Co-fermented with 10% Petite Sirah, this red certainly impresses. With a fruity entry, it meets a leathery tightness on the midpalate, its mix of cherry and orange confounding expectations of darker expression from the varieties with its rose-tinged aromas. Spicy pepper rounds out the finish.
Co-fermented with 3% Viognier, this has a nice peppery lift. The fruit flavors seem less forward, with the herbal components much more front and center. It's made from a clone specific to the Cougar Hill Vineyard, showing cool climate flavors with subtle grace. Given a full 24 hours of breathing time, it opens further into a dazzling, rich mix of cherry and cassis that's soaked in an herbal broth.
Co-fermented with 3% Viognier, this tart and sharp-edged Washington Syrah sports bright berry fruit and just a hint of earth in the tannins. The acids are a little chalky, and there is a slight medicinal quality in the back of the mouth as the wine finishes.
Co-fermented with 4% Viognier, this is deeply floral on the nose. Tomato leaf, soy and lavender notes provide a savory, herbal landscape, yet it remains bright on the palate, as licorice and garrigue flavors float in.
Co-fermented with 5% Roussanne, this wine comes from Morrison Lane Vineyard. It's brightly aromatic, with blueberry jam, huckleberry and spice notes. The palate is soft and textured, delivering rich fruit flavors and a long finish that shows some warmth.
Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, as is typical in all of this producer's Syrahs, this wine offers a wild, feral intensity on the nose of black pepper, cigar box and leather. From there, it softens with well-defined layers of blueberry and blackberry, the tannins settled and structured, the wine finishing in dusty oak.
Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, mineral-laden aromas of smoked meat, Kalamata olive, earth, flower and funk are followed by shimmering fruit and savory flavors that possess a compelling mouthfeel and lead to an extended finish. The alcohol and oak are dialed back, allowing the fruit to shine.
Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, this Syrah is direct and appealing with notes of boysenberry jam, smoked meat and orange peel. The palate is soft and sumptuous in feel with tart fruit flavors.
Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, this wine's appealing fresh flower, orange peel, ham hock and black olive tapenade aromas jump out of the glass. The palate is light, tart and sleek, not delivering on all that the aromas suggest but still providing plenty of intrigue.
Co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier, this wine opens in a flurry of sunflower before unleashing bold, firm flavors and layers of dense tannin and concentrated blackberry and cherry. The tannin continues to expand on the finish.
Co-fermented with a small quantity of Viognier, this Syrah was aged in 100% new oak. It's flashy and completely satisfying to drink now. Starts a little soft and dry, then explodes midpalate into a burst of cherry and raspberry fruit, with creamy, caramelized notes. The finish is long-lasting and elegant.
Co-fermented with about 2% Viognier, this aromatic Syrah offers a bouquet of floral, citrus and berry scents. It's clean, focused and pure, not fleshy but concentrated. The finish hits a full spectrum of dark flavors—coffee grounds, cacao, smoke, tar and black olive.
Co-fermented with Viognier (for the first time at Ste. Michelle), this aims for a brighter, softer style of Syrah. It's plenty soft, pleasantly accessible, and lightly toasty. The smoothness seems to have eliminated some of the brightness, the hills and valleys that make Syrah so distinctive in Washington.
Co-fermented with Viognier from the same vineyard, this is a lovely counterpoint to the big, bruising Barrister Bacchus Vineyard Syrah. Violets and chocolate dominate, with wild herb and cured meat flavors through the midpalate. Tannins are chewy and textured, with some stem and bark flavors.
Co-owner Rachel Stellareese Davies first began making her own wine alongside the late Greg Brown of T-Vine, also in Calistoga. This bottling is a tremendous effort at a stunning price, unveiling juicy strawberry, blackberry and plum flavors in soft layers of velvety smoothness, with both length and concentration. The finish is dusted in chocolate.
Co-released with the 2007 Zin-Petite Sirah blend, this wine shows the same characteristics. It's dryish, tannic and rustic, with peppery flavors framing berries, currants and smoked meat. Give it a good decant before serving.
Coal black, this no-holds-barred Syrah is for those who love the dark side of the grape. Flavors of smoked cherries fill the palate, which is dense and tannic. At the core is a mesh of bark, earth and graphite, but the wine retains its balance with the perfect mix of ripe tannins and natural acidity.
Coarse on the nose, this has scratchy aromas of unripe red fruit, green herb and grass. It feels forward but choppy, with zesty acidity pushing its familiar flavors of red fruit and herb. A bit stalky and leathery on the finish, it ends with a vanilla streak.
Coarse raspberry and plum aromas are backed by a narrow palate with limited flavors of cherry chewing gum and cough drop. This stays consistent by finishing with a wiry, raw feel.
Cobblestone's regular Cabernet is very consistent from year to year, a good wine but not a great one. This 2007 is superfruity, with a blast of blackberries, cola and currants. Drink now–2015.
Cocoa and cedar aromas dominate the bouquet, but then some dark fruit emerges on the palate. It's dense, rich and flavorful, but lacks the elegance and finesse to score higher.
Cocoa dusted black raspberry, black currant and plum aromas up front transition to flavors of blackberry and fudgy brownie. Creamy and full in the mouth with medium tannins and a velvety texture. Approachable now, but pair with a good steak or fatty game like shoulder lamb chops for balance.
Cocoa powder is met by overfilling notions of wild blackberry and black cherry in this memorably textured and complex wine from the mountain. A smoothness on the midpalate roughs out the rockiness of the back tannins and fistfuls of supportive oak, finishing in a high-toned minerality that echoes volcanic soils and gravel.
Cocoa powder, anise and cowhide aromas lead, with hints of fresh currants. Juicy cherry and ripe raspberry are appealing on the palate, paving the way for sweet baking spices and vanilla. The tannins are disjointed from this soft-structured, fruit-forward offering. The lack of acidity is most apparent on the finish, which shows overripe cherry and hints of clove.
Cocoa powder, vanilla, toast and high-toned blue and black-fruit flavors are followed by a flavorful fruit-forward palate. It doesn't always seem entirely varietal but still brings plenty of appeal.
Cocoa, baking spice and blackberry aromas lead to opulent herb and dark fruit flavors. This is high-octane but generally holds it well.
Cocoa, bittersweet chocolate, herb, wood spice and cherry aromas lead to lightly styled cherry and cola flavors. The tannins bring a tacky feel.
Cocoa, coffee, baking spice, vanilla and cherry aromas are followed by a reserved palate, full of chocolate and cherry flavors. Coffee notes persist on the finish.
Cocoa, coffee, spice and dark fruit aromas are followed by smooth fruit flavors. The barrel influence is primary but this still brings plenty of enjoyment, with good balance and depth of flavor.
Cocoa, dark-roasted-coffee and vanilla aromas are followed by lightly sweet plum and dark fruit flavors that possess a tacky feel. The flavors linger on the finish.
Cocoa, dark chocolate, raspberry and barrel spice aromas intoxicate the senses. The flavors are sweet and concentrated with a hedonistic styling.
Cocoa, herb, cranberry and cherry aromas lead to plush-feeling coffee and black-fruit flavors that carry through the finish. It brings a whole lot of enjoyment and appeal.
Cocoa, herb, raspberry, vanilla and spice aromas are out front on this wine. The blue and red fruit and barrel flavors are creamy in feel and carry through the finish.
Cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon aromas, generous and broad fruit flavors like blackberry jam and dried black cherries fill up this full-bodied wine. The silky texture is backed with fine tannins, and a lingering finish that echoes the fruit and chocolaty spices.
Cocoa, plum and spice aromas are followed by lush blue-fruit flavors. Vanilla notes are speckled throughout.
Cocoa, plum and vanilla aromas are followed by creamy-feeling blue-fruit flavors that display a mixture of fruit and barrel. The barrel influence is heavy, but it's delicious all the same.
Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There's enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.
Cocoa, toast and char aromas are out in front of red-fruit notes. The flavors are generous and full, with fruit and barrel flavors intertwining on the finish. The tannins bring some grip.
Cocoa, toast, vanilla, cigar box, coconut and raspberry aromas lead the way on this 100% varietal wine. The palate is full of dark fruit flavors with slightly gritty tannins and tart acids. Give it some time to come together.
Cocoa, toffee and dried-herb aromas are followed by soft-feeling cherry flavors with a tart finish, with fruit and barrel not seeming entirely meshed. The tannins have a slow attack but sneak up on the finish.
Cocoa, vanilla and baking spice aromas intertwine with cranberry, black licorice, herb and dark fruit on a wine with a very distinctive aromatic profile. The cranberry and cherry flavors are quite soft for the variety, seeming a touch dried out at times but showing a pleasing sense of balance.
Cocoa, vanilla and baking spice aromas lead off this wine, along with plum. On the palate rich, textured dark fruit flavors intermingle with barrel spices. The fruit and oak have equal footing.
Cocoa, vanilla and herb aromas are followed by broad black-fruit flavors. The warmth of the vintage is on display but so is a sense of balance and polish.
Cocoa, vanilla, and cherry aromas are followed by abundant black-cherry flavors supported by grainy slightly astringent tannins. It needs some time to settle in.
Cocoa, vanilla, baking spice and green herb aromas are followed by concentrated, palate-coating black cherry and barrel spice flavors that show a deft touch. Coffee notes persist on the finish.
Coconut-laden oak kicks off the entry of this wine, a crisp version of the variety that nonetheless exhibits plenty of oak characteristics and a rich ripeness of baked apple, pear and pineapple.
Coconut and dill aromas rise from the nose, and they are surrounded by berry, cassis and floral scents. The palate is tight, honest and a little hard, with middle-of-the-road berry flavors tinged with herbs. There's size and power to this wine, but also balance. Compared to previous years, it's a little less generous but still a good way to go.
Coconut and golden apple, hazelnut and pastry crust notes mark the nose. Light to medium in body, the palate feels taut and linear, with a slightly raspy bead. It's aged for 22 months in barrels prior to undergoing secondary fermentation.
Coconut and vanilla are the lead aromas, while there's leather and ripe berry and cassis below the surface. Feels tight, juicy and prickly, with zesty acidity and typical Chilean Cabernet flavors of leafy berry, earth, tobacco and oaky vanilla. Feels snappy and tight as it finishes with oaky, leafy flavors.
Coconut and vanilla aromas announce new oak, and along with that there are aromas of blackberry and toast. In the mouth, tangy flavors sit on top of standard berry and spice, while acidity returns on what amounts to a lean, sharp finish.
Coconut and vanilla aromas are squarely in the lead, but the nose's berry base is more than solid. Plump, round and showing good overall balance, with flavors of cola, dark fruit and coconut. A ripe, bulky crianza with plenty of leftover oak on the finish.
Coconut macaroon and blueberry and blackberry preserves make for a juicy, satisfying mountain-grown wine that sparks in black pepper, before finishing full of fresh acidity and complexity. Light bodied and restrained in oak and tannin, it's ready to enjoy now.
Coconut macaroon and smoky leather stand out most in this burly, bombastic and beyond full-bodied wine, which drinks ripe and hot.
Coconut oil, buttercream and vanilla custard show on the nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. Flavors tighten up on the sip, where a grippy texture shows squeezed lemon and the slightest hint of tropicality.
Coconut oil, lime blossoms, fermenting citrus, kaffir lime and cold steel aromas show on the nose of this bottling of a grape rarely planted on the Central Coast. That coconut richness shows briefly on the sip, but it tightens up quickly to reveal restrained touches of lime skin and tangerine mousse.
Coconut scents convene around ripe purple fruits—blueberry and plum—which abound here. Lovely and seductive, this has the potential for long-term aging, which should bring additional layers of complexity. Drink now through 2028.
Coconut, baked plum and French oak aromas come together in the glass. The taut, medium-bodied palate offers red cherry fruit with hints of toast, espresso and star anise, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2020.
Coconut, black currant, toasted oak and grilled bell pepper lead the nose on this blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The polished, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, licorice and espresso framed in silky tannins.
Coconut, chocolate and coffee make for sweet and savory companions in this mushy, grippy and satisfying wine. Big on power and concentration, it has an underlay of brown sugar.
Coconut, French oak and camphor aromas carry over to the palate along with oak-driven spice, toast, raw sour cherry and a green note of powdered sage. It doesn't have much have much fruit richness while astringent tannins give it a raspy finish.
Coconut, oak, vanilla and leather aromas lead the nose and carry over to the bracing palate. The wine lacks fruit richness, suggesting instead dried notes of cherry skin and sage. Tight, raspy tannins leave an astringent finish.
Coconut, smoke and sweet aromas of cola, berry jam and fine tobacco make the bouquet inviting. In the mouth, it maintains freshness due to good acidity, while the flavors of earthy blackberry and plum come across dense and right. Firm and tannic on the finish; drink from 2012–2016.
Coconut, subtle oak, vanilla and mocha sensations take center stage on this full-bodied wine. The palate delivers plum cake, espresso, toast and licorice but it's short on fruit richness. Drink now through 2015.
Coconut, vanilla and dill aromas sit on top of solid berry scents to form a classic Rioja bouquet. Feels fresh and agile, with acidity that allows the wine to dance around on the palate. Tastes of red plum, raspberry, mint and spice. Seems oaky on the finish, but lively.
Coconut, vanilla and spice aromas are at the fore, with the fruit seeming a bit dried out. The black-plum flavors show pleasing depth, with baking-spice flavors speckled throughout. The wood is primary but it's still appealing.
Coda della Foce (a blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Petit Verdot that sees 17 months in oak) delivers a sweet nose of cherry fruit, red rose, blueberry and Indian spice. The wine has firm density and raw tannins followed by succulent fruit flavors.
Coda di Volpe is vinified in stainless steel to offer a simple, clean and tonic white wine from southern Italy. It shows tones of bitter almond and lemon zest on the close.
Coda di Volpe offers resiny aromas of pine syrup and butterscotch backed by ripe melon and pear. The wine is thick and sticky and would probably pair best with fish soup or crab cakes.
Cody Wright sources his fruit from an A-list of Willamette Valley vineyards, and Shea is right at the top. Cloaked in a milk chocolate shell, this sophisticated wine melds blackberry fruit with flavor-extending streaks of cola and caramel. In scent and finish, there is a slight intriguing hint of pine sap.
Coeur d'Alene Cellars does a fine job with Syrah. This has much the same satiny, sexy black fruit as the more expensive Opulence bottling, but it is more accessible and forward, with less power in the back end. Still, it's quite delicious, and the smoky tannins add some extra authority.
Coeur de Presse, the heart of the wine, is a ripe, juicy and fruity wine. It has friendly black-cherry fruit, a soft texture and a just-dry core to give it shape. Drink now.
Cofermented with 2% Viognier, this elegant Syrah rests on a base of toast, coffee grounds, loam and savory herbs. The fruit—pie cherries and plums—is subservient to the details of earth, mushroom and leather. All is beautifully integrated, balanced and long. A wine to savor.
Cofermented with 5% Viognier, this perfumed wine brings aromas of green olive, stems, potpourri, blue fruit and moist earth. The palate is chock-full of layered boysenberry and earth flavors, earthshaking in their intensity, with a mouthfeel that only heightens the interest.
Cofermented with 6% Viognier, this is a perfumed wine with notes of fresh flowers, orange peel, herb and blue fruit. The elegant blue fruit flavors persist, with abundant floral accents.
Cofermented with a splash of Viognier, this was aged in one-third new French oak. It's got a dose of the Syrah funk, with spice, a streak of wintergreen, and musky cherry fruit. It's interesting and nicely woven together, ready for near-term drinking.
Coffee-colored, with enticing scents of orange drizzled with dark maple syrup, coffee and raisins. Sweet, upfront and lushly textured, this is an easy-to-appreciate Muscat with great length.
Coffee-rubbed red berries and plum pervade on the nose, with a similar character following through to the palate. Ample in weight, with mild tannins, the oak character of this wine dominates from entry to finish.
Coffee and chocolate open the nose of this Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot. The wine is inky and well concentrated with thick, chewy density and plump cherry notes. It represents a straightforward combination of fruit and spice and would pair with most meat and pasta dishes.
Coffee aromas and some delicate raspberry fruit come up immediately. At first the fruit seems over-matched, but give it some hours of breathing time and it fills out nicely, bringing on sweet cherry nuanced with fresh herbs. The coffee-edged barrel flavors put a frame around the finish.
Coffee bean, leather and tobacco tones are surrounded by delicate aromas of wild berry, violet and spice. The tannins are tight and bone dry, making for a good pairing with cheese fondue.
Coffee grinds and caramel mingle with hints of popcorn and dried herbs in this curious blend of white grapes which have been aged Sherry-style in a solera. Whiffs of dried fruit and caramel are enticing, but the palate juxtaposes craggy acidity with mouthfeel that's dampening and flat.
Coffee grinds, raisin and baked aromas suggest overripeness. This is heavy, broad and a bit clumsy on the palate. Berry and prune flavors are solid but not overly fresh, while the finish is full and raisiny as it improves over time.
Coffee spice and cran-raspberry juice aromas greet the nose. This is rich on the palate at first, but a decent bitterness and acidity grace the edges, proving both full and bright, though a tad hot.
Coffee tones along with floral and vanilla aromas pervade on the nose. The tart-cherry palate is supported by mouthwatering acidity and chewy, slightly dry tannins. Pair alongside a juicy steak.
Coffee, beef stock, blackberry and graphite aromas require patience to process. A lively, ringing palate is jammy at its essence. Dark, toasty flavors of blackberry and blueberry are mildly green and herbal. It feels rubbery on a tannic finish.
Coffee, black fruit and fresh and dried herbs take the lead on this blend of Cabernet Franc (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot. The cherry and dark chocolate flavors are reserved in style, with lightly chalky tannins providing the frame.
Coffee, chocolate, rose and sandalwood open the nose of this nicely concentrated Sangiovese. The wine is plush and dense in the mouth with bright berry flavors and a raw, chewy feel. It ends long with power and determination on the close.
Coffee, cigarbox and mocha aromas and flavors characterize this Rietvallei red. Complex and assertive, the wine unfolds with a chewy but poised intensity. The lingering finish has a tobacco-like touch. Pair with smoked meats, rich stews.
Coffee, cocoa and red cherry lead on the nose of this solid red. On the palate, dark chocolate, black pepper and red berries are approachable and smooth. Overall, the wine is a great everyday red with food pairing qualities. Think burgers, ribs or lamb.
Coffee, dark chocolate, dark raspberry and spice aromas lead to full-bodied, palate-coating dark-fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins. The barrel influence rides high but it generally pulls it off.
Coffee, herb, cherry, cocoa and barrel-spice aromas draw you into the glass. The palate brings down a velvet hammer with dense, brooding dark cherry flavors backed by tightly wound tannins. It has the stuffing to go the distance. Wait until 2021 or give it a day-long decant.
Coffee, herbal berry and a light whiff of green herbs announce a solid, well-built wine, with flavors of olive, herbs, plum and blackberry. The finish is smooth, healthy, and a bit toasty.
Coffee, mint and earthy blackberry aromas open this rich, ripe—almost unctuous—Carmenère. Spiced berry and lightly herbal black plum flavors finish full and balanced, while ending flavors of dark-roast coffee, chocolate and herbs are just right.
Coffee, mocha and spice aromas are followed by flavors of violet, coffee, red berries and spice in this rich, complex Greek red. The finish is dry and spicy. Pair with lamb, semi-hard cheeses, beef.
Coffee, mocha, char and roasted black-fruit aromas control the bouquet on this modern Rioja. Lemony acidity provides lift to the palate, which has a raw, abrasive, tannic bite. Flavors of toast, chocolate, lemon rind and black fruits finish similarly, with a chewy texture. Drink through 2018.
Coffee, purple fruit and barrel-spice aromas lead to full-feeling blueberry and huckleberry-pie flavors. This wine offers a lot of immediate appeal.
Coffee, raspberry, green herb, dill and vanilla aromas are followed by light but plump fruit flavors. It goes down easy.
Coffee, smoke, herb, blue-fruit and barrel-spice aromas are at the fore. The palate provides soft, easy-drinking fruit and barrel flavors that linger.
Coffee, spice, vanilla and pencil lead aromas are followed by rich, luscious, full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. It's hedonistic and pulls no punches but shows balance: an equal mix of fruit and barrel.
Coffee, toast, nut, forest floor and fleshy plum aromas waft out of the glass. The big, round palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice and chopped herb alongside ripe, loosely knit tannins. It's straightforward for a Brunello but it has a juicy, immediate appeal. Drink now through 2020.
Coffee, toasted oak, coconut and raspberry confiture aromas lead the way. On the dense palate, dark chocolate, oak and licorice accent fleshy black cherry while fine-grained tannins provide support.
Coffee, tobacco and finely ground espresso come to light at the back of blackberry, cranberry and pomegranate. This is a fresh and vibrant interpretation that makes good use of the natural acidity present in Barbera d'Asti.
Cogno helped put the Novello village on the Barolo-lovers' map. This wine opens with fragrances of red and black berries, rose, baking spice and leather. The vibrant palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry, mint, sage, thyme and cocoa accents alongside bracing tannins and nervous acidity. Drink after 2020.
Col d'Orcia's straight Brunello starts with aromas of leafy underbrush, mature black fruit, leather and a hint of grilled herbs. The ripe, forward palate offers black raspberry and dark cherry layered with notes of milk chocolate and coffee. It's soft, round and very accessible, so enjoy sooner rather than later.
Col di Manza has it all: It's a vineyard-designate, vintage-dated Prosecco Superiore made with organically and biodynamically farmed fruit. It's a mouthful, with soft effervescence and fruit intensity.
Col di Sas is a simple and crisp Prosecco with floral aromas stacked over fruity tones of peach and citrus. That tiny hint of sweetness in the mouth gives the wine additional heft and staying power.
Col Solare, the collaboration between Ste. Michelle and Antinori, brought in the first estate grapes this year, but it will be awhile before it becomes an estate wine. The current vintage uses five varieties from a half dozen vineyards scattered across four different AVAs. It's soft, fruity and open, with a firm core of black fruits wrapped into lightly smoky, polished tannins.
Cola-like in flavor, with earthier notes of tobacco and leather. Drinks pretty lean, and the tannins are strong. Finshes with a bitterness of acids and tannins.
Cola and berry aromas are jumpy. This feels tight and rubbery, but reasonably well focused. Standard plum and berry flavors are restrained, while the finish is fruity, with a clipped ending.
Cola and berry aromas start out rocky but become earthier and richer with time. This is chubby and ripe, with a hardy level of extraction. Blackberry, mocha and coffee flavors finish with a note of chocolate, and with tons of fruit and proper balance, this is easy to like.
Cola and cranberry juice decorate the crushed asphalt and light peppercorn notes of the nose on this bottling by Adam Lazarre and company. The palate plays the slightly underripe card, with Kalamata olive and green-peppercorn notes spicing up the more standard cranberry and pomegranate flavors. It's quite vibrant and zesty.
Cola and Dr. Pepper both appear on the nose of this thick, dense and heavy wine, that's hugely concentrated in black olive and blackberry.
Cola and minty, herbal aromas come with raw oak and gritty, baked berry scents. This is rugged, tannic and grabby on the palate, with heavy wood resin flavors heaped atop blackberry and plum. Woodspice and heat drive the finish.
Cola and red-cherry aromas grow more complex with touches of rose, nori wrapper and purple flowers on the nose of this bottling. The mouthfeel is soft and the flavors are broad, with candied red cherry, rose petals and an elegant hibiscus-thyme tension, like an herb-laced fruit punch.
Cola and soft red raspberry scents show on the nose of this blend of 58% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 17% Syrah. It's easy-drinking and simple, with red fruit, white pepper and asphalt hints. A great, light, quaffable red for a warm day.
Cola spice and eager acidity mark this blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, which spent time in both French and American oak. Soft and medium in weight, it's enjoyable now and an easy crowd pleaser, with a long, spicy finish.
Cola spice dominates the nose of this thick, concentrated wine from the heart of Westside Road. Stemmy earth notes accompany its ripe red fruit, as toasted oak and vanilla flavors extend long into the finish.
Cola, beef jerky, roasted meats and dried purple berries hit initially the nose, follow by aromatic woods and black pepper. The flavors are distinctly interesting, with sandalwood, stewed plums, peppered chocolate, soy-braised beef and a tiny bit of reductive tar.
Cola, black cherry and crushed purple flowers show on the nose of this bottling, one of the first reds to emerge from the 2014 vintage. It's light and energetic on the palate, with tangy cranberry juice and a touch of licorice.
Cola, black cherry and lemony grit mark the bouquet, which is backed by acid-driven, lightly lemony flavors of cherry and raspberry. There's isn't a ton of volume, depth or follow-through to this wine; it is what it is: fresh, tangy and straightforward.
Cola, black cherry, nutmeg and spicy vanilla show on the nose of this blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 25% Sangiovese and 25% Merlot, which winemaker Angela Soleno ages in bottle before releasing. The palate is framed by sticky tannins and offers dried black currant, black and green olive, clove and sarsaparilla flavors.
Cola, black licorice, cherry liqueur and rum cake presage loads of ripe fruit and power. Yet it's lean and compact on the finish, with bright acidity that would pair well with pecorino stagionato or any aged cheese.
Cola, blackberry and dusty aromas amount to something nice and inviting. Cab Franc is new to the Broquel lineup, and this is lush, bold and fruity in style, with blackberry, black cherry and mocha flavors in front of a toasty, full-throttle finish.
Cola, cherries, dried violets, iodine and a slight bit of forest floor funk introduce the nose to this top-end bottling from the biodynamic-minded winery. There is quite a bit of aromatic spice on the palate, from wild mint to pine and juniper, all set against a cranberry fruit character. The tannins are light and acidity is just right.
Cola, coconut and ripe blackberry aromas are draped all over the wine's bouquet. On the palate, it's a bit choppy and acidic, with pounding flavors of black cherry, blackberry and leather. Juicy, zesty and jagged feeling at the moment, this should be consumed no earlier than 2014 and may be at its best around 2018.
Cola, cool earth and aromas of blackberry and cassis represent the nose of this always steady blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Solid and mouthfilling across the palate, this tastes heavily oaked and charred, thus there's a strong smoky complement to blackberry flavors. A peppery, toasty tasting finish feels a bit hot.
Cola, cranberry, raspberry and pencil shavings greet the nose on this wine by regional veteran Rick Longoria. It's lush and plush on the palate, with licorice, black truffle, black sage and barely ripe blackberry flavors.
Cola, dark cherry and candied strawberry show on the nose of this blend of 33% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 33% Tempranillo. The palate offers root beer and cherry cola flavors, with ample amounts of anise, nutmeg and vanilla, its tannins needing time to soften.
Cola, dark red fruit, black pepper and oak greet the nose on this blend of 77% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. The palate is quite structured with firm tannins that could use some mellowing, with flavors of roasted pork, blackberry and prevalent cedar.
Cola, Dr Pepper, licorice, blueberry paste and smoked meat show on this blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, which is an ode to Adam Comartin's butcher ancestry. Dense and chalky dark fruit on the palate is boosted by tobacco, asphalt, black plum skins and good grip. It's full bodied but tart on the edges.
Cola, Dr. Pepper, cherry coke all come to mind, as this has a strong emphasis on those flavors, or sassafras as some define them. It's tasty, forward and light, with a lightly herbal aftertaste. Perfectly pleasant, though not showing much depth.
Cola, earth, iron and spice flavors rise prominently on this Pinot Noir. The fruit remains secondary, but it's a detailed, tasty effort with appealing minerality.
Cola, forest floor and black fruit give this an almost ominous bouquet, but the wine is sweet, ripe and true. Extracted but rewarding, with lots of fruit, flavor and fun. Don't expect elegance but rather big fruit and generosity.
Cola, lemon and herbal aromas are like an Italian amaro in that they are rooty and earthy, with zing. This feels loamy and a bit creamy. Flavors of baking spices, vanilla, caramel, raspberry and pepper finish solid. Drink now.
Cola, plum and red-currant aromas set up a tight palate with clamping tannins. Flavors of black cherry, cassis, plum and chocolate are lasting across the finish. This needs hearty food, additional airing or both to show its best.
Cola, red cherry, thyme, green peppercorn, iron and chocolate hints show on the nose of this bottling from an extreme coastal property near Pismo. The palate is herbal in character, with thyme, sage, oregano and pine forest seasonings that overlay its bright cherry fruit. Already mature, there's tons of life left in this wine.
Cola, root beer and cherry aromas come with controlled heat. The palate is dense and chewy, with pumped-up tannins supporting very ripe-tasting cassis and cooked plum flavors. It's toasty and spicy on the firm finish.
Cola, root beer and other earthy aromas open up this full-bodied blend of 70% Cabernet and 30% Carmenère. The palate shows pointed, prickly acidity and flavors of black cherry and cassis. Offers a rich flavor profile but the acidity creates bite and sharpness.
Cola, root beer and Red Hots candy play against strawberry, pomegranate and damson on the nose of this playful Pinot Noir. Rusty cranberry, tart red plums and a bit of garrigue spice play on the palate.
Cola, root beer, smashed blackberries and blueberries, cut purple flowers and snapped dark chocolate play on the nose of this rich and delicious wine. The creamy palate shows dark chocolate, Vietnamese coffee, vanilla and black-cherry flavors, which are cut by pencil lead and cedar, and finish on a minty lift.
Cola, rooty notes, creamy oak and a smoke scent grace dry berry aromas. This has a grapy, padded yet tannic mouthfeel and a black-fruit potpourri of flavors that's big on black currant. On the finish, this aged but vital wine is steady like cruise control. Drink through 2022.
Cola, rubber, cool blackberry and spice make for a good set of aromas, while the palate is tight and drawing, with tannic bite to go with bawdy black fruit flavors that veer toward roasted. Finishes with length along with coffee and olive flavors. A little astringent but good wine.
Cola, sasparilla, cherry blossoms, hard cherry candy and a hint of black currant hit the nose on this rich wine from Josh Jensen. The palate shows brown spice, with clove and peppercorns wrapping around a rhubarb-licorice-thyme character and tart cherries, making for an incredibly distinctive wine.
Cola, smoked cherries, rhubarb, earthy beets, crushed cloves and a touch of iron show on the nose of this wine by Kenneth Joey Gummere. The attention-grabbing texture on the grippy palate unleashes flavors of earthy rhubarb, beet, rose hips and a touch of mint.
Cola, spice, marzipan, crushed black pepper and licorice—this delicious win has it all. It even offers a touch of smoked ham, warm tobacco and leather. It has a lively feel in the mouth thanks to bright acidity and warm cherry flavors.
Cola, spice, peppercorn and compost aromas are present and accounted for. Firm, structured and tannic across the tongue, with refined but powerful herb, blackberry, carob and spiced flavors. A lush and generous wine with mocha and herbal notes on the finish. Only 200 cases made.
Cold-fermented in stainless steel after being harvested at 31.4 degrees Brix, this Late-Harvest Riesling is ripe in apple and honey, with a sustained level of rich earth notes from the 134 g/L residual sugar. Crisp and light, it's balanced and ideal for after-dinner cheeses or poached pears.
Cold Creek Vineyard provides the majority of the fruit for this wine, with the rest coming from the Wahluke Slope. It's immediate in its appeal with aromas of cocoa, dark chocolate and black fruit. The coffee flavors show a mixture of fruit and barrel, with some graininess to the tannins.
Coldstream Hills is better known for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs than its Sauvignon Blanc, but this is a solid effort. It's medium in body, with simple grapefruit and pineapple flavors and a crisp, clean finish.
Coleraine is one of New Zealand's most prized red wines, so it's a pleasure to see it's back in the United States after several years of spotty availability. As always, it's a blend of undisclosed proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Vanilla, black tea and cassis notes dominate this deceptively forward wine that has a reputation for aging well for decades. Drink now–2025.
Colheita must be barrel-aged for at least seven years, but Poças went for the long haul, bottling this in 2017. The result is a deep-gold color and richly mature flavors. Caramel, spice and a dry edge from the wood aging gives it character, just hinting at the brandy, with acidity at the end. It is rich and ready to drink.
Collazzi's burly super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (aged 18 months in oak) offers elegance and sophistication in the form of blackberry, rum cake, exotic spice, cured meat and black pepper. It's a big, bold wine that would pair well with barbecued meats.
Colle Ara opens with a light copper color that reflects the natural hue of the grape skins of Pinot Grigio. The aromas include white almond, grapefruit and peach cobbler and the mouthfeel is fresh but creamy at the same time.
Collelungo opens with a luminous and vibrant ruby color and offers deep oak tones that are followed by less intense aromas of blackberry, red cherry and cinnamon. In the mouth, the wine is soft and velvety with lingering oak spice on the finish.
Collemattoni delivers a ripe, fruit-driven Brunello that will appeal to those who enjoy plump, jammy notes in their red wine. Raspberry, strawberry and mature cherry stand out within a larger embroidery of spice and tobacco. The wine is soft and smooth with sweet berry notes on the close.
Colleventano (100% Pecorino) is aged in stainless steel to enhance the grape's natural aromas of ripe peach, candied fruit, sage and lemon. The wine is bright and dense on the palate with a playful touch of almond marzipan on the close.
Collin Cranor is a young, eager winemaker looking to make his mark in the Livermore Valley and this wine shows off his skill and ability to work with great fruit to make an interesting wine. Savory, this Petite Sirah has classic notes of chocolate, cherry and berry, though it benefits from a bit of air and time to open. Try it with meaty dishes; if they include bacon, all the better.
Collin Cranor remains one of Livermore's most promising young winemakers and this wine proves the point, a blend from three vineyard sites. This has a very pretty raspberry nose and is well-balanced throughout, with blackberry, oak and black tea flavors giving it an intensity of purpose. Will age well over the next couple of years.
Colomé regularly makes one of Argentina's best Torrontés. This vintage is fresh on the nose, with tropical leanings and lychee aromas. The palate offers pointed acidity and lively flavors of passion fruit, lychee and citrus. This finishes crisp and juicy, but not sizzling or sharp.
Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc often compete for the herbaceous stakes. Here, though, there is an added element of warmth, with ripe yellow fruits and just a touch of honey. It makes for a delicious, ready-to-drink wine.
Colombard gives the same herbaceous character as Sauvignon Blanc. Here it is packed with acidity, green fruits and strong lines of citrus. Still young, it will benefit for a few more months, so drink from late 2015.
Colombo is based in the northern Rhône, but ventured down to the south to make this wine, a blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. Leather, dark-skinned plums and mocha mark the palate, which is firmly tannic yet without much hidden richness. Drink it with rare meats over the short term.
Color doesn't always mean a lot, but in this case a burnished gold-meets-tan color indicates that this is tired and fading. Aromas of commercial apple juice are sweet but bland. This feels a bit citric but without bounce. The mix of spent lees and cidery flavors finish bready.
Color is on the salmon pink side, signalling fresh acidity and flavors of apples and citrus to go with the red fruits. Easy drinking.
Colorado-based Sutcliffe stretches a long hand into Sonoma Valley to produce this Zinfandel and Petite Sirah-based old-fashioned field blend. The wine is dry and ripe, with raisin, prune, cocoa and spice flavors, given porty heat from very high alcohol.
Colored like dark rubies, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, anise and eucalyptus. A satiny network of tannins provides a backdrop to flavors of black cherry, blackberry, eucalyptus, anise and white pepper. A nice sense of coolness persists through the mellow finish.
Colorful and pretty to look at, but a little sweet. The nose has a sweet, maple syrup element along with dry berry fruit aromas. It's healthy and fresh in the mouth, with citrus, cranberry and raspberry flavors. Simple and nice for easy drinking.
Colorful but aromatically defined by lean, green alfalfa, which doesn't portend much good. The palate is hard and underwhelming, with herbal, almost green berry fruit flavors. Similar on the finish. A 200,000-case product that comes across like a 200,000-case product.
Columbia's second-tier Syrah uses Red Willow fruit from young plantings. The wine has a lovely black-plum color, and it's softly scented with chocolate, pepper and berries. Youthful, vibrant and sharp-toned, with the tart fruit cloaked in smooth, chocolaty tannins.
Columbia Crest makes a limited number of single vineyard reserves. This Zinfandel comes from what is emerging as the best site for that grape in Washington. Bright, tart, and full of sappy raspberry and red fruits, this young, ageworthy Zin has great penetration and punch. In style, it is closest to classic Dry Creek Zins from such producers as A. Rafanelli and Doug Nalle. Though labeled simply Columbia Valley, it's actually the Wahluke Slope AVA.
Colutta's Picolit offers well-integrated notes of maple syrup, honey and dark molasses. It also has light floral aromas that add a soft, feminine touch and that would pair well with almond-based desserts. The mouthfeel is chewy with good length and freshness.
Colutta is a fun and consistent producer from northeast Italy who works with a long list of indigenous grapes. This sparkling Ribolla Gialla is redolent of exotic spice, stone fruit and dried herb. There's a very perky and sharp quality to the close.
Colvecchio is Castello Banfi's Syrah, which delivers layers of blueberry, cherry, leather, bacon, spicy herbs and liquid smoke. Its firm structure and fragrant intensity set it above the crowd.
Combine a cool year with cool-climate, single-vineyard origins and the result is this: olive, bell pepper and saucy tomato aromas, followed by a pointy, high-acid palate that's jagged in feel. Snappy red-plum and red-cherry flavors end with acid-driven crispness.
Combine a warm year with too much time in bottle and this is what you get. This chunky, barrel-fermented Verdejo smells and tastes of early oxidation; it's creamy on the palate and strained in terms of flavors. Wheaty, leesy, faded melon and apple flavors have lost their verve.
Combine masses of American oak with high ripeness and the result is this warm woody wine oozing with vanilla, molasses and cedar. It's full and plush, but lacks complexity and cellaring potential. Drink it now.
Combine prune, leather and spice notes with firm tannins and the result is a slightly rustic, old-school expression of Vacqueyras. It's concentrated and characterful, with up to a decade of aging potential.
Combine the two block selections and you come close to this reserve. There's good intensity to the black-cherry fruit, and a base of minerality that gives it a mouthfeel as if it had been carved directly out of rock. Tight and ageworthy. Drink 2018 to 2026.
Combine two herbaceous grapes in a cool climate and you get this crisply fresh, and certainly herbaceous wine. It is bright and fruity with an undertow of lemon and orange zest giving a more textured character.
Combined with 20% Grenache, this full-bodied, fruit-forward wine brings sweet aromas and flavors of raspberry jam and plum. Aged in mostly neutral oak, it possesses purity that carries through the finish.
Combines a delicate body with punchy flavors to create a feminine wine of considerable power and finesse. It avoids jamminess, coming down on the side of less ripe earth and tomato, although there are gorgeous stone fruit notes and a sumptuous overlay of smoky oak. The flavors and texture are absolutely terrific.
Combines brisk acidity and minerality with orange, pineapple and honey flavors. The oak overlay is sweet and heavy.
Combines rich flavors of blackberry, black cherry and cola onto and a full-bodied palate, with crisp acidity and some unevenly ripened fruit, which results in rusticity. It's a big wine to drink now with tuna, lamb and steak.
Combines ripe, sweet flavors of pineapples and apricots with green mint, accented with strong acidity, to produce an awkward, unbalanced wine. Lacks lushness and richness.
Combines slightly pungent herbal notes with passion fruit and pineapple in a chunky, assertively fruity style that lacks a bit of elegance.
Combines smoky, slightly acrid aromas with pretty strawberry scents and then piles juicy berries onto the palate. Finishes tart with hints of smoke and wood. For summer grilling at home, this is a pretty good choice. Best Buy.
Combining 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay, this wine has a depth of richness and focused, supportive acidity that work well to complement each other. Stone fruit, vanilla biscuit, cherry kirsch and green apple are all within the spectrum of flavors here, finishing with grace and a hint of spice.
Combining 80% Sémillon with 20% Sauvignon Blanc, this is an intense, oaky and almost caramelized wine. Off dry, with the producer reporting less than 1% residual sugar, it retains a sweetness of baked melon and peach, finishing ripe and round.
Combining blackberry jam aromas with rich, ripe fruit flavors, this wine is medium to full bodied, and feels relatively easygoing for this grape variety.
Combining Cabernet with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, in that order percentage-wise, this is a well-made wine. Oaky and dusty with refined tannins, its fruit brightly centers around raspberry and red currant.
Combining estate grapes with others from cooler Carneros, this wine offers a dried herb component and plenty of pencil and cedar. Tannic and oaky before airing, it'll benefit from a decant.
Combining finesse and structure, this impressive wine opens with alluring aromas of mature berry, pressed rose, aromatic herb, star anise, new leather and a balsamic note. The palate shows depth and tension, offering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice, clove and pipe tobacco alongside taut refined tannins. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2019–2031.
Combining finesse and structure, this impressive wine opens with fantastic scents of new leather, woodland berry, baking spice and balsamic notes. A blend of Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, the enticing palate doles out juicy black cherry, raspberry and white pepper framed in firm refined tannins. An energizing mineral note carries the lingering finish. Despite the warm vintage, it still boasts freshness. Drink through 2026.
Combining fruit from two different ranches, as well as 11% Petite Sirah from another site, this fulsome, sultry wine broods in blackberry, vanilla and coconut, presenting itself as friendly if buxom. Broadly appealing, it's full bodied and yet restrained in terms of oak, allowing the fruit to sing.
Combining muscle and finesse, this opens with scents that recall perfumed berry, iris, wet earth, leather and an earthy note of underbrush. The firmly structured, balanced palate offers juicy wild cherry, licorice, clove, grilled herb and a hint of toast framed in firm, mature tannins. Drink 2018–2033.
Combining power and finesse, this superb Barolo has subtle aromas of ripe berry, anise, leather and menthol. The taut, full-bodied palate is still young, showing rich black cherry, white pepper, clove, chopped herb and licorice alongside youthfully bracing tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2019–2936.
Combining rich cinnamon and clove aromas with ripe blackberry and nutmeg flavors and very firm tannins, this is a full-throttle red. A sense of concentration and focus marks the fruit notes, and all is framed by astringency that cleanses the palate. It will be best after 2016.
Combining richness and freshness, this has a crisp apple flavor that mingles with smooth-textured yellow fruit. Its ripe while still preserving its taut finish. Screwcap.
Combining richness and structure, this is a beautifully ripe wine. The wood aging is still showing strongly, although there is already opulent competition with the apricot and peach fruits that are cut with orange zest acidity. A strongly textured charactergives the wine an impressive shape and long-term aging. Drink from 2019.
Combining ripe fruit and freshness, this sunny white delivers aromas of yellow flower and yellow stone fruit. Mirroring the aromas, the enveloping palate offers juicy apricot, candied ginger and citrus zest. Bright acidity lifts the rich flavors while a hint of almond closes the finish.
Comedìa is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that delivers immediate aromas of spice, toasted almond and cherry fruit. It shows crisp, fresh acidity and an easy mouthfeel that would pair well with aged pecorino cheese.
Comenge, which is headquartered in nearby Ribera del Duero, has branched out into Rueda with this lean, clean Verdejo that opens with citrus aromas and a tight mouthfeel. Stony tangerine and lemony flavors turn salty and briny on a light finish.
Comes across a bit baked, syrupy and sweet on the nose, with a hint of stalkiness and stem. The palate has a lush early feel, but further inspection unveils a hollow core. Flavors veer toward earthy raspberry, while the finish is chunky and properly reflects what came before it.
Comes across as a bit sweet and soft, with tropical fruit and a lush, creamy texture. Clean and well made, but lacks complexity and length.
Comes across as being on the sweet side of the brut spectrum, but it's still a solid value, offering bold pineapple flavors and just a hint of toast on the finish.
comes across as over-oaked and lacking balance. Hard to find much going on beyond buttered toast, caramel and pineapple jam.
Comes across as rather round and lush on the palate, with tropical fruit flavors of guava and pineapple. It's easy to drink and enjoy for its fruity immediacy and mouthwatering finish.
Comes across as slightly rich, sweet and heavy for a kabinett, but this wine remains very enjoyable for its lush, sweet flavors of ripe peaches, baked apple and honey.
Comes across like a straightforward warm-climate Viognier, meaning it's full and waxy, with peach and nectarine aromas and flavors, a touch of searing heat, and pithiness to the back palate and finish. It's also juicy and zesty due to plenty of acids.
Comes close to a Germanic style, with tight, lean citrusy aromas and flavors balanced by green apples and pears. It's light and refreshing, never heavy or ponderous. Finishes long and tart, full of fresh limes, with just a pinch of sugar for balance.
Comes down firmly on the  herbal side, opening with a blast of lemon and dill, but interventions, including barrel fermentation, soften and fatten it and add notes of butter and vanilla. In the mouth the lemony flavors return, with some residual sugar. The finish is a duet of acidity and sweetness. —S.H.
Comes down firmly on Zin's wild and wooly side. The brambly berry and pepper flavors are accompanied by savage tannins, not big and heavy, but jagged and rustic. High alcohol creates a hot aftertaste, and the wine is fermented to dryness. Finishes with a tart bite of acid.
Comes down on Petite Sirah's rustic, slightly sweet side. Even though the alcohol is pretty high, there's a sugary, porty finish to the blackberry and cherry jam flavors. The wine also has the bigtime tannins you expect from this variety, and should age for several years.
Comes down on the austere side of Chardonnay, trading the modern flashy style for a sober, streamlined wine. It's bone dry and bright in acidity, with lemon, lime, honey and mineral flavors, touched with sweet oak. Expensive, but elegant and complex. Will challenge sommeliers to come up with the perfect pairing. Consider shellfish first.
Comes down on the brittle side, a dry, acidic Pinot Noir with good structure, but lacks the richness you really want. You'll find modest cherry, cola and vanilla flavors.
Comes down on the hard, rough side of the Petite Sirah spectrum, with jagged tannins and dry flavors of cola, green mint, blackberries, bacon and black pepper that turn bitter toward the finish.
Comes down on the honeyed, easy side of Chardonnay, with ginger ale, pineapple jam, green apple butter and vanilla flavors designed to please. Drink now.
Comes down on the opposite side of the spectrum from the opulent 2006, a bone-dry, acidic young Chardonnay marked more by minerals than fruit. With citrus, papaya and floral notes and a tang of cold steel, it has a leesy yeastiness that adds complex interest. Compelling, and possibly ageworthy.
Comes down on the rustic side, but for the price it's pretty good for a dry Cabernet. Shows the variety's full-bodied fanciness in the blackberry, currant, cocoa and licorice flavors, with a rich steak of vanilla oak.
Comes down on the simple, straightforward side, with slightly sweet flavors of spearmint chewing gum, vanilla and lemon and lime soda. Fortunately, the acidity is crisp and cleansing.
Comes from a little-understood part of the sprawling Sonoma Coast, a place near San Pablo Bay yet to prove itself. There are ripe, rich, young vine flavors of cherry pie and cola, with a very sharp bite of tartness. Think of opulence versus acidity. Hard to tell which side wins. Drink now, for fresh, jammy fruitiness.
Comes off as a slightly skinny Pinot Noir, with herbal overtones to the cherry and strawberry flavors. Still, it's varietally true, and light enough in body to pair effectively with chicken or salmon. Drink now.
Comes on full and lush from the opening, with blackberry, chocolate, menthol and smoke aromas. In the mouth it delivers dark, dry flavors of plum, cassis and toasty oak and has good acidity that keeps it from getting mushy. The solid finish offers more of the same, a nice spiciness and some substantial tannins. Drink now; should be even better in two years.
Comes on solid and strong with smoky aromas of black fruit, coconut and shoe polish. Stout and layered in the mouth, with full tannins and a nice mix of bold berry flavors, tobacco, herbs, spice and lemony oak. Tastes similar on the finish, with tobacco and spice lasting the longest. Complex and healthy; drink now through 2018.
Comes out of the chute a bit tarry and rubbery, but seems to come around with some time in the glass, offering a lush, dense texture and flavors of coffee and black olive that finally show some berry shadings on the finish.
Comes out of the chute showing a funky, rubbery edge, but that blows off with a little time to reveal dark, somewhat earthy notes of cola and blackberry. It's medium-bodied, with good length to the finish, where it picks up enough dusty tannins to give it backbone.
Cometa boasts a brilliant, saturated golden color and carries through with clean execution in terms of aromas and flavors. Notes of tropical fruit and ripe citrus come into sharp focus thanks to Fiano's natural minerality. In the mouth, it offers plenty of weight, but balances that with great length on the finish, hinting at anise, honey, limes and oranges.
Cometa is an irresistible white wine from the deep south of Italy. It speaks its own Sicilian language but with modern, international accents. Made from Fiano grapes, it opens with a beautiful golden color, and delivers rich aromas of stone fruit, vanilla cream and rose. The mouthfeel is exceedingly soft, creamy and long-lasting.
Comfortable enough, with common aromas of black fruit, spice, earth and leather. Given that production on this wine is now a whopping million cases, anything palatable should be considered a success. Casillero has reasonably good plum, cassis and brambly flavors, with a hint of oak in support. The mouthfeel is narrow, but overall the wine tastes real.
Coming all from the winery's young estate vineyard, this wine displays aromas of dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate, barrel spices and dried cherries. The black-fruit flavors are sweet and rich, backed by a firm scaffolding of tannins.
Coming entirely from Gimelli Vineyard in San Benito County, this bottling, which is aged in neutral oak and concrete, shows squeezed Meyer lemon, Gravenstein apple, rain on slate minerality and key lime pie on the nose, which balances citrus with minerality. The palate is rather light and fresh, with cement, squeezed lime and yellow apple skin flavors.
Coming from 100-year-old vines, this fascinating wine shows black cherry, spearmint, graphite and pencil lead on the restrained nose. The palate is all about dried cherries and the tart skins of plum and other red-purple fruits, keeping a nice sour tension throughout the sip.
Coming from 11 different vineyards, Doug Margerum's blend of 43% Grenache, 41% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 3% Cinsault offers squeezed olallieberries and dried oregano on the nose. The palate shows lots of boysenberry jam, leveled by pine-sap and herbal elements as well.
Coming from 12-year-old plantings that are just starting to hit their stride, this wine shows brooding notes of blueberry, rhubarb, herbs and espresso. The flavors show intensity and restraint with slightly gritty tannins.
Coming from 17-year-old vines, this is a one-of-a-kind wine in the state, seeing no new oak and released earlier than most whites. Light but alluring aromas of fresh herb, sage, flower and raspberry lead to ultra-pure red-fruit flavors. It's delightful on its own but put it on the dinner table to see it truly shine.
Coming from 1984 plantings—the oldest in the valley—this wine beguiles, with restrained aromas of kirsch, wet stone and plum alongside high tone herb notes. The fruit flavors are layered, possessing a sense of vibrancy and length on the coffee and fruit filled finish. It shows great balance and persistence.
Coming from 2003 plantings that are truly just stretching their legs, this 100% varietal wine offers brooding notes of coffee, fig and barrel spices (40% new French). It's dense in texture with mouthwatering acids and expertly managed tannins, revealing espresso flavors on the finish.
Coming from 45-year old plantings, this warm-vintage wine is quite aromatically light for the variety, with notes of quinine, spice, pear and flowers. It drinks dry with a broad feel to the lightly spritzy fruit. Spice flavors are backed by a sense of acid balance that draws out the finish. This wine takes time to get going but proves worthy.
Coming from 7 Mile Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills, this 100% varietal wine saw only a short time in neutral French oak. That puts the focus on the strawberry preserve and spice aromas from this site. The textured, layered mouthfeel is where this wine truly shines.
Coming from a big, popular vineyard now owned by the Chumash tribe, this exciting wine shows very salty apples, dried yellow rose and green grapefruit rind on the nose. The flavors warm up toward cooked apples, seared pears and nectarine flesh, rounded out by a touch of buttercream.
Coming from a blend of Ciel du Cheval, Red Willow and Olsen vineyards, this appealing wine brings notes of pear, lemon twist and mineral. It's restrained in feel with notes of stone fruit and barrel spices.
Coming from a blend of fruit from the Walla Walla Valley, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley appellations, this wine opens with high-toned aromas of spice box, dark cherry, earth, tobacco and herb. The flavors are full and tightly coiled, with lightly grained tannins giving support. At times it seems a bit dried out.
Coming from a blend of top sites Red Willow and Forgotten Hills, this wine offers reserved aromas of berry, herb, smoked meat and pepper. The palate brings bright acid and intensity of flavor but with a sense of elegance that keeps you hanging on each sip.
Coming from a block of Clone 15 grapes that overlooks the historic San Ramon Chapel, this offers approachable, inviting aromas of sea salt, lemon-butter cookies and peach brûlée. An line of oyster shell minerality runs down the center of the palate but it is surrounded by warm oak and ripe flesh of apples, pears, white peach and pineapple.
Coming from a block of vines called South Pointe that are planted closest to the vineyard's creek, this wine shows plum and raspberry fruits on the nose along with smoked licorice and black slate. It's ripe in raspberry flavor at the tip of the sip, but then clings to a restrained line of graphite and peppery, acidic spice, continuing to evolve deep into the finish.
Coming from a classic limestone vineyard, this is tense, structured and tight. It is textured, with spice and tangy acidity giving some complexity to the otherwise fruity wine. Drink from 2017.
Coming from a cool-climate appellation in a cool vintage and aged in neutral French oak, this wine has a vivid, precise fruit focus. Notes of black currant and blackberry are framed by tart, lively acidity and firm, dry tannins.
Coming from a cool climate and representing the tart, savory style, this bottling shows blackberry, uncrushed peppercorns and black plum on the wound-up nose. There is a sharp elderberry flavor to the palate, but it also opens up toward riper flavors of lilac, with crushed pepper spice, strong acidity and firm tannins.
Coming from a cool vintage and one of the state's top Syrah sites, this wine is starting to show some age, with evolved notes of dried fruit, mineral, licorice and baking spice. The cranberry, cherry and spice flavors show depth and intensity. Drink now.
Coming from a cool vintage, this shows notes of green herbs, vanilla and black cherry. It's somewhat lean in feel with puckering acids and chalky tannins.
Coming from a cool vintage, this thriller of a wine has generous notes of black pepper, plum, orange rind and cranberry. It's concentrated, rich and flavorful with the oak (50% new French) giving some gruffness to the tannins that should soften with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.
Coming from a cool vintage, this wine doesn't seem to have fully ripened, with aromas of green herbs, dill and baking spices. It's quite light in style, not entirely holding together.
Coming from a downright hot vintage, this wine offers quite pure aromas of black currant and black fruit. The palate brings more of the same, giving a very pure unencumbered-by-new-oak look at Washington Cabernet. Lightly grippy tannins provide support.
Coming from a mixture of blocks 17 and 24 at Stone Tree Vineyard, it's a dark, glass-staining wine with notes of plum, crushed blueberries, coffee, tar and spice. The palate is silky soft, textured in feel with concentrated coffee flavors. An exquisite sense of balance carries through to a long, lingering finish.
Coming from a mixture of Mirage and Blackrock vineyards, this wine offers aromas of baking spice, vanilla and dark fruit. These are followed by full-bodied black-cherry and spice flavors along with gritty tannins. It dips a bit in the middle and the oak seems a bit heavy, but it still delivers enjoyment.
Coming from a new vineyard near the town of Los Olivos, this bottling starts with steely aromas of dried lime rind, baking soda, gunmetal and quince on the nose. It's very tightly wound on the palate, where an intriguing texture reveals lemongrass, kaffir-lime leaf, aromatic cider apple and metallic minerality.
Coming from a reliable vineyard in the Los Alamos Valley, this wine presents aromas of dried violet, blackberry, leather and espresso. Brooding dried-cherry fruit directs the palate, which benefits further from roasted game and crushed oregano and thyme. The tannins are still prominent.
Coming from a remote estate on the edge of the Lubéron mountains in the north of Provence, this wine is impressively rich. It gains great concentration and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in the blend. Full of ripe red fruits, it is dense at the end.
Coming from a San Benito County appellation created in 2008, this wine shows dried blueberry, blackberry, leather and earthy black loam on the nose. Blueberry comes through on the palate, boosted by pepper, tobacco and a bit of espresso.
Coming from a single block of the winery's estate vineyard, it has notes of cranberry, black pepper, herbs and moist earth speckled with oak spices (30% new French). The palate has soft, sleek cherry flavors buffeted by firm tannins.
Coming from a single block on the winery's estate vineyard, this Malbec also includes a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The sweet cherry flavors and plump tannins are accented by notes of cola and brown licorice with oxidative notes providing distraction.
Coming from a single vineyard block and aged in neutral oak, this wine delivers varietal and site specificity. The dark-fruit flavors are layered and come in waves, showing great intensity along with exceptional balance, with a finish that lingers. It's an impressive inaugural release.
Coming from a single vineyard, this rich wine has concentration as well as ripe yellow and green fruits. It's a wine to age for a few more months to bring out all its complexity. Drink from 2017.
Coming from a singular vineyard along the Mendocino coast, this wine has smoky savory flavors that complement the just-ripe fruit flavors and give a truly maverick but easy-to-enjoy personality. It is medium bodied, velvet textured, and has good structure, fine-grained tannins and enough concentration for a lingering finish.
Coming from a site across from Cold Creek, this wine offers notes of toast, sautéed herbs, blackberry and spice. It's rich, power packed and layered with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins—an excellent mixture of power and elegance.
Coming from a site best known for its Syrah, this wine brings high-toned aromas of violets, herb and dark fruit. The black-fruit flavors are rich yet supple, with fine-grained but occasionally toothy tannins providing support. Mocha flavors linger on the finish. It's a bit oak heavy but by and large carries it.
Coming from a site best known for its Syrah, this wine offers aromas of berry compote, funk and potpourri. The palate shows a pleasing sense of purity, with lightly astringent tannins providing a bit of distraction.
Coming from a slightly warmer part of the Central Coast, this bottling plays to the dried fruit and earthy side of the grape, with cranberry, hibiscus, turned loam and pencil shavings on the nose. Dense black-plum flavors show on the palate alongside crushed lava rocks, turned soil, juniper and dried pine needles.
Coming from a small 5-acre clos owned entirely by Bouchard Père, this a ripe wine, with wood dominating the aromas, but then allowing its spicy character to be balanced by delicious, crisp but ripe pear flavors. It is a rounded wine, offering full Chardonnay, kept in check by acidity.
Coming from a vineyard 2,100 feet high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is quite light in color, with a fruit-punch aroma alongside graphite, vanilla and French toast. The easy-drinking flavors are tart and straightforward.
Coming from a vineyard best known for its Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of fresh herbs, coffee, cherry and bittersweet chocolate. Cherry and chocolate flavors play well off of each other, with the finish lingering. The barrel influence plays a prominent role.
Coming from a vineyard better known for its reds, this wine is a field blend of eight clones of the variety. It offers aromas of white grapefruit, oyster shells and whiffs of tropical fruit. Flavors are fleshy in feel while retaining tart, citric acidity.
Coming from a vineyard down in The Rocks District and at a quite low alcohol level for the state, especially considering the warmth of the vintage, this wine brings aromas of cranberry compote, herb, thistle and mineral. The flavors are light and elegant, almost faint at times, but showing a pleasing purity and a finish that lingers. It piques the interest, with cranberry juice notes lingering on the finish.
Coming from a vineyard dry-farmed by the Osgood family, this blend of 75% Zinfandel and 25% Petite Sirah shows distinct hot asphalt and gravel notes on the nose along with black pepper, cedar and blueberry fruit. A black-rock minerality drives the palate, which touches on each part of the tongue with purple fruits.
Coming from a vineyard first planted by Mondavi in the late 1990s, this well-priced and widely available wine shows blackberry, violets, black pepper and just snapped dark chocolate on the nose. Fresh, lively black cherries and blueberries meld with fennel, tarragon and lots of herbal spice, all held together by smooth tannins.
Coming from a vineyard in The Rocks, this wine opens with aromas of savory herbs and moist earth, with flower petal and piercing cherry notes lurking the background. The palate is velvety in feel, putting a focus on elegance. It shows plenty of hang time on the finish.
Coming from a vineyard named after the patron saint of night watchmen, this wine offers luxurious purple aromas of blackberry-vanilla sauce and dark chocolate. The palate is sticky and singing with coffee, milk chocolate and dried cherries, showing plenty of deep tannins and boisterous acidity that will make this bottling last a while.
Coming from a vineyard near Solvang, this wine by Mikael Sigouin shows orange sponge cake, honey and the slightest twist of petrol on the nose. The palate boasts orange blossoms and bright acidity, gaining complexity from chalky white rocks and the slight bitterness of Japanese pear peels.
Coming from a vineyard on the eastern slope of the Salinas Valley near the Chalone appellation, this Santa Cruz-made, 20% whole-cluster wine smells of blackberry, unearthed tree roots and licorice. Core flavors of brown spice are surrounded by ripe raspberry and racy, potent acidity.
Coming from a vineyard that sits 500 feet above Monterey Bay, this shows crisp green apple and grapefruit rinds on the nose, as well as a sharp, intriguing herbal tinge. It's extremely tight and high-toned on the palate, with bitter lime peels, white rocks and salinity, finishing on toasted apples.
Coming from a vineyard west of Paso Robles that peeks at the ocean surrounding Morro Rock, this is a dense expression of the grape, with dried strawberries, blackberries, smoked pork butt, star anise and lots of smoke on the nose. The palate is rich and lively, with decent mineral-driven restraint, showing a mouth-watering flavor array of dense blackberries and spicy Sichuan peppercorns.
Coming from a warm region in a hot vintage, this wine leans into the tropical with aromas of kiwi and mango, with herb and citrus notes providing accents. The flavors are lean and tart, with the concentration light.
Coming from a warm site in a cool vintage, it's an intriguing wine with notes of freshly cut hay, peach and mango.  It's lighter in style, with the partial malolactic fermentation (60%) providing extra weight and feel.
Coming from a warm site in a warm vintage, this wine offers aromas of butter and baked apple. The palate yields lightly creamy flavors. The concentration is pulled back but what's there is quite pretty.
Coming from a warm vintage in a hot region, this wine brings light aromas of mineral and red and black fruit along with a barrel-spice top note. The black-cherry flavors are lush, full and palate coating, supported by firm tannins. It's high on the delicious scale.
Coming from a warmer slice of the upper Santa Ynez Valley, this wine by the Fess Parker family shows black plums, hot gravel, dark chocolate and black peppercorns on the nose. The palate offers very dark blueberry fruits, along with turned earth, espresso beans and a bit of beef char.
Coming from a who's who of Red Mountain vineyards, the inaugural release of this brand from Duckhorn Vineyards offers generous notes of dark coffee, espresso bean, dark cherries, sage and vanilla, with a pleasing interplay between fruit and barrel (64% new French). The plum and coffee flavors are restrained in style, with well-integrated tannins.
Coming from a who's who of valley vineyards that includes McClellan, Anna Marie and Summit View, this wine shows restrained aromas of vanilla, cocoa, herbs, tobacco and toasty barrel spices. The soft cassis and cherry flavors are considerably more generous though elegantly styled, leading to a spice-filled finish.
Coming from an assortment of warm and cool climate vineyards and blended with 6% Roussanne, this pleasing wine offers notes of grilled corn on the cob, white peach, pepper and hay. Abundant stone fruit flavors are supported by a creamy feel, finishing just a touch bitter.
Coming from an esteemed vineyard best known for its Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers beguiling, very varietal aromas of plum, fresh herb and spice. The palate is soft and silky, showing a lot of elegance, with plenty of barrel accents.
Coming from an extreme coastal vineyard three miles north of Cambria, this cool-climate study offers aromas of blistered cherry tomatoes, Eastern European goulash spices and crushed peppercorns of all colors. It's fresh and lively on the palate, with hints of rose and tart raspberry. At the same time, it's quite vegetal, with green notes that will evolve into more balanced umami flavors from 2017 to 2022.
Coming from an up-and-coming region of the valley, this wine is direct in its appeal, with opulent aromas of dark plum, grape gummy, peppery spices and an herbal top note. The flavors are broad and pure, showing a deft touch. Coffee flavors linger on the finish.
Coming from an up-and-coming vineyard, this wine offers aromas of dried herb, vanilla, baking spice and cherry. Fruit and barrel flavors mix on the palate, continuing through the finish.
Coming from arguably the grandest of the Chablis Grand Crus, this is an impressive, rich and structured wine. It is concentrated, intense with minerality, pure acidity and great fruitiness. The wine has depth and power, a ripe wine that captures the full strength of the fine vineyard. Drink from 2020.
Coming from Bien Nacido Vineyard, this bottling of a rather rare grape shows brisk aromas of tonic, green pears, lime skins and warm concrete. The palate offers nearly grassy notes of lemongrass, tamarind, bergamot and other exotic citrus, making this a great alternative white wine.
Coming from Boushey Vineyard, this is a seldom-seen variety in the state. This offering seems a bit reduced out of the gate, showing aromas of garden hose along with lemon. The medium-bodied citrus rind and lemon flavors bring plenty of appeal along with a big blast of acidity. If the reduction blows off, it moves up a notch or two as the palate flat-out impresses.
Coming from Cerro Prieto Vineyard, one of the few places to grow Pinot Noir in this appellation, this bottling shows aromas of clove, vanilla, sandalwood and pomegranate on the nose. Light pomegranate and tart red-fruit flavors dominate the palate, with a touch of dried herb.
Coming from cool Edna Valley, the acidity is here, even in this hot vintage, and so is the clean, long hangtime fruit. The wine bursts with blackberries, cherries, plums and wilder notes of unidentified forest berries and sweet, smoky leather. Drink now, for its complex, juicy youthfulness.
Coming from five different Syrah vineyards across the Columbia Valley, this wine offers high quality and value. It conveys black olives, iron, an earthy funk, chocolate and floral accents. The coffee and earth flavors are rich while still showing exquisite restraint.
Coming from five different vineyards across the Niagara Peninsula, it's an intriguing wine with notes of wintergreen, lime zest, and herbs. It drinks just off dry with a lemon pith finish.
Coming from flint soil, this is a structured, mineral wine. Tight texture, tangy acidity and an almost chewy character show that this young wine is still developing. It will reveal citrus and apple flavors in a year, so drink from 2017.
Coming from four different Tempranillo clones planted at the winery's estate vineyard, it beguiles with notes of saddle leather, dried cherry, dusky spices and citrus spritz. The fruit flavors are polished and the tannins structured—a thoroughly delightful bottle.
Coming from Gary Eberle's pioneering, 31-year-old vineyard, this presents fresh blueberries, smoke, cedar and a hearty mocha touch on the nose. It's thick on the palate but cut with strong acidity, showing flavors of chocolate-covered espresso bean, blackberry fruit and coffee grinds that last deep into the finish.
Coming from high terraces above the River Lot, this wood-aged wine is cool, collected and stylish. It has ripe blackberry and currant fruits along with just the right amount of firm tannins. Acidity keeps everything fresh and fruity while guarding the structure. Drink from 2017.
Coming from Lawrence Vineyards, this wine offers aromas of orange peel, smoke, olive, blueberry, blackberry and wood spice. The blue-fruit flavors are full bodied and perfumed, showing a pleasing sense of balance and a lingering finish.
Coming from McClellan Estate, Anna Marie and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (31%) and Petit Verdot. It springs up with aromas of boysenberry, plum, dried herbs and coffee. The blue fruit flavors are sweet and luscious supported by a soft tannic structure.
Coming from Monterey and Santa Cruz vineyards, this blend of 34% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, 21% Carignane and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of plum jam, sagebrush and root beer. It jumps off the palate with bright acidity and grippy tannins, delivering ripe berry fruit and chili pepper spices, enlivening more senses than just tastebuds.
Coming from older vine plantings at Dionysus, Red Willow, Boushey and Bacchus vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) takes the lead, with the rest Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of graphite, savory herb and red and black fruit are followed by refined fruit flavors. It shows a sophisticated sensibility, bringing a sense of texture and vibrancy, along with a lingering finish.
Coming from one of Ballard Canyon's premiere vineyards, this offers aromas of black cherry, wet black loam and morning dew on sage. The mouthfeel is all silk, and flavors are savory, with elderberries, crushed sage and wild mint.
Coming from one of the appellation's most consistent producers, this offers a tight, restrained nose of blackberry and licorice. It's also tight and bright on the palate, with refreshing flavors of black cherries and crushed rocks. An expert balance of tannins and acidity gives the mouth a clean wash.
Coming from one of the few vineyards between the coastal town of Cambria and Paso Robles, this brooding wine offers dark and dank aromas of black dirt, slate, charred meat and very black cherry. Once sipped, sagebrush and lavender herbals emerge, along with sour cherry. A promising effort for an area that may be its own appellation one day.
Coming from one of the more tech-savvy yet Old World-practicing producers, this still-emerging wine smells of autumn. Crushed, dried-leaf aromas meld seamless with wet clay, black lava rocks and juniper. A lean line of black cherry-blackberry syrup drives the palate, which picks up black peppercorn, anise, dark chocolate and pine-sprinkled earth. Drink 2018–2030.
Coming from one of the region's more picturesque vineyards, this bottling, which is enhanced with 19% Picpoul Blanc, 2% Roussanne and 2% Viognier, leans a tad tropical on the nose, with orange peel cutting into banana, apple custard and tuberose. There's sizzling acidity throughout the palate, with flavors of lemon curd, apple peel and grapefruit pith.
Coming from one of the state's most esteemed Syrah sites, this wine opens with high-toned aromas of herb, blue fruit and iron, along with light savory accents. The flavors are full, broad and palate coating, showing an exquisite sense of balance and length that kicks it up a notch. Exquisite stuff.
Coming from one of the state's most esteemed Syrah vineyards, this wine opens with nuanced aromas of bacon fat, smoke and berry. The palate is rich and sumptuous, with fruit and savory flavors lingering on the finish.
Coming from one of the state's most esteemed Syrah vineyards, this wine wins over fans by its brains rather than its brawn. High-toned aromas of dried herbs mix with notes of raspberry, blue fruit and iron. The flavors are fresh and layered, bringing a sense of vibrancy and deliciousness.
Coming from one of the state's most esteemed vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 83% of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Franc. It brings notes of savory herb, barrel spice, flower, dark fruit and black tea. The fruit flavors are rich and well structured, with firm tannins and a sweet, spice-filled finish.
Coming from one of the state's most esteemed vineyards, this wine offers aromas of assorted dried herbs, tobacco and glue. The cherry, herb and plum flavors have good depth, with the tannins providing some heft.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, aromas of herb, red fruit, flower and spice are at the fore. The palate is full with red and black-fruit flavors with a lightly tacky feel.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, the aromas of violets, dried herbs, brown stems and smoked meat pop. The fruit and savory flavors show an exquisite sense of balance that persists through the extended finish.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this warm-vintage wine seems aromatically quiet, with light aromas of funk, earth, red berries and coffee. Flavors are generous and ripe, with the alcohol occasionally poking out.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this wine brings aromas of iron and huckleberry pie. The blueberry and earth flavors are quite ripe, lingering on the finish.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this wine offers perfumed, intense aromas of boysenberry, tar, mineral, smoked meat and fresh flower. The palate boasts dense, seamless purple and black-fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It's a standout example of the variety.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this wine shows a downright mesmerizing sense of purity with its aromas of purple fruit, herb, fresh flower, earth and iron. The flavors dazzle but win with elegance and sophistication along with a drawn-out finish.
Coming from one of the state's premier Syrah vineyards, this wine starts out aromatically reserved before blossoming to reveal notes of dark raspberry, dried cranberry, woodspice, vanilla and anise. It shows the warmth of the vintage with concentrated, black-fruit flavors backed by a light squeeze of tannins followed by a lengthy finish. The oak plays prominently but it works.
Coming from one of the state's premier vineyards, barrel-spice aromas are at the fore on first pour, with black-fruit and herb notes far in the background. The dark-fruit flavors are concentrated initially, tapering slightly toward the finish.
Coming from one of the state's top Cabernet sites, this wine offers reserved aromas of earth, dried leaves and herb, cocoa and dusty cherry. The palate shows precision and balance, with a focus on elegance of expression.
Coming from one of the state's top Chardonnay sites, this wine offers pleasing aromas of crushed stone along with peach, cardamom and other spices. It's sleek in style, with a tart lick of acidity. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.
Coming from one of the state's top Syrah sites, this wine brings aromas of dark fruit, iron and coffee. The fruit flavors are sweet and well proportioned, pulling up toward the finish.
Coming from one of the state's top Syrah sites, this wine dazzles the senses with notes of freshly roasted coffee, char, dark plum and sweet spices. It's medium bodied with thoroughly delicious coffee flavors backed by a soft feel.
Coming from one of the state's top Syrah sites, this wine starts out quite aromatically closed up, with notes of brambly blue fruit and herbs, along with whiffs of orange peel and smoked meat. The flavors, in contrast, pop with electric notes of dark plum and huckleberry and lingering undercurrents of smoked meat and orange rind. Give it some time to open up and it delivers.
Coming from one of the state's top Syrah vineyards, this wine offers aromas of herb, stem, flower, smoked meat and marionberry that are followed by a velvety palate redolent with fruit and savory flavors. It delivers a lot of enjoyment and sophistication.
Coming from one of the strongest vintages of the last decade and with a full five years in bottle, this blend of Pepper Bridge (60%) and Minnick Hills fruit brings aromas of smoke, barrel spice, cranberry, cherry and dark berry. The dark-fruit flavors are rich, luscious and palate coating. It brings a sense of hedonism and balance that is impossible to ignore.
Coming from one of Washington's premier Riesling sites, it's redolent with peach, mineral and floral notes. It drinks almost completely dry with bright, crisp acids.
Coming from perhaps the best part of Lake County to grow Cabernet, this smooth and well-balanced wine is full bodied but light on its feet. It smells like raspberries and vanilla, and tastes jammy and almost sweet.
Coming from premier cru vineyards, this lively wine is beautifully ripe with a balanced dosage lying under the white and yellow fruitiness. The fruit gives the wine a rich character, full and creamy in the mouth and ready to drink.
Coming from Red Mountain's most esteemed vineyard, this wine offers aromas of cocoa, vanilla, coffee bean and dark cherry. The coffee and cherry flavors show exquisite polish and depth, with fruit and barrel flavors playing off each other on the finish.
Coming from Red Willow and Alder Ridge vineyards, this wine brings aromas of rose petal, coffee, cranberry and sour cherry. The palate is full of tart fruit flavors with high acid and tannins and a lingering finish. It keeps the interest high.
Coming from seven different vineyards spread across the Columbia Valley, this wine—which includes 13% Sauvignon Blanc—brings notes of fig, browned butter and candy corn. It's full bodied with a creamy texture and a warm finish.
Coming from seven vineyards and showing more yellow, orange and tan than pink in the glass, this blend of 80% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre and 3% Counoise suggests orange and lemon peels, just-sliced melon and frozen strawberries on the nose. The palate is more about great acidity and a stony minerality, along with some watermelon elements and orange rind.
Coming from some of the oldest vines in the state, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot is all about elegance of expression and nuance. Lighter in color, it offers aromas of raspberry, cherry, herb and graphite that lead to focused coffee, cranberry and earth flavors. The restraint and balance are pitch perfect. It will be best 2019–2026.
Coming from Summit View Vineyard, this 100% varietal wine has aromas of espresso, toast and exotic spices, with the barrel notes primary. The palate has medium-weight dark fruit flavors, lightening in the midpalate, along with abundant coffee accents. Although the barrel influence is somewhat overt for the fruit that's in the glass, it still brings lots of enjoyment.
Coming from the Basque country, this blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat is both perfumed and firmly structured. It is a solid wine, showing its wood aging while bringing out great ripe berry fruits. Drink from 2014.
Coming from the Chumash tribe-owned Camp 4 Vineyard, this blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre offers concentrated violets, blackberry, leather, cedar and interesting tomato leaf on the nose. The palate is not as dense as the nose suggests, but packs in tandoori spice, pipe smoke and vanilla, making it a wine that could handle a cigar.
Coming from the cool 2010 vintage, this 100% varietal wine doesn't quite seem to have fully ripened but still offers plenty of enjoyment with its savory notes of leafy herbs, olive and cherry. It's elegant in its styling with a fresh feel and a cinnamon-speckled finish.
Coming from the cool 2010 vintage, this blend of half Merlot along with four other Bordeaux grape varieties brings notes of toast, bittersweet chocolate, citrus and cranberry. It's tart and puckering with tightly wound tannins that need time to resolve.
Coming from the cool 2010 vintage, this wine seems a bit overwrought, with aromas of stewed herbs and cherry. The flavors are full bodied, backed by chewy tannins.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage this wine offers a blue-fruit profile seldom seen in the state for this variety along with notes of chocolate and coffee. It's elegantly styled with a soft feel, trailing toward the finish.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, the aromas of herbs, apple and spice are light. It's medium bodied and creamy in feel with a lemony finish.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this 100% varietal wine doesn't seem entirely ripe with notes of green herbs, poblano and red fruit. It's tart and plump in feel with chalky tannins.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this lightly colored wine brings appealing notes of assorted berries, herbs and barrel spices. It's very pretty in style, soft in feel with a lingering finish.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this vineyard-designated wine doesn't seem entirely ripe, displaying notes of herbs, cranberry and red fruit. It's screamingly tart with moderate fruit flavors and abundant oak accents that lead to a warm finish.
Coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this wine seems to bear more resemblance to Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot with its notes of plum, herbs and bell pepper. The sweet cherry and vanilla flavors are buffeted by firm, dry tannins with a vanilla-filled finish.
Coming from the cool climate of the Lisbon vineyards, this is a fresh and fruity wine. Some Touriga Nacional perfumes emerge from the soft tannins and final acidity. It's an attractive wine to drink now.
Coming from the dramatic Lindsay's Vineyard, which rises from 500 to 1,000 feet in the Sta. Rita Hills, this highly nuanced wine overdelivers on multiple fronts. The nose mixes floral notes of violet and rose with an herbal tone of dried oregano, alongside fruity sour cherry. On the palate, there's graphite, espresso, purple flowers like lavender and a tad of tobacco, both fresh and smoked.
Coming from the former owner of Domaine Alfred (now Chamisal Vineyards) this lip-smacking wine starts with a yeasty, Granny Smith apple nose. The flavors are tightly acidic yet plush at the same time: bitter apple skins mixing up with ripe pluots.
Coming from the great 2011 vintage, this is an impressive wine. It is rich, smooth and generous in the mouth. Dark dried fruits and acidity create a wine that is on the dry side of Ports. The tannins and acidity and the fact the wine is unfiltered mean it could age although ready now. Drink until 2030.
Coming from the highest corner of the limestone-laden vineyard at 1,275 feet—with views of the entire Santa Ynez Valley—this gives off broad, approachable aromas of lit match, bacon fat, purple fruits, pepper and smoked meats. Though full of dried cherry and smoked blueberry flavors, it's leaner in texture, with acidity that keeps it fresh. Drink 2017–2025.
Coming from the Horse Heaven Hills region, this wine offers appealing aromas of cranberry, raspberry fruit leather, red currant and spice—all displaying a fine sense of purity. The tart fruit flavors are broad and generous but stay in balance.
Coming from the more northerly parts of Burgundy, this is cool Chardonnay, with steel and minerality. It is firmly textured, its apple and quince flavors coming with a more citrus element.
Coming from the newly minted Ancient Lakes appellation, it's a jumble of apple and tropical notes. It leans toward medium sweet with tart acids pulling it back on the finish.
Coming from the north-eastern Beiras region, close to the Douro, this wine is a ripe, rich and crisp wine. It has a perfumed character from the Malvasia in the blend and an attractive yeasty aftertaste. Drink now.
Coming from the oldest block of the oldest Syrah vineyard in the state (1986 plantings), this wine brings a pleasing assortment of herbs, blue plum, mineral and spice along with a kiss of smoked meat. It's focused and rich with densely packed fruit flavors and tannins that show a surprising amount of heft. Best after 2017.
Coming from the oldest Syrah vineyard in the state, this wine brings aromas of herbs, coffee and dark fruit. The flavors are soft and smooth, showing polish and poise along with a finish that lingers.
Coming from the original plantings at this esteemed vineyard, this wine brings brooding, high-toned aromas of savory herbs, exotic spice and cherry. The palate is all about sophistication and delicacy of flavor, showing nuance and detail, particularly considering the warmth of the vintage.
Coming from the plateau above the river Douro, this wine has a cool edge with plenty of acidity. At the same time it is ripe with spice from 12 months of wood aging and full of black-currant fruitiness. Drink this wine now.
Coming from the popular vineyard owned by the Chumash tribe, this delivers aromas of ripe raspberries and sanguine, earthy elements of iron-rich dirts. It's fairly mellow on the palate, with flavors of wild berry, lifting anise and a dank sense of tree roots.
Coming from the Radian Vineyard atop the Sta. Rita Hills, the appellation's veteran Bryan Babcock delivers aromas of pineapple cake, fresh apricot and lemon butter. The wine is well oaked, so expect vanilla and baking spice, but there's a lemony acidity as well, creating a well-balanced wine.
Coming from the relatively new but priming Kimsey Vineyard, this shows intoxicatingly rich yet never treacly aromas of ripe cantaloupe, ambrosia melon and peach-apple syrup. Glazed apples, walnut oil and orange bitters decorate the heavily layered and dense palate. Serve it with many varieties of cheese.
Coming from The Rocks District, the herb, green stem, black olive, peat, wet stone and floral aromas are expansive. The potpourri and savory flavors are broad in feel and exquisitely balanced, capped off by a long finish. Stunning stuff.
Coming from the same stable as Léoville las Cases in Saint-Julien, the wine is finely structured with firm tannins and dark fruit. Rich plum flavors are counterbalanced by solid tannins. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.
Coming from the series of single-varietal wines produced by this estate, this wine adds a southern warmth to the crispness and elegant green-fruit flavors of the Alvarinho. It is tangy, hinting at minerality and with a zesty aftertaste. Drink now.
Coming from the state's first Syrah vineyard, this wine offers aromas of thistle, smoke, blackberry and blue fruit, along with mineral and pomegranate accents—still seeming to need time to settle in. The flavors show superb delicacy and impressive length. It wins on its subtleties rather than sheer opulence, though it has plenty of both.
Coming from the state's premier Riesling vineyard, this wine opens with lightly styled aromas of slate, apricot and peach. It drinks a hair off dry, with honeyed stone-fruit flavors.
Coming from the Stone Corral Vineyard, this wine tends toward the browner side of the scent spectrum, with roasted root vegetables, baking spice and a bit of anise. It's dainty on the palate, but strong in flavors of mocha, licorice, ripe raspberry and beet juice, proving brightly acidic and a tad more tannic than similar wines of this vintage.
Coming from the valley that leads to the city of Munster, of cheese fame, this rich, mineral-driven Pinot Blanc has both weight and balanced fruitiness. Its concentrated is apple flavor is threaded with taut acidity.
Coming from the warm 2012 vintage, the notes vary from stone fruit, such as apricot, into tropical with dried pineapple. Aged in a mixture of stainless steel and older French oak barrels, it's fresh and appealing while also displaying some weight and density, drinking quite dry with a tart finish.
Coming from the warm 2013 vintage, this easy-drinking wine offers notes of sweet corn, pear and peach with light barrel accents. The fruit flavors are elegant with a lightly creamy feel.
Coming from the warm 2013 vintage, this is an aromatic offering, with notes of pineapple, kiwi, herbs and oak spices (40% barrel fermented). It's creamy in feel, but with tart, vibrant acidity that keeps the palate fresh and lively.
Coming from the warm 2013 vintage, this wine is chock-full of dark fruit aromas and flavors, along with generous spice notes. It brings a lot of appeal, though it occasionally seems slightly dried out.
Coming from the warm, dry 2012 vintage, this is straight down the fairway with notes of apple, pear and herbs, with the alcohol providing some distraction on the finish.
Coming from the warmer Aube region, Laurent's Chardonnay offering is ripe and hinting at yellow fruits while also retaining a steely, mineral character. It is fresh, rich, well textured and ready to drink, crisp and bright at the end.
Coming from the westernmost vineyard in the appellation, this begins with a goulash-like nose of roasted tomato and black olive, edged with fresh raspberry juice. That fruit carries to the palate, where it remains light and vivacious, with black licorice flavors providing the herbal backbone.
Coming from the winery's estate vineyard high up in Upper Mill Creek, this wine is starting to show a bit of age, offering aromas of anise, dried cherry, green pepper and cigar ash. Equal parts dark and green, the flavors come off a bit disjointed, with bell-pepper notes on the finish.
Coming from the winery's estate vineyard in The Rocks District, this aromatic brooder shows notes of crushed flowers, wet stone, orange peel, brown stems and dark fruit, along with lightly smoked meat accents. The palate boasts generous fruit and savory flavors that linger on the finish.
Coming from the winery's estate vineyard in The Rocks District, this wine offers captivating notes of smoked meat, fire pit, flowers, black olive and peat that are followed by abundant fruit and savory flavors with a palate-coating lithe feel. Meaty flavors persist on the finish. It shows a spot-on sense of balance that thoroughly enchants.
Coming from the winery's SJR Vineyard in The Rocks District, this blockbuster wine displays savory aromas of green olive, sea breeze, smoked meat, peat and earth along with coffee and plum. The palate shows great concentration and richness but also deftness, delineation and precision. It's a complete head turner that shows a true sense of place.
Coming from the winery's vineyard just outside the Lake Chelan appellation, this wine is moderately aromatic with notes of lime, pear, flowers and diesel. It drinks off dry, with abundant stone-fruit flavors that linger.
Coming from the winery's young estate vineyard, this 100% varietal wine conveys aromas of coffee, braised green pepper and herbs along with bittersweet chocolate and mineral accents. The cherry and herb flavors show good weight and intensity, with the tart acids and grainy tannins bringing plenty of appeal. It needs significant time in the cellar to show its best. Enjoy after 2024.
Coming from this exceptional winery the term reserve (or in this case, riservata) actually means a great deal. Flavors are broad and deep and entwined with plum, cherry compote, soy and chocolate. The length and power are impressive: these flavors just don't quit.
Coming from three different blocks of the winery's estate vineyard, it brings notes of cherry cola, peppery spices and medicine cabinet. The fruit flavors are quite ripe and lush, with the use of one year-old French oak putting the fruit front and center.
Coming from two area standouts—Lewis and Phinny Hill vineyards—this wine shows appealing aromas and flavors of shaved coconut, Mounds Bar, cherry and baking spices. The barrel influence is prominent but it largely stands up to it.
Coming from Two Blondes Vineyard, aromas of baking spice, barrel spice, herb, mesquite and cherry are followed by elegant smooth-feeling fruit flavors. Light bacon notes provide unusual accents. It's intriguing, though the variety is hard to find.
Coming from two of the state's finest vineyards—Cold Creek and Klipsun—this cool-vintage, 100% varietal wine shows an unusual Washington Cabernet profile of blueberry and plum along with herbs and a kiss of vanilla. It's soft and supple in feel with elegant coffee and blue fruit flavors.
Coming from Upland and Boushey vineyards, this wine is 60% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre and 7% Syrah. Expressive aromas of fresh blackberry, huckleberry, black pepper, smoked meat and herb are followed by penetratingly pure dark fruit flavors that are rich but still bring a sense of freshness. The purity is dazzling as is the length on the finish.
Coming from Uvas Valley earth that was originally planted in the 1920s by Italian immigrants, this wine shows leather, plum sauce and dark chocolate on the nose. It's light on the palate, but possesses strong tannic grip and refreshing acidity that boost the dried flower, blueberry juice and graphite flavors.
Coming from vines planted in 1910, this wine is very light in the glass and reserved on the nose, with hints of iron and red fruits. It's tart on the palate, without much ripe fruit, proving rather dainty but offering a decent grip for such a light wine.
Coming from vines planted in 1935—some of the oldest vines in the state—this shows expressive but not entirely settled aromas of gardenia, orange peel and herb, followed by bone-dry broad-feeling fruit flavors. There's intrigue but it doesn't all come together.
Coming from vines planted in 1979 or earlier, this wine offers aromas of yellow apple, melon, honey and starfruit. It's lightly spritzy and drinks off dry, with a textured feel.
Coming from vineyards scattered across the Wahluke Slope, this immediately charming wine has aromas of mocha, coffee, plum, herbs and assorted barrel spices. The sweet blue fruit flavors are soft and bring plenty of appeal.
Coming from Waterbrook Estate, Blackrock and Summit View vineyards, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of flower, soil and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is full of bold flavors backed by lively acidity and firm, slightly dry tannins. It's a high-quality example of the variety, though it could use some steak to tame the tannins.
Coming from Wautoma Winds and SageCliffe vineyards, this wine offers notes of burnt toast, stone fruit and sweet corn. It's broad and lightly creamy in feel with abundant apple and stone fruit flavors.
Coming in a 375ml can, this wine brings aromas of lees and lemon curd. The palate is creamy in feel and lightly sweet.
Coming in a bottle adorned with an informational treasure map of the region, this wine conveys bubble gum, honeysuckle and Pink Lady apples on the nose. A similar apple character shows on the palate, along with riper grapefruit notes, Anjou pear slices and graphite. The apples get more sour as the sip lingers.
Coming in a frosty, flask-shaped bottle (aimed at which demographic is unclear), this bottling shows snappy blackberry and damp earth on the nose. Generic berry flavors, dried meat and a touch of leather show through the chalky mouthfeel, with a decently fruity finish.
Coming in a sparkly package befitting its name, this boxed wine shows honeysuckle and pineapple on the nose. On the palate, green apple flesh and pink apple skins prove tart and ripe at the same time, though without tons of body or finish. It's a solid deal though!
Coming in an odd tear-drop-shaped bottle with a removable cork cap sealed in wax, this smells a bit hot, with blackberry and dark spice aromas. The palate is framed by big tannins and very strong acidity, offering elderberry flavors.
Coming in an oddly shaped, presumably old-style bottle, this blend of 51% Syrah, 39% Grenache, 7% Alicante Bouschet and 3% Petite Sirah packs a deep, rich nose full of blueberry syrup, vanilla and nutmeg, almost approaching brandy. Framed by a solid tannic structure, flavors hover on cola and cherries before hitting the spearmint-powered finish.
Coming in an oddly shaped, squat bottle reminiscent of the Wild West, this unfiltered wine bursts with blackberry, purple flowers and turned loam aromas. On the palate, deep black currant fruit is accented with peppery spice, graphite and a sizzling acidity that burns from the tip to the back of the sip.
Coming in at 12.8% alcohol—nearly unheard of for a Washington red, particularly in a warm vintage—it brings appealing notes of dark plum accented by black pepper and dried herbs. It's silky soft in feel with a dazzling sense of texture and purity with little apparent oak influence.
Coming in at 159g/L residual sugar, this wine is über-aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, pineapple, flowers, and honey, showing layer of complexity. Given the richness of the aromas, the palate is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, displaying a lot of grace and detail to the sugary-sweet flavors.
Coming in at 47g/L residual sugar, this is quite ripe and aromatic with notes of peach and flowers but doesn't have the acid to hold it together.
Coming in at a low (for Washington) alcohol level for this variety, this 100% Grenache shows light aromas of mint and other herbs with elusive raspberry and plum accents. It's medium bodied with an elegant, supple feel, showing little obvious new-oak influence to the red fruit flavors. A very intriguing wine where the texture plays a starring role in the show.
Coming in at a strikingly low alcohol for the vintage, the fruit in this blend doesn't seem to have fully ripened, with strong aromas of freshly sliced jalapeño along with leafy herbs. The flavors are tart and elegant, broadening on the finish.
Coming in at just under 13% alcohol, this is a dry, Provence-styled rosé marked by crisp strawberry and citrus flavors. Ending on a refreshing, slightly chalky-mineral note, this would make a fun summer sipper.
Coming in one of the more beautifully shaped bottles on the market, which enhances the pretty light-pink color, this wine shows light, brisk raspberry fruit and a rain-on-cement minerality. The flavors are expectedly light, with just a touch of strawberry fruit, slight lime bitterness and a tongue-exciting texture.
Coming in one of the most beautiful bottles on the market, this wine offers very forward aromas of honeyed almonds, browned butter, caramelized apples, daffodils and honeysuckle. There's a marzipan-powered nuttiness on the palate along with candied apples, but lemon zest acidity holds it together. This wine overpowers white fish, but excels with cheese.
Coming in the appellation's specially designed estate bottle, this offering from Michael Larner shows densely packed blackberry and blueberry on the lavish, even creamy nose, alongside rich violets, caramel, lavender and purple sage. There's lots of depth to the palate, where blackberry paste meets with peppery spice, dried lavender and a searing acidity.
Coming largely from Canoe Ridge and Cold Creek vineyards, this wine leads with barrel aromas of toast and char out in front of peach. It's rich and full bodied, showing a sense of texture and gravitas. The oak is not shy the but the fruit stands up to it.
Coming mainly from the villages of Ladoix and Chorey-lès-Beaune, this wine is a delicious example of the juicy, ripe fruit that comes from the Côte de Beaune. It's soft and open, with a generous character that makes it ready to drink soon, from 2018.
Coming mostly from Stillwater Creek Vineyard, this wine is co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Dark fruit and orange peel aromas mix with sweet barrel spices. The blue fruit flavors are sweet and lush, carrying some warmth along with them.
Coming off the Rocks District, this wine displays high-toned aromas of brown stems, crushed violets and black pepper along with a light meat and olive streak. The flavors are poised and layered, showing a mixture of red and black fruits with abundant savory accents. The crazy-long finish flat out impresses.
Coming off The Rocks District, this wine displays somewhat reserved notes of ember, smoked meat, green olive, wet stone and smoke, leaning hard into the savory. The charcuterie, smoke and licorice flavors coat the palate, stretching out on the finish.
Coming off the winery's estate vineyard, this wine displays vibrant aromas of toast, honeysuckle and orange peel. The palate is rich and oily in feel, showing a mixture of fruit and barrel, with the latter not quite seeming to have fully integrated.
Coming on stiff and herbal, the Croft needs some time and patience. There are not quite resolved streaks of citrus, cherries, earthy tannins and a touch of cocoa powder. Still a baby, this should improve over the next three to five years.
Coming on the heels of the extraordinary 2009 vintage, this '10 is a worthy followup. It's bone dry, tannic and enormously complex, offering waves of blackberry, currant, cola, new oak and spice flavors. It's so good now, you may not want to cellar it, but try. It will begin to approach its peak after 2017.
Coming on the heels of the magnificent 2005, the '06 is somewhat heavier and more direct, with a soft, full-bodied mouthfeel framing very ripe currant flavors that are somewhat meaty and raisined. Will grow rounder and more mellow in the cellar, but not much more complex.
Commanding nose, with cherry, purple basil, mineral and meaty elements. Fine depth of fruit, with sweet-tart and earthy notes, and a brisk mouthfeel. The tangy finish with its tart cherry, mineral and earth complexity holds you a long time. Serious, and fulfills Domaine Drouhin Oregon's promise to make great Pinot Noir on a par with Burgundy.
Commemorating the small boats that once plied the Loire river, this wine is fresh with a ripe yellow-fruit character that contrasts with the salty, tangy flavors to give the wine its texture and tight, steely structure. The wine will be best kept for a few months; drink from 2017.
Common apple, melon and other green, zesty aromas work the nose, which is slightly more reserved than outright pungent. The palate is flashy but a touch lean, with blazing acidity pushing tart, crisp, focused flavors of green apple and citrus. Not out of the ordinary, but quite well made and cleansing.
Common cherry and berry aromas lead to a fruit-punch palate with some stickiness. This tastes ripe, with nothing distinguished beyond basic berry flavors. Sweet plum and berry notes steer the finish.
Compact and battened down tightly, this tart, challenging wine is striated with layers of rhubarb, stem, earth and stone. The complexity is appealing, though some tasters will be looking for more robust fruit in a wine in this price range.
Compact and candied on the bouquet, with dusty red berry aromas. Feels blocky and tannic but healthy, with cassis and blackberry flavors touched up by typical Chilean herbal notes. A flavorful wine for everyday drinking.
Compact and chewy, with clearly delineated Bordeaux style and character. Cassis and black cherry fruit; stiff, earthy tannins, good length and fine aging potential. The acids and tannins are in good proportion, and the fruit is not overtaken with new oak, but there is enough (40%) to frame it with some sweet spices.
Compact and concentrated up front, the nose is propped up with hints of spice and berry. This shows good body and balance, with berry and licorice flavors that are lightly baked, mildly herbal and peppery. Despite a touch of green on the finish, this is very good.
Compact and dark in style, with notes of shoe polish, coconut, rubber, violet and blackberry. It feels tannic and mildly abrasive, with blackened, ripe flavors of dark berry fruits backed by a peppery, spice-dominant finish. This blend of Carmenère, Syrah and Cabernet is oaky and big overall.
Compact and dense on the nose, this Merlot is in good shape from head to toe. Dark berry and spice aromas hold up to airing. This is full on the palate, with spicy, baked berry flavors. Barrel contact brings a strong savory spice element on the finish.
Compact and full in the nose, with a fine level of berry fruit and some attractive wood spice. The mouth offers sweet berry flavors and some toasty oak, while the finish is round and soft. There's little complexity or style—what you smell and taste at first is what you get.
Compact and harmonious up front, this three-grape blend delivers aromas of oak, dark berry fruits and prune. The palate is saturated and fully ripe, with wide tannins that don't grate. Jammy berry, raisin, coconut, tobacco and creamy oak flavors finish long and ripe. Drink through 2018.
Compact and lean in texture, this bright Brunello offers brambly notes of wild berry, cassis, white cherry and licorice. The wine is a bit raw and thorny in places but the fresh acidity and berry flavors pull it forward.
Compact and lean, this no-fuss Pinot Grigio offers little in terms of density or intensity. It is, however, a fresh and easy wine that works well on informal occasions.
Compact and sturdy, this robust blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot is relatively simple, yet satisfying. Bold cassis fruit joins with earthy, tobacco notes and hints of vanilla to finish with dry intensity and promising length. Drink 2015–2020.
Compact and traditional with a bright, streamlined style, this pretty Barolo represents a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from two very important vineyard crus (the very structured Brunate and the elegant Le Coste vineyards).
Compact aromas of berry fruits are more basic than complex. This has a choppy, edgy, grating mouthfeel to go with prune and stewed-berry flavors. A loamy, overripe tasting finish struggles to display a sense of freshness.
Compact aromas of red berries get a boost from oak-based coconut, cedar and graphite notes. This is a blend of three Malbec vineyards of varying elevations; it's bursting with acidity, while high-toned plum and currant flavors are a touch salty. A lively, fiery finish is fueled by latent acidity. Drink through 2020.
Compact berry and plum aromas set up a solid, nice palate with nectarine and raspberry flavors. This is very drinkable and easygoing; the finish is mellow but propped up by core acidity.
Compact berry aromas veer toward herbal and minty on the nose. The palate is full, hard and rubbery in feel, with pounding tannins. Flavors of blueberry and mint finish with a hint of herbal berry.
Compact cherry, plum and cassis aromas are nice. In the mouth, this is ruled by snappy edgy acidity. Flavors that match the nose finish raw, with blazing residual acidity. There's probably no limit to how long this Graciano will last; drink through 2030.
Compact dark-fruit aromas turn more jammy with airing. This is gripping in feel, with firm tannins. Flavors of spice, herbs and  black fruits finish with pronounced acidity, leftover tannins and a leathery accent.
Compact on the bouquet, with a pointed combo of boysenberry and blackberry aromas. The palate is full, with plenty of acidity and stuffing. Flavors of blackberry, olive, fig and chocolate are likable and the finish is loud and powerful in typical South American style. Better value than the higher-priced Kinien Cab. Drink now through 2012.
Compact on the nose, this drills home aromas of leafy blackberry and cassis. A tannic, full-bodied palate is packed with blackberry, mineral, toast and baked but not cooked berry flavors. On the finish, it's rich, with molasses, earth and lightly stewed flavors. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc is a lot like Bordeaux, which isn't far away on the map. Drink through 2020.
Compact right now, this Pinot has fine depth and a unique character. Offers a cherry, smoke and leather bouquet and displays dried cherry, licorice and mineral flavors along with a distinct chalk dust feel in the mouth and on the finish. Solid tannins and the fine depth of fruit indicate that two or three years cellaring are merited.
Compact, almost gritty aromas of tree bark and herbal berry fruits require time to breathe. After necessary airing, this is elegant and fresh on the palate, but full in body. Herbal plum and berry flavors are leathery, spicy and suggest tomato as this transitions to a firm, racy finish. Drink through 2020.
Compact, concentrated and clean, with all its components in place. The bouquet is dark with charcoal, but bright with berry fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is comfortable and balanced, with sweet berry flavors offset by mild spice and proper oak. Soft tannins define the finish; a fine Malbec that doesn't overdo it.
Compact, concentrated aromas of licorice, wild brush, fresh herbs, lemon peel and cassis come in front of a high-acid, juicy, racy palate. Flavors of black plum, blackberry, herbs and pepper finish spicy, woody and with some unresolved heat. Drink through 2024.
Compact, gritty, stalky aromas are hard and herbal. This feels narrow and short on body, while flavors of generic berry fruits are a bit green and low on richness and depth. Oaky vanilla notes drive the finish.
Compact, inky aromas of blackberry, balsamic notes, earth and smoke are complete. This is lively yet full-bodied in feel, with dark, toasty black-fruit flavors that come with hints of chocolate, pepper, herbs and fig. A long, toasty, slightly hot and burning finish keeps this smoldering for a while. Drink through 2018.
Compact, minerally aromas include notes of leather and licorice. Round and generous across the palate, this ripe, rooty tasting Malbec features flavors of blackberry and chocolate in front of a mildly raisiny finish. Drink this warm-vintage Malbec through 2019.
Compact, rubbery aromas of plum and berry come with notes of cheesy oak and cowhide. A tight, fresh palate is balanced, tasting of plum, berry fruits and oaky spice. A straightforward finish echoes the palate.
Compacted aromas of blueberry, rubber, smoky oak and leather precede a jammy, widespread palate with tannic grab. This tastes of woody, savory berry fruits, while the finish is short, a touch salty and moderate in depth and complexity.
Compactly built with dense, ripe fruit, this wine offers plummy flavors that lean toward raisiny richness amid a perfumed nose of blackberry and cinnamon. Its full-bodied boldness finishes dry and dull.
Compared to a 20-year-old tawny (which is a blend of wines to give an approximate average), this 20-year old Colheita is completely from this lesser vintage Port year although one that produced some attractive fruity wines. There is a balance between red fruits and wood tannins that have produced a wine that is on the sweeter side for a tawny, and delicious to drink now.
Compared to Artesa's three other 2009 Pinot Noirs, this one's the least drinkable at this time. Although it's very extracted in cherry and raspberry fruit, it's jammy-simple, like a spoonful of marmalade, with a scour of acidity. Your best bet is to cellar it for 4–6 years and see what happens, but odds are you won't be disappointed.
Compared to Felsina's other Riserva from the same vintage, Rancia offers more evident use of oak and is shaped by natural aromas of bright berry and supple notes of vanilla and spice. There's also an earthy tone that recalls the beautiful territory of Castelnuovo Berardenga. It is succulent and sophisticated and has a long menthol-driven finish.
Compared to Highlands' regular Cab, this is a great example of sometimes, more is less. The '06 Reserve is a gigantic wine, both in ripely extracted currants and in the taste of new, smoky oak. But it's very size makes it ponderous. The question is one of ageability. It could well be a sleeper. Try beyond 2010.
Compared to its basic Brunello, Querceta ups the ante with this Riserva in terms of intensity and overall power. Bold notes of cherry, spice and leather make an appearance in this fresh and firmly structured offering.
Compared to Montecastro's higher-end 2009s, this smells stalky and leathery, with herbal shadings accenting familiar black-fruit aromas. The palate feels grabby, while the flavors suggest charred leather, stalky berry and clove. The lasting impression is of a gamy, slightly hot wine that's good but has its weaknesses.
Compared to past vintages, this edition of Caterina Zardini Riserva shows slightly pungent aromas of red apple, plum, cherry and cassis. The bright fruit gives the wine support and endurance, which is further reinforced by the soft, velvety mouthfeel
Compared to past vintages, this expression of Moscato d'Asti offers aromas of dried grass and hay backed by peach blossom, lemon and spring flowers. The mouthfeel is soft and creamy rich.
Compared to the 2003 vintage, the fruit is slightly more vibrant and polished here. There's also a slightly green note of herb or dill that we didn't notice in the past. The mouthfeel is, however, bright, crisp and refreshingly informal.
Compared to the 2004, this wine seems less generous. The nose is solid, with licorice, spice, pepper and plum fruit. But the palate is kind of flat and bland, with plump but dull raspberry and strawberry fruit. For $30 you want more.
Compared to the 2006 vintage of this same wine, this expression offers a greener personality with bright aromas of cut grass and herbs over loads of dark fruit and exotic spice. There's a soft, sweet and chewy quality to the wine's thick texture.
Compared to the 2007 vintage that awed and impressed, this 2008 Brunello seems slightly older than it really is. The aromas are already headed towards dried fruit, cured meat, crushed mineral and Band-Aid. The mouthfeel is freshly acidic and slightly textured. Drink now.
Compared to the cool 2011 vintage, this Cabernet Sauvignon-centric blend comes off as quite herbaceous and leafy. Still, it's propelled by its elegance and silkiness in texture.
Compared to the estate's Vigna Cannubi cru, this expression of Nebbiolo offers slightly more structure, density and staying power. The aromas here recall black cherry, plum, spice and Spanish cedar. The mouthfeel is rich, supple and very clean. Drink after 2014.
Compared to the excellent 2006, this wine is heavier, riper and jammier at every check point. The nose is baked and raisiny, while the palate feels saturated to the extreme and gritty as well. The primary flavors run toward baked plum and blackberry, while licorice, leather and raisin notes carry the finish. Give this lots of air after opening, about an hour or so.
Compared to the last vintage, which was riper and chewier, this offers a streamlined and focused mouthfeel, with notes of berry fruit and dark spice. Lean and bright, it closes with a thorny, bramble-like flavor.
Compared to the Mazzoni, this baby has less fruity but pepperier, earthier aromas, and herbal ones, too: licorice and chocolate, although there’s some deeply scented blackberry. It seems crisper and more angular, and more tannic, with a great hidden depth of fruit that needs to be coaxed out through short-term aging.
Compared to the previous vintage, this Tuscan Chard-Pinot Blanc blend has a slightly fresher, greener edge with notes of garden herbs and dried hay. Those notes are fleshed out thanks to abundant yellow fruit, kiwi and soft minerals. In the mouth, it is yielding and generous with bright acidity and length on the finish.
Compared to the regular 2006 Malbec from Chakana, this wine steps up in weight class and wins the crown. It's a serious but inviting red with spongey, ripe berry aromas topped by pure raspberry, cherry and cola flavors. It's both racy and composed, with a pile of bitter chocolate on the long finish. Good through 2009 at least.
Compared to the winery's crisp and light 2014 bottling, this oxidative, skin contact-driven style, which is golden in color, is a bit weird at first, but immediately easy to enjoy. Candied orange rinds pop off the nose, and rich dried-apple flavors show on the palate along with orange syrup, almond oil and honey. But it stays lively and fresh, making for an intriguing sip.
Compared to this estate's Rosé de 1ère Taille, there's not that much to distinguish it. It may be a little rounder and fuller, a little more fruit-forward and less elegant, but it shares the primary notes of crushed stone, citrus and a refreshing brine-like minerality.
Compared to Two Paddocks' 2013 The Last Chance bottling, this is lacier in texture—delicate and enchanting for its weightlessness. It still boasts many of the same flavors—tart cherries and herbal, tea-like notes, with a silky finish. Drink now–2020.
Compared to Wiemer's more fruity, floral bottlings this vintage, the Josef Vineyard is decidedly savory, showing pronounced notes of earth and herb. Semisweet in style, the palate offers concentrated doses of fresh white pear and tangerine as well. The finish lingers on dusty mineral tones.
Compared with the generally more delicate offerings from this producer, Bucher is always a standout. It's a raunchy, earthy barnyard expression of rustic cheese rind and dark cherry that symbolizes its origins in outstanding ways. Lively acidity keeps it fresh in the glass, while cardamon, rosemary and Asian spice provide the intrigue.
Compared with the the regular bottling, this reserve has a touch more concentration to the black cherry fruit. It pays for it with some hard, rather stemmy tannins that can turn bitter. Give this some extra time to breathe after being opened.
Compelling and sweet-smelling, Archimede offers pretty tones of spice, black cherry, molasses, espresso and cola. The ruby-colored wine is zippy and fresh with soft tannins and medium length in the mouth.
Compelling aromas of dry herbs blend with ripe berry, plum and leathery scents. This feels tight, juicy and ripped with raw, hard-pumping acidity. Flavors of currant, plum and cherry run deep, while the finish is presently youthful, grabby and drawing, with a slight note of raisin. Drink through 2032.
Compelling aromas of rose and lavender mark this fairly full-bodied wine, giving it a lift on the nose and palate. Raspberry and black licorice take over the taste, concentrating flavor and intensity toward the lengthy, earthy finish.
Compelling aromatics vault it into rarefied company, a riot of black cherry, pepper, graphite and cigar box. The fruit is immaculate and aging for almost a year in one-third new French oak polishes it perfectly. The finish has grip, length and power.
Compelling minerality on the nose, Refined and focused floral aromas with ample ripe stone fruit and a hint of petrol. Racy acidity and lovely taut palate with generous layers of juicy ripe peach, apricot and nectarine.  Strong minerality prevails across the palate leading to a lingering finish. Very balanced.
Compelling scents kick off this wine, from black cherry and black-plum skins to vanilla-ginger cookies and pepper dust. There is an imposing structure to the palate, which holds up the black plum, dark strawberry, thyme-led herbal character and peppery spice.
Compelling scents of acacia flower, beeswax and yellow apple skin waft out of the glass. The vibrant palate offers white peach, pear and a hint of citrus zest alongside crisp acidity that gives this a clean finish.
Compelling scents of white spring flower, stone fruit and a whiff of nut weave throughout this blend of Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio. The vibrant palate delivers yellow apple, orange zest, almond and mineral alongside tangy acidity.
Compelling warm berry compote and orange rind aromas mark the nose of this stylishly labeled bottling, with dried fennel, cola and dill accents. The palate is as hearty as expected, with ripe blackberry, vanilla, rose petal and ginger snap flavors.
Compelling, rich and darkly extracted, this would pair with succulent red meat, roasted pork or lamb. The wine shows blackberry, plum and prune, with leather, tobacco and bitter chocolate. The mouthfeel is soft, plush and velvety.
Competent from the start, with well-formed fruity aromas of raspberry and plum. There's even some leather and dried cheese to the nose. In the mouth, it's all about earthy, intense berry fruit and juicy freshness. Finishes a little tart but lively, with good form and feel.
Competent winemaking has delivered a pleasant, simple red, which has a little bit of a spicy kick from the Syrah. It could be simply labeled Merlot, and as such it is a straightforward effort, with moderately ripe fruit and a little bit of heat in the finish.
Compiled from a half dozen vineyards scattered throughout the northern Willamette Valley. Firm, sculpted and dense, this has more grip and depth than might be expected at this price point. Each vineyard's grapes were separately fermented; the blending has pulled them all together with dark, plummy flavors, notes of raisin, baking spices and caramel, and a smooth, penetrating finish.
Complemented by 9% Sémillon, this concentrated, creamy young wine is generous in pear, peach and subtle pineapple. Tart, it remains fresh and focused in the glass, with a lushness that's memorable and compelling. An impactful finish wraps things up nicely.
Complemented with 11% Cabernet Franc, this vineyard designate from winemaker Jesse Katz shines in fragrant plum, raspberry and blackberry flavors. Softly layered and balanced, it teases with dark chocolate and clove hints.
Complete and inviting aromas of plum and raisin make a positive statement without shouting. This feels stout, dense and layered, while a flavor combination of blackberry, black currant, herbs de Provence and dark chocolate finishes earthy, lightly baked and moderately complex. Drink through 2021.
Complete and satisfying, this Mourvèdre delivers punchy, alluring aromas of leather, rubber and dark berry fruits. This is deep and pure in the mouth, with excellent balance. Flavors of raspberry, spiced plum, currant and herbs finish long and elegant. Drink through 2018.
Completely different in style from the estate's Coin Caché rouge, this is primarily Mourvèdre, and primarily aged in new oak. Despite the oak, the fruit shines through, offering up ripe, mouthfilling flavors of blackberry, cola, coffee and spice. Firmly structured, this could repay 5–7 years of cellaring.
Completely dominated by oak, it offers aromas of toasted wood, vanilla and roasted coffee bean. The palate is extremely evolved, showing dried-up fruit, espresso and vanilla alongside the warmth of alcohol and astringent wood tannins.
Completely gulpable in style, this Cab Franc shows a mild concentration of dark bramble and herbal spice, with cranberry-skin tannins giving a little grip. This is simple yet well balanced, and light enough to drink on its own but structured enough to enjoy alongside grilled pork chops.
Completely mature, this lightly wood-aged wine has a smooth, mushroom and red fruit flavor. A touch of tannin gives dryness and delicious, refreshing acidity as an aftertaste. Drink now.
Completely satisfying on every level. Kudos to the winery for releasing a wine this dry, complex and delicious, at such a good price. Easy to drink, yet sophisticated and elegant.
Completely stainless-fermented and aged, this is a blockbuster of a white wine, refreshing and exotic in floral intoxication. Dry and light-bodied, it offers an edginess of slate-like minerality along with aromas of apricot and peach, finishing in a dusting of white pepper.
Completing a quartet of excellent white-wine releases from Mercer, this lively, balanced Chardonnay comes on steely. It's clean and textural, with a mix of citrus flesh and rind, apple and melon. There is even a hint of lemon cream, keeping the finish light and refreshing.
Completing and complementing the winery's extensive portfolio of Pinot Gris, this is the only one that spends time in barrel. As a note to its uniqueness, the King Estate name is intentionally printed upside down on the label. Though there are no intrusive oak-dominated flavors, the technique definitely softens and smooths the wine, eliminating some of the aromatic details and much of the tang. It's ready to drink: lightly toasty, with pleasant apple and pear flavors.
Complex and balanced, this barrel-select blend, all from estate-grown grapes, spent 11 months in roughly half new French oak. Tart red and black fruits are nuanced with baking spices and darker notes of clove and espresso. This wine carries an extra level of depth and weight, as befits a designated reserve. Delicious now, or cellar until 2024.
Complex and compelling in dark plum and dusty dark chocolate, this Cabernet has under 3% Petit Verdot and under 3% Cabernet Franc blended in, providing the wine with elegance and concentration. Soft on the palate, it suggests vanilla oak with subtlety, bringing all the components together on the lingering finish.
Complex and composed, this vineyard-designate wine is brightly decorated in flavors of grapefruit pith and lemon zest, with zippy acidity. As it develops in the glass, richer elements of peach and apricot flesh out the palate with succulent aplomb.
Complex and concentrated, this blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon has weight and richness. The red and black fruits are layered with firm, dry tannins that promise aging. It is rich, the Cabernet Franc showing its characteristic smoky perfumes. Keep for 3–4 years.
Complex and dry, this has smoky, woodsy aromas and exotic flavors like black tea, soy and cranberry. The balance is good, due to firm tannins and acidity that combine for a mouthfeel with a little bite. It's very nice in a slightly rustic style.
Complex and exotic, this blend of Rolle (Vermentino) and Ugni Blanc opens with papaya and almond notes that fold into a flavorful palate of cantaloupe and guava. Winds up on a bright mango tone. Drink now to 2011.
Complex and fascinating aromas suggesting cranberry, cedar and mushroom get your attention right away. Next a tight, firmly tannic texture takes over and seems to hold on to the fruit flavors. The wine is light to medium in body, and seems likely to let its flavors out after 2019.
Complex and finessed, this has loads of flavor. The pretty cherry and plum notes are framed with a milk chocolate accent. The modest alcohol in no way diminishes the concentration.
Complex and generous on the palate, this vineyard-designated varietal is surprisingly light and bright in spirit, ethereal even, offering aromas of black pepper, violets and gunpowder, hard to figure out but inviting nonetheless. On the palate, juicy plum and dark cherry provide an exuberant edge.
Complex and grippy, it offers classic layers of spicy black pepper, clove and red cherry and plum fruit. Not overpowering on the palate or in price, it will pair with flair.
Complex and individualistic, this conveys a savory rather than fruity personality. Smoky, meaty aromas lead to spice-accented plum and berry flavors. It feels full-bodied but not hot, has a suave texture and lingering finish. The first vintage to be released from the new Roederer-owned winery.
Complex and intriguing in the nose, the wine is weighty on the palate and shows a fine blend of citrus, herb, melon, toast, pear and spice flavors. It finishes long and clean.
Complex and inviting, this artfully blends tart berry fruit with streaks of clove, pepper, sandalwood and hibiscus tea. Balanced and lingering, it shows the sexy, seductive side of the grape.
Complex and meaty, this deeply colored Syrah from a family estate vineyard oozes flavors of toasted oak, pepper, grilled cherries (if there is such a thing) and grilled beef. There is more going on than just fruit and oak, as the earthy-spicy tones meld with fine-grain tannins. This kept getting better hours after opening and should mature well through 2018.
Complex and powerful, this wood-aged red has both elegance and density. Its black plum and blackberry fruits are spiced with an herbal character that gives an edge to the acidity in the aftertaste. Keep for 4–5 years.
Complex and precise, this lovely Cabernet—blended with 10% Merlot and 3% Malbec—layers cassis, herb, bark, earth and graphite elements within a cigar box coating. Those streaks of tobacco are wedded to a touch of espresso as it weaves through a lingering finish.
Complex and rich, it has ripe red fruits that are full of sweetness as well as some fresher acidity. With red plum, minerality and vanilla, it can age for a few months. Wait until 2015.
Complex and rich, this is an impressive, concentrated wine. It has great acidity that balances flavors of ripe white fruits and apple skins, and lends a tight, taut texture. The wine should be aged for at least six months before drinking.
Complex and rich, this is full of tangy fruits, with a dense structure that brings out weight, minerality and a chewy core of zesty citrus. It very crisp and fruity at this stage and needs to develop its many other flavors. Drink from 2017.
Complex and rich, with a wealth of black currant, blackberry and cedar flavors wrapped into softly firm tannins. There's an herbal quality that makes the wine suited to stews and casseroles. Drink now through 2011.
Complex and showing so much of what we love about Ribera del Duero. Baking spices, mature fruit and leather grace the stately bouquet, while the palate sings a pretty tune of berries, plum and brown sugar. There's thrust and potency to the mouthfeel but also a toasty, rich, mocha character. Drinking good now but should hold in there for another five to eight years.
Complex and slightly austere flavors like rhubarb, clove and black tea lend complexity to this nicely tight, dry and well-balanced wine. The texture is firm due to good acidity and lightly gripping tannins, but the rich flavors soak through them for a lingering finish. It will be best after 2020.
Complex and solid, it holds rich berry fruits, a darkly tannic structure, dense texture and a juicy acidity. This firm wine has a good future, so don't drink before 2017.
Complex and structured, this has rich tannins and a strawberry jam flavor from the ripe fruit. With its fine balance between the dry core and the fruity exterior, this should be cellared for at least four years.
Complex and tantalizing aromas of mint and cinnamon carry over to the palate, where bright plum, red cherry and floral tones linger through the finish. The texture is very smooth since the tannins and acidity are mild and well integrated.
Complex and well balanced, this elegant dry, barrel-fermented sparkling wine has light white-cherry aromas, crisp fruit flavors with a touch of buttery richness, and a tangy, citrus finish. Quite dry and classic in style, it will get more interesting with age; it will be best to drink after 2019.
Complex and well balanced, this is a great example of a wine made for meal time. Aromas of wood smoke, raspberry, cherry and plum lead to light savory, beefy, spicy notes in the flavors. The body is full, the texture broad and soothing, and the finish lingers warmly.
Complex and well balanced, this wine shows enticing aromas of fruits, spices and subtle herbs followed by tangy, dry, and slightly lean flavors like cranberry and rhubarb. It will be great with a roast fowl of some kind and should mellow more with time. Best after 2018.
Complex aromas and flavors of blackberries, leather, roasted meat and coffee show plenty of class, and this wine appears to firm up in the glass, offering more structure than its initial suppleness and amplitude suggest. It may close up for a few years, so try it now, or hold and try it after 2012.
Complex aromas greet the nose on this top-level offering from a veteran producer, with dark strawberry and black plum treated to a eucalyptus and sagebrush twist. The palate mixes fruit with spice as well, showing raspberry-blackberry juice cut with clove, allspice, nutmeg and Mediterranean herbs.
Complex aromas have become a Luisa Ponzi hallmark; this one a potpourri of violets, cherry tobacco, clove and cedar, leading into a light, tart palate bursting with wild strawberries. The alcohol rests at 13.5%, but the wine is fully ripe, just not over the top. Graceful, perfectly executed winemaking, in a difficult vintage.
Complex aromas like cedar, pipe tobacco and pencil lead light up this inky dark wine as concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors kick in. It's extremely full bodied and the texture is plush, almost thick, coating the mouth with fruit and fine tannins that linger nicely on the finish.
Complex aromas of cassis, dough, espresso, bacon, and cola create instant interest. It seduces with its rich dark fruit and earth flavors, and a concentrated, suave mouthfeel. Big flavors and tannins don't quit on the long, even finish. Profoundly enjoyable, seamless and shows impeccable balance. Keep for five to seven years; it will last a long time.
Complex aromas of coffee, black pepper and wild herbs like rosemary and thyme get this five-grape blend off to a fine start. A flush, lush yet balanced palate continues the momentum, while excellent flavors of ripe blackberry, meaty plum and savory spices finish with interesting notes of salty leather and licorice. Drink through 2020.
Complex aromas of cola, spice, patchouli and earthy berry fruits are highly appealing. This feels totally complete and elastic, with earthy, savory berry flavors matched by briary spice notes and a hint of coffee. A composed finish is lusty but neither hot nor burning. Drink this nicely made modern Syrah through 2023.
Complex aromas of honeysuckle, whipped butter, poached pear, baked white peach, sea salt and crushed rocks find their way into this rich, layered and yet zesty wine by Brian Loring. Ripe Gala apples meet with sea salt and slate on the palate that shows a lot of ocean influence. A slow sizzle of acidity presents more flavors of toast, vanilla and clove.
Complex aromas of leather, tobacco and cedar lead to similar earthy tones on the palate, with a savory, meaty character. Medium in body, it offers a nicely tannic texture and a lingering leather-scented finish.
Complex aromas of olive, dried leaves, kirsch and cassis set up a spunky, acid-rich palate that's integrated and well balanced. Flavors of vanilla, herbs, tobacco and earthy plum and raspberry finish with elegance and thoroughness. This intense, pure gran reserva will age well for another 15 years, maybe longer.
Complex aromas open into detailed black fruits, with broad streaks of coffee and accents of iron. The fruit fades into some fairly thick tannins, suggesting that a juicy steak would be the right companion for this sturdy wine.
Complex aromatics link notes of pine needle, chocolate cherry bark and pepper. In the mouth it's smooth and supple, graceful and polished. It finishes slightly chalky and citrusy. Drink up by 2020.
Complex blackberry, black plum, white pepper, wet slate and sagebrush aromas lead into a palate of dried berry, gravel and tar flavors. Its bountiful fruit character is offset by a background of dried oregano and thyme notes.
Complex earthy spicy savory flavors make this Grenache-based wine a great escape from simply fruity bottles. It's fragrant with smoke and black pepper in the aroma, filled with ripe plum, toffee and cardamom on the palate and has a full mouthfilling texture.
Complex floral and citric aromas lead this sophisticated white blend. Flavors of fresh tropical fruit, lemon and sea salt are balanced and appealing. A great everyday pour.
Complex from start to finish, beginning with aromas of smoke, kumquats and grilled pears and ending cleanly, with tart pineapple notes. The texture is a compelling mix of gravel and custard, yet the wine never seems heavy.
Complex fruit flavors that are focused and intricate bring a lot of life to this medium-bodied, lively and intriguing wine. There are touches of ripe apple, honey, mango and an underlying light layer of vanilla and cream, all supported by fresh acidity and a smooth but slightly tangy texture.
Complex fruit, herb and subtle oak aromas lead to an appetizingly dry feel and mellow, woodsy, autumnal flavors. It's medium bodied, smooth-textured and just savory enough to complement the tasty fruit flavors.
Complex in Middle Eastern and baking spices, Occasio's Petite Sirah is meant to be a tribute to the Livermore Valley's early days of viticultural promise and it delivers in a modern way. With a juicy mouthfeel of red and black fruit, it retains vibrant acidity and finishes long.
Complex layers of slate, chalk and peach open this light-weight Riesling. Though slightly watery, the palate delivers delicious lemon and citrus notes and finishes quite crisp. Serve with sushi or tuna tartare.
Complex mixed stone fruits dappled with sweet cinnamon spice lead into a fairly lush midpalate. The dominant flavor is fresh cut pear, and the creamy texture spreads the flavors broadly through the mouth. A lovely wine to match with halibut or swordfish.
Complex notes of bee pollen, saffron and caramel lend nuance to zesty apple and citrus peel aromas on this dry-style Riesling. It's a richly concentrated yet invigoratingly crisp wine marked by sun-kissed tangerine and lime flavors. The finish lingers long, accentuated by layers of crushed chalk and slate.
Complex on the nose, with leather, dried flowers, tobacco, licorice, coconut and cassis aromas. It's solid as a rock on the palate, with herbal, spicy flavors of mature berry fruits and raisin. Spicy and a touch hot on the finish. Drink now through 2015.
Complex tannins confound the palate at first, but mellow on the back side, inviting gregarious amounts of leather, black pepper and blackberry, a waft of cigar smoke in the mix, too. Fuller-bodied in style, the wine will benefit from time; cellar through 2020.
Complex tannins lend this wine weight and structure. It has a good sense of freshness, and its black currant flavor underscores the dark, dry core.
Complex wine that has both great fruitiness and great structure. It's very ripe, dense and textured, a wine with weight and a feeling of warmth. Brûlés means burnt because the vineyard has great exposure to the sun and that gives a powerful and concentrated wine. Age for 5–6 years.
Complex, albeit within a limited and rather dark spectrum that runs from cola and earth through to black olive and espresso. Full bodied, but seems to lack just a bit of midpalate texture, finishing crisp. Drink now–2018.
Complex, classy winemaking is evident from the first sniff to the final sip. Savory notes of green tea and clean earth complement a terroir-driven wine. The notes and nuances pile on—flowers and fruits, cherry and cassis, with a whiff of barnyard and undergrowth. The lingering, expressive finish is already boggling, and seems sure to continue to evolve gracefully through 2025–2030.
Complex, dense and structured, this has dark plum fruit and solid, integrated tannins. It has weight and richness, finishing with crisp red-berry acidity.
Complex, flavorful but not too big, this layered wine has aromas like cedar and tobacco, and flavors like black cherry and mint. It offers a medium-full body and velvety texture.
Complex, integrated and soft, this wine from fellow winemaker Mike Officer's historic site is lightly spiced in cinnamon and pepper. Dollops of vanilla and blackberry make themselves felt on the palate amid the zest.
Complex, integrated and solid up front, with berry aromas, vanilla notes and toasty oak. Feels full, thick, staunch and balanced, with deep berry and cherry flavors leading to a toasty, peppery finish with leftover berry flavors. Well formed and well oaked, with excellent fruit quality. Drink now through 2014.
Complex, integrated aromas of cola, herbal berry fruits, earth and oak are smooth and inviting. This blend of 50% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère feels saturated, dense and right on. Exotic, oaky flavors of charred wood, coffee and chocolate are draped over berry and cassis fruit, while this is woody as well as long and graceful on the finish. Drink through 2021.
Complex, mineral wine, crisp but also very, very textured. Flavors of peach and red apples work with pink grapefruit to give the fruit character, while there is also a more serious complexity of green herbs. The finish is soft, still mineral. Screwcap.
Complex, rich and weighty, this is a Chardonnay that avoids overt fruitiness in favor of scents of truffle, tobacco and earth, then folds in flavors of honey and spice. Drink now.
Complex, rich flavors of mulberry, cola, leather, pepper and sandalwood mark this dry, tannic Syrah. The texture is aggressive, with jagged tannins. Ready to drink.
Complex, ripe and fruity, this is an impressive wine with an impressive future. Its structure is still dominant, although the ripe damson and blueberry fruits are rich and concentrated. With strong wood aging flavors, it's powerful and still needs to age. Drink from 2017.
Complexing notes of botrytis are interspersed with an unusual pine aroma. The palate is bit simple but gives way to a very long finish with focused flavors of petrol and lemon.
Complexities of cedar, vanilla and dark toast integrate elegantly into this rich intensely blackberried wine. It's still vibrantly fruity, yet showing developing nuances of earth and mineral as well. Briskly composed and fringed in supple tannins, it finishes on lingering tones of bramble and spice.
Complexities of slate and wax meld into notes of tangerine and apricot on the nose of this buoyantly sunny wine. It's dry in style, but plush white peach and honeycomb notes give it a silken richness not necessarily typical of Mosel Riesling. Firm strikes of lime and lemon tighten up the midpalate and extend through a long, steely finish.
Complexity abounds on this spicy cedar-toned Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe red-plum and cherry flavors are juicy and plush yet balanced briskly by sharp edges of acidity and graphite. It's intensely earthy, studded with notes of bramble and autumn leaf. Fine feathery tannins lead a long lingering finish.
Complexity and longevity are the name of the game here. This shows a restrained nose of melon, smoke, nuts and a little buttery oak. The palate is really where it's at, weaving those same flavors seamlessly together. With a chalky texture and a good lick of acidity, everything is in balance here, setting this wine up for plenty of years of life. Drink now–2025.
Complexity and varietal character come through in this concentrated, well-balanced and smoothly polished wine. It is full bodied and lightly tannic, but so oozing with flavors that it's still easy to sip. The array of black plum, light sage, and black olive flavors is accented with very light oak.
Complexity in terms of both fruit flavors and oak-induced spices make this wine fun to taste. It has light baking-spice aromas, ripe fruit flavors like black cherry, and a lightly tannic texture.
Complexity on the nose comes via earthy aromas of licorice root, sandalwood and mild berry fruits. The palate is on the big and bullish side, but it's neither heavy nor fierce. Flavors of ripe blackberry, pepper and chocolate finish with a touch of herbs and mint. Drink through 2017.
Complicated scents of bacon, wet leather, organ meats and damp dirt open this funky wine from Santa Barbara County pioneer Richard Longoria. On the palate, the forest floor and gaminess persist alongside heavy herbal notes, a unique muskiness and smooth but present tannins.
Complicated, at times confusingly dank aromas of mushrooms, hops, dill and other wet herbs emerge from this bottling. Those atypical varietal characters find their way onto the palate as well, with olive and stewed mushrooms leading the way.
Components of salty toffee and honey provide a luxurious texture to this otherwise floral, nicely balanced wine, a subtle cradling of oak never in the way of its tense minerality. Green apple and Meyer lemon make appearances along the way.
Composed and dry Merlot made somewhat in an Old World style. Cola, tobacco and basic berry fruit aromas come in front of a juicy, high-acid palate. Tastes spicy and toasty, with plum and red berry flavors. Fresh and clean; best with food.
Composed and elegant on the nose, this classic Priorat blend of Grenache and Carignan opens with minerally berry aromas and a touch of fine oak. The palate is tight, intense and well etched, with dark, toasty flavors of schisty black fruits. Licorice flavors and herbal notes guide the finish on this excellent Spanish red. Drink through 2019.
Composed and not the least bit pushy or punishing on the bouquet, this has gorgeous berry and spice aromas. It feels a bit racy and high in acidity, but that will only serve the wine well in the long run. Plum and boysenberry flavors lead to a racy, high-acid finish. Drink now–2020.
Composed and structured, with its fair share of richness manifested as raisin and molasses. Interestingly, the palate rings with acidity, resulting in a feel that's borderline sharp. But there's enough fruit and heft to balance things out, and the flavors of cherry, blackberry and cola are nice. A good example of elevated Carmenère (with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Composed berry aromas meet expectations for Tinto Fino from Ribera del Duero. A stout, tannic palate is firm but not too hard or impermeable. Flavors of blackberry and cherry come with dry, woody accents, while peppery blackness rises up on a drawing finish.
Composed berry, spice, herb and oak aromas are complete and inviting. In the mouth, this is ripe and dense, with chewy tannins. Blackberry, mixed herb and dark chocolate flavors are integrated, while this settles nicely on the finish.
Composed cherry, cassis, tobacco and oak aromas are elegant and on the spot. This is alert on the palate, with bold acidity and moderate tannins. Lightly herbal plum and cherry aromas are earthy and leafy but not green. A rugged-feeling herbal finish suggests Cabernet Franc, but this is 100% Cab Sauvignon.
Composed mainly of Sémillon, with some Sauvignon Blanc blended in, this is a nice wine for drinking now. It's full-bodied and tastes dryish to semi-sweet, with apricot, peach and citrus fruit flavors.
Composed of 100% Dijon clone Chardonnay, this was fermented in small stainless- steel barrels; it's tight, sharp and crisply defined. The wine is lifted with lots of tasty spices, and the fruit is clean and tastes of apple, pear and white peach. It doesn't try to be more than it is; the fruit is front and center.
Composed of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, this fruit-forward rosé offers powerful notes of ripe red berries framed with a candied orange peel and watermelon sweetness. Fleshy on the palate with a full texture and body.
Composed of 40% Viognier, 39% Chenin Blanc and 21% Grenache Blanc, there's an attractive round richness to this wine. A toasty character spices up the fresh pear, melon and orange rind flavors, with a nutty accent lingering on the finish.
Composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, here's a tasty and attractively priced rosé with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh white strawberry, ripe plum and a touch of mango-infused tropical acidity. The palate is like a strawberry creamsicle, with a balanced richness that fosters the impression of decadence. A full and lush but still vibrant rosé.
Composed of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this offers aromas of blackberry, espresso, toast and a whiff of exotic spice. The palate offers black cherry extract, coconut, vanilla, toasted oak and licorice accompanied by fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2017.
Composed of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot and Montepulciano, this offers pretty tones of spice and wild berry, with background tones of tobacco and worn leather.
Composed on the nose, this has a berry aroma and a controlled herbal-olive scent. It feels solid and round, with berry and herb flavors. The finish shows a hint of oak and chocolate.
Composed primarily of Lemberger, this wine is fruit forward, with notes of blue and black berries along with generous cranberry and spice accents. The flavors are light and cranberry tart, tapering toward the finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker, with a focus on purity.
Composed, complex and complete, this mellow wine is very comfortable in its skin. Touches of oak, tobacco, dried plum and cardamom fill the aroma, and ripe but not overripe black cherry, tamarind and cola flavors flood the palate, supported by fine-grained tannins and medium-full body.
Composed, cool aromas of marzipan, vanilla, boysenberry and cassis are touched up by controlled oak. This feels cushioned but with pop and tannic grab. Dark peppery herbal black-fruit flavors come with a chocolaty component, while this tastes of herbs and chocolate cake on a bold oaky finish. Drink through 2022.
Composed, lightly woody aromas of berry fruits, spice and herbs are harmonious and earthy. This spunky Cabernet reflects a cool vintage via pepper, tomato, herb and berry flavors. A layered yet snappy finish shows good length and complexity.
Composed, mossy aromas of fern, black fruits and cedar are more subtle than the palate, which is intense and a bit grating. Dark flavors of chocolate, wild berry and mocha finish with depth, integrated tannins and chocolaty richness. Drink this blend of three vineyards through 2021.
Composed, well-oaked, earthy aromas of blackberry get this Bonarda going in the right direction. This is snappy and high in acid, but that ensures freshness and liveliness. Pointy cherry and raspberry flavors finish crisp and tangy.
Composer Joseph Haydn was the court composer for the Esterházy family which still owns this winery. This strongly wood-aged wine has its own elegance and style with fruit coming through strongly from under the darker exterior. Give this finely structured wine time and drink from 2017.
Compost and pencil shaving scents meet reductive mushroom-like notes on the nose of this grippy, full-bodied wine that includes small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Bittersweet chocolate rounds out the finish.
Compost and strong herbal aromas lead to a rubbery palate with stewed tomato and leathery flavors. A salty, rubbery tasting finish fails to bring this around.
Compost aromas and a clunky feeling palate get this off on the wrong foot. Flavors of burnt berry fruit and sweetness fail to impress. This shows hardly any snap on a cloying finish.
Compost aromas blend with thicker, richer raisiny notes. This feels deep and almost heavy on the palate, where the acidity is modest and stewed, with hints of herbal flavor. Black currant and blackberry come across fully ripe. Notes of coffee, herbs and salt dictate the finishing flavors on this huge Malbec.
Compost aromas open this vineyard-designated wine, a full-bodied, densely concentrated exploration of juicy black licorice, coconut and dust. Soft and lengthy, it develops slowly in the glass, providing a vibrant showcase for the site.
Compost, earth and spicy cardamom notes provide the savory intrigue of this full-bodied, expressive wine, with additional pine forest, pomegranate and orange peel flavors that add to its complexity and appeal. Sourced from several vineyards in the heart of the appellation, it represents the vintage and the location well.
Compost, rubber and stalky berry aromas come through the nose to the mouth. The palate is tight and tannic. The finish is narrow, hinting at stalky berry aromoas.
Compost, tomato leaf and gritty berry aromas control the nose on this underripe and tannic Rioja. Stalky flavors of tomato and berry fruits are definitively herbal, while the finish is toasty due to oak covering but also rough and stalky.
Compostable earth marks the entry of this clonal exploration—a robust, full-bodied and ripely warm wine.With mint, pine and black tea accents, it offers wild raspberry and rhubarb fruit, bringing a homemade pie to mind.
Compressed and concentrated in juicy black fruit, this vineyard-designate is soft and powerful. Most of all it reveals a powerful ripeness of blueberry jam, washed down with coffee.
Comprised 100% of this rare variety, this wine was given time to ferment and age in French oak, half of it new. Ashy red fruit meets a mild structure and considerable tannic grip; only a tiny amount was made.
Comprised of 41% Zinfandel, 32% Primitivo, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Grenache and 7% Carignane. Grenache and Carignane contribute juicy red fruit to the blend. Amidst it all are integrated tannins, a touch of toffee-chocolate and a big, ripe finish.
Comprised of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 2.5% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this Santa Clara Valley red is bursting with rich, big fruit, ending with a quick finish.
Comprised of 48% Zinfandel, 39% Syrah and 13% Petite Sirah, it's soft in resolved tannins and balanced between juicy black fruit and earthy spice. Set this one aside until 2017–2019 and the best characteristics should only get better.
Comprised of 50% Zinfandel, 30% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah. The Coro winemakers appear to have liked these three varieties together in 2010 and it works okay here. The Syrah imparts savory leather tones to the otherwise ripe, black fruit and softened tannins.
Comprised of 55% Zinfandel, 30% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah and 5% Grenache. Rich in juicy cinnamon and leather, this is a well-textured wine with structured acidity that's very drinkable. It finishes with an exuberant lengthening of blackberries and tar. The Petite Sirah stands out most and should give the wine the chance to develop further with age.
Comprised of 57% Zinfandel, 31% Syrah and 12% Petite Sirah. McFadden's Coro blend is the lightest of the 2010 bunch, floral in bright red fruit. Soft, still grippy tannins weave well into the midpalate and finish, signaling it as a match for roast chicken or barbecued pork ribs not too swaddled in sauce.
Comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine shows aromas of herbs, pencil lead, flowers and cherry, with light meaty notes. There's a elegance to the plum and cherry flavors along with a supple feel.
Comprised of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Rubin, and 5% Mavrud, it offers aromas of blackberry, cherry vanilla and cinnamon. In the mouth are generous flavors of black cherry, black plum and tart cranberry. Saddle leather and tobacco leaf linger in the persistent finish.
Comprised of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Syrah, this wine brings aromas of coffee, herbs and dark fruit. The fruit and barrel flavors are candy-bar sweet but still retain a sense of deftness.
Comprised of 63% Zinfandel, 32% Petite Sirah and 5% Pinotage. McNab Ridge is among the few Mendocino producers to make Pinotage, so it's fitting that the variety finds its way into Coro, one of the smaller offerings of the vintage at 65 cases. Expect grippy tannins, plenty of black fruit and healthy doses of coffee and leather around a soft, medium body.
Comprised of 65% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah, this is a round, juicy and bright blend made from organically grown grapes. Earthy and with a Good & Plenty-like aroma, it's focused and medium in body. The finish provides pepper and spice in equal measure.
Comprised of 66% Zinfandel, 20% Barbera and 14% Primitivo. Brutocao has gone in a different direction than most of its 2010 Coro counterparts. It mixes in Barbera, presumably for acidity and freshness, to the bigger boned personalities of Zin and Primitivo. In the end, the fruit and acidity are dulled by the toffee and oak and grippy, grizzled leather in this wine.
Comprised of 73% Grenache, 14% Mourvedre and 13% Syrah, Terre Rouge's L'Autre blend is a smooth rendition of lavender, tobacco and savory red plum—a touch of violet lurking within there too. Well intregrated and savory, with tightly woven tannins, this is a great example of how these grape three varieties can work together.
Comprised of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this is a juicy, savory and lengthy wine, with herbaceous elements of cedar, brush and peppercorn. A lush, full-bodied complement of baked plum and cherry ride out a lengthy finish.
Comprised of 85% Sangiovese and a balance of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this laid-back Chianti offers red-skinned berry and baking spice aromas. The palate is simple, with easygoing tannins and ripe red cherry and clove flavors. Enjoy soon.
Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this single-vineyard Bordeaux-style blend displays ripe, round, flavorful fruit, along with a leafy component. The barrel aging has added butterscotch and chocolate notes to the mix. The wine stops just a bit short, but further bottle age may help to lengthen the finish.
Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this bears aromas of clover honey, char, dark chocolate and a late-to-develop savory meat tone. On the palate, there's enough flesh to buffer its high amount of fine-grained, muscular tannins. A rose petal note unfurls across the midpalate, leading to a finish marked with enduring grip.
Comprised of equal parts sweet, toasty oak, brisk acidity and ripe tropical fruit and citrus flavors, this Chardonnay is successfully made in the popular style. It's creamy and rich, with a vanilla honey sweetness. Easily Ventana's best Chard ever.
Comprised of five Bordeaux grapes, this is buttery and round, with a fair streak of vanilla. It sports plump black-cherry and raspberry preserves, with polished tannins and highlights of fresh-cut tobacco.
Comprised of multiple clones from five different vineyards, this exceptional value includes a rich cohesive core of purple fruits, amplified with barrel flavors of toasted coconut and bright spice. Everything is beautifully focused across the full palate, and even after being open for a full 24 hours, the wine tastes fresh and delicious.
Comprised of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit; sweet, smoky new oak; and brisk, citrusy acidity; this dry Pinot Noir is fine and elegant. As for its ageability, all suggestions are to drink it over the next four years, before the fruit drops out.
Comprised of Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this offers aromas of plum, blackberry, roasted coffee bean and a whiff of toasted oak. The palate offers dried black cherry, prune, licorice and espresso alongside tightly knit tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
Comprised of traditional Port varieties, this is a very dry, high-acid wine of a certain charm. With its silky texture and cherry and rose petal flavors, you might mistake it for a countrified Grenache. It finishes in a swirl of cloves, cinnamon and other dusty spices.
Comprised of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, this is an exuberantly fruity wine. It has powerful, ripe flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, peaches, oak and vanilla. Like ambrosia in the glass, it's honeyed and opulent.
Comprised solely of the richer 667 clone, this bottling from the Talley family's iconic vineyard offers juicy blackberry, chipped slate, fennel frond and cola notes on the nose. Smashed black raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry are front-loaded on the palate, but then comes the underlying rush of thyme and anise.
Concannon's Reserve Petite swirls in plum, dark chocolate and coconut with densely layered tannins that are expertly contained. No puckering here.
Concentrate rose petals, crisp raspberries, and a rocky, black gravel—not quite as pungent as asphalt—pervades the nose on this wine from an extremely coastal, 13-acre vineyard planted in 1988. Flavors of freshly picked blackberry mesh with lots of fennel, licorice and anise-seed spice.
Concentrated and a bit reduced with aromas of chocolate sauce-drizzled raspberries, balsamic glaze and woody spice. Lush dark fruit abounds in the round mouth with medium dusty tannins providing a fine sandpaper texture. The flavors of all-fruit preserves and black plum transition to a kick of spice on the finish. Drink now.
Concentrated and bright, this blend of 63% Grenache and 37% Syrah has deep flavors of strawberry and licorice. Ready to age for several years, it has a mountain's worth of tannins, and yet it is incredibly light on its feet.
Concentrated and complex, this has structure and acidity, with a black cherry flavor. It's a ripe, powerful wine that could become more generous as it ages.
Concentrated and dark in color, this wine reveals itself slowly, sharing vibrant layers of raspberry and citrus around burly tannins. It's an all-in-all juicy wine that balances Napa exuberance against a sense of elegance.
Concentrated and delicious, this is made with organically grown Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino. It delivers ripe black cherry, blue flower, leather, white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla alongside firm, velvety tannins. It's already accessible so enjoy now–2016.
Concentrated and dense, this has aromas of spicy black plum, game and a whiff of clove. The massive, monolithic palate delivers prune, dried black cherry, coffee, licorice and hints of grilled herb alongside velvety tannins. Searing alcohol dominates the finish.
Concentrated and dense, very structured, swathed in sweet ripe plums, dark chocolate, spice and balancing acidity. This is complex, dark, while remaining stylish. For aging over 5–6 years.
Concentrated and dense, with bold red fruit, deep spice notes and overtones of tobacco, bresaola, leather and cigar box. It's a bold, masculine wine but restrained and elegant at the same time. Despite the bold bouquet, the mouthfeel is rather compact and firm. It leaves the palate refreshed.
Concentrated and dry, this shows good blackberry fruits to go along with the firm, dark tannins and ripe, juicy flavors. The fruit is rich, but not overtly sweet, more juiciness and acidity to go with the balancing spirit.
Concentrated and earthy up front, with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, graham cracker, leather and a whack of robust oak just for good measure. Feels big and chewy, with broad, oaky flavors of black fruit, herb, tea and exotic spice. Finishes heavy but gentle in feel. Drink now through 2014.
Concentrated and elusively complex in cherry, red currant and sandalwood flavors, with a hint of red tomato and bloody red meat that testifies to the cool vintage. It's a big, dense wine, but also quite tannic, and a little high in alcohol, giving it a full body. A bit ungainly now, but impressive nonetheless for sheer power. Give it six years in the cellar.
Concentrated and fruity, this enjoyable wine has savory aromas like sage and earth combining with bright and ripe blackberry and cherry flavors on a smooth but firmly tannic texture.
Concentrated and full, this has serious structure, dense, dry spiciness as well as rich lychee and mango fruit flavors. The minerality brings out the chalk soil of the Zinnkoepflé vineyard, the highest in Alsace. It's a wine for aging, so don't drink before 2018.
Concentrated and generous in sweet red fruit, this is a gangbuster Oakville Merlot for the price. Balanced in fruit, herb and dry tannin, it's a lovable quaff from a well-known vineyard.
Concentrated and intense, but typical of Bonarda this is a fierce wine with a rock-hard mouthfeel and slightly tart, limited raspberry flavors. Not exactly sour but it makes your mouth seize up and take notice.
Concentrated and intense, this wine features a potent whack of oak on the nose, with dark fruit and mocha overtones. There are enough hints of bright, raspberry-tinged fruit to warrant optimism about its aging trajectory, but at the moment it is dark, heavy and slightly scorched. Try after 2017.
Concentrated and intense, this wine has a mix of sour lemon and potatoes going on aromatically. It is medium to full bodied, rather than crisp and light.
Concentrated and intense, this Zin shows ultraripe blackberry, cherry, black raspberry, milk chocolate, coffee, Asian spice, anise and smoky vanilla flavors that linger long into the finish. It's big and brash, suggesting grilled ribs slathered with sweet barbecue sauce.
Concentrated and jammy smelling, with a note of iodine to go with racy black fruit aromas. Dense as night in the mouth, with gamey, roasted berry flavors. Turns minty on the finish, with a hint of herbal green. Fruity and nice but lacks that final gear.
Concentrated and lively, this showcases luscious black cherry fruit that's perfectly framed with zippy acidity and ripe tannins. It's a full-bodied, New World style, but with a complex, layered finish that says Oregon rather than California.
Concentrated and luscious, this has notes of dried apricot and fig, with a dense texture reminiscent of honey and orange marmalade. It has a strong mineral structure that melds with the ripe generosity. Savor this intense wine alone at the end of a meal or with blue cheese.
Concentrated and lush, livelier and better than the producer's 2007 which still needs time to develop, this reserve-level Cab with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmènere and Cabernet Franc is ready to drink now, its cassis and cranberry fruit showing well.
Concentrated and powerful, this is a rich and intense black-fruited wine. Notes of spice, herb and dark chocolate mingle with the flavor of black plum juice and firm, dry tannins. The result is a wine that needs several more years to age.
Concentrated and powerful, this wine comes from one of the grandest estates in the Douro, now owned by the Symington family. Full of rich fruit along with layers of firm tannins, it is solid, dark and will age well, giving an impressive wine from 2020.
Concentrated and powerful, this wine is rich and full in the mouth, with wonderful ripe fruits over the great tannins. It is solid, dark and dense, full of smoky flavors and a rich strawberry flavor. Drink from 2022.
Concentrated and powerfully structured now, this will benefit from some time to integrate and harmonize. Currently, all of the elements are assertively upfront, with strong oaky sensations, dense and ripe black-fruit notes and firm tannins all vying for your attention. Hints of leather, bramble, licorice root and roasted cocoa nib hang in the background, waiting for their moment to shine. Try after 2016, and through 2020.
Concentrated and powerfully structured, this features aromas of plum cake, blueberry, vanilla and baking spices. The palate delivers prune, raisin, crushed blackberry and white pepper but the searing alcohol sensations throw it off balance and give it a one-dimensional quality.
Concentrated and rich in flavor and creamy in texture, this wine has a big profile without seeming overtly fruity or oaky. The mouthfeel is lush, broad and quietly powerful, while subtle pear and marzipan flavors coat the palate and linger on the finish. It makes a grand impression and is “meaty” enough to serve with poultry or even beef. Winemaker Tracy Hart used no oak or stainless steel, fermenting and aging the wine in food-grade polyethylene FlexTanks.
Concentrated and rich up front, this has black fruit aromas of prune, blackberry and cassis, with notes of beef and herb. It feels full bodied, filling all corners of the palate. Flavors of black cherry, plum and black currant are ripe, while jammy characteristics of fruit cake and prune work the mellow finish. A blend of 60% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet and 10% Merlot.
Concentrated and rich with strong kirsch and raspberry jam flavors that fill the medium-weight mouth. A touch of spice appears on the close, but otherwise this is a straightforward and easygoing quaff.
Concentrated and rich, this has fine tannins that are integrated into the big plum fruits. It's a black-fruited wine that has both the fruit and the structure to allow it to age well. Drink from 2020
Concentrated and rich, with some wood influence, this has ripe yellow fruits that are balanced with an intense streak of acidity, lending a sense of tension. It's very full, round and already a delight to drink.
Concentrated and ripe smelling, with prune, blackberry, coconut and other soft, dense aromas that succeed in drawing you in. Feels jammy and chubby, with meaty tannins and sweet flavors of prune, raisin, cassis and chocolate. Not overly complex; drink now through 2013.
Concentrated and ripe yet crisp and vibrant, this wine blends Clare Valley and Coonawarra Cabernets to good effect. Bay leaf, black cherry and dark chocolate notes abound, while the texture turns slightly grainy on the finish. Drink now–2025.
Concentrated and ripe, this offers sensations of forest floor, vanilla, sweet oak, espresso, chocolate and black cherry extract. You'll also feel the burn of evident alcohol on the warm midpalate. It's already forward and evolved so drink now.
Concentrated and silky, this has bright flavors of wild berry, bitter almond and balsam cola. The medium mouthfeel is backed by a fresh, menthol finish.
Concentrated and slightly dried red cherry meets with cola on the nose of this densely packed, heavy-bodied bottling. The palate shows very dried red fruit with a touch of nutmeg spice.
Concentrated and slightly earthy, this has more density and grip (as it should) than the C.M.S. red, but a similar profile (51% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Syrah.) Black cherry and plum fruits are wrapped in light smoke and mocha flavors. The fruit-driven coregently leads into soft, silky tannins that leave an impression of black olive at the end of a lingering finish.
Concentrated and slightly reserved at the same time, this deep-colored and full-bodied wine shows outstanding blackberry and blueberry flavors and a mouth-coating texture of fine-grained tannins. Still, it is not overripe, over oaked or over done, but is strong and beautifully balanced.
Concentrated and smoky, this wine has plenty of black cherry and black currant fruit. Its firm tannins promise that aging that will make it a richly endowed wine. Drink from 2020.
Concentrated and smoky, with shoe polish and other black aromas. It's ultratight in the mouth, collapsing on itself more than expanding. Flavors of earth and berry are loud. Rugged feeling on the finish.
Concentrated and solid, but not a wrecking ball. The nose offers tobacco and earthy aromas, while the palate is jammy and smooth, with sweet flavors of blackberry, fig and tobacco. Spicy enough and pretty long on the finish, with another wave of tobacco. Almost too ripe but not quite. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah, as is the 87-point 2006 vintage.
Concentrated and solid, this is packed with dense, dusty tannins as well as ripe black fruits. It is complex, balanced between tannins and fruit sliced by a shot of acidity. This is a wine for aging, don't drink before 2017.
Concentrated and spicy, this is full of generous tannins and delicious black plum fruits. Spice goes with the toasty wood-aging flavors that enhance the opulent texture of this delicious, ready-to-drink wine. The aftertaste, with its acidity, introduces some freshness.
Concentrated and strong on the bouquet, with grit, leather, heat and bold berry aromas. Choppy tannins give the palate a hard feel, while the flavor profile runs warm, baked and sweet, with plum and berry fruit thrown in. Good but a little hard and hot. Just 450 cases made.
Concentrated and structured, this layers wood and vanilla flavors with a taut, mineral character. With its richness and well-balanced citrus, tropical fruit flaavors, it will certainly age for at least four years. Screwcap.
Concentrated and structured, this wine also manages to be sleek and glossy but by no means weightless. It opens with aromas of blue flowers, cedar, black currant and herb while the dense palate doles out black currants, blackberries and licorice. Tightly packed but fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2017–2027.
Concentrated and structured, this wine needs to age. It has tight, steely acidity and a nervy, mineral texture. The apple fruits are still developing behind this intense front. It will be best from 2018.
Concentrated and sweet, with aromas of raisin and cassis that lead onto an intense, syrupy palate, with salty berry, brown sugar and fudge flavors. This is deep as a country well, with a ton of flavor. But truth be told, it's tannic as can be, with a crushing mouthfeel that makes food mandatory.
Concentrated and sweet, with medicinal aromas, a lot of color and burnt characteristics. The palate is big and acidic, with jumpy plum, berry and candied flavors. Short and stunted on the finish, and seemingly roasted. A step down from the previous vintage.
Concentrated and very firm in texture, this well-made wine has plenty of dark-fruit flavors. It offers fine-grained tannins in the texture and mouthfilling breadth.
Concentrated and very full in the mouth, the wine's acidity is tight, wrapped around lemon and grapefruit characters. Good depth of flavor in this intense wine.
Concentrated and wonderfully aromatic, this ages for 32 months in 75% new French oak, plus another 28 months in bottle prior to its release. Smooth as silk, it mixes berry, cherry and plum notes, with whiffs of smoke, green tea, and chocolate. Just past the stage of primary fruit flavors, it drinks beautifully, but can certainly be cellared for another decade at least.
Concentrated and woody smelling, this ripe Cabernet is cut from the modern mold, meaning it's weighty and fully oaked. As for mouthfeel, expect severe tannins but also cuddly depth. Flavors of roasted, earthy berry fruits and cassis finish with oaky flavors of cocoa and mocha as well as herbal notes. Drink this integrated Cab through 2021.
Concentrated apple and pear flavors are flecked with notes of honey and tangerine skin on this dry blend of traditional Tokaji and international grapes. There's a trace vein of green, vegetal notes, but it's refreshing and easy drinking.
Concentrated aromas form the forceful greeting on this oaky wine from Patagonia. In addition, graphite and shoe polish scents are prominent. In the mouth, things feel grabby and dense, while mint, herbal berry, plum and a lot of oak drive the flavor profile. A finish with licorice and a hint of green are the final act. Drink from 2014-2019.
Concentrated aromas of berry fruits, spice and black currant jelly suggest that the wine is full and rich. In the mouth, severe tannins create a grinding sensation, while flavors of toast, blackberry, cassis and brown sugar lead to a heavy, burnt tasting finish that's blocky in feel.
Concentrated aromas of black currant, lilac, wisteria and a hint of charcoal show on the nose of this very dark bottling, the first 100% Mourvèdre from this property. The tannins are very soft and massaging to the palate, physically coating the mouth through the sip and delivering flavors of grape Jolly Rancher and creme de cassis. The steadily rising acidity helps cut through it all.
Concentrated aromas of blackberry and iodine are moderately complex. A tight layered palate with juicy acidity propels toasty yet bright flavors of black cherry and plum towards a finish with juicy acidity and natural spicy flavors. Drink through 2021.
Concentrated aromas of blackberry come with leather and dried-cheese scents. The palate is full in depth and solid in feel, with flavors of creamy oak, medicinality and blackberry. Feels rich, grabby and tastes resiny on the finish, but there's enough solid black fruit to override the oak.
Concentrated aromas of blackberry marmalade, wood grain, pepper and turned earth are rich and smooth. This is a dense, chewy, maximum-ripeness Monastrell, with flavors of baked blackberry, baking spices and chocolate. Toast and additional chocolate flavors drive the finish. Drink through 2019.
Concentrated aromas of blackberry, cherry and mashed fig abound, while flavors of black plum skins dominate the palate and coat the mouth with a firm texture. Medium tannins linger on the finish alongside a hint of roasted cocoa nib.
Concentrated aromas of blackberry, licorice root and Graham cracker are lusty. This feels thick on its edges but somewhat sharp and tartaric in the middle. Flavors of molasses, raisin, cassis and blackberry are bolstered by sharp acidity, leaving a finish that hits fast then falls off. Drink through 2019.
Concentrated aromas of honey, golden raisin, date, jasmine and fig are lifted by a nutty walnut component that adds intrigue on the late harvest bottling. The viscous sip grabs hold of attention immediately, with buoyant and bright acidity holding up the honey and raisin flavors.
Concentrated aromas of licorice, mocha and generic black fruits are low on elegance. This is grabby and strong, with herbal plum and cassis flavors that finish chunkily and deep, with good texture. Expect a saucy, herbal aftertaste.
Concentrated aromas of lychee, rose petals and black tea leaves perfume this delicious golden yellow wine. The palate is dry, but with just a touch of pink grapefruit softness. Although full and rich in the mouth, balanced acidity and a spiced, grapefruit pith finish keeps the wine from getting flabby.
Concentrated aromas of mocha, toffee and burnt coffee bound from the glass, followed by flavors of sour red cherry and berry. Sound balance and soft, dusty tannins make this wine easily enjoyable and easy to drink.
Concentrated aromas of ocean brine, sweat and citrus fruits feed into a juicy, minerally palate. Green, tangy flavors of tangerine and canned beans end long, minerally and fresh, with lasting acidity.
Concentrated aromas of pineapple, banana and papaya meld harmoniously with notes of new oak. The palate is more oaky and nutty than fruity. It's round and creamy in feel and offers a long and toasty finish.
Concentrated aromas of plum and black currant come with a leathery, earthy accent. Dense, jammy and ripe in feel, this features blackberry, baked plum and chocolate flavors. A licorice note and controlled heat rise up on a powerful finish.
Concentrated aromas of pomegranate, cranberry and mulberry meet with broodingly spiced notes of cola, pencil shavings, dried mint and mossy earth on the nose of this bottling. Juniper, pine needle tea and redwood flavors show on the sip, giving depth to a clean line of dark-red fruit and woody, black-pepper-flecked spice.
Concentrated aromas of raisin, black currant, animal fur and charred wood announce a blocky, tannic palate. Grapy flavors of raisin, prune and minerals finish with peppery spice along with jammy black-fruit flavors. Drink this ripe Garnacha through 2019.
Concentrated aromas of raspberry, black cherry and blackberry set up a palate with moderately structured tannins. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and toast are nuanced. While this wine is dark and grapy on the finish, with a sense of smoothness. rounds it out.
Concentrated aromas of tarry berry fruits, herbs, eucalyptus, olive and briar patch are as Chilean as Pablo Neruda. This Cabernet-led blend is chewy, full and nicely textured. Spicy, mildly herbal flavors of blackberry, plum and cassis finish spicy, with integrated but noticeable oak. Drink this powerful wine through 2023.
Concentrated aromas of violets and rose buds meet with black raspberry on the nose of this bottling. Quite light in the glass, it's full of tart red-fruit flavors, from cranberry to red-plum skins, with herbal tones on the midpalate: oregano, marjoram and dried lavender. The finish is grippy and driven by menthol.
Concentrated aromas, generous fruit flavors and full body make this wine engaging and appealing. It has ripe fig and raspberry aromas, lush plum and berry flavors and a velvety texture that leads to to a long finish.
Concentrated berry and cassis aromas are lush yet spicy, and come with notes of olive and tobacco. The palate on this blend of Carmenère and Malbec is a touch narrow in feel, but it's not at all thin. Flavors of ripe cherry and cassis reflect a hot vintage, while a mellow finish of medicinal berry flavors confirms the wine's ripe character. Drink through 2018.
Concentrated berry and mossy aromas are inviting and introduce a fresh palate that rolls comfortably along. Black fruit, spice, herb and licorice flavors finish minty, spicy and long. This wine is from the Tupungato region, and it shows: It's balanced and herbal, but also loaded with fruit.
Concentrated berry and plum aromas are potent. In the mouth, this blend of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc is massive but also abrasive and narrowing due to fierce tannins. Giant raspberry and blackberry flavors include chocolate and coffee notes. It settles on the finish but remains scratchy out the back door. Drink through 2025.
Concentrated berry aromas are basic and hint at sugar beets. This feels jammy and a bit syrupy, while robust berry, beet and chocolate flavors finish a touch heavy and sticky. For the money, this is generous and plenty good.
Concentrated berry aromas meet with bubblegum and hibiscus on the simple and pleasant nose of this pink bottling from the winery's Los Alamos Ranch, which Louis Lucas planted decades ago. The palate shows tart pink grapefruit juice, but is rounded out by a soft texture.
Concentrated black-fruit aromas are charred and savory, with notes of grilled beef and black olive. A plush plump layered palate offers earthy saucy savory plum fruit, while the finish is round, wholesome and smooth. Drink through 2023.
Concentrated black-fruit aromas come with notes of rubber, tree bark and rooty berry fruits. A round mouthfeel with depth and density features blackberry, spice, mocha, coffee and chocolate flavors; herbal notes, olive flavors and a chewy texture characterize the finish. Drink through 2018.
Concentrated black and red berries show depth and meet tobacco, vanilla and sweet cake spice on the nose. The medium- to full-bodied palate brings cocoa-dusted dark bramble berries into the mix, with streaks of graphite adding levity. The tannins offer grip but are not completely overpowering, with tart red currant lightly lingering on the finish.
Concentrated black cherry notes on the nose and palate are accented by dark, mossy, bramble notes and hints of green and menthol. There's a faint tomato leaf note that lingers throughout, but a rich fruit profile combined with smooth tannins and bright acidity make this medium-bodied wine a pleasant, straightforward pick.
Concentrated black cherry, exotic incense, blue flower, vanilla and white pepper jump out of the glass after pouring this structured wine. The delicious palate is balanced by fresh acidity and silky tannins. Drink now through 2021.
Concentrated black currant jelly aromas lead on the powerful nose. The tannins are concentrated although the intensely perfumed character of the fruit is likely to be delicious. Acidity at the end balances this over-the-top wine.
Concentrated black fruit aromas are subtle and don't push real hard. It's jammy, deep and soft in the mouth, with sweet tannins and even sweeter core berry flavors and oak. Finishes smooth, with barrel influence and warmth. Very nice as always, but not as elevated and exact as prior vintages.
Concentrated black fruit flavors are pleasant but obscured by generous oak treatment and slightly confectionery flavors of cherry vanilla and mocha chocolate. Hints of tree bark and green, vinous flavors peep through cream and vanilla notes on the midpalate.
Concentrated black plum and violet notes mesh with potting soil, cola and a candied black-raspberry character on the nose of this bottling. The palate combines boysenberry with woody elderberry fruit as well as a warmer red cherry and red-plum core, edged by pine needles, juniper and tart pomegranate complexity.
Concentrated blackberries mix with lush and inviting purple flowers and baking-spice notes on the nose of this appellation blend. It's juicy on the palate with minty blackberry and licorice-laced olallieberry flavors, making for easy drinking.
Concentrated blackberry-balsamic sauce meets with sandalwood, light incense, char and dried pork on the nose of this bottling by Paul Clifton. The fruits are rounded on the palate, with baked black plum bolstered by black tea, crushed clove, black peppercorn, kola nut and exotic spices.
Concentrated blackberry and black currant aromas are ripe and come with a balsamic note. It feels juicy, full, lively and fresh, with oaky dark-plum flavors accented by rooty, herbal notes. Dry tannins mark the finish.
Concentrated blackberry and blueberry flavors are lifted by hints of fennel and smoke on the nose of this bottling. The first impression on the palate is thick cherry syrup, but a definitive structure and prominent acidity emerge to brighten the experience.
Concentrated blackberry and desert brush aromas are dense and intense. While this is very rich, it's not overbearing or out of whack. Blackberry flavors with savory spice and earth notes end toasty but not overly complex. Drink through 2019.
Concentrated blackberry and prune aromas are wrapped in a blanket of chocolaty oak. Side-to-side jamminess and beefy tannins make for a full-force mouthfeel, while minty blackberry flavors end plush but with focus. Herbal notes of rosemary, thyme and mint add complexity. Drink through 2024.
Concentrated blackberry, currant and vanilla flavors ride a boldly ripe, full-bodied palate that reflects the warmth and intensity of the vintage. Dusty tannin and softened oak allow the fruit to speak, accented by black licorice.
Concentrated blackberry, leather and loam aromas are big, bold and bullish. This is saturated and heavy in the mouth, with leather, roasted berry and meaty flavors. A round finish comes with just enough snappy acidity to keep it lively, although there is some choppiness and grit to it.
Concentrated boysenberry and blackberry flavors give this dry and full-bodied wine a lot to like. They melt in the mouth and seem to coat the tongue with a ripeness that's rich but not sweet. Throw in dark chocolate, black currant and a creamy in mouthfeel, and it's an outstanding wine.
Concentrated boysenberry notes meet with intense aromas of purple flowers, especially lavender, on the nose of this blend of 78% Syrah and 22% Mourvèdre. A zesty acidity and silky tannins present a wide range of flavors on the complex palate, from blackberry and pepper to tarragon, mint and anise.
Concentrated boysenberry, licorice and asphalt scents carry mild green accents of alfalfa and mint. This feels ripe and lush but not too heavy. Flavors of baked blackberry, licorice and loamy earth finish warm and cushioned, with notes of anise and pepper accompanied by some heat and burn. Drink through 2020.
Concentrated but crisp black-plum and cherry flavors are accented by savory hints of mushroom, toast and spice in this surprisingly elegant Chelois, a French-American hybrid variety. Slightly puckering acidity lends balance to a rich fleshy mouthfeel. Fine tannins frame a taut finish. Drink now through 2020.
Concentrated but fresh aromas of black cherries and blueberries mesh with hot black gravel and nose-tickling lilacs on this wine by the Fess Parker family. Dark chocolate, peppery spice, black cherry syrup and mocha flavors shine on the robust, rich and delicious palate.
Concentrated but one-dimensional, this features aromas of stewed fruit, fig, almond, nail polish and coconut, all of which follow through to the warm, monolithic palate. It's already extremely evolved, and lacks vibrancy and complexity.
Concentrated candied cherry, sugar beet, rhubarb, cinnamon and clove aromas make for a sweet-smelling nose in this bottling. The palate proves much drier, showing complex vanilla, cranberry, eucalyptus and juniper flavors.
Concentrated cassis and black plum aromas meet pepper, tar and pressed violet notes on the nose of this bottling. The well-structured palate is fresh and floral, with peppery spice, tart blackberry flavors and sticky tannins, but is very reserved at this stage of its life.
Concentrated cherry and plum aromas meet with iron, cinnamon and gingersnap on the nose of this single-vineyard wine. The flavors surpass the aromas in succulence—star anise, nutmeg and bay leaf seemingly wrapped in buttered pastry.
Concentrated cherry and strawberry flavors gain layers of complexity from lavish floral and brambly forest notes on this lovely Cab Franc. The palate is soft and a bit fleshy, but bright acidity adds balance and structure.
Concentrated chocolate and licorice flavors characterize this wine, which shows signs of extraction along with a burn from the alcohol. Its fruit is the high point, with a burst of ripe blackberry juice, plus a black-currant-like tautness. The superripe Merlot will need several years to soften.
Concentrated citrus fruit sings on nose and palate. The body reveals a stony, mineral texture of exquisitely clean dryness. There is the slightest edge of pleasant bitterness, just like in dried lemon peel. Linear, concentrated with lots of citric backbone. Drink 2016–2025.
Concentrated cola, dark cherry, tree bark and wet-gravel aromas make for a very focused and intense nose in this bottling. The palate is hearty and full of blackberry and black plum fruit, with more complex char and tar flavors. Quite layered and compelling.
Concentrated cool aromas of herbal plum and berry along with lemon peel announce this firmly tannic, medium-bodied Carignan. Toasty herbal blackberry flavors include a note of black olive, while this tastes spicy, savory and wild on the finish.
Concentrated cranberry and red currant aromas meet granite and dried herbs on the nose of this 100% Cabernet Franc. A round body of racy currant and blackberry meet a solid core of graphite, while finely-grained tannins give support. This is a well-balanced showing from winemaker Ben Parsons.
Concentrated dark berry aromas are powerful on the nose, showing a touch reduced but minerally. The palate on this young Ribera wine is pure and potent but not fierce. Ripe, loamy blackberry flavors finish muscular, with just enough elegance and grace to confirm the wine's overall quality.
Concentrated earthy, meaty and spicy aromas precede layered, dense flavors of espresso, cassis and cherries as this full-bodied, velvety wine coats the palate and clings to the sides of the mouth. It has extraordinary depth, showing lavish but appropriate oak accents and a delicious lingering finish.
Concentrated flavors and a richly tannic texture make this dry wine more sophisticated and interesting than many other red blends. It combines cranberry, black cherry and cinnamon notes for a mouthfilling and harmonious impression.
Concentrated fruit aromas, deep fruit flavors and a supportive, nicely astringent mouthfeel give this wine a great sense of structure and depth. It balances generosity with a bit of reserve in a traditional way that's very appealing. Best through 2020.
Concentrated fruit flavors, full body and a smooth, broad mouthfeel make this wine soothing and satisfying to drink. Made from vines growing on their own roots, the wine delivers a ripe berry and cherry character that floods the palate and lingers nicely on the finish.
Concentrated fruit, spice and black-tea flavors lend a sense of depth on the palate and make this full-bodied wine satisfying to sip. Made from the estate vineyard using only Clone 777 vines, it matches black cherry and tart cherry notes to a nicely gripping texture, with a lingering finish.
Concentrated fruits dominate this ripe, juicy wine. Firm tannins lend structural support to this generous, textured selection. Age it for another year.
Concentrated full-force aromas of mixed black fruits come with notes of cheesy oak and animal hide. This is not your usual 15% abv bruiser even though it's full-bodied and burly. The key is racy acidity and a 14.2% alcohol level, which allows toasty, chocolaty berry flavors to show a mild herbal element as well as choppy freshness on the finish. Drink through 2022.
Concentrated grapefruit zest and lemon peel with undertones of peppery herbs on a very concentrated, sleek palate. The pepperiness and zest reverberates for an immensely refreshing quaff. There is poise, concentration and a long, clean finish.
Concentrated grapefruit zestiness dominates the palate while the nose remains rather closed. This is streamlined, refreshing and firmly located in the green citrus spectrum of flavor—eminently refreshing with a clean, brisk finish.
Concentrated hibiscus and rose petals are cut by an iron minerality and anise character on the nose of this wine that Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton make for a Japanese partner. It's rich on the palate but still just medium weight, showing graphite, Asian spices, black peppercorns and lots of textural energy and acidic verve on the palate.
Concentrated in black currant and clove, this is a soft, silky wine, lengthy and substantial without ever becoming overbearing in terms of power or oak. Lovely anise accents the crisp fruit, providing a worthy example of the appellation and clean winemaking coming together in an elegant way.
Concentrated in black currant, cedar and olive, this has subdued tannins that are chalky and smooth. The aroma takes on pretty lavender and violet connotations that allure. Dried herb and black pepper mingle on the finish. This wine is lovely now, but should cellar nicely through 2020.
Concentrated in cassis and dry, firm tannins, this wine has richness and density flecked in dried herb and anise. Let it open before enjoying; it possesses an elegance on the abbreviated finish.
Concentrated in cherry, spiced plum, cola, milk chocolate and beef jerky notes, this wine is a blend of 61% Tempranillo, 23% Malbec, 14% Mourvèdre and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Soy, blueberry, black plum and black raspberry entertain the palate, where smoke and pepper round out the nuances.
Concentrated in pleasing pear and stone fruit, the toasty oak and oily richness of this wine detracts from the fruit. It comes into its own with some air, the texture showing more acidity and balance.
Concentrated in raspberry liqueur and balsamic tanginess, this is a juicy, soft and smooth wine, with plenty of structure and complexity. Blackberry coats the palate along with a savory tip of tobacco and black tea, components that linger on the finish.
Concentrated in rich reserves of tobacco and tar, the fruit in this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot is elusive at first. In the glass it develops into a nuanced expression of blackberry jam and dark chocolate, a sprinkling of cinnamon in there, too. Cellar through 2022.
Concentrated in toasted marshmallow and juicy blackberry, this is a large, full-bodied wine marked by puckering tannins that still need time to resolve. Powerfully built, it's big on flavor and intensity, with vanilla on the finish.
Concentrated jasmine aromas meet with touches of iodine, lemon curd, golden flowers and honey on the nose of this dessert wine. It's refreshingly light in body, but with a zesty lemon-skin acidity that cuts through the pear juice and Key-lime rind flavors. It's smooth and balanced.
Concentrated lavender and incense aromas make for a woody perfume on the nose of this appellation blend, giving lots of character to the core of cherry syrup. The palate shows the same levels of intense incense and purple flowers, which nearly overpowers the cranberry and pomegranate fruits.
Concentrated lilac and violet flowers paint a pretty picture to the beef char and creosote darkness on the nose of this bottling from a Los Olives vineyard. The palate blends boysenberry, blackberry, coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate, loaded atop a very firm structure.
Concentrated notes of pear peel and lemon zest make for an intense nose. The palate is juicy, light and fresh and majors on white-pear flesh with a bright touch of lemon that is dry and invigorating. The finish tingles with white pepper and lemon freshness.
Concentrated oak aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this medium-bodied, full-flavored and attractively priced wine. Lush plum and black-cherry notes vie for attention, but oaky accents like cedar, nutmeg and cinnamon stay in the forefront from the aroma through the soft texture to the finish.
Concentrated olallieberry and black plum meld with leather and lilac scents on the nose of this blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache and 17% Syrah. Round and ripe blueberry, black currant and kirsch-like fruits show on the palate, but floral aspects, grippy texture, peppery spice and vibrant acidity take it to the next level.
Concentrated on the nose, with oak aromas that are under control, this Garnacha is fresh and firm on the palate. Flavors of loamy berry and cassis are ripe almost to the point of being raisiny. A plump yet dry and spicy finish ends with oak-based resin and creaminess.
Concentrated on the nose, with wild berry and cassis aromas. Feels fresh and grippy due to firm tannins, with snappy red berry, plum and mild oak flavors. Not all that complex and showing little more than bright, pleasant fruit flavors and firmness.
Concentrated orange blossom, bubblegum and a touch of minerality show on the nose of this bottling, suggesting sweetness. The palate is dry, if a tad syrupy, revealing warm climate flavors like poached apple, pear and lemon curd, tasting a bit like cough syrup.
Concentrated pomegranate, squeezed cranberry and fresh hibiscus juice pop on the nose of this elegantly restrained bottling that also has lots of wet cement and stony character. Once sipped, the body and texture are both quite delicate, but the flavors are strong: straweberry, cranberry, wet slate, sour plum, bay leaf, eucalyptus and sour juniper.
Concentrated raspberry and cassis flavors, almost liqueurish in their intensity, open this pure and delicious wine. It combines the sweet appeal of the best California Pinots with the structure and steely underpinnings of Oregon fruit. Youthful and firm, its best years are surely ahead.
Concentrated red cherries, dried purple flowers, fresh rose petals and a wet gravel minerality show on the nose of this bottling by Billy Wathen and Dick Dore. It's light in body and fairly delicate on the sip, with Earl Grey tea, stewed cranberry and rose-hip flavors.
Concentrated red cherry, black tea leaf and a touch of minerality show on the nose of this blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. A line of concentrated blackberry powers the palate, which also offers woody mint and rose-petal flavors.
Concentrated red fruits are matched to lushly toasty barrel flavors. This ripe and forward wine is ready right now. Textural in the mouth, it piles on the nuances, with toasted coconut, vanilla tea and a touch of stem threading through the finish.
Concentrated rose petals, hibiscus and purple fruits meld with lava-rock aromas, all boosted by a touch of cola and smoke. Tart plum skins and Montgomery cherries play into the complex palate, which also shows turned earth and beef-jerky flavors.
Concentrated savory aromas of prune, blackberry, compost and tree bark are not uncommon for Colomé. This is a clampy tannic Malbec that pulls down hard on the palate. Salty savory plum and berry flavors are oaky and finish with tannic residue. Drink through 2022.
Concentrated scents of iodine, olive and herbal blackberry set up a loud palate supported by noticeable acidity. This tastes briny and a bit salty, with herbal black plum and blackberry flavors. A note of prune on the finish is offset by vivid acidity.
Concentrated sensations of apple, pear, lemon, mint and mineral are accented with rosemary, sage and intense smoky notes. It's structured but elegant with a great depth of flavors. This is already delicious but will develop more complexity. Drink now through 2020.
Concentrated strawberry and plum blossom aromas are boosted with iron and a touch of oak smoke on the nose of this bottling by winemaker Steve Martell. The palate shows ripe red currant, woody elderberry brush and a shred of asphalt.
Concentrated strawberry, black cherry, cinnamon-laced latte, licorice and mocha converge in an intriguing and beautiful nose from this legendary Zin winery. The structure is immediately apparent on the palate, framing smoked strawberry, oregano and dill flavors. It's full of plush, ripe fruit, but seemingly bone dry.
Concentrated strawberry, black licorice and earthy loam scents waft in elegant waves of aroma in this bottling. There is a compelling density to the palate, where black and red plum peel flavors meet with rhubarb, beetand spicy root beer touches.
Concentrated structure and flint combine with richness in this wine. It shows spice, dense acidity, freshness and very green, crisp fruit flavors. There is a real line of structure running through the fruit, an edge of lemon zest. Keep 4–5 years. Screwcap.
Concentrated swells of peach and honey sweeten this bright, sunny off-dry kabinett. While crisp, almost lacy, in mouthfeel, stark, lemony acidity drives a piercing finish. Drink now.
Concentrated tannins and rich black plum and currant flavors distinguish this serious, dense wine. It has structure and dry tannins resulting from both the old vine fruit and the barrel aging. This is a wine that deserves some good aging. Drink from 2020.
Concentrated tannins balance this juicy red-berry flavor wine. The wine is still very young, showing its tannins strongly. They will certainly integrate. Drink this potentially rich wine from 2022.
Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The dense texture means it needs to age until 2015.
Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The wine's dense texture means it needs to age through late 2014.
Concentrated tight-grained oaky aromas rest on top of deep smoky blackberry and cassis scents. This is solid as an ox and quite ripe across the palate. Flavors of blackberry, pepper, fine oak and herbs are integrated, while a toasty chocolaty lightly herbal finish tastes and feels right. Drink through 2022.
Concentrated to the hilt, with molten black fruit, coconut and mint aromas. The palate is driven, tannic, pure and features dynamite flavors of black fruit, bitter chocolate and spice cake. So beautiful and big, but also showing elegance and restraint. Drinkable now but will age well for another seven years or more.
Concentrated toast and golden apple notes carry onto the round, medium- to full-bodied palate, which comes with bright acids, a white peach flavor and a sense of flesh.
Concentrated violet aromas mix with dark blackberry and even blueberry fruit in this blend of 46% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 9% Petite Sirah, yet it remains quite fresh on the nose. The palate shows hibiscus, more aromatic blueberry elements and touches of cassis and vanilla.
Concentrated violets, cherry blossoms and cola aromas show on this wine by master sommelier Paolo Barbieri (who works in the cellar of friend Joey Tensley) that gets 5% Viognier added to the mix. Flavors are dense and broadly approachable, with blackberries, black cherries and purple flower elements.
Concentrated violets, cranberries and plum-pie aromas show on the nose of this wine by the Miller family, who own Bien Nacido Vineyard. The palate offers cola, tart cherries, cranberries and black-slate minerality.
Concentrated white fruits, layering melon, pear and red apples with the balancing acidity. For a Chablis, it is ripe and opulent, a delicious already approachable product of the warm year. It does have texture to age well.
Concentrated yellow peach and apricot are juxtaposed by bold streaks of lemon and lime acidity in this penetrating medium-sweet Riesling. Zesty and fresh, it finishes with a touch of crystalline minerality. Drink now through 2023.
Concentrated yet balanced, this age-worthy wine is juicy in blackberry and currant, with a chewiness to the palate that gives it strength and power. Tar, tobacco and pencil lead shift around on the palate, before the wine finishes clean and sinewy. Cellar through 2020.
Concentrated yet supple, this dark Pinot should be true to its name and evolve nicely for up to 10 years. Cedar, cola and vanilla notes frame black cherry fruit that slowly fades away on the finish.
Concentrated, bright and focused fruit flavors feel shaped by a moderate oak influence in this full-bodied and nicely structured wine. A good amount of tannin wraps the raspberry and blackberry flavors in a firm texture.
Concentrated, compact aromas of black fruits are generous but also monotonous and low on character. A big, bulky palate is round but offers enough acidic kick to keep everything above water. Baked, flat flavors of black fruits and roasted meat finish smooth but low on pulse. Drink through 2017.
Concentrated, dark-fruited wine, with a severe, mineral edge that cuts through the black currant fruits. It is a wine for aging, potentially rich although always with a dry core of tannins. Keep for 3–4 years.
Concentrated, dark and distinct, the bouquet expresses notes of cumin and flower. It's round, grabby and a bit gummy feeling, with oaky, dark flavors of blackberry, resin and spices. The finish tastes mildly woody, with espresso accents.
Concentrated, delicious fruit flavors and subtle spiciness make a great combination in this harmonious and full-bodied wine. There is no obvious oak character, but it tastes like a gently barrel-fermented wine that developed hints of cream, nutmeg and honey along with a river of ripe pear and peach.
Concentrated, dense and powerful, this has all the structure of a Chambertin. As a contrast, the juicy acidity cuts through the texture, luring out black fruits that balance the solid core of tannins. It needs to age for at least seven years.
Concentrated, firm, touched by caramel, this wine starts out intensely fruity. Then texture, mineral and fruit skins come in to play. The wine is impressively complete, its acidity ratcheted up a notch by the fine floral, green and white fruit flavors.
Concentrated, grapy aromas announce a young, fruity and cleanly made wine. In the mouth, this offers a lot of pulp and weight. Flavors of blackberry and plum are well presented and come with notes of toast and chocolate. A simple but long finish fits the bill.
Concentrated, inky and charred on the nose, this is a ripe and heady Rioja with strong barrel influences. Blackberry, cassis and roasted black-plum flavors are appropriate given the wine's hefty build. Finishing flavors of coffee, bitter chocolate and baking spices are long and thorough. Drink this powerful Tempranillo-led blend through 2030.
Concentrated, intense aromas of graphite, blackberry, spice and earth notes set up a rich palate that's registering at max ripeness. Gigantic blackberry, baked black plum and toasted flavors finish dark and lush. This blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Syrah is a big-wine lover's dream come true. Drink through 2023.
Concentrated, jammy fruit flavors meet full body and sturdy tannins in this well-made wine. It has a large presence due to alcoholic strength and the ripe spectrum of its fruit flavors, which includes raisin, black cherry and dried fig. Yet, tannins and acidity provide a firm texture that keeps it feeling balanced.
Concentrated, muscular aromas of leathery blackberry set up a full, grinding, powerful palate with dark, earthy flavors of toast, blackberry and black plum. A peppery, spicy finish simmers with mild heat and burn.
Concentrated, perfumed with aromatic violets and red berries. The wine has a rich character, showing berry fruits and light tannins that offer a rounded style.
Concentrated, potent aromas of earthy blackberry and cassis bring notes of briar patch, prune and exotic spices. The palate is full and oaky but fresh, with flavors of berry, cassis, herb and wood grain. A heavy finish with overt oak and related spice is modern in style. Drink through 2017.
Concentrated, ripe and full with aromas and flavors of raspberry, kirsch, mocha and soft pepper. Round in the mouth with a solid, lingering finish loaded with spice. Drink now.
Concentrated, ripe and pure on the nose, this is toasty smelling and intense, with notes of charcoal, cassis and blackberry. A grabby, extracted but balanced and impressive palate holds flavors of coffee, toasty oak, bitter chocolate and wild berries. The finish tastes savory and fully oaked, but not overdone. Hold a few years, then drink through 2026.
Concentrated, ripe aromas of blackberry and cassis come with an undertone of raisin. This is tannic and lively on the palate, with juicy acidity. Flavors of dark fruits are satisfying but short on depth and complexity, while the finish is compact and tannic, with dark-fruit flavors. Drink through 2016.
Concentrated, ripe blackberry and cassis aromas come with peppery spice and cedary oak notes. This is big and generous on the palate, with roasted, well-oaked blackberry flavors. A touch of heat lends sizzle to the finish. Drink through 2020.
Concentrated, silky smooth and subtly complex, this is almost like a dessert wine, yet technically dry. Aromas of pear tart and toasted walnut grab the attention, followed by deep, layered flavors reminiscent of lemon, cream and frangipane. The texture is seductively smooth and the finish lasts for at least 30 seconds. This wine provides a great example of posh indulgence.
Concentrated, smoky aromas of dark fruits, graphite and toast are direct and potent. A grabby mouthfeel is defined by elastic, staunch tannins. Blackberry, cassis and a hint of lemony oak create a fine flavor profile, while the finish is loamy and tastes of licorice and peppery spices. Drink through 2018.
Concentrated, thick and dark in appearance, this lush Chianti Classico shows a dark ruby color and flavors of black cherry, cassis and cola. It feels a warm in the mouth, with a powerful finish.
Concentrated, well structured and not too full bodied, this is an almost architectural wine in how it fills out the palate and clings to the taste buds. It has an appetizing texture due to fine-grained tannins, a sense of ripeness without overripeness, plus deep and layered fruit, coffee and black-pepper nuances.
Concentrated, with a strongly tannic element that is balanced by ripe fruits. It makes for a well-structured, impressive wine that also has a fruity element. Age for 4–5 years.
Concentrated, with dark tannins to go with the ripe fruit. There is a tough edge to the wine, although it is more accessible than some Nuits-Saint-Georges at this stage.
Concentrated, with white fruits, a strong streak of herbaceousness, green apples and a rich texture. The wine shows intensity as well as youth. It really needs another year before drinking.
Concentrated, woody as well as smoky, this is relatively easy Vin Jaune to understand. The toast dominates and gives an attractive smokiness. At the end, the wine has acidity that keeps the freshness.
Concha y Toro's Argentinean branch makes this heavyweight wine, which goes heavy on the oak, toast and horseradish. It's opaque in color, with monster tannins backing plum and blackberry fruit. Finishes hot, peppery and short, but with a lot of texture.
Concha y Toro is making a big, burly Merlot for this line and it should have mass appeal given how rich, extracted and oaky it is. The nose is dense as chocolate cake and deep as a well. The mouth is chewy and thick, with chocolate-covered berries and another whack of wood.
Concha y Toro is making an effort to upgrade its entire lineup. This offering boasts copious weedy, chocolaty, black-currant aromas, followed by a soft, lush mouthfeel. It could use a bit more backbone, but this is a generously fruity wine ideal for early consumption.
Concise and basic on the nose, with aromas of melon and minerals, this crisp, stony wine is pleasant and clean, with malic acidity. Lime, green apple and tangerine flavors finish dry and pithy, with cleansing acidity.
Concord grapes are unmistakable for their sweet, high-toned Welch's grape jelly aromas and flavors. The Bella Rosa stays true to this bright, juicy, easy-drinking style. It's not a complex wine but delightfully quaffable.
Condensed and dark on the bouquet, with initial hard, cheesy aromas giving way to herbal berry scents that suggest thyme and rosemary. The palate is soft and chubby, with just enough structure to make the earthy, ripe berry flavors taste better than simply big and bulky. Finishes with a light espresso bitterness. Drink now through 2012.
Condensed aromas of blackberry, black plum, licorice and marzipan cover both the dark and sweet sides of what full-force Malbec can offer. This feels wide, grabby and spongy, while rich blackberry flavors fold in herbal offsets and sweet prune notes. This feels a bit tartaric and gappy on the finish, but overall it's an excellent Malbec to drink through 2021.
Condensed aromas of jammy berry fruits and earth notes precede a cushioned but fiery palate. Raisin, berry syrup and oak define the wine's driving flavors, while a muscular, hot, acid-driven finish closes things out. This is 50% each of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2014 on.
Condensed blackberries, cassis and a kirsch-like heat hit the nose on this blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. More blackberry fruits meet with smoked beef and concentrated violets on the palate.
Condensed blackberry aromas meet with fresh elderberry and frozen strawberry on the diversely fruit-forward nose of this bottling of the notoriously dark grape. The flavors are also black fruit-driven, but with touches of coffee and leather to deliver depth.
Condensed dark cherry and plum meet some savory elements on the nose. Silky on entry, with prickling acidity, the medium-bodied palate boasts juicy black-fruit flavors and red-currant acidity. There's enough tannic structure and fruit here to pair alongside hearty grilled fare.
Condensed up front, with aromas of berry compote and molasses. So why is this so tangy and tart in the mouth? Maybe the grapes weren't as ripe as they seem from the nose, and in the end it fails the all-important balance/wholesomeness test.
Condensed violets and rose petals greet the nose on this wine from an appellation just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Other aromas suggest grape candy, blackberry jam, anise and a touch of bacon fat. It's lively on the medium-bodied palate, with olallieberries, black pepper and crushed dill, proving very flavorful.
Confected and slightly artificial, there's a thick aroma of canned pineapple syrup and rose petals on the nose, which feels a bit off balance from the much less-intense palate. Bright canned fruit lingers on the finish.
Confected and soapy with exuberant baby powder and floral tones, this dry, medium-bodied Bulgarian Muskat Ottonel is an uneven, craggy wine with shriekingly high acidity.
Confected and spicy, this is a wine that shows the indulgent side of Gewürztraminer. It has a spice note, with a fresh fruit-salad flavor. Screwcap.
Confected but charming nonetheless, with pure aromas of honey and roasted pineapple bolstered by light minerality. Peach and fresh ginger come through on the slightly watery finish. Drink now.
Confected but pleasant aromas of cotton candy and sour apple drops dominate the nose, while the palate unfolds nicely with layers of lemon and red apple. Soft and lush, it picks up an apricot accent on the medium finish. Try with Thai food. Drink now.
Confected on the nose, with red licorice candy and red apple skins. It's forward and juicy in the mouth, but a little cloying if not served really cold. Tastes of candied berry and watermelon; good in a regular way.
Conference pear and lemony acidity produce a clean-cut mouthfeel and real refreshment factor. The wine is concentrated but also is lean and soaring, supported by stony minerality.
Conference pear and ripe lemon scents unfurl on the nose of this wine. The palate reinforces those aromas with juiciness and ease. A zesty, refreshing edge keeps it lively and taut, feeling citrus-centered, refreshing and clean.
Conference pear and yellow Mirabelle plum notes make an appearance in this wine. The palate, which has some noticeable spritz, evokes more green citrus with its dry slenderness. Yet, it finishes full-fruited.
Confident and self-assured, Torrione is a wine that transmits its essence without veils or tricks. Vibrant berry fruit, blue flower, mineral tones and bright crispness create a balanced ensemble and suggest a pairing with wild boar or rabbit.
Confident, smoky aromas of black fruits, quality oak and minerality set up a round, dense, smooth palate that's as elegant as things get in Chile. True Cabernet Sauvignon flavors are spicy, lightly herbal and suggest licorice, cassis and blackberry. On the finish, warm oak, menthol and medicinal flavors call for another few years in bottle. Best from 2016–2023.
Confirming its place in the firmament of Pauillac greats, Clerc Milon's 2010 has huge density, and is packed with dark tannins and blackberry flavor. It has a delicious freshness that cuts right through, lifting the concentration. With its tannins, this promises long-term aging.
Conflict is two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. Smoke wreathes around deep cherry candy flavors, leading into some chewy tannins dusted with savory herbs.
Confusingly labeled as Pivot Blanc (not Pinot Blanc), this is actually a Riesling! Off dry, lightly fruity, with pleasant flavors of lemon and breakfast tea, honey and chamomile, it's best consumed young and chilled.
Confusingly, a sparkler labeled extra dry is actually extra sweet. It's a French convention that probably should not have been carried over into American labeling, for it simply muddies the water. This is not terribly sweet or sugary, and has a distinctive, lime-flavored citrus streak.
Confusingly, in the world of Champagne, Extra Dry means slightly sweet. So this pale colored rosé is soft, treading a fine line between bright acidity and a riper, confected character. That sweetness is well integrated, though, in keeping with the crisp Gosset style. It's ready to drink.
Confusingly, the wine has no connection with Château Magnol, also owned by Barton & Guestier. It's a soft Médoc wine, light and gentle in character, the tannins soft, merging with the red berry fruits.
Coniale is a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, bearing classy Tuscan characteristics of blackberry, dried Mediterranean brush, rosemary, chocolate, leather and tobacco, with a touch of black olive in the background. The mouthfeel is rich, persistent and soft.
Coniale is all Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is rich in dimension and personality and delivers quality aromas of spice, tobacco, chopped herbs, almonds and bursting blackberry. It is inky and dense in consistency with a velvety mouthfeel that builds in structure thanks to gritty tannins.
Coniale is one of those beautifully balanced Italian Cabs that is plush and dense, but elegant and fine at the same time. The wine boast ripened blackberry and cassis and there is not a green note in sight. Indeed, soft spice and firm tannins promise a bright aging future.
Conner Lee is one of a small number of Washington vineyards that merits vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine lacks nothing, and the fruit is firm, sculpted, and varietally correct, with a touch of ripeness around flavors of plum and cherry. Enjoy it young, or cellar it for another five years.
Considerable aromas of eucalyptus, Bay leaf and cedar rise to the front of this wine, making for an inviting, savory introduction that provides a reasonable complexity. Easygoing, approachable and softly light bodied, it'll do well at the table and big-crowd events.
Considerable noble rot both in its aromas and in its palate give this wine richness and a textured, sweet and dry character. Honeyed with bitter marmalade and dried apricot flavors , it is still young. Drink from 2017.
Considerable toasted wood flavors show from both the aroma and the initial taste. The fruit is lean, without the weight needed for balance. It's likely to remain an austere wine.
Considerably lighter in body and texture than your average Cab Franc, Biltmore's 2009 has the weight of a nice Pinot Noir. But it's intense in cherry, red plum and cedar flavors, with ultrafine tannins. Sophisticated and elegant, a wine to drink with upscale fare, especially with mushrooms.
Considerably lighter than the previous vintage of Pinot Gris, this mixes cucumber, gooseberry and grapefruit flavors, with bracing acidity behind the fruit. It's a rather delicate wine, with a balanced palate of fruit flesh, skin and mineral.
Considerably riper than Baileyana's other Pinots. It shows in the richer, softer mouthfeel and deeper flavors. The red cherries veer toward blackberries, yet the texture remains silky and dry. New oak, as always, is judiciously applied. Delicious now, and should develop over the next 3–4 years.
Considered as a dessert wine, this Moscato is O.K. It has orange and vanilla pastry flavors, brightened by acidity. Don't even think about drinking it as a dry table wine, because it's very sweet.
Considered by many as the finest of the Grand Crus, Les Clos is steep, south-facing and impressive just to look at. Like many wines from this vineyard, this wine has immense power and concentration. It is rich, dense and full of tight but rich yellow and green fruits shot through with intense acidity. It is still very young and needs to be aged. Drink from 2019.
Considered on their own, d'Arenberg's 2011 single-vineyard Shirazes are successful, although they lack some of the pizzazz of the 2010s. This was one of my favorites, teeming with pepper-tinged blueberries and accented by hints of roasted meat and espresso. It's full bodied and richly textured, with a long, velvety finish.
Considered the flagship of the century-old Sella & Mosca fleet, this edition of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon disappoints. The supporting structure is fine, but the cherry fruit present on the nose and palate is too lean. The finish is short, too. This highly regarded wine is just not showing well at this time. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Considered to be the best block of Syrah in the vineyard, here it shows a generous mix of tart berry, plum and raisin fruit flavors, with a lush middle suggesting blueberry pie and Christmas cake. But there is more—chocolate, cinnamon and on it goes into a riot of holiday pastries. Flat-out yummy.
Considered warm by Central Coast standards, Paso Robles is not always ideal for Chardonnay, but the veteran squad at Castoro did well on this nicely tight bottling. Key-lime pith and crisp Gala apple show on the nose, while solid acidity delivers flavors of rainy slate and squeezed citrus. There's good grippy tension to the sip as well.
Considering both grapes in the blend are known for their tannic structure, this is ripe and open. It is fruity with red berry flavors and acidity to balance. There is a round soft aftertaste. Drink now.
Considering how pale this Pinot pours, it's surprising how rich it tastes. Wrapped into the delicate, silky texture are peppery, spicy flavors of cherry and raspberry toffee, root beer, mocha and caramelized brown sugar flavors. Exotic now, it's probably at its best early on.
Considering the coolness of the vintage, this wine seems surprisingly ripe with notes of cherry, strawberry, herbs and ash. It's thick and weighty in feel, making it seem a bit ponderous.
Considering the price of some Oakville Cabs, this one's a value. It's quite a good wine, rich and tannic and oaky and ripe, offering appealing blackberry, black cherry, black currant and smoky oak flavors that finish dry and spicy. Should develop over the next 3–5 years, although it seems to lack the stuffing for the long haul.
Considering the relatively light nature of the vintage, this wine has been overmanipulated. Hard tannins and a bitter chocolate flavor are all too much for the fruit. A gentler approach would have been better.
Considering this is Petite Sirah, this is surprisingly soft and gentle—almost like a Pinot Noir. The texture is silky, with flavors of cherries, currants, Canadian bacon and black pepper. Drink now.
Consistency across the entire portfolio is one of the strengths of Seven Hills, here expressed in a beautifully blended Cabernet that includes smaller percentages of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenère. Smooth upon entry, showing pretty purple fruits through the mid-palate, it concludes with traces of smoke, cacao and espresso, all perfectly framed and balanced.
Consistency in the wine world is a virtue, and Cheval covers the consistency issue with ease. Aromas of earth, mushroom, leather and so forth add an Old World touch to this New World Malbec-Cabernet blend. It's healthy and even juicy on the palate, with blackberry, dark plum and tobacco flavors. An interesting wine that grabs and holds your attention. Drink now through 2012.
Consistency is always a virtue, and once again this wine is creamy, fully oaked and more European in style than most Chilean Chardonnays. The nose is like popcorn, with apple and peach in the background. Flavors of banana, coconut, melon and apple carry the rich palate, while the finish is smooth and oaky. This is very good Chardonnay even if it lacks the extra elements required of a great wine. Drink now for its freshness.
Consistency is apparently not Fransola's calling card. One year it's pungent and green, and then in a warm year like 2006 it's fruity, ripe and sweet, with green apple, pear and tropical fruit flavors making their mark. Seems like Sauvignon Blanc in Catalonia needs ample heat to show the ginger, lime and apple characteristics that make it a likable. In this case, that's mostly what's on display.
Consistency of richness and caramel toastiness characterizes this wine year in and year out. This vintage exudes both the full-bodied style embraced by the producer as well as the voluptuously ripe and wholesome fruit that comes off of the vineyard in a year like 2012. Dark gold in color, it offers salty, savory accents around a core of lemon-specked minerality. Surreal and effete, it finishes with flair.
Consistent in every way with the previous vintage, this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc includes 9% Sémillon, both of which were sourced from 15-year-old vines. It's aromatic with scents of sweet herb and citrus, and it tastes of Meyer lemon and grapefruit, plus a hint of brioche.
Consistent with many other Timothy Malone Pinots, this artfully melds black cherry fruit with a broad streak of cola and refreshing minerality. There's a touch of black licorice and impressive balance throughout.
Consistent with past releases, this estate-grown effort includes Dijon 76 and 95 clonal material, planted in 1995. It's toasty in both nose and taste, with a tight core of green-berry, apple and banana fruit. As it breathes open there's a dollop of cream, just enough to smooth out the finish.
Consistent with past versions of this reserve-level Cabernet, this new vintage is smooth and sweetly fruity, with plenty of new oak aging under its belt. The tannins are ripe and svelte, and a streak of iron and licorice runs right down the spine. Drink now through 2020.
Consistent with past vintages, this still-young wine has a yeasty nose, textural mouthfeel and light pear fruit flavors, gently dappled with cinnamon spice. There is just a hint of sweatiness in the finish.
Consistent with past vintages, this tart, grassy and spicy effort features green apple fruit dusted with white pepper. There's a trace of grain in the aroma and in the finishing flavor as well. The blend includes 9% Sémillon.
Consistent with previous bottlings, this is dark, oaky, lush with scents and flavors of butter, toast and roasted nuts. The fruit seems secondary to the parade of butterscotch, brown sugar and spice that comes walloping through the palate. The wine turns slightly bitter in the finish. This is a wine for those who love the California style of Chardonnay.
Consistent with previous releases, the Impervious is dark, dense and heavily extracted. Here the dominant grape is Cabernet Sauvignon—about 60%—and the fruit runs through very ripe raisins, figs and plums. It plays out broadly across the palate, full and generously oaky, with vivid streaks of balsamic and toffee. Drink soon.
Consistent with previous releases, this Michel Rolland effort is a soft, silky, smoky wine that introduces itself with round cherry fruit and then charges ahead with layers of licorice, citrus, coffee and rock that enliven the finish. There is plenty of tart raspberry fruit to open, and the balancing acids to give the wine a tight core. It's a very polished and appealing balance of forward, approachable fruit married to more elegant, ageworthy tannins and acids.
Consistent with prior vintages, this Malbec is a full-throttle wine with huge aromas of blackberry and cassis. This version is a bit more narrow and linear than in the past, but it's still excellent. Flavors of oak-based vanilla and coconut sit on top of vivacious berry fruit, while chocolate cake and coconut are the key flavors on a large, lusty finish. Drink through 2018.
Consistent with recent vintages, this lovely Sémillon opens immediately into a creamy, leesy, expressive core. Scents of green apple, lemon and beeswax turn into lush fruit flavors of melon, pear and citrus. It shows far more complex and interesting fruit character than most unoaked Chardonnays—here, the acids are not intrusive, but come up naturally in the back of the throat.
Consistent with the 2014 Confero, this blends multiple clones from five different vineyards. Its details are sharp, framing taut red fruit with a vein of licorice before resolving into dusty tannins. It delivers excellent length, muscle and definition.
Consistent with the Lake Chelan winery's lineup of red wines, this young Syrah brings a lot of generous, berry-flavored primary fruits, softened tannins and a deep purple color. The opening cherry and berry fruit, turning a little pruney and limned by citrusy acids, leads into a tart midpalate with some earth and granite underlying the fruit.
Consistent with the mediocre 2006. This amounts to generic red wine in a catchy, youthful package. It offers basic raspberry and strawberry aromas and flavors along with scouring acidity. It's bouncy and free-flowing, but hardly what we'd call an elevated premium wine.
Consistent with the Penfolds style, this is a robust, ageworthy Cabernet that remains varietally distinct. Hints of mint mark the nose and the palate, but the core is cassis, framed by touches of vanilla. Firm tannins on the finish suggest cellaring through at least 2010.
Consistent with the previous vintage, this combines tart citrus with wild berry and cranberry fruit. Its tannins are stiff and not yet fully integrated, and the finish evokes a dusting of dried herbes de Provence.
Consistent with the previous year, this Syrah-led blend is average at best, with sweet, foxy aromas of candied fruit. Feels chunky and tannic, with herb-infused, heavily extracted berry flavors. Herbal and peppery on the finish.
Consistent with the rather lean house style this opens with herbal aromas set against firm, varietal cassis and blue plum fruit. The grapes come from a block planted in 1985. Some barrel spice adds cinnamon to the nose, and there's a touch of Cab Franc (6%) in the blend, which stiffens up the tannins. Retasting this wine after it has spent a few extra months in bottle, it's smoothed out a bit, and the sweet black- cherry fruit has moved forward. This should age really well.
Consistent year after year, this blend of 67% Sauvignon Blanc and 33% Sémillon is modeled after top-flight white Bordeaux. Deep gold, toasty and scented with olive oil, walnuts and loam, it hits the palate full-on with a rainbow of flavors: citrus, stone and tropical fruits, all accented with toast, oil and nuts from barrel aging. Riveting, delicious  and unique.
Consistent year after year, this frizzante style Muscat is off dry, fresh and aromatic, with Muscat's sweet orange flavor up front. Serve it chilled or try it as a mixer in place of Prosecco.
Consistently a good value selection, this showcases ripe black-fruit characteristics of cherry, berry and plum, alongside nuances of savory herbs and fresh menthol leaves. Medium weight, with a mouth-filling texture and a slightly chewy finish.
Consistently among Italy's top-scoring wines, this vintage of the celebrated Ornellaia (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a gorgeous expression of the very best of European enology. It delivers extraordinary richness, succulence and intensity, but remains elegant to the end. Aromas include black cherry, spice and dark chocolate.
Consistently among the best $20-and-under wines each vintage, this blend of 52% Grenache, 44% Syrah and 4% Tempranillo from vintner Dan Lee delivers plump boysenberry, plum, baking spice and rosemary scents on the nose. The palate is dry and herbal yet bright with acidity, full of thyme and sagebrush notes against a backdrop of plum fruit.
Consistently one of New Zealand's top Chardonnay producers, Neudorf flies the standard for Nelson, almost next door to better-known Marlborough. The medium-bodied 2014 Chardonnay begins with appetizing scents of toast, oak spice and white peach. On the palate, there's a lovely combination of spice and stone fruit, then lingering citrus on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Consistently one of the best Cabernets made south of the Bay Area, this year the wine is especially tasty. Not too ripe, with suggestions of blackberry and cassis and herbs, and some good, old-fashioned tannins.
Consistently one of the best of Sparkling Pointe's many excellent offerings, this elegant wine shows classic expressions of apple and lemon juxtaposed with complex notes of fresh-baked brioche, nuts and cream. High-toned acidity and fine, delicate mousse fill the palate with intensity and harmony. The finish lingers exceptionally long.
Consistently one of Washington's most expressive Rieslings, with intensely floral aromatics—notably clover—that is carried into the mouth, along with honey, tea, lime, candied pineapple and cantaloupe. The effect is riveting; the flavors cascade around each other, balancing the 20g/L residual sugar with vivid acidity.
Consistently the top showing wine from the Le Val range, this is ripe and rounded, with a creamy texture and a toasty, spicy touch from light wood aging. Drink now.
Consisting of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this homegrown effort begins with a suggestion of deli meat and campfire, evocative aromas that persist through on the palate. Toasted oak and a touch of heat follow, buoyed by sizable fists of cinnamon and cherry, finishing in dried herb.
Constellation purchased this brand in 2015 for its superripe Pinot Noir, but this balanced Chardonnay may be the key to its future. Sea salt, marcona almond and yellow pear scents show on the nose, while the palate leads with strong acidity, settling on lemon peel, subtle smoke and dried herb flavors.
Consultant Anselmo Mendes, well known for his work in the northern Alvarinho region of the Minho and Vinho Verde, has worked his magic here in Lisboa with this beautifully creamy ripe wine. It has touches of yellow fruits that are brightened with acidity and sliced apple flavors. It is still young and likely to develop well, so wait until late 2016.
Consultant Denis Dubourdieu has made the most of the difficult vintage, bringing out the fruit and ripe black-currant flavors. This balanced wine will develop attractively and quickly. Drink from 2019.
Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt has helped this light wine to have a good balance and soft, generous fruitiness. The tannins are kind, rounded and already well integrated with the fruit. Drink from 2017.
Consulting winemaker Ben Glaetzer has fashioned a reasonably full-bodied Cab for the Mitolo family, one that combines some superripe, verging on raisined, elements with hints of tobacco and herbs. Mint, cassis and chocolate round out the palate, finishing softly tannic. Drink now–2010.
Consulting winemaker Charlie Hoppes has imprinted his benchmark style on Gamache fruit. This is a big, ripe, blocky but powerful wine—all Merlot as only Washington State can grow it. The ripe cassis fruit is enveloped in a mix of French and American oak, half new, yielding strong flavors of smoke, tobacco and mocha. A blockbuster style, ready to drink right now.
Consulting winemaker Jenny Dobson—who crafted some remarkable wines at Te Awa from 1998–2008—has turned out a remarkably tannic yet balanced wine from Murdoch's Gimblett Gravels vineyard. Cracked pepper, cedar and cherries finish firm and dusty in this young wine that's built to age. Drink 2019–2030.
Consulting winemaker Matthew Loso knows his way around a blend, and this fine Cabernet-Merlot mix shines with focused, dark fruit flavors. It's threaded with streaks of clove, black olive and anise, with real muscle and tannic heft.
Consulting winemaker Michel Rolland oversees this bottling in the Long Shadows series. Fans of his forward, sometimes voluptuous style may find this vintage a bit thin. The fruit is peppery and the tannins chewy, while the barrel flavors of chocolaty oak have not quite assimilated. Further bottle age might improve the wine.
Consulting winemaker Tony Rynders was at Oregon's Domaine Serene for many years. This is forward and fruity, with a chocolaty base and a hint of alcoholic heat. Drink this one while it's young.
Consumers are reaping the benefit of Australia's Chardonnay grape glut. This elegant, refined, cool-climate Chardonnay comes at a bargain price for its flavors of lightly grilled pineapple, melon, citrus and hazelnut. Drink now–2012.
Consumers may find it difficult to differentiate this from the 2010 Ste. Michelle version of the same wine—both are 100% Cold Creek vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. But this one, bottled under the Northstar label, has more muscle, more power and more depth. Tannic, thick and darkly fruited, it's a tightly-wound yet expressive effort, with complex flavors that move from black cherry and cassis into fig, tar, tobacco, espresso, dark chocolate and smoke.
Consumers need to be warned that this Zin has 16.3% alcohol, which puts it nearly in Port territory. That aside, it's a good example of its style, which lots of people like. Dry and well-structured in acids and tannins, it shows rich flavors of red and black currants, anise, cola and crushed pepper.
Containing all red Bordeaux varieties except Malbec, this wine has a sweet vanilla-caramel character that devolves into baked prunes.
Conteisa is a Barolo-inspired wine from Angelo Gaja (with 8% Barbera) that opens with very attractive and approachable aromas of red fruit, tobacco, leather, moist earth and black licorice. There's a youthful element to the personality (that hints at a long aging future ahead) backed by silky, but firm tannins and beautifully crisp acidity. The wine will be at its best after 2018.
Contempo is a fresh and lean expression of Nero d'Avola from western Sicily that opens with aromas of wild berry, rose petal and toasted almond. It's a simple red wine that would pair with pasta or easy meat dishes.
Contemporary Grenache Blanc expressions lean tight and bright, but this bottling takes an extremely tropical approach, showing honeydew, banana cream and bubblegum on the nose. It's restrained upon first sip before overpowering tropical waves take hold. A well-made wine, it will find fans who crave this flowery style.
Contino gives its single-vineyard Graciano all that it can, and still the wine, despite its deep purple color, is tight as a drum. There's juniper and blueberry on the nose, and then tangy blackberry flavors with an herbal slant. As varietal Graciano goes, this is nicely done. But it's up to you to decide if varietal Graciano is worth $147 a pop.
Continues a string of successful bottlings of this Cabernet. The flavors are strong but subtle, suggesting blackberries and black currants, with earthier notes of dark chocolate and roasted almonds. Very good, but also pretty tannic. You'll want to cellar this for 5–6 years to let it mellow.
Continues Martin Ray's track record with this bottling, an elegant, likable Pinot Noir that appeals for its silky texture and forward fruit. Cherry, currant, toasty oak, vanilla and white chocolate flavors end with a spicy, clean finish.
Continues the Shafer tradition of richly fruity Cabs, with near-perfect tannins and just-right oak, and an elegant suppleness that's delicious and distinctive in youth, but ageworthy. The fine vintage has made the wine extra-complex and balanced. Over the years, many wineries have arisen, but few have a better track record than Shafer.
Continuing a long-running streak of excellence, the latest vintage of Eroica blends fruit from vineyards in the Lake Chelan, Yakima Valley, Royal Slope and Horse Heaven Hills regions. It's a rich mix of peach and papaya, creamy and slightly sweet (16.6 g/L). The citrusy acids keep a fine edge on the lush flavors.
Continuing in a tart and juicy vein, as in previous years, this boasts a concentrated and immaculate palate layered with citrus, peach and melon. The abundant fruit is perfectly supported by mouth-puckering (in a good way) natural acidity.
Continuing its impressive development, Clerc Milon 2011 is a serious wine. It is elegant, stylish, its fruits well integrated with red berry and plum skin flavors. Powerful while round and fruity with a fine sense of weight, this wine will develop relatively quickly but will then stay at its peak for many years. Drink from 2017.
Continuing the great improvements at this estate, this 2010 is firm and solidly tannic, showing severity. As a contrast, it also shows acidity and black currant fruits that offer weight and richness. A balanced wine with a good future.
Continuing the impressive improvements at this château even in a tough year, this wine is ripe, full of structured tannins and blackberry fruits. It is fresh, a sign of the vintage, but it has concentration as well. The wine will age well over the medium term, so drink from 2019.
Continuing the succession of fine wines from Aveleda's Quinta da Agueira in Bairrada, this is a powerful, firmly tannic but ultimately smooth wine. It has big ripe swathes of dark plums, figs and refreshing sweet acidity.
Continuing to preserve this historic vineyard, a rare planting of the variety within the appellation, this is an elegant yet explosive bottling. Blackberry and stone fruit tones are framed by soft, gentle tannins, sprinkled liberally with cardamom. A floral aroma permeates gently refreshing acidity and a finish of dark chocolate.
Contrary to its name, this isn't exactly a 100-point wine, but it is ripe and full-flavored. Smooth on the palate and almost soft in texture, it's medium-bodied and very drinkable.
Controlled berry and plum aromas are pure and not mucked up by too much oak. Like all Luca wines, this Syrah is bulky, full-framed and meaty. It's extracted but well balanced, with mellow fruit and a dark, crusty finish. Very pleasant and chunky, but not overwhelming. Drink now or over the next year or two.
Controlled on the nose by blackberry, mint, menthol and fire. Like the 2008, this is not the easiest road to run, but it is a blast of penetrating blackberry, boysenberry, heat, spice and dark minty length. Tasty but tough, with the roughness and quality meeting in the middle. Drink in a couple of years.
Controlled volatility on the nose sets the state for a blocky clumsy palate with no finesse. Lightly vegetal flavors of red bell pepper lack fruit and overall this is mediocre at best.
Conventional wisdom is that 2004 was a better Margaret River vintage than 2003, but this wine suffers a bit in comparison to its older sibling. Thankfully, it's still very good, with plentiful cassis and red plum fruit, soft tannins and crisp acids.
Conveying a sense of richness, this is a smooth and creamy wine with a tannic structure that emerges out of the ripe apple and pear flavors. Acidity at the end is already well integrated into the crisp texture with its touch of orange zest and minerality. Drink from 2018.
Convincing and individual across its aromas, flavors and nuances. Casa Marin is a leader in coastal Sauvignon Blanc, and this full-bodied, racy wine grabs your attention with its crisp, pure personality. It is zesty and alive, with apple and green-fruit flavors, while the focused finish isnarrow and committed. Drink now.
Cooked-down blackberries take on pink peppercorn and new leather aromas in this Malbec hailing from the high-altitude vineyards of Colorado. The dark berry tones of the palate carry shards of graphite, with zippy red currant acidity keeping the full body and grainy tannins in check. It's a bit tight right now and should open up after 2016.
Cooked berries, turned earth, sweet tar and dark chocolate aromas greet the nose on this blend of 67% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah from Mossfire Ranch. Ripe, plump and dark strawberries power the rich, grippy palate, along with licorice lift and vanilla elements on the finish.
Cooked black cherry, black soil and a pinch of pine sap combine for an intriguing nose on this clonal study. The flavors are clove-driven around a pomegranate-cherry backdrop, with a touch of cola and expertly balanced tannins and acidity.
Cooked blackberries, baked black plum, grape candy and lilac touches show on the nose of this bottling, which is easy to like and uncomplicated. Violet floral flavors kick off the palate, followed by coffee spice, cedar and dark berry fruit, all framed by moderate tannic tension.
Cooked cherries in vanilla butter, just-pressed espresso, chopped dill and a hint of tar decorate the nose of this 71% Syrah, 24% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot blend from a unique vineyard atop the Cuesta Grade. Black licorice, dark blackberries, rustic elderberries and a cedar-y, asphalt-laden grip power the palate.
Cooked cherries, hard cinnamon candies, rhubarb pie and smoked meats arise on the nose of this bottling from the Malibu winery. Ripe cherries, anise and pepper also combine for a pleasant, easy-drinking palate.
Cooked cherry meets with nutmeg, allspice, white pepper and a strong sandalwood scent on the nose of this red from the south side of the appellation. The woody cedar-driven spice notes show strong on the sip, giving depth to the mulberry and rainbow-peppercorn flavors.
Cooked cranberry is spiced with anise, peppercorn and roasted beef slices on this bottling from a vineyard planted by three brothers who are longtime Salinas Valley farmers. The palate shows dark cranberry and raspberry, spiced up by chopped sage, thyme and bay leaf.
Cooked cranberry scents are enlivened by turned earth, dewy sage and a touch of wildfire smoke in this bottling from the Los Gatos-based winery. Baked red-cherry flavors meet with a savory pork-au-jus-like element on the palate, redolent with roasted thyme and oregano. A licorice element rises toward the finish. It's mellow in intensity but with lots of depth.
Cooked plums and cherries meet with dill, tarragon, cola and asphalt on the nose of this wine. Rocky flavors of tar and pencil shavings meld with Dr Pepper elements, cedar and more cooked fruit on the palate.
Cooked plums, ripe strawberries, cola and a bit of clove make for an interesting nose on this bottling from a reliable and widely accessible producer. The palate shows slate, rust and pencil shavings as well as nutmeg and sour cranberries.
Cool-climate aromas of bell pepper and asparagus are minimally ripe. This feels round and a bit chunky, with strong core acidity. Pyrazine-driven flavors of asparagus and pickled cucumber are persistently briny on the finish.
Cool-climate aromas of latex and rubber announce a wine where the fruit scents are mulchy and underdeveloped. Electric acidity is reflective of Leyda's coastal origins, while herbal plum and currant flavors are chippy. Overall, this is good but challenged by ripeness issues.
Cool-climate aromas of olive, tomato and herbs are prominent on this Leyda Valley Syrah. High acidity is derived from coastal origins, and it creates a shrill sensation. Flavors of blueberry, cassis and herbs are saucy and a touch minty, while this is toasty on the finish, with a redux of olive and spice notes.
Cool-climate aromas of passion fruit, nettle, tarragon and minerality are present in this Chilean SB. It is mostly fresh in the mouth, with body and standard Leyda flavors of citrus, nectarine, green herbs and sea salt. A round, herbal finish is showing a steady pulse that won't last forever. Drink now.
Cool-climate aromas of rhubarb, red plum and brambly spice are draped all over this zesty, racy Pinot from Chile's deep south. It feels quick and high in acid, with crisp, almost tart flavors of pie cherry and red plum. Finishes fresh but short.
Cool-climate flavors, just barely ripe, create a light wine overloaded with herb and stem flavors. The fruit is thin and pale, rhubarb and cranberry.
Cool-climate northern Italian whites show exceptional fragrant or floral qualities. Tones of jasmine and peach blossom are evident in this crips, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio.
Cool-climate pyrazinic aromas are punchy and feline. This feels good but weaker and more dilute than in most years. Briny, pickled citrus flavors follow the nose, while this ends lean and green but solid enough.
Cool-climate Touriga Nacional brings forth intriguing red-fruit flavors and tannins that are soft. The wine is spicy and herbal, and lightly textured with a floral character and a smooth aftertaste, touched by brisk acidity. Langdon Shiverick, Comète Wines.
Cool alpine notes of evergreen and forest floor mingle amidst white grapefruit and musk on this exotically perfumed Bacchus. It's lush and ripe in mouth feel yet dry and briskly balanced with acidity. Musky complexities of sandlewood and spice linger long on the finish.
Cool and crisp, this is an attractively fruity wine. It certainly has plenty of acidity but it also has an equal quantity of red berry fruits that are lively, bright and make the wine ready to drink.
Cool and crisp, this tightly herbaceous wine has a concentrated, juicy, green fruit character along with a tangy texture. The fruits are complemented by the tight, acidic aftertaste. Drink from 2014.
Cool and green smelling, with briny notes and whiffs of green pepper and sea foam, this shows intensity, while the flavors veer toward lime, passion fruit and green herb. It's nervy and tasty on the finish.
Cool and ripe earthy berry aromas are nicely oaked and highly presentable. This feels a bit grabby and tannic, while savory salty roasted blackberry and oak flavors combine into a complex whole that finishes with minty oak and cola notes. Best from 2019 through 2023.
Cool and tight, this is a firmly tannic wine, showing its mineral, primal rock character. The structure is dry, solid, the fruit a layer of cranberry and black fig among all this firmness. It should age, but is ready now.
Cool aromas of cola and dark fruits come with bold spice accents. Ripe and creamy in feel, with wild berry and peppery flavors, this Carmenère from a cool vintage is on the money as it finishes with a strong oak base and related spice notes.
Cool aromas of cola, blackberry and earth come with cedary oak. In the mouth, this blend of three vineyards is abruptly tannic, actually choppy and hard. Plum and raspberry taste dry and toasty before a grating finish. Drink through 2023.
Cool aromas of cola, leather and black cherry set up a fairly full but fresh palate with moderate creamy weight. This tastes reedy and spicy, with wild-berry fruit, peppery notes and a distinct flavor of creamy oak. On the finish, this is oaky and herbal tasting.
Cool aromas of cola, roasted berry and leather are also lightly floral, with violet hints. The palate on this single-vineyard Mencía is vital but meaty, with dark, earthy, toasty black-fruit flavors. A chewy finish offers up robust pepper and chocolate notes to accent leftover berry flavors. Drink through 2019.
Cool aromas of kola nut and woodsy black fruit suggest ripeness. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet and Petit Verdot is linear and jammy in feel, without much depth. Spicy blackberry and grapy flavors are up a notch from simple, while this finishes with toasty oak and spice notes.
Cool berry, graphite, cola and prune are the lead aromas on this ripe RDD. In the mouth, choppy tannins and firm acids create a strong, edgy feel. Flavors of cassis, wild berry, coconut and vanilla announce ripeness and plenty of oak. It finishes with abrupt tannins, tons of residual flavor and weight. Drink now through 2021.
Cool berry, light herb and lactic aromas settle nicely and completely. This is a voluminous Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Carmenère. Spice, black fruits and olive flavors precede finishing notes of chocolate, black tea and barbecue sauce. This has an impressive structure and refined acidity; drink through 2020.
Cool briary plum and blackberry aromas show lactic, creamy oak, which is nothing unusual for Cobos. Plump, dense and saturated in the mouth, this block-selection Malbec is extremely ripe, with medicinal black fruit and raisiny flavors touched up by mocha and peppery spice. An oaky, spicy finish is par for the course. Drink through 2021.
Cool climate Alicante Bouschet from the Lisboa region has a strongly perfumed character as well as intense fruitiness. The structure, while offering firm tannins, is balanced with the acidity that gives a crisp aftertaste. It all makes for a firm wine with a chance to age. Drink from late 2018.
Cool conditions in 2011 seem to have affected this wine. It's stalky and stemmy smelling, with a scratchy feel and raw flavors of rhubarb and bell pepper covered with oak.
Cool fermented in stainless steel and whole cluster pressed, this lively take on Pinot Gris offers rich pear fruit flavors, succulent and fresh. It's a big, ripe, solid effort, with a lovely juicy quality that fills the mouth with a burst of just-picked flavor.
Cool herbal aromas of blackberry and cola are minty. This feels narrow, with hard tannins that aren't ready to reconcile now. Herbal salty flavors of meaty berry fruits are warm, spicy and steadfast with herbal notes through the finish. Drink through 2020.
Cool mineral tones and citrus acidity collide on the palate of this dry Riesling like a glaze of tangerine sherbet. It's an invigorating, zippy wine but finishes with steel-edged force and persistence. Drink now through 2021.
Cool mint, blueberry and raisin aromas are lush and smooth, but charred oak is roaring loud on the nose of this dry-farmed Syrah. Punchy, short acidity makes the mouthfeel abrupt. Dark chocolate and ripe berry flavors end with hard-spiced blackberry and an everlasting burnt-oak character.
Cool rooty aromas of cola and tree bark grace the nose on this ripe but still not fully mature Cabernet Sauvignon (with 5% Merlot). In the mouth, this is choppy due to sandpaper tannins. Flavors of sarsaparilla, pepper, and blackberry are dense and chewy, while the finish is bumpy and scraping due to aforementioned hard tannins. Drink or hold through 2022.
Cool rooty grassy aromas are up front. This feels wiry and tannic. Herbal green-leaning plum and currant flavors finish with a distinct flavor of minty green along with rough tannins.
Cool tones of slate and stone accent delicate sour cherry and raspberry flavors in this sprightly dry rosé. Zippy and thirst quenching, yet firmly anchored in minerality, it's an elegant rosé for year-round enjoyment. Drink now.
Cool vintages make Hanna's Sauvignon Blanc a little green and minty, and 2012 was another cool vintage. The wine is dry and low in alcohol, with a grassy, gooseberry taste.
Cool weather in 2012 kept acid levels high, something that comes across clearly in this wine. The fruit is bright and crisp—more like pie cherry than Bing or Rainier—and turns tart on the finish. Because of this, it could be one of those Pinot Noirs that pairs well with salmon.
Cool, alluring aromas of ripe blackberry and fine oak are complete and highly attractive. A deep palate offers excellent balance, while flavors of cassis, blackberry, oak and delicate spices finish with power, elegance, length and an overriding sense of high quality. Drink through 2028.
Cool, breezy Patagonia is the home address for this light-colored but full-flavored Cab Franc. Cherry, berry and woodsy aromas set up a firm, wide palate with lightly herbal, leafy flavors of berry fruits and chocolate. Cocoa dust and a pinch of saltiness are noted on a full finish. Drink through 2022.
Cool, calm black cherry, raspberry and leather aromas come in front of a pure, juicy palate. Blackberry and blackcurrant flavors are bold but basic, while this Tempranillo holds its fruit and form on a slightly hot finish.
Cool, crisp and tonic from start to finish, this is an easy-drinking wine with ample sweet apple and wildflower notes, with shades of smoke, hazelnut skins and delicate lime-juice acidity. Drink now.
Cool, crisp aromas of celery, bell pepper and sea brine introduce a citrusy palate with refreshing acidity. Tangerine, grapefruit and cactus flavors finish tangy, lemony and alert.
Cool, crisp cherry and plum aromas come with a mint-and-grass note. This blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon is crisp, mildly tannic and tight, with medicinal currant and plum flavors that end dry and lightly spicy.
Cool, dark-plum aromas are mildly herbal. This feels drawn-in and tough. Disposable berry flavors come with peppery notes, while the finish doesn't offer much new.
Cool, earthy aromas are more brooding than loud and fruity. This organic blend of Garnacha, Syrah and Monastrell features grabby tannins that stop short of being grating. Flavors of baked plum, raspberry and cherry end with medicinal notes and a dose of minty heat. Drink now.
Cool, earthy aromas of blackberry, vanilla and tobacco are encouraging. This aged Cab from the base of the Pyrenees is a monster with wall-to-wall tannins. Heavy black-fruit, fig, mocha and tobacco flavors finish with exotic spice notes and a touch of oaky coconut. This is big and boisterous.
Cool, earthy aromas of wild berry, herbs and graham cracker set up an angular feeling palate with plenty of acidic pop. The flavor profile features reedy raspberry and plum flavors accented by bacon flavors, while the finish is long, narrow, firm in feel and a touch hot. Drink through 2019.
Cool, earthy black-fruit aromas hint at leather and compost without fully going there. A smooth palate with mild to low acidity offers hardly any resistance or grab. Earthy flavors of baked plum and berry end with a hint of tea and stewed meat. Drink this soft-bodied Malbec through 2018.
Cool, earthy blackberry, cassis and boot-leather aromas are strapping and integrated. This feels layered and structured, with chewy depth, firm tannins and power. Baked, toasty, chocolaty flavors bring ripe-fruit notes of fig, prune and blackberry, while the finish is long and savory, with a strong accent of wood spice. Drink through 2025.
Cool, earthy, foresty aromas dance with sweet berry and spice scents to form a superb nose. This offers an exemplary mix of weight and acidity, while lively berry flavors are meaty, complex and show mild herbal notes, peppery spice and juicy length on the finish. Definitely one of Chile's best Syrahs. Drink through 2019.
Cool, earthy, rooty aromas of licorice, Graham cracker, cassis and blackberry are dark and brooding. This Malbec is loosely structured, with heavy extraction and blackened, gritty flavors of blackberry and toast. A dark, rubbery, blocky finish is giant like the rest of the wine. Drink through 2022.
Cool, foresty, woodsy aromas of smoky berry fruits are solid and well formed. This blend of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is chunky, with tannic grab and freshness. Flavors of baked, herbal berry fruits are spicy and earthy, while mint, licorice root and loamy notes define the finish.
Cool, grapy black-fruit aromas are front and center on the nose. This feels dense and a touch hard and tannic. Bumpy, chewy blackberry and dark plum flavors are lusty and come with a hint of sawdust and oak prior to a tannic finish that's hard, powerful and can still use some time. Drink through 2020.
Cool, green, minerally aromas lead it off, and next there's fresh bell pepper, jalapeno and gooseberry flavors. Bright, focused, edgy and stony, with proper acidity, bite and clarity. A good one similar to the winery's Reserva SB, but clearer and more precise.
Cool, herbal aromas of blueberry are unusual. This is blocky in feel, with a low level of finesse. Candied, herbal cherry and medicinal berry flavors finish with mint and spice notes along with a green character.
Cool, herbal aromas of tomato leaf, oregano and beef stew set up a chewy palate with grabby tannins. A mix of savory spices and minty, baked berry flavors end with peppery notes, chunky weight and a tough of heat. Drink through 2022.
Cool, herbal black-fruit aromas come with olive and eucalyptus notes. The palate is full but grating, while flavors of herbal berry and plum are bit salty. On the finish, olive, brine and herbal berry flavors set this apart from most Ribera del Dueros. Drink through 2021.
Cool, herbal blueberry aromas comes with notes of plastic and wet cement. Hard, blocky and tannic across the palate, this tastes of roasted berry fruits and minty oak. A chewy finish collapses under its own weight and tannins.
Cool, leafy, earthy aromas are low on fruit and freshness. This is a tannic wine with leafy, candied berry flavors and then a heavy blast of burnt caramel and toast. Charred and fruitless on the finish, this is more oaky than anything.
Cool, mineral elegance and pristine tangerine and quince flavors mark this zesty, sylphlike Riesling. It's dry and light bodied with a finish highlighted by lemony acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Cool, minty aromas of blueberry and blackberry set up a full, tannic palate, which is what you'd expect from a young Ribera del Duero. Grabby, tannic fullness offers flavors of meaty black fruits, herbs and tobacco. A savory finish runs long on a frame of blocky tannins.
Cool, piercing aromas suggest wood grain and maple alongside blackberry and cassis scents. This massive wine is tannic, but meaty and friendly at its base. Savory, inky flavors of plum and floral-berry fruits finish with strong oak; fortunately this has the structure and fruit to handle it. Drink through 2024.
Cool, steely tones juxtapose intensely sweet mango, peach and honey flavors in this delightful value kabinett. Cutting lime and lemon acidity and a briskly textured palate lead to a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2022.
Cool, subtle aromas of cola, rooty black cherry and blackberry precede a flush, racy, tannic palate. Toasted, roasted blackberry flavors come with accents of coconut and peppery spice, while coconutty oak returns on the finish. Drink through 2022.
Cool, toasty aromas of minty oak, cigar box, herbs and eucalyptus leave little doubt that this is Chilean. A tight, solid palate offers herbal flavors of plum, tomato and mint. This tastes savory, saucy and a bit like good tomato sauce on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Coombsville has emerged as the hottest appellation in Napa Valley, and Cameron Hughes is right there, doing his negociant thing. The Cabernet was blended with Malbec and Merlot, and the wine is fantastically satisfying. Its rich, sturdy tannins frame elaborate blackberry, blueberry, red currant and smoky oak flavors that are wonderfully complex, with an elegant, balanced finish. This is an unbelievable price for a Cabernet of this high quality.
Coonawarra's not known for Sauvignon Blanc, but this is a very good example. It's medium in weight and dominated by citrus, but it also sneaks in some slightly tropical nuances before ending in a zesty, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Coonawarra is Cabernet country, but this Chardonnay is a solid contender. Subtle toast and citrus aromas show admirable restraint, while there's ample weight and the flavors of pineapple and melon finish clean and citrusy.
Coonawarra is traditionally Cabernet country, so to find this Pinot Noir in a lineup was a bit of a surprise. It's ripe and jammy, with aromas and flavors of black cherry preserves. Drink now for the big fruit.
Copper-orange-pink in color, this wonderfully summery wine offers tart citrus and gravelly minerality, a taste of wet stone coated in just the right amount of sweetness.
Copper-orange in color, this wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes, and tastes delightfully of raspberry and fresh plum. Juicy and refreshing, it has a leveled amount of acidity and yet a roundness to the palate that should work well with food, finishing crisp and clean.
Copper-pink hues shade the experience of this vintage sparkling wine, a dry expression of a warm year. It's dotted in crisp, refreshing flavors of watermelon, grapefruit and lemon zest.
Copper-pink in color, this lively, fuller-bodied style rosé is from 100% Pinot Noir, picked specifically for the style, then given time to ferment in stainless barrels and neutral French oak. Intense acidity gives a sizzling quality on the palate, with biting flavors of strawberry and watermelon.
Copper-pink in color, this Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Noirs from a specific vineyard site offers well-developed flavors of strawberry cream and fennel around a medium tier of acidity. The spicy finish ends well.
Copper-pink in color, this sparkling blend of half Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 8% Pinot Meunier is coy on the nose, pulled back and restrained in apple and lime aromas. Flavor-wise, it offers a medium-build up of strawberries and cream.
Copper peach and orange in color, this light, dry wine is soft and refreshing. Flavors of grapefruit, tangerine and cherry don't overwhelm on the palate. It finishes crisp and ready for another sip.
Coppery pink highlights and light hints of citrus are coupled with wonderfully refreshing acidity and some richer yeast notes in the background. An enlivening, zippy apéritif, with subtle strawberry hints.
Coppo's basic Barolo shows slightly aged characteristics that comes forth as old leather, Indian spice, furniture wax, candied fruit, black licorice, road tar and dried plums. In the mouth, the wine is warm and welcoming with intense layers of drying mineral and mature fruit.
Coppo's beautiful La Rocca Gavi is precisely the kind of wine you'll want to serve with smoked salmon, grilled tuna or fresh vegetables. There's a crisp, flinty quality that gives the wine a bright and lively feel followed by tones of citrus and honeydew melon.
Coppola turns to a respected grape source for Pinot, and what do you know? This is his best ever. It's a lovely wine, supple and bright, with cherry, pomegranate and spicy persimmon flavors. The 50% new oak is perfectly integrated into the wine's power.
Coral in color, this dry wine's light, fresh watermelon aromas lead to tasty raspberry and cherry flavors, backed by bright acidity. It's medium bodied and mouth-filling, maintaining a refreshing, appetizing quality through the finish.
Corbaia is a delicious blend of Sangiovese (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows compact but well-etched lines of forest fruit, bramble, cranberry and sharp, savory spice. The tannins are firm, tight and need a few more years to unwind.
Corbaia is a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with intensity and bright fruit flavors. It boasts a soft, silky feel with a firm tannic bite followed by cassis, earth and wild mushroom. Very nice.
Corbaia is Sangiovese and Cab Sauvignon from the southern part of Chianti Classico where temperatures are a bit warmer and the soils a bit thicker. As a result, the wine has added structure and power but it also has pretty buoyancy, elegance and lingering aromas of balsam notes, herbs, black pepper and almond.
Core aromas of cherry and strawberry come with light details of red flower and coconut. Medium in body, the wine offers vivid acids and fine wispy tannins.
Core aromas of plum flesh, chocolate and game are cut by a laser-like beam of balsamic, creating a sharp sensation. The mouthfeel is slender, lacking some meat on its tannic skeleton. It finishes on a slightly raisiny note.
Core berry aromas are fresh and solid, while nuances of wild herbs, leather and smoky rubber give this Malbec some character out of the chute. A jammy, fairly lush palate gives flavors of plum, raspberry and cassis. On the finish, this is solid and doesn't change much. Drink at any point over the next few years.
Coreno is a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes that hail from over fifty-year-old vines. It has aromas of stone fruit and pear, while the palate boasts flavors of peach, lemon cream, vanilla and well-integrated oak.
Coreno is a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia that represents two of the most important grapes found in central Italy. The nose is sweet and soft with tones of melon, honey, stone fruit and yellow rose. There's a buttery note of toasted almond at the back.
Corinne Guisez scored a great success with her 2000. The wine is finely polished, shining, with its generous, deeply concentrated fruits and fine perfumes. The tannins show through the fruit, while the wood flavors hide much more discreetly in the background.
Corley builds its reserve Cab for the long haul. The wine is too tannic to enjoy now, numbing the palate with dry astringency. But there's great depth here, to judge by the wealth of black currant flavor that's accented by rich new oak. Cellar this puppy until at least 2008, and it should hit its prime from 2010 and for many years after.
Corn chip and lightly oxidized stone-fruit and apple aromas arrive prior to a crisp, whole palate. Direct flavors of apple, herbs and white pepper don't mess around, while this tastes of citrus peel and related pith on a finish that's tight as a drum.
Cornas is Colombo's home turf, and the 2005 Terres Brulees shows his mastery, offering up beefy, cedary notes but also cracked pepper and cassis alongside iron-like mineral notes. This is full-bodied and intense, with plenty of structure; drink 2015-2025.
Corona Majore is a meaty and intense red wine, with slightly cooked notes of cherry syrup and blackberry pie, followed by tangy layers of spice and leather. The finish shows sour fruit and generous texture.
Coronato is a robust, modern super Tuscan only produced for export markets. Indeed, you can sense a New World appeal within its rich, succulent fabric thanks to penetrating notes of coffee, espresso, tar, aniseed, chocolate and bursting cherry. It's soft and velvety with enormous charm.
Correct and straightforward, this fragrant rosé offers fresh tones of raspberry, pomegranate and violet. The wine also has a dusty, mineral quality and some spice in the form of clove and nutmeg that adds an interesting and exciting twist. This is one of Italy's best rosés.
Correct aromas of tropical fruits are slightly briny. This feels focused and citrusy, with good body and a few curves. Orange and grapefruit flavors, the skins and peel included, finish with a juicy, bright citric character.
Corte Lenguin's Amarone is less intense aromatically and laid-back in general with measured aromas of ripe fruit, resin, tar and mesquite. It offers more in the mouth however, in terms of density and taste, with a broad texture and bright cherry flavors.
Corte Lenguin delivers an impressive Ripasso this year with luscious softness and plump aromas of vanilla bean, red cherry and mocha. The wine closes with a rich, smoky aftertaste.
Corte Pavone's Rosso di Montalcino gives you a hearty drinking red that would pair with game, wild mushrooms and most meat dishes. You get plump fruit and exotic spice overtones that give the wine sophistication and personality.
Corte Rugolin hits a home run thanks to the amazing intensity and beauty of this darkly concentrated Amarone. It opens with a linear, focused bouquet that is accented by aromas of blackberry, spice, leather and tobacco. Dark fruit flavors shimmer between the luscious, velvety folds of the rich mouthfeel.
Corte San Benedetto is a small, family run winery and its 2003 Amarone shows ripe notes of black cherry, mesquite, blackberry and soft vanilla. The oak element is evident here; the wine is soft and supple on the close.
Cortegaia is a thin, ruby-colored red wine with easy aromas of small berry and white cherry. The mouthfeel is compact and watery but its also refreshingly crisp. You could drink it chilled with appetizers.
Cortes de Cima was one of the earliest producers of Syrah in Alentejo. The style is full of ripe fruit, structure and a fine juiciness. Touches of spice are a reminder of the natural flavors of the grape. With its tannins, it will age and can be drunk now– 2018.
Cortina refers to the soil type. The wine shows forward, pretty fruit, mixing berries and cherries, and follows up with bright, clean, mouth-friendly flavors. Falls off in the finish, with some dry tannins.
Cortinie Bianco (a blend of 50% Chardonnay, plus Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer) offers fragrant yellow rose, Golden Delicious apple and fragrant stone fruit. The wine is especially successful on the palate where is shows a creamy, rich texture.
Cortinie Bianco opens with impressive intensity and lasting aromas of peach cobbler, vanilla cream and preserved peaches. It follows with a smooth, dense texture in the mouth.
Corton Grancey is the site of Louis Latour's winery and has a long tradition in the family's hands. This 2011 is powerful and solid while offering very ripe and jammy fruits. Attractive acidity cuts through the richness and contrasts with the finely modulated structure. It has good aging potential, drink from 2018.
Corton is the largest grand cru in Burgundy (all of 240 acres) and its style can vary widely. Bouchard has gone for a relatively soft style, emphasizing fruits, raspberry, myrtle and black currants, topped with acidity. It is a light, delicious wine, but probably not for aging.
Cortona in eastern Tuscany is one of the most promising emerging wine regions in central Italy. This bright, acidic Sauvignon delivers fragrant tones of lemon blossom, white almond and passion fruit.
Cortona is known worldwide for two things: the book Under the Tuscan Sun and wines based on Syrah. This informal expression shows great varietal character in a no-fuss, fruity style. Aromas include cherry, cassis and crushed white pepper.
Corvina, along with smaller percentages of Rondinella and Molinara, is the base for this meaty expression of Ripasso. Aromas here include raw cherry, blackberry tart, dark vanilla bean and barbecue spice.
Corvina, Rondinella and Dindarella—three grapes native to the Verona area of Northern Italy—make up this fresh and lively, easy-sipping rosé. The wine awards pretty aromas of raspberry and white cherry.
Corvo's entry-level Nero d'Avola opens with a bright, lean appearance and sharp berry tones with almond and cassis. It's a bit lean but fresh.
Corvo Bianco is a tried and true white wine that helped introduce Sicilian wines to international markets. It's worth revisiting this wine if you are looking for something fresh to wash down seafood.
Cos d'Estournel's Médoc property produces wines that are all fruit. This is typical, a medley of black and red fruits on a light bed of tannins. The downside is a rustic flavor that needs to blow away. Give the wine until 2015.
COS is a natural, biodynamic and organic wine estate in southern Sicily and a leader in the rising popularity of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria denomination. This expression is particularly delicate and expressive, with nuanced layers of wild berry, white chocolate and cola.
COS is a nod to the three friends who founded the winery, Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti and Cirino Strano. This beautiful Nero d'Avola opens with bright berry aromas, toasted pistachio nut and bright accents of chopped herbs.
Costa dei Peschi is an elegant and understated sparkling wine that would pair with sushi or lightly fried calamari. Spicy bubbling is enhanced by butterscotch and lemon drop.
Costa Grimaldi tastes fruity and tart and offers mature notes of raspberry and strawberry over subtle shadings of spice, licorice and root beer. It's definitely a riper expression of Barolo and therefore not as layered or complex as other wines from this vintage. That said, it's a fine wine with super-firm tannins and bright cherry flavors.
Costa Russi presents a dark wall of ripe fruit and an exotic spice shading that give momentum and power to the finish. There are also notes of plum, dark chocolate, tobacco, licorice and tar. The quality of the tannins is firm and polished; this should evolve over many years to come.
Costalupo is a fun blend of Trebbiano, Passerina and Chardonnay that offers fresh aromas of lemon zest, spice, ripe apple and pear flavors. It has a creamy texture and crisp acidity that would make a nice match for rich seafood dishes.
Costco's private-label Sauvignon Blanc is priced right and offers a fruity mouthful of melon and gooseberry flavor. The citrusy finish is a bit short, but pleasant.
Coste di Rose is a gorgeous Barolo with impressive elegance and complexity. Aromas touch on delicate hints of violets, spice, cola and cedar and are beautifully unified and integrated overall. The texture is thick and dense yet the quality of the tannins is particularly polished and tight. Don't open this bottle before 2015.
Costebianche refers to the calcium-rich soils in the vineyards of this estate in Piedmont, northern Italy. On those soils, this elegant Chardonnay delivers dusty notes of crushed mineral, white peach, almond skin and honey. In the mouth, the wine is fine and silky.
Costing the equivalent of $5 for one 750-ml bottle, this is made in a country style, with a jagged mouthfeel and berry flavors that are tinged with green mint and chlorophyll.
Coteaux Varois is a small area in the heart of the Provence vineyards. This wine is fresh, fruity and light in texture. With its strawberry fruits, it has a crisp side and attractive acidity. The wine, with its fresh aftertaste, is ready to drink.
Coteaux Varois is a small region that gives lively, gentle wine such as this delicious rosé. It's pink in color, ripe, touched by caramel and with a rounded, soft aftertaste.
Cottanera interprets Etna through the lens of international grape varieties like Syrah. Sole di Sesta shows chewy berry and smoked bacon overtones that are characteristic of the grape, with enhanced mineral finesse that is typical of volcanic soil.
Cotton candy and apple cider aromas give way to a mild palate with soft acidity but a sense of complexity. Plump red-fruit flavors are not specific, and overall this blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Garnacha is appealing but slightly vacuous.
Cotton candy and warm, dusty aromas give the wine pleasant, semisweet opening aromas. The palate is round and solidly formed, with creamsicle flavors and a bit of brown sugar or treacle. A good wine with just a touch of sweetness in the middle; must be a touch of residual sugar here.
Cottonwood Canyon specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but they also have three acres of Syrah in their Santa Maria vineyard. The result in this bottling offers aromas blending red fruit with minty herbs, like a cherry cough drop. The wine is fairly lean on the mouth, representative of a cooler-climate expression of the grape, with oregano, sour cherry, cranberry and chalky minerality. The finish is reminiscent of crème brûlée.
Coudel Mor, the title of a medieval Portuguese cavalry captain, is the naming inspiration for this fruity bright wine. With red berry fruits and plenty of attractive acidity, it is a lively wine, lightly perfumed and with hints of wood aging. Drink now.
Coudoulis is an up-and-coming estate in Lirac. This is only a Côtes du Rhône, but it's an excellent effort, combining generous black cherry fruit with hints of pie crust and baking spices. It's full-bodied and plush, with a velvety texture and long, licorice-tinged finish. Drink now–2018.
Could almost be a Zinfandel, it's so jammy-fruity in raspberries, cherries, red currants and pepper, with firm tannins and a solid dose of acidity. It's also slightly sweet and one-dimensional.
Could almost be classified as a dry table wine, it's so rich in acidity and minerally on the finish. However, there's just enough honey to call it off-dry and dessert style. Either way, it's a stylish wine, crisp and clean, with orange and pear flavors. Great as a simple accompaniment to fresh fruit, ricotta or mascarpone dishes.
Could almost be Zinfandel, it's so spicy and briary, with wild berry, red currant and tobacco flavors. But it's lighter in body, with the silky texture of Pinot Noir, and drier than any Zin could be. A lovely, complex and food-friendly wine.
Could and should be sweeter than 3.9% residual sugar to justify being a dessert wine. Teases with somewhat sweet blackberry, chocolate and pepper flavors that pull back to a tannic, earthy finish.
Could the scent of microwaved popcorn be any stronger? Obviously, it's heavily oaked, and that carries onto the palate where you'll find heavy, woody flavors in addition to banana and lemon. This needs a lot more charm and style; in all honesty, it's not delivering much.
Could use greater acidity and structure to provide a framework for all the fruit, but that fruit sure is attractive. It floods the mouth with raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with pretty additions from smoky oak. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
Couldn't get any riper, with an explosion of blackberries, cherries, currants, plums, and cola, not to mention plenty of toasty, caramelized oak. Trades complexity and subtlety for sheer power. It's mostly Merlot, with a splash of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Counoise—a southern Rhône blending grape—only rarely appears as a varietal wine, but this distinctive bottling makes a strong case for it. It's not just another generic red wine; it has a particular mouthfeel—elegant, almost Pinot-like—coupled with firm, slightly metallic tannins, sharp acids and accents of pepper on stone. Somehow the wine feels, more than tastes, European.
Country style, with its rough, earthy tannins and brambly berry flavors. Yet it's clean and likeable, with intensely jammy, berry and stone fruit flavors. It also has a nice, round, supple texture. A versatile wine with lots going for it.
Cour-Cheverny is a miniscule appellation of 180 acres within Cheverny, specializing in the rare Romorantin grapes. With care, as here, this hard-to-ripen grape can produce a remarkably rich, full-bodied wine even in a tough vintage. It's bone-dry with delicious melon and apple flavors. Drink now, but better wait until late 2015.
Course and snappy on the palate, this blanc de blancs features broad apple flavors.
Course, grainy tannins are the defining textural attribute, lending a rustic quality to the full-bodied palate. Notes of mocha, cranberry sauce and black fruit compote are pleasant and easy, extending onto the finish that's marked by vice-grip tannins. This would be a fine accompaniment to burgers and ribs.
Courtesy of solid black cherry, cassis and herbal aromas, this comes across as being well rounded. A dense palate is offset by lively acidity, while flavors of cassis, toast, herbs and spice end in a peppery swirl of drawing tannins blended with plush fruit notes. Drink through 2019.
Courtney Benham, a brand from Martin Ray, does a good, consistent job with their Sauvignon Blanc, at a fair price. The '06, like its predecessors, is dry and crisp, with succulent flavors of limes, pineapples, sweet green peas, figs and spicy vanilla. This is a good price for a wine of such sophistication.
Covila produces mostly good-quality affordable Rioja wines, but with this bottling the winery has stepped it up a notch. Aromas of raisin, graphite, prune, vanilla and coconut are ripe and oaky. A chunky, blocky, ripe palate holds blackberry and cassis flavors that come with notes of dried herbs. Chewy tannins and peppery spice push a bold finish. Drink through 2022.
Cowaramup is a Margaret River subregion. A herbal note adds interest to the aromas, and some lifted red fruit sets this wine apart from Cherubino's other 2010 Cabernets. Otherwise, it's pretty similar in its lavish oaking and meaty, savory flavors, but with a bright, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2020.
CQFD means Charte de Qualité Fûts de Chêne (oak barrels), two concepts in one wine. The flavors are of the richest fruit, freshened with acidity and enveloped in tannins. It is dark, a solid wall of flavor, finishing with a chink of light and acidity.
Crème brûlée informs the creamy backbone of an otherwise high-toned Chardonnay, the acidity brisk on the palate without veering over the edge. Layers of apple and pear give additional lift in between a yeasty texture.
Crème caramel and spice aromas are exotically appealing on this bright, full-bodied Chardonnay. Dry in style with zesty acidity and fresh apple flavor, the palate is a bit more subtle than the nose, but makes this a straightforward drinker.
Crémant de Loire is the Loire-wide sparkling wine appellation. This wine, with its blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, shows a crisp character, its acidity given brightness by lemon and green-plum fruit flavors. There's an attractive edge of minerality to add some tautness to the wine.
Cracked pepper and black olive aromas give this wine a savory cast, and they're followed up on the palate by hints of charred meat. It's medium-bodied and supple, with a soft, slightly diffuse finish that suggests drinking not cellaring. Drink now–2025.
Cracked pepper, dried blueberries, dried violets and strong bay-leaf aromas show prominently on the nose of this bottling from the southern stretches of the Bay Area. There is solid depth to the flavors, with dill, fennel and a savory, peppery teriyaki element spicing up the blackberry and olallieberry fruit.
Cracked pepper, thyme and cedar feature on the nose, while the blueberry and black-cherry fruit comes out more on the palate, alongside hints of coffee grounds and asphalt. There's ample weight, while the texture is somewhat loose and open-knit, more corduroy than suede.
Crafted by Billo Naravane from Rasa Vineyards, this is Echo Ridge's sole blend—a mix of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cab Franc and 17% Merlot—all from the estate vineyard in eastern Oregon. The blend proves to be a bit more complete than the single varietal offerings, with plum, anise, tobacco and a hint of coconut in the finish.
Crafted by Mark McNeilly (Mark Ryan winery), this pure Syrah was cellared in about one third new oak. Tasted shortly after its release, it still showed a bit of a liquorous new oak scent, but without turning up the heat in the finish. The fruit is young and bright, a mix of raspberry, cassis and red licorice.
Crafted by one of Barolo's finest producers, this Arneis rocks. It's loaded with creamy Granny Smith and mineral sensations, accompanied by hints of Alpine herbs. The palate is structured but restrained, with a long, quenching finish. Imported by Masciarelli Wine Co, Moonlight Wine Co.
Crafted by Syncline winemaker James Mantone, the aromas of raspberry, kirsch and spice show a pleasing sense of harmony. The red-fruit flavors are layered, showing intensity and precision, with the tannins bringing some grip. The balance is spot-on throughout.
Crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit, this tart, citrus-flavored rosé is anchored in rhubarb and strawberry flavors. It offers medium concentration and length, with a subtle suggestion of cola woven into the finish.
Crafted from 12 different clones planted throughout the estate vineyard, farmed to perfection, this is a delicious and exuberant expression of blueberry crumble that's succulent and inviting in every way. Full bodied, it retains enough acidity to remain mouthwatering and yet complex, a subtlety of white pepper and cardamom biting at the its heels. Drink now through 2024.
Crafted from 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Gris and 5% Pinot Blanc, this straw-colored wine offers aromas of lemongrass and almond blossom. It is balanced in the mouth, with flavors of tropical fruit, pineapple and understated flowers.
Crafted from a field blend of varieties, including Carignan, Syrah and Durif, this holds a syrupy sense of meaty bacon and plum raisin at its center. Midweight and fairly straightforward in terms of flavor, it finishes fast and not overly complex.
Crafted from a mix of 48% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 7% Mourvèdre, this aromatic rosé is spicy and bursting with star fruit, citrus, apple, pear, apricot and more. It's a lively full-bodied wine with a smooth finish.
Crafted from a range of vineyards, including Gap's Crown and some new sites in this vintage, this lovely, well-made and balanced wine is made in larger quantities than the producer's vineyard-designates and is enjoyable young. Creamy and full bodied at first, it evolves into cohesive flavors of baked pear, toasted almond and lemon-lime.
Crafted from an intriguing blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Petit Verdot, this Langhe blend delivers dense, forward fruit in a compact structure with firm tannins and luscious blackberry fruit. Moderate finish. Drink now or cellar for a year.
Crafted from estate-grown Dijon clones, this outstanding effort offers sophisticated flavors of pear, quince, ginger and lemon curd, wrapped together in a buttered-nut finish. Barrel fermentation helps smooth the way into a beautifully balanced, ageworthy style.
Crafted from estate-grown fruit—a marriage of Pommard and Swan clones—Golden Mean comes from three distinct vineyard blocks, the Pommard fermented whole-cluster. It opens with dark, ripe layers of lush cherry-vanilla, the wine concentrated and rich in oak yet balanced in acidity. On the finish is a mix of leather, licorice and wild herb. Tuck it away through 2020–2022.
Crafted from grapes grown in two estate vineyards, Pastorale and Quarter Moon, this wine deftly provides a taste of wild strawberry and feral forest floor, offering concentration within a lean frame. The finish memorably imprints lasting cardamom spice.
Crafted from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in almost equal parts, this delicately tinted wine is subtle with flavors of strawberries, peaches and oranges. It has a honeyed finish, making it slightly off-dry. The acidity is pitch perfect and the mousse is fine and silky.
Crafted from six vineyards within the Dutton family's holdings, this is a pretty wine, smooth and supple with a balance of acidity and light body. Citrus and apple vie for attention with a slight tropical note and expansiveness of ginger cookie and toffee.
Crafted from the oldest vines in one of the oldest vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley, this displays lovely aromatics of leaf, herb, earth and wild berry. Tight and contained, it opens into a focused, lively wine with great acidity. It has the potential to age well for a decade or more.
Crafted from the vines of the old Jean-Louis Grippat estate, this is a wonderfully complex yet elegant rendition of Saint-Joseph. Smoky notes of cured meat and cracked pepper entwine perfumed, plummy fruit in this full-bodied, creamy-textured wine that should drink well for at least the next 10 years.
Crafted from Wente clone grapes from Charles Ranch, this label is the passion project of longtime wine industry player Tony Lombardi, who manages the much larger Kosta Browne brand. Barrel-fermented in neutral oak this wine offers heady Tahitian vanilla and lemon curd around green apple skin and lemon. The palate is both creamy and crisp, the finish reasonably powerful.
Crafted in a New World way, this displays toasty, creamy oak and baked apple aromas. The palate is healthy and bold, while flavors of popcorn, white bread, butter, honeydew and banana maintain freshness and clarity across the finish.
Crafted in an oxidative style, this wine is light brown to the eye, with aromas of toasted nuts and caramelized pineapple. Flavors of hazelnut, toasted almond and lemon sorbet continue through the smooth finish that ends on a zesty note.
Crafted principally from estate-grown fruit, this has the complexity and downright panache of a far more expensive bottling. Mixed brambly red fruits combine seamlessly, punching through to a lingering finish etched in minerals. What a terrific value!
Crafted to be very broadly appealing, but well done in that category, this bottling shows ginger, toffee and malted milk scents followed by watermelon candy and fig flavors. Medium-to-full bodied, with a hint of sweetness and a finish on fast fade. Drink up.
Craggy's Pinot style has been trending away from overt fruitiness and toward this sort of complex umamifest of meat, parsnip and mushroom, with just enough black cherry fruit to support all of these components. This 2010 has a firmly structured core surrounded by plush tannins and ample length on the finish. Drink now–2023.
Craggy's style of Sauvignon Blanc has always favored texture over flamboyant aromatics, but the 2014 offers subtle notes of tomato stalk layered over citrus fruit. Grapefruit predominates, but there's a hint of stone fruit and the hallmark Craggy creaminess to the wine's texture.
Craggy Range has put their marketing energy in the U.S. behind this largely unoaked Chardonnay. It's clean and bright, with refreshing melon and pear notes, but not a ton of weight or complexity. Drink this medium-bodied dry white now through 2018.
Craig has struggled to move this Paso Robles Syrah off-center and into the end zone for years. The fight continues. The wine is just too soft and simple in structure, although it does show pretty pepper-sprinkled black and blue berries and stone fruits.
Craisin and geranium aromas mark the nose of this Texas Syrah. The medium-bodied palate brings more floral tones, soapy in nature, with soft tannins giving little support.
Cramele Recas's Dreamfish series of international varieties consistently offers bang for your buck, and this vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Rich, full bodied and easy drinking, this offers flavors of bright black cherry and berry, framed by notes of vanilla, toast and wet graphite.
Cranberries and pie cherries give a crisp, almost citrusy, edge to this wine. The tannins are silky and there's some appealing clove-like spice as well, but the acids are elevated, making the wine come across as tart and ungenerous.
Cranberries and watermelon in the nose, leading into a soft, light, pleasant wine. Smooth and simple flavors; the wine needs to be chilled to show its best. This is made for near-term enjoyment.
Cranberries, raspberries and black cherries are in the fruit bowl here, with a hint of wet hay. Still sharp and spicy, it's astringent and offers a light hint of dried tobacco. As with many of the winery's reds, the basic material is excellent, and shows great potential as the vines mature.
Cranberry and a strong herbal component contribute an earthy elegance to this 100% Cab which zigzags somewhat on the palate, becoming fuller bodied. Still, the oak and tannins are under control and the wine is approachable now.
Cranberry and blackberry sauce aromas take on spiced notes of nutmeg, clove and anise on the mildly aromatic nose of this Bordeaux-style red blend. The full-bodied palate is dark and spicy, with toasted vanilla leading to a hot, alcoholic finish.
Cranberry and clove swirl into a decadently spiced nose on this single-vineyard expression from veteran winemakers Dick Dore and Billy Wathen. The wine delivers more complexity on the palate, with touches of raspberry, allspice and cardamon.
Cranberry and currant aromas come with hints of herbs and juniper. An astringent initial mouthfeel turns more complex with airing. Flavors of berry and plum are roasted and rubbery. It finishes on the grabby side, with chunky tannins. Drink through 2020.
Cranberry and currant dominate this restrained wine, wound up in tannins with a streak of sage accented by black pepper. On the finish expect deeper layers of chocolate and vanilla-caramel.
Cranberry and fennel elements entertain the nose on this widely available wine. Raspberries and black licorice show on the light and easy palate.
Cranberry and other red-fruit aromas are sort of raw, and the oak treatment on this wine is domineering and resiny. Amid the wood chips there's plum and boysenberry flavors, but as soon as you center in on those you also get dry tannins and a veneer of oak flavor.
Cranberry and raspberry comprise the red-fruit nose, and next is the aroma of horse hide and a heavy dose of oak. The fruity palate is all about plum and cassis, and on the finish everything is in place and the texture is firm.
Cranberry and red currant are the stars of the show in this mountain wine, which is further accented in dried herb and lavender. Tart, tangy acidity supports firm pillowy tannins with a robust ripeness and lingering notes of leather and tobacco leaf.
Cranberry and strawberry make for a pretty, fruity wine that's velvety in texture and full bodied in depth and length. Black tea and a backbeat of orange and lemon add to the tartness of this layered, complex red.
Cranberry and strawberry rise to the top of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend in terms of aroma and flavor, the color and weight of the wine light ruby red. Dry tannin and herb intermingle around a soft texture before becoming puckering on the finish. Small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are within the blend.
Cranberry fruit, sharp and tangy, is accented with darker notes of coffee. Tannins are earthy and finish slightly bitter.
Cranberry juice, touches of juniper and muddy-soil notes arise on the nose of this bottling from a popular vineyard in the region. The earthy palate combines a line of beet juice with clay, turned earth, black plum and dried pine needles, framed by chalky tannins.
Cranberry sauce flavors and refreshing acidity make this a very delicious wine to be consumed young. Unhindered by oak or undue extraction, this shows its charming, primary fruit in an open, uncomplicated way. This is a winner with charcuterie and salami.
Cranberry, baked plum, black pepper and cigar play against secondary characteristics of black licorice in this well-crafted, balanced wine. Thick, yet structured, it juggles a layering of minerality against a richness of fruit, each complementing the other.
Cranberry, baked rhubarb, anise and crushed slate aromas show on the nose of this always-excellent bottling from the Franscioni family. The palate abounds with energy, driving black raspberry fruit accented with earthy loam, fennel, oregano and juniper through a compellingly round midpalate.
Cranberry, blueberry, vanilla and milk chocolate aromas are at the fore. It's silky in feel with a reserved styling.
Cranberry, cardamom, earthy mushroom, loam and a bit of smoke power the nose of this wine from one of the appellation's pioneers. The flavors are more subtle, with Bing cherry and raspberry fruit accented by notes of clove, plum skin and turned earth.
Cranberry, dried sage, sour cherry, thyme and dried chaparral shrubbery show on the nose of this wine from an oceanview vineyard near Ben Lomond. The palate is fairly lithe and bouncy with acidity, showing lots of crushed bay leaf and wild sage as well as underripe strawberry and richer cranberry notes.
Cranberry, peach, raspberry and fresh fruit tones characterize this luminous rosé sparkler. The wine boasts persistent perlage and very good intensity of flavors and length.
Cranberry, pomegranate and a touch of bramble are found in the nose. The palate reveals fresh fruit flavors of sour red cherry, cranberry and red plum with a pleasant acidic backbone. Drink now or hold through 2016.
Cranberry, rhubarb and allspice combine effortlessly in this well-made, memorable red. Silky on the palate, it shows a refinement of character and robust grasp of dark spicy notes that betray a baked, brooding quality of balanced richness. On the finish is a refreshing seasoning of orange zest.
Cranberry, sour cherry, turned earth, dewy chaparral and anise aromas arise on this bottling from the historic Monterey producer. The mouthfeel is quite full, with sour cherries, leather, tobacco and mocha flavors cut by a judicious amount of acidity.
Cranberry, spice and fresh herb give this peppery Pinot plenty of flavor interest. Definitely on the earthy and herbal side, this juicy wine is a good go-to bottle for everyday drinking.
Cranberry, vanilla and barnyard aromas pervade on the nose. The palate is gentle and well balanced by notes of forest floor and cedar, while the structured tannins complement the tart cranberry and blackberry. Fruit tones and cedar linger on the long finish.
Cream and spice aromas lead to a palate accented by peach and lees flavors that stretch out the finish.
Cream, plus jammy blackberry and blueberry aromas may trick you into believing that this wine's a Syrah, but the truth comes through on the palate, where sturdy, brambly blackberry flavors dominate. Finishes dry, with medium length.
Cream, vanilla, baking spice, key lime pie and tropical fruit aromas lead to a rich, flavorful palate, redolent with pineapple and kiwi flavors that hang on the clean crisp finish.
Creamed apple aromas shine out of this intensely fruity wine. With its ripe pear and melon flavors and the concentration from the old vines, the wine is rich while keeping plenty of acidity in reserve. Its fruit is still young, still perfumed. The wine is ready to drink.
Creamed pear- and apple-skin flavors give a wine that has warm acidity, with touches of vanilla and almond. This is warm, rounded and full bodied, with a tang of citrusy acidity that hints at its aging potential.
Creamier and richer than you'd expect at such a low price, this easy-drinking Chardonnay offers aromas of peach, vanilla, pineapple and coconut butter. Indian or Vietnamese food would make a good match.
Creaminess and stone are all that is signalled on the nose. The palate opens with a generous spirit that unites green apple crispness, lemon freshness, shortbread richness and chalky depth. There is an undertow of lemon oil and lasting length. There is something generous and rounded about this wine that does not stem from dosage. Intriguing, wonderfully dry, grown-up and totally lasting. This is still taut and will gain from bottle age.
Creaminess, almost akin to cream soda, emanates from the glass and subdues the soft strawberry fruit. The palate has some of that creaminess, too, but is fresh and pleasingly taut, with bright freshness and a light, dry body. The fizz is frothy and altogether results in an immensely drinkable, easy-to-enjoy crémant.
Creamy aloe vera, white pepper, green pear and lemon zest create an irresistible nose. The palate is equally creamy but also comes on light, tiptoe feet. There is a pleasant, slightly bitter zesty edge to the slender palate which belies all the charm. An intriguing, arresting Grüner.
Creamy and bright, this Extra Dry Prosecco opens with soft notes of white flower and stone fruit. The wine shows a supple but lasting feel in the mouth with loads of fruity after flavors.
Creamy and buttery with gorgeous notes of stone fruit, exotic fruit, vanilla, honey and a playful touch of banana, this wine is an exceptional companion to shellfish, clams or chowder. The aromas are direct, intense and very seductive. This is an opulent, sophisticated wine that wins high scores across the board, thanks to its genuine intensity and its crisp, flavor-rich finish.
Creamy and buttery, this Chardonnay provides satisfying vanilla and tropical fruit flavors that finish on a honeyed note.
Creamy and confected on the nose, which is proof of the “roble” designation. The palate is rather narrow and acidic, with semi-sour flavors of berry and cherry. Cleansing and tart; decent but doesn't go beyond that.
Creamy and crisp, this boasts enticing scents of hawthorn and black locust flower while the tangy palate evokes tangerine, white peach and green apple. Vibrant acidity brightens the fruit flavors.
Creamy and crisp, this lovely wine is delicately scented with yellow apple and mineral. The flavors carry over to the linear, elegant palate along with a note of pear while vibrant acidity lends plenty of verve.
Creamy and crisp, this opens with aromas of peach and fragrant wild flowers. On the palate, a hint of chopped herbs adds depth to apple, pear and citrus while vibrant acidity and a soft mousse provide the framework. A mineral note accents the finish.
Creamy and crisp, this slowly reveals delicate scents of small red berry and Alpine herb. The bright polished palate offers strawberry, apple, nectarine and a hint of bread crust alongside fresh acidity and an elegant mousse. A mineral note backs up the finish.
Creamy and crisp—a nice trick—this refreshing Chardonnay livens up the palate with a mix of herb, celery, apple and Asian pear, rolling into a finish of caramel apple and toast. It has a light touch despite the 14.5% alcohol, and sits nicely in the back of the throat, inviting another glass.
Creamy and delicious, this beautiful white offers aromas and flavors of juicy pear, ripe green apple, white almond, sea salt, wild herb and ginger. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors.
Creamy and delicious, this elegant off-dry sparkler doles out layers of sweet white peach, yellow apple, pear and a tangy note of candied lemon drop. A silky perlage gives it a smooth polished texture while bright acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Creamy and delicious, this offers aromas that recall ripe orchard fruit, bread crust and citrus. The elegant palate doles out mature yellow apple, tangerine zest, pastry and hazelnut, all lifted by a silky perlage that leaves you wanting more.
Creamy and foamy with soft tones of peach and honey, this cheerful Asti would pair with fruit salad, cookies or can be consumed as an early afternoon appetizer wine (thanks to its low 7.5% alcohol) simply on its own.
Creamy and fresh on the nose and followed by a play of good acidity and body, this Riesling from New Jersey is both supple and refreshing. The flavors fall a bit flat though—and need more dimension.
Creamy and fresh, this is made from estate-grown grapes, fermented in a mix of stainless steel and neutral barrels. The fruit flavors blend jicama, melon and pear, with a touch of sweetness. It finishes with a hint of honeysuckle.
Creamy and fresh, this mineral-driven effort spent no time in barrel, and did not go through malolactic fermentation. The pear and apple fruit is quite clean and lightly minty.
Creamy and fresh, this off-dry sparkler offers heady aromas of exotic fruit, candied orange peel and ripe peach. The foaming palate doles out ripe apple, Bartlett pear and crystallized ginger alongside crisp acidity that gives it an almost linear quality.
Creamy and fresh, this opens with aromas of pressed yellow flowers, dried orchard fruit, toast and pastry. The foaming palate doles out ripe apple, butterscotch, pastry cream and toasted walnut alongside a soft mousse.
Creamy and fresh, this opens with scents of white spring flower and pear. The vibrant palate offers green apple and white peach offset by a soft mousse.
Creamy and fresh, this sparkling Lugana shows real class, starting with its floral aromas of lemon blossom and stone fruit. The crisp palate delivers green apple, peach and yeasty bread crust alongside a refined perlage and bright acidity.
Creamy and frothy, here is a fruit-forward Prosecco Dry with pretty aromas of fresh apple and cherry blossoms. The wine has a delicate, feminine disposition and a generous texture in the mouth that recalls peaches and cream.
Creamy and fruity, this Viognier has forward flavors of pineapples, limes, ripe green apples, vanilla, honey and cinnamon spice, balanced with crisp acidity, and totally dry on the finish. It's an easy, enjoyable wine.
Creamy and full in the glass with thick streaks of glycerin, this is a luminous white blend with pretty aromas of stone fruit, honey and peach cobbler. The wine has a smooth, full consistency and a soft, generous finish.
Creamy and generous with notes of soft vanilla and stone fruit, this Chardonnay-Sauvignon blend has a beautifully aromatic nose and a light, compact texture in the mouth. Pair it with lightly fried seafood or fritto misto.
Creamy and herbal on the nose, with mild vegetal aromas and big but bland black-fruit scents. The palate is big and chunky, with heavy berry flavors tempered by herbal notes. Same goes for the finish, which is thick and hefty but a little sticky.
Creamy and leesy, with a complex mix of mineral, fresh herb, citrus rind and pungent botanicals, this is an interesting and refreshing style of Pinot Gris. Give it a good chill and watch it open as it warms.
Creamy and lush, with pure peach and pear aromas along with nice vanilla accents. The palate is fairly rich and layered, but it's also properly acidic and, therefore, well balanced. The flavors of pear and butter seem on the money, and the finish is solid and of moderate length. All in all, this is a very good Chardonnay with no overt faults.
Creamy and naturally dense, this northern Italian white opens with a deep golden color and mature aromas of melon, stone fruit and honey. There's a spicy touch of crushed white pepper on the close.
Creamy and nutty, this wine offers ample herbaceous qualities around muted melon and citrus, finishing with ample lift and refreshment.
Creamy and oaky on the nose, with a soft touch. This blend of 68% Cabernet and 32% Syrah offers weight, density and smooth edges along with blackberry, coffee and mild medicinal and herbal flavors. Finishes dark, toasty and a touch minty.
Creamy and oaky, with butterscotch and pear notes, but heavy and a bit unripe, with vegetal notes.
Creamy and plush may not be traditional Cabernet descriptors, but they're what this wine delivers. Vanilla and graham cracker notes swaddle mixed currant fruit in this big but cuddly teddy bear of a wine. Drink now–2022.
Creamy and powdery on the nose, with sweetness and leesy notes. The palate is round, smooth and not terribly cutting, while the flavors lean toward honey, melon and another shot of lees. Finishes long and classy, with elegance. Drink immediately before it loses its vitality.
Creamy and refined, this offers aromas of fragrant wild flower, spring blossom and white stone fruit. The silky palate doles out white peach, yellow apple and candied lemon drop alongside a foaming mousse and fresh acidity.
Creamy and refreshing, this offers aromas of white spring flower, white peach and tropical fruit. The bright frothy palate offers mature pear, apple, tangerine zest and candied lemon drop alongside an elegant perlage and fresh acidity.
Creamy and rich on the palate, this has flavors of white peach and exotic fruit. There's a subtle touch of sweetness on the close.
Creamy and rich, with flavors of almonds, apples and cream. Apricots steal in, along with honey and a vivid final tang of citrus zest. The minerality gives a powerful pull to the wine, offering the driest of finishes.
Creamy and rooty at first, and then smokier and darker as it settles. For young Malbec it displays both a jammy fruit side and an acidic center. So there's both ripeness and heft but also a piercing sizzle. Perfectly good for parties and less-serious imbibing.
Creamy and smooth with a dense and sophisticated style, this is the kind of top-shelf Pinot Grigio you could pair with lobster bisque or New England clam chowder. There are pretty aromas here of yellow flower, acacia, peach, pear and citrus.
Creamy and smooth with soft oak shadings, this balanced 70-30 blend of full-bodied Grillo and fragrant Viognier is redolent of honey and bee's wax with softer tones of apricot and pear in the background. The wine has good density and structure but ends on a bright, crisp note.
Creamy and smooth, with vanilla and milk chocolate aromas and flavors that carry along the bouncy red-berry fruit for a supple ride. Contains 10% Petite Sirah.
Creamy and spicy, this blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne has rich, slightly sweet flavors of pineapple cream, white peach jam, honey, vanilla and a wealth of dusty Asian spices. It's an opulent wine that needs equally strong fare, like crab cakes.
Creamy and sweet in orange and tropical fruit flavors, this Albariño is fortunately balanced by crisp Central Coast acidity. It's an easy white wine to drink with almost anything.
Creamy and tartly acidic, with sour pineapple candy, pear, buttered popcorn and vanilla flavors. Made in a popular style that will appeal to fans of oaky Chards.
Creamy and textural, this brings on a nice mix of apple, pear and Key lime fruit flavors, fresh and pretty. Just a hint of minerality adds interest to the finish.
Creamy and well-integrated, this offers personality and style. The crisp bite of green apple and lemon curd are textured and long-lasting. With its overall balance, it is a fantastically versatile pairing option.
Creamy and yeasty, this luminous Chardonnay-based sparkler delivers aroma of mature peach and apricot backed by almond nut and butter. The wine has the heft and staying power to pair with shellfish or lobster.
Creamy apple and pear flavors give this wine a bright, while full-bodied style. Wood tastes and taut acidity combine easily with the fruit. Drink now.
Creamy apple aromas stand out on an otherwise neutral nose. This is plump but fairly balanced, with melon, apple and light herbaceous flavors.
Creamy apple, lemon shortbread and fresh citrus make for a convincing trio of aromas. They continue their merry dance on the generous, dry and poised palate to achieve real elegance. All the while there is a deeper, hidden core that draws you in, speaking of stone and honeycomb. With its tiny, pin-prick bubbles this is utterly charming and grown-up, harmonious and poised.
Creamy aromas of custard give off a soapy smell. This feels citric, while nectarine and orange flavors are a bit funky. On the finish, this is more fresh and direct than flavorful.
Creamy aromas of milk chocolate and berry fruits set up a moderately gripping palate. Nonspecific berry and clove flavors finish plump and chewy, with a strong oak character on the close.
Creamy aromas of vanilla and pears also carry some typical Sauvignon Blanc pungency. For a rounder style, which it is, it's quite refreshing. The mix across the palate of banana, grapefruit and almonds is attractive, and so is the round, pretty finish. Drink it very soon.
Creamy aromas of vanilla and toasted marshmallow are noted on this fresh blend of Tempranillo and Trepat. Although the palate is short and limited, this offers earthy flavors of plum, currant, tomato and herbs. A lightly baked finish is integrated and mildly complex.
Creamy aromas of vanilla cookies and melon lead to a plump palate with just enough vital acidity to keep things fresh. Citrusy flavors lean toward clementines and grapefruit, while the finish is peachy but  also pithy in flavor.
Creamy aromas of vanilla yogurt, custard, apple pie and cinnamon show on the nose of this wine from a longtime family of grape growers. The palate is crisp with pear juice, rounded with marzipan flavors and touched with light honeysuckle flowers.
Creamy aromas predominate on the nose and carry through to a round, rich palate. This is generous, full and bready, with a lot of earthy flavors on the midpalate. While there is balance, there is little fruit and lots of yeasty character.
Creamy berry and plum aromas register as generic and inoffensive. This is round and full in terms of weight and texture, with herbal, jammy flavors of berry fruits and salt. An herbal, oaky, salty tasting finish is solid but fails to elevate things.
Creamy black cherry aromas layered with fresh brussel sprouts and spicy arugula flavors of red plums and toasted oak.
Creamy brie rind aromas mesh with scratched yellow grapefruit skin and a steely minerality on the nose of this small-batch bottling from a winery atop the appellation's ridgeline. Light and focused flavors of kumquat juice, iodine and lime skin satisfy the palate, and would be a perfect match for shellfish.
Creamy bubbles pour from the bottle on this reliably solid sparkler, with aromas of Meyer-lemon zest, gray slate, wet concrete, crushed white rocks and a shade of nectarine. The palate is yeasty with sourdough elements dominant, alongside shreds of red apple, lemon juice and tangerine rinds.
Creamy bubbles rise through hay color in the glass, showing the slightest touch of salmon pink on the edges, with a lean and tight nose that shows tortilla dough, pink grapefruit rind and a sleek, steely gunmetal note. Crisp apple and sliced Meyer lemon flavors show on the palate, where the bubbles are foamy, the yeast is present but restrained and the style is very approachable.
Creamy butter and vanilla aromas suggest richness in this vineyard-designated wine, and its body and texture are equally full. Spicy oak and nutmeg flavors accent its dense, ripe apple and pear flavors, adorned in caramelized honey.
Creamy Chardonnay aromas of melted butter, banana and vanilla make this a very enticing proposition to pair with lobster or coquilles Saint-Jacques. The wine is rich and generous in the mouth and has the structure and heft to match cream or melted cheese. Excellent.
Creamy compartments of fig and walnut greet the palate on the entry of this crisp, well-composed Chardonnay, light in oak and bright in minerality. Preserved lemon rises to the fore midway through the glass, befriended by just-sliced pear. The grapes were sourced from Keefer Ranch and Heintz Vineyard, a beautiful expression of the two exceptional sites.
Creamy dark-berry aromas carry a floral, blueberry hint, while the thick palate teeters on syrupy as it delivers gummy, mildly baked black fruit flavors. Lactic and full on the finish, with a touch of crusty bitterness along with milk chocolate and/or carob.
Creamy earthiness joins the yellow stone fruit on nose and palate, making for a toned-down but full-fruited, generously rounded Gewurztraminer. The structure provided by pithy, pleasantly bitter notes leaves a lasting, refreshing impact.
Creamy fruit, spice and fresh tropical fruits offer an attractive start to this elegant, unfolding Greek Chardonnay. On the palate, fleshy fruit is balanced with a clean acidity and spin of spice. Versatile food pairings from creamy herbed chicken to grilled octopus come to mind.
Creamy in mouthfeel and spicy with acidity, this is a well-heeled, lightly crafted wine with integrated crispness and peach and lemon highlights.
Creamy in texture and floral in aroma, this is a lovely and well-integrated white wine, with well-crafted characteristics of pear and honeyed apple. Medium bodied, it'll pair well at the table and on its own.
Creamy in the mouth with flavors of mango, pineapple and apple, this wine entices with a subtle bouquet of citrus pith, Delicious apple and vanilla bean. The finish is smooth and round, yet clean.
Creamy in the nose, with a hint of vanilla and Bartlett pear. The palate isn't boring; there's cantaloupe and nutmeg nuances along with some papaya and banana. The weakness: The wine turns soft almost immediately upon pouring.
Creamy lemon curd and fresh apple notes are offset by savory tones of mushroom and truffle in this very classic Chardonnay sparkler. A laser-edged strike of lemon-lime acidity grips the midpalate but is cushioned neatly by soft, mouth-filling mousse that lingers on the finish.
Creamy malty aromas of vanilla and baked berry fruits lead to an astringent palate with hard tannins. This Malbec tastes earthy and like baked berry fruits and coffee grounds. A grabby finish with clamping residual tannins makes for a rugged ending.
Creamy notes hover over red apple on the beautifully dry palate. The body is rounded and almost rich, with a touch of bitterness creeping into the autolytic, bready background. This is rounded enough for food and will be very versatile, especially with roast or grilled salmon dishes.
Creamy notes introduce an earthier dimension to this lemon-scented wine that has an equally lemon-focused core and a rather slender body. This is slight and cannot make up its mind whether it wants to be sharp or creamy—so it oscillates between these poles.
Creamy notes of apple pie spread across a lithe body flavored by layers of pleasantly bitter citrus pith. This wine is dry and concentrated, with elements of stone and chalk, and the finish is refreshing and clean.
Creamy notes of Golden Pearmain apple, shortcrust pastry and juicy green apple meld into a golden, elegant unity. The palate is creamy and gives glimpses of baked apple and shortbread, all the while holding itself with complete poise. This is grown-up, serious stuff with quite a lot of beautiful, echoing resonance, even grace.
Creamy notes of pear still carry a hint of flinty smoke, but the pear notes rise with purity. The bright freshness of pure lemon lifts everything and makes for purity, ease, refreshment and blithe joy.
Creamy notes of red and yellow apples, just an edge of citrus zestiness and inviting notions of apricot announce a subtle, elegant white with a dense but never heavy structure. Rounded fruit with a wonderfully linear trajectory make this a worthwhile food companion. This is a wonderful expression of the indigenous Austrian Zierfandler.
Creamy notes of Red Delicious apple are tinged with hints of shortbread on the nose. These become more forward on the creamy palate as the frothy mousse amplifies them. This is dry, restrained and elegant with a wonderfully refreshing finish.
Creamy notes of strawberry candy suggest a very fruity wine. The softly but persistently fizzing palate highlights the berry freshness and adds accents of red apple. This wine is dry, easy, fruity and fun. Drink soon.
Creamy notes of strawberry shortcake make for an alluring nose. The impression continues on the palate with very fine creamy mousse while the more tender, tart red-berry notes now gain some enticing pepper spice. This is a very elegant, dry apéritif style. Without any dosage the finish is long, refreshing and dry.
Creamy notes of tart red currant and crisp red apple perfume the nose. The palate adds to that a gentle, softening creaminess which mellows but does not seek to tame the exuberant freshness. This is lively and joyful, in a way that is mellow and brisk and the same time. The elegant mousse is enriching, the finish is of crisp red apple.
Creamy notes pear crumble make for a most attractive nose. The palate follows with gentle softness and concentration, supported by bright, fresh acidity. The creamy notes continue alongside notes of green and red apple and fresh pear. There is a lot of substance and body, so have this alongside a meal, the finish is superclean.
Creamy notes show subtle smoke and hazelnut notions. The flavor profile is equally subtle but has an underlying, pervasive lemony freshness that brightens the entire palate. This is a restrained, friendly, approachable but classy Chardonnay—and a very good choice for dishes that also have a spike of lemon flavor.
Creamy oak and raisiny notes announce ripeness and richness that turn to complexity as this Syrah airs out. In the mouth, this is full-force, with choppy tannins and tomato-like acidity. Spice, herb and plum flavors finish dry, toasty and well balanced. Drink through 2021.
Creamy oak aromas shout “vanilla” and “wood resin” in full voice. This is a rough wine with stampeding tannins. Toasty boysenberry flavors are more pounding than elegant, while this tastes of bitter chocolate on an aggressive finish. Give this five years and it may show better but now it's massive and unsettled.
Creamy oak matches prickly red plum and cherry aromas. This is tight and rugged in feel, with black plum, herb, spice and dry oak flavors. A toasty finish loses its fruit quickly.
Creamy oak, carob and foxy, gamy berry aromas open this racy Malbec that's fresh and exercising firm tannic grip. Black-fruit flavors are lightly herbal, while this is stout on the finish, with bright acidity and enduring freshness. Drink through 2019.
Creamy oak, herbal blackberry, vanilla and mild green notes make for an intriguing, spicy nose. A heavy, tannic palate brings the weight and thickness, while flavors of blackberry and boysenberry come with salty notes and a briny, herbal finish.
Creamy on the nose with a scent of musk and flowers, this wine from Brotherhood is too angular to fully enjoy. The acidity is good but the overall flavors are lean.
Creamy on the nose, this wine shows seared pineapple, apple custard, lemon oil and faint iodine aromas. The flavors are evenly placed between lemon yogurt and salted apples, mixing a bit of tang and ripe fruit with a savory sea salt.
Creamy peach and vanilla aromas are perfectly attractive, as is the palate. There's plenty of peach, mango and citrus pith flavors to make it worthy, and the finish is long and citrusy. Surprisingly good given the paltry price and Argentina's dearth of success with Viognier.
Creamy pear and aloe vera act like a cooling cushion for fresh, zesty acidity. This is lively, tight and not for faint hearts, but totally rewarding with its uncompromising refreshment.
Creamy pear with overtones of mint presents an inviting nose for this soft but streamlined wine. Ever-so-slight fizz lends additional freshness.
Creamy plum and raspberry aromas are a touch medicinal and herbal. Full and thick in the mouth, with a creamy texture, meatiness and sizable strawberry, black cherry and plum flavors. Tastes a bit herbal and minty on the finish.
Creamy red apple notes dominate the nose and continue in this rich, biscuity way on the nose. This almost is a sublimation of shortcake with Red Delicious apples. The impression is made even stronger by the dryness and the structure, resulting in a fruity yet serious and very balanced wine.
Creamy rose and peach puree notes create a very sensuous and seductive scent. The light-footed creaminess continues fluidly on the slender palate, helped along by a touch of flavor-boosting sweetness. But this is pervaded by freshness to finish off dry. Drink soon while flavors are at their peak.
Creamy smooth and enlivened with brisk acidity, this Chard shows forward, tart green apple, lime and pineapple flavors. Oak barrels add even richer notes of buttered toast and butterscotch to this elegant sipper.
Creamy soft fruit, with the richness of 2005, hinting at some toast flavors. This wine is the second label from the Conti family, owners of Château Tour des Gendres, by far the best producer in Bergerac. It is a rounded, full wine, with fine, ripe white fruits, pears and nectarines, topped with light acidity.
Creamy textured wine, soft and ripe. It has attractive pure acidity that lies lightly on the palate, blended well with riper red apple, pear and just crisp acidity. Ready to drink in six months. Screwcap.
Creamy vanilla and fig combine around a thick texture complemented by bright, consistent waves of ripe tangerine. The finish is short, filled in by more citrus.
Creamy vanilla and pear give this white a decadent edge, brought back to earth by its integrated acidity. The use of oak is not overdone and there's body and structure to spare, along with tropical-leaning flavors of papaya and pineapple.
Creamy vanilla and pear open this wine from a new Napa Valley producer. It offers a nice mix of minerality and fruit ripeness, before finishing a tad flat.
Creamy vanilla and pear pie provide a fleshy and full-bodied texture to this wine, which leans tropical in guava and melon. Aged in entirely neutral oak, the fruit shows well within a wave of ripeness.
Creamy vanilla and spritzy acidity surround a ripe core of baked apple and pear in this white. Full-bodied and touched by oak, it finishes clean and concentrated.
Creamy vanilla complements a medium use of oak in this weighty, tropical wine, given to pineapple, peach and Meyer lemon flavor. Straightforward, inexpensive and intended to be a crowd pleaser, it hits those marks, finishing ripe and layered.
Creamy wild cherry, crushed strawberry, exotic incense, clove and cinnamon-spice spill from the glass when you pour this delicious wine made on the slopes of Mount Etna. It's very youthful, with fresh red-berry fruit and bright acidity balanced by polished tannins. A licorice notes signals the close.
Creamy with ripe apricot and peach fuzz flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc has a wet stone quality to it as well, with an oak presence and lightly sweet finish.
Creamy wood aromas are prominent in this ripe, yellow-fruit-flavored wine. A rich, textured character hints at minerality while bringing out fresh fruit and acidity. It is ready to drink, although some of the bursting acidity will calm down by late 2016.
Creamy yellow plum fruit and a flinty edge lead onto a full-fruited, brightly lit palate where all the fruit is pulled into zesty orange and lemon focus. Concentration and friendliness prove great assets here.
Creamy yet not overly viscous, this wine finds a nice balance between fruit and juicy acidity, showing off well-crafted apricot, green apple and nut notes. Light bodied and totally fresh, it gains layers of citrus as it evolves in the glass.
Creamy, almost buttery melon aromas are soft and not snappy. A plump but citrusy mouthfeel is bolstered by fading acidity, while this tastes of dry citrus fruits and salt brine. Bitter grapefruit notes take over on the finish.
Creamy, almost mellow notes of Red Delicious apple pervade nose and palate. The mousse is very fine and creamy, heightening the beautifully pure fruit notes as well as a rounded autolytic note of brioche. This is light bodied but full of flavor, dry and creamy with a lovely long finish.
Creamy, almost mellow notes of ripe yellow apple constitute the nose. The palate intensifies that creaminess with hints of vanilla and burnt sugar as well as with a finely fizzing, creamy mousse. All this is countered and balanced by sprightly freshness. Overall it conveys an opulent, hedonistic style, with an expressive and long finish reminiscent of salted caramel.
Creamy, almost powdery pear flavors dominate, but the palate is illuminated by bright, sprightly lemon acidity. There is an innate balance that can be summed up as creamy lemon on a dry, yeasty background. This is moreish, appetizing and has a lasting, fruity finish.
Creamy, balanced and tropical, it's a bang-up deal for the quality. Deeply layered in fig and vanilla, it offers sweet aromas of honeysuckle on the nose. Stock up for parties or all your midweek meals.
Creamy, fresh and delicately scented, this lovely sparkler opens with a fragrance of pressed yellow flowers, mango and a hint of flint. The elegantly structured palate offers nectarine zest, white peach, mineral and a honeyed note are accompanied by bright acidity.
Creamy, green plum- and wood-flavored Chardonnay, clean, somewhat anonymous. Hints of citrus and acidity help keep the wine fresh, giving a final, easy crisp finish.
Creamy, herbal freshness reminiscent of fern and fig leaf rises from the glass in this wine. That same combination of creaminess and verve pervades the concentrated palate. It's dry, sophisticated and wonderfully compact.
Creamy, herbal freshness shines in this wine, recalling yeast and sage, lemon zest and aloe vera. The palate is sprightly and fresh, delivering loads of lemon and lime flavor in its slender, easy frame. A slight spritz makes it even more refreshing.
Creamy, lemon-scented apples offer a harmonious, easy to enjoy and friendly palate on this aromatic, bright and fruity white. With a slender, scented silhouette, this is designed for easy, lightweight summer sipping. Drink soon while flavors are in their prime.
Creamy, lush and somewhat robust, this dry sparkler offers a thick mousse and touch of richness in its mix of nutty bread dough, green apple, pear and lime.
Creamy, lush oaky notes harmonize with brambly berry and black cherry aromas and flavors on this accessible, modern-style Minervois. The palate is full of ripe fruit and sweet oak characteristics, with moderate tannins to provide some structure. Drink now.
Creamy, nutty hints of oak frame fresh pear on nose and palate. The creamy texture cushions the freshness of the wine which has a pleasant weight. Together this makes for an unusual but convincing wine. Lovely now but this has the mileage to last three to five years.
Creamy, oaky and buttery, with a scour of acidity that feels out of place. The underlying flavors are of apricots and oranges. Pretty good, in a country style.
Creamy, rich and immensely satisfying, this carefully crafted Trebbiano d'Abruzzo opens with mature notes of apricot, lemon zest, vanilla cream and pineapple. The mouthfeel is what sets its apart, however: It's decadently opulent and long-lasting.
Creamy, rich and loaded with apricot and peach, this would pair well with creamy vegetable risotto.
Creamy, rich and spicy, this has potent pineapple- and orange-jam flavors, with lots of the sweetly buttered toast you get from oak barrel aging. It seems a little sweet in the finish, but it's elegant and refined.
Creamy, ripe pear fruit signals a pliable, rich wine. There is some palpable warmth amid the generous pear notes that are held in check by fresh, zesty acidity. The body does not come across as heavy but as a lovely interplay of ripe pear and zesty citrus.
Creamy, rounded freshness with an immensely savory core of sage, arugula and white pepper make for an understated but seriously delicious white. There is weight and importance here, but it is lightly worn. The spicy, almost salty flavors keep you wanting more.
Creamy, smooth and rich, this gorgeous bottling offers flavors of lemon mousse, apricot and vanilla, backed by well-integrated acidity and fruity concentration.
Creamy, soft and very floral, this would pair with fruit-based desserts or sponge cake. Thick and foamy layers of sweetness and soapy perlage move slowly over the palate.
Creamy, soft, but pricked with high acidity, this dry sparkling wine from Montlouis is made from Chenin Blanc. In the mouth, there's an herbal element, vivid acidity and a crisp aftertaste.
Creamy, spicy aromas show hints of oranges or tangerines. Medium-weight, with a clean finish that would complement virtually any seafood dish.
Created as an homage to the traditional powerful “black wines” that set the reputation of Cahors in Medieval times, this wine follows the old practice of heating the grape must before fermentation. The result is enormous concentration, seriously tannic ripe black fruit and considerable acidity. These are all elements that demand aging, and even at four years old this wine is just starting out. Drink from 2021 at the earliest.
Created by Joshua Klapper, the fine winemaker at La Fenetre, for Santa Monica's Fig Restaurant, this wine is balanced in alcohol and subtle, but complex in its array of fruits, spices, earth, oak, tannins and acids. If you're in the area, check it out.
Created by Knights Templar in the 13th century, the estate now consists of 160 acres of vines. This wine has a strong sense of structure, with a zesty tang as well as tannins that enhance the fruitiness of this intense and juicy wine.
Created by music industry businessman Kedar Massenburg (CEO Motown Records), the K'orus range is produced in the Languedoc. This Cabernet Sauvignon gives blackberry fruits, very juicy, lightly sweet to finish, but retaining attractive structure and acidity.
Created by Vigouroux as a hommage to Malbec in Cahors and Argentina, this has the structure of Cahors and the rich smoothness of Mendoza. Complex, powerful, full of ripe fruit, it's impressively juicy, textured and full of acidity at the end.
Created for the American market, the wine has some softness while retaining intense fruitiness. It's bright, light and very fresh, with just a touch of caramel at the end.
Created from a mix of 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay, this Brut is dry, offering a thick mousse and lip-smacking texture, holding firmly on to its wealth of acidity from start to finish. Fig, apple and an aspect of baked honey combine to provide a slight richness to the proceedings, making for a fine food wine.
Created in 1819, this vineyard surrounds a Victorian château overlooking the Loire. This wine is fruity, fresh and soft. It has attractive acidity, a light texture and perfumed acidity set in the context of apple and lime fruits. Drink now.
Created jointly by a chef, a sommelier and a wine critic along with winemaker Jarrod Boyle, this appealing blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Counoise is loaded with rich, sweet cherry, blackberry and cola notes with a full-bodied, satiny mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
Created only in exceptional years like 2010, this is a beautiful example of New York Chardonnay. Elegant on the nose and palate, with penetrating notes of Meyer lemons, honey and waxy white flowers, this is an opulent, full-bodied wine that's judiciously oaked and concentrated through the finish. Drinks gorgeously now, but could easily hold 3-5 years.
Created to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Theresa of Avila, this wine made from a special selection of fruit. Richly structured, it displays great style as well as intensity. Black fruits are beautifully integrated into the ripe body of the wine, backed by acidity and with tannins and wood-aging flavors in the background. Drink from 2018.
Crede is a top-notch Prosecco Brut (with 10% Pinot Bianco and 5% Verdiso added to the blend for extra structure and crispness respectively) that offers generous fresh fruit tones followed by almond blossom, macadamia nut and Golden Delicious apple. The mouthfeel is streamlined and crisp with a creamy, frothy finish.
Credit the complex flavors of this wine to the blend, which consists of Zinfandel, Grenache and Syrah. One-third new oak lends a buttered toast note to flavors of raspberries and mocha. High alcohol brings a pleasant buzz of heat. Delicious for drinking now.
Credit the cool vintage for this Pinot's mouthwatering acidity. The wine is rich but pristine with fruit, a testament to Phelps' superb viticultural practices and attention to detail at the sorting table. It's dry and crisp, yet rich and delicious, with flavors of strawberry and raspberry jam, rosehip tea and cedar. The tannins give the wine a velvety grip. As good as it is now, it would be a shame not to cellar it. Your window of drinkability begins in 2019 and extends for 15 years after.
Credit this Merlot for sheer enjoyability. It defines Merlot as the soft, drink-me-now Bordeaux red wine, full-bodied yet instantly likeable. Made from 100% Merlot, it's extraordinairly rich in cherry fruit, while 100% new French oak adds a deft touch of buttered toast. The tannins are gentle, sweet and complex. This flashy, fleshy wine is great now, and will hold and evolve in the bottle for at least six years.
Crimson in color but also translucent, with a candied, slightly green nose. Overall this is a simple quaffer with no excess weight and reasonably good flavors of berry and plum. Bland on the finish, but for $4 who's caring about finish?
Crimson is half Merlot, one-third Cab Franc, the rest a mix of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's some volatility in the nose, with bright, spicy strawberry fruit swathed in light chocolate. The midpalate drops out.
Crisp-tart lemon and apple flavors cascade on the palate of this invigorating, fresh Riesling. It's a juicy, approachable off-dry wine that finishes with a bristle of lemon-lime acidity.
Crisp-tart tangerine, nectarine and pineapple abound on this fruity, forward Chardonnay. While moderate in body and alcohol, it feels plump and silky on the palate and finishes with a touch of lingering warmth. Drink now through 2020.
Crisp acidity and a cool minerality, like liquid granite, give this wine elegance and complexity. It's rich in tropical fruits, peaches, pears, buttercream and vanilla, with oaky notes of buttered toast and caramel. What a fancy wine to have with Chardonnay-friendly fare, like lobster, crab or scallops in cream sauce.
Crisp acidity and citrus fruitiness combine with a riper, textured character. The wine shows the strong minerality inherent in whites from Pernand-Vergelesses, as well as a richer streak. Because of its structure, it should age. Drink from 2016.
Crisp acidity and firm tannins give a framework to this massively fruity, rather extracted blend of all five Bordeaux varieties. Without that structure, it would be all jammy cherries and currants. Fine now with a grilled steak, and for the next several years.
Crisp acidity and laser-pure fruit immediately characterize this as a Central Coast Chardonnay. It's not a blockbuster, but with zesty pineapple, apricot and peach flavors, it's a great buy at this price.
Crisp acidity blends easily with creamy smooth texture here. This is a fine juxtaposition of mineral, apple, pear, spice and citrus flavors, neatly layered for complexity and eleganty structured. Long and bright at the end.
Crisp acidity brightens this wine's seemingly sweet lemongrass, tropical fruit and vanilla flavors. Try pairing this with Chinese food or ham.
Crisp acidity buoys sharp red fruit in this delectable wine—a blend of multiple sites across the appellation. Medium build, it shows youthful tannins and oak that supports without intrusion, allowing the crunch of cranberry, strawberry and pomegranate to speak forcefully.
Crisp acidity combined with ripe fruit is pleasant here, but this blush is a tad heavy and lacking in delicacy. The color is dark, and the wine is rich with raspberry jam and spices.
Crisp acidity comes to the rescue of this slightly sweet wine, giving it a bracing mouthfeel that balances the sugary pineapple, peach, apricot and honeysuckle flavors.
Crisp acidity dominates this black-currant flavored wine. It's all about fresh fruit, soft tannins and benevolent acidity. It's pepperd with hints of licorice and spice. Likely to be drinkable in the next year.
Crisp acidity gives this off-dry Riesling just the edge of tartness it needs to balance out the sweet citrus and flower flavors. It's the perfect inexpensive summer picnic white wine.
Crisp acidity makes this blush wine clean and vibrant. You'll find strawberry, vanilla, thyme and cinnamon spice flavors that finish ripe and lush. It's a fine wine, delicately structured, and fairly priced. From Pisoni.
Crisp acidity marks this mouthwatering white. Intense aromas of lemon and grass make for an intriguing nose. The palate is a bit dull, although the acidity gives the minerally finish a bit of staying power and makes it a good foil for fresh seafood.
Crisp acidity saves the day for this ripe, fruity young Pinot Grigio. It has forward flavors of pineapples, limes, kiwis and vanilla that are almost, but not quite, sweet. Then the acidity kicks in, drying and cleansing the finish.
Crisp acidity saves this rather sweet, oaky wine by giving it a clean mouthfeel. The flavors are of pineapple and apple juice, honey and vanilla caramel.
Crisp acids and finely ground tannins give this young Cab great structure, making it feel balanced and elegant. It's also a very ripe wine, showing lush blackberry, cassis and cherry flavors. The wine is big enough to easily support its significant amount of flashy new oak. Drink now through 2010.
Crisp almost scratchy aromas of herbal red fruits are a bit strained. This feels solid, with ample volume. Earthy flavors of tomato sauce, mixed spices, stewed plum and cassis finish long and herbal, with some grace.
Crisp and also creamy, this is a soft, ripe wine that also preserves good acidity. It shows the freshness of 2009, while also bringing out a richly herbaceous character.
Crisp and appetizing lemon and grapefruit flavors do their job very well in this vivid, refreshing and medium-bodied wine. Its bright acidity makes the mouth water and will help it pair beautifully with a wide variety of foods.
Crisp and apple-flavored, this light and serviceable Chardonnay brings the clean and balanced flavors of Washington fruit to this California-based producer of high volume, moderately priced wines. Fine for everyday enjoyment.
Crisp and apple fruity, it's dry and fresh with some steely acidity. A soft side lends a bright aftertaste. Drink now.
Crisp and balanced in bright acidity and apple skin, this also offers subtle toasted oak and caramel, the best of both worlds, exuberant and elegant at the same time. Enjoy now or cellar until 2020.
Crisp and bright in flavor like Pippin apples, this wine is light bodied, braced by good acidity and has a refreshing cleansing effect on the palate. With more character than many similar wines, it's worth seeking out.
Crisp and bright in lemon and apple, Atrea also has a honeyed richness to it, especially on the finish. A blend of almost equal Roussanne and Viognier, the latter comes from Lolonis's very old, dry-farmed vines. Refreshing, this wine is begging for spicy food.
Crisp and bright, this wine has retained plenty of acidity even in this ripe vintage. Attractive and spicy, it offers citrus fruits as well as apricots. Drink now.
Crisp and brightfresh acidity and ethereal aromas of rosemary and dried basil. The nose is pungent.
Crisp and brisk on the palate, with hints of grapefruit, melon and fig accented by herbal, leafy notes. The flavors fade quickly on the finish, but the wine makes for a pleasant apéritif.
Crisp and citrusy lime peel, grapefruit pith, orange and nectarine aromas show in this stainless steel-aged bottling. The palate is more botanical in nature, showing chive and dill along with underripe Bosc pear and key lime flavors. The texture is quite grippy.
Crisp and citrusy with supporting aromas of melon and peach, this is a very clean and well put together Falanghina. This luminous white would make a wonderful companion to light salad lunches or smoked salmon carpaccio.
Crisp and classic, with a nose and flavors of lemon, raspberry and spice. Clean and delicate, the wine will show well next to grilled seafood, salads and lighter fare.
Crisp and clean aromas of chalk and lime pith meet with riper touches of honeydew and Anjou pear on the nose of this blend of 66% Grenache Blanc and 34% Roussanne, which hints at a biting acidity on the sip. The freshness extends to the palate, where riper guava tones are deftly cut by citrus peels and finished with a minty lift. The structure is tense and ideal, while the acidity is available but not overwhelming.
Crisp and clean aromas of honeydew melon, lime peel and slate greet the nose on this zesty bottling of a tremendously promising grape for the Central Coast. The palate offers a creamy yellow-pear center, framed by fantastic citrus-zest acidity and Meyer lemon-pith grip, redolent with interesting texture and tension.
Crisp and clean like a watermelon agua fresca, this dry yet juicy rosé is full of ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. Bright acidity and a subtle trace of tannins make it a wonderfully food-friendly pick anytime of the year.
Crisp and clean lines of tart apricot, nectarine, Gala apple and honeysuckle ride a steely frame that characterizes the nose of this wine. Minerality shows first on the sip, but then the wine becomes ripe with apple, pear and peach flavors. A green-apple-rind tartness arises on the finish.
Crisp and clean with medium aromatic intensity and an easy finish, this Pinot Grigio would wash down with chicken or tuna salad. Citrus and stone fruit appear as zesty endnotes.
Crisp and clean yet very tropical and ripe on the nose, this bottling shows strong guava and mango perfume notes. The palate also rides the guava wave, with touches of bubblegum, coconut and white-flower syrup.
Crisp and clean, stainless steel-fermented, yet showing a lot of tropical fruit in the nose, and a touch (half a percent) of residual sugar. Banana, mango and citrus flavors are there, along with plenty of acidity. Interesting, but not particularly varietal.
Crisp and clean, this all-purpose white wine will please those who enjoy moderate (12.7% alcohol), stainless steel-fermented wines with clean fruit flavors. Apples and pears combine in the body of the wine, with a hint of cheese sticks in the finish.
Crisp and clean, with lemon-lime and lychee aromas that are typical and well presented. There's body to the wine but also streamlining acidity, resulting in a slick, smooth mouthfeel. Flavors of green melon, citrus and lychee are fresh and positive.
Crisp and clean, with lemon-lime fruit, a bit of stone and just a hint of licorice. It’s simple and straightforward, though it lacks complexity and elegance. It falls off and gets a bit hard and tough in the finish.
Crisp and clear, this reserve-level white is sweet and salty in equal measure, offering a smooth taste of melon and peach. With a bite of oaky vanilla and a build-up of body, it finishes with a richness of more fruit.
Crisp and compact, the 2011 Diana Madeline undoubtedly needs at least another couple of years in the cellar. The nose is leafy and herbal, but the flavors show cherry fruit framed by subtle shadings of vanilla. The tannins are firm, imparting a drying sensation to the long finish.
Crisp and cool, this shows a vanilla flavor that softens the attractive tight, acidic fruit. It's light in texture, with a prominent tang of citrus.
Crisp and creamy, with red apple flavors. The wine is lifted by its crisp, green acidity, lightly coating the apple skin structure and tautness.
Crisp and crunchy red fruit like cranberry surround a tight, grippy structure seasoned well in cola and Asian spice. Full bodied, the wine is textured and elegant, robust without being overbearing, a standout for the producer and the appellation in a picture-perfect vintage year, sourced from both the Wayfarer and Hallberg vineyards. Drink now through 2023.
Crisp and cutting, this exceptionally refreshing dry rosé balances a dainty foot print with concentrated red cherry and raspberry flavors. There's a whisper of savory herb notes throughout but the finish is peachy and bright. An unusual blend of Merlot accented with a mélange of other red and white grapes.
Crisp and cutting, this zesty apple-scented wine offers loads of lemony refreshment. The palate is zippy and taut, invigorating with a clean mineral finish.
Crisp and delicious, this elegant wine delivers aromas and flavors of green apple, crushed stone, ripe pear and a hint of pastry cream. Bright acidity lifts the creamy flavors while a tangerine note gives it a clean mouthwatering finish.
Crisp and deliciously fruity, this is lively and bright. Acidity points up the lime and grapefruit flavors, leaving a fresh, juicy aftertaste. Drink now for maximum pleasure.
Crisp and direct, this Garnacha delivers good berry aromas on the nose. Bold acidity creates a fresh mouthfeel, while racy berry flavors are clean, with a hint of cocoa and toast on the finish.
Crisp and distinctive, with a strong mineral streak, this full-flavored Pinot Blanc has a range of fruit flavors, centered upon apple and pear, but also touching on blood orange and a suggestion of celery as well. Low in alcohol, but high in flavor.
Crisp and drier than this Champagne used to be, this is a fruity wine. Apples, citrus and zesty orange mingle along with the minerality that comes from the 40% Chardonnay in the blend. This is a fine apéritif style to drink now.
Crisp and dry, this bright pink wine is classically styled, showing apple skin aromas and lively grapefruit flavors. Made from Pinot Noir, it's light and appetizing and has a solid, mildly grippy mouthfeel.
Crisp and dry, this is a delicious and fruity Champagne. Red fruits go with citrus and bright acidity to create a textured wine that is full both of fruit and minerality. It is a great apéritif style.
Crisp and dry, this is a medium-bodied, slightly austere wine. Hints of smoke or stuck flint join with grapefruit rind on the nose, while a slightly bitter note appears on the palate and persists through the finish.
Crisp and dry, this is tight with acidity and with red-currant fruit. It is mineral textured, shot through with crisp red-berry flavors and finished with a refreshing aftertaste.
Crisp and dry, this mixes green apple, fennel root and Asian pear with a hint of minerality. The flavors are nicely integrated, and the wines continues into a clean, lingering finish.
Crisp and dry, with a nice aromatic tension between a taffy topnote and a lemon baseline. There's decent intensity to the earthy notes in the mouth, though we could wish for a bit more length from a Grand Cru. Drink now to 2012.
Crisp and easy with a pristine and luminous appearance and nice tones of pear and peach blossom, this is a no-fuss white that would pair well with fish or appetizers. The alcohol is a bit high but it offers clean acidity and mineral tones in the mouth for balance.
Crisp and edgy, featuring tart cherry fruit and hints of green peppercorn. It's fairly big in the mouth, but lacks a bit of generosity.
Crisp and edgy, this is a ripe while crisp and cool wine. With bright acidity and tangy lemon zest, it's a still young and full of citrus fruits. The mineral, taut texture promises some good aging. Drink from 2017.
Crisp and elegant in feel, this has apricot and peach flavors that are balanced by the tight structure and the green-fruit-like acidity. The layers of toast have integrated with the ebullient fruit character and the taut, minerally finish. For aging 3–4 years.
Crisp and elegant, this offers alluring scents of white spring flower and yellow stone fruit. The bright linear palate mirrors the nose, offering yellow pear, crunchy apple, white almond and a citrusy note alongside vibrant acidity.
Crisp and exceptionally low in tannin, the Chancellor grape is perhaps this continent's answer to the Gamay of Beaujolais. The brilliant garnet hue of this example will force you to pick up the glass. Unfotunately, what you find there won't hold your attention for very long. The aromas are pleasant but diffuse and lead to a one-dimensional palate with only a few faint notes of red fruits.
Crisp and firmly structured, this wine is textured with acidity and minerality. The apple, pear and lime flavors are shot through with this steely character that is still integrating in this concentrated wine. Drink from 2018.
Crisp and flavorful, a delicious Chardonnay designed for rich fare like scallops or shrimp in saffron, coconut milk and butter sauce. The flavors of pineapples, mangoes, nectarines, peaches and smoky oak are complex and have a honey-sweet finish.
Crisp and flowery upon entry, this wine falls flat midpalate, offering a lopsided amount of ripe apple, pear and lemon curd that overpowers the more subtle aspects of minerality lurking in the background.
Crisp and fragrant, here is a Prosecco with direct aromas of peach, honey and orange blossom. Martini & Rossi delivers a clean sparkler that has hints of aromatic fruit on the close.
Crisp and fragrant, this wine is light in texture, with plenty of citrus flavors. It has lively lemon and apple skin fruitiness with a steely edge that comes from a mineral texture. Drink from 2015.
Crisp and fragrant, this wine is lively with lemon and green-apple fruit flavors. Floral, fresh and herbaceous, this has a great swathe of tangy acidity to finish.
Crisp and fresh aromas of lime sorbet and iced apple flesh greet the nose on this Riboli family bottling. The palate is steely and bright, with Anjou pear flesh, a bit of smoke and some red-apple ripeness.
Crisp and fresh aromas of pineapple and melon lead on this pretty semi-sweet Riesling, and are followed by slightly sweet, floral flavors that are kept light with a citric, minerally backbone. Pair with chicken salad, Thai cuisine, even curry.
Crisp and fresh with enduring aromas of tomato leaf, citrus, pink grapefruit and white stone, this is textbook Sauvignon from the mountainous Alto Adige region of Italy. Pair it with appetizers or lightly spicy foods.
Crisp and fresh with lively flavors of apple slices, clementine supremes, nectarine and a touch of honeysuckle. Lighter weight with good balance and a clean finish. The 2009 should be available, so drink up the '08 now.
Crisp and fresh, a well-balanced wine that shows vivid fruit, acidity as well as weight. The crispness at the end gives a delicious final burst.
Crisp and fresh, the wine is bright and fruity. It has strong green and white fruit flavors that are given a boost by the touch of vanilla. It's a food wine, dry, fragrant and ready to drink.
Crisp and fresh, this comes out with some snap and sizzle from bright acidity. A pleasing mix of apple, pear and melon fruit catches hold in midpalate and continues on into a finish with some phenolic bite and a bitter edge.
Crisp and fresh, this has a bright bouquet of honey chopped herb and stone fruit. This simple sparkler would taste fantastic on a hot summer afternoon.
Crisp and fresh, this has an attractive tight texture that contrasts with the red berry fruits and lively acidity. It's a real apéritif style of wine, light and fruity.
Crisp and fresh, this is a bright wine. It has some attractive tannins as well as fine acidity. With a light structure and black-currant fruit, it should be ready to drink soon, certainly from 2021.
Crisp and fresh, this is a light wine that is dominated by red-currant fruits. It has considerable acidity as well as tannins. Fruity while lightly perfumed, it will be ready from 2018.
Crisp and fresh, this is a soft style of Sauvignon Blanc that brings out pineapple and apricot flavors as much as herbaceousness. A streak of lemon and pink grapefruit acidity is well integrated into the riper fruits. The aftertaste adds bright acidity to the mix.
Crisp and fresh, this is a tangy, lemon and orange zest flavored wine. Lively acidity bursts through the richer white fruits, green plums and quince spiciness. Both fresh and ripe, it's well balanced. Drink now.
Crisp and fresh, with a steely character, the fruit is fresh and forward, with citrus and spice flavors. The weight is here, giving density to this vibrant, delicious wine.
Crisp and fresh, with simple red fruits and a warm reminiscence of summer. Drink soon, it will go well with chicken.
Crisp and freshly simple Riesling. There are attractive green fruits, good acidity and a bright perfumed  aftertaste. Not for aging.
Crisp and fruit-forward with notes of wood-grilled peaches, mango and tropical acidity. The aggressive acidity and tangy finish liven up the round and somewhat heavy mouthfeel. Drink now.
Crisp and fruity are apt words to describe this bright, refreshing wine. Off dry in style, it's juicy in sweet white-grapefruit flavor accented by zesty acidity and a polished, mineral warmth on the finish.
Crisp and fruity though a little woody and austere on the nose, too, this Lodi Pinot Grigio is unoaked and not for everyone, but well made.
Crisp and fruity, but also with some weight, this dense, textured wine has a very minerally character, with a straight line of tight acidity. This is complex and tense while also refreshing.
Crisp and fruity, it conveys flavors of red fruit and spice. Its smooth texture is given just a lift by acidity and light tannins. Although young, it is ready to drink.
Crisp and fruity, this bright and fruity wine has attractive acidity as well as spice and a lightly tangy texture. It's still very fresh and needs time to deepen and become richer. Drink from 2016.
Crisp and fruity, this bright wine is full of lively acidity, tangy citrus and apple fruit and refreshing acidity. It is ready to drink.
Crisp and fruity, this bright, textured wine has a tangy character that is juicy and refreshing. Lively and rich, it is ready to drink although it will be better from 2017.
Crisp and fruity, this has fig, citrus, apricot and honeysuckle flavors. It seems sweeter than in the past, with a sugary finish, but the acidity helps a great deal to balance that out.
Crisp and fruity, this is a bright sparkling wine from a region which specializes in this style. The Bical and Baga grapes allow the wine to sing with perfumed apples and citrus fruits. Chardonnay adds a fuller side. Drink now.
Crisp and fruity, this is a bright wine with plenty of citrus flavors and a touch of saltiness from the ocean close to the vineyards. It has a fine tang, zesty orange and lemon and forward acidity. Drink now.
Crisp and fruity, this is a classic rosé. It shows a lightness that comes from the delicately handled fruits, giving gentle berry flavors, bright acidity and a textured aftertaste.
Crisp and fruity, this is a wine full of red currant and blackberry flavors. It does have a tannic structure that will allow the wine to develop along with the acidity. In the family for three-generations, the estate is now run by Denis Hazane. Drink from 2018.
Crisp and fruity, this is a wine that hides nothing. It is all upfront, fresh fruit backed with lively acidity. It's a wine that sings brightly and effortlessly.
Crisp and fruity, this is an immediately attractive win from the fourth generation of the Bonhur family. It has bright acidity, a herbal edge and perfumed apple and lemon flavors. The wine is totally ready to drink.
Crisp and fruity, this mature-tasting wine has a fine toasty element in the background. Ripe and full with a creamy texture and warming aftertaste, it's ready to drink.
Crisp and fruity, this wine demands to be drunk this summer. With bright red fruits, a light smoky texture and lime zest flavor, it is light, fresh and fragrant at the end.
Crisp and fruity, this wine is full of apple and citrus flavors. It also features a touch of wood and spice, with a creamy aftertaste from the light wood aging. Drink now.
Crisp and full of green apple and squeezed lemon juice, this is a fruity wine that has a tight edge of steely texture as a contrast. It is a fine, refreshing and tangy wine, hinting at minerality and ready to drink.
Crisp and full of raspberry and red currant fruit flavors, this is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine. A pure line of acidity lifts the fruitiness and gives the wine a bright, very fresh aftertaste.
Crisp and full of red fruits, this is a balanced wine. With its tannins well tamed and integrated with the fruit, this is going to be a fruity easy wine. Drink from 2018.
Crisp and glossy, this refreshing, stainless-steel Sauvignon Blanc has the appropriate varietal flavors of fresh herb, sweet grass, lime and grapefruit. The flavors of citrus and herb are in perfect balance and complement each other perfectly.
Crisp and grassy on the nose, then lemony in the mouth, with narrow citrus and white peach flavors along with a hint of the veggies. Tangy, lean, slick and acidic in terms of feel, with a tight, lemony finish.
Crisp and grassy, this is a classic herbaceous Sancerre. It is tight, bright and full of citrus fruits. Grapefruit dominates, cut through with acidity and the freshest aftertaste. Drink now.
Crisp and green, this has a ripe, rounded apple flavor that lends the wine richness. There is a yeasty character to go with the fruitiness, while the refreshing acidity lasts through the finish.
Crisp and herbaceous, this is a green-fruited wine that's light on the palate, offering delightful refreshing acidity. This is very fruity and ready to drink.
Crisp and high in acidity, this is bright and lean. A taste of apple is complemented by an herbal component that almost suggests cured meat, with which it would pair nicely.
Crisp and high in acidity, this wine mixes cinnamon, vanilla and pear flavors, accented by a note of exotic orange blossom on the nose. With a low presence of oak and medium body, it remains fresh and vibrant in the glass, offering a hit of toast and vanilla on the finish.
Crisp and intense, this is all about herbaceous textures and pink grapefruit flavors. It is just on the edge of tartness in its acidity, just escaping because of its great fruitiness. It needs to calm down until late 2014.
Crisp and lacy, this is a fine successor to the 2006 Riesling from A to Z. Once again, it sets up the palate for spicy fare with bracing acids and scents of citrus skins. Flavors emphasize citrus rind and spice, fill in the middle with jicama and spicy pear, then finish with a lick of minerality.
Crisp and lean, with light, leafy aromas that aren't green but are not over-the-top ripe either. A nervy, agile wine with snappy red-fruit flavors of berry and apple skins. It finishes a little sharp and edgy, but honest. Call it a true crianza to drink with tapas.
Crisp and lemon flavored , this still tastes young. With a touch of spice, the potential for richness as well as more juicy apple and pear flavors, it is tight, mineral and fresh. It needs to age; drink from 2017.
Crisp and light-bodied, this refreshing Insolia offers honeysuckle, exotic fruit and bright citrus sensations, along with notes of white almond. Fresh acidity gives it clean, quenching finish.
Crisp and light on its feet, this easy-drinker serves up exotic aromas of ginger backed by raspberry jam, tobacco and strawberry liqueur flavors that show just a bit of persistence. Very impressive for the price. With nonexistent tannin, this wine would be a perfect choice for pizza night.
Crisp and light with a sticky mouthfeel that fills up the palate with grace, this wine is abundantly floral and inviting in apricot and pear. Made in a medium-bodied style and 100% varietal, it has a slight undertone of herbal goodness buoying the ripeness of the fruit.
Crisp and light with pretty mineral dustings behind the ripe peach and melon aromas, this Gavi shows a full and generous style. Its nicest quality is that it offers both softness in the mouth and elegance on the bouquet.
Crisp and light, this is a bright wine with attractive acidity and fresh fruitiness. It's not a wine for the long-term, with its simple caramel and spice flavors. Drink now.
Crisp and light, this is tangy, chalky textured and with bright acidity. Citrus and green plum flavors proliferate in this attractive, ready-to-drink wine.
Crisp and lightly mineral, this is a fruity wine that is ready to drink. It has lively acidity and a lemon-zest tang that gives the wine a lift and a prickle of freshness. Drink now.
Crisp and likable, this smells stony and snappy, with spring pea, passion fruit and citrus aromas. It feels well cut, with green bean, grass and citrus flavors. While it hints at being vegetal, it maintains a consistent white-fruit and citrus profile.
Crisp and linear, this delicious Soave delivers sensations of honeysuckle, tart green apple, creamy white peach and juicy nectarine. It's vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity.
Crisp and linear, this offers delicate aromas of Spanish broom and orchard fruit. The vibrant palate offers fresh green apple and juicy citrus while energizing mineral backs up the fresh, flinty finish.
Crisp and lively from the start, this offers bright notes of apple, melon rind, white peach and orange on the nose and palate. Brisk carbonation assists in keeping the palate fresh and clean, while accents of apple skin and toast grace the close. It's a young sparkler, so give it some more time to develop additional layers of nuance and complexity. Try after 2017.
Crisp and lively, this is a tight and mineral wine. Baked-apple fruitiness is balanced by bright acidity and a tangy aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Crisp and lively, this starts with soft scents of pink peony and thyme that add depth and interest to the citrus, pear and tropical fruit core. Medium acidity lifts the palate and carries through to the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Crisp and luscious, this coastal Chardonnay shows off its cool-climate origins and fine vintage. Displays ripe pineapple tart, green apple butter and flamboyant lime flavors, enriched with sweet smoky oak, and balanced with clean, citrusy acidity.
Crisp and minerally up front, with aromas of apple, peach and dust. It's fresh, maybe a touch basic at its core, with flavors of apple cider, apricot and almond skins. There's nothing not to like about this Albariño, which is pure, pithy on the finish, and more than solid in a pedestrian, familiar sort of way.
Crisp and nice Cava with good balance, clean apple, dusty spices and pithy lemon. Fold it all together on the nose, palate and finish and you wind up with a well-made, attractive, easy-to-sip bubbly with some polish. Textbook everyday Cava.
Crisp and on the sweet side, this PG has flavors of honey, lemons, limes, green apples, figs and peppery spices. Nice as a cocktail sipper. Try with Chinese food for something different.
Crisp and packed with lively lemon-like acidity, this wine shows both minerality and intense fruitiness. Textured and tight, it has hints of yellow fruit in the background that will blossom as the wine develops. Drink from 2021.
Crisp and palate-cleansing, this southern Oregon Pinot Gris shows a nice mix of green berries, tree fruit and even some unripe banana. Good concentration and length, with a finish that invites the next sip immediately.
Crisp and penetrating, with great fruit purity, the wine's core bears cassis and black cherry flavors. The tannins are supple, even silky, and the finish is smooth, with dark accents.
Crisp and perfumed, this shows white berries, crisp white stone fruit and a great twist of lemon zest. It's light, floating, the acidity like a whisper within the fresh flavors. The final acidity stays forever.
Crisp and polished, this opens with heady aromas of hawthorne and stone fruit. The vibrant palate offers white peach, passion fruit and citrus alongside bright acidity and a light mineral note.
Crisp and pungent, this has penetrating aromas of cut apple. Flavors resemble fresh, unfermented apple cider. There's a touch of bitterness in the finish.
Crisp and quenching, this opens with aromas of white spring flower, ripe orchard fruit and a whiff of cake spice. The fresh, silky palate doles out ripe apple, pear and citrus zest alongside an elegant perlage. Bright acidity lifts the juicy fruit flavors. It's savory and incredibly easy to drink.
Crisp and racy, this offers scents of Meyer lemon, orange peel and a whiff of peach. The linear, vibrant palate shows grapefruit, green apple and chopped herb accompanied by racy acidity and a hint of flint.
Crisp and refreshing aromas suggest white wildflower and pear. The bright, easygoing palate delivers crunchy green apple, nectarine zest and a light almond note alongside vibrant acidity.
Crisp and refreshing for a Gewürz, a variety that can often get overblown. Peppery floral scents mingle with green apples, moving smoothly into pineapple, peach and pear fruit flavors. Minty-fresh greens emerge to play a leading role on the long, clean finish.
Crisp and refreshing, it delivers honeysuckle, ripe yellow peach, pink grapefruit and lemon-lime sensations. Energizing minerality and crisp acidity give a pristine finish.
Crisp and refreshing, this blend of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Viognier is high in acidity with a creamy midpalate. Guava is most notable flavor, followed by kiwi and honey. Oysters would be a good call.
Crisp and refreshing, this lovely sparkler offers sensations of white wild flowers, green apple, citrus and Bartlett pear. Vibrant acidity balances the creamy, elegantly foaming palate and gives it a dry, invigorating finish.
Crisp and refreshing, this opens with aromas of white spring flower and pear. Made with native grape Turbiana, the vibrant palate offers green apple, lime and bitter almond. Racy acidity lifts the finish.
Crisp and refreshing, this opens with scents recalling citrus, cranberry and aromatic herb. The vibrant palate delivers fresh strawberry, sour cherry, nectarine and a note of white pepper alongside racy acidity a vivacious but refined perlage.
Crisp and robust in pine-forest aromas, ripe cranberry and savory black tea, this coastal wine is feral yet velvety in texture. Concentrated and full bodied, it has underbelly that's undeniably mineral.
Crisp and savory, this lively white delivers aromas and flavors of mature yellow apple, nectarine zest and a hint of nut. Bright acidity gives it refreshing support.
Crisp and slender, this offers drying tannins and aromas of fresh berry and white cherry. It shows a subdued and elegant personality overall.
Crisp and spicy, this blush has slightly sweet flavors of raspberries, red currants, lavender and vanilla.
Crisp and steely, it has aromas of freshly cut grass, hay and tropical fruit. The palate delivers white grapefruit, pineapple and white peach lightly accented with aromatic herbs. Pair with pasta topped with pesto.
Crisp and steely, this is a bright and fruity wine. It has a tight texture cut with acidity and citrus flavors. The wine is lively, packed with fruitiness that has a delicious refreshing aftertaste. Drink from late 2017.
Crisp and steely, touched by white perfumes and intense acidity, this is a wine with a sharp blade of flavors that cut through the texture. Apples, citrus and kumquat all blend attractively together.
Crisp and stony, this lovely wine is medium-bodied and balanced, with green apple fruit, Asian spice and a voluptuous texture and finish.
Crisp and structured, this is an intensely mineral wine. It has great acidity and a strongly zesty, tangy character that still needs time to soften. It's bright, fruity and full of dancing freshness. It's good to go now, but keep until 2017 and it will be that much more complex.
Crisp and sturdy at this young stage, with a lot of green on the nose: apple, onion, melon, even celery. For a Maule Valley SB, this one manages to maintain freshness and liveliness. There's give and take between the wine's acidity and body, with apple, green herb and talc for flavors. Finishes clean and chalky.
Crisp and tangy, this is a tightly knit wine. Apples and crisp citrus flavors are part of a package that also includes spice, a strong minerality and a perfumed aftertaste. The wine should age a few more months, so drink from 2017. This is a “village” wine in the northern Maçon area.
Crisp and tangy, this is all about acidity, red currant and a refreshing, bright aftertaste. It's lively on the palate, a wine that will be just right with summer food.
Crisp and tangy, this light-bodied wine has a (pardon the pun) piny green-apple aroma, vivid apple and lime flavors and lively acidity. It will be especially good as an apéritif to whet the appetite.
Crisp and tart in lemon peel and grapefruit, the loveliest aspect of this lightly ripe wine is its sublime texture, an earthy velvety expression of fineness and elegance that persists in its delicacy.
Crisp and taut, this Lobre family wine is on a tight rope. It balances between intense citrus acidity and riper apricot and pear favors. It will be better from late 2017.
Crisp and textured, this is a ripe wine with a core of tight structure. Fruity with its lemon and apple flavors, it has a lightly herbal edge that adds a green, fresh aftertaste. Drink now.
Crisp and textured, this offers plenty of fresh apple and red fruit flavors. It's a light, bright wine that's poised and stylish, in a fine apéritif style.
Crisp and tight, this is a steely, mineral-driven wine. The texture is taut and nervy, lively with acidity and just hinting at a more creamy future. The toasty edge is attractive and fills the wine. Drink from 2017.
Crisp and tight, this offers bright acidity over a lightly smoky flavor. A green fruit and herb element adds to the general freshness of the wine. Drink now.
Crisp and tightly fruity, this wine is bright and suffused with a lively streak of acidity. It dances with fruitiness and just a touch of spice. Drink this wine now.
Crisp and tightly wound, this Baden Pinot has lovely cherry pie and vanilla scents folding in to leather and mixed berry flavors on the palate. Long, slightly tart finish of saddle leather. Drink now to 2013.
Crisp and tightly wound, this is a relatively austere Cabernet with an astringent finish. Cassis emerges with enough airing, accompanied by tart cranberries, which act to accentuate the drying tannins. Try after 2020.
Crisp and very clean, it holds flavors of red berries. It hints at a tannic structure that gives weight to the intense acidity of the young fruit. It should be given a few months more in bottle, so drink from late 2014.
Crisp and very floral, this is a beautiful showcase of Anderson Valley's cool climate and commitment to Alsatian varieties. There's a great depth of flavor here—fig, grapefruit, lime and orange peel—not to mention tremendous minerality. This is a wine that can be sipped all day long or enjoyed with fish, poultry or an onion tart.
Crisp and very fruity, this offers bright and intense acidity. There is a light, tangy texture and a bright, poised aftertaste. Drink now.
Crisp and vibrant, this is also rich and flashy. It has the essence of ripe, wild raspberries that are spiced and smoked up in oak, leaving you dazzled by its allure.
Crisp and well-balanced, this Nebbiolo opens with youthful aromas of raspberry parfait and coffee ice cream with sweaty saddle undertones. Slightly drying tannins frame the multilayered palate while cherry tones dominate the medium finish. A year in the cellar will smooth out the rough-and-tumble mouthfeel.
Crisp and with a strongly mineral character, this is a young, textured wine. As it softens and gets the ripeness of the vintage, it will become smooth and rich. Drink from late 2017.
Crisp and with good acidity, this is a light, fruity and forward wine. Lively, balanced and with plenty of taut fruitiness at the end, it is very ready to drink.
Crisp and young, this wine, from 50-year-old vines, is tangy and strongly mineral in texture. It is full of fresh fruit that reflects the of organic and biodynamic farming. The green fruits will fill out as it ages. Drink from 2017.
Crisp and zesty in acid-rich lemongrass, lime, pineapple and fig flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc finishes clean and off-dry. Good with crab cakes with a tropical fruit and cilantro salsa.
Crisp apple and grapefruit notes dominate the aromas and flavors of this medium-bodied wine, giving it a tangy mouthwatering aspect that suggests pairing with seafood, mild cheeses and the like. More fruit comes out with time in the glass, fading to delicious apricot on he finish.
Crisp apple and lemon are lurking within creamy wallops of oak, making this a pleasant-enough wine. The ripeness and butter make for curious companions given the bitterly tart, sour finish.
Crisp apple and lemon mark this wine, from a legend of Alexander Valley and California Chardonnay. Oaky caramel and toast dominate on the midpalate, before a significant amount of fennel comes into play on the finish.
Crisp apple and pear aromas take a richer, riper turn towards melon and peach on the palate of this medium-sweet Riesling. Its juicy, fruity demeanor is straightforward and lush, but a punchy strike of lemon-lime acidity livens up the finish. Drink now.
Crisp apple and pears are streaked with earthy tones of saffron and bramble in this brisk invigorating Spätlese. It's concentrated and fruity on the palate with a clingy honeyed touch that extends the finish.
Crisp apple aromas are light and minerally. Feels citrusy and lifted on the palate, with melon, apple and barrel spice flavors. Mildly oaked but not heavy on the finish, with a fresh overall approach.
Crisp apple aromas lead to a spicy, yellow and melon-flavored wine. With its touches of vanilla and warm, ripe character, the wine is full and generous. Drink now.
Crisp apple flavors show strongly in this wine that offers good acidity and a tight, lively aftertaste. The brightness pushes the citrus character forward, leaving a lively, refreshing aftertaste.
Crisp apple freshness almost tips into full citrus zestiness on the nose of this subtle, graceful wine. Very slight spritz tickles the palate on a textured and dry palate. It's lemony, crisp and light, but full of flavor.
Crisp apple perfume builds on the palate, suggesting unusually lifted notes of raspberry, strawberry and cherry in this semidry Riesling. It's a plush, slightly rounded white with easy, juicy fruit and a brisk finish.
Crisp apple, grapefruit and almond notes give this wine great vitality and life. With its light, bright texture and fresh feel, it's a perfect apéritif.
Crisp apples give the wine its tautness and apricot adds a richer touch. This is a balanced, full wine, the fruit tempered by a more herbal, spicy character.
Crisp apples, touched with some sweetness, but finely clean and fresh, this is a great apéritif style of Vinho Verde, finishing with just a sparkle. Screwcap.
Crisp aromas bring both tropical shadings and mild grassy scents. The palate offers the right meshing of acidity and pulp. Tastes right, with lime and passion fruit leading the charge. A dry, clean style of SB with only a touch of green.
Crisp aromas of celery and lime set up a fresh citrusy palate that's light to medium in both body and weight. Flavors of green-grape skins and lemon-lime finish a bit salty, but with proper acidity and balance.
Crisp aromas of citrus are feline and snappy. This smells more like Sauvignon Blanc than Chardonnay, and the palate is racy and citric as well. Lime, nettle and tangerine flavors finish green, tart and long, with acidic push.
Crisp aromas of grassy green fruits, cactus and nettle set up a standard palate, which for this wine means ripped and racy. Flavors of stone fruits, lime, passion fruit and bitter greens end lightly bitter, juicy and green.
Crisp aromas of lemon, melon rind and underripe pear are not overly intense but at the center of the bouquet. The palate is light weight and accessible, with similarly easy flavors that carry through to the clean and mouthwatering finish.
Crisp aromas of zesty citrus fold in touches of brine and bitterness. Fresh and peppery on the palate, it has pyrazinic flavors of bell pepper, arugula and passion fruit. A juicy, briny, mildly bitter finish is typical for Leyda SB.
Crisp aromas veer towards fresh bell pepper and tangerine peel. This feels minerally but also like extracted grape skins. Mixed citrus and green-herb flavors end with a stony lasting feel.
Crisp as it should be, with fit aromas of apple, fresh lettuce and honey. The palate is crystal clear in its delivery of lemon, apple and green banana, while the finish is vivacious and runs the distance. Quite satisfying and fairly serious given its under-$15 provenance.
Crisp black-plum aromas are lifted by lavender, lilac and potpourri scents on the nose of this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Syrah. Lavish flavors of boysenberry pie, vanilla, nutmeg and pastry dough show on the layered palate. It furnishes another strong case for why these two grapes work well together.
Crisp black cherry and mint aromas burst from the glass, then carry over onto the chunky, authoritative palate before finishing slightly dusty and astringent. This medium-bodied Cabernet features plenty of intensity, it just needs a little time to settle down into a more refined package.
Crisp black plum and cherry flavors are pleasant, if a tad underripe, on this full-bodied SheNAdoah Valley Cab Franc. Striking acidity and an abundance of green, herbal notes give it a lean, slightly tart midpalate.
Crisp blackberry and raspberry flavors shine brightly against a sultry backdrop of smoke, vanilla and spice in this luscious, full-bodied Pinot Noir. It's rich and rounded on the palate, but framed smartly by bitter edges of dried herb and fine tannins. It's a sensual wine, but taut and stately, likely to improve further through 2024.
Crisp boysenberry and black raspberry aromas meet with lthyme, oregano and a touch of caramelization on the nose of this Sea Smoke bottling. Dark cranberry fruit shows on the palate, lifted by anise, pepper and an array of herbs, all framed by a leathery texture. Drink now until 2028.
Crisp but also dusty and leesy on the nose, this offers enticing pear and apple aromas in front of a fresh, snappy, pure palate. Flavors of nectarine, green plum and citrus fruits finish linear, with cutting acidity and a stony quality. Drink through 2015.
Crisp but bland, with sharp edges and some bitterness on the finish.
Crisp but smooth, this Piedmont blend shows straightforward blueberry and barnyard notes upfront while the palate offers up some fall leaves and ash flavors before fading to an earthy finish. Drink up.
Crisp canteloupe rind and apple notes penetrate deeply on the palate of this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. Whiffs of savory reeds and herbs distract a bit on the midpalate, but the lemon-lime finish is revitalizing and refreshing. Drink now–2017.
Crisp cherry and plum aromas are gritty. This Malbec shows wiry acidity but the palate is still a touch soupy. Salty plum and oak spice flavors include notes of clove and pepper. As a whole, this is oaky and fairly heavy.
Crisp cherry aromas come with smoke and dryness. The palate is healthy, smooth and offers a good bubble bead in front of toasty raspberry and chocolate flavors. Dry and spicy on the finish; fresh and lively as a whole.
Crisp cherry tomato and plum aromas turn more dark and grapy with airing. Jammy yet fresh and easy on the palate, this quaffable Malbec delivers simple berry flavors along with an exotic note or two. A short finish falls off fast.
Crisp citrus aromas and fresh lemon and grapefruit flavors define this medium-bodied, appetizing and unapologetic wine. With lots of personality, a tingly texture and tangy finish, it's just the thing for appetizers and first courses.
Crisp citrusy aromas include notes of crushed vitamin and ocean breeze. This is tangy and speedy on the palate, with racy acidity. Tangerine and lime flavors are stony, while this is fresh, lasting and citrusy on the finish.
Crisp clean white-fruit aromas come with a hint of clover. This is mellow and mature on the palate, with nothing aggressive or edgy. Dry, peppery, yeasty flavors show little overt fruit, while this offers a hint of green melon on a dry complex finish.
Crisp earth and seamless tannin give this wine a sultry softness around a subtle overlay of oak. Black cherry and leather meet in the middle, buoyed by a zest of acidity, medium weight and a lengthy finish.
Crisp fruit dominates this second wine from Durfort Vivens. It has tannins, tight acidity as well as the potential for further aging. Spice and wood flavors finish the wine on a firm note. Drink from 2018.
Crisp fruit is broadened by caramel flavors and soft acidity. Ripe red cherries dominate along with a smooth texture. This is a fine apéritif style, ready to drink.
Crisp fruit unveils itself slowly in this classically refreshing wine, soft and medium in acidity and oak. It picks up additional ripeness on the finish, from mango to peach.
Crisp golden apple and pear meet toasted oak in both aroma and flavor in this simply structured, light-bodied white. While it remains crisp and mineral-driven on the midpalate, it lacks complexity on the finish, getting to its point succinctly.
Crisp Grüner, bright, packed with tight, lively green fruits, laced with acidity. The wine is clean, fresh and has a lively finish. Screwcap.
Crisp grapefruit and celery aromas set up a round palate with a pulpy texture. Flavors of scallion, citrus peel and grape skins finish citrusy on one hand and pyrazinic on the other. Possibly of interest, this was fermented and aged in egg-shaped concrete tanks.
Crisp grapefruit and citrus character, with tight lime zest acidity. While the wine is full in the mouth, it has the brightest acidity, pear juice and a final pepper burst.
Crisp green-apple aromas and tangy, vibrant flavors give this nicely dry wine a high refreshment quotient, so it will be ideal to stock for everyday occasions. It has great acidity, a tangy mouthfeel and a lingering, fruity finish.
Crisp green-apple flavors and a touch of lime make this dry and medium-bodied wine taste clean and vibrant. It's not big or showy, but nice, tight and beautifully balanced.
Crisp green-apple freshness blends with hints of butter and vanilla for a nicely balanced, un-oaky, medium-bodied wine at a very reasonable price.
Crisp green apple and Conference pear scents vie for attention in this wine. The slender palate adds a backdrop of yeasty savoriness yet remains sprightly and zippy. Riper fruit adds a more sonorous tone as it finishes, feeling full of citric verve and totally appetizing.
Crisp green apple and lime zest aromas form the entry of this unidentified blend, which tends toward richer, creamier layers of vanilla in flavor and texture. The finish is both full-figured and floral.
Crisp green apple and melon rinds perfume this vivacious Silvaner. Just a shade off dry, it's concentrated with lip-smacking grapefruit and lime flavors. The finish is marked by a lingering swathe of fresh, fragrant green herbs.
Crisp green apple flavors are immediately apparent—lactic inflections and floral notes appear too, alongside wood sorrel and moist brioche. The palate has electric English acidity and a very creamy, fine mousse that gives shapely curves to its slenderness.
Crisp green apple is the star in this well-made, balanced and elegant wine, that's tangy yet smooth, with a voluptuous tease of anise. Approachably structured, the complexity of the texture and lurking layers of further flavor suggest letting this wine open slowly to unveil its true self, and allowing it to linger on the palate.
Crisp green apple meets rounded yellow pear on the nose of this 100% Chardonnay sparkler. Weighty and round on the palate, fine bubbles lift up the flavors of lemon pastry and apple blossom, finishing clean and lightly toasty.
Crisp green apple, fresh citrus and caramel coat the palate before delving into nutmeg and Tahitian vanilla, the wine's fruit ripe and in balance. Bright acidity refreshes throughout the glass, finishing in a splash of minerally spice.
Crisp green apple, herb and sour-plum notes juxtapose richer, ruddier flavors of ripe peach and apricot in this delicate off-dry Scheurebe. Slightly waxy honey notes lend silkiness to the midpalate. It's structured enough to hold, but will show best young.
Crisp green apple, lime and vanilla wafer mingle on the palate of this 100% Chardonnay, méthode champenoise sparkler from the Bazzano Vineyard. It drips with minerality, lively and tangy with a medium to light body that picks up depth and breadth on the finish.
Crisp green apples, very fresh, with a positive zing. This is a light Grüner, packed with attractive forward fruit flavors and a bright finishing acidity. Screwcap.
Crisp green aromas suggest lime and then passion fruit. It's lively and spritzy in the mouth, with high acidity yielding green flavors that transition to pithy and heavy. Lemon-lime mixed with celery notes come up on the finish.
Crisp green pear and a razor-thin sharpness cut into more lush kiwi and honeysuckle notes on the nose of this bottling. A steely line of Key lime slices through the white peach flavors once sipped, and the palate cleans up with a tense, chalky grip.
Crisp green pear, a touch of lemon and even some of that much-vaunted pepperiness find their way into this unobtrusive but refreshing white, which also boasts some welcome spritz.
Crisp green plum and gooseberry aromas lend an invitingly cool touch to this otherwise sun-kissed spätlese. The palate is delicately honeyed, showcasing a bounty of sweet, succulent apricot, tangerine and pink grapefruit flavors. Spry texture and a spine tingling acidic backbone lend impeccable balance.
Crisp in a very good way, this wine has lively lemon and green-apple aromas, flavors that are a bit riper than that and a texture that's smooth without giving up a little nip of acidity. The wine has great balance, light body and a high refreshment quotient.
Crisp in acidity and delicious, with honeyed flavors of pineapples, green apples, Meyer lemons, vanilla and peppery spices. Finishes a bit sugary sweet, which detracts from pure balance.
Crisp in acidity and fine in tannins, this Pinot Noir is good now with food. It's silky and dry, with nuanced flavors of wild raspberries and cherries, cola, dried herbs and oak. Has enough balance and acidity to develop bottle complexity over the next 4-6 years.
Crisp in acidity, this is a fruit-driven wine, with rich flavors of raspberries and cherries. Lots of new French oak adds even richer notes of vanilla and buttered toast. It's as ripe as any Pinot Noir in the world.
Crisp in apricot, apple and mango, this is a lovely, easy-drinking white made from a vineyard and producer well-known for Pinot Noir. Refreshing and light, yet with complexity and aromatics to spare, it offers ample body, an attractive texture and sharp acidity, finishing with a note of spicy vanilla.
Crisp in citrus, with noticeable tension that softens in the glass, this wine offers tremendous value and elegance. Medium bodied and well integrated in terms of oak and power, it has a lovely note of preserved lemon on the finish.
Crisp in green apple and lemon, this light Chardonnay, only 12.4% in alcohol, will sweep you off your feet with Thai food, seafood or as a before-dinner quaff. From an un-grafted, old Wente clone vineyard found abandoned (thus the name), it has a trace of salinity throughout and a lurking layer of Asian spice.
Crisp in sliced green-apple fruit, this Champagne is ripe, although on the dry side, giving plenty of acidity and a textured aftertaste. The bottling has some age, so it is deliciously ready to drink.
Crisp in tart, luminescent lemon, this variety was once much more prevalent in Sonoma County, but now presents itself as a rarity worth finding. Aromatic in white flowers and grapefruit rind, the wine is refreshingly dry and saw no time in oak.
Crisp in the nose, with nuances of graham cracker, menthol, mushroom and herbs. Those herbal notes carry into the flavor profile and mix with plum and oak. It opens up a little and becomes fairly friendly on the finish, where the tannins are medium.
Crisp lemon and a light touch of oak provide a framework around memorably spicy bits of lemongrass and ginger. Along with a tightness of minerality, there's a complexity and succulence to this wine, which lingers elegantly in all of its elements on the finish.
Crisp lemon and green apple flavors shine through this lively, fruity wine. It has a cool character, tangy fruitiness and a touch of pepper. The wine is made to drink in its youth and is ready now.
Crisp lemon aromas follow through to an equally crisp wine. It has a touch of pepper as well as citrus and green-plum fruits. The acidity and the tangy texture are given weight by the lees aging. Drink now.
Crisp lemon, apple and pear abound in this richly textured yet pertly balanced Pinot Blanc. It's an easy quaffing, elegant wine with hints of nut and toast that extend elegantly on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Crisp lemon, fennel and Bosc pear come into play in this medium-bodied Chardonnay, accented by a taste of fig. Taking on depth and breadth as it develops in the glass and on the palate, the wine finishes long and lean.
Crisp lemon, green apple and riper stone-fruit aromas are hidden behind a slightly reductive and rubbery touch on the nose of this new brand from the Coquelicot team. Grassy flavors show on the sip alongside Anjou pear.
Crisp lemon, lime and mineral tones are restrained on the nose of this dry Riesling, but accumulate in power on the palate. It's a surprisingly peachy, fruit-forward wine, but it maintains deftness of body along with a long, steely finish.
Crisp lime acidity counters a sunny, lemon-cream disposition in this lusciously composed Chardonnay. The palate is silky in texture, lingering long and luxuriously on the finish.
Crisp lime, peach and pineapple flavors mark this refreshingly brisk late-harvest wine. Its delicate sweetness is offset by pristine layers of crushed slate and river rocks. The finish is exhilarating and fresh. Drink now through 2020.
Crisp minerally aromas of cherry and blackberry come with toasty spicy accents. This is a tightly built full-bodied Cab with lightly herbal, moderately oaky and saucy flavors of berry and plum. A dry, spicy finish provides for a strong ending.
Crisp nectarine and apricot aromas meet hints of butter and lime in this clean and easy appellation blend from seven vineyards and four counties. The flavors are also familiar and pleasant, with key lime and lemon peel and a building acidity that carries those flavors deep into the finish.
Crisp notes of freshly peeled pear mingle with a creamier aspect on the nose. The palate is a similarly appetizing and attractive mix of crisp freshness and creamy roundness. The body is very light but clean. The finish shines with fresh lemon.
Crisp on the bouquet, with green apple and controlled fresh celery aromas. The palate is also fresh, with basic roundness, bounce and natural flavors of apple cider, citrus and lime. Finishes with a slice of white grapefruit and a tiny spot of pith. Drink immediately.
Crisp peach and red-fruit flavors combine with vibrant acidity and energizing, fine bubbles to create a balanced and rich sparkling wine. A spicy, crisp fruit character lingers long on the finish.
Crisp pear and citrus fruit gets almost aggressively tart in this stainless-steel fermented Chard. Good length; should pair well with oysters on the half-shell.
Crisp pear skins, kaffir lime, dewy oregano and underripe honeydew show on the nose of this sprightly bottling. The palate reveals a straightforward, slightly restrained Sauv Blanc, with grass, lime, sliced pear, chilled cherimoya and jasmine flavors.
Crisp pear, baked orange, sandalwood and smoke show on the nose of this bottling. Sweet ripe peach permeates the palate, but a lemon wedge and savory sea salt sprinkling brings everything into balance.
Crisp pears and apples abound in this light-bodied dry Riesling. It's delicate in concentration but pleasantly lemony. The wine finishes briskly but freshly.
Crisp plum and berry aromas are a little sharp while the oak element on the nose is drying. The palate is tight and fairly high in acidity, yielding herbal, minty flavors of raspberry and red plum. Short and solid on the finish, but clean and good overall.
Crisp plum and berry aromas are solid and clean. This feels tight, fresh and well built. Cherry, plum and berry aromas are not overly complex, nor is the finish, which is nice but not overly demanding or intense. Drink this blend of Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Syrah through 2019.
Crisp plum and floral aromas rest on rocky base and offer up balsamic notes. This Monastrell-driven blend is full in body, with spicy, herbal, wild-brush flavors accenting core dark plum and berry. A lasting finish is herbal, deep and potent. Drink through 2017.
Crisp plum and raspberry aromas set up a snappy, tight palate with green flavors of plum, raspberry and herb. It tastes vegetal on the finish, with cutting acidity.
Crisp plum and red-bell-pepper aromas lead to a healthy, mostly fresh palate with some weight to it. A mix of citrus and red-plum flavors ends long, without much, if any, unwanted pithiness or bitterness.
Crisp raspberries and red currants here, with a refreshing, lively acidity. If there is any intensity in this finely balanced wine, it is in the relationship between the fruit and the clean structure. But this is not for aging—drink now.
Crisp raspberry flavors along with candied sweetness give this fruity Port a soft and gentle character. It is certainly sweet, even sugary, while retaining good balance. Pink and rosé Port is usually served chilled and in cocktails. Founded in 1862 and historically known as C. da Silva, this producer is now Dalva.
Crisp raspberry flavors give this Barthe family wine an attractive fruitiness and acidity. It is light on the palate, still tight and needs a few more months. Drink from 2016.
Crisp raspberry tart is the prominent flavor in this wine that is intoxicatingly alluring on the nose, bright in pomegranate and dried herb. Minerality surrounds the savory, light-bodied core, the finish bracing in black peppery spice.
Crisp raspberry, red-cherry and blossom notes lend exhilarating freshness to this Cabernet Franc rosé. Dry in style yet concentrated and juicy, it's an irresistible quaffer that you'll want to keep drinking long after the summer's end.
Crisp red-fruit aromas are simple, direct and clean. This bounces along on rubbery tannins and tastes like blackberry and toast. Mild bitterness and grabbiness get going on the finish.
Crisp red apples and tight fruit skins give this wine a taut, lively character. Just a touch of caramel to broaden the acidity.
Crisp red cherries are shaded with layers of toast and Graham crackers, potpourri and dried herbs in this complex, powerful Pinot Noir. Rich fruit is anchored against zesty cranberry acidity and a penetrating, yet finely textured coating of tannins that linger on the finish.
Crisp red cherry and a taste of grenadine characterize this light, bright wine, with accents of orange and rhubarb. Fruity and straightforward in structure and body, it retains nicely interwoven acidity through the finish.
Crisp red cherry and berry flavors are pristine and forward in this bright, vivacious wine. Yet it's also surprisingly nuanced with deft touches of bitter coffee bean, vanilla, bramble and herb that last through the finish.
Crisp red cherry and berry notes on the nose become increasingly ruddy and ripe on the palate of this soft, medium-bodied Merlot. It's pleasantly juicy, but whiffs of ramp and dried savory herbs are a distracting contrast.
Crisp red cherry and blackberry abound on this sweet-tart Dornfelder. It's a forward, fruity wine with a slightly candied demeanor but balanced neatly by fresh acidity. Drink now.
Crisp red cherry and plum flavors penetrate the core of this vivacious Pinot Noir. Accents of bramble and granite, cedar and spice lend complexity and depth to the midpalate. It's a briskly composed wine framed by fine, persistent tannins.
Crisp red fruit dominates this beautifully crafted wine. Poised and stylish, it exudes sophistication with its bright red currant fruit and delicious acidity. A lively mousse enhances its crisp texture and fine aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Crisp red plum and cherry flavors accented with ripe, brambly wood notes are pleasant, but coarse tannins combined with a slightly craggy acidity make this Long Island Cab Franc less than harmonious on the palate.
Crisp red plums and sour cherries add a tart fruit character to this sheer Finger Lakes Pinot Noir. Brisk on the palate with a good dose of bramble in the midpalate, it finishes clean on a minty, herbaceous note.
Crisp snap-pea and cucumber aromas are lightly citric. This feels fresh, tangy and citric, with plenty of acidic cut. Lime, pea and bell pepper flavors are about as true to Chilean SB as it gets.
Crisp sparkling Burgundy, laced with taut acidity and hints of nuts and toast. This is a wine under tension, with a strong mineral element, cool and fresh, best with food.
Crisp starfruit and citrus notes shine brightly throughout this refreshingly spry white. It's delicate in concentration but irresistibly quaffable, marked by a spray of salinity on the finish.
Crisp stone fruit, citrus and mineral tones lend a briskness and levity to this dry, full-bodied Riesling. It's expansive and richly textured on the palate, with a refreshing tangerine acidity that lingers on the finish.
Crisp stony lightly herbal plum aromas are moderately smoky. This feels flush and pleasant, with a full body and flavors of plum, cassis and tomato sauce. A controlled composed finish benefits from lasting acidity.
Crisp undercurrents of tangerine, grapefruit and cranberry provide a brightness and light to this wine, which is velvety-smooth on the palate. An inaugural release for the producer from this vineyard, it bristles with cinnamon and clove, delving into black pepper spiciness as well. Drink this structured wine now through 2023.
Crisp up front, but not overly aromatic or fruity. Feels kind of thick and chewy, with gummy, sweet berry flavors that suggest cherry and plum. Feels a little cloying and cooked on the finish, especially for a young 2011.
Crisp upon entry, this wine evolves into a thicker, richer style of texture and ripe flavor, with a depth of caramel streaking through baked apple and pear compote with a medley of melon. It satisfies in its full-bodied generosity.
Crisp while also fruity, it has bright acidity, lively citrus and apple flavors and a refreshing aftertaste. Drink now.
Crisp white-fruit aromas come with a touch of green grass. It feels regular, with briny lime and tart apple flavors.
Crisp white peach and apricot notes brighten this stark, steely dry wine. While lithe and lean on the palate, it finishes long with a lingering slate minerality.
Crisp wine, with some slight creaminess, green apple flavors and a herbal edge. The wine is light and fresh.
Crisp with a delicious line of acidity and ripe with apple and lemon flavors, this wine balances freshness with hints of maturity from aging in Ruinart's subterranean cellars. It's both taut with the tension of cool-climate Chardonnay and showing signs of toastiness.
Crisp with a taste of New Zealand grass, this wine offers pear, lemon and a pinch of fig on the finish amid layers of acidity.
Crisp with acidity and ripe with apricot flavors, this is a finely perfumed wine. A core of botrytis hints at future richness. Now, it boasts bitter orange notes and a bright finish.
Crisp with acidity and yeasty on the palate with a sourdough tartness, this is a polished bubbly with interesting flavors of limes and strawberries. The mousse is a bit rough. Drink now.
Crisp with an edge of honey, this is a ripe and fruity wine. Along with apple and cantaloupe melon flavors it has a nutty character and some light acidity, both of which add to its simple attraction. Drink now.
Crisp with apples and citrus, it's also laced with a more mineral character. It's full in the mouth, very bright with acidity and grapefruit. Drink now.
Crisp with bright fruit recalling sliced apples, this wine is fruity and fresh. Acidity cuts easily through it and lends an herbal edge. Drink now.
Crisp with brisk acidity, yet bright with citrus and yellow fruit, this wine shows structure as well as warmth. It's a textured wine that can age over the medium term. Drink now–2018.
Crisp with herbal acidity as well a white stone fruits, this is a fresh wine vinified in 500-liter oak barrels. It has a tight texture and tangy aftertaste. This attractive wine from Nicolas Thienpont and his son Cyrille is ready now.
Crisp with peach and apricot goodness, this full-bodied white's gravelly texture works to its advantage, providing both steely acidity and grip. That grit becomes velvety smooth as the wine opens in the glass, making it irresistibly seductive and inviting.
Crisp yet slightly tart in the mouth, this wine exhibits pleasant flavors of Granny Smith apple, lemon custard, and fresh white peach.
Crisp, apple-flavored and touched by citrus, this is light and toasty. The finish is dry, fruity and fresh. Ready to drink.
Crisp, attractive fruit flavors produce a wine that is bright, light, open. There's a good tang of lemon zest accompanying the acidity that comes from the green fruit flavor. Ready to drink.
Crisp, bright and clean in lemony flavors, with notes of green grass, honey, vanilla and thyme. A zesty wine for goat cheese, figs and fresh fruit.
Crisp, bright and delicious, this has pure red fruit, with an herb note, intense acidity and a tangy texture.
Crisp, bright and fruity, this is a refreshing and ripe wine. With attractive citrus acidity and a bright aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink.
Crisp, bright and packed full of acidity and citrus fruits, this wine is fragrant and very fresh. The sunny character is cut by a delicious and refreshing aftertaste that has hints of almonds and apricots.
Crisp, bright, strawberry-flavored wine that has some weight and spice to it. It shows ripe fruit as well as vivid acidity, freshly balanced with red currant aftertaste.
Crisp, citric aromas start this refreshing wine from Brotherhood. On the palate, citrus, apple and toast give the wine a more robust character. Friendly and easy to enjoy alone or with everything from salads to heartier cream dishes.
Crisp, citrusy acidity gives a sense of balance to the honey-sweet lime, lemon and pear flavors. It's an easy wine to drink now.
Crisp, citrusy and slightly herbal, this is a well made, mainstream Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at a terrific price.
Crisp, clean and bone-dry, this refreshing sparkler conveys delicate aromas of honeysuckle and ripe orchard fruit. The vibrant palate delivers tart green apple, mature pear and zesty citrus accompanied by an elegant perlage and tangy acidity.
Crisp, clean and easy to drink, this Mendocino Chardonnay is all lemon and just-ripe pear, with a smooth texture. Pair with lemon chicken or wintertime crab.
Crisp, clean and fresh, this showcases yellow apple lightly dusted with cinnamon. Nicely balanced and immaculately rendered, it's perfect for those occasions when Chardonnay is just a bit too heavy.
Crisp, clean and fruit-driven, with apple and citrus notes. It's middle-of-the-road as far as weight. The pineapple-like flavors are simple but refreshing. A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Clairette.
Crisp, clean and fruity, this has attractive acidity and lively fruit. It's bright and citrus flavored, with an aromatic finish.
Crisp, clean and fruity, this refreshing wine has an herb note that's restrained by ripe orange and green apple flavors. Bright and ready to drink.
Crisp, clean and minerally on the nose, with apple and green-fruit aromas. It has a round, smooth feel and flavors of peach, apple and citrus that will enliven the palate and aid almost any seafood, vegetable or salad. A natural wine with just enough powdery sweetness to raise a smile.
Crisp, clean and nice on the nose, with a hint of white pepper. The palate is round and not overly acidic, making it friendly and endowed with mass appeal. Flavors of green melon and citrus are smooth and not too demanding, while the finish is easy and clean. A welcome entry into the land of Rueda and its Verdejo.
Crisp, clean aromas of Asian pear, Pink Lady apple, dried pineapple and a touch of dried melon show on the nose of this wine from a group of Malibu vintners. The palate shows ripe apple and brown-pear flavors, with a bubblegum twist and lime-juice acidity.
Crisp, clean aromas of Meyer-lemon pith, wet riverstone, cold mountain stream, lemon blossom and petrol show on the nose. The palate is refreshing and straightforward, with light petrol, lemon-lime and red-pear ripeness.
Crisp, clean flavors of apple and apricot shine in this medium-bodied, lively and dry white, an ideal companion at the table. A sly finish of lemon peel adds to its refreshment, and it's best enjoyed now.
Crisp, clean, mineral wine, with hints of a more aromatic character in the background, this is packed with apple and lemon flavors. A straight line of delicious acidity cuts like a knife through the wine. For aging over 3–5 years. Screwcap.
Crisp, coastal acidity dominates this wine, making it mouth-wateringly tart. May be too much for some folks, but it's quite elegant, with good cherry, black raspberry and cola flavors enriched with a touch of smoky oak.
Crisp, crunchy apple and pear fruit appears first. This is followed by both more generous apple juice and tarter citrus notes. The midpalate shows concentration and some gentle but determined power. Texture and acidity lend structure to a wine that feels weightier than it is. Wonderfully balanced and dangerously moreish.
Crisp, cutting lime and lemon lend verve to crisp green apple and pear flavors in this fruity, fresh Riesling. It's approachable and refreshing, slicked with subtle honey and spice tones. The finish is brisk and clean.
Crisp, cutting pineapple and lemon acidity lends raciness this otherwise sunny kabinett full of sweet honeydew, apricot and peach flavors. It's a sprightly, briskly balanced wine with an easy-drinking, approachable feel. Drink now through 2020 to enjoy its freshness.
Crisp, direct aromas of cherry and briar define the nose on this herbal Merlot. A zesty palate is driven by snappy acidity, while herbal flavors of raspberry and spice finish with a raw feel and controlled green notes.
Crisp, direct, smoky aromas are intertwined with berry and oak-based vanilla scents. This feels fresh, easy and in the drinkability zone. Cherry, plum and berry flavors are bright for an eight-year-old wine, while the finish is more secure and solid than racy. Drink through 2021.
Crisp, dry and fresh, this is a lively and fruity wine. It's lightly textured, tangy and clean as a whistle. Drink now.
Crisp, dry and searing in acidity, this 100% varietal wine is complex, showing sour lemon and brine notes, with orange blossom tones weaving their way throughout. A delight on the palate, the wine takes on structured weight toward the finish, making sure to leave an impression.
Crisp, dry but fruity, this has just enough body to support the red currant flavors and crisp red-apple skin texture. A lively, vibrant wine, all freshness and light, just what a rosé should be.
Crisp, dry, and packed with red currants, this mineral-textured wine is ripe while also intensely crisp. Its acidity and taut character are delicious, refreshing and well in balance. The creamy mousse and lively aftertaste add to the brightness of the wine.
Crisp, dry, caramel- and red berry-flavored wine that has some crispness as well as good strawberry softness. There is some spice to finish. Screwcap.
Crisp, dry, leafy aromas come with notes of green herbs, mint in particular. Texturally, this feels good, with drying tannins supporting modest berry, chocolate and wood-spice flavors. A tight, toasty tasting finish is minty, drying and a bit high in acid.
Crisp, dry, light wine, its freshness coming from redcurrant fruits. A gentle caramel overlay gives extra weight.
Crisp, dry, packed with juicy red berries. This still needs some bottle age, because it is still easy to taste the red wine that was used to give color. But in 6–9 months, this will be a rich style of rosé, with sweet strawberry and toast flavors.
Crisp, elegant black-plum and cassis flavors are framed with notes of fresh herb, dried lavender, cedar and tobacco on this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Generous proportions of new French-oak add abundant vanilla and sweet-spice tones to the nose and palate. Pleasurable now, but grippy tannins and a firm structure could evolve well over the next 3–5 years.
Crisp, flinty minerality shows on the nose of this wine, before a more concentrated experience of baked apple and crème brûlée enriches the palate. Both aspects find harmony in the glass, especially on the long, textured finish.
Crisp, focused aromas of minerals and red fruits are correct for Priorat. This Garnacha-led blend is firm, tannic and drawing in the mouth, but not raw. Flavors of ripe, gritty, roasted berry fruits finish minerally, with a note of licorice. Drink this standard but delicious wine now.
Crisp, focused aromas of ripe berry fruits, hot asphalt and spice are potent and excellent. From one of the Priorat's highest locales (2,400 feet), this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha tastes of spicy plum, crushed peppercorn and schist. Warm finishing notes of minerality combined with strong fruit flavors are thorough and complex; drink through 2028.
Crisp, fresh and firm, this opens with steely effervescence and etched notes of flint, white pepper and delicate spring flower. The finish is dry and bright.
Crisp, fresh sparkling wine, lightly creamy but more going towards green fruits, tight acidity. It doesn't need any bottle aging and really should be drunk in the next year to keep its essential freshness.
Crisp, fresh wine, with a creamy texture, full of green apples with a pear pepperiness. The wine is light, very drinkable, a great aperitif style. Screwcap.
Crisp, fresh, mild-mannered red-berry aromas are light and subtle. This feels a little narrow and astringent, while oaky, lactic flavors of plum and wood grain finish mildly raw and drawing, with ample spice character. Drink through 2018.
Crisp, fresh, unoaked wine, with green plum and red apple flavors. It's lively, smooth and creamy, with delicious finishing acidity.
Crisp, green and snappy on the nose, this is however not as defined, cut or chiseled on the palate as in previous vintages. It tastes grassy, bordering on vegetal, but also a little wayward and soft.
Crisp, green and steely, this is classic Chablis, all about pure green fruits and minerality, only lightly layered with wood. It is vibrant and fresh, with the acidity adding a mouthwatering lightness.
Crisp, green, grassy wine with fresh acidity and herbeceous character. It is very New World with its tropical flavors and open, forward fruit.
Crisp, juicy acidity and tangy flavors of Meyer lemons and limes make this wine immediately appealing. Partial barrel fermentation adds a touch of toast and cream, but a keen racy freshness really is the hallmark.
Crisp, juicy and fruity, this is a wine that has red-currant flavors under the tannic structure. It is a delicious wine that is light, fruity and likely to age quickly. Drink from 2023.
Crisp, leafy, peppery aromas accent core red-plum notes. In the mouth, raw acidity pushes the palate, which delivers dry, spicy cranberry and tomato flavors. Peppery spice and mild green-herb flavors carry the finish.
Crisp, lemon fresh and fruity, this is an attractive wine to drink now. It has some richness from the mineral texture and the tangy orange edge. The aftertaste continues the fruity theme.
Crisp, light and dry, this wine is ready for the next lunch, brunch or warm-weather cocktail party. It has light, melon aromas, refreshing peach and melon flavors and an appetizing, tangy texture.
Crisp, light and ethereal, this blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Vermentino offers attractive herbal aromas of lavender, laurel and honeysuckle that are partnered with ripe fruit tones of apple, yellow melon and orange. The medium-weight palate is smoothly textured, with good cut to the ripe fruit flavors and a lingering sweet-spice accent on the close.
Crisp, light and fruity, this wine is attractively balanced between its acidity and a light touch of vanilla. In the background, fragrant red fruits give a juicy aftertaste to this delicious wine.
Crisp, light, almost delicate, this is certainly sophisticated wine. With lively acidity, bright white fruits and a tangy minerality, it does everything this style of Champagne should do. Over the years, as the grapes in Champagne get riper, this cuvée has become drier, while remaining well balanced.
Crisp, light, green wine. with flavors of green plums, grapefruit acidity and a pronounced layer of classic Grüner pepper. Screwcap.
Crisp, lightly herbaceous wine with a delicious creamy apple and pear character. This is finely balanced with a lively, crisp aftertaste. Screwcap.
Crisp, lightly herbal raspberry aromas are a touch reedy and green. This feels chewy and saturated, while herbal, candied, slightly syrupy flavors of sweet berries finish minty and hot.
Crisp, mineral and tight, this is still a young bottling. It is dry, full of citrus-fruit flavors and with a fine burst of acidity that cuts through the wine. Let this delicious wine settle for a few more months to add more fruit to the texture. Drink from late 2018.
Crisp, minerally aromas are low on fruit. Zesty, lively and citric on the palate, this tastes lean, linear and sharp, with orange notes and a salty aftertaste. A briny tasting, tangy finish fits the bill.
Crisp, minerally aromas suggest citrus pith and saltiness. This feels bright and zesty as it dances on the palate. Flavors of tropical fruits, lychee and melon are generic and turn slightly bitter on the finish.
Crisp, minerally cherry aromas come with a complex note of desert herbs. This feels totally fresh and full, basically just right. Nicely oaked, ripe flavors of plum and berry fruits are chocolaty, dry and spicy on the finish.
Crisp, minty, herbal aromas of berry and plum lead to a bright, rumbling, tannic palate with energy. Blackberry and chocolate flavors are good and earthy, while the finish is plump but braced by lively acidity. This is well made and satisfying for a basic roble wine.
Crisp, natural and lightly salinic on the nose, with medium weight, good freshness and solid peach and citrus flavors. This is a standard but nicely done Rioja rosé with a pithy finish and just the right edge to it. Drink liberally with appetizers and you shouldn't go wrong.
Crisp, not quite dry, this incorporates lively, fruity Loureiro grapes with a touch of Trajadura and Arinto culled from Lima Valley vineyards. With its light squeeze of lemon and sliced apple and grapefruit flavors, it's all about freshness. Drink now.
Crisp, pristine blackberry notes are deeply penetrating on the nose and palate. It's ripe and luscious on the palate with layers of savory herb, smoke and hay that add complexity and flair. Big, impenetrable tannins need time to mellow, but are likely to smooth out beautifully through 2019.
Crisp, pristine peach and apricot notes resonate through the nose and palate of this fresh, blossomy dry Riesling. While zesty and lithe in body, ripe grapefruit and melon flavors feel supple and silky on the palate. Drink now through 2019.
Crisp, red hedgerow fruits and wild strawberries add to the acidity in this wine. There is an edge of greenness, but there is also some weight. Certainly not a powerful wine.
Crisp, refreshing and uniquely spicy and mineral-driven, this blends 50% Sauvignon blanc, 25% Ribolla Gialla, 20% Sémillon and 5% Tocai Friulano—all unusual varieties in the Napa Valley. Light, bright and fleshy, it tastes of lemon, mango and the sea.
Crisp, round and spicy, this has dominating flavors of apples and pears. A green plum flavor and pure acidity complement the finish.
Crisp, snappy red-berry aromas are the opening on this fresh and easy Tempranillo. A zesty, quick mouthfeel and tangy, bright plum and berry flavors are pleasant and juicy.
Crisp, spicy aromas of red fruits matched against oregano, basil and olive notes give this Cabernet a lot of character and points of interest. The palate is tight and well structured, while dark berry, spice, herb and chocolate flavors flow onto a toasty, minty, warm and tannic finish. This is a bit aggressive now; give it two years and drink through 2019.
Crisp, spicy, grassy, citrus aromas are all good. This is acidic and cleansing; zesty flavors of orange and pineapple finish nervy, pithy and a touch bitter. For patio-ready SB, this is ideal.
Crisp, steely and fresh, this pure Chardonnay wine has a touch of minerality, signs of attractive bottle aging and a soft aftertaste. Balanced and fruity, it's ready to drink now.
Crisp, steely and linear with grapefruit and pineapple flavors, this is a refreshing Pinot Gris from one of Lake County's newer sub-appellations. It's an interesting contrast to the winery's upfront and fruity Pinot Grigio. On the finish there's a hint of tree nuts.
Crisp, tart blackberry and cassis notes have a green, herbaceous flair throughout this vibrant, impeccably balanced Cabernet. Lushly textured with velvety tannins and a weighty, full-bodied palate, it finishes long with delicate spice accents.
Crisp, textured and fresh, this is a tight, nervy and mineral wine. Bright apple flavors are lifted with intense acidity. This bottling is still young, very dry and taut and needs to age.
Crisp, textured and with great acidity, this wine is still developing. It is packed with fresh citrus and apple fruits cut with strong minerality. Drink this structured wine from 2017.
Crisp, tight acidity and still-young, fresh fruitiness give this wine its initial brightness. Rich and full in the mouth, it also has a range of complex fruit flavors followed by hints of toastiness that will only continue to develop. It should be aged further, so drink from 2016.
Crisp, tight and full of fruit, this is a lively apéritif style of wine from Vignobles Siozard. A tangy texture gives the wine great lift and adds to its drinkability. Drink now.
Crisp, tight and mineral, this classic wine has citrus and apple fruits filled out with creamed pear. The zingy texture is still young and vibrant. With intense acidity at the end, the wine could still develop, so drink from early 2017.
Crisp, toasty aromas of black cherry and cassis are impressive. This is a full-bodied Malbec with edgy tannins that stop short of being hard. Berry, chocolate and woodspice flavors finish smooth, long and complex, with a welcome note of cedar. Drink through 2020.
Crisp, toasty oak and spice aromas are currently outranking this wine's berry-fruit components...but only for now. In five or more years, this will be less oaky and more complex. At this point in time, look for a sinewy, tight, almost jagged palate with toasty, robust flavors of plum and berry, dry spices and mixed herbs along with firm tannins. A long, balanced finish bodes well for the future. Drink through 2030.
Crisp, very light and fruity, this is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine. A touch of acidity at the end gives freshness.
Crisp, with grapefruit aromas and flavors, this is textbook Loire Sauvignon Blanc. A mild smoky, mineral note adds complexity, and the full fruit is clean and ripe, yet not at all sweet. Pulls it all off with lots of class and style. This is still the model the New Zealanders are using in their Sauvignon Blanc efforts.
Crisp, with green plum flavors, this shows plenty of immediate freshness, very open. The structure is soft, with creaminess and toast, the hints of minerality and austerity initially kept at arms length, then gradually pushing forward into the delicious finale.
Crisp, yet fuller bodied, with a creamy voluptuousness to the mouthfeel, this wine offers a taste of lemon pith and peach, accented by a floral bouquet of orange blossom. Measured acidity keeps it ebullient in the glass, ending in a hit of Tahitian vanilla.
Crisp, zingy acidity and dryness make this wine instantly appealing. It's so bright and clean, but quite rich in peach, pear, lime and lemongrass flavors. A great cocktail sipper, or with Asian food.
Crisp. dry and fruity, this wine has a light touch of citrus and fresh acidity. Fruity with a slight sparkle, it's an ideal apéritif.
Crisper and leaner than the current style in Marlborough, the tart berry fruit really shines in this offering from a winery named for a nearby satellite listening post. Finishes with tangy cranberry flavors and a touch of dusty tannin.
Crisply acidic, with firm tannins, this is a Pinot Noir that could use 2–3 years of cellaring. By then it should have smoothed out a little, allowing the promising aromas and flavors of plum, leather and spice to blossom.
Crisply aromatic, this is a light, bright wine. Citrus fruit and a tangy orange and mineral texture create a light, bright aftertaste. It is refreshing and ready to drink.
Crisply defined, this cuvée, from a vineyard well to the north in the Willamette Valley, has highlights of pine and herb. The fruit is a mix of pomegranate and orange peel, sharp and penetrating.
Crisply fresh, this full-bodied wine has citrus fruitiness that is followed by hints of toast and honey that are just developing. Well balanced, it's very textured while also fruity, and will develop well in bottle. Drink from 2017 for the more mature flavors to bring their own character to the wine.
Crisply fruity, herbaceous and citric, with lemon zest and fine pineapple. The wine's acidity should soften in a year.
Crisply fruity, this is delicate, with clean lines of acidity. It shows delicious flavors of green apple and bitter orange, with a tangy, zesty texture. The finish is dry and taut. Screwcap.
Crisply fruity, this light, bright wine is designed for immediate drinking with its acidity, lemon fruits and lightly herbaceous touch.
Crisply fruity, this shows some carbonic brightness, pushing cranberry and raspberry fruit ahead of lighter flavors of cherry Popsicle. It's a lightweight, yet delightful, summertime red.
Crisply herbal in nature, this is a citrus fruit flavored wine. It's full of refreshing acidity, giving it a lively, bright character and an aftertaste that reinforces that laser focus.
Crisply light and fresh, this is a bright and clean wine. It's just touched by vanilla that goes well with the refreshing acidity. No complexity, just easy drinking. Screwcap.
Crisply textured and with a good mineral streak, this is a balanced wine. White fruit and acidity are well integrated into a smooth, creamy texture. It is ready to drink.
Crispness provides the balance needed for this Chardonnay. It gives a tartness to the fairly sweet, candied flavors of pineapples and butterscotch.
Cristia's style typically features dynamic cherry fruit; the 2006's aromas include an almost floral element as well, plus hints of almond paste. It's a very lush and red-fruited wine, somewhere between creamy and velvety in texture, with just a touch of astringency on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Cristo di Campobello's value line, C'D'C', includes this fresh blend of Chardonnay, Grillo, Insolia and Catarratto. This easy-going white offers citrus tones of pink grapefruit and lemon zest backed by dried hay and honey.
Criterion is a so-called global brand, offering Italian Pinot Grigio, Rioja and Chianti Classico among other benchmarks. This Coonawarra Cabernet is surprisingly good given that background. It offers cherry, cassis and tobacco notes, medium body and silky tannins. Drink it over the next 5–8 years.
Croce Riserva shows elegant, fine lines that do a great job of showcasing the Sangiovese variety. Forest berry, blue flowers and white almond make up the bouquet and the wine is fresh and silky on the close.
Crognolo is a warm and sunny super Tuscan with bursting notes of cherry, earth, spice, herbs and leather. The aromas are pristine and clean and the wine seems to emphasize elegance and harmony over intensity and penetration, closing with bright freshness and cherry cola flavors.
Crop yields were down substantially in 2010, so perhaps that is why so many of the top estates' entry-level wines are so exciting. This one combines hints of wet stones and moss with multifaceted citrus nuances and struck flint, resulting in remarkable complexity. It's round and mouthfilling yet focused and long.
Cropped at a tiny 20 hl/hA (just over 1 ton/acre), this wine is 99% Mourvèdre (all AC Coteaux d'Aix en Provence reds must be blends). It's rich and creamy-textured on the palate and turns pronouncedly tannic on the finish, but showcases ripe blackberry, vanilla and cola flavors. Should easily age 5–6 years or more.
Cropped at less than two tons per acre, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured Tempranillo marked by vanilla-tinged oak. Black cherries and plums comprise the core, with embellishments of tobacco adding complexity to this lush, easy-drinking wine. Drink it over the next several years.
Cropped down to just 1.5 tons/acre, with firm acidity and lovely floral aromatics, this elegant wine piles up refined notes of citrus, stone fruits and brambly berries. The aging in one-third new oak adds hints of toasted hazelnuts, caramel latte and sea salt chocolate. The finish has a lightly waxy sheen.
Crosè is a hearty rosato made from Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco. It has a bright character with ripe cherry-berry fruit balanced by crisp acidity. While structured, it's also very drinkable.
Crossfork Creek is a new label for Sheridan Vineyard, designed, says winemaker Scott Greer, as his laboratory for vinous experimentation. This meaty, smoky, dense and chewy Syrah is one of the first releases. The black cherry and cassis flavors are accented with a touch of cola, and the wine resolves with a firm, substantial and somewhat tannic finish.
Crossing borders and grapes to make a compelling wine, this blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon from Dr. Crane Vineyard and Kenefick Ranch, and 30% Syrah from Kick Ranch in Sonoma County. Intensely ripe, it allows for a softly sculpted structure adorned in coffee bean, black licorice, black pepper and currant, enticing the best of all worlds.
Crunchy acidity marks this Viognier, giving it a palate brightness and making the apricot, tangerine, peach, pear and honeysuckle flavors finish drier than they probably really are. It's an exotic, rich wine that drinks well with Vietnamese fare, or a peanut-starring Cambodian beef or chicken dish.
Crunchy and somewhat bitter, this has tight citrus rind flavors and a whiff of vanilla. A small percentage of the blend spent a bit of time in neutral oak.
Crunchy black and red cherry, raspberry, mint, leather, blue flower and clove are woven together in this balanced wine. It's already accessible with firm but supple tannins and bracing acidity but it time to develop more complexity. Drink after 2018.
Crunchy fresh notes of red cherry dominate aromatically. The palate is light, juicy, crisp and very refreshing. This is rustic and ready, but also full of charm with its animating red fruit. The finish is dry and invigorating.
Crunchy red cherry and stone, the merest hint of vanilla and a densely-packed but toned texture of bundled, fine tannins make for a compact wine. This is too young to show its true colours now and will take time to relax into itself and unfold St Laurent's cherry charm. Right now, everything is tightly grasped and coiled. Drink 2017–2025.
Crunchy red fruit is front and center in this vineyard-designate, well capturing the tone of the appellation. Raspberry, black tea and brooding tannins surround a light-bodied frame further highlighted with violet and cardamom.
Crunchy, tart but ripe apples abound on the nose and even more on the palate. This is reminiscent of a red-cheeked Cox's Orange Pippin apple and offers the same thrill and contrast between ripe fruit and crispness. This is dangerously animating and racy. It will make conversation sparkle. Finishes with a lasting apple tang.
Crushed apricot flesh framed by mandarin and lemon freshness sets the tone. Where the nose is full of charm, the palate is full of verve. Exciting, almost electric freshness flashes on the palate and makes for a dynamic, streamlined but structured drink. Somewhere in the background, notes of honey lurk deliciously.
Crushed aromatic herb, rose and red berry aromas take shape in the glass. The bright, structured palate is still very young, showing tart red cherry, chopped mint and cinnamon accompanied by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. A mineral note signals the close. Drink 2018–2028.
Crushed berry, blue flower and savory herb aromas open this wine. The linear palate doles out sour cherry, star anise, mineral and grilled sage. Enjoy soon to capture the remaining fruit flavors.
Crushed berry, leather, scorched earth, carob and underbrush are just some of the aromas offered by this powerfully structured Brunello. The ripe, warm palate delivers layers of juicy black cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, clove and grilled herb alongside firm, chewy tannins. Drink 2017–2027.
Crushed berry, leather, tilled soil, blue flower and a whiff of fennel lead the nose. The ripe palate offers juicy black cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and anise alongside firm, close-grained tannins. Give this time to fully develop and reach its full potential. Drink 2022–2032.
Crushed black cherry, leather, tobacco, anise, underbrush and grilled herb are just some of the aromas and flavors offered by this concentrated, vibrant wine. Firm acidity and chewy tannins provide the structure, while a licorice note marks the lingering finish.
Crushed black currant meets with turned earth and black pepper on this interesting blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. The palate is well integrated with flavors of sour cherry and black plum, proving quite tangy and tart, although wrapped up in silky tannins.
Crushed black raspberry, plum, clove and white pepper are among the inviting aromas of this bold wine. The richly textured palate offers blackberry, mature cherry, black pepper and baking spice. Thanks to smooth, velvety tannins, it seamlessly combines power and grace. Drink 2016–2022.
Crushed blackberries compete with a hearty bouquet of violet in this gigantically powerful and structured wine. Soft and leathery, it features spikes of black pepper, vanilla and pungent black earth amid a dense, concentrated finesse of tannin and oak, with a lengthy finish awaiting. This is power at its best, a reflection of an idyllic vintage in the hands of a skilled producer.
Crushed blackberry and smoky blueberry show a vibrant presence. This is luscious and velvety, without ever losing its continental-climate freshness and poise. Really refreshing and uncomplicated, but definitely not simple, this provides exciting fruit and is easy to drink on its own.
Crushed blackberry with dried leaves, burned caramel and lots of toasted vanilla bean show on the luxurious nose of this mix of 50% Mourvèdre and 50% Syrah. The soft yet zesty palate packs a wondrous array of deep espresso, roasted sausage, fennel spice, shaved milk chocolate and cappuccino flavors.
Crushed blue flower, new leather, ripe black fruit and incense aromas jump out of the glass. The palate is surprisingly fresh for the vintage, displaying juicy plum, blackberry and cinnamon balanced by firm but smooth tannins.
Crushed blue flower, ripe plum and a whiff of exotic spice emerge on this bold wine. On the concentrated palate, ground pepper, cocoa and licorice notes accent ripe black cherry and baked plum. Velvety tannins lend elegance and support.
Crushed blue flower, ripe plum and baking spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this polished red. The round, chewy palate offers ripe black cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside sleek tannins. Drink soon to capture the juicy fruit.
Crushed blue flower, succulent black cherry, wild raspberry and baking spices jump from the glass. The juicy fruit palate is balanced by soft, round tannins. It closes on a lively mineral note. Drink through 2015.
Crushed blueberry aromas meet resinous herb and green peppercorn notes. The medium-bodied palate is round, with mild flavors of tart blackberry and cherry leading to a lightly-toasted vanilla finish.
Crushed boysenberry is foremost on the nose and palate, while a rounded, supple but defined structure makes this a winning choice for subtle foods. There is both elegance and length and a lovely, integrated touch of well-handled oaky vanilla.
Crushed bricks, rose petals, red currants and grape syrup are sprinkled with elegant black spices in this blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot by Steve and Chrystal Clifton. The palate is silky, redolent with mulberry and tart plums skins, amped up by sagebrush and thyme. It's perfect for a variety of foods.
Crushed camomile leaves and fresh apricots beckon with ethereal lift. The palate oscillates between austerity and thrill with its uncompromising acidity. This is ready and open now but will continue to age.
Crushed chalk and wax notes add a striking minerality to this delicately framed, semisweet Riesling. A juicy wine, it offers an abundance of ripe stone-fruit and citrus flavors, with an earthen, waxy slick that lingers on the finish.
Crushed cloves, allspice and nutmeg are sprinkled across a ripe olallieberry base on this wine from a vineyard owned by the founder of Rabbit Ridge. It's thick and dense on the palate, perhaps too much so for some, with dried cherries, cranberries, lots of spice and even some tar elements.
Crushed cloves, black cherry and brandy aromas greet the nose on this blend of 64% Syrah, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. Blackberry juice flavors dominate the palate, picking up complexity from bay leaf, anise, marjoram and chaparral elements.
Crushed dill, forest floor and moist earth aromas lead this wine's nose. Its racy palate shows red cherry, strawberry compote, licorice and clove flavors framed by youthful, fine-grained tannins and brisk acidity. A hint of tobacco marks the close. Give this a few more years to mellow before drinking.
Crushed earth notes juxtapose ripe lime, tangerine and melon in this refreshing easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc. Medium bodied with a crisp tonic mouthfeel and brisk acidity, it's an appealing apéritif and summer quaffer.
Crushed floral aromas, berry-infused tea and cherry candy aromas give this wine a sweet profile. The palate, however, is anything but. It pounds with toasty black fruit, licorice and fiery menthol. The feel is a bit tannic but not terribly harsh, so maybe another three to five years will serve it well.
Crushed flower and bright berry aromas waft from the glass. The fresh palate offers crunchy red cherry, orange zest and a hint of clove. It's simple and made to be drunk young so enjoy soon.
Crushed flower, leather, menthol and balsamic aromas meld together. The bright palate displays dense black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and thyme alongside solid tannins. Drink 2018–2038.
Crushed flower, wet earth and ripe berry aromas waft out of the glass. The palate offers black cherry, black pepper and espresso alongside soft tannins. It's straightforward and made to be enjoyed young. Drink through 2015.
Crushed granite notes add an austere elegance to pristine white-peach and citrus notes on this dry but lusciously mouthfilling Riesling. It's rich and round on the palate, with savory tones of fresh herbs that linger on the finish.
Crushed granite notes lend a distinct minerality to ripe black cherry and plum flavors in this wine made from the Georgian (the republic, not the state) Saperavi grape. It's dry in style with a delicate frame marked by gentle tannins and soft acidity.
Crushed herb, red berry, dark spice, eucalyptus and a hint of celery mingle together in the glass. On the austere, tightly wound palate, assertive, fine-grained tannins support sour cherry and pomegranate fruit that's juxtaposed with hints of espresso and anise.
Crushed herb, violet, espresso, raspberry and menthol aromas carry over to the full-bodied but rounded palate along with cranberry and hints of anise and clove. Polished tannins provide support. Drink 2019–2025.
Crushed herbs, a whiff of barrel smoke and rustic elderberry aromas arise on this nose of this wine. There are plenty of dark elements to the palate, from bittersweet chocolate, black cherries and blackberries to charred beef and dried anise, all held together by sticky tannins.
Crushed hibiscus, rich red cherry, sweet sagebrush and chai spice make for a complex nose on this bottling. Rusty cherry rises to the fore on the soft and light palate, where a compelling texture and bright acidity go deep into the finish.
Crushed iris, baked plum, cedar, tobacco and new leather aromas seamlessly come together on this bold full-bodied red. Smooth and ripe, the full-bodied palate doles out mature black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and mocha framed in well-knit, velvety tannins. Drink 2018 through 2026.
Crushed iris, pressed rose, perfumed berry and eucalyptus scents come together on this stunning wine. The elegantly structured palate delivers red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, licorice and chopped herb alongside well-knit, polished tannins and fresh acidity. This is one of the few 2011s that will do well with more cellaring. Drink 2019–2031.
Crushed lilacs, raw beef, dried tobacco and leather combine with very earthy and rocky aromas of potting soil on the deeply layered nose of this bottling from a vineyard on the eastside of the Salinas Valley. The palate combines rusty earth, dried sagebrush and dill with blackberry jam and blueberry jelly, with a serious savory boost into the finish.
Crushed mineral and dried sage aromas belie the intensity of fresh nectarine and apricot flavors in this spry, invigorating wine. Striking acidity lends a delicate, lacy mouthfeel accentuated by a sheen of minerality.
Crushed mineral and tart melon rind notes lend a crisp, slender tone to this medium sweet Riesling. Its spry, filigreed texture is accentuated by high-toned acidity. The finish is only moderately long but refreshingly citrusy.
Crushed mineral and waxy lanolin notes accent intense tangerine and quince flavors on this juicy off-dry Riesling. It's robust on the palate, yet elegant, with a rippling herbal flair.
Crushed mineral tones lend a smoky, dusty intensity to brilliantly ripe peach and mango flavors on this delicate off-dry Riesling. Bright with acidity and elegantly fruity, it's a fantastic bargain wine that should carry far beyond casual dining situations.
Crushed mineral, herbs and solid berry and plum aromas lead to a tannic, wide, grabby palate with sweet flavors of raspberry jam, prune and brown sugar. Turns heavier and more chunky and baked on the finish. Definitely a ripe Cab.
Crushed minerals and steel reverberate amidst concentrated lime and lemon in this racy, laser-edged Riesling. Dry and taut on the palate, it finishes long with spine tingling acidity and revitalizing tangs of mineral intensity.
Crushed mint, red berry and menthol aromas mix with an unusual scent suggesting paraffin. The aromas carry over to the straightforward linear palate together with sour cherry, thyme and clove alongside. Firm tannins and fresh acidity provide support.
Crushed orange peels, plump lemon blossoms, spun sugar, clarified butter and a slight almond oil touch combine for a lush, layered nose on this bottling from the Carmel Valley producer. The palate presents an expert balance between salt, butter and almond warmth aand tingling, lime-led acidity. Will please both lovers of classic Cali chard and acid-heads.
Crushed oregano, red currant and a little bit of asphalt show on the shy nose of this wine that is sourced mainly from southern Monterey County. There is lots of brick, thyme and rosemary on the palate, with a bit of dried berry fruit.
Crushed oregano, rosemary oil and yard clippings show on the nose of this pyrazine-popping bottling. Flavors of cut grass and jalapeño on the palate grow complex thanks to a green orange-peel element.
Crushed peppercorn aromas mark this dry, full-bodied Zin, along with all sorts of other racy spices. The alcohol is moderate, and the flavors kick in midpalate, suggesting berries, currants, tobacco, leather and coffee. A very nice example of a balanced, Sonoma Zinfandel with classic elegance.
Crushed peppercorn, black plum, leather, dried violet, game and cedar touches show on the nose of this bottling from Ryan Roark. Sandalwood and pine notes emerge on the palate, accenting its black pepper-laced cranberry fruit. A vibrant and chillable red wine for summer.
Crushed plum, espresso, tobacco and cedar aromas unfold in the glass. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Alicante, the straightforward palate offers blackberries, red currants, clove and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins.
Crushed red and black berries meet sweet notes of anise and violet on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is bright and fresh, bringing forth briar fruit flavors mingling with cherry cola. Well-balanced, structured tannins offer ample support. Pair this wine with a rib-eye steak prepared in a coffee dry rub.
Crushed red berry, black plum, prune, game and baking spice aromas carry on to the palate, along with dense black cherry and mocha. It's warm, soft and evolving fast so enjoy now.
Crushed rock, orchard fruit and a dash of oak emerge on this linear white. On the palate, crisp acidity supports Anjou pear, yellow apple and almond while a mineral note backs up the finish.
Crushed rose, pressed violet, perfumed berry, sage and a balsamic note are just some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, black pepper and licorice alongside tightly knit tannins and the subtle warmth of alcohol. Give it a few more years to come together. Drink 2018–2016.
Crushed rose, violet, leather, espresso and dark berry aromas lead the nose. The bright palate offers black plum, fleshy raspberry, black cherry, coffee, toasted oak and black pepper alongside fresh acidity and teeth-coating tannins. Drink after 2018.
Crushed sea shells and chalk meet with lemon blossoms, citrus rinds, baked pears and a touch of butter on the nose of this excellent bottling. Juicy lemon and brisk salinity drive the palate, with judicious acid cutting through the Gravenstein apple and lightly roasted macadamia nut flavors.
Crushed sea shells, candied lemon rinds and wafts of petrol greet the nose on this wine by widely respected vintners Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. The tight and pithy palate shows Key lime and pear flesh but leans toward tropical, with hints of pineapple and guava. It's quite stony at first, then opens toward honey on sourdough toast. Drink 2017–2027.
Crushed slate and mineral notes lend elegance to decadent yellow cherry and pineapple notes on this juicy semi-sweet Riesling. Ripe and lush yet brisk with acidity, it's an approachable, irresistible and squarely balanced wine.
Crushed slate and salty mineral tones pepper this intensely citrusy dry white. It's dry, bold and silken-textured, yet hits the palate with laser-like lemon, lime and tart tangerine fruit. The finish is long and meandering, accented by a murmur of lime pith astringency.
Crushed slate and smoke notes mingle with zesty lime and lemon in this spine-tingling Riesling. It's a touch off-dry, with juicy white grapefruit flavor sweetening the midpalate. A Margarita-like ring of salt lingers on the finish.
Crushed slate minerality drives the nose of this bottling, with boysenberry and dried beef touches. That meaty character carries into the palate as well, rich with iron and a tad bitter, accenting dried blueberry, thyme and oregano flavors.
Crushed slate mingles with bright yellow plum and tangerine flavors in this fresh, fruity Riesling. It's harmoniously off-dry, full of lip smacking nectar and vibrant acidity, with a lingering bright, citrusy finish.
Crushed slate, plush rose petals, red cherry, smoked beef, vanilla and a slightly feral quality arise on the nose of this bottling from the region's most iconic vineyard. There is great tension on the sip, with tart plum skin, bright raspberry and dark cranberry fruit meeting with black spice, sandalwood and incense flavors. Acidity binds it all together.
Crushed stone and dried clay notes lend a distinctly earthen character to this dry light-bodied Riesling. Pressed apple and pear flavors on the palate are freshened by squirts of lime, lemon and a tart green-plum finish. The finish is long and lingering.
Crushed stone and fresh lemon persist from nose to finish on this revitalizing off-dry Riesling. It's brisk and thirst quenching, offering loads of crisp-tart peach and tangerine flavors. The finish is long and refreshingly citrusy.
Crushed stone notes lend complexity to blossom and honey aromas on this powerful yet delicately framed Riesling. The palate bursts with sweet, summery peaches, but quivers nervously with touches of lime and lemon acidity. It's delicious now for it's fruity exuberance, but those honeyed mineral tones should deepen deliciously from 2020 on.
Crushed stone, clove, dark-skinned berry and Mediterranean herb aromas emerge. The palate is rather shy, offering sour cherry, licorice, white pepper and mineral framed in firm acidity and assertive, fine-grained tannins.
Crushed stone, lemon rind and pear aromas start this silky but bright white from Alpha Estate. Juicy flavors of melon and lemon are topped with a brisk spin of minerality. A great wine for spicy cuisine and grilled poultry.
Crushed stones and citrus blossoms perfume this fresh, primary Pinot Blanc. It's a bit puckery on the palate, but balanced nicely by sweet-tart peach and apple flavors. Ready to drink now, it's a value wine with a refreshing, widely appealing style.
Crushed stones and river rocks take center stage in this elegant off-dry Riesling. It's gorgeously mineral, yet also anchored against a backdrop of crisp cutting yellow-peach, tangerine and lemon flavors. It's a zesty, invigorating wine with a clean but persistent finish.
Crushed strawberry aromas, followed by flavors that are fresh, sweet and a palate that has the delicious prickle of a young wine. Screwcap.
Crushed thyme, pine resin and lemon start this traditional retsina from Attica. On the palate, an interplay of herbs and citrus offer good balance, a soft finish and an easy entrée into a sometimes difficult style of Greek wine, The price is right too; try this with fried fish.
Crushed tomato vine, yellow stone fruit and honeydew melon aromas almost jump out of the glass. The ripe medium-bodied palate gives creamy peach and juicy apricot while notes of aromatic herb accent the finish.
Crushed violet petals, plum, roasty coffee and cocoa dusted black cherry aromas all welcome you on the bouquet of this wine. The round mouth is just as opulent and inviting, with more dark fruit and mocha notes backed by sweet spice. Tasty and easy to drink.
Crushed violet, baking spice, scorched earth, ripe black-skinned fruit and a whiff of leather meld together on this velvety red. The round, ripe palate doles out raspberry jam, dried black cherry, raisin, ground pepper and licorice accompanied by firm, polished tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
Crushed violet, cake spice and ripe black plum aromas lead the nose on this bold wine. The round, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of tobacco alongside ripe, velvety tannins that lend it a polished feel.
Crushed violet, herb, wild berry, leather, exotic incense, eucalyptus and balsamic aromas carry over to the elegantly structured palate underscored by a mineral vein. It's bright and fresh, with young, tightly wound tannins that need time to unfurl. Drink 2018–2031.
Crushed violet, iris, spiced plum and raisin aromas come together on this. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry jam, licorice and nutmeg alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of roasted coffee bean.
Crushed violet, red berry, mint and menthol aromas lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried red cherry, raw strawberry, licorice, white pepper and sage alongside grippy tannins that leave an astringent finish. Give the tannins a few more years to unclench then enjoy before the remaining fruit fades.
Crushed violet, woodland berry, eucalyptus and cake spice aromas meld in the glass. The structured palate doles out dried black cherry, licorice, espresso and white pepper alongside tight, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of chopped sage. Drink 2017–2022.
Crushed vitamin-like minerality dominates the nose, which also brings a sketchy, aroma of pumpkin innards. A wide palate is lacking in shape, while flavors of citrus and squash finish weakly.
Crusty and dusty smelling, with dark berry, plum and herbal aromas. Feels edgy and rubbery, then tastes like a mix of herbal black plum, dark cherry and oak dust. Finishes fiery, with peppery flavors and leftover oak.
Crusty aromas of black fruits mesh nicely with lemon peel and floral scents. The acidity here is noticeably high, which creates a scouring mouthfeel. Short flavors of berry and cassis are shrill, while the body and cushion offered by this blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier are modest at best.
Crusty aromas of herb, tar, black olive and baked black fruit set up the jumpy, high-acid palate, with flavors of herbal berry fruits, accented by green bean and pepper. Overall it's a hard, baked and oaky wine, with a strong herbal tilt.
Crusty berry aromas are toasty and tarry. This feels flush and solid, with good body and structure. On the palate, this tastes fresh and lightly herbal, with spiced berry as the core flavor. A minty, lightly toasted and spicy finish provides a nice ending
Crusty berry aromas mesh with olive, mineral notes and leather to form a textbook Chilean Cab bouquet. The palate feels fresh and offers kick via tomatoey acids. Flavors of dried cherry, herbs, fresh tomato and mint end in a good feeling finish with mild herbal leftovers.
Crusty black-fruit aromas are minerally and charred, with blackberry and earthy notes lurking below deck. This is a tannic, wall-to-wall RDD that's pumping baked flavors of blackberry, chocolate, herbs and peppercorn. The finish is deep but not fierce. Drink this powerful wine through 2020.
Crusty black-fruit aromas come with tarry notes, a strong whiff of green herbs and olive scents. This feels lively and fairly aggressive, with herbal-influenced flavors of raspberry and plum. Green herb, tobacco and earthy berry notes bolster the finish.
Crusty but also perfumed on the bouquet, and then quite snappy and a little edgy in the mouth. Red fruit is the dominant flavor component, and there are accents of coconut, olive and toast. It's pretty straightforward as Chilean Cab goes, but it's composed and flavorful. In a nutshell, wines like this are what people expect from the Maipo.
Crusty cherry and cassis aromas come with mineral notes and scents of wet clay, hard spice and animal hide. The palate is medium in power and not that structured, with chunky black-fruit flavors offset by spice notes. A baked, dry feeling finish falls off toward herbal.
Crusty on the nose, this has an asphalt note that transitions into hard spice and sour berry notes. It has flavors of creamy, minty oak and medicinal berry fruit. A lasting flavor of oak-driven spice and a hint of green carry some heat.
Crusty, rubbery aromas smell a bit burnt, while leather and berry aromas, rest below the surface. The palate is full, edgy and a little tangy, with red plum, herb and tomato flavors. Mild and saucy tasting on the finish.
Crystal-clean, agile aromas of peach and melon are ideal. This wine feels elegant and just right, with flavors of sea brine, citrus and tropical fruits working in harmony. Peppy, acid-driven stone-fruit flavors carry a fine finish.
Crystal-clear aromas of green apples and minerals come with a slight dash of oak. This is barrel-fermented Viura (with 10% Malvasia), but there's nothing woody or overtly barrel-dominated about the wine, which is tight and citric on the tongue, with tangerine, green apple and nectarine flavors that finish racy and tart.
Crystal clear, clean and fresh, this lovely wine mixes ripe citrus, tangerine and melon fruits, with a touch of barrel toast. It's full-bodied and rich without being thick or tiring in any way; simply delicious.
Crystal clear, loaded with enticing aromas and flavors of lemon zest, orange, tangerine and spice, this is a juicy, delicious and complete wine. Tangy and tart, it is almost impossible not to drain the glass quickly in order to refill it.
Crystal Valley is a Cosentino brand, and this single-vineyard wine is fruity and tasty, with the rich, honeyed texture of a fully ripe wine. Has a kiss of oak and a nice, long, citrusy finish.
Crystalline cranberry, concentrated violets and rose petals and a shred of cola show on the nose of this upper-level bottling from one of the appellation's longtime stars. The palate shows graphite and dried strawberry fruit amped up with woody coyote scrub elements, reflective of the chaparral that surrounds the property.
Crystalline in appearance, this wine offers ripe fruit aromas of nectarine, kiwi and crisp Pink Lady apples, without being too flowery. Lots of minerality and lime pith appear on the lively palate, showing just a touch of tropicality but honing in on the grassy lemon-peel line. Ripe apples show on the finish.
CSM's mainstream Cabernet Sauvignon now carries a “100% vinifera rootstock” designation—surely a first for any American winery. It displays more structure than some of the other, similarly priced offerings from the Northwest's largest winery group. With good focus and length, its mix of plum and berry fruit, nicely set in a frame of toast, coffee and charred wood, makes it a surefire, all-purpose, medium-bodied red.
Cuis is among the first villages on the Côte des Blancs after leaving Epernay. While it doesn't have the reputation of the Grand Cru villages further along the slope, it can produce delicious wines. This fine, lightly creamy, white currant-flavored Champagne, shows a good mineral texture, a crispness and a refreshing aftertaste.
Cullen's 2010 Mangan captures the great potential of the vintage. It's a youthful, juicy mouthful of berry fruit accented with cedar and vanilla oak, but where the wine really shines is its texture, which is richly silky, with a fine dusty quality reminiscent of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon. Drink it now and over the next several years.
Cullen's Kevin John remains one of Margaret River's (and Australia's) benchmark Chardonnays. Scents of grilled peaches lead into flavors of pineapple, vanilla and smoke, but more importantly, the palate is balanced just right. It's not too broad, not too lean; not overly sharp, but not soft. The finish is long and harmonious.
Cultivated from a single vine many years ago that the then-vineyard manager believed was special, Husch's Vine One Chard is a soft, exotic wine. It combines smoky-sweet oak notes with baked apple, pear and quince flavors that finish dry and spicy.
Cumin, Indian spice, asphalt, vanilla bean, dried fruit, black cherry and licorice characterize this aromatically multifaceted Barbaresco. The wine boasts dimension and personality and ends with dusty, smoky tannins.
Cupano delivers an ace card in 2008 with its Brunello that has seemingly defied all the difficulties of the vintage. The wine is elegant and complex, with pretty layers of dried fruit, leather, tobacco, spice and dark chocolate. The acidity frames the brightness of the fruit and the mouthfeel is long and plush. Drink after 2018.
Cupano is an organic farm in Montalcino with consistent delivery of quality red wines. This less formal Rosso di Montalcino offers ripe cherry and blackberry notes followed by aromas of wet earth, leather and fresh tobacco. Pair it with Irish lamb stew.
Cupinero is a softly oaked red that's immediately likeable. It makes an elegant first impression with sweet cherry, white peppercorn, chocolate and exotic spice. Wood tones are more evident in the mouth, where vanilla and toasted flavors take over. Drink after 2010.
Cured meat, game and mentholated herbal aromas lead on the nose of this Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre blend, backed by fruity notes of red currant, plum and cherry. Those fruit-based aromas carry through to the round, approachable palate, with soft tannins and a peppered-mocha flavor that lingers on the finish. Drink now.
Cured meat, leather, underbrush, blue flower and toast aromas lead the nose while the tight palate offers tart red cherry, baking spice and dried herb. Firm, close-grained tannins provide structure while a hint of star anise closes it down.
Cured meat, rubber, coffee grinds and a medicinal note complement the bold berry aromas in this red blend. In the mouth, this is somewhat grating and wide. Flavors of dark berry fruits, resiny oak and bitter coffee finish with sweet carob notes and a touch of latex-driven Band-Aid.
Curious hints of candied citrus peel, dried fig and apricot abound in this exotically spiced Riesling. Laced with honey and sweet apple flavors, it's off dry in style, yet impeccably balanced by a strike of spine-tingling acidity. While deft and dainty in mouthfeel, it finishes on a lingering cardamom note.
Curious hints of sweet spice and chocolate accent yellow plum and cherry flavors in this slightly off-dry Riesling. The palate boasts a penetrating array of fruit-salad flavors highlighted with a streak of lemon and lime. Finishes moderately long.
Curious on the nose with whiffs of watermelon candy and a touch of resin, this medium-bodied, late-harvest Chardonnay is densely concentrated on the palate with a distinctly tropical mango and pineapple profile. Finishes with blossomy, floral flair.
Curious spice notes accent this savory, apple-scented Riesling. It's dry in style, with flavors of pressed apples and pears that are brightened by a shower of lemon and lime.
Curious tones of red berry and grapefruit mark this intensely fruit-forward, semi-sweet Riesling. It's concentrated on the palate, but balanced with hints of smoky minerality and delicate dried herb notes.
Curious whiffs of raspberry and pink grapefruit lend a particularly fruity, forward tone to this medium-bodied Chardonnay. It's easy drinking and plush in mouthfeel but brightened by sunny grapefruit and tangerine acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Curiously dusty wine, tasting of under-ripe cranberry with a coating of sweetness. While it is identifiably Sauvignon Blanc, it does seem to have missed out on the region's signature minerality. Screwcap.
Curiously lean, given the fine vintage. It's filled with green, stalky aromas and flavors. The palate wants to find some ripe berries and discovers only tart acids and austerity. There's some hidden fruit that would come out with the right foods, but on its own it's one dimensional. —S.H.
Curiously not as satisfying as the regular bottling (reviewed May 2000), the reserve sacrifices prettiness in search of power. Too much alcohol adds heat to the mouthfeel, and a vinegary nose distracts from the good fruit.
Curiously perfumed with notes of roasted hazelnuts and fresh apples, this is a savory, dry Chardonnay. Full bodied in style with notes of nut oil and nut skins throughout, it ends with a hint of wood sap astringency on the finish.
Curiously thin, this wine has acidity as much as fruit, giving a lean character that makes it seems austere and, with the tannins, tough. It could round out as it devrlops. Drink from 2017.
Currant and cherry aromas come with a volatile hint of vinegar. This is narrow on the palate, with hard-clamping tannins. Flavors of red plum, currant and tomato end raw, tart and peppery, with an herbal aftertaste.
Currant and green-plum fruits give this wine a rich character that is then cut with orange acidity. The result is a wine that is full bodied, lightly spicy and perfumed. It can be drunk now.
Currant and spice aromas are subdued and solid. A strapping tight palate with strong tannins delivers roasted plum, cassis, spice and chocolate flavors prior to a dry spicy finish that holds its own.
Currant aromas blend with notes of tomato, herbs and brick dust on this tight, grabbing Cabernet. Currant and red plum flavors meet herbal notes of mint and carob, with an oak character rising up on a gritty finish. Drink through 2020.
Currant fruits, a tight, mineral character and crisp citrus are combined with a richer potential that will round this wine out over the next year. It has weight, a steely edge and youthful structure.
Currant, cola, spice and cherry lead this layered Cab from Delfosse. It's an approachable style but with added character: cinnamon spice, tobacco and black cherry on the palate is integrated and smooth. An elegant wine with ageable chops.
Currant, cranberry and blueberry pop from the glass in this burly, brawny and full-bodied wine from the warm reaches of Calistoga. Soft, rounded tannins wrap themselves seamlessly around the juicy fruit and ample vanilla spice.
Currant, cranberry, perfume and a sense of freshness make up this simple quaffer. Medium in body, with a hint of tannins, this tastes mostly of stone fruits. Papaya and apricot flavors round out the finish.
Currants, black and red, are the dominant flavors of this drily elegant wine. You'll also find notes of briary blackberries and dark, unsweetened baker's chocolate. Best in the next few years before it loses fruity freshness.
Currants, cherry and cocoa aromas give this Cabernet a luscious start. On the palate, a smoky wave of cherry, blackberry and cedar is both exotic and likeable. This is a tight wine but has appealing fruit accents.
Currently a hard-edged wine that has tight structure and lacks sweetness. All the elements are there, the botrytis dryness, a racy vivid acidity, richness and balance. But they have yet to come together. Wait at least two years.
Currently closed, this has the weight and the richness of its vintage. Given 5–6 years, its sweet- and soft-tasting fruit flavors with cut through the firm tannins.
Currently dominated by tannins, this wine is rich and structured, and it demonstrates the potential of its huge fruit and weight. The final note of this age-worthy wine is smokiness from wood aging.
Currently, this Syrah has tough tannins that seem stringy and chewy. But the blackberry, black currant and dark chocolate flavors are plentiful. Cellar this for one or two years.
Curtis aims at maximum extraction and succeeds with this wildly fruity Syrah. It's explosive in blackberries, currants and plums, with notes of black pepper, dark chocolate and roasted meats, sweetened with oak. Rich in tannins, it's made for drinking now.
Custard and apple pie aromas lead the charge in the bouquet of this decadent wine, accented by notes of roasted nuts and orange essence. The mouthfeel is full and creamy, with just enough acidity to lift the rich fruit, honey and sweet-spice flavors. There's a beautiful evolution to the close, from lifted citrus to ripe fruit and finally sweet spice. Drink now–2019.
Cusumano's bright Insolia is a distinctive wine with personality in the form of mineral, pear, peach, almonds and herbal tones that come directly from the quality of the fruit. The mouthfeel is warm and sticky, thanks to Sicily's strong sunshine.
Cusumano's fresh Insolia delivers a steady, neutral nose with distant aromas of honey, Golden Delicious apple and dried grass. It's a lean, simple wine at a competitive price.
Cusumano's Sàgana brings the focus to the quality of the fruit. The wine shows red berry, spice and a unique toasted note that resembles almond or pistachio.
Cusumano is a terrific Sicilian estate that offers both high-end expressions and a consistent line of value wines. This well-priced Nero d'Avola is fresh, clear, fruit-forward and easy to drink.
Cut apple, sliced nectarine and crisp citrus elements meet with sourdough yeast, slight jasmine, chamomile and dried dandelion on the nose of this wine from the El Jabali and La Encantada vineyards. The palate is slightly sour, with tight green apple, baking soda and lime flesh flavors.
Cut grass and cat pee aromas arise off of this appellation blend, with squeezed lime zest and dust also present on the nose. It's a textbook version of the grape, with more citrus peels and grassy elements on the palate, alit across a nicely weighted body.
Cut grass and grapefruit rind aromas are followed by simple, crisp, citrusy flavors. It's medium in body, with a slightly chalky feel and a clean, refreshing finish.
Cut grass, citrus, gooseberry and tomato vine aromas lead the way. The crisp palate delivers grapefruit, white peach, kiwi and mineral with just a hint of green bell pepper. Racy acidity provides the framework.
Cut grass, crisp green pears, honeydew melon, lime blossoms and a touch of passionfruit combine for a complex nose on this rarely seen grape. The palate is much more simplistic and flat though, with apple and pear-juice flavors enhanced by hints of brown sugar and spice.
Cut grass, tomato vine and gooseberry aromas almost jump out of the glass. The tangy, racy palate offers grapefruit, papaya, a light kiwi note and a hint of mineral alongside brisk acidity.
Cut grass, tomato vine and gooseberry aromas lead the way on this zesty white. Racy acidity underscores grapefruit, kiwi and a hint of green bell pepper while a mineral note invigorates the finish.
Cut grass, tomato vine and gooseberry aromas lift out of the glass. The thin, brisk palate offers grapefruit and pineapple alongside zesty acidity.
Cut hay, tomato vine, elder flower and a whiff of yellow stone fruit mingle in the glass. The elegantly structured palate delivers grapefruit, peach and papaya alongside racy acidity. A mineral vein adds depth to the lingering finish. It's racy and loaded with finesse.
Cut lime and nectarine flesh meet with orange oil on a lean and focused nose in this wine by Paso pioneer Gary Eberle. The palate is framed by racy acidity, with clean, crisp flavors of lime juice and green pear. The salty finish is mouthwatering.
Cut with 25% Merlot, aromas of fresh herb, coffee, graphite, cocoa and cherry are followed by lightly styled fruit flavors that taper toward the finish. It shows a very pretty sense of elegance.
Cut with sulfur, this is a wine whose bitterness hides the potential of the strawberry fruits and acidity. Off-dry, it's unbalanced.
Cute packaging belies the surprising depth to this Riesling. It's remarkably balanced, with an array of mineral, floral and fruit dimensions. Juicy, with preserved peach flavors and zippy lemon acidity, it's a thirst-quenching, solid pick from the Pfalz.
Cutizzi's bottle has been restyled with a single yellow polka dot that will really catch your eye. The wine is equally fetching to the senses thanks to its rich aromas of pear, peach and Golden Delicious apple. The soft creaminess to the mouthfeel begs for shrimp or shellfish.
Cutting and crisp, this wine is a showcase for the complexities that exist beneath its austere mineral style. On the palate, fresh apple and pear notes are glazed by a crush of wet mineral stones. It's a refreshingly, mouth quenching wine that finishes taut and pristine.
Cutting aromas of rubbery red-berry fruits and wild herbs filter into a juicy, uncomplicated palate. Rubbery and medicinal tasting at first, this shows herbal raspberry and bitterness on the back end of the flavor profile and on the finish.
Cutting crisp tangerine, peach and honeydew melons abound on the nose of this full-bodied textured Sauvignon Blanc. Sprightly lemon-lime acidity lends balance and edge, and a hint of bitterness on the finish lends elegant structure.
Cutting lemon, lime and tangerine flavors lend puckering refreshment to this light-bodied dry Riesling. It's lean in style but invigorating and fresh. A hint of zest adds bite to a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020.
Cutting streaks of lime and lemon intensify the earthy, wet river-rock notes in this complex dry Riesling. There's plenty of pristine peach, yellow cherry and green apple fruitiness on the palate, but it's more about the rippling textures and mineral tones that take center stage. It's beautiful now, but concentrated enough to improve further with age. Drink from 2021.
Cutting, fresh apple, lemon and lime reverberate throughout this zesty Chardonnay sparkling wine. The palate is exceptionally fine in texture with a softly mouth-filling mousse. The finish is tinged by a pleasant swathe of green herbs and lime zest.
Cuvée di Boj offers distinctively herbal characteristics such as cut grass and dried basil leaf. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy and there's a touch of sweetness here that adds to the overall softness of this cheerful sparkling wine.
Cuvée Prestige has a fragrance of toasted bread crust, apple and pear. The creamy palate has a great depth of flavors: Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop, honey and pastry. The wine finishes on an almond note.
Cuvée V, MAN's homage to the wines of Vouvray, is an attractive and semisweet-style Chenin Blanc that offers rich aromas of peach, lightly baked apple and tropical fruit. A slight prickle from the bright acidity dances on the palate and keeps the wine from feeling too sweet or heavy. Drink now.
Cuvette Brut has a beautiful floral fragrance of white and yellow flowers, baked bread and Alpine herbs. The elegantly sparkling palate delivers citrus fruit layered with sage and rosemary. The wine's creamy texture is supported by crisp acidity.
CVNE's top wines from 2010 are outstanding across the board. This sun-baked wine is bursting with black cherry, blackberry, spice, vanilla and cedary aromas. A tight, exact and fresh palate blends richness and balance, while ripe blackberry, cassis and black pepper flavors finish with a pure feel, a touch of buttery oak, and nuances of licorice and herbs. Drink this modern beauty through 2025.
Cyclops II is an equal blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre from 2011, and Grenache from 2009. Complex and fragrant, it's a perfect match of strengths. Strawberry, cherry and blue plum fruits are underscored with layers of earth, graphite and licorice. It's already nicely balanced, and its nonvintage makeup may have helped push along the aging process. Drink now and over the next five years.
Cyclops is 80% Red Mountain Syrah, with Grenache, Mourvèdre and some Roussanne filling out the rest. It might have been forged in steel, as it captures the core of metal and mineral, the stiff tannins, and the compact, dense red and black fruits of the AVA. Bright, tart berry fruit is underscored with light suggestions of clean earth.
Cypresses is a direct and charming expression of Sangiovese from Tuscany that seems designed for informal dinners with family and friends. Simple aromas of berry and forest fruit are followed by fresh crispness.
Cyrus is the winery's highest expression of Cabernet. This 2010 shows the softness and slight herbaceousness of Alexander Valley, but it's rich and delicious in blackberries, cherries, currants and sandalwood. Blended from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, it holds subtle complexity.
D'Amare is a rich blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, offering a thick, viscous mouthfeel and bright notes of apricot, pear, pineapple and exotic fruit. It shows fine density and a creamy finish.
D'Anjou pear and wax are the lead aromas, with light flower tones in the backdrop. Medium in body, this offers a sense of expansiveness, bright acids and a lightly nutty finish.
D'Arenberg's Coppermine Cabernets are often tannic and austere upon release, so be warned should you decide to open one in the next year or two. The aromas and flavors are classic this year, seamlessly marrying cassis and cedar, but finishing dry, astringent and firm. Drink 2020–2030+.
D'Arenberg's lineup of single-vineyard Shirazes is especially impressive in the 2010 vintage, and this was one of my favorites. The aromas are tight, nearly impenetrable at first, then only stubbornly yielding hints of graphite, but the mouthfeel is expansive and richly textured. Aristocratic notes of pencil shavings balance supple tannins and layers of dark fruit, concluding in espresso and chocolate on the finish. Drink now–2030.
D'Arenberg's The Coppermine Road is always structured—sometimes to excess—but the 2009 vintage seems to have the requisite flesh to age successfully. Cedar, chocolate and cassis notes surround a firm core of dusty tannins. Drink from 2015–2025, and possibly beyond.
d'Arenberg has a quartet of sweet wines from 2008, and this blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris and Marsanne represents a terrific value. It's syrupy sweet, redolent of honey-drizzled, spiced poached pears. To quibble, it could be a touch more complex and crisp, but it is still a succulent mouthful of dessert wine for drinking over the next few years.
D'Arenberg is better known for its red wines, but this promising effort from the Adelaide Hills is one to watch. Vanilla and custardy notes mark the nose, while the flavors turn toasty and cereal-like, backed by plenty of mixed citrus fruit. It's not overly rich or ripe, but has long, mouthwatering finish.
D'Arenberg wines are typically quite structured, so this wine's full body and creamy texture come as a bit of a surprise. Earthy, loamy notes run alongside espresso, black olive and blueberry before finishing long and silky. Drink now–2020.
D'istinto is a very attractive and plump Shiraz from Sicily that delivers aromas of exotic spice, leather, tobacco, crushed peppercorn and black cherry. The wine is dense, chewy and raw but makes a solid, everyday drinking red.
D. Ventura's 2012s succeed in capturing the elegance of Ribeira Sacra Mencía. This shows aromas of brick dust, spice, tomato, animal fur and dried cherry. The palate is fresh and direct, with punchy raspberry and plum flavors that turn tangy and lean on a quick finish.
Dão's local Alfrocheiro grape gives the intense color to this wine that also has Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. The combination is a powerful, rich wine offering solid tannins and equally full black fruits. The wood aging is still showing strongly, so this wine needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Dão Sul's venture in the Alentejo has produced a wine that is soft, rich, all ripe berry fruits and gentle tannins. It's a warm, fruit-driven wine that has a rounded feel, with the acidity at the end giving some freshness. Drink now.
Daffodils, lemon rinds and yellow apples rise on the nose of this bottling like a delicate flower petal. The palate is also finely toned, light in style and easy to enjoy, with hints of limestone, sea salt, Meyer lemon and Gravenstein apple.
Dainty accents of sweet grass and white clover florals jazz up the otherwise straightforward profile of ripe gooseberry and green plum aromas and flavors. It's a lively and refreshing white, with a slightly prickly sensation in the mouth.
Dainty and nuanced, this crisp citrus-driven Chard offers background notes of almond skin and pear to flesh out the mouth. Lively and somewhat prickly acidity dances on the tongue through the mouthwatering close. Drink now.
Dainty aromas of fresh apple and freesia are juxtaposed gorgeously against a striking tinge of petrol. While initially soft and honeyed, Sheldrake's Dry Riesling is remarkably lean with a steely minerality and focused, lime-inflected acidity.
Dainty aromas of hay, toasted red-apple skin, orange blossom and citrus rind dance in the bouquet of this wine. The medium-weight palate offers clean fruit flavors of pear and apple flesh, with a subtle mineral streak. Soft sweet-spice accents unfold on the medium-length finish. Drink now–2017.
Dainty aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and peach pit lead the nose of this playful rosé. The palate is light and lively, with flavors of citrus peel and white melon rind that carry through to the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Dainty floral aromatics mingle with the fresh scents of white peach and melon rind. Medium weight, this has good zip on the palate that carries through to the finish. Lively lime and green plum flavors abound.
Dainty lemon and lime flavors brighten rustic notes of golden hay and grass on this light-bodied Seyval Blanc. There's not a lot of concentration or length, but it's a refreshing, easy sip.
Dainty scents of fresh hay, pressed yellow flower, orange rind and ginger frame the stone-fruit core of this wine. Flavors of white tea, spiced orange and peach flood the palate, and while the texture is somewhat round and plush, ample acidity keeps the finish fresh and clean. Drink now.
Dainty strokes of crisp-tart raspberry and watermelon rind accent this finely textured rosé. It's a brisk delicately concentrated wine with a brambly lingering finish. Drink now.
Dal Forno delivers one of the world's most impossibly rich and concentrated red wines. Using grapes sourced from the high-density Monte Lodoletta vineyard, this inky, dark expression oozes with syrupy tones of maraschino, dark chocolate fudge, cinnamon spice, crushed clove and barbecue smoke. In keeping with the wine's legendary reputation for long aging potential, the tannins are rock solid at the moment.
Dalmau, the ultrapremium Tempranillo blend from Marques de Murrieta, is 65% pricier in 2004 than '03. And that might be justified. This is a spectacular wine in every sense of the word. The nose blends alluring scents of smoke, asphalt, rubber and black fruit. The palate is saturated and smooth, with black cherry and blackberry flavors leading the way. Coffee, berry pie and mocha help the finish hold court and then fade away. Already good but best from 2010–2020.
Damaged by hail in 2013, the vineyards yielded low quantities. The grapes harvested produced a wine with crisp red fruits and bright berry acidity. The fresh, tight aftertaste suggests the wine will age. Drink from 2019.
Damask rose and honeysuckle add their sumptuous perfume to the scent of ripe peaches. Balanced and bright, the palate conveys full-fruited notes of juicy yellow plums. This wine is all about fruit and blossom, spun in a web of rounded, warm freshness.
Damask rose and honeysuckle on the nose almost have a cotton-candy tang to them. The palate is medium sweet and adds peach compote to the floral notes and a dollop of plump luscious sweetness. There is huge concentration and big aromatic intensity on the midpalate with a lovely bitter edge that lasts long. There is a medium-sweet finish.
Damilano is one of Barolo's historic wineries and Cannubi its most historic vineyard cru. All that history combines here to shape a traditional, yet New World wine with plush roundness and intense notes of spice, leather, pipe tobacco, polished red wood and black currant. It's luscious, velvety and tight in the mouth and will improve with age. Drink with venison or game.
Damo has earthy fragrances of tobacco leaf, underbrush and truffle, along with notes of raspberry and spice. The palate shows ripe black cherry, vanilla and sweet spice flavors, as well as a hint of licorice. This has nice depth and balance, but will be more complex after 2017.
Damp and furry on the nose, this is all tannins and scratch. High acidity only contributes to the grating mouthfeel, hence it's a bumpy ride where standard berry flavors are a sideshow. Chento 2012 is a better bet if it's still on the shelf.
Damp chaparral, dried blueberry, beef and pencil lead scents show on the nose of this blend of 54% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre. Rounded blueberry and black plum flavors meet loamy soil, anise, thyme and marjoram spice, with a savory touch of smoke.
Damp earth and forest floor mark this wine, a blend of various clones, the majority of which are Pommard. Red raspberry and cherry compete for attention aromatically and in taste, followed by a spiciness of Christmas clove.
Damp earth, forest floor and huckleberry pie combine for a complex take on the variety, building texture and body on the palate as it goes. Relatively full bodied, it comes off as lighter and smoother than perhaps it is, revealing denser, more structured heft on the finish.
Damp earth, subtle berry, plum and smoke notes define the nose. It feels typically tannic and clampy for Ribera del Duero, with leathery, roasted flavors of blackberry, rubber and herbs. Long, meaty and dense on the back side, with chewy tannins and sweet lasting flavors.
Damp earth, tar and gamy bacon combine aromatically and flavor-wise in this Cabernet, which also contains smaller traces of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Black currant and cassis mingle with an herbal back beat that begins to power up midway through and on the finish.
Damp earthy berry aromas are a touch murky. This feels bulky, grabby and tannic, while overriding flavors of coffee, toast and bitter chocolate make fruit a bit player. A choppy finish with hard tannins and herbal berry flavors puts this Cabernet in the midtier category.
Damp forest and dried cherry with cranberry combine on the nose and palate in this wine, sourced predominantly from Monterey County. Soft and silky it risks veering off balance once the oak begins to unwrap, becoming quite burly on the finish.
Damp forest floor give this wine a strong character of earthiness and wintery, savory notes, surrounded by intense black cherry, oak and firm, sizable tannins. Enjoyable now, the wine also shows promise for the future, able to relax through 2020.
Damp sagebrush, dark cranberry, buttered black cherries, fresh plucked marjoram and wet stone show on the nose of this bottling. The tip of the sip shows great thyme, bay leaf and anise character, then settles into rich cranberry fruit, all held together by a decent tannic grip. The dark fruit flavors linger deep in the finish.
Damp sagebrush, strawberry syrup and rust greet the nose on this bottling by Terravant in Buellton. The palate shows pomegranate, black licorice and a orange-rind bitterness.
Damp, dull, gritty aromas require patience to get through. This is a saucy, chunky Pinot with baked, roasted, stalky berry flavors that are heavy and lack precision. Chunkiness returns on the finish.
Damp, earthy cherry aromas and saucy plum notes amount to a rocky opening. A grabby, drying, tannic palate and wiry plum flavors end with burnt overtones, a drawing feel and bitterness.
Damp, foresty earth aromas meet those of cherry and dusty cocoa, which carry to the palate of lightweight red fruit. The balance of smooth tannins and gentle acidity is pleasant, but there is room for more heft and complexity overall in this wine.
Damp, foresty, stalky aromas are backed by a chunky, slightly sticky feeling palate. Black cherry and mocha flavors set the stage for a ripe finish, with brown-sugar sweetness.
Damp, herbal aromas of pine, juniper and olive blend with black-fruit scents. Dense and mouthfilling, it features flavors of black fruits, savory spices and rubber that finish herbal and a mile long. This may benefit by waiting until 2015–2016 in bottle.
Damp, mealy aromas offer a touch of melon. The palate, however, is tart and metallic, with sour citrus flavors and a weird note of burnt popcorn on the finish. Acidity is all that's keeping it afloat.
Damp, rubbery aromas of berry fruits and cured meat amount to a weird ensemble. This is decidedly grabby on the palate, with salty, herbal plum flavors. A leafy, herbal, mildly green finish wraps up this kitchen-sink blend of Mencía and other grapes.
Damp, rubbery berry and hickory aromas lack ease. This offers a rubbery, midlevel palate-feel along with roasted, herbal flavors that carry heat. The finish is chunky in feel and tastes herbal as well as salty.
Dan Lee's annual stainless-steel release is quite dynamic on the nose, with lime blossom, red apple, soda and freshly cut kiwi notes. The flavors are light, bright and intriguing, trending toward the green-fruit side of the spectrum, with apple and pear cider, pomelo rind and a touch of quinine.
Dancing on the nose and palate, this Pinot Noir rosé fills the glass with whiffs of cherry blossoms and sugar cookies. Tart red-cherry and berry flavors are delicate and spry on the palate, lingering nervously in a luscious mousse of soft, rolling bubbles. Finishes elegantly with a bristle of stony minerals.
Dandelion, earthiness and apple peel appear vividly on the nose, and a certain creaminess can also be discerned. The off-dry palate is incredibly fruity and boosts the sweetness of deliciously ripe apples while remaining absolutely tart and fresh. The finish is dry and fresh but this will echo any sweet element in an otherwise savory dish. Delicious and long. Drink 2017–2035.
Danish pastry aromas lead to flavor nuances of cream, ripe apple and Anjou pear. With a smooth, soft texture and nice sense of layering, it's fresh, not heavy, with just enough acidity to keep it lively.
Danish sommelier-turned-winemaker Leo Hansen aims to make food-friendly wines, and this delicate Chenin is a great example. Light honey, candied lemon, lime pith and tangerine peel aromas show subtly on the nose. Sparkly acidity makes its clean and crisp nectarine, cherimoya and lime skin flavors pop, with pinpoint focus and a slight grip.
Dank earth, dark berry and cherry are the standouts in this wine, which is a bit more lush than some of the producer's vineyard-designates. Approachable in its acidity and oak, it's a good place to start at a somewhat reasonable entry price.
Darcie Kent really nails this Cab out of John Madden's Ranch. Pungently bold and moody, intensely herbal with green pepper and olive, wrapped within a wall of black pepper that lingers. Pair it with pepper steak.
Dark-berry aromas are crisp and show a note of minerality as well as barrel char. This is firm, juicy and modest in structure, with flavors of blackberry and cassis touched up by some oak. A non-pushy finish with a hint of mocha is a good close.
Dark-berry aromas meet hints of menthol and game on the nose. The medium-bodied palate follows suit on entry, but becomes lighter by the midpalate from a slick of minerality. Pair alongside gamy meats such as grilled venison loin.
Dark-berry fruits, tomato and herbs make for a bouquet with ample power and varietal correctness. Big, blocky and fiercely tannic, this Cabernet tastes of roasted black fruits. A finish with heat, spice, oak-based clove and mint notes confirms a high level of oak that for the most part this can handle.
Dark-blue fruit, thyme, sweet barrel spices and mineral aromas lead to pitch-black fruit flavors that show the warmth of the vintage but retain their balance. The tannins provide some pucker.
Dark-colored and deeply flavored, this full-bodied wine smells smoky and meaty, tastes savory, feels firm and appropriately tannic. Showing the more robust, hearty side of Pinot, it can be paired successfully with most opulent meat and fowl dishes.
Dark-colored and deeply fruity, this medium-bodied wine tastes like Bing cherry juice and black plums, and feels plush rather than tannic on the palate.
Dark-colored wine, a blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional, both of which lend their tannins to this still-young wine. It is dense with a firm, dry presence. The fruit is textured, structured, focused on weight and aging potential.
Dark-colored wine, with smoky, bitter chocolate flavors: cocoa plus spice and jammy black plums. It's powerful, densely textured, finishing with good acidity.
Dark-colored, full-bodied and practically sweet with oak, this box wine spreads spicy flavors around the fruit, and becomes more syrupy with each sip.
Dark-colored, this rich, full-bodied wine is flavored with dry molasses as well as raisins. Cut with acidity, it has a mature feel that is both ripe and, at the end, dry, with a fragrant aftertaste.
Dark-fruit aromas are fairly oaky, and thus there's a hint of cinnamon to the nose. Fresh, angular and raw on the palate, this tastes of herbal plum and spice, with a touch of green olive. On the back side, olive and mint flavors accent plum and berry leftovers.
Dark-fruit flavors like blackberry and Bing cherry mingle on a good structure of fine-grained tannins and supportive acidity in this full-bodied wine.
Dark-fruit flavors reach a high level of ripeness in this full-bodied wine while a firm texture of supportive acidity and moderate tannins keep it balanced. It's tight and concentrated now, so best to drink after 2019.
Dark-garnet in color, this wine proffers aromas of dark plums, flint and lavender. With a pleasing interplay of fruit and tannins, the palate is rich with flavors of cassis, blackberry preserves, vanilla, mocha and violet. A nice touch of lingonberry on the finish washes away the firm hold of grippy tannins.
Dark-gold color makes way for a tension of Meyer lemon, grapefruit and tart apple, unexpectedly fresh flavors given the hue and concentration of this wine. A creaminess on the palate is lush and round yet able to find companionship in a wealth of juicy acidity.
Dark-golden colored, this block designate opens in a wealth of butter and wild vanilla, before unveiling interwoven layers of juicy acidity and integrated oak. Gravenstein apple and pear dominate in flavor, adding to the overall succulence and success of this wine.
Dark-hued wine, dominated by acidity as well as firm tannins. It shows solid, chunky structure, ripe fruit and plenty of sweetness. Of course, there is acidity as well, the charm of Gamay coming through in the fresh cherry flavors. Age 2–3 years.
Dark-pink-orange in color, this wine is muted in floral tones of beauty and simplicity. Crisp, clean and simple layers of creamy vanilla are mixed with Meyer lemon and white peach. Refreshing and light on its feet, it's memorable in its stony minerality and its full embrace of citrus intrigue.
Dark-skinned berry and baking spice aromas lead the nose. The easygoing palate offers juicy black cherry and mocha flavors with a touch of white pepper. Dusty tannins leave a drying finish. Drink through 2021.
Dark-skinned berry and culinary spice aromas float from the glass. The straightforward savory palate evokes black cherry, cassis and ground clove accompanied by polished tannins.
Dark-skinned berry and ground clove aromas lift out of the glass. Reflecting the nose, the no-frills, enjoyable palate offers Marasca cherry and a black-pepper note alongside easygoing tannins. It's simple but well made.
Dark-skinned berry, anise and espresso aromas lead the nose on this softly textured red. Smooth, polished tannins support fleshy black-cherry flavors, while hints of vanilla and coffee provide back up. Enjoy soon.
Dark-skinned berry, baking spice and floral aromas float from the glass while the taut palate delivers crushed raspberry, licorice and chopped herb. Firm refined tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2020–2027.
Dark-skinned berry, blue flower, leather and an earthy hint of game come together in the glass. On the straightforward palate, dusty tannins support fleshy black cherry, crushed blackberry and a hint of clove while a tarry note provides back up.
Dark-skinned berry, blue flowers, tilled soil, forest floor and tobacco aromas lead the nose. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, mature blackberry, raspberry, licorice and ground pepper alongside fresh acidity and smooth, polished tannins.
Dark-skinned berry, culinary spice and a balsamic aroma come together on this polished red. The juicy palate gives ripe black cherry, star anise, clove and a hint of espresso alongside firm but refined tannins that lend structure and a smooth texture.
Dark-skinned berry, exotic spice, blue flower and wild herb aromas take center stage in this Barolo. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the taut, precise palate offers juicy red cherry, cranberry, star anise and clove flavors framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
Dark-skinned berry, exotic spice, leather and pressed blue flower are just some of the aromas you'll find in this gorgeous red. The elegant, firmly structured palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, cassis, licorice and espresso flavors framed by polished tannins. It's extremely well balanced, with bright acidity.
Dark-skinned berry, forest floor and coconut touches lead the nose. The dense, full-bodied palate evokes fleshy black cherry, vanilla, tobacco and licorice flavors, all set against chewy tannins. Drink through 2022.
Dark-skinned berry, forest floor, pipe tobacco, new leather and balsamic notes float out of the glass. On the elegantly structured palate, taut, polished tannins and vibrant acidity frame ripe red cherry, exotic spice and aromatic herb flavors. A lingering star anise note announces the close. Impeccably balanced and loaded with class, it's still young and needs time to fully develop. Drink 2022–2037.
Dark-skinned berry, French oak, aromatic herb and a whiff of dark spice come together on the nose of this firm red. On the palate, roasted coffee bean and star anise notes accent wild cherry fruit, while close-grained tannins provide the framework.
Dark-skinned berry, leather and underbrush aromas come together in this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. The dense palate doles out black plum, clove and toast flavors, supported by dusty, assertive tannins. Drink through 2020.
Dark-skinned berry, leather, coffee and baking spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this solid red. The chewy palate doles out ripe black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and vanilla framed in robust tannins. Drink through 2018.
Dark-skinned berry, Mediterranean herb and forest floor aromas slowly emerge along with a balsamic note. The palate offers dried black cherry, mocha, vanilla and a hint of oak alongside fine-grained tannins that leave a firm finish.
Dark-skinned berry, menthol toast and tilled soil aromas come together in the glass. Full-bodied, ripe, velvety tannins underscore flavors of mature black cherry, licorice, tobacco and clove. Drink 2018–2028.
Dark-skinned berry, menthol, dark cooking spice and aromatic herb aromas unfold on this. The fresh, juicy palate offers dried black cherry, red currant, coffee and licorice alongside smooth, polished tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Dark-skinned berry, moist earth and blue flower aromas lead the nose on this. The lean straightforward palate offers raw cherry and a hint of clove alongside bracing acidity and fleeting tannins.
Dark-skinned berry, new leather, and menthol aromas lead the nose, brightened by a floral tone. The palate delivers dried black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and star anise flavors, made firm by framed tightly knit, rounded tannins. Drink 2020–2027.
Dark-skinned berry, new leather, aromatic herb and a whiff of cake spice lead the nose. Delicious and approachable, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and clove alongside supple tannins and vibrant acidity.
Dark-skinned berry, pressed violet, pipe tobacco and chopped herb aromas take center stage. The smooth juicy palate is already approachable, offering fleshy morello cherry, fig, licorice and a hint of black tea. Velvety tannins lend it a supple texture. Drink through 2021.
Dark-skinned berry, scorched earth, clove, worn leather and oak-driven spice scents present themselves to the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish and leave an astringent, tongue-drying finish.
Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and leather are some of the aromas you'll find in this juicy Brunello. The palate doles out fleshy black cherry, raspberry jam and clove flavors held together by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy 2018–2023.
Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and leather aromas lead the nose. The palate is firm, offering plum, toast, mocha and tobacco flavors, while assertive tannins leave a taut finish.
Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and star anise set the tone of this full-bodied red. The palate is juicy and polished, full of ripe black cherry, tobacco, clove and tangerine zest flavors, ribbed with fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
Dark-skinned fruit, brimstone and roasted nut aromas lead the nose. The light-bodied, easygoing palate offers sour cherry, dried herb and saline notes, with loose-knit tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Dark alpine strawberry and black plum notes converge on the nose of this wine, which also offers a tart element. Vivacious black raspberry, pencil lead, crushed vanilla, clove and a slight herbal edge show on the palate, proving to be a more savory rather than fruity take on Zin.
Dark amber in color, this example of classic Muscat is wonderfully balanced between the freshness of youth and the power and complexity of age. Raisin, malt and Guinness stout-like notes meet vibrant orange-zest and honey characters in a sweet, harmonious whole.
Dark amber in color, this sophisticated vin santo offers aromas of resin, pine nut, caramel candy, molasses, chestnuts, honey and dried apricots. It has some spicy tones in the mouth, buffered around its sweet core, and long nutty flavors on the finish.
Dark amber in color, with some greening evident at the rim, this Tokay features aromas of scorched coffee and Guinness stout-like flavors, but is also sweet, with hints of molasses and raisins. It's a solid effort, representative of its classification.
Dark and a touch baked, with blackberry and spice aromas along with carob and creamy oak. Feels solid, saturated and healthy, with weight and herbal dark-berry flavors. Warm and scratchy on the finish, with length and depth.
Dark and a touch murky, with earthy aromas of black cherry, leather and forest floor. The palate is well sized and feels healthy, while the flavors of plum and blackberry are slightly herbal. Shows pop, length and some bitterness on the finish. A regular wine for regular occasions.
Dark and austere, this has aromas of spice, toasted hazelnut and wild berry. The mouthfeel is tight and astringent and the finish is elegantly streamlined. Definitely give this wine 5–10 more years in the cellar.
Dark and austere, this is a mammoth Merlot with overstated coffee, chocolate, leather, tobacco, cigar and plump black cherry. Yet the aromas are not overly penetrating or immediate. It has chewy tannins and good length and would pair well with steak and Tuscan white beans.
Dark and baked, with hickory, leather and prune/black plum aromas that are slightly herbal and roasted. The palate has a tight, solid feel but presents savory, baked flavors of plum and soy sauce. Salty liked cured meat on the roasted finish.
Dark and berrylicious, a Syrah with leather, cedar and mint undertones that's both dense and rustic. Its dark plum, boysenberry and blueberry flavors long and lingering on the finish.
Dark and bloody, this masterfully mixes layer upon layer of detail. Red meat, black olive, cassis and earth roll across the tongue, while hints of flower and chocolate linger in the nose. Complex, tart and earthy, this is as good as it gets in this price range.
Dark and bold, this has blackberry and ripe forest-berry flavors that are followed by spice, leather and Spanish cedar notes. It's edgy and perky, with good personality and length.
Dark and brawny, this opens with almost impenetrable concentration and bold aromas of jammy fruit, blackberry, espresso, cedar and moist tobacco. It has a smooth, rich texture, with lively highlights of teriyaki, ginger and cola.
Dark and brooding in savory mushroom yumminess, Paul Hobbs' more affordable Pinot Noir offers dark cherry and spice in good proportion. Concentrated, lush and perfumed it'll accompany a range of foods enjoyably.
Dark and brooding on the nose, with mint, menthol, beefy fruit and coconut for sweetness. Feels choppy and more acidic than expected, with heavy flavors of coconut, toast and blackberry. Toasty, herbal and slightly scratchy on the finish.
Dark and brooding this balanced wine has a firm structure and juicy black plum juice flavors. A strong line of fragrant acidity brings a fresher character at the end.
Dark and brooding with blackberry and boysenberry flavors, this fresh, juicy wine boasts generous oak and tannin. Sourced from the estate vineyard of Freeman Winery in Sebastopol, it gains clove and dried herb nuances as it develops.
Dark and brooding, this Cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec opens with spicy acidity before it delves into mouthcoating layers of mocha and black licorice. Nearly black in color and definitely full bodied, it finishes with length and a strong seasoning of cinnamon.
Dark and brooding, this has inky concentration, power and determination. The nose is alive with tones of blackberry, maraschino, leather, tobacco and rusty soil. The mouthfeel is thick and penetrating.
Dark and brooding, this is characterized by a plum skin note, plus firm tannins and a solid structure. It's concentrated and dense, a wine that is serious and needs to age for 4–5 years. The finish has a firm feel.
Dark and brooding, this opens with aromas of French oak, espresso, clove and mature blackberry. On the extracted palate, licorice, vanilla and sweet baking spice accent a core of baked plum while bracing, fine-grained tannins provide the framework.
Dark and charred like so many of TerraNoble's red wines. There's lemon peel, black coffee, black fruit and herbs on the nose, while the palate shows tomato, herbs, smoked meat, basic black fruit and a snappy texture. A little more racy than most, but heavily oaked and blackened.
Dark and charred, with aromas of shoe polish, asphalt, coconut and blackberry. It's masculine in style, with firm tannins that bite down in support of concentrated black fruit, chocolate and spice flavors. Coffee, bitterness and heat work the finish on this tannic, full-bodied Cabernet.
Dark and charred, with black cherry, black licorice and a burnt-oak element on the nose. The palate is thick and firm, with dark berry, herbal notes and some additional burnt char. Finishes with herbal flavors, olive notes and carob. An obvious Chilean Merlot; comes straight from central casting.
Dark and chocolaty in style, with hints of earth and espresso oozing in. This is a big, heavy, fudge-like Shiraz that comes across as impressive for its concentration if not for any sense of elegance or finesse. Might improve with aging, but might not; a gamble, so drink it over the next couple of years.
Dark and chocolaty, with grainy tannins under deep cassis and black cherry fruit. Full-bodied and chewy, with coffee grounds and spices filling in the finish.
Dark and chunky, but also salinic and clammy smelling, with black fruit aromas sitting in front of a palate of salinic, woody, baked fruit flavors. The tannic finish is hard and edgy, and there's some heat too. Has its high and low points.
Dark and compact up front, with earth, blackberry, herbs and tobacco on the nose. Feels pure and bright, with staunch acidity pushing deep blackberry, cassis and spice flavors. Mellows on the finish, and overall it's a very nice mixture of Cabernet, Carmenère and Syrah.
Dark and concentrated but simultaneously fresh and juicy, this blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache offers heady notes of black cherry, plum and raspberry accented by hints of game and tree bark. The meaty, medium-weight palate offers a firm structure and a solid finish.
Dark and concentrated in appearance, this hearty Aglianico opens with tones of spice and smoked bacon backed by black fruit, tobacco and dark leather. The overall package is very enticing and that wine is softer and smoother than most other expressions of this firmly tannic grape.
Dark and concentrated in appearance, this opens with aromas of black cherry and cassis. The bouquet is generous and intense, but the mouthfeel is dry and compact.
Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.
Dark and concentrated, this has jammy, raisiny aromas that are marked with a strong current of green. It feels full but a touch flat, with sweet berry flavors and a core of mint. The finish ends abruptly.
Dark and concentrated, this sends up complex aromas saturated with tar, asphalt, ink, steel, smoke and charred barbecue. It's a beautiful wine, tight and textural, in perfect balance, with superb depth, precision and elegance. The most contemplative of a superb 2011 Cayuse lineup, this wine above all needs your full attention.
Dark and concentrated, with aromas of kirsch, blackberry, carnation, sage and menthol. The medium weight mouthfeel shares the same flavors as the nose, but are supported by notes of mocha and sousbois. Needs some time to open up in the glass if enjoyed now; otherwise, hold until 2010–2012.
Dark and crusty on the nose, with cola, raisin and foresty dampness. The palate has wintergreen along with solid black cherry flavors, while accents of pepper and licorice give it a dark side. Finishes a bit grating and tannic, with espresso-like bitterness. Overall it's a good but not overwhelming wine from the hidden Valencia D.O. 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dark and deep aromas of black cherry, clove, allspice, black pepper and char make for a hearty impression on this appellation blend. The palate is also rich and powerful, its thick mouthfeel showing black cherry, cocoa, vanilla and a touch of asphalt. A rocky minerality and minty finish complete the experience.
Dark and deep purple/black, with a Port-like nose. There's a little fizz on the palate, which seems odd in a wine this big, and the flavors are locked in tight. Flat, dry, tannic finish.
Dark and delicious, this wine pulls everything together for a flavorful, even graceful character that's not at all oaky. It smells like dark berries, has hints of violet and tastes like crushed blackberries and dark chocolate. The texture is richly—rather than stiffly—tannic, and the finish lingers nicely.
Dark and dense as the dead of night, this robust RDD is pushing aromas of blackberry, cassis, black tea and cola. The palate is reaching maturity while showing energy and balance. Flavors of root beer, savory beef, soy and vanilla accent blackberry fruit, while the finish is plump, with ready tannins. Drink through 2022.
Dark and dense from the get-go. Initial earth, black plum, tomato and smoke aromas air out nicely with a bit of time, exposing a complex connoisseur's wine that is the perfect candidate for three to five years in the cellar. Now it has such a pure, chewy palate that once the overt oak wears off, it'll be terrific.
Dark and dense in chocolate and coconut macaroon, this soft, approachable wine is made to serve as the winery's flagship offering. Layered in dark, ripe plum and cherry, as well as flecks of sweet tobacco, it reflects the region well, offering subtle power and finesse.
Dark and dense in color, this San Juan Malbec smells of jammy plum, prickly berry fruits and spice. A raw rugged palate is home to flavors of spiced black plum, tomato and herbs. On the finish, this tastes lightly herbal, with grip and drying tannins.
Dark and dense in the glass, this blend of 65% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre by winemaker Steve Martell shows deep but fresh blueberry fruit with an herbal edge of oregano and marjoram, plus touches of crushed asphalt, milk chocolate and smoke. Thyme and fennel fronds show on the dry and structure sip, with blackcurrant, tobacco, elderberry and leather flavors as well.
Dark and dense up front, with leathery, beefy aromas that suggest weight and size. The palate is indeed round and full, while the flavors are herbal and savory as you dig through blackberry and fig. Hefty, a little hot and a bit baked on the finish.
Dark and dense upon opening, this compact, concentrated cuvée matches its muscular fruit to polished tannins. Black cherry dives deep, almost to the level of black currant fruit, and brings a streak of black olive. This impressive effort will drink well now through 2025.
Dark and dense with thick concentration and big intensity, this opulent Recioto is packed tight with layers of cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, exotic spice and dried prunes or plums. It boasts a chewy, rich quality capped by enduring sweetness and firm tannins.
Dark and dense, here is a wine that shows just as much hard-edged dryness as it does juicy red fruits. Once the components come together, the wine will be concentrated and powerful. This wine has lots of potential. Drink from 2016.
Dark and dense, the fruit dominated at this stage by tannins. This wine is solid, structured, firm and dry. Black currant fruitiness will show, offering a richer character, but for now this is dense, spicy and tough, needing many years.
Dark and dense, this deep and compact Cabernet Sauvignon is saturated with cassis flavor. Accents of coffee grounds and dark chocolate add depth and power, and a hint of earthiness in the finish underscores its complexity and ageability.
Dark and dense, this has loads of ripe fruit and leather aromas on the bouquet. It shows a soft, supple side on the palate, with a tangy touch of black licorice on the finish.
Dark and dense, this is sourced from the winery's own Sacrashe property in the hillsides of Rutherford, as well as Bergfeld Vineyard. The wine has a concentrated and jammy quality that doesn't step over the edge. It offers anise, blackberry, black currant and dried herb around a soft, rounded mouthfeel and long finish. Enjoy 2021–2026.
Dark and dense, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, vanilla and exotic spice. The round, chewy palate offers ripe black cherry, blackberry, roasted coffee bean, licorice and clove alongside close-grained tannins.
Dark and dense, this opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, smoke and ripe black-skinned fruit. The firm palate offers ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and anise alongside velvety tannins.
Dark and dense, this wine has weight and richness, with layers of perfumed red fruits and plenty of concentration. With its solid tannins and structure, the wine is developing slowly and with power. The dry core is still prominent, showing how the wine will age over time. Drink from 2024.
Dark and dense, with prune-like aromas. It's powerful and forward, with fudge, plum and blackberry flavors on a full, mildly tannic frame. Finishes with clamp-down bite and flavors of burnt toast and chocolate. Could stand to show more character and less generic black fruit.
Dark and dense, without turning fat or heavy, this excellent Ruckus captures the underlying minerality of Red Mountain grapes. There's boysenberry and black cherry fruit, black coffee and wet rock. This is built for aging.
Dark and dense, yet somehow soft and approachable, this 100% is once again loaded with rich black fruits. Everything is in balance, with a captivating tension strung between the fruit, acid and tannins. This is a wine you can't keep your lips off.
Dark and dry, it has excellent potential. Pure Touriga Nacional gives its signature firm mineral tannins and and a rich, tarry underlying fruit character. Powerful now, it will be richer in the future. Drink from 2017.
Dark and dusty, this palate-coating wine shows well-managed tannins, smoothed just enough to unveil the strawberry, cherry and cassis fruit flavors. A mix of French and American (Wisconsin!) barrels brings toast and a wash of brine to the finish.
Dark and earthy in style, this wine's plum and black cherry fruit is framed by firm tannins and a base of wet stone. Give it another year or two in the cellar and see if it loosens up.
Dark and earthy on the nose, this bottling shows sage, menthol, black tea and forest-floor elements that decorate the dark hibiscus and pomegranate fruits. The palate is much like a fruit-laced black tea, with tart cherry, grippy pluot skin and black-peppercorn flavors.
Dark and earthy up front, with aromas of blackberry, hard spices and fresh tomato. The palate is jammy and deep, with brimming tannins supporting earthy, woodsy flavors of blackberry, moss and licorice. Flattens out somewhat on the finish, turning heavier and more rich. Drink over the next two years.
Dark and earthy, a thick, heavy wine with plummy, chocolatey flavors and big tannins, although the acidity is soft. The main drawback is residual sugar. Once that sugar hits, the palate is discombobulated.
Dark and earthy, slightly pruny and alcoholic, finishing on notes of tar and molasses.
Dark and earthy, this has flavors of wild berry, savory spice, toasted almond, rose petal and mint. The finish is smooth and silky.
Dark and earthy, with a streak of soy and a hint of funk, this complex effort opens powerfully, then turns more subtle, with plum and chocolate highlights. It's one of those wines that never stops evolving in the glass.
Dark and extracted, this has firm, dry tannins. It's hard edged, but the potential of the black currant fruit is apparent. Give this structured wine at least five years for the rich fruit to surface.
Dark and extracted, with jammy berry flavors and a strongly earthy component, including tobacco, sage and tree bark. In the mouth this wine is very dry and pretty tannic, although the acidity is soft. A bit awkward, and not likely to improve in the cellar.
Dark and fiery, with grapy, heavily extracted aromas. Compared to the winery's Premium Cabernet, this is harder and more choppy, with staggering tannins and heat on the finish. It's a monster with teeth, and only time will tell if it finds a friendlier place. Hold for a couple of years.
Dark and fragrant, this interesting Syrah opens quickly with blue and black berries, a streak of balsamic, and suggestions of bloody meat. Off to a great start, it thins out through the finish, while remaining interesting with surprising complexity.
Dark and fruity, somewhat like a California Pinot Noir, this tastes riper than its 13.6% alcohol would suggest. The fruit is ripe and hints at oranges and prunes, with plenty of power. A palate-pleaser, big and blocky.
Dark and fruity, this juicy wine is packed with black cherry and highlighted with tobacco and coffee. The tannins are substantial, and hint at clean earth. It's big and full through the middle, but tails off a bit in the finish.
Dark and full-bodied for a rosé, with heavy-handed flavors of raspberry jam and toast that have a vegetal edge.
Dark and full-bodied in style and taste, this savory wine offers leathery tannins and value for the quality. Wild berries rise to the fore on the nose and palate, with a floral rejoinder and herbal, woodsy notes.
Dark and hearty in the glass, this blend of Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon is lush and inviting to the nose, with milk chocolate, caramel, black cherry and crème de cassis aromas. The palate shows tobacco and coffee tones as well as black cherry, black currant and elderberry fruit, with tannins that settle in softly.
Dark and heavily extracted, with a big, rubbery, gaseous bouquet that foretells the rest of the wine, which is herbal and full-bodied, with baked plum and berry flavors. Finishes oaky, with drying tannins and heat.
Dark and heavy for a Pinot Noir, although it's certainly well made and delicious. Floods the mouth with cherry and raspberry pie-filling fruit, and the smoky, caramelized oak has a granola sweetness. Drink now.
Dark and heavy for a rosé, with extracted strawberry, red apple and spice flavors that finish a little sweet. Yet there's something deliciously  sippable about it.
Dark and heavy from the beginning, with thick berry, smoked meat, olive and earthy aromas. Concentrated and stout in the mouth, with blackberry, blueberry and chocolate flavors mixed with herbs and big tannins. Sweet berry and mocha flavors control the finish.
Dark and impenetrable with bold oak nuances, sweet vanilla extract and layers of Indian spice, this is a rich and dense wine that should be consumed with succulent cuts of meat. The tannins are tight and firm and this wine will age for many years to come.
Dark and incredibly concentrated, with earth, black fruits, mint and exotic side notes. It's stout and tannic, but also rich and pure, with monster black fruit flavor and powerful coffee, toast and length on the finish. A smashing wine that's huge but delicious. Drink now through 2017.
Dark and inky, this natural wine is made from organic fruit, and it offers aromas of cured beef and prune, followed by accents of tobacco and wet earth. There's not much fruit, and it shows slightly bitter tannins on the close.
Dark and inky, this opens and segues into modern aromas of cinnamon, red berry, toasted hazelnut, tobacco and Spanish cedar. The wine is bold and chewy, with a black pepper flavor and tight tannins. Age 10–15 years.
Dark and inky, this wine is made from a small vineyard on the western slopes of its appellation, planted entirely to the variety. Juicy blackberry and black plum play off of milk chocolate and vanilla, the tannins still teeth-staining, though the oak remains well-integrated and the texture soft.
Dark and intense in spicy blackberry, cherry, cocoa and earthy flavors with a hint of bitter espresso. The rich but smooth tannins and crisp acidity of this ripe wine cry out for beef or lamb.
Dark and intense, with notes of roasted meat, plum and black olive that give way to an espresso note and chalky tannins on the finish. Pretty stern stuff, which just means you'll want to give it another year or two before drinking it over the next 5–6 years.
Dark and intriguing, this wine offers notes of dried sour cherries and plums, plus touches of pink roses, chocolate and brown spices. Medium to full in body, the flavors come across a touch wooly, and the palate feels soft, pliant and polished. A hint of tart black-raspberry candy marks the finish.
Dark and jammy on the nose, the palate brings bouncy blackberry and blueberry-sauce flavors. Textured black pepper notes lead to the finish on this medium-bodied, medium-tannin wine.
Dark and juicy, this selection comes out swinging with bold fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currant. Highlights of oranges, espresso and dark chocolate compound the scents and flavors. It builds into a gorgeous midpalate, that extends gracefully through a lingering finish. Supple and sensuous, it leaves you with a trace of sea salt caramel in the back of the palate.
Dark and leathery up front, with a dusting of nutmeg and sawdust. Feels a bit grabby and resiny, but it's boasting enough acidity to push things through. Flavors of cassis, berry and herbs are normal and nice, while the finish is warm and chunky. Good Cabernet for the price.
Dark and loaded with big black fruit aromas, tobacco, spice and a lot of vanilla from copious oaking. The palate is good and juicy, with a healthy blend of blackberry, fig and chocolate flavors. Toasty, round and chocolaty on an oaky, creamy finish.
Dark and lush, this has notes of forest berry and plum flesh. The mouthfeel is round and slightly creamy, with dense blackberry and raspberry flavors, and a finish that's dusted with pepper and cocoa powder accents. Drink now.
Dark and meaty on the nose, with plum, blackberry and spice notes. The palate is fleshy but a little hollow in the middle, with dark fruit that's tasty but not real deep or complicated. Finishes short, with saltiness. Superficial in many ways, but dark, fun and gets the job done.
Dark and meaty, soft and full, with a very light touch of leather, this nicely catches hold of the varietal character, yet here it's coupled with vivid, fresh and ripe cherry fruit. It's a fine expression of the evolving style of Tempranillo in central Oregon, styled for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring over the next six to eight years.
Dark and meaty, with aromatic hints of mustard seed, this has a slight bitterness around the edges, giving it focus and sharpness. A change in the barrel regimen now keeps it entirely in large format foudres. It's supple and lush, with mixed blue and black fruit, hints of citrus, and peppery umami notes.
Dark and minerally, with black fruits, char and power on the nose. The palate is fresh and grippy, with integrated cassis, berry and herb flavors. Dry and lightly herbal on the finish, which is long and solid. A very nice blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot.
Dark and minty smelling, this bears hints of blackberry, perfume and violet. It feels good and not too forceful, with regular Malbec flavors of dark fruit, red plum and spice. The finish is firm and slightly medicinal.
Dark and muscular up front, with a bright purple color and grapy, woody aromas, this Malbec is pleasant, albeit clipped on the palate. Short, punchy plum and boysenberry flavors finish with a barrel note or two, but not much more.
Dark and ominous in color, with a grapy, rustic, smoky nose, this Garnacha is high in acid, rubbery and tannic on the palate. Semisour black-plum flavors finish equally tannic and acidic.
Dark and opaque, with compact aromas of rubbery blackberry and controlled oak. Feels flush and grabby, with staunch tannins and creamy, toasty flavors accenting core blackberry and cassis. This seems more barrel-influenced the longer it airs out. A generous wine to drink now through 2015.
Dark and opulent, this has a modern touch, with soft oak tones that support pretty notes of black cherry, dark chocolate, spice and tobacco. The mouthfeel is rich, toasted and delicious, with a long, dry finish.
Dark and plummy, with the characteristic black cherry fruit of the vineyard. There is also a streak of toffee that is a marker for the vineyard. Around 10% Cabernet Sauvignon was added; the aromas are fresh and sweet, with just a hint of coffee and herb. The tannins are smoothing out but will improve with more bottle age.
Dark and powerful, this is a complex and concentrated wood-aged wine. It's a blend of two local Gaillac grapes, Duras and Braucol, which gives richness, structure and a dense, herbal character. This wine, with its long term future, is still young, showing as much tannin as fruit, so don't drink before 2016.
Dark and quite oaky for a brand that earned its stripes via balanced wines that overdelivered. This vintage seems much more extracted and rough, with big, burly aromas and then tannins that grab the cheeks. Along the rough and tumble ride there's spice, pepper, blackberry and coffee. This wine pumps it out but is less polished than in the past.
Dark and racy, with a Northern Rhône-style aroma of black pepper, cedar and black currants, but there's nothing Rhône-like about the flavor. It's distinctly California, with soft, sweetly ripe tannins bursting with blackberry jam, black currants, anise, vanilla and sweet oak flavors. The wine is fully dry. Absolutely first-rate Syrah.
Dark and rich in color, this dense, gamy and smoky wine offers licorice and leather in equal proportions. It's still young and grippy on the palate, but time should soften its layers, which do mellow on the finish. Cellar through 2017,
Dark and rich, there's a slightly liquorous sensation to the blackberry and cassis core. The medium-weight mouth offers lifting acidity, great balance and depth, with attractive notes of cigar spice, cocoa powder and roasted espresso grinds on the finish.
Dark and rich, this bottling is redolent of kirsch, crème de cassis, star anise and cola. The palate is framed by leathery tannins and pinpoint-like acidity that carry through to the finish, offering cola, dried black cherry and licorice flavors. A harbinger of Malibu's potential.
Dark and rich, with aromas of cola and coffee and flavors of plum and cola. This is full-bodied, its 14.5% alcohol balanced by fruit intensity and richly textured tannins and the long finish. Drink 2010–2020.
Dark and rich, with plummy, tomato flavors and quite a bit of tannin. It's very dry, with a real bite of acidity. Doesn't have the stuffing for aging, but it is a big, clean bruiser of a wine, and will drink nicely with rich foods.
Dark and richly colored, this juicy, mouthwatering, generously oaked wine has a high quotient of blackberry and raspberry. It is as rich on the palate as it is in color, getting better in the glass.
Dark and roasted scents introduce this firm, tannic, rather muscular Syrah. There is a citrusy acidity underscoring the mix of mineral, earth and brambly berry, along with a slight suggestion of bacon fat. This has the fine-tuned structure to age for another half decade or longer.
Dark and sappy, this superripe and deeply fruited wine is bursting with concentrated raspberry and cherry flavor. Streaks of citrus and vanilla are threaded through, and young as it is, the wine is already drinking beautifully.
Dark and sappy, with earth-driven complexity, this includes as many as 15 different clones planted on the far western edge of the AVA. Savory flavors bring black cherry, cola, smoke, and an underpinning of earth and black tea.
Dark and saturated in color, this has earthy and meaty aromas like bloody, rare steak and charred bone—that sort of proteinous spirit. The actual fruit flavor is incredibly rich and concentrated in blackberries, black currants and crisp bacon. The impression is of a sweet, delicious Cabernet that's a touch warm in alcohol, but lush and refined.
Dark and savory in style, this Shiraz offers scents of grilled meat, black olive and plum. It's full bodied and firmly structured, finishing on a crisp peppery note. It should drink well from 2020 to 2030.
Dark and savory more than jumpy and candied, and with that this is more serious than most everyday Spanish Garnachas. The palate is pumped up and ripe, with dark berry, black plum and licorice flavors. Along the way a hint of herb and tomato are noticeable, but for the most part this is well-comported, round-bodied Grenache.
Dark and savory, this has masculine aromas of cured meat, leather and tobacco. It shows huge density and richness on the palate, with ripe prune, blackberry and currant notes. This Carignano would pair with barbecued pork.
Dark and savory, this has spicy aromas of clove, cinnamon, prune and red currant. It shows freshness and medium density overall.
Dark and savory, this opens with cured meat, smoked bacon, teriyaki, cherry and cola aromas. The palate is lush and velvety, with accents of candied fruit, leather and black pepper.
Dark and scented with clove, licorice and bitter herb, this is a hard-edged Cabernet with a soft center of barely-ripe fruit. Some plum and prune notes are here, and the tannins have been softened, but the stemmy, herbal character dominates.
Dark and sexy aromas of spiced blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry compote come with details of potpourri, cumin seed and leather. A blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Pinotage, this sports firm tannins that are enveloped in the wine's finessed midpalate flesh. Long and open on the finish, with some warmth.
Dark and sexy; there's something erotic about this wine, with its seductive jammy flavors, velvety texture and spicy, long finish. After an initial bite of acidity, it turns soft as a goose-down pillow. In its own way, it's perfect. And the price is unreal. Best Buy.
Dark and silky, this bursts open with ripe plum and black cherry fruit. Streaks of smoke and iron run through, along with highlights of bright citrus. Sweet toast and dark chocolate flavors wrap up a long and most satisfying finish. Drink now through 2024.
Dark and smoky on the nose, with meat, cedar and blackberries combining into an attractive bouquet. This is a meaty, savory wine that should drink well from 2010–2020, backed by tart blackberries and showing some dusty tannins on the finish.
Dark and smoky with notes of struck flint and crushed minerals, this wonderfully complex Riesling is unctuous on the palate with dried peach and mango flavors that shine. Quite dry yet lusciously textured with hints of lanolin and mineral oil.
Dark and smoky, aromas of ripe blackberry and cassis come with a hint of oaky vanilla and tobacco. A lively, alert, bright palate is dense but balanced, with plum and blackberry flavors followed by notes of chocolate, toast, herbs, pencil lead and baked black fruits. Drink through 2019.
Dark and smoky, earthy and compact, this textbook Cabernet Sauvignon shows muscle and steel at its core. Though tannic and still encased in a bit of a hard shell, it already displays beautifully defined varietal character, and it doesn't shy away from the herbal side of the grape.
Dark and smoky, like hickory burning alongside blackberry, spice and turned earth. The palate has jammy black plum and blackberry flavors mixed with herbs, while good acidity gives it length. Finishes long, spicy and herbal, with enough freshness to make it food friendly.
Dark and smoky, this wine is relatively tannic and emphasizes flavors of leaf, bark, root and herb. There's plenty of depth and exceptional power to this wine, which seems unique among New World Tempranillos.
Dark and smoky, with superconcentrated black fruits, this also displays notes of black olive, char and earth. The bright, clean, pure fruit shines through the darker elements, giving the wine balance and a touch of elegance.
Dark and solid, a wine that favors flavors such as mocha and ripe plums, counterpointing these with some strong tannins. It finishes dry, but there is weight behind this dryness.
Dark and somewhat heady, this opens with dense aromas of mashed blackberry, black tea, bark and peppery spice. The palate is similarly dense and concentrated, although the medium tannins lend the wine a crushed-satin texture that keeps it from feeling too decadent. The finish is long, with a solid pepper streak.
Dark and spicy blackcurrant fruit, black-cherry skins and a touch of richer chocolate show on the nose of this bottling. Light in body, the palate shows blackberry, black pepper, oregano and pencil lead, with a minerally undercurrent.
Dark and spicy this silky, supple Pinot Noir is richly restrained in a freshness of boysenberry and the aromatics of a forest floor. But it's the exotic cola spice that'll hook you in and keep you there, particularly piquant on the finish.
Dark and spicy, this has ripe fruit, prune, currant and blackberry aromas that are followed by clove, cardamom and black pepper notes. The mouthfeel is medium in terms of length and build.
Dark and spicy, with rubber and baked-fruit aromas giving way to herbs, clove and other alluring spice scents. As might be expected from a wine bearing Alvaro Palacios' signature and approval, the final product is smart and snappy, with blackberry, herbs and barrel char all making themselves noticed. Good now and for the next several years.
Dark and structured, dense and tannic this has considerable structure, but it's unlikely to age.
Dark and structured, powered by smoky tannins and plum skin texture. The wine is just beginning, its weight an indication of good aging potential. It is firm and dense, the acidity providing an attractive final freshness.
Dark and structured, this is a firm wine. It has a smoky wood character, powerful tannins over intensely ripe fruit. Acidity and sweetness balance to give a dense wine, powered with richness and destined to age for many years.
Dark and sultry on the nose, with aromas of burnt toast and raisin that hint at ripeness and some serious oak aging. The wine is juicy yet also a little creamy, with raspberry and plum flavors that are broad and flow nicely across the palate and onto the wide, chewy finish.
Dark and sweet smelling, with marzipan, coconut, licorice and black fruit aromas. Surprisingly clacky and tartaric feeling, with oak-slathered berry flavors that are both baked and racy. Shows flashes of quality flavors, but the mouthfeel and overall balance are just o.k.
Dark and taut, this is layered with lots of herbs, cedar and smoke backed by blackberry and cherry fruit. The racy palate is framed by branchy tannins and cassis flavors that linger on the medium finish.
Dark and thick in the glass, this blend of 82% Syrah and 18% Mourvèdre leads with black cherry syrup, smoked beef and dark chocolate aromas, which blossom as the wine opens. Rich and lavish on the palate, it has fine tannins that frame its blueberry, cassis and mocha flavors. It's firmly structured, with a lingering acidity.
Dark and thick in the glass, this wine shows strong but not bitter tar notes on the nose plus charred beef in a blueberry glaze, wet campfire, bourbon barrel and vanilla. The structure is massive now, gooey with thick tannins and flavors of espresso bean and condensed purple flowers. Judicious acidity ensures strong cellaring potential. Drink 2018–2027.
Dark and thick, this full-bodied wine from the Sierra region brings truckloads of jammy fruit flavors along with a firm texture that doesn't overly tighten the tannic grip. The blackberry and black-cherry notes are simply delicious.
Dark and toasty, this wild yeast fermented wine spent 10 months in 10% new Oregon oak. Slightly roasted flavors combine coffee grounds, chunky cherry and cassis. It's a full-bodied full-flavored wine which favors power over finesse.
Dark and toasty, with ripe cherry and berry aromas offset by herbal shadings and an aroma of earthy, wet clay. Feels fresh and ready, with a standard blend of sweet berry flavors, oak, spice and herbs. Turns toastier and slightly bitter on the finish.
Dark and velvety on the nose, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec offers a plump but balanced expression of black cherry, black pepper and dried herbs. The complex palate combines exotic plum and dried strawberry with mocha and crumbled mint flavors.
Dark and viscous in the glass, this classic Paso Robles-style Syrah shows baked black cherry, vanilla pastry, tar and black pepper touches. It has a firm and upright structure, managing to remain soft and lush with black cherry, cola, bacon fat and maple flavors.
Dark and viscous, this greets the nose with expected aromas of raisin and prune, but rises above with nutmeg, cardamom, clove and sleek graphite notes. The first impression on the palate is sweet plum nectar, but the grippy tannins prove seductive and the ripping acidity keeps it quaffable. The fascinating finish is all about chocolate-covered nuts.
Dark and weighty, this is a dense wine, very firm in its tannins as well as bringing out rich blackberry fruits. The wood shows through strongly, while there is a pepper edge from the high alcohol.
Dark and well-concentrated, this opens with intense aromas of chocolate, spice and cherry liqueur. It is superthick and dense, with salient alcohol.
Dark aromas of asphalt, lead pencil, blackberry, toast and lemony oak lead to a raring, zesty palate with toasty, racy cherry and currant flavors. Spicy oak flavors and tingling acidity make for a lively finish.
Dark aromas of black cherry and plum are spicy and suggestive of crude oil. In the mouth, this everyday Cab shows juicy balance and clean lines. Standard black-fruit flavors come with spice notes and a harmonious, long finish.
Dark aromas of graham cracker, blueberry, prune and creamy oak push the ripeness meter to high. This Mencía feels tight and a bit tannic, but also lush and a mile deep. Woody, smoky blackberry flavors finish with firm acidity, balance, depth and residual oak flavors that still need to be resolved; drink through 2024.
Dark aromas of molasses, maple syrup, toast, char and blackberry are rich and ripe. This is intense and firm on the palate, with hard-pounding tannins absorbed by a full, receptive body. Baked blackberry, cassis and loamy flavors finish ripe, tannic, pure and typical of excellent Tinto Fino from Ribera del Duero. Drink through 2021.
Dark aromas of tire rubber, forest and juniper are lead elements on the nose. This Syrah is astringent, with rawness to the palate. There's a sense of grape skins to the black-fruit flavor profile, and the tone just seems a little off.
Dark aromas of violet, black cherry, plum and wet clay lead to a flush, well-balanced palate. This amphorae-fermented-and-aged Cinsault from Itata tastes decidedly natural, with an abundance of pure plum, currant and cherry fruit. The finish is bright and lively as well. Drink through 2019.
Dark aromas suggest shoe polish and roasted black fruits. This feels rubbery and chunky, while the flavor profile includes quick pokes of cherry, plum and rubbery berry before a salty-tasting finish.
Dark as a moonless midnight, dry as dust, with hard-edged tannins, this Cabernet is almost undrinkable now in its extreme youth. It shows a massive core of blackberries, currants, dark baker's chocolate and smoky oak, and the balance of acidity makes it clean and bright. All indications are of a cellarworthy wine. Drink 2014 and beyond.
Dark as midnight in a moonless sky, dry as dust, hard and astringent in tannins. That's the challenge this immature Cabernet presents, which makes it difficult to appreciate now. However, it has deep, fine blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, and should have a good future. The score reflects the possibilities after 5–7 years of aging.
Dark as night and thick, with heavy, modern aromas of shoe polish, bacon and ripe, roasted black fruits. The feel is concentrated and healthy, while the flavors run very ripe and dark, with plenty of oak thrown in. Finishes rich, with bacon, resin, black pepper and some burn. Seems more jacked up than its listed 14.5% alcohol.
Dark as night, and with such a dramatic aroma, you can't wait to taste it. Huge and hedonistic, an Incredible Hulk of a wine bursting with blackcurrants and cassis and smoky oak. Luxurious tannins make for a smooth, gentle mouthfeel. Enjoy this youthful wine now.
Dark as night, this is a sumptuous, rich, concentrated and full-bodied Cabernet tasting of dark berry and oak, with a trace of leather saddle on the finish.
Dark as night, with aromas of brick dust, kirsch and black fruit. Don't expect anything like French Cab Franc from this Chilean monster. It's huge and fully directed toward blackberry and cassis. Which means the herbal, leafy, tobacco notes common to CF are simply not present here. But if you like yours big and burly, with crusty dark fruit, then this is your ticket.
Dark as night, with charcoal, campfire, sweet berry and jammy notes to the alluring bouquet. Lively on the palate, with tangy acidity propelling black fruit, sweet oak, licorice and spice flavors. Solid, well built and generally smooth. Excellent Ribera from a very good year. Drink through 2019.
Dark as night, with forceful aromas of root beer, menthol, warm earth and baked fruits. Maybe it's a bit soft and widespread given the heat of 2003, but if flesh and fruit turn you on and the lack of complexity isn't too disconcerting, it's a fine modern Syrah. Good with bacon burgers, steak off the grill, etc.
Dark as night, with shoe polish, coconut and powerful black-fruit aromas. This is jammy, dense, soft and not for aging, but it does deliver a truck load of toasted coffee, blackberry, molasses and crisped brown sugar. Supersweet, rich and made to drink now.
Dark berries and sweet baking-spice tones carry the nose. The medium-bodied palate brings juicy blackberry flavors showing mild concentration, supported by soft tannins.
Dark berries dominate here, but there is also an intriguing edge of tight spiced minerality. With its strong acidity and important tannins, this is always going to be a wine with an austere side. But the weight is all there, as is the final black berry fruit.
Dark berries or plums, cedar and spice notes sum up the aromas and flavors you can expect from this Heathcote Shiraz. It's medium to full in body, and while it's not overly lush, neither is it overly lean—making it a balanced drink with moderate complexity. The firm finish suggests cellaring another year or two, or pairing it with grilled or roasted meats.
Dark berries, black plums and dried blueberries meet with crushed pepper and a touch of vanilla on the nose of this bottling. The palate is packed with blackberries galore, lifted by white pepper, beef char and other savory seasonings.
Dark berries, coffee and woody spice start off the nose of this wine, with more concentrated but juicy plum and cherry flavors unfolding in the mouth. Creamy and lush with medium acid and a lively structure. Drink now–2013.
Dark berry and a light, tropical fruit quality on the nose add to the appeal of this Pinotage. On the palate, the flavors of juicy berry and banana are rounded and smooth, offering assertive spice but in a gentle package.
Dark berry and baking spice aromas emerge from the glass and carry over to the juicy palate together with fleshy wild cherry, plum, black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla alongside big round tannins. Well balanced with great length, this poised wine already is accessible, so drink 2015–2019.
Dark berry and black cooking spice aromas lead the nose on this straightforward red. The dense, simple palate offers blackberry jam and a note of anise alongside compact, rounded tannins. Drink through 2016.
Dark berry and cassis aromas precede a focused chewy palate. Blackberry, blueberry, chocolate and spice flavors come together well, while a chunky full finish is ripe and satisfying.
Dark berry and lemony oak lead the aromas on this barrel-driven Malbec. In the mouth, it's resiny and creamy, while blackberry and woody flavors yield to café mocha. A resiny finish is loaded with overt oak character. Drink through 2018.
Dark berry and meaty fruit on the nose, with plum and blackberry aromas. The palate is zestier, with bright acidity tempering any weight. The finish is solid, with nothing off or outlandish to consider. A good, solid, concentrated Syrah without a whole lot of varietal character.
Dark berry and plum fruit dominates, but hints of mint, vanilla and cedar add interest. Somewhere between silky and velvety, this full-bodied, richly textured Shiraz finishes long and appears to have the tannic structure to age well, though it's delicious now.
Dark berry and spice aromas are mildly grassy and pasty. This has pulse and a mostly fresh-feeling palate. Flavors of baked cherry and plum come with a note of creamy oak, then things turn hot and scratchy on the finish.
Dark berry and tobacco flavors ride a dull thick palate of sizable oak and tannin, the aromatics somewhat held back. Dill, dust and tobacco add to the profile.
Dark berry aromas and fruity but somewhat subdued flavors are supported by firm tannins and good, mild acidity in this full-bodied wine. It is tasty and rather big in mouthfeel.
Dark berry aromas are calm and oaky. This blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon feels full and blocky, although bold acidity helps. Minty, oaky flavors of plum, cassis and tomato are salty and spicy, while this runs long on a finish that boasts a ripe-fruit base.
Dark berry aromas are dense and a touch rubbery. This is a full, chunky, bold Cabernet with wild berry, cassis and woody flavors that meld together well. Finishing flavors of mint, licorice and oak are generous.
Dark berry aromas are smoky and stout, and overall this well-oaked Malbec gives off a sense of seriousness on the nose. In the mouth, there's tension but also balance. Flavors of blackberry and cassis are oaky but expressive. It's spicy, a touch resiny and lasting on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Dark berry aromas turn earthy and oaky. The mouthfeel on this crianza is edgy and a touch choppy, with prodding acidity. Blackberry and dark-plum flavors are subdued, while the finish is mild and healthy, but a touch abrupt. Drink through 2021.
Dark berry aromas, chocolate and grit define the nose on this blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Tempranillo. The palate feels ripe and fresh, but the tannins are hard and grabby. Black plum flavors are bold and offer notes of spice, herbs and earthiness. This is composed on the finish despite a reprise of hard smacking tannins.
Dark berry fruit, a touch of cocoa and a dusty quality show on the nose of this twist-top bottling. There is lots of tannic structure on the sip, with mouthfuls of black and purple fruit, some black pepper and a touch of bitter coffee.
Dark berry, Asian spice and blue flower aromas slowly unfold on this structured red. The full-bodied, tightly wound palate offers up mature black cherry, blackberry, licorice, cinnamon and tobacco while youthfully assertive but refined tannins provide support. Drink 2018–2028.
Dark berry, baking spice, herb, tobacco and a menthol note lead the nose along with a whiff of oak. The linear palate is still all wound up, showing more dark spice than fruit richness. Racy acidity and astringent tannins provide a firm backbone.
Dark berry, baking spice, tilled soil and a hint of new leather aromas unfold on this polished, earthy red. The juicy palate tastes of black cherry, cinnamon, orange zest, and aromatic herb while its mineral vein is noticeable alongside smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2023.
Dark berry, blue flower and French oak are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The bright, easygoing palate offers Morello cherry, vanilla and coffee alongside firm acidity and limber tannins.
Dark berry, blue flower, brown spice, espresso and balsamic aromas take shape in the glass. The structured palate offers black cherry, clove, coffee and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that give the finish a youthful grip. Drink 2019–2028.
Dark berry, chopped mint, sage, tobacco and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find on this. Firmly structured and youthfully austere, the palate delivers red cherry, raspberry compote, anise and clove framed in vibrant acidity and tightly-woven tannins that give it a firm finish. It needs time to fully come together and develop complexity. Drink 2025–2043.
Dark berry, cinnamon, clove, leather, oak and a balsamic note are some of the aromas and flavors you'll find on this structured red. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework but it still needs time to unwind.
Dark berry, cocoa and leather aromas come into play on this hearty red. The chewy palate delivers mature black cherry, black currant, espresso and a hint of almond alongside solid tannins. Drink though 2018.
Dark berry, cooking spice and tilled soil aromas lead the nose. The sleek, savory palate delivers juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, cinnamon, white pepper, mint and clove alongside supple tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Dark berry, grilled herb and underbrush aromas float out of the glass along with a whiff of rose. The firm palate offers juicy dark cherry, raspberry, clove, anise and tobacco framed in velvety tannins.
Dark berry, herb and blue-fruit aromas lead to silky fruit flavors. The tannins bring a slightly sticky feel to the finish.
Dark berry, herb and fig aromas lead to dense, full and palate-coating dark fruit flavors. It checks all the boxes for varietal correctness, concentration and value.
Dark berry, huckleberry, wood spice and cocoa aromas are followed by palate-coating blue and purple-fruit flavors.
Dark berry, leather and herbaceous notes on the nose open to cherry, currant and tobacco flavors—it's all very much in the Bordeaux vein. The mouthfeel is similar: somewhat lean and angular but very flavorful, with an expansive cherry flavor on the spicy, long finish. Has good tannic structure, and may merit a higher score with some age. Hold for four to six years, and then drink til 2012.
Dark berry, mineral and baked notes control the nose on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Petit Verdot and Syrah. This is full, round and firmly tannic, with oaky, minty flavors of black fruits and licorice root. Mocha, tobacco, chocolate and coffee flavors are nice on the finish. Drink through 2018.
Dark berry, mint, menthol and a balsamic note are just some of the aromas you'll get on this gorgeous wine. The full-bodied palate delivers ripe black cherry, clove, ground pepper and anise alongside firm, refined tannins. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2019–2026.
Dark berry, mocha, toast and cooking spice aromas emerge in the glass. The taut palate offers mature black cherry, coffee and dried herb alongside assertive, fine-grained tannins.
Dark berry, oak and chopped mint scents lead the way. The straightforward palate shows toasted oak, espresso, dried black cherry and sage alongside grainy tannins that leave a somewhat raspy finish.
Dark berry, pencil eraser and spice aromas come together nicely. In the mouth, this is a forward marcher with a good mouthfeel and ample push. Lightly baked flavors of plum and blackberry are fully ripe, while the finish feels sturdy and tastes a bit salty and earthy.
Dark berry, pressed flower, iron, leather and spice aromas come together on this firmly structured wine. The full-bodied palate delivers juicy black cherry, eucalyptus, anise and clove alongside big, velvety tannins. A licorice note closes the lingering finish. It's already almost approachable but hold for more complexity. Drink 2018–2028.
Dark berry, pressed violet, toast and a whiff of espresso lead the nose of this savory, easy-drinking red. The ripe, round palate delivers juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, clove and mocha. It's already extremely accessible, with supple tannins.
Dark berry, purple iris and a whiff of cake spice float from the glass. The palate offers up black cherry, blackberry, clove and cinnamon alongside round, smooth tannins. It's already extremely accessible and will provide easy-drinking pleasure for the next few years. Drink through 2018.
Dark berry, resin, brown baking spice and menthol aromas lead the way. The firm tightly knit palate offers black cherry, licorice, sage and espresso alongside assertive grainy tannins and nervous acidity. Drink 2018–2023.
Dark berry, rose petal, tilled soil, aromatic herb, leather and a whiff of game are just some of the aromas you'll find on this intense, full-bodied wine. The palate is still tight, showing wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, baking spice and tobacco alongside firm tannins that need time to unwind. It already has depth but will develop even more complexity over the next decade and more. Drink 2018–2027.
Dark berry, sawdust, oak-driven spice and tobacco aromas emerge in the glass. It's still tense, with tightly packed tannins and fresh acidity that backup flavors of oak, toast, espresso, licorice and cherry steeped in spirits. It's shy on fruit richness, making the alcohol noticeable.
Dark berry, scorched earth, menthol and baking spice aromas come together on this along with a balsamic note. The tense palate delivers steeped plum, dried black cherry, mint, sage clove and licorice set against youthfully assertive tannins. Drink 2019–2028.
Dark berry, shoe polish and lemony oak are at the center of the bouquet on this blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The palate feels rich to the point of syrupy, while the flavor profile offers a condensed, jammy mix of wild berries, wood, herbs, chocolate and coffee. Additional herbal notes along with spicy flavors carry a thick finish to its conclusion. Drink through 2018.
Dark berry, tilled earth and gamey aromas lift out of the glass. The firm palate offers black cherry, chocolate, peppermint and oak alongside tightly packed tannins that leave an astringent finish. Drink after 2018.
Dark berry, tilled soil and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the solid palate offers juicy black cherry, mocha, espresso and licorice. Firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink 2018–2026.
Dark berry, toasted hazelnut and menthol aromas lift out of the glass. The tightly wound palate is still rather closed and on the lean side in terms of fruit richness, but slowly reveals sour cherry, licorice and a note of ground pepper. A tannic backbone provides structure.
Dark berry, tobacco, leather and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find on this stunning wine. The firm, full-bodied palate delivers ripe black cherry, black pepper, licorice and chopped mint alongside youthfully assertive but refined tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2021–2031.
Dark berry, truffle, toast and kitchen spice aromas meld in the glass. On the palate, notes of roasted coffee bean, powdered sage and ground pepper accent a core of dried black cherry while assertive tannins provide the framework. It ends on an astringent note.
Dark berry, underbrush and tobacco aromas lead the nose of this vibrant, structured wine while the palate doles out black cherry, fresh raspberry, licorice and clove. Fresh acidity and supple tannins balance the juicy flavors. Drink through 2018.
Dark berry, violet, anise and cake spice aromas lead the way. The ripe palate doles out fleshy black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and grilled sage while an espresso note closes the finish. Firm, polished tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2029.
Dark black and purple in hue, this wine has a dullness and dilution to the palate, which is dense in blueberry and leather, lacking grip on a quick finish.
Dark black cherry dominates the mood of this wine, lively and light, with a delicate, unexpected punch of spicy cinnamon throughout and a tension of toned oak balanced against the fruit.
Dark black cherry in color, this wine offers a bouquet of cherry preserves, matchstick and petrol. It is far livelier on the palate than on the nose, featuring flavors of cherry, pomegranate and bell pepper with a light touch of florality. Chewy tannins make their way across the gum and tongues and are all but erased by a final note of orange zest and cranberry.
Dark black fruits and a dense, almost black color are signs of the concentration of this concentrated wine. Nine months in wood have added to the richness of the wine while preserving the blackberry and black-plum flavors. It is just ready to drink, although it will be much better from 2017.
Dark black in color, this bold wine is thick and rich in tannin and oak, with traces of dried herb, red currant and cedar, making it seem more like Cabernet. The coffee-laden finish provides further focus.
Dark black like the grapes it's made from. Once you get past its high alcohol, this has powerful flavors of dark chocolate, tar and baked plums.
Dark blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant fruits make for a ripe but extremely enticing nose on this bottling, lifted by aromas of vanilla, cola, clove and anise. The palate is delicious and rich with black cherry, but a zesty, bright acidity and chalky tannins contribute depth and length, with a touch of dill.
Dark blackberry, riverstone, and crushed gravel notes make for a lively cool-climate Grenache grown in the heart of the appellation. The palate is very dry, tautly woven and elegant, with savory beef, thyme, rosemary and purple flower flavors all perfectly integrated.
Dark blue-purple in color, this is a breezy, giving wine on the palate, fresh and light in blueberry preserves and soft layers of integrated oak and tannin. It finishes smooth and with a hint of chocolate.
Dark blueberry, black plum and blackberry fruits meet with dried violet, lavender and cracked pavement on the nose of this bottling. The palate picks up a soy-meets-blueberry-chiffon element, with splashes of rosewater and cola.
Dark boysenberry, dried lilac and the slightest touch of tar show on the nose of this bottling, one of the first that Foxen has labeled with the new Los Olivos District appellation. Tart plum skins and elderberry show on the sip that is structured by solidly dry tannins accented by flavors of lavender and thyme.
Dark boysenberry, dried purple flowers, wet slate and a touch of bay leaf show on the nose of this thick and earthy bottling by the tech moguls T.J. and Valeta Rodgers. The mouthfeel is very chalky, and there is the winery's characteristic earthiness along with mocha and baking spice. But there are also brighter berry flavors, perhaps due to the sunnier slopes.
Dark bramble berry notes are focused on the nose, with sweet tones of anise adding nuance. The round, medium-bodied palate follows suit, offering a line of cranberry acidity supported by grippy tannins. Crushed stone minerality lingers on the finish.
Dark burgundy in color, it's crafted from estate-grown, organically certified grapes, a mix of Swan, Dijon 667 and 777 and Pommard clones. It has a dense, toasty character from 16 months in French oak, almost half of it new. A darker profile of baked plum and cinnamon swirls amid leathery earth. The finish is zingy and the wine is labeled as vegan.
Dark burgundy in color, it has an old-world soul, earthy and brooding in clove, mushroomy forest floor and a light texture of cherry, not what you'd expect from a big-time NASCAR guy. Restrained yet powerful.
Dark but reduced aromas of tire and blackberry set up a muscular palate with pinching tannins. Roasted, oaky flavors of spicy berry, clove and cocoa finish with a final woody note and choppy toughness.
Dark cherry and berry fruits lead the nose of this rich and bramby wine, with hints of spicy chocolate and raspberry sauce lending added decadence. The plush palate offers more of the same, with a satiny texture and juicy, sweet-spiced fruit flavors that hang on through the medium-length finish.
Dark cherry and black licorice flavors combine in this wine from a 1,650-feet-elevation, estate-grown site. Moderate acidity buoys the fruit's ripeness and concentration, structured with firm, tight tannins.
Dark cherry and bramble berry tones pervade on the nose and palate of this 67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Petit Verdot blend. While the wine is rich and full-bodied, syrupy blackfruit flavors ride on the midpalate, leading to a slightly hot finish.
Dark cherry and cola aromas meld with composting rose scents on the nose of this pleasing wine that will satisfy any lover of Pinot Noir. The palate exudes nutmeg, iron and rose flavors galore, adding spice to its core of plump raspberry and ripe cranberry fruit. Lively acidity and tannic depth complete the experience.
Dark cherry and mocha aromas come with a hint of desiccation. Supple and smooth on the palate, this finishes with a tangy mineral element and some warmth.
Dark cherry and toast shows on the nose of this straightforward Cabernet. The wine offers more of the same and some earthy shadings on the dry and even palate. Finishes with medium length, and displays a hint of chocolate on the back end.
Dark cherry and vanilla aromas swirl around crisper flavors of rhubarb in this tight, leathery wine made in a restrained, savory style. Made for the table, it'll suit many meals with versatile aplomb.
Dark cherry in color, this wine features a bouquet of raspberry and chocolate with a hint of smoked meat. It is very light on the palate, and flavors of cherry, strawberry and thyme play on the tongue into the bright, clean finish.
Dark cherry in the glass, this wine offers aromas of raspberry, chocolate and tobacco. Smooth tannins create a framework for flavors of black cherry, white chocolate, violet and anise. It is soft in the mouth, and an almost warm feeling peels away at the last moment to reveal a burst of cranberry and spice on the finish.
Dark cherry red in color, this blend of Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Syrah and Tempranillo features a bouquet of cherry with a hint of green pepper. Flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, orange peel and spearmint are set in a web of soft tannins that fully announce themselves at the mouth-coating, minty finish.
Dark cherry to garnet in color, it offers notes of blackberry, pomegranate and black cherry in its bouquet. A strong acidic backbone and persistent cranberry flavor at the finish make this a wine that calls out for food.
Dark cherry, blackberry and ripe blueberries vie for attention on the nose. The palate is elegant and tight, with some oak spice and soft but palpable tannins and food-friendly acidity. This is ideal for subtle dishes that demand a red wine with depth and quiet power.
Dark cherry, clove and cinnamon swirl around each other in this well made, light-bodied red wine priced attractively to please a range of palates. Earth and pomegranate rise on the palate, finishing with length.
Dark cherry, herb and medicine cabinet notes lead to bright cherry flavors. The tannins provide some chew.
Dark cherry, leather, tobacco and spicy aromas of cured meat open the bouquet of this deeply layered Brunello. There's fruit intensity as well in the form of cassis, dried raspberry or cranberry. The natural freshness and structure here would pair well with thick home-made pasta and sauce.
Dark cherry, toasted oak and licorice notes mark the nose of this fairly full wine. Sweet and sour flavors, a smoky note, and an even finish with tarry elements all have significant appeal. The toasted-oak notes seem a bit heavy handed, but tasty.
Dark cherry, vanilla and a quiet streak of smoke permeate the personality of this well-made light-bodied wine that's soft and supple on the palate. Raspberry and cherry flavors further define its bright fruit-forwardness and sense of freshness, with a touch of grip on the finish.
Dark chocolate and black cherry converge for an elegant and dense nose in this wine from the Riboli family. The palate offers an intriguing range of flavors, from blackberry to cocoa dust and black pepper. The chalky tannins still need some time to open up, but will ensure a long life.
Dark chocolate and black currant flavors dominate this concentrated wine. It is densely tannic, while still allowing room for the brooding fruit to show through. Still young, it will age slowly and impressively over the next five years.
Dark chocolate and cedar merge easily on the nose of this medium- to full-bodied wine. Those dark, oaky elements are balanced by tart berries on the palate, enhanced by barrel char and oodles of soft tannins on the long finish. Drink now–2025.
Dark chocolate and rich plum sauce add complexity to this black fruit-driven Merlot. Blackberry preserves and soft plum guts fill the mouth, with a touch of green pepper appearing on the finish. Medium weight with a creamy texture and a medium-length finish. Drink now.
Dark chocolate and toasted nut open the nose of this plump Valpolicella blend. There's plenty of fruit in the back in the form of cherry and candied orange zest.
Dark chocolate notes join acidity and ripe black fruit flavors. The wood is dominant in this relatively soft wine, although the fruit juiciness comes through well to finish.
Dark chocolate speaks loudest in this wine, blended with 9% Petit Verdot, the grapes sourced from three vineyards across the valley, from Calistoga to Coombsville. Smoky and soft, it offers decadence within a lengthy structure, highlighted in ruby raspberry and blackberry.
Dark chocolate, black cherry and a hint of raspberry fill the nose and palate, with secondary floral hints. This blend of Blaufränkisch and Merlot is slender but muscular, with immense structure, ripe tannin and en edge of iron-oxide. It has the graceful but strong physique of a male ballet dancer. Drink 2016–2020.
Dark chocolate, black cherry, plum and wet concrete show on the nose of this bottling from a winery recently acquired by O'Neill Vintners. There are lots of earthy flavors on the palate, from freshly turned loam to dusty rocks, set against tangy dried elderberry fruit.
Dark chocolate, cassis, violets and red berry start this red from Greece. On the palate, like flavors with a touch of bitter cocoa and smoke are earthy and exotic. Pair with grilled meats and hearty stews.
Dark chocolate, dried mint, roasted meat and black and red cherry arise on the lush yet lighter nose of this bottling. The palate is full and rich with complexity but not overly creamy, offering flavors of baked plum, pencil lead, pork roast and smoked herbs.
Dark clay, deep layers of earth, black-cherry bread and black-slate aromas show on the nose of this finely woven wine by Matthias Pippig. The palate is distinctive, with rich yet not overripe black-plum loaf, mocha dust and black cardamom spice hiding behind the silky yet dense structure. Excellent now, it will joyously evolve. Drink 2016–2028.
Dark coffee, dried herb and whole green-pepper aromas mix with notes of cherry, black plum and vanilla. The black-fruit flavors are rich but still show a sense of elegance.
Dark cola, black fruit and marzipan aromas give this a sweet bouquet. The palate is solid, with medium-strength tannins supporting cherry, blackberry and mocha flavors. Oak is no stranger to this wine, so expect ample vanilla and chocolate throughout. A bit herbal, which is common for Chilean Cabernet.
Dark color and a punch of smoky oak underline this wine's big burly hold of tannin and ripe fruit. Tobacco, tar and baked cherry highlight the flavor wheel.
Dark color and a severe tartness make this wine challenging on the palate. It's overripe in terms of tropical fruit and bogged down by a sourness that's hard to shake. Let it open and pair it with creamy foods like goat cheese to get it to behave.
Dark color and black fruit aromas set the expectation for a big wine, but this is remarkably well-balanced, poised and smooth. Its black cherry and blackberry flavors are satifying, dry and not overripe, and its hints of cocoa add delicious complexity.
Dark color, concentration and supple aromas of milk chocolate and mature cherry open the nose of this pretty Barolo Riserva. The wine boasts a soft, plush feel with velvety intensity that would pair with most sophisticated meat dishes or porcini mushrooms on the grill.
Dark color, generous dark-fruit and earth aromas and flavors, and a firmly tannic texture make this quality wine typical of the variety. It has good flavor concentration, with more fruit and light spices pouring out on the finish. It will be best after 2019.
Dark colored and powerful, this is a great expression of the more massive side of Gevrey Chambertin. The wine is dense, dark, with black plum and fig flavors, leavened with attractive juicy acidity. Tannins thread through the acidity. Age for 2–3 years.
Dark colored for a modern rosé, this is a ripe blend of two Cabernets, Syrah and Tannat. Red fruits and a rich texture make for a wine that is almost sweet in character, certainly floral and perfumed. Drink now.
Dark colored wine, its fruit structured with building blocks of dense tannins, acidity and a plum skin texture. The wine has a fine balance, rich but also restrained and elegant. For aging over 3–4 years.
Dark colored wine, revealing wood aging both aromatically and to taste. That said, it also has great weight, a powerful and complex wine with its coffee, dried fruit and black plum flavors. It's an impressive, solid wine that deserves at least seven years' aging.
Dark colored wine, which translates into richness and flavors of full-bodied damsons and plum fruits, with finely judged tannins and wood. Natural power, with concentration and final acidity to give just the right lift.
Dark colored wine, with ripe black plum flavors that lie over solidly textured tannins. Structured to bring out the fruit, the wine also has a core of wood, spice, dark cocoa and black currant acidity to finish. An attractive wine that is worth aging for another two years.
Dark colored, fragrant and firm-textured, this Bordeaux-style blend has a lot of substance and will appeal to lovers of full-bodied, tannic wines. The aromas resemble dark cherry, black currant and that tempting cigar box note. It feels full and weighty on the palate and well laced with supportive tannins.
Dark colored, highly perfumed wine, packing rich fruit with its ripe, chunky structure. Black berries give a juicy character, taming the acidity, and allowing the wood smoke to wreath around the wine. Age for at leasy six years, but this can withstand more.
Dark colored, this offers considerable wood aromas. It tastes dry and extracted, layering bitter coffee flavors on burnt toast. Mere hints of fruitiness seep through the big tannic structure.
Dark concentration and an inky black appearance characterize the appearance of this bold and beautiful Barolo. On the nose, the wine offers an enticing bouquet peppered with notes of cola, menthol, wet earth, cured beef, plum and drying minerals. Drink after 2018.
Dark concentration and an inky, midnight color describe this Amarone's rich appearance. On the nose, however, it offers vibrant and lively tones of cola, mineral, cherry and dried flowers. There's even a soapy, or perfumed incense-like tone hidden at the back.
Dark concentration and extraction is reinforced by lavish aromatic layers of spice, vanilla and chocolate. This is a modern, bold and plummy wine that tastes thick and syrupy in the mouth and delivers generous - maybe too generous - oak flavors.
Dark concentration and medium aromatic intensity open Barolo Castelletto. There's a delicate, feminine side to this Nebbiolo that presents itself through aromas of pressed violet, root beer, chopped mint and peppermint. Those fresh overtones are backed by tight, gripping tannins. Drink after 2018.
Dark cranberries, violet and sagebrush form the core aromas, with a bit of buttery crust on the edges of this blend of four clones. The flavors are black and bitter, with strong, plum-skin tannins currently hiding the riper fruit and spice rack that will emerge with more time. Pop this for Thanksgiving 2016 or 2017 to impress the table.
Dark cranberry and cola scents mesh with sage and roasted fennel on the nose of this bottling, an ode to Bill Foley's Texas rancher ancestors. Cranberry and black cherry greet the palate while roasting spices of marjoram and thyme add complexity, before bright tannins and brisk tartness carry into the finish.
Dark dense tarry aromas of blackberry and cassis are a touch stewy and flat. This feels wide and grabby, with grapy flavors of blackberry and plum. A jammy feeling finish with berry flavors has a dark and toasty side to it.
Dark density sets the tone and so do thick aromas of vanilla bean, toasted oak and coffee. The wine is firm but smooth and offers a blast of cherry freshness on the close. With all the oak, it's hard to find Sangiovese's naturally delicate nuances. Big, bold red wine enthusiasts will love it.
Dark earth and tobacco spice the aromas of this grand cru, followed by flavors of black cherries and herbs. The Cabernet Franc portion shines clearly through as a distinctive weediness, but it's somewhat balanced by roasted black cherries and only a hint of espresso-like oak.
Dark extraction and concentrated fruit set the stage. The wine has soft touches of blackberry fruit and plump cherry that are inevitably followed by tight tannins and sharp acidity. This is an astringent, firm wine that should be paired with fatty foods.
Dark fir honey, baked and sugar-glazed apricots, cinnamon and bitter orange peel—this is a small cosmos of aromatic sweetness hitting a warm, deep and comforting note of immense richness and incredible length. Delicious now and for years to come.
Dark for a rosé and rather full-bodied, this blush has pie-filling flavors of black cherries and red currants. It's simple and direct but tasty. Nice with ham, fresh fruit, or a shrimp salad with bitter greens and grapefruit.
Dark for a rosé, and heavy in texture, with berry and cocoa flavors. Lacks charm, but at least it's dry.
Dark for a rosé, and jammy, with the pink bubblegum and strawberry flavors and acidity remniscent of a mainstream Beaujolais. Drink up at picnics, on the beach or at Sunday brunch.
Dark fruit-skin notes of plum and cherry lead the nose of this wine, with additional hints of black licorice, tobacco and fudge. Brambly fruit flavors dominate the medium-weight palate, with secondary hints of toasted wood and cocoa powder that hang-on through to the finish.
Dark fruit and a meaty consistency make for a bold and delicious first impression. The wine delivers layers of cherry, blackberry spice, leather and spicy tobacco. The wine shows some modern oak touches of vanilla softness, but by no means in an exaggerated fashion.
Dark fruit and astringent tannins make for a bold and hearty first impression. This Sangiovese Riserva opens with a dark inky color and delivers aromas of prune, plum, cola, tar and old spice. Pair it with aged Pecorino cheese.
Dark fruit and earthy, gamy aromas include hints of carob, chocolate and vanilla. This is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot; on the palate, it feels chewy, jammy and saturated. Oaky flavors come in front of caramel, chocolate and smothered berry fruit notes, while this is thick on the finish.
Dark fruit and inky concentration help balance out the wine's sharp acidity. In between its aromatic extremities are layers of dark fruit, cherry cola, white pepper, tobacco and leather. It also shows a menthol finish.
Dark fruit and plum cake open the bouquet and set the stage for the overall aromatic richness and intensity to come. But then, that crisp acidity pops up in the mouth and pulls the wine towards a lighter, leaner side where small berry fruit and blue violets make an appearance.
Dark fruit and violet aromas are muted under opulent notes of vanilla and oak. On the palate, skin-driven, dark fruit flavors combine with rough oak, while chewy tannins linger on the long, bitter finish.
Dark fruit aromas and flavors join with a generous texture and full body to make a complete and satisfying wine. This has just enough tannin to make it appetizing and well balanced.
Dark fruit aromas carry the bouquet, which is compact and clean even if it loses potency with airing. Shows good texture and acidity to support herbal, traditional flavors of blackberry, plum and fig. Dry, lightly herbal and likable on the finish.
Dark fruit aromas lead a rustic, earthy, smoky bouquet towards a crisp, healthy palate with ample oak that creates a buttery taste to accent dry berry flavors, a light herbal character and pepper. Fresh, solid and well oaked.
Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum and raspberry lead the nose of this clean yet ripe Pinotage, with supporting notes of curing spice, toasted oak and mocha that lend decadence. The slightly plush mouthfeel has a texture like crushed velvet, with mildly gripping tannins and flavors of black-fruit skin and licorice root that carry through to the finish.
Dark fruit aromas of cherry, blackberry and exotic spice comprise the bouquet. There's inky density, contrasted against delicate aromas of lead pencil, cola and cured meat. The wine is plush, rich and extracted, with dusty, firm tannins.
Dark fruit backs up the dense, dark and firm character of this wine. There is sweetness from the ripe fruits into which the tannins fall, leaving a trace of dryness at the end. A fine wine with a great future; drink from 2022.
Dark fruit flavors with a welcome sense of ripeness make this full-bodied wine feel generous and easy on the palate. It has soft tannins that let its black plum and blueberry flavors fan out and linger on the finish.
Dark fruit shows on the palate in this exotically spiced and floral blend from several vineyards, including Sangiacomo Roberts Road. Soft and medium in weight, it has high-toned acidity underneath the brooding spice and forest floor.
Dark fruit, leather, tobacco and spice aromas lead the way on this elegantly structured red. On the palate, notes of cocoa, vanilla, anise and espresso accent a core of fleshy black cherry, while firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. A licorice note signals the close.
Dark fruit, prune, cured meat, tobacco and leather are followed by accents of strawberry or blackberry jelly. There's a ripe quality to the fruit here that is followed by spicy oak and thick concentration. The presentation is easy and soft.
Dark fruit, rubber band, bacon and floral aromas give this go-to Rioja a modern outlook and a convincing bouquet. Solid, juicy and tight in the mouth, with flavors of lifted black cherry, cassis, plum, mocha and vanilla. A healthy wine that just makes the level of excellence. Drink now through 2013.
Dark fruits and graceful highlights of black tea, citrus oil, tobacco and mocha make this an endlessly fascinating wine with impressive complexity. Give it extended breathing time and it rewards you with layer after layer of silky fruit, leaf and spice. This is a 20-year wine, but may be enjoyed immediately with ample airing.
Dark fruits are the backbone of this fine wine, with flavors of blueberries, black cherry and figs along with smooth, polished wood. It is certainly big and dense, the tannins soft but concentrated. The finish is juicy and fruity, but dry.
Dark fruits carry a streak of gunmetal down the spine of this wine, which remains solidly anchored in its most youthful phase. Blueberry and raspberry flavors come with a crisp tart acid edge, and develop with lip-smacking precision as the wine lingers through a lengthy finish. Drink now and over the next 12–15 years, through 2030.
Dark fruits characterize this young, vigorous wine. Black cherries, blackberries, even dark chocolate flood the palate, delicious and spicy. Yet there's a tannic, acidic tightness that makes the mouthfeel tough and gritty. One of the better Lake County Pinots out there, but work needs to be done.
Dark fruits envelop this rich, fat, tannic Merlot. It's loaded with cassis and ripe black cherries, set against generous barrel flavors of cedar, smoke and coffee. The tannins have a black olive streak and a bacon fat finish. Yummy stuff.
Dark fruits like blackberry, raspberry and black plum lead the bouquet, with supporting aromas of milk chocolate and purple flower. Balanced and approachable, it has a crushed velvet texture that's complemented by the skin-driven fruit and dusty cocoa flavors on the palate.
Dark fruits, leather and game notes yield an almost Syrah-like nose that opens to chocolate, dark-berry and mineral flavors. Rich—even thick-textured—it is soft and quite approachable now, with fine, well-dispersed tannins. Finishes long, ultrablack, smooth and enjoyable. Drink now to 2007.
Dark fruits, leather, compost and burnt aromas blend together on the nose. The palate is tannic and gritty feeling, while black fruit and herbal flavors lead to a narrow, mildly bitter finish containing chocolate and coffee. Solid but hard and herbal.
Dark fruits, potent and polished, come cloaked in savory highlights, along with touches of molasses and Kahlua. It's a substantial effort, with concentrated cherry compote flavors at its core. Decant or cellar another couple of years for maximum impact.
Dark fruits—notably black cherries and figs—come with a chocolaty edge. The citrusy acids keep the wine on point as it slowly fades.
Dark fruits—plum, cherry and blackberry—are bold and center stage on the nose, with secondary glimmers of licorice stick and black pepper. The palate offers black fruit-skin flavors that are partnered with medium tannins, resulting in a slightly gripping and astringent close.
Dark fruity aromas of black cherry, currant and plum signal ripeness, which is confirmed on a fleshy, rubbery palate with good acidity. Flavors of black plum are a bit salty and sour, while a cocoa note on the back palate sweetens things up. A plump grabby, pushy finish is anything but weak. Drink through 2019.
Dark garnet in color with an intense nose loaded with blackberries, cassis and sweet tobacco. The palate offers more black fruit skin notes along with coffee granules and cocoa powder, with mocha dominating the lingering finish.
Dark garnet in color, this wine carries aromas of cherry and black raspberry on the nose. The palate brings flavors of tart cherry and ripe plum. Tannins show good grip yet there's a touch of aggressive acidity in the finish.
Dark garnet in color, this wine offers aromas of cherry, blackberry and white chocolate. It is a semisweet version of this native Georgian grape with flavors of black cherry, ripe black plum and vanilla. Rich tannins provide a smooth backdrop on the palate right into the cherry-pie finish.
Dark garnet in color, this wine proffers a bouquet of cassis, dark plum and lavender. There is a nice combination of fruit and savory flavors, notably black cherry, strawberry, espresso, smoked meat and oregano. Soft almost sneaky tannins appear on the palate and then retreat just in time for a vivid finish sprinkled with just a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
Dark garnet in the glass, this blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of wild raspberry, brambles and geranium leaf. It offers a good balance of tannins and acidity as well as fruit and spice flavors featuring blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, coffee, fennel bulb and black pepper. Mouth-coating tannins do not overpower, but continue well into the bright, lasting finish.
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine's bouquet offers notes of raspberry, cassis and butterscotch. Harmonious on the palate, its flavors of cherry, black plum, chocolate, anise and smoke are set in a framework of sturdy tannins that give way to a bright finish with a closing touch of smoke.
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine features aromas of black cherry, candle wax and freshly picked oregano. Soft tannins offer a foundation for flavors of cherry, cassis, mint, espresso bean and Mediterranean herbs. Fruit and savory notes continually make way for one another on the palate, concluding in an herbal and lemon zest finish.
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, vanilla and anise. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and violet roll on the tongue amidst almost chewy tannins that are kept in check by bright acidity. There is a strong note of cranberry on the finish and a touch of chocolate on the post-palate.
Dark garnet to the eye, this wine has aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, coffee and freshly ground black pepper. Flavors of height-of-summer cherry, raspberry and baking spice persist on the palate through a finish that is awash in silky tannins.
Dark garnet to the eye, this wine offers a bouquet of black cherry, yellow pepper and a touch of green pepper. Flavors of blackberry, roasted red pepper and pomegranate are supported by a backdrop of powdery tannins. A light touch of cool mint and a splash of citrus arrive just in time for the softly lingering finish.
Dark garnet to the eye, this wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and menthol. There is a sense of coolness on the palate amid flavors of cassis, blackberry, lavender, eucalyptus, aniseed and iodine. A smooth web of tannins fills the mouth, lingering past the bright yet soft finish.
Dark garnet to the eye, this wine offers aromas of raspberry, black plum and chocolate. It is fruity on entry, with flavors of black cherry and raspberry that recede to reveal notes of white chocolate and smoke. Velvety tannins linger on the palate amid a pleasing sensation of lasting smoke.
Dark gold-copper in color, this older bottling imparts rich notes of hazelnut, graham cracker and Christmas cake, making for a decadent experience that pleases and doesn't overdo it on residual sugar. A petrol, diesel-like reductive note adds complexity and a touch of the floral.
Dark gold color and buttery nose say that it was heavily oaked during its fermentation and afterward. The palate is flat and resiny. On the finish, buttered toast and some bitter, oaky leftovers hold it back.
Dark gold in color and intensely cradled in oak, this wine maintains a balance of complex, well-defined flavors of honey and apple, with lurking minerality that keeps it fresh and lively. It's lush and yet layered, a complete package. Drink now through 2020.
Dark gold in color and mightily textured, this lovely wine is medium-bodied and salty in pear, mango an pineapple. The flavors are subdued and nuanced, finding their way within layers of acidity and refined oak.
Dark gold in color and perfumed on the nose in a mix of apple blossom and sea spray, this wine is aged in a majority of seasoned French oak and a third stainless steel. It's soft, layered and voluptuous on the palate, despite its cool provenance and tenacious acidity.
Dark gold in color with a waft of cologne, this aromatic white pushes on tartness despite its medium-bodied, okay underside. Wet stone and dried flowers provide additional complexity.
Dark gold in color, a strong note of apple skin gives way to tight acidity on the entry of this wine. As it develops in the glass, it becomes plush and fleshy, imparting complex elements of candied quince and orange blossom.
Dark gold in color, rich and on the dry side, this is a very fine wine from a family-owned quinta close to Régua. The long wood aging has introduced great concentration to the dried fruits and burnt toffee flavors. Marmalade and surprising freshness give the wine a lift. It is ready to drink now.
Dark gold in color, this appellation wine is tropical and salty, medium bodied with a strong taste of lemon preserves. Its fuller, richer nature is complemented by fresher streaks of grapefruit and mandarin, with a mineral component of wet stone.
Dark gold in color, this decadent wine is robust in toasted chestnut and hazelnut layers which are rich and powerful on the seamless palate. The oak shows prominently on the nose and palate but finds its balance on the finish, allowing the wine to end with polish and reserve.
Dark gold in color, this estate-grown wine blends bright, crisp orange, melon and caramel apple flavors with richer toasted oak and vanilla notes.
Dark gold in color, this estate wine from hillside vines aged 11 months in one-third new French oak. Salty brine takes center stage before an unctuous pillow of caramel and honey rides along a full-bodied richness of flavor. A bright spark of lemony acidity marks the finish.
Dark gold in color, this is a memorably luxurious and vivacious wine, tangy in grapefruit, burnt orange and cardamom. Layered and complex, it evolves as it opens to a lingering tease of butterscotch topped in nutmeg. It is an outstanding vision of an outstanding site, a wine for the ages.
Dark gold in color, this is a viscous, buttery and robust wine, with pear, vanilla and stony flavors that keep it from feeling overly dense and rich.
Dark gold in color, this is a viscous, ripe and creamy white, layered in minerality and fresh-cut stone fruit. From a mighty mountainous vineyard, it offers bold, full-bodied flavor and texture, a testament to its site, and finishes big in juicy Golden Delicious apple and pear.
Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.
Dark gold in color, this very sweet dessert wine has intense flavors of apricot nectar, pineapple-infused crème brûlée, vanilla frosting and butterscotch. It's rich, but balanced with a squeeze of lime acidity.
Dark gold in color, this Viognier tastes of ripe apple compote and vanilla custard with a generous texture of tropical fruits.
Dark gold in color, this wine is marked by floral jasmine aromas before toasty oak and weightiness take over on the palate. Green apple and tropical flourishes provide additional richness.
Dark gold in color, this wine opens in decadent caramel and toffee and retains a slight thickness on the palate. Yet it's quite restrained and balanced in the end, showing an elegance of lemon crispness on the finish, and a focused bite of apple.
Dark gold, almost chartreuse, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc has cider-like aromas at first and a slight effervescence. Balanced, it's interesting, a heady taste of apple and pear and almond that finishes clear and tight. It's a fine choice for fall and wintertime desserts but also as an apéritif.
Dark golden-brown, this dessert offering has whiskey-like aromas, fierce and strong. Described on the bottle as a white dessert wine, there's nothing specific to suggest varietal. Toffee plays around with coffee on the persistent finish.
Dark golden-hay in color, this white was fermented mostly in 900-gallon French oak foudres, with the remainder fermented in smaller French oak barrels. Nutty lime and gooseberry provide intrigue and saltiness against bright acidity, making for a complex and compelling impression on the palate.
Dark golden-yellow in color, this offers tart apple and honey flavors and is light on the palate, not overdone in oak. It will pair well with seafood or bacon and eggs.
Dark golden-yellow, this opens with inviting notes of toasted caramel. It remains bright in citrus on the palate, getting riper and steamier as it goes, developing deeper, richer flavors of preserved lemon and baked pear. From the winery's estate, this is a small-production wine well worth seeking.
Dark golden color gives way to a taste of yellow apple, pear and a touch of ginger spice, with the midpalate mellow and veering on rich. A punch of guava and lime is accented in vibrant acidity on the lingering finish.
Dark golden in color and high in acidity, this vineyard-designate was made in small amounts with great skill. Yellow apple skin and a slight slant to tropical guava provide a fleshy intensity and burst of weight on the palate, before the wine settles down and finishes long and lean.
Dark golden in color, this celebration of the Chinese zodiac opens with fresh-squeezed lemon and saline, a a saltiness that's inviting and imaginative. Medium in body, this is fleshy, juicy and bright, a complement of ripe apple and banana, a perfumed floral quality and spicy minerality.
Dark golden in color, this late-harvest Riesling, which was allowed to develop botrytis after two October 2011 storms, has knockout, sweet honey and apricot goodness from start to finish. It's round and concentrated, and it has 12.9% residual sugar. Incredible on its own, this will also pair well with peach- and pineapple-based desserts, foie gras and blue cheeses.
Dark golden in color, this light-bodied, vibrantly fresh wine has a twinge of creamy oak influence. That's just enough to give it body and complexity in an otherwise bright package of preserved lemon and a warm, lengthy and salty finish.
Dark golden in color, this smells sweet—like caramel and toffee—which follows in taste. It's high in alcohol and oak influence.
Dark golden in color, this wine offers nectarine and just-ripe apple. High in acidity, medium in body, it has a trace of sourness on the finish.
Dark golden, this resplendent Chardonnay offers all one would expect from the Russian River Valley's Middle Reach, a relatively warmer pocket of a still-plenty-cool region. Creamy and yet retaining plenty of acidity, it offers brightness and depth simultaneously, making for a memorable wine.
Dark hay in color with a concentration of oak on the nose, the palate retains that richness of nutty almond and apple pie, finding a balance that betrays the heavier implications of the initial aromas. On the finish it offers a lightness of being, as well as a touch of perfume.
Dark hay in color, this vineyard-designate features lifted acidity and subtle oak around anise, green-apple tartness and a lovely integration of strength and grace. Ultimately light-bodied and crisp, it's also complex, with a lengthy finish showing just the right tease of caramel.
Dark hibiscus and pomegranate notes meet with black plum, hearty clove, allspice and dried violets on the nose of this very heady wine. Thickly structured with dense tannins on the palate, it speaks strongly of the rocky, rugged appellation, with boysenberry, dried fennel and wild-thyme flavors. Drink 2017–2023.
Dark hibiscus, deep red cherry and rare roast beef show on the nose of this wine from Malibu that is fragrant but fairly light in aromas. Pencil shavings, baked blackberry and a touch of clove show on the sip, which is juicy and interesting.
Dark hints of charred oak and cola accent bright berry aromas, while the palate is marked by bold berry and black cherry flavors and a whack of vanilla. It's a medium-bodied red that comes across as a bit hard-edged because of its acidity despite having rather soft tannins. Drink now.
Dark honey gold in color, this is reminiscent of cider. It's an interesting use of ripe Chardonnay, but finishes overly sour, almost bitter.
Dark in appearance, with reduced, grapy, inky aromas, this compact Carmenère nearly collapses under its own weight. Heavily toasted blackberry flavors finish stout, with blackened spice notes. If there's a knock on this blockbuster, it's that it lacks layering and elegance.
Dark in color and aromas. The nose starts out sulfuric and gassy, but settles on rubber and earthy black fruit. In the mouth, there's poking, prodding acidity and basic flavors of blackberry, herbal tea and leather. Grabby on the finish, with a mild acidic scour.
Dark in color and deep in heavily ripened fruit flavors, this full-bodied, concentrated wine is a show-stopper. A quiet sense of power comes from the dried plum and raisin aromas and the rich blueberry, clove and dark-chocolate flavors. This is a keeper that will be best to drink after 2020.
Dark in color and deeply flavored, as the name suggests, this blend has evocative blackberry, currant, grilled meat, black pepper and oak flavors. It's also tannic, suggesting cellaring until 2019.
Dark in color and dense on the nose, this has aromas of pastry, blackberry, jammy plum and even an exotic note. It feels chewy and solid, with a full-bodied texture and deep flavors of black cherry and prune. It comes up a bit short and clipped on the finish.
Dark in color and extracted on the nose, with prune, cassis and chocolate aromas, this Carmenère-led blend feels full and plush, not tannic and rough. Blackberry, balsamic notes and spice flavors finish long, ripe and spicy. Drink this meaty wine through 2023.
Dark in color and flavor, the Crannell brings ripe fruit flavors of black cherry and prune. Smooth and full-bodied, with an easy-drinking roundness to the mouthfeel, it finishes softly with all components well integrated.
Dark in color and forcefully oaked on the nose, this resiny Malbec will appeal to fans of richly styled reds. Plum, berry, tomato leaf and herbal flavors finish woody but fair, with lasting acidity.
Dark in color and full-bodied, this bone dry Cabernet is tannic and hard, despite having concentrated flavors of blackberry jam and black currant. It has plenty of structural integrity, and feels elegant in the mouth. Try holding it for a few years. If you drink it now, give it a few hours in the decanter.
Dark in color and full-bodied, this is a big, heavy sparkling wine based on Pinot Noir. It has flavors of cherries, raspberries, red currants, cola and anise, in a silky, crisp texture with yeasty notes.
Dark in color and generously bodied, this wine exudes a taste and aroma of brown sugar and roasted plum, flavors that ride a wave of soft, velvety texture, blackberry compote and mocha chocolate. Richly rewarding, it's also a tremendous value.
Dark in color and heavy in the mouth, this blush Pinot has ripe cherry and persimmon flavors. It is dry, with tart acidity.
Dark in color and in flavor profile, this medium-bodied Cornas boasts aromas and flavors reminiscent of chocolate fudge, espresso and plummy fruit, all framed by soft, dusty tannins. Drink now–2025.
Dark in color and inky on the nose, this smells oaky and a bit like plastic. On the palate, grabby tannins and heavy overall weight makes for a clumsy mouthfeel. Flavors of oak resin share the stage with blackberry fruit, while a sticky, tannic finish rates as chunky and chewy.
Dark in color and jammy on the nose, this seemingly ripe Merlot smells of plum, blackberry and raisin. In the mouth, it's blocky and tannic, with nonintegrated high acidity. Salty, briny blackberry flavors finish peppery and with drying, hard tannins.
Dark in color and meaty on the palate, this perfumed wine offers developed characteristics of toasty oak, vanilla and apple pie, complemented by a high-toned twist of tangerine.
Dark in color and meaty, this stainless-steel-fermented wine is made from Pinot Gris grapes from the Rocky Hill Vineyard and Pinot Noir grapes from Gold Rock Vineyard. Together, they offer a crisp interpretation of strawberry, watermelon and peach, finishing light and bright.
Dark in color and offering opulent aromas of crème brûlée and marshmallow, this vineyard-designate is marked by its wealth of orange blossom aromas, an inviting, floral entry. While it exudes richness on the nose, it remains much more restrained and dry on the palate, finishing with leanness and length.
Dark in color and ripe from the get go, this Malbec blend smells of blackberry, graphite and licorice. Full and layered, with surprisingly good depth, this tastes of black fruits blended with tomato and plum. Spicy, dry and herbal tasting on the finish, with a hint of saltiness.
Dark in color and showing jammy cherry and boysenberry aromas along with resiny oak, this Tempranillo-Cabernet blend feels sticky and on the verge of cloying. Lightly herbal, green-leaning berry flavors are masked by clove and vanilla notes, while the finish is low on fruit and high on residual oak.
Dark in color and slightly bashful at first, this blend of Syrah, Sangiovese and Merlot shows strength in its solid structure, with bright aromas of red cherry, blackberry, leather and cured meat. It would pair perfectly with stewed game meat, like wild boar.
Dark in color and slightly reduced, this wine offers a waxy texture of apple, apricot and vanilla, medium in build with approachable richness and roundness. Smooth, it's a pleasant quaffer.
Dark in color and viscous in texture, this wine shows dried plum, concentrated blueberry, cola, licorice and kirsch on the nose. It's powerfully flavored on the palate, with cooked cherry and mulberry fruit, as well as vanilla and ginger spice. It will be exciting to see what the new winemaking and ownership team does with this iconic estate.
Dark in color and voluptuous in body and texture, this wine was aged in French oak, 35% of it new. With a sizable presence on the palate, it generously reveals brooding flavors of apple and pear.
Dark in color for a rosé, a weird orange, root beer color, and heavy in the mouth, with sugary sweet, jammy raspberry and apricot flavors.
Dark in color with a magenta tint, this Malbec is spunky and a touch crude on the nose, with wild berry and animal fur aromas. There's angularity to the palate, which is bland in the middle. Black-fruit, herbal, savory flavors finish short on volume and complexity.
Dark in color with thick concentration, this “family” Riserva offers loads of spice lavished over fresh cherry, red fruit and plum. In the mouth, the wine feels thick, chewy and well concentrated with ripe cherry flavors that ride over the long finish.
Dark in color, almost pure purple; the bouquet carries some heavy oak, with aromas of toast and vanilla. It’s also a little sauvage. Rich and chocolaty, but also quite sweet. It’s deep and woody overall—the vanilla and oak are very prominent, maybe too much so for many people.
Dark in color, an indicator that this is a ripe style of Pinot. Smells granular and earthy, its big berry fruit aromas leading to a full-bodied palate with sweet black fruit flavors. Offers good acidity and plenty of oak.
Dark in color, deep in aroma, quietly intense in flavor and so mouthcoating in texture—this Cabernet demands to be noticed. Yet all of those bold elements are wrapped in a tightly woven and softly finished texture. The flavors are like dark chocolate and ripe blackberries, the mouthfeel is fine and it's not overly tannic or too full-bodied.
Dark in color, dry and tannic, this 100% Syrah is rich in blackberry, dark chocolate, roasted meat and black pepper flavors. They combine with new oak to produce a wine of real complexity. This is one of the more interesting Syrahs to emerge from the Paso area.
Dark in color, intense in fruit flavor and firmly packed with tannins, this blockbuster Bordeaux-style blend feels massive and grippy. It tastes like cranberry and blackberry, leaving astringency on the palate that will match up to the richest foods. Age a few bottles through 2019 to see how it matures.
Dark in color, ripe and pruney in aroma, the palate is medium bodied and thick with dried fruit flavors.
Dark in color, smoky and full of coconut and mocha aromas. However, the palate is more acidic, tight and starching than ideal. Add in peppery, herbal flavors to the black cherry, oak and high acidity and it gives off a tight, crisp personality.
Dark in color, soft in structure and rather heavy, this is a good Pinot Noir that doesn't quite rise beyond a drink-me-now polish. It has jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries and mocha. Drink now.
Dark in color, the wine has plenty of tangy tawny character. It is ripe, full and rich with caramel and spice flavors as well as acidity that is finely balanced. This is an attractive wine, ready to drink.
Dark in color, the wine is meaty, dry and brambly in wild strawberry. It's easy to drink and like, with a smooth, hearty finish.
Dark in color, then jammy on the nose, this oaky specimen has heavily extracted berry aromas. In the mouth, there's a level of freshness offset by heavy fruit content. Flavors of berry and plum are chocolaty up front and finish with spice, pepper and additional chocolate richness. Drink through 2018.
Dark in color, this accessible wine is deliciously layered and focused, offering a core of golden pear, Gravenstein apple and nutmeg, with a bright laser beam of acidity.
Dark in color, this aromatic brooder brings notes of pencil lead, herb and black and purple fruit. Flavors are rich and liquorous, showing tannic heft along with a bit of astringency. The variety isn't readily apparent but the wine is delicious all the same.
Dark in color, this chunky, ripe Malbec opens with blackberry, earth and rubber aromas. That bold, full quality carries onto the palate, which is staunch and bullish, with pepper and berry flavors that finish dry, yet weighty and lush.
Dark in color, this delivers black fruit aromas along with a toasty note. While it's slightly hollow in the middle, it's wide around the edges, tasting of mossy blackberry and herb. The finish is toasty, big and grabby.
Dark in color, this hearty, full-bodied red unveils aromas of vanilla and marshmallow in a rich, concentrated opening that veers confectionary. Grippy tannin and leather provide a grit to the texture amid tart black cherry and tobacco.
Dark in color, this is a big, juicy, tantalizing wine from a beautifully farmed vineyard on the edge of the Sonoma Coast, a cool region where grapes ripen slowly. The wine, too, takes its time to come around, gradually revealing layers of golden apple tart and honey, with a lurking floral element and gentle ginger spice.
Dark in color, this is a bold, spicy wine. It has firm tannins that contrast well with the dense black fruits and acidity. The combination makes for a wine that promises to age well—rich and with a fine smoky aftertaste. Drink from 2019.
Dark in color, this is a concentrated wine that's very firm in structure, with dense tannins. It's powered by ripe, mature black fruits as well as acids that cut through the dry texture. This needs several years of aging.
Dark in color, this is a fine, rich and still-elegant wine. Its tannins are like velvet, buried in the rich texture of ripe black fruits. With a firm backbone, layers of wood and spice, this could still age for several years.
Dark in color, this is a powerful, classic wine, with dense tannins. It has rich black-fruit flavors, and notes of wood and herb that are packed into its concentrated, dry structure. This is a great Douro for aging.
Dark in color, this is a rich, opulent, almost showy wine. The fruit is ripe, a combination of the sweetest strawberries with black cherries, laced with rich acidity. Then the tannins power in, a dry core of structure and density. Impressive and long-lasting, don't touch this wine for another six years at least.
Dark in color, this Mencía smells of turned earth, roots, herbs, dried cheese, tobacco and baked black fruits. It's round and chunky on the palate, but cobbled together at its foundation. Ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors come with vanilla and creamy notes in front of an ephemeral finish. Drink through 2017.
Dark in color, this muted, thick and brooding wine is rich, intense and still developing. Floral and juicy, it offers wild berry and cherry flavor, accented by a taste of vanilla and caramel. Concentrated, this wine will please Cabernet drinkers, who will enjoy its peppery, oaky finish.
Dark in color, this powerful and concentrated wine is still very young. There is possibly too much extraction here that shows in bitterness, but the wine also has the potential for aging with its rich underlying fruitiness. Don't drink before 2015.
Dark in color, this rosé made from Grenache grapes is quite sour and a little off-balance, though the bottle it comes in is very pretty.
Dark in color, this soft, leathery Zin offers tangents of blackberry, chocolate and espresso within a heavy-handed package of serious fruit and weight.
Dark in color, this wine from the Entre-deux-Mers shows structure, firm black fruits and rich tannins. Berry fruits, black currants, smokiness and fresh acidity are well integrated and balanced with the firmer texture. It will certainly age, so drink from 2015.
Dark in color, this wine has an oaky and earthy nose, with a compost streak. It feels full and stocky, and it tastes of resiny oak and dry berry fruits. It finishes with a citrus-like juiciness.
Dark in color, this wine is firm, structured and dense. Ripe blackberry fruits dominate the tannins, giving weight and impressive richness for the vintage. The wood-aging is still showing in the dry core, so the wine needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Dark in color, this wine offers a meaty, gamy quality around sizable, still-puckering tannins and oak. Despite its size and grippiness, it traffics in violet and herb, with a dry finish piqued in tobacco. Drink now through 2018.
Dark in color, this wine offers reserved aromas of smoke, tobacco, red fruit, crème de cassis, flowers, exotic spice and funk. The palate is plush and forward but still light on its feet, showing energy and focus. Fruit and savory flavors persist on the finish, demonstrating exquisite balance.
Dark in color, this wine packs deep blackberry and boysenberry aromas together with violet, allspice and sandalwood. The palate is redolent of licorice and nutmeg, wrapped in an unrelenting texture that lets the black plum and lilac flavors just peek out. Time will allow this to blossom. Drink 2019–2034.
Dark in color, this wine was fermented in neutral barrels and then aged in stainless steel, preserving its freshness and acidity. Cranberry, strawberry and watermelon define the flavor profile amidst a dry backbone.
Dark in color, with a series of herbal aromas, this is dense and rich, with fine layers of berry fruits and solid tannins. It has a definite fresh character, with juicy fruit and acidity playing against the dry texture.
Dark in color, with aromas of raisin, cassis, cough medicine and baked plum. More of a sweet, stocky style of Cab than your average linear, textbook version; but the blackberry and plum flavors, while chunky, are warm and well assembled. Richer than your average value-priced Cab, so drink now.
Dark in color, with aromas of road tar, blackberry and burnt toast. The palate has good life and snap to it, with flavors of black cherry, plum, chocolaty oak and a dash of cough medicine. Solid and scouring on the finish, with vanilla to soften things up. Regular but good value.
Dark in color, with cigar-box aromas, this wine is a rich blend of the two Cabernets. It has some firm tannins that are already well integrated into the red-berry fruits and acidity. It is ready to drink, although it will be much better from 2017.
Dark in color, with concentrated, jammy aromas of wild berry and plum. Offers a big body given that it's a $7 La Mancha varietal, with concentration, solid structure and full, mildly baked flavors of black fruits and baked fig. Short but stout on the finish.
Dark in color, with grassy aromas of sugar beet and raisin, this doesn't smell much like typical Pinot Noir. A heavy palate that pinches shows flavors of cherry and medicinal black plum, while a sweet finish tastes of prune.
Dark in color, with licorice, kirsch, mineral and prune aromas. This registers as a ripe wine with a soft frame. It's not flabby but it does seem a bit oily and rich, with black cherry and baked plum flavors. Finishes a touch short, but also a little thick. Drink now through 2010.
Dark in color, with mineral, leather and balsamic notes. With 20% Garnacha, this wine spent six months in oak and it comes on like a saturated, beefy youngster with ripe, healthy plum and other black-fruit flavors. Lasting on the finish, with body and structure. The fact that it doesn't overreach is a virtue.
Dark in color, with minty oak on the nose, this is a medium-to-full, resiny wine with cinnamon and clove outmuscling plum and cherry flavors. Resiny oak, modest acidity and tertiary fruit flavors work the finish.
Dark in color, with plum, berry and medicinal aromas. Round, full and in good shape, with dark plum, blackberry and a lot of oak for a $10 wine. Finishes creamy and big, with a spicy aftertaste. Plump and solid for value-priced Graciano.
Dark in color, with powerful aromas that lean toward green peppers and green beans. Those vegetal notes are fairly well covered by some sweet oak, however, you can't escape the vegetal taste and smell. That said, the texture is perfect and the mouthfeel just right.
Dark in color, with rooty, leafy aromas of berry fruits that turn flatter with airing, this warm-style Pinot Noir feels wide and grabby, with some flab on its hips. Black plum and toasty flavors simmer on an dull, weighty finish.
Dark in color, with smoky aromas of clove and toasted blackberry, this Malbec is saturated on the palate, with a grapy texture. Flavors of charred oak, burnt toast and blackberry finish peppery and stout, with a stewy aftertaste.
Dark in style, as is often the case here, with a hard, tough edge. It is austere, the fruit a mere hint in the background. It does have potential, although this will come slowly.
Dark in style, with graham cracker, shoe polish, hard spice and blackberry aromas. It feels staunch and edgy, then tastes deep, with a blackberry flavor backed by rubber and chocolate. The finish is marked with cocoa powder and vanilla notes.
Dark in the glass, this blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah is rich and appealing, made in the typical Paso style. Vanilla, cola, spice cake and black cherry aromas lead to a palate laden with milk chocolate, more black cherry, and star anise flavors. The tannins are soft and lush.
Dark in the glass, this bottling from deep in the Carmel Valley shows black currant, espresso, slate and dense violets on the nose. The solidly thick structure makes for a luxurious mouthfeel, a great format to enjoy prominent flavors of blueberry, blackberry, pepper, cedar and crushed coffee beans.
Dark in the glass, this bottling shows strawberry, black plum and gingerbread aromas on the inviting nose. The mouthfeel is airy and relatively light, with a strong tannic tension that frames flavors of dark purple fruit and baking spice.
Dark in the glass, this has a moderately complex nose, with notes of black fruit, leather and spice. It feels tight, fresh and snappy, but not excessively wide or structured. Flavors of ripe berry and cocoa lead to a solid finish, which has a controlled, smooth feel. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot.
Dark in the glass, this wine by Carl Bowker offers fragrant vanilla, baked blueberry, a touch of pepper and coffee-cocoa foam on the rich and inviting nose. Hearty blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors are lifted by baking spice, bound to a tart, tannic, black-plum-skin-like structure.
Dark jammy aromas of herbal blackberry and coffee are heady. In the mouth, this is full and fleshy. Lightly stewed blackberry, black currant and peppercorn flavors finish savory, herbal, blackened and oaky. Drink through 2021.
Dark like a cave in color, this big red blend consists of Zinfandel, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot, all sourced from vineyards in Lodi and Clarksburg. Oaky and tannic, not overdone alcohol-wise, the cherry flavors are just right for the backyard barbecue or other casual meat-eating gathering.
Dark loam and a slate-driven minerality restrain the concentrated black raspberry and black currant ripeness on the nose of this elegant wine, made by a Sonoma-based group co-founded in 1972 by a descendant of tractor-maker John Deere. Lots of eucalyptus and purple sage shrubbery on the palate spices up the soft, luscious blackberry and olallieberry fruit core.
Dark mauve in color, nearly approaching a red-wine tone, this shows a fruit-forward nose of red cherries and strawberry jam. The palate is a mix of tart, sour and grippy texture, with cherry fruit and plum-skin flavors.
Dark mulberry, black raspberry, wet slate and a touch of whole nutmeg show on the nose of this bottling by a Chicago-based winery from a vineyard that now goes by the name Shokrian. It's dry and tart on the sip, full of sour wild berries along with lots of sage and thyme, culminating in a cola and candied-plum finish.
Dark notions of hazelnut meet bright, integrated swathes of apple, pear and wild vanilla in this lovely vineyard-designate. Lush on the palate despite its lighter-bodied soul, it's dusted in grapefruit zest and anise, making it complex and delightful.
Dark oaky aromas suggest shoe polish and spice, and these scents go well with raisiny berry and cassis notes. A wiry high-acid palate shows strong tannins along with flavors of blackberry, raisin and leather. A wiry, choppy, acidic finish tastes minty and oaky.
Dark on the nose, with licorice notes and mildly roasted black fruit aromas. Ripe, properly sized and balanced, with lightly candied blackberry flavors leading to a smooth finish with a hint of coffee. For the price and origin, it's right on.
Dark on the nose, with peppery spice, mocha, basil and secondary berry aromas. Shows power and density in the mouth, with burnt, blackened flavors of blackberry, plum and pepper. Even more peppery on the finish. More black and dark than typically herbal and spicy.
Dark orange-pink in color, this meaty, substantial wine doesn't skimp on flavor or body. It presents a rewarding and intense celebration of raspberry and cherry that delights on the palate and will do well at the table, indoor or out.
Dark orange-pink, this saignée of Cabernet Sauvignon is orange-crisp in flavor, with a meatiness to its body. Moderate acidity gives the fuller, bolder characteristics and texture a welcome lift.
Dark orange and red in color, this slightly sweet wine is simple in its offerings of ripe peach and strawberry flavor. It's a nice choice for picnics and porch gatherings.
Dark orange in color, this dry wine relies on its fresh red fruits to give balance. It's perfumed with a light touch of tannin from the red wine used to produce the color. This is a food-friendly wine, crisp and dry at the end.
Dark peach in color, the aromatics on this sparkling blend of 50% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 8% Pinot Meunier are muted, but open in time to reveal wild strawberry and green apple. With structured acidity, expect a bite on the finish. Any kind of fresh seafood, especially oysters or calamari, would pair well here.
Dark peppery earthy blackberry aromas announce a firm dry palate. For everyday Malbec, this delivers commendable black-plum, blackberry and dark-spice flavors. Pulling tannins make for a hard finish.
Dark pink-orange in color, this pungent 100% varietal wine was given no time in oak, allowing its crisp orange peel, grapefruit and cherry flavors to shine. Moderate acidity underlies the simple finish.
Dark pink-red in color, this is a dry, lean and pleasant quaff, bright in cranberry and orange, with a meaty back note and a quick finish.
Dark pink-red in color, this wine has a ripe, sugary nose and a high-octane entry. It grows up to be tangy in citrus peel and fresh grapefruit and cherry, finishing dry.
Dark pink and cranberry in color, this light wine is moderate in acidity and flavorful in nutty strawberry and peach. It's made from a majority of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot and Gewürztraminer.
Dark pink and hearty, this is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that spent six months fermenting in stainless steel. Balanced, it offers some heft on the midpalate before finishing crisp and bedazzled in cranberry and citrus.
Dark pink in color, this full wine offers tannins as well as crisp red fruits, giving it structure and a firm texture. The wine blends nearly all Bordeaux grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink it chilled, like a rosé.
Dark pink in color, this off-dry wine is as soft as the velvet in its name. Strawberry dominates the flavor, along with attractive acidity and a smooth, round texture. A wine for apéritifs.
Dark pink in color, this wine is marked by a nutty layering of light acidity and orange, Gravenstein apple and cherry flavors. It's delicate yet has enough stuffing and structure to pair with a wide array of dishes.
Dark pink in color, this wine offers a pleasing brightness of strawberry and grapefruit, with moderate acidity that retains body and texture. It finishes ripely succulent.
Dark pink in the glass, this bubbly is incredibly foamy throughout the experience. It begins with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, plum and red apple, then explodes with bubbles on the palate, which make it hard to find the sour pomegranate and plum-skin flavors that eventually emerge.
Dark pinkish-red, this wine comes from two blocks of the producer's Carneros estate, which are harvested at lower sugar ripeness to offer a dry refreshing experience, which this wine does. This exudes weighty and broad flavors of tangy watermelon, orange and cranberry, with a satisfying grip of power on the finish.
Dark plum and berry aromas are fairly full and concentrated, with a boost from spicy oak. A medium-bodied palate offers up tannic rub, while cherry, black plum and oak-based spice flavors finish creamy, dry and spicy, with a hint of tobacco along with mild heat.
Dark plum and berry aromas are given a wild side from juniper and pine notes. This feels grabby in the mouth, with prune and hickory flavors bringing a backing of smoke and clove. A toasty, hot finish feels muscular and rubbery.
Dark plum and berry aromas come with a touch of rubber. It feels bright, healthy and juicy, with good body and earthy berry and dark plum flavors. While it's not complicated, it's accurate and flavorful.
Dark plum and black currant fruit meet light licorice spice, violet and cedar aromas on the dense and dark nose of this bottling. The flavors are very wound-up and shy still, with char, loamy earth and floral notes. A core of cassis hides behind a veil of stiff tannins, and acidity pops on the finish.
Dark plum and cinnamon intermix on the nose and on the palate in this high-toned version of the variety from an appellation in which it grows well. Black licorice and mocha chocolate play off one another before a dusty finish.
Dark plum and milk chocolate are the stars of this chalky, soft wine, almost entirely varietal, with a splash of Petit Verdot. Integrated oak helps make it approachable and fruit-forward, while the finish is subtle in fireplace smoke.
Dark plum fruit shows on the nose of this bottling from a quality-focused property in the region, with touches of smoked meat and dried herbs adding complexity. A fairly rigid, chalky and sticky tannic structure consumes the palate, so it needs a bit more time to fully unleashed the black fruits, chopped herb, black pepper and tar flavors.
Dark plum, black-pepper and fresh herb aromas intertwine with light barrel spices. It's fresh, fruit forward and flavorful, bringing a whole lot of enjoyment and showing a real sense of deftness despite the warmth of the vintage.
Dark plum, cherry and herbal aromas are a bit dusty and medicinal. A round, chunky palate is mouthfilling but tannic, while herbal, briny flavors of raspberry and dark plum finish dry and pulling, but fresh. This is 75% Merlot with Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dark plum, herb and charcoal aromas give this Carmenère a very sound bouquet. The palate is ripe and smooth, and when you take in the fact that it costs but $9, the value factor skyrockets. With pure berry fruit, a smack of fresh herbs and even a hint of silk to the feel, this wine overdelivers.
Dark plum, mulberry, brown sugar and spice scents show on the nose of this rich and dense bottling. It has a crowd-pleasing palate, as its black plum, nutmeg and violet flavors will prove familiar to both Pinot Noir and Cabernet lovers.
Dark power and concentration mark the bouquet of this vineyard-designate Barolo Riserva. Sweet oak tones of spice and clove mingle effortlessly with aromas of mature fruit, leather and black truffle. Firm structure and tight tannins give the wine a clean, polished feel.
Dark purple flowers and tart boysenberry paste show on the nose of this intensely concentrated wine, alongside pencil shavings, bay lead and a lot of iron minerality. More bay leaf and pine needle show on the herbally full and texturally grippy palate, giving minty spice to the dark fruit flavors.
Dark purple fruit is upstaged by the strong umami character on the nose of this blend of 41% Syrah, 32% Mourvèdre and 27% Grenache, reminiscent of soy, shiitake mushroom and beef jerky. There is a rustic and gamy quality to the dark berry-laced palate, with meat, leather and spice qualities, lifted by a touch of licorice.
Dark purple in color, and very rich on the nose. There's also balancing tart aromatics of rhubarb and bramble. Looks, smells and tastes like a New World/California style of Pinot Noir. It's creamy and oaky in the mouth, but behind that there's ripe, varietal flavors that grow on you as the wine airs out. Maybe too big and brawny for fans of elegant PNs, but plenty good if you like a full-bodied modern wine.
Dark purple in color, but more leafy and murky than you'd expect on the nose. The palate has texture and weight, but it's also kind of dull feeling, which matches the wine's chunky, dull flavors. Decent enough, but still too herbal and challenged.
Dark purple in color, the nose is oak-laden, with toasted vanilla, sawdust and coconut pervading. Medium to full bodied, the palate is dark and brooding featuring rich black fruit, extracted tannins and a cocoa-dusted finish.
Dark purple in color, this is a fully realized Pinot Noir, aged longer in bottle before release, to great effect. Spicy and earthy, it offers a density that's not overwhelming but gives the wine an ideal combination of style and substance, complex in cherry and vanilla.
Dark purple in color, this opens with a rich, dense bouquet of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, purple violet and cocoa nib. The plush palate boasts velvety tannins and good overall balance, with earthy, spicy tones that linger through the finish.
Dark purple in color, this Syrah-led blend with 15% Monastrell is jammy, toasty, herbal and minty green on the nose. A muscular, rubbery and tannic palate features blackberry flavors backed by a blackened finish of bitter coffee and herbal notes.
Dark purple in color, with a creamy, candied, berry fruit nose that's potent but not very stirring. The palate shows concentration, but the flavors don't go beyond the basics: cassis, blackberry and a streak of sourness at the core. Also tannic and tough.
Dark purple in color, with blackberry and spice on a potent bouquet. The palate is ripe and pure, with rich dark fruit flavors and oak-driven chocolate notes. Finishes full, toasty, peppery and smooth. Very nice and sturdy Malbec for everyday drinking.
Dark purple in color, with can't-miss aromas of prune and raisin. The palate is predictably soft, with manageable heft but low acidity and thus very soft edges. Flavors of baked black fruits are warm but short, and the oak is plentiful. A little too ripe and raisiny to rate higher.
Dark purple on the pour, this is a big, rich, Shiraz-style Syrah, dense in blackberries, black currants, grilled bacon on oak. It's tannic and dry, yet ripe with fruit. Very high alcohol gives it some heat that calls for barbecue.
Dark purple red with a great fruity nose full of blackberry, tart cherry and dark plum, this tiny-production out of Livermore Valley is medium bodied with deep concentration and a nice finish cradled in cardamom and earthy bacon.
Dark purple, juicy wine, with spice and pepper flavors from the Zweigelt. The fruit comes through as fresh blackberries touched with plums and lightly tannic. Simple, rustic and fruity. Screwcap.
Dark raisin and dried apricot flavors manifest on this immensely dark, old goldhued wine. Enormous concentration, as with the initially, almost painful acidity that comes through the spirit. This is an old wine, no question, but not too old, one to be savored in sips with all the flavors working at high intensity.
Dark raspberry, barrel spice and smoke aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors. The tannins bring a slight sense of astringency. Perhaps some time in the bottle will help them settle.
Dark red-violet in color, this offers aromas of cherry, seawater and molasses, while flavors suggest cherry, cranberry, smoked meat, mocha, mint and eucalyptus. Cool notes outweigh fruit flavors, leading to a sense that something is off balance. Strong tannins back off on a bright finish that fails to diminish the minty notes.
Dark red-violet in color, this wine has aromas of black plum, fig, chocolate and mint. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, black fig, eucalyptus and anise coalesce on the palate. Tannins are strong, but fruit and brightness hold their own. Touches of cranberry join the show just prior to the lingering finish.
Dark red-violet in the glass, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Grenache has a nose of black cherry, green pepper and cocoa. It may be a little too cool for some tastes, but bright fruit and slightly luxurious tannins make up for the fennel and eucalyptus flavors that are joined on the palate by cherry, pomegranate and orange zest. The smooth finish goes completely cool for a second but winds up in a burst of bright fruit.
Dark red and black-cherry fruit is clothed in the sumptuous perfume of almost-floral new oak. Toasty oak notes also appear on the fluid and compact body. Juicy black cherry fruit at the core is edged with bright freshness. A touch of white pepper can be glimpsed through the fruit. The structure shows fine tannins, still crunching like starched velvet but beginning to yield. If you like the crunch, drink this wine now, if you like evolution, it will reward patience. The core of brilliant cherry and bluebery fruit promises to continue shining. Drink now–2030.
Dark red cherry and baked red currant fruit meet a slightly meaty aroma on the tangy nose of this bottling from Chuck Carlson. It's lively on the palate, with punchy acidity and grippy texture, showing dried herb and tart red fruit flavors, making a strong case for growing Cabernet Franc in the region.
Dark red cherry and raspberry blend with the slightest hints of thyme and slate on the nose of this bottling, which is made in a urban facility in the coastal city of Marina. There is a tangy cran-raspberry element to the sip, enhanced by licorice spice.
Dark red cherry, crushed carnations, rose petals and a hint of nutmeg spice show on the nose of this bottling from an increasingly famous vineyard in this region. The palate's rich expression combines black plum, clove, red-cherry and mace flavors, bolstered by a fresh acidity.
Dark red fruit, cracked pepper and the slightest hint of green herbs show on the nose of this pleasant bottling. The herb character is well integrated into a firmly tannic frame on the sip, where tart Montmorency cherry and black-plum skins mix with milk chocolate flavors. The tannins are sticky, yet the mouthfeel is soft in the midpalate.
Dark red in color this brute of a Syrah starts out with aromas that veer tropical before evolving into smoky plum and barbecue. Big in texture and tannins, it's a wine that calls for smoky, roasted meats slathered in pepper.
Dark red in color this Pinot has a sweetness on the nose and is otherwise flat, not offering much in terms of flavor, texture or finish.
Dark red in color, there's an intense—for lack of a better word—grapy quality to this rustic wine. Kirsch and orange highlight the experience, before a faint structure falls short on the finish.
Dark red in color, though fraying, like an older wine, this lacks in aroma. Otherwise it's a straightforward expression of blackberry, tar and leather.
Dark red violet in color, this wine has a nose of cranberry, lingonberry and juniper. Luxuriant tannins provide a backdrop for flavors of cassis, cherry pie, eucalyptus and freshly ground black pepper. There is a pleasing interplay of fruit flavors and cool notes, but the fruit stands out through a slightly minty finish with a closing burst of orange zest.
Dark red violet in color, this wine has aromas of cherry, lavender and rose petal. It is a well-balanced wine with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, Turkish delight and herbes de Provence. Silky tannins coat the palate into the lasting finish, which is punctuated by a note of bright cherry.
Dark red violet in color, this wine offers a nose of black cherry, brambles and violet. Teamwork between fruit and cool herb flavors is evident amid notes of red cherry, toffee, fennel bulb and mint. Mouth-coating tannins give way to a zest-laden finish.
Dark reddish-orange in color, this medium-bodied rosé offers refreshing acidity against a dramatic backdrop of intensely etched flavors, a mix of dark cherry, strawberry and blood orange that refreshes and rewards.
Dark reddish-pink in color, this wine exudes the essence of a strawberry patch both in flavor and aroma, adding to the fruitiness with complementary flavors of peach. Expansive and duly ripe, it incorporates richer layers of vanilla that add a touch of sweetness to the finish.
Dark richness and ruby extraction give this Barbaresco a very beautiful appearance. The bouquet offers bold aromas of raw cherry, spice and leather. The wine closes with a succulent, fruit-driven finish.
Dark roasted espresso beans and tobacco leaf imprint this estate-grown offering, which has a big, brawny presence of ripe blackberry and plum around a soft, approachable midpalate and mellow finish. The wine is given a floral lift on the aroma, akin to rose and violet.
Dark ruby color in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend opens with bright tones of forest fruit, lead pencil, cola and crushed mineral. It is bright and firm, with a polished, dusty mouthfeel.
Dark ruby in color, this has soft aromas of cherry, black fruit and cassis. There's a bright point of acidity that would pair with pasta with cheese.
Dark ruby in color, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, green pepper and pomegranate. Smooth tannins provide a backdrop for flavors of black cherry, cranberry, smoke and Mediterranean herbs that recede slightly on the bright cherry finish.
Dark ruby in color, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, lavender and juniper berry. It offers pleasure from first sip through the fruit filled, smoky finish, with velvety tannins and flavors of cassis, black plum, espresso, chocolate and a hint of green pepper.
Dark ruby in color, this wine has a nose of black cherry with a hint of bell pepper. It offers a pleasing balance of fruit and savory flavors, especially blackberry, roasted tomato, smoke and espresso. Grippy tannins coat the palate, releasing their grasp as notes of cherry jam and smoke permeate the finish.
Dark ruby in color, this wine offers raspberry and strawberry aromas. It's bright on entry, with a network of tannins that slowly emerge amidst black cherry, black currant, juniper and tomato leaf flavors. The zippy finish is marked by a splash of clementine flavor.
Dark ruby in the glass, this Pinot Noir from Bulgaria's Danube Plain entices the palate with the aroma of fresh-from-the-oven cherry pie. Flavors of cherry and vanilla with soft undertones of baking spices wash over the tongue, with pleasing notes of candied orange peel on the finish.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine's simple cherry fragrance does not do justice to its black cherry, blueberry, vanilla and clove flavors. It's bright from the first sip, with silky tannins and black pepper and sage notes that continue into a finish punctuated by a burst of bright cherry.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of blackberry, cassis and smoke. It is round in the mouth with bold acidity that does not overtake the silky tannins. Flavors of cassis, cherry pie, flint, anisette and violet continue into a finish that lingers with equal parts smooth tannins and bright acidity.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of lingonberry and pomegranate with a hint of pine needles. It offers well-integrated fruit and cooling herb flavors, notably blueberry, cherry, mint, tarragon, and fennel. Ultimately fruit reigns over coolness on the velvety finish.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of black cherry, pomegranate and paprika. A web of soft tannins shores up flavors of cherry, cranberry, roasted red pepper and marjoram. Constant bright fruit on the palate marked by touches of fresh and dried bell pepper culminates in a citrus-drenched finish.
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine offers a fruit-laden bouquet of blueberry and raspberry. It is bright in the mouth, and firm tannins allow flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cassis, clove, anise, violet and chocolate to shine on the palate. The bright finish is marked by lingering notes of violet and clove.
Dark ruby to the eye, this wine features aromas of black cherry and black pepper with a touch of iodine. There is a nice interplay between velvety tannins and strong acidity, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and a final splash of cranberry.
Dark ruby to the eye, this wine has a nose of raspberry and birch root. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, smoked meat, vanilla custard and anise move across the palate, with fruit and smoke notes rising and receding in rhythm. Zesty cherry notes linger on the tongue despite strong but pleasant tannins.
Dark ruby to the eye, this wine offers a nose of raspberry, talc and violet. There is a nice mix of baking spice and fruit flavors, dominated by blackberry, black cherry, clove and anise with touches of black pepper. The finish is reminiscent of cherry pie, with mingling flavors of cherry, spice and vanilla.
Dark ruby with tawny gold highlights, this intense wine comes from Ramos-Pinto's Bom Retiro estate. It is dried raisins, toffee with beautifully integrated spirit and acidity. It's a rich wine, with some sweetness that is freshened with the final acidity. Like any tawny, drink now.
Dark shades of bramble and smoked nuts lend a shadowy mystique to this unusual Schwartzriesling, otherwise known as Pinot Meunier. Full bodied yet elegant, the palate boasts tart blackberry and raspberry flavors framed in finely grained tannins. A rare chance to experience this grape as a single varietal wine.
Dark shades of smoked nuts, char and dried, savory herbs mingle amidst ruddy black cherry and cranberry flavors in this bold, intensely structured Pinot Noir. It's a big, richly textured wine enveloping the palate in folds of dense black fruit. Fine but slightly bitter tannins mark the finish.
Dark skinned berry, exotic spice, French oak and crushed blue flower aromas unfold on this. The firm palate displays dried red cherry, coffee, mint and toasted oak but it doesn't have quite enough fruit richness to balance the oak.
Dark smokiness hovers above the fruit, slightly obscuring the view. Firm tannins, however, hold a core of bright, ripe but tart red berries. This is tightly framed and needs time to evolve. A slender but warm body is built on firm structure. Drink as of 2016.
Dark smoky, stout aromas of licorice, molasses and blackberry feed into a jammy palate with rock-hard, clamping tannins. Plum, blackberry and blueberry flavors are loud and intense, while this finishes with density, complexity, chewy tannins and a jammy essence. Drink through 2028.
Dark spice, camphor, menthol and crushed herb aromas take center stage in this wine. The palate offers dried black cherry, mocha and licorice flavors alongside assertive, close-grained tannins. A hint of candied orange zest signals the close.
Dark spice, cherry, plum, prune and bitter chocolate characterize this Bolgheri blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other varieties. The wine is soft, lush and generous on the close.
Dark spice, forest floor, sun-baked soil and toast aromas lead the nose. The ripe, full-bodied palate doles out raspberry jam, vanilla, licorice and espresso notes, while close-grained tannins provide firm support.
Dark spice, ripe berry, forest floor, Mediterranean brush and new leather aromas lead the nose on this powerfully structured wine. On the full-bodied palate, baking spice, licorice and pipe tobacco notes accent a juicy black cherry core while firm, velvety tannins provide the framework. Drink 2020–2030.
Dark spicy aromas of black plum and black currant are solid. In the mouth, this is saturated and hard, with heavy overall density and strong tannins. A dark, spicy, blackened set of dark-berry flavors finishes with more spice and mint than fruit.
Dark spicy herbal aromas blend nicely with cola, berry and black-currant scents. A huge fleshy palate expands as it delivers grapy blackberry flavors and herbal shadings. A jammy finish is dense and meaty, but a bit light on acidity. Drink this big burly red blend through 2020.
Dark straw in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of apricot, canned peaches, and tropical fruit. Dry on the palate, it offers flavors of peach juice and apricot nectar that linger into the Mediteranean herb-laden finish.
Dark strawberries and blackberries meet with touches of caramel and even fudge on the nose of this bottling from a family-owned winery. The tannins stand up very tall once sipped, and then slip away to reveal ripe boysenberries and olallieberries alongside crushed rocks and pencil-lead minerality.
Dark strawberries, rose buds, black plums, sweet cedar, tangy herbs and oodles of dark fruit pour off the nose of this wine, which is leveled by 13% Syrah. Bursting acidity frames the palate alongside red currants, peppercorns, dill and black olive. It's slightly less dense in style than other Mourvèdres.
Dark strawberry and red-cherry fruit shows on the nose of this bottling by the regional pioneer, leveled by scents of violets, rose petals and pencil lead. Graphite and beet juice start the sip, which evolves into black olive, dried basil and bay leaf sprinkled atop cranberry and elderberry juice.
Dark strawberry fruit meets with rustic earthy aromas and light allspice notes on the nose of this wine from the late actor's family-owned winery. The palate shows boisterous and tart cranberry and black raspberry fruit, with pencil lead minerality and great energy, if not a ton of complexity.
Dark strawberry meets clove spice, licorice and star anise on the nose of this bottling, which takes a little time to open up. The palate offers baked strawberry and vanilla notes, proving likable if not very complex.
Dark strawberry mixes with allspice, incense and a touch of smoke on this wine's nose. Purple-flower flavors of lavender and violet mix with black raspberry, dried sage, ginger and black tea, all wrapped up in tart plum-peel tension.
Dark strawberry, rust, tar and sandalwood show on the nose of this bottling, which is still in its infancy despite already being six years old. Bright and booming acidity slices through the sour cherry, cranberry, cedar and pine-resin flavors, framed by tense but not overwhelming tannins. Drink 2019–2031.
Dark tannins and a dense texture give this wine considerably more richness than its alcohol would suggest. It also has black plum and black cherry fruits, layers of spice from wood, and a firm, dry aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Dark tannins are sustained by juicy blackberry fruit flavors. While the wine is very dry and firm at this stage, it has a good, if long-term, future.
Dark tannins dominate in this wine that has an austere side. The fruit under this dark structure is full of juicy black fruit flavors. The combination of the powerful texture and the ripe fruit has produced one of the best vintages from this chateau for many years. Drink from 2018.
Dark tannins provide the structured for the Cabernet Sauvignon black currant flavors. It has power—this is a big and solid wine, given tension by tannins, that will take several years to soften out.
Dark to the eye, with bacon, ham, spice and savory fruit aromas. The palate is extracted and grating in feel, with dark berry, herb, pepper, smoke and barrel resin flavors. Spicy on the finish, with a blast of clove and cardamom. Very good but not as filled out as in prior years.
Dark to the eye, with perfectly adequate raspberry and black plum aromas. The palate is a touch acidic and tangy, but even though it's lean it packs ample cassis, plum and herbal influences. Solid for the money, with a feel-good personality.
Dark toast and char lend a spicy woodsiness to this bold, beefy Cabernet Franc. It's concentrated on the palate, with plush plum and blackberry flavors accented by savory tones of earth and animal. Finishes with a thick blanket of velvety tannins.
Dark toast and graphite contrast cheerful red-plum and cherry aromas on the nose. The palate is ripe with blackberry and plum flavors, but a tad lean in concentration. Hints of green herb, bramble and bright, zippy acidity lead to an elegant finish.
Dark toast and savory dried herbs persist from nose to finish on this barrel-fermented barrel-aged Chardonnay. Zesty lemon and green-apple notes on the midpalate are delicate in concentration but elegant and refreshing.
Dark toast, dill and tobacco frame this late-release Bordeaux-style blend, but there's still plenty of pristine black cherry and cassis flavor too. It's surprisingly fresh and fruity, balanced crisply in acidity and alcohol. The finish lingers on a sweet-tart berry tone.
Dark tobacco tones and spice open the austere bouquet of this dark and well extracted Sangiovese Riserva. The wine is redolent of tar, spice, black fruit, cola and resin. It's very masculine and muscular for this otherwise gentle grape.
Dark tones of smoke and slate persist from nose to finish in this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. Its silky, supple palate suggests a ripeness of fruit off set by puckery lemon-lime acidity.
Dark up front, with aromas of charcoal and crusty black fruits. Feels full but creamy, with black fruit flavors and oak-driven accents of butter and mocha. Warm and full, with licorice and dark berry flavors accenting a healthy feeling finish. Good Syrah for everyday drinking.
Dark violet-red in color, this is a blend of 40% Petite Sirah, 35% Petit Verdot and 25% Shiraz. A bouquet of cherry, violet and mesquite lay the groundwork for a winning mélange of savory fruit flavors—think cherry, strawberry, smoke, flint, jasmine and orange peel. Smooth tannins lead the way to an orange-rind finish, with a hint of smoke and a slight umami feeling on the palate.
Dark violet-red in color, this wine has a bouquet of blueberry, brambles and flint. It is soft on entry, with a web of tannins that spreads across the palate. Flavors of cherry preserves, bacon and juniper berry are at play in the mouth, and bright fruit notes and tactile tannins come in waves through the lingering finish.
Dark violet-red in color, this wine has aromas of black cherry, lavender and confectioner's sugar. Cool and bright notes play off each other, with flavors of ripe black cherry, anisette, cranberry and sage. Soft tannins lead to a finish that is long-lasting but doesn't overstay its welcome.
Dark violet-red in color, this wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, cassis and smoked meat. It opens softly on the palate with blueberry, cherry and white chocolate flavors, buttressed by firm but not overpowering tannins and a touch of smoke. The slightly drying finish features a soft burst of cranberry.
Dark violet-red in the glass, this wine's bouquet is marked by notes of black plum and cocoa powder. It is surprisingly bright in the mouth considering its fairly strong tannins, and the fruity flavor profile is dominated by red plum and black cherry with soft spice flourishes. Bright berry notes linger into the finish, matched by equally prominent tannins.
Dark violet in the glass, this wine has aromas of blackberry and smoked meat. Hefty but not overpowering tannins create a backdrop for flavors of black plum, cassis, toffee, juniper and chocolate covered coffee bean. Fruit flavors and a plush mouthfeel power through the smooth toffee-laced finish.
Dark violets, sagebrush, olallieberry and a touch of smoked plums greet the nose on this bottling by Jeremy Weintraub, winemaker for Adelaida and formerly Seavey, who is focusing this project on renowned vineyards. The palate is high and tight at first with sanguine and iodine elements, opening toward black pepper, licorice, black and red currants and broader cherry flavors.
Dark volcanic influences are evident here and shape this impenetrable and intense Aglianico. Aromas include blackberry, chocolate fudge, spice, smoke and rhubarb. The wine is elegant and tight with dusty tannins and sour cherries on the close. Drink after 2010.
Dark woody mossy aromas are heavy, ripe and suggest raisin and prune. This Syrah is stacked and dense on the palate, with hard tannins that pinch. Blackened burnt flavors of blackberry, toast, baking spices, campfire and bacon finish with overt, dominating oak.
Dark yellow-gold in color, this Pinot Noir-based sparkler also has 28% Pinot Meunier and 24% Chardonnay, combining grapes from two far-reaching appellations. Slightly dull on the nose, it has a medium build of apple crisp and brioche along with a tangy taste of baked strawberry.
Dark yellow-hay in color, this is a waxy, sumptuous and full-bodied white, not for everyone in its touch of barrel reduction and whiff of petrol that saves itself by releasing subtle waves of melon on the palate.
Dark yellow honey in color, this fine blend of 52% Sémillon, 48% Sauvignon Blanc is a nice ode to white Bordeaux, very French in its austerity, with plenty of creaminess and barrel richness, too. Its layers of lemon, peach, honeysuckle and butterscotch unveil themselves slowly, the wine's depth opening over time.
Dark yellow in color, this wine shows tangy green apple and a richer, more concentrated element of apple-spice cake, with supportive, balanced acidity. With a bright, lifted finish, this less-expensive offering compared with many of the producer's single-vineyard designates never lets up on complexity or deliciousness.
Dark yet a touch murky on the bouquet, with weight and black-fruit aromas. The palate is plump but healthy, with peppery flavors accenting core blackberry and chocolate. Chunky and proper, if a tad bit bitter on the finish. Gets better as it airs out.
Dark, alluring aromas of licorice, blackberry and toast share space with earthy, mossy notes on the nose of this full-bodied winner that's showing wall-to-wall weight and tannins. Black plum, cassis and tobacco flavors are a common Rioja trifecta, as are dry, peppery, figgy flavors on the finish. Drink from 2018–2028.
Dark, almost russet in color, this is an eiswein that's definitely out of the ordinary, with notes of fusty library, walnut, dried apricots and figs that come across as a bit syrupy in texture. It seems a bit advanced compared to other eisweins, but it will likely remain at this plateau for decades.
Dark, baked, warm and spicy, with a touch of soupiness but nothing too scary or dominating. The palate is thorough and fairly lush, with black fruit flavors accented by spice and baked notes. Finishes slightly burnt notes, with licorice and ripe softness.
Dark, big, bold and extracted, this Syrah has tough tannins that are threaded with intricate flavors of blackberry, licorice, pepper, cola and grilled bacon. The astringency will stand up to big, rich roasted and grilled meats, but it doesn't seem likely to make gains beyond the next 3–4 years.
Dark, black and leathery, this wine has an Old-World spirit and rusticity, a dearth of fruit under smooth, thick and dense tannins as well as oak.
Dark, bold, and full-bodied, this is the perfect embodiment of power and breed in a full-on (five grape) Bordeaux blend. Boysenberry, cassis, plenty of acidity—the nose promises a great deal, though it is reticent in the mouth, and fairly acidic. This is a wine to lay down and enjoy in a decade.
Dark, bold, potent and young are just a few words to describe this Cabernet, which contains a splash of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Shows concentrated blackberry, black currant and violet flavors that turn sweet and chocolaty on the finish, although the wine itself is perfectly dry. Quite tannic, which suggests ageability, although high alcohol of 15.5% will be controversial in some circles. Best after 2013, in a proper cellar.
Dark, bone dry and tannic, a full-bodied wine whose tartness and astringency call for rich fare, like beef stew. Shows deeply ripe flavors of blackberries, cassis, bitter dark chocolate and black pepper that are enlivened with brisk acidity.
Dark, briary black-fruit aromas are a little wild but generally well focused. This Syrah displays an iron grip and power throughout. Spicy black-fruit flavors end with toasty oak. Overall, this is dense like an anvil, with a low center of gravity.
Dark, brick colored wine, heavily oxidized, with nutty, smoky, Madeira-like flavors, and thick, dry tannins. An odd, raisiny approach to Zin.
Dark, brooding and baked in character, this well-made wine is a study in red and black licorice tones, with juicy blue fruit at the core. Good grip and power find structure around a full body and leathery finish.
Dark, brooding and hugely rich, this wine is still young. Firm, smoky tannins and dark plum flavors give the wine a concentrated structure. Acidity adds freshness, giving lift to the depth and intensity of this powerful wine. Drink from 2017.
Dark, brooding and still tough, this powerful wine has layers of spice, black plum skins and dense tannins. Wood aging has added further tannins to this already dry and tough wine. Give it at least two years and drink from 2017.
Dark, brooding black fruit and chocolaty mocha form the core of this 100% varietal wine's personality, a full-bodied, ripe and explosive figure. It's grippy along the way, so cellaring might help, the finish already dusted in a mighty wave of black pepper. Drink now through 2020.
Dark, brooding blueberry scents permeate this light-bodied red on the nose and palate. Fresh and tinged with white pepper spice, it boasts tart, crunchy fruit and ample depth despite the coolness of the vintage. Those who love reds with tension will fall in love. Drink now–2023.
Dark, brooding cinnamon and fleshy black plum provide an exciting, complex counterpoint to the rakish earthiness and exotic Asian spice going on in this full-bodied, explosively compelling wine, its minerality lingering. It's young and still tightly coiled, with lingering minerality; let it open to enjoy now, but it would show best after some time, so cellar through 2024.
Dark, brooding tones of oak, caramel and hazelnut form around medium acidity and a full-figured body of voluptuous texture in this Blanc de Blancs, a combination of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Grigio.
Dark, burly wine, rich with dusty tannins and plump black plum fruits. The texture is soft, Porty in its sweetness, although the acidity retains freshness. With its juicy aftertaste, the wine could age for 1–2 years.
Dark, burnt, crusty aromas lead to a palate with choppy tannins. Spicy, rooty, peppery flavors of red bell pepper, tomato and plum finish spicy, peppery and savory, with a burst of freshening acidity that adds energy and jump.
Dark, charred, lemony aromas of graphite, licorice and blackberry are horsey and baked. This blend of 85% Cab Sauv and 15% Cab Franc has an intense, blocky, pinching palate and heavy flavors of black fruits, resiny oak, spice and salt. A woody, tannic, raw feel to the finish creates a bumpy landing. Drink through 2021.
Dark, chewy fruit flavors of black cherry come with a generous amount of espresso and dark, smoky toast. Highlights of anise and coffee grounds continue into a finish with slightly grainy tannins.
Dark, chocolaty, juicy and rounded blackberries and blueberries take over completely on nose and palate. This is sumptuous, but not heavy and really vibrant with dark aromatic fruit. There is a hint of cinnamon and a touch of pepper on the mellow palate. Enjoy the rich exuberance.
Dark, compact and black, with graphite and growling blackberry aromas. Feels tight and drawing but serious and structured, with black fruit, chocolate, toast and spice flavors. Blackened as well on the finish, with mint and toast. Hold until 2015.
Dark, compact and with good lift. The nose is lively and the palate shows medicinal black cherry and coffee flavors. Juicy enough, with driving but blended acidity pushing a spicy, minty finish. Peppy but nice for Argentine Merlot.
Dark, compelling notes of espresso bean and incense, charred herb and bread hit the nose first. The palate feels full and round, and it possesses stimulating acids that give lift.
Dark, concentrated and grippy, this is a sizable Pinot from a cool, coveted vineyard. Juicy blue and blackberry fruit dominate on the nose and palate, surrounded by exotic cedar, clove, oak and toffee, a swipe of vanilla lurking behind the front flavors. The big tannins will appreciate time in the cellar, through 2022–2024.
Dark, concentrated and oak-driven, this is a smooth and sophisticated Barbera d'Alba with intense aromas of black fruit, cassis and cherry. The wood notes are still a bit raw and apparent, so give this wine two more years in the bottle to integrate.
Dark, concentrated and powerful, this Carmenère-heavy blend pumps out huge cassis, blackberry and cola aromas in front of a racy, tannic, jet-powered palate. Baked, lemon-blackberry and cola flavors are earthy and forceful. Tobacco and cedar notes along with hard tannins push the finish. Drink through 2018.
Dark, concentrated and practically dripping with ripe berry flavors, this wine shows the benefit of extra aging. It is unusually focused and delicious. Hints of cocoa and coffee join the dark blueberry and blackberry-syrup flavors, with very little evidence of oak.
Dark, concentrated aromas are oaky and lemony, with a note of graphite showing through. This is forward, layered and hard-driving on the palate, with baked berry and mineral flavors leading the charge. Crisp acidity and flavors of licorice and black pepper grace the finish on this lusty red. Drink through 2019.
Dark, concentrated, mildly charred aromas of black plum and blackberry are toasty, strong and minerally. Following the nose, this Malbec is chewy, extracted and fairly rich. Blackberry is the lead fruit flavor, backed up by a lot of oak and vanilla.
Dark, crusty and minty on the nose, with obvious oak. The palate is tannic as a drill, with hard blackberry and herbal flavors. Toasty and peppery tasting on the finish, which is tough and drawing in feel.
Dark, crusty aromas mix with sweet coconut on the nose, while the palate seems lactic and oaky despite fairly pointed acidity. Berry and plum flavors are entirely regular, and the finish is sharp due to the aforementioned acidity. A bit leafy tasting as well.
Dark, crusty aromas of spice cherry, mint and black olive lead to a lively, zesty palate with strong acidity and oaky, minty berry flavors mixed with notes of carob and black pepper. Olive, herbs and blackberry flavors work the finish, which brings kick and mild heat.
Dark, dark, dark is this estate-grown Syrah, closed at the nose except for the profusion of alcohol, grippy with lots of oak and crazy, teeth-staining tannins.
Dark, decadent notes of dried cherry and fig lead the bouquet of this seductive wine, with supporting notes of wood spice, cocoa powder, pressed purple flowers and rum raisin adding depth and character. The medium-weight palate boasts velvety tannins and rich black-fruit flavors that finish full and chocolaty.
Dark, deep purple in color, this Petite grown in Contra Costa is still quite closed and tight with no signs of opening anytime soon.
Dark, dense and delicious, this inviting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and a tiny amount of Petit Verdot delivers ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa, clove and cinnamon. Full-bodied but velvety tannins and soft acidity give a smooth texture, making this wine extremely approachable. Enjoy soon.
Dark, dense and detailed, this outstanding wine seamlessly layers wild berries, cedar, sandalwood and sassafras. It's smooth and seductive, powerful and polished, with thick, ripe and fulsome tannins.
Dark, dense and lush with rock, cracked pepper, Bing cherries, streaks of spice and mocha, this nicely aged and softened Merlot is full and open. The fruit is round and generous, the tannins polished, and the flavors wrapped in delicious baking spices.
Dark, dense and nice on the nose, with aromas of dried cheese, blackberry and plum. Fresh, juicy and healthy in the mouth, with blackberry and plum flavors that run long and clean. Freshness and juicy clarity are this wine's chief attributes.
Dark, dense and packed with wood flavors, the wine is hard at this stage. But it is also laden with fruits to give a dramatically powerful potential for this second wine. Blackberry fruits go with the smoky flavors and promise a fresh view as the wine ages. Drink from 2017.
Dark, dense and ripe from the start, this New World-style Cab Franc is showing raisin, vanilla and foresty aromas prior to a lush soft palate. Flavors of raisin, chocolate and blackberry are on the cusp of overripe and desiccated, while this finishes with flavors of licorice, peppercorn, beef jerky and chocolate. Drink this bulky soft-bodied red now through 2018.
Dark, dense and tannic wine, very firm. The youthful structure covers the red fruits and acidity, promising much though for the future. The wine has a potential of elegance, balance and richness. Drink from 2018.
Dark, dense and very modern in style, with captivating aromas and obvious richness. At 14.5%, this is big, New World Pinot Noir. But its flavors of black cherry, raspberry and cola nut are elevated and brush up against world class. With a cool finish, steady acidity and tannins, and fine purity, Alazan ranks as one of South America's few top-tier Pinot Noirs.
Dark, dense concentration sets this Conero apart from the crowd as do the penetrating notes of red fruit, plum, beets, leather and tobacco. The wine delivers structure, power and would be best paired with grilled meat.
Dark, dense in structure and fairly tannic, this Syrah floods the mouth with powerfully ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, cola, leather, spices and sandalwood. It's a very good wine whose strength calls for strongly flavored meats, sauces and cheeses. Drink now.
Dark, dense with fruit flavor and thickly tannic, this full-bodied wine is a monument to concentration, ripeness and richness. Massive tannins are matched by huge jammy fruit, with a sense of layering and depth that is impressive and satisfying to experience.
Dark, dense, mossy aromas of leathery blackberry, baked black plum and forest floor feed into a grabby, heavy, slightly clumsy palate. Blackened flavors of baked plum, savory oak and peppery spice finish salty, resiny and woody.
Dark, dense, rich and spicy, this Rhône-style blend is impressively delicious. Full bodied, it's saturated with blackberry, cinnamon and black-pepper flavors supported by fine-grained tannins. While it packs a punch, it is well balanced for a big, assertive wine, and will be best after 2019.
Dark, dense, spicy and full of everything nice, including cola, berry, earth and richness. The palate has ideal ripeness and power, and the flavors are a clever mix of light herbs, spice, chocolate and blasting berry. Long and sultry on the finish, with tobacco and immense complexity. One of Chile's very best wines; a blend of Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet and Merlot.
Dark, dry and full-bodied, as Malbec should be, with blackberry, currant and dark chocolate flavors. It's a lusty wine, but a little sharp through the finish. Drink now.
Dark, dry and puckering with a stewed plum aroma and flavor, this wine offers a depth of tannin and herbal notes. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot, it spent 20 months in French oak.
Dark, dusty, strongly scented with barrel toast, coffee grounds and incense, this is the most substantial and complete version to date. Balancing cherry and plum fruit against the pretty barrel-infused tannins, it glides gracefully across the palate into a seamless finish.   Saggi is the Long Shadows collaboration with Tuscany's Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari. the blend in 2007 is 43% Sangiovese, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Syrah. With each new vintage, the percentage of Sangiovese climbs, putting more Tuscany in this new world super-Tuscan wine. Dark, dusty, strongly scented with barrel toast, coffee grounds and incense, this is the most substantial and complete version to date. Balancing cherry and plum fruit against the pretty barrel-infused tannins, it glides gracefully across the palate into a seamless finish.
Dark, earthy aromas of black plum and chocolate-coated cherry are in the foreground of this wine's bouquet, although additional notes of hoisin and balsamic unfold in the backdrop. Round and mouthfilling, this has rich notes of crushed vanilla pod and coffee grinds that accent the black fruit core for added depth of flavor. Mevushal.
Dark, earthy aromas of soy or fruitcake pick up cherry flavors on the palate. While it's supple and mature, it's also the most alive of the three wines from the '80s, showing a lively, fresh finish.
Dark, evolved and sophisticated, this brooding wine boasts rich concentration and a faithful portrayal of black currant and cherry. There's a pleasant touch of underbrush, licorice and espresso that catapult the wine into a higher level of intensity.
Dark, extracted and woody almost to an extreme, this opens with resiny aromas of raw oak, coconut, vanilla and prune. A palate with pinching, hard tannins is fierce, with heavily oaked flavors of roasted blackberry feeding into a finish with dominant woodspice and resin flavors. Drink through 2020.
Dark, fleshy black-fruit and cocoa notes on the nose and palate get a blast of zestiness from the persistent cranberry and spice flavors. It is full-bodied, with a firm layer of tannins that grip tightly on the finish.
Dark, fresh and somewhat sour red-fruit aromas meet with cedar on the nose of this bottling. The palate is juicy with red plums and strawberries at first, then shows more of a pine-needle edge. The tannins are a bit chunky and chewy, though, but may smooth out with time.
Dark, fruity and common in every way, but sometimes that's all you need. The wine has a clean, ordinary cassis and berry nose followed by a juicy palate with dark fruit flavors that show accents of vanilla, spice and chocolate. Totally drinkable and likable.
Dark, full-bodied and a little ponderous, showing firm tannins and blackberry, blueberry, plum, mocha and spice flavors that finish dry and spicy. Lacks some complexity, but overall a good red to wash down grilled meats.
Dark, full-bodied and dry, this Syrah is a bit rustic, with some sharp acidity accompanying the blackberry fruit and pepper. Doesn't show a great deal of complexity, but it's a solid red wine for drinking now with hearty meats or stews.
Dark, full and very oaky on the nose, this extracted Malbec is ripe and toasty smelling. Tannic, stacked and chewy in the mouth, with flavors of roasted blackberry, raw oak, chocolate and clove, this finishes with a ton of unabsorbed oak and related flavors of clove and mint.
Dark, full, generous and ripe to the far edge of elegance, this powerful Pinot is saturated with black fruits, annotated with fennel, pepper, smoke and espresso, the rich and varied flavors rolling right through a lush midpalate and on into a gently fading finish. Retasted over 24–48 hours, it continued to evolve and develop additional nuances. A wine to cellar for a decade or more.
Dark, gritty, crusty aromas of black licorice and bitter chocolate are fiery, narrow and ultimately unveil cassis and black cherry notes. This blend of Tempranillo, Zinfandel and Grenache is hard and powerful in the mouth, with toasty, chocolaty flavors of ripe berries and baked plum. This is true, sun-drenched Mexican wine.
Dark, gummy and full of heavily applied green oak, this wine has a candied, murky, resiny persona. And that's too bad, because it has potential; yet the tannins, wood resin, mesquite and beefy black fruit are all too dominant and thus it never settles or shows much harmony.
Dark, heady berry aromas are intense and oaky, with a cured-meat note of beef jerky. A deep, layered palate is savory and meaty in flavors, with light herbal notes embedded into berry and plum fruit. A spicy, peppery, lightly charred finish is the final chapter. Drink through 2019.
Dark, heavy and foresty on the nose, with astringent cherry and coffee flavors. Sharp in terms of feel, with plenty of leftover acidity on the finish. Tartaric acid is all over this wine.
Dark, inky and brooding, this thickly extracted Brunello shows thick layers of ripe cherry, crème de cassis and blackberry with background tones of rum cake, ground clove, cola, leather and fresh tobacco. There's a meaty element of bresaola or smoked bacon as well.
Dark, inky and smoky on the nose, this estate-grown Cab is supple and medium bodied, offering bursts of juicy dark plum and berry on the palate. The oak is well-integrated and unobtrusive.
Dark, inky and thick, this hearty Brunello begs for grilled steak. It opens with ripe fruit—blackberry, plum and prune—and has a background rendering of spice, leather and cigar box. It shows a big, bold style, with loads of soft density and opulence. Good structure, too. Drink after 2015.
Dark, inky extraction opens this Barolo and segues to bold aromas of mature berry fruit and spicy oak renderings. The wine feels plush, rich and generous in the mouth but the tightness and astringency of the tannins suggest that this wine will be ready in 5–10 years.
Dark, lightly toasted aromas of licorice root, coconut, blackberry and peppery spice are inviting. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is lush, ripe and loaded. Toasty, blackened berry and cassis flavors finish with woody spice, length and complexity. Drink now through 2021.
Dark, luscious and inky in appearance, Antrum shows thick and juicy aromas of jammy fruit, blackberry pie and rum cake. There are hints of dark spice and leather, with a touch of sour fruit and grittiness on the close.
Dark, lusty, powerful, stuffed with jammy dark berry and stone fruits, this Zin is a natural for rich beef dishes, and should reward aging. The blackberry and mulberry flavors are incredibly spicy, while the tannins are a bit astringent now, suggesting a few years in the cellar.
Dark, luxurious streaks of blackberry and cherry lend heft and silkiness to this full-bodied Merlot. Subtly spiced, it's accented by sprightly acidity and fine, feathery tannins in the midpalate.
Dark, meaty and mellow on the nose, with blackberry and a distant hint of tomato leaf. It's a fraction candied and scratchy in the mouth, but the mildly herbal plum and cherry flavors are solid. Sweet and slightly smoky on the finish, with fading substance the longer it goes.
Dark, meaty and ripe, the bouqiet has a strong wave of herb and carob notes. It feels grabby almost to the point of cloying, with heavily oaked flavors of roasted black fruit and milk chocolate. This is oak dominated, but full and chocolaty.
Dark, meaty aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, herbs and spice pave the way for a jammy, tannic palate that's jumbled in feel. Blueberry, mint, herb and briny flavors finish blocky, with herbal notes and heat. Drink this big-bodied offering through 2023.
Dark, minty and fiery on first take, this folds in aromas of licorice and oaky lemon peel along with spicy berry fruit. Firm and tightly built, this is spicy, peppery and chocolaty on a canvas of berry and cassis. Powerful, toasty and a touch hot on the finish.
Dark, minty, inky aromas of blackberry are rugged. Same for the palate, which is pinched and rubbery, with grabby tannins. Flavors of toasted, blackened berry fruits are chocolaty and well oaked. Raw heat and minty, coffee flavors rev up the finish on this Malbec-led blend.
Dark, mossy and rich on the nose, with dried cheese, leather, baked character and heat that pretty much comes with the territory. The palate is smooth but not flabby, with blackberry, dark plum and chocolate flavors. Mildly herbal and long on the finish, with balance. An impressive example of blended Malbec and Syrah.
Dark, mossy, rubbery blackberry aromas are solid. In the mouth, this is punishing, with raw tannins that suggest grapeskins. Dark, chocolaty, savory, spicy flavors of blackberry and black plum finish toasty but bumpy, tannic and rubbery.
Dark, muscular and concentrated, with char, rubber and blackberry aromas. Thick but not soupy, with big tannins and firm acids. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and dark plum are drawn, leaving an oaky, minty finish. A good but arguably overextracted organic Shiraz.
Dark, muscular and very oaky, especially early on where it smells charred and bacony, with black fruit in the background. Airing unleashes chewy, roasted berry, plum, carob and herbal flavors, and throughout there is a strong oak element. Finishes big and thick, with toast and leafy, herbal Pinot Noir nuances.
Dark, mysterious aromas of smoke, petrol and brine are enticing on the nose. Semisweet in style, with an abundance of honeyed stone-fruit and citrus flavors, this wine shows glimmers of maturity already, but it's structured enough to improve for at least 7–10 more years.
Dark, oaky and fiery on the nose, but soft and globular in the mouth, with raisin and prune flavors. The finish is heavy and dark, but severely raisiny. This is a bit overripe.
Dark, oaky and smoky for a value wine, this has leather and blackberry aromas. It feels full, chewy and substantive, with dark berry, molasses and mocha notes. Smooth and dense on the finish, with leftover blackberry, coffee and chocolate touches.
Dark, oaky, and fine in every respect. Sonoma Valley, often underrated as Merlot country, lends the fruit a very deep and satisfying blackberry component, which is highlighted, in this case, by toasty oak. The tannins are soft and finely etched. Gorgeous stuff, quite lovely now, but the solid core of fruit indicates mid-term aging potential.
Dark, plump and superripe, this has tones of warm earth, chocolate and maraschino cherry. The finish is bright and simple, yet sweet, with loads of rich density.
Dark, raisiny aromas of kirsch and marzipan open this jammy Tempranillo. Dark berry, black plum, foresty accents and mulchiness define the flavors on this stewy, plump offering.
Dark, rich and full bodied, this wine has great structure and bold, tasty flavors like boysenberry and blackberry. It feels firm and tannic on the palate, but without overdoing it. Generous fruit flavors linger on the finish.
Dark, rich and sensuous, this is a ripe Champagne, boasting pear and apricot flavors. Although the aftertaste appears dry, the richness gives it a very sumptuous mouthfeel, leaving a long, full aftertaste.
Dark, rich fruit, luscious spice and a velvety overall texture make this flagship wine from Capaia a benchmark Bordeaux blend for South Africa. Assertive but refined, layered but delicate, the wine unfolds gently on the palate and is the perfect cohort to myriad meat and poultry dishes. Minerality gives it lift and clarity.
Dark, rich mountain blueberry and blackberry form the core of this classically delicious Napa Valley wine from an estate vineyard. Velvety dark chocolate melts over integrated tannins and a medium-strength body, the finish lengthy, dusty and well-structured. Age through 2020–2022.
Dark, rich, and ultraripe yet balanced, this wine has plenty of charm. You can taste the warm California sunshine in each ripe sip. All kinds of wild berry and dark stone-fruit flavors mingle with spices and herbs, with a smoky, oaky overlay. Not great wine, but completely satisfying, and one that most will find lip-smackingly delicious.
Dark, ripe and concentrated, this voluptuous red offers loads of Merlot's characteristically plush plum and cherry flavors. It's also a deeply nuanced wine with pretty violet and chocolate notes mingling into spicy licorice and graphite. Richly textured, yet neatly balanced, it's drinking beautifully now but should hold well over the next decade.
Dark, ripe and handsome. Those are the basics on this showy wine. Aromas of leather, shoe polish and char darken up the berry fruit, while flavors of blackberry and plum vie with oak-based mocha. Plenty of length and potential on the finish, but also some hard oak that needs more time to get absorbed. Best in 2009–2010.
Dark, ripe aromas of blackberry and cassis are accented by tree bark, baking spice and licorice notes. This feels ripe, loamy and borderline jammy. Flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, cocoa and loamy earth finish toasty and weighty. Drink through 2017.
Dark, ripe, tarry aromas announce a macho Malbec. This is jammy and pulpy in texture, with more than enough extraction. Herbal, woodsy black-fruit flavors are supported by an oaky, resiny finish with black-pepper spice notes. Drink through 2018.
Dark, roasted and smelling of licorice, root beer, savory oak and smoke. The palate is hard and saturated, with smack-down tannins that are surely due to the 46% Tannat in the blend. Syrah and Petit Verdot are the remaining elements in this roasted, sweet, oaky wine that finishes with burnt marshmallow.
Dark, robust and earthy, with  a pronounced smell and taste of caramel, this Tempranillo develops in lovely ways in the glass, so let it breathe. Its earthy character hints at dust, and the wine is soft, light and smooth. Enjoy with paella or grilled seafood.
Dark, rubbery aromas are offset by a floral berry component. Grabby tannins are a big part of this Cabernet's chunky palate. Flavors of hickory, café mocha and roasted berry fruits finish chocolaty and with residual tannins.
Dark, rubbery aromas yield to black cherry and spice, while the full-bodied palate has both sweet flavors of blackberry and cola but also some acid, tartness and pie cherry character. Drying, solid and full of red plum and berry fruit.
Dark, rubbery, full-force aromas of toast and minerally black fruits lead to a round, loamy, not too concentrated palate with loamy, toasty flavors of chunky blackberry and dark plum. A lasting, herbal finish makes this good and easy to like. Drink now.
Dark, rustic and plummy with layers of earthy meat and licorice, this medium-bodied wine is sourced from Tracy Hills and Lake County. Smoothly textured it's ready to go with cured meats and cheese.
Dark, sappy and reductive, it shows skillful winemaking and sensitivity to vineyard management. The color is there, the aromas are pure and the flavors are balanced, without being overripe. It captures a pleasing mix of berries and currants. Tannins are quite dry and lightly peppery.
Dark, sappy and smoky, this engaging wine offers substantial cassis and blueberry fruit, dotted with highlights of caraway and dark chocolate. The tannins are beautifully polished, and the wine should have further improvement ahead as it ages through 2020.
Dark, sappy and syrupy, this jet-black, 100% Syrah mixes superconcentrated raspberry compote with espresso, smoke and hints of pepper bacon. There is nothing shy here, but the wine is authoritative and splashy, a Syrah that does not taste like all the other Syrahs made in Washington. Despite alcohol levels just under 15% the wine keeps its shape and its detail, and the tannins are smooth and polished. A fine effort from winemaker Bill Owen.
Dark, smoky and herbal, this wine, the second Malbec from Maryhill, does capture some of that grape's lovely character. Tart wild berry fruit is cut with sharp acids, and laced with herb and hints of stone. There is a bit of saddle leather showing through the tannins, but not so much as to wipe out the sweet fruit. A persistent finish tastes like fresh picked raspberries.
Dark, smoky and oaky, this ripe wine tastes very much of the 40% Primitivo featured in the blend. It has nice structure, with Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah also in the mix. It's ready to drink, especially with pasta with an herb sauce.
Dark, smoky aromas have high-toned black cherry fruit underneath. On the palate, the smoke and black cherry continue, on a rather slight, feminine frame. A wine that will complement, not overpower, food.
Dark, smoky aromas of freshly laid pavement come with leathery berry scents along with wood and eucalyptus notes. Bright to the point of being aggressive on the palate, this shows spicy, peppery flavors of red-berry fruits and oak. A woody, resiny finish is potent like the rest of this Cabernet. Drink through 2020.
Dark, smoky black-fruit aromas include graphite. This is round, chewy and balanced on the palate, with ripe but standard flavors of cassis, blackberry and black pepper. Notes of burnt toast and char appear on a solid, ripe finish.
Dark, smoky earth notes and savory dried herbs add fascinating complexity to intensely floral, sweet stonefruit and citrus flavors on this flavorful, yet delicately structured Riesling. Lime and tangerine acidity reverberate on the palate,  leading a long, minerally finish.
Dark, smoky, heavily oaked and resiny, with aromas of char, leather and burnt toast. The palate is big and forceful, with a lot of oak character and also snappy blackberry, plum and buttery flavors. Modern and creamy, with enough quality fruit to back things up.
Dark, smoky, herbal aromas come with cheesy notes of oak and horse hide. This has a wiry, high-acid mouthfeel and herbal, spicy, pinched dark-berry flavors. High acidity creates a racy sensation on an oaky, fast-paced finish.
Dark, smoky, oaky aromas of tobacco, leather and black fruits lead to a palate that's muscular, tannic and solid as a pile of rocks. Cool, earthy black-fruit flavors include woodspice and dark-chocolate notes. This Mencía from a cold year is flush, rugged and dry on the finish. Drink through 2025.
Dark, soft and delicious, this Syrah has extremely complex flavors. They range from blackberries and black currants to chocolate, anise, bacon, black pepper, violets, and an edge of smoky sandalwood. Drink this bone dry wine now.
Dark, soft and rich, this single-vineyard Pinot brims with deep, almost brooding flavors of red currants, cherries, red plums, mocha and dusty spices. It also has an edge of tannins that will help it negotiate a good steak. Drink over the next several years.
Dark, soft, full-bodied and slightly sweet, this Pinot clearly shows its warm-climate origins. It tastes of jammy blackberries, cherries and raspberries.
Dark, spicy and deeply flavored, this Cabernet is dense and concentrated in blackberry and cassis flavors, with a stony minerality at its core. The fruit is so ripely expansive, it tastes sweet on the finish, yet the wine is utterly dry. It's good now despite the hard mountain tannins, but should begin to blossom after 2014.
Dark, spicy scents run side by side with licorice root and black cherry notes. This juicy, layered blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each of Merlot and Syrah is a potent number with black- and red-plum flavors backed by a lasting, bold, angular finish. Drink through 2023.
Dark, structured and bringing out the natural minerality of the Douro, this is a dense and tannic wine at this stage. It has layers of black currant, rich and full of juicy acidity. The wine really needs to age, so drink from 2017.
Dark, sweet and candied on the nose, with hints of raisin and licorice that become more prominent in the mouth. Saturated but also somewhat monotone and single-leveled in terms of flavor, where you get a narrow band of sweet black cherry and raisin in front of a short finish. Very nice as always, but not the best Allende we've reviewed.
Dark, sweet and rooty on the nose, with a warm, soft outlook. The palate is bold and thorough, with ripe berry, plum and chocolate flavors. Per usual, Punto Final is ripe, sweet and big, with a peppery finish and toasty, jammy warmth.
Dark, sweet fruit notes of prune, plum and rum cake open the nose of this blended red from the Marche in Central Italy. Plush, soft blackberry and a touch of chocolate appear on the finish.
Dark, tangy black-plum skin and tart boysenberry meet with purple flowers and rosemary on the nose of this bottling, which promises plenty of life in the cellar. The palate is lightly bodied but firmly structured, with tannic depth upholding the dark purple fruits and subtle black spice. These flavors will concentrate and intensify with time. Drink 2018–2025.
Dark, tannic and dense, this is a classic Petite Sirah. In its youth it's strongly flavored in black currants and chocolate, and will be fine with richly sauced barbecue. But it will age for many, many years, gradually softening.
Dark, tannic and earthy, this pure varietal wine brings up flavors somewhat akin to Washington's Lemberger. The sour-cherry fruit is wrapped in broad flavors of forest floor and wet leaves. There's a bit of a hole in the middle, which might be nicely filled with a good hamburger.
Dark, tannic and full-bodied, this Malbec has deep flavors of blackberries, mulberries and dark chocolate. Feels a bit rustic, but will be nice with grilled meats smothered in barbecue sauce.
Dark, tannic and toasty, it's a rich mouthful of wine. The fruit is moderately ripe, with light berry flavors; but the toast and chocolate and coffee barrel flavors add a lot of weight and punch. Nice winemaking from Gordy Hill turns out a delicious wine.
Dark, tarry aromas of baked black fruits lead to a lively, jumpy palate with resiny oak. Roasted berry and hickory-smoke flavors finish with a wave of forceful, dominating oak, leaving a barbecued taste.
Dark, tart and showing plenty of tang and tenacity, this is a fresh-tasting mix of blueberries and tart acids. Half new and half used French oak is still integrating, but the overall structure and balance are excellent.
Dark, thick and aromatic, this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Syrah can stand alongside others selling for two or three times the price. It's a supple mix of dark fruits and spicy herb; it almost bristles with sharp hints of nettle, pepper and green tea. The tannins are supple and smooth, and there is a polish to the wine that extends into a smooth, seamless and very satisfying finish.
Dark, thick and syrupy, this savory Amarone delivers notes of Indian spice, Teriyaki, molasses, plum and dark berry fruit. It has a noticeably sweet finish with plump flavors of cherry and strawberry jam.
Dark, thick and young, with sour cherry Lifesaver flavors and noticeable dusty tannins. It's actually a very pretty wine, very dry and balanced, with good length and a clean finish. Will age, but drinks well now. —S.H.
Dark, toasty and leathery on the nose, but also earthy, rubbery and herbal. Shows good body on the palate, with oaky, lightly medicinal flavors of herbal plum and raspberry. The finish lingers, with herbal flavors and a healthy feel.
Dark, toasty and minerally to start with, then throw in some olive, herb and cassis and it's pure Maipo Cabernet at its best. The palate is deep, layered and lush, with a smooth, elegant yet lusty flow of cassis, berry, olive and herbal flavors. Fine on the finish, with mild barrel-influenced chocolate. Ready to drink but could be cellared for another 4–5 years.
Dark, toasty aromas suggest creosote and chimney smoke; throw in black olive, blackberry, dark plum and mocha scents and this is one hefty package. Fully tannic, with toasty chocolaty flavors of black fruits and oak-based spice, this finishes full and fierce, but not mean. Drink from 2019–2035.
Dark, viscous and monumental, this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend detonates on the palate with black currants, chocolate and cedar concentration, wrapped into the most perfect tannins. Outstanding, and should age for many years. Only 277 cases of this wine, which was grown on steep hillsides, were produced.
Dark, with a complex nose mixing very ripe, raisiny fruit with smoke and a hint of spoilage. The wine seems pushed just over the edge, losing focus and definition. The fruit quickly gives way to leaf and forest floor flavors in an herbal, earthy finish.
Dark, with dusty tannins and a solid, firm structure, this has a dense character. The black plum fruit and intense underlying acidity yield a powerful wine that will age over several years.
Dark, woody berry, mocha and herbal aromas are potent and fiery. This has a layered mouthfeel with raw tannins. Rich, oaky blackberry and cassis flavors finish with notes of prune, coffee and lingering spice.
Dark, woody, leafy aromas of herbal berry fruits and olive lead to a juicy but monotone palate. Plum, black pepper and burnt toast comprise the flavor profile, while the finish is toasty, blackened and spicy, with a touch of heat.
Darker and a touch more stewy than the winery's less pricey old-vines effort. Airing loosens it up, but throughout it's a big, stewy wine with extracted blackberry and coffee cake flavors. The finish is equally on the rich side, with swirling toffee and coffee afternotes. It's a big wine with heft but also some chunkiness.
Darker and earthier than most basic Garnachas, with aromas of compost, baked earth, crusty black fruits and leather. The palate has a nice, ripe, bodied feel, while flavors of blackberry and boysenberry bring just the slightest hint of herbal green. Toasty and solid on the finish.
Darker and more brooding than many of Newsome-Harlow's other single-vineyard bottlings in the 2011 vintage, the Shake Ridge is mighty in black pepper and dark chocolate, silky and voluptuous with mellowed tannins. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah, the ranch's Zin clones include Monte Rosso.
Darker and more closed-up than the Ciel du Cheval bottling, this is a medium-bodied red wine with dusty cherry and cassis scents, and hints of tar, coffee, herb and leather. It's muscular and edgy, with tons of potential.
Darker and richer than Amici's second label (Olema), this is anchored by ripe cassis and chocolate flavors. Cedary oak and minty accents add complexity, while the mouthfeel is velvety soft, finishing with a touch of warmth. Probably best consumed over the next few years.
Darker and riper in tone than the winery's Walker Hill Vineyard bottling, this is creamy and lush, with toasty caramel accents and spicy, tropical fruit. Balanced in acidity and soft in tannins, it is structured and rich, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Green Valley.
Darker in color than a rosé, this Clairet is fruity with ripe strawberry fruit. But it does seem heavily laced with caramel as well as some tannins and spice.
Darker in color than many other versions of the variety, this bottling shows hearty charred meat, blackberry, gravel and condensed rose petal aromas. There's a leathery structure to the palate, where peppercorn, tobacco and red fruit notes lead into a mocha-laced finish.While it lacks the typical Cabernet Franc freshness, it has plenty of depth.
Darker in color than many Provence rosés, this caramel-flavored wine has a fine line in ripe berry fruits to go with the smooth, velvet texture. Dry in style, its firm texture is right for food.
Darker in color than many rosés, this Champagne was produced using color from the grape skins rather than by adding still red wine. That method yields a wine with more structure, faint tannins and a noticeable toasty character. Its red fruit is vivid and rich, the wine ready to drink.
Darker in color than most Provence rosés, this impressive wine is made almost entirely of Mourvèdre. With a rich, full character, it is generous and ripe. Sweet strawberry fruits are right up front, balanced with a touch of citrus and freshly ground pepper. The aftertaste is tight and spicy.
Darker in color than normal rosé, Bordeaux Clairet also has more richness. This wine is concentrated with vanilla and sweet strawberry flavors, although with a lack of freshness. Treat this as a red wine.
Darker notes of espresso and dried herbs contrast with fragrant blossom and cherry aromas on this plump, full-bodied wine. Supple like silk, it's rich and ripe with cherry and plum flavors blanketed soft, chalky tannin.
Darker than a rosé, almost Pinot Noirish in color, it has aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with a deeper, more decadent note, like chocolate cherries. Oddly, it tastes dry. There are some delicate raspberry flavors, but they’re not too strong. Then it turns very rich and fruity on the finish. There’s something addictive about this drink-me bubbly.
Darker than the winery's other single-vineyard Pinot, this one shows intense raspberry/loganberry flavors, and some spice and pepper too. There is good concentration in the midpalate, with tart, tangy, tightly-wound fruit and well-integrated tannins. I would prefer a bit more new oak, but even so there is a pleasant toasty bite to the finish.
Darker tones of spice and crushed minerals lend complexity to pretty white blossom, lemon and stone fruit flavors. A streak of lime and lemongrass adds refreshment and vibe to the midpalate, leaving the finish brisk and bright.
Darker, sterner and less accessible than Plantagenet's Omrah bottling, the winery's flagship Shiraz offers substantial dark fruit flavors reminiscent of espresso, plum and cracked pepper. The tannins are firm, suggesting at least 2–3 years of cellaring. (The 2007 is drinking well now.)
Darkly charred wood mingles with scents of coconut, dill and sweet spice on this heavily-oaked Chardonnay. Hints of smoke and hazelnuts seep into the palate as well, but serve to highlight fresh, fruity flavors of pear, lemon and orange rind. This finishes on a slightly-bitter wood note.
Darkly colored, heavy and sweet for a rosé, with raspberry jam flavors. It lacks the dry vibrancy desired in blush wine.
Darkly colored, this comes from the slopes above the small town of Buzet. It has structure and layers of black currant fruit and juicy acidity. With its firm tannins and ripe fruitiness, the wine will age. Drink from 2016.
Darkly colored, this wine opens with aromas of menthol, espresso and plum. The one-dimensional palate is surprisingly dense for the vintage, offering black cherry, espresso and clove alongside polished tannins.
Darkly concentrated, boldly aromatic and intense, this pretty Brunello delivers modern aromas of chocolate, espresso bean, ripe fruit, blackberry and rum cake. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, and the wine maintains its momentum thanks to the softness of its texture.
Darkly hued with considerable wood flavor, this wine puts toast before fruit. The wine certainly needs time to soften and reveal its fruit profile. Drink from 2017.
Darkly rich, this is a smooth, sophisticated wine that packs a punch of tannin under all its opulent black fruit. From a single parcel of the La Rosa vineyard named for the intense heat there in summer, it's concentrated and dense, with a great future ahead of it. Drink from 2022.
Darkly seductive in cinnamon and blackberry, this wine is hugely mouth-filling and a tad chewy, ready for a gigantic steak off the grill, preferably while out on the range. Coffee and pepper figure prominently in this wine, especially on the finish.
Darkly tannic wine, packed with dryness. The result is firm at this stage, always likely to be full of tannins, but there is delicious fruit under this dryness.
Darkly tannic, Tannat-dominated wine. The structure is formidable, its rich fruit layered with the dry spice, fruit cake flavor and a powerful texture. Think of this wine with a stew, but also age for a few years.
Darkly tannic, this wine has a dense structure that needs time. It is firm, dry and concentrated. The fruit potential is still developing so keep this wine until 2017. Enologist Sebastien and vineyard manager Nicolas are the latest generation managing the Carreau family estates.
Darkly textured wine, the black berry fruits show firmness as well as acidity and a dry core. This will age well, its tannins pushing the weight forward. It is an impressive wine, with the acidity of 2008, while also having powerful structure.
Darkly toasted Canadian oak reveals itself through layers of vanilla, smoke and burnt sugar on the nose of this lovely North Fork Cab. On the palate, bright acidity shines through a concentrated black cherry palate flecked with hints of dark caramel and freshly cut mint.
Darkly toasted oak lends a veil of smoke and char to apple and lemon flavors in this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. There are hints of stems and leaves on the midpalate, but overall, it's a well-composed wine with balanced acidity and alcohol.
Darkly toasted oak, dried herb and mushroom notes add warmth and earthiness to this delicately fruity Pinot Noir. The palate is ruddy and rustic with subtle sour-cherry sweetness, but bright acidity and a swathe of green herb drive the fresh, clean finish.
Daryl Groom has turned out a reasonably bold, intense Sauvignon Blanc that weighs in under 13% alcohol yet manages to avoid tasting malnourished or underripe. Fig, melon and citrus aromas and flavors hit the right buttons, then finish on a lingering note. Drink now.
Dashe always produces dependably good Zinfandels from this vineyard. The 2009 shows real complexity, with an earthy, mushroomy richness alongside the raspberry, red currant and spice flavors. It's very dry, with a fine structure of acid and tannins. Marked by the rusticity that characterizes Dry Creek Zinfandels. It calls for pairing with rich stews, braised meats and barbecue.
Dashe uses 30-year-old vines from Guinness McFadden's farm in the southeastern end of Mendocino County, organically grown and planted in rocky, chalky soil. Golden in color and thick in texture, the wine has lovely acidity and is definitely dry, austere and very Germanic, with a nutty earthiness.
Dashwood's 2010 Pinot Noir offers complex aromas and flavors of roses, ripe cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg. It's rather full bodied and a bit dusty on the finish without being excessively drying. Drink it over the next few years.
Date and tar notes come nuanced with a funky, sweat-like aroma. The palate feels lax on attack, and it tastes a bit thin on flavor. Firm, upper-lip-grabbing tannins mark the finish.
Dating back at least to the 17th century, Duplessis was one a hunting lodge. Today, owned by the Lurton family, it has produced a dark and dense wine that has a dry structure at the moment, with a strong extraction character. However, the potential black fruits promise future richness. Drink from 2018.
Dating back to the 16th century, this estate's 52-acre vineyard faces the Gironde estuary. The wine is dark, firm and concentrated. The tannins are firm, and hard edged. The acidity and the smoky character of the wine make a fine balance with its tough, young side. Drink from 2019.
Dating back to the 16th century, this estate produces some classic Dão wines. With its rich tannins and minerality and with the influence of Touriga Nacional in this field blend, this wine is structured, still firm with tannins. Luscious fruits are held in check by the tannins. Let it soften more and drink from 2019.
Dating back to the early Middle Ages, the estate is based around an ancient chateau. The wine, from old vines, is structured and dense with firm tannins and ripe black-plum fruits. It shows fine acidity at the end. Drink from 2019.
Dating to 1740, this classed-growth estate has vines in the heartland of Côtes de Provence. This wine is lightly herbal, with crisp acidity. Apricot and green herb flavors give a lively character and bring out the crisp, tight texture at the end.
Dating to the Middle Ages, this estate has produced a Merlot-dominated wine packed with dark tannins and a dusty texture that is becoming more elegant as it ages. The wine is still young and full of its concentrated structure. Drink from 2020.
Daughter of Roger Belland, Julie has taken over and changed the name of this estate. Based in Santenay, they also have vines in other appellations. This wine, for instance, is rich and structured with just the right amount of wood aging. It has vanilla, spice and great acidity from the citrus and apple fruits. The wine is still young and will be best from 2018.
Dauzac, whose vineyards are in the south of Margaux, has produced a severe wine in 2010, full of impressive tannins. It is not without charm, however, and it will certainly fill out its serious structure over the next several years. Give this dense wine time.
Dave Corey co-fermented 83% Grenache with 17% Syrah to produce this rich wine, which offers nose-tingling aromas of blackberry brandy. It's soft once sipped, but also a bit brutal, with blood and barrel-age prominent alongside flavors of blackberry-peppercorn cake. Serve as dessert.
David and Anna deLaski follow her Austrian heritage to this planting of a sprightly red variety, with appealing freshness and depth. It's light in the glass, with aromas of hibiscus, dried lilac, squeezed black plum and a gravelly, slate-like minerality. The palate blends smashed raspberry, dried mint, grape candy and touches of herb. It's light but fruity.
David and Anna deLaski planted this obscure grape on their home vineyard to honor her Austrian roots—the results are fascinating. A dark earthy graphite-driven minerality contrasts with the brighter sweeter strawberry and cherry fruit on the nose, and then the bone-dry sip pops with a candied raspberry flavor, enhanced by fennel and white pepper.
David Hill's 2006 Pinot Noirs are a clear step up from earlier vintages. This Barrel Select bottling, done in a fairly light, rather delicate style, offers lovely texture and balance, with ripe flavors of strawberry, brandied cherries and baker's chocolate. Suggestions of earth and iron filings add interest and weight to the finish.
David Potter continues to lead the way for underused varieties, and this bottling shows why more should bravely walk that path. Fresh-pressed plum, underripe strawberry, fennel and licorice aromas lead into a palate full of Christmas spice and plum sauce flavors. Although not incredibly complex, it's unique, fun and perfect for a sunny day.
David Ramey is the consulting winemaker for this wine, a blend of 46% Pinot Grigio, 33% Sauvignon Blanc and 21% Gewürztraminer. Smooth and crisp, the Sauvignon Blanc's qualities are prominent, the wine a tempting mix of apricot, honey and lemon meringue.
David Sterza makes one of the best Ripassos ever and the low price of this delicious wine makes it all the more irresistible. Huge concentration and inky richness is offset by sweet cherry, black licorice, cola and dried flowers. The wine is long, smooth and firmly structured.
Davies has been making Pinot Noir since 2009. Firm, lively acidity and generous tannins in this complex wine lift up the distinctive cherry and clove flavors. A sharp balance means the fruit flavors and fine structure fill each other out for a harmonious whole.
Dazzles now for its richness. Shows those classic Howell Mountain tannins, but they've been so tamed and refined, you can drink it now. The flavors are spectacular, over the top; pure Cirque du Soleil spectacle of blackberry, currant and chocolate acrobatics.
Dazzling acidity and crisp red cherry and plum flavors collide in this vibrant, nimble-footed Spätburgunder. Subtle spice, floral tones and chiffon-like tannins add softness on the finish. It's delicate and spry, yet finishes with length and power.
Dazzling with silky richness, this wine is so delicious, you can't help but to fall in love with it. Tantalizing with waves of raspberry and cherry pie, ripe persimmon, mocha, red licorice and smoky oak flavors that finish long and satisfying. The balance of acids and tannins is just about perfect. Calling all steaks for the perfect pairing.
Dazzlingly aromatic, this true-to-type Traminette abounds in ripe berry, mango and melon perfume. Dry and delicate in body, it's refreshingly easy-drinking despite heady aromatics. It's not a complex wine, yet undeniably delightful to drink.
De Bortoli's 2006 Estate Grown Pinot Noir lacks the bright fruit and user-friendliness of its Gulf Station or Windy Peak bottlings. Maybe it's too serious for its own good? This medium-bodied wine features leather, mushroom and molasses, and rather crisp acids as well.
De Bortoli's Noble One is as good as ever in 2007, offering intense botrytis, dried apricots, honey and bergamot in a sweetly unctuous style. Think of a Sauternes, but with more sugar and less alcohol. It should age well for 10 or more years.
De Bortoli's unique approach to harvest timing and extensive use of new oak leaves this wine seeming rather disjointed: coffee and cola notes dominate the tart, cranberryish fruit flavors. I suspect it will show better with a few years' of cellaring, but until then, I remain unconvinced.
De Bortoli almost always seems to emphasize the savory side of wine, and this Heathcote Shiraz stays true to that philosophy. Black olive and espresso notes speak of Shiraz, while the the structure remains tight and firm on the finish. This should age well through at least 2020.
De Loach continues to impress with this Lake County vineyard-designate, a well-balanced Zin with plenty of density amid its brick tar and brambly blackberry fruit. With leveled acidity along with plenty of power, it'll both age and be pleasing to drink now, with smoky meats.
De Loach has been showing a fine appreciation of dryness, acidity and minerality in its recent Chardonnays, and this single-vineyard bottling is another example of what makes these wines so drinkably good. It's rich in pears, pineapples and green apples, but that zesty stoniness lifts it into true complexity.
De Loach reaches into Lake County, not usually thought of as Zinfandel country, with tremendous results. This is a great wine by any standard. It shows some heat from high alcohol and some shriveled raisin tastes, but that's part of a ripe Zin's charm. Mostly, you'll be impressed by waves of sweetly ripe berries, chocolate and bacon, smooth tannins and a long, spicy finish.
De Sante has produced a wine that goes beyond the usual Sauvignon Blanc. It has good varietal character, with adequate acidity backing up citrus, melon, fig and tropical fruit flavors. But there's a structural complexity that must be due to Napa Valley's terroir.
De Sante has struggled with Sauvignon Blanc over the years, and while this blend, with 40% Sémillon, contains some good citrus flavor, it's aggressive in drily sour green pyrazines.
De Toren's Merlot-based Bordeaux-style blend also includes 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. It leads with earthy aromas of black-currant leaf, fresh tobacco and menthol that support the black-fruit core of plum, cherry and fig. The palate is full and round, but with enough tannic structure to keep it from feeling too rich or opulent. A toasty cocoa accent lingers long on the close. Drink now–2017.
De Villiers is one of Calera's newest vineyards, and whether it's a warmer site or simply comprised of showier clones, it's forward in raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with lots of sweet, caramelized oak. The finish is long and sweet in fruit, and the alcohol is well below 14% by volume.
Decadent and candied, this is an oaky, well-made wine with richness at its core. Tahitian vanilla, caramel and Meyer lemon give way to more weighty tropical characteristics, making for a ripe, bigger-styled wine.
Decadent and intense, this smells like breakfast toast that has been slathered with red currant jam, mango butter and apricot preserves, topped with a drizzle of honey. The mouthfeel is rich, round and unctuous, with a zing of acidity that keeps it from seeming cloying. Notes of brûléed sugar and spice decorate the finish.
Decadent aromas of cherry candy and vanilla cookies emerge from this blend of 55% Carignane, 22% Zinfandel, 12% Cab Franc (all three from the estate) and 11% Syrah (from Coast View Vineyard in Monterey). The jammy palate is similarly rich, bordering on sweet, with cherry compote, ripe cranberries, vanilla and charred meats.
Decadent aromas of golden pear and Tahitian vanilla rise to the top of this incredibly well-crafted wine, a blend of multiple vineyard sources, most of them single-vineyard designated in other wines. Steely minerality buoys the overall experience, with a touch of vanilla custard. The wine is rich on the aroma yet balanced in taste, with a finishing accent of orange blossom.
Decadent aromas of kirsch liqueur, pipe smoke and campfire waft from this wine by David Hunt, who is also a blind piano impresario. Leathery flavors of cooked cherries, smoked berries, baked cookies and a strong coffee character power the palate.
Decadent aromas of warmed chocolate and hazelnut coffee lead onto the pliant palate. Chalky tannins keep the vanilla-tinged finish grounded.
Decadent cherry, vanilla and baked plum meet a mouthful of cinnamon in this generously full-bodied and weighty wine. Earthy undertones of forest floor and shaved truffle add complexity and savory components that complement well.
Decadent chocolate and coconut macaroon accent sweet tannin and generous oak in this softly textured wine, made in small amounts. The finish is powerful and ripe.
Decadent in caramel-toffee oak, this full-bodied wine has a generous helping of hazelnut and ginger cookie at its heart. Hefty in oak yet wrapped in enough acidity, it's balanced and easily enjoyed. The finish echoes in whiskey and wood.
Decadent in coconut flake and vanilla, this is a fruity vintage of one of Hobbs' top-of-the-top Cabernets. Soft and structured, the silky tannins deftly managed, it captures the essence of the Napa Valley's best valley floor grapes at the hands of an expert winemaker, a textbook marriage of beauty and brawn.
Decadent in coffee, toffee and caramel tones, the leathery mouthfeel of this wine is met head-to-head by a juiciness of ripe, dense blackberry fruit. An approachable Petite Sirah that will also please lovers of the variety's chewiness and concentration.
Decadent mango, yellow cherry and peach nectars abound on this forward yet nuanced wine. It's lip-smackingly honeyed but vibrantly acidic with a harmonious, slightly spicy, mineral finish. It drinks gorgeously now but should continue to improve through 2030.
Decadent scents of buttered brioche, honeydew and crushed yellow flowers lead the nose, while flavors of grilled yellow peaches and orange oil flood the palate. The mouthfeel is round and full, but countered by medium acidity and a slightly bitter note on the close.
Decadent swirls of petrol and oak inform the entry of this young wine, golden in color and viscous on the palate. Coconut flakes season a core of ripe pear compote and cinnamon before a streak of sizzling acidity tempers the richness of the wine's initial impression, ultimately finding freshness on the finish.
Decadent white floral tones persist throughout this dry, gorgeously perfumed Riesling. Concentrated white peach and apricot flavors feel plush and concentrated on the palate but zesty acidity adds a vivacious kick. Drink now through 2017.
Decadent yet finessed, this intensely ripe, concentrated wine brims with fleshy flavors of black plum and cassis. Tart cranberry acidity and complexities of olive, savory spice and granite push the palate into greater depths. The finish is long, marked by fine firm tannins. It's lovely already, but should meld beautifully from 2020–2030 and further.
Decadently rich in caramel and vanilla on the nose, this vineyard-designate evolves into more delicate floral elements, with a depth of spicy oak and baked apple and pear. Throughout the medium body and medium acidity is a freshness of lemon and lime, with a slight twist of tangerine.
Decadently ripe peach and blossom notes are accented by a curious touch of vanilla sugar in this sunny, off-dry Gewürztraminer. It's a hint reedy on the palate, but refreshingly brisk and easy drinking.
Decadently ripe, this voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon brims with fleshy black-plum and berry flavors. Touches of green pepper and stem add a bit of contrast to all the richness, and subtle notes of spice and bramble tones lend complexity as well. Despite its brawn, it's a neatly balanced wine kept in check by crisp cranberry tones and a fine-grained tannin structure.
Decades ago, Beringer’s then-winemaker Myron Nightingale created an artificial method of introducing the botrytis to Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, with great results. This splendid version has strong aromas of crème brûlée, vanilla custard, honey, apricot purée and a warm note of peach pie fresh out of the oven. The taste is, in a word, fabulous. This is a nectar fit for the gods.
Decant this wine for a few hours before drinking to allow it to mellow. Straight from the bottle, it's rather harsh in tannins. The fruit is sharp and ripe like cherry-menthol candy.
Decant this wine to help lessen the burnt match aroma that mars the nose initially. Once past that annoyance, this is a broad, very drinkable wine that blends pineapple notes with touches of honey, spice and alcoholic warmth. Drink now.
Decant this Zin for an hour or so to bring out its robust and spicy nature. The palate is complex with flavors of wild, briary summer blackberries, plums, cola, dark chocolate, black pepper and oak. Great with beef and tomato dishes.
Decayed fruit aromas are less than fresh. This is uncomfortable on the palate, with flavors of weedy berry and mint. Short and medicinal on the finish.
Decent and drinkable, with flavors of blackberries, green olives and sage, and a nice overlay of oak. Very dry, with a good balance of dusty tannins and acidity. Finishes just a bit rough and earthy.
Decent and quaffable but does not compare to the winery's Verdejo. This is prickly and full of pine needle, juniper and other sharp aromas. The palate has a good feel but pickled, briney flavors. Skeletal given its warm-climate origins.
Decent everyday sipper, with heaps of sweet berry flavors wrapped in silky bright acids and dusty tannins. It's kind of thin in structure and in the finish, but is a perfectly nice quaff for the price. —S.H.
Decent in initial mouthfeel, things quickly turn hot and fiery, while the finish simmers with weedy, peppery flavors.
Decent mass-produced Ribera del Duero. Strawberry and raspberry aromas lean you in the red fruit direction, and the palate is scouring, acidic and full of cherry fruit. Fresh on the finish and hard, but at least it doesn't have off flavors.
Decent, but unbalanced. Shows nice aromas of citrus, gooseberry and vanilla, but then turns frankly sweet in the mouth, with sugary flavors of lemonade and pineapple juice.
Decent, by most definitions, but a clumsy wine. It's hot in high alcohol, simple and jammy sweet in blackberries and cherries, and the oak sticks out like a sore thumb. Not going anywhere.
Decent, everyday Pinot, with good varietal character, if not especially complex. The wine is dry, silky and crisp, with modest cherry and cola flavors.
Decent, with ripe flavors of cherries and spice, dry tannins and good acidity. Yes, it's a common wine, made for everyday consumption, but you can't drink expensive stuff every day. This will do in a pinch, or for your next block party.
Decently good, with ripe cherry, berry and cola flavors, but this is really a tough Pinot Noir to like, especially at this price. It's high in acidity and jammy, giving it a sweet and sour taste.
Deceptively easy, with a soft, off-dry finish, this wine nevertheless has plenty of other things going for it, including a complex array of honey, melon and spice flavors framed by hints of wet stone. It's slightly sweet and peppery on the long finish.
Deceptively light and tight when first opened, this wine has flavors and character more in line with Gamay than most Pinots. Tart cranberry and raspberry fruit carries into a tangy finish, with citrus, mineral and herbal highlights.
Deceptively light in color, yet aromatically rich, this sends up a lush mix of berries, spices, chocolate and pastry notes. It's youthful and vibrant, with clean, bright, tangy fruit that has the balance and power for excellent development in the bottle. Drink now through 2025.
Deceptively shy about its use of oak, this white exudes rich aromas of baked pear and vanilla yet delivers a refreshing amount of acidity on the palate, remaining crisp yet softly layered around a medium build. The finish lingers on a ginger snap accent.
Deceptively silky and elegant in texture, so much so that its power is easy to overlook. Cassis and tobacco flavors are typical, framed by touches of brown sugar, while the finish turns a bit lean and herbal, with tea-like tannins. 70% Cab Sauvignon, 25% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot.
Decidely savory on the nose, aromas of bacon, brûléed sugar, grilled herb and toast highlight the black fruit core. The palate is meaty and currently locked tight with superfirm, grippy tannins. Bone dry on the finish, this should be enjoyed with a chunk of rare beef to help tame the tannic blow.
Decima Aurea is a refined and elegant expression of Merlot with deep and long aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry pie, Indian spice, clove and old spice. The wine shows the sophistication of age, but also promises years of cellar aging.
Decisions on the viticulture and winemaking for this wine were all crowdsourced by the winery. Light aromas of herb and barrel spice lead to plush, easy-drinking blue-fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
Decisively elegant and restrained, this coastal wine is dancing in acidity and fresh green apple, a note of golden honey beckoning from beyond. Approachable and personable, it should please many palates and find a comfortable home at the table.
Dedicated to Count Hugues Bernard de la Gatinais (the winery's charismatic former figurehead), this beautiful Chardonnay opens with  extraordinary fullness and density backed by layers of exotic fruit, vanilla, spice and apricot. The finish is creamy and long.
Dedicated to the current owner's late grandfather who founded the estate, this elegant red opens with alluring aromas of blue flower, dark spice, herbs and new leather. The savory palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, clove and licorice framed by polished tannins. It's already approachable, but will offer fantastic imbibing for another decade. Drink through 2027.
Dedicated to the producer's father, this 100% Alicante Bouschet is superbly ripe and rich without overwhelming. It has the dark black colors of the grape that are followed by full-bodied black fruit flavors and impressive spice and pepper flavors. The wine is still young, so wait to drink until 2018.
Dedicated to the vineyard crews, this wine features a dynamic nose that blends dried black cherries, slightly sour plum fruit and a bit of tar. The palate also picks up the dried cherries and plums, along with blackberry and dark-chocolate flavors.
Deemed “The Imaginary One,” this bottling shows a combination of spice and fruit on the nose, with gingersnap, red berry and strawberry aromas. There's woody complexity on the crisp and clean palate, with cedar, incense, sandalwood, star anise and clove set against a red berry and fruit-punch frame.
Deep-amber colored, this orange wine has aromas of sunbaked earth, brimstone, overripe orange zest and pressed wild flower. The lean but lively palate offers dried nectarine slices, toasted almond and a hint of dried apricot alongside bright acidity. A salty note closes the finish. While lovers of orange wine might embrace this, it's definitely not for everyone.
Deep-dark chocolate, concentrated boysenberry, black pepper and purple flowers make for an inviting and lavish nose on this bottling, one of the top in each vintage from this winery. Silky, soft yet firm tannins frame the sip, where flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry are woven through leather and dried meats.
Deep-salmon to the eye, this wine has a nose of strawberry and cherry. It is a nicely made rosé with flavors of strawberry, cranberry and honeysuckle and notes of lingonberry on the refreshing finish.
Deep and concentrated, this full-bodied wine has a noticeably dark color, big aromatics like cedar, black cherries and tobacco, and mouthfilling flavors that combine savory, peppery elements with very ripe fruit. It is rich enough to coat the mouth and linger on the finish.
Deep and dark blueberry aromas are laced with blackberry-balsamic reduction, black tobacco, black sage and a brooding spice character on this blend of 71% Syrah, 24% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's thick and chewy on the palate, with ripe purple fruits clinging to a dense backbone of bacon fat and fudge.
Deep and dark blueberry fruit is laced with dark spices and clove extract on the nose of this two-grape wine by Welshman Damian Gridley. It's soft and juicy on the hedonistic palate, with a spicy acidity that lingers long and a touch of dill for decent complexity.
Deep and dark in color, this unusual Lodi bottling of Teroldego, an ancient Italian variety akin to California Zinfandel, is a beast of rich red fruit and chocolate mocha, still robustly tannic and a tad smoky, able to definitely lie down in darkness for several more years.
Deep and dark in the glass, this bottling from a family-owned winery shows aromas of cola spice, wild cherry, cocoa dust and game. On the palate, rich black-cherry fruit is expertly cut by accents of dried sagebrush and licorice. Persistent, bountiful acidity carries it to a black raspberry-inflected finish.
Deep and dark on the nose, with licorice, cola and prune aromas. The palate is chunky and full, albeit a touch soft. Saturated flavors of cola, blackberry and chocolate define it as a rich, modern wine, and the finish is appropriately creamy and stacked with sweetness and depth. A lush blend of Garnacha, Cabernet and two indigenous varieties. Drink now through 2011.
Deep and dark smelling, this has aromas of Mission fig, black fruit compote and spiced pastry. It's a heavyweight effort with a dense texture, but the acidity saves it from feeling ponderous. An overripe flavor of sun-dried fruit dominates the flavor profile, concluding with a touch of Bourbon barrel on the medium-long finish.
Deep and dark, this has powerful herb and spice flavors alongside the concentrated tannins and notes of ripe black fruits and raisins. This has impressive density and is still youthful, demonstrating fine aging potential.
Deep and dark, with cola, blackberry and mossy aromas. This is full-bodied, tight and tannic, with hardness that will only be tempered by food and/or more time in bottle. Tastes bold, chunky and ripe, with chocolate and licorice along with heat and tannic fire. Drink now through 2017.
Deep and delicious with inviting layers of raspberry and berry cobbler, Big John is a brambly, structured Zin, with bright zaps of black pepper and clove, plus a long, satisfying finish. This is perhaps the best Zin in all of Calaveras County right now.
Deep and dense aromas of olallieberry and black plum integrate with vanilla bean and lilac on the nose of this bottling by Steve Martell, formerly of Sextant Winery. A soft mouthfeel unleashes well-integrated flavors, with lavender, pepper, baked blackberry and charcoal simmering to the surface through intense acidity. Great now, it will last many years.
Deep and dense from head to toe, this Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend opens with heavy, loamy black-fruit aromas along with coconut, graphite, cedar and tobacco scents. A definitively rich and chewy palate is tannic and heady but cushioned, while baked, toasty blackberry flavors come with vanilla and marzipan notes and an inky, chewy, thick finish. Drink through 2019.
Deep and dense, this smells horsey and leathery, with aromas of earthy berries. The palate feels racy with acidity, and the flavors of berry, cassis, cola and vanilla lead to a sweet, jammy finish, with touches of vanilla and caramel.
Deep and earthy smelling, with meatiness, black fruit and hickory notes to the bouquet. The wine offers concentration and thickness, with ripe, slightly medicinal flavors of plum and blackberry. The same goes for the finish, and overall this is a medium-to-full Grenache that gets it done.
Deep and hearty aromas of blackberry, candied violet and dried lavender are enhanced by a touch of roasted pork on the nose of this red by Adam Lee. The full-bodied palate is framed by soft yet structural tannins and a slow-rising acidity, showing dark berries, charred beef and a hint of licorice.
Deep and hearty black cherry, vanilla, cola and black-pepper aromas make for a lush, imposing and yet classic nose on this bottling. It's simultaneously soft and powerful on the palate, with black-cherry foam, crème de cassis, vanilla custard and melted milk-chocolate flavors set against a backbone of vibrant acidity and plush tannins. It's a decadent mouthful.
Deep and hearty mulberry aromas meet with condensed rose petals, cinnamon, clove and hot gingerbread on the earthy, spicy nose of this clonal bottling by longtime winemaker Denise Shurtleff. The sip is thick and full of chaparral herbs at first, then opens toward rounded red cherry, cranberry and cinnamon before diving into fennel and peppercorn. It's amazing for one clone to be so complex.
Deep and lavish aromas of baked black currant, caramel, condensed violets and fudge get a licorice lift on the nose of this blend of 41% Syrah, 41% Grenache and 18% Mourvèdre. It's fairly nimble on the palate given the bombastic nose, with balanced flavors of blackberry, vanilla and orange zest proving quite the crowd-pleaser.
Deep and lush aromas of candied blueberry and black cherry meet with chocolate cake, light brown spices and a touch of beef jerky on the nose of this judiciously priced wine. Though a tad light on the palate at first, it has an energetic and spicy acidity that carries forth flavors of tobacco and black fruit.
Deep and lush up front, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cab Franc offers highly appealing aromas of blackberry and toast. Dense, layered and hefty on the palate, this extracted but well-balanced blend piles on blueberry, black plum, cassis and toast flavors. On the finish, darker notes of espresso and bitter chocolate take over. Drink now through 2018.
Deep and refined, this beautifully integrated Syrah opens with scents of briar, berry, and cherry. Details of light pepper, iron and earth are buoyed by vivid acids. Complex, aromatic and graceful.
Deep and rich aromas of black raspberry, star anise, iodine and iron entertain the nose on this bottling by winemaker Clarissa Nagy. It's lush on the palate, with deep red fruits, but then becomes brightened by acidity and focused on an earthy, herbal line down the middle. With wild mint and anise on the finish it's quite complex.
Deep and rich aromas of blackberry syrup and wet slate kick off this excellent, approachable representation of Santa Barbara County's new Ballard Canyon appellation. It's both juicy and tannic once sipped, tasty with blackberry and slight cherry juice. Balanced with medium-range force, it provides evidence of how the region evens out Syrah's rougher edges.
Deep and rich in this landmark Oregon vintage, this Pinot Blanc abounds with flavors of buttered pears, toast and vanilla custard. The texture and balance are spot-on, and the wine is flat-out delicious.
Deep and richly layered in red and black berries, this wine offers a mouthwatering, juicy core, supported by layers of firm tannins and full-bodied oak. Concentrated, it retains enough acidity to maintain balance and is drinking lovely now.
Deep and sultry aromas of black fruit, mineral and toast mix with licorice gum drop and leather to form a good bouquet. The palate, however, runs more sharp than expected, with high acidity propelling lean, narrow pie-cherry flavors. A bit hollow but fresh and pure. Starts better than it ends. 70% Malbec and 30% Corvina.
Deep and sweet, but there's also an unusual and appetizing edge offered via cola nut and root beer. Any tartness to the blackberry fruit is offset by vanillin oak. Pleasurable, full-bodied and on the money. It's stylish good stuff with a correct amount of woody character.
Deep aromas of baked black fruits are bolstered by oaky notes of lemon peel and barrel spice. This is intense and hard driving, with flavors of coffee, lemon, blackberry, chocolate and tar. The smoky finish is accompanied by roasted berry notes and shearing acidity. Drink through 2020.
Deep aromas of black-cherry syrup meet with raisin, leather and fudge on the rustic but inviting nose of this dessert bottling. It's sweet and lavish on the sip, but with impressive grip, showing strawberry and cherry-sauce flavors along with cinnamon and clove spice.
Deep aromas of blackberry, ripe raspberry, smoked meats and wet black slate emerge on the nose of this wine from one of the region's pioneers. The strong slate minerality also shows on the palate against a backdrop of sleek sanguine flavors and big, dark but not overly ripe cherry fruits.
Deep aromas of boysenberry, dried purple flowers and crushed slate show on the vibrant and fresh nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 39% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah from the Gleason family and winemaker Ryan Deovlet. The sip is sharp with acidity but also lush and firmly structured, making for a dynamic palate full of dark fruit and peppery spice.
Deep aromas of cherry liqueur and cedar make a very appealing nose. Cigar box and cherry juice flavors continue to the palate alongside cola nut, and there are very chewy tannins. So either serve now with a hearty cut of beef, or wait until 2015 for the grip to mellow out.
Deep aromas of dried strawberries and blueberries meet with hot bricks, dried meats, purple flowers, a touch of smoke and secondary notes of truffle on the nose of this delicious smelling and tasting wine. The layers of flavor on the palate range from black cherry to milk chocolate, framed by chalky tannins.
Deep aromas of hibiscus, rose buds, dark red berries and sugar plums are spiced up by cola, crushed pencils and lots of garrigue on this bottling. The palate is clean and crisp, with snappy raspberry, light cranberry and lots more chaparral-like herbs, including wild thyme, bay laurel, lavender and fennel pollen.
Deep aromas of kirsch, ginger snaps and leather show on the nose of this ripe and hearty bottling from a vineyard named for the geographic feature that allows ocean air to cool down this region. Dried cherries, clove and star anise show on the palate, which is framed by firm tannins and cut by a steady but not overpowering acidity.
Deep aromas of pressed blackberries, blackcurrants and black cherries meet with leather, dried mint and crushed graphite on the nose of this bottling. Purple flowers show on the palate, where a tannic grip binds flavors of blackcurrant, elderberry and roasted meat.
Deep berry and mocha aromas form a red-carpet opening that's topped off by chocolate and earth. And while this is a bit soft and jammy on the tongue, there's enough structure to support baked, rich, black-fruit flavors and dark spice notes. A finish full of mossy notes, prune and mellow tannins says drink this wine now through 2015.
Deep berry aromas blend with sweet, creamy, spicy oak notes on the nose of this cellar-worthy bruiser, which is live-wire, energetic and holding a lot in reserve. A full allotment of oak-driven flavors include coffee, mocha, pepper, baked berry and chocolate. On the finish, it's huge and tastes of toast, medicinal berry and chocolate-drenched cherries. Drink from 2015–2025.
Deep berry aromas combine seamlessly with sweet notes of marzipan and complex accents of balsam wood on what is an inviting, rich nose. This is rewardingly bright and structured on the palate, where blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors carry onto a full, long finish. This is high-end, ripe Malbec. Drink through 2018.
Deep berry, cinnamon, briar and mint aromas. Firm, even backwards, it is trim and elegant, yet solid. Black fruit and bitter-chocolate flavors abound. The finish is especially tight, with dry tannins and complex mineral and earth elements. Huge but refined, the quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove; it needs time.
Deep berry, cola, mint and leather aromas are classy and not overdone. Feels lush and deep in the mouth, with blatant ripeness and toasty, oaky flavors of cola, coconut and blackberry. Finishes big but not that long or complex. Drink now through 2013; Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Deep black-fruit aromas are saturated and poised. On the palate, this is a bit jammy and pulpy but it delivers. Extracted flavors of blackberry, coffee and blackened oak finish with depth and lushness. Drink through 2020.
Deep black cassis fruit, cedar and cigarbox aromas are followed by flavors of thick kirsch, anise and raspberry. Very fruity and lush, this red has an opulent character and would be tasty over ice cream.
Deep black cherry in color, this wine offers aromas of blackberry and bell pepper. There is a nice interplay of fruit and savory notes on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, plum, smoke, green pepper and eucalyptus. Slightly chewy tannins power on through a finish marked by notes of lingering fruit and smoke.
Deep black cherry in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black plum and bell pepper. Sophisticated flavors of raspberry, leather, chocolate and green pepper are encompassed by a web of smooth tannins. A nice burst of bright cherry makes its presence known on the otherwise sleek finish.
Deep black cherry in the glass, this wine has a fruit-forward nose of raspberry and watermelon. Flavors of tart cherry and cranberry are quickly overcome by tannins that are a little too stiff for their own good.
Deep black cherry, sarsaparilla and vanilla show on the full and hearty nose of this bottling from the historic vineyard that was planted in the 1970s. It's tightly woven on the palate, with earthy spice and dark red fruits. The acidity holds crisp deep into the finish.
Deep black plum and black cherry flavors lend fruit concentration to this full-bodied and mouth-filling wine from a tiny hilltop appellation in Mendocino County. Its dark fruit flavors are quite ripe but not sweet, and a good wrapping of fine-grained tannins supports the richness very well.
Deep black plum aromas are enhanced by soy and crushed graphite on the nose of this bottling. It lands on the palate softly, with tangy plum and turned loam flavors, its tannins sticky and persistent.
Deep black plum, clove, dried blueberry, dried roses and dried violets show on the very nice nose of this bottling by Bruce McGuire and pioneer Pierre Lafond. It's well structured on the sip, disclosing plums, sweet berries and touches of nutmeg and allspice. It's a strong showing for one of their more affordable bottlings.
Deep black raspberry and slate make for a traditional nose on this solid-deal wine. It's refreshing and lively once sipped, with dark red fruits and a bit of brown spice.
Deep blackberry and fresh dill aromas arise from this wine by Paso pioneer Gary Eberle. The flavors are complex and wide-ranging, with milk chocolate, more dill, oregano, thyme, dried cherries and some tar.
Deep blackberry aromas are laid across a rocky minerality and lifted by touches of coffee and vanilla on the nicely restrained nose of this best-barrel bottling. Cola, blueberry and black gravel show on the palate, framed by firm tannins.
Deep blackberry fruit and salt-and-pepper spice is brushed with warm washes of clove, cardamom and dried ginger on the savory nose of this bottling named after Ruben “The Grape Whisperer” Solorzano. The palate starts with a burnt coffee touch, set against fine-grained tannins that are structural but soft, and then come cassis, cola spice and black-cherry-liqueur flavors.
Deep blackberry syrup, chipped slate and sharp black-plum skins show on the nose of this bottling. The tannins are very chalky and a bit overwhelming on the palate at first, but then open to reveal zesty but dense blackberry fruit and a touch of peppercorn. A solid choice now, it will be even better in a couple years.
Deep blue and black-fruit and spice aromas lead to a soft silky palate loaded with fruit flavors. It's a perfect example of the approachability of this vintage.
Deep blueberry and blackcurrant aromas waft off this bottling, as do scents of oak smoke and beef char. It's thick in the glass, with sticky tannins and strong acidity that present flavors of boisterous blackberry, tar, pepper, dark chocolate and dried herbs.
Deep blueberry and coffee notes meet with Christmas spices and gingerbread on the nose of this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah, two grapes that really want to go together. It's woody on the palate, with cedar spice and cigar-box touches giving depth to the blackberry-syrup flavor. Firm tannins keep it upright.
Deep blueberry fruit, sweet tobacco, chocolate syrup and minty lift show on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard to the far south of Paso. An almost overwhelming, eye-watering acidity presents intense flavors of baked blackberry and dried herbs.
Deep blueberry, prune and dried purple aromas are made even more delicious by hints of bacon fat on this blend of 60% Petite Sirah, 30% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre and 1% Grenache. The vintner lives in the historic Uvas Valley between Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Purple fruit juiciness is balanced by a sharp licorice edge, framed by judicious acidity and tannins.
Deep blueberry, wet slate, chocolate and touches of herbs and olive show on the very reserved nose of this bottling, which still needs some time to evolve in the bottle. The acidity is bright, almost searing. and the tannins are nicely sticky, showing zesty flavors of pressed blackberry fruit.
Deep blush in the glass, this wine has aromas of white peach and rose petal. It is full in the mouth, with flavors of nectarine, clementine and lavender. Soft floral notes enhance the bright finish.
Deep brick-red in color, this wine leads with aromas of stewed black fruits, petrol and green pepper. Flavors of cherry preserves, smoked meat, vanilla and a pop of tart cherry make their way across the palate, encased in silky tannins. The finish is simultaneously cool and bright.
Deep brown in color, this is a full-bodied, supersweet, thickly textured wine. Scents of rancio and maple sugar waft from the glass, while the flavors are brighter and fresher than expected, adding hints of citrus to the dark molasses and mocha notes.
Deep burgundy in color, Felluga's interesting Moscato Rosa would make a good companion to stewed prunes or chocolate with cooked pears. The wine is easygoing and simple with aromas of blueberry and strawberry jam. Wood flavors come in at the rear to create a good balance between sweetness and tangy spice.
Deep but elegant lilac and rose petal aromas meet loamy soil, river stone and tangy cranberry on the nose of this bottling from this historic vineyard. There is great depth to its flavors—a layering of dark raspberry thyme, anise and dill—while showing plenty of turned earth notes throughout.
Deep but not showy aromas of velvety lilacs, concentrated blackberry and river rocks pop on the nose of this blend of 42% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre and 7% Counoise. Rounded purple-fruit flavors mesh with a silky, earthy texture on the palate, with olallieberry, caramel and a slow rising acidity.
Deep but reticent on the nose, with somewhat muted cherry and blackberry aromas. Plum and black-fruit flavors come prior to a dark, mouth-filling finish that's properly tannic and entirely substantive. For a mid-price Rioja there's depth, and beyond that the flavors and feel are clean and attractive.
Deep cassis aromas, a touch of licorice, and menthol notes on the nose open to a palate of black-currant and cocoa flavors in this well-balanced, medium-weight wine. Nicely structured, it finishes with good length and moderate tannins; can be cellared a few years. Best Buy.
Deep cherry-red in the glass, this wine proffers a bouquet of strawberry, coffee bean and anise. It is very bright for a red wine and a touch tart, with flavors of cranberry, eucalyptus and mocha. Almost imperceptible tannins linger through the zesty finish.
Deep cherry, sagebrush and cola are laid across wet slate and purple flowers on a complex nose in this appellation-wide blend from Richard Sanford's team. Crushed wild herbs, like mint, sage, thyme and pine needle are prominent on the palate, backed up by a splash of red fruit.
Deep color and complex aromas like dark chocolate and cedar lead to ripe, concentrated and tastefully dry berry and cherry flavors in this Rhône-style blend. The mouthfeel is firm with tannins but polished.
Deep color and intense, deep fruit flavors along with a good tannic structure mark this full-bodied wine as one to appreciate and age. The texture is fine grained, dry and layered, with concentrated black cherry, smoke, clove and cedar flavors that unfold slowly on the palate and finish. While tempting now, this will be best after 2022.
Deep color and lots of concentration make this full-bodied wine stand out. It has smoky, black-peppery aromas along with ripe but not sweet blackberry and black-cherry flavors. Firm tannins add texture. This boldness needs rich food for a pairing.
Deep color, bold fruit aromas and substantial, spicy flavors lend significant power and concentration to this full-bodied wine. It's nearly dry, well structured and balanced, with appealing blackberry, nutmeg and cinnamon flavors.
Deep color, dark-fruit flavors and a dense layer of fine-grained tannins make this full-bodied wine palate-coating. It feels firm and structured, tastes ripe and satisfying, and will continue to improve with age. It will be best after 2019.
Deep color, firm tannins and a fine-grained texture set this wine apart. It smells fresh and sophisticated, with bright cranberry and rich black-cherry notes shaded by cinnamon and nutmeg. This should stand up to the richest rack of lamb and age well, too. It's tempting to drink now, but should improve through at least 2018.
Deep color, vivid oak, smoky aromas, and rich clove and blackberry flavors. It's full bodied, smoothly tannic in texture and has a lingering finish.
Deep colored, wood aged Malbec that gives powerful and dense tannins and concentrated black berry and plum flavors. The wine is deeply mineral, edging on austere, but still packed with richness for the future. Keep 3–4 years.
Deep complexity is the first quality you'll notice in this wine. Dig deep to encounter penetrating notes of black cherry, nutty apple flavors, rose petals, crème brûlèe, carob powder, leather, exotic spice and dark chocolate. This is a wine painted in big brush strokes, with a vibrant personality, succulent tannins and great length. Pair it with roasted duck or grilled red meat.
Deep concentration and color set the stage and are followed by warm tones of black cherry, spice, leather, molasses, maple syrup and tobacco. This Riserva, with 5% Merlot, has a plush, velvety edge that is backed by nicely formed tannins and a chewy, succulent texture.
Deep concentration and intensity set the tone, and the wine reveals layers of cherry fruit, blackberry, leather, spice, vanilla and liquid smoke. It's a modern blockbuster with juicy fruit flavors, enormous succulence, a velvety mouthfeel and long lasting flavors.
Deep cool aromas of cola and toast blend with sweeter notes of maple and blackberry on this lush full-bodied Malbec. Flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, coffee, mocha and black pepper finish nicely on a well-cut, well-proportioned finish. Drink through 2020.
Deep dark berry aromas come with notes of vanilla, gritty spice and tobacco. Hard tannins require cushion and this has just enough to handle things. Blackberry, cassis, barrel spice and molasses flavors finish with savory oak notes, chocolate and lingering blackberry fruit. Drink through 2030.
Deep dark black fruit is seasoned in big bold flavors of graphite, dried herb and chocolate. Full bodied and robustly ripe, this wine has a touch of heat to it, finishing in a smack of leather and tar.
Deep earth, tobacco and dark plums on the nose, and a lovely cool note. Dark fruit on the palate keeps that cool profile going. The flavorful finish rolls on and on, not missing a beat, with beautiful black fruit and espresso notes. An appealing black beauty, best after three years and out through 2010.
Deep elderberry and Concord-grape fruit tones are cut by cigar box and cedar galore on the nose of this bottling that employs all five red Bordeaux varieties. That woodiness dominates the palate, where juniper and pine sap meet with crushed espresso bean and graphite in the tightly wound structure.
Deep garnet-purple in the glass, this opens with aromas of dried cherry, saddle leather and forest floor. It has flavors of pomegranate, tart cherry and Portobello mushroom, and a pleasant splash of brightness in the finish.
Deep garnet in color, this blend has aromas of cherry cola, black cherry and butterscotch. This smooth, well-balanced wine offers flavors of blueberry, black cherry, caramel, toffee and Chinese five-spice powder. Almost imperceptible tannins yield to an invigorating finish with a touch of caramel.
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a bouquet of elderberry, raspberry, and lilac. It is slightly too tart, with flavors of cherry and pomegranate that are boosted by notes of eucalyptus that recede during the zesty finish.
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a nose marked by black cherry and blackberry scents. It's soft on entry but brightens as it washes across the palate, offering blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. Velvety tannins persist into the zesty, cranberry-tinged finish.
Deep garnet in color, with dark amber highlights. There's loads of intensity here, with ripe, syrupy fruit, blackberry preserves, prune and dark plum. On the savory side, the wine presents an even succession of leather, tobacco and cedar. It's soft, generous and thickly textured on the luscious finish.
Deep garnet in the glass, this has a nose of blackberry and vanilla. Flavors of blackberry, eucalyptus, tart cherry and white chocolate are well balanced, with a mix of fruity and savory notes. Tannins are mostly smooth with a touch of grip. The finish combines a pleasing blend of eucalyptus and tart cherry flavors.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine delivers aromas of black cherry and chocolate. There is a good mix of fruit and savory flavors in a bed of chewy tannins, featuring blackberry, plum, white chocolate, tobacco and anise. Bright fruit and light spice carry into the lingering finish.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a heady bouquet of black cherry, mocha and lavender. It is full in the mouth with supple tannins and a surprisingly refreshing acid backbone. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, espresso, chocolate and anise culminate in a cool, lingering finish with a soft floral lift.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a nose of blackberry and roasting meat. It offers a sophisticated mélange of flavors, in particular ripe red cherry, smoke, roasting meat, cranberry and light spice with a hint of brambles. It is very bright on entry, but tannins sneak up and then linger on the gums beyond a smooth finish that is punctuated by a touch of smoke.
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine offers a tight nose of black cherry before filling the mouth with flavors of blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and lavender. Soft tannins that are slow to make their presence known persist into the bright cherry finish.
Deep garnet to the eye, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah offers a rich bouquet of cassis, cherry preserves and lightly buttered toast. Tannins are strong but acidity holds its own among flavors of cherry, blackberry, menthol, pipe tobacco, and dried sage. The finish is marked by a nice tart cranberry note and lingering tannins.
Deep garnet to the eye, this Rhone-style blend has a nose of cherry and aniseed. Flavors of cherry, blueberry preserves, fennel bulb, anise and violet are set in a framework of smooth tannins that gently coats the mouth beyond the bright finish.
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine has a nose of strawberry and tart cherry with a hint of resin. Flavors of cherry, pomegranate, eucalyptus, anise and a soft touch of leather are suspended in a web of well-moderated tannins. Expect a lasting sense of coolness with a burst of brightness on the finish.
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine offers a nose of black cherry, cassis and butterscotch. It is a soft and easy-drinking red, with flavors of tart cherry, cranberry, white chocolate and pencil lead. Surprisingly deft tannins float on the palate into a bright pomegranate finish.
Deep garnet to the eye, this wine offers fragrances of black cherry, cranberry and espresso. A net of soft tannins plays host to flavors of strawberry, cherry, white chocolate and Thai basil. The finish is a balancing act between smooth and bright sensations on the palate.
Deep gold color. Quite evolved aromas of citrus marmalade, truffles and a strong earthy minerality. full-bodied with broad, earthy flavors, ripe tropical fruit and hints of honey. Rich, quite viscous texture that lacks a little acidity. Moderately long, warm finish with a hint of sweetness.
Deep gold in color, this is a big, dense, rather high-alcohol wine (11.5%) for a kabinett, with honeyed flavors of Golden Delicious apples, dried apricots and candied pineapple. Yet because of the elevated alcohol level, it's not that sweet, finishing on the dry side, with firm acids.
Deep gold in color, this vineyard designate is oaky, with gingerbread, caramel and canned pineapple flavors. It's full, unctuous and creamy on the palate.
Deep gold in color, this wine opens with a whiff of caramelized apple, mango and pineapple, following through with a richness of those flavors. Robust with a backdrop of chiseled minerality, it's brawny, full-bodied and brisk.
Deep gold in color, this wood-aged wine made from Moscatel Galego grapes is unctuously rich and concentrated. The 40 years in wood have given it depth and density, balancing spicy flavors with hints of honey and apricot. An orange peel note finishes the beautiful combination. Drink now.
Deep gold in color. Complex nose, very earthy, savory, minerally aromas showing some evolution. Rich, viscous and broad across the palate with a strong savory, almost vegetal palette of flavors, some spice. Slightly lacking in freshness and fruit. Full-bodied with a warm, round finish.
Deep gold in the glass, this sweet Furmint has scents of apricot, canned peaches, and honeycomb. Peach and apricot continue on the taste buds, along with gratifying accents of toffee and clover honey. It is marked by bright acidity that is enhanced rather than diminished by a fresh caramel finish.
Deep gold, fully ripened and rich with tropical fruits, melon and peach, this is a wine for hedonistic palates and near-term consumption. The moderate acids and slightly elevated alcohol suggest that drinking it over the next couple of years will bring maximum enjoyment.
Deep gold, the color of honey, picked at 53° brix, this is unbelievably dense and concentrated. Yet with the acidity in place, this wine has balance, support, and depth. It's not a fat, sugary blob. This drinks like a Canadian icewine. Honey, tropical fruits, candied orange, butterscotch, butter and toasted nuts—it just keeps on going.
Deep golden-yellow in the glass, this wine offers honeyed, candied aromas of mango, crystallized vanilla and golden raisin. It's thick and unctuous on the palate, with more honey, spun sugar, honeysuckle and fruit-nectar flavors that are delicious, but would be aided by a boost of acidity.
Deep golden notes of honey, stone fruit and acacia flower open this beautifully luminous blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Riesling. The wine has a creamy, rich personality and brightens the palate with its crisp, almost steely freshness.
Deep golden straw in color, with modest aromas of struck flint and pear. The flavors are reminiscent of buttery, honeyed pears, yet stay tart from start to finish. Perplexing.
Deep in color and dramatically smoky in flavor, this full-bodied wine is not at all shy. It tastes fruity, saturated, nicely tannic and very oaky. Charred meat, black pepper and espresso impressions wind through the generous black cherry and blackberry notes.
Deep in color and light to medium in body, this bold red tastes juicy, fresh and inviting. Substantial tannins give it a good astringency to help it pair well with rich foods. An appetizing blend of red and black fruit flavors make it compelling to drink. It shows good balance between richness, firm texture and good acidity.
Deep in color and lushly scented, this wine speaks of moist earth, dark chocolate and black cherry. While the start is promising, the palate falters a bit as the wine thins out and quickly loses its fruit.
Deep in color for an '01, with sweet aromas of vanilla, tobacco, leather and hickory. The palate is endowed with big berry fruit and flavors directed by wood spice, and the tannic level is just right given the wine's midterm age. With licorice, resin and additional hickory on the finish, 7 Viñas (vineyards) is one of Baron de Ley's better efforts.
Deep in color, big in flavor and full bodied, this is a rustic, straightforward wine. It smells like very ripe blackberry and black cherry, tastes dense and feels full, tannic and firm-textured.
Deep in color, this rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon lacks zip and zest on a lazy nose. A chunky, grabby mouthfeel gives off the sensation of grape skins, while this tastes a bit foxy and herbal, with little to no fruit character.
Deep in color, with raisiny, fully ripe and heavy aromas. Feels tannic, extracted and rubbery, but amid the weight and bite there's black plum, pepper and coffee flavors. Finishes with drawing tannins and a dark wave of toasty flavor. A big wine with mouthfeel issues.
Deep mahogany. Dried fig and black tea on the nose, then concentrated mocha and molasses flavors, enlivened by candied orange zest. Full, rich and sweet, but surprisingly drinkable, with terrific intensity and length.
Deep mauve to light red in color, this bottling conveys rustic aromas of smoked berries, blood and leather on the nose. Smashed wild berries and dried strawberries show on the sip, which also shows some brick and meat flavors. The chalky tannins keep it intriguing.
Deep notes of elderberry and pepper meet with roasted lamb on the somewhat reductive nose of this bottling. The structure is a bit rigid at this early date, giving a lengthy frame to flavors of deep purple fruit, brown baking spices and a touch of vanilla.
Deep olallieberry-pie aromas meet with lilac, vanilla and brown sugar on the very accessible nose of this bottling. It's somewhat thin on the palate, but quite grippy and refreshing, with flavors of dried plums, marjoram and lavender.
Deep old gold in color, this wine speaks of its years in wood. While it has retained its fruit, it has also rich toast, sultanas and considerable sweetness that is balanced by the intense acidity at the back. It's a beautiful wine, ready to drink like any aged tawny.
Deep orange, almost amber in color, this boasts aromas of candied tangerine zest, ginger, mineral and a balsamic note. The aromas carry over to the palate along with white pepper, berry, apricot and anise, all offset with bright acidity. It's still fresh. Drink through 2021.
Deep penetrating sour-cherry and raspberry flavors are balanced against brisk blood-orange acidity in this dry Pinot Noir rosé. Full bodied and slightly silky on the palate, it's a satisfyingly mouthfilling but invigorating wine to enjoy now through the fall months.
Deep pink and nearing mauve in color, this juicy blush shows watermelon Jolly Rancher candy, warm strawberry, and lemon butter on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and voluptuous, with lime-laced pomegranate fruit, a touch of brown spice and a consistent acidic sizzle that rides the whole sip.
Deep pink in color, this blend of 42% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 11% Cinsaut, 11% Mourvèdre and 6% Counoise offers light strawberry and pomegranate aromas on the tightly wound nose. Bountiful, refreshing acidity powers the palate, but the flavors are sparse, just hinting at sour raspberry and pomegranate.
Deep pink in color, this gently fruity wine has too much caramel flavor. It offers red currant fruit at the end and attractive acidity.
Deep pink in color, this is a caramel-flavored, heavy wine. It is fat, very full and bitter at the end.
Deep pink in color, this warm and rich rosé is touched with spice and tannin as well as red currant fruits and a crisp acidity on the finish. The wine could improve further with some bottle age.
Deep pink in the glass, this wine has a nose of strawberries and freesia. It is full in the mouth, with flavors of strawberry, tart cranberry, bitter almond and lavender. Soft but ever-present tannins are felt through the tart but pleasant finish.
Deep plum and sweet tobacco leaf aromas mesh with sour and candied blueberry in this layered and luxurious wine from Petite Sirah specialists MCV. The palate is pleasantly broad, with chocolate and smoked cactus flavors, reminiscent of tequila. Both the tannins and acidity are proper and smooth.
Deep purple fruit aromas of dried blackberries and pressed plums benefit from a fresh dill edge as well as a umami element on the nose of this wine from the Rice family, which started making wine in 1990. The acidity and alcohol combine for a tongue-tantalizing sip, with flavors of black cherries and dark herbs.
Deep purple fruits swirl with marjoram and clove on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling by winemaker Jeff Fink. There's darkness on the palate too, with black loamy flavors alongside sour cherry fruit leather and cardamom-spiced raspberry juice.
Deep purple fruits, black sage, big cherry and woody spices arise from this wine by Adam Lee, who recently sold to Jackson Family Wines but will remain in charge. The palate shows crushed clove and allspice, licorice, graphite and more dark fruit flavors.
Deep purple in color, and soupy on the nose, with a strong hint of lemon. The palate is almost astringent due to elevated acidity, thus the balance of this Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon-Bonarda blend is sketchy. Tastes more like grape juice than fine wine, with a hollow, tangy finish.
Deep purple in color, spicy berry aromas open on the nose of this mint-laden Merlot. Lush, core flavors of blackberry and plum show a saucy green pepper quality on the finish.
Deep purple in color, this bottling by John and Helen Falcone expertly balances the richness of ripe fruit from eastern Paso with the savory and spiciness provided by Syrah. Blackberry, black pepper, tar and lilac show on the nose, while the palate upholds those elements with persistent acidity and soft yet upright tannins. It's ready to drink right now, but will last for years as well.
Deep purple in color, this cool-vintage Syrah excels via smooth cherry, cassis, cedar and charcoal aromas. A full-bodied palate is balanced by firm acidity, while plum, berry, cassis and chocolate flavors finish in harmony. Drink through 2020.
Deep purple in color, this Itata Valley blend of Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha is concentrated, cool and rubbery smelling, with underlying cassis and blackberry aromas. High acidity yields a scratchy mouthfeel, while flavors of lactic oak and saucy black plum finish short and choppy, with unabsorbed tartaric acidity. Drink through 2018.
Deep purple in color, with a dense, compact bouquet showing ripe blackberry, density and heat. Full-force on the palate, with drying tannins along with prune, blackberry, licorice and peppery flavors. Serious and tannic, with richness, extract and power.
Deep purple in color, with an inky nose that brings licorice and jammy black fruit aromas. This is a lush, soft-bodied style of Syrah with a meaty mouthfeel and candied, jammy flavors of blackberry and stewed black cherry. Finishes sweet and chocolaty; could use a bit more structure and spine.
Deep purple in color, with grapy aromas of blackberry mixed with Graham cracker, this feels big, fat and syrupy. Black plum and blackberry flavors finish thick and jammy. Hailing from a hot year, this lacks definition but piles it on with ripe black-fruit flavors and weight.
Deep purple in color, with jammy boysenberry aromas, this smells like it has a burnt topping. Formless on the palate, this is mostly a big, extracted, scattered Malbec that's grapy and dark but devoid of complexities.
Deep purple in color, with roasted, rubbery aromas of wild blackberry. Thick, lush and rich in the mouth, with mellow tannins (for a Priorat wine) and big, broad flavors of plum, blackberry and herbs. Smooth on the finish, with black tea notes and leftover oak. Has a lot going for it; drink now through 2012.
Deep purple, it explodes into lush fruit flavors of tangy boysenberry, blackberry, black cherry and cassis, with a smoky black licorice streak woven through. The tannin management is exceptional here––firm and substantial, without any bitter or green aspect. This is a supple, powerful and ageworthy wine with depth and muscle unusual in this price range.
Deep purple, this riveting Malbec melds dark red and blue fruits to the grip and texture of ripe Yakima Valley tannins. Think clean earth lightly dusted with chocolate, and you have the finish. A powerful wine with excellent cellar potential.
Deep purple/black in color, this wine carries varietal scents of violets and cassis, with fresh and focused flavors following. The mix of black cherry, black licorice, chalk and tobacco is complex and powerful, and that power and balance continue through the long finish.
Deep raspberry, plump cranberry and licorice show on the nose of this well-constructed wine. A prominent cranberry spice hits the front of the palate and carries all the way into the finish, along with a bit of pencil shavings.
Deep red-cherry aromas meet with crushed slate, wet rocks, wild mint and bay leaf on the complex nose of this bottling by Richard and Thekla Sanford and winemaker Nick de Luca. It's soft on the sip, with slightly tart red plum, cranberry and raspberry, lifted by more bay leaf, thyme and dried fennel.
Deep red-violet in color, this features a bouquet of cherry, Delicious apple and juniper. It is bright on entry, with flavors of black cherry and red plum that are overtaken by notes of clove and tar with a touch of iodine. Smooth tannins persist into a bright lingering finish with a hint of smoke.
Deep red-violet in color, this wine has a bouquet of raspberry, strawberry and lavender. It is complex but eminently pleasing on the palate, with chewy tannins and flavors of blackberry, leather, smoke, chocolate and coffee and a soft touch of iodine on the tenacious finish.
Deep red-violet in color, this wine offers aromas of blackberry and green bell pepper. It is round in the mouth, with flavors of black cherry, roasted red pepper and juniper berry. Velvety tannins give way to a slightly savory but blindingly bright finish.
Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a nose of black cherry, smoked meat and a hint of green pepper. It is a well-balanced wine with sturdy tannins and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, anisette, violet and ground black pepper. The finish is characterized by a touch of orange peel and a sense of salinity.
Deep red-violet to the eye, this wine has a well-defined nose of blueberry pie and flint. There is a good mix of tart fruit and spice, with flavors of blueberry, cranberry, black pepper, anise and smoked meat cavorting amidst very soft tannins. The smooth finish is characterized by flavors of smoke and orange zest.
Deep red fruit is at the core of this nicely balanced, no-frills Merlot. A fine every-day red, with enough muscle to qualify as almost Cabernet-like.
Deep red plum, dried rose, lavender and oak smoke show on the nose of this bottling from Rick Longoria's estate vineyard, while it also offers a sanguine, feral quality. The palate continues the intrigue, its dried seaweed and wild sagebrush notes giving nuance to the tart strawberry and cranberry fruit.
Deep red rose and violet florals meld with cooked meats and ripe raspberry on the nose. It's a bit dainty on the palate but full of texture, with lingering vanilla elements, some light mocha and impressive tannic grip for a 2012.
Deep red violet in color, this wine has a bouquet of blueberries and mountainside herbs. It is fresh on the palate, with soft tannins dominated by flavors of black cherry, strawberry, cranberry, thyme and orange zest. There is a nice play of berries and roasting herbs lingering on the soft finish.
Deep red violet in the glass, this wine has a nose of blueberry and coffee bean. The bold flavor of black cherry holds its own against notes of white chocolate, smoke and eucalyptus. Grippy tannins hold sway on the palate right through the enduring smoky finish.
Deep red violet to the eye, this wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, pomegranate and orange zest. There is a sensation of coolness dominating fruit, with flavors of blackberry, pomegranate, menthol, clove and orange zest. It is a bit chewy on the palate; the strong tannins are crying out to be served alongside grilled lamb or beef.
Deep rich black cherry and berry flavors burst with ripeness from nose to finish in this boldly structured Cab. It's chock full of dense luscious black fruit but nuanced with Old World tones of earth, mushroom and hay. Straight-edged acidity and penetrating tannins lock in a firm, savory finish.
Deep ruby in color and with aromas of cherry and butterscotch, this wine has flavors of black cherry, lemon zest, thyme and mint. Heady tannins endure through the smooth yet unpredictably zippy finish.
Deep ruby in color, this wine has a nose of black cherry and green bell pepper. The well-balanced flavor profile features notes of cherry, strawberry, smoked meat, Mediterranean herbs and eucalyptus. A network of generous tannins supports a persistent sensation of brightness on the side palate and smoky notes across the center of the tongue.
Deep ruby in color, this wine offers aromas of cherry, blackberry and tobacco. Generous and round in the mouth, it has flavors of black cherry and pipe tobacco with an evenly weighted balance of velvety tannins and bright acidity.
Deep ruby in color, with aromas of black cherry, chocolate and sage, this blend has enticing flavors of blackberry, cherry, salted caramel and menthol. Fruit and savory tones are well integrated alongside smooth tannins, and the bright finish shows a lasting note of menthol. Fine Terroir Selections, Misa Imports.
Deep ruby in the glass, it offers aromas of black cherry and butterscotch. Smooth, seamless tannins encase flavors of black cherry, cherry cola, herbes du Provence and orange zest. The well-integrated flavors hold on through the smooth finish, which is punctuated by a closing burst of mint.
Deep ruby in the glass, this aptly-named wine has a nose of black cherry and aniseed. Slightly grippy tannins and strong acidity stand at the core of blueberry, raspberry, anisette and peppermint flavors. Touches of mint and orange zest make an impression on the taste buds well into the enduring finish.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, saddle leather and vanilla. It offers flavors of blackberry, black plum and fresh forest mushroom suspended in a cloud-like structure of silky tannins.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of black currant, flint and bell pepper. A restrained tannic structure supports flavors of blackberry, damson plum, elderberry, violet and espresso with an added touch of bramble. The finish is marked by a note of fresh summer plum.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of blackberry, anise, and smoked meat. Smooth tannins wrap around flavors of black cherry, fennel bulb, green pepper and eucalyptus. A touch of smoke makes its presence known on the bright finish.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of fruits of the wood and smoke. It offers a sophisticated medley of fruit and savory flavors, in particular blackberry, raspberry, tobacco and leather. Firm tannins coat the mouth but do not overpower the palate, allowing for a surprisingly bright finish.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of cassis and strawberry. It is bright at first sip, but chalky tannins quickly make their presence known amidst flavors of black cherry, anise and juniper berry that come to a head in a pleasantly bitter apple-peel finish.
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine offers aromas of cherry cola, espresso and black cherry. Black plum flavors are enhanced by a medley of spice including cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. A strong network of tannins lingers on the palate into the persistent finish. Called Kekfrankos in Hungary, this grape is more commonly known as Blaufränkisch.
Deep ruby pink in color, this wine begins with a nuanced nose, mixing the fun of grape soda with the elegance of purple flowers. On the palate, it's a tad boozy for pink wine, but the flavors of cherry and currant stand out in front of the alcohol. It would make a nice companion for a dish with ample flavors and actual warmth, such as chicken soup or a tuna melt.
Deep ruby red to the eye, this red wine has a nose of cherry, pomegranate and lemon peel. It comes on bright, offering flavors of cherry, peach, eucalyptus, rose petal and pencil lead. Velvety tannins coat the palate into a finish that is a luscious mélange of cherry and orange zest with a touch of mint.
Deep ruby to the eye, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot has a bouquet of coffee and black currant preserves. It offers a frankly gorgeous interplay between fruit and cool herbal flavors, with black cherry joined on the palate by licorice, eucalyptus, butterscotch and flint. The drawn-out finish offers a surprisingly bright burst that inspires taking the next sip.
Deep ruby to the eye, this blend of Öküzgözü and Bogazkere has a heady aroma of cassis and baking spices. It opens with a volley of acidity backed by solid tannins. Flavors of cherry, cassis, anisette and black pepper with a touch of rose are set in a web of long-lasting tannins. A touch of tartness on the finish keeps the tannins from stealing the entire show.
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of black plum and cherry with a touch of iodine. A network of gentle tannins provides the backdrop for flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cranberry, smoked meat, vanilla and lavender. There is a hint of smoke on the otherwise fruit-filled finish.
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine has a nose of fruits of the wood with a hint of roasted tomato. Tannins are surprisingly soft considering the depth of flavor, most notably black cherry, cranberry and smoke with touches of saddle leather. Velvety tannins cascade toward a finish that is equal parts bright and smoky.
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine has an intriguing nose of cherry, rose and fennel bulb. It is soft in the mouth yet it fills the entire palate with flavors of cherry, pomegranate, fennel bulb and white chocolate. Light yet ever-present tannins continue into the soft finish.
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine made with native Turkish variety Kalecik Karasi has a nose of blackberry, cherry and caramel. Barely-there tannins and a pleasing vein of acidity offer a backdrop for flavors of black cherry, cranberry, white chocolate and orange peel that remain on the palate through the zippy finish.
Deep ruby to the eye, this wine offers rich aromas of cherry, black licorice and orange rind and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, anisette and eucalyptus. Long-lasting tannins coat the mouth but there is always a sense of fresh fruit on the palate and a brightness that lingers right into the satisfying finish.
Deep salmon in color, this pink sparkler from Norm Yost of Flying Goat offers nectarine, strawberry, mandarin zest and lees aromas on the nose. The palate is tangy, with hints of cranberry-orange juice and tangerine rind.
Deep salmon in color, this wine offers a bouquet of cantaloupe and nectarine. It is bright on entry, with full mouthfeel and flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and white peach that culminate in a bright citrus finish.
Deep smells of sagebrush, cherry and herbed mushroom sauce lead the nose in Adam Lee's take on Rosella's Vineyard. The wine is rich and soft on the palate, with sour cherry, roasted tomatoes and a slightly bitter, tannic finish framed by espresso. Serve with thinly sliced roasted beef.
Deep straw in color, this blend of 60% Viognier, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay reveals little more than aromas of citrus. It is somewhat stiff on the palate, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, guava and walnut. There is a touch of slivered almond and a quick splash of lemon that help to brighten up the finish.
Deep straw in color, this low alcohol (6%) wine has a nose of lime sorbet, lilac and orange blossom. It offers flavors of lime sorbet, white peach, honey, orange blossom and Turkish delight. It is sweet but not overly so, with a nice touch of tartness on the finish. Consider pairing it with creamy desserts or fruit tarts.
Deep straw in color, this semi-sweet wine made from an indigenous Georgian grape has an aroma characterized by soft hints of apple. It is harmonious in the mouth, with flavors of ripe apple, white peach and apricot that meld into a finish marked by persistent floral sweetness.
Deep straw to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of lemon curd and apricot. Slightly savory flavors of pear, apricot, lavender and thyme are joined in the finish by the faintest hint of sweetness and a floral note.
Deep straw to the eye, this wine offers a clean nose of ripe seckel pear. There is a nice interplay between fruit and floral notes, with flavors of pear, butterscotch and white flowers. The lengthy finish features a mix of smooth tannins and bright fruit and floral notes.
Deep strawberry, blackberry, black olive and oregano show on the nose of this bottling that comes from a vineyard 1,100 feet above the town of Saratoga. The 100% American oak treatment makes for a savory sip, with bay leaf, white pepper, cracked peppercorn and olive, all bone dry and mouth-drying in tannins.
Deep veins of citrus—white grapefruit, lemon and lime—pulsate through this vibrant, spine-tingling Riesling. It's delicately framed, glazed by a sheen of honey and hibiscus nectar, yet remarkably complex, touched by pollen and dusty mineral tones. Juicy and thirst quenching yet deeply satisfying.
Deep veins of slate and crushed mineral drive this concentrated Riesling. Dry in style with a slightly voluptuous mouthfeel, it showcases pristine layers of white peach, nectarine and lime flavors, enveloped in minerality. It's beautiful already but likely to improve further from 2021, holding well for at least another decade beyond.
Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has a nose of cherry, strawberry and toffee. It is a bit sharp at first sip, with flavors of tart cherry, lingonberry, thyme and white chocolate. Tannins are very soft on entry but gradually coat the entire palate.
Deep violet and lavender flowers mesh with soy, beef char, uncrushed peppercorns, asphalt, mocha and black sesame on the nose of this bottling. The mouthfeel is medium weight and bursting with energetic acidity, offering flavors of pepper and bright boysenberry that would complement any barbecue or burger.
Deep violet red in the glass, this wine has a nose of black cherry, herbes de Provence and lavender. It is very smooth on entry, with flavors of black cherry, white chocolate, anisette and violet. Velvety tannins do not overstay their welcome, making way for a licorice and orange-tinged finish.
Deep violet red to the eye, this wine made from native Turkish variety Öküzgözü offers fragrances of raspberry, cranberry and lavender. Tannins are velvety smooth, and it is more weighty than it initially feels due to its pervasive freshness and brightness. Flavors of black cherry, vanilla, anisette, eucalyptus and black pepper cavort on the palate into the fresh yet lingering finish.
Deep violet red to the eye, this wine offers fragrances of raspberry and vanilla. It has a silky mouthfeel as well as a pleasantly easy-drinking quality, with flavors of cherry, Dr Pepper, pomegranate seeds and eucalyptus that carry on into the bright and satisfying finish.
Deep violet to the eye, this blend of Syrah, Barbera and Petit Verdot has a nose of black cherry and cranberry with a touch of green pepper. It has a bit of a bite on entry, with flavors of tart cherry and raspberry joined by notes of caramel and espresso. It is smooth on the palate, with touches of cherry and freshly ground coffee on the finish.
Deep yellow in color, scents of chamomile, daffodil, yellow lilies, toasted Marcona almonds, vanilla and a touch of paraffin show on the nose, while the palate starts rather fat with cooked apples, poached pears and a sea-salt caramel. But an orange-peel sharpness keeps it tight all the way into the long butterscotch finish.
Deep yellow in color. This has a somewhat closed nose with hints of hay, yellow fruit and honey. The fairly low acidity magnifies the full body, round midpalate and creamy texture. A well-integrated note of buttered toast nods to the use of some new oak. This wine is for hearty poultry and polenta dishes.
Deep, alluring aromas of blackberry and cassis are youthful and thus a bit animal and wild. In the mouth, this young CS is chunky, rubbery and dense. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and black coffee are on the dark side, while the finish offers a meaty, substantive feel, tons of lasting fruit flavor, and a touch of heat and burn that will fade away with more time in bottle. Best from 2016–2022.
Deep, attractive aromas of blackberry, cassis, prune and toast are what Toro is known for. This is intense on the palate but in good balance, with strong but tolerable tannins. Blackberry, cassis, black cherry and toasty flavors finish with an iron grip. Drink from 2018–2028.
Deep, black-colored wine, firm, serious and still young. It has power and concentration, dark berry fruits, herbal and spice flavors and a core of wood. This is a wine for long-term aging to soften the tannins.
Deep, compact and rich on the nose, with a big dose of ripe berry aromas. The palate is healthy and blends a beefy, muscular body with balancing acids and firm but ripe tannins. Tastes pretty and sweet, like blackberry or plum pie. Chewy and chocolaty on the finish; overall it's a winner.
Deep, dark and charred on the nose, this features campfire and black cherry aromas. It feels fresh, alert and snappy for being so dark and ripe, with blackberry and padded oak flavors. It's layered and a touch creamy on the finish. A modern, powerful Malbec to drink now–2016.
Deep, dark and instantly compelling, this powerful wine features black cherry and cassis fruit adorned with clove, citrus, cardamom, nougat and mocha. The chewy tannins and overall tightness suggest that further cellaring will continue to improve it. Drink 2016 through 2030.
Deep, dark and oaky smelling, with tons of mocha on top of ripe black fruit aromas. There's both heft and elegance to this wine, that and coffee, spice and exotic black fruit flavors. Finishes toasty and spicy, with a rich, chunky, structured feel. Impressive; drink now through 2013.
Deep, dark and tannic, this pits black cherry and cassis fruit against thickly applied oak. They wrestle to a stand-off, just about equally matched. Pair this with grilled, well-seasoned salmon.
Deep, dark blueberry fruit meets with beef char, fudge chocolate and espresso-bean notes on the nose of this blend of 59% Petite Sirah, 15% Syrah, 14% Tannat, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Grenache and 1% Viognier. The rigid tannins need a little more time to open, but the zesty blueberry, blackberry and black-pepper flavors shine across the fresh, sizzling acidity.
Deep, dark concentration sets the tone and segues into pronounced notes of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, root beer and a touch of A-1 steak sauce. It offers grounded, straightforward elegance with plenty of weight and character, finishing with spice, mouthwatering fruit and dusty tannins.
Deep, dark espresso bean, loam and graphite aromas hide any sense of fruit on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers more ripeness, in the form of black cherry, with an added kick of graphite, but the overall impression is quite simple.
Deep, dark, oaky and tannic, this wine opens with powerful aromas of charred barrels and wood smoke. Juicy flavors of blackberry and black cherry follow, with plenty of fine-textured tannins and a lingering finish. It's made from an unusual blend of Petite Verdot and Tannat grapes.
Deep, dense and penetrating on the nose with the power of graphite, blackberry and mocha aromas, La Nieta is a wide-awake, bright wine that's chomping at the bit to get out of the bottle and run. Coffee, mocha and blackberry aromas are oaky for sure, with toast, vanilla and creamy notes driving a long finish. Drink through 2026.
Deep, dense black cherry signals immediately that this is pure, classic Dundee Hills fruit, much of it from Abbey Ridge. Average vine age is 30 years—giving it great penetration and complexity. At first tight and unyielding, it opens with scents of coffee and chocolate, and displays the thick minerality of all the winery's 2012s. Nuanced herbs add a peppery kick to the finish.
Deep, dense raisin, prune and blackberry aromas set up a chunky palate that follows the nose. Blackened, slightly bitter flavors of baked berry fruits and licorice finish with some chop and heat along with a continuation of the wine's licorice flavor.
Deep, dense, compact aromas of black fruits, marzipan and sandalwood are exotic and inviting. This blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc feels flush and layered, while integrated flavors of chocolate, blackberry, spice and oak finish long and woody, but not overly oaky. Drink through 2017.
Deep, dusty slate and smoke tones rim the edges of this sleek, laser-edged Kabinett. It's intensely concentrated in lemon and lime flavors, but darkly mineral as well, finishing on sweet-tart hits of citrus and salt. Delicious now, it should only improve over the next decade.
Deep, dusty wine, tannins dominating the fruit, giving a tough feel. There are some black currant flavors, but only just a hint. This definitely needs time to soften and broaden; give it 4–5 years.
Deep, earthy aromas of cassis and black cherry set up a full, balanced palate with subtle but present acidity. Black plum, blackberry, vanilla and dill flavors finish strong, with savory, saucy tomato notes. This is a classic Ribera wine; drink through 2020.
Deep, earthy, ripe aromas of blackberry, cola and asphalt are potent. This varietal Syrah from Catalonia is fleshy and wide across the palate, with tannic grip and structure. Satisfying, lusty flavors of raspberry, plum and cassis come with peppery spice in front of a meaty, firm finish. Drink 2017–2023.
Deep, golden yellow, this elegant but structured white offers aromas of fragrant white flower, alpine herb, mature pear and exotic fruit. The vibrant, spicy palate doles out crisp green apple, white peach, nectarine, lemon zest, white pepper and a ginger note. It's balanced and fresh, with bright acidity and a long, mineral finish.
Deep, heady aromas of black cherry, gingersnap cookies and black loam show on the nose. Rich and penetrating flavors of blackberry and brown spice are cut with a ripe fruit freshness in this heavy-duty wine with lots of life.
Deep, inviting aromas of cherry, strawberry and cranberry mesh with red licorice, violet and nutmeg on this superbly priced wine. It's a fleshy Pinot, named after a falcon that perches in the vineyard's lone pine tree, with pretty, punch-like flavors of violet, rose and more red fruit.
Deep, lavish and creamy aromas of fudge, espresso, cola, vanilla and perfectly ripe black currants and berrries greet the nose with measured force. The wine lands on the palate with aplomb, framed by silky yet grippy tannins and boasting flavors of espresso, dense blueberry, black peppercorn, bay leaf and pencil shavings. The woody angles will intensify with age; drink 2018–2032.
Deep, layered aromas of smoky honey, lees and the ripest peaches. In the mouth, it's satisfyingly complex: dry, with a huge blast of fruit, honey, spice and a creamy texture. The finish lasts a long time.
Deep, luscious tones of cassis liqueur and black plums persist throughout this bold, fleshy Lemberger. The palate is thick and voluptuous but bright cranberry acidity and a hint of licorice on the finish lend freshness and edge.
Deep, lush aromas of black fruits, graphite and coconut are welcoming and friendly. The mouthfeel is pure and smooth, with elegance and power. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, hard spices and licorice filter into a long, mellow, classy finish. This is a pushy, full-bodied wine that doesn't throw punches; drink through 2020.
Deep, lush black-fruit aromas are warm and horsey. Tight and well built, this ripe Malbec tastes of toasty blackberry blended with chocolate. A smooth, balanced finish with lift and nothing overly heavy or oaky is fitting.
Deep, pungent dark-berry aromas open this round, inviting cherry and raspberry flavored wine. Round and almost overly suave on the palate, it has ample black cherry, chocolate and toast flavors, and closes with a finish sporting dried fruits. The dry, talcum-like tannins allow for early drinking.
Deep, pure blackberry, cassis and minerally aromas are fresh, clean and authentic for Priorat. This is bold, chunky and ripe, with an acidic streak that maintains clarity. Plum and blackberry flavors are a bit woody and herbal, while pepper, mint, menthol and berry flavors drive a flush, satisfying finish. Drink through 2018.
Deep, pure cassis and red berry aromas are integrated and thorough. This Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is racy, tight and hard-driving, with bold berry, pepper, baking spice and chocolate flavors. A toasty, peppery finish is juicy, forward and long. Drink through 2020.
Deep, rich aromas of baked plum, rhubarb pie, star anise, red cinnamon, forest floor and gingerbread show on this nose of this wine from a vineyard planted by the two Garys, Pisoni and Franscioni. The palate is full of baked raspberry and cinnamon-and-clove-spiced cookies, remaining elegant and layered throughout the sip.
Deep, ripe, pure black fruit aromas feature leather and oak accents. The palate has a nice feel and good balance; it's tight, minerally and deals toasty berry, snappy pomegranate and chocolaty spice. Tight as a drum and long on the finish. Drinkable now but better down the road. 65% Garnacha with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Deep, ripe, smooth blackberry, prune, cola and earth aromas are elegant and harmonious. This small-lot Malbec (50 cases made) shows ripeness and freshness on the palate as well as lightly roasted blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. A firm, dry, on-the-money finish is the final note in this wine's well-sung chorus. Drink through 2018.
Deep, rubbery black-fruit aromas suggest prune and cassis along with blackened spices and toasty oak. The wine is flush and bursting with fruit and herbal notes. Cassis and berry flavors settle with blackened toast and menthol. Drink this Bordeaux-style blend through 2019.
Deep, saturated color and chocolate-covered cherry flavor make this wine a treat to drink, but don't expect a traditional dry dinner wine. It's turbocharged with sweetness and has a boisterous but agreeable personality.
Deep, smoky aromas of black fruits are muscular and full. This is well structured and strong, with toast and dark-fruit flavors of blackberry and plum. Spicy, peppery flavors and mild heat drive the finish.
Deep, subtle, earthy aromas of blackberry, mint, coffee and forest mist are cool and collected. This voluminous, dense blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is chewy and deep, and not too fierce. Saturated flavors of blackberry and chocolate finish with rooty berry, chocolate and mocha flavors. Drink from 2017–2025.
Deep, sweet and lusty on the nose, with a hint of animal and whole lot of black fruit. The palate is saturated and jammy, with roasted, ripe berry flavors and a ripe, silky finish. Not hard or tannic in the least, with a spot of Priorat's patented schisty minerality. Drink now through 2015.
Deep, woody, leathery aromas of blackberry and baked plum set up a dense palate that's a touch heavy, with buttery oak notes. Herbal berry, pepper and graphite flavors are woody and finish with notes of green herbs, mint leaf and chocolate.
Deeply brooding notes of crushed violets, rose petals, black cherries, thyme and sagebrush make for a manly take on this often feminine grape. Elderberry fruit shows on the palate, as do more violets and lilacs, dried mint, sagebrush, menthol and pine-needle flavors.
Deeply colored and lightly effervescent, this offers black-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas. The refreshing palate doles out blackberry and cassis flavors, with a note of bitter almond.
Deeply colored and pretty full-bodied, this Rhône blend has off-flavors that are medicinal and vegetative. It's just barely drinkable.
Deeply colored gold, this opens with scents suggesting dried chamomile flower and toasted walnut. The palate is evolved, offering grapefruit and bitter almond alongside racy acidity. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
Deeply colored in gold, this Chardonnay already is showing signs of premature aging. The pineapple and mango fruit is drying out, showing a nutty edge, as in cashews and macadamias. Oak sticks out a bit clumsily.
Deeply colored, aromatic and packed with red fruits, this is a solid, dense wine. Blending Aragonez, Trincadeira and Alfrocheiro normally found in the Dão region, the wine is concentrated and conveys a strong sense of structure. Drink this wine from 2018.
Deeply colored, this bottling shows ripe blackberry pie with caramel, crushed graphite and a touch of mint on the nose. The tannins are soft but provide just enough structure to deliver lavish flavors of black cherry, beef char and cedar.
Deeply colored, this opens with subdued aromas of smoke, pressed wildflower and a whiff of orchard fruit. The vibrant, linear palate offers pear, tangerine, white almond and a mineral note alongside bright acidity. Reflecting the cool, wet vintage, it's refreshing but a bit lean.
Deeply concentrated mulberry, fig and violet aromas arise alongside black pepper, roast beef and lavender on this classically styled bottling from a small part of the Beckmen family's mountaintop vineyard. Flavors are elegantly layered, with dark olallieberry fruit, roasted fennel and gingerbread spice.
Deeply concentrated on the nose with pure black fruit and whiffs of toast and wood, this Merlot packs a lot of bang for the buck. Full bodied and dry, it's mellow but bright, overflowing with cassis and black cherry flavors and a fresh, herbal finish.
Deeply concentrated, with honeyed yellow-peach and tangerine flavors, this is a gorgeously composed wine, with just a hint of sweetness for balance. Notes of cherry blossom and crushed minerals add complexity and depth. It finishes long, with a delicate, lacy sweetness.
Deeply earthy and savory tones juxtapose sunny peach and apricot in this feather-light, off-dry wine. Brisk texture and spine tingling acidity are thirst quenching and fresh. Drink now.
Deeply flavored and impressive, this intensely young, Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend hails from Mount Veeder. It has all the hallmarks of a wine that needs time in the cellar. The sweetly extracted black currant and licorice fruit is massive, and so is the cedary oak, which is 80% new French, while considerable mountain tannins give a hard, astringent mouthfeel. Solidly in the modern Napa style, this opulent wine should improve over the next six years, at least.
Deeply flavored in raspberries, cherries, red licorice and exotic dusty spices, this Pinot Noir has a tannin-acid tightness that makes it aloof and hard. Although it's dry, it's so rich in fruit, it tastes sweet. A very fine wine, but needs some time to come around. Give it four or five years to mellow.
Deeply flavored, dense and toasty, this full-throttle bottle punches up flavors of cherries and roasted walnuts. Tannins are thick and have a hint of char, and the big flavors are all in proportion.
Deeply flavored, this impressive Syrah advances the red wine cause in Temecula. It's a big, powerful wine, rich in blackberry, currant and new oak flavors, with a peppery, chocolate, anise and grilled meat finish. Really fine now, but also packed with young, astringent tannins, it's a wine to decant, or cellar for up to five years.
Deeply fruity wine, almost black in color and very aromatic. It has opulent sweet ripe fruit, quite soft in character with violet and sweet plum flavors. It is probably not for long-term aging, while its fruit character will make it delicious soon.
Deeply fruity, jammy aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and baking spices are a bit soft. This hot-vintage wine feels wide and clampy. Jammy berry flavors mix in a hint of herbs, while the finish is lively and raw but lacks structure in the middle. Drink through 2018.
Deeply funky aromas of salted rhubarb and beets, grilled meats, anise and hot tar greet the nose on this fascinating Pinot Noir. Sanguine, bloody flavors evolve down a line of licorice and slate toward raspberry, with a bit of grilled meat at the very end.
Deeply gold-colored, this opens with aromas of oak, bread crust and toasted nut. The scents carry over to the lean palate along with hints of overripe orange peel, a suggestion of dried apricot and a dollop of vanilla. Drink now to capture the remaining fruit and freshness.
Deeply golden in color, this opens with aromas of dried chamomile flower, hay, lightly toasted oak and a butterscotch note. The palate delivers dried apricot, mature apple, candied ginger, mineral and almond alongside racy acidity.
Deeply hued gold, this offers aromas suggesting pressed yellow flower, citrus zest, thyme and sage. The vibrant palate doles out lemon, crushed herb, toasted nut, acacia honey and mineral framed in zesty acidity. It shows impressive structure and depth for what was a cool, wet vintage.
Deeply impressive on every level, from the profound, inviting aromas of currants and fine oak to the mouthfeel, which is plush and important. Encased in a superb structure of acidity and firm tannins are ripe, complex flavors of currants, violets, olive tapenade and oatmeal raisin cookies. Completely dry, this beautiful wine should age well for six years or more.
Deeply intriguing and funky aromas of sweet tar, charred blueberries and hot rubber emerge from this study of using minimal amounts of new oak on a typically oak-aged variety. Some may find the reductive nose challenging, but the palate is more approachable, with dark chocolate and cassis flavors.
Deeply layered and pure on the nose, with tar, cola and toasty oak aromas, this feels deep, full and choppy, with tough tannins and seriously dark flavors of blackened spice, berry and bitter chocolate. It's very long on the finish, which has a tough feel but is generous and loaded with power. Drink 2013–2018; 275 cases made.
Deeply mineral from nose to finish, this off-dry kabinett balances lush peach, apricot and grapefruit flavors with striking earth tones of wet slate and granite. It's textured on the palate with a long, lingering tangerine-flavored finish.
Deeply mineral in style with hints of waxy lemon and lime skin, this bold, full-bodied wine boasts rich honey-apple flavors and a juicy, rounded mouthfeel. The moderately long finish comes with a hint of savory herb.
Deeply orange-mauve in color, this wine tastes much like the Pinot Noir it came from, with rich aromas of buttered cherries, clove and allspice. A similar familiarity carries through the sip, with dark raspberries, red cherries, brown spice and sandalwood elements, perfect for Pinot-philes.
Deeply pigmented and plush, this wine opens with fruity aromas of dark berry and plum. The easy-drinking palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of licorice. Soft tannins support the juicy flavors, imparting a smooth texture and drink-now appeal.
Deeply pink with orange tones, this summer wine from Delfina's Vineyard shows a tangy sour-cherry nose with a touch of tarry complexity. It's yeasty on the sour-leaning palate, with orange bitters, plum and lemon-peel flavors.
Deeply purple aromas of acai fruit and grape Jolly Rancher candies get a bit more serious with the scent of smoked cigars. The grape-juice element carries to the easy-to-drink, not overly complex palate, which will work well with food or just by itself.
Deeply red-violet in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of black cherry and fennel. There is a sense of coolness in the mouth, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, white chocolate, espresso and lavender. Tannins are soft but ever-present, and the smooth finish has a burst of orange zest.
Deeply saturated with blackberry and plum flavors, this powerful, boldly structured Merlot balances rich fruit with complex shades of earth and mineral. Umami-rich whiffs of soy sauce and hay linger from nose to finish, hinting towards its development. It's pleasant now, but should meld considerably through 2019.
Deeply savory tones of bramble and earth are juxtaposed against fresh tangerine and lemon in this light-footed, semidry Riesling. It's not a deeply complex wine but sprightly and crisp, with a clean, slightly honeyed finish. Drink now.
Deeply smoky, as if enrobed in a layer of campfire ash, this curiously aromatic Riesling pairs a dark, minerally element with notes of sweet, ripe melon and stone fruit. Dry and full bodied, with an herbaceous, fresh midpalate.
Deer Creek is on a roll with their Pinot Gris, and winemaker Herb Quady may have a lot to do with it. This aromatic, distinctive and flat-out delicious bottle is a real treasure. Great mouthfeel comes with a touch of mint, set against notes of cinnamon and brown sugar. It's ripe, rich and loaded with fruit flavors of juicy fruit gum and pears.
Deficient in acidity and tannins, this soft wine lacks needed structure. It feels melted and collapsed in the mouth, and a little hot. But it's very tasty in raspberries, cherries, milk chocolate and spices.
Defined by its voluptuous body, this wine is also elegantly accented in salted honey and lemon peel, complex and savory on the palate. The finish is marked by ripe apple and juicy acidity.
Defines a certain California style in the intensely ripe, jammy raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, whose sweetness is accented by caramelized oak. Delicious, and the acidity and tannins are just fine, but it's a little obvious, and wants greater subtlety.
Defines a certain style of Paso Robles red wine, soft in structure, with easy, gentle tannins and ripe, pronounced fruit that's almost candied in sweetness. But in this case, the blackberry and cherry flavors are totally dry.
Defines a certain style of Sauvignon Blanc, namely the bone-dry, ultracrisp version whose firm structure frames a bright, zesty taste. The flavors are of lemons, limes, grapefruits, figs, white pepper and minerals, with a rich grassiness. This Loire-like wine is so versatile, you can have it with almost anything.
Defines a Dry Creek Valley style of Zinfandel, with high alcohol, a heady full-bodiedness, and massive flavors of wild berries, currants, raisins, spices and earthy elements. Drink it over the next 3–4 years, before the fruit starts to turn.
Defines a ripe, slightly alcoholic style of Napa Cab for drinking over the next few years. It's dry and stylishly smooth in tannins, with a nice array of blackberries, currants, cola and sweet cedar wood.
Defines Carneros in its rich, nuanced aromas of fig, ripe peach, tangerine, nutmeg and oaky vanilla. Winemaker-induced complexities from barrel fermentation and lees aging. Tremendous depth of flavor, it just sings on the palate and is so rich and spicy. The ultralong finish is sweet and satisfying.
Defines Paso Robles Petite Sirah with its soft, luxurious texture and wonderfully ripe fruit. Blackberry and cherry-pie filling, cola, beef jerky and sandalwood flavors flood the mouth, and are perfectly dry and moderate in alcohol. Drink now for sheer lusciousness.
Defines Rockpile Zinfandel in intensity of fruit and high alcohol which is in keeping with the volume. There are few red wines in the world like this. It's fully dry, with potent flavors of baked blackberries, blackcurrants, cola and peppery spices, and the tannins are huge, but negotiable. Demands the richest grilled meats and cheeses.
Defines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in the dryness, silkiness and full-bodied richness, with flavors of cherries, pomegranates, raspberries and slightly underripe persimmons. This complex wine grows better as it warms in the glass. Drink over the next 2–3 years.
Defines the old style of Carneros Pinot, with juicy flavors of raspberries and cherries and the silkiest, smoothest tannins you ever had. Very dry, with the tart, peppery acidity that makes it a natural partner for food. Yet it's fundamentally a light wine with limited aging potential.
Defines the Paso Robles style of enormously ripe fruit and softness. Incredibly rich in brown sugar, blackberry jam, chocolate and smoky oak flavors, it's not particularly subtle, but delicious now.
Defines the Pride Cabernet style of big, rich, ripely extracted fruit, significant oak and dense mountain tannins. Harder to describe is just how dramatic the wine feels in the mouth. Offers black currant, cassis liqueur and dark chocolate flavors subtlely tinged with herbs and tannins. May not have the stuffing for the very long haul, but great over the next six years.
Defines the yummy-delicious modern style of Napa Cabernet, with wave after wave of sweet blackberry jam, dark chocolate and toasty oak flavors. High alcohol gives it a sting of heat. Feels soft and mellow, like a melted candy bar. Drink soon.
Defines what makes this appellation great for Cabernet, but also why it won't rival Napa anytime soon. Brilliantly ripe fruit, lovely balance, such a pretty taste of the earth and, in this case, expensive oak. But there's that extra something it aspires to and doesn't quite achieve. It has to do with complexity of tannins.
Definite juiciness here, although the wine has a light and fresh character. The acidity and tannins are there to give the berry fruit a boost.
Definite richness alongside classic elegance. It's a stylish wine, the fruit integrated into a beautiful structure. It's not all refinement, because there is also a weight to the black plum skin and dark berry character. A wine that will age over many decades.
Definite tannins here, a wine that shows ripe fruits, richness and a solid core. It is not huge, but does have structure, bitter chocolate, sweetness. It's worth aging this wine 3–4 years.
Definitely a big wine, this vineyard-designated Valpolicella has a dark garnet color and thick aromas of ripe fruit, spice and tobacco. The finish is long and smooth.
Definitely a nice package for the money. The nose is pretty and dark, with black cherry as the lead aroma. The palate is zesty and healthy, with cherry flavors, good acidity and overall balance. Nice flavors and texture for a value-priced wine. Mixes 78% Syrah with 22% Cabernet.
Definitely a particular wine, meaning it's fully oaked and probably not for everyone. But if you don't mind full-out barrel notes on your citrusy Verdejo, then you should like it. There's honey, toast, popcorn, pepper and vanilla aromas and flavors, all courtesy of barrel fermentation. It's also smooth and clean, with good core acidity and balance. Nice wine; not Burgundy; not for all palates.
Definitely a riper, more solid version of Carmenère with blackberry, pine, herbs and chocolate on the nose. The palate is typically herbal but it's full of smooth, simple dark-fruit flavors and spice. Tasty, wholesome and well worth a go in this category.
Definitely a standout in a crowd, Rosso di Costanza shows a broad, rustic personality, with bold tannins, a textured mouthfeel and intense aromas of ripe fruit and smoke. It's not for everyone, but if you like power and muscle, this is for you.
Definitely a step up from the regular Chardonnay; this is more substantial, bringing in some mineral, citrus rind and spice along with apple and pear flavors.
Definitely an elevated New World-style Chardonnay with baked apple, peach and toast aromas. The palate is richly textured, with lemony flavors that suggest orange, green melon and apple. A fresh and classy wine with well-applied oak and good overall balance.
Definitely an herbal wine, with tomato, oregano, pizza sauce and savory aromas. The palate has good snap and verve to it, while the feel is on the lean side. Flavors of baked berry, earth, caramel and coffee ring true, and the dry, toffee-tinged finish is a nice ending. Ready to go now.
Definitely dry, this impressively crisp wine is tightly textured, mineral in character and with great fruit. Its acidity and taut tangy character are part of a sophisticated wine that is still maturing. The hints of toast are there, but this beautiful wine will take a while to show its full potential. Drink from 2019.
Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.
Definitely inexpensive, but for a few dollars more, one might find more fruit and texture. This is an earthy, basic quaffer that'll please mostly on price.
Definitely mature, this is a ripe wine with rich tropical flavors that give balance to the beginnings of toastiness. An attractive tang of acidity contrasts with the soft, ripe aftertaste. The wine will age further, although it is ready to drink now and until 2018.
Definitely more neutral than other Pinot Biancos from the same vintage, this wine delivers measured aromas of apple, pear, peach and natural rubber that is consistent with the variety's traditional characteristics. It's an approachable, everyday wine.
Definitely not Zinfandel-like, despite its Primitivo origins; a rather nondescript wine, as a matter of fact. Light cherry overtones are noted on the nose and palate. The tannins are mouth-drying. This is certainly not a good example of how far Puglia has come with this grape. However, it would work fine with a slice or two of pizza.
Definitely on the dry side, showing the tannic face of Pinot Noir. This is a serious wine that reflects its status as a premier cru, a powerful mix of cranberry fruits and dark tannins, but marked by a hot, hard aftertaste.
Definitely on the grassy, herbaceous side, this second white wine of Vieux Château Gaubert has freshness. But it is the intensity of its grapefruit, gooseberry and green kiwi flavors that are dominant, given an extra edge of some spice.
Definitely on the light side, this snappy young wine has a lot of appeal. It's racy and bright, mixing raspberry and cranberry fruit with an earthy base of clay and sod. Additional, unusual flavors of spiced meat come in towards the finish, which shows good persistence.
Definitely on the ripe side, this aged Cabernet offers aromas of green pepper, chocolate, vanilla bean and black cherry. It delivers a pretty, modern approach and a nice, gritty texture in the mouth.
Definitely on the sugary, sweet side, this Zin also tastes hot and peppery, despite an official alcohol reading of only 14.5%.
Definitely on the sweet side, like iced strawberry tea with white sugar. But It's clean and crisp and bubbly.
Definitely one of the better Dolcettos to emerge from Washington State, this includes both Barbera and Tempranillo in the blend. Rich, ripe aromas and flavors mix pie cherry and fresh-cut tobacco, with added layers of coffee, licorice and dark chocolate. A feast for the senses.
Definitely pink-colored, this tastes as much wine as Champagne. A rich strawberry and red cherry flavor gains texture from the tangy acidity and hint of lemon zest. It could age until late 2015 in bottle to be even better.
Definitely shows its Leyda roots via citric, oceanic aromas and flavors of crisp celery, bell pepper, grapefruit and mango. It's a bit softer on the palate than some coastal SBs out of Chile, but it's still full of verve and clarity. A very good wine that shows the Leyda style with Sauvignon Blanc.
Definitely sweet, but with enough fresh acidity to carry the intense, apricot-infused palate and finish up with lingering notes of quince, lime and peach. Perfect for Pad Thai.
Definitely sweet, this soft, red fruit flavored rosé has enough crispness to stop it being cloying. It is fruity and ready to drink.
Definitely the lightest of Saint-Emilion's Premiers Grand Crus in 2006, this wine aims below its station. It is attractive, perfumed, fresh, with open berry fruits. But the texture is thin and the tannins are almost mature. Not for much aging.
Definitely wood-aged, this seriously toasty wine seems to have lost its fruit along the way. It gives a hard and tough character that is partly redeemed by juicy acidity at the end.
Definitively taking a cool-climate approach, this 100% varietal wine opens with indelible wafts of violets and white pepper, followed by a presence of more pepper and black currant around a medium-sized body. Earthy leather and mushroom pronounce themselves on the midpalate before it finishes in black licorice.
Deftly calibrating sultry black fruit against savory earth tones, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc offers refinement. Toast, smoke and bramble integrate amid black plum and cherry flavors. The finish is powerful and persistent, fringed with finely grained tannins.
Deftly showing restraint with this grape that can easily be made into overripe wine, this bottling offers clean aromas of nectarine, apple blossom, bubblegum and tropical guava cream. A mouthwatering acidity hits the palate first, followed by a line of tense chalkiness, then comes the stonefruit, lime juice and a tactile sizzle into the finish.
Degani's Amarone exhibits a lighter and more approachable style with vibrant aromas of forest berry, cola, vanilla and a hint of mature strawberry. It offers attractive sweetness and promises easy pairing potential with most meat and pasta dishes.
Delaforce is a long-established brand that first appeared in the US in the 1930s though it came on the European market in 1878. The wine is sweet with that fascinating old wood character of an aged tawny. Toffee, spice and dried fruits give it a wide range of flavors. The wine, ripe and balanced, is ready to drink.
Delamotte, the sister house of the legendary Salon, is based in the Côte des Blancs so it has plenty of experience with Chardonnay. This crisp, fruity and lightly toasty wine shows well-balanced freshness and poise. Drink now.
Delara is Maysara's mid-priced Pinot Noir. The wine is a block selection, and it is still rather tightly wound, despite the extra time in bottle. The fruit is dark and laden with exotic spices, and as you dive into the flavors you find smoke, licorice, earth and rock. This is a wine that would be quite interesting to age, but if you drink it now, be sure to spend time with it, as it runs through its delightful changes. Decanting is highly recommended.
Delectable notes of pastry spice, blackberry and vanilla unfurl onto the medium-bodied palate, which is bolstered by sinewy tannins and finessed acids.
Delfino changed from a Bordeaux to a Burgundy bottle in 2012. This is a splendid, fruit-driven effort, dark and quite aromatic with concentrated flavors of raspberry and cherry. It's full bodied, ripe and quite delicious, with tangy acidity underscoring the freshness.
Delicacy and finesse mark this pretty wine. From the slight lime and vanilla aromas to the light, effervescent citrus flavors, it hits all the right notes of elegance. Finishes toasty and clean. This is an easy-to-drink, likable Champagne.
Delicate accents of green apple flesh, juicy orange and peach pit fill out the nose and mouth of this attractive sparkler. The slightly aggressive carbonation keeps the palate fresh and mouthwatering, and a hint of baking spice graces the brisk finish.
Delicate alluring scents suggesting ripe orchard fruit and Spanish broom lead the nose on this subtle elegant white. On the bright balanced palate, notes of beeswax and mineral underscore Bartlett pear and yellow apple. It boasts impressive harmony and freshness for what was an extremely hot vintage.
Delicate and complex, a cool climate wine with a mixture of ripe cherry flavors and leaner ones of tobacco, tomato skin, and cranberry. Bone dry with excellent acidity, this somewhat tart wine is well made, and may be an ager.
Delicate and dainty, this pretty selection boasts soft aromas and flavors of white cherry, bergamot tea, orange rind and hard peach. Light weight and refreshing, the lively acidity keeps the palate brisk and the fruit flavors fresh.
Delicate and dancing on the palate, this light-footed Riesling highlights crystalline mineralilty against a backdrop of zesty grapefruit, lime and lemon flavors. Off dry in style, it finishes moderately long with lingering hints of bramble and crushed stones.
Delicate and detailed, this balanced Pinot Noir displays a perfect mix of wild berry, mushroom, green tea and a whiff of compost. These threads of flavor, and others associated with them, create a delightful tapestry that continues through the lengthy finish.
Delicate and dry, this offers lightly spicy strawberry fruit and supporting acids. It's pretty and pale, light but not dilute, and would be an ideal match to a pork dish with a fruit sauce.
Delicate and elegant wine, with smoky fruit, ripe but freshened with a tight layer of acidity. It has delicious black currant juice flavors, but the texture remains light and the tannins soft.
Delicate and ethereal aromas of wild berry, balsam, cola, white pepper and aromatic herbs emerge from this characteristic Barolo. The wine slides down the palate with tonic freshness and personality, culminating in menthol flavors on the close.
Delicate and fascinating, this offers both charm and persistence. Deep, drawn-out fruit flavors of raspberry, cranberry and cherry are matched to vivid acidity. Balanced and well-structured, this promises excellent evolution. Drink after 2018.
Delicate and floral, this Prosecco Frizzante delivers less bubbly fizz, offering low key effervescence instead. There are fruity aromas of Golden Delicious apple and pear that give the wine more body and build. Its close is crisp, clean.
Delicate and fresh, this tastes like a pure-blooded Riesling. It has lively acidity, crisp apple flavor, a light perfume, and a refreshing character. Drink now. Screwcap.
Delicate and light-bodied with plenty to love in the nose, including irresistible notes of bread dough, strawberry and lemon which turn to fresh cherries in the mouth. The finish is focused and very crisp—just a few paces short of tart, actually. This wine screams for raw oysters.
Delicate and light with a pale pink color and creamy white foam on the surface, this is a great little sparkling aperitivo wine to pair with spicy tapas or finger foods. Rose, raspberry and a touch of strawberry open the fragrant bouquet.
Delicate and pale, this elegant rosé hints at rhubarb and strawberry, dappled with light herbs. Tart and refreshing.
Delicate and pillowy in effervescence, this Riesling sekt boasts remarkable nuance in texture and flavor. It's zesty and mineral on the nose, yet buoyantly fruity, chock-full of ripe peaches and Meyer lemons that seem laced in caramel and burnt sugar. It finishes long with lingering touches of pastry and lemon pith.
Delicate and pink, this fragrant rosé offers immediate floral tones that recall rose, violet and lavender. There's good quality of fruit here: It's lively and vibrant and the wine imparts both power and freshness on the close.
Delicate and poised, this unusual Pinot Gris was fermented half in stainless and half in neutral oak, then kept on the lees for an extended period before bottling. The wine reveals itself gracefully with mixed green apple and white peach; hints of baking spice and a wash of vanilla wafer appear right at the finish line.
Delicate and pretty hints of lemongrass, light cement and lime rinds show on the nose of this bottling. There is a distinct racy quality to the sip, where grassy flavors meet with strong lime and tart pear skins, all hinged to a very grippy texture.
Delicate and pretty, this has a pale cherry flavor, with light but proportionate tannins. It fades a bit quickly, offering a final hint of milk chocolate.
Delicate and racy, yet intensely penetrating with peach and lemon flavors, this off-dry Riesling achieves satisfying balance. The palate is smooth and finishes long on a sultry smoke tone.
Delicate and refined fragrances convey passion fruit, white flower and an herbal note. The palate offers creamy white peach, green melon, nectarine and a light mineral vein alongside bright acidity. This wine is well balanced and loaded with finesse.
Delicate and retrained in aroma, this wine hails from an extreme coastal vineyard between Pismo Beach and the Edna Valley. With patience, Meyer lemon curd and scratched-lime elements emerge, and the flavors are also light, with more lemon and lime as well as Gala apple and Anjou pear flesh.
Delicate and rounded, this has soft vanilla and ripe strawberry flavos. It has touches of spice and orange peel, with gentle acidity on this finish.
Delicate and sheen, this briskly structured kabinett balances zesty lemon-lime flavors with subtle kisses of white peach and yellow-cherry flavors. Its invigorating mineral finish makes it an irresistible thirst quencher. Enjoy now through 2021.
Delicate and sophisticated, this has notes of wild berry, rosemary, crushed stone, tobacco and spice that are delivered with slow, beautiful intensity. The wine shows freshness, structure and staying power.
Delicate and subdued, this wine shows forest fruit, savory spice and mild tobacco notes, backed by bright acidity and an extremely fine and polished mouthfeel. It's a testament to the elegant and ethereal 2006 vintage.
Delicate and sweet, this pretty Prosecco offers delicate floral notes and shadings of banana and exotic fruit. It is light and foamy in the mouth with full, soft texture and sensual sweetness on the close.
Delicate apple, mineral and a hint of toasted almond aromas carry over to the simple, straightforward palate along with a note of beeswax and citrus. Racy acidity provides balance and freshness.
Delicate aromas of apple blossoms and fresh pears belie a surprisingly textured, mouthfilling Gewürztraminer, with concentrated stone-fruit flavors and a bristling minerality. Drink now.
Delicate aromas of black-skinned berry, raisin and cooking spice lift out of the glass. On the straightforward palate, hints of vanilla and licorice add interest to ripe black cherry while pliant tannins provide easygoing support. Drink through 2020.
Delicate aromas of both toasted nuts and pear waft out of the glass. On the lively palate, a mineral vein enhances rennet apple, citrus zest and bitter almond while zesty acidity leaves a tangy finish.
Delicate aromas of chamomile flower, toast, thyme and orchard fruit lead the nose. The vibrant palate offers yellow apple, tangerine zest and bread crust alongside vigorous, persistent bubbles.
Delicate aromas of crisp green apples, pear and white peach abound on this lean but concentrated Pinot Gris. Dry and spry, the palate is honed on minerality and refreshment. Enjoy now for its vitality and youth.
Delicate aromas of crushed herb blue flower and red berry set the tone on this straightforward but solid Barolo. The linear palate offers sour cherry, cranberry and a suggestion of clove alongside firm tannins and fresh acidity.
Delicate aromas of forest berry, raspberry, almond paste and cola describe this pretty interpretation from Montalcino. The wine has a compact, streamlined feel and a bright luminous color with ruby highlights.
Delicate aromas of hawthorn, white spring flower and a whiff of orchard fruit aromas lead the nose on this refined sparkler. The vibrant palate doles yellow apple, citrus zest and toasted breadcrumb accompanied by an elegant mousse.
Delicate aromas of hawthorn, white wildflower and stone fruit mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate offers tart yellow apple, juicy nectarine and bitter almond alongside zesty acidity. A steely mineral note marks the finish.
Delicate aromas of hazelnut, lemon zest and a whiff of subtle mineral carry over to the fresh palate. It's simple but well-made and would pair nicely with lightly seasoned vegetable risotto.
Delicate aromas of herb and white peach stand in contrast to the ripe, almost candied yellow peach and mango flavors on the palate of this medium-sweet Riesling. It's juicy and lip smacking but spry and crisp on the finish. Drink now to enjoy its youthful freshness.
Delicate aromas of honeysuckle and candied citrus waft from the glass. The zesty palate offers apricot, lime and a note of crystalized ginger alongside zesty acidity.
Delicate aromas of honeysuckle and pear take shape in the glass. The palate isn't very expressive, but eventually displays light notes of mature yellow apple and dried lemon zest. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
Delicate aromas of honeysuckle, white stone fruit and citrus present themselves to the nose while the fun, simple palate shows green pear and a hint of lime. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy close.
Delicate aromas of lemon blossom and orchard fruit come together in the glass. Made with 85% Vermentino and 15% Nuragus, this is soft and round, with ripe yellow apple, juicy peach and a mineral note. It's brightened by just enough fresh acidity.
Delicate aromas of lemon blossom, pear, Spanish broom and brimstone lead the nose on this vibrant white. The bright palate offers citrus, apple and mineral along with a touch of light oak that adds depth, while crisp acidity imparts energy.
Delicate aromas of lemon blossom, ripe Asian pear and a touch of yellow melon show on the nose of this versatile and tasty bottling. Grippy tension consumes the palate, led by lemon rind, but there's also a richer yellow-apple and pear core as well as a bit of pineapple.
Delicate aromas of lemon chiffon, green banana and mineral give this the opening you'd want. The palate is ripe and bold, but also limited to green-apple flavors. Healthy in the mouth, with a zesty, correct finish. This wine gets things right while not making a big statement. Imported by Republic National Distributing Co.
Delicate aromas of lemon chiffon, underripe nectarine and a touch of green apple on the nose. The palate is citrus-dominant with a round but prickly mouth and a crisp finish. Very refreshing and approachable; drink now.
Delicate aromas of mature apple, pear and a whiff of aromatic herb lead the nose. On the enjoyable palate, savory notes of grilled herb and a delicate hint of bread crust add depth to honeydew melon and citrus.
Delicate aromas of orchard fruit and citrus lead to a medium-bodied palate showing ripe yellow peach and green apple. A blast of candied tangerine closes the finish.
Delicate aromas of orchard fruit and whiff of spring blossom lead the nose on this light, refreshing white. Reflecting the cool, wet vintage, the palate is rather lean but still offers pear, apple and a hint of mineral alongside a backbone of bracing acidity.
Delicate aromas of orchard fruit and white spring flower mingle together while the reserved but refined palate offers green apple and mineral. Crisp acidity and a hint of mineral give it a clean finish.
Delicate aromas of orchard fruit, grapefruit and a whiff of chopped herbs float from the glass. The racy, refreshing palate offers citrus zest, green apple and a hint of pear alongside racy acidity and an intense, persistent perlage.
Delicate aromas of perfumed berry, underbrush, anise and Mediterranean herb come together in the glass. The palate offers wild cherry, raspberry, toasted oak and vanilla alongside tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. It ends on a licorice note. Drink 2016–2022.
Delicate aromas of pressed spring flower, yellow apple and citrus carry over to the brisk palate along with a mineral note. Vibrant acidity gives it a crisp, tangy finish.
Delicate aromas of pressed white flower, tree fruit, citrus and slate lead the nose on this elegant, structured white. The vibrant palate offers juicy yellow peach, Granny Smith apple, nectarine skin and bitter almond alongside crisp acidity. The lingering finish has a mineral accent.
Delicate aromas of raspberry and almond carry through to the palate along with tangerine and clove. It's balanced by bright acidity and soft, supple tannins. Drink soon.
Delicate aromas of raspberry, sagebrush and white pepper make for a lighter yet complex expression of Pinot Noir from this estate vineyard of Richard Longoria, who's a regional veteran like the Foxen owners. Tart and taut flavors of black raspberry, pepper, oregano and leather combine for a very earthy experience, which is simultaneously subtle and stunning.
Delicate aromas of red apple and dried grass tease on the nose of this soft wine, while slightly more assertive flavors of lime and white melon rind unfold on the medium-weight mouth. Ample acidity keeps the finish fresh, but short.
Delicate aromas of red berry mix with scents of iris and a whiff of toasted nut. The lean, racy palate offers white cherry and lime alongside firm acidity and a persistent perlage.
Delicate aromas of red berry, blue flower and a whiff of used leather lead the nose. On the straightforward, somewhat fleeting palate, a note of white pepper adds interest to red cherry and pomegranate.
Delicate aromas of red berry, crushed flower and vanilla lead the nose. The palate offers dried cherry, clove and savory herb alongside firm, polished tannins that leave a drying finish.
Delicate aromas of red cherry and forest floor lead the way on this straightforward red. With a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the easygoing palate offers red raspberry and clove alongside bright acidity.
Delicate aromas of red rose and wild berry lead the nose while the taut palate offers raw sour cherry, anise, cinnamon and mocha. Bracing tannins lead to a firm, drying finish.
Delicate aromas of ripe orchard fruit and bread dough carry over to the dry but lightly effervescent palate along with Anjou pear and citrus. Crisp acidity gives it a clean finish.
Delicate aromas of ripe orchard fruit and crushed stone lift out of the glass while the fresh rounded palate delivers mature apple and citrus. Crisp acidity lends balance while a savory mineral note closes the finish.
Delicate aromas of sliced Meyer lemons and tangerine show on the nose of this wine that is named after a seaside hamlet just south of Santa Barbara. There is textural weight to the palate, which offers flavors of green apple, jasmine, pear and sour cream, with intriguing dashes of chive.
Delicate aromas of Spanish broom and pear come with a hint of nuts on the nose. The palate offers yellow peach, green apple and a mineral note alongside vibrant acidity and small, persistent bubbles.
Delicate aromas of Spanish broom, ripe stone fruit and aromatic herb float out of the glass. On the direct enjoyable palate, a note of bitter almond underscores ripe peach and yellow apple.
Delicate aromas of spring flower and ripe orchard fruit lead the nose. The simple but well-made palate offers mature apple, white peach, lime and a suggestion of bitter almond.
Delicate aromas of spring flower, nut and yellow fruit guide the nose on this linear white. Delineated flavors of Golden Delicious apple and citrus fruit, accented with a light vein of mineral, are balanced by bracing acidity.
Delicate aromas of spring flowers and white stone fruit lead the nose. The palate offers crisp green apple, yellow pear and creamy white peach alongside refreshing acidity and a foaming mousse.
Delicate aromas of stone fruits and gardenia open this pretty little wine. The palate is not intense, but has genuinely appealing apricot notes and zesty acidity which carry through to the mineral-tinged finish.
Delicate aromas of toast and woodland berry mingle in the glass. On the palate, notes of vanilla and spicy cedar complement a core of red cherry. Soft acidity and refined tannins provide the framework. Enjoy through 2016.
Delicate aromas of toast, hazelnut, yellow wild flower and candied citrus zest lead the nose. The subdued, rather lean palate shows yellow apple skin, toast, butterscotch and raw almond alongside bright acidity. A coffee note marks the close. It doesn't have much fruit richness so enjoy soon.
Delicate aromas of toasted egg bread, baked apple and orange rind dance in the bouquet, while the brisk and effervescent mouth shows more red apple-skin flavor alongside acidic notes of pineapple core and lime zest. Balanced and refreshing.
Delicate aromas of tomato vine, freshly cut grass and a whiff of tropical fruit emerge on this straightforward white. The vibrant, rather lean palate shows grapefruit, citrus zest and a hint of green melon alongside racy acidity.
Delicate aromas of white cherry and strawberry lead the nose and carry through onto the palate with a bit more intensity. There's texture to the mouthfeel, with flavors of red cherry and plum skin that stay through the medium-length finish.
Delicate aromas of white flower and orchard fruit rise from the glass while the fresh, light-bodied palate offers yellow apple, beeswax and lime zest. It's vibrant, with racy acidity and verve.
Delicate aromas of white flower, apple and stone fruit lead the nose on this vibrant wine. The bright, linear palate delivers citrus, exotic fruit and banana, with zesty acidity that gives a crisp, clean finish.
Delicate aromas of white flowers, dried fruit and a whiff of cake spice come together on this medium-bodied dessert wine. Made with 100% Garganega, the round palate offers mature apricot, cinnamon and touch of pine nut.
Delicate aromas of white flowers, stone fruit and pear lead the way. On the palate, a core of green apple and citrus is carried by vibrant, fresh acidity. Small, lively bubbles lend finesse.
Delicate aromas of white spring blossom and white stone fruit rise from the glass. On the vibrant palate, a hint of almond adds interest to yellow pear and a citrus zest note. It closes crisp and clean.
Delicate aromas of white spring blossom, citrus and orchard fruit waft from the glass. The round palate delivers white peach, creamy green apple, lemon drop and and a hint of vanilla brightened by fresh acidity. A mineral note marks the finish.
Delicate aromas of white spring flower and a whiff of beeswax carry over to the fresh palate along with yellow apple and pear. A lightly bitter-almond note marks the finish.
Delicate aromas of white spring flower and citrus fruit waft from the glass. The easy palate offers white peach, nectarine zest and a hint of almond alongside zesty acidity.
Delicate aromas of white spring flower, pear and Mediterranean herb waft from the glass. The vibrant but restrained palate offers white peach, nectarine and a hint of mint alongside firm acidity. It finishes clean and crisp.
Delicate aromas of white stone fruit, ripe pear and white flower lead the nose while the bright palate offers crisp green apple, juicy white peach and a hint of bitter almond. Fresh acidity lifts the finish.
Delicate aromas of wild berry and flint eventually take shape in the glass along with a whiff of underbrush. The linear palate is on the lean side, offering raw, sour cherry and a suggestion of star anise alongside firm but rather fleeting tannins that lead to an abrupt finish.
Delicate aromas of wild berry, blue flower and a hint chopped herb lead the nose. The soft, easygoing palate offers black cherry and a hint of baking spice. Round tannins and vibrant acidity make it ready to drink now.
Delicate aromas of wild berry, crushed violet, baking spice and a whiff of menthol take shape in the glass. The firm palate offers ripe black cherry, ground pepper, clove and licorice while fine-grained tannins provide polished support. Drink through 2020.
Delicate aromas of wild berry, violet and a whiff of baking spice come together in the glass. The elegantly structured palate offers crushed black cherry, alpine herb and a trace of vanilla alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
Delicate aromas of wild flower and orchard fruit come together on this. Bright and enjoyable, the fresh, simple palate offers suggestions of peach, apple and lemon alongside crisp acidity.
Delicate aromas of wildflower, citrus and an apple orchard just before the harvest float from the glass on this luminous wine. The crisp, rather lean palate offers notes of pear and flinty mineral alongside racy acidity.
Delicate aromas of wisteria, jasmine and a whiff of white orchard fruit mingle in the glass. The bright palate offers tart Granny Smith apple, green pear and lime alongside racy acidity and a soft mousse.
Delicate aromas of yellow flower and citrus lift out of the glass while the racy, linear palate offers grapefruit, nectarine and graphite alongside zesty acidity. It finishes crisp and clean.
Delicate aromas of yellow flower, beeswax and orchard fruit lead the way. The palate is bright and straightforward while offering tastes of yellow apple skin, citrus and a hint of mineral carried by bright acidity.
Delicate aromas recall white flower and citrus. The palate offers passion fruit, lime and white peach with a hint of mineral alongside bright acidity.
Delicate aromas recall white spring flower and green apple. The bright palate offers mature Bartlett pear, nectarine and a hint of bitter almond alongside brisk acidity.
Delicate aromas recalling exotic fruit and citrus lead the way. The fresh, straightforward palate offers lime and peach while a white almond note signals the close.
Delicate aromas recalling forest floor, aromatic herb and a floral note lead the way. The simple, rather diluted palate offers suggestions of red berry and a sprinkling of clove alongside bright acidity and fleeting tannins.
Delicate aromas suggest red berry, green tomato and a hint of rosemary. The palate offers red cherry, toast and rhubarb alongside firm, rather drying tannins.
Delicate aromas suggest stone fruit, flint and Mediterranean herb. The luminous palate delivers white peach, Bartlett pear, crisp apple, almond and an energizing mineral vein.
Delicate aromas suggest white spring flower and pear. On the linear palate, vibrant acidity balances tart apple and lemon-zest flavors. A light mineral note energizes the finish.
Delicate aromas suggesting acacia flower, chamomile, yellow stone fruit and a whiff of hazelnut set the tone on this medium-bodied white. The ripe succulent palate doles out mature yellow apple, nectarine zest and a hint of honey alongside fresh acidity. A note of bitter almond marks the finish.
Delicate aromas suggesting chamomile flower and acacia honey carry over to the linear but somewhat lean palate along with hints of citrus and yellow apple. Racy acidity provides the backbone while a bitter almond note marks the finish.
Delicate aromas suggesting chopped herb, star anise, new leather and a whiff of blue flower slowly emerge in the glass. The taut, ethereal palate shows sour cherry, raw strawberry, licorice and white pepper notes hemmed in by firm acidity and youthful tannins. Drink 2023–2030.
Delicate aromas suggesting citrus blossom, white stone fruit and a whiff of chopped herb slowly emerge on this medium-bodied white. The fresh rounded palate offers yellow apple, juicy tangerine, lemon drop and a hint of almond alongside bright acidity a salty hint of mineral. A bitter-almond note graces the lingering finish.
Delicate aromas suggesting ripe orchard fruit, citrus, vanilla and a whiff of toasted oak lift out of the glass. The bright tangy palate presents candied lemon drop, apricot and yellow apple framed in mouthwatering acidity. An almond note closes the finish.
Delicate black-skinned berry and baking spice scents lift out of the glass. The dense, ripe palate offers dried black cherry, white pepper and leather notes, framed by mature tannins. Drink through 2021.
Delicate black cherry, forest floor and leather aromas lead the nose. The dense palate delivers mature black plum, vanilla and star anise flavors supported by ripe tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Delicate blossom and fresh apple notes are pretty on the nose. The palate is a bit bracing by comparison, offering tart lemon-lime flavors and a touch of earthiness on the finish. Drink now.
Delicate body contrasts the rich sweet melon, tangerine and mango flavors of this cheerful auslese. It's plush on the palate but balanced with sunny acidity and a clean, citrus finish. Drink now through 2025.
Delicate but alluring scents of spring flower and orchard fruit lift out of the glass. The palate is linear and rather lean but still refreshing, offering pear, yellow apple and mineral alongside bracing acidity. It closes crisp and clean.
Delicate but alluring scents of wisteria, hawthorn and a hint of white stone fruit lead the way, with a whiff of almond. The crisp, creamy palate offers Bartlett pear, apple and a mineral note alongside vibrant acidity and racy bubbles.
Delicate but enticing aromas of citrus and apple follow through to the vibrant, polished palate along with peach, tangerine zest and a mineral note. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, quenching finish.
Delicate but enticing aromas of white peach and wisteria float from the glass. The lively, linear palate shows Granny Smith apple, Kaiser pear, citrus zest and a ginger note alongside crisp—almost crackling—acidity.
Delicate but enticing aromas suggest spring blossom, cut grass, orchard fruit and an herbal note. The juicy palate offers crisp apple, pear and citrus together with a light mineral accent. Bright acidity balances it out and gives it a zesty finish.
Delicate but enticing scents of apple, citrus peel and Alpine herb lift out of the glass. The linear, elegant palate shows Kaiser pear, pineapple and a note of flinty mineral accompanied by lively acidity.
Delicate but enticing scents of white spring flower and pear waft out of the glass. On the refreshing palate, vibrant acidity and small continuous beads underscore yellow apple, lemon zest and a hint of white pear.
Delicate but enticing scents of white spring flowers and orchard fruit float out of the glass. The bright, creamy palate offers white peach, green apple and a hint of pastry cream alongside bright acidity and a frothy mousse.
Delicate but inviting aromas suggest Spanish broom, stone fruit and lychee. The palate is round but vibrant, boasting juicy white peach, creamy green apple, energizing mineral and a citrus note.
Delicate but pretty aromas of violet, dark berry, brown spice and a whiff of sun-baked earth emerge in the glass. The firm, forward palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, mint, clove and tobacco alongside tightly knit but refined tannins.
Delicate but savory apple and pear aromas extend to the palate of this big-bodied Grüner Veltliner. While texturally bold, dense even, the palate is anchored neatly by brisk acidity. Fruit flavors are not deeply concentrated but it's a satisfyingly rich wine to enjoy now through 2018.
Delicate cherry blossoms and green herbs lend freshness to tart red-cherry notes in this full-bodied yet brisk Cabernet Franc. It's a bit delicate in flavor concentration for it's bold body and alcohol content, but surprisingly refreshing and quaffable.
Delicate citrus, spice and flowers lead this pretty Chardonnay from Macari. On the palate, attractive flavors of toast, citrus and fresh fruit are soft and subtle. A pretty wine for everyday cuisine.
Delicate coconut, vanilla and plum aromas mingle in the glass. The subtle palate reveals licorice, cherry extract, espresso and a hint of vanilla, held together by tightly wound tannins and fresh acidity.
Delicate crisp yellow apple and tangerine flavors are laced with dusty pollen and crushed mineral tones in this dry white. While medium bodied, it's pleasantly creamy in texture, brightened by a streak of lemony acidity on the finish.
Delicate crushed herb and exotic fruit scents lift from the glass while the fresh, straightforward palate offers pear and citrus flavors and tangy acidity. A saline hint on the close adds interest.
Delicate crushed mineral and lemon aromas turn riper and fruitier on the palate. While not deeply complex, its plush, pristine white peach and tangerine flavors are lip smacking. It's zippy acidity and clean, mineral finish lend refreshment.
Delicate dustings of saffron and spice lend complexity to unctuous honey and tangerine on this luscious, concentrated eiswein. While light as a feather, its intensity and power are jaw dropping. A streak of high-toned acidity draws out a long, mineral finish.
Delicate effervescence and blossomy perfume mark this brut-style Riesling modeled after Italian Prosecco. It's an apt comparison, actually, with its subtle sweetness and forward floral style. Fun and flighty on the palate, it's an easy-to-drink quaffer at an easy price.
Delicate embroidered with sage, eucalyptus, cola, wild berry, white cherry, rum cake and savory spice, this wine shows the kind of pretty berry aromas that are brighter than they are intense. In fact, the wine shows elegant restraint with the potential for a beautiful evolution in the bottle.
Delicate flavors of baking spices like cinnamon, allspice and ginger light up this very dry, firm-textured bubbly. Vivid acidity keeps it light and lively. Plenty of citrus and green apple notes and a refreshing dryness make the mouth water.
Delicate flavors of pressed apples, pears and lemon are accented by exotic hints of spice and potpourri in this dry, single-vineyard Riesling. It's not deeply concentrated, but zesty acidity makes it refreshingly crisp. Drink now–2016.
Delicate floral and bramble notes accent bright sour-cherry and currant notes on this rich, concentrated Pinot Noir. It's fresh and fruity on the palate with a shock of cranberry flavor and just a hint of tannins that extend the finish.
Delicate floral and honeydew aromas entice on this easy-drinking, everyday kabinett. Sweet, with stonefruit flavor and a bright, lemony acidity, it's straightforward, with just a hint of dusty mineral character.
Delicate floral and stone fruit aromas build buoyantly on this dry, elegant Riesling. The palate is drenched with deep, ripe peach and apricot flavors, yet streaked with long, linear lines of mineral and acid. It's a thirst-quenching but remarkably structured wine at an approachable price.
Delicate floral aromas mark this slighty sweet bubbly. The flavors are typically Riesling, including green apple, honeysuckle and apricot, all backed by good acidity. The finish is clean and a little sugary.
Delicate floral notes brighten the savory apple and herb flavors on this dry, minerally Riesling. Vibrant acidity carries the medium-long finish that's marked by a hint of white spice.
Delicate floral notes mingle with smoke and struck flint on this gorgeously composed Riesling sparkling. The palate is delicately pétillant with soft, tiny bubbles that fill the mouth with layers of caramelized sugar, fresh pears, blossom and minerals. Striking acidity drives a long, umami-touched finish.
Delicate floral tones build throughout this zesty off-dry Riesling. While sweet with honeydew flavor, the palate is zippy and tart with cutting notes of lime zest and pineapple. It's a classically styled Mosel kabinett at an accessible price.
Delicate flowers, honey and a touch of apricot typify this lovely dessert wine. On the palate, the flavors are set aloft by a touch of spice and acid. The character is serious but feminine, and the finish lingering, but clean.
Delicate fragrances of blue flowers, pressed violets, exotic spice and white pepper emerge from the nose of this Nebbiolo from the Langhe. The wine shares a lot in common with its big brothers Barbaresco and Barolo, including a firm tannic finish.
Delicate fragrances recall white wild flowers and white tree fruit. The bright, medium-bodied palate delivers tart green apple, mature pear and a hint of lemon zest alongside crisp acidity.
Delicate fragrances suggest white flower, acacia, lemon drop, brioche and stone fruit. A blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco, the fresh and lively palate delivers juicy apple, yellow peach, mineral and white almond alongside crisp acidity and a soft mousse. A mineral note signals the finish.
Delicate fruit fragrances of stone fruit, pineapple, cantaloupe and freshly cut grass take the lead. The palate offers juicy yellow peach, green melon and a mineral note alongside crisp acidity.
Delicate herbal accents add depth to the fruity tones of apple flesh, pear and white nectarine. The palate is surprisingly round and toasty, with rich baked apple and peach pit flavors that fall somewhat flat on the midpalate. Drink now.
Delicate hints of crushed mineral and white flower linger in this dry appley Riesling. Soft acidity lends a slightly broad, flat feel to the palate but the finish is clean and crisp.
Delicate hints of fresh raspberry and red cherry extend throughout this light crisply composed red. A still-rare American Gamay, it's accented with touches of light toast and cedar. It's a slightly fragile wine that should be enjoyed now through 2021.
Delicate honeysuckle and white stone fruit aromas lead the way on this silky sparkler. The semisweet palate offers ripe white peach, green apple and candied citrus peel alongside a silky mousse.
Delicate in aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear, Gravenstein apple and a smoky butter element, this shows that quality Chardonnay can indeed succeed in this warmer region of Southern California. The wine is also soft and restrained on the sip, with fresh nectarine and white-flower flavors, finishing with a familiar kiss of oak.
Delicate in cranberry and strawberry, this wine is highlighted in uplifted acidity and plenty of length and breadth within its medium-bodied structure. A pleasing streak of cardamom is consistent throughout, as accents of forest floor and cola figure in.
Delicate in flavor and firm in texture, this wine is savory and complex, with a slightly lean but very appetizing mouthfeel. Cranberry and black tea aromas are followed by tangy red cherry and cinnamon spice flavors supported by a light layer of fine-grained tannins.
Delicate in scent, this has aromas of bright cherry and violet. This semisweet Blaufränkisch bursts on the palate with fresh red-cherry and strawberry flavors. Juicy and cheerful, it finishes with a hint of caramelized sugar.
Delicate lavender and herb notes perfume this pretty off-dry wine. It's delicate in profile, but flavors of tart yellow stone fruit and blossom gain intensity on the palate with a streak of lemon-lime acidity. It concludes with a refreshing mineral tone.
Delicate layers of smoke, vanilla and spice lavish this textured Chardonnay that's remarkably light on its feet. Fermentation in a variety of oak barrels lends nuance to bright apple, pear and honeysuckle notes on the palate and mouthfeel that's rich, creamy and round. Brisk acidity cuts through the finish.
Delicate lemony color. Fragrant nose of peach and apricot crème pastry, with hints of sherbet and grapefruit and a stony mineral focus. Crisp, racy with a youthful fruit cocktail medley of flavors. Light-bodied but focused and taut. Not hugely concentrated, but well balanced and persistent.
Delicate mango and papaya sweetness accent this pristine, lip-smacking Riesling. While rich and round on the palate, it maintains a sunny, bright composure. A lavishly floral, perfumed wine from nose to extra-long finish.
Delicate melon and white-peach aromas lend softness to this bristling off-dry Riesling. Laser-sharp in style, it balances lime acidity with bright stone-fruit flavor and long, mineral streaks.
Delicate mineral inflections lend elegance to flavors of pink grapefruit and peach on this sprightly semi-dry Riesling. Sunny with soft, Meyer-lemon acidity, it's a bit dainty on the palate but has enough power to drive a moderately long finish.
Delicate mineral nuances frame a refined, sweet sparkler redolent of white peach, spring flowers and sweet herbs. The pretty aromatic layering that this Prosecco offers is its distinguishing characteristic.
Delicate mint aromas play alongside notes of bittersweet cocoa powder, dried blackberry and date. Mouth-coating tannins provide a firm structure to the medium-weight mouth, while a touch of black pepper spice remains after swallow.
Delicate morello cherry and tart red plums perfume this bright, lifted Pinot Noir. The palate is anchored by a crush of cranberry acidity and a rippling core of granite. It's a refined, exceptionally balanced wine edged by feather-soft tannins. Drink now through 2020.
Delicate notes of bramble and char accent sultry black-cherry flavor in this bold, elegantly structured wine. Fresh cranberry acidity dazzles the midpalate, leading a long, mineral-tinged finish.
Delicate notes of bramble and stem waft from nose to finish on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. Tart lemon and crunchy pear keep the palate quaffable and crisp.
Delicate notes of earthy herbs and cola spice grace the red chery, currant, rhubarb and cranberry tones on the nose and mouth of this easygoing wine. It's light in weight and softly structured, with ample acidity lending freshness through the close.
Delicate notes of lemon, lime and sugar cookie on the nose of this off-dry Riesling intensify on the palate, melding into flavors of juicy honey tangerine, peach and cantaloupe. It's an easy, approachable quaffer, but spine-tingling acidity and a hint of bitter lime pith lend structure and elegance. Drink now through 2020.
Delicate notes of nettle and lemon play on the restrained nose. The palate adds slight but very refreshing spritz to the already slender and crisp body. This is an easy, delicate summer wine with a clean and refreshing finish.
Delicate notes of waxy lemon peel and apple waft from this light-footed spätlese. Its honeyed sweetness penetrates to the core, accenting flavors of pressed apple and pear. The finish is zesty and spry, leaving only a hint of black-tea tannins.
Delicate notes of white blossom, lemon and lime on the nose are emboldened on the palate of this gorgeously floral Gewürztraminer. It's off-dry in style, with musky, exotic tones of spice and potpourri that linger sexily through the finish. Briskly balanced acidity and a hint of tea tannins lend tautness in structure.
Delicate notes of white blossom, Meyer lemon and whiffs of sweet melon and biscuit lend an elegance to this brisk blanc de blancs. A shade juicier than the Brut label, it's softly pétillant, with a distinctly saline minerality on the finish.
Delicate notes of white grapefruit and crushed minerals on the nose of this sprightly spätlese intensify on the palate, amassing layers of sweet peach, tangerine and caramel flavors. It's an richly concentrated wine calibrated by zesty acidity and a delicately astringent finish.
Delicate notes of white grapefruit, lemon pith and tea leaf on the nose turn sunnier on the palate of this quaffably delicious spätlese. Succulent yellow cherry and plum flavors seem to burst with ripeness, but balance out neatly, off set by a revitalizing streak of lime.
Delicate notes of white mineral and jasmine flower open this Prosecco from the famed Cartizze cru. The wine delivers sweet floral tones backed by peach and honeysuckle, yet just the right level of acidity kicks in at the end to keep the palate cool and refreshed.
Delicate notes of wood-grilled apples, walnut skin and lightly toasted brioche take center stage on this sparkler. Balanced and creamy in the mouth, with a nice streak of ruby red grapefruit pith unfolding on the clean finish.
Delicate notions of white blossom join hints of Galia melon on nose and palate, where the yeast-buffered weight makes itself felt. This is creamy, rounded but elegant and already delicious with its immense floral charm.
Delicate on the attack, with gentle orange blossom and honeyed lemon flavors, this mineral-driven Pinot Grigio builds in intensity and tangerine fruitiness on the palate. It finishes crisp, with tonic lime pith and herb notes.
Delicate orange blossom and pear aromas waft from the glass. The linear palate offers crisp apple, juicy peach and a bitter almond note coupled with brisk acidity.
Delicate pear, honeydew melon and hay aromas lead the way. The linear, elegant palate offers yellow apple, fresh herb and citrus zest alongside crisp acidity. A mineral note further brightens the finish.
Delicate pink in color, this rosé boasts a strawberries-and-cream character, with a jalapeño kick. Showing a touch of breadth on the palate, this light-bodied sipper is an easy choice for an apéritif.
Delicate power—any oxymoron—would be a fitting way to describe this single-vineyard beauty, grown in the northern part of the appellation. There's a lightness to the mouthfeel, like cotton candy, but then the power kicks in, reminiscent of cherry reduction, anise, orange zest, herb tea, black pepper and clove-dominated Asian spices. There's even a hint of smoky chocolate. Best now through 2012.
Delicate quince and apple aromas are fringed with foresty notes of pine needles on this bright, medium-sweet Riesling. It's brisk and breezy on the palate, with sweet apple flavor struck with vivacious lemon-lime acidity.
Delicate raspberry perfume mingles with dusty minerals on this tensely acidic blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The palate is richly foamy, but the flavor profile is fresh and primary with notes of red berry and cherry.
Delicate red berry aromas intensify on the palate of this juicy, full-bodied rosé made from Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch). The palate is unabashedly fruit forward, but finishes briskly on a sweet-tart watermelon note.
Delicate scents evoking jasmine, citrus and exotic fruit mingle together on this creamy sparkler. On the off-dry palate, crisp acidity and persistent bubbles lift white peach, yellow pear and candied nectarine.
Delicate scents of apple and white flower lead the way and carry over to the tangy palate together with pear and citrus. Racy acidity and a hint of mineral give it a crisp, clean finish.
Delicate scents of beeswax and white spring flower lift out of the glass. The round, juicy palate offers mature pear, white almond and a hint of citrus alongside soft acidity.
Delicate scents of blue flower and red berry lift out of the glass. The slender, easy-drinking palate offers wild cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside soft, fleeting tannins and vibrant acidity.
Delicate scents of blue flower, red berry and pressed powder float out of the glass. The palate shows good structure for the vintage, offering juicy wild cherry, anise and a hint of chopped herb accompanied by lithe tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2017.
Delicate scents of citrus, white stone fruit and a whiff of crushed rock come together on this luminous wine. The vibrant palate offers peach, citrus and a hint of apple alongside lively acidity and a mineral note.
Delicate scents of cut grass, fresh hay and whiff of tomato open on this vibrant wine. The bright, linear palate tastes of yellow grapefruit, green melon and citrus and offers up a lively acidity.
Delicate scents of elderflower and orchard fruit mix in the glass while the lively palate offers rennet apple, citrus zest and a whiff of nutmeg. Crisp acidity brightens the juicy flavors.
Delicate scents of fragrant spring flowers, chopped herbs and apple aromas float from the glass. On the palate, racy acidity and a frothy mousse frames yellow peach and Bartlett pear.
Delicate scents of honeydew melon, orchard fruit and a whisper of white spring flower lift from the glass. The savory palate offers white peach, green apple, sage and a hint of toasted almond alongside bright acidity. A light mineral note signals the close.
Delicate scents of honeysuckle and white stone fruit mingle together on this. It's fresh and polished, with green-apple, white-peach and nectarine flavors balanced by crisp acidity and a silky perlage.
Delicate scents of iris, wild berry and a whiff of menthol lead the nose. The lean, rather diluted palate offers suggestions of sour cherry, chopped sage and a light peppery note alongside zesty acidity.
Delicate scents of lemon and lime touched with bramble and earth waft from this off-dry Riesling. The palate is succulent and juicy with yellow peach and tangerine flavors, but marked by a tough edge of acidity that lingers through the finish.
Delicate scents of lemon blossom, spring wild flower and citrus waft out of the glass. The vibrant, easygoing palate doles out nectarine, aromatic herb, white peach and a mineral note alongside bright acidity.
Delicate scents of red berry, blue flower and crushed stone lift out of the glass. The vibrant, elegantly structured palate offers succulent wild cherry, fleshy black raspberry, cinnamon and light baking spice alongside fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins. A mineral vein gives it precision and intensity.
Delicate scents of red berry, blue flower, forest floor and menthol lead the nose. The no-frills palate offers juicy wild cherry, star anise and cured meat framed in firm acidity and close-grained tannins.
Delicate scents of Rennet apple and Bartlett pear lead to the lively, somewhat lean palate. It's simple but also crisp and clean.
Delicate scents of ripe orchard fruit, acacia and a whiff of honey guide the nose while the round palate offers apricot, yellow pear and a hint of pineapple. A light almond note closes the finish.
Delicate scents of rose, chopped mint, dark spice and tilled soil aromas take shape in the glass. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and white pepper set against a backbone of polished, fine-grained tannins. A coffee note closes the finish. Drink 2018–2027.
Delicate scents of spring blossom and citrus carry over to the bright simple palate along with sour cherry. Zesty acidity gives it tangy finish.
Delicate scents of spring blossom and white stone fruit lead the way. The slightly off-dry linear palate shows finesse and freshness, offering white peach, pear and green apple set against crisp acidity and a refined perlage.
Delicate scents of spring blossom, exotic fruit, hazelnut and a whiff of oak emerge on this radiant white. The linear, elegant palate offers tangerine zest, yellow apple, mineral and bitter almond accompanied by vibrant acidity. It's loaded with finesse.
Delicate scents of spring flower and white orchard fruit waft out of the glass. The bright, direct palate offers yellow apple, tangerine zest and a hint of mineral accompanied by vibrant acidity that leaves a crisp finish.
Delicate scents of spring flower and white peach follow through to the soft foaming palate along with green apple and a hint of candied nectarine drop. Bright acidity gives it a fresh finish.
Delicate scents of violet, iris, woodland berry and baking spice abound on this firmly structured red. Made with 95% Sangiovese, the remaining 5% is Colorino and Malvasia Nera. The smooth palate doles out Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and a hint of chopped herb while a backbone of velvety tannins provides the framework. Drink through 2016.
Delicate scents of white flower and apricot lead the nose. The bright, round palate doles out ripe peach, pear and a hint of hazelnut that lead to a fresh finish.
Delicate scents of white flower and stone fruit emerge on this brisk white. The slender, racy palate shows grapefruit, citrus zest, slate and a note of crushed herb.
Delicate scents of white flower, flint and white stone fruit slowly emerge on this crisp white. The linear, refreshing palate offers unripe peach, citrus and mineral alongside vibrant acidity.
Delicate scents of white flowers and fresh herbs frame the core notes of green apple and lime zest. Refreshing and easy drinking, ample acidity lifts the melon pith and citrus peel flavors that flesh out the medium-weight palate, finishing clean yet short.
Delicate scents of white flowers and white orchard fruit lead the nose while the refreshing palate offers yellow apple, lime and lemon pastry. It's crisp and clean, with lively acidity and small vivacious bubbles.
Delicate scents of white spring flower and citrus lead the way while the racy, linear palate offers nectarine, mineral and bitter almond. Zesty acidity provides the framework.
Delicate scents of white spring flower and orchard fruit lead the nose while the fresh light-bodied palate offers suggestions of yellow peach and apple. It closes crisp and clean.
Delicate scents of white spring flower and orchard fruit waft out of the glass. The bright, round palate offers Bosc pear and white peach while a pleasant note of bitter almond rounds off the finish.
Delicate scents of white spring flower and white stone fruit curl out of the glass. This is loaded with finesse, delivering creamy white peach, green apple, pear and citrus. Vibrant acidity lends balance while an elegant perlage gives it an irresistibly silky texture.
Delicate scents of wild berry and fragrant blue flower float out of the glass. The refined, easy-drinking palate doles out succulent black cherry, licorice and a coffee note while polished tannins provide lithe support.
Delicate scents of wisteria, acacia, herb and beeswax lift out of the glass. It's both lively and ethereal, offering yellow apple, Bartlett pear and a citrus note framed in crisp acidity and silky perlage.
Delicate scents of woodland berry, violet and crushed stone waft out of glass when pouring this mountain Nebbiolo. Luminous and linear, the graceful palate offers tart red cherry, star anise and mineral alongside firm acidity and lithe tannins.
Delicate scents of yellow apple, white spring flower and citrus lead into the tangy palate along with a note of candied tangerine zest. Bright acidity gives it a clean, crisp finish.
Delicate scents of yellow field flower and ripe orchard fruit float from the glass. The savory palate doles out yellow apple, yellow Bartlett pear, tangerine and a hint of stony mineral. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors.
Delicate scents of yellow fruit and acacia flower float from the glass. The vibrant palate offers green apple, lemon and lime framed in bracing acidity and a firm, persistent perlage.
Delicate scents suggesting aromatic herb, citrus blossom and a whiff of orchard fruit come together on this. The palate is round but rather shy, offering notes of mature yellow apple, honey and bitter almond.
Delicate sea salt and caramel brittle aromas meld with lemon blossoms, honey on brie rind, sweet alkalinity and a subtle white peach ripeness on Rick Longoria's annual ode to his wife. The texturally intriguing palate is racy with acidity and chalky in minerality, showing lean flavors of lemon and lime peels and a touch of vanilla on the deep finish. Drink 2018–2025.
Delicate sensations of pear, citrus and peach team with crisp acidity that leaves a clean finish. Pair this with shrimp scampi or pasta topped with fresh vegetables.
Delicate smoke and mineral tones seep into succulent yellow cherry and peach flavors in this deeply complex, structured wine. Delicate yet mouthcoating, zesty yet unctuous, it's a lingering, honeyed sip of sunshine.
Delicate smoke, pressed yellow flower and orchard fruit scents waft out of the glass. The vibrant, linear palate shows candied citrus, hazelnut and mineral notes, alongside bright acidity.
Delicate sour-cherry and raspberry notes are accented by bramble and smoke in this dry Pinot Noir rosé. High-toned acidity is a bit puckering, but works particularly well to enjoying with food. The finish is brisk but clean.
Delicate sour cherry and plum flavors are intensified by notes of black coffee, fresh green herb and aromatic cedar. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir is earthy and savory, with refreshingly high acidity.
Delicate spice, nut and smoke tones accent juicy grapefruit and blossom in this dry, full-bodied white. Zesty lime acidty cuts a graceful edge on the midpalate, exposing a spry, mineral finish. Ready now, but will hold till 2021.
Delicate sprays of cherry blossom and raspberry waft from nose to finish on this salmon-pink blend of traditional Champagne grape varieties. Zesty lemonade acidity is lively on the palate, leading to a long, softly foamed finish.
Delicate spring flower and orchard fruit scents lift out of the glass. On the crisp palate, a bitter almond note underscores yellow peach, golden apple and nectarine flavors, with lively acidity.
Delicate spring wildflower and orchard fruit aromas lift out of the glass. The simple, diluted palate mirrors the nose, offering hints of pear and peach, with zesty acidity.
Delicate sugar-cookie notes abound throughout this biodynamic Riesling sparkler. Blossomy and fresh, it's spine-tingling with lemon-lime acidity balanced by an exuberant, creamy mousse of white peach and grapefruit flavor.
Delicate swathes of honey brighten savory chestnut, smoke and mineral tones throughout this feather-light dry Riesling. It's an earthier slightly darker expression of Riesling with electric acidity accenting hints of spice and dusty pollen. The finish is long and intently smoky.
Delicate sweet-pea and white-flower aromas marry into forward fruit notes of fresh pear and hard apricot. A mineral streak weaves through the lush palate, and a peach pit nuttiness lingers into the finish. Accessible and enjoyable now.
Delicate sweetness and fresh grapefruit acidity lifts more savory notes of pressed apple and pear in this off-dry Pinot Gris. It's light bodied and easy drinking with a moderately long lemony finish. Drink now.
Delicate sweetness and lip-smacking juiciness come together in this off-dry Riesling. It's zesty and light-footed but chock full of peach and grapefruit nectar glazed with caramelized sugar. Drink now through 2018 to maximize its youthful energy.
Delicate tannins accent this complex and rich wine. It has fine acidity along with a juicy black-fruit element. It's a wine with weight and firm structure that should be enjoyed from 2017.
Delicate toast and cedar notes add warmth to ripe black cherry aromas on this squarely balanced Pinot Noir. On the palate, crisp red cherry and cranberry flavors are concentrated yet supple, framed with a fringe of finely textured tannins.
Delicate toast and smoke accent pretty apple blossom and pear notes on this delicate, supple Chardonnay. Judiciously oaked, the palate showcases sweet-cream butter and fresh yellow-cherry flavors that linger long on the finish.
Delicate toasted hazelnut, honey and pressed yellow flower aromas fill the glass. On the linear palate, a light nutty note accents lemon zest and stony mineral flavors.
Delicate tones of crushed stone and dried apricot entice on the nose of this silken yet steely dry wine. Despite its moderate alcohol, there's a robustness on the palate marked by concentrated white peach and apricot flavors. That steely precision rings through the finish though, bolstered by a nervy streak of lemon and lime acidity.
Delicate tones of stone fruit, lime, talc power and honeydew melon mark the bouquet. It's crisp on the palate, with a touch of wild salvia on the finish.
Delicate varietal aromas including elderflower, grapefruit and tomato vine follow over to the bright, linear palate. A hint of graphite lends interest to the crisp finish.
Delicate varietal aromas of tomato vine, cut grass, citrus and yellow stone fruit come together on this lively wine. The linear palate offers green melon, juicy grapefruit and a hint of tangerine alongside zesty acidity.
Delicate violet and strawberry aromas lead the nose on this lively, slightly bubbly red. The bright palate offers sour cherry, raspberry and a hint of orange zest. It has a clean, dry finish.
Delicate watermelon aromas and canteloupe flavors lend a bit of fruitiness to this pink-colored, light-bodied and lean-textured wine made from Grenache and Counoise.
Delicate wet slate aromas meet wafts of rose blossom and baseball-card bubblegum on the nose of this rosé. The palate offers delicious and approachable strawberry flavors, held together with a steely edge.
Delicate whiffs of black cherry and berry intensify on the palate of this vibrant, delicately concentrated Pinot Noir. It's fresh and fruity yet elegantly structured offering fine lingering tannins and bright cranberry acidity. Extensive aging in new French oak lends a lavish spicy character that reverberates through the finish.
Delicate whiffs of blossom and peach introduce this dry, buoyantly fruity Riesling, full of sun-kissed apricot, tangerine and grapefruit flavors. Neatly balanced, it's juicy and approachable, but brightened by streaks of lime and a steely, tangy finish.
Delicate whiffs of cardamom and clove lend alluring spice to this intensely apple-toned wine. While richly rounded, almost plump, in mouthfeel, it's dry in style with racy lemon-lime acidity.
Delicate whiffs of cherry blossom and white pepper perfume this fresh, fruity Cabernet Franc. On the palate, bright raspberry and cherry flavors are unadorned by oak or spice tones, lending a pristine forward sunniness. It's an uncomplicated but irresistibly tasty red.
Delicate whiffs of orange blossom and honeycomb scent this slightly off-dry Riesling. The palate is ripe with honey and peach, but elegantly balanced with lime acidity and a lingering touch of crushed-stone minerality.
Delicate whiffs of orange blossom and tangerine zest intensify on the palate of this off-dry Riesling. While racy and lithe in body, it penetrates on the palate with juicy white grapefruit and apricot notes.
Delicate whiffs of pressed apple and buttercream intensify on the palate of this curious dessert wine made from Cabernet Franc. Rich and creamy with a lactic, silky mouthfeel, it tastes as if a caramel-dipped apple were spiked with rum. It's a mysterious, yet oddly appealing wine.
Delicate whiffs of spice and pine lend depth to crisp-tart white peach and grapefruit flavors in this spry yet penetrating Riesling. Dry on the palate, it's finely textured, as if etched by its acidity and stony mineral tones. It finishes with juicy, concentrated stone fruit flair. Drinks well now but should meld beautifully through 2024.
Delicate whiffs of spring blossoms gain intensity on the palate of this easy-drinking, off-dry Riesling. Rounded and a bit plush, it's not a deeply concentrated or complex wine but the fresh apple and peach flavors are pleasant. Drink now.
Delicate whiffs of tangerine and lime intensify on the palate of this Spätlese Riesling, complemented by swathes of green herb and pine frond. It's superlight in texture, yet penetrating, showering the palate in sweet-tart grapefruit and Meyer lemon flavors. The finish is crisp and clean.
Delicate whiffs of toast, butterscotch and smoke meander from nose to palate in this remarkably focused, elegant wine. Lime and pear flavors are vivacious and bright, meandering long on the finish.
Delicate whiffs of white peach turn riper and richer on the palate of this intensely honeyed Spätlese. It's deliciously concentrated in stone-fruit and melon flavors, yet maintains a feather-light demeanor and vibrant, piercing spine of acidity.
Delicate white-flower perfume is accented with earthy notes of herb and grass on this intriguing dry Vidal. The palate is fresh with apple and lemon flavors, but nuanced with complex notes of saline and bramble. Unique and quite enjoyable.
Delicate white flowers and a spin of lemon peel on the nose start this refined white. The bright fruit on the palate is tropical and exotic, but the minerality gives it lift. Fuller-bodied but poised, the wine has aging potential and a food-friendly character.
Delicate white flowers and honeydew melons perfume this light, crisp Riesling with hints of stone and slate. There's an elegant minerality throughout, but its austerity may come off as a tad dilute.
Delicate white peach and pear notes perfume this dry, crisply fruity wine. There's a satisfying weightiness to the palate, but tart lemon notes keep it zesty and spry.
Delicate wild berry, underbrush, clove and grilled herb scents waft from the glass. The palate is ethereal and light-bodied, offering red cherry, pomegranate, and cinnamon flavors with a touch of game. Tangy acidity and supple tannins make it approachable now. Drink through 2020.
Delicate with just 14 g/L residual sugar, this lovely wine is ready to enjoy. Bright acidity lends a touch of sparkle between layers of citrus and coconut. An ideal wine for spicy Spanish tapas or Thai curries.
Delicate yellow wildflower and yellow stone fruit scents combine. The palate is bright and tangy, with ripe peach and citrus flavors that taper into a delicate hint of almond on the finish.
Delicate yet beguiling, with aromas of violets, ripe pomegranates and granite, there's an Old World elegance that sets this Romanian Pinot Noir apart. The palate is concentrated, with crisp red cherry and plum flavors, but keenly balanced by brisk acidity and soft, finely-grained tannins. Structured and refined with a medium long finish.
Delicate yet well-integrated, this emphasizes flavors high in tongue-tickling acidity. Lemon, lime and orange fruit, along with a touch of leather, runs into a finish hinting at wild cherry, cola and molasses. It's subtle, but convincing.
Delicate, attractive aromas of chamomile, pear and brimstone lead the nose on this graceful wine. The linear palate delivers green apple, juicy pear, savory herb and mineral alongside fresh acidity. It's linear, vertical and elegant. Hold for complexity. Drink 2015–2020.
Delicate, but nicely concentrated, with flower and fruit nicely integrated. Meyer lemon, tangerine, pear and even a hint of candied papaya mingle beautifully, set in a fine-tuned frame of acid and mineral.
Delicate, compelling aromas of ripe pear, lily of the valley and pressed acacia flower mingle with a whiff of aromatic herbs. The smooth, silky palate delivers yellow apple and white peach alongside a creamy mousse and fresh acidity. A lovely sparker of pedigree and finesse.
Delicate, elegant and floral, with light flavors of white peaches and citrus blossom carrying over to a lingering, nicely knit, stylish and elegant finish. Just 10% alcohol. Best Buy.
Delicate, enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, grilled herb and citrus zest open. The bright, linear palate delivers Bartlett pear, apple, white cherry, ginger and mineral framed in fresh acidity and an elegant perlage. A tangerine note closes the finish.
Delicate, enticing scents of white stone fruit and spring flower drift out of the glass. Bright and creamy, the refreshing palate doles out green apple, white peach and lemon zest set against lively acidity and a silky mousse.
Delicate, high-toned aromas of tight red raspberries, dried rose petals, pencil shavings and rust introduce this wine by Joshua Klapper. The palate is very alive, linear and focused on a blend of turned earth and brown spice.
Delicate, subdued and feminine, here is a luminous sparkler with pretty floral tones and light shadings of stone fruit and melon. You'll love its delicate, creamy texture and long peachy finish.
Delicately aromatic with apple blossom, this brisk medium-sweet wine dances on the palate with hints of honey-kissed nectarines and peach. Dusty saffron and mineral tones lend an earthiness that linger on the finish. Elegant and refreshing.
Delicately floral in aroma, this soft, earthy Pinot offers blue and red berry fruit that are layered and generous on the finish. Food-friendly, it has the heft to stand up to bigger, bolder flavors on the plate or suffice as a sipping wine on its own.
Delicately floral on the nose, this sweet but wonderfully balanced Muscat offers a fine introduction to the Rutherglen Muscat style. Pineapple, raisin and spice flavors persist a good long time, trailing elegantly away on the finish.
Delicately floral with subtle notes of ripe pear and fresh lemon, this charmer features a soft but defined palate. The creamy, pliable texture is rather seductive and far too easy to drink, so much so that one might forget what a well-made and ageworthy wine this is. The smoky glints of oak are most appealing.
Delicately fragrant and floral, this luminous wine opens with aromas that recall yellow flowers and citrus blossoms. Made with organically farmed grapes, it boasts nectarine, baked apple and pineapple flavors accented with a flinty note. It's balanced and linear, with mouthwatering acidity that creates a clean, lingering finish.
Delicately fragrant and incredibly refined, this stunning red boasts alluring scents of blue flower, rose, wild berry and a whiff of new leather. It's captivatingly ethereal and elegantly structured, offering crushed strawberry, red cherry, cinnamon and white pepper. It's also impeccably balanced thanks to firm polished tannins and bright acidity. While it's already extremely tempting, hold for even more complexity. Drink 2023–2043.
Delicately fragrant, this offers scents of citrus blossom, white wild flower and yellow stone fruit. The soft, round palate presents creamy peach, nectarine, white almond and a hint of mineral alongside fresh acidity.
Delicately fragrant, this opens with aromas of underbrush, blue flower, game, red berry and menthol. The aromas carry over to the ethereal palate along with a note of savory grilled herb and white pepper. Supple tannins and vibrant acidity provide support while a saline note closes the finish.
Delicately fragrant, this opens with scents of chopped herb, elderflower, hay and citrus. On the crisp palate, a hint of vanilla underscores peach and grapefruit while a light mineral note backs up the finish.
Delicately fresh wine, its fruit directed towards a crisp, bright character. It is soft, with red berry flavors and tight final acidity. Screwcap.
Delicately light in color, this is a fresh-faced wine. It has notes of raspberry, plum and lemon, with a delicious level of acidity, a clean texture and a bright aftertaste.
Delicately light yet showing a fascinating amount of character on both the nose and palate, this bottling by winemaker Nathan Kandler offers aromas of lightly pressed cherries, purple sage, juniper, eucalyptus oil and a hint of mushrooms. The sip sings with cola, raspberries, pencil lead, morel mushrooms and forest-floor flavorings.
Delicately perfumed and elegant, this offers scents of jasmine, Spanish broom, beeswax and pear. The aromas follow through to the understated palate along with citrus and mineral. Vibrant acidity provides the framework. Drink 2018 through 2023.
Delicately perfumed with bright red-fruit aromas, this is a light, fruity, forward wine that is ready to drink now. Acidity cuts through the palate and soft tannins linger on the finish.
Delicately perfumed with notes of lemon, tart stone fruit and white florals, this off-dry Riesling builds in intensity and ripeness on the palate. It's lushly textured, with flavors of fleshy peach and apricot that are brightened by lemon-lime acidity.
Delicately perfumed, this has ripe, intense aromas of apricot and pear. It is round and concentrated, with a full texture and minerality. Screwcap.
Delicately perfumed, this is an attractive, fruity wine.It layers acidity and a light tannic edge with white fruits and red currants. There is a soft vanilla aftertaste.
Delicately perfumed, this offers aromas of yellow stone fruit, fig and a whiff of tomato vine. The bright, tangy palate delivers yellow peach, a hint of pineapple, chopped herb and mineral alongside crisp acidity. A salty note closes the finish.
Delicately perfumed, yellow and tropical-fruit flavored, this is bright and very fruity. The citrus edge adds a further lift to this refreshing, ready-to-drink wine.
Delicately redolent of pear, melon and stone fruit, this is a fresh and direct Pinot Grigio that leaves a nice trail of zest over the palate. This wine also has nice consistency and structure that is immediately recognized by the thicker trails of glycerin it leaves on the glass: It offers full fruit flavors and bright acidity on the close.
Delicately scented with a fragrance of spring wild flower and orchard fruit, this medium-bodied white delivers mature pear, yellow peach, citrus and a mineral note. Tangy acidity brightens the creamy flavors while a touch of hazelnut closes the finish.
Delicately scented with whiffs of white spring flower, citrus and orchard fruit, this straightforward wine offers flavors suggesting pear, juicy pineapple and bitter almond. Tangy acidity brightens the finish and gives it a clean close.
Delicately scented with white spring blossom and a whiff of tropical fruit, this medium-bodied white offers pineapple, ripe melon and nectarine zest. Lively acidity brightens the enveloping texture.
Delicately scented, this has aromas of hawthorn, beeswax and a whiff of white stone fruit. The savory palate doles out white peach, yellow apple and bitter almond while a dollop of honey signals the close.
Delicately scented, this has subtle aromas evoking acacia, orchard fruit and a whiff of honeyed nut. The medium-bodied palate offers yellow apple and Bartlett pear that merge with bitter almond. It closes on a saline note.
Delicately scented, this inviting sparkler offers light aromas of white and yellow stone fruit along with a whiff of bread crust. The creamy, slightly sweet palate tastes of white peach, candied citrus peel and ripe apple set against a soft, frothy mousse. Bright acidity refreshes the rich flavors while a glazed-almond note graces the close.
Delicately scented, this offers aromas of apple, candied citrus peel and a hint of pressed yellow flower. The palate offers Kaiser pear, lemon drop and toasted almond alongside bright acidity.
Delicately scented, this offers aromas of honeysuckle, citrus blossom and pear while the round, juicy palate doles out white peach, mature apple and Mediterranean herb. A hint of almond closes the clean, lingering finish.
Delicately scented, this offers aromas of white stone fruit and spring field flowers. On the bright palate, green pear, lemon-lime and chopped herbs emerge alongside racy acidity and a persistent perlage. A mineral note leaves a clean, crisp finish.
Delicately scented, this offers aromas suggesting hay, elderflower and a whiff of exotic fruit. The elegantly structured palate delivers gooseberry, grapefruit, kiwi and mineral framed in lively acidity.
Delicately scented, this offers subdued aromas of ripe woodland berry, underbrush, spice and a whiff of eucalyptus. The full-bodied, straightforward palate delivers dried black berry and white pepper alongside firm, polished tannins. Drink soon to capture the fruit richness and remaining freshness.
Delicately scented, this offers subtle aromas of beeswax, yellow stone fruit, Spanish broom and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. The vibrant elegant palate doles out yellow apple, nectarine and candied lemon drop alongside bright acidity. A savory saline note lingers on the finish.
Delicately scented, this offers whiffs of white stone fruit and white spring flower. On the linear, rather lean palate, a note of bitter almond underscores green apple and citrus alongside racy acidity.
Delicately scented, this offers yellow stone-fruit and citrus aromas. The bright, savory palate mirrors the nose, offering ripe yellow-peach, nectarine and golden apple flavors, while tangy acidity provides balance and freshness.
Delicately scented, this opens with aromas of dried black cherry and toasted notes. On the concentrated palate, oak-driven spice takes center stage while mature dark-skinned fruit and dried prune provide the background. Pair it with Gorgonzola at the end of the meal.
Delicately scented, this opens with aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of Mediterranean herb. On the creamy palate, an energizing mineral vein underscores golden apple, juicy white and peach and nectarine.
Delicately scented, this opens with subtle aromas of yellow spring flower and a whiff of citrus. The vibrant palate offers crisp Golden Delicious apple, grapefruit and mineral alongside zesty acidity. A delicate note of white almond signals the finish.
Delicately scented, this opens with whiffs of white spring flower and orchard fruit. The crisp palate mirrors the nose, offering apple, pear and citrus, alongside bright acidity. A hint of wet stone wraps up the finish.
Delicately scented, this racy light-bodied red opens with whispers of blue flower, moist earth and woodland berry. The vibrant straightforward palate delivers raspberry, red cherry and a sprinkling of baking spice alongside zesty acidity and polished tannins. Drink now.
Delicately scented, this radiant wine opens with ultrarefined scents of white field flower, citrus blossom, aromatic herb and a whiff of orchard fruit. The creamy, elegantly structured palate boasts layers of juicy white peach, crisp green apple, tangerine and a hint of white almond. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while an energizing mineral note closes the lingering finish.
Delicately scented, this refined white opens with a fragrance reminiscent of white flower and orchard fruit. The svelte, linear palate offers crisp green apple, pear and mineral alongside racy acidity.
Delicately scented, this refined wine offers aromas of white and yellow spring flowers with a whiff of white stone fruit. The foaming palate offers pear, peach and crisp green apple alongside vibrant acidity and a frothy mousse.
Delicately scented, this vivacious sparkler offers aromas of wisteria, wild flowers and white tree fruit. The vibrant palate offers crisp green apple and pear alongside racy acidity and brisk bubbles.
Delicately sparkling, this creamy Champagne is crisp, fruity and on the dry side of Brut. It has citrus as well as pear flavors giving a fruity edge to the lively texture. This delicious wine should age a little longer, so drink from 2019.
Delicately structured, this Chardonnay has simple citrus peach flavors, with an undertow of green herbs. It's dry and tart with acidity.
Delicately structured, this is nevertheless penetrating and sweet-tasting, with honey, marmalade and orange-cream flavors. There's ripeness here, but bristling acidity and dark shades of slate, honeycomb and bitter citrus rind add balance and depth.
Delicately sweet and redolent of honey, acacia and exotic fruit, this would go down easily in casual settings or during the holidays. It has a creamy mouthfeel with peach and pear flavors.
Delicio is a Sicilian expression of Fiano with a creamy mouthfeel and easy aromas of dried hay, pear and Golden Delicious apple. Pair this wine with Caesar salad.
Delicious and bold, this dry wine is easy to enjoy and appreciate. It has aromas like crushed fresh raspberries and blackberries, flavors that are ripe and rich without overdoing it, and a smooth texture punctuated with some fine-grained tannins.
Delicious and classy, this is based on Merlot, with the other four classic Bordeaux varieties in proper proportion. It flatters immediately with its wealth of blackberries, black cherries, cola and mocha that finish so dry and spicy, yet it has that extra complexity that makes it intellectually interesting. Drink now and over the next six years.
Delicious and compelling 100% Cabernet from this great vintage. Shows classically developed, sweet Napa tannins and wonderfully ripe fruit. As expressive as the blackberries and currants are, they're reined in with minerals and herbs to produce exquisite tension. Best now, with a good decant, and should develop for many years.
Delicious and complex. Shows a superb tannic structure, soft and complicated and refined, housing dry but rich flavors of black currants, cherries, chocolate, anise, cedar and pepper. Elegant and distinguished, and should develop through 2011, at least.
Delicious and crisp in acidity, this is dry despite its flavors of honey and ripe, jammy tropical fruit. How this wine achieves such a quality is magic, but the brisk acidity helps, as does its stony minerality. Ready to enjoy now.
Delicious and crisp, this has an initial taste of intense citrus and red fruit. The sensation carries through the wine, with a fruity yet taut and mineral-driven texture. There is great fruit on the finish.
Delicious and deep, this full-bodied wine is comfortable in its own skin, showing spice and pencil-shaving aromas, rich black-cherry flavors, a broad texture and firm but polished tannins. It seems to gain power with each sip, and will be best after 2020.
Delicious and delicate in structure and tannins, with a classic, silky mouthfeel that caresses the palate. Red and black cherry, raspberry, tangerine peel, cola, sweet rhubard, rose hip tea and oaky notes of smoke and vanilla contribute intricate detail.
Delicious and easy-drinking, this straightforward wine opens with aromas of violets, wet soil and perfumed berries. On the palate, notes of white pepper and cinnamon add interest to the juicy, cherry-berry fruit. Fresh and smooth with silky tannins, it's best through 2015.
Delicious and easy to drink, the wine carries rich, ripe flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, brown sugar, vanilla and toast. At the equivalent of $5.75 for a regular bottle, it's a great value.
Delicious and easy to drink, this is medium bodied and moderately fruity, with fresh spice and just-baked bread aromas. A perfect house wine to keep in stock.
Delicious and exotic, with raspberry, cherry, Mandarin orange, date, cinnamon spice and sweet oak flavors that are deep and long on the finish. Amazing that the alcohol is so low for the ripeness. Could be brisker in acidity, as it feels somewhat melted, which limits ageability, but it's a beauty now with lamb chops.
Delicious and full bodied, this has both weight and delicacy. It is rich and dry, with swathes of ripe apricot and pineapple that cut through the tense acidity. A wine for aging over 5–6 years. Screwcap.
Delicious and inviting with notes of eucalyptus, chocolate-covered cherries and wild raspberries on the nose. The palate exhibits darker flavors by way of black cherry and plum, fleshing out the solidly structured medium weight mouth. A moderate, evolving finish closes nicely with a kiss of sweet oak.
Delicious and linear, this full-bodied, elegant wine has a subtle nose of white flower, grapefruit and flint. The fresh palate delivers nectarine, lemon zest, rosemary, sage and mineral. This will develop more complexity; drink through 2017.
Delicious and loaded with finesse, this offers enticing scents of rose, violet, chopped herb, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of exotic spice. The smooth structured palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, and white pepper alongside polished tannins. Hints of pomegranate and pipe tobacco close the lingering finish. Drink through 2027.
Delicious and refreshing, it opens with a delicate fragrance of white spring flowers, chamomile and apples. The juicy, linear palate delivers ripe Bartlett pear, tart Granny Smith, white peach and mineral alongside crisp acidity that leaves a clean, lingering finish.
Delicious and savory right now straight out of the bottle. With crisp Central Coast acidity, the wine shows enormous balance and elegance. Fully dry, with its flavors are of cherries, raspberries, cola, pepper and oak, with a fascinating tinge of fresh green Provençal herbs. Not a longterm ager, so best by 2012.
Delicious and soft in raspberries, cherries and the sweet vanilla and the cinnamon toast of new oak, this is a charming Pinot to drink now. It's light and airy in the mouth. Perfect with a simply prepared grilled steak or lamb chop.
Delicious and spicy, this has notes of cherry pie filling, cola, dried forest herb and leaf, with a touch of sweet, smoky, vanilla-tinged oak. It's a bit on the brawny side, but then, these Keefer Ranch Pinots always start out that way. Don't drink it now because it's just too hefty; give it six years in a proper cellar.
Delicious and succulent, a gigantic Zinfandel. Impresses for the powerful ripeness of the blackberry, plum and cherry fruit, accented with waves of smoky wood, cocoa and Asian spices. The tannins are rich and strong. Will age for a long time, gradually losing density and becoming softer and sweeter.
Delicious and sweet in caramel, vanilla, pineapple jam, tangerine, lime and butterscotch flavors, this dramatic Chardonnay is made to drink now.
Delicious and tangy, this wine is tensely textured. With its pale orange-pink color it is fruity and packed with acidity and red currants, finished with a twist of spice.
Delicious and very sweet, this comes off as a tempting dessert wine rather than a cocktail drink. It has deep peach flavors, almond nuances, a layered and creamy texture and lingering finish.
Delicious and wonderful to drink now. Too bad more Syrahs aren't this good. The wine is dry and smoothly tannic, with deep, long flavors of blackberries, currants, smoked meat, pepper and sandalwood and a medium-bodied fullness.
Delicious and wood-aged , this is a cool wine from a hot place. With as much citrus as tropical fruits, it is crisp, fresh, cut with refreshing acidity that contrasts with the toast and minerality. The wine could be drunk now, although it will be better from 2016.
Delicious apple aromas give a wine that is as fresh as possible, with a pear skin texture. It's bright with almost a prickle on the tongue. Apples, grapefruit and other citrus fruits dominate this mouth-watering wine. Screwcap.
Delicious aromas cover the entire range of the strawberry experience, from the scents of a blossoming strawberry field to frozen berries macerated into a syrup. It's refreshing and yet grippy on the palate at the same time, with candied raspberry and crushed vanilla bean swirling with bergamot rind, anise, black pepper and pine sap. Imagine mint-wrapped berries on a fresh-cut plank of oak.
Delicious aromas of black raspberries, frozen strawberries and cola season a slight bit of gamy character on this wine that master sommelier Paolo Barbieri makes in Los Olivos with Syrah star Joey Tensley. Gravel and tar show on the palate, which is boosted by 5% Viognier, as does lots of lavender and violet.
Delicious aromas of cherry-crusted beef, coconut, blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream and sassafras frame this blend of 63% Syrah and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon from southern Monterey County. The wine coats the mouth luxuriously, with black cherry and pepper spice. It drinks well now, but has mouth-coating tannins that will evoke with time.
Delicious aromas of dark raspberries, Bing cherries, black pepper, pipe smoke, smoked meats, thyme and just enough dank mushroom greet the nose. This wine is very full on the ripe and juicy palate, showing more raspberry, rhubarb, dried strawberry and warm black licorice, all balanced by plum-skin bitterness and just enough tannic structure.
Delicious aromas of ripe cherry pie and black cardamom are quite sexy. The palate is far more complicated and layered, with the tartness of plum skins, richness of strawberry, balsamic reduction and spiciness of black sage.
Delicious aromas of yellow cake batter, lemon and a touch of butter greet the nose on this wine by Mike Sinor. The palate proves much more delicate than the nose suggests, with yellow pear fruit and rain-on-cement minerality.
Delicious berries and cream nose, which follows through with crisp, spicy flavors and good structure. OVOC stands for “old vines old clones” and the fruit, from head-pruned, hillside vineyards, lives up to its billing. Great all-purpose Zin.
Delicious berry fruits, now softening and rounding out, with a light note of acidity. The wine is immediately accessible and attractive, the tannins soft and the fruits edging on sweet.
Delicious blueberry, plum and cinnamon notes are still shy on the nose. The palate also holds them tight with pervading, lively freshness and a very slight spritz. White pepper spice colors the edges, making for an exciting, concentrated but light-footed wine that has rusticity and elegance in equal measure. Lovely now but sure to develop. Drink now–2025.
Delicious citrus and grape juice aromas, with a vivid, lively dry style that explodes with white fruit and lime flavors. The wine is a great apéritif, or with shellfish.
Delicious drinkability is the hallmark of this Pinot Noir, which comes from the winery's vineyard in the Carneros District. The wine is dry and silky, with complex flavors of berries, cherries and spices, brightened with brisk acidity. Should hold and develop in the bottle over the next five years.
Delicious flavors in this blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne. Rich in apricots, oranges and honeysuckles, it's a little soft and sweet, but fancy. Drink now.
Delicious flavors like those of a pear tart and a soft, expansive mousse make this wine easy to love. It combines richness and a luxurious texture with light flavors of butter, vanilla, pear and nutmeg.
Delicious flavors of cola, cherries, raspberries, rose tea, orange peel, vanilla and smoky sandalwood merge in this single-vineyard Pinot Noir, and it's nicely dry, with a silky-smooth texture. Give it a good decant before serving, as it gets better as it breathes.
Delicious flavors of lemons, limes, tangerines and honey in this wine, with notes of flowers and steel. It's also very acidic and off dry. A simple Riesling, but a clean and attractive one.
Delicious fresh citrus flavored wine, bright as a button, lively and crisp. Made from Alvarinho, there is a creamy texture with a mineral element, finishing with green plums and banana flavors.
Delicious freshness here, with crisp fruits, citrus and apple and a touch of caramel. Very fresh, great acidity, hints of mineral and flint.
Delicious fruit aromas and abundant spices waft up from the glass. The flavors follow suit, with ripe plum, strawberry and cinnamon all well supported by firm acidity and a medium-to-full body. This is a well-rounded wine that's easy to enjoy.
Delicious fruit aromas and flavors define this medium bodied and very smooth blend that is 50% Graciano grapes. Aromas convey floral notes, strawberries and oranges, while the flavors bring more strawberries and cherries. The texture is not light but the wine is still extremely easy to sip.
Delicious in briary blackberry jam, cherry pie, currant, milk chocolate, black pepper and anise flavors, with a touch of sweet oak, and the finish is totally dry. It's a little too soft in structure, but fine if you're in the mood for Zinfandel.
Delicious in cola spice and earthy tannins, this medium-bodied Zinfandel remains tightly wound but obvious in its promise of years of enjoyably structured blackberry fruit, leather and spice. A fine choice among all of Easton's 2010 Zinfandels.
Delicious in flavor, with fresh, ripe blackberry and cherry flavors, while the oak overlay adds richer layers of sweet caramel and buttered cinnamon toast. A crisp spine of citrusy acidity adds brightness. An appealing Merlot for drinking now.
Delicious in fruity perfume, this is a blend of 45% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 19% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise and 6% Cinsault. Heady in rosewater, violet and wild strawberry, the wine is finely textured and meaty in body with a lengthy, herbal finish. It makes a delectable pairing with almost any meal.
Delicious in its own way, with a soft, gentle mouthfeel framing upfront flavors of raspberry, cherry, vanilla, toast and pie spice. Drink now with a steak or a lamb chop.
Delicious in pastry-filling raspberry and cherry flavors, with a baked brown sugar richness and exotic touches of vanilla, cinnamon, anise and toast. Dazzles with a direct hit to the palate; is soft and dry. But it has a certain surface one dimensionality. Seems at its best now–2013.
Delicious in raspberries, cherries, sassafras, cola, orange blossom tea and vanilla, with a beautifully silky texture, this single-vineyard Pinot comes from low-yielding vines in the central part of the appellation. It's a little too soft for cellaring, but offers solid pleasure now.
Delicious is the first word that pops into your head when you taste this wine. It's got the sort of sweet fruit that you find in Russian River Pinots, yet retains the definition and refinement, along with a slight herbal nuance, that speaks of the Willamette Valley. Long in the mouth and tangy with a mix of spice and fruit sweetness in the finish.
Delicious is the word for this single-vineyard wine, which is a rich blast of raspberry and cherry pie, cola, milk chocolate and sweet, caramelized oak flavors. The alcohol is quite high, but the wine wears it well. Give it a few hours of decanting.
Delicious is the word that comes to mind drinking this Pinot Noir. It's young and vibrant in acidity, with waves of raspberries, persimmons, honey, cinnamon, cloves and smoky sandalwood. Good over the next five years.
Delicious jammy red fruits are the hallmark of this ripe wine. It is still young although it has great fruitiness and a juicy black-currant character. The wine is open, generous and likely to be ready to drink from 2018.
Delicious lemon-meringue aromas make a great start for this medium-bodied Chardonnay-based wine. Flavors are lively, lemony, with baking-spice accents. A buttery, creamy element carries into the lingering, tangy finish.
Delicious notions of ripe greengages haunt the nose, alongside fragrant orange peel. The palate is still taut and tight, sprightly and streamlined, as if powered and propelled forward by invisible citrus force. There is such drive and precision here, you almost feel movement and speed. The finish is clean but clearly this is for the longer run. It will take bottle age for this to reveal its scented, fruit-laden core. Drink 2022–2040.
Delicious now for its rich array of black cherry jam, raspberry tart, mocha, cola, anise and vanilla-cedar flavors, wrapped into an easy, silky mouthfeel. Feels elegant and good, and probably best now through 2011.
Delicious now, this has waves of blackberries, cherries, currants, dark chocolate, spices and oak. It seems almost sweet, but the finish is a swirl of dry tannins. Might develop over the long haul, and will it certainly last to 2015. Give it a few hours in the decanter.
Delicious peach and pear flavors light up this full-bodied, soft and well-rounded wine. It has fresh floral aromas and nicely ripe fruit notes on the palate, with a smooth, graceful texture and beautiful, lingering finish.
Delicious ripe berry and cherry flavors make this medium-bodied wine very lush and fruity. It does have moderate tannins for texture, but the richness of fruit just drenches the palate.
Delicious scents of honey, apples and petrol lead to a luscious, full-bodied palate full of smoke and honey with a gripping lime skin astringency on the finish. Rich in honey tones, yet quite dry, the palate is balanced with a bracing acidity.
Delicious sweet raisin and mulled wine fruit, full of herbs and nutmeg spice. This is a ripe wine, but too heavy, showing some austerity, but no sign of tiring.
Delicious while also young and textured, this wine comes from biodynamically grown grapes. It has a strong sense of minerality as well as intense citrus and green fruits. It's tight at the moment and needs to round out, so drink from 2018.
Delicious, almost sweet fruit flavors are wrapped in firm, velvety tannins for a seriously enjoyable experience. There's a feeling of polish in the texture, and careful balance between full body, good tannin structure and lively acidity.
Delicious, attractive perfumed wine with sweet plum fruits edged with more stalky black currants. It has some weight and richness to go with the firmer tannins. The wine is rich and well balanced.
Delicious, dry and complex, with wild blackberry, Provençal herb, white pepper and sandalwood flavors. Feels elegant, but too soft, lacking the structural integrity a fine wine needs. Drink now.
Delicious, first class and possibly ageable. It's rich in blackberry pie filling, crême de cassis and sweet oak flavors, with a firm minerality that adds structural integrity. Sweet and ripe, but elegant. Will provide pleasant drinking over the next four years.
Delicious, fruity rosé, and as befits the vintage, with some weight and richness as well. The red berry flavors are overlaid with caramel and cinnamon. Great final acidity.
Delicious, if a little soft and sweet, with melted jam flavors of raspberries and cherries. Oak adds more sweetness in the form of caramel. Not quite up there with previous bottlings of this wine, but a pretty one to drink tonight.
Delicious, if a little superripe, with chocolate and raisin-infused blackberry and cherry flavors. Feels soft and melted in the mouth, but dry, and the tannic structure is rewardingly plush.
Delicious, offering an orchard of oranges and peaches, made even richer with honeysuckle, buttered toast and vanilla notes. Fine acidity makes the flavors bright and clean. The blend is 75% Viognier and 25% Marsanne.
Delicious, refined and sexy, but that's assuming you like palo cortado. Hidalgo's version is alluring and full of caramel, salt and hazelnut; it has an excellent feel, sensational acidity and a long, long finish of salted cashews and bitter spice. Elegant, balanced and structured; it's what Sherry lovers want from an elevated bottling.
Delicious, rich black cherry aromas lead to a very firm and moderately tannic texture and medium to full body that frames abundant fruit flavors. It's mouthwatering, intense and complex, but is still wound up tight, so it's best to drink after 2016.
Delicious, sweet-smelling and gorgeous, this Syrah from Cortona exhibits flawless aromas of ripe blueberry, spice, bacon and tobacco. The extraction is excellent and so is the intensity of its mouthfeel.
Delicious, with jammy cherry, milk chocolate and licorice flavors, this Mourvèdre is a little too soft and lacking in tannic structure to earn a higher score. It's ready to drink now with a nice grilled steak.
Delicious, with pleasurable flavors of milk chocolate, cherries and dried red currants, as well as the sweet toast of oak. The tannins are wonderfully pure and complex, in the Napa style.
Delicious. A drinkably juicy, brambly version of Amador County Zin, consistently one of Joel Gott's best, with appetizing texture and mouthfeel and dry, dusty tannins, ready to go now with a range of meaty foods but also able to age.
Delicious. This is a full-bodied blush bubbly with instant appeal, from the coppery color to the long, spicy finish. Shows lush flavors of creamy raspberries and red cherries, brioche, vanilla and cinnamon spice, with a nutty sweetness. Elegant and complex. Drink now.
Deliciously aromatic, this is an assertive, fruit-forward wine, with textured minerality. It has yellow fruits that are cut with citrus as well as bright acidity. Drink now.
Deliciously attractive wine, crisp and clean as possible. It has a light caramel edge along with a more fruity aspect. To finish, the wine is light and bright.
Deliciously balanced, this wine is on the dry side while keeping its fruitiness up front. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, it has both minerality and rich apple and pear fruits with a tangy texture. It is ready to drink.
Deliciously biscuity on the nose with hints of candied orange peel, this structured blanc de blanc balances a soft biscotti sweetness with delightfully high acidity and a creamy, gentle froth. Brisk, lemony finish.
Deliciously bright and spicy, its cranberry and raspberry fruit is highlighted with pepper and cinnamon. With more breathing time it fleshes out, fills in with pretty pie cherry flavors and some pleasing toastiness.
Deliciously crisp and fruity, this is a bright, clean style of wine not showing much terroir character but is fresh and full of citrus fruits. The acidity gives a refreshing lift at the end.
Deliciously crisp, this is full of citrus and fig, medium in body and high-strung in acidity. Dry, crisp and balanced, it's focused and linearly conceived. An enjoyable glass from start to finish at an unbelievably fair price.
Deliciously crisp, this wine expresses herbaceous fruit, with weight and richness. Full of lime, gooseberry and grapefruit flavors, this is a taut wine that's likely to soften.
Deliciously drinkable now, with very dry but ripely opulent flavors of black currants, cherry marmalade, mocha, root beer and caramelized oak. Could have greater structure and a longer finish, but lovely with a charbroiled steak.
Deliciously drinkable, this is one of the best California Grenaches in recent memory. Complexity is not Grenache's strong point, but lusciousness is, when the wine is well made. The cherry pie filling, raspberry tart and cinnamon spice flavors, enriched with smoky sandalwood, are wrapped into pure, fine tannins. Drink now.
Deliciously flinty notes of good reduction still play on the nose and hover just above an immensely inviting waft of fresh green and yellow pears. The palate reveals more white pepper and savory yeast and a neon-strip of lively and brightening acidity. This is linear, zippy and superclean and yet brings all the varietal spice.
Deliciously fresh and fruity, this is a wine full of ripe apples and crisp pears. It's full bodied, but bright with intense acidity. The characteristic pepper touch of Grüner shows at the end of this full and concentrated wine. Screwcap.
Deliciously fresh, this is almost delicate, certainly elegant. There is great balance here, the wood just lightly toasty over the smooth, creamy white fruit flavors. For a wine from a lesser Burgundy appellation, this is impressive.
Deliciously fresh, this off-dry wine emphasizes the apple flavors of Chenin, its lively acidity balancing the crisp fruit backed by a mineral character. This is likely to age but drinkable now.
Deliciously fruity and fresh, this is a great blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. It has bright apple flavors, crisp acidity and a nutty background. It's light and clean at the end.
Deliciously fruity but also well-structured, this full-bodied wine has excellent concentration and good balance. Effusive aromas of blueberry and black cherry lead to opulent but not overripe berry flavors that are lightly accented by clove and cinnamon nuances.
Deliciously fruity, this has great flavors of pear and green plum. It is so fresh and lightly aromatic, with a smooth, creamy texture that's highlighted by lemony acidity.
Deliciously fruity, with its apple and fresh grapefruit, this is a forward, ripe wine. It has a crisp layer of tight acidity that highlights the immediate attractiveness of the wine. Glass stopper.
Deliciously gentle. Makes you wonder why more people don't drink Syrah. With a soft complexity, the wine houses lush flavors of cherries, plums, mocha and violets, accented with sweet, smoky oak.
Deliciously heady notes of peach and chamomile immediately hit the nose, promising ripeness and aromatic riches. The palate does not disappoint, releasing even more of those wonderfully balm-like, aromatic flavors. It brightens them with wondrous lemon freshness and boosts them with a poised dose of residual sweetness. It's an unusual wine that does not really fit any category but sits in a delicious aromatic off-dry class of its own. The best option with this probably is cheese, but it will serve well as a philosopher's wine, savored on its own. It has enough depth and beauty to nourish sustained thought. Drink 2018–2035.
Deliciously herbaceous wine, with the freshest green fruit flavors, plus lemon and grapefruit. The Colombard adds a little spice to give it a final burst of freshness.
Deliciously jammy orange, pineapple, peach and apricot fruit flavors, along with buttery, caramelized oak, mark this Chardonnay. What balances it so nicely is crisp acidity and a minerality that helps make the finish dry.
Deliciously light and creamy, this has a bright flower aroma, followed by touches of honey and stone fruit. Pair it with pastries, fresh fruits or baked apricots.
Deliciously light and herbal, this smooth, creamy wine is bright, poised with black-currant fruits and ripe gooseberry flavors. Drink this wine young, for its great fruit.
Deliciously perfumed wine that revels in its cool-climate structure and freshness. Black currant fruits and soft tannins follow through with some dryness. A fine, food-friendly wine.
Deliciously perfumed, this is as light as a feather, with baked apple and lemon flavors. It's crisp and honey sweet—a great apéritif.
Deliciously perfumed, this shows some of the structure of the vintage, along with generous raspberry and red cherry flavors. It is rich and solid, and its open character has just the right edge of dense tannins. Already approachable, but it's likely to age over several years.
Deliciously refreshing and herbaceous, this wine is also quite fruity with flavors of apples and citrus. Lively acidity and a fine tang of lemon zest makes it crisp and ready to drink. Screwcap.
Deliciously refreshing, peach and apricot flavored wine. It is soft while also crisp, bright and fruity. There's a refreshing lemon zest tang to finish. Screwcap.
Deliciously rich and extracted in jammy raspberry, cherry and cola fruit, with lots of sweet oak adding vanilla and buttered toast. Could use greater depth, though, as it's a little one-dimensional. Drink now.
Deliciously rich and fruity, this is a wine that shows that Clos de Vougeot is a great vineyard. It has all the ripeness, the big, generous fruit, supported by wood. The berry flavors are intense, pierced through with acidity, and the denseness of the wine promises good aging.
Deliciously ripe and generous, this full-bodied Zin has plenty to like: ripe blackberry, black cherry and baking spice aromas. Deep flavors echo the fruit and layer it with hints of vanilla and nutmeg. While full-bodied and nicely thick in texture, it's not over the top and remains balanced by firm acidity and welcome tannins.
Deliciously ripe and juicy pear mingles with yellow plum and greengage on the nose. The palate, conversely, is held tight in a bright citrus corset featuring grapefruit, lemon and barely ripe tangerine: a layered mix of enticing, zesty flavors that refresh and scintillate. White pepper and some herbal spice just manage to edge in and will develop more fully with time. Clean, taut and very exciting.
Deliciously ripe as well as fruity, this is an opulent wine. It has a fine mineral texture as well as a lemon flavor that is given richness by mango and pineapple fruits. A touch of toastiness adds complexity.
Deliciously ripe in raspberries, cherries and plums, with an exotic coating of sweetly caramelized oak. The texture is fine and silky, but ultimately the wine is too sweet and simple.
Deliciously soft and easy to like now. Flatters the mouth with blackberry, currant, mocha, licorice,  bacon and crushed black pepper flavors that finish dry and elegant. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.
Deliciously soft and flavorful now, with all sorts of ripe primary fruit and new oak influences that are almost candied in their richness. Raspberries, cherries, orange zest, licorice, bacon, cinnamon, vanilla and sweet smoky sandalwood flood the mouth, firmed up with fine tannins. Best now–2012.
Deliciously sweet and perfumed, its powerful plum fruit flavors make this wine already accessible. In the background are the tannins—solid and concentrated—and the acidity, creating a nervous tension that confirms the wine's aging potential. Hold for many years.
Deliciously tangy as well as ripe, this is a textured, red fruit and vanilla-flavored wine that also has a touch of tannin. Acidity and a rounded aftertaste make this instantly drinkable. The blend is Syrah (40%), Grenache (30%), Cinsault (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%).
Deliciously tasty in blackberry jam, cherry purée, milk chocolate, licorice and peppery spice flavors, with soft, intricate tannins. Feels a bit sharp on the finish, but otherwise a pretty nice Syrah.
Deliciously varietal in its huge offering of white pepper and robust black and blue fruit, this well-crafted wine boasts a lithe texture that invites sip after sip. It remains light footed throughout the palate, yet with enough complexity and balancing weight before the refined finish gives a final hit of juiciness.
Deliciousness marks this blend of 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay. It's forward and sweet in raspberries, strawberries and vanilla, with hints of brioche, white chocolate and buttered toast. Gorgeous all by itself, it will pair well with everything from sushi to steak.
Delightful and delicious, this opens with aromas of violet, red berry, cake spice and an earthy whiff of moist soil. The polished palate offers juicy red cherry, crushed strawberry, orange peel and cinnamon while bright acidity and silky tannins provide balance.
Delightful peachy notes define the fruity friendly nose. The palate adds zesty lemon to this rich fruit to create one of those dramatic and moreish Rieslings that teeter enticingly on the brink of peachy richness and citrus tang. The palate is slender, light footed and dry, the finish is whistle clean and wonderfully appetizing.
Delightful rose and violet perfume mingles with ripe plums and cherries on this lavish Hudson Valley Baco Noir. On the palate, penetrating fruit is balanced with brisk acidity and a lean, elegant profile. Finishes with just a hint of green leaves.
Delightfully fresh and sweet, this playful sparkler would pair with almost anything from the dessert table. The creamy finish is redolent of peach and honey.
Delightfully fresh, this off-dry Gewürztraminer wafts of zesty tangerine peels, lychee and blossom. Sweet citrus flavors are concentrated but brisk, tinged by hints of crushed mineral and a whisper of vanilla cream. Drink now through 2021.
Delightfully fun and refreshing, this perlwein, or lightly sparkling white, is Germany's answer to Italian prosecco. Made from Müller-Thurgau grapes, it's gorgeously floral, but with a chalky, earthen tang. Sprightly acidity and a fresh, green touch lends vibrance to a moderately long finish.
Delightfully piercing and pungent, the brambly bouquet features a little oak-driven caramel to soften up the leather and smoke elements. The mouthfeel is big and cushy, and at first there’s lots of vanillin on the red-fruit palate. With breathing, it really opens up and comes together, showing complexity and style galore. Drink now or within three years.
Delightfully spicy and fresh, this bright and lively Riesling shows a hint of sweetness from residual sugar just a bit under 2%. But the juicy flavors of citrus and stone, flesh and rind, really carry the day.
DeLille's D2 red (51% Merlot/38% Cabernet Sauvignon/8% Cab Franc/3% Petit Verdot) is a declassified wine in the best possible sense—the grapes come from all of the winery's premier vineyard sources. The result is a substantial, even meaty red wine, muscular rather than plump. The fruit is layered and tart, its flavors laced with smoke, tar and licorice. The wine gathers strength in the midpalate, then gradually unfolds through the finish with polished tannins that are just slightly herbal.
Delivering elegance and structure, this stunning wine opens with delicate aromas of bread crust, toast, dried fruit, pastry cream and nectarine zest that all carry over to the silky palate. It boasts a lovely depth of flavors that are exalted by tangy acidity and an ultrafine perlage. It's already enjoyable but will continue to develop complexity over the next decade. Drink 2016–2026.
Delivers a rich and food friendly blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wine is loaded with cherry and black fruit with a rich, but not over extracted personality.
Delivers lots of bang for the buck. Shows real Chardonnay character, with rich vanilla cream-infused flavors of ripe pineapples, pears, sautéed bananas, buttered toast and honey. At this price, it's a fantastic buy that can stand next to Chards costing far more.
Delivers rather standard Chardonnay aromas and flavors, ranging from hints of toast to ripe peaches and pineapple. It's nicely balanced, showing some lush texture on the midpalate yet retaining citrusy freshness on the finish. Well done, and well priced. Drink now.
Delivers strawberries, resin and golden raisins upfront while exotic spices dominate the palate. Petroleum notes on the finish indicate that it has already reached maturity though the fresh acidity will allow it to improve for a few more years in bottle.
Delivers unexpected tones of roasted nuts, and behind the toasted notes are some tones of garden greens and artichoke leaf. It does, however, have pretty intensity in the mouth and simple spice flavors.
Delivers Zin's briary, brambly wild berry flavors with the punch of high alcohol, which gives the wine a sweet, hot finish. You should know also that the tannins are hard. Rustic, but clean and drinkable with everyday fare.
Demanding aromas of coffee grounds, tomato sauce, herbs and black fruits are normal for Carmenère and Syrah. With choppy, aggressive tannins and oaky flavors of herbal plum and berry fruits, this tastes somewhat green, minty and spicy on the finish.
Demetria's Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah blend has had a good track record over the years, and what do you know, here's another fine offering. While the wine is quite dry, with a good bite of acidity, it has plenty of apparent sweetness, by way of sour raspberry candy, bacon and caramelized oak. Harder to describe is the splendid way it feels in the mouth, so silky, smooth and clean. Drink soon.
Demi-Sec is essentially an off-dry Champagne. This wine is soft, hinting at some sweetness while preserving crisp citrus and apple flavors. It has some richness as well, and its soft character makes it a good partner with cold meats or pâtés.
Demonstrating finesse and depth, it discloses a stunning fragrance of pressed rose, iris, berry, leather and truffle. The rich but elegant palate delivers creamy cherry, white pepper and licorice along with supple tannins. This wine already shows great depth but will continue to develop for years.
Demonstrating how this meandering region can express warmer-climate grapes from its inland corners, this bottling shows deep and precise aromas of black cherry, cola syrup and condensed violets. A firm structure restrains the ripe blueberry fruit, allowing the dark chocolate and mint elements to lift the palate.
Demure apple and pear aromas belie the intensely honeyed peach and tropical fruit flavors that burst from this feather-light nectar. A crush of lemon-lime acidity cuts through the sweetness, leading a long, laser-focused finish. Drinks well now, but will develop well through at least 2025.
Demure in stature yet brooding with power, this late-release 2012 Riesling is compelling evidence of winemaker Steve Shaw's soft-spoken dynamism. Semidry in style, it's light as a feather, yet richly layered with shades of grapefruit, spice and smoke. While delicious now, it's rigidly structured still, and likely to continue to improve for many years to come.
Demure lemon and honey aromas are amplified on the palate of this juicy, fruity kabinett. While easy drinking and straightforward in style, it's a deeply concentrated Riesling full of stonefruit and citrus delight. Enjoy now for its approachable, sunny flavors.
Demure lemon and lime on the nose turn fleshy and ripe on the palate of this delicately sweet Kabinett. Lush peach and tangerine flavors are offset by laser darts of acidity and earthy mineral complexities. The finish lingers on a pleasantly bitter lime-pith note.
Demure on the nose with hints of dust, smoke and dried herbs, this is a dry, decidedly savory style of Sauvignon Blanc. It's crisp and spry on the palate with pleasant lemon-lime flavors, but finishes briskly.
Demure tones of apple, lemon and bee pollen are invigorated on the palate by flavors of sunny lime, pineapple and white peach. Delicately sweet in style, it finishes briskly, with a cutting bite of lime pith.
Demure yellow apple and tangerine skin notes are riper on the palate in this easygoing but lip-smacking Spätlese. Streaks of honey and lemon biscuit sweeten the midpalate, calibrated by tangy lime-like acidity and salty minerality. Enjoy now through 2020.
Dense all the way, from the dark, almost black color, to the huge aromas of blackberry jam, smoke and cassis, to the enormously fruity flavors. The texture is massive. This dry, complex wine coats the palate with all sorts of sensations, and the lush, sweet, fruity flavor lasts a full 30 seconds on the finish.
Dense almost to the point of chewiness, this is a concentrated blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache. Earthy, plummy notes pick up hints of dark chocolate and licorice before ending rich and velvety.
Dense and a bit green on the nose, with oak-based aromas of coffee to go with graphite and blackberry. Feels thick, creamy and resiny, with oak-led flavors of coconut, chocolate, vanilla and herbs along with black fruit. Finishes minty, with tobacco notes and heat.
Dense and almost black in color, this is concentrated, with intense tannins and black plum fruit. It bursts with the rich fruit and acidity, finishing on a smoky, juicy note.
Dense and beautifully ripe, this is a rounded rich wine. It focuses on the tropical yellow-fruit spectrum. That gives a full wine with wood-spice hints and just the right amount of citrus acidity to give it a lift. Drink this finely structured wine from 2023.
Dense and black in the glass, this bottling shows black currant, blueberry, dark chocolate and coffee scents. The palate is framed by hearty tannins that provide structure but don't get in the way, holding up milk chocolate, violet, and black cherry flavors. It finishes on a burnt fudge kick.
Dense and blackberryish on the nose, this medium- to full-bodied Shiraz offers plenty of fruit in soft, easy-to-drink package. Hints of dried spices give it more interest than your average $12 Shiraz.
Dense and briary, with black and red plum notes complemented by a strong sense of clove, this wine is cushioned in tar, oak and cigar box, showing nicely resolved tannins. Blended with 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, it is enjoyable now and will cellar well for many years to come.
Dense and chewy at first, this deliciously brooding wine is all about black licorice, berry and meat. Contoured layers of integrated tannin give it an understated elegance and sense of class despite its wild power and body.
Dense and chewy, this highly nuanced example offers up an enticing combination of animal notes (sweaty saddle, leather) and vibrant fruit (raspberry, cherry). The abundant tannins and ambitious level of oak will benefit from five to 10 years aging.
Dense and complex wine, packed with the ripest fruit. It has powerful tannins, although they are easily balanced by the rich plum and damson flavors. The wine is solid, chunky, based on a dry and firm core, ready for aging over 4 years.
Dense and complex, the winery's Walla Walla Cabernet offers a beguiling nose of toast, coffee and baking spice, combining to create a scent of a liquid coffee cake. Vineyard sources are scattered throughout the Walla Walla Valley and play together well, with a mineral base under the tart, focused black fruit.
Dense and complex, with plum and black licorice notes upfront, followed by cherry and peat moss in the mouth. Gripping tannins and intense mineral notes are cut a bit short by warm alcohol on the finish. Nevertheless, an impressive effort. Drink now to 2010.
Dense and concentrated and still very young, the wine has ripe blackberry flavors, a sense of ripeness and a dry wood-and-tannin core. Give the wine at least 4–5 years.
Dense and concentrated aromas of frozen strawberries, blackberry pie, black cherries and vanilla sauce properly predict a very rich wine. Once sipped, the wine is quite thick, with lots of mint, fudge and brown spice, proving quite tasty although not quite varietally familiar.
Dense and concentrated on the nose, this features blackberry and black cherry aromas, with hardly any perceptible oak. It feels fresh but choppy and tannic, with roasted plum, berry and savory spice flavors. It's baked in flavor and gritty in feel as it finishes.
Dense and concentrated strawberries mix with black rocks and gravel on the nose of this stylishly labeled bottle. The palate is somewhat sweet with blueberry and blackberry jam flavors, as well as earthy notes.
Dense and concentrated, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a far northern section of the Alexander Valley is huge and juicy. It offers black cherry and cassis around cigar box and tobacco, with a lengthy, smoky finish. Still young, it needs time for the tannins to settle.
Dense and concentrated, this blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot initially has a subdued nose that eventually reveals prune, alcohol, tobacco and leather aromas. The syrupy palate doles out blackberry extract, fig, sweet spice and soaring alcohol alongside velvety tannins. While some may like the sheer power, the dominant alcohol stunts any complexity, giving it a monolithic quality.
Dense and concentrated, this has thick, almost jammy blue and purple fruits, with a peppery highlight and an undercurrent of sweet grain. The palate is tight, featuring layers of cassis, ink, anise, coffee and iodine, with an earthy salinity that runs through the finish. The Armada is perhaps a bit less fruity and more austere than the other 2009 Cayuse Syrahs, but is every inch their equal.
Dense and concentrated, this is a wine with a long-term future. Ripe apricot and apple flavors are cut with acidity. Equally, the tight, tense structure shapes a rich wine, taut and with a steely texture. It is serious while also likely to be delicious. Drink from 2019.
Dense and concentrated, this powerful wine has bold tannins, a solid structure and a dry core. At the same time, plenty of fruit bestows richness and a juicy character. It will need time, so drink from 2016.
Dense and concentrated, this smoothly rounded wine is well integrated and robust in oak and black cherry, a nice representation of estate grapes. With a strong presence of tannins, it needs to breathe before being enjoyed with earthy fare.
Dense and concentrated, this wine is still balancing the fruit, the structure and the sweetness. Acidity shoots through the dry core, bringing with it lemon zest and pineapple flavors. It has great potential, full in the mouth and ripe at the end. Drink from 2020.
Dense and concentrated, this wine is ultra smooth in texture, offering an abundance of red and black cherry, dark plum and baking spice aromas. One of the few Pinots grown in Marin County, it has great depth and a memorable flavor profile that lingers long into the finish.
Dense and concentrated, with a mint flavor from the new wood, this is a wine that combines rich plum and blackberry flavors with firm tannins and juicy acids. Because it is so rich, it is likely to be ready to be drink in the next 2–3 years.
Dense and dark in color, this leads with jammy, superripe scents of blackbery, plum and cherry preserves, hit by a touch of bramble. The palate is similarly ripe and fruit-driven, with soft tannins and a fruity, overall immensely accessible character.
Dense and dark in color, this wine has a black currant flavor. The tannins are ripe and soft, and the texture has a fresh lilt to it from the acidity and fruitiness. Only on the finish do the youthful tannins show, promising medium-term aging.
Dense and dark smelling, with coconut, tobacco, perfumed berry fruit and leather aromas. Feels powerful and layered, with tough tannins and a rugged overall mouthfeel. Flavors of dark berry, toast, herb and spice are rewarding, while the finish is herbal and chocolaty.
Dense and dark, this has earthy, crusty berry aromas and a sprinkle of herb on the nose. It hits with aggression but settles down nicely to offer raspberry, plum and savory herb flavors. Lively acidity allows for a long finish.
Dense and dark, this is an extracted wine with polished fruit. What stops it going over the edge is the delicious sweet fruits, the dense structure and the elegance that gives it shape and aging potential.
Dense and delicious, this deeply colored wine opens with aromas of blue flower, plum, raspberry and graphite. The lively, savory palate delivers concentrated black cherry, cassis, white pepper and mineral before reaching a dry finish. Thanks to broad but fine tannins, it has a surprisingly solid structure for such an easy-drinking, enjoyable wine.
Dense and delicious, this opens with aromas of plum cake, tobacco, leather and blackberry. The rich palate delivers crushed black raspberry, mocha and chocolate alongside brooding tannins. Give it time to unwind and fully develop.
Dense and delicious, this unfolds with aromas of black fruit, plum cake and baking spices. The rich palate offers black plum, blackberry and black cherry alongside layers of chocolate, clove, vanilla and black licorice. Despite its weight, it's balanced, with assertive but round tannins. Drink 2016–2028.
Dense and distinctively earthy, this wine offers ample tannin and oak, that are balanced by full-bodied ripeness. The core of its flavor profile is etched in baked strawberry, forest floor and a meaty tease that's unexpected, but welcome.
Dense and dry, this is a tough, extracted wine. It has a hard edge followed by juicy acidity and will probably remain on the dry side.
Dense and dusty, this is a hugely built, ripely round wine, muscular and robust in leather, tobacco and black currant. It offers an additional tease of chocolate and cigar as it opens in the glass.
Dense and extracted, this dark, loamy Pinot Noir is concentrated and challenging. The fruit is black, compact, and sheathed in flavors of loam. Layers are tight and a bit unyielding. There is depth and power here, but it must be extracted over time and with a bit of patience.
Dense and extracted, this displays sensations of espresso, roasted coffee bean, sugary vanilla, chocolate and sweet oak. It's already evolved so drink soon.
Dense and extracted, this features aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, espresso and oak. The concentrated palate offers blackcurrant, cassis, roasted coffee bean and vanilla alongside bracing, astringent tannins. Drink after 2018.
Dense and extracted, this offers aromas of black cherry, ground pepper, pine sap and dried herb. The palate delivers blackberry syrup, dried cherry, mocha and clove alongside grainy tannins. Drink through 2019.
Dense and extracted, this opens with aromas of cherry marinated in spirits, prune, ground black pepper and leather. The syrupy palate offers blackberry extract, licorice, espresso and toasted oak alongside teeth-coating tannins and almost searing alcohol.
Dense and extracted, this opens with aromas of roasted herbs, leafy underbrush, vanilla and plum cake. The syrupy palate offers blueberry extract and sweet baking spices framed by grippy tannins.
Dense and extracted, this opens with aromas that recall resin, prune, nutmeg and oak. On the palate, licorice, toast, espresso and tobacco accent black cherry extract. Firm but not overly persistent tannins offer support.
Dense and firm, dark plum fruits and tight tannins frame this wine against its fruits and spice flavors. Although it is not a heavyweight, the intensity of flavors more than compensates.
Dense and flavorful, with decadent tones of honey, honeysuckle, baked apples and pear tart. The palate is concentrated and fairly dry, though a bit lacking in fruit. Try with roast pork. Drink now.
Dense and fudge-like in consistency, with aromas and flavors of mocha, molasses and marinated beef. It's as if the fruit has been cooked down into an intense reduction, with even the acids magnified into tartness on the finish. At 16.4% alcohol, this is probably a better match with the cheese course than with a main.
Dense and full-bodied, this delivers sensations of asphalt, menthol, grilled herb, mature black cherry and game. Reflecting the heat of the vintage, it's ripe and forward but firmly knit tannins give it a solid backbone that will allow it to age for several more years.
Dense and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of oak, roasted coffee beans, leafy forest floor, baked plum and licorice. The chewy, concentrated palate doles out fleshy raspberry, black cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
Dense and grapy, this feels sharp before becoming oaky and resiny, with flavors of blackberry and peppery spice, and a slight bitter edge. It offers chocolate and creamy-oak flavor on the finish.
Dense and hearty, this has subtle aromas of stewed prune, espresso and French oak. The brawny palate offers blackberry extract, licorice, ground pepper and the heat of evident alcohol alongside tightly packed, close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish. Give the tannins another year or two to unfurl then drink up before the remaining fruit dries up.
Dense and heavy, and maybe a touch dull on the nose in terms of fruit aromas. But once it hits the palate the wine shines with intense black fruit, sugar beet and chocolate flavors. The finish is toasty and warm, with saturation and texture. Almost over the edge as far as ripeness, but not quite. Drink now through 2012.
Dense and inky on the bouquet, with blueberry as the core fruit aroma and some grass or alfalfa around the edges. Feels blocky and tannic, with sweet, roasted flavors of black fruits that come with a peppery aftertaste. Full on the finish, with coconut and oaky accents.
Dense and intense, with loads of fine-grained tannin, this is a deep, dark-colored wine with oodles of flavor and a very thick texture. As massive as it is in texture though, delicious flavors like blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate come through and then linger on the finish. Drink from 2016 to 2026.
Dense and juicy, bursting with a mix of berries and cassis. A delicate balance of acids and fine, ripe tannins provides the structural underpinnings, with the vineyard's characteristic streak of iron ore running straight down the spine.
Dense and juicy, this wine is abundant in black cherry, plum and chocolate that does a good job of reining in the sweetness of ripe fruit. Leathery and oaky on the palate, it needs time to open. After a mighty swirl in the glass, its medium body and lengthy finish will shine.
Dense and luxurious aromas of oak-laden red currants, blueberry, peppercorns and melted dark chocolate greet the nose on this hearty bottling. The flavors are lighter than the nose suggests, yet the silky texture evolves quickly to deliver plenty of espresso bean, vanilla, blueberry and blackberry elements, all clinging to a strong tannic structure.
Dense and massive, this wine is still a baby. It gives it more tannin than fruit at this stage, very concentrated and with a dry, solid core. The fruit is there to feel, a rich mélange of black fruits and firm tannins. This powerful wine needs to age, so don't drink before 2019.
Dense and meaty like a baked purple leather pouch, this is tightly tannic, with a lift of acidity on the midpalate and a hint of violet struggling to get out. It's an interesting wine; give it 3–5 years in the cellar or drink now with red meat.
Dense and meaty up-front, this opens with aromas of mulled berry and savory spices. An almost mean tannic bite on a narrow palate offers little cushion or support, while blackberry, chocolate and mint flavors finish like bricks in the mouth due to fierce tannins. Drink or hold.
Dense and meaty up front, this has cola, wild berry and herb aromas. It feels big and bursts with spicy berry and pepper flavors. It finishes dark, with coffee-like bitterness, and it's nicely balanced overall.
Dense and one-dimensional, this opens with faint aromas of raisin, leather and a whiff of spice. The evolved palate offers stewed plum, a green note of unripe cherry, powdered sage and a hint of licorice. Raspy tannins create an abrupt, astringent finish.
Dense and opulent, this is a fine, ripe wine. There is great weight here, along with flavors of nutmeg and white peach. Acidity and a firm, youthful texture all promise aging. Drink this wine from 2017.
Dense and powerful, this is an impressively concentrated and intense wine. It brings out rich tannins, equally rich black plum and spice flavors, a layer of smokiness plus a strong slash of minerality that cuts across the texture. For aging 5–6 years.
Dense and rich on the palate, this shows the concentration achieved in this coastal location. Snap pea, pineapple and nectarine elements combine for a harmonious whole that lingers on the finish, picking up more austere hints of wet stone. Drink now.
Dense and rich, this darkly concentrated Amarone is redolent of mature fruit, strawberry jam, tobacco leaf, cedar wood, cigar box and brown sugar. It feels syrupy and dense on the palate with soft tannins and a smooth finish.
Dense and rich, this is a hearty dry red for near-term drinking. Black olive and espresso aromas give way to chocolate and dark berries on the palate, while the finish is velvety and warm.
Dense and rich, this shows structure as well as powerful fruits. It comes from a parcel of chalk soil at the southern end of Pouilly Fuissé. The wine is firm, concentrated, packed with yellow fruits as well as layers of acidity and toast structure. Drink from 2016.
Dense and rich, this wine has concentrated flavors of botrytis and floral honey. The wine gives the impression of sweetness, with balancing acidity and a core of dryness. Weighty and dense, it's likely to age.
Dense and richly smooth, this displays all the fruit and generous texture of a 2009. It's now maturing well with its blackberry fruitiness, sweet tannins and light acidity. Drink now and until 2020.
Dense and richly structured, this opens with black cherry, rose, leather and asphalt aromas. The concentrated palate offers succulent black cherry, crushed red raspberry, orange peel, sage, toasted oak, espresso and vanilla alongside brisk acidity. Astringent wood tannins leave the mouth feeling dried out. Drink after 2018.
Dense and ripe, this is a sweet, full-bodied wine. It has fine acidity surrounded by blueberry jelly flavors and a rich, ripe texture. The tannins are well integrated into the fine structure and there's an invigorating final acidity. Drink now.
Dense and roasted on the nose, with tobacco, leather, mild herbal notes and blackberry fruit. The palate is packed but a little bulky, with smacking flavors of plum, blackberry, pepper and herbs. Finishes with leather and heat. Drink now through 2014.
Dense and savory, this brings together sensations of ripe wild cherry, black raspberry, crushed strawberry, blue flower, cinnamon and white pepper. It's round, soft and ready; enjoy now for the juicy fruit flavors.
Dense and somewhat roasted on the bouquet, with tarry, leathery aromas. This feels good but angular, with sheering acidity, firm tannins and solid flavors of red berry, plum, herb and pepper. It's lengthy but a little hot and grabby on the finish. A blend of 50% Cabernet and 50% Merlot.
Dense and spicy on the nose, with tobacco, baked fruit aromas and dry, woody notes. It's a fairly rich, slick and generous Rioja with lightly baked berry fruit flavors, spice cake accents and limited complexity. Solid on the finish, with additional spice notes. Drink now through 2013.
Dense and spicy, this blend includes Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet.The spice is balanced by generous black fruits and acidity that give great structure and density. Drink this wine from early 2018.
Dense and structured via dark, dry tannins, this is a big wine, showing power but not great subtlety. If you want solid Burgundy, this is the wine.
Dense and structured, this bottling is made from selection of wines aged in large wood barrels for 12 months. Black cherry and plum fruits are balanced by firm tannins and backed by acidity. It is ready to age. Drink from 2019.
Dense and structured, this is a firm wine from the Santar estate. It is powered by its tannins and partnered with ripe black plum fruits. There is a feeling of tough rocks, a dry core that need some time. Drink from 2015.
Dense and structured, this is a wine with good potential. It has weight, concentrated tannins and ripe fruit, as well as a solid, full-bodied feel. The palate is marked with power, a fine mineral texture and great acidity on the finish. Drink from 2017.
Dense and structured, this opens with aromas of baked plum, menthol, coconut and toasted oak. The concentrated palate displays cherries marinated in spirits, grilled sage, licorice and roasted coffee bean alongside tightly packed, fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2018–2030.
Dense and structured, this ripe and fruity wine features attractive dense tannins that are balanced by rich black-currant fruit flavors. The acidity and the dry core of the wine both promise good aging, so drink from 2020. The property has been in the Ballande family since early 19th century. Red-wine production from the 50 acres is overseen by consultant Denis Dubourdieu.
Dense and structured, this second wine from Château Margaux is magnificent. There are hints of bitter chocolate, along with tarry fruit. It is very textured, just hinting at extraction. The tannins are rounded and velvet-like in character. It's a wine for medium-term aging.
Dense and sweet up front, the nose is balanced and deep, with blackberry and graham cracker aromas. The palate feels grippy and concentrated, bearing blackberry, dark plum and black pepper flavors, with a lifted flower note. This finishes mild and spicy.
Dense and syrupy like black cherry juice, this semisweet Romanian Pinot Noir is not a wine with much finesse, but if you're looking for a sugary red wine low in tannins and acidity, this is right up your alley.
Dense and tannic, a firmly wood- and stalky-fruit based wine. Black currant fruits and dry tannins are the prominent characteristics. On the finish, the fruit shows a juicier feel.
Dense and textured, this is a powerful, complex wine. It's layered with honey and botrytis, and a concentrated fruitiness with flavors of apricots and creamed pears. There is a great sense of freshness on the finish.
Dense and textured, this is a tannin dominated wine. The black fruit is still developing through the firm structure. At the end, with juicy blackberry fruits, the wine shows its generous future. Drink from 2017.
Dense and weighty, with an unusual collection of aromas and flavors, including cotton candy, mushroom and watermelon on the nose, followed by cinnamon on the palate. Long, spicy finish. the massive tannin structure suggests this wine needs time to show its best; drink 2015+.
Dense and well structured, this is also a rich and juicy wine. It has crisp acidity, a fresh character that goes well with the firm tannins. Still young, this fruity wine needs to age, so drink from 2017. Marcel Verfaillie purchased the property in 2007. Enologist Jean-Marc Domme runs the estate; consultant is Thomas Duclos.
Dense and well structured, this is going to be an attractive wine. It has blackberry fruit, plenty of crisp acidity and a structured aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
Dense and woody, this blends 58% Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Richly layered, it's tannic and robust in oak, allowing a delicate rendering of cassis and red currant to show quietly.
Dense aromas consume the nose of this bottling, showing orange liqueur, apple juice and concentrated lemon syrup. The palate is nicely sharp in mouthwatering acidity, offering juicy stone-fruit flavors.
Dense aromas of berries come with graphite and peppery scents, with notes of wood smoke and grilled meat. This feels full and a touch rough and rugged, with raspberry and plum flavors matched by herbal and burnt accents. It's forward and toasted on the finish, with coffee, herb and animal notes. Contains 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dense aromas of black plum syrup, star anise and purple flowers show on the nose of this top-end bottling by a pioneering Edna Valley producer. Tart boysenberry shows on the sip, but the prominent flavors are more forest floor-driven, with woody bay leaf and juniper spices.
Dense aromas of caramel-laced fudge and hickory-smoked meats atop the base of blackberry coulis show on this lavish, delicious bottling. Framed in a chalky structure, the smoked-meat element consumes the palate, which also shows black cherry, vanilla ice cream, caramel and rich milk-chocolate flavorings.
Dense aromas of cooked blueberries meet with clove, ginger and leather on the nose of this red blend. Leathery flavors also show on the palate along with black currant and more baking-spice touches.
Dense aromas of earth, berry fruits, latex and animal fur are a touch challenging at first but balance out with airing. This has a crisp, fresh feel despite coming from a hot year. Lightly herbal, leathery flavors of red currant and wild berry finish oaky, with more than adequate filling.
Dense aromas of fig, prune, cassis and blackberry are more mellow than monstrous. In the mouth, this Cabernet feels chunky, ripe and fully tannic. Savory berry fruit flavors and notes of cured meats and jerky finish a bit flat, with a lasting flavor of oaky chocolate. Drink through 2022.
Dense aromas of prune and raisin scream “overripe.” In the mouth, this is heavy, saturated and stewy in feel. Flavors of crème de cassis and brandied cherry finish baked and raisiny. Drink now.
Dense aromas of prunes, black plums, tobacco and vanilla bean mark the nose of this SoCal bottling. It's plump with rustic elderberry fruit at first sip, then tightens down around a black rock core, also showing smoked cedar and white pepper.
Dense aromas of red cherry, cola, root beer, concentrated hibiscus, iced coffee and crushed herbs decorate the nose of this blend of 54% Grenache, 39% Syrah and &% Mourvèdre. The rounded, complex palate shows leathery, dried plums, roasted beef tips, soy sauce and herbes de provence.
Dense aromas of smoked black plum, rustic leather and smoked meats show on this super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Dried blueberries, fudge, beef char and very tarry elements show on the palate.
Dense aromatics with black plum, game, leather, menthol, oak and anise notes open this full-throttle red.  The plate shows impressive depth of flavor with tart plum and bitter chocolate notes, as well as fine fruit to acid balance.  The long, dry, even finish wraps it up beautifully with black fruit and bitter chocolate notes.
Dense berry aromas are a bit flat and medicinal. Expect a juicy, direct palate with hard plum and berry flavors that are also a touch briny/salty. A full finish loses its fruit fast, leaving ringing acidity and a lasting briny flavor.
Dense berry aromas are muscular but low on complexity, meaning this is more big and bulky up front than elegant. Chewy, wide and bullish, with drawing tannins and snappy acidity, this delivers baked plum and raisin flavors. It finishes with fig and spice notes along with chewy tannins. Drink through 2017.
Dense berry aromas give this wine a pasty, weighty bouquet. It feels scratchy in the mouth, with plum and red-fruit flavors. This wine runs short on  specifics while offering a juicy feel and a hint of chocolaty young oak on the finish.
Dense black-fruit aromas are potent but limited in scope and elegance. In the mouth, this is saturated, creamy and oaky. Flavors of loamy, roasted berry fruits have a gamy, salty backing, while the finish is grabby, ripe and roasted in character. Drink through 2018.
Dense black cherry and blueberry fruit lead into a candied-grape element on the nose of this wine that also offers maple syrup, vanilla and lilac touches. The blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah is fruity on the sip, with kirsch and crème de cassis flavors held up by strong tannins and acidity.
Dense black cherry and stewed plum aromas introduce this round, jammy and ultraripe Syrah. In the mouth, the wine is rich and chunky, with brandied cherry and baked berry and plum flavors topped with sprinkles of nutmeg and cumin. Nothing evaporates on the ripe finish. Drink through 2018.
Dense black currants, plum, beef jerky, dark chocolate and licorice show on the rich nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. Flavors of dried blueberry, toasted sage leaves, thick vanilla and hints of clove swirl into a luxurious sip.
Dense blackberry and black cherry notes pick up soy, oregano, thyme and roast beef characteristics in this very dark style of Zin. The deep and rich palate offers concentrated black cherry syrup before revealing rustic touches of leather and tobacco. A hearty wine to match your roasted meats.
Dense blackberry and blueberry-paste scents mesh with dark chocolate, milk chocolate and graphite on the nose of this bottling from the Hahn family. A lush mouthfeel with ample weight unleashes coffee and mocha flavors, blueberry and black cherry fruit, with hints of fudge and a sweet oak touch.
Dense blackberry aromas meet with nuances of coffee, lavender and graphite on the nose of this bottling from a warm section of Paso Robles along Highway 46. The fruit is surprising bright on the sip, with black currant lifted by mocha, espresso syrup and purple flower touches. The acidity is quite strong and persistent, and it finishes the slightest hint of dried herbs.
Dense blackberry fruit and even a hint of new leather can be coaxed from the glass with the first swirl. A toned and muscular yet still graceful body gives equal measures of fruit and supporting oak. The tannins are fine and there is statuesque poise of a very well-cut wine, like an Italian-tailored suit, elegant yet masculine. This drinks well already but will be even better in two to three years' time; drink through 2018.
Dense blackberry, licorice, leather and herb aromas come together nicely on this Garnacha-Tempranillo blend. Bracing, racy acidity creates edge and sharpness on the palate, while hickory-smoked plum and raspberry flavors finish with firm tannins and dashing acidity.
Dense blueberry and black-cherry aromas mix with black pepper, lavender and violets on the nose of this blend of 62% Primitivo, 29% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre. The palate is a bit reserved, but offers blackberry, pepper, dried fennel, bay leaf and thyme flavors.
Dense blueberry, concentrated purple flowers and a touch of tar show on the nose of this bottling of a fairly rare grape in the region. The palate intrigues with tar, beef crust and tart, tannic elderberry fruit, but it's quite wound up in a very solid structure that still needs time to unwind.
Dense boysenberry and peppery spice aromas are enhanced with chocolate cake and mint elements on this nose of this cool climate bottling by Adam Lee. There is lots of energy and brightness on the palate, with jammy blackberry fruits, licorice spice, black pepper verve and a touch of tar.
Dense but not overpowering aromas of iron, cherry jelly, dried cranberries and black rocks show on this wine, a combo of the Pommard and 2A clones. It's fairly lush at the tip of the sip, with smoked-meat flavors, but then stays reserved down the middle, with pencil lead, cranberry fruit and sanguine notes into the finish.
Dense cassis and berry aromas aren't nuanced or complex but they sure are correct and ripe. Overall, this value-priced wine is rich and balanced, with good acidity and a chewy palate that softens up with time. Plum, berry, cassis and cherry flavors are tasty and easy to like.
Dense chalk soil gives this wine its intense minerality and acidity. It is one of a series of Champagnes from three major Chardonnay villages in the Côte des Blancs. With its floral character, white fruit and citrus flavors and still-young acidity, it is a Champagne to age. Drink this bottling, disgorged in 2016, from 2019.
Dense color is the character of the Sousão grape, and this wine—almost black—exhibits that character very well. For taste, cherry juice, cranberry and chewy tannins are sharpened by acidity.
Dense dark fruit aromas show depth, starting off a pleasant bouquet. On the palate, this wine is fresh yet lush, with earthy, lightly baked flavors of blackberry, chocolate and spice. A toasty note darkens the nuances on the narrowing finish.
Dense dusty tannins dominate this 100% Touriga Nacional wine, powering its black fruits and acidity. The serious structure and firm, dry core contrast with the juicy berry flavors that will give a bright character as the wine matures. Drink from 2018.
Dense elderberry, charcoal and cracked-black-pepper aromas are lifted by lavender on the nose of this Syrah from a very coastal vineyard near Watsonville. Peppery spice and dried purple flowers make for an intense combo on the palate, where the structure is firm yet the body is relatively light and airy.
Dense fairly bold blackberry and dark plum aromas are backed by a plump palate that's braced by a beam of core acidity. Earthy berry flavors come with notes of vanilla, wild herbs and tobacco, while the finish is full and weighty but also juicy. Drink through 2020.
Dense from the start, with ripe berry, plum and a pinch of lemon peel on a studly bouquet. This is a healthy, vibrant, modern wine with lots of life and balance; it's drinkable now and will give toasty black fruit flavors and chocolaty warmth. Or age for up to another five years to gain more subtleties.
Dense in color, this firm wine has a rich black-fruit character. There is a strong element of acidity, which brings out the natural fruitiness of the wine. At the same time, there is enough dense texture to promise aging.
Dense in color, with big, oaky aromas of clove, wood grain and vanilla on top of berry-fruit scents, this resiny, rugged RDD tastes of minty, dark oak along with blackberry and plum flavors. A tannic, hot, toasty finish settles with airing.
Dense in color, with earthy, crusty aromas of baked berry, moss, tobacco, cola and cassis. Feels lush, meaty and deep, with tobacco, balsamic flavors, baked blackberry and chocolate. Mellow, lightly herbal and smooth on the finish; hits all the high marks. Drink now.
Dense in its core with aromas of black fruit, rose buds, chipped slate and a touch of anise, this also has a cran-raspberry freshness that emerges on the nose with time. The palate is redolent with dried thyme, oregano, marjoram and fennel that meet with cooked cranberry fruit and turned-earth flavors.
Dense in packed earth and forest floor, this well-integrated and silky wine bursts in black cherry, blueberry pie and cardamom. With a beautiful flower on the label, it conjures floral orange blossom from the bottle, speaking elegance to power.
Dense in tannin and yet bristling in acidity, this youthful wine is still looking for its ultimate identity. Still, it works, as a complex, adolescent combination of cinnamon, clove, cola and dried herb.
Dense in waves of dark chocolate and tar, this balanced, concentrated wine has the requisite elements of dried herb and clove, with a deep plummy finish.
Dense intitial aromas suggest rubber on top of blackberry. In the mouth, this Tempranillo is deep as a trench, with layering and firm tannins. Flavors of toasty oak, blackberry, coconut and herbs dance together like a world-class ballet troupe, while the finish is textured, toasty and loaded with power. Drink from 2015–2021.
Dense layers of dark fruits—black plum, cassis and cherry—integrate with complex accents of black tea leaves, tanned hide and woody spice. Supporting tannins provide the palate a firm structure, framing the lush, concentrated black-fruit-driven flavor. Drinkable now, but it should age nicely though 2016.
Dense leather, cola and wild berry aromas comprise the bouquet on this massive, layered, suprememly rich Tempranillo. Core blackberry, cassis and blueberry flavors are incredibly ripe, while chocolate and prune flavors carry the finish. This is a thick, dense wine squarely made in the modern style. Drink through 2020.
Dense mossy aromas of blackberry are slightly murky. Forget about delicacy on the palate, this is full-bodied and clattering. Blackberry, cassis, black cherry and chocolate flavors finish spicy. This is at maximum ripeness. Drink through 2022.
Dense olallieberry and asphalt show on the nose of this bottling, as does a tart black-plum-skin scent. There is grape-like sweetness to the palate, and touches of cola, but not much else.
Dense on the nose, with a mix of black fruit aromas and mild herbs. The palate is properly acidic and elevated, with complex flavors of coconut, plum, berry, mocha, chocolate and spice. Quite oaky but the oak comes across well, i.e. friendly mocha and coffee. 64% Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat.
Dense packed earth and a wild edge make for a complex experience in this vineyard-designate, from a hilltop site tended by fellow vintner and grape grower, Steve MacRostie. Blackberry, plum and herb flirt around light-bodied layers of black tea, with a finish of high-strung black cherry.
Dense planting for this vineyard has resulted in a wine that has greater concentration than in the past. The wine has firm tannins, while showing already delicious black-currant fruit. For drinking over the next 2–4 years.
Dense purple flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, lilacs and teriyaki-pepper beef make for luscious concentration on the nose of this wine from Stephen Russell's Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard. The palate shows black pepper, dried oregano, camphor, rustic elderberry and a strong raspberry-cranberry fruit character.
Dense ripe black-fruit aromas are moderately spicy. In the mouth, this blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon is stout and rugged, much like Griñon's other 2011s. Flavors of ripe blackberry and cassis finish with chewy tannins and an overriding sense of ripeness. Drink through 2023.
Dense tannins and a solid, chunky character suggest a wine with richness. The black fruits are concentrated, with juiciness coming through over time. It has the ripe power of the 2009 vintage.
Dense tannins and powerful black fruits reinforce the almost-black color of the wine. It is a strong wine, powered by dark plums, rich tannins and very fine acidity. Produced from organic grapes, it is an impressive wine for long-term aging. Drink from 2020.
Dense tannins dominate this firm and structured wine. Behind the dry surface lies fruitiness, bringing out red currant and berry flavors along  with acidity. The wine is potentially rich and deliciously perfumed. Drink from 2017.
Dense tannins find their way to roundness amid a smattering of red and blue berries and an intense shock of dried herb. The finish is a mix of leather pouch and brine.
Dense to the eye, then fully oaked and extracted on the nose, this beefy Malbec smells like coconut and blackberry. The palate is the same: jammy and extracted. Meaty berry flavors are heaped with a ton of oak, while the finish is syrupy and mighty tannic. Drink through 2020.
Dense up front, with earthy notes to go with aromas of cola, ripe berry, coconut, almond candy and toast. Features a well-oaked personality and full flavors of ripe black plum, blackberry, fine herbs and integrated spice. Long and lasting on the finish, like a good cigar. Mature, but with lots of life left; drink now through 2018.
Dense with alluring aromas, this wine is full of black currant, anise, cedar and mint. The palate follows suit and shows great tannic structure and integrated acidity.
Dense with almost 100% Merlot, this is a rich wine. It has tannins that are cushioned by the ripe fruit and lifted by the acidity. The wine is dense with fruit, likely to develop quickly. Drink from 2022.
Dense with flavors of blueberry and cassis, it's been soaked in delicious French oak barrels (60% new) for 30 months, and then given further bottle age before being released. Coconut and vanilla highlights are threaded through long, fine, dense, ripe tannins. This strong, stylish wine can be cellared until 2024–2029.
Dense woody aromas come with notes of damp earth, coffee grounds and eucalyptus nut. On the palate, this blend of Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot is high in acidity but also resiny from oak treatment. Salty plum and tomato flavors give way to a tidal wave of oak flavor on the finish. Drink through 2025.
Dense young tannins and 18 months in oak dominate the wine, promising a rich future. The fruit weight is all there, ripe blackberry flavors that will come through over the next months. Marie-Dominique and Jean Watrin have been the owners since 1994. Drink this concentrated wine from 2019.
Dense, baked and mulled blackberry and cassis aromas include bold but classy oak notes. This feels seamless except for raring tough tannins, while flavors of toast, graphite and spiced blackberry finish smooth and chewy, with a sense of lushness despite lasting residual tannins. Drink through 2025.
Dense, bold and beautiful, with notes of plush cherry, blackberry, clove, cinnamon, cola and dried rosemary. Polished, with a dusty, silky feel to the long finish.
Dense, cedary, rubbery aromas of blackberry and turned earth set up a lush, clean, chewy palate full of ripe flavors of blueberry, prune, raisin and fig. Throw in a chocolaty aftertaste and a borderline syrupy finish and this full-bodied, grabby Tannat is impressive. Drink through 2018.
Dense, concentrated and firm, this wine has a powerful, rich structure that promises well. Big berry fruits and dark tannins are developing well together. The wine is full of promise so drink from 2020. Fifteen-percent of the 74 acres of vines are more than 120 years old. New York banker Robert G. Wilmers bought Haut-Bailly in 1998 from the Sanders family, owners since 1955. Véronique Sanders-van Beek has run the estate since then.
Dense, concentrated, solid, this wine shows the stern side of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The tannins are dry, very firm and rough at the edges. The fruit is just as edgy, with black, juicy plums surrounded by smoky wood and tobacco. The wine needs to age, although it will always have a solid, structured character.
Dense, dark-fruit aromas of blueberry and cassis are earthy and almost overripe. A saturated, bold palate delivers blackberry, chocolate, fig, herb and rooty flavors in front of a chunky finish. Consistent with the Vall Llach house style, this is ripe and modern. Drink now through 2017.
Dense, dark and brooding, this forward wine isn't shy about it's powerful black-fruit core or ample woody spice. There's a pleasant mentholated lift to the nose and mouth that help to elevate the wine's inherent richness, with ample tannins and medium acidity lending structure to the palate. Flavors of black raspberry, cigar-box spice and charred oak linger long on the finish. Drink now–2022.
Dense, dark and lush, an extracted wine made from very ripe grapes that brim with dark berry and black stone fruit flavors. Big in the mouth, with dense, creamy tannins. Has the exuberance of youth, and best to lay away for a few years to develop further complexity.
Dense, dark and ripe on the bouquet, with coconut, mint, earth, blackberry and herbal aromas. The palate is solid but a little sheering due to pointy acidity, and the flavor profile is pure toast and herbal black fruits. Lasting and varietally correct on the finish.
Dense, dark and spicy, this opens with a thicket of briar and bramble—one almost wants to say thistle—wrapped around taut, compact black fruits. There is a hint of gun metal running through the palate, and as the wine warms and slowly opens, it reveals a lingering finish with a little pat of butter left on the tongue. This should be in fine shape for at least another decade.
Dense, dark aromas of minty oak, blackberry, pencil lead and chocolate set up a broad, hard-bodied palate with firm, gripping tannins. Toasty blackberry and pronounced oak flavors culminate on a big, lush and grabby finish. This is excellent, though a bit bold and burly; drink through 2022.
Dense, dark wine, with good black plum, fig, coffee and sweet raisin flavors. The ripe tannins fit well into this fruit mélange, with definite richness from new wood. There is good, juicy power here, as the wine finishes well with both dry tannin and fresh acidity.
Dense, dark, smoky, oaky aromas come with welcome nuances of licorice and graphite along with bold blackberry scents. This feels flush, layered and strong. Flavors of baking spices, blackberry, chocolate and char finish peppery, toasty, tannic and with plenty of black-fruit power. Drink through 2022.
Dense, deep and angular, this young Cabernet is a lot of wine, loaded with bright berry flavors mixing raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry. With great concentration and palate presence, this youthful wine shows grip and texture, as light pepper and spice flavors filter in, and the tannins add definition and power to the finish, which slowly opens into a light dusting of chocolate.
Dense, dry and ripe, this is a Cabernet to lay down. It's really tough and gritty in tannins, but solid in wild blackberry, cherry and herb flavors. A powerful young Cabernet that needs 6–8 years to come around.
Dense, dusty tannins are the hallmark of this powerful and impressive wine. It has great rich black fruit, spiced with wood, layered with bitter chocolate, plum skins and a dry core that promises good aging.
Dense, dusty tannins dominate this rich wine that has structure as well as plenty of ripe black-currant fruits. The balance, ripe and with great tannins and acidity, is already there. Drink from 2026.
Dense, dusty tannins show the concentration of this wine from the southwest region of Armagnac. The wine has power and a solid, chunky character. Dark plum, cranberry and wood flavors combine well.
Dense, dusty, structured, tannic, dry wine, that promises aging potential. It is definitely young, dark with plum skin fruits, power and richness, that go along with excellent acidity.
Dense, earthy, inky aromas of raisin and schisty minerals are a good introduction to a well-packed palate that's pumping out wild berry flavors along with blackened toast accents. A medium-length finish brings this flavorful, stacked blend of Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carignan) and Syrah to a good close.
Dense, fruity and rock-solid as Ribera goes, this has aromas of cassis and blackberry that are full and lusty. The palate is thick and saturated, with rich black-fruit flavors, finishing long  and potent. Drink now–2017.
Dense, heavy aromas of roasted berry fruits and hickory are challenging. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot shows rubbery tannins and flavors of bacon, clove and hickory that are clearly oak-based. A salty, shearing finish ends with a recurrence of a clove flavor.
Dense, herbal berry aromas are borderline stewy. On the palate, this is wide and demanding, with meaty black-fruit flavors touched up by minty herbal notes. A long finish is mildly stewy and tastes of brown sugar and blackened oak.
Dense, inky aromas of blackberry and blueberry are earthy before turning more oaky, smoky and toasted. This feels hard, racy and blocky on the palate. Flavors of baking spices, nutmeg, coconutty oak, clove and loamy berry finish jammy, spicy and long, with a briny aftertaste. Drink through 2018.
Dense, intense, concentrated and young, this wine is one for the cellar. It has tight aromas of cranberry, dried cherry and cardamom, while flavors offer ripe fruit character and a firm texture of fine-grained tannins. It should gain more complexity and smoothness after 2022.
Dense, layered and juicy, this has a good concentration of bright blackberry flavor. The small amounts of Primitivo and Barbera are subtly apparent. With a snap of chocolate on the finish, it's well rounded.
Dense, lush and bold, this wine shows red cherry, blackberry, rum cake, cinnamon spice and dark chocolate. The wine's concentration is particularly attractive and adds momentum to the already long finish. Easy, soft and almost ready to drink now.
Dense, lush aromas of coffee, blackberry and turned earth give way to notes aged Gouda cheese. The jammy palate is packed with a mix of blackberry, plum and cassis flavors that blend together. A compact, grapy finish shows no hard edges, gaps or breaks. Drink through 2022.
Dense, meaty and lightly herbal on the nose, with minty berry notes. The palate is firm and issues tannic crack in front of plum, herbal flavors, brown sugar and vanilla. Turns mildly hot and grating on the finish, with juicy length. Good for everyday Malbec.
Dense, powerful wine that impresses both with its rich fruit and its balanced tannins. The whole wine is finely integrated, black berry flavors shot through with acidity and touches of wood. Certainly a wine for aging.
Dense, rich and ripe, this has some tannic structure, but it's less salient compared to the ripe fruit, soft texture and juicy acidity. This wine can age, although it is already showing fruitiness.
Dense, rich red fruit belies an elegant wine that finds balance despite the concentration of vanilla and berry. Soft, approachable and integrated tannin and oak let the whole exist as one, instead of separate parts. This shows off the appellation's mountain fruit and rocky minerality.
Dense, roasted, earthy aromas of lightly stewed berry fruits and leather set up a deep, oaky palate with baked, loamy dark-fruit flavors that finish smooth, mellow and rich in feel. This is luxurious Mencía with modest acidity; drink through 2017.
Dense, roasted, earthy aromas start with tomato and fall off to raisiny and overripe. A chunky, flabbby, raisiny palate follows suit, while raisin and fruit-cake flavors maintain this wine's soft, overripe character.
Dense, saturated aromas and flavors blend ripe fruit with ample oaky spices to form a mouthcoating layer of goodness. This wine is medium bodied, but almost swaggering in style, and delicious. It has lots of firm tannins but the tempting flavors soften the texture and make it fun to drink.
Dense, slightly soupy aromas of herbs, earth and blackberry settle in front of a flush, plump palate. Chunky blackberry flavors mix with earth and saline notes, while the finish is full and easy, with mild tannins. Drink through 2018.
Dense, smoky aromas of well-toasted oak are lactic on impact, with blackberry and cassis scents in support. This is woody, resiny and tannic on the palate, which makes it rough now but bodes well for down the line. Charred, toasty oak and herbal blackberry flavors finish minty, with a speck of creosote. Drink through 2020.
Dense, spicy wine, showing its alcohol with a hot pepper character. The fruit, though, does offer rich compensation, with black plum skins, bitter coffee flavors and dark, dry tannins.
Dense, stewy, baked aromas of blueberry and Graham cracker lead to a blocky, flabby palate with earthy flavors of stewed berries and prune. In many ways this registers as overripe and raisiny.
Dense, tarry aromas of asphalt and rubbery boysenberry are hefty but also a bit flat. This has a tannic mouthfeel to go with blackberry, prune and raisin flavors. Toast, bitter chocolate and full-bodied weight push the finish on this oaky, ripe Rioja. Drink through 2020.
Dense, weighty and concentrated now, this wine will become opulent once the surface tannins finally integrate. The wine is superrich, with chocolate and licorice partnering with the intense fruit.
Dense, with a substantial amount of tannin and oak upfront, this clone designate, 100% varietal, is chalky in texture and showy in oak. Red currant, cedar and an unfurling of tobacco leaf provide fruit and savory herbaceousness.
Dense, with plum-prune, coffee and chocolate aromas, this wine offers very ripe dark-fruit flavors accented by tobacco and cedar shadings. The mouthfeel is big, but very easy, even soft; with a little more spine-acidity and tannins-this wine could merit a higher score. Still, it's a very pleasing and promising first offering.
Dense, yes, but this is also a handsome wine that balances complex tannins with pure black currant fruits that shine. This biodynamic wine has a generous, full and rich feel, ripe with just a touch of restraint. The greatness of the wine shows in its purity with a deceptive simplicity that hides the final complex tannins and structure.
Densely colored and nearly opaque in the glass, this offers aromas of black cherry syrup, strong black licorice and chicory, with lifting scents of chopped herbs and black pepper. It's velvety and dense on the palate, with purple and dark red fruits, black herbs and an even tannic grip.
Densely concentrated, this delivers aromas and flavors of fig, raisin, mature black cherry, chocolate and dark cooking spice while a coffee note signals the close. Showing the heat of the vintage, it's already evolved so enjoy sooner rather than later.
Densely concentrated, this has subtle aromas of leather, dried plum, nutmeg and a whiff of exotic spice. The robust palate delivers raisin, cassis and pipe tobacco alongside hearty tannins. Made with grapes that were left to dry before fermentation, you'll also notice the heat of alcohol on the close.
Densely concentrated, this opens with aromas of baked plum, vanilla, espresso, oak and fresh mushroom. The robust, extremely ripe palate doles out stewed prune, blackberry jam and licorice while firm, close-grained tannins provide support.
Densely concentrated, this plush wine opens with aromas of black currant, espresso and cedar. The robust, one-dimensional palate delivers raisin, chocolate and licorice alongside velvety tannins that hold the flavors together.
Densely dark in color, a wine with beautiful rounded fruit flavors, hints of mint and a rich tannic structure. The wine glows with ripe fruit.
Densely delicious, this is earthy in a forest floor kind of way—it's explosive in black cherry, plum and compelling, exotic spice. Medium bodied and lushly layered, it's persistent on the palate, brooding in ripe fruit yet buoyed by ample acidity.
Densely extracted, this larger production wine succeeds in keeping things simple and approachable, its midpalate juicy and round, with accents of graphite, compost, leather, black currant and berry.
Densely fruited and full in body, this Pinot offers a whopping mouthful of rich, preserved plum flavor flecked with hints of burnt sugar and dried herbs. Bright acidity and soft, smooth tannins add finesse and elegance.
Densely fruity wine, all sweetness and richness without too much weight. It does have power, a dark core, but it is the sweet balance that is so attractive. There is a layer of acidity as well, giving freshness to the final character of the wine.
Densely layered in overwrought notions of brown sugar and vanilla, this wine has a flatness and a discernible sweetness to the overripe black-fruit core.
Densely packed aromas of purple flowers, game and tar show on the nose of this entry-level Syrah from the region's Rhône pioneers. Lavender and violet appear on the palate as well, where an impressive density conveys peppery spices yet remains soft in structure.
Densely packed black fruit seasoned with cola and clove defines this robust, full-bodied, mountain wine blended with 8% Malbec. Spicy acidity keeps it fresh and lively in the glass, adding complexity.
Densely packed rose, black cherries, sandalwood and a flash of pepper show in this bottling—a new project featuring a risqué label by Peachy Canyon. Pepper, smoke and roasted pork are evident on the dry palate, alongside a hint of lilac.
Densely packed with black fruit and barrel toast, this wine is mouth-puckering with tannin and power. A lightly perceptible dried herb note weaves through its dark texture.
Densely planted 20-year-old vines provide the fruit for this wine. With its layer of tannins over the red fruits and acidity, it is fruity while having structure. Drink now.
Densely planted and labor intensive (it is actually tilled by Belgian draft horses), the vineyard's first releases have been eagerly anticipated, and do not disappoint. Floral highlights are stacked over a swirl of umami, with subtle power and airiness. Delicate and tense, it's packed with brambly berry flavors, minerally acids and fine-grained tannins.
Densely purple scents of blackberry jam, plum, cola, cherry extract and dried violet syrup overcome the nose on this wine from a property once owned by a famous composer. The flavors are quite jammy, but given complexity by nuances of dark chocolate and espresso beans. Decent acidity and solid tannins will make this last. Drink 2018–2024.
Densely rich, very sweet wine. It has some smoky tannins that give structure, along with a dark core of dry raisin and wood flavors. It has concentration and an opaque texture.
Densely structured and full of dusty tannins as well as perfumed black fruits, this wine is named after Russian Tsar Peter the Great. With its crisp acidity and powerful dry core, it needs to age, so drink from 2019.
Densely tannic and deep in flavor, this full-bodied wine should continue to develop nicely because two days after opening, it was still terrific. It leads with anise and charcoal aromas, settling on dark chocolate-covered cherry flavors, while its firm, dry mouthfeel holds it all together. Best after 2022.
Densely tannic and firm, this wine has fresh acidity and red-plum-skin flavors. It is a solid, chunky wine, likely to age well, with a vibrant, juicy freshness in the aftertaste.
Densely tannic and rich, this is full of ripe chocolate and blackberry fruit. It is dark, brooding and dense—a great success for the second wine of Château du Glana.
Densely tannic while also fruity, this is a product of ripe fruits that give a black currant flavor as well as a solid structure. The acidity gives great lift to the end of this finely made wine.
Densely tannic, this has edgy black currant flavor emerging between a firmly dry structure  packed with dark berry fruits and fresh acidity. This is light in fruit and heavy on tannins.
Densely tannic, this is a dark, rich, intense wine. The mature dusty tannins are balanced by acidity, black currant fruitiness and finished with a dry core. It's ready to drink.
Densely tannic, this is a wine that shows some initial austerity, although the black currant fruit and toasty wood then comes through. With its structure and chewy texture, it is always likely to be a firm wine.
Densely tannic, this is also full of sweet berry fruits. Powerful and superripe, its fruit is beginning to integrate into the big, smoky, chocolaty structure. The finish shows both toast and juicy fruit notes. Keep for 3–4 years.
Densely textured, this has firm and dark tannins. Powerful notes of rich berry and stone fruit give weight to this concentrated wine. This needs time to age.
Denser and less herbal than the 2005 Gran Reserva, with fresh cassis and plum fruit to go with some chocolaty overtones. This has plenty of intensity and structure.
Density is a hallmark of all the Silverback reds, and this is the biggest of them all. It's packed tight and almost impenetrable until it's had several hours of breathing time. A mouthful of black fruits is set amidst a sea of darker flavors: tar, smoke, charcoal, graphite, cacao, licorice and espresso grounds. Put this one aside for up to a decade.
Depends for its appeal largely on oak's vanilla cream and buttered toast flavors, in addition to ripe pineapples and peaches. Made to appeal to the popular style. Could show more nuance and sophistication.
Depth and complexity are key parts of this ripe Malbec that opens with hints of mushroom and stewed berry fruits along with cedary oak and tobacco. Mature and dense on the palate, this mixes blackberry fruit with raisin and prune, then follows with tea, spice and chocolate flavors on the back palate and finish. Drink now.
Depth and complexity typify this mountain Cabernet. There's plenty of concentrated blackberry and black currant fruit, but also intriguing notes of olives, dark chocolate and minerals. A little soft, but fine for drinking now and through 2015.
Depths of earth and tobacco define this well-made, robust and lengthy wine, given to both red and blue berry fruit and plenty of juicy acidity. It shows again how well the grape seems to do in this appellation from specific sites.
Derived from the original planting in 1999, this nine-clone blend is a ripe, rich and complex wine, with the structure to age well over the medium term. Raspberry and cherry fruit comes with a touch of dried herb and the estate's signature minerality.
Described as medium-sweet on the label, this light white wine offers tones of peach nectar, honey and white flower. It is a simple and one dimensional wine with a subtle touch of sweetness on the close. Pair it with salty appetizers.
Described as medium sweet, this is soft and sugary, its tannins at an awkward angle to the soft surroundings. This style works better with the rosé and white versions of Portada.
Described on the label as off dry, this rare Muscadine is dark golden-honey in color, with foxy, tart aromas that speak to the varietal. Light bodied, it offers a wisp of stone fruit and sour lemon.
Deserves its score on the basis of its dry, classic structure and the way the currant, olive, mint and oak flavors come together in complexity. Not an ager, but a fine wine for now. Mostly from Lake County, with Sonoma and Napa in the blend.
Desiccated blackberry, leather, charred wood and mint aromas carry the nose on this full-bodied, tannic, heavily oaked Tinto Fino. Flavors of clove and woodspice sit on top of blackberry fruit, then hickory and other forceful oak-based aromas rise up and dominate the finish.
Desiderio is an outstandingly delicious Merlot from Cortona with a soft, yielding personality and loads of sweet cherry-berry nuances. The wine boasts excellent complexity thanks to the playful notes of peppermint, herbs, root beer and cola that give it undying persistency and intensity.
Desiderio, a legendary Italian Merlot, shows slightly sour aromas this vintage with cherry, pressed flowers, natural rubber and spice. It's a hearty, well-concentrated wine with loads of density and intense cherry fruit on the close.
Designated unoaked, this flavorful Chardonnay proves the grape has more going on than its reputation suggests, when sourced from a great vineyard (such as Conner Lee) and carefully managed. Textural with melon, pear, apple and light tropical influences, this is long, complex and utterly delicious.
Designed as a forward, easy-drinking blend, this youthful and spicy wine offers plenty of tart, brambly fruit and a peppery herb note in the background. Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are all in the mix, and the once-used French and American oak barrels add some further flavor interest.
Designed as a fruity vision of Malbec, this is a ripe, lightly wood aged wine, laden with berry fruits, soft tannins and an open texture. It's ready to drink, a fine barbecue style, friendly wine.
Designed as a paring match to game foods and wild turkey, La Cattura is 85% Teroldego (a native variety of northern Italy) and 15% Syrah. This specific blend results in raw, milky tones of creamy blueberry and mocha.
Designed as a party Champagne with its soft, lightly sweet character, Nocturne is well balanced. Just enough acidity contrasts with the ripe fruit and delicate texture. The wine is ready to drink.
Designed by Delicato winemaker James Ewart as a Pinot with power that can handle a steak, this wine features a dense, dark nose, with blackberry, olallieberry and red currant cut by allspice, clove and licorice-vanilla cookies. The palate is rich and luxurious, with ripe cranberry and red-cherry elements spiced up with mocha, cappuccino and long-lingering vanilla bean. It's boisterous and fresh, so drink now with a juicy rib-eye.
Designer Philippe Starck was involved in the blending and label design of this Champagne. It is a pure crisp white-fruit-flavored wine, almost austere with intense acidity. Like many great bone dry Champagnes it will need to age to allow the spare lines of the wine to fill out. Drink this bottling from 2019.
Despite 12.4% alcohol, this wine still has a healthy dose of residual sugar. The fat mouthfeel and sweet fruit flavors scream California, from the ripe apple and peach flavors to the squeeze of lemony acidity on the finish.
Despite 15.1% alcohol, this is dull, one dimensional and rather light. The tannins are a little beefed up, but there's marginal fruit and everything seems a bit out of whack.
Despite 2012 being a hot year with many overripe wines, this Cabernet-Carmenère blend opens with highly Chilean aromas of tobacco, bell pepper and eucalyptus. The palate is plush and saturated, with minty plum, olive and herbal berry flavors. A final wave of mint and herbs is in charge of an otherwise chocolaty finish. Drink through 2024.
Despite a deep color, the aromas and flavors are surprisingly light, resembling red cherries and strawberries. Welcome, firm tannins and acidity keep this feeling fresh in the mouth rather than heavy. It tastes more like a classy dry red varietal than the usual red blend.
Despite a dry base, the wine is full of fruity acidity, lively tannins and solid potential. Give this wine 2–4 years and it will be well balanced.
Despite a good effort at balancing this wine, the Pepper Bridge fruit was just at the green edge of ripeness in this vintage. The wine remains tart, sharp and herbal, with some chalkiness in the tannins.
Despite a good track record producing California Pinot Noir, Tangley Oaks' foray north into the Willamette Valley does not impress. It tastes and smells of mushroom compost, with no hint of any definitive fruit, no suggestion of varietal character. Two bottles tasted, same results.
Despite a growing number of quality sweet-style Rieslings from the Finger Lakes, this one stands out amongst its peers. It's gorgeously complex, with layers of pollen and saffron accenting deep, concentrated flavors of mango, orange and peach. Searing lemon acidity drives the midpalate towards a long finish that's peppered with dusty mineral notes. Delicious now, but bound to be irresistible from 2021–2024.
Despite a hefty dose of Grenache (60%), this is a dark, forboding wine, loaded with earthy notes and a full, firm, somewhat stern mouthfeel. It's impressive for its concentration and clearly needs time in the bottle, but it's unclear if it will ever offer truly hedonistic drinking. Imported by International Gourmet Corp.
Despite a hint of green to the nose, this comes around. Tight clampy tannins make for a tough, youthful mouthfeel, while this tastes woody, with black-fruit flavors in support. There's a lot of oak on the finish, but airing and/or time in the bottle will help that subside. Drink through 2023.
Despite a mild green character, this is mostly a solid, saturated wine. The nose has lettuce, pepper and berry scents, and the palate is racy and snappy, with red fruit and herbal accents. It's competent and definitely looks, smells and tastes like Syrah.
Despite a nose and palate that delivers plenty of mixed citrus fruit, this comes across as very dry. It's lemony and crisp on the long, austere finish. Drink now with oysters, or cellar for 5–10 years.
Despite a pale hue and only 12.5% abv, this is a fairly weighty wine on the palate. It's dry and silky in texture, with hints of mossy forest-floor complexity to go along with pear and melon fruit.
Despite a persistent front-to-back sweetness, this is a nice little Chardonnay for those fastened to the grape. It starts with ripe pineapple and apple aromas, and next you get tropical fruit, citrus and banana flavors. Medium in size and good for what it strives to be.
Despite a reported alcohol level that's moderate for its genre, this feels nicely full and rounded on the palate. Hints of vanilla and sarsaparilla accent flavors of cherries, plums and chocolate, while the tannins are supple and creamy in texture. Drink now–2018.
Despite a savory backbone of slate and tart, tangerine acidity, sun-kissed cantaloupe, pineapple and citrus take center stage in this full-bodied Riesling. It's fresh and dry yet lusciously mouthfilling, clinging on the palate through a long, meandering finish. It's gorgeous already but should develop well through 2028.
Despite a silky, medium-bodied texture, this Pinot is tough and tannic, with a sandpapery astringency through the finish. It's deep in flavor, with waves of cherry, cola, rhubarb, pomegranate, balsam, mushroom and sandalwood, and is elegantly structured and thoroughly dry. Needs time. Better after 2011.
Despite a slightly bitter edge to its raspberry and charred-oak flavors, this medium-bodied Pinot Noir delivers plenty of pleasure. It's a soft, medium-bodied Pinot with nuances of brown sugar and coffee and a persistent finish. Ready to drink now.
Despite a tan-meets-orange color, this Priorat white is fresh on the nose with apricot aromas. A solid texture with grip controls the palate, while dry white-fruit and orange-peel flavors end with slightly rubbery white-grape tannins.
Despite a touch of volatility and jumpiness, this is good Bonarda from San Juan Province. The nose is a bit narrow, but raspberry and floral notes seep in. The palate has some zing to it, but the cherry and raspberry flavors are forward and mostly pure. There isn't much complexity or depth, but what's here is good.
Despite a tropical nose, reminiscent of sun-ripened pineapple, this off-dry Riesling is cutting and crisp, full of tart nectarine and apricot flavors. It's not a richly concentrated wine, but elegant and brisk. The finish is moderately long, ending on delicate blossom tone.
Despite amazingly luscious aromas of star anise, stewed black cherry, black currant pie and coffee cake, this bottling still offers a prominent line of wet gravel and river stone minerality on the nose. Exotic mulberry and black cherry flavors ride atop the soft tannins and an underlying acidity, while white pepper dust and menthol unfold on the finish.
Despite ample alcohol levels and soft tannins, this wine comes across as tart and crisp on the palate, its cola, cherry and vanilla flavors ending on a lemony note.
Despite an official alcohol level of 14.2% by volume, this Cab is so hot and overripe, it tastes like brandy. It's all about raisins, oranges, oak and acidity.
Despite an opening that features some vinegary sharpness and mulch, there's also decent berry fruit notes and milk chocolate sweetness to the nose. Feels about as you'd expect, which means it's zesty and lean, with cherry, plum and herbal flavors. Juicy and minty on the finish.
Despite an overlay of dried apricots and caramel, what is striking about this stickie is its intense essence of lime. The flavors of candied lime and pineapple are bright and fresh, finishing long and balanced, without an excess of sugar.
Despite appealing raspberry and cherry-pie filling, cola and spice notes, this Pinot is a bit hard and even green, with some tomato notes. The acidity is brisk, the tannins thick. Give it 4–6 years in the cellar, and it is likely to develop over a decade.
Despite aromas of Band-Aid and rubber, this is predominantly smoky on the nose, with black-fruit scents and asphalt. The palate feels crisp and focused, while plum, berry and cassis flavors fold in herbal notes and a hint of olive. This is textbook value Chilean Cabernet to drink on any occasion.
Despite being 51% Sangiovese, this wine comes across as more Shiraz in style, marked by dark, plummy notes, black olive, tar and coffee. It's medium-bodied, with soft, creamy tannins and a reasonably long finish. Maybe the Sangiovese just brightens things a little. Good value.
Despite being a 2004 vintage wine, this top-shelf Chardonnay from Penfolds is still embryonic in its development, shrouded in some smoky, tarry, coffee-like aromas that call for brisk decanting. Underneath, you'll find richly textured layers of ripe, honeyed fruit and grilled peaches, ending with lingering notes of citrus. Drink now–2015.
Despite being a bit rough on the nose, this Tempranillo-Garnacha blend offers solid berry, plum and cherry aromas. A bright juicy palate delivers plum, currant and raspberry flavors along with a touch of dry spice. For everyday red, one shouldn't complain about this.
Despite being aged in used barrels, this does show some oaky notes, but they're well balanced by bushels of black cherry fruit. It's lush, creamy and harmonious, with a long finish and up to 10 years of longevity.
Despite being an Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore, this shows more dryness than it does sweetness. The finish is tonic and firm, with notes of white flower, peach and honey.
Despite being barrel fermented and matured, this Condrieu retains a remarkable amount of varietal character in its flamboyantly floral and spicy aromas. It's full bodied, broad and richly textured, yet avoids any sense of heaviness, finishing on hints of honey and white pepper. Drink now–2020.
Despite being barrel fermented, this attractive white manages to maintain a vivid vibrancy and freshness, with notes of fresh red apple, firm peach, pineapple core, green mango and clementine that are all infused with delicate hints of toasted oak and baking spice. Ample acidity lifts the medium-weight palate and rich melon, apple and toasted brioche flavors, leading into the long, lingering wood-spiced finish.
Despite being fairly young, this is a weighty wine with a gold color and waxy apple aromas. A blocky mouthfeel is oily and has enough acidity to stay lively. Flavors of chunky apple, peach and melon lead to a round, oily feeling finish.
Despite being full bodied, this is a very drinkable example of Barossa Cabernet. It's not very tannic, but instead offers mouthwatering suppleness. Cherry and red currant fruit notes are underscored by mocha shadings.
Despite being heavy and flat, this is an easygoing wine with raisiny notes on the nose and earthy, loamy berry and raisin flavors. The finish is soft, with nothing jagged or hard to deal with.
Despite being labeled at 13% alcohol, this comes across as reasonably light in weight. Pleasantly dry in flavor, it boasts hints of citrus and wet stone. A silky feel marks the long, crisp finish.
Despite being labeled at 15% abv, this is a crisp rendering of Vacqueyras, filled with fresh herbal notes and tart, crunchy cherries. A violet-like essence emerges on the palate, providing added interest. It does turn a bit astringent on the finish, so drink it from 2015–2020, or now with some suitably rare beef or lamb.
Despite being labeled Vin de France, this is a Gascon-style of herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. It is crisp with gooseberries and fragrant acidity. Bright, just dry and fruity, it is a great wine to drink now.
Despite being less expensive, this is more expressive and fruitier than the Crozes-Hermitage. Pineapple, melon and hints of stone fruit and mango are reasonably full and rich for a wine that's labeled at a moderate alcohol level. Drink now.
Despite being nearly six years old, the tannins in this wine are still huge and hard. But the beautiful acidity and the incredibly intense fruity concentration suggests this has more time left to evolve in the bottle. It is the essence of black currant, crème de cassis and mineral, focused into a single sip. The wine should start softening around 2018, and continue to evolve well into the 2020s.
Despite being nine years old, this comes across young and jammy, with foxy aromas of wild berries and animal fur. The palate is blocky, heavily extracted and fully ripe in feel. Flavors of prune and blackberry finish with hard tannins. Drink or hold.
Despite being only medium bodied, this is a firmly tannic, structured wine. Subtle French oak scents of cedar and vanilla accent mixed berry fruit, while the finish is youthful, crisp and unyielding. This needs a minimum of two more years in the cellar. Drink 2018 through 2025.
Despite being priced as an entry-level blend, this doesn't show much in the way of forward fruit. Instead, it's grippy and tough, with a veneer of dry, woody tannins over flavors of vanilla, cedar and cinnamon.
Despite being six years old, this is still kicking. The nose is raw and stewy, but it's also ripe and rubbery, with cassis and berry aromas. The palate is thick, bulky and chunky, with heavy, chewy berry fruit flavors in front of a slightly baked finish. One-dimensional but not bad for Argentine Cab.
Despite being six years old, this remains an intensely concentrated, dense Syrah. It's full bodied and richly textured on the palate, easily carrying the dark flavors of mocha, licorice and Italian plum to a long, velvety close. Drink now–2020.
Despite being under the ownership of Cava house Freixenet, Henri Abelé remains little known. This Brut nonvintage is a finely made wine, on the sweeter side of Brut, but certainly well-balanced and crisp. For a Champagne, it is also a good value.
Despite being unoaked, this is a weighty wine, with a thick, viscous texture and simple, tangy flavors of canned pineapple. Drink it well chilled.
Despite carrying 12% alcohol, this is a reasonably light-bodied wine, with intriguing passion fruit notes alongside apple, melon and pear. The midpalate is slightly creamy, the finish long, bringing with it hints of crushed stone and spice.
Despite Christophe Delorme's untimely passing before the 2015 harvest, this Tavel stands as a fine testament to his family's perseverance. It's full, round and rich, with cherry-berry fruit and hints of peach and crushed stone. Drink it over the rest of 2017.
Despite coiming in at only 12.5% abv, this is fairly weighty. Restrained aromas of crushed stone set the stage, then bold peach and melon flavors take over, finishing with a bit of celery leaf. Drink now.
Despite cold conditions in 2011, this Pinot is dark in color and full on the nose, where heavy, raisiny black-fruit aromas hold court. Flavors of toasty oak, plum, berry and raisin finish peppery, oaky and with vanilla and prune notes. Drink now.
Despite coming from a universally hailed vintage, this generic Bordeaux is still weedy, herbal and lean. But it also has decent cassis and cherry fruit, some tasty vanilla and cinnamon notes from oak aging, and a tart, dry finish. It's light, but it hasn't been dumbed down for the mass market.
Despite coming from a warm vintage, this appealing, well-priced wine has plenty of acid to go with its sleek yet ripe fruit. The fresh herb and cherry aromas and flavors distinctly announce it as Cabernet, with smoke on the finish.
Despite coming from a warm, inland region, this shows admirable freshness. Cassis, vanilla, some red-fruit tones and baking spices all come together harmoniously on the medium-bodied palate. It's restrained yet intense, with a long, silky finish. Drink now–2025.
Despite coming from declassified barrels from the winery's other programs, the quality still hits a very high mark on this blend of Cabernet Franc (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Merlot (29%) and Petit Verdot. The aromas of cranberry, herbs, plum and mineral are generous followed by good depth to the fruit flavors and bitters on the finish. As always with this winery, it's the balance of acid and tannins that most impresses. Give a one hour decant.
Despite coming from the even-keeled 2012 vintage, this nearly 100% varietal wine doesn't seem to have fully ripened, with notes of green pepper, herbs and bittersweet chocolate. It's medium bodied with sweet cherry and clove flavors.
Despite coming from the Rocks District, the appellation doesn't seem to truly reveal itself on this blend of 75% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 5% Syrah. Light in color, the aromas are bright, with notes of raspberry compote, cranberry, raw meat and green herb. The palate brings well-balanced red-fruit flavors, with the oak seeming dialed way back. It doesn't quite stand up on its own but should shine at the dinner table.
Despite coming from the warmest vintage on record for the state, this wine displays a very pleasing sense of restraint. Aromas of straw, clarified butter and peach are followed by well-balanced, textured fruit flavors. An elegant styling only heightens the appeal.
Despite cool conditions in 2011, or quite possibly because of them, this is thriving. Aromas of cedar, earth, spice and berry fruits are stylish and comported. The palate on this perennially superb Cabernet is focused, intense and balanced. Flavors of spicy red currant and briary berry are thorough and finish with length on a mocha note. Drink through 2026.
Despite cool conditions in 2013, this is a ripe, healthy Tempranillo. On the nose, wood grain, sawdust, clove and citrus notes are as prominent as berry aromas. The palate feels tight and racy, with pronounced acidity and strong tannins. Flavors of clove, peppery spice and raw oak sit on top of a bed of berry fruit, while a reprise of oak character drives the finish. Drink through 2025.
Despite cool conditions in 2013, this wine is sufficiently dense, ripe and strapping, with full berry and cassis aromas along with grit and animal notes. The palate is rugged, high in acidity and a touch hollow in the middle. Rattling flavors of blackberry and cassis finish edgy and gripping. Best from 2018–2025.
Despite displaying less power and weight than the top wine from Rimauresq, this wine shows a delicious sense of harmony and crispness. Peach and lemon flavors are underscored by firm minerality. Good value.
Despite freshness and slenderness, there is something sumptuous about this red that recalls dark red velvet. The palate is crunchy, fresh, full-fruited and made for lighter fare: charcuterie as much as more delicate meat dishes.
Despite good persistence and appealing earth and leather flavors, this Barbaresco fails to hit the mark. Aromas of paint thinner undermine the cherry fruit and flatten out the flavors in the mouth.
Despite good vineyard sources, including DuBrul, Weinbau and Ciel du Cheval, this does not rise to the top ranks of Washington Cabernet Franc. The addition of 10% Sangiovese seems only to thin it out. It's astringent and herbal, with light cherry fruit.
Despite having 12.5% alcohol, the palate impression is not sweet. Instead, it's bright and tangy, with flavors of citrus pulp and citrus rind. Notes of orange and tangerine dominate the bright, bracing finish.
Despite having a lovely, silky texture, this wine is slightly disappointing given its pedigree. It's already bricking in color, and it offers evolved notes of earth, leather and charred beetroot and a lingering finish. Drink now.
Despite having a wealth of cherry and sweet, smoky oak flavors, unripe notes of green peppercorn and tomato mark this Pinot Noir. The structure is fine and the acidity is great, but the veggie taste distracts.
Despite having mildly cheesy, oily aromas, this ranks as a perfectly quaffable everyday white, with modest acidity and a round, easygoing attitude. Flavors of peach and melon finish a touch mealy.
Despite having rich blackberry, cherry and currant flavors, this feels brittle. The acidity is strong and the tannins come across as a bit jarring. Drink up.
Despite having several years in bottle, this Malbec opens with a huge blast of charred oak, shoe polish, lemon peel and rooty berry aromas. The palate is clipped and linear in feel, while flavors of coconut, vanilla and generic berry finish with lasting coconut and unsettled oak.
Despite heavy aromas of baked berry, prune and raisin, this is solid on the palate, with a firm grip. Flavors of earthy plum, tomato, red currant and herbs finish pure, tight and persistent. The more this breathes and expands, the more character it shows. Drink through 2018.
Despite herbaceous aromas of eucalyptus and thyme, this choppy, grating blend of Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec offers forward bold plum and currant flavors along with can't-miss herbal notes. This is aggressive on the finish, with mild heat and raw tannins.
Despite hints of sweaty plimsole that brought me back to primary school gym class, this wine boasts supple tannins, ample cherry fruit and a finely textured finish. Drink now.
Despite his head-turning concert series at his Buellton winery, John Wright isn't losing sight of good winemaking. This Camp 4 Vineyard blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre offers an elegant nose of purple fruit, aromatic herbs and restrained woodiness. Elderberries and dried blueberries emerge once sipped, with cedar down the middle and pepper and Italian herbs on the edges.
Despite hot conditions in 2012, this manages to deliver pungent aromas of nettle, green herbs, passion fruit and pink grapefruit. It's clear and straightforward in the mouth, with passion fruit, lychee, lime and tangerine flavors. A long finish holds off on the bitterness while maintaining exuberance and pop.
Despite incredible levels of ripeness—evidenced by notes of chocolate and dried fruit—this wine features a bit of garrigue on the nose and licorice flavors on the palate, which together impart a sense of freshness. Full bodied and richly textured, it ends in a silky dusting of cocoa powder-like tannins. Drink now–2020.
Despite initial yeasty, bready aromas, this benchmark mass-market fino has popping acidity that adds spine and zest to an otherwise oily feeling palate. Lightly buttery white-fruit flavors are mildly salty on the finish, sort of like saltines.
Despite intriguing notes of ripe red cherries, menthol and barnyard that peek through, tar and smoke from heavily charred French oak dominate both the nose and palate. There's a pleasant midpalate of black fruit and pepper spice but its brief appearance is overshadowed again by a deep char finish.
Despite it's cheeky, critter-wine packaging, there's a fair amount of elegance to be found in this sparkling blend of Trebbiano, Airen and Müller-Thurgau. A tad sweet, it's fresh with apple, lemon and grapefruit flavors, nuanced with a hint of toast and nut. Brisk acidity drives a pristine finish. Drink now through 2020.
Despite it's considerable size, this silky wine is fresh and vibrant. Black currants and cherries lead the way, tinged with herbal notes suggestive of mint and lavender. Drink now–2020.
Despite it's finely filigreed mouthfeel, this gorgeous Auslese is lavishly concentrated with honey and citrus flavors. Piercing fruit flavors and electric acidity hit the palate like lightning before fading into a crush of dusty mineral remains. Beautifully composed and already enjoyable, it's sure to improve through the next decade or longer.
Despite it's modest reported alcohol level, this is a plush, rounded example of Chardonnay, loaded with fruit. A whiff of woodsmoke frames pineapple and mango, adding complexity while still allowing the tropical notes to shine through. Drink now–2017.
Despite its 15.4% alcohol, this Syrah seems light through the middle. It's got syrupy barrel flavors of bourbon and caramel that overshadow the pretty red fruit. The alcohol doesn't burn, but the wine does not have the mass to compensate. Drink up.
Despite its 2.4% residual sugar, this is a tart, lemony wine that seems made to enjoy with raw oysters. The searing acidity is not for everyone, but if you like lip-smacking tartness, this has the depth and flavor to match it.
Despite its age (the wine is from the 2005 vintage) this Barbera d'Alba is impressively vinous and fresh with bright berry notes backed by some prune and plum nuances. It's tart and chewy in the mouth.
Despite its age, the wine is still dry and tannic. That makes it a hard proposition now and possibly for the future. It's all structure, no fruit.
Despite its age, this has the depth, concentration and structure to continue to age well through 2022. A blend of 74% Shiraz, 18% Grenache, 6% Cinsault and 2% Tinta Barocca, there's a pure character to the wine—herbal notes of minty fynbos, bark and freshly tilled soil are supported by vibrant plum, raspberry and cherry. There's a minerally graphite seam to the full-bodied palate, ending on lush notes of black pepper, bittersweet cocoa and espresso.
Despite its age, this is almost grapy in its youthful intensity. Cedar, anise and spiced meats appear on the nose, while the flavors are plummy and ripe. this is full-bodied, creamy in texture and powerful, with a long, mouthcoating finish. Drink now–2030.
Despite its age, this white still offers upfront ripe-fruit aromas of citrus, pear and apple, but is graced with additional complex accents of hazelnut, toasted oak, orange blossom, lanolin and soft, chalky minerality. Pineapple, fig and apple-flesh flavors fill the palate, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and ample acidic lift to the long, gently textured finish.
Despite its age, you can still smell sawdust, dry oak and resin on the nose. The palate is acidic and drying, with tight plum, cola and raspberry flavors. The finish warms up some, with caramel and roasted fruit notes. Nice and tasty, and ready to drink now through 2011.
Despite its age, you still get intact nuances of fruit and berry preserves. This hearty Taurasi does not seem to have suffered too much from the hot vintage and offers thick dense black fruit and firm tannins. Radici is a flagship wine for southern Italy.
Despite its alcohol and potential richness, this has as much green, herbal character as fruitiness. It's structured and juicy, and shows considerable acidity.
Despite its beautiful, luminous appearance, the nose of this Prosecco Brut is accented by a slightly pungent tone of almond skin or peanut that almost completely blows away with time. It is a streamlined, compact sparkler with crisp lime on the close.
Despite its core of strength and power and obvious aging ability, this is already a delicious wine, with mint aromas, ripe fruit masking the solid tannins. This estate has been on a roll for several years, and this 2005 shows why.
Despite its decadent profile, this wine manages to be complex and beguiling, intensely fruity, with an uplift of high-toned red cherry. Violet, lavender and gamy meat give it personality and intellectual challenge, asking for forgiveness rather than permission.
Despite its delicate body, there's a fleshy unctuous feel to this forward red. Bright black-cherry and plum flavors are straightforward yet pristine on the palate, edged by hints of granite and toast. Taut, medium-grained tannins mark a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2019.
Despite its description as “extra dry,” this is in fact sweeter than a brut. This is fresh and fruity, with an attractive apple-purée flavor, balanced by crisp acidity and a light, bright finish.
Despite its fermentation in oak, this isn't an oaky white wine. Aromas of peach pit and apple are largely neutral. The palate feels tangy and citric, while the flavors lean toward lemon. On the finish, an almond-skin element rises up amid a mix of creaminess and acidity.
Despite its fine, gossamer-like texture, there's marked concentration in this powerful dry Riesling. Flavors of white grapefruit and gooseberry are penetrating and ripe, yet pristinely fresh, highlighted by bold strokes of crushed minerals and scintillating acidity. It's enthralling and invigorating, with a deep, mineral finish. Beautiful now, but should only improve through at least 2030.
Despite its high alcohol, this high-toned Zin does not have the crushing weight and overall power you'd anticipate. Cranberry and raspberry juice fruit flavors carry balancing acidity, and there's a suggestion of refreshing minerality. Although at first the wine seems disjointed, it smoothes out nicely with aeration.
Despite its high alcohol, this is surprisingly focused. One might think that the ripe fruit overtones would render a muddled bouquet, but instead the wine remains tight with fresh acidity and flavors of bitter almond and wild berry.
Despite its honey and pressed-apple sweetness, there's a decidedly earthy, savory tone to this light-bodied Spätlese. Citrusy acidity lends refreshment to the midpalate before a slightly dusty pollen and saffron-spiced finish. Drink now through 2018.
Despite its Kabinett (off dry) designation, this tastes bone dry, allowing all the crispness of the fruit to shine. It is full of white fruit, lemon and grapefruit flavors, a great burst of freshness. Screwcap.
Despite its light-as-a-feather demeanor, a crush of bright red cherry and cranberry flavors pulsate from this dazzling Cabernet Franc. It's refreshingly thirst quenching, yet elegant enough to savor through a long, herb and bramble-toned finish. Drink now through 2016.
Despite its light color, this is a wine for aging. Even now, the tannins are firm and give a dry texture to its red berry fruit. With acidity as well as structure, it's built for powerful meat dishes. Drink from 2018, when the tannins will have softened further.
Despite its light touch, this is fruity and full, with its blackberry fruit dominating the warm spice note and acidity. Soft tannins keep the wine together. Drink now. Screwcap.
Despite its lighter color, this wine explodes from the glass with a complex, near-endless list of aromas that include sea breeze, crushed flowers, peat, green olive, fire pit, smoked meat, pepper, orange peel and sea salt. Its ethereal, elegant style belies the outrageously rich, exquisitely flavorful savory notes that won't quit, offering a completely captivating walk on the variety's wild side.
Despite its low alcohol level, this is an attractively plump, medium-bodied wine, marked by a harmonious kaleidoscope of fruit. Passion fruit, nectarine and pink grapefruit all make appearances before vanishing a bit quickly on the finish.
Despite its low alcohol, this is the most complex and compelling of Panther Creek's 2013 Pinots. Aromatic, with entwined scents of cocoa powder, rose petals and earth, it is delicate but beautifully defined with raspberry/cherry fruit, underscored with wet stone. It is a graceful wine with a decade of life ahead. Drink now through 2025.
Despite its maturity, this still has fresh pear and grapefruit flavors, which combine with almond, cream and currant notes, producing a round, smooth wine.
Despite its moderate alcohol level, this comes across as medium to full in body, with a velvet and custard texture that coats the palate with flavors of grilled pineapple, citrus and melon. It's made in a concentrated, opulent style, yet it finishes clean, with lingering notes of citrus. Drink now through 2020.
Despite its moderate alcohol level, this wine offers plenty of weight and richness. Oak-derived elements of vanilla and toast frame exotic hints of mango, pineapple and citrus. With its ample weight and plush texture, this wine is a throwback of sorts, yet it manages to achieve that with great focus and citrusy length.
Despite its moderate alcohol, this dry, full-bodied Pinot Gris feels quite plush and plump. Ripe white peach and apricot flavors are honeyed in tone, off set by fresh acidity and a slightly steely finish.
Despite its modest alcohol content, this is a medium-bodied dry wine. Like the wines from some Mosel vineyards, the fruit notes hint at red berries or stone fruit in this vintage, backed by strong citrus flavors. This should age well through at least 2025.
Despite its modest alcohol level, this bottling speaks of ripe fruit. Lime and bergamot aromas bring a floral element, while the flavors are of tangerine and nectarine. A touch of residual sugar adds roundness to the mouthfeel.
Despite its modest alcohol level, this doesn't come across as lean or undernourished. Instead, it delivers a fair bit of weight (is there some residual sugar?), green fruit flavors of apples, figs and limes, and a lime-zest finish. Drink now.
Despite its name, Hi! is actually an understated Prosecco with elegant qualities that translate into delicate tones of lemongrass, white stone and peach. It boasts bright acidity and medium intensity and is very refreshing overall.
Despite its name, this is in fact a rosé, which is light orange-pink in color. It is bone dry, mineral, taut and crisp. Red currant and lime flavors mingle with a tight acidity and totally dry aftertaste. Disgorged June 2012.
Despite its name, Zwei also has Blaufränkisch in its blend. It's lean, rather austere and structured with a hard edge. There is black currant acidity, toasty wood and a green finish. Not for aging. Screwcap.
Despite its naturally tannic character, Malbec makes delicious rosé, like this, that allows the red fruit and fresh acidity free rein. The wine has a slight structure, although it is more about deliciously fresh fruit. Drink now.
Despite its obvious pedigree (Cannubi may be Barolo's most famous cru site), this Riserva lacks some of the depth and complexity you can expect from this vineyard. The 2005 vintage has pushed up the alcohol, but otherwise the wine is marked by berry, violet and cola aromas.
Despite its pale, white color this Ausbruch emanates notes of dried Medjool dates and dark raisins. Currant and golden sultana also get their due. Brighter sweetness illuminates the poised palate that is lit up with fresh acidity. All the while the rich, sweet, sumptuous and dark caramel notes provide a sonorous background. Evidence to what giddy heights a Welschriesling (not related to Riesling) can rise. The finish comes with a satisfying fillip of apricots. This is unusual and should spur the curiosity of sweet wine lovers.
Despite its power, this 100% Cab offers subdued aromas of high-toned cassis around a layering of extracted red fruit on the palate. Soft, it has plenty of well-built structure and will show well over time, exhibiting more of its herbal cedar and subtle oak. Cellar through 2020.
Despite its power, this is so elegant, showing tannins, minerality and generous flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate and spices. The smooth and rich surface belies the inner taut texture, showing how the wine will need many years to finally come round.
Despite its proximity to Bordeaux, the Marmandais has managed to retain Abouriou as its own grape variety. As part of its conservatory of some of the more obscure grape varieties, this producer has made this fine and fruity wine. It is smoky with attractive tannins and swathes of juicy black fruits. It's a fine wine to drink now.
Despite its recent vintage, this is a wine that is already tasting mature. The palate is layered with secondary flavors touched with floral perfume, intense acidity and a dry aftertaste. It's not for aging, so enjoy now.
Despite its relative youth and tongue-crushing alcohol, this is already dried out, and oaky to a fault. It's a rough go all around, especially for a Pinot Noir.
Despite its relatively low alcohol level, this comes across as reasonably mouthfilling and rich. Smoky notes from barrel fermentation emerge with air, accenting white nectarine and citrus fruit. It's one of the few blends of this type to show the textural interest of a good white Graves.
Despite its richness, this is a stylish wine that exudes freshness as much as dense fruit and structure. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, all structured varieties, it still yields a generous full-bodied and rounded wine. It does need to age, so drink from 2018.
Despite its richness, this is an elegant, balanced wine. The acidity is a fine partner to the ripe white fruits and spice-driven edge. It is dry and full bodied, with the possibility of aging for a couple of years.
Despite its robust body, there's a delicacy to pristine red cherry and cassis in this pretty Pinot Noir. It's not a richly concentrated wine, but nuanced elegantly by touches of crushed mineral, licorice and cocoa. Soft, feathery tannins guide a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2020.
Despite its single-vineyard designation, this watery effort could be from anywhere. Thin, dilute, barely ripe strawberry fruit vanishes quickly once in the mouth, and there is little trace of any barrel flavors from aging in 20% new French oak.
Despite its slenderness, this Welschriesling (no relative of Riesling) fizzes with refreshment and verve. Its slim body carries fresh lemon flavors and treads lightly. Drink soon—for best results, on a sweltering day.
Despite its special designation, this is a dilute wine with thin fruit flavors. The core of green apple is accented with a hint of barrel toast (17 months in French oak, 29% new). The acidity seems muted. Drink up.
Despite its time in bottle, this wine has years to go before it sleeps. It still needs further integration of its substantial body of tannin and tobacco within the layers of sanguine game, pencil lead and plum. In addition, it would benefit from being enjoyed with food, preferably medium-rare steak. Drink now through 2021.
Despite its underlying richness, this is a very structured wine, solidly based on dry tannins and firm acidity. This texture, which is also given extra liveliness by its red cherry fruits, suggests a wine for aging over 2–3 years.
Despite its unoaked nature, this wine reveals elements of baked and dried fruit, and an unexpected voluptuousness of full-bodied richness. Pear, apple and lemon interplay on the palate, while tangy acidity provides a satisfying end note.
Despite its unusual, five-grape blend, this is a well-balanced rosé with a fruity mix of cranberry, cherry, raspberry and watermelon flavors. It's light, forward, a little on the soda pop side, but quite nice for sipping or accompanying something as substantial as your holiday turkey.
Despite its varietal label, this drinks more like a Bordeaux-style blend with the Cabernet Sauvignon (11%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) showing themselves prominently. Coffee, flower, dried herb and red- and black-fruit aromas are followed by elegant, lightly creamy fruit flavors that carry through the finish.
Despite its Vin de France description, the fruit for this wine does come from the Loire Valley. It has just the right cool character along with lively acidity and a perfumed, white-flower character. Drink now.
Despite its Vin de France designation, this is a typical wine from the Gascony area. With its crisp, lightly herbal character and deliciously light texture, it's fruity with citrus and red currant notes. Drink now.
Despite its Washington-designated label, this blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre all comes from Lonesome Springs Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The aromas of coffee, cherry, red apple and peppery spices are generous, while the palate is full and creamy in feel, with the texture providing much of the appeal.
Despite its young age now, the 2006 Dardi Le Rose Bussia Barolo will go on record as a classy, charming wine with long aging potential. The mineral tones are well etched and are followed by luscious layers of red fruit and spice. The tannins still need time to soften.
Despite its young age, this beautiful expression of the Cannubi cru from Michele Chiarlo already shows a high level of evolution and sophistication. The wine blends mineral aromas with fresh fruit, spice and licorice. It finishes on the spicy side with a toasty aftertaste and drying tannins.
Despite its youth this is quickly peaking in flavor. It's light but interesting, with rosewater, red apple and strawberry flavors. Tannins are soft and there's a suggestion of saddle leather. It offers plenty of enjoyment for a Pinot at this price.
Despite its youth, Moreccio (a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) really delivers the goods. Plush, soft and rich, it offers ripe concentration and mature aromas of spice, sweet cherry and blackberry. It's smooth, beautifully soft and caresses the palate.
Despite its youth, this is a soft, round, totally accessible wine with pretty flavors of sassafras, pie cherries and cooked plums. It skirts close to an impression of jam, and almost begs for near-term consumption. Don't hold back.
Despite its youth, this is already a deep gold color. It's intensely aromatic, with floral scents leading into a dry palate with lychee and talc powder in equal proportion.
Despite its youth, this wine seems dried-out with aromas and flavors of medicine cabinet, leather and raisinated black and blue fruit. Drink now.
Despite looking gold and mature, this PG exceeds expectations courtesy of waxy, baked-apple aromas and a full but balanced mouthfeel. Spiced apple, apricot and burnt orange flavors finish long due to core acidity. Drink immediately.
Despite lots of ripe black cherry, blueberry and plum flavors, this is a fairly rustic wine, with some edgy tannins making it feel prickly. A bit sweet, it will pair up with Mexican beef and pork dishes.
Despite mild high-tone and mulchy notes, the nose on this Carmenère deals woody aromas, a touch of tree bark and earthy berry scents. A plush, fleshy palate is moderate in structure, with earthy raspberry and black-plum flavors that finish meaty and savory. Drink now.
Despite moderate alcohol, this is full-bodied and almost sweet-tasting. Hints of dairy products combine with orange and pineapple flavors on the thickly textured palate.
Despite more than 8 g/L of residual sugar, this comes across as dry in style, with austere notes of crushed stone and lime zest balanced by riper hints of apple and pear. It should drink well over at least the next several years.
Despite nearly 16% alcohol, this wine manages not to taste hot. The fruit is so powerful, and the tannins so smooth, that it gives a balanced and harmonious mouthfeel. The flavors are a peacock's tail of pure red cherries, red currants and licorice, with a sweet finish of cassis. Should remain enjoyable through 2010.
Despite not being overly dense or powerful, the nose features ample berry aromas and a hint of herbal essence. The mouth delivers plum, cherry and berry fruit and then it goes spicy and oaky on the drying finish. Though not big and fat, there's substance and plenty of taste here.
Despite notes of honey and baked apple, this is an almost dry wine, boasting plenty of weight in the mouth. Orangey flavors pick up hints of peach and dried spices, turning stony on the finish.
Despite oak-infused pineapple and mango flavors this Chardonnay is a bit brittle and tart, with an acidic sharpness all the way through. Drink up.
Despite officially low alcohol of just 14%, this Grenache tastes hot and prickly. The cherry and currant flavors aren't fleshy enough to prevent the acids, tannins and alcohol from dominating.
Despite only 15% new oak, this wine comes across as toasty and caramelly, with delicate touches of pear, honey and wet stones. There's plenty of weight and length, so fans of oaked whites will find plenty to like.
Despite opening with a yellow color and waxy oily peach aromas, this benefits from zesty lemon-like acidity. Flavors of quince and apple are oaky, while effusive acidity keeps this Verdejo fresh on the finish, which is otherwise big and full. Drink now.
Despite opening with reduced raisiny rooty aromas of cough syrup and licorice, this sweet Mataro (Mourvèdre) comes around. Medicinal black cherry, cough drop, maple and chocolate flavors rest easily on a jammy palate. The longer this sits, the more it evolves.
Despite opening with saucy, earthy, gaseous aromas, this mountain-vineyard Pinot delivers textural balance and modest acidity in support of peppery, toasty, spicy flavors of dried cherry, tomato and earth. A mildly spicy, round finish provides for a good ending.
Despite originating from Hawkes Bay on New Zealand's North Island, this could pass for Marlborough. It's not overly big or ripe, but well-rounded without losing any sense of varietal character. Hints of tomato leaf and white grapefruit linger elegantly on the finish.
Despite originating in a hot year, this smells lightly herbaceous and green, with scents of olive, bell pepper and tomato leaf. The mouthfeel is chunky and solid, with tomatoey acidity. Herbal, spicy flavors of tomato and plum finish peppery, spicy and with moderate heat.
Despite overriding aromas of spunky, candied berry fruits and wet dog fur, this rubbery, acidic blend is pretty good. Saucy, fresh berry, cherry and tomato flavors finish briny and savory, with moderate heat and burn.
Despite persistent gaseous, rubbery aromas, this is superb in the mouth, with bright acidity and a firm, unwavering structure. Plum, raspberry and integrated oak create a fine flavor profile, while the finish offers cocoa powder and toast notes along with juicy acidity. Drink now through 2025.
Despite plenty of honeyed sweetness, this wine's slate-driven minerality and zesty acids and slight touch of CO2 keep it nicely balanced. It's light in body, with crisp lime flavors, making it a great candidate for sipping during the dog days of summer.
Despite plenty of weight in the mouth, this wine's simple apple and lime flavors are surprisingly crisp, turning nearly sour-lemony on the finish. Imported by Walca International.
Despite possibly being the least complex of Saint Clair's 2010 Pioneer Block Pinots, this medium-bodied wine has crisp acids and mouthwatering flavors of black cherries and fresh herbs. It's fresh, clean and invites sip after sip. Drink now–2016.
Despite reaching its eighth birthday, this is still an incredibly youthful vibrant purple color, with no signs of aging. Aromas and flavors of smoke, toast, black olive, vanilla and cassis are what you might expect from a much younger wine. The tannins are firm, yet the wine is fleshy enough to carry them into a long finish. Drink 2018–2025.
Despite ripe cherry, red licorice and cola flavors, this Pinot feels heavy and tannic in the mouth. It lacks the delicacy you want in the variety. It will age for many years, never quite shedding its rusticity.
Despite Romanian labeling standards, this demidulce is only a shade off-dry. The palate is intensely juicy with a ripe cherry flavor that's accented by layers of violet, fresh herb and a striking crushed-granite minerality. Easygoing elegance for an incredible value price.
Despite ruddy, ripe raspberry and strawberry flavors, there's a leanness to this tart, savory dry rosé. Savory layers of bramble and herb are prominent on the midpalate.
Despite showing a note of vinegar on the nose, this benefits from a good offset of red-berry perfume and leathery scents. This feels tight, rubbery and a bit tannic, with plum, raspberry and spice flavors leading to a solid finish. For Chilean Pinot Noir, this is good but not spectacular.
Despite showing a relatively dark straw hue, this wine is fresh and floral on the nose. The full-bodied palate is lushly textured, showing amply concentrated melon and apricot fruit and a dusting of white pepper. Drink it over the next year or two.
Despite showing a rubbery edge with an intitial shot of vinegar, the nose evolves to deliver berry and plum aromas in front of a choppy feeling palate. Oak, campfire and rubbery notes sit on top of modest berry flavors, while the finish is oaky but fresh in feel.
Despite showing a yellow color and gritty oiliness on the nose, this feels round and complete, with tropical flavors of mango, papaya and green melon. Everything about this is mild, inoffensive and tropical. Drink now before it starts to fade.
Despite showing an herbal nose that includes tomato leaf, carob and creamy oak, this solid, chunky Cab comes around on the palate, where black fruit, pepper and mild herbal flavors set up a warm, toasty, satisfying finish. This comes across as Chilean Cabernet in every way.