouthfeel that so often characterizes Dry Creek Valley red wines, as opposed to the smooth lushness of neighboring Napa Valley. The flavors are just fine, of wild blackberries, cherries and cola. Drink over the next six years.
Shows the bright acidity and pure fruit of the Santa Rita Hills, with lots of cherry pulp and bitter skin, red licorice and raspberry flavors. It's also moderate in alcohol. There's a troubling note of unripeness that may limit ageability, so drink up.
Shows the bright, zesty acidity and citrus and floral flavors that characterize this variety. The alcohol is refreshingly low, only 13%, but the wine is thoroughly dry. Very nice for an aperitif sipper, with shellfish, or with goat cheese and roasted peppers on toasted sourdough.
Shows the brilliantly clean, racy acidity of Monterey that provides backbone and firmness to the citrus, peach, wildflower and mineral flavors. With a hint of diesel, it's a lovely California Riesling at a great price.
Shows the brilliantly etched fruit and brisk acidity that mark an Edna Valley white wine. Tremendous in citrus and wintergreen flavors, its mouth-cleansing quality makes it ideal for an appetizer. Or try with Asian-style poultry and pork dishes.
Shows the challenges of the 2008 vintage, which was alternately cool, hot and rainy in the North Coast. The wine is very dry and quite acidic. While it shows an elegant structure, it's a bit lacking in richness, and probably is not ageworthy.
Shows the classic briary, brambly character of Dry Creek Valley, with wild berry and pepperspice flavors. Loses a bit of luster from excessive alcohol, which gives the wine a hot sweetness, and excessive new oak.
Shows the classic Kunde signature of pure, intense Merlot, at a good price. Soft and ripe with cherries, licorice and mocha, it's a gentle, easy wine to drink now.
Shows the classic structure of a fine Russian River Pinot, and Merry Edwards' way of making everything elegant. Dry and crisp, the wine displays cherry pulp and skin, cola, anise and spice flavors, wrapped into ultra-refined, velvety tannins. Doesn't seem to have the fruity focus and concentration of recent vintages, though, so drink soon.
Shows the classic structure of Oakville, with impeccably ripe tannins, and the winemaker's touch of oak is deft. The black currant flavors could use a bit more concentration, though, as there's a stubborn thinness throughout.
Shows the classy elegance of all Qupe's Syrahs, although it's thinner and rougher than the more expensive bottlings. Still, for the price, this wine is nicely dry and intricate in blackberry and crushed pepper flavors.
Shows the clean, citrus acid juiciness and silky texture of the appellation and is totally dry. But you'll find ripe cherry, currant, pomegranate, peppermint tea, mineral and smoky oak flavors that finish complex and satisfying. Brilliant and versatile at the table.
Shows the complexity of Talley's single vineyard Chards, with vibrant acidity accompanying tangerine, orange, lime and mineral flavors, enhanced with sweet smoky oak. Brilliant acidity makes it compelling.
Shows the cooked, stewed fruit of a Paso Zin grown in a very hot vintage plagued by heat waves. The blackberries and cherries have a baked pie filling taste, although the wine is dry, and there's a rich chocolate and spice finish.
Shows the coolness of the vintage with a tartly acidic mouthfeel that gives the cherry and raspberry flavors a sour candy feel. Other flavors include mint and a pleasantly sweet touch of butterscotch from oak. Other than the sharpness, this is a pretty nice Pinot.
Shows the crisp acidity and delicately silky mouthfeel of Carneros Chard, with ripe flavors of pineapples, guavas, kiwis and minerals. Could be a tad drier, but it's a pretty nice wine.
Shows the crisp acidity that usually marks Carneros Chards, and also an earthy, freshly picked herb quality to the jammy peach, pineapple and green apple flavors. Consider it a food-worthy Chardonnay. Drink now.
Shows the crisp balance and ripe elegance that the best Sauvignon Blancs from this region display. With taut acidity, it brims with mouthwatering flavors of citrus fruits, lemongrass, vanilla and pepper, and is totally dry.
Shows the crisp, dry Alsatian interpretation that Anderson Valley gives to Gewürz. The wine bursts with Asian spices that titillate the palate, alongside Mandarin orange, Asian pear, lychee, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors that are delicious. Drink now for its youthful vivacity.
Shows the crisp, silky elegance and spicy fruit that characterizes this red hot appellation. It's not the biggest Pinot around, nor is it ageworthy, but it's satisfying in cherry, cola, rhubarb and spice flavors, with an edge of tomato.
Shows the dark color, thick tannins and deep, concentrated flavors you expect from Petite Sirah. It's a big gulp of blackberry jam, espresso, dark chocolate and crushed black pepper, and the finish is thoroughly dry. Lacks the acidic vibrancy needed for aging, but a fine wine to drink now.
Shows the dark, extracted richness and full body of Pinot Noirs from this Monterey County appellation. The flavors of cherries, cola and mushu plum sauce are exceptionally powerful, almost sweet in the finish. Drink now, after a brief decant.
Shows the delicacy and silkiness of Pinot Noir, and is nicely dry and crisp. But it's on the thin side, with cherry, tobacco and sandalwood flavors. Drink up.
Shows the delicate silkiness and brisk acidity of the Sonoma Coast, with a brightness to the raspberry and Dr. Pepper cola flavors. Hints of orange zest, vanilla bean and baking spices add to the complexity. The young winemaker, Chris Strieter, is someone you'll be hearing more about in the years ahead.
Shows the difficulties of growing Sangiovese, even in posh Oakville. The wine is acidic and one-dimensional, with cherry jam, cola and oak flavors.
Shows the difficulties of making Cabernet succeed in this Santa Barbara County inland valley. It's awkward, with sweet blackberry and bell pepper flavors swamped with oak.
Shows the dramatic structure of a fine coastal Chardonnay, with crisp acidity and a bracing minerality framing ripe, lush flavors of pineapples, tangerines, pears and sweet, caramelized oak. Very rich and fine, deserving of the best shellfish, salmon, ahi tuna.
Shows the dramatic way that this mountainous region south of San Francisco can ripen Pinot Noir to such perfection. Brilliant in raspberry, cherry, sassafras, mocha, anise and cinnamon flavors, with rich notes of smoky cedar, it shows enough tannins to age it for a few years.
Shows the dry astringency, sharp acidity and bitterness of a fine, young Petite Sirah, with currant and pepper flavors accented with smoky oak. Doesn't seem likely to develop, so drink now with hearty fare, like pasta with sausages.
Shows the dry tannins and astringency of youthful Hanzell, but these Pinot Noirs are famously capable of extended aging. Tastes almost rustic now, with a deep core of cherries and cola. The oak is unintegrated, further accentuating the wine's immaturity. Needs time. Better after 2013, and should develop for an additional decade.
Shows the dryness and crispness you want in a fine coastal Pinot Noir, with good flavors of cherries, cola, pomegranate juice and sandalwood. Feels a bit ragged in the mouth, with some sharpness, and probably won't age, so drink now.
Shows the dryness, acidity and minerality that always mark this Sauvignon Blanc, which is from the vineyard directly behind the Oakville winery. The flavors are lean and elegant, suggesting citrus fruits and Asian pears, with a hint of tart, sour gooseberry. An elegant wine to drink as an appetizer.
Shows the dryness, tannins and crushed brown spices of a classic Santa Maria Pinot. It's a bit strong and hard to appreciate now, but there's a good core of black and red stone fruits and berries that will emerge with cellaring. Try after 2015.
Shows the earthiness that often marks young Calera Pinot, which makes it less flashy but more elegant and food-friendly than many more expensive wines. The herb-infused cherry, raspberry and cola flavors are ripe and succulent, but acidity is a little deficient, so this may not be the most ageable wine.
Shows the edgy tannins that Dry Creek red wines invariably display, with a sandpapery texture. That makes the wine, which is a Bordeaux blend of five varieties, a little rustic. But the dryness and bite are a nice alternative to the riper, softer Napa style, and more versatile at the table. Good now, and should slowly develop in the bottle for years.
Shows the elegance and pedigree that this estate vineyard, in the heart of the Oakville bench, always shows. The tannins are sweet and ripe, and the wine brims with luscious blackberry, cassis and mocha flavors, accented with new oak that's flashy, yet perfectly in keeping with the wine's volume. Should slowly mature over the years.
Shows the elegantly crisp, almost austere structure of the winery's 2009s, courtesy of the cool vintage. Tight at first in acids and tannins, as it warms it gives off deep layers of sour cherries, cola, pomegranates and rhubarbs, all of them dry, earthy fruits that sing of the soil. Should develop bottle complexity through 2015.
Shows the estate vineyard's signature in the moderate alcohol, sleek, streamlined mouthfeel, bright acidity and intensity of flavor. It's laser-like in lime, mango, honey and vanilla, with minerally overtones that taste of the earth. Drink now, as it is very fine and delicious.
Shows the exotic fruitiness of Viognier, with a blast of tangerines, pineapples, Meyer lemons, limes and green apples, with flowery honeysuckle and jasmine notes. The wine shows subtle oak notes, but is mainly notable for its forward flavors, elegant dryness and crisply bright acidity.
Shows the exotic side of Viognier, with tangerine preserve, apricot, tobacco, white flower, golden currant and white pepper flavors that finish absolutely dry and crisp in acidity. Elegant and clean, an interesting wine to pair with a wide variety of ethnic foods.
Shows the exotic, peppery spiciness and wild, brambly quality you want in a nice Zin, and the wine is dry and clean. But it's a little too thin in fruit, with just a suggestion of blackberries and currants.
Shows the exotically ripe flavors of Calera's Viogniers, with apricots, tangerines and pears. But also incredibly sweet in honey, with a very high residual sugar content. Drink this creamy, full-bodied dessert wine with vanilla-flavored desserts and white and yellow fruits.
Shows the exuberant volume and power of most Santa Lucia Pinot Noirs, with strong, jammy cherry, raspberry and cola flavors and big, sturdy tannins, although the wine never loses its essentially silky texture. Feels juvenile and precocious now. Give it until late 2010 to begin to mellow.
Shows the fantastic power and extracted fruit that this vineyard is famous for. Just massive in apricots, tangerines and pears, it's enriched with sweet smoky oak, which adds vanilla bean and buttered toast to the richness. Fortunately, brisk acidity and minerality provide balance.
Shows the Farrell mark of elegance, with balanced ripeness and acidity. Bigtime flavors of pineapples and tangerines mingle with caramelized oak, with additional buttered toast and vanilla richness. A crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that shouldn't be consumed too cold.
Shows the fine varietal characteristics of dryness, silkiness and fruitiness you want in a nice Russian River Pinot, with suggestions of cherries, currants, root beer and smoky oak. There's also a streak of wintergreen tartness that seems to limit the cellar-worthiness. Best now and through 2010.
Shows the firm tannins and full-bodied richness of Petite Sirah, but it's not an ager because it's a little too low in acid for the long haul. So enjoy it now for the wealth of blackberries, cherries, anise and mocha.
Shows the firm tannins of this mountain appellation, and also ripe, concentrated blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate fruit. Easy to drink now for its rich appeal, but should age well for six years or so.
Shows the flashy, voluptuous nature of California Viognier, offering delicious waves of mango, pear, honeysuckle, vanilla cream and mineral flavors. Surprisingly, there's no oak, although the wine was aged on the lees. With brisk acidity, this is a fine Viognier for drinking now with Asian fare.
Shows the flowery, honeyed notes of Riesling, with pleasant citrus, apple and peach flavors. It's a little soft, but will drink well with ham, sausages or just about anything with bacon.
Shows the full-bodied richness and fruity concentration of all Fogarty's Pinots. Brims with red and black cherries, red currants, cola, anise, pepper, butterscotch and sandalwood flavors that are strong, and framed in strong tannins. Needs 3–6 years in the cellar to knit together and gather balance.
Shows the generosity and instant appeal of this fine vineyard, and also a structural integrity that lifts it above simple deliciousness. The cherry, orange, red licorice, cola and spice flavors are wrapped into firm tannins and brightened with cool coastal acidity.
Shows the gorgeousness of fruit this vineyard always delivers, as well as the seemingly impossible balancing act of feminine generosity and structural power. The result will be evident to anyone who loves Pinot Noir. This is a massive wine, ripe with red fruits and berries and mocha, but it's also worthy of aging. Give it at least six years.
Shows the grace and beauty that characterize this fine vineyard, and also the integrity of the vintage. Firm tannins and tart acidity frame ripe flavors of cherries, pomegranates, cola and sandalwood. Excellent, but needs time. Best mid-2010 through 2013.
Shows the hallmarks of a fine Mount Veeder Cabernet, namely immediate succulence, intensely concentrated mountain fruit, and yet an almost certain capacity to age. Lush, ripe flavors of blackberries and crème de cassis lead to a long, soft finish. Drink now–2018.
Shows the herbal quality that often marks this winery's Napa Chardonnay, with a tobacco and sage edge to the citrus fruit and Asian pear flavors. The structure is balanced with brisk acidity and even some oaky wood tannins.
Shows the herbal, sweet green pea quality that often marks Chards from the central Napa Valley, but that gives it an interesting twist. Otherwise, you'll find tropical fruits, cream, buttered popcorn and zesty acidity.
Shows the ill effects of age on this style of wine already. The vibrant, fresh fruit is fading, being replaced by some dusty spice notes.
Shows the impeccable balance you expect from this master winemaker, even in this hot vintage, where supermaturity was a challenge. The wine is certainly ripe, offering a mouthful of blackberries, cherries and currants. But it never loses its elegant tannin-acid architecture. Beautiful now, and should develop through 2014.
Shows the impeccable viticulture and winemaking talent that mark all of Jarvis's red wines. The tannins and acidity are considerable, giving the cherry flavor such a nice bite. A lovely wine to drink now with steak or Italian-inspired beef dishes.
Shows the impeccably ripe fruitiness and purity that characterize Siduri Pinot Noirs, with the powerful structure of this celebrated vineyard. Dry and fairly tannic, the wine's flavors are of cherry pie filling, red currants, anise liqueur, chocolate and pepper spice. Fabulously hedonistic now, and should slowly build momentum for the next six years.
Shows the integrity of previous bottlings, but without the concentration or Northern Rhône-like quality of the last several vintages. The hot '04 harvest has made the wine simpler. Gone is the pepper and meat, replaced by fruit jam and chocolate. Drink this tasty, elegant wine now.
Shows the Landslide style of extreme complexity, with firm tannins, adequate acidity and an herbal-mineral earthiness that grounds the cherry and blackberry fruit. Fine and detailed, but not drinkable now, despite being nearly five years of age. Needs lots of time to calm down. Give it four or five more years.
Shows the luscious fruit and softness of previous vintages, with rich, layered raspberry, cherry, cassis, vanilla, caramelized oak and spice flavors that go on and on into a long finish. The tannins are sturdy from this blend of the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc, which was grown on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. Yet it's so sweet and fruity, you can drink it now. Misses some of the complexity of the 2007 vintage, but still very fine and polished.
Shows the lush richness, dryness and complexity you want in a fine Napa Valley Cabernet. At more than six years of age, the tannins are just beginning to resolve, although they're still pretty fierce. But the flavors are beautiful, showing classic blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, plums and cedar. Drink now–2015.
Shows the lusty, rustic nature of Dry Creek Zins. There's an earthy, herbal component to the brambly blackberry and black raspberry fruit, with a sweet, spicy finish of olive tapenade and roasted figs. Great with sugar-based barbecue sauce on poultry or beef.
Shows the many difficulties of getting this finicky variety right. The wine is tough and gritty in tannins and scoury acids, with some unripe cherry, mint and sage flavors. But it's very dry and the alcohol is moderate.
Shows the Morgan signature of full-bodied weight, concentrated raspberry and cherry fruit, brisk acidity, notable tannins and dryness that make their Pinots Noirs so enjoyable. Very nice to drink now and over the next 3–4 years.
Shows the mushroomy, earthier side of New Zealand Pinot Noir, but does it very well, backing up those flavors with plenty of weight and intensity as well as cola-tinged dark fruit. Ends with some slightly coarse tannins, so put it away for a couple of years, or serve with a charred dry-aged steak.
Shows the nobility of structure of Cabs costing far more, with fine blackberry and black currant fruit and soft, dry tannins. A bit quick on the finish, but this is a good price for a wine of this class.
Shows the oak and ripe pineapple, apricot and lime flavors you want in a Chardonnay. A little awkward in the mouth, with some overripe notes and a swift finish, but pretty good for the price.
Shows the opulent fruit of the vintage, when long hangtime made ripeness so easy to achieve. The jammy raspberry and cherry flavors are spicy, with a sweet, smoky coating of oak. Brisk acidity and a savory minerality lift the fruit into complexity. Should age well, so drink through 2016 or so.
Shows the perfect balance and varietal richness that Anderson Valley Gewürztraminers are known for. With crisp acidity, it has exotic flavors of Asian pears, candied pears, tangerines, gingersnap cookies and dusty spices, with a dry finish. Would score much higher if it were more concentrated.
Shows the power and finesse of this great vineyard. The cherry, persimmon, cola and baking spice flavors have the exotically feral notes of chamomile, game and mushrooms so typical of this vineyard and the Fort Ross area. So beautiful and deft now, it's hard not to pop the cork, but this Pinot will age well for at least 10 years.
Shows the precision and control of Smith's previous Maritime Pinot, marked by a tense, exciting structure. Crisp acids and fine, dusty tannins dance with earthy cherry and cola fruit, herbs and oak to create a complex, tremendously rewarding palate experience. Best now through 2010.
Shows the problems that California Grenache so frequently runs into, with a mushroomy, vegetal streak running right through the cherry and oak flavors. The wine is not an ager.
Shows the purity of flavor and structure that Bonterra wines are famous for. Ultraclean and racy in acidity, this Chardonnay stars ripe varietal flavors of pineapples, oranges and limes. A touch of oak adds welcome richness.
Shows the qualities that are making this Spanish variety so popular. Bone dry, crisp in acidity, low in alcohol and palate-stimulating, this oak-free wine bursts with rich lemongrass, pineapple and peach flavors. That acidity makes it clean and vibrant and terrifically versatile at the table.
Shows the rich flamboyance you expect in a Viognier, with enormously ripe tropical fruit, apricot, wildflower, vanilla and spice flavors. Easy to drink as a cocktail wine with hors d'oeuvres, like tempura dipped into soy sauce.
Shows the rich fruit, acidity and silky texture of Calera's spot on Mount Harlan, with cherry, cola and sweet sandalwood flavors. It's not as complex or concentrated as the single-vineyard bottlings, but is a good approximation.
Shows the richness and balance of Stag's Leap Cabernets, with firm tannins housing solid flavors of blackberries, black cherries and black currants. Blended with 12% Merlot, it's voluptuous and delicious to drink now, and should develop bottle complexity over the next eight years.
Shows the richness and full body that a young Fogarty Pinot often displays, the result of a warmer growing region. The wine is forward and jammy in red cherries and earthy fruits, such as pomegranates and persimmons, with a spicy finish. Fine now, and will hold for a couple years.
Shows the richness of fruit, as well as oak, that has lately characterized this Monterey-grown Chardonnay, with very ripe pineapple and crème brûlée flavors. Feels somewhat obvious, lacking the subtle appeal of the 2007. Drink now.
Shows the richness of Mount Veeder fruit and also the Rubissow style, which emphasizes massively extracted fruit. Just overwhelms with jammy blackberries, cherries, mocha, licorice and vanilla. The tannins are polished and pretty, being firm yet soft at the same time. Give it a decant and drink now.
Shows the ripe fruit and bright acidity this famous vineyard is known for. Savory in raspberry jam and smoky, caramelized oak, with a fresh, clean mouthfeel. A very nice Pinot Noir to drink now.
Shows the ripe fruit of Balletto's Pinot Noirs, with bright, forward raspberries and cherries. But there's an appealing earthiness, something like wild mushrooms sautéed in olive oil. Oak adds the perfect touch of buttered toast. Drink now–2015.
Shows the ripe pineapple fruit, acidity, minerality and above all sweet, smoky oak that mark a rich California Chardonnay. But there's something off. Hard to say exactly what, but it's in the taste. Like a smattering of mold or shriveled grapes that's off-putting.
Shows the ripe voluptuousness that this vineyard always brings to Pinot Noir, as well as near-perfect balance. So rich, so delicious, it's hard not to drink the whole bottle. Waves of raspberry and cherry preserves, date-nut bread, white pepper, brown sugar, vanilla and toast are wrapped in a silky texture, with gorgeous acidity and smooth tannins. Drink over the next six years.
Shows the ripe, flashy side of Viognier, with orange, tropical fruit, pear and vanilla flavors. Brisk acidity provides fortunate balance. Drink now with Asian fare, a salad with savory greens and fruit.
Shows the rugged tannins and acidity of this old variety, with a full-bodied mouthfeel. Really delivers on the fruit, with dark flavors of mulberries, plums, blackberries and blueberries, as well as an earthy richness. Bone dry and completely balanced, it will develop for more than ten years.
Shows the rugged, rustic nature of most California Sangioveses, but with additional notes of interest to raise the score a few points. Dry and crisply acidic, but light and elegant in body, it shows flavors of cherries, tobacco, sandalwood, black pepper and Asian spices. Drink now.
Shows the silky dryness and elegance you want in a Pinot Noir, with brisk acidity framing sour cherry, pomegranate and persimmon fruit flavors. Really grows on you as it sits in the glass, warming up and developing complexity. The vineyard has been quite a successful source of grapes to several wineries, including Blessing.
Shows the soft acids, gentle tannins and herbaceousness that mark most Alexander Valley Cabs, with supporting cherry, red currant and licorice flavors. It's a complex wine, balanced and intriguing, and a fine pairing for a very wide variety of foods. Interestingly, indigenous, or wild, yeast was used for fermentation.
Shows the soft tannins and slight herbal quality of a top Alexander Valley Cab, along with low-yield mountain concentration of red and black currants, mocha and spice. Drink this polished, supple wine through 2012.
Shows the soft, sensual mouthfeel you want in a nice Merlot, like silk gliding across the tongue, and the cherry and herb flavors are just fine. Misses some depth and complexity, but it's an elegant, restaurant-style wine for the money.
Shows the soft, supple side of Merlot, with smooth tannins framing earthy flavors of sour-cherry candy, herbs and cedar. Ready to drink now.
Shows the softness and herbal quality that mark Alexander Valley Cabernet, in the best sense. The wine feels fine and beautiful in the mouth, with the complexity and elegance to pair with great food. Delightful for its cherry, berry, currant, cola and oak flavors. Great now, and should develop over the next five years.
Shows the softness of Paso Robles, with blackberry, cherry, cocoa, bubblegum and spice flavors. Smooth and refined, but hot in the mouth, with 15.7% alcohol by volume.
Shows the strong acidity of Foursight's new Pinot Noirs, but also considerable deepth and lushness. Once the mouth adjusts to the acids, it's able to appreciate waves of cherries, blackberries, currants and cola, while 50% new oak adds rich notes of smoke and burnt butter. A lovely, dry and impressive wine, fine now with an hour or two in the decanter.
Shows the sweet fruitiness and bite of citrusy acidity of raspberry and cherry jam, a simple Cabernet to drink now.
Shows the sweet richness of Napa Valley. It has candied flavors of blackberries and cherries, wrapped into firm, polished tannins. A pretty wine, it should show its best over the next four years.
Shows the tannins of a mountain-grown wine, but not the depth of one to age, so drink up. This is a fine Cabernet, with great varietal character, showcasing blackberry and currant flavors enhanced with smoky cedar wood.
Shows the thick tannins and blackberry, currant, dark chocolate and smoked meat flavors that make Petite Sirah so popular. But the main drawback is excessive softness, which limits the ability of this famously ageable variety to improve in the cellar. So drink now.
Shows the thick, furry tannins Petite Sirah is known for, with some good black currant, anise and cedar flavors. Feels a bit sharp, with a cut of mint. Drink now.
Shows the typical character of a young, warm-climate Petite Sirah in the thick tannic structure and fantastically ripe fruit. Swamps the palate with blackberry jam, mocha, cherry pie filling, chocolate-covered mint and anise flavors, and finishes distinctly sweet. Now through 2018.
Shows the typicity of the vineyard, an angular, minerally wine with crisp acids and concentrated flavor. The tastes of white peaches, pineapples and tangerines are edged with zesty spices. Finishes with vanilla-honey coating of toasty oak.
Shows the upfront fruit and oak of the popular style of Chardonnay, but earns extra points for dryness, acidity, creaminess and minerality. The fruit veers toward delicious pineapples. Drink now with rich shellfish, Ahi tuna, lobster risotto.
Shows the usual Williams Selyem Chardonnay profile of huge fruit and flashy oak. This opulent wine would be over-the-top except that it's balanced by crisp, lemony acidity, and somehow retains a tight core with a gravitational tug that keeps the richness focused. Impressive now for sheer power, and should hold well for another 5–6 years.
Shows the very dry herbal, floral and tobacco flavors that often mark Napa Chardonnays (and the vineyard is on the Napa side of Carneros). But there's a good core of tropical citrus fruits, while oak adds needed richness of smoky vanilla and buttered toast. Drink now.
Shows the voluminous fruit and full body that Laetitia Pinots typically possess, with huge, mouthfilling flavors of cherries, raspberries, red currants, cola and sandalwood. Also pretty tannic. But the notable feature is tart acidity. Not a big problem, but the palate feels it like a bee sting. Best now–2013.
Shows the voluptuous texture and opulence that announce a fine Napa Cabernet. Rich in blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and smoky oak flavors, it's wrapped into fleshy tannins. Made from 100% Cabernet, it should develop bottle complexities over the next 6–8 years.
Shows the Von Strasser signature all down the line, with incredibly extracted blackberry jam, cassis liqueur, dark chocolate and new French oak flavors, wrapped into hard tannins and brightened with fine acidity. Only the second release from this young vineyard, it's an intensely interesting, complex wine that will reward cellaring. Best after 2019.
Shows the weakness of certain Napa Valley Chardonnays, with a dry herbaceous taste that accentuates the acidity and even the tannins. Although there are pineapple and oak flavors, the wine lacks interest.
Shows the winery's characteristic green, tart gooseberry flavors and zesty acidity. There's a richer streak of grapefruits and pineapples. It's an elegant wine whose low alcohol, below 13%, doesn't prevent it from being dry.
Shows This wine boasts Petite Sirah's full-bodied mouthfeel, with fuzzy tannins framing ripe, jammy blackberries, cherries and chocolate. The alcohol is high, but that's Petite Sirah for you, giving it a warmth that asks to be paired with barbecue. The addition of Zinfandel, Syrah and Mourvèdre brings welcome complexities.
Shows those classic, old-fashioned Howell Mountain tannins that lock the wine down and make it more or less undrinkable in youth. There are some good black currant flavors, but they're not really powerful, and have herbal notes alongside. That makes the future of this wine a question.
Shows true Priorat depth and minerality while pouring on the new oak, char and polish. The mouth is ripe and saturated, with intense raspberry, plum and vanilla flavors. Extremely firm and structured, with a hint of bitter chocolate and burnt character. Drink now through 2014. Imported by National Distributing Co., Inc.
Shows true Zinfandel nobility in its balance, elegance and above all the varietal character that expresses Zin at its best. Dry and rich in tannins, Pellegrini's ‘06 Eight Cousins offers exotic, complex flavors of wild black and blue berries, chocolate, black pepper, tobacco and sandlewood.
Shows unexpected age, with brown around the edges and mature prune and orange-peel aromas. The flavors are more alive, but are not vibrant. Rather dull on the finish, this isn't bad wine but tastes like something four or five years older.
Shows unusual depth and finesse for a Sauvignon Blanc, with scads of palate impressions ranging from lemondrop candy, zesty wintergreen, apricot nectar and white pepper. Yet it's dry and smooth, with crisp acids.
Shows unusual intensity for a Marlborough Pinot Noir, revealing powerful cherry fruit, slightly herbal underpinnings and a subtle frame of spice and vanilla shadings. The structure is firm without being hard, the tannins soft and welcoming. Drink now–2015.
Shows varietally correct grassiness and herbal notes on the nose, followed by round, honeyed fruit flavors that turn racy and grapefruity on the finish. Suitable as an apéritif or paired with slightly weighty fish dishes.
Shows very bright acidity and a firm minerality, which gives it a tangy, mouthwatering vitality. Rich, too, in lemondrop candy, pineapple jam and spice flavors. The oak has been tastefully applied, with just- right notes of buttered toast. A flattering, balanced, elegant Chardonnay for drinking soon.
Shows Viognier's exotic tropical fruit, citrus, white flower and honey notes in a rich way, but what lifts it above the ordinary is the purity of mouthfeel. Like cold mountain stream water, it's limpid and alive, and brightened with fine acidity. Great restaurant wine.
Shows Viognier's exuberant, exotic side, with tropical fruit, white flower, kiwi and lime flavors, but the richness is balanced with crisp acidity and a dry finish. A lovely sipping wine for a wide range of appetizers, from tempura and prosciutto-wrapped melon to bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Shows wonderful purity of fruit—green apple and lime, perhaps a touch of flower shop greens—and impreccable balance, being light in body, off dry, crisp and refreshing. Delicious.
Shows wonderfully ripe, pure Pinot Noir fruit flavors, with black and red cherries and currants elaborated with exotic Asian spices and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Very tasty and elegant now and for the next several years.
Shows young vine jamminess, with fresh, ripe raspberry, cherry and cola flavors. The Williams Selyem balance of acids and tannins of dry elegance is evident, as is the new oak. Complex and supple, this wine needs time in the bottle to show its best. Give it until 2008, and should drink well for years beyond.
Shows Zinfandel's rustic, rugged side, with irregular tannins, high alcohol and ripe berry fruit and spice flavors. Almost as sweet as a minor Port. Ready to drink now.
Showy and rich, it features lots of tasty oak influence and ripe, generous fruit flavors, but it doesn't go over the top. This is full-bodied, broad in texture and not too tannic. Made from mature, hillside vines, it's especially impressive in this challenging vintage.
Showy oak aromas meet good fruit and spice flavors in this lively tasting but smooth-textured and medium-bodied wine. Pepper and nutmeg notes accent the black cherry and blackberry.
Showy, dramatic but sophisticated oak nuances merge beautifully with red and black-cherry flavors and a just-lively-enough texture in this medium-bodied, concentrated and well-focused wine. It has both breadth of mouthfeel and depth of flavor, and will make a classy addition to your dinner party.
Shrouds of leafy herbs and savory stems lend a fresh tone to this brisk yet fruity, concentrated Cab. Crisp blackberry and currant flavors shine bright and pert on the palate, framed squarely by lingering strikes of tannin and acidity.
Shy and clean on the nose, which offers up only mild grapefruit and lime. The feel is tight and stony, with pithy citrus and green apple flavors. Leans towards green and herbaceous on the finish, but never fully goes green while maintaining clarity and crispness.
Shy and neutral on the nose except for a touch of apple. The palate is hollow and citric, with racy lime flavors that end tangy. This is short on substance and offers minimal character.
Shy and reserved on the nose, this wine is invitingly smooth and velvety in texture, with an intensity at its core. Anise, black tea, rose petals and cherry pie all figure in, with a juicy succulence making it pleasurable from first sip to last drop.
Shy and reserved, this cool-climate wine opens coyly with a burst of spearmint on the nose, evolving into layers of flavor steeped in rhubarb, black cherry and tea. Soft and lilting, the wine's finish conjures thoughts of strawberry cream.
Shy aromas of cherries, peppery herbs, char and spiced mocha lead to a light- to medium-bodied palate that feels silky and slick. Bright acidity gives the finish some lift, and it ends on an accent of cherry lozenge.
Shy aromas of cinnamon and cranberry show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is light, simple and nicely easy to sip, with tart berry and oregano spice.
Shy aromas of crisp yellow apple and brown sugar follow up on the palate, with compelling hints of orange blossom along the way. Quaffable and likable, it's made from 100% Chardonnay and finishes mellow and refined.
Shy aromas of graphite, rust, dried black cherries and a slightly sour element greet the nose on this wine. The palate offers rose petal and cherry flavors, proving a tad one-dimensional but easily quaffable.
Shy aromas of green banana, lime and lychee set up a pleasant, lifted palate. Flavors of lime, lychee, honeydew and mango precede a mild, refreshing finish. Drink now.
Shy aromas suggesting ripe black-skinned fruit, espresso and a whiff of dark spice emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, mocha and grilled sage alongside fresh acidity and taut tightly knit tannins. Drink after 2019.
Shy at first aromatically, this wine slowly reveals blueberry candy, hoisin sauce, dried plums and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is thick and lush, with lots of slate-driven structure and ample black-plum fruit spiced up with charred tobacco and singed wood.
Shy at first on the nose, this wine from just east of the Sta. Rita Hills boundary winds up offering a very pretty if delicate nose of lime, salt and a touch of popcorn hidden in the background. It's high-toned and bright on the palate, with limestone, gray slate and lime-peel flavors, quite refreshing with each sip.
Shy at first on the nose, this youthful beauty is defined by richness and robust body, the tannins firm and well-integrated. Woody and herbal, it shows classic varietal character, with currant and clove flavors and an Old World flair of dusty chalk and chocolate notes. It's persistent, pleasant and complex.
Shy but very pure notes of ripe juicy pear and fresh ripe mirabelle plum appear on the nose. They continue seamlessly on the full-bodied palate where they find a fitting counterpoint in its phenolic texture, which has a pleasantly bitter edge. This is bone dry but unusually full-bodied for a Sylvaner, highlighting the ripeness of the 2015 vintage. The finish is long and underlines the quiet power of this wine.
Shy cherry and vanilla unwraps itself from this youthful bottling first, belying the powerfully concentrated waves of power and ripeness to come. Sturdy, polished tannin keep watch over the fruit, asking for time to open in the glass.
Shy honeyed aromas of tropical fruits wind up at banana. This feels fleshy and not direct, while soft powdery flavors of leesy melon and papaya finish with notes of oxidation, as if this is already starting to fade.
Shy in the glass, this wine needs more time in bottle to unravel its complexities of rose petal and cardamom, flanked by crisp red cherry and raspberry. Tangy acidity is the star and backbone of the lovely, structured wine, which is delightful now, but worth cellaring through 2023.
Shy initially, this wine is intensely creamy and round on the palate, nearly full bodied, dry and hard to pin down. Melon and apple come into play, as do more exotic stone-fruit flavors.
Shy on the nose and fairly nondescript, this wine has a diluted quality that makes it somewhat generic, curious given the appellation. It finishes strong in oak.
Shy on the nose, this 100% Chardonnay from the winery's Vineburg and Firetree vineyards is entirely barrel-fermented and the oak shows mostly on the finish. On the palate, expect ripe pear, Good & Plenty licorice and a slight zippiness.
Shy on the nose, this offers soft scents of dried flower and blackberry, plus touches of sandalwood, char and turned earth. Medium to full bodied, this wine's midpalate is marked by bright acids and tight tannins. Pair this with a grilled, herb-crusted bone-in pork chop.
Shy on the nose, this wine evolves into a subtle suggestion of smoky barbecue—its tight tannin structure holding on for dear life against a subversive note of red currant and cedar. Full-bodied and quite robust, it provides a dry, tacky finish.
Shy on the nose, this wine has dry, sticky tannins that cling to a wall of high-toned red fruit, mostly plum, forming a medium weight on the palate. Softening out as it goes, it leaves black pepper on the finish.
Shy plum, berry and milk chocolate aromas come in front of a palate with little more than scratchy tannins. Baked plum flavors are flat, and the finish is mild.
Shy scents of iron and wild berries barely reach the nose on this wine from San Benito County. The palate shows mostly dried violets and some tannic grip
Shy when first opened, this wine reveals grapefruit and pineapple scents with a little air. The medium-bodied palate has a tangy quality, offering juicy peach and citrus flavors, accompanied by fresh acidity.
Shy, timid notes of white peach and tropical fruit are offset by hints of vanilla and nutty biscuit. It feels medium to full bodied, but this lacks intensity and concentration overall. A touch of spice on the midpalate adds interest.
Shyly aromatic at first, this beautiful Primitivo blended with 8% Barbera offers smooth layers of raspberry and just-ripe cherry, a seasoning of kitchen herbs and spice sprinkled in between. Not aged in barrels, it's all about the fruit and spice and the interplay in between, with no oak to interfere.
Siaurac, at 153 acres, is the largest estate in Lalande de Pomerol. The 2007 shows the relative lightness of the vintage, but boosts it up with chocolate and dark plum flavors. The wine finishes freshly, but still with tight tannins.
Sichuan pepper and sultry mulberry aromas meet with seaweed and iodine aromas on the nose of this bottling. Deep strawberry fruit melds with black sage, licorice, mint, and slate-like minerality on the palate.
Sicilia and Syrah make a formidable team. This value wine from the Sambuca area of the island opens with a soft, velvety mouthfeel and delivers plump aromas of black fruit, cherry, white pepper and dark spice. The fruit element is bright and focused.
Sicilian Pinot Nero shows much of the variety's natural aromas of blue flower and wild berry, only in a thicker, more concentrated context. The southern Italian sun has done its part to produce a round, broad mouthfeel.
Sicily's Tasca family does a terrific job with this golden Chardonnay. The wine reflects the sunshine, warmth and generosity of the island. Aromas of stone fruit, vanilla, rose and almond blossom are followed by a beautifully creamy mouthfeel.
Sicily and Syrah make perfect partners. This wine offers linear, smooth berry tones with touches of barbecue smoke and crushed minerals or talcum powder on the finish.
Sicily is doing wonderful things with Syrah and this expression from the southern-most part of the island shows a fresh and informal side to the grape. The wine is packed tight with lush, bright red fruit flavors.
Sicily makes some of the absolutely best dessert wines you will ever taste, and Feudo Disisa's late-harvest Krysos is an excellent example. The wine opens with intense aromas of apricot, chestnut honey, almond marzipan and dried apricot. It feels soft, thick and enduring on the long, sweet finish.
Side-by-side, Sheldrake Point's two Riesling ice wines are a fascinating study of how yeast affects flavors in wine. This regular-label ice wine, fermented with inoculated yeast, has a sunny, sweet charm. Notes of pressed apple, warming spice and potpourri perfume lend a cider-like tone. The palate lingers, countering bright, lemony acidity with a long peach kiss.
Sidewood's 2009 Chardonnay is a throwback to the sort of delicious, well-priced Chardonnays Australia used to be known for, but with a touch more class. It delivers a big blast of upfront melon and peach fruit nestled in toasted cashew-like oak, then finishes fresh and citrusy. Good value for drinking over the next 6–12 months.
Siduri has a good track record with this vineyard. The ‘07 is not a longterm ager, but if you're looking for a complex Russian River Pinot for now and through 2011, this will please. Dry and silky and complex, it has fully ripened cherry, currant, cola, rose petal and spice flavors.
Siepi is a gorgeous 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that delivers intense aromas of ripe black fruit, rum cake, leather, moist tobacco and Indian spice. It lasts long on the palate thanks to its fine, silky texture. This vintage is slightly leaner, but brighter than the 2007.
Siepi is a gorgeous super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that exhibits richness, intensity and purity. This is a luscious and opulent expression with deep aromas of cherry, blackberry, chocolate, espresso bean and spice. The finish is super long and delicious.
Sierra Cantabria's wines are usually so good that one that's simple, tasty and regular such as this might get overlooked. But if you want an honest crianza with touches of balsam wood, bacon and rubber as well as dry plum and cherry fruit, this is it. Finishes peppery, with full tannins and oak-driven mocha flavor.
Sierra Foothills-based La Folia specializes in Cal-Ital varieties. This super Tuscan-style blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Sangiovese, aged in entirely new French oak, is impressively resplendent in coconut, sour cherry and ripe plum notes, with a softness that makes it remarkably drinkable. This bright wine will pair magnificently with all kinds of pizza and pasta.
Sigalas sets the bar high for Assyrtiko as usual. This 2010 is a balance of rounded citrus, crisp sea salt and sparkling minerality. Delicious with grilled fish, fruit or alone on a hot day, this is an elegant gem of a white that represents some of the best of Greek wine offered today.
Sigillo is a meaty, full-bodied red with ripe tones of blackberry, leather, tobacco and mesquite wood. The wine is dense and rich and would pair beautifully with beef stew and roasted potatoes.
Sigillo offers good density and concentration that follows refined aromas of berry fruit and white mineral. The wine has elegance, harmony and tastes filling but fresh in the mouth. It is a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola.
Significantly full and expansive in vanilla, lemon curd and toasty oak, the Durell Vineyard shows its power here, generous in ripe flavors and rich earth. Aged just under a year in a majority of new French oak, it's built to age through 2025 or more.
Significantly riper than the elegant 2011, this well-priced cuvée has some real muscle. Plum and cherry fruit are set in a rather thick frame of earth and rock, buoyed by moderate acidity. Just 15% of the barrels were new.
Significantly riper than the winery's two other Pinot Gris releases, this seems a bit flat in comparison. It's got plenty of ripe pear and apple-butter flavors, along with a touch of cinnamon. The overall ripeness and weight suggest drinking it up over the next year or two.
Signorio is a surprisingly polished and elegant Nero d'Avola with a silky, fine texture and bright flavors of dried fruit, cassis, espresso and dark chocolate. Pair this pretty wine with saffron and shrimp risotto.
Silencieux is the winemaker's showcase of five distinct vineyards, blended together into a seamless whole. The sites span from Calistoga through Rutherford to cooler Coombsville and Pope Valley, combining to offer chocolatey plum and red cherry, with the head-turning ability to be both bright and decadent simultaneously. Integrated tannin keeps the texture fresh on the palate, with a lingering waft of anise. Drink now through 2022.
Silex is a flint and sand soil that suits Sauvignon Blanc well. This wine, with tight, nervy texture and crisp lemon character, is still fresh, full of primary citrus and gooseberry flavors. It needs until 2015 to fully integrate and show rich concentration.
Silex is the French name for the flint over limestone soil that occurs in the Sancerre and Pouilly regions. There is a definite character of tight texture in this wine, very mineral while it also has ripe fruit. This is a new wine from Fournier, an impressive addition to the range.
Silhouette is Merryvale's small-production best of barrels blend from the winery's various vineyards. The '08 is a success, showing brisk acidity and new oak and yeast flavors and a creamy texture framing ripe pineapple, pear and mineral flavors. It's an elegant wine that shouldn't be served too cold.
Silice is the renamed de Lancellotti selection. Estate-grown and biodynamically farmed, complex details of mineral and earth wrap into a rich palate of strawberry preserves, streaked with cola. Optimum drinking should be 2019–2022.
Silken, honeyed layers of sweet-tart peach and mango undulate from the core of this stunning beerenauslese. Its unctuous sweetness is head-spinning, but vibrant lemon-lime acidity and dusty, earthy complexities keep it grounded. It's delicious already but sure to improve through 2050 and beyond.
Silky-smooth tannins surround a foundation of herb, cherry and plum before integrated oak gives way to thicker, richer elements of tobacco, smoke and chocolate. A well-made, 100% varietal wine, it offers exuberance and elegance.
Silky and delicate in texture, this nearly weightless Pinot Noir offers red cherry-berry aromas and flavors, laced with hints of blossoms and herbs. The tart finish lingers sweetly in an intriguing, paradoxical juxtaposition. Drink now–2025.
Silky and dry, but a bit harsh and raw around the edges, with some green, unripe flavors of mint accompanying the cherries and oak. Not likely to improve, so drink now, after a good decanting.
Silky and easygoing on the palate, this comes with slightly sweet flavors of shaved apples, pears and tropical fruits.
Silky and evolved, this has touches of sour fruit and wild berry on the finish. It also offers layers of licorice, cola, cedar and crushed white pepper that peel back slowly.
Silky and fragrant, this opens with aromas of Spanish broom, pressed white flowers, baked apple and citrus. The firm, vibrant palate delivers ripe Bartlett pear, nectarine zest, lime and a note of crystallized ginger alongside tangy acidity and firm, refined perlage.
Silky and fresh, this bright sparkler delivers aromas and flavors of ripe apple, Bartlett pear and creamy white peach. Tangy acidity and a foaming perlage provide the polished backdrop.
Silky and fresh, this delivers succulent Marasca cherry, cinnamon star anise, orange zest and chopped herb. Soft, supple tannins and fresh acidity ensure sheer drinking pleasure.
Silky and luscious, this extraordinary Sémillon from the makers of the Chateau Rollat red wines sends up cascading scents of orange blossom, orange peel, citrus and light tropical, moving into the mouth with beautifully integrated fruits dappled with honey and tea. Elegant and impressively long, it concludes with a light kiss of toast.
Silky and plush, this medium- to full-bodied Pinot Noir features a delicate interplay of cinnamon and clove with cherry and pomegranate. It glides easily to a long finish, picking up a hint of bacon or wood smoke along the way. Drink now–2023.
Silky and plush, this textural harmony is one of the characters that define Margaret River Cabernets. Ample cassis and plum notes are sweet and pick up savory nuances, while subtle hints of tomato leaf and red bell pepper add complexity without being distractingly vegetal. Drink now–2030.
Silky and refined. It’s on the lighter side, but shows no lack of flavor and may be even prettier for its ephemeral nature. Shows cherries, tree bark and a touch of cranberries and bitter chocolate on the finish. Drink soon for its youthful charms.
Silky and seductive with notes of raspberry, red cherry, blueberry and earthy forrest aromas. The finish shows a sweet mocha accent through the dominant fruit flavors. Balanced and approachable with well-integrated tannins and a strong finish.
Silky and smooth, this is loaded with effusive cherry fruit and scents of perfumed cherry blossoms. It's open and warm and packed with red fruits, and is the most accessible of the Owen Roe 2006 Pinots. Enjoy it for its forward fruit and immediate pleasures.
Silky and structured, this poised red opens with a delicate bouquet of rose, violet, woodland berry and a whiff of earthy underbrush. It's focused and vibrant, with notes of white pepper, graphite and rusted iron adding depth to the red-cherry and crushed-raspberry core. Elegant tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2018–2025.
Silky and voluptuous, Gowan Creek is Goldeneye's larger production Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Still a barrel selection of its best lots, the wine is made from fruit that's heavily scrutinized before fermentation. A powerful Pinot that retains the acidity and earthiness of the variety, with streaks of ripe fruit throughout.
Silky and voluptuous, this is a compelling example of the rare variety being able to shine in the Napa Valley when put in the right hands. From a small vintage (only the second for this wine), it shines in peach, green apple and honey flavors, chased by crisp acidity.
Silky carpets of cherry grenadine invite one into this vineyard-designate, framed by seductive streaks of herbes de Provence and earthy black tea. Juicy and generous on the palate, the wine is also complex and restrained, its finish wrapped in toasty, subtle oak.
Silky in blueberry and boysenberry fruit, this is a balanced Pinot, tending toward black and blue fruit over red, with a bouquet of rose petals and truffled earth. With just a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg, it develops spiciness on the palate, finishing light and bright.
Silky in high-toned flavors of red cherry, this is light and enjoyable. A memorable jolt of acidity on the finish nicely ties things up and gives the wine a mouthwatering quality.
Silky in texture, with a tannic bite, this lovely wine is spicy in cinnamon and clove, buoyed by ripe plum and wild strawberry. Medium in weight, it's complex and measured, balanced by a leathery, smooth finish and lively acidity.
Silky on the palate, this offers exotic aromas of orange blossom and spicy cardamom. Juicy in fresh cherry, it combines structured elegance and plenty of power, amid a mouthwatering quality that's seductively delicious and yet just begs the question of how much more nuanced the flavors will be in time. Drink through 2022.
Silky smooth and delicate, this comes from a long-standing family-run winery in the heart of the appellation. It's a subtle, floral wine offering layers of dark plum and strawberry. Medium-weight and tangy in acidity, black tea and toffee notes linger on the finish.
Silky succulent raspberry and cherry flavors are a luscious counterpoint to the razor's edge of acidity that frames this impeccably balanced wine. It's ripe, fruity and forward, yet offers surprising elegance and length. Drink now through 2017.
Silky wine, fresh and light, balanced with high acidity cutting through black berry fruits. The structure has some substance, but this is a light, aromatic wine, developing fast, already delicious, and only for medium-term aging.
Silky yet slightly grippy, this is a mineral-driven wine, with violet and spicy cardamom aromas atop bright, vibrant swathes of cherry and wild strawberry. This vineyard is where Joseph Swan himself first planted Pinot Noir, it retains all the promise and greatness of his initial discovery of this magical place along the Laguna Ridge.
Silky, cherry-fruited elegance and a caressing subtlety make this a winner in the sleekness stakes. There is freshness and perfectly pitched balance, with soft yet structured tannins. Seductive notes of Amarena cherry and dark chocolate, with mere edges of cinnamon, dance on the palate. Drink 2016–2020.
Silky, clean and lean, this showcases typical Nebbiolo aromas of cola, blue flower and powdered licorice. The mouthfeel delivers firmness and youthful determination that will soften with 10 or more years of cellar aging.
Silky, light-bodied and dry, with flavors of cherries, cola and herbs. It's a simple wine that gets the Pinot concept across in a direct way.
Silky, spicy and roundly fruity, this estate-grown Viognier brings fruit flavors of citrus, melon and a hint of pineapple. Nicely woven together, it finishes with a citrus rind edge that's softened with a suggestion of cream.
Silky, supple and easy to like, this great wine has complex flavors of cherries, currants, black raspberries, cola, anise and dark Chinese tea. Feels luscious in the mouth, but as light and gentle as it is, it's an enormously complex wine. Best now–2010.
Silky, with pronounced tannins that should mellow in time, this is an earthy, stemmy and perfumed wine. Succulent and balanced, it's brightly exuberant in black cherry yet brooding and complex throughout, changing slightly from savory to floral and back again. It's an incredible wine out of the gate; cellar with confidence, through 2021.
Silly name and label, but not a bad wine. The nose is meaty, medicinal and fails to hold its form over extended airing, but early on it's good and honest, as is the palate of herbal tomato and cassis flavors. A little bit scrappy, but for $10 it's better than most.
Silvaners rarely boast this kind of charm and forward fruit. This one combines apple and citrus notes into a round yet crisp package with overtones of pineapple. This should make a refreshing summer sipper.
Silverado's Merlot has been variable over the years. This '04 is fruit-driven, a soft, direct and appealing wine for its wealth of blackberry, cherry, plum, chocolate and leather flavors. Could develop bottle complexities with some time in the cellar.
Silverado has a mixed track record with Sauvignon Blanc, a difficult variety to get right in Napa Valley, as it's very vintage specific. It tastes a little on the sweet side, bearing flavors of green peas and oranges, with a savory spiciness.
Simaens has produced a ripe style of wine here. Apple and rich citrus flavors add a delicious touch to tropical fruit flavors. This wine is fit for drinking in the next few months.
Similar in every respect to the '09 vintage, a softly ripe wine that's drinkable now despite Petite Sirah's firm tannins. It's very delicious, showing candied blackberries, cherries, currants and chocolate.
Similar in style and aging potential to the winery's 2009, and blended with amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Cabernet Sauvignon from mighty Howell Mountain is rich in spicy blackberry and clove, the tannins soft and juicy.
Similar in style to a Côtes de Gascogne, this is a fruity, ripe and attractively light wine. The crisp, refreshing palate dances along.
Similar in style to the higher-priced Cobos wine from the same vineyard. Bramare delivers cassis, plum and berry aromas rolled into a pleasant and familiar whole. Feels rich but refined, with meaty flavors that hit on leather, berry, black plum and chocolate. Spicy and chocolaty on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
Similar in style to the previous vintage, this ably marries savory notes of roasted meat and spice with ripe, plummy fruit. All those mouthwatering flavors are wrapped in supple tannins, ending on a plush, velvety note.
Similar to Chardonnay, but lighter in the mouth, and the flavors veer to tangerines and Meyer lemons. Still, it has the familiar buttered toast, vanilla and caramel richness of a barrel-aged Chard. A dry, acidic finish makes it versatile at the table.
Similar to past bottlings, Bourassa's 2005 Syrah is slightly rustic. It has a baked-fruit quality of blackberry and black cherry pie filling, and is very peppery. Given the right fare, such as a pepper steak, it could work some magic.
Similar to Pinot Noir in the light, silky texture, easy tannins and cherry flavors. A good, dry wine, but rustic, and a little unbalanced in ripeness levels.
Similar to the 2006 vintage, this '09 is rather sweet and candied in new oaky vanilla, buttered toast, honey and caramel flavors. Underneath is plenty of ripe citrus and tropical fruit. The sweetness detracts from what otherwise is a fine, crisp, minerally wine.
Similar to the 2010 Primus, this is earthy, wholesome and soundly built. Aromas of meaty fruit, leather and licorice are earthy and inviting. The palate feels chewy and medium to full, with dark plum, carob, loam and blackberry flavors. A warm, mildly baked finish concludes this round, very nice red.
Similar to the winery's previous efforts, this is a soft, sweet and simple Chardonnay. The orange, apricot, vanilla and buttered toast flavors are good, but the wine lacks structure.
Similar to the winery's regular Pinot Noir, this is moving quickly along the aging curve. Hints of strawberry fruit are cloaked in barrel flavors of mocha and cracker. Drink soon.
Similarly to it's Virgin Berry sibling, Roth's regular label Dry Riesling has a distinctly green, woodsy tone lending an alpine feel to sweet-tart peach and apricot flavors. It's brisk and fine-footed, yet zesty tangerine and grapefruit acidity persist long on the finish.
Simonsig's 2015 Avec Chêne is a bit more retrained in its overt woodiness than previous bottlings, with herbal notes of grass and fynbos before fruit tones of green plum and white melon. The fresh and easy palate offers bright acidity and juicy flavors of citrus and apple, framed by spice and toast accents. Well balanced and accessible now, enjoy through 2020.
Simple and a bit light, this brings brambly berry and garrigue-like herbal flavors, all done in a clean, approachable style. It lacks the concentration and meatiness of the better Northwest Syrahs, but it's perfectly serviceable for everyday consumption.
Simple and a little one-dimensional in fruit and spice flavors, this dessert wine's main feature is sweetness. It has a flavor like the syrup from canned peaches.
Simple and a little sugary, this Syrah, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel blend has pop flavors of raspberries, cherries, vanilla and cola.
Simple and a little sweet, this Cab shows very ripe, jammy flavors of blackberries, cassis and cola. It's an easy sipper, with a pleasant scour of tannins.
Simple and a little vegetal, but the blackberry, currant and oak flavors are sound.
Simple and a little vegetal, with asparagus and raspberry flavors.
Simple and agreeable, this can be paired with a burger or beef taco. It's dry and clean, with pleasant cherry and cola flavors.
Simple and airy on the nose, with melon, apple and citrus notes. It's spritzy, healthy and citrusy in the mouth, with comfortable, familiar pineapple and melon flavors. Holds steady on the finish. Very nice for immediate drinking.
Simple and bright with clean lines, this easy-drinking Soave Classico offers citrus, white peach and talc powder aromas. Pair it with fried finger foods or spicy Thai spring rolls.
Simple and bright, filled with crisp berry nuances, this easygoing effort offers tones of blackberry, cherry and spicy tobacco.
Simple and candied, this features cherry Lifesaver and mint flavors. It expresses the basic Merlot profile in a soft, appealing way.
Simple and candied, with flavors of pineapple juice and not enough acidity for balance.
Simple and clean up front, with inviting aromas. The mouth on this wine is broad and satisfying, and the flavors of plum, blackberry, black olive and buttery oak work in tandem. The finish is a bit aggressive, and here the oak is powerful as it leaves a bitter lasting sensation. But overall the wine impresses for its solidity and full fruit.
Simple and clean, with bright a bright fruit flavor and a pretty flower note, this should pair with Thai spring rolls or smoked salmon appetizers. The perlage is fine, soft and creamy.
Simple and clean, with fruit juice flavors of peaches, pineapples, apples and apricots. A tiny bit of oak adds the usual creamy vanilla notes.
Simple and cloying in white sugar notes. Too bad, because there's good acidity and succulent citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
Simple and cola-like, it has bright flavors of strawberry and raspberry jam, with peppery, alcoholic heat, although it's basically dry. The weight is more like a rosé than a red, but it's pure and tasty.
Simple and delicious, this vibrant, mouthwatering red doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed blueberry, ground pepper and clove alongside polished tannins. An almond note graces the finish. This makes a fantastic everyday wine.
Simple and direct, this tastes like blend of apricots, pears and mangos, with a gentle oak touch. It has pleasant acidity and nice warmth from the alcohol. Drink now.
Simple and direct, this wine is characterized by flavors of blackberry, currant, mocha and oak. It's a softly tannic Cabernet with a large production of 48,000 cases. Dry and spicy, it's ready to drink now.
Simple and dry, this Cabernet has modest blackberry, tea and oak flavors. With its firm tannins, it gets the basic Cabernet job done.
Simple and dull, with soft flavors of Lifesaver candy raspberries and vanilla.
Simple and earthy, this has a core of sour cherry and raspberry flavors, with a quick finish.
Simple and earthy, this has aromas suggesting red berry, truffle and forest floor. The lean, diluted palate offers suggestions of cherry and orange zest alongside brisk acidity and frail, loose-knit tannins.
Simple and earthy, this ranch-designate shows a wealth of brick color and flavors of cherry cola, raspberry and bay, its full-bodied ripeness offset moderately by acidity.
Simple and earthy, with coffee and spiced plum flavors. Curiously lean and one-dimensional for such a great vintage. The tannins are soft and melted and acids are also easy.
Simple and easy drinking, this opens with aromas of red berry and purple flower. The light-bodied palate offers strawberry, cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside zesty acidity. Enjoy soon.
Simple and easy to like, with cassis and cherry aromas along with a hint of earth, moss and leather. The palate is fresh, juicy and healthy, with clean, regular raspberry and ripe currant flavors. And the finish is long and mildly toasty. Good, presentable and ready to drink.
Simple and easy, with crisp coastal acidity that provides balance to the cola, cherry, tangerine and pomegranate flavors. Made to be opened now, this Pinot will be good with roast salmon and broiled chicken.
Simple and easy, with oaky flavors of apricots, peaches and pineapples in a creamy texture. Fine for picnics and parties.
Simple and forward but good in varietal character, with the flavors of black cherry jelly, mint and cola. Finishes dry and crisp.
Simple and fresh up front, this Verdejo deals common apple and nectarine aromas in front of a plump yet juicy palate. Flavors of citrus fruits, peach, saline and herbs finish pithy.
Simple and fresh, this delivers easy aromas of cherry, wild berry, cola and bitter almond skin. It's lean and crisp, with a short, bright finish.
Simple and fresh, this informal sparkler has light aromas of citrus and apple. The aromas carry over to the crisp palate along with brisk bubbles.
Simple and fresh, this offers the easy-drinking experience that has made Prosecco Superiore a world-wide sensation. Thanks to its peach and citrus aromas, this should go down beautifully with a simple platter of grilled vegetables.
Simple and fresh, this red doles out red cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of baking spice. Bright acidity and soft tannins give it an easy-drinking vibe. Enjoy soon.
Simple and fruity and forward, though still unbalanced from extreme youth. It's more like a Beaujolais nouveau, with an odd, disjointed, watery finish. The price seems way out of line for what's in the bottle.
Simple and fruity yet lacking in acidity, this is a soft style of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fruity, with strawberry jelly flavor, and should be drunk immediately.
Simple and fruity, it has attractive red fruits, soft tannins and just the right amount of acidity. It will develop relatively quickly, so drink from 2015.
Simple and fruity, this has a mix of pineapple, citrus and apple, high-toned and slightly bitter. The toasty component from some sort of barrel/oak treatment is not yet integrated into the fruit. This will need decanting or aging in bottle until 2016.
Simple and fruity, this has berry flavors that mingle with floral acidity, soft tannins and a rounded texture. Ready to drink.
Simple and fruity, this has crisp apple and grapefruit flavors. It is light and refreshing and is ready to drink over the next few months.
Simple and fruity, this has tangy a tangy raspberry flavor. It's light and zesty, with a fine, fresh aftertaste.
Simple and fruity, this is an immediately approachable wine. Crisp with apple and citrus fruits, it has a light mineral texture and refreshing final acidity. Drink now.
Simple and fruity, this is ready for summer drinking. It is very fresh, crisp, lightly textured and with fragrant, refreshing acidity. A touch of pepper gives the aftertaste attractive spice.
Simple and fruity, this Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend has ripe flavors of cherries, blackberries and oak. It's easy to drink with everything from pizza and burgers to Vietnamese beef dishes.
Simple and fruity, this ultraripe cherry- and chocolate-flavored wine also has a dry grip of tannins. It finishes in a peppery swirl of cherry liqueur.
Simple and fruity, this wine has some polished flavors of black cherries and pepper, and drinks very dry, with a creamy mouthfeel and soft tannins and acids. It's an easygoing wine, and fine for everyday occasions. —S.H.
Simple and fruity, with jammy blackberry, cherry, cola and toffee flavors wrapped into smooth tannins. Comes from the warmer Happy Canyon region.
Simple and fruity, with upfront blackberry jam, cherry, currant and cocoa flavors, wrapped into fine, smooth tannins. Tasty, but lacks definition and complexity.
Simple and genuine red fruit sets the stage and is surrounded by a delicate frame of almond and toast. This is a clean, well-made wine that is easy and fun to drink. It imparts thick, fruity flavors and closes fresh thanks to its bright acidity. Castello di Meleto has 445 acres of vines in Gaiole-in-Chianti.
Simple and green, with mint, tobacco and cherry flavors. It's a sound, clean wine. Even though the fruit isn't exactly concentrated, it's an easy wine to drink at parties.
Simple and harsh in texture, this Pinot has the variety's silky texture, but not much else going for it. The flavors are minty and green, with just the barest suggestion of cherries.
Simple and high in high alcohol, this bears semiripe berry and spice flavors. There's also a tug of boiled asparagus.
Simple and hot, with unevenly ripened flavors of raspberries and mint. Some portion of Cline's very old vines in Oakley add richness.
Simple and jammy in raspberries and cherries, but the acidity is fine and the tannins are just right. It's an easy Merlot to drink now.
Simple and jammy, although tasty enough, with lip-smacking, candied flavors of cherries, raspberries and spicy mocha. Feels light and silky in the mouth, with gentle acids and tannins.
Simple and jammy, this Zin shows fruity flavors of raspberries, cherries and oranges. It's a little sugary sweet.
Simple and jammy, with raspberry and cherry flavors. It's a totally dry wine, with a fresh cut of acidity.
Simple and jammy, with sharp flavors of raspberries, cherries, gingersnap cookies and spices. Tasty and sweet, but lacking the structure to contain all that richness.
Simple and jammy, with sweet flavors of cherries, currants, licorice and spices.
Simple and lean, this opens with whiffs of Mediterranean herb, lead pencil and a whisper of blue flower. The short rather diluted palate shows raw sour cherry and a hint of dark spice alongside fleeting tannins.
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.
Simple and linear, this has a mixed berry aroma, with notes of licorice, leather and dried tobacco. It's plush, fresh and shows power on the finish.
Simple and neutral, with sweetness to the nose. It's soft and flabby in the mouth, with candied vanilla and melon flavors. Sweet and low in intensity, and already it's dull despite being a new release.
Simple and Porty, with baked berry flavors that finish sharp and astringent.
Simple and rather sweet, but balanced with zesty acidity and minerality. The flavors are of honey, pineapples and ripe nectarines.
Simple and refreshing, this opens with a light floral fragrance and a whiff of pear. The easy palate offers tart green apple and a citrus note alongside bright acidity.
Simple and ripe, this wine highlights a fruity blend of pineapples, peaches and apricots, punched up with a warming touch of alcohol. Forward and easy drinking with a slightly cloying finish.
Simple and ripe, with jammy raspberry and cherry flavors, accented with sweet oak, and brightened by stimulating acidity. Lots of good flavor, but you wind up wishing it had more interest.
Simple and robust, dry and full-bodied. A little on the thin side, but there are some decent sour cherry candy and red currant flavors.
Simple and rough in texture, with medicinal citrus fruit and dough flavors.
Simple and rustic but perfect for backyard grilling, this Zinfandel, Merlot and Carignane blend is robust, tannic and superripe in berry-cherry and spice flavors. Cries out for rich BBQ sauce.
Simple and satisfying with lots of ripe pineapple jam, orange sorbet, caramel, buttered toast, honey and cinnamon spices, in a creamy texture.
Simple and seemingly sweet, this Chardonnay has apricot jam flavors.
Simple and sharp in acidity, this Pinot has a jammy raspberry flavor. It tastes sugary-sweet all through the finish. It was tasted twice.
Simple and sharp in acidity, with jammy raspberry and cherry flavors commingling in an uncomfortable coating of sweet oak. This Rhône-style blend from Beckmen is a disappointment.
Simple and silky, this is fairly sweet in apricot and raspberry fruit. This is easy to drink at picnics and similar everyday occasions.
Simple and slightly earthy, Covey's budget Cab is not as appealing as their Merlot, but it's a good effort nonetheless. Black cherry and cassis speak to the variety, and the stiff tannins suggest some staying power. —P.G.
Simple and slightly sweet, like the juice from canned peaches, pineapples and apricots, but with more acidity.
Simple and slightly sweet, this Central Coast Syrah has blackberry, cherry, currant, mocha, Dr. Pepper and fig flavors. It's easy to drink, and finishes soft and spicy.
Simple and slightly sweet, this has flavors of raspberry, sour cherry candy and mint.
Simple and soft, this is one to drink now. It rewards for the wealth of cherry, blackberry, licorice and cocoa flavors that finish dry and clean.
Simple and soft, with buttery citrus flavors. Would score higher, but the wine falls apart on the finish.
Simple and soft, with sugary sweet apricot and orange flavors that turn cloying on the finish.
Simple and soft, with thinned-down, candied cherry, cola and oak flavors that finish dry and spicy. Drink now.
Simple and straightforward aromas of red berry and mineral cap the aromatic nuances expressed in the Brunello Riserva. What the wine lacks is complexity, although it does feel rich, smooth and bright in the mouth. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers.
Simple and straightforward, it conveys bright berry sensations of juicy black cherry and raspberry with a light touch of cooking spices. With a soft, round texture, it is extremely accessible. Drink now.
Simple and straightforward, this 50-40-10 blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot delivers black concentration and slightly sweet aromas of mature fruit and blackberry. The wine tastes smooth and rich, but also remains very approachable and friendly.
Simple and straightforward, this Chardonnay has notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. A bite of sweet baked apple is most pronounced on the finish.
Simple and straightforward, this fruity wine offers lemon/lime fruit and moderate acidity. Fine for everyday consumption, best chilled.
Simple and straightforward, this has aromas of blue flower, wet leaves and tilled earth. The lively, fruity palate offers intense red and black berry flavors alongside brisk acidity.
Simple and straightforward, this has honest aromas of yellow fruit and perfumed white flower. It's an easy-drinking sparkler that should pair well with salads or raw fish.
Simple and straightforward, this provides aromas of pear, pineapple and spice. The flavors are lightly sweet and unctuous in feel with a clipped finish.
Simple and strongly flavored, this is powerful in pear, vanilla and buttered toast notes. There's not much subtlety, but it will satisfy fans of this style.
Simple and sugary sweet with pineapple and mango fruit.
Simple and sugary sweet, with buttered toast, vanilla, orange and pineapple flavors, brightened with a squirt of lime-juice acidity. It's made in a style meant to appeal to millions of Chardonnay lovers.
Simple and sugary sweet, with candied flavors of lemons, limes and pineapples. The crisp acidity is the best part.
Simple and sugary sweet, with orange and apricot jam, buttered toast and vanilla flavors. Good acidity, though.
Simple and sugary sweet, with peach, pineapple and mango flavors that taste like a supermarket fruit juice. It's okay for an everyday Chard.
Simple and sugary, with blackberry and cherry jam flavors and a solid plaster of sweet, caramelized oak. Production was 20,000 cases.
Simple and superoaky, with strong flavors of vanilla and char dominating an otherwise average Chard. Under all that smoky wood you'll find a wine of modest peach, pineapple and apricot flavors.
Simple and sweet in Chardonnay character, with pineapple, pear, peach, apple and vanilla flavors wrapped in a creamy texture.
Simple and sweet in cola, blackberry and oak flavors. At this price, it's suitable for big parties.
Simple and sweet, a hot, acidic wine with cherry, red currant and cola flavors. Lacks balance and complexity, especially at this price.
Simple and sweet, like a mango, pineapple and peach fruit juice blend. Not much going on, but will appeal to lots of Chard lovers at this price. Production was half a million cases.
Simple and sweet, like a mixture of watermelon, lemonade and raspberry jam.
Simple and sweet, showing cherry pie filling and cola flavors. The mouthfeel is soft, lacking vitality. An okay Pinot, but nothing special.
Simple and sweet, this Primitivo has jammy flavors of black raspberries, cherries and chocolate. It's a little heavy and soft.
Simple and sweet, with candied lemon, lime, orange and vanilla flavors. But it's crisp in balancing acidity. At this price, a good cocktail sipper.
Simple and sweet, with candied, jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries and licorice. Drink now.
Simple and sweet, with jammy pineapple, orange and apricot flavors leading to a soft, honeyed finish.
Simple and sweet, with Lifesaver candy flavors of pineapples and lemons. Earns an extra point for the clean mouthfeel.
Simple and sweet, with raspberry and cola flavors, this Pinot has a lot to offer. But it lacks structure and dryness. Drink now.
Simple and sweet, with raspberry, cherry and mint candy flavors. Drink now.
Simple and sweet, with sugared tangerine and vanilla flavors, enriched with caramelized oak. The blend is mostly Viognier, with Roussanne and Marsanne.
Simple and sweet. Tastes like canned juices of pineapples, peaches and pears, with a hint of vanilla and smoke.
Simple and sweet. This Sauvignon has sugary flavors of pineapples, limes, peaches and apples, and benefits from crisp acidity.
Simple and tart, this has green mint and sour cherry-candy flavors.
Simple and tasting of vanilla toffee, this Chardonnay, value-priced for sure, has a finish that's puckeringly sweet.
Simple and thinly textured, this wine shows a mixture of plum and wild strawberry fruit against a backdrop of fresh earth.
Simple and too oaky, with peach, pineapple, vanilla cream and buttered toast flavors. The toast overwhelms everything.
Simple and watery, but not without charm, this Chardonnay has lemon, lime, pear and oak flavors. It's soft, with some herbal interest.
Simple and watery, it has oaky flavors of citrus fruits and peaches. There's not much going on, but it is dry and crisp in acidity.
Simple and watery, with vaguely fruity flavors of peaches and citrus. Very dry, with adequate acidity.
Simple apple and apricot aromas prevail on the nose. This feels lean, shallow and hollow, while flavors of peach pit and melon are somewhat bitter and finish abruptly.
Simple apple, peach and citrus aromas form a mild opening that sets the stage for what amounts to an easygoing, fresh wine with white-fruit flavors of peach and nectarine. Dry, pithy and clean on the finish.
Simple aromas may lack vibrancy but aren't offputting. And frankly speaking, it's nice to smell soft berry fruit and not much else (namely burnt or buttery oak). The palate, meanwhile, is plump, bright and full of clean but basic boysenberry fruit. Finishes thin but sturdy.
Simple aromas of apple cider come with a hint of match stick and brine. This feels round and fleshy, like an unfiltered apple cider. Flavors of generic citrus and apple juice finish pulpy and round. Drink now.
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.
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.
Simple aromas of Juicy Fruit gum lead to a fresh palate with light rubbery tannins. The flavor of pink grapefruit is singular, with mild bitterness setting in on a citric finish. This is lively but not an enamel peeler.
Simple aromas of lemon and lychee are just fresh enough, while the palate offers good feel and pithy, somewhat bland flavors of the same fruits that appear on the bouquet. The finish is lemony, and overall this is a good, basic Torrontés to drink as soon as you can.
Simple aromas of tropical fruits and green bean come in front of a spritzy palate with healthy balance. The finish brings notes of bell pepper and lime.
Simple at best early on, with leathery, rustic aromas and a truly basic set of flavors. Should you allow it to breathe, it rounds into a good (but still basic), semisoft and fruity red with solid cherry/berry flavors and nothing offputting.
Simple berry aromas are generic. This is dark on the palate, with black-fruit flavors that are standard and don't show much character. A lightly toasted finish is solid and not too choppy.
Simple black cherry and earth flavors in a medium-weight wine that finishes with more than a hint of citrus.
Simple brown sugar scents make for a monotone bouquet. Creamy and thick on the palate, this PX tastes largely of maple syrup and toffee. Overall, it delivers sweetness and toffee notes but not much complexity.
Simple but authentic Merlot aromas of plum, tea and spice cake make up the opening act. The juicy palate has good berry flavor alongside soft tannins and finishes with an earthy note. Not one for aging.
Simple but charming, with uncomplicated black fruit upfront followed by cherry and garrigue in the mouth, this is a good choice for a Labor Day barbecue; the fresh acidity and soft tannins put us in mind of something in the pork or veal family.
Simple but classy aromas of red currant and raspberries show on the nose of this bottling from an all-star team of the appellation. The palate is light and easy, with tart cranberry and a large boost of tannic grip, a surprise for how light it feels.
Simple but clean in the nose, with just a hint of cheesy pungency. The palate veers toward tangerine and pineapple. The finish is sharp and acidic. Best Buy.
Simple but elegant, with cherry, red currant, pepper and sage flavors wrapped into firm tannins. Has an elegantly silky mouthfeel, like a good Pinot Noir. Drink now.
Simple but fresh, with mild lemon and melon aromas propped up by a kiss of oak. The palate is plump, fruity and melony, with toasted corn and baked apple nuances. Comes together well.
Simple but friendly aromas of green fruits and spring vegetables set up a lemony feeling palate, with flavors of lime, green apple and herbs. This shows pyrazines on a juicy finish, but not so much that the wine comes across green, vegetal or bitter.
Simple but meaty, this 100% Merlot has substantial weight in the midpalate. There are plenty of powerful herbal flavors, yet the grapes seem ripe enough, offering prune and cassis and a little pepper from aging in American oak.
Simple but pleasant aromas of violet, plum, grape and mulberry show on the nose of this widely available and well-priced twist-top bottling. The palate pops with acidity, showing flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and tart plum skins, framed by thin though sticky tannins.
Simple but refreshing and crisp, with nice grapefruit, lime and lemon peel accents. The faintly off-dry finish turns a bit tart.
Simple but satifisfying, this wine exhibits good fruit, pretty aromatics and a spicy kick. It's a little out of focus and lacks acidity, but overall, this is a pleasing everyday white.
Simple but solid apple and nectarine aromas are straight forward. This feels round and easy, without much acid-based cut. Flavors of melon, mango and nectarine finish short, with a note of apple.
Simple but solid, this Cab leads with a nose of smoked meat and pepper and follows it up with a balanced character of minerals, red fruit and wooded spice. Clean and well made, it will pair perfectly with smoked or grilled meats.
Simple but solid, this offers delicate aromas of rose and red berry. The straightforward palate isn't as expressive, showing dried cherry, a note of star anise and sage alongside assertive astringent tannins that leave an abrupt, mouth-drying finish.
Simple but steady and composed. This is throwback-style Rioja crianza, meaning it's moderately oaked and not very fat or expressive. Strawberry and cherry flavors run the show, and the mouthfeel is fresh. More innocuous than detailed, which means it'll do fine by-the-glass.
Simple but well-maded wine with aromas of chewing gum, cherry and blackberry. It's a plump, sort of grabby red with sweet raspberry and chocolate flavors followed by a creamy, soft finish. Not much complexity but good fruit and depth. Not the least bit hard to drink. Good mass wine.
Simple but well made Sauvignon, it offers delicate aromas of tropical fruit. The round palate is more expressive, with subtle white peach and cantaloupe alongside fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.
Simple but well made, it discloses pretty aromas of yellow flowers. The bright palate delivers zesty citrus, pear and melon alongside crisp acidity. Pair with seafood salad or sip as an apéritif.
Simple but well made, it opens with a fruit fragrance of peach and golden apple. The palate offers pineapple and banana alongside bright acidity.
Simple but well made, this medium-bodied, supple wine features plenty of tart cherry fruit and a crisp finish.
Simple but well made, this offers aromas and flavors of citrus, pear and a hint of bitter almond. Bright acidity gives it clean finish.
Simple but with depth, this wine has structure and some good tannins, along with the bright cherry fruit flavors and balanced acidity. It's a wine to drink now, full of flavor and ripe fruits.
Simple celebrations with family and friends sometimes call out for a bright sparkling wine that delivers the goods, but is in no way too complex or over the top. This is just such a wine with crisp lines and steady features of lemon and sweet grapefruit.